Losing Match Thread

[Above Average 0]

I pretty much got the comments from Tom that I was expecting, but I'd like to hear what you guys think. I believe this was a really good match, but I ran into time issues. You can clearly see where. I had championships Wed through Friday (check my school website to laugh at the black kid playing tennis) but didn't do more than the opening and planning my spots on Saturday. If I had done more I could have reasonably gotten this finished. I cut out like five or six involved spots leading up to the finish and rushed through to get it in. I'm more dissapointed that I didn't finish the match properly than that I lost. So I think I'll finish it up, edit it and possibly post it in this thread. I wonder if anyone sees the main internal storyline... it's based on a idiom about money of all things.

 

======

 

Fade in…

 

The disembodied voices of Longdogger Pete and the Suicide King come forth…

 

“Here we are, finally!” King exults. “The last match of the night!”

 

“This has been a long time coming—ever since Toxxic and Revolution zero attacked Mak Francis with a steel chair at Clusterfuck! The Revolution may have different members, but the leader is still the same.”

 

“That’s right!” King says. “Nothing has changed. Mak Francis is still not championship material and Toxxic is still the real future of this business!”

 

“This bid’ness has many promising stars, King, but it’s a rare match we’re about to see here. A challenger who rose through the JL and many pegged at his bumping to become a World champion all those years ago, versus a champion who entered the SWF, the first of the new recruits that was thrown into the deep water and made himself into a star!”

 

The camera shifts from the crowd towards the ring, where Funyon stands.

 

“First time ever!” Pete adds. “The challenger, Mak Francis, versus the champion, Toxxic, in a battle that could have no bigger battlefield, than the Alamodome, right here in San Antonio, Texas! The SWF Battleground Main Event!”

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Funyons bellows, “the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is the MAIN EVENT for the Smarks Wrestling Federation WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!”

 

“SO DO YOU WANNA BE A FRANCHISE!”

 

“AND LIVE LARGE!”

 

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

 

“A BIG HOUSE…

 

FIVE CARS…

 

THE RENT CHARGE!”

 

The SmarkTron explodes to life with a blue and white photonegative image of Mak Francis, which is followed by ‘The Franchise’ in large green lettering, flashing on the screen in time with the beat.

 

“Comin up in the world…

 

Don't trust nobody—gotta look over your shoulder constantly!"

 

As the opening lyrics from Rock Superstar by Cypress Hill, slightly altered of course, blare over the PA system and as the self proclaimed franchise makes his way through the curtain the crowd raises its’ cheering to a new level! The lights come back up and Francis nods his head to the beat, ice blue Oakley’s reflecting the multi-colored explosion of lights. Mak steps forward tilting his shades down on the bridge of his nose, before looking left and then right…

 

“I remember the days,

 

when I was a young kid grownin’ up…

 

Lookin’ in the mirror dreamin’ about blowin’ up!”

 

*FWISH-BOOM!*

 

*FWISH-BOOM!*

 

*FWISH-BOOM!*

 

*FWIIIIIIIIIISH-BOOOOOOOOOOM!*

 

A burst of fireworks erupt from the Battleground set, even causing a battle worn helicopter’s propellers to spin, as if coming from some of the cannons sprinkled along the set.

 

“Introducing first the challenger,” Funyon says, “Making his way to the ring—from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and weighing in tonight at two hundred and forty pounds! He is one the true “FRANCHISE”… MAK FRAAAAAAAAAAAANCISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

 

The Franchise’s trench coat billows behind him as he comes down the walkway, sliding under the bottom rope and popping to his feet, a serious smirk across his face as he thrusts both fists into the air, walking around with a swagger that only the Franchise can. Hopping up onto the nearest turnbuckle, Mak looks on as waves of flashes go off around him. He can feel something in the air, as he tosses his coat and shades to the attendant. Something special. It’s the Main Event; a scene tailor made for him to prove exactly what should have happened at Clusterfuck…

 

 

 

'PREPARE TO BE PROVED WRONG'

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

As the opening chord of 'Rookie' by Boy Sets Fire crashes out over the arena, the Smarktron screen shows the familiar slogan while it flashes up one word at a time in jagged white letters.

 

“And his OPPONENT!” says Funyon noting the audiences unbelievable boos before he even mentions the World champions name, let alone actually sees him.

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

As the guitar riff starts the black screen shifts and becomes the top of a spiky-haired head that raises and stares out with piercing grey eyes before a lopsided grin creases the right-hand side of Toxxic's face. The bass drum starts and clips of his matches flash up - the All-Show Brawl with the Insane Luchador, the infamous Glass Jawbreaker on Aecas, dropping Nathaniel Kibagami on his head with the Caffeine Bomb and the Super Intoxxication that won him the World Title - before moving onto footage of Toxxic taking Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table, the devastating landing timed to coincide with the four blasts of red pyro that come towards the entrance-

 

*BAM-BAM-BAM-bap*

 

-before a final explosion forces the decrepit houses set-up off to the side to become engulfed in flames, as the main riff starts-

 

*BOOOOOOM!!*

 

-signifying the arrival of the SWF's premier straight-edger! Toxxic strides through the curtain, pausing for only a second to look at the burned Battleground, making his way down to the ring, as the fans boo the hell out of him.

 

“From Nottingham, England;” the crowd ‘boos’, “weighing in tonight at two hundred and eight-teen pounds!” The next thing he says only gets them more riled up. “He is the leader of Revolution Zero and the reigning and defending SWF WORLD Heavyweight Champion; he is the ‘Straight-Edge Sensation’… TOXXXXX-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

He can feel his opponent’s eyes on him, as Toxxic rolls into the ring and stands in the centre for a moment or two. Then just as the first verse is about to begin he throws his arms wide, palms down, and each turnbuckle explodes with more red pyro!

 

*BAP-BAP*

 

*BOOOM!!*

 

'I never thought this could be me,

I guess you never do until it's happening to you

Like all the fun turns into shame

And all the 'could-have-beens' rearrange...'

 

Toxxic takes off his shirt and throws it to the outside, noticeably missing Jet who would normally catch the straight-edgers garment. This match is going to be straight up, one on one, and he knows he’s in for a fight as he stares into his opponents eyes. He smiles. This guy excels on pay-per-view and Toxxic knows that putting him down, means no more of those chants…

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

He’ll miss them.

 

The announce team of Pete and the Suicide King watch the scene; nothing left to say. The staredown speaks for itself. One mans inferiority complex, versus one mans desire to prove them all wrong. So close that they seem the same, but there is one significant difference…

 

 

 

…one has the World title and the other does not.

 

*Ding! Ding! Ding!*

 

“There’s the bell!” King shouts, as senior referee Mark Hebner signals for the bell, waving his hand three times. Hebner loops around the scene on the periphery, as Mak and Toxxic turn the circle, looking for an opening and finding none, crash together in a collar and elbow tie-up! They briefly stress and strain against each other until the Franchise slips behind, breaking the hold and shoots a back waistlock. Toxxic preps himself for a German suplex, knowing full-well that he can back flip through, but Mak surprises him by falling to his knees and into a double leg takedown! Toxxic hits the mat face first and Mak grabs an amateur waistlock, riding Toxxic as he struggles on the mat. Toxxic finally settles down, trying to think his way out of the hold, but Francis uses the rear gut-wrench, rolling to his side, to place the straight-edger’s shoulders and neck on the mat in a pin! Hebner drops to count…

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO—No! Only a quick one count for the Franchise, as Toxxic slides off his shoulders. They are now back where they started and Toxxic begins to move somewhat, trying to get into a countering position, when Mak ducks to the other side and rolls Toxx onto his shoulders once again! Hebner already checking the champion’s shoulders drops begins the count again…

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO—No! Toxxic scowls on the mat, as he rolls back out of the quick pin. “Is Mak trying to piss the champion off?” King questions of Pete, as Francis spins on top of the Hot commodity and lands in a front headlock, sandbagging to place all his weight on the neck of the former champ.

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

The chants start up again, as Mak holds on to the front headlock, trying to wear down the neck of his opponent. “I wouldn’t say that…” Pete responds, “not officially anyway, but Toxxic is at a distinct disadvantage on the mat with Mak. Though he has improved a great deal, it’s not too much of a reach that Francis is superior to the World champion, in that skill. These hold and maneuvers are ingrained in Mak’s system while Toxxic still seems like he’s trying to remember what to do.”

 

Mak continues to ride Toxx, a pronounced smirk on his features now. “Well, okay, I guess he is giving him the Junior League jobber treatment.” Toxxic though, is moving in the hold and finally gets Mak’s arm, swinging out from underneath him and into a hammerlock!

 

“Toxxic isn’t the person to do that with and he just proved why!” King says triumphantly. “Of course, nobody is a technical wizard like Mak Francis, but damnit, sometimes even the best of us get countered.” King adds, sarcasms dripping from his voice. “Rip his arm off, Toxx!”

 

As if hearing the Suicide King from ringside, Toxxic wrenches at the hammerlock, pinning it to Francis’ back. Then, he follows up by standing slightly and driving his knee repeatedly into the pinioned limb! Mak grimaces in pain, but sits out, getting of his belly and stopping the wave of repeated drops to his targeted wing. Some of the pressure off, Mak gets to a knee and fires off a back elbow to the rib cage. A second to the face finds its’ mark and breaks the hold sending Toxxic back a step. The Franchise doesn’t let him get too far away; grabbing him and sending him back down to the canvas with a fireman’s carry takedown! Mak extends the left arm and then Francis, kneeling, attempts to bar the left arm of his opponent. Getting no where fast, Mak scissors his legs around the arm and sits back!

 

“Short arm scissors by the Franchise and his plan of attack will not be changing tonight. Mak always has had a consistent game plan of maintaining arm control and work the limb over.” Pete notes, as Hebner checks the hold and the shoulders of Toxxic. “The only difference is who his opponent is.”

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

Toxxic sits in the hold, thinking things through as the chants come back again full force. Toxx gets his legs underneath him and rocks forward slightly, shifting his weigh. Time to silence the peons…

 

“And that’s the World Heavyweight champion, Deputy Dog!” King says, as Toxxic rolls backwards pinning Mak Francis’ shoulders to the mat. “He gets the win, no matter who his opponent is!” His arm may still be locked up, but the straight-edger is either getting released or getting the win. Hebner darts around to check Mak’s shoulder and counts…

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

TH—No! Toxxic feels an unexpected tug on his arm, as Francis forward rolls off his shoulders and right back into the short arm-scissors! “First two count of the match and a quick one at that, as Toxxic counters the short arm-scissors, but Mak answers right back!” Pete notes, as the straight-edger blinks and then quickly repeats the same process, sure that he’ll be able to keep Mak on his back this time! Francis must have just caught him unawares. Hebner darts around to check Mak’s shoulder again and counts…

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO—No! The straight-edger feels that same tug once again, quicker this time and lands right back on his back! “Not even a two count that time.” Pete says, as Toxxic sits slightly miffed on the mat, running through counters in his head, while Hebner pesters him about his shoulder. He won’t get pinned by this hold.

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

“Toxxic is just setting him up. Watch—I’m sure he had another counter in mind well before Mak even reversed his roll-up.” King says and suddenly another counter comes to mind as the Hot Commodity shifts his weight yet again, not quite sure if he can pull this off, but it’s worth a try…

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

…Toxxic stacks Francis on his back, but Mak instinctively raises a shoulder, so the straight-edger continues lifting the two hundred and forty pounds Francis up into the air, with one arm! Hebner waves his hands, eyes going wide, as even the crowd shuts up seeing this counter.

 

“What strength shown by the champion!” Pete shouts, as Toxxic picks Mak up for a one armed Powerbomb – but the Franchise is well aware of this counter as well, releasing Toxxic’s arm at the apex of the hold and sliding down the six footers back, pulling at his thighs and yanking him into a sunset flip roll up! Hebner falls to make a count – but even before he can slap the mat, Toxxic rolls through and drives both his feet directly into the face of the Franchise! Mak falls back holding his face, as Toxxic sits up and nods his head.

 

“I think the soles of Toxxic’s boots hit Mak so hard that his fat, ugly mama felt it back in Philadelphia!”

 

“Toxxic does throw one of the meanest basement dropkicks in this bid’ness, King.” Pete adds, backing up King’s sentiment with a little more grace. Mak sits up and gets to his hands and knees, slightly stunned by the World champion’s dropkick, only to receive another double booted assault, this time to the side of the head!

 

“And I’ll bet that boot knocked him back to the Junior Leagues!”

 

Pete just shakes his head, as Francis pushes himself up yet again and Toxxic can’t seem to wait, so he bends down and picks up Mak, measuring him and then-

 

*WHAM!*

 

-blasts Francis with a forearm uppercut! The Hot Commodity shakes out his arm, still a little numb from the short arm-scissors, after the brutal European uppercut to the Franchise, who stumbles away. Toxxic quickly follows behind him, turning him around, but Mak fires off a toe kick, effectively winding his opponent before answering back-

 

*Smack!* “WHOOOOOOOO!”

 

-Nailing Toxx with a knife-edge chop! The crowd begins to rally behind the Franchise with “WHOOO’S!” as he once again-

 

*Smack!* “WHOOOOOOOO!”

 

-Plasters the Revolution zero leader with another hard knife-edge chop! This one sending him stumbling towards the corner. Mak quickly pulls his arm back again-

 

*Smack!* “WHOOOOOOOO!”

 

-Hitting a third scintillating knife-edge chop!! Toxxic’s back hits the corner as he shudders from the impact and Francis wastes no time, tosses him out of the corner, sending him off in an Irish whip.

 

“The Franchise back in control with a cross corner whip and he follows the champion in!” Pete says, calling the action. Toxxic, with the agility of a cat, springs up to the top rope mid-sprint and flings himself backwards, arm extended in a clothesline!

 

“Role Reversal!” King yells and no move could be more aptly named. The clothesline connects with Mak, taking both him and Toxx to the mat, but while the Franchise still lies on his back, the straight-edge sensation kips up to a not so nice reaction from the crowd-

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

-And then flips the ‘V’ for victory sign!

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

The lopsided grin of the World champion comes out full force. King notes this. “Toxxic really enjoying himself so far and I’ll tell you why. He knows he’s going to win this match!” King exclaims, while Mak sits up. “Hell, everyone knows he’s going to win this match. He’s beaten Tom Flesher and Mak is Flesher-lite, all the talk and half the ability to back it up!”

 

Toxxic watches as Francis puts his right arm down, to get to his vertical base and swoops in, gaining wrist control and twirling in an arm wringer! The World champ yanks down on the limb and executes another wringer, driving an elbow onto the soft flesh. Francis cringes and then Toxxic smiles… that smile, while Mak pats his shoulder to relieve the pressure. Apparently, Toxxic is getting a little too big for his britches. Hebner weaves in and out checking the action, as Mak looks Toxxic in the eye and smirks, diving forward in a roll and popping up to his feet in a headstand flip, gaining wrist control and swinging into an arm wringer!!

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!”

 

“Oh-me-oh-my, King!” Pete says, as Francis kicks at the knee of his opponent, dropping him to his knees. “We haven’t seen that counter from the Franchise in quite some time! Mak bringing back some flash and panache!”

 

“Good to know he’s still can execute a mean fancy wristlock.” King quips, suddenly down now that Toxxic is no longer in control. “And ‘Flash and panache’? Edwin MacPhisto was much more of a crowd whore than this guy… uh, not that Edwin was anything special… they both can eat a bag of dicks!” King adds, backtracking because he momentarily gave praise in his on bitter way to a rival.

 

Toxxic places his right arm to the mat, in order to get some stability, but Mak bends his left wrist and using the momentary pain to distract the World champ, as he tucks Toxxic’s arm in between his legs and spins, hopping over his back in a roll up!!

 

“La Majistral cradle, King!” Pete screams, surprised himself by the quickness with which Mak moved into a pin fall. Hebner quickly drops…

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

TH—No! Toxxic just as suddenly as he was being pinned, wiggles slightly then explodes off his back and stacks Mak’s shoulders on the mat! Hebner doesn’t have to move far to check the pin, as he slaps his hand to the mat, this time in the champions favor…

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THR—No! Mak breaks out of the altered roll-up and springs away, surprised by Toxxic’s quick counter! Both men scramble to their feet as quickly as they can, knowing the first one up will have the advantage, but Toxxic is much faster than Mak and runs at the Franchise, jumping into the air and getting a head-scissors, just as Mak makes it to his feet! Francis skips off the mat neck first, but pops up to his knees quickly enough. Still somewhat dizzy though, Mak rushes back after Toxxic and runs right into a side headlock takedown!

 

“Toxxic is a machine on the mat, tonight.” King says, as Toxxic cranks on the headlock, leaning back, trying to trap Mak’s arm with a leg. “Working that neck like there is no tomorrow and he’ll be working the right arm in just a minute. This match has tap-out written all over it!” In the hold, Mak would shake his head if he could… cause leaning back ain’t such a great idea for a mat wrestler…

 

“He certainly has improved.” Pete responds, as Mak easily shifts back and then flings his legs up, latching then about Toxxic’s neck and dragging his head down to the canvas. “But maybe we should save singing his praises for when he’s actually in control of a hold.”

 

The Hot Commodity tries to pry Mak’s legs apart from around his neck, but has no such luck and bangs his fist down against the canvas, a fairly audible “Bloodly twat!” escaping his lips. Mak continues to squeeze, but Toxxic tries to calm down and run through the counters in his head… then he remember his last World title match! So the Straight-edge Sensation maneuvers his body from his back to his knees, getting ready to perform a familiar headstand – when Mak quickly grabs his left arm taking away all of his balance! Francis takes his left leg from around Toxx’s neck briefly and swings it around the left arm, attempting something…

 

“A Triangle choke?!” Pete shouts out unsure himself, as parts of the crowd rise to see what’s going on. As his leg attempts to clasp about Toxxic’s neck once again, it’s now clear that Mak is going for a triangle choke! “Flash submission attempt by the Franchise!”

 

“YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!”

 

“Toxxic will counter!” King cries out, as the crowd cottons on to the action, cheering Mak. “I’m not worried…”

 

Toxxic on the other hand is somewhat alarmed and raises his right hand, damn balance and blocks the leg, swatting at it as Mak tries to complete his hold. And they stay in this position for a few seconds, stalemated. Quickly swinging his legs down, the Franchise uses his arm control to pull Toxxic back down to the mat, his stability gone and from there he snitches in a front chancery, hooking the left arm and neck!

 

“Close call there.” Pete notes, but Toxxic takes this in stride. He was almost in a bad situation and now he can get right back in control. Mak leans on the chancery, sandbagging for all he’s worth, but the straight-edge sensation, irony of all ironies, is not going to be held down any longer…

 

…Up to their vertical base they go, Toxx on a knee and then his feet, driving forearm, after forearm into the gut of the challenger! Mak’s grip weakens with every blow, until finally Toxxic battles out and backs into the ropes, flinging himself back at Mak! The Franchise reaches out for Toxx – but the Hot Commodity grabs him by the arm and plants his feet, sending Francis away in a mid-motion whip! Mak flies off in the same direction Toxxic was going, barely able to control himself as he comes running back toward a standing heel kick from the champion – but he does recover and ducking under the heel kick, loops around behind his straight-edge opponent hoisting him overhead in a German suplex-

 

 

-but you should know by now that you can’t German suplex Toxxic, as he flips another 180 degrees and instead of landing on his neck, lands on his feet with cat-like grace! Mak gets up from his BUTT and gets ready to turn around and cover his opponent, but an arm wraps around his throat from overhead, preparing to implant his head against a knee. So Mak does the only thing he can think of at the moment…

 

“Hey, he poked him in the eye!” King shouts, as Toxxic releases the hold covering his eye. “Do you job Hebner—DQ his ass!” Hebner admonishes Francis, who brushes past him without so much as a glance, focused on the limb not tending to an injured socket. Grabbing Toxxic’s left arm Mak hops into the air, using his weight to topple Toxxic! The crowd jumps to their feet, as Danny Williams trained them to do, while Francis scissors the arm!

 

“Juji-gateme!” Pete bellows. “Cross arm-breaker by the challenger!”

 

Toxxic’s hand jumps from his eye to his left hand, but the arm is already nearly straightened out! His fingers intertwine as a sharp pain begins to surface.

 

“TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!”

 

The crowd chants, as Mak wrenches back, but the straight-edger grip is tight. The searing pain in his arm begins to compound, as he realizes he doesn’t know any miracle counters to this hold. He needs to get to the ropes!

 

“Toxxic won’t tap out, Pete!” King exclaims. “He’d rather have his arm broken.” While this is probably a true statement, Toxxic flings his legs out and scrambles towards the ropes holding on for dear life so that the latter doesn’t happen…

 

 

…

 

 

…Another lunge and Toxxic makes the bottom rope!

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

“Break Francis!” Hebner shouts, as Mak rolls away releasing the hold. The senior referee moves in and does his job, getting ready to ask Toxxic if he’ll continue. The look like he’s utterly mad tells him everything he needs to know. Hebner claps his hands together and backs away, causing Francis to move in quickly. Mak grabs at the sore limb, and gaining wrist control, picks Toxxic up and spins in an arm wringer! The Franchise smirks in full control, as Toxxic spits out a “Cheesing wanker!” in disgust. Mak yanks on the arm and the transitions smoothly into a hammerlock. The Straight-edge Sensation grimaces but throws a back elbow to try and free himself – only to have the Franchise duck underneath! Mak reaches up and latches his other arm around the neck of his opponent for an old-school “That’s Franchisable” with the above average hammerlock snitched in—nope, no “HEY!” tonight, as Toxxic rams the side of his skull into the ear of the Franchise!!

 

*CRACK!*

 

Another head BUTT strikes Mak above the right eye-

 

*CRACK!*

 

“Head butts!” King declares, happy to see the Franchise staggered.

 

-and then another head BUTT cracks Francis in the temple-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-shaking him up enough to make him release the hold! Mak blinks in pain, his head a little light, as Toxxic-

 

*WHAM!*

 

-peppers him with a European uppercut! Mak drops to a knee, knocked down by the strength of the strike, as Toxxic, his left arm stinging, pushes through the pain and picks Francis up to his feet. Toxxic lets out a pain snarl, as he lifts Francis overhead in a body slam and walks him the two steps necessary to place him on the top turnbuckle, intertwining his left leg, knee brace and all under the metal rung!

 

“Mak Francis has gone from in full control to in a lot of trouble, very quickly, folks.” Pete notes. “The tree of woe is named that for a reason and I’m sure Toxxic won’t hesitate to show us why.”

 

“Yeah, that’s because Toxxic is bleedin’ PISSED!” King says, his best impression of a brit coming through… although Toxxic isn’t drunk, but he’d probably be this upset if he was. The World Champ shakes out his injured limb trying to get the feeling back in it, as he drives his boot into the gut of the Franchise. But Toxxic, still shaking out his left arm, is far from done. Grabbing Mak by the neck, he lifts the Franchise up – only to have to his opponent connect wildly with a right hand to the face! Another boot, another shake and then a straight kick to the ribs of the challenger-

 

*CRACK!*

 

“OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!”

 

-causes spit to fly from Francis’ lips as he lets out a startled yelp of pain! No more resistance this time, as Toxx grabs Mak by the head and places the challenger’s neck over his shoulder, dropping down to the mat in a Hangman’s neckbreaker! Hebner shouts at Toxxic to get Francis out of the ropes, but Toxxic stands back up, still clutching Mak’s neck as he sits out yet again, compacting Francis’ neck into his shoulder blade! The crowd cringes in sympathy, but there is nothing they can do, except chant, as Mak gets dropped for a third and final time, neck first, across the hard bone of Toxxic’s arm!

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“Three successes Hangman’s neckbreakers.” Pete says, as Toxxic walks away from Mak towards the center of the ring. “Toxxic, the World champion, has firmly cemented himself ba-” Pete begins, but the straight-edge sensation rushes forward and follows up with a running basement dropkick to the Franchise’s face, stop LDP mid-sentence!!

 

*CRACK!*

 

“Haha!” King squeals, “I don’t hear any Junior Leaguer chants now. Where’d they all go?” King questions, laughing as Toxxic finally turns Mak loose from the tree of woe and lets him fall to the mat! Francis clutches his knee slightly and then quickly goes back to his neck. The straight-edger drops to the mat and covers hooking the leg and taking care of the arm since he’s close enough to the ropes for them to be a problem. Mark Hebner drops to count…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

THR—NO! Mak kicks out of the pin, although not to strongly! Toxxic isn’t one to stop momentum when he has it, so the straight-edger quickly moves to the turnbuckles, vaulting to the top without as much ease as normal, with his weakened left arm and leaping off landing a fist drop to right arm of Mak Francis! Toxxic stands and gets to the top once more, the right arm of his opponent his target, once again! The ‘boos’ become louder still, as Toxx exits between the ropes and stands on the apron.

 

“ONCE MORE WITH SOME FLAIR?” he asks with a lopsided grin, and the crowd responds in kind.

 

“BOOOOOOOOO!”

 

“What’s about to happen here?” Pete queries, as Toxxic shakes out his left arm yet again and vaults up to the top rope, this time bouncing off the ropes in a slingshot and spinning head over heels down towards the canvas in a guillotine leg drop…

 

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

 

 

…but Mak rolls out of the way!

 

“That’s not like Toxxic, he took too much time and it bit him in the ass.” LDP notes, as Toxxic holds his BUTT in pain. Mak meanwhile sits on the mat, attempting to pick himself off the canvas.

 

“LET’S GO MA - AK!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

The Franchise hears the chant beginning and pushes himself up to a knee, his head still ringing from all the blows he’s just taken. Toxxic cringes but sees Francis trying to get up, so he pushes himself off the canvas too.

 

“LET’S GO MA - AK!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

The Straight-edge Sensation rises first, but it seems Mak Francis will get the last laugh in this exchange darting forward and pushing Toxxic towards center ring, wrapping his right arm around the neck of Toxxic, looking for a guillotine choke! The crowd rises, it hopes beginning to rise as well – but Mak’s arm is hurting him slightly and that gives Toxx just enough time to sprawl. Toxxic works his way back up to his feet, forearm after forearm to the gut of his opponent and then he breaks the hold, backpedaling towards the ropes! Francis stands tall, shaking out the cob-webs and getting a clear enough head to raise his leg for a high kick-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-but Toxxic goes low, sliding into his brace covered left leg with a soccer tackle!! Mak tumbles to the mat, clutching his leg and feeling that all too familiar pain… Toxxic will pay for that at some point during this match. Toxxic predictably doesn’t give his opponent any chance to rest this time, double-underhooking Francis’ arms and bringing him up into a standing headscissors!

 

“Toxxic Shock Syndrome!” King shouts in anticipation, “this one could be over right here, right now!”

 

Toxx prepares to lift the Franchise up – but Mak Francis, weary but not beaten, takes a step with his right foot, planting it, and then he lunges his chickenwinged arms to the right, before swinging his body to the left, twisting and spinning in the double armed hold, like a pendulum, breaking contact with Toxxic’s weakened left arm. The shocked straight-edger has little time to react, as the one true Franchise gracefully pirouettes, with his right arm still trapped in between Mak’s bicep and forearm, while Francis reaches over the top with his own right arm and securely pinning the limb to his own body, as he continues to rotate, like a whirling dervish… ending perpendicular with his opponents body. Mak juts his free left arm in between the Toxxic’s legs and rolls to his right…

 

 

 

 

…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…PINNING THE WORLD CHAMPION’S BACK TO THE MAT!!!

 

 

Toxxic’s mind goes back. He remembers this. He should have seen it coming. The move he saw beat Dace Night during the Genesis 4 tourney.

 

 

“HO—HOLY SHIT! A PETERSON ROLL!” Pete roars! “A PETERSON ROLL OUT OF THE TOXXIC SHOCK SYNDROME?!”

 

 

 

 

 

Then his mind goes to the show before Clusterfuck. He’s not going to lose to a move Night got out of.

 

 

 

 

 

Mak hooks his leg and releases his right arm, a slight twinge there, before cradling his head and clasps his two hands together trying to complete the pin!!! Mak right arm burns slightly as he looks to the senior referee, who quickly drags his jaw off the ground and slides to the mat counting the pinfall, with the crowd chanting along loudly…

 

 

“Come on Toxxic…” King mutters under his breath…

 

 

“ONE!”

 

 

 

 

Toxxic struggles…

 

 

 

 

“TTTWWWOOOOOO!”

 

 

 

 

Toxxic scrapes…

 

 

 

 

“TTTHHHRRREEEEEEEEE!”

 

 

 

 

And Toxxic shoots his right shoulder free!!!

 

“NO! NO! TWO!” Hebner declares, raising two fingers causing the crowd to groan, with small chants of ‘bullshit’ breaking out across the Alamodome. Clearly they wanted a title change. Toxxic springs free of the roll-up a look of sheer shock on his face. Pure will and determination got him out of that predicament. He wasn’t sure if even he could get out of that one.

 

“Boy oh boy was that close!” LDP says, trying to remain calm but his voice faltering. “Toxxic’s work on Mak’s right arm may have saved him there. Who knows if he could have broken that pin if he attacked the left arm instead of the right?”

 

“Toxxic attacks the right arm because he wants to take out the stronger limb and set-up his Repeat to Fade, but tonight it proved to be an even more brilliant strategy!” King says, regaining his voice. “Even his arm work is better than Mak, and the fact just got proven!”

 

Pete doesn’t know what to say to that as Toxxic, upset that he almost lost the match right then and there, gets up and drops on top of the Franchise, mounting him and swinging away with right hands!

 

 

*BAM!*

 

 

 

*BAM!*

 

 

 

*BAM!*

 

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

 

*BAM!*

 

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

 

*BAM!*

 

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

 

*BAM!*

 

Mak attempts to cover up, the referee buzzing in Toxxic’s ear, but Toxx ignores him for the moment, yanking Mak up to his feet. The Franchise tries to stop his momentum, but Toxxic whips him into the corner, with AUTHORITY, causing Mak to hit the buckle and goes over the ropes onto the apron in a daze!! Toxxic gets up from off the ground and spots Francis holding onto the top rope for balance and runs towards the corner…

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“Toxx is gonna’ fly!” King shouts.

 

 

…bounce off the second buckle-

 

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

 

-then fly through the air hooking his legs around Mak’s neck and dragging them both to the outside in A SPRINGBOARD HURRICANRANA FROM THE OUTSIDE IN~!

 

“Indeed” Pete says, letting the rest of the moment speak for itself.

 

Even the crowd cannot deny Toxxic a chant, as both World title competitors lay on the thinly padded floor. The front row rises to its feet, as both men just sit on the outside, hardly moving for the moment. Inside the ring, Hebner just shakes his head and begins his count, hoping to gain some control over the match that he lost after that unbelievably close near fall.

 

 

 

“One!”

 

 

 

“Two!”

 

 

 

“Three!”

 

Suddenly, Toxxic moves, getting to his knees and Hebner sighs in relief, as he moves towards the ring.

 

“Four!”

 

 

“Five!”

 

The World champ slides into the ring, holding his head, as Hebner continues to count.

 

“Six!”

 

Then Toxxic and Hebner see Francis attempt push himself of the ground. That’s more than enough a reason for Toxxic to go back outside.

 

“Sev—hey, get it back in the ring, Toxxic!”

 

If Toxxic heard him, he doesn’t acknowledge, rolling back outside the ring and picking Mak up by the arm! The Franchise looks dimly aware he’s on his feet, but that doesn’t deter Toxxic from tossing him into the barricade back first! So, Hebner starts his count again.

 

“One!”

 

 

“Toxxic, taking this match to the streets! Mak’s about to see why Nottingham is a bad place to be in a dark alley.”

 

 

“Two!”

 

 

Fans pat the Franchise on the back briefly and then quickly back away from the scene unfolding before them. Toxxic running head long into Mak Francis…

 

 

 

“Thre-”

 

 

 

…who grasps him about the waist and takes a step forward-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-right into Toxxic’s forehead! The straight-edge leans his head back again and flings it forward with no regard for his own head getting hurt-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-blasting Mak with another head BUTT that breaks the belly-to-belly! Toxxic grabs Mak by the head and drags him away from the barricade lining him up with the steel steps. Inside the ring, Hebner stops his count to admonish Toxxic but that does no good as the straight-edger sends Francis-

 

*CLANG!*

 

-shoulder first into the steel steps dislodging them!!! Francis clutches his arm on the ground, as Toxxic cracks his neck.

 

“Mak trying to go for that belly-to-belly he hit on Spike Jenkins last show, but Toxxic was one step ahead, yet again. And after that trip into the steel steps, Francis’ shoulder is easy pickings.”

 

“This isn’t the pretty wrestling contest we saw earlier tonight, King.” Pete says, as Toxxic tosses Mak back into the ring. “Toxxic is upset and he wants to do some damage.”

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

“TOXX-IC SUCKS!”

 

The straight-edger gets back into the ring to a wave of boos. He’s back in complete control and the crowd knows it. Mak sits on the mat, crawling toward the corner holding his injured arm. Toxxic stalks him and places him on his feet, propping him in the corner and punching him dead in the face! Mak rocks back and Toxx leans in-

 

*SLAP!*

 

-slapping the Franchise across the face! “That was just uncalled for!” Pete shouts, but Toxxic just measures Mak for another right hand…

 

“YYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!”

 

Except that Mak Francis grabs him by the head and neck and then tosses him into the corner. Apparently the slap woke him up. Toxxic looks surprised and the crowd pops in shock of the sudden burst of energy, as the Franchise rears and—

 

*Smack!* WHOOOOOOOO!

 

—Hits an absolutely blood vessel bursting knife-edge chop, that resonates through the rafters!! With his arm stinging, the Franchise reaches back and—

 

*Smack!* WHOOOOOOOO!

 

—Hits a second devastating knife-edge chop!! Mak preps Toxxic for a third knife edge chop—but nope, he doesn’t get the chance to hit one, as the straight-edger pushes Francis away! Mak rolls through and pops up to his feet, a takes a marching step forward…

 

*WHAM!*

 

…into a European uppercut to the mush! The Franchise stumbles and turns around, when an arm wraps around his throat from overhead and yanks him down in a reverse headlock neckbreaker, onto bended knee! The Franchise spasms under the attack to his neck and back, but Toxxic swings Mak around anyway and pulls him down to the mat by the right arm with a jumping arm bar!!

 

“Detoxx!” King yells with a smile across his features. “Or at least a version of it… and Toxxic keeps working on the arm and neck of Francis. He probably reasoned out that Mak had watched a lot of tape on him and knew a variation would do the trick! And it really works over the injured arm!”

 

“All good points, King.” Pete says, semi-placating his partner mid rant as he starts going on about how great Toxxic is. “And the Straight-edge Sensation goes for the cover!” LDP finishes, as Hebner drops to count…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

“He’s got him!”

 

 

THRE-NO! Francis pushes a shoulder up off the canvas! Hebner fires up two fingers, as Toxxic looks on. The Franchise grabs at his right arm, clearly in some pain, so Toxxic plans to expand on that pain, picking Mak up by the arm; he gains wrist control and spins into an arm wringer. Dragging Mak over to the corner, he pushes Francis in back first and then wraps his arm in the ropes, bending it at an awkward angle. Hebner steps in, starting his count-

 

“One!”

 

 

 

“Two!”

 

 

 

“Three!”

 

-but Toxxic breaks before four. The Franchise clutches his wing, as Toxxic gives it a kick just for good measure.

 

“Toxxic starting to really focus in on the arm of the Franchise.” Pete says grimly.

 

“All he’s doing is proving why he’s the champion and Mak’s the challenger.” King adds. “Anything Mak can do, Toxx can do better.” King starts in a sing song voice. “And I can do everything better than you, Pete!”

 

“No you can’t!”

 

“Yes I can!”

 

“No you can’t!”

 

“Yes I can!”

 

“No you can’t!” King practically screams. “NO YOU CAN’T!”

 

“Yes I can.” LDP deadpans.

 

Toxxic releases Mak’s arm from the ropes and sends him away in a cross-corner whip—no! The Franchise grits his teeth and reverses sending Toxxic spiraling into the turnbuckle pads! The straight-edger hits the corner back first and stumbles out, clearly dazed, as Mak rebounds off the near ropes behind him, looking for a bulldog-

 

*WHAM!*

 

-and runs right into another European uppercut as Toxxic turns and plasters Mak with the forearm strike!

 

“Apparently, Mak Francis just found out the truth!” King chortles. “Toxxic’s just better than him and it hurts!”

 

Mak takes the forearm to the chin and falls to a knee, but on reflex pops back up and answers spinning around and flashing his leg out for a high kick! “Yakuza kick!” Pete shouts and King cries out in anguish, trying to warn Toxxic, but the straight-edger sensation just barely sees it coming and ducks under the Yakuza kick, sliding behind Mak and and yanking him down to the mat head first in an Edge-o-matic, while Mak’s leg is still in the air!!! Toxxic grabs the loose leg in a cover, pulling it over the Franchise’s body, as Hebner counts…

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREE—NO! Mak fights his left shoulder up off the mat!

 

“YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHH!”

 

The San Antonio fans let out another cheer, hoping that Francis can somehow weather this storm and come through for them. They start a chant, hoping they can buy Francis some time from the onslaught…

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

“JUN - IOR LEAG - UER!” *clap-clap-clapclapclap*

 

Toxxic sits up on the mat and smiles. The chants are back again. He through he killed those off earlier in the match. Oh well, might as well embarrass Francis and do it here. The crowd continues the ‘Junior Leaguer’ chant building up steam, as Mak gets hauled to his feet by Toxxic. The Straight-edge Sensation clenches his fist…

 

RIGHT!

 

LEFT!

 

 

RIGHT!

 

LEFT!

 

 

Flip the ‘V’…

 

 

DISCUSS CLOTHESLINE-

 

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!”

 

 

-IS DUCKED!

 

Mak ducks the discuss clothesline and slides behind Toxxic grabbing him about the waist! The crowd is all standing cameras ready to take a picture of the comeback, or so they think. Toxxic can flip through a German suplex like it’s nothing at all. Mak, his right arm shaking in pain heaves for all he’s worth knowing that Toxxic thinks he can flip through the German... but he can’t do that if he’s tossed 270 degrees!!!

 

*THUD!*

 

Toxxic lands face first onto the canvas and the crowd explodes in cheers, more flash bulbs going off.

 

“There’s that ‘Super-filthy’ German suplex we saw from Francis against, Spike!” Pete shouts, stealing King’s line, as Mak falls to the ground staring up at the lights of the Alamodome. “Francis dug deep! He knew he needed to buy himself some time and that my friend did the trick!” Pete adds, while King just pouts.

 

Mak blinks on the canvas and still wobbly, turns onto his belly and crawls over, grabbing a double chickenwing on the champion from the front! Heaving once because of his bad arm and rolling over, he puts Toxxic’s shoulders to the mat with a pinning combination! The crowd counts wildly as Hebner begins his count…

 

“ONNNE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTWWWOOOOOO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTHHHRRREEEEEEEEE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“NOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

Hebner raises two fingers as Toxxic’s right arm sits up in the air, his shoulder free of Mak’s pin. Mak blinks and falls back down to the mat, not sure what needs to be done. Hebner bends down and looks at the two wrestlers, as they begin to move, the crowd stomping their feet waiting to see if they’ll get to yell the standing ten count… and the do!

 

“ONE!”

 

 

”TWO!”

 

 

“THREE!”

 

 

“FOUR!”

 

Suddenly movement!

 

“FIVE!”

 

Toxxic and Mak both roll over onto their bellies and look each other in the eye!

 

“SIX!”

 

Both Mak and Spike push themselves up to a knee!

 

“SEVEN!”

 

Mark claps his hands signaling they’re getting up and backs away!

 

“EI-”

 

And Toxxic gets to his feet first, punishing Mak with a forearm to the face! Francis stumbles slightly, but answers back shooting up from his knees and whacking the straight-edger with a strike of his own! Toxxic holds his jaw, but leans forward again, nailing Mak with another strike! Mak, though his right arm is hurting knows that this strike battle is the chance he needs to turn the tide in his favor. The Franchise pushes himself up to his feet, pounding away at the champion with right hands that stagger him, sending him falling back into the corner, before throwing Toxxic away in a corner whip! “Right hands! Piston like right hands, even with his injured arm! Corner whip! The challenger follows him in!” and at this point Toxxic leaps into the air with the agility of a cat, once again springing to the top rope mid-sprint and flinging himself backwards, arm extended in a clothesline!

 

“Role Reversal, again!” King yells, but just as he does, Francis stops on a dime and opens his arms catching Toxx about the head and waist! Toxxic’s feet touch the mat for only a brief second, as Mak elevates him overhead and around in an Exploder suplex, dropping him on his neck!!!

 

“EXPLODAHHHHH!” Pete shills, as Toxxic skids to the canvas. “A real reversal of roles this time as Mak counters with an Exploder suplex!”

 

Hebner bends down and looks at the two wrestlers, as they begin to move, the crowd stomping their feet waiting to see if they’ll get to yell another standing ten count, after they just got one!

 

“ONE!”

 

 

”TWO!”

 

Once again movement! Earlier this time!

 

“THREE!”

 

Toxxic and Mak both roll sit up, neither can see the other man!

 

“FOUR!”

 

Both push themselves up to a kneeling position!

 

“FIVE!”

 

Mark once again claps his hands signaling they’re getting up and backs away!

 

“SI-”

 

And both up at the same time! Toxxic is still the first to move though dashing at Mak and leaping up grabbing a head-scissors – but Francis whips him down into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Toxxic spasms on the ground while Francis falls into a cover, hooking the leg. The crowd counts crazily as Hebner begins his count…

 

 

“ONNNE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTWWWOOOOOO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTHHHRRREEEEEEEEE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“NOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

Mak weary picks Toxxic up and looks to make him pay “Tribute”, but the champion fires away with elbows to the ribs, breaking the hold. The last blow staggers the challenger, and Toxxic sees what might be his last chance to win the match. Grabbing the momentarily-dazed Franchise in a ¾ facelock, Toxxic turns and runs for the turnbuckles, heading straight up and-

 

 

-getting crotched on the top buckle! Mak attempts to follow him up, but Toxxic swings away with back elbows knocking the Franchise down. Toxxic pushes himself up and turns, standing on the turnbuckles, looking down at his target, but to his surprise, it’s up and moving. Mak aimlessly wobbles around, and then flings his arms over the top rope! Toxxic stumbles and falls sitting frozen on the top turnbuckle with his mouth hanging open like he wants to scream but just can’t!

 

”Poor Toxxic…” King bemoans, as Mak looks up to find the frozen champion perched on the top turnbuckle. Francis slowly makes his way to the corner, making sure to give Toxxic a couple punches, before climbing up with him!!!

 

 

“WHAT THE HELL!”

 

The fans rise out of their seats, as Francis goes all the way up to the top rope and hooks his arms around the World champions waist with a Gutwrench to the amazement of the fans! He slowly lifts…

 

 

 

Arching back…

 

 

*BANG!*

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

“HO – LY SHIT!”

 

Hebner comes over to two wrestlers who just ending up in a mass of human flesh and bone and looks for some kind of move. The whole arena is on edge, as suddenly the Franchise rolls over onto his belly!!!

 

“RAAAAAAAAAHHHH!”

 

A low moan can be heard from Toxxic, so Hebner pumps a fist in the air, signaling that the competitors are okay. Mak crawls into a cover…

 

 

“ONNNE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTWWWOOOOOO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTHHHRRREEEEEEEEE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“NOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

And Mak stays on him, still hurting unbelievably from this contest, grabbing Toxxic by the hair and glaring at the ref, as if to say ‘I don’t give a fuck’ before lifting him to his vertical base. Mak backs Toxx into the ropes with a few punches to the face and sends him away on an Irish whip, lowering his head for a back body drop—nope, too early! Toxxic as out of it as he is, capitalizes on this mistake and…

 

*WHAM!*

 

-Toxxic gets the “Sobering thought”! Picking up his opponent and grabbing the Franchise by the head and shoulder Toxxic shoves Mak shoulder first into the steel post in between the turnbuckles and climbs up the buckles around him, double underhooker the arms-

 

 

 

*BAM!*

 

 

 

-hitting the Toxxic Shock Syndrome off the second rope!!!!

 

“ONNNE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTWWWOOOOOO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTHHHRRREEEEEEEEE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“NOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

Toxxic desperate for the win, crawls to the corner and dives at Mak with a dropkick to the head! Toxxic picks him up and finding energy from no telling where, The Franchise executes a standing switch, once again sets him up for the German Suplex! Mak bends his knees, and with deceptive power, lifts Toxxic straight up, and throws him back!

 

*THUMP!*

 

Toxxic lands hard on his upper back, but Mak isn’t done yet, he keeps his hands tightly locked around his stomach, rolls him over, and drags him back to his feet!

 

”HE’S GOING FOR ANOTHER!”

 

“ROLLING GERMANS COMING UP!”

 

Wobbly and barely conscious, himself Francis takes a couple of deep breaths, closes his eyes to prevent sweat from dripping in them, and with a mighty heave tosses Toxxic back!

 

*THUMP!*

 

Once again, Mak rolls Toxxic over, and pulls Toxxic to his feet. Mak somehow gets him upright. The fans “Ah” as Mak brings his arms up, clamping them around Toxxic’s neck in a full nelson! No sooner than he locks it on, Mak releases one of the arms so that he can clutch the wrist of the still secured left arm, pulling it around the champs throat in a Cobra Clutch!

 

But Toxxic counters and hooks Mak into the the set-up for the “Caffeine Bomb”, Toxxic tired of the games hooks the leg and attempts to pick Mak up… but the Franchise breaks the cradle and falls back, linking his legs with Toxxic’s in the most basic of moves…

 

 

A small package!

 

“An inside cradle!”

 

“ONNNE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTWWWOOOOOO!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“TTTHHHRRREEEEEEEEE!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“YES!”

 

 

 

Finally, after three years in the business! The words are probably said, but he can’t hear them. The pop is not important. THe sound is not important. All that matter is Mak Francis is the new World Heavyweight champ.

[Ace309 0]

As I said in PM, Mak, your finish helped you snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

[Toxxic 0]

Well, the end was the most obviously rushed part... as for the rest of it, I'm not sure what parts were hurried and what weren't. This was certainly a very good match and you wrote Toxxic very well. I certainly wouldn't have liked to be in Tom's shoes if you'd had all the time you'd needed... nor indeed would I have liked to be in mine, as I might well be former champion by now...

[Secret Agent 0]

I have yet to get any feedback on this one yet, so maybe someone else would be so kind as to tell me where I went so wrong. I tried to weave in several different plot points of these two guys trying to use what has worked on each other in the past - Landon realizing that he has to wrestle smart--use quick, stinging strikes with his tremendous speed advantge and avoid getting caught by Johnny, and try to basically outsmart him. As well as this being the fifth singles match between these two and at this point in the stage they wanted to end the match with something their opponent will remember. I guess not though.

 

==================================

 

Already, the fans in San Antonio’s Alamodome are crackling and buzzing with anticipation, but when the SmarkTron lights up—the rather disgruntled image of Landon Maddix alongside the stoned face Johnny Dangerous, separated, for now, by a battered and war torn ‘VS’ between them displayed—the crowd roars with cheers.

 

“It looks like we are just about ready for the inaugural defense of the Federation’s newest title belt – the SWF International Championship!” exclaims Longdogger Pete. “It was only a few weeks ago that the SWF held a tournament to merge the United States Championship and the Intercontinental-Television Championship into one new Championship-”

 

“And what a tournament it was,” adds King, butting right in. “Rookies to the SWF like Jay Hawke making a huge impact - nabbing the United States Championship along the way to the finals. Veterans like Johnny Dangerous ending the near record-shattering Intercontinental-Television reign of Landon Maddix on his way to the finals, and making people realize that he should definitely not be forgotten about!”

 

“And with Johnny emerging from the tournament victorious--new title belt in hand–-I don’t think he will be forgotten about,” says Pete. “Especially not by Landon Maddix, who has a long standing rivalry with the Barracuda - one which the recent tournament helped to reignite.”

 

<< BEGIN FLASHBACK >>

 

SWF STORM, MARCH 25, 2005:

 

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Funyon booms to the excited Washington fans crowded inside the Space Needle. “The following match will have NO RULES and is for the SWF INTERCONTINENTAL-TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP!”

 

“Welcome back to SWF Storm!” bellows the excited voice of Longdogger Pete. “There is no slowing down tonight as we bring you the second match for the SWF Title belt semi-finals and this one is a long overdue rematch between Johnny Dangerous and Landon Maddix!”

 

“That’s right, Drain-Clogger,” agrees the Suicide King. “Not only is Landon’s precious, yet boring and long winded ICTV reign at stake, but so is the advancement to the finals in this tournament. In effect, the loser here loses out on TWO Championships!”

 

 

**********

 

 

SMACK!

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!”

 

The crowd gasps in disbelief and Landon’s eyes widen to roughly the size of saucers as a hand instinctively moves to his face, watching the Barracuda’s face light up with a devilish smile.

 

“I don’t know who’s more surprised by that little cheap jab of Johnny’s,” says Pete, “the crowd…or Landon Maddix!”

 

“Consider it a wake up call,” King smugly adds, just before Landon explodes out of the corner and slams his knuckles into the side of Johnny’s face, catching the Barracuda by total surprise in return!

 

WHAM!

 

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

 

Johnny is rocked on his heels from the punch! He stumbles back and Landon gives chase, pulling the Barracuda’s hand away from his face before railing him with a second hard right as the Washington fans ignite with excitement!

 

 

**********

 

 

“Watch out, Landon!” shouts Pete as Johnny grabs Maddix by his shoulder and spins him around to face him…

 

GAAAAAAAH!!!

 

…and Landon suddenly reaches up and rakes the Barracuda’s eyes, getting a tremendous pop from the Washington fans! Johnny stumbles back, both hands covering his eyes and hollering in pain and Landon Maddix stalks after Johnny. He boots Dangerous in the gut, doubling the Agent over the cracks him in the face with an absolutely ferocious forearm blast, sending Johnny flying back into the crowd barricade! Landon shoves Johnny back up against the barricade before he can slump down it, and then nails him with a solid right hand, and another, and another, and another…

 

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

 

“Such ferocity from Landon!” shouts Pete, “perhaps targeting that neck wasn’t in the best of Johnny’s interests after all – it seems to have set the Champion off!”

 

 

**********

 

 

“Damn it!” curses King, “doesn’t Landon know when to stay down? It’s obvious that Johnny has already torn his neck apart with a few simple moves and he’s risking even more but choosing to continue. He’s determined to win even when he possibly can’t!”

 

“Landon knows what’s at stake here and quite frankly, it’s more than he’s ever risked in one match before,” says Longdogger. “He has the ICTV Championship, a shot at the SWF Title, and he’s risking what could be the longest title reign in SWF history – all in one match! You’re damn right he’s determined to win!”

 

Landon pushes up to his feet. His determination starts to get the really going and they break out with a thunderous chant of his name:

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

Just as Maddix gets to his feet he’s met by an oncoming rush from the Barracuda and he swats at Johnny to ward him off. Dangerous is only stopped momentarily though until a kick to his gut knocks all the wind out of his lungs, deflating them like a needle-pierced-balloon! Landon grabs the Barracuda by his arm then steps forward to whip him across the ring, but Johnny plows his feet deep into the canvas, stopping the whip, and then pulls a reverse on the Challenger. Johnny ducks and goes behind on Maddix then reaches up through his arms to snap on a full nelson then lifts him up. Once Johnny has the Champion at the apex of the jump he dives forward…

 

WHAM!!

 

…and sends Landon face-first to the mat with his full nelson slam!

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“Dangerous Driver!” King excitedly shouts, practically frothing at the mouth to see Landon this close to loosing. His eyes widen eye more when Johnny quickly floats over and traps Maddix’s arm between his legs and locks his fingers around Landon’s chin then pulls back, “-and Johnny locks in the Interrogator!” exclaims Pete as Dangerous snaps the cross-face submission in place, and exerts all the pressure he can on Landon. “This could be curtains for Landon Maddix and his untouchable ICTV reign – he can’t take much pressure on that banged up neck of his and there’s no rope breaks to save him this time!”

 

Landon’s blood-curdled cries of pain is enough to make Megan turn away from the match, but the fans eagerly rise up from their seats, watching with their mouths gaping wide open!

 

“Come on, Landon!”

 

The pain running through Landon’s neck is ungodly to say the least. He knows he doesn’t want to give in but his body is telling him otherwise – it can’t take much more of this pressure. His hand stretches out…

 

“He’s gonna tap!” shouts King. “We’ve got us a brand new Intercontinental-Television Champion tonight!”

 

Finally, as Johnny adds a bit more torque Landon has no choice…

 

TAP! TAP! TAP!

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

DING DING DING!!!

 

“Ladies and gentlemen,” bellows Funyon, quickly hoping up from his seat and grabbing his microphone. “The winner of this match and NEEEEEEEEEEEEW SMARTMARK WRESTLING FEDERATION INTERCONTINENTAL-TELEVISION CHAMPIOOOOOOOON… JOOOHNNY ‘THE BAAAARRAAAACUDAAAA’ DAAANGEROUUS!!!”

 

“After one hundred and thirty eight days Landon Maddix has been kicked off his throne,” says Pete.

 

“More like the Barracuda kicked over that throne then broke it into a hundred pieces and beat Landon into submission with the left over leg,” adds King. “Now, not only has Landon lost the ICTV Championship, but he’s been eliminated from the SWF Title tournament as well. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!”

 

<< END FLASHBACK >>

 

“Bitter… nasty… both of those words could easily describe that match,” says Pete, “but for tonight the one word I’ve been hearing is vengeance - a chance for both of these competitors to settle the score for once and for all!”

 

“And it’s about damned time too,” adds King. “Landon has been a constant thorn in the side of Johnny Dangerous for nearly a year; constantly popping off at the mouth and defaming the Barracuda’s intestinal fortitude. Even in recent weeks Landon’s had his ass handed to him on a silver platter on three separate occasions by the Secret Agent, yet his mouth is still running wild!”

 

“You can’t really look to deep into those matches as two of them were tag matches,” Pete hastily replies, “the latest of which Maddix wasn’t even involved in the final pin! Regardless, this will be the fifth singles meeting between these two competitors and right now the score is dead even at two and two. Whoever wins tonight will not only leave with the International Championship, but with their pride firmly intact – the final victory in this grueling series between Johnny Dangerous and Landon Maddix!”

 

DING DING DING!!!

 

The ringing of the timekeeper’s bell calls the attention of San Antonio’s finest fans to the ring, where the esteemed ring announcer, Funyon--dressed in a camouflage tuxedo--stands patiently. He shuffles through the stack of index cards in his hands until he comes across the correct one for this match, then raises the microphone to his lips as a single spotlight shines down on him, and the rest of the lights in the arena dim.

 

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL, AND WILL BE FOR THE SMARTMARKS WRESTLING FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!”

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

 

As always, the announcer pauses for the obligatory cheer from the crowd. They settle after a few seconds, and Funyon raises the microphone back to his mouth - a noticeable hum picking up on the speakers as well.

 

“INTRODUCING FIRST, THE CHALLENGER…”

 

The fans eagerly rise from their seats, shouting along with the booming voice that comes over the speakers…

 

'PREPARE...FOR...LANDON!'

 

...WAAAAAHHHHH...

 

*DUM DUM*

 

‘Megalomaniac’ hits in full stride, pounding out from the speakers into every inch of the Alamodome, and of course, the fans roar in delight! Lights suddenly turn back on in the arena as a stream of rockets fire off from the sides of the stage and explode overhead, revealing Landon Maddix standing at the top of the ramp with both arms held out to his side!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

 

Bathing in all the glorious cheers from the San Antonio fans, Landon stands idly for a moment—his arms still stretched out to his sides—before finally turning back to the curtains and beckoning the luscious, mouth-watering, bone popping Megan Skye out to join him. Her cheer is just as marvelous as her client’s, (though the level of testosterone in those cheers being noticeably more present than with Maddix’s) and together then begin to stroll down the ramp.

 

Wow!” exclaims King, while wiping the drool from the side of his mouth, “Megan Skye is packing so much heat a roll in the hay with her would be a definite fire hazard!”

 

“BEING ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY MEGAN SKYE, AND REPRESENTING MARTIAL LAW; FROM HURON, SOUTH DAKOTA, AND WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED TWENTY POUNDS, HE IS LANDON… LA CUCAAARAAAACHAAAAAA… MAAAAAAADIIIIIIIX!!!”

 

Landon leaps to the outside apron then rushes across the top to the nearest turnbuckle and leaps to the second rung, igniting a wave of flashbulbs as he strips his shirt off and tosses it into the crowd then pantomimes having a title belt around his waist.

 

“Landon is definitely looking quite confident,” notes Pete. “He’s had a series of crushing defeats lately; most recently suffering a loss to Wild and Dangerous as he and Todd Cortez challenged for the Tag Team Championship, but he doesn’t appear to have let that affect his mood tonight! He’s here to make a fresh start and get onto a new winning streak with the International Championship!”

 

“He’d be a damned fool if he doesn’t take that match into consideration for tonight,” spits King. “The man he’s facing tonight is one half of Wild and Dangerous, and if Landon is still underestimating the Barracuda he’s going to find himself staring up at the lights in a hurry!”

 

“One does not need to underestimate his opponent in order to be confident in his own abilities, King. Landon is quite aware of what Johnny Dangerous is capable of, and knowing Maddix… I’d say he has a good plan in store to use against his arch rival.”

 

“Yeah, right - he probably just loaded his boots!”

 

Maddix hops off the turnbuckle, into the ring. He heads over to Megan to go over some last minute details of the match as his music fades out and the lights drop out once more, igniting a whole new wave of cheers from the San Antonio fans. It’s enough of a distraction to take Landon’s attention away from the pre-match strategy session with the lovely Mrs. Skye – abruptly spinning on his heel to face the curtains as a voice picks up on the speakers, whispering a name in a deep, sultry voice...

 

“JOHNNY DANGEROUS~!”

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

 

…and the Alamodome quivers with delight! “After the Flesh” starts pounding from the speakers as smoke billows out onto the stage from the sides. Meanwhile, on the giant screen overhead, highlights from some of the Barracuda’s matches play; Johnny nailing Landon with an MI Slam, Johnny hitting a Shooting Star Press on Landon, and Maddix screaming bloody murder as Johnny traps him in his deadly Interrogator submission! Seeing all these little clips play, Maddix clenches down on his fist and his lips begin to tremble in anger – the video seemingly having served its purpose.

 

Finally, Johnny steps out from the curtains, into the knee deep, rolling smoke that covers the stage and getting a huge pop from the San Antonio crowd! For a moment he just stands there, looking out to the fans through his high-tech shades as strobes light up behind him – the title belt around his waist and the other one over his shoulder both glistening as the lights pass over them.

 

“FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, AND WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED SEVENTEEN POUNDS – HE IS ONE HALF OF THE REIGNING SWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND THE REIGNING… AAAAAAAAND DEFENDING SWF INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIOOOOON…JOOOHNNY ‘THE BAAARRAAACUDAAAAAA’ DAAANGEROOUUS!!”

 

Taking all the time in the world to get to the ring, Johnny leisurely strolls down the ramp while slapping outstretched hands, while inside the ring, Megan pleads with Landon to keep his cool as the Barracuda draws nearer.

 

“You can already see that the tension bubbling up in Landon,” notes Pete. “If this is any indication as to the kind of match we’re about to get then it’s going to be a real barn burner for sure!”

 

Johnny slides into the ring, heads to the turnbuckle and climbs it, holding both his title belts aloft to the crowd for more cheers.

 

“Well, if you think Landon Maddix has to be confident coming into this match then what does that say for the Barracuda?” King asks his broadcast partner. “Since his return to the SWF Johnny has only lost a single match, and that was to our current World Heavyweight Champion – he definitely has the momentum on his side coming into this match.”

 

“Most certainly,” agrees Pete. “Johnny has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in both tag team and singles competition, and as we’ve seen in recent times he’ll do almost anything to make sure his near perfect record stays firmly intact. In the process of all that, however, the Barracuda has done nothing more than draw a huge target on his chest and you can bet Landon will be aiming for a bull’s-eye to end this winning streak.”

 

‘After the Flesh’ fades into the distance, leaving only the rumbling sounds of the crowd in its wake as Johnny hands off his title belts to referee Ronald ‘Red’ Herrington, the official for this match. Placing the tag title over his shoulder, Herrington shows the International Championship belt to Landon then raises it out to the fans, letting them feast their eyes on the coveted prize before finally turning the titles over to a ringside assistant.

 

Megan Skye wishes Landon good luck with a parting kiss to the cheek then exits the ring to take her place at ringside, but the only thing Landon is registering right now is the man standing directly across the ring from him – Johnny Dangerous. His eyes narrow as he regards the grinning Secret Agent, and he clenches down hard on his fists, ready to pounce on his nemesis the moment he hears the bell ring. He’ll have to wait just a little longer though - before ordering the start of this match, the referee systematically checks the two men for foreign objects, leaving no stone unturned in the process. Herrington ends his search with a satisfactory nod then turns towards the timekeeper and finally… signals for the bell.

 

DING DING DING!!!

 

“Bells gone,” Pete excitedly says. “It’s time to find out who the better man is for once and for all!”

 

Landon braces himself, knowing he can’t risk jumping headstrong into a knockdown brawl with his much stronger opponent, and waits for Johnny to instead draw closer to him, which he does. Johnny moves in but the only thing he offers is an extended hand, complete with a wide toothed grin…

 

“Just look at this,” says King as the fans roar with cheers at the scene in the ring. “Even with so many hostilities shared between these two men Johnny is offering a handshake like a good sportsman. I bet Landon never thought he’d see that!”

 

“I’m sure the thoughts running through Landon’s head right now are certainly numerous, but somehow I don’t think one of them involves being friendly,” says Pete. Maddix just stares at Johnny’s extended hand in pure disbelief! The notion just seems to irate Maddix even more so than the Barracuda’s arrogant video package! “Right now Landon is staring into the face of the man who ended his near record shattering Intercontinental-Television Championship reign, bested him in tag team competition on two separate occasions, and has completely dragged his name through some of the sloppiest, dirtiest, mud slinging I’ve seen in a long time! If Johnny thinks Landon is going to accept a handshake for a friendly match then he is far more deluded than I ever imagined! This isn’t a friendly competition - this rivalry is nothing short of a war and this match-”

 

CRACK!

 

“-Is the battleground!”

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

The crowds roar to life as all of Landon’s rage suddenly explodes and he slams his fist into the side of Johnny’s jaw just as hard as he can! Caught by complete surprise, Johnny stumbles back from the explosive hit and the leader of Martial Law gives chase, blasting the Barracuda twice more, only this time with his forearm to send his opponent falling into the ropes! Johnny stumbles out of them and Maddix grabs him by his arm to send the Barracuda barreling across the ring with an Irish whip then readies himself to deliver a picture-perfect drop kick on Dangerous as he bounces back off the ropes…

 

WHAM!

 

…Flooring Johnny instantly as both of the Cockroach’s feet slam deep into his chest! Landon immediately pops back up to his feet and thrusts both arms out, high into the air, and cuts loose with a ferocious battle cry for a huge pop from the crowd!

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

“Will you just listen to this!” marvels Pete, “Landon has certainly hit the ground running and this crowd has completely gone wild for ‘La Cucaracha’. Johnny’s going to have a tough time getting the fans on his side tonight.”

 

“Let ‘em cheer for that looser,” replies King, “and trust me when I tell you you’re far better off without them!”

 

Not wanting to find himself in a precarious position so early on into this match, Johnny pushes himself back up to his feet as fast as he can, growling angrily after having Maddix run him down.

 

“I’ll say this though,” says King. “Johnny should know better than to let Landon use his tremendous speed against him – he’s partnered with the fastest man in this federation for years. He knows how to battle against someone who relies so heavily on their speed!”

 

Johnny climbs to his feet with one hand clutching his chest while Maddix watches from several feet away. “COME ON, JOHNNY!” snarls Landon, beckoning the Secret Agent on with his hand, against, perhaps, better judgment, as Megan loudly voices her disapproval of Maddix’s offer from the outside. However, Johnny would have to be a fool not to at least take the Cockroach up on his offer – the Barracuda knows damn well that he can easily out match his opponent in a test of strength! Johnny finally obliges and races towards his foe, and the two competitors leap towards each other, clashing with a murderous collar-and-elbow lock up! They scramble for leverage, but Landon can’t hope to win a war of strength against Johnny Dangerous--just as the Barracuda had already predicted--and he starts to muscle his opponent towards a corner…

 

“How much of an idiot could Landon possibly be!?” King incredulously shouts. “He had Johnny reeling already with those quick, stinging strikes, yet went ahead and locked up with the Barracuda anyway!”

 

“I have to say you just might be right this time,” agrees Pete, but just as all seems lost for Landon he quickly lights up with a devious smile and using the Barracuda’s own momentum against him, shifts his weight into a lateral twist – only instead of quickly planting his opponent into the mat, Landon sends Dangerous flying back-first into the unforgiving steel post then races in and drives Johnny even further into the steel with a running shoulderblock!

 

CRACK!

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOH!”

 

“He duped him!” shouts King, “Why that conniving little bastard had this planned all along!”

 

“Its things like this that won Landon a World Championship,” says Pete. “Not only is he capable of pulling off some maneuvers so quickly that it’ll leave your head spinning, but when he’s outmatched in strength he’ll fight back with his wits! How much of a stinging blow would it be to the Barracuda to loose this match by simply being outsmarted?”

 

“If anything he’d loose by being out-cheated,” King spits in reply. Landon grabs Johnny by his throat and forces him backwards against the corner, squeezing down on Dangerous’ neck as hard as he can. Finally, Herrington tries to worm his way between the two men while calling for a break, but Landon keeps pushing as Johnny frantically tries to get the Cockroach off of him, and as the fans keep cheering on!

 

“My word,” says Pete. “Forget about wrestling, these two are trying to kill each other in there!”

 

Herrington finally starts to issue a count, but before he gets past one Johnny quickly fires of two short forearms to the side of Landon’s skull! Giving the Barracuda some space, Landon wobbles back from the shots and then steps back in…

 

SMACK!

 

…and delivers a parting jab to the cheek!

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!”

 

“And a cheap shot by Landon Maddix to end that exchange,” notes the Suicide King, which is duly noted by Johnny as well, “and I don’t think the Barracuda liked that one bit!”

 

Johnny snarls at his foe but it doesn’t intimidate the Challenger in the least, and when Dangerous suddenly rockets out of the corner—stark-raving mad—he gets taken to the mat with a quick lariat! This time Landon quickly drops down to cover for…

 

ONE!

 

 

TW-NO! Johnny kicks out just before two, and shoves Maddix off of him and climbs back to an upright position. Landon gives him no room to recover though; grabbing Johnny by the wrist he steps forward, whipping his opponent across the ring-

 

 

-NO! Johnny reverses, and Landon ends goes for the ride instead! Dangerous times the motions perfectly, and jumps up at the precise moment to deliver a drop kick into his Challenger’s chest, but Maddix frantically grabs onto the ropes…

 

WHUMP!

 

“And the Barracuda falls flat on his face,” says Pete as Johnny hit’s nothing but air before gravity pulls him to the mat. “Once again the quick thinking of Landon prevails in the situation, and if this match continues in this fashion much longer I fear that Johnny might leave the arena a little lighter on the gold tonight.”

 

Megan applauds her client on the outside while back inside the ring Johnny jumps back to his feet. Unfortunately, e has absolutely no time to offer up a defense as Landon comes screaming back across the ring…

 

CRACK!

 

…and the Challenger creams Johnny in the bridge of his nose with a flying forearm, dropping him to the mat like a bad habit! An “OOOOOH!” bursts from the fans as Johnny lies on his back writhing in pain and covering his face, and Maddix floats over and applies a lateral press for a cover…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

TW-NO! Once more Johnny escapes the pin attempt, this time thrusting his shoulder out and rolling to his side to break the pin. However, Landon already has his next move planned out and doesn’t fret at his inability to end this match just yet. After all he’d barely got started on all the punishment he planned to extract on his bitter foe. He grabs Johnny by his hair and pulls him up to his feet before sending him on another trip across the ring, and this time the Barracuda is too dazed to even try and reverse. Johnny hits the ropes and springs back towards Maddix, and has his own momentum used against him once more. This time Landon leaps up and latches his hands around the Barracuda’s head while planting his feet directly into Johnny’s chest, and then takes him completely over and to the mat with a monkey flip!

 

WHAM!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“What in the heck is this!?” cries King, “now Landon’s trying to steal a page from the Wildchild’s book!”

 

“Whatever gets the job done,” remarks Pete. “This just proves my original hypothesis that Landon is without a doubt trying to beat Johnny with a psychological slap to the face!”

 

A few chants of “DUB-CEE!” break out, but their earlier chants of those initials had already left their throats parched and the chant is quickly silenced. Landon leaves Johnny writhing on the mat, and like before, having already planned out his next move, Landon darts to the corner. A second later and his up on top of the corner post, and just as fast, he’s in the air! Maddix leaps towards the Barracuda and extends his elbow way out, getting some serious hang time before driving the point of his elbow directly into the Secret Agent’s sternum!

 

WHAM!!

 

Johnny convulses on impact, roaring in pain as he grabs his chest!

 

“What a beautiful Picture-Perfect Elbow Drop!” gushes Pete, “Maddix is wasting no time in busting out the bug moves tonight – I think he wants to put a huge exclamation point behind a win against the Barracuda by just totally decimating him!”

 

“Yeah, well he may have hit that elbow drop but let me take you back to last years Ground Zero, Drain-Clogger! Landon nailed Johnny with three of these in a row and it didn’t keep him down – the fact that he’s recycling tactics that didn’t even work the first time around is simply ludicrous!”

 

“I’m not so sure if he’s recycling,” disputes Pete, “but rather giving Johnny a memory-jog. If you recall to that exact same match you just mentioned, Landon actually won. So far tonight he seems to be following that same exact path of outsmarting the Barracuda, embarrassing him, and then hitting him with some quick, yet devastating maneuvers on the path to victory!”

 

“Maybe,” concedes King as Landon, just like nearly a year ago when he went for a series of three elbow drops in a row on the Barracuda points towards the turnbuckle for a second time, and the notion is met with a wave of cheers from the San Antonio crowd. “However, he’s going to go to the well one too many times and it’s going to backfire on him!”

 

Landon heads to the turnbuckle once more. He knows he has to move quick though as the Barracuda may be on the mat, but he’s already beginning to stir…

 

WHAM!

 

…and contrary to the Suicide King’s remarks, Landon hit’s for a second time - driving his elbow back into Johnny’s sternum and causing the Barracuda to shrill in agony! The screams of pain bring a sick smile to the Challenger’s face, and he excitedly leaps to his feet and pumps his arms to the crowd!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

For a moment, Landon just stands idly and basks in the glory the fans are giving him, unlike the last time these two met at a pay per view when the fans wouldn’t have pissed on him to save his life if he was on fire. However, Johnny took the extra time Landon gave him and has started crawling his way towards the ropes; grimacing from the pain in his chest as he moves across the ring. Megan shouts at Maddix to get him to focus on the goal and then he quickly obliges and chases after Johnny. He kicks the Barracuda over onto his back then slams the sole of his boot into Dangerous’ chest over and over again!

 

WHAM!

WHAM!

WHAM!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“Ugh!” King disgustedly sighs. “Such disrespect by the Challenger! I’d have to say that these kinds of actions aren’t exactly what I’d recommend – we’ve seen recently how deadly the Barracuda can get when he gets aggravated!”

 

“I’d have to agree with that,” replies Pete. “Landon’s doing a good job at keeping the pressure on but doing it this way is only going to turn this match into a bloody knockdown brawl – something which the Barracuda is quite well known for exceeding in!”

 

Herrington swings into action and pulls Maddix off the Barracuda, but Landon isn’t about to let this referee put a stop to his beat down and he shoves the ref away! He moves back in on Johnny, ready to cave his chest in, but the referee’s distraction proved more helpful to the Barracuda then you could imagine. As Landon swings his foot down Johnny quickly snatches his Challenger by his boot, and uses the momentum to flip Maddix onto his face!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“Whoa!” exclaims Pete. “The tremendous reflexes of the Secret Agent spring into action, and in mere seconds Johnny has reversed the situation and snapped on an ankle lock!”

 

Landon screams in sheer horror as the Barracuda cranks away on his ankle, frantically kicking his leg in hopes of working it free. Finally, after a little effort he slips away from Johnny’s grasp just enough to reach forward and grab onto the ropes, pulling himself free. Herrington calls for the break as Landon lets out a sigh of relief, “-and a close call there for Landon Maddix,” remarks Pete. “He knows he doesn’t want to get caught up in any of the Barracuda’s deadly submissions.”

 

“You got that right,” agrees King, punctuated with a firm nod, “because the last time these two faced in singles action it ended with a submission on Maddix. Maybe Johnny wants to jog Landon’s memory as well.”

 

“I wouldn’t be surprised. These two are dead set on overcoming the other and accenting the victory by shattering their self esteem.”

 

Landon pops back up to his feet and gets defensive, as the sudden turn of events serve to do little more than angering the Cockroach. Especially with the fans starting up a chant of “JOOOOOOHN-E!” as the Barracuda climbs up to his feet – his hand still firmly attached to his chest. Landon quickly explodes from his standing position and closes in with a closthesline, but Johnny ducks under the intended lariat and pops up behind the Challenger. As Landon quickly spins on his heel to face his opponent, he’s met by a stinging knife-edged chop!

 

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“Agent Dangerous is battling back for control!” Bellows the Suicide King as Landon staggers back, grimacing from the chop, but quickly returns fire with a chop of his own!

 

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

 

“But Landon isn’t giving up his advantage that easily!”

 

Dangerous, however, isn’t even phased! He stands in place, frothing at the mouth like a lunatic and sends another chop into Maddix’s chest!

 

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

 

“COME ON!” Johnny shouts, slapping his chest as if to say “is that all you got?”, and the crowd roars their approval! It’s definitely not, however, as Maddix has more than enough fuel in the tank to burn through all of Dangerous’ offense and he hasn’t even used up a tenth of it yet! Grunting rather loudly, Maddix steps back in and slashes the Barracuda’s chest with another chop!

 

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

 

Johnny holds his place, growling from the stinging pain then fires back a chop of his own!

 

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

 

“What an exchange we have going here!” shouts Pete, over the fans tremendously loud cheering. “The Barracuda is starting to get a second wind building while Landon Maddix is giving everything he has to subdue this beast… and this crowd is going insane!”

 

“It’s his own damn fault – he awakened the sleeping dragon!”

 

Johnny smacks his chest once again, goading his opponent into keeping the exchange going! Like before, Maddix steps in for another chop, but Dangerous blocks it with a forearm and…

 

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

SMACK! “WHOOOOOOOOO!!”

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

…unloads with a series of eye-watering knife-edged chops, lighting up Landon’s chest and backing him all the way into the far ropes! The Challenger howls in bitter agony while holding dearly to his beet-red chest, and offers up no defense to the Barracuda as he is grabbed by his arm and dragged in closer like a rag doll. Johnny steps forward and slings Landon diagonally across the ring, sending the Champion back first into the exact same unforgiving steel post that Maddix had previously used to ‘outsmart’ Dangerous earlier!

 

CRACK!

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!”

 

 

Landon crunches into the turnbuckles then staggers out of the corner; one hand gripping his back while the other still nurses his wounded chest. He unintentionally stumbles right into the Barracuda’s path, and like before offers no defense to his opponent as he is taken by the arm and whipped into the adjacent post!

 

CRACK!

 

“OOOOH!”

 

He hits and stumbles back out of the corner and Johnny storms across the ring… then jumps up…

 

WHOOSH-CRACK!

 

“… and absolutely blasts Landon Maddix out of his boots with a spinning heel kick!” King gleefully shouts. “I can’t believe it! The Barracuda has turned the tides of this match and in doing so, has completely decimated his Challenger!”

 

Johnny drops to his knees and heaves himself over his foe, covering for…

 

 

ONEE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOOOOOOO!!!! Before Kivell can even begin the motion of the third count, Landon thrusts his shoulder off the mat! The crowds roar in delight and Johnny silently damns the situation, but then he quickly goes back to his task at hand. He grabs Landon and drags him up by his scalp--Maddix screaming all the way up--then thrusts his knee into the Cockroach’s gut! Landon doubles over, grimacing as he clenches his midsection and Johnny ducks down and shoots the legs, hauling his opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. The crowd moves to the edge of their seats, cheering whole-heartedly as Johnny looks out to them with Landon draped over his shoulders and lets out a tremendous battle cry, and then takes a single step forward… then flips forward…

 

 

WHAM!!

 

 

…and drills Landon back first into the canvas with a colossal thud!

 

“Spinal Exploder!” calls King. “Johnny takes another shot to Maddix’s back, and I don’t know how much more of this abuse La Cucaracha can take!”

 

“Oh, he can take plenty alright,” replies Pete. “His match at Slay Ride proved that Maddix can without question go the distance when needed!”

 

“While his more recent match at From the Fire proved that he can fall flat on his face,” King reminds his broadcast partner. Knowing that the Suicide King is right on the situation, Pete concedes the debate with a defeated sigh… and of course it brings a beaming smile to Mr. Applewhite’s lips.

 

Back in the ring, Johnny grabs Landon’s leg and rolls back on it, firmly pinning the Cockroach’s shoulder’s to the mat as Herrington drops down to count for…

 

 

ONEE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOOOOOOO!!!! Landon kicks out! The fans roar in excitement, and Johnny just stares in awe. He can’t believe the amount of drive inside his foe, besides the fact that… by all counts he should be well aware of it by now. Dangerous climbs back to his feet and groans as he gets upright. With his little burst of adrenalin starting to wear off his throbbing chest starts haunting him once more. He reaches down and grabs Maddix by his chin and pulls him up to his feet, and with one hand fixed to his sternum Johnny socks his foe directly in the mouth!

 

WHAM!

 

“Hey!” shouts Herrington as he swoops in and admonishes the Barracuda for using a closed fist, but Johnny just brushes past him as Landon stumbles across the ring and falls into the corner. He turns around just in time to catch sight of Dangerous charging in for an avalanche—Landon’s eyes widening to the size of saucers--and Maddix quickly darts out of the way as Johnny leaps towards him, once again proving that speed is on his side tonight! Johnny, like a bumbling fool, goes headfirst into the top of the turnbuckle!

 

WHACK!

 

His head bounces off the post like a well aired basketball and the Secret Agent goes stumbling backwards, completely stunned out of his mind and falls to the mat, holding his head. Herrington drops to his knees to check on the Barracuda, and of course, Landon’s eyes light up at the distraction. He looks at the same turnbuckle pad that Johnny just smashed his head into and when a smile darts across his face you could almost see a light bulb go off over his head, and then he quickly moves closer towards the corner.

 

“What in the blue blazes is that damn Cockroach up to now?” questions King, easing up in his chair to get a better look, but the only view he gets is Maddix’s back turned towards him with Landon glancing over his shoulder towards the referee every few seconds. “Is he untying the turnbuckle padding?”

 

“I’m not quite sure,” replies Pete, “my view is blocked.”

 

However, Johnny realizes that Maddix is up to no good when he glances up towards him. He pushes the referee back away and crawls up to his feet and races in on Landon from behind…

 

WHAM!

 

…and clubs the Cockroach in the back with a double axe handle, putting a stop to any of Landon’s little ideas. Johnny reaches around his Challenger’s waist from behind, locks his fingers together, then hauls Maddix off his feet with a German suplex and sends him crashing neck-and-shoulders first!

 

WHAM!

 

“Ha!” snickers King, “so much for Landon’s bright little idea!”

 

Instead of simply moving in for a cover on his opponent, Johnny pops up to his feet and takes a hard look into the corner. A nod reaffirms his suspicion of Maddix’s deviousness, but two can definitely play this game! Johnny takes a step back towards the referee and drapes his arm over Herrington’s shoulder, pulling him in close while politely explaining something not quite audible and pointing towards the corner post where the two strings of the turnbuckle padding are dangling loose. Nodding in agreement, the referee heads to the corner post and starts to examine the padding as the Barracuda quietly slips away, smiling menacingly.

 

“Oh come on,” grumbles Pete as the turnbuckle seems to have taken the referee’s undivided attention, “that’s about the oldest trick in the book!”

 

“There wouldn’t be any need for Herrington to have to fix it if Landon hadn’t untied it in the first place!” snaps King. “Besides, I think it’s rather novel of the Barracuda to be putting safety first in this match – unlike Landon he’s starting to become a real stand up guy.”

 

Heading back across the ring, Johnny reaches Maddix just as he is up to his hands and knees by way of the ropes and drives his knee into the back of Landon’s skulls, sending him into the bottom rope. Johnny puts his boot against the back of Landon’s head while grabbing onto the top rope then starts chocking the Cockroach against the bottom rope – all the Barracuda’s weight supported on his boot!

 

“This is the kind of actions I was hoping we didn’t see,” fumes Pete. “Such a prestigious title being defended with such underhanded tactics is just sickening.”

 

“Oh, for the love of God, Toilet-Clogger,” grumbles King. “I didn’t see you getting onto your soapbox when Landon was trying to untie the turnbuckle padding.”

 

“Maybe he was trying to tie it back down?”

 

“And maybe pigs are about to fly out of my ass!”

 

Once again, Pete concedes the losing argument, but it’s exactly when all of Megan’s shouting towards the Barracuda pull Herrington’s attention away from the turnbuckle, and back towards the actual in ring action! He quickly shouts at Johnny, but the Barracuda has already released his footing on Landon as Maddix slumps forward on his knees, gagging while clenching his neck with both hands. The referee admonishes Johnny for the suspected offense but Dangerous innocently throws his arms up… and then gets ROLLED UP as Landon crawls in from behind and tries to take advantage of Johnny with a classic schoolboy!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

 

ONEE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

…and Landon gets his feet up on the ropes, putting some added leverage into his already surprising reversal of fortunes on the Secret Agent!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEE – NOO!!! Not half a second from coming away with the victory, Maddix is caught by the referee and he immediately stops his count and reprimands the Cockroach! The crowd roars in cheers, and laughter, but even being caught red handed Maddix denies the ‘allegation’!

 

“About time someone caught that little cheat,” says King. “I can’t say I’ve seen too often when he was actually spoiled from cheating his way to victory.”

 

Both men jump back to their feet, but Landon, going back to his earlier speed strategy gets the jump on the Barracuda and meets him with a drop kick, sending him tumbling back into the mat! This time Johnny isn’t as quick to get back up to his feet and Landon makes sure he stays down, rushing in towards his opponent, jumping up, and…

 

WHAM!

 

…landing with a double stomp on the Barracuda’s back!

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!”

 

Landon rolls his shaken foe over onto his back and then applies a lateral press for a cover!

 

ONEE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KICK OUT!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“Johnny manages to kick out once again,” notes Pete, “but those kick outs are coming with notable less authority than before – Landon’s game plan is starting to come together.”

 

“What game plan? All we’ve seen so far is these two trying to humiliate the other and not only pin their opponent to the mat, but their self esteem too!”

 

Landon jumps back to his feet and with his opponent still lying on his back he tries to

stomp his foot into the Barracuda’s chest, but Johnny quickly rolls out of the way and up to his feet…

 

SMACK!

 

…and smacks the Champion in the mouth with a back hand, sending a stream of spit flying out of the side of Landon’s mouth to a big “OOOOOOOOOH!” from the crowd! Johnny grabs his opponent by the arm and tries to whip him across the ring, but Maddix quickly digs his heels into the mat and reverses the whip, sending Dangerous for the ride instead! Landon pauses for a beat and watches Johnny hit the ropes and rebound, then rushes in for a clothesline…

 

WHOOSH!

 

…But Dangerous ducks under the attempt. He pops up behind Maddix and reaches back, grabbing around Landon’s head to nail a quick reach-behind neck breaker!

 

WHAM!

 

Almost instinctively, a hand shoots to Landon’s neck as he groans angrily and tries to get back up to his feet to avoid a second attack. It doesn’t take much to realize that the Barracuda has definitely hit a sore spot –- one that has yet to fully heal -- and Johnny takes note of Landon’s plight with a devilish smile, getting a mixed reaction from the San Antonio crowd as he gets back to a vertical base himself.

 

“This match is starting to pick back up once more,” Pete excitedly says. “This time it looks like Johnny’s heading back to reminding Landon of past defeats – Johnny won the ICTV Championship off Landon in the recent tournament this way!”

 

“You got that right,” agrees King. “Ever since Toxxic nailed Landon through the mat at From the Fire his opponents have looked towards re-aggravating the Cockroach’s neck. It worked for Johnny previously so he might be looking to win here the exact same way. More of that psychological slap to the face you were talking about earlier.”

 

“You also said that Landon was recycling his past offense.”

 

“Yeah, but at least the Barracuda is recycling one that actually worked.”

 

“Oh, so now we’re not going to the well one too many times anymore? What, you think Landon doesn’t learn from past mistakes?” Pete questions his announcing partner. “I’m sure Landon has reviewed the tapes from that match numerous times and the second he realizes Johnny is rehashing the same old tactics he can use what he should have used last time to counter it.”

 

Johnny rushes in after Maddix, looking to lock up with his Challenger, but Maddix will have none of it! He knows not to let this man in too close at this stage of the match, and he ducks out of the way before taking off across the ring, picking up some serious steam before hitting the ropes and springing back towards Johnny…

 

WHACK!

 

…and Landon runs straight into a stiff shoulder block! Once more the Cockroach finds himself staring up at the ceiling – this time with Johnny diving on top of him for the cover.

 

ONEE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO! Landon kicks out and starts to push up to his hands and knees. He tries to make it to his feet but before he can the Barracuda pops up to his feet, swings his elbow out, and then drops the point of his elbow into the back of Landon’s neck, eliciting a whelp from Maddix’s lips. Johnny pops back up to his feet once more, grabs Maddix by his hair to pull him half way up, and then drives that elbow back into the Cockroach’s neck again!

 

CRACK!

 

“Oh!” Pete winces at the hits, “the Barracuda is really exposing Landon’s neck now – he saw that the first hit obviously struck a bad nerve and now he’s focusing his attack on it!”

 

“Smart move if you ask me,” adds King. “Hell, something we take as such a common move, like a German suplex, could really have some damaging effects on Maddix with the shape that neck is in. Landon would be wise to keep Johnny at arms length as much as possible!”

 

Once more Johnny pulls Landon up, but this time he leaves the Cockroach’s neck be. Opting to let that aggravation in Landon’s neck slowly tick away at him instead, and whips Maddix across the ring! Landon hits the ropes and rebounds towards his foe as Johnny swings his arm out, looking for a lariat, but the speedier Maddix ducks right under Dangerous’ arm! He stops and pops up directly behind the Barracuda and when Johnny spins back around to reacquire his opponent…

 

 

CRACK~!

 

…Landon blasts Dangerous directly in the mouth with a quick super kick!

 

“SWEET CUCA MUSIC~!” exclaims Longdogger Pete, “and out of absolutely nowhere!” Johnny staggers back from the brain-jarring kick, stunned out of his mind and as he backs towards the ropes Landon quickly shifts his game plan to formulate for this new outcome; making a quick break for the ropes, “-and there goes that quick thinking mind of Landon Maddix!” shouts Pete, as Landon hops up to the middle rope and springs off, “He sees his opening and doesn’t even play around! He’s going straight to the last act!”

 

Landon leaps right for the dazed Secret Agent, snaring him by the head and…

 

 

WHAM!!!

 

 

“CRASH LANDON! CRASH LANDON!” shouts Pete, leaping from his seat. “Landon Maddix has all but refrained from using this move since the last time he used it against Johnny, but this time the Barracuda walked right into it! We have us a new Champion!”

 

“He hasn’t come through yet,” replies King, redirecting his broadcast partner’s attention back to the ring. “Look, he’s too winded to cover! It took every thing he had to deliver that Crash Landon!”

 

Sure enough, both men are down. They lie face up, separated by a mere five feet as Herrington steps between them with the noise of the crowd swirling all around the arena! He swivels his head back and forth, making sure no one is moving before finally, “-and it looks like the referee is going to be forced into utilizing the ten count,” notes Pete.

 

“ONEEE!!!”

 

 

 

 

“TWOO!!!”

 

 

 

 

“THREEE!!!”

 

“And the referee has reached the count of three,” reports Pete. “So far neither Superstar has moved—they might very well be out cold!”

 

“Don’t count on it,” replies King. “Well, at least for Johnny’s sake that is. He may be down, but he sure in the hell ain’t out! He proved once before that he can overcome a Crash Landon!”

 

 

“FOOOUR!!!”

 

 

 

“FIIIIIIIIIVE!!!”

 

 

 

“SIIIIIIIIIIIIIX!!!”

 

The crowd grows with excitement – split pratically down the middle chants of “JOOOOOOHN-E!” and “LAAAAAAN-DON!” fight for supreme in hopes of getting the blood flowing through these two men once more! However, much to their delight or dismay--depending on which fan you ask—only one man moves – Landon Maddix. He bolts into an upright seated position and wails in pain as he grabs hold of his tender neck and back. Herrington momentarily stops his count, but Maddix plops back down on the mat, forcing the ref to go on.

 

“SEEEEEEVEEEEEEN!!!”

 

Landon moves directly after seven; rolling onto his stomach and starting to inch his way towards his fallen foe.

 

“EIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!”

 

Finally, Landon reaches Johnny and he heaves his arm over his opponent’s chest then collapses next to him. Herrington instantly diverts his attention from the ten-count to count the pin, and the crowd roars in delight as the referee seals the deal for Maddix!

 

“Now he’s got the cover!” beams Pete. “Finally, Landon has overcome his bitter foe to become the new International Champion and win the series between him and dangerous!”

 

 

ONEEE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWOOOOO!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

 

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“BY GAWD! JOHNNY KICKED OUT!” exclaims Pete, but his voice is barely heard as the arena nearly explodes into cheers. His broadcast partner however, is not cheering, but snickering instead.

 

“Ha!’ snorts King, “that’s what you get for counting your chickens before they hatch!”

 

Back in the ring, Landon pulls himself up while across the ring Johnny reaches for the ropes to aide him in getting back in an upright position while wiping some of the sweat away from his forehead. After a fair amount of struggle, the Barracuda staggers to his feet, still stunned from the effects of the Crash Landon, and his face drenched.

 

“These two men are up, but you’ve got to be asking yourself; how much more could either man possibly take,” says Pete. “They’ve been handing out some of the hardest shots I’ve seen all night!”

 

The two men stumble towards each other, determined to fight no matter how much their bodies beg them to stop as the crowd begs for more! Johnny swings his fist out and nails the Cockroach in the mouth, but all it takes is a quick retaliation for Landon to keep his opponent stunned. He swings his knee into Johnny’s gut, doubling him over then cranks his forearm straight into Dangerous’ forehead! The Barracuda is knocked to the canvas, and he lies there while grimacing in pain. Once more the crowd begins to rally more towards the side of Maddix as Megan does her best to get the crowd going for him.

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

Landon can almost feel the victory himself, and excitement begins brewing - finally he’ll have the last say against this bitter rival! He takes off across the ring at half pace, closing in on his foe as he lies in the middle of the ring. Just before reaching Johnny, Landon throws everything he has into back-flipping forward into the air and unfolding right over the Barracuda for a running Shooting Star Press…

 

WHAAM!!

 

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

 

BUT JUST BEFORE MADDIX CAN CRUSH THE BARRACUDA BENEATH HIM, JOHNNY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND THE COCKROACH SLAMS CHEST FIRST INTO THE CANVAS!!

 

“YES! Agent Dangerous just might have something else left!” shouts King, dripping with hope.

 

Pushing off the mat with both hands, Landon quickly glances over his shoulder to check on his opponent’s position and is surprised to find Johnny Dangerous stalking towards him. Panicking, Maddix scrambles across the mat, trying to reach the ropes, but Johnny dives after him and snares the Cockroach by his ankle! The crowd roars their approval, and even more so when Johnny drags Landon back to the middle of the ring. Johnny knows he couldn’t possibly keep a steady balance long enough to deliver a standing fight, so he grabs Landon by his arm, locks it between his thighs then wraps his fingers around Landon’s chin…

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“THE INTERROGATOR!” exclaims King as Johnny locks in his deadly, cobra cross-face submission. “This could be the final curtain for Landon Maddix! Johnny has put some serious hurting onto the cockroach tonight and I’d be damned to hell if he has enough left in him to fight back against this!”

 

The crowd excitedly leaps to their feet, loudly cheering on the Secret Agent as Landon wails in pain! He tries his hardest to suppress it. To push the pain back from his mind and head for the ropes, but after the beating to his weak neck he’s taken it feels like someone stabbing a pitchfork into his spinal cord!

 

“Come on, Landon, hold out!” shouts Pete. “Your almost to the ropes already!”

 

Landon reaches out with one hand and digs his nails deep into the canvas, but before he can pull himself anywhere Johnny gives a firm snap to Maddix’s leg and pulls down even harder! Finally, Landon Maddix has no other choice, and he lowers his head while closing his eyes. Unable to watch as he raises his arm out and…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOOOOO!!!!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

Maddix bolts his head back upright and lets out a might roar! He isn’t about to let the Barracuda beat him once again!

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

He can’t loose and he refuses to give in so easily, and once more he reaches out with his hand, digs his nails into the cream colored canvas, and draaaaaaaaaaags himself closer to the ropes!

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

He gets closer now, but still the pain nags at him. He knows he only has to push this pain as far away from his mind as he can for only a few seconds longer!

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

Finally, even with the Barracuda doing his best to pull Landon back from the ropes, Maddix reaches pulls his one arm out from between Johnny’s thighs and uses both arms now to give him one last shove towards the ropes…

 

“LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN-DON!”

 

…and grabs onto the bottom rope!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

Herrington immediately calls for the break and Johnny jumps up to his feet, absolutely livid at the amount of determination in this kid! He hadn’t realized how much Maddix had really grown since his last big encounter with him, but he certainly had, and it was starting to make Dangerous wonder if he even had enough to beat the Cockroach anymore!

 

“I can’t believe it!” exclaims Pete, “these two just will not relent or yield to their opponent! You have got to be asking yourself, King – what is it going to take to put an end to this match!?”

 

“I have no idea anymore,” replies King, throwing his arms up in frustration. “I don’t think I have ever seen anyone hold out against Johnny’s Interrogation submission so long! Either Landon is strong willed or just plain stupid – he could risk permanent injury by letting Johnny attack his neck like that!”

 

“And his blood would be on the Barracuda’s hands!” snaps Pete, “and if that happened I don’t think I could ever back Johnny Dangerous again!”

 

Landon struggles to get back up, but with Megan Skye coaching him from the outside and pounding her fists into the canvas to get him moving he pushes all his pain away and starts climbing back up to his feet. However, the Barracuda has had damn near enough! He wasn’t about to let this Championship slip away from him, not like the last time he faced Landon on Pay Per View for the ICTV Championship and lost! Johnny slides out of the ring and heads towards Funyon, shooing him out of his steel chair!

 

“NO!’ cries Pete, “come on, Johnny, you do not have to resort to this! We’ve all seen the Barracuda loose his cool in recent times and resort to less than desirable tactics, but he’s never gone this far with it!”

 

“If Landon had that chair I somehow doubt you’d be so against it,” replies King, and Pete knows he’s right. Furthermore, the crowd suddenly cheering the notion doesn’t seem to do much for the discouragement factor – but Megan Skye quickly steps in the Secret Agent’s path, pleading with him to put his weapon away. He tries to shoo her away, but Skye is not so easily scared off like the camouflage wearing ring announcer. If anything, her persistence gives the referee enough time to hop down from ringside and snatch the chair away from Johnny while admonishing him for even considering such a move! Finally, and rather irritably, Dangerous returns to the ring, sliding in and popping up to his feet, and GETTING A FIST PUMPED INTO HIS FAMILY JEWELS!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“Oh, how about those less than desirable tactics now!” roars King, “I don’t see you scolding Landon for it!”

 

“You didn’t give me a chance,” replies Pete.

 

Johnny crumples and offers no resistance as Maddix rolls him up once again, but the referee is still preoccupied with returning the chair to it’s proper place that he doesn’t even see the pin in progress! Megan catches it just in time to see the roll up, and goes to inform the referee. Moments later and Herrington is rushing back into the ring just as fast as his short legs will carry him, and he slides in and counts for:

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

[Secret Agent 0]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Just before Herrington can deliver the third and final count, Johnny rolls to his side to break the roll up and saves himself from the loss as well!

 

“What a close call for Johnny Dangerous!” shouts Pete, “he nearly met the end right there!”

 

Johnny rolls up to his feet, grabbing his crotch as it still is stinging. Landon gets back up as well, and determined to finally pull the plug on Johnny’s International Championship reign, he charges in for the kill, looking to behead the Barracuda with an absolutely monstrous clothesline! Unfortunately, Johnny isn’t about to let the cord get yanked without one last fight and he ducks down – Landon’s arm gently grazing over Johnny’s jet-black main as he passes over him, and then continues on to the ropes behind him! Maddix hits the ropes and springs back, and runs right into a stiff shoulder block that floors him instantly!

 

“OH!” cries Pete, “Landon was running full steam ahead – he thought he had the Barracuda right there but got caught by that nasty spear instead! If only Landon could get Johnny down and trap him in Land of Nod - this match would be over!”

 

“It serves him right being so damned arrogant to think that he had Johnny when he wasn’t even close!”

 

Landon starts to push himself back up to his feet. He can’t afford to put himself in any kind of a position that would let Dangerous trap him in one of his finishers, and even though he’s somewhat stunned he dazedly gets back up to his feet… and gets a boot to the gut! The crowd suddenly roars once more while Megan watches in horror as Johnny pulls Landon off his feet with his deadly fallaway slam, and Longdogger Pete shouts:

 

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-”

 

SLAM~!

 

…and Johnny drills the Cockroach into the canvas with his deadly finishing move, getting a wild, roar of cheers from the San Antonio fans. Finally, they seemed to be back in the Barracuda’s corner!

 

“MI SLAM!” shouts King, “this match is over with! Landon couldn’t possibly have anything else left to overcome this move, not after everything the Barracuda has already dished out!”

 

“I think you’re right, King, but why isn’t Agent Dangerous going for the cover!?”

 

Just as Pete noticed, Johnny doesn’t immediately float over for the cover like normal. Instead he pops back up to his feet and then thrusts both of his arms out, high into the air, and the fans go wild!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

“That’s the signal for the ARMED AND DANGEROUS~!” exclaims Pete, “Johnny must really want to end this match with a huge exclamation point and he’s digging deep into the mothballs to pull this out of his bag of tricks!”

 

“He’s going for the total humiliation of Landon Maddix – this just isn’t right! He already had him-”

 

“-at hello?” asks King, butting right in.

 

“No, you Twit, at the MI Slam!”

 

Johnny suddenly turns towards the far side of the ring and bolts across it! He hits the ropes and ROCKETS back off of them, heading back towards his prone opponent, and then leaps through the air, making a complete 360 spiral in mid-air as flashbulbs explode from every inch of the arena before crashing into Landon’s chest with his patented fist drop!

 

WHAM!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

 

Landon convulses on impact, and this time the Barracuda quickly floats over for the cover, gritting his teeth as Herrington drops in to count for:

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

 

 

DING DING DING!!!

 

Herrington signals for the bell and the fans go absolutely ballistic! “After the Flesh” begins pumping from the speakers once more for a victory lap, and Johnny finally rolls off of Landon Maddix, and then slumps over onto the mat – entirely drained after this match.

 

“THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH BY PINFALL, AND STIIIIIIIIL SMARTMARKS WRESTLING FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIOOOOOOOOON… JOHNNY ‘THE BAAARRAAACUDAAAAAAA’ DAAAANGEROUUS!!!”

 

Grabbing the International Championship belt back from the ringside assistant, Herrington strolls back over to Johnny, helps him up to his feet enough to place the title belt back into Johnny’s arms and then raises one of them in victory!

 

“I must say,” begins Pete, “I am a little disappointed in some of the Barracuda’s actions in this match including that much unneeded final maneuver, but regardless what a tremendous match! Both of these men can walk out of this arena with their heads held high tonight as both of them certainly delivered!”

 

“Whatever,” snickers King. “You’re just trying to gloss over the fact that Johnny has finally came out ahead against Landon Maddix as Johnny has now taken the entire series! Of course, not all is lost for Landon – he does still have that delectable Megan Skye to console him.”

 

Inside the ring, Megan helps Landon back up to his feet – the look of disappointment clearly visible on his face. He can barely even look up to see Johnny making his way back up the ramp, before the Barracuda turns back towards the arena and triumphantly raises the belt aloft.

 

“Well we still have one more Championship to be decided here tonight,” says Pete. “Up next – Mak Francis and Toxxic go one on one with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line!”

 

Having gone back behind the curtains, only Landon remains at ringside and with the help of Megan Skye he begins to stagger up the ramp then stops. He turns back and looks out to the numerous cheering fans then slowly raises his clenched fist out to them, getting a parting roar of cheers from them…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As We:

FADE OUT.

[Chuck Woolery 0]

What killed it for me, Johnny, was the finish. I honestly don't know what you were going for with it, but it fell totally flat for me for three reasons.

 

1) I straight-up don't buy a fist drop as a finish, you turning 360* or doing a flip before it regardless. A fist drop to the face might be a credible finisher -- maybe, on a good day. You're just hitting him in the chest cavity while the rest of your body weight hits the canvas, which to me isn't a reasonable finisher.

 

2) Forgetting the first point entirely, having the MI Slam be the move to finish Landon off was an interesting choice. The more I think about it the more I can come up with reasons to like it, but none of these reasons were present in your commentary or in your match. The match was over at that point -- it's sold that way in the commentary. But the reason that it's over is because "Johnny always wins after the MI Slam!", which doesn't sit well with me. For one thing, if the MI Slam guarantees victory you should be going for it a hell of a lot more often; it was never even teased, which seems really odd. Second, the way it was sold in the commentary was like "It's over, the MI Slam never fails!" For a match where you were trying to tie in history, the least you could have done was pointed out the irony in that. After five matches together, your basic finisher is still the move that puts him away. That's irony.

 

3) Even with all that, the most damaging thing is that all of your work to Landon is on his neck (reasonable), yet you win with a fallaway slam (works the ribs) and a fist drop (works the ribs). Something about the continuity in that doesn't sit well with me at all. As I mentioned in my point on the Armed and Dangerous, at the very least drop the fist into his face. Then you're getting over Dangerous' mean streak and keeping with the match's psychology. After Landon's last offensive flurry, Johnny's offence goes as follows: spear, MI Slam, Armed and Dangerous. Never once in this do you mention all the work that's been done to Landon's neck, not even a courtesy "His neck snapped back from the impact of the spear" -- just, "MI Slam, it's over! Armed and Dangerous, that cocky bastard! One-two-three."

 

This is the biggest flaw in your match, in my opinion. It's not a problem with the way the finish was written, it's a problem with the basic psychology of the match. Landon's finish centered around him having to find a way to make Johnny tap, while avoiding the use of his injured leg, and it worked. Your finish... well, I've already explained the problem with your finish.

 

There were other things that were minor ticks against your match. I still don't understand why Landon is "Cockroach", a few grammatical errors, little things. But up until the finish you and Landon were running dead even, and it's the finish that really hurt you. I hope you read this and take it to heart, because I really don't have it out for you, Johnny -- Landon just did what he's capable of for the first time this cycle and wrote a damn good match.

[King Cucaracha 0]

I still don't understand why Landon is "Cockroach

Cucaracha = Cockroach.

[Chuck Woolery 0]

I still don't understand why Landon is "Cockroach

Cucaracha = Cockroach.

... that's dumb.

[Ace309 0]

You're also fat.

[Chuck Woolery 0]

You're also fat.

That's just a goddamn lie.

[Angel_Grace_Blue 0]

You're also fat.

That's just a goddamn lie.

And it's still tough to call whether you are or aren't gayer than a stack of strawberry pancakes.

[Secret Agent 0]

Point taken on the match feedback, Mike. However, He also spent some of the match doing a considerable amount of damage to Landon's back. Slinging him into the turnbuckles, Spinal Explosion, etc.

 

As far as the MI Slam goes; I figured I wrote Maddix as so drained anyway that a big imapct would seal the deal. He was on the verge of tapping out and took everything he had to resist it - I don't believe he'd have much in the tank after that except for his attempted comeback that failed.

 

Also, the Armed and Dangerous is quite clearly explained in the commentary as to why he went for it. Basically, Landon was done after the MI Slam and the Armed and Dangerous was for nothing but total humiliation. Yes, a fist drop is a crappy finish, which is why It would be humiliating to have that be the very last move. However, it's no less powerful than a Hogan Legdrop or a Peoples Elbow...and yes I'm reaching on that one, but it's still a point no less.

 

Anyway, thanks for the feedback, I'll press forward.