SWF Smarkdown Losing Matches

[devo 0]

I felt this was pretty good, so here you go.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SWF Smarkdown inexplicably returns once again from a commercial break, showing the gigantic Bucharest National Stadium packed full of fans. They’ve been treated to a fantastic show so far and anxiously await the next match, murmuring excitedly amongst themselves as they do so.

 

“UNO!”

 

BOOM!

 

“DOS!”

 

BOOM!

 

“TRES!”

 

BOOM!

 

“CUATRO!”

 

BOOM!

 

The relative calm is broken when a Mexican voice shouts the above numbers, a burst of pyro exploding from each turnbuckle in time with each shouted word! An impressive pop is released by the capacity crowd, who are heard throughout Bucharest as Bunch of Believers’ “Mission Trip to Mexico” blasts over the speakers, struggling to be heard over sixty thousand Romanians! A second later, El Luchadore Magnifico bursts out from behind the curtain, waving his Mexican flag as he smiles broadly at the gigantic crowd. ELM pauses at the top of the entrance ramp, posing with his symbolic flag as those with the benefit of flash photography bathe him in light.

 

“The following match is for one fall, and follows cruiserweight rules!” Funyon announces. “Introudcing first, from Mexico City, Mexico, weighing in at two hundred and ten pounds...EL LUCHADOOOOOORE MAGNIFICOOOOOO!”

 

Upon hearing his name, Magnifico breaks the pose and quickly strides down the entrance ramp. As ELM approaches the ring, he suddenly breaks into a run and slides beneath its bottom rope, gliding on his belly into the center of the squared circle. Magnifico then pops to his feet, heads to the nearest corner, and hops onto the second turnbuckle, where he begins waving his flag once more to the delight of the live audience.

 

“And welcome back to SWF Lockdown!” LDP cries. “We’ve had an amazing show so far here in Bucharest, and it’s about to get even better!”

 

“Damn straight!” affirms King. “We get to watch Ejiro cut Magnifico down to size and humiliate him in front of an international audience!”

 

In the ring, ELM has hopped off of the turnbuckle and is handing his flag to the waiting referee. As Magnifico begins his pre-match warmup, an enthusiastic buzz still emanates from the crowd, as the fans know what’s coming next...

 

POPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOP!

 

The machine-gun like pyro lights up the night sky and assaults the ears of everyone in attendance, signaling the entrance for one Ejiro Fasaki! The man himself strides out from behind the curtain, decked out in his signature, customized robe and the always-fashionable World Title, strapped tightly around his waist. The epic strains of Tomoyasu Hotei’s “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” play over the stadium’s PA as the vast majority of the fans in attendance cheer for Fasaki, despite him acting like they don’t even exist.

 

“And now, from Sarasota, Florida, weighing in at two hundred and twenty-three pounds,” Funyon begins, “He is the SWF World Heavyweight Champion...E-JIR-OOOOOOO FAH-SAH-KIIIIIIII!”

 

Fasaki quickly reaches the ring and rolls beneath its bottom rope, then pops to his feet while Magnifico is still stretching in the corner. Ejiro locks his eyes on the luchadore while taking his belt off, and only breaks the gaze to turn to the ref and hand him the belt. When he does so, Fasaki sees the Mexican flag in the ref’s other hand. A mischevious grin slowly spreads across Ejiro’s face, and before the ref can do anything about it, Fasaki has already snatched the flag out of his hand.

 

“Ejiro...Ejiro, maybe that’s not such a good idea.” LDP warns.

 

Fasaki turns to the luchadore and begins mockingly waving the flag in his face, laughing cheerfully as he does so. Magnifico stops his stretching and just stares at Rule, while the sharply divided fans either cheer, laugh, or outright boo at Ejiro’s antics. After a second, Fasaki knocks it off, smiling at Magnifico and waving his hand dismissively at him. He turns and give the flag back to the ref, before turning back to the luchadore, ready to get the match started-

 

*CRACK*

 

-only to have Magnifico smash him in the chin with a strong right out of nowhere! Excited to have this match finally start, every fan in the building starts to cheer as ELM continues to wail away on Ejiro’s face, backing the stunned Fasaki up towards the ropes! The ref quickly stashes away the wrestler accesories in his posession and hastily signals for the bell.

 

DING DING DING

 

“I told you.” Longdogger says, shaking his head disapprovingly.

 

“A terrible, underhanded move from Magnifico!” King cries, shocked. “How dare he attack Ejiro before the beginning of this contest?”

 

“Gimme a break, King.” LDP counters, “You’ve done that yourself dozens of times.”

 

“How DARE you, sir?” King responds, taken aback. “I bid you good day.”

 

“But-“

 

“I said GOOD DAY, sir!”

 

With Ejiro up against the ropes, ELM ends his assault and grabs Fasaki by the arm, intending to whip him across the ring. However, Ejiro manages to reverse said whip, sending Magnifico rushing towards the other side of the ring. ELM bounces off of the ropes, and at the same time, Fasaki charges right at the luchadore! As Magnifico comes off of the ropes, Ejiro drives his elbow forward, looking to slam it into the luchadore’s head with a Running Strike! ELM manages to duck beneath the elbow, however, and keeps on running, while Fasaki does the same! Magnifico and Fasaki bounce off of opposite ropes at nearly the same time, then come running back towards the center of the ring and each other! Suddenly, ELM leaps into the air and extends his arms and legs, looking to catch Ejiro off guard with a Flying Cross Body! Magnifico makes perfect contact with the maneuver, slamming his body into Ejiro’s chest as the fans raise a mighty cheer! However, as both men hit the ground, Fasaki rolls over Magnifico and grabs his arm, applying an Armlock as a surprised luchadore struggles to break free. Ejiro doesn’t let Magnifico wriggle free from his grasp, though, and begins wrenching back on his left arm while ELM grits his teeth, trying to deal with the pain that suddenly surges through his shoulder.

 

“And Ejiro immediately begins working on the arm.” LDP reports, “The more Fasaki can keep ELM on the mat and work that arm, the more control he’ll have over the match.”

 

“Not to mention the fact that it’ll make Magnifico’s arm completely vulnerable to the Cobra Crossface.” Adds King smugly. “Which I’m pretty sure is the whole point of the arm work, unless I’m wrong.”

 

A moment passes.

 

“And I’m not.”

 

Everyone within ten feet of Pete hears him sigh, defeated, as Fasaki continues to wrench away at Magnifico’s arm. Eventually, ELM begins to drag himself towards the nearby ropes, and that’s the exact moment that Ejiro stands up and gets off of him. However, he keeps his grip on Magnifico’s left arm, using it to drag him to the center of the ring, right before he begins to stomp away at the luchadore’s prone shoulder. Ejiro lands five good stomps, well on his way to separting Magnifico’s shoulder, as the luchadore desperately tries to pull his arm free. Tired of the luchadore’s constant struggling, Fasaki stops stomping and releases Magnifico’s arm...only to drop an elbow on his shoulder a half second later! The sympathetic fans OHHH! as one as Magnifico rolls away from Fasaki, clutching his shoulder and grimacing in agony. Meanwhile, Fasaki leisurely makes his way back to his feet, smiling at his handiwork.

 

“Fantastic arm work from Fasaki.” King declares. “He’s bounced back from Magnifico’s cowardly pre-match attack quite well.”

 

“ELM’s got to keep off the mat for the rest of the match if he wants any chance to win this.” LDP notes. “His shoulder has already sustained a good bit of damage, and Ejiro will be looking to add to that damage at any given opportunity.”

 

Struggling through the pain, Magnifico begins working his way back to his feet. But before he can reach them, Ejiro suddenly grabs him by the left arm and violently pulls him to his feet, sending another jolt of pain through his shoulder. As soon as ELM is on his feet, Fasaki uses his grip to whip him towards the far corner. Magnifico rushes across the ring and lands back-first in the corner, landing hard against its turnbuckles. Right after whipping ELM, Fasaki runs after him, and is right on top of the luchadore as he crashes into the corner! But ELM’s reflexes are terrific to say the least, and he’s able to get an elbow up and drive it into Ejiro’s face as he charges! Stunned, Fasaki turns away from Magnifico and stumbles towards the center of the ring, doing so as the luchadore hops onto the corner’s second turnbuckle. Scowling, Ejiro turns back towards the turnbuckle...cueing Magnifico to leap off of turnbuckle and at Fasaki, with his arm extended for a Flying Clothesline! But before ELM can land the Clothesline, Fasaki sidesteps the flying luchadore and grabs his left arm in mid-air! As Magnifico lands, Ejiro pulls the luchadore’s arm between his legs and hooks it, beginning the setup for the Cobra Crossface!

 

“Quick counter from Ejiro, and it looks like he’s ready to lock in the Cobra Crossface!” LDP shouts. “ELM needs to escape quickly before Fasaki can lock the submission in and tear apart his damaged shoulder!”

 

The fans immediately respond with cheers and shouts, but ELM doesn’t allow the next step in the setup to be executed, as he immediately begins clawing his way across the ring and towards the ropes! Fasaki struggles to get his hands around Magnifico’s face before he can reach the ropes, but it’s no use! ELM gets his hands on the ropes, and the ref forces a frustrated Fasaki to release his grip on Magnifico’s arm.

 

“Ahhhh.” King grumbles, disappointed. “Oh well, it’s still early in the match. Fasaki will have plenty more of the luchadore’s embarassing mistakes to take advantage of.”

 

Magnifico tries to get back to his feet before Ejiro can pull up by his arm again, but he’s not quick enough. As soon as Fasaki is on his feet, he grabs ELM by the left arm and brutally yanks him to his feet, drawing an audible groan of pain from the luchadore. Fasaki holds ELM in place with one hand, and with the other, begins bashing away at the luchadore’s shoulder, drawing sympathetic boos from the concerned crowd. As Magnifico winces and doubles over in pain, Ejiro continues to drive his fist into the luchadore’s prone shoulder with unmerciful ferocity. After an untold number of strikes, Ejiro wrenches ELM’s arm behind his back and into a Hammerlock, then grabs him by the leg and lifts him into the air! Magnifico’s only in mid-air for a second, though, as Ejiro immediately drives ELM into the ground shoulder first with a Hammerlock Body Slam! Magnifico yelps out in pain, but his cries are drowned out by the OHHHH! of the compassionate yet impressed crowd.

 

“Yeah! Brilliant use of the Hammerlock Slam by Ejiro!” King excitedly announces. “Magnifico’s frail, girly arm must be in pieces by now!”

 

Immediately after landing the slam, Ejiro grabs Magnifico by the left shoulder and roughly turns him onto his back, right before hooking the luchadore’s leg and covering him. The ref slides into position and begins counting, while boos and cheers rise simultaneously from the divided crowd...

 

ONE...

 

TWO...No! ELM kicks out right after the two count, wincing in pain as he does so.

 

“While the Hammerlock Slam is very effective in weakening one’s shoulder,” LDP begins, “It’s unlilkely to ever put someone down for a three count. Ejiro would be wise to just keep working the shoulder over and not waste time trying for pinfalls.”

 

Undeterred by the kickout, Fasaki grabs the luchadore by his arm and stands up, violently pulling Magnifico to his feet in the process. Ejiro keeps his grip on ELM’s arm as he carefully steps onto the second turnbuckle of the nearby corner, receiving no resistance from the seemingly docile luchadore. Fasaki takes a second to gain his balance...but that’s one second too many, as ELM suddenly throws his body forward and drives his head into Ejiro’s gut, doubling him over on the second rope! Fasaki’s grip on ELM’s arm weakens considerably, allowing Magnifico to pull it free. With Ejiro temporarily stunned on the second turnbuckle, Magnifico leaps into the air and kicks out with his feet, driving them into Fasaki’s face with a Flipping Dropkick! Ejiro’s body is knocked backwards and theatens to fall backwards over the corner post, but ELM’s not about to let that happen. As Fasaki’s back teeters over the top turnbuckle, Magnifico jumps back to his feet and quickly hops onto the second rope, putting himself eye to eye with Ejiro. Not wasting a second, ELM grabs Fasaki by the arm and then captures it next to his head! Struggling mightily, Magnifico lifts Ejiro into the air and falls backwards, pulling Fasaki over his head as he does so and slamming his skull into the canvas with a Second Rope Capture Suplex! The fans release an impressive pop upon seeing this, cheering excitedly as the two men lay on the mat, currently suffering from their particular ailments.

 

“Fantastic Capture Suplex from Magnifico!” LDP declares. “But I can’t imagine that helped the stress on his shoulder any.”

 

“Frankly, I’m surprised the scrawny bastard got Ejiro in the air in the first place.” King remarks. “Either way, it’s a terrible idea for ELM to use a move that puts such a strain on his shoulders, though I’m all for him making it easier for Fasaki to end the match.”

 

Fasaki and ELM lay just a foot from each other; Ejiro staring blankly up into the lights, and Magnifico cradling his shoulder, struggling to deal with the pain that flows freely through it. ELM manages to put the pain out of his mind for a second and crawl over to Ejiro, draping his body over Fasaki’s as the fans cheer and shout in anticipation of a possible pinfall. Magnifico wearily hooks the leg, doing so as the ref falls into position and begins counting...

 

ONE...

 

TWO...

 

TH-No! Fasaki gets a shoulder up at two and a half, drawing a few cheers and a lot of OHHH!s from the capacity crowd.

 

“That’s not a good sign for Magnifico.” LDP grimly notes. “ELM’s going to have find another way to keep Ejiro down, because he’s not going to be able to execute many of those suplexes with an injured shoulder.”

 

His face twisted in agony, ELM begins pulling himself to his feet, while Fasaki rolls onto his stomach, cradling his head in pain. Magnifico eventually stands and heads over to Ejiro, who’s trying his hardest to stand. Before he can do so, though, ELM grabs him by the arm and pulls him to his feet. But as soon as he’s standing, Ejiro suddenly drives his knee forward and slams it into Magnifico’s gut, doubling him over in the middle of the ring! The crowd releases a surprised OH! as Fasaki grabs ELM by the nape of his neck and the waist of his tights, allowing him to pull Magnifico with him as he runs towards the ropes! As he nears the ropes, Ejiro releases ELM and throws him forward, hurling him through the middle and top ropes and to the outisde! Tens of thousands of Romanians wince in unison as ELM crashes violently to the ground, hitting the cold, unyielding floor shoulder first! Magnifico lets out a low groan of anguish as the pain explodes from his shoulder and spreads through the rest of his body.

 

“God...damn!” Pete exclaims, despite himself. “Fasaki just pitches Magnifico to the outside, and the luchadore unfortunately lands right on his damaged shoulder!”

 

“I know, isn’t it great?” King exclaims, exuberant. “It would have hurt just being launched to the outside like he was, but Magnifico hitting the floor shoulder first makes it all the more satisfying!”

 

In the ring, Ejiro rubs the back of his head and scowls angrily, still upset about being dropped on his skull a minute ago. After a second, he hits the ground and rolls to the outside, where Magnifico remains on the ground, cradling his shoulder. As the ref begins his count, Fasaki grabs ELM by his left arm and violently pulls him to his feet, doing so as the nearby fans jockey for position and try their best to get on television. Still gripping Magnifico’s arm, Ejiro takes a handful of the luchadore’s hair and hauls him over to a nearby corner pole, apparently looking to drive him into it, shoulder first! However, as Fasaki pulls ELM towards the post, Magnifico gets a foot up and puts it on the pole, keeping a leg’s length between him and a separated shoulder! Desperate to break free of Ejiro’s grip, Magnifico wildly throws his elbow backwards and slams it into Fasaki’s face! The first strike succeeds in only pissing Ejiro off, and it takes several more strikes until Fasaki finally relinquishes the grip! Fasaki turns away from the luchadore and stumbles forward a bit, checking to see if his bashed-in nose in bleeding as he does so. Seeing that it’s not, Ejiro turns back towards Magnifico, doing so just in time to see the luchadore sidestep towards him and throw his foot into the air! Fasaki has no time to counter as ELM drives the foot directly into his jaw, jolting Ejiro with a jaw-jarring Superkick! The surprised fans cheer for Magnifico’s counter, doing so as Ejiro is quickly and roughly knocked back-first onto the unforgiving floor.

 

“Superkick out of nowhere from Magnifico, and the match takes a whole new direction!” Pete excitedly asserts. “Fasaki gave ELM a second to recover, and that’s all he needed!”

 

“Magnifico shouldn’t have been able to land the ridiculous kick anyway.” King counters, rolling his eyes. “In any case, Fasaki will be back in his feet in a minute and continute ripping apart ELM’s arm to everyone’s delight.”

 

ELM takes a half second to catch his breath before hopping up onto the apron, doing so while Fasaki lays prone and vulnerable on the floor, his eyes wide open and his chest heaving. While the ref continues his count, shouting “FIVE!” at the top of his lungs, Magnifico turns his back to Fasaki and begins to carefully climb the nearby corner’s turnbuckles. However, in doing so, he’s unable to see Fasaki shake off the effect of the Superkick and begin the climb to his feet! As Magnifico reaches the top turnbuckle, Fasaki stands and sees the luchadore perched above him. Ejiro immediately makes it his mission to knock the luchadore from his lofty perch, as he hops onto the apron just as Magnifico is reaching the top turnbuckle. ELM turns back towards Ejiro...just in time for Fasaki to drive his arm between the luchadore’s legs and directly into his crotch! Every male in the audience cringes simultaneously as Magnifico loses his balance and falls onto the top turnbuckle groin-first, his eyes wide open and his mouth agape from the pain that flows through his body. With ELM temporarily incapacitated, Fasaki turns away from the luchadore, reaches up and grabs him by his damaged left arm. Facing the outside, Ejiro pulls Magnifico off of the turnbuckle and over his head, doing so while jumps off of the apron! Fasaki lands knees-first on the floor, and as ELM comes over his head, Fasaki slams the luchadore’s shoulder into the ground with a Super Arm Drag! Impressed by the unconventional move, the fans OHHH! for a moment before breaking out in appreciative cheers, doing so as the luchadore shamelessly cries out in pain!

 

“Super Arm Drag to the outside! Oh my God!” LDP cries, impressed despite himself. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before! Magnifico’s shoulder could have been separated right there!”

 

“See, what’d I tell ya?” gloats King gleefully. “Fasaki gets back on the the shoulder in beautifully dramatic fashion! If Magnifico has an ounce of smarts in that pathetic brain of his, he’ll stay down and just wait for the count out.”

 

Fasaki stays on his knees for a moment, breathing heavily and looking down at the broken form of Magnifico lying in front of him, clenching his shoulder and gritting his teeth in pain and frustration. The referee, who has not broken his count, shouts “TEN!”, snapping Ejiro to attention. Fasaki climbs to his feet and lazily rolls into the ring, while ELM remains motionless on the floor.

 

“Something of a break for Magnifico, as he would have already been counted out if not for the twenty count being used in this match.” LDP observes. “As it is, he’s only got a ten count to get to his feet and get inside the ring!”

 

“ELEVEN!”

 

ELM scowls, disheartened and sore, as he rolls onto his stomach.

 

“TWELVE!”

 

In the ring, Fasaki is back on his feet and is leaning leisurely against the ropes furthest from Magnifico, taking great pleasure in watching the luchadore suffer.

 

“THIRTEEN!”

 

His left arm hanging uselessly at his side, ELM begins pushing himself up with his right arm, his face twisted into a mask of determination and sheer drive.

 

“FOURTEEN!”

 

The fans can only watch ELM’s bold struggle for so long before deciding to help him out a bit. A barely audible chant of “MAG! MAG! MAG!” starts in the back of the rafters, but soon, nearly every fan in Bucharest National Stadium is shouting the shortest of Magnifico’s nicknames.

 

“FIFTEEN!”

 

Magnifico’s arm holds out just long enough for him to get onto his knees, drawing a encouraging cheer from the capacity crowd! His chest heaving and his teeth still clenched in pain, ELM takes a second to gain his composure before continuing.

 

“SIXTEEN!”

 

Working on pure determination, Magnifico struggles to stand, his arm still dangling pathetically at his side.

 

“SEVENTEEN!”

 

Ejiro raises an eyebrow but doesn’t move a muscle as ELM suddenly surges to his feet, drawing a mighty pop from the excited audience.

 

“EIGHTEEN!”

 

Cradling his shoulder, Magnifico slowly walks towards the ring, climbs onto the apron...

 

“NINETEEN!”

 

...and rolls into the ring, just barely avoiding the twenty count in climactic fashion! The fans grow louder than ever, collectively impressed with the luchadore’s grit and persistence. Meanwhile, Ejiro rolls his eyes and pushes himself off of the ropes, annoyed that he has take another minute to put Magnifico away.

 

“Magnifico made it! Unbelievable!” Pete declares, unabashedly cheerful. “ELM’s managed to get to his feet and into the ring, all with a dead left arm!”

 

Magnifico may be in the ring, but that doesn’t mean he’s really doing anything. ELM lays on the mat, completely exhausted, as Fasaki casually walks up to him and gleefully kicks the luchadore in the ribs. The fans respond with a surprised and sympathetic OHHH! as the luchadore opens his mouth and releases a soundless cry of pain. Grinning broadly, Fasaki draws his foot back again, this time slamming it into ELM’s kidney. Magnifico curls up in agony, but isn’t in that position long, as Ejiro’s had enough fun and now wants the luchadore standing. Fasaki grabs the luchadore by his damaged left arm and violently pulls him to his feet, not receiving an ounce of resistance from Magnifico in the process.

 

“Devastating kicks from Ejiro, and Magnifico looks to be in terrible shape!” King happily notes. “Fasaki is taking advantage of every second he has to torture the luchadore.”

 

Once ELM is on his feet, Fasaki immediately pulls him into a Standing Head Scissors. Once he’s got Magnifico in that position, he takes a second to relax and wave a little to the capacity crowd, who respond mainly with annoyed boos. Fasaki laughs and waves them off, then grabs Magnifico by the waist of his tights to continue the Memphis Piledriver setup. Fasaki begins to pull ELM towards the ground...when Magnifico suddenly drops to one knee and drives his arm upwards, returning the favor Ejiro delivered to him earlier! The relieved fans cheer happily as Fasaki immediately doubles over in pain as Magnifico slowly stands up, determined to take advantage of the situation he’s created for himself. Once ELM stands, he quickly pulls Ejiro into a Front Face Lock and falls backwards, slamming Fasaki’s skull into the canvas with a quick and dirty DDT! Another round of cheers rises from the encouraging audience as Fasaki’s dome bounces off of the mat right before his body falls lifelessly onto it!

 

“Desperation DDT from Magnifico, and he just might still have a chance to win this match!” LDP cries, obviously excited.

 

“Psh.” King dismissively counters. “All he’s done is further piss Ejiro off. There’s no chance he’s even going to get up before Fasaki, much less be in a position to land another move on him.”

 

However, Magnifico seems intent on defying King, as he begins working his way to his feet almost immediately after landing the DDT! Although he’s hindered by his dead left arm, Magnifico is determined to get on his feet, and he’s spurred on by the encouraging cheers and chants pouring in from every part of the stadium. ELM manages to get to his feet after a couple seconds, and immediately begins making his way to the nearby corner. Not resting for an instant, Magnifico immediately begins climbing the corner’s turnbuckles, guessing that Ejiro will stay down long enough for him to do so. Unfortunately for him, he’s wrong. Fasaki stirs and begins pushing himself to his feet just as ELM begins climbing the turnbuckles. Ejiro catches sight of Magnifico’s climb and responds with a combination of a scowl and a grimace and with a redoubling of his standing efforts. Fasaki finally stands as ELM is reaching the top turnbuckle, and immediately heads over to the corner that Magnifico is perched on top of. Ejiro steps onto the second turnbuckle just as ELM is turning around, determined to Magnifico’s attack right here and now. But as ELM turns around, he thrusts his hands forward and into Ejiro’s chest, shoving him right off of the second turnbuckle! Fasaki is surprised to say the least as he flies off of the turnbuckle and lands hard on the mat, shaking the entire ring with the impact! As the fans release an excited pop for the unexpected counter, Magnifico pauses on the top turnbuckle, catching his breath as he looks down on Ejiro.

 

“No! No!” LDP shouts. “Fasaki once again tried to stop Magnifico on the top turnbuckle, but ELM saw him coming! This is the break he was looking for!”

 

“This is really getting on my nerves.” King declares, exasperated. “This match should have been over ten minutes ago, in time for me to meet my Romanian hooker.”

 

A beat passes.

 

“Yeah, you heard me! What of it?”

 

In the ring, Magnifico’s finished his break and is slowly standing up on the top turnbuckle. The cheering grows to its loudest point yet in anticipation, and only grows louder when ELM turns to his Mexican Flag and salutes it proudly! Not wasting another second, Magnifico turns back to Ejiro and leaps off of the top turnbuckle, setting off thousands of flashbulbs from every part of the stadium! ELM is bathed in light as he flips backwards, falls towards Ejiro...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

...and misses! Fasaki rolls out of the way a half second before impact, causing Magnifico to unceremoniously crash chest first onto the mat! As the disappointed fans OHHH! as one, ELM cries out and doubles over in pain, his best chance for winning the match gone!

 

“NO! Magnifico missed! Ejiro got out of the way of the Mexican Pride Press at the absolute last moment!” LDP yells.

 

Magnifico lies face down on the mat, his heaving chest pushing off of the canvas while Ejiro, on his back, lays motionless next to him. Suddenly, Fasaki rolls over and onto the luchadore, hooking Magnifico’s left arm with his legs as he does so! Ejiro then reaches up, wraps his arms around ELM’s face, and begins wrenching back on his neck with the Cobra Crossface! The fans come to life, either cheering, booing, or just plain shouting as Fasaki tears apart Magnifico’s shoulder with the deadly submission!

 

“The Crossface! Fasaki has locked in the Cobra Crossface, and it might just be a matter of time before Magnifico submits!” LDP declares, concerned and excited at the same time.

 

Fasaki’s face is painted with a bloodthirsty grin as he rips at Magnifico’s already-crippled shoulder. ELM slowly reaches out with his hand, looking as though he’s going to try and pull himself to the ropes...but instead he just taps the mat lightly, his will to resist completely drained. The ref immediately leaps to his feet and signals for the bell, which is nearly drowned out by the disappointed booing of sixty thousand Romanians. Ejiro coolly releases the submission and rises to his feet, leaving the broken form of Magnifico lying motionless below him.

 

DING DING DING

 

“Your winner, by submission...” Funyon shouts, “E-JIR-OOOOOOOO FAH-SAH-KIIIIIII!!”

 

Responding to his name being announced, Fasaki mockingly plays to the crowd as Tomoyasu Hotei’s “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” once again kicks up, which coincidentally compliments the audience booing quite nicely.

 

“Ya see that!” King bellows, overjoyed. “Magnifico’s not in the submission ten seconds and he gives up! Pathetic!”

 

“Give me a break, King.” LDP angrily counters. “If ELM hadn’t submitted then, he would have been risking serious injury.”

 

“Yeah, whatever.” King replies. “All I know is, Ejiro got the win, and Magnifico looks like he’s been hit by a Mack truck.”

 

“Maybe you’re right.” LDP sighs. “In any case, we’ve got our Tag Team Championship Match up next, so don’t you dare leave!

 

“Seriously, don’t. Or we’ll kill you.” King threatens. LDP glares at him. “What?”

 

The last shot shown before the show fades to commercial is one of El Luchadore Magnifico, his eyes closed as he lies motionless on the mat...

[King Cucaracha 0]

Just to prove I got something in.

 

---------------------------------------------------

 

 

"Hey, we're in Romania!" cheers Pete.

 

"Man, it's just one deadbeat country after the next recently, isn't it."

 

"Yes King, but look at this WONDERFUL stadium!"

 

"Who cares? Sure, it'd be a great stadium to play a civilised sport like soccer in. But we come in, fill the place with metal rigging and artificial lights, put a wrestling ring in the middle of the grass...I mean, for crying out loud, the main seats are about fourty feet from the ring! And these people still smell funny."

 

"King's pesimism aside, we have ourselves a Tag Team Title Match up next. And...we really don't need to, nor can be bothered to, say any more about it. Right King?"

 

"#Oh beautiful, nuh nuh nuh skies, for amber blah blah blah. The purple something, majes...#"

 

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, your following contest is scheduled for one fall...and it is for the SWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!!"

 

"YYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!"

 

The Romanian crowd do shockingly well to understand Funyon's American drawl, before another cheer goes up, as the sounds of the Prodigy’s “Fuel My Fire” rock their Romanian worlds. The fans come to their feet as Wild and Dangerous make their way out to the ring, Wildchild tagging hands with the fans down the aisleway, while Johnny remains totally focused.

 

"Introducing first, the challengers. At a total combined weight of four hundred and thirty three pounds...they are the former THREE time SWF Tag Team Champions... WILDCHILD... JOHNNY DANGEROUS... WILD! AND! DAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNGGEEEERRROOOUUUUSSSS!!!!"

 

The Romanian crowd pops once more, as Wild and Dangerous roll into the ring. As per usual, referee Red Herrington is quickly on Wildchild's case about the phantom shinguards.

 

"Interesting that Herrington is once again the assigned referee." ponders Pete.

 

"Yeah. Let's just hope he doesn't do such a horrendous job of officiating tonight as he did during the six-man tag match on the last show. Because that was a terrible performance on his part, totally costing Martial Law and Ejiro the match."

 

As Johnny goes through some last minute stretches and Wildchild finally removes his illegal items of clothing, as the opening to "Save Yourself" by Stabbing Westward hits to once again bring the Bucharest crowd to their feet. Emerging first is Todd Cortez, Megan Skye next to follow...with Landon Maddix a few steps behind. And not looking exactly 'enamoured' with life.

 

 

“I...CAN...NOT...SAAAVE...YOU!

 

“I! CAN'T! EVEN! SAAAVE...MYYY...SELF!”

 

“SO JUST SAAAVE YOURSELF!”

 

...

 

 

“SSSAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVEEE!!!”

 

Watching on, Wild and Dangerous are already eyeing up the gold, as Martial Law advance down the ramp.

 

"And, their opponents. Accompanied to the ring by Megan Skye. At a total combined weight of four hundred, fourty six pounds...the reigning and defending SWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... "THE URBAN LEGEND" TODD CORTEZ... and LANDON "LA CUCARACHA" MADDIX... MMAAAAARRRTTIIAAAAALLL... LLLLLAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!"

 

"YYEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!"

 

The Romanian crowd seem split about 50/50 as Martial Law enter into a group huddle out on the floor, Cortez playing spokesperson. Maddix listens on despite looking completely dis-interested, before the huddle breaks and the champions slide into the ring. Stepping back graciously, Wildchild has to use a grip on the shoulder to convince Dangerous to do the same.

 

"There's a lot of tension between these two teams and just as much history..."

 

"You can say that again." yawns King.

 

"...Wild and Dangerous are obviously looking to win the World Tag Team Championships, for what would be a record-breaking fourth time. Only the immortal and down-right sexy Chris Raynor has managed four Tag Team Title reigns in this SWF. But he won those titles with four different partners. If Wild and Dangerous can pull out the win here, they will have won the four titles as a team as well as singularly."

 

"Which is no surprise. You can't have a Johnny Dangerous without a Wildchild. You can't have a Wildchild without Johnny Dangerous...maybe less so on the second, but the point stands."

 

To no surprise, Wildchild is ready to start off for the challengers. Across the ring, any thoughts of discussing who should start on Cortez's part are wasted, as Maddix skulks off to the apron. Cortez shrugs, ready to go. As meanwhile, Maddix checks his latest manicure in the corner.

 

 

*DING DING DING!*

 

As the bell sounds, Wildchild and Cortez circle each other cautiously before locking up. Cortez displays his power advantage by barging Wildchild back, forcing him against the corner. Quickly, Herrington rushes over and demands a clean break from Cortez, which he...doesn't get, as Cortez fires off a right hand...NO, Wildchild weaves underneath. Cortez spins into the corner and suddenly finds himself on the recieving end of a right hand flurry from The Carribean Cruiser! Todd tries to cover up, but Wildchild clubs through his guard regardless. Eventually, Wildchild stops throwing fists and grabs Cortez's wrist, irish whipping him across into the opposite corner. Cortez hits the buckles and nestles in the corner, as Wildchild dives in after him and spins a full 360 in mid-air, avalanching Cortez with the Blue Crush! Wobbling out of the corner, Cortez gets snapped over with a deep armdrag. Followed up with a second. But an attempted third is halted by a hard PUNT which connects square between the shoulder blades of the stooping challenger, leaving him writhing in agony. Dropping to his knees, Cortez tries a cover...

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

T...

 

Kickout.

 

Cortez is undettered, pulling Wildchild back up and clubbing him between the shoulders again, this time with a forearm. A quick glance over to the corner tells Cortez that his partner is now more concerned with his headband than the match, so he takes Wildchild and looks for a vertical suplex. Wildchild floats over the top though, landing on his feet behind Cortez. Before his opponent can gain his bearings, Wildchild then leapfrogs over top, running off the ropes in front. Cortez charges him, but Wildchild baseball slides through the legs, forcing Cortez to run on into the ropes. This time it's Cortez going over top with a lariat. Quickly, both men turn on their heels...

 

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

...Cortez reacting quickest, with a knifedge chop.

 

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

...returned in kind by DubCee!

 

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

Cortez lashes out again...

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

...Wildchild quickly retaliating. So Cortez quickly cracks Wildchild in the midsection with a quick kick, before sending him into the ropes again. As the challenger rebounds, Cortez scoops him into his arms and tries to get him in position for his Sitout Spinebuster. But Wildchild wriggles frantically and eventually forces himself over the top of Cortez, with a sunset flip...

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

T...

 

Kickout.

 

Both men roll up, Cortez swinging and missing with a clothesline...but Wildchild promptly over-shoots a Shuffling Sidekick, allowing Cortez to duck under. Screeching to a halt, Wildchild turns around, eyes bursting open in shock as Cortez whips off a roundhouse kick...which Wildchild is JUST able to leap backwards from. An "OOOOOH!" escapes some of the crowd, as the relieved Wildchild lands in his corner, deciding to tag in Johnny.

 

"That was a lucky break for Wild and Dangerous there." calls King. "If Cortez had connected with that roundhouse, Wildchild would be out for the count right now."

 

Without hesitation, after seeing Johnny deem himself the legal man, Maddix tags Cortez on the shoulder and waves him out to the apron, saying he's "got this".

 

"And finally, it seems like Landon Maddix's interest in this match has been awoken, as he tags himself in. I don't know if Cortez appreciated that or not though."

 

After a brief staredown, the familiar foes lock up. Maddix pushes his feet off the mat, trying to get some leverage and force Johnny backwards, however Johnny just as easily shoves Maddix back, and the tag team co-champion goes stumbling backwards into his own corner. Maddix looks flustered, but Cortez pats him on the shoulder to encourage him, and Maddix goes forward again. Maddix charges at Johnny and locks up again, and the quick lockup distracts Johnny from seeing Red Herrington make the "legal tag" motion, as that pat on the shoulder has brought Cortez into this contest! The Urban Legend steps into the ring, just as Maddix uses a go-behind on Johnny, then pushes him forward, right into the Urban Legend who stuns him with a patented atomic drop, keeling him over! Todd then fires off right hands, knocking Johnny inches back with every blow, until he finally takes him by the arm and sends him in. Cortez catches Dangerous with a hiptoss on the rebound, and as Johnny recovers from that tries for a dropkick...NO! Swatted away by Dangerous! As Cortez gets up Johnny grabs a front facelock, but Cortez slides his head out of it and comes up in front of Johnny, who tries a lariat...DUCKED! Cortez then fires back a sidekick, but that gets caught, and Johnny spins Todd around, right into a kick to the gut, then brings him into a standing headscissors. Johnny reaches down and lifts, but Cortez slips out of his grip and lands right in front of him, kicking Johnny in the gut and snapping him over with a sup...NO! Johnny falls out of the suplex attempt and swings Cortez around, taking him to the mat with a fireman's carry! Johnny then applies a rear chinlock, but Cortez powers up, and hooks Johnny's leg, using his own fireman's carry to break! Johnny comes up, but Todd takes him by the wrist and sends him towards his corner, but Johnny reverses, sending Cortez careening into enemy territory. Cortez, however, remains one step ahead of his opponents, as he uses the momentum to spring to the second rope and leap off, dropkicking Wildchild off the apron! The move distracts Cortez momentarily, enough for Johnny to grab Cortez from behind...but Cortez floats through the lift, landing on his feet and dropkicking Johnny in the back, sending him stumbling into his partner as he pulls himself back onto the apron! Wildchild takes another spill, and Johnny staggers backwards into a back suplex by Cortez, which finally puts the former World Champion down on the canvas.

 

"Ferocious start to this contest, and you can hear the fans show their appreciation as we come to you tonight from one of the most historical sites in world history."

 

"Romania!?!"

 

"No, Greece."

 

"That was last show."

 

"Oh, my bad. Heh. Anyone would think we just ripped this opening from the no-show sixman tag match last week and just deleted any mention of Buck and Ejiro. But that would be just silly."

 

Amidst the applause of the fans, Cortez pulls Johnny up, leading him towards his corner and wrenching his arm, then using his own free arm to tag in Maddix. The crowd buzzes as Maddix slingshots himself in and takes Johnny's other arm and applies an arm wrench of his own, and together Cortez and Maddix pull Johnny back before propelling him forward, chest first into their corner. Johnny stumbles back, and Maddix fires off with a quick slap across the face of his old foe, which draws Herrington over for some scolding. That's exactly what Maddix wanted, however, as he keeps Herrington busy while Johnny gets launched into the ropes and comes back into a Cortez standing dropkick.

 

"Nice double teamwork by Maddix and Cortez, which hasn't always been a feature of their tenure as a team. It's been a rather 'strenuous' relationship."

 

"Well, that may be true Pete, but all teams go through periods like that. Hell, Johnny and Wildchild have had their differences in the past, let's not forget. There's always a little bit of ego or a little bit of jealousy that builds up within teams or stables, especially when you've got egos involved. And believe me, with Landon Maddix, there's PLENTY of ego involved."

 

Cortez works the crowd a bit before Herrington comes to him and reminds him to get out of the ring, while Maddix pulls Johnny up off the mat. Dangerous quickly knocks the hands of the champion away, and comes up with a European uppercut to stun him, then grabs his arm and twists it before setting it behind his back, applying a hammerlock. Maddix quickly fights back, throwing back an elbow to the side of Johnny's head and then racing towards the ropes. Johnny quickly drops his head as Maddix rebounds and leapfrogs over the top secret operative, but grounds himself rather than run the ropes again. Dangerous turns around, and instantly Landon springs up off his feet and onto Johnny's shoulders, snapping him over with a Hurri-Lanrana!

 

"Excellent work by Maddix, catching Johnny off guard!"

 

Johnny rolls to the ropes, and as he gets to his feet Maddix comes towards him with a full head of steam. Thinking quickly, Johnny ducks down and back bodydrops Maddix over the ropes...but the champion lands on the apron! Johnny moves away from the ropes, but his partner calls out a warning to him that Maddix is not on the floor as he had intended. He turns around, and Landon comes soaring into the ring as he springboards off the top rope with a flying bodypress...caught by Johnny! Dangerous immediately hurls him over head with a fallaway slam, and now the Next Generation is down on the canvas!

 

"Nice work by the W&D corner, letting Johnny know in the nick of time to prepare for Maddix's aerial assault." applauds Pete.

 

With Maddix dazed, Johnny quickly moves to his corner and tags in Wildchild. The Carribean Cruiser stays on the apron, watching Maddix pull himself up with the help of the ropes...then races across the apron and lariats Maddix back down! Once that blow connects, Wildchild vaults majestically to the top rope, waiting on The Next Generation to get back to his feet. The champion is slow to do so, looking dis-orientated as he wanders around the ring, searching for Wildchild. Unable to find his opponent on the mat, Maddix turns around to check the ropes...just as Wildchild soars off the top with a flying crossbody, that crushes Maddix and leaves him grounded for a pinfall attempt...

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

TW...

 

 

Kickout.

 

Despite his opponent escaping the pin, Wildchild keeps the pressure on with a side headlock. With the headlock applied, Wildchild pulls Landon to his feet, wheeling around to his corner and allowing Johnny to re-enter the match. Johnny quickly goes to the ribs with an uppercut, not once but twice, before Wildchild finally releases his grip on Maddix and initiates a double irish whip. Back shoots Landon, getting snatched over with a double hiptoss. Quickly, Johnny charges across the ring and barges into Cortez. That lures the Urban Legend into the ring, distracting referee Herrington and allowing Wild and Dangerous to hit a somersault legdrop/standing frog splash combo on Maddix.

 

"A smart move from Johnny to lure in Cortez, which bought himself and Wildchild a few more seconds for another tag team manouever." points out Pete.

 

"Well, it's hardly their first rodeo, Pete. They know what they're doing."

 

"Obviously. But usually, it would be Wild and Dangerous' opponents using those tactics. It seems like nowadays though, Wildchild and especially Johnny have made a concerted effort to be more ruthless in their methods."

 

Having delivered the frog splash, Johnny remains on Maddix until finally Herrington rushes over...

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TW...

 

Only two.

 

As he questions the count - and why it took so long for Herrington to make it - Johnny drags Maddix back to his feet. Maddix manages to fire off a forearm strike, but Johnny quickly drives his knee into the breadbasket of his opponent to put him on the backfoot again. Taking a moment to shake off the forearm shot, Johnny then hooks up Maddix and snaps him over with a quick vertical suplex.

 

"ONE!"

 

The crowd catch on quickly as Dangerous rolls through and drags up Maddix again. From the outside, Megan tries to encourage her man to find a counter...

 

 

"TWO!"

 

...but he can't, Dangerous hitting the second of a possible three rolling verticals. To their feet come Maddix and Dangerous again, with Johnny still clinging onto Maddix. He takes a quick moment to smirk at Cortez before lifting Maddix up for the third...

 

 

 

...but Maddix floats over, landing behind Johnny and connecting with a Dropsault to the back of the head. Knocked loopy, Dangerous collapses throat first across the middle rope, giving Maddix the opportunity to tag out. And opportunity he passes up though, as he hits the opposite ropes with a long distance phonecall in mind.

 

"Here we go, Maddix is going to dial it up...

 

 

6 0 ...NO!"

 

The 605 doesn't connect, as Dangerous manages to pull himself off the middle rope just in time. Whipping around, Maddix lands on his feet and quickly targets Wildchild, charging and barging him off the apron and to the floor. As he turns around though, Maddix lumbers and gets caught with a boot to the gut from the recovered Dangerous. Johnny then wraps Maddix up, snapping him over with the third suplex to belatedly complete his three rolling verticals. But Johnny isn't done, as he pulls Landon up once more. Rather than attempt a fourth vertical, Johnny releases his front facelock on the Next Generation and instead hooks his arm under Maddix's head, hooking the tights and hurling him over with an Exploder suplex!

 

"It's a suplex fest from Dangerous...and it's a cover from Dangerous!"

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

..Suddenly, Cortez rushes the ring, stomping Dangerous in the back of the head. Herrington reprimands Cortez and orders him back to the corner. But before he can even get close, the furious Dangerous leaps to his feet and PLOUGHS through him with a stiff clothesline! Johnny then strides back over to Maddix, mounting the co-champion and taking out some more of his frustration with some straight right hands!

 

"Uh-oh, Johnny's lost it here."

 

"I don't think Dangerous appreciated being kicked in the head by Cortez. And the result is Maddix getting the snot beat out of him. Which is always a good thing."

 

Sensing his partner is losing his composure slightly, Wildchild calls out to Johnny asking to be tagged back in. Dangerous seems not to want to leave, dropping an elbow to Maddix's chest. But eventually, he repents, tagging Wildchild in and yelling at him to 'finish this punk off'. Wildchild isn't in any hurry though, waiting for Maddix to get up. Looking worn down, Maddix slowly begins to pull himself to his feet. Like a blur, Wildchild suddenly sprints past him, bouncing off the ropes in front and wiping The Next Generation out with a patented leg lariat. Maddix gets flipped over from the impact, dangerously close to landing on his head. Wildchild quickly rolls him over, attempting a pin...

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

...*wham!*, in comes Cortez with another boot to break the count prematurely. Wildchild keeps his head better than his partner had moments earlier though, letting Herrington do his job while he does his. Namely, pulling Maddix back up and whipping him hard into the turnbuckles. Almost bouncing out, Maddix's legs give way and he falls back into the corner. Allowing Wildchild to sprint towards him, with a leap and a 360 spin...avalanching Maddix with the Blue Crush!

 

"More textbook Wildchild agility there." enthuses Pete.

 

"Meh. Hardly anything to write home about Pete. Hell, if you didn't have a replacement hip and pacemaker keeping you alive, I'm sure you could spin in a circle too."

 

Winded, Maddix staggers out of the corner. Wildchild drops to one knee while slamming his elbow into Maddix's abdomen, doubling his opponent over and allowing him to reach up and snapmare Landon over. Quick as a flash, Wildchild then runs to the very edge of the ring and signals to the crowd for some support. A cheer goes up for the ever popular Carribean, in anticipation as much as support, as Wildchild suddenly tumbles off of his hands and flips himself across the mid-drift of the fallen Galactico!

 

"Handspring Moonsault!" Pete cheers. "How does that rank on the agility stakes then, King?"

 

".....you don't win points for style in wrestling, DrainClogger."

 

"Somebody sounds jealous."

 

"You're kidding me, right? Just give me my Ace Of Clubs and I could do TEN times the damage that Wildchild just did with that flippy crap. And I wouldn't risk popping my shoulder or hip out of joint in the process."

 

With Maddix now groaning in pain, Wildchild rushes the ropes and follows up his agility with a more simplistic running back senton. He then rolls over, keeping a close eye on Cortez while pinning down the winded Maddix...

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

T...

 

Kickout, although much weaker than before.

 

"LAND - DON!"

"LAND - DON!"

"LAND - DON!"

 

The vocal majority of the Bucharest crowd give their broken-English backing to Maddix, as Wildchild drags him up and brings Johnny back into the match.

 

"Look at Todd Cortez, literally pacing the apron...like a wild animal, waiting to pounce." observes Pete. "If Maddix can get over and make a tag, then Wild and Dangerous are going to be in trouble."

 

"But, that's easier said than done." points out King, as together, Johnny and Wildchild connect with a double gutbuster. "For starters, Maddix has to make sure this referee is actually watching the match and not trying to break up a fight in the eighteenth row."

 

As Wildchild vacates to the apron, Dangerous stands over the kneeling Next Generation and prods him with his foot a couple of times. The challenger is clearly revelling in having Maddix lie hurting at his feet. Maybe a little too much. Casually, Johnny eventually reaches down and pulls Maddix up by the hair, dragging him face to face and just JAMMING his knee into the midsection of Maddix. Another ruthless knee follows, Dangerous continuing to hold Maddix up by the hair as he fires in a third, pinpoint knee. Maddix coughs and splutters, dropping to one knee, as Dangerous glares down at him.

 

"C'mon Maddix!" screams Dangerous, paintbrushing him across the head in as demeaning a way as possible. "Is that all you've got!?!" Another paintbrush. "C'mon you sorry son of a bitch, HIT ME!"

 

 

*SLAP!*

 

Right on cue, Maddix reaches up and slaps the taste out of Johnny's mouth! Which proves a big mistake, as Johnny snaps once more, starting to rain down right hands on Maddix, throwing whatever gameplan he and Wildchild had right out of the window in the process!

 

"Look at Johnny go!" booms Pete. "What an offensive ERUPTION!"

 

"Those are closed fists Pete, which is illegal!" King whines in response. "At least Maddix had the courtesy open up his hand before hitting Dangerous!"

 

Johnny continues to fire away on Maddix, backing up with each shot. Not in one direction. But battering all over the entire ring! And Johnny won't relent, Maddix resembling a pinball as he's bounced from pillar to post, with only Red Herrington's intervention stopping Dangerous' onslaught. As Herrington pulls him away, Dangerous' rage just about subsides before he swipes out at the referee.

 

 

 

"YEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!"

 

As in the background, the crowd erupt.

 

"Cortez made the tag!" cries Pete, as The Urban Legend dives into the ring. Turning around, Herrington obviously didn't see the tag made...but seeing as Maddix fell right at the feet of his partner, Herrington uses common sense that was sorely missing during the six-man tag team match and calls the tag. "And Herrington's allowing it!"

 

Bursting out of the corner, Cortez takes advantage on the momentary confusion and wipes out Dangerous with a clothesline! Another clothesline! In comes Wildchild, sensing his partner's troubles...and gets thrown with a BIIIIIIG~! backbody drop!! Back up comes Dangerous, but Cortez is on a roll...and prompts rolls behind Dangerous, shocking him with a schoolboy roll-up...

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

Broken up by Wildchild.

 

"Well, we said that if Cortez got in, that all hell would break loose. And sure enough..."

 

Holding onto Cortez, Wildchild tries to calm him down with a series of right hands. Cortez lashes him with a kick across the gut though, another sending Wildchild stumbling back, giving Cortez room to charge. Wildchild ducks a clothesline though, wheeling around and charging in his own right. But Cortez promptly steps in, grabbing The Carribean Cruiser over his shoulder and SNAPPING him down with a Sitout Spinerbuster! Cover by Cortez...

 

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

Broken up by Dangerous.

 

"Cortez could so with some help here." points out Pete. "But I don't think his partner has any idea where he even is."

 

"Eh, Cortez is better off without that punk on his side anyway."

 

Now, Dangerous has Cortez and backs him into the corner. But before he can unload, Cortez grabs him by the scruff of the neck and spins him into the corner instead...

 

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

*SLAP!*

 

"WHOOOOOO!!"

 

...and offloads FIVE, word-wasting, match length increasing knifedge chops! Dangerous is in shock from the stinging effects and gasps for air in the corner. Meanwhile, Cortez strolls out of the corner. A quick jab stuns Wildchild, before Cortez charges back at Johnny and hurdles onto the middle ropes, falling back and Monkey Flipping Johnny...

 

 

 

...RIGHT INTO WILDCHILD!!

 

"YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!"

 

"Two birds taken out with one stone and Todd Cortez is giving us all he has right now! But can it be enough?"

 

As Johnny rolls off of his squashed partner, Cortez quickly ambushes him with a right hand, SIGNALLING FOR THE RIOT ACT PLUS and pulling him into a standing headscissors...

 

 

 

 

...just as Landon Maddix dives over, an Oklahoma Roll plucking Dangerous out of Cortez's grasp...

 

 

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

THR...

 

NOOOOOOO!!

 

Maddix gets back up, reayd to question the count. But as soon as he reaches his feet, he faces questions from Todd Cortez, who seems less than happy at Maddix ruining his plans. The champions are now standing face to face in the centre of the ring and arguing away. Despite Megan's pleas to stop. And her cries of "watch out!"

 

 

*SMACK!*

 

*SMACK!*

 

A dropkick from either side suddenly connects with the backs of Cortez and Maddix's head, causing them to crash forward and clock heads with each other as well! The crowd pop, at least the pro W&D section, as Martial Law lumbers around. Both turn around. Both getting a boot to the gut, both getting their arms chickenwinged behind their backs and turning in underneath their opponents.

 

"Oh no..."

 

"Oh yes!"

 

Dangerous pauses, waiting while Wildchild gets Maddix up...

 

 

*WHAM - WHAM!*

 

...BEFORE THEY BOTH DROP OUT, WITH STEREO WILD-RIDES~!

 

"NO!" is the scream from Megan as the Martial Law duo uncrumple, and are immediately covered...

 

 

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREEEEE!!!!

 

*DING DING DING!*

 

"YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!"

 

"THEY GOT HIM!" cries Pete in shock, as Wild and Dangerous leap to their feet in unison and embrace in the ring. "WILD AND DANGEROUS...FOUR TIME TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!"

 

"What the hell happened there?"

 

In come the belts, Johnny and Wildchild re-claiming 'their' gold and embracing once more.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, your winners of the match...AND NEW SWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... WILD... AND... DAAAANNGGEEEEERRROOOOOOUUUUUSSSSS!!!!"

 

"What the hell happened?" repeats King. "Maddix and Cortez had it all going their way one minute...and the next, they get beat. Completely out of nowhere!"

 

"A surprising win, at least in it's existance, for Wild and Dangerous. Four time Tag Team Champions, take nothing away from them. But I don't think we have heard the last of this Martial Law situation...however, we have heard the last of it for tonight, because the main event is up next and we're running out of time with this segment *wink wink*...so, here's some commercials."

Edited June 28, 2005 by King Cucaracha

[Secret Agent 0]

Well, at least you showed with something, even if it was a job match. Good job, yo.

[Mr. S£im Citrus 0]

Thank you for showing, Landon; I hope I did a good enough job of supplementing the angle you and Todd have going.

[Toxxic 0]

Here we go. Comments etc would be nice.

________________________________

 

“Fans, we’ve taken our final advert break and we are back in R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-ROMANIA!” Longdogger Pete yells, rolling his ‘r’s like he was auditioning for the English upperclasses. “We’ve seen a superb card on tonight’s show, and we have saved what might just be the best until last - a main event of truly history proportions!”

 

“For once, I agree with you,” Suicide Kings reluctantly agrees with the former XF9 leader. “Never before in the history of the SWF have we seen two three-time World Champions sharing a ring, let alone going one-on-one, and tonight a worldwide audience will see Toxxic putting Danny ‘He-Man’ Williams out to pasture with the rest of the roid-freaks. And did you realise Pete,” the Suicide King continues, “that we are just one day shy of the anniversary of when these men first met in singles competition, on Smarkdown very nearly a year ago?”

 

“No, I didn’t,” Longdogger Pete admits.

 

“Back then Danny was already three-time champion whereas Toxxic was yet to hold the belt,” King reminisces as the stadium PA begins to emit the familiar, bouncing bassline of ‘Jester’s Dance’ by In Flames, “and the Straight-Edge Sensation still won. A good omen, I’d say!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

Williams isn’t as popular here as he is in, say, Asia, but nonetheless the support for the Louisville Elbower is sizeable and all eyes turn to the entrance ramp beneath the massive Smarktron at one end of the stadium. Finally the heroic power chords hit and out strides the man himself, causing the cheers to grow even louder!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

Williams makes his way down the entrance ramp, slapping hands with Romanian fans as he goes but with his eyes focused on the ring. Meanwhile Funyon raises his microphone and begins to make this historic occasion official…

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is the FIRST EVER~ meeting between two three-time SWF World Champions!” the man in the tux bellows over the cheers for Danny. “Introducing first, from Louisville, Kentucky; standing at 5’11 and weighing in tonight at 265lbs, a man who captured the World Title for a total of 44 days during his reigns in the year 2004; this is DAN-NY… WIIIIIIILLLLLLLL-IIIAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSS!!”

 

The camera flashes go off all around as Williams approaches the ring and the man from Kentucky hops up to the apron and then, with an agility that belies his wall-like stature, grabs the top rope and vaults lightly over it into the ring!

 

“Danny Williams looks to have healed from the knocks he took in the match against Mak Francis over two weeks ago at 13th Hour,” Longdogger Pete points out, “and he’s in prime fighting condition for this match!”

 

“…meanwhile, Toxxic had a hard-fought encounter with Scott Pretzler only five days ago,” King complains, “which strikes me as something of an unfair advantage for Elbows here.”

 

“Making excuses already, Brian?”

 

As ‘Jester’s Dance’ fades away all eyes turn once more to the Smarktron and the entrance ramp beneath it, and there is not long to wait as almost immediately the huge screen whites out and the crashing opening chord of ‘Rookie’ by Boy Sets Fire rolls out over the Bucharest International Arena. The Smarktron quickly fades to black and jagged white letters flash up a familiar slogan:

 

‘PREPARE TO BE PROVED WRONG…’

 

The jagged guitar riff starts and clips from Toxxic’s career start to flash up, culminating in the Toxxic Shock Syndrome that takes Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table, the devastating landing timed to coincide with the ENORMOUS eruption of red pyro-

 

*BOOOM!!*

 

-that signals the arrival of the SWF’s premier straight-edger as the main riff starts! For a few moments all that can be seen is smoke and then Toxxic tears out at top speed, streaking down to the ring almost before the Romanian fans can begin to boo!

 

“…BOOOO-”

 

“AND HIS OPPONENT!” Funyon booms as the black-haired missile pops upright in front of him and flashes him a lopsided grin, “from Nottingham, England; he stands at 6’0 and weighs in tonight at 218lbs, the most dominant World Champion of 2004 and 2005 with a total of 201 days with the title; the ‘Straight-Edge Sensation’… TOXXXXXX-IIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!”

 

“Well, that sounds rather more impressive,” King smirks as Danny glares at Toxxic, who is still grinning.

 

“I don’t seem to recall you winning the World Title three times,” Pete points out acidly.

 

“At least I won it, you Miami musclehead.”

 

Toxxic positions himself in the centre of the ring as the first verse of ‘Rookie’ comes in, then throws his arms wide with the palms flat to send another blast of red erupting from each turnbuckle:

 

*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 that turns to shame

And all the ‘could-have-beens’ just rearrange…’

 

As his theme music fades out Toxxic strips off his personalised England shirt and throws it over the top rope in the general direction of the timekeeper, then signals to referee Brian Warner that he’s ready to start. Warner nods and looks over at Williams who returns a terse nod of his own as Funyon exits the ring, then the referee calls for the bell:

 

*DING-DING-DING!*

 

“YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

The Romanian crowd cheer simply at the thrill of being part of history, but quickly settle down again to see what is going to happen. Williams steps forward and raises one hand, inviting his slightly taller but far skinnier opponent in for a test of strength…

 

“He’s got to be kidding,” King says bluntly…

 

…and it looks like Toxxic agrees as the Straight-Edge Sensation simply laughs in Danny’s face, albeit from a safe distance! Williams shrugs as if to say ‘worth a try’ and the two men begin to circle, both looking for an opening.

 

“I’ll be intrigued to see how Williams and Toxxic play this,” Pete admits, “as Williams has the definite advantage in strength and stamina, but is also remarkably agile for a man of his bulk. Overall, I’d say Toxxic has his work cut out for him.”

 

“But Danny uses that Axe Bomber as a finisher now,” King argues, “and up until now he’s been facing people like Mak Francis and Spike Jenkins - Toxxic isn’t going to stay still to be swatted!”

 

As if to prove King’s point the Brit in the ring suddenly darts forward and leaves his feet to launch a basement dropkick at Danny’s right knee - however, the Louisville Elbower pulls his leg out of the way and then-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-uses it to kick the floundering straight-edger in the back! Danny wastes no time in bending down and grabbing his opponent, then hauls Toxxic to his feet and Irish-whips him into the corner. Unfortunately for Danny, Toxxic vaults nimbly to the top rope and then comes flying back with the clothesline known as the Role Reversal to lay Williams out on the mat. Toxxic then curls his legs up under his chin before kipping up explosively, to the displeasure of the Romanian crowd!

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

However, their jeers fade as behind the grinning straight-edger, Danny Williams performs exactly the same feat!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

 

“Oh, it’s going to take more than that to put Williams down!” Pete shouts while the American takes the opportunity to grin at Toxxic as the Straight-Edge Sensation turns around.

 

“How about a dart gun?” King mutters.

 

“Put that down, we’re not in South Africa now!”

 

Meanwhile in the ring, Danny holds Toxxic’s eyes… then flexes and displays his truly impressive musculature to the wiry Brit! Toxxic raises one eyebrow, then charges at the unwary Williams at top speed, ducking a Danny elbow smash and continuing on to hit the far ropes before rebounding. Williams has turned around already and drops to the mat, forcing Toxxic to hurdle him unless he wants to be tripped, but then the Louisville Elbower pops back up to his feet as the straight-edger bounces off the far cables and grabs Toxxic to hoist him up high into the air with a press slam!

 

“Uh-oh,” King says tensely, “this doesn’t look good…”

 

Danny presses Toxxic ONCE!

 

TWICE!!

 

THREE TIMES…

 

 

…AND THROWS HIM OFF!!!

 

*BANG!*

 

Toxxic lands chest-first on the mat but Williams is already bringing him up again, this time hooking him in a front facelock and draping Toxxic’s right arm over his shoulders before taking hold of the Brit’s trousers and hoisting him up in a vertical suplex! However, Danny lets the crowd count along…

 

“ONE!”

 

“TWO!”

 

“THREE!”

 

“FOUR!”

 

“FIVE!”

 

“SIX!”

 

“SEVEN!”

 

“Bored now,” King yawns.

 

“EIGHT!”

 

“NINE!”

 

“TEN!!”

 

“ELEVEN!!”

 

“TWELVE!!”

 

“THIRTEEN!!”

 

“FOURTEEN!!”

 

“FIFTEEN!!!”

 

…and having reached the apparently-magical fifteen-second mark, Danny drops backwards to bring Toxxic down onto his back!

 

“So why did they count in English?” Pete wonders.

 

“They know Danny is stupid, and wouldn’t understand Romanian,” King replies.

 

Stupid or not, Williams rolls on top of Toxxic for a cover the moment he lands and Brian Warner dives down to make the first count of the match…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TW-

-but Toxxic gets a shoulder off the canvas just before the two-count, signifying that Danny has a long way to go yet. This doesn’t seem to bother Williams, who grabs Toxxic and easily muscles the Brit up to his feet again before slipping behind him and applying a rear-waistlock… but Toxxic grapevines Danny’s right leg with his own, preventing the Louisville Elbower from putting his plan into action!

 

“Toxxic blocks the German suplex attempt,” Pete says, “but Williams is already targeting Toxxic’s back which was exposed as a weak point in the match against Scott Pretzler.”

 

“Damn coward, attacking an injured man,” King snorts.

 

“Actually, several of Danny’s more notable moves like the German suplex and the Powerbomb target the back,” Pete counters, “so this would be a viable strategy anyway… and I do believe you can shut your hole.”

 

Danny wrenches again but Toxxic’s legs are wrapped tightly and the straight-edger is going nowhere. However, Toxxic is still trapped in the grip of those immensely powerful arms which is not a good place to be, and he starts his escape attempt.

 

*CRACK!*

 

Toxxic snaps his head backwards and thumps it into Danny’s face with an inverted headbutt. The unexpected attack loosens Williams’ grip and Toxxic manages to slip out, then turns around and attacks with a more conventional headbutt-

 

*CRUNCH!*

 

-that hits full-force in the face… but as Danny staggers back, eyes watering but arms raising to guard against further attacks, Toxxic takes an unsteady step back of his own before falling to the mat!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

Williams blinks, but Toxxic definitely appears to have been KO’d by his own attack. Cautious of a trick the American approaches, peering down to make sure…

 

…and Toxxic kips up in a flash, then before Danny can react he leaves his feet again to whip an enzuigiri around into the back of his opponent’s head!

 

*KER-RRACK!*

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

“Hah!” King shouts as Williams topples groggily forwards, “brilliant! Toxxic knew he couldn’t win a striking competition with Danny when his guard was up, so he suckered him in and relied on his speed to get round it!”

 

Toxxic follows up immediately, but does so rather uncharacteristically by grabbing Danny’s legs. The former Unholy Trinity leader shakes off the cobwebs and rolls over onto his back before kicking out to send the lighter man stumbling backwards, but as Danny rises back to his feet Toxxic comes charging in and-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-slams a basement dropkick into Williams’ right knee! Danny staggers and falls to one knee, then powers up again only for Toxxic to launch another attack-

 

*CRACK!*

 

-and then, as Williams manfully stands once more, a third!

 

*CRACK!*

 

Danny is down to one knee again and clearly in pain but he still fights hard to regain his vertical base, well aware that he can’t allow the nimble straight-edger to outmanoeuvre him. For his part Toxxic hits the ropes and rebounds, but instead of going low this time as Danny tries to keep his wounded leg behind him Toxxic vaults off Williams’ front leg and then twists in the air to snare his opponent with a shining headscissors that pulls Danny forwards and down, draping him throat-first across the second rope! With his opponent momentarily immobile Toxxic scrambles back to his feet and grabs the top rope, then slingshots outside to bring a guillotine legdrop down on the back of Danny’s head, causing him to snap back off the cable! However, Toxxic lands tailbone-first on the apron for his trouble and the jolt to his spine causes the straight-edger to collapse to all fours when he reaches the stadium floor.

 

“We can see the damage done to Toxxic’s back, both his previous encounters with Spike Jenkins and Scott Pretzler and from Danny Williams tonight,” Longdogger Pete states, “but I don’t ever recall seeing Toxxic work over a leg before. King, can you explain the Straight-Edge Sensation’s unusual strategy?”

 

“The only thing I can think of is that he’s trying to limit Danny’s mobility,” Suicide King replies thoughtfully. “Once Danny can’t move you’ve eliminated the threat of the Axe Bomber, plus you’ve damaged his vertical base for the power moves and the balance needed for truly effective striking.”

 

Whatever Toxxic reasoning, the Brit is clambering back up to the apron although his progress is not quite as sprightly as usual as he pauses to rub his back. Meanwhile Danny is clutching his traumatised airway but is also starting to rise to his feet, and Toxxic times his moment before leaping to the top rope and springboarding off, flying across the ring to bury both feet into Danny’s jaw with a missile dropkick! Danny lands on his back, Toxxic on his front, and the moment he’s caught his breath the straight-edger dives on top of his opponent to make the cover…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…but Danny powers out almost straightaway, actually pressing Toxxic off and sending him flying a couple of feet!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

“DAN-E!”

 

Danny knows he doesn’t want to be left on his back while Toxxic can still drop things on him so the Louisville Elbower begins to get up as quickly as he can. However, fast as he is Toxxic is up first and the Brit rushes Danny before he’s set, performing another baseball slide through his opponent’s legs but this time latching onto the weakened right one as he passes, then trying to perform a reverse single-leg pick and topple Williams forwards! Danny wobbles for a moment but Toxxic has reckoned without the 265lbers unnatural agility, and Danny whips back his left foot to fire a mule kick into Toxxic’s jaw!

 

*CRACK!*

 

This time it is Toxxic who lands on his back and Danny on his front, but after Williams has taken a second to grab his knee after it landed with jarring force on the canvas the Louisville Elbower starts to make his way to his feet again. Meanwhile Toxxic’s bell has been well and truly rung, and the Straight-Edge Sensation is too dazed to resist as Danny grabs him and hauls him upright, then delivers a scoop slam to place the Brit in the centre of the ring. Williams follows up by dropping one of his signature elbows into Toxxic’s chest, then turning the straight-edger over and applying a standing surfboard stretch with the foot of his stronger left leg braced between Toxxic’s shoulderblades!

 

“More work on the back here from Danny,” Pete points out, “and it certainly seems like he’s softening Toxxic up for something like the powerbomb. King, I take your point about Danny’s vertical base for lifting,” the Longdogger tells his commentary partner, “but I can’t help thinking that Danny Williams would pretty much be able to lift a cruiserweight no matter how weak his own legs were!”

 

Brian Warner bends down to check on Toxxic, but the Straight-Edge Sensation is in no mood to quit and he shakes his head vigorously despite the pain in his spine. Williams grits his teeth and pulls back further, trying to avoid losing his grip as both men’s sweat threatens to abruptly break the hold, but Danny is able to tighten his grasp sufficiently and Toxxic remains locked in trouble.

 

“Come on Toxx, whaddya say?” Warner asks.

 

“NO!”

 

“You wanna give?”

 

“Bugger off!”

 

“Ah, that’s true fighting spirit for you,” King sighs as the Brit makes his position clear, “and that’s the reason Toxxic should be World Champion.”

 

“That same fighting spirit that caused him to tap to the Cobra Crossface?” Pete needles.

 

Danny is still tugging on his surfboard but evidently decides that he’s going nowhere fast; Toxxic is being stubborn, and he has faster ways of winning this match. Accordingly, Williams releases his hold on the Brit’s wrists (causing Toxxic to flop forward unceremoniously and hit his head on the mat) before bending down and starting to wrap his arms around his opponent’s waist again. Toxxic tries to fight it but his mobility is severely limited and Williams secures the rear waistlock before starting to haul upwards…

 

“Wheelbarrow German!” Pete shouts…

 

…but Danny’s right knee evidently gives him an unexpected twinge and the deadlift is brought to a premature halt with Toxxic dragged to his feet but not yet arcing backwards. Danny takes a deep breath and sets himself again for the devastating suplex but this has given Toxxic the second he needs to recognise his danger and he slams the sole of his boot backwards into Williams’ knee, jarring it still further, then stamps on the toes of Danny’s other foot as well! Just as with the headbutt, the sharp pain shocks Danny into loosening his grasp and Toxxic slithers free, then turns and fires yet another basement dropkick into Williams’ wounded knee!

 

*CRACK!*

 

Danny cries out in pain but still manages to remain more-or-less upright. This is a state of affairs that Toxxic is intent on altering however, as he steps in and hits a

 

RIGHT!

 

 

LEFT!

 

 

…but Danny just fires off an elbow into Toxxic’s chest to break up the punch combination and stagger the straight-edger back a step, then spins on the spot to deliver a MASSIVE Rolling Elbow!

 

*KERR-ACK!*

 

“YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

Danny staggers on the follow-through as his knee buckles slightly, but the blow still connected and floored its target to prevent Toxxic from making any sort of comeback. Shaking his head slightly at the foolishness of the straight-edger’s attempt to out-strike him, Danny Williams cautiously lowers himself to the mat to make a cover, careful not to jar his knee any further…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TH-

-but Toxxic kicks out before Warner finds three! Danny doesn’t waste time arguing with the referee, instead pushing himself back up to a vertical base and then grabbing Toxxic to haul the straight-edger up after him. It takes a couple of seconds for Williams to find a way of doing it that doesn’t put too much pressure on his knee, but even after that time the Brit still seems woozy from the Rolling Elbow and it’s easy for Danny to brace himself, scoop Toxxic up and slam him down again on his back.

 

“It looks like Danny Williams is in complete control of this match right now,” Longdogger Pete asserts as Danny rolls Toxxic over onto his front with his foot before dropping an elbow into the straight-edger’s spine, “and we know that he rarely if ever makes mistakes - Toxxic’s going to have to make his own opportunity to get back in this, if he’s going to!”

 

“Never underestimate the power of the Dark Side,” King scoffs, waving his red lightsaber and making ‘vhhhmmm’ noises.

 

Danny Williams seems to be bored with dropping elbows from a mere five foot or so above the mat, and instead his attention turns towards the nearest turnbuckle. Toxxic is still on his front with one hand reaching futilely towards his back and Williams backs into the corner, takes the top rope in both hands and boosts himself to the second buckle before slapping his elbow pad once and jumping off (slightly unevenly due to only having one good leg, but still able to cover the reasonably short distance) to drive his right arm into the Brit’s spine again!

 

“DAN-E!” *clap-clap-clap*

 

“DAN-E!” *clap-clap-clap*

 

The Romanian fans are solidly behind the former Unholy Trinity leader, and their cheers only grow as Williams grabs the prone straight-edger and starts to bring him up with him. Toxxic struggles but Danny has him held firmly, and this time there is no break in the flow as Danny plants his feet and brings his opponent UP…

 

…AND…

 

…OVER!

 

*BANG!!*

 

“German Suplex!” Pete shouts as Warner scurries around to count…

 

ON-

 

“…but he can’t hold the bridge!” the play-by-play man says in disappointment a moment later as Danny’s knee gives out before the referee can even properly get into position. Williams lets rip with an audible curse, but instead of wasting any more time he immediately scrambles to drape an arm over Toxxic’s heaving chest…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

The fans are unimpressed, but Brian Warner is adamant that Toxxic kicked out before the count of three! This time Danny Williams’ glance at the referee is a trifle more questioning but the Louisville Elbower quickly accepts that he’s going to have to do a little more to secure the win. Accordingly, Danny grabs Toxxic by the head and starts to push himself up again, dragging the dazed straight-edger with him. This time however, Danny places Toxxic in a standing headscissors and makes a pulling motion with his arms, signalling for the dreaded powerbomb!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”

 

“Williams is going for the powerbomb, the move that has won him so many matches!” Pete calls as Danny reaches down to wrap his arms around Toxxic’s waist. “He’s tended to favour the Axe Bomber over this recently, but you gotta know that it’ll do the bid’ness!”

 

Danny braces his legs and heaves, bringing Toxxic’s 218lbs up… but his right knee gives another twinge, and although Toxxic ends up in the ready position Danny takes a staggering step sideways. Toxxic seems to realise his predicament and in the half-second before Williams can sweep him back down to the mat and almost-certain defeat he begins desperately hammering first rights and then lefts down into Danny’s unprotected face. The barrage of blows seems to disorientate even the hardened Williams, and a second later Toxxic swings his left leg off Danny’s shoulder as his opponent’s grip weakens, then as he starts to drop the straight-edger snares Williams in a front facelock and brings him down-

 

*BANG!*

 

-crashing into the mat with a DDT!

 

“That’s exactly the same counter as Toxxic used against Scott Pretzler on Lockdown,” Suicide King points out. “You’d think that an opponent would have that scouted and avoid using the powerbomb, but I guess when you have as few actual moves as Elbows here…”

 

“Danny uses a lot of elbow variations,” Pete argues, but King won’t be told.

 

“Pete, hitting someone isn’t a move, it’s generic brawling,” the Gambling Man declares.

 

“I don’t know how you got out of Japan alive…” LDP mutters, shaking his head.

 

“DAN-E!” *clap-clap-clap*

 

“DAN-E!” *clap-clap-clap*

 

The Romanian fans are chanting for their favourite but Williams is temporarily stunned from being dropped on his head and doesn’t respond. Meanwhile the fall to the mat has clearly hurt Toxxic’s back some more, but the Straight-Edge Sensation has managed to catch himself a breather. However, despite the pain Toxxic knows that he can’t afford to give Williams a chance to shake off the stunning blow to the skull and he starts to roll over and push himself up, then grabs Williams by the head and begins to haul his heavier opponent up as well. Toxxic’s back isn’t really up to hoisting 265lbs off the canvas but Danny’s instinctive reaction is to try and get back to his feet and he does part of the job himself, albeit unsteadily and probably only half-realising that it’s Toxxic helping him… however, when the straight-edger grabs his opponent’s wrist and goes for an Irish whip Williams braces himself and resists. Toxxic takes offence to that mind you, and slams his boot into Danny’s knee to weaken his resolve before hauling again. This time Williams does move, but he manages to reverse the momentum and sends Toxxic into the cables instead (although Danny stumbles slightly as he swings the lighter man around) and then ducks his head for a back bodydrop as Toxxic rebounds…

 

*CRUNCH-WHAM!*

 

…but gets caught with the Sobering Thought as Toxxic kills his speed and nails the bent-double Williams with a facecrusher on the knee and then a DDT in quick succession! The Straight-Edge Sensation appears to be considering a pin attempt, but then shakes his head and struggles back to his feet before heading to the turnbuckles. The fluid movement of old isn’t present anymore as Toxxic has to step through the ropes and clamber up the outside of the ring post instead of vaulting lightly to the top buckle, but once there he sees that Williams is still on his back with a slightly glazed expression, and the Brit leaps off to drop a fist square between the eyes of the man from Kentucky!

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

Williams clutches his head but Toxxic is already up and moving again, heading back towards the turnbuckle. Again the straight-edger has to take the long way up, grabbing the ropes to lever himself to the top buckle, but once more his aim is dead-on as he flies through the air and comes crashing down with another fistdrop!

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

Toxxic seems if anything a little faster this time, perhaps getting into his rhythm or adrenaline and determination starting to override the pain; whatever the reason, the Straight-Edge Sensation is able to get to the top rope on more time and complete his fistdrop trio with customary accuracy before instantly covering Williams and hooking the leg to make it as difficult as possible for Danny to kick out…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…but Williams still does, and Warner holds up two fingers! Instead of arguing, Toxxic simply rolls sideways down to Williams’ legs where he grabs his opponent’s legs and begins to lock them together. Danny seems to cotton on that something is up but this time his kicks are weaker and the Brit manages to retain his grip, then forces Williams’ left foot into the crook of his right knee and starts to turn the American over…

 

“That’s… that looks like JJ Johnson’s Frostbite!” Pete says in surprise as Toxxic manages to heave Danny onto his front and drops to one knee, putting pressure on his opponent’s weakened right knee. “It’s a bit sloppy, and he’s lacking the heel hook that Johnson incorporates-”

 

“He’s not a mat wrestler, what do you expect?” King snaps as Williams yells out in pain and reaches for the ropes. “A picture-perfect crucifix kneebar, perhaps? Toxxic has adapted his normal strategy to wrong-foot and immobilise Danny Williams, and he’s borrowing a move from his former stablemate to do so - if it does the job it doesn’t matter what it looks like!”

 

It certainly seems that Toxxic has applied the hold looking to cause further damage to his opponent’s knee, but as Williams yells again the possibility seems to dawn on the Brit that this could perhaps actually win him the match…

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

Toxxic grits his teeth and tries to put as much pressure as possible into the hold, but Danny Williams has now fixed his sights on the nearest set of ropes and begun to claw his way across the mat.

 

“This is where Danny might be at a disadvantage, as his 5’11 frame means he’s always going to be a long way from the ropes,” Pete notes. “On the other hand, Williams’ upper body strength could just be enough to simply haul him to safety!”

 

Danny scrabbles at the canvas, trying to find every ounce of friction he can as he hauls himself manfully towards safety. Toxxic is trying to dig his heels in and resist the motion but Williams is just too strong; the bulging arms carry enough muscle to pull both him and his opponent across the floor, and now Danny is just two feet from the ropes.

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

One foot, and closing.

 

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

Eight inches…

 

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

Six inches…

 

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

Eight inches!

 

“Toxxic pulling him back!” King shouts joyfully. “He’s got him!”

 

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

Williams grits his teeth and digs deeper, pulling for all he’s worth…

 

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

Six inch- no, four inches!

 

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

 

“He’s made it!” Pete shouts as Brian Warner steps in and orders Toxxic to break the hold. The Straight-Edge Sensation lets rip with an audible swearword but obliges, then grabs Williams by the head and starts to bring him up. Before the pained Williams can resist Toxxic applies an armwringer, then heads for the nearby turnbuckle. Danny, barely able to stand, can’t take evasive action as Toxxic leaps nimbly off and lands astride his shoulders facing forwards, then immediately snaps backwards with a reverse hurricanrana that spikes Williams on his head!

 

*BANG!*

 

Toxxic’s back won’t allow him to follow up with a Mexican Bridge pin, so instead the Brit simply scrambles on top of Danny and hooks the far leg…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

“He’s out!” Pete cries as the Bucharest International Stadium rises to its feet in delight. “Danny Williams kicked out!”

 

“Not for much longer,” King replies tersely as Toxxic doesn’t waste any time arguing with the referee, instead starting to haul his opponent back upright as fast as possible, “Toxxic’s going for something else to put the big oaf down for good!”

 

Again, Williams can barely put weight on his right leg but Toxxic manages to coax the groggy Louisville Elbower to his feet, then grabs a ¾ headlock and sets off for the turnbuckle with Danny in tow. The straight-edger runs straight up the buckles and then flips backwards over Williams head, looking for the Intoxxication… but Danny throws out his left hand and grabs the top rope, causing Toxxic to lose his grip and land on his front behind him while Williams manages to retain his feet!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

The breath has been knocked from Toxxic by his landing but he struggles up and attempts to regain his advantage with a wild right hand heading for Danny’s temple. However, Williams raises one massively-muscled arm to block the punch, then slams his right forearm into Toxxic’s chest to further wind the straight-edger before winding up and connecting with a-

 

*BAM!*

 

-Bionic Elbow to the top of the skull! Toxxic slumps backwards in a daze and Williams grabs the top rope again to steady himself.

 

“Danny Williams has broken Toxxic’s momentum, but what can he do to capitalise?” Longdogger Pete asks. “I don’t think he dare risk the Powerbomb again, and with his right leg out of commission the Axe Bomber is out of the question!”

 

“Toxxic’s taken Danny’s weapons from him,” Suicide King argues, “it’s just a matter of time now!”

 

Not all Williams’ weapons are gone, however. The partially-dazed Danny simply flexes his right arm, then steps forward and drop the elbow square into Toxxic’s breastbone. The impact causes the straight-edger to spasm on the mat as his battered midsection takes another pounding, but Williams wearily pushes himself back up again, then drops the elbow one more time.

 

“Danny is going for a simple and reliable approach now,” Pete says, “as long as he can stand up again he can keep dropping those elbows!”

 

Once more Danny Williams rises to his feet, and once more he brings an elbow crashing back down onto his opponent. Toxxic is wheezing for breath, but as Danny slowly regains a vertical base again he seems to think that something else is necessary. The Louisville Elbower cautiously and somewhat clumsily steps out to the apron, then peels off his elbow pad and begins to painfully climb the outside turnbuckles towards the top rope!

 

“He’s insane!” King shouts. “You’re not meant to fly, you overgrown musclehead!”

 

“On the contrary King, a top rope elbow with 265lbs behind it could do enough damage to put Toxxic away here!” Longdogger Pete argues.

 

Danny’s dodgy knee is clearly agony to climb with, and the Louisville Elbower has taken several seconds to reach the top rope. He swings the right leg over the top so he is straddling the top buckle, then goes to bring the other one over as well… but Toxxic is moving. As Danny watches, the straight-edger rolls over and begins to push himself to his feet, then staggers upright and sees Williams in a precarious position.

 

“Yes! He took too long!” King orgasms.

 

A pained but distinctive lopsided grin spreads over Toxxic’s face and he runs forward, then springboards off the second rope. The pain in his back has made him rather clumsy, but Toxxic still manages to get enough height behind it to wrap both legs around Danny’s neck, then fall backwards for a super hurricanrana… but Danny holds onto the top rope, and they go nowhere!

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

Toxxic knows that he’s in trouble now, and with one massive effort manages to sit back up ready to fall back and try to get Danny off-balance again. However Williams has now grabbed Toxxic’s legs and has plans of his own…

 

“Super Powerbomb!”

 

But Toxxic knows that this is not an option. He desperately starts hammering away with rights and lefts again, and just as before Danny can’t continue under the barrage. This time Toxxic doesn’t counter into a DDT, quite probably because the fall from that height would incapacitate him as well. Instead he relaxes the grip of his legs and backflips off Danny’s shoulders to land on his feet, wincing as he does so, then straightens up and fires a dropkick into Danny’s exposed right knee!

 

“LET’S GO DAN-E!”

 

Williams cries out in pain and reaches down to grab the injured joint… and now Toxxic has him. He grabs the Louisville Elbower in a front facelock and begins to haul, straining backwards with all his might. Danny’s bulk is heavy and for a moment it seems that Toxxic’s bad back won’t allow him to do it, but then Williams slumps forwards, strung out by his left foot caught on the top rope. Toxxic can only hold him for a moment… but it’s not the holding that’s going to do the damage.

 

*BANG!!*

 

It’s the implant DDT that’s going to do the damage.

 

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

 

Quickly, Toxxic pulls Williams’ legs away from the ropes and hooks them, putting as much weight as possible onto Danny’s shoulders…

 

ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

 

*ding-ding-ding!*

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner,” Funyon booms as the opening chord of ‘Rookie’ rings out, “the ‘Straight-Edge Sensation’… TOXXXXXXXXX-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!”

 

Brian Warner raises Toxxic’s hand, but the straight-edger doesn’t seem all that interested. Instead he looks down at Danny Williams, who is already starting to stir despite the final, stunning blow to the head that pinned him. When he seems certain that his opponent knows where he is, Toxxic leans down… and extends his hand.

 

“What?” King asks, horrified. “You’ve already won the match! There’s no need for this!”

 

“What do you mean?” Pete shoots back, “I’m just happy to see Toxxic showing respect for once!”

 

“That’s exactly what I mean! There’s no need for that!”

 

Wearily, Danny Williams locks eyes with his opponent. This is the second time they have stepped into the ring together, and the second time that Toxxic has come out on top. There’s only one response he can make.

 

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

“Folks, what a show!” Pete shouts as the two three-time World Champions clasp hands briefly before Toxxic turns and limps towards the back. “It’s been great to see you here in Romania, join us next time on SWF STOOOOORRRRRRRMMMMMMMM!”

 

 

 

 

FADE OUT

© SWF 2005

[King Cucaracha 0]

Thank you for showing, Landon; I hope I did a good enough job of supplementing the angle you and Todd have going.

 

Yep, certainly did.

 

 

Comments for Toxxic...at least your match didn't stretch the screen into an unreadable length. I'll try and take a better look tommorrow for you, if you get nothing else.