****
A rogue PCW camera crew is on site to pick up the scene of scattered humanity about ninety seconds too late. The four battered men charged with keeping the arena's loading zone secure bear the unmistakable uniforms of PCW security guards. Two of them lay face down and motionless. The biggest of the quad is on all fours gasping for air while the last man is curled into the fetal position clutching his ribs. A knack for being in the right place at almost the right time, Shane Dodge bursts onto the scene. Checking the name tag of the rib-clutcher, Shane kneels down to address the man.
Shane: Chuck, what happened? Who did this?Chuck, still writhing in pain, struggles to speak between gasps.
Chuck: It was...*gasp*...a man...*gasp*...in a robe...
Shane: So a man - one man - in a robe broke into the loading dock and assaulted the four of you?Chuck: He didn't...*gasp*...break in. He was...*gasp*...let in.A puzzled look crosses Dodge's face as the camera switches to the inside of the security hub, where “Big” Dave Brandt towers over a security technician and a wall of monitors.
“Big” Dave: Bring that back one more time.The tech rewinds the footage once again to catch a lone individual casually and efficiently lays waste to four of Brandt's guards. The assailant's robe more resembles a patchwork of filthy cottons. After he dispatches the final guard, the questionable character peers down to admire his handiwork. As he strolls out of view, his shrouded eyes taunt the security camera from beneath the hood. Brandt's brow furrows with concern.
****
‘Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to a very SPECIAL presentation of PCW’s Living a Legacy.’
Pure Class Entertainment Group presents
Living a Legacy VI
From the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Sunday, July 6th 2014
The crowd bursts into cheers as Shane Dodge begins the ringside attendant duties of the evening.
“Before we OFFICIALLY start the event, I would like to inform you that videotaping and recording this show is strictly prohibited. Also, laser lights are not allowed in the arena. If anyone is caught with one, they'll be escorted out of the building by security and will not receive any type of refund. And last but certainly not least, the antics displayed in and out of this ring are extremely dangerous and are performed by trained professionals. You should not try this at home.”
The camera pans over the arena as we get a look at the fans gathered in attendance here tonight. The crowd is HOT here at the Beach ... MYRTLE Beach, to be exact. The very stomping grounds and the BIRTHPLACE of Pure Class Wrestling. It seems only fitting that PCW is back on home turf for tonight’s festivities. The cameras are fighting over the most rabid of fans, several signs and banners waiving in front. ‘
Downfall’ by
TRUSTcompany blasts over the speakers as one of the cameras manage to catch a nice shot of the band sitting on the front row, enjoying the night so far with several drinks spread out between them.
Signs! We have fan signs! Here are a few of -my- favorites:
‘It’s back! TIIT -- Mouse”;
“I came from Hangtown and what is this?”;
‘Whitey Ford is my dad!’ followed by several fans with signs that say
‘Me too!’.
Shane Dodge waits for even the slightest break in the cheers before continuing on his with duties.
“Tonight, we honor members of the PCW family recently lost. We know that each of them are looking down, watching from the best seats in the house.”
The lights raise the rest of the way up, revealing the full roster of Pure Class Wrestling including owner Luis Malave dressed tastefully in a black suit. The announcers at ringside along with all the staff members are attired similarly. Roster members old and new, some no longer active such as Pegasus and The New Breed Foundation. Some long gone, such as Sean Hunter and Blade Lionheart. All here to honor the fallen PCW family members.
“Will you please join me in a ten bell salute as we celebrate the lives of Tyrone Little ... 'Crazy’ Bob Targaryen ... Roberto Garcia ... Melina Cruz ... and Nolan Burke.”
The crowd is hushed as the bell sounds out ten times.
After the tenth bell rings, the crowd lets out a massive cheer in appreciation and remembrance for the lives lost. All of the talent are clapping and applauding ... a few of them overcome with emotion and mourning. But alas, the show must go on and everyone realizes it. Just the chance to say goodbye with Pure Class was enough for many people here tonight.
“It is NOW TIME TO BEGIN LIVING A LEGACY!”****
Match One
Singles Match
Underground Rules
Cory 'The Bear' Steel vs. Gem
Referee: Charles Lim
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall and is an Underground Rules match!"
The crowd cheers as the lights in the arena dim.
"Witchcraft" by
Amira Yamaoka plays and Gem slowly makes her way through the entrance. Gem remains stoic. She doesn't acknowledge anyone as she walks down to the ring, as cool as an assassin.
“Introducing first.... GEM!”
The arena turns red and black with the crowd growing into cheers, the bells of the song ring, and
"Heaven Knows" by
The Pretty Reckless plays.“And her opponent, from New York, New York: CORY ‘THE BEAR’ STEEL!”
Cory Steel emerges from the back a calm and focused look on his face. Cory pauses looking over his shoulder when Othello Craven walks out. The two men continue down the ramp when from through the crowd three masked men crawl over the barricades, they fall in line behind Cory. As Cory walks down the ramp he smirks and he looks left then right seeing the crowd clapping to the rhythm of the song and the growing chants of his name. He rolls under the bottom rope quickly getting to his feet and goes straight to his corner. Taking a hair tie from his pocket he pulls his hair back and then remains still. The rest of his bodyguards take a watchful stand in Cory's corner.
The bell rings, announcing the official start of the match.
Jerry Andrews: Here we go!
Ace Anderson: This won’t be for the weak at heart Jerry. This is the Underground!That statement holds true as the match begins with the two competitors charging directly at one another. Steel gets the better of that first collision and he clotheslines Gem down to the mat hard. Steel then starts to stomp away at Gem, attempting to soften her up.
Jerry Andrews: It looks like Cory Steel is trying to stomp the life out of his opponent here tonight.Steel now pulls Gem up and he Irish whips her into the corner. She hits the turnbuckle hard. Steel charges at her, but Gem ducks out of the way and Steel crashes into the corner. Gem now quickly takes advantage and she unleashes a series of kicks to Steel’s spine. Steel turns around and he’s hit with another strong roundhouse kick to the stomach that doubles him over.
Ace Anderson: Gem working Cory Steel over with strong kicks now.Gem grabs Cory Steel and she Irish whips him across the ropes. Gem misses with a clothesline and Steel rebounds off the ropes. He goes for a clothesline of his own but Gem ducks it. Gem then hits Steel with a missile drop kick to the head! Gem then drops an elbow onto Steel! Shee then pulls Steel up and Irish whips him into the corner once more. Gem charges at Steel and she hits him with a clothesline in the corner! Gem then throws Steel over the ropes and out of the ring!
Jerry Andrews: Gem taking this one to the outside!
Ace Anderson: Oh baby! Here we go!
Gem follows Cory Steel out of the ring. She pulls “The Bear” up to his feet and he rams Steel head right into the ringpost.
Jerry Andrews: Oh man!Steel collapses down to the floor. Gem pulls him back up and it’s obvious that Cory Steel is bleeding from his forehead.
Ace Anderson: Cory Steel is already busted open! Welcome to the Underground everyone!As Gem grabs Steel, Cory suddenly kicks back, hitting Gem with a mule kick to the midsection. He then quickly turns around and DDTs her down onto the floor!
Jerry Andrews: Oh! That could have broken Gem’s neck!Cory Steel takes a moment to compose himself and then he pulls Gem back to her feet. He throws her hard into the ringside barrier. Cory Steel now takes a few steps backwards and he runs towards Gem with a spear! Gem gets out of the way at the last second and Cory Steel hits the barrier head-first!
Ace Anderson: Cory Steel could have been knocked unconscious right there. Gem stands up and shakes the cobwebs out of her head. She then walks towards Cory Steel and pulls him up. She then throws Steel back into the ring. Gem returns to the ring as well. Gem then climbs to the top ropes! She leaps off of the ropes with a picture-perfect flying elbow!
Jerry Andrews: WOW! What a move by Gem!
Ace Anderson: But the high risk didn’t pay off! Cory Steel rolled out of the way!Cory Steel staggers to his feet. Gem rolls over to the ropes and she uses the ropes to pull herself back up.
Suddenly Steel hits Gem with a chop block, taking her knee out and sending her back down to the mat. Steel stands up once more. He grabs Gem’s leg and drops an elbow right on Gem’s knee! From there Steel pulls Gem over to the ropes. He sets Gem’s leg up on the ropes and then drops an elbow on Gem’s knee once more! Steel then does the same thing again! Gem lays on the mat, holding her knee, in obvious pain.
Jerry Andrews: Steel really working on the knee here!
Ace Anderson: Hey, if you can’t walk, it’s hard to win the match.Cory Steel pulls Gem up and he hits her with a belly-to-back power slam. Steel then goes for a cover!
Gem kicks out! Steel pulls Gem up to her feet. Gem suddenly elbows Steel in the face! She then follows up with a spin kick, but Steel grabs her leg and drives the point of his elbow into her knee. He then sweeps her other leg while still holding the injured one. Once again, Cory Steel drops an elbow onto Gem’s knee.
Jerry Andrews: Cory Steel really working on that knee.
Ace Anderson: It’s an unexpected strategy from him, but a smart one. A lot of Gem’s offense involves strong martial arts kicks, and those are hard to do with an injured let.
Steel then stands up. He pulls Gem up and once again grabs her injured leg. Suddenly, Gem leaps up and hits Steel in the head with an enziguri from her uninjured leg! Gem then stands up and he drops an elbow on Steel! She pulls Steel up to his feet and Irish whips him off of the ropes. Steel comes off of the ropes and Gem drop kicks Steel in midair! Gem holds her knee now and hobbling around, trying to get some feeling back into it.
Ace Anderson: Gem in control, but that knee is still bothering her.
Gem shakes the pain in her knee off and he hobbles over towards Steel who is just standing up. Gem grabs him and DDTs him down to the mat! Gem then goes for the cover.
1……
2……
Kickout by Steel!
Jerry Andrews: That was close!
Ace Anderson: These two competitors pulling out all the stops tonight! They’re both using moves that we rarely see from them in an attempt to win this contest.Gem stands up once again. She waits for Steel to get to his feet. As Steel does, Gem hits him with a hurricanrana! Gem rolls through and he grabs Steel’s legs for the pin!
1…….
2……
Ace Anderson: Kickout by Steel AGAIN!Steel is still out on the mat. Gem drops an elbow on him again. She then climbs to the top rope!
Jerry Andrews: Oh my! This could end it!
Gem leaps off of the ropes with a 450 splash! It connects!
Jerry Andrews: What. A. Move. I didn't expect that!
Ace Anderson: Yeah, but the force knocked the wind out of Gem as well, and she’s not able to cover Steel! Both competitors are out on their backs!Gem slowly figures out what's happening and she starts to crawl over to Steel. Finally she drapes her arm across his chest.
1......
2.....
Jerry Andrews: And a KICKOUT!
Ace Anderson: Gem couldn't capitalize on her big move and this match is still going!Gem slowly stands up again. She takes a moment to test the strength in her knee, which gives Cory Steel the opportunity to get to his knees as well. While Cory Steel is on one knee, Gem leaps up and hits him with a shining wizard to the back of the head!
Jerry Andrews: THE SHINE!Gem now pulls Cory Steel to his feet and she sets him up. He powers out of it and shoves Gem backwards. Gem’s leg gives out on her and she falls to the mat. Gem rolls underneath the bottom ropes now. She then uses the ropes to pull herself back up just as Cory Steel is setting himself up.
Cory Steel charges at Gem and he hits her with a spear through the ropes! Both competitors fly through the air and Gem collides with the announce table back-first!
Jerry Andrews: And... wow... what!?
Ace Anderson: They’re right on top of us now folks!
Cory Steel is directly on top of Gem as she lays on the floor with her head up against the announce table. Steel then starts to unload on Gem with right and left hands to the face!
Jerry Andrews: Oh my god!
Ace Anderson: There’s nothing anyone can do! This is no disqualification! Finally Cory Steel stands up and he pulls Gem up. Gem is now bleeding from the face as well. He Irish whips her towards the steel steps, but Gem manages to reverse it and Cory Steel hits the steps instead! Gem collapses to the floor.
Jerry Andrews: Both competitors are down and this is chaos out here!
Gem slowly stands up and she rolls into the ring. She falls to the mat once again, her injured leg unable to hold her up for long. Cory Steel slowly pulls himself up as well and he returns to the ring. He walks over and pulls Gem up. Suddenly, Gem spins him around. She then sets him up and quickly hits “What Dreams May Come!”
Ace Anderson: Woah! Out of basically nowhere!
Jerry Andrews: Gem has just planted Cory Steel and this could be it!1....
2....
...
3!!!!
Ace Anderson: Gem does it! What a match!Winner: Gem
Gem celebrates her victory with the fans, subdued as ever but a slightly less stoic look on her face that normal. As she begins to make her way to the back, the lights dim and a spotlight shines at the top of the ramp. Standing on the stage, basking in the spotlight ... she turns back to the ring and surveys the situation and the sweet, sweet victory and the title of the first Queen of the Underground. The lights come up upon her exit and ...
"Heaven Knows" by
The Pretty Reckless plays as Cory Steel, having finally gotten his bearings, exits the ring flanked by his cronies and Othello Craven to head towards the back after a brutal, hard-fought match. The crowd is on their feet in admiration of the fight they just witnessed as the cameras follow Cory into the back hoping to get a word ... but instead of Kassandra Black, there is only Alexa Black and a GARGANTUAN bodyguard. This must be Fraizer Knight. She speaks casually with him, but definitely loud enough that Cory can hear as he walks past
"Would you look at this guy? He looks like he belongs in a trailer park with the other hillbilly trash. He thinks he's hardcore? Puh-lease. Come see me when you've done death matches in Japan with C-4 exploding barbed wire boards or matches where everything is covered in razor wire. NOW THAT'S HARDCORE! This guy is a joke.”Cory hearing this turns and grabs Alexa by the throat and snarls.
“What the fuck did you say?!"As soon as his hand reaches Alexa, the mountain of a man slams his fist into Cory's face, sending him reeling backwards and onto the floor.
Ace: Uh-oh. This is going to get ugly.Cory’s masked thugs start attacking with punches and kicks, raining multiple blows down. The big man goes down to one knee but with a roar shakes them off and they go flying. Alexa jumps into the fray and grabs the nearest thug, kicking him in the gut followed by a hard right hand. As the thug gets up, she charges and connects with a running knee to the temple knocking him down again. She lifts him up in a front face lock and lifting him into position.
Jerry Andrews: What is she doing?The answer comes seconds later as she drives his head down and nails a Cradle DDT on the concrete!
Ace: Sweet Jesus! That's the end of that guy! What a nasty DDT!
Andrews: What sickening impact!
Meanwhile, Othello Craven is standing guard over Cory making sure he isn't harmed as the chaos continues. Alexa searches the immediate vicinity before finding what she’s looking for: a steel chair. She comes back and slams it into the gut of the second thug then across his back and finally across the back of his head sending him to the floor, She smiles evilly before placing it.over his head and around his neck.
Ace: This isn't going to end well...
Jerry: Oh no! She irish whips him into the nearest WALL ... the chair around his neck clanging off it as he drops to the floor gasping and sputtering, holding his neck.
Ace: Another one bites the dust!
Jerry: Alexa Black is definitely one to watch out for. This leaves Steel and Craven ... Alexa and Fraizer Knight There is a tense stand off with neither side moving ... just staring holes through each other then ...
BOOM!
Fists fly and it’s on again!
Knight whips Craven into the ropes and catches him swinging him into the air and down to the mat with The Twister his swinging sidewalk slam finisher.
Alexa meanwhile is getting beat down by Corey as he hammers her with his heavy fists. Knight drags Craven to the corner and climbs to the middle rope before crashing down with The Implosion banzai drop crushing him.
Craven's body goes limp and doesn't move. Fraizer gets up and charges across the ring to help Alexa who is still being stomped by Cory. He clubs Cory in the back and the clotheslines him in the back of the head hard. He falls and both of them stomp him down. Then Alexa holds up her hand and Fraizer stops.
She picks Cory up in a show of amazing strength and puts him in an inverted torture rack
Ace: Jesus Christ! Just how strong is she? Steel weighs 285 lbs I can't believe she lifted him!
Jerry Andrews: She was a gold medalist power lifter Ace. She has the power and, as we have seen tonight, she is to be feared. PCW should be afraid.She throws him off her shoulders dropping him down on his head and neck, spiking him with an inverted death valley driver.
Security rush the fracas FINALLY. Thank god no one stopped that before it got out of hand, right? Bodies laying everywhere, Alexa and Fraizer laugh heartily as they are escorted out of the building we go back to the announce desk.
Ace: Well that escalated quickly.
Jerry Andrews: It really got out of hand fast!The PCW Faithful are murmuring amongst themselves when a simple phrase appears on the video feed for the live audience here and across the globe.
Ace: Nex Addo?
Jerry: I'm not sure what that means, but I'm sure we'll find out. Eventually.
The Latin phrase slowly fades to black and once again all is well with the PCW Faithful.
Ace: Just ... wow, Jerry. A VERY heated start for the evening courtesy of the Underground! I think we can expect some big things in the coming weeks. Besides that, who is the guy in the video that says he’s RUNNING the Underground? Do we have any info on that?
Jerry: Your guess is as good as mine, Ace. But for now, we move on to what is arguably the most important part of the show tonight.
Ace: Oh big time, the Icemann Invitational is an incredible test and this year the pot is sweeter because the winner doesn’t just get their title shot, they are also named North American Champion TONIGHT!
Jerry: That’s true, Ace. The title was vacated a few weeks back by Non Compos Mentis, making it an extra incentive to do well here. We’ve seen the field slowly get whittled down over the weeks and we’re left with four men. Four who have the chance to secure immortality. You know all about that Ace, being our first ever PCW Grand Slam Champion, tell me, what does the North American Championship mean to you?
Ace: Well Jerry, the title means a lot. It’s a great statement to the PCW roster as it tells them you’re one to watch.
Jerry: Mixed emotions for you this year Ace, last year you yourself were the winner of the tournament by beating Kelli Starr in the finals. How does it feel watching this unfold without being able to take part?
Ace: It’s tough, but we’ve got a great crop of guys and girls here and I know they will be truly living their legacy tonight Jerry ... and I can watch my legacy live through them.
****
Match Two
TIIT Semi-Finals
Justin 'Stormm' Michaels vs. Murdoc
Referee: Austin Shaw
The arena lights dim down to a gentle glow and the sound of pouring rain fills the arena to the brim as an orange fog begins to cover the entrance way. Hardly containing themselves already, the fans start to rise to their feet as a sudden bright flash of orange lights flood the crowd before a deafening crash of thunder rattles the foundation and leaves the arena in darkness. The pre-chorus rift to
"Crash" by
Decyfer Down instigates a small riot amongst those in attendance as orange flashes, like lightning, illuminate the way for the Force of Nature, and Justin Michaels appears through the curtain and onto the stage.
"CRASH! YOU'RE GOING DOWN! WITHOUT A SOUND!"
Justin plays to the cheers of the fans from atop the ramp, and marches back and forth while interacting with those in attendance. He nods his head and points towards the fans recognizing all the support they provide before turning his attention back to the ring, and starts to make his way towards the squared circle.
"THEN I'LL PASS YOU UP, BEFORE I EXPLODE! BREAKING IN TWO! I'LL SEE IT THROUGH!"Having made it to ringside, Stormm patrols around to the opposite side of the ring and gives a salute to the fans on this most important of evenings. Justin hops up onto the apron and climbs through the ropes before motioning to the crowd once more.
"YOU WON'T KEEP ME DOWN WHEN I CRASH THROUGH YOU!"Justin immediately scales the nearest turnbuckle to raise his hands into the air for all to see. The flash bulbs surge throughout the arena as the orange lights brighten back to the venue's usual lighting. Justin repeats his actions and poses on the turnbuckle in the opposite corner before hopping down from the corner as his music fades out, but the overwhelming applause does not as he stands the ready for his match.
Jerry: There’s a man that looks ready for anything. He’s fought hard to get here and just beat Nathan Saniti in the last round on Trauma to get this spot tonight.
Ace: We all know how hard it is to beat Saniti, he’s always full of tricks and is a wily son of a gun in that ring but Michaels has got a big set of balls man, he’s a fighter, no doubt.
The crowd’s noise lapses into a wave of hushed murmurs as
Audiomachine’s “Xerxes” kicks in over the PCW loudspeakers. The steady thump of the bass fills the arena like a heartbeat. And it's on one of these thumps that the lights go out, plunging the crowd into total darkness with a complete blackout as the music continues it’s relentless march. A blackout that can only mean ONE thing...
BOOM!!
...the final pulse of bass explodes and the lights flash back on to find Murdoc standing in the ring! Turning to his immediate left, he goes to one of the far corners to remove his entrance robe and begins stretching out in anticipation for the start of the match ... keeping an eagle eye on his opponent.
Jerry: The referee for this match is Austin Shaw and I wouldn’t want to be him today. Two tenacious competitors both determined to be the better man tonight and head to the finals.
Ace: Looks like we’re underway and I can’t wait to see what they’ve got!Michaels starts the match with a flying forearm to Murdoc, laying a flurry of hard and fast punches to the chest and upper arms of his opponent as he forces Murdoc back to the ropes. Murdoc tries to put his arms up to block the shots but Michaels lands a final punch square in the jaw of Murdoc as he bounces him off of the rope into an Irish Whip, waiting for the bounce back to grab him but being surprised by a sudden High Impact Clothesline from Murdoc, flipping Michaels completely over and down to the mat with sudden and unexpected force!
Ace: Oooooh he’s gonna feel that in the morning!
Jerry: It came from nothing and yet may mean everything as we start the match off with a thundering shot from Murdoc!Murdoc flips his long hair from his face, clearly happy with the mess of a man on the mat with only seconds of the match gone past so far. He slowly walks to the downed man and grabs his arm, ‘helping’ him to his feet. Michaels stands, groggy and out of sorts as Murdoc leads him toward the turnbuckle, climbing up to the second rope with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Jerry: Well we know what this means…
Ace: He’s going for the SNAKE EYES!As Murdoc goes to jump down for the move, Justin quickly counters the attack by pulling the arm of his opponent and flipping him with an Arm Drag Takedown, throwing the demonic Murdoc to the canvas. Murdoc tries to get to his feet quickly but stumbles and falls back to the ropes behind him, leaving Michaels to beckon him closer with a smile on his face.
Ace: Again, a move out of nowhere there.
Jerry: A nice takedown and a clever reversal. Showing that these two men both deserve to be here!Michaels rushes forward with a clothesline of his own but Murdoc ducks underneath him and runs to bounce off the opposite rope and deliver his own once again but Michaels follows suit, pulling the rope down as he ducks, sending Murdoc tumbling over the top rope.
Michaels quickly runs up the ropes and flips himself down onto Murdoc, sending them both down to the outside floor, panting as they both catch their breath.
Jerry: Interesting arsenal here tonight, Michaels seemingly putting it all on the line with these swift high-risk maneuvers on the powerhouse that is Murdoc.
Ace: Well when you’re fighting Murdoc, you have to try and use that speed advantage. He’s a big dude and strong as hell so Michaels has to try and use that against him, beat him with quick well-timed hits before Murdoc gets a chance to smack him down.Both men get slowly to their feet as the referee begins the count from the ring.
1…..
2…..
The count is broken as Murdoc slowly slides under the bottom rope into the ring. Justin gets into the ring just moments later and both men are once again facing each other, waiting for the other to make a move.
It’s Michaels again who rushes forward towards Murdoc who stands strong and welcomes the rush as Stormm attempts a dropkick, jumping high and aiming true but Murdoc uses the ropes behind him to bounce backwards, moving just far enough out of the way to avoid the kick and simply watching Justin fall to the mat.
Jerry: That’s how a veteran works, knowing exactly where you are and how to use your environment, such good ring presence.
Ace: I bet Michaels regrets that move now…
Justin quickly gets to his feet and looks pissed, he stomps towards Murdoc and before he could be stopped, begins laying in another set of harsh and swift punches to the chest and upper arms of Murdoc. He wraps his arms around the waist of Murdoc and delivers a picture perfect belly to belly suplex, slamming him to the ground as he goes for the quick cover….
1…..
2…..
Ace: We’ve got ourselves a wi…
... KICKOUT!
Jerry: No! He kicked out, Murdoc is still in it! Murdoc still has a chance!
Ace: This match is so important, they cannot afford to make a single mistake here. Each kick out is another lifeline in the tournament.
Jerry: That’s true, fight out of the pin and you’ve still got a chance to face LoKi or Rick Majors in the final and go on to glory.Michaels stomps back towards Murdoc now and knees him in the stomach, winding the big man and causing him to double over. Michaels grabbing Murdoc’s arms, lifting them up and hitting his Double Arm Underhook Suplex, quickly covering him again.
1…..
2….
KICKOUT!
Murdoc kicks out hard, throwing Michaels back a little as he gets to his feet and grabs him by the throat. Justin tries to get out of his grasp, flailing desperately, hitting out at Murdoc who places his other hand on Justin’s back and lifts him up, hitting a Choke Toss, with Justin landing in a heap on the canvas.
Ace: No freaking way! I can’t see Michaels getting up from that now!
Jerry: Speed is one thing but Murdoc is a powerful guy and sometimes strength wins over everything.Murdoc cracks his neck from side to side as he towers over the downed Michaels before slowly walking backwards until he rested against the turnbuckle, flicking his long hair back as he gets in position for the punt kick, running up to kick Michaels in the head but Michaels grabs his leg and rolls him into a small package. The ref drops to the floor.
1….
2….
KICKOUT!
Jerry: ANOTHER pin from Michaels, Murdoc may have the power but Justin Michaels is the man who has had 3 opportunities for a pinfall here..
Ace: He’ll be kicking himself for each of the failed attempts Jerry, you don’t get many chances to put away a man like Murdoc, especially not when it’s at such an important event.
Both men get to their feet and circle each other in the ring. The crowd are going wild for the match and quickly, Michaels tries to take the speedy route once more, bouncing off the rope to fly at Murdoc with what looks like a Spear but Murdoc sees it develop and with one swift move, smacks Michaels right in the jaw with the TEMPORARY OBLIVION, connecting hard and Michaels drops down to the floor, laid out motionless and knocked out.
Ace: Oh my god, really? I did NOT see it ending this way tonight….
Jerry: He may be out but he’s still in the match for now…The crowd go crazy as the referee heads over and checks the signs of life from Michaels, lifting his arm and letting it drop once….then a second time…..then - -
Murdoc stalks over to the fallen opponent and falls on top of him for a pinfall attempt.
1!
2!
...
3!!
Winner: Murdoc
Ace: Wow, just wow … Temporary Oblivion from NOWHERE; where the heck does he pull that move from?
Jerry: An impressive showing from both men here but it’s Murdoc who takes the win with a moment I’ll remember forever. That move hit perfectly and I’ll be surprised if Michaels even remembers the match after that knockout.
Ace: So it’s Murdoc who goes into the finals later tonight to face either LoKi or Rick Majors and after that fight, I don’t know how he’s gonna be able to fight so soon!
Jerry: Stamina is always a concern when it comes to these events but he has the advantage with the winner of the second semi final having even less time to prepare.
Medics rush to the ring with a stretcher, neck brace and other equipment, piling into the ring to check the status of Stormm.
Ace: Looks like the medics are coming to see to him, he’s gonna need more than a medic!
Jerry: Phew, I’ll say.
Ace: Well while they clear out the ring, let’s talk about the next match, another semi final match-up between Rick “The Impact” Majors and LoKi.
Jerry: Ah yes, now these two are in my opinion very lucky to be where they are. Majors was beaten to a bloody pulp just weeks ago yet managed to somehow win the last chance battle royal and get this far. LoKi just last Trauma had to put away the blonde bombshell Stacy Jones who is no pushover.
Ace: That’s right, she’s smoking hot and a damn good competitor but LoKi won the match by being the better wrestler on the night.
Jerry: Indeed he was but there was sportsmanship at the end when he raised her hand in respect.
Ace: Nice to see and a rarity but tonight it’s not Jones he has to worry about. Majors has fought through blood, sweat and tears to get here…literally. It looks like Stormm has been carted off for further medical evaluation and Murdoc has gone to ... whereEVER he’s going. Let’s get our next semi-finals match underway Jerry!
Match Three
TIIT Semi-Finals
LoKi vs. Rick Majors
Referee: Marcos Cruz
"This is Gonna Hurt" begins to play as the arena goes dark and smoke begins to fill the stage. Multi-colored lasers strobe in time with the beat, revealing a silhouette in the smoke. As the music picks up an explosion rocks the stage, clearing the smoke and revealing Loki. Loki strides confidently down the ramp as the audience cheers, half way down the ramp he breaks into a sprint and slides under the bottom rope.
Once in the ring, Loki springs to his feet and runs at the back rope. Bouncing off the rope, Loki comes back to the front, with his arms raised, crossed at the wrist. Pyros launch in sequence from the turnbuckles as Loki holds the pose. As the music dies down, Loki retreats to the corner and waits for his opponent.
Jerry: LoKi may have been the favourite in this contest if it weren’t for his opponent being Majors tonight.
Ace: Yeah, he looks pumped up tonight but Majors is on a serious roll right now and will be a tough dude to put away.
Jerry: We’ve seen him beat the best before and he has the opportunity to do so again tonight.The lights go out. Suddenly the sound of guitars pierce through the silence. A spotlight shines on the entrance. The crowd starts to murmur. As the guitars get louder, Rick Majors appears in the entrance way, the spotlight directly on him and no one else. Majors pauses in the entrance way for a moment.
Majors looks down briefly. He then shakes his head, breathes deeply and stares out at the crowd.
["You drink the wise blood
You're gonna hear about it
You'll be taken down brick by brick by brick
Burn the orphanage
You're gonna pay for it
They will purify block by block by block"]Majors stands at the top of the ramp, looking out around the arena.
["'Demons
Come on
You've got a vision
You're on a mission
Demons
Live on
And when I die, hang me high"]
Majors then slowly walks down to the ring, as the spotlight follows him.
Majors climbs the ring steps and pauses. He turns towards the crowd, standing on the ring apron.
["They're gonna bury you
They're gonna finish
They're gonna stand em up six by six by six
You pull the hood back
I wanna know
Which way will the heavenly go?
Taken down, taken down, taken down"]He enters the ring, still only lit by the spotlight. He then stands in the center of the ring, looking out towards the crowd. He slowly starts to circle the ring, stretching and loosening up his body.
["Demons
Live on
And when I die, hang me high
And you will answer to no one else but me"]
The lights in the arena then come back on and Majors is nose to nose with LoKi, both men showing no fear as the bell rings and they exchange a quick succession of punches each before Rick Majors delivers a quick kick to the side of LoKi’s left leg, causing him to stumble a moment, Rick grabbing the arm of his opponent and delivering an arm wrench to be followed up with a big hook kick with LoKi falling onto his back on the mat.
Jerry: Not taking long for this one to get aggressive. Seems both men came to fight and they do have similar styles in the ring Ace.
Ace: Yeah they do, with both of them using a lot of punches and kicks in their matches, we could have seen this brawl emerging but I can see LoKi looking to be a bit more technical if he gets the chance.LoKi sweeps his legs out under Majors, tripping him up as he gets himself up as Majors falls to the ground. He quickly grabs the arm of Majors and locks it into an Armbar, really putting strain on the stronger right arm of the martial artist.
Jerry: Clever move from LoKi here, trying to take out the weapons Majors has, if he can’t use his strong arm for those devastating punches, it can rule out a bunch of the man’s moves.
Ace: True but it could also force Majors to dig down deep and find something new, like he did in the battle royal.Rick flailed around the mat trying to get out of the armbar before mustering up the strength to roll to his right, using his elbow to prop himself up as he forces LoKi to let go.
With both men now on their feet, Majors shakes off the arm and looks to go right back to the offensive, running forward to deliver a devastating clothesline, knocking LoKi down to the ground with authority but then he grabs his arm and shakes it off, clearly in a bit of pain.
Jerry: You can see the impact LoKi’s armbar has had, Majors is clearly favouring that arm, it’s causing him trouble Ace.
Ace: When you’re in a match like this, you fight through it and worry about the pain later but if Majors wins this, he has to fight Murdoc in the finals, can he afford to ignore the pain now when he could need to conserve his energy?
LoKi gets to his feet and the two men lock up with LoKi trying to force the pressure onto Major’s right arm before out of nowhere lifting Rick up from the waist and hitting a sit-out power bomb from nowhere!
Ace: Woooo, that was insane!
Jerry: He is so resourceful Ace, he can pull moves from nowhere and he’s showing his skill tonight.Majors hits the canvas but rolls over and gets to his feet, trying to shake it off quickly but clearly a bit dazed from the sudden move. LoKi attempts to run at him but Majors moves out of the way, sending LoKi into the turnbuckle. Majors runs at him and delivers a dropkick to the back of his head, causing LoKi to fall backwards onto the mat as Rick climbs the turnbuckle quickly before diving off to deliver a missile dropkick to LoKi who was getting to his feet but now was back down on the mat.
Majors is pumped up and he stands there, waiting for LoKi to get to his feet which he does, as Majors rushes forward for another attempted clothesline, LoKi surprises him with a vicious Kenka Kick to the face, dazzling Rick Majors as he capitalises with a swift Alpha Breaker, turning Majors over and slamming him hard down on his knees before dropping the lifeless Majors to the canvas.
Ace: Wow, he’s fighting with his eye on the prize Jerry, LoKi wants Murdoc and he wants that NA Title.
Jerry: This match is getting intense and I don’t see that changing.LoKi sees his chance here and drops down to the mat, wrapping his arms around the neck of Majors and locking in the Valkyrie’s Wings! The crossface applied, he pulls back putting pressure on Rick’s jaw and his weak neck. The submission move is clearly locked in well and Majors gasps in pain as he tries to fight it but has little scope to break the hold with most of his body being blocked by LoKi.
Jerry: I think we may have our winner here…
Ace: Not many can get out of the Valkyrie’s Wings Jerry, it’s a fact.Rick begins to crawl slowly, inch by inch getting closer and closer towards the rope, whining in pain as he did so with LoKi pulling harder, tighter. Slowly…slowly and eventually with an outstretched hand, Majors gets his hand on the ropes and the referee forces LoKi to break the hold and to back off. LoKi raising his hands in agreement, heading back and giving Majors the space the referee demanded, letting Majors slowly get to his feet.
Ace: Lucky escape for Majors there.
Jerry: Oh yes. This match is so close, I couldn’t tell you who’s winning at all.
Ace: Those are the best matches!With both men circling each other, the match continues with a lockup once more. This time, it’s broken when LoKi pushes Majors, shoving him backwards against the ropes but Majors turns this to his own advantage when he rushes forward to hit as running clothesline but just as he runs, referee Marcos Cruz turns round and gets in the way! Majors arm slams hard into the referee, Cruz hitting the deck with force as Majors looks shocked and doesn’t know what to do. He turns to protest innocence but realises there is nobody to protest TO. The crowd are wild with a mix of rage and cheers.
Jerry: The referee is down and Majors does not know what to do here!
Ace: We need another official and stat!In Rick’s panic, LoKi takes advantage, rushing up and grabbing him to hit the BROKEN CONVICTIONS onto Rick Majors, going to cover him quickly while he is down and out but forgetting there is no referee. He waits and waits to see if another official but gives up, going over to try and stir Cruz from his impromptu sleep. Rick Majors coughs up a little as he props himself up on the ropes.
LoKi paces up and down the ring as he thinks about what to do. Majors is down, Cruz is down and his chances of becoming the NA Champion are slipping away. He gets bored of this and heads towards Rick, pulling him up to his feet and going to irish whip him before Rick retaliates with a flurry of punches to the chest of LoKi, not all of them hitting target due to tiredness but he still lands one square in the heart, shocking LoKi and making him trip backwards. LoKi scowls with annoyance and shoves Rick into a turnbuckle.
Rick runs back towards LoKi and hits him with a spear, winding LoKi and dropping him to the canvas. Rick falls on top of him and both men lay there panting with fatigue. Sudden eruptions of cheers are heard from the audience as PCW referee Austin Shaw rushes down the ramp into the ring, seeing Rick on top of LoKi, he starts to count…
1….
2….
But LoKi pushes Majors off of him at the last moment and both men struggle to their feet, Rick turning to rest up against the ropes for some respite but LoKi takes advantage of Rick’s back being turned and wraps his arms around his waist, slamming him with a big German duplex holding him there for the pin.
Burke hits the floor and starts a count…
1…..
but another clap of the canvas is heard as Cruz hits for a 1 count, counting the pin also.
Ace: Both referees are counting?
Jerry: Both men’s shoulders are down! They’re both being counted!
2….
3……!!!!
Sudden uproar as LoKi gets to his feet and cheers, holding his arm up for the referee, Burke but Cruz rushes Burke and shakes his head, the both of them shouting at each other and pointing at different men, both declaring a different man the victor.
Ace: Well I didn’t see this coming!
Jerry: Heh, really? It brings me back to last year’s tournament with your … victory.
Ace: What do you mean by that?
Jerry: Oh, nothing!
Ace: What is going to happen? Rick Majors shoulders were clearly down for the 3 count!
Jerry: But so were LoKi’s Ace, they were both counted to 3!The confusion gets more erratic and loud until
“Stars and Stripes Forever” by
The United States Army Field Band blasts through the arena and the head honcho himself, Mr President arrives on the scene with a microphone. He motions the production team to cut his music.
“Well well well, two tournaments in a row … two questionable endings …” said the President to the crowd.
“Well, we need a winner tonight. Cruz, get control of your match and get these men ready; we’re restarting this contest and we’re doing it now. Ring the bell!” he says before leaving the ramp and heading backstage.
Ace: Whoa. Shocker! These men are toast! How are they gonna perform?
Jerry: Looks like they won’t have a choice!The bell is rung and Burke leaves the ring, leaving the original referee, Cruz in charge of the contest.
The match restarts but both men are resting in turnbuckles, exhausted. They slowly move toward one another and take turned trying to mount an offense with punches, kicks and headbutts until LoKi begins to get the upper hand, kicking Majors in the stomach and prepping him for the Alpha Breaker but as he goes to do so, the lights go out causing the crowd to scream with unsure curiosity.
When the lights come back on, Murdoc is standing on the apron!!
Jerry: What is Murdoc doing here???
Ace: Looks like Murdoc wasn’t happy with the decision made by our president?LoKi makes eye contact with Murdoc and starts shouting at him but Murdoc just laughs. Majors rushes up to knock him down from the apron while the referee is holding back LoKi. Murdoc pushes Majors back and LoKi breaks free. With a rage, LoKi runs forward to try and launch over the ropes at Murdoc but as he launches up at him, Murdoc suddenly throws a bright orange fireball right in LoKi’s eyes, blinding him a moment and LoKi falls down onto the canvas, holding his eyes, rubbing them hard as he tries to see.
Jerry: Whoa…Murdoc with the Fireball!
Ace: We’ve seen it so many times!The bell rings loudly and the referee has a word with the announcer as the crowd grows restless. The announcer shakes his head and announces the result to the audience.
Winner: LoKi by Disqualification
Jerry: I’m not sure I agree with that decision at all…
Ace: It’s the right choice Jerry, it’s clear to me that LoKi had Majors pinned with the German Suplex, his shoulders were down. So even with Murdoc pissing about with interference, the true winner got the victory.
Jerry: LoKi’s shoulders were down for the count there as well and I think Majors had the 3 count…but it’s not my call, the officials called for a restart and that’s only fair but Murdoc may just have cost Majors his livelihood tonight and for that, I’m really upset for the guy.
Jerry doesn’t need to be upset for the guy. Majors is PLENTY hot as it is. The full gravity of this situation rearing its’ ugly head, Majors is possessed and instantly flies towards Murdoc in a rage. Murdoc drops off the apron to avoid Majors’ retaliatory attack, he begins to back up the ramp where security is there to meet him and get between him and the livid Rick Majors. Referees and medical technicians rush the ring to check on Loki as we go to ...
... nowhere, just yet.
Ace: Deja vu?Jerry: Do you speak Latin, Ace?Ace: Pig Latin.Jerry: I've got a bad feeling about this...The letters slowly dissipate as Living a Legacy VI returns to its regularly scheduled program.
****
