AUGUST 4TH, 2021 IIW Arena - Manchester, England A few hours before the show, the fades in and shows the currently empty arena. The production crews are going through the usual checks, sound, video, pyro, at a central workstation set up between two sections of seating. The lead producer of First Class, Karla Schultz, gives instructions to her intern as they bring up the First Class logo onto the giant tron at the entrance area for the wrestlers. ****** Between her nervous, frantic twitches, and nasally crone voice, its clear that despite only being in her early 40s, the womans very high-strung and micromanaging. Karla Schultz: No, no, no! You wait three seconds, exactly THREE SECONDS before starting the fade in of the logo. And it should be a smooth transition over the course of two-point-seven-five seconds! As the woman berates her intern, a giant shadow looms over her. At first, Karla has no notice of it. Then the intern turns and gasps, forcing the woman to turn around and freeze in shock at the giant, hulking figure of Viktoria Volkova. A fierce, boiling rage of a look is on her features as she looks at the First Class logo then back at Karla. Viktoria Volkova: You are responsible for that logo? Karlas eyes flicker to the logo and then back to the muscle bound Russian. A heavy swallow occurs before she nervously nods. Before she can even react, an oven mitt of a hand wraps around her neck and shes whirled off the ground and slammed hard against the concrete wall behind her. As the pain sears through her body, she feels the fingers tighten, squeezing her throat closed as she gasps to get breaths. Viktoria Volkova: You think that is funny?! Leaving me off the logo?! I should be front and center! A thought comes across Viktorias mind and she clenches even tighter, practically beginning to strangle the woman as the intern runs off shouting for help. Viktoria Volkova: The American *in Russian* [whore] put you up to this didnt she?! Karlas eyes bulge as she weakly grasps at the iron grip of the Russian, her eyes beginning to roll into the back of her head until Marissa Santos de Ferreira: Release her. The chilling calm of the Latinas voice enters both womens ears and immediately Viktoria does as commanded. Karla falls hard to the ground, bent over, coughing and desperately gasping for breaths. IIW medical staff rush up, attempting to provide aid, including an oxygen tank as Jolie Vexx storms up in her own peak rage. Jolie Vexx: Are you mentally deficient or has whatever alleged drug use in your past just seared all your brain cells? What did I say?! YOU ARE NOT TO TOUCH IIW STAFF!!! Viktoria snarls and raises her fist to punch the Boss Lady of First Class until her own boss slides in front of her, crossing her arms and staring at Jolie with a challenging expression. Marissa Santos de Ferreira: And just what will you do exactly Miss Vexx? Cancel Viktorias match? Send her home? I assure you that would be most unwise for the welfare of your other competitors Marissas eyes narrow as she exudes her dominant aura at Miss Vexx. Marissa Santos de Ferreira: ...and your own. Jolie goes to retort but Marissas hand sharply cuts her off. Marissa Santos de Ferreira: Dont speak, itd be wasted breath. Im sure even you can understand this. In just that one brief appearance? Viktoria generated an incredible amount of interest in your promotion. You know as well as I, that many more are going to be here in attendance and tune in to see what Viktoria does tonight. Id say youd look rather poorly to your bosses if not only was your newest star declined an appearance, but somehow, tragic accidents occurred to the others and there was no show tonight. Jolie clenches her fist as she is absolutely livid, but considering what Viktoria did to the security staff at the previous show and the rumored threat of danger that Marissa is, she can only remain silent. With a triumphant smirk, Marissa motions for Viktoria to turn around and walk away. An angry grunt comes from the Russian but she does as silently commanded. Albeit with angry stomps. Leaning in, Marissa gets within a whispered breaths distance of Jolies ear. Marissa Santos de Ferreira: Youre smart, but youre out of your league. Backing away, she gives a final smirk and turns, strutting off, and leaving a shaking-with-pure-hate Jolie attempting to keep herself from lunging at the woman. As shes left scrambling on how to
handle this rapidly unraveling situation, a fair-skinned hand from off-screen
clutches her shoulder... Pyro shoots off all over the arena as the
First Class logo flashes on the IIW Tron. Chants of We want Vexx
echo through the building along with cheers for many of the ladies. The commentators
make their way to the table
. Nyssa: Welcome Ladies and Gentleman
to another edition of IIWs premiere event, First Class!! Victoria rolls to a stop, barely
moving. The bigger woman picks her up like a rag doll and begins to slam her
to the mat with german suplex after German suplex. The crowd boos as Victoria is
thrown all over the ring. Nyssa: Holy baby Jesus!! Its
the 900 days!! Running out of the corner the
smaller Brit mounts the top rope and executes a perfect top rope splash! Nyssa: Shes not down yet
folks. That was a Tyneside Tsunami! Victoria, desperate now, goes
for a pin near the top side of the ring
1!! 2!! De La Renta places the Russians
leg on the ropes and the ref stops the count pointing to the leg. Victoria buries
her face in her hands. What does she have to do?? Standing up she goes to bounce
off the ropes as De La Renta grabs her ankle, tripping her mid move. The Mexican backs up raising
her hands as the ref gestures her way. Looking around, feigning innocence out
of the corner of the camera, a woman dressed all in black rises from the front
row locking eyes with the Mexican. Her eyes go wide as the mysterious figure
steps over the barrier and walks slowly toward her. Shaking her head she high
tails it around the corner of the ring. She covers the spent Brit as
the ref counts 1!! 2!! WINNER:
VIKTORIA VOLKOVA!!!! Reaching out for the pale woman
Viktoria stops dead in her tracks as Beautiful Dangerous echoes throughout
the building. Nyssa: Vexx to the rescue!! This
cluster fuck has to have something to do with the destruction earlier tonight. Vexx: All right Ive had
enough you two!! First its my security, then my production crew!! Now
youve destroyed my ring!! Thats the last goddamn straw!! Viktoria
Im fining you 100 thousand dollars and if you ever assault anyone affiliated
with my brand I will tear up your contract and put you and your ugly ass Pablo
Escobar wanna be manager out on your asses and in handcuffs back to Mexico!! The Mexican shrieks, making a
run at the GM. The pale woman sticks out an arm blocking her from moving any
further. Viktoria is held back by half of the police force of the city, teeth
clenched. Vexx: I thought you might recognize
my new friend. A mutual federal Agent friend of ours gave me her number. A Moussad
agent you captured and tortured so many years ago. Removing her tongue and leaving
her for dead wasnt enough to put her down. I know you remember Porcelain!!! We return from commercial break
as the next match up is about to begin. Entertain You by Within
Temptation plays over the loud speakers as the lights dim to almost complete
darkness. Smoke begins to rise up from the center panel of the stage as Lien
Xinya stands amongst it, her head down. As the chorus of her music hits, she
raises her head and lifts her right hand high into the air, her fingers closing
tightly into a fist. She cracks her neck side-to-side as she runs down the ramp
and slides into the ring. She runs towards the far ropes, doing a hand stand
into the ropes before bouncing back and flipping backwards, landing in the center
of the ring and posing for the fans. She begins to walk down the aisle
in almost complete darkness, except for the spotlight following her, as she
climbs the steps to the ring, between the ropes then up onto the turnbuckle
as the music fades and the houselights return slowly... ONE
! TW- Kick Out By Steph! Lien Smacks
The Mat In Frustration. She Gets Up And Immediately Heads For The Ropes Before
Attempting a moonsault from the top, But Steph Dodges! And Lien hits the mat
hard. Steph follows up Hitting Lien With A springboard elbow drop crashing down
hard on Lien and goes for the cover. ONE
! TW- Kick Out By Lien! And she Is
Back On her feet as the crowd gets behind her. Steph slings her into the ropes
and looks for a closeline but Lien ducks and hits a super kick right on the
chin of Steph. Steph hits the mat hard and Lien gets to the tope rope and waits
for Steph to get back to her feet and hits a missile drop kick on Steph and
Lien goes for the cover. ONE
! TWO
! Kick Out By Steph again! Lien
Gets her up, Going For a DDt! But Steph counters it with a people kick. Steph
signals for The Sunny Daze as Steph goes for the finisher Lien turns it around
on Steph and hits her with a strong right to the head before delivering a roundhouse
kick and then a knee to the face. Steph staggers back and tries to regain her
momentum as she charges back at Lien but Steph gets caught by Lien with The
DRAGONS EDGE! Hitting Steph with a vicious running Neckbreaker and then Lien
goes for the cover. ONE
! TWO
! THRE... Now Steph licks out the
the last minute and this restless crowd in the arena has come unglued. Steph
sits up and looks Lien in here eyes and charges at her and hits a running knee
to the face followed by a snapped DDT. Steph throws herself against the roots
for momentum as she hits a running moonsault on Lien. Steph sets up Lien for
the Sunny Daze again and this time hits it on the middle of the ring.
The referee gets in position to make the count. ONE! TWO! THREE! Nyssa: Here is your
winner by pinfall and moving on to The Evolution Championship Match Steph We return to commercial break
to the entrance of Anya Sharapova. Nyssa: Ladies and gentlemen
making her way to the ring she weighs in at 140lbs from M O S C O W , R U S
S I A I give you Anya Sharapova! One... TW.. Anya gets her shoulder up and
the match continues as Katia picks Anya up by her hair and slams her face into
the mat. Katia follows up with an elbow drop to the back of Anya. Katia continues
her assault as she locks in a boston crab stretching the back of Anya out as
she cries out in pain. Katia tries to bring Anya to the center of the ring but
Anya fights her way to the ropes forcing the referee to have Katia break the
hold. Leana: This has been a dominating
performance by Katia here tonight. Making her mark on the Womens Divison. Vexx: Yes Katia has all the potential
to be a future Womens Champion around here. ONE TWO THREE! WINNER:
KATIA FYRE!!! Nyssa - What a show we
have had so far. Leana - Our next match
is sure to be explosive as well. 3 woman all looking to make a statement and
move to the next round of the title tournament. Nyssa - They all want the
Evolution title and I don't blame them one bit. This Means War by Avenge Sevenfold
hits and leds lining the ramp flash with every beat of the snare. The pause
in the intro hits and the lights and screens go out leaving the arena in pitch
black. As it drops again green pyro pops from the corners as the lights come
back up revealing Robin standing in the middle of the ring. She raises her arms
in the air and stomps the mat with her prosthesis. Then bounces off the ropes
a couple times before going to her corner and waiting for the match to begin. Nyssa - Robin is out first
looking ready to go to war. Leana - She needs to be
Mike a lot is riding on this match tonight. The lights of the arena shut
off all at once as the opening riff of "Demon" by Sleigh Bells start
to play. On the jumbotron, a video montage of Beryl Weir competing in various
bareknuckle brawling contests play, including her getting a few shots in. The
montage ends on a close-up of her face, nose bloody. Just as the drums start
to kick in, she cracks a smile, blood pooling from her mouth for just a moment
before cutting to her name logo. The lights also pop on, revealing the Cannonball
standing on the top of the entrance ramp, leather jacket on and swinging her
long twin braids with a sadistic grin on her face. She starts to storm down
the ramp, eyes locked on the ring. She slides in and makes her way to a corner.
She hangs up her jacket and pulls out her brand mouthguard from the pocket of
her jacket. She turns and starts to stretch out in the corner, eyes locked on
her opponent/on the entrance ramp as she waits for the competition. Nyssa - I don't want to
he the one who gets punched by Beryl. Leana - Bare knuckle boxers
are tough as nails I don't envy Robin or Denise's position tonight. Denise DiMarcos music hits the
lights in the arena are flashing. Denise walks out onto the ramp with Tali Zora.
The woman pose than make their way to the ring. Leana - Here we go Mike.
These woman are ready. Nyssa - I'm glad we aren't
in there with them someone could get hurt. Leana - Especially with
it being No DQ. The 3 women are standing across
the ring from one another as the ref calls for the bell. Robin fires across
the ring kicking Beryl. Robin sweeps the leg taking beryl to the may laying
in punches. Denise pulls Robin off and hits a German suplex, Denise stands up
stomping Beryl in the gut. Denise turns back to Robin who is getting to her
feet, Denise attempts a clothes line but Robin ducks and throws an elbow to
Denise's back. Robin throws Denise into the ropes she bounces off and eats a
big boot to the back of the head. Denise falls through the ropes to the outside.
Robin hypes the crowd a bit. Beryl is back on her feet sneaking up behind Robin.
Beryl spins Robin kicks her in the gut than connects with a picture perfect
face buster Beryl immediately goes for the cover. 1...... Kick out Beryl slaps the mat in anger
as Robin slides out from under Beryl tries to syand up as Denise grabs her foot
and pulls her out of the ring. Denise grabs Robin and whips her into the ring
steps sending her to the ground hard. Beryl runs back against the ropes than
across the ring diving over the top rope onto Denise. Larry - OMG what a high risk
move. That looked like a car wreck. Beryl stands up walks over to
Robin picking her up and rolling her into the ring. Beryl climbs onto the apron
than up to the top rope, Robin jumps up hitting the ropes causing Beryl to slip
and fall straight down onto the ropes. Robin stands up laying a lunch in, Robin
climbs to the top rope picking up Beryl. Robin smiles than jumps wrapping her
legs around the neck of Beryl with a hurracanrana. Robin springs up making the
cover. 1 Nyssa - I though it was
over for sure. Denise just made a huge save. Leana - That was a crucial
save by Denise. Nyssa - These 3 woman are
really putting it all on the line tonight. They want that win and to advance
in the tournament. Denise picks up Robin and fires
her into the corner. Denise runs full speed with a huge clothesline dropping
Robin to her butt. Denise picks up Beryl than sends her flying into the corner
as well. Beryls knee connects with Robin and her chest hits the corner hard.
Both women are down Denise walks to the other corner and begins to untie the
turnbuckle pad. She takes it off throwing it to the outside. Denise walks over
and picks up Robin she attempts to whip Robin to the corner. Robin reverses
attempting to whip Denise. Denise puts her foot up stopping herself from hitting
the exposed turnbuckle. Robin drops to her knees hitting a fireman's carry to
Denise. Robin rolls over keeping Denise on her shoulders standing up. Beryl
out of nowhere throws a dropkick sending both women to the mat. Denise rolls
out of the ring while Beryl picks up Robin. Robin smacks her arms away grabs
her head using a DDT. Robin goes for the cover but before the ref can count
Denise slides into the ring with a chair. She stands up holding the chair than
brings its down with all her might across the back of Robin. Robin screams rolling
out of the ring. Denise drops the chair picks up Beryl than calls for the Fame
Maker. Nyssa - Denise is calling
for for end it's Fame Maker time. Denise runs back to hit the ropes
to build speed to hit the Fame Maker but Robin jumps up pulling the top rope
down causing Denise to flip out of the ring. Robin immediately slides into the
ring. Robin grabs Beryl puts her head in between her legs holding her arms out.
She grabs Beryls hips flipping her over her should holding both arms than slamming
her into the mat. Leana - Fame and Glory.
It's all over all that's left is the pin now. Robin stands looking to see where
Denise is. Denise is laying outside the ring not moving. Robin smiles and slowly
walks over kneels down and pins Beryl. 1 Mine Fisher - Denise was playing
possum the whole time. Waiting did the right moment to strike. Leana - Robin took to long
to make the cover. Denise took full advantage. Denise grabs Robin whipping her
to the exposed turnbuckle. Robin hits hard grabs her back falling to the mat.
Beryl is starting to stir, Denise hits the ropes fires off them delivering The
Fame Maker. Immediately goes for the cover. 1 The ref calls for the bell. Nyssa - Denise DiMarco
has done it she beat 2 other woman to advance in the tournament. Leana - What a win for
her here to night this is a huge moment and could turn the tides of the woman's
division. Nyssa - Denise DiMarco
definitely made a name for herself to tonight. She is one to keep your eyes
on now. A video package of the Queen
of the Ring tournament is shown, showcasing just how we got down to the
final two competitors. The camera panned around the sold-out crowd before cutting
to Jolie Vexx in her private suite, a pedestal in front of her with a diamond-encrusted
crown before her. Nyssa: Are you ready for our
Main Event, Leana? Leana: More than ready, Nyssa! Nyssa: Its going to be
interesting to see what happens tonight; neither woman having suffered a single
defeat since making their IIW debut. Leana: Its too close to
call, thats for sure. But you have to wonder if Solace Tatum is 100% after
that Coven beat down. Evolution (Pop Remix)
by Ayumi Hamasaki plays over the loud speakers as Junko Souma blazed from behind
the curtain and out onto the stage, rushing from one side to the other, looking
out at her adoring fans. Nyssa: The following match is
a Queens Coronation Match. The only way to win is to ascend
the staircase and to take the crown from off the pedestal. Making her way to
the ring at this time, standing at five-feet and weighing in at one-hundred-and-fifteen
pounds, hailing from Shinkiba, Koto City, Japan
Junko
Souma!!! Junko saluted the fans as they
cheered on one of the new fan favorites. Hideo Chiba appeared on the stage,
somewhat annoyed, as he motioned for his protégé to return to
his side as she reluctantly agreed. Nyssa: I really dont understand
the dynamic between these two. Leana: Hideo is a renowned Deathmatch
wrestler from Japan; hes only trying to mold Junko into a fighter. Hideo gave her a few words of
encouragement as Junko solemnly nodded her head in understanding.
Nevertheless, Souma managed to sneak in a few high-fives with the fans in the
front row before rolling into the ring, bouncing up and down as she waited for
her opponent. The camera reset onto the stage
as "Black Sheep" by Brie Larson began to play, purple lights suddenly
flashing around the arena. "The Quiet Storm" Solace Tatum made her
way out to a large pop from the audience, as they watched her descend down the
ramp with an unrelenting focus in her eyes. Nyssa: And her opponent, standing
at five-feet-seven and weighing in at one-hundred-and-thirty-five pounds, from
Beijing, China
Solace
Tatum!!! Nyssa: I know shes known
as the Quiet Storm, but theres nothing quiet about
the impact Solace has had here at First Class. Leana: Both ladies are clear
fan favorites; itll be interesting to see who the fans cheer for here. Her hair was wet with the water
she had doused from her water bottle prior to making her entrance, and the lightning
bolts seem to blink along with the lights as the bright strobes behind her reach
around her moving body to light up her white/purple tights. She was a walking
hurricane, determined to make a name for herself as she picked up the pace and
slid into the ring. She grabbed the ropes to stretch against their pull, her
dark purple boots firmly planted on the IIW ring mat to counter the rope's resistance
as she prepared for the coming contest. The referee went over the rules
with the two competitors as they nodded their heads in understanding. They shook
hands briefly before backing away, the bell ringing indicating this Main
Event officially underway. Junko and Solace circled around each other, as Souma
quickly went in for a sliding takedown. Tatum expected as much, quickly dodging
out of the way as Junko grabbed nothing but air. Souma knelt on the mat looking
over at Solace as Tatum simply smirked at her, waving a finger in her direction
as if to tell her nuh-uh, not this time. Nyssa: A little surprising that
Junko would go straight for that wounded leg of Solace. Leana: Its what fighters
do, Nyssa. Junko has to smell blood in the water and if that leg is less than
one-hundred-percent, you better believe that shell use it to her advantage. Hideo yelled something at Junko
as she rushed in again, this time diving at Solaces leg with a Single
Leg Takedown attempt. Tatum merely flipped over Souma, easily landing on her
feet as she raised her arms out, the crowd cheering. Nyssa: Looks like Solaces
leg is fine, Leana. Leana: Or maybe, thats
what she wants us to think. Junko seemed to become uncharacteristically
frustrated as she slammed her hand on the mat. She pushed herself up and turned
to face Solace, who lifted her leg up, extending it out and offering it to Souma.
Junko eyed up Tatum suspiciously as Solace simply pointed to it, giving her
a free try. Nyssa: Some psychological warfare
going on here, perhaps? Leana: Or is Solace simply baiting
Junko? Souma moved forward, cautiously,
as Solace waited for her opponent to get into striking distance. Hesitantly,
Junko reached out and grabbed a hold of Tatums leg. The moment she did,
Solace leapt up into the air and hit her with an Enziguri right into the side
of Junkos temple. Souma staggered towards the ropes as Tatum pushed herself
up, rushing in and laying into Junko as she tried to cover up. The referee had
to get in-between the two and force Solace away as Souma fell to a knee, her
mentor approaching her on the outside. Nyssa: Not sure what the game
plan is here for Junko, but this doesnt seem like her typical style. Leana: Obviously, Hideo must
know something we dont. Chiba hopped up onto the apron
and began giving Junko more instructions as the referee went over and began
to admonish him for getting too close to the action. Souma stumbled up and turned
to see her opponent charging at her. Junko sidestepped, using Solaces
momentum against her and sending her into the ropes. Tatum, however, used the
extra shove to her advantage as she slammed shoulder-first into the gut of Hideo,
slamming him down hard to the outside with a Suicide Spear! Nyssa: Well, thats one
way to remove Hideo from this match! The fans began chanting Holy
Shit as Solace pushed herself up, a smirk on her face. Her smile quickly
faded as she turned just in time to see Junko come crashing down onto her with
a Tope Con Hilo! Leana: And now Junko takes to
the air! Souma briefly checked on her
manager before focusing back on Solace, pulling her up by her hair. Junko dragged
Solace over to the nearby ring steps, positioning her own back to them. Grabbing
a hold of Solace, Junko quickly flipped her opponent over onto the steel ring
steps, slamming Tatum down with a Snap Suplex! Most of Solaces body missed
the steel, but her legs werent quite so lucky. Nyssa: It appears that Hideos
game plan was for Junko to cripple Solace here! Tatum grabbed at her injured
leg as the fans began to boo Soumas actions, something that seemed to
give Junko pause. Leana: Cleary the fans not liking
Junko using Solaces bad leg as a crutch in this match. Nyssa: Its all about who
wants to be Queen of the Ring, Leana! Souma pulled Solace back up once
more, this time bringing her around the ring and to the announcers table.
Leana and Nyssa began to clear out of the way as Junko slammed Tatum face-first
down onto it. Souma caught Solace across the face with a few Forearm Strikes
that dazed her and sent her across the table. Junko than jumped up onto the
table, pulling Tatum up with her. She kicked Solace, doubling her over as she
started to set her up for the JNK Driver (Ki Krusher '99). Realizing
the danger she was in, Tatum managed to escape the hold as she spun out of it
and leapt into the air, looking for her own finisher the Tatum
Bomb (RKO)! Souma had it scouted however, pushing Solace off of her after
she had leapt into the air, sending Tatum crashing down off the announce table
to the outside, Solaces leg hitting off the ringside barricade! Tatum screamed out in pain again
as Junko dropped off the announce table, her gaze going towards the steps that
would lead her to her crown. Hideo cut her off though, screaming at her to finish
off Solace first. Souma looked down at the wounded competitor, thinking
twice of it but Chiba was right in her face. Junko said something to him which
seemed to get him to back off as she went back to work on her opponent, pulling
Tatum up once again. Leana: Just once Id like
to see them not destroy our announce table. Nyssa: I mean, at least they
didnt break it
? Souma pulled Solace up, spinning
her around as she went for the Bloody Rainmaker (Ripcord Lariat)
but Tatum managed to duck under the blow. Solace ran towards the apron, leaping
up onto it and flipping back towards Junko just as she turned around. Tatum
landed on Soumas shoulders, before spinning around and dropping her face-first
onto the floor with a Springboard Moonsault Tornado DDT! Leana: What a move by Solace! Nyssa: This might give her the
break that she needs! Both women recovered on the outside
as the fans cheered on both competitors. Hideo continued to yell orders at Junko,
getting so close to his pupil that the referee warned him to not interfere. Leana: Hideo better be careful
he doesnt get Junko disqualified here! Nyssa: Can that even happen in
a Queens Coronation Match? Solace worked her way up first,
pulling Souma with her. Tatum rolled Junko into the ring and climbed up onto
the apron, ascending to the top rope. Chiba began shouting at Solace, distracting
her enough that Souma was able to recover and rush to cut her off. Junko jumped
up onto the second rope, bouncing towards her opponent, catching the unsuspecting
Tatum with a Springboard Knee Strike! Solace fell onto the turnbuckle, crotching
herself up on top as Souma began to climb up, looking to take advantage. Leana: This is turning out to
be a handicap match! Junko leapt up onto Solaces
shoulders, attempting to flip her off with a Hurricanrana but Tatum remained
seated on the top rope, holding onto the ropes so she wouldnt be slammed
to the mat. Souma remained in a precarious position as Solace managed to slip
Junkos legs off of her shoulders and tie her up on the top rope. Quickly,
Tatum got up and leapt off, driving both her feet into the chest of Souma with
a devastating Tree of Woe Double Stomp! Nyssa: I dont know if Ive
ever see anything like that! Another Holy Shit
chant broke out as Junko lay at the base of the turnbuckle, clutching at her
chest as her manager leaned onto the apron, checking on her. Solace rolled off
to the side, flexing her injured leg as she turned her gaze to the stairwell.
Realizing that this was her chance, Tatum rolled out of the ring and started
to make her way up the stairs, only to realize that she was stuck. Turning around,
she saw that Hideo had crawled under the ring and was hiding underneath it,
tangling her foot up in his grip. Leana: Id like to say that
its good to finally see Hideo doing something to help Junko, but this
isnt exactly what I had in mind. Solace tried to pull her ankle
free but to no avail as she looked up, seeing Souma bounce off the opposite
set ropes. Before she could react, Junko launched herself through the second
rope, colliding into Tatum and knocking her down with a Suicide Dive! Nyssa: If Junko picks up this
victory, she might as well give the crown to Hideo at this point! Souma bounced up excitedly, before
she saw Chiba crawl out from under the ring apron. Realizing what had happened;
the two began arguing on the outside as Solace used the time to recover. Having
argued long enough, Junko began to turn away from Hideo only for her manager
to grab her wrist and spin her back towards him. Just as it looked the teacher
and pupil might come to blows, Chiba suddenly threw her to the side as Solace
lunged at the pair, damn-near kicking his teeth down his throat with the Sol-Searcher
(Superkick)! Leana: Sol-Searcher
by Solace! Nyssa: Tatum came flying in like
she had been shot out of a canon; how did Hideo even see her coming!? Leana: He definitely took one
for the team there, Nyssa! Solace looked down at Hideo before
turning to see Junko trying to scamper up the stairwell. Tatum followed in pursuit,
leaping forward and grabbing Junkos ankle, tripping her up as she fell
onto the stairs, slamming her chin down hard. Souma turned and tried to kick
Solace away but there was no relenting as Tatum was able to mount Junko and
lay into her with a flurry of punches. Souma did her best to cover up but there
was very little she could do to stop the onslaught. Realizing she had only one
option, Junko wrapped her arms around Solace and tilted her body, taking both
her and Tatum rolling down the staircase! The two, entangled in each others
grip, took equal turns bouncing off each step before they finally crashed at
the bottom! Both women writhed around in pain as the fans continued to cheer
them on. Nyssa: Not sure how much more
either of these women can take, Leana! Jolie Vexx stood atop the staircase,
staring down at the carnage as both women began to stir once again. They crawled
their way towards the stairs, meeting once more at the bottom. Both women forced
themselves up to their knees; trading punches with each other while the crowd
ooh-ed and aah-ed with each blow. Solaces strikes
to seem to land their marks more as Junko quickly found herself on the receiving
end of another flurry. The last punch from Tatum sent Souma rolling backwards
but she quickly hopped up and charged in, catching her opponent before she could
get back to her feet with a Basement Dropkick! Leana: Neither woman wants to
quit! Junko kipped back up to her feet
as Solace staggered back to hers, turning just as Souma charged in again, leaping
into the air and wrapping her legs around Tatums neck. She spun around,
twisting Solace right into the ring apron with a Flying Headscissors! Tatum
leaned on the apron, trying to catch her breath, as Junko followed after, jumping
up onto the apron and pulling her opponent up with her. Nyssa: What on earth is Junko
thinking now!? Souma delivered a quick kick
to the gut, doubling Solace over. Junko then tried pulling Tatum up for an Apron
Spike Piledriver but each time she started to get Solace into the air, Tatum
would kick her legs frantically, fighting against the move and finding her footing
on the apron once more. Finally, Solace was able to arch her back up and lift
Junko up into the air, trapping her opponent against her body and countering
into a Cradle Back-to-Belly Piledriver! Tatum fell to the apron, slamming the
back of Soumas head into the apron as both women fell down to the outside
once again! Leana: Unbelievable counter by
Solace and that has to be it! Nyssa: The way Junkos head
hit off the apron, she has to be knocked out for sure! Solace looked over to see that
Junko was barely moving as her eyes drifted to the staircase once more. She
started to push her way in that direction when Hideo suddenly made his presence
known once again, charging in and dragging his knee across the bridge of Tatums
nose with a Kinshasa-style kick! Leana: And, again, Chiba interferes! Nyssa: You cant say hes
not doing his part to ensure Junko becomes the new Queen of the Ring! The fans are booing relentlessly
now as Chiba ignores the crowd and goes over to his student, trying to rouse
her. Eventually, Souma started to stir as she gets to her feet, seeing her opponent
down and out. Junko turned to say something to her mentor only for him to respond
by pointing up the steps to the crown that waited for her. Not wanting to win
this way, but still wanting to win, Souma simply shook her head in disappointment
as she started her slow ascent up the staircase. Leana: It looks like Junko will
be our new Queen after all! Nyssa: But you cant say
this victory didnt come without a price. Her reign will forever be tainted,
thanks to Hideo Chiba. The fans jeers suddenly turn
to cheers as Solace began to stir, not quite out of this one yet. Hideo is in
disbelief as Tatum started to scratch and claw her way up the staircase, trying
to catch up to Junko. Souma, too, noticed the fans cheers as she turned and
stared down at her opponent, desperately trying to catch up to her. Junko turned
to keep making her way up towards the crown, but decided that she needed to
put an exclamation point on this match once and for all. Turning, much to the
chagrin of her mentor, Souma rushed down the steps and leapt into the air, looking
for a Flying Crossbody. Solace was ready however, catching Junko in her arms,
flipping backwards, and slamming her spine-first down onto the steps with a
Moonsault Fallaway Slam! Leana: What on earth was Junko
thinking!? She had this one won! Nyssa: Not sure, but now its
anyones ball game once more! Chiba was beside himself, screaming
all matters of obscenities as both women rolled back down the stairs, ending
up at the bottom once more. Hideo sized up Tatum, signaling for another knock-out
blow. But as he rushed in, Solace lunged forward, sweeping his leg and dropping
him down with an STO! The fans cheered as Tatum pushed herself up, starting
the ascension up the stairs once again. Leana: Solace is fighting with
everything shes got! Solace was moving slow, however,
her leg clearly bothering her. Each step closer to the crown seemed to
bring upon a new wave of pain and agony as her pace came to a crawl, allowing
her opponent enough time to recover. Souma saw how close Tatum was getting
to the crown as she raced up to intercept her, taking two steps at a time.
As the two made it up to the platform, Solace reached out for the pedestal,
only for Junko to catch her from behind, lifting her up and slamming her
neck-first down onto the platform with a Half-Nelson Suplex! Nyssa: Solace was inches
away from winning this one! Leana: Looks like the numbers
finally caught up to her! Tatum seemed to be motionless
as Souma walked over to her, placing her foot into Solaces side
and trying to push her down the stairs. Tatum refused however, as she
reached out and grabbed a hold of Junkos leg, holding her in place.
Souma tried to shake her opponent off but Solace only latched on more,
wrapping her legs around Junkos now, like a monkey holding on for
dear life. Junko tried to twist around and reach out to simply grab the
crown, but she was too far away. Determined, Souma moved closer towards
the pedestal, dragging Solace with her. Nyssa: Solace appears to
be trying to delay the inevitable here! Leana: Oh no! Runaway crown! Both women clawed their
way towards it, crawling over each other in an attempt to be the first
to catch the crown. Just as it was about to roll off the top of the staircase,
Junko and Solace both wrapped their fingers around it, each holding onto
a different piece of it as if it were a wishbone. Nyssa: Wait, what does
this mean? Do we have a tie!? Both competitors stared
at each other in disbelief as they both started to rise up to their feet,
each holding an edge of the crown. As they got to a vertical base, a tug
of war started between the two as they both vied for the prize. Jolie
tried to intervene but the two competitors couldnt be consoled,
each one trying to explain why they should be the Queen of the Ring.
Finally, as the two fought over it, the crown slipped from their collective
grips and rolled over to Ms. Vexxs feet. Souma was first to react,
making a move towards it but Tatum caught her with a Sol-Searcher
(Superkick) from out of nowhere! Leana: Sol-Searcher!
Nyssa: Junko never saw
it coming! Junko stood frozen in animation
as she teetered back towards the edge of the staircase, the impact of
the Superkick causing her to take a step back, then another, then finally
the last one as she lost her balance and tumbled all the way down the
stairs! The move had taken its toll on Solace as well as she lay on the
platform, clutching her wounded leg. Glancing down the stairwell to see
her opponent lying motionless at the bottom, Tatum forced herself up to
her feet and hobbled over to Jolie. Ms. Vexx reached down, grabbed the
crown, and held it out for Solace. Overwhelmed with emotion and fighting
back tears, Tatum extended her hands, finally taking the crown into her
grasp and becoming the first Queen of the Ring Nyssa: What an amazing
match between Junko Souma and Solace Tatum! Leana: Both women gave
it their all but, in the end, there can only be one Queen of the
Ring
The lights suddenly go
out as the only thing that can be seen is the occasional flash from a
camera or a phone lighting up, trying to see within the darkness. Nyssa: Is this part of
the coronation ceremony? Leana: I dont think
so
You Should See Me
In A Crown by Billie Eilish begins to play over the loud speakers
as the previous cheers and chants from the crowd now turn strictly to
jeers and unflattering commentary. The lights return to normal as Casie
Debonair, Steph, and Mercedes-Jane Debonair emerge from the back, standing
at the bottom of the stairway, looking up at Solace. Nyssa: Id like to
think theyre simply here to pay homage to the new Queen, but something
tells me that isnt the case. Leana: Something tells
me that they have wicked intentions here
Solace looks down at the
Coven, her eyes scanning over each member before settling on MJ,
the woman she had beaten to advance to the finals. Mercedes says something
to her two stablemates as they nod their heads in agreement. They make
a move to walk up the staircase, but suddenly stop when a hand reaches
out and grabs a hold of Casies ankle. Junko Souma tried to pull
herself up, unaware of the danger that she was in. Mercedes and Steph
take exception to Junko laying her hands on one of their own
as they begin laying into her with brutal punches and kicks to every exposed
part of her body. Nyssa: Oh come on! This
isnt necessary! Junko just went through hell with Solace! Leana: Talk about kicking
someone while they are down! The fans continued to rain
down jeers directed at the Coven as Mercedes and Steph lay waist to Junko,
all while Casie watched. Once she was satisfied with the beat down, Casie
grabbed a fist full of Junkos hair and rolled her into the ring.
The three Coven members cast a cautionary look over their shoulders, smiling
up at Solace, before following their victim into the ring. Nyssa: As if losing the
match wasnt enough, it looks like Junko is about to be dissected
here by the Coven! Leana: Dont worry;
Im sure Hideo Chiba will save her! Nyssa: Wait
where
is Hideo Chiba? Junkos manager was
nowhere to be seen as Solace watched from a distance while the three Coven
members lay into Souma. Junko did her best to cover up from the blows
but the assault was too much, her left eye swelling shut as blood began
to drip from her nose and mouth. Solace looked on from the stairwell before
glancing out at the crowd, as if looking for them to give her some sort
of inspiration. Slowly, Tatum reached up, pulled the newly-won crown from
off her head, and handed it over to Jolie Vexx. Leana: What is Solace doing? Nyssa: Im not sure,
but it looks like she wants in on the action. Maybe she wants to finish
Junko off? Jolie looked on in bewilderment
as Tatum began to limp down the stairwell, moving as fast as her injured
leg would allow. The fans cheered and chanted on their Queen
but Solace seemed to be miles away, the three Coven members continuing
to decimate Junko with a series of brutal stomps and kicks. Casie pulled
Souma up, slapping her a few times in the face before kicking her right
in the midsection. Junko doubled over as Casie flipped her up, as if going
for a Powerbomb. Instead, she let Souma slip up and over her shoulders,
trapping her neck and body in the process. Solace could do nothing but
watch as Casie fell to the mat, sitting-out and completing the Sultry-in-Motion
(Widows Peak)! Leana: Junko is completely
defenseless here! Nyssa: Casie couldve
broken her neck with that move! Junko crumpled to the mat
as Casie remained sitting on the mat, laughing. The two Coven members
high-fived each other as Solace finally hit the ring. Tatum looked down
at the motionless Souma, before rushing forward to her aid. Steph heard
the footfalls and turned only for Solace to catch her by surprise with
a Lou Thesz Press! Leana: Solace is coming
to Junkos aid! Nyssa: Im not sure
this was the wisest move by Tatums part, but damn if it doesnt
make your heart sing! Solace unloaded on Steph
with vicious fist and forearm shots as Steph did her best to protect her
face. Seeing her partner in trouble, Mercedes grabbed a fistful of Solaces
hair and pulled her off her partner, slamming her down onto the mat. MJ
went and checked on her friend before turning back to Solace, walking
right into the new Queen of the Ring; Tatum doubled her over
with a kick to the gut and planted her face-first into the mat with a
Sit-Out Facebuster! Leana: Solace is single-handedly
fighting off the Coven! But the question is, why would she put herself
in harms way like this? Nyssa: Because its
the right thing to do, thats why! Solace scrambled up but
she wasnt fast enough as Casie intercepted her, catching her in
her grip and setting her up for the Agent Provocateur (Snap
DDT). Tatum managed to fight out of it though, grabbing Casie and slamming
her into the corner. Solace then followed up by flipping Casie over her
with a Northern Lights Suplex! Leana: Solace is on fire
here! Nyssa: This would be impressive
on its own, but the fact that shes dishing out this type of punishment
after the match we just saw is amazing! Casie rolled to safety
as Steph charged in, looking for a Body Splash on Tatum in the Corner
but Solace was too quick, dodging out of the way. Steph landed hard on
the top turnbuckle, stumbling back towards the middle of the ring when
Tatum suddenly leapt into action, planting Steph with the Tatum
Bomb (RKO)! Leana: Tatum Bomb
on Steph! Nyssa: From out of nowhere! Solace didnt have
a moment to celebrate as Mercedes was right on her, pulling her up to
her feet. MJ said something that seemed to fire Tatum up as
Solace broke free of her grip, leapt into the air, and brought Mercedes
face-first into the mat with another Tatum Bomb! Leana: The Coven mayve
bit off more than they could chew here! Nyssa: Its a Tatum
Bomb party and it looks like the Coven was on the VIP list! Leana: Which means there
is only one left
Solace thought the same
thing, stalking after Casie. As Debonair turned to embrace her fate, she
managed to telegraph Tatums move and shove her off before she could
complete the tri-fecta. Solace was sent into the ropes, bouncing back
towards Casie as she looked to rip her head off with a vicious Clothesline!
Tatum ducked the blow, slammed on the breaks, and then lunged backwards
at her opponent, catching Casie just as she turned with the Sol-Searcher
(Super Kick)! Nyssa: Sol-Searcher
to Casie! Leana: Solace is like a
woman possessed here! The move took just as much
out of Solace as it did her rival, with Tatum collapsing to the mat, clutching
at her wounded knee. The pain was just a reminder of what she had endured
and, also, who had inflicted this punishment upon her. Tatum glared over
at Casie, fire burning in her eyes. She pushed herself up, walked past
Steph, past Mercedes, and past the motionless Junko. Realizing that her
opponent in the Finals had still yet to move following that three-on-one
beat down seemed to only justify Solace in what she had to do next. Tatum
grabbed Casies leg, twisted her onto her belly, and sat down, applying
a Half-Boston Crab! Nyssa: A measure of revenge
for Solace! Leana: Solace is using
that same move that the Coven had used against her just weeks prior! Solace seemed to be in
another world, bending the leg in ways it wasnt meant to bed, the
screams of Casie only fueling her to inflict more punishment; more agony.
Though she had done the right thing and come to Junkos
aid, she wouldve been better off calling it a day after initially
laying out the Coven. But this had become too personal for Solace, and
it was about to cost her. Too late did Tatum look over to see Steph flying
off the top rope, twisting in the air and snapping her neck down onto
her shoulder with the Stephacide (Top Rope/Eclipse)! Nyssa: Steph with the Stephacide
on Solace! Where on Earth did she come from!? Leana: Solace shouldve
taken Junko and retreated to safety when she had the chance! The high impact move forced
Solace to release the hold on Casie as she stumbled right into Mercedes,
who caught the dazed Tatum and spun her down onto the mat with the No
Mercy (Swinging Reverse STO)! Nyssa: And now the No
Mercy from MJ and the numbers advantage for the Coven has finally
caught up with Solace! Leana: I think were
about to witness the execution of a Queen here! The two Coven members went
over to help Casie up as she trested her wounded leg, bending it and flexing
it, indicating to her friends that she was okay. Somehow,
Solace still stirred, crawling over to Junkos body, perhaps in an
attempt to rouse her rival and even the odds. Like a pack of hyenas,
the three stalk around her, ensuring that if Tatum was suddenly to get
the urge to make a quick getaway, her escape routes were cut off. Nyssa: The Coven are clearly
looking to make a statement here! Leana: The vultures are
circling, thats for sure! Solace looked around her,
seeing that she was trapped; nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. With Souma
still unresponsive, Tatum seemed to accept her fate as she tried to push
herself back up to her feet. If she was going to go down, Solace was determined
to go down swinging. The fans cheered on their Queen, but
their cheers only got louder when Katia Fyre and Lien Xinya swiftly emerged
from the back and rushed the ring. Nyssa: Wait a minute! Here
comes some backup! Leana: The Triumvirate
has seen enough! The Coven members noticed
the change in decibels from the fans as they turned to see Solaces
friends coming to her aid. Thinking twice about doing battle on an even
playing field, the Coven members scattered out of the ring as Katia and
Lien slid in, coming to the aid of Solace. Nyssa: Katia and Lien with
a timely save for Solace! Leana: Looks like the Queen
will live to fight another day! The Coven members regrouped
on the ramp way and made their way back up onto the stage as Katia and
Lien remained focused on the trio while Solace tended to the injured Junko.
Souma was still, unresponsive, as Tatum called out for help. Medical officials
and stagehands ran down to the ring, sliding in to assess the damage as
Solace reluctantly backed away so as to give them the space they needed
to assist the fallen warrior. Nyssa: This is not the
way we wanted to see this tournament end. Leana: Very scary scene
here for sure, you have to hope that Junko is okay. Nyssa: She really hasnt
even moved ever since that Sultry-in-Motion from Casie. Leana: A devastating move
in its own right, but this one seemed even more-so the way that Junkos
head snapped back. Katia and Lien stood to
the side of Solace, checking to see if their friend was okay as the Coven
disappeared behind the curtain, the damage done. The trainers and EMTs
began taking extra precautions with Junko, worried that she mayve
suffered a broken neck. As the medical staff worked away on Souma, Jolie
Vexx had made her way down the staircase and into the ring. She checked
in with the doctors briefly, before turning to Solace. Once more, Jolie
presented her with the crown as Tatums eyes went from the piece
of jewelry to the woman who, moments earlier, she had beaten for the right
to be the first-ever Queen of the Ring. Hesitantly, Solace
reached out and took the crown as the fans cheered both for Tatums
accomplishments and heroics, but also in support of Junko as they loaded
her onto a stretcher and began to bring her to the back. Nyssa: Solace is the Queen
of the Ring but the story really has to be what the Coven just did
moments ago to Junko Souma. Leana: Obviously have to
hope that shes going to be okay but Solace did a damn brave thing
by coming to her aid. Nyssa: Something tells
me we havent seen the last of this conflict between the Coven and
the Triumvirate. |