MONDAY NIGHT METAL S02/E17 06/08/20

Clearwater: We got Fatal 4 May match on the way, now folks! This one promises some hard hitting action!

"Hey man, nice shot” by Filter starts to play and white and maroon lights start to flash all over the arena. White fog appears on the stage as Jake Karnes steps out of the curtain and he’s pumped up fighting through the fog. As he steps through the fog he points out to the crowd with a grin on his face, he laughs as he speeds down the ramp slapping a few hands on the way before sliding into the ring. Jake push ups to a standing position and he points to the fans in front of him, before running to the ropes. He throws up a few devil horns as he bounces chest first off the ropes, pushing himself to the center of the ring with a flash of maroon fireworks showering down around him. Jake points to his chest and winks at the camera before backing away to his corner to await his opponent.

Jessica Kaine: This Fatal 4-Way match is set for one fall! Introducing first! From Grand Rapids, Missouri! "THHEEEEE REVENANT!" JAKE KAAAAARNE!!!

Remi: Jake Karnes came up short at Kingdome Come, but this man's a veteran tactician, bruh. He's sure to have learnt from that match and is looking to get back to his winning ways.

Pneuma by Tool begins to play. Blue flares shoot up, at an angle, at each corner of the stage. A sound of a rattle snake rings out. That happens several times. Lighter blue strobes flashes. Bongos begin to play with a light guitar, for a several minutes, before two electric guitars slowly come in... DJF slides out, slightly jumping/ hopping...

Slowly bouncing, arms extended out, spinning around. Once the opportunity arises, DJF recognizes the fans and pops them with an elbow nudge. Some of the crowd clapping and cheering. Dakota Joseph Franco acknowledges back at the crowd by howling/ screaming back, cupping his hands around his mouth.

Jessica Kaine: Coming to the ring... From Brownsville, Texas. Weighing in at one hundred eighty five pounds.... He is THE LOST SOUL.... DEEEEEEEE JAAAAAAY EEEEEEF!!! DAAAAKOOOOOTAAAA JOOOOSEEEPH FRAAAAAAAAANCOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Clearwater: One of APW's new stars, looking to make a big impact in her first few months here.

Remi: This match is gonna be a battle of the grapplers, man! My limbs hurt just thinking about it!

The lights in the arena dim down as all attention became focused on the entrance; there the titantron lit up with an image of a moon brilliantly shining bright as the slow melodic beginning of Alddious' "We Are" began to play throughout the building. That would carry on till the song picked up at the 27-second mark. When it did the moon on the titantron shattered into hundreds of pieces before shifting to a flurry of clips of a woman hitting various high-risk moves and bone shattering filled the screen one after another. That would carry on until the heavenly vocals began to echo throughout the arena, and when they did the camera (and the attention of the crowd) shifted to a woman wearing a fox mask standing center stage. All the while white and silver tinted light flashed seamlessly and endlessly.

I suffered one day.
I cried one night
Crouching alone looking
like a pupa glowing

Hoping one day to
find something true
I keep on flying high
I won't let you regret

As the vocals continued, the masked woman would hop in place and shake out her hands. That is, until the first of three "We Are"s of the song hit. When they did, the woman stopped hopping and quickly grabbed onto the mask she wore in dramatic fashion. When the second "We Are" hi, the woman titled her mask covered face down. Finally, after the third "We Are", the woman abruptly tilted her head back up and slid the mask off of her face to reveal herself as The Shimmering Kitsune {Kirameku Kitsune} Tsukiko! With her identity now revealed, the crowd loudly began to cheer their support for the young Japanese woman! However, despite the ruckus, a nearby camera managed to pick Tsukiko's voice as she shouted out in excitement over the overwhelming support.

Tsukiko:
"Takakautame ni jikan!"
{Time to Fight!}

Jessica Kaine:
"From Kyoto, Japan. The Shimmering Kitsune, Tsuuuuuuuuukiiiiiiiiiikoooooooo!"

With the ring announcer making her official introduction, Tsukiko placed the fox mask back on her head (only it was angled off to the side) and began the walk down to the ring. Along the way, she went about interacting with various members of the crowd. The gentle slapping of hands in the universal high-five. he occasional fist bump. A hug or two. All of these happened along the way as she zig-zagged from one side of the ramp to the other until she reached the ringside area. It was there that she began walking to the steps nearest to her, but came to a stop before she ascended.

After taking a moment to look out at the sold-out crowd, Tsukiko slid the fox mask off of her head and turned to those that were in the front row that was closest to her position. It was then that she stepped over to the barricade and handed off her mask to a young fan before darting up the steps and between the ropes into the ring.

Clearwater: The Kirameku Kitsune is here tonight! After a stellar Junior Heavyweight championship match against Breezy!

Remi: One she just about lost though. Great showings aside, Tsukiko's gonna wanna stay on her toes and not take too much damage early on here, these 4-person boots are notorious for group beat downs.

REM’s “I Took Your Name” cues up. Richter stomps out from backstage to glare at the crowd.

Jessica Kaine: From Bossier City, Louisiana, and weighing 297 pounds, “The Man Who Moves the Needle” VONN RICHTER!

Vonn psychs himself up by hopping up and down and letting out a roar. He walks to the ring, up the steps, and through the ropes. Once inside he again does his little bounce and bellows at the other competitors, too loud boos from the crowd.

Remi: Look at this Adonis, man! I respect the other people in this match but how's "technical wrestling" gonna hang with all that MEAT?

Clearwater: I kinda get what you're saying, but this is a 4 way match! With these 4 confident, efficient fighters all svrounging for a win, well- ANYTHING could happen!!

The bell rings and not a second later does Jake Karnes burst out of his corner, heading directly to the opposite corner to hit Tsukiko with a quick strike. Tsukiko manages to block the initial shot but then is hit with a gnarly uppercut and falls back into the turnbuckles. Karnes drags her leg over the rope and starts whacking away at the limb. Vonn Richter simply flexes in his corner

Remi: See?! Karnes has got fire in his eyes, bro! He's gonna try and get that win.

Clearwater: He might want to watch his six though! Look out!

Tuskiko hits a palm strike to the head and then hastily moves onto the apron as DJF rushes over and clobbers Karnes from behind.

Tsukiko grabs Karne's arms and uses her weight to pull them down, one arm on either side of the turnbuckle, leaving Karnes momentarily trapped as DJF collaborates by slamming his fists onto Karne's shoulders and biceps. Vonn Richter continues flexing.

Clearwater: Smart moves here! Working together to de fang the Grizzly Bear that is the 6 foot 5 Jake Karnes!

Remi: He's fighting back though!

Karne manages to use his strength and pull back wards harshly, slamming Tsukiko directly into corner of the ring. Vonn Richter continues flexing.

Karne turns around to be let with a nasty combination of forearms to the head, which he returns in full. The crowd cheer louder and louder as DJF and Karnes start viciously beating on one another.

Remi: It's one heck of a brawl here!

Clearwater: Everyone's brought their mean streak to this match!! W- well almost everybody.

After their faces are red and bruised, DJF and Karnes eventually come to a stand still to the applause of the audience after such a back-and-forth-brawl.

They both breathe heavy, staring daggers into the other before they both notice something. They slowly turn their heads to look at Vonn Richter, who's been flexing in the corner this entire time.

Vonn Richter stares them both dead in the eye and then raises both his biceps in a pose that makes the muscles bulge. The crowd boo as he laughs loudly.

He's interrupted as Karnes and DJF sprint over and start beating the crap out of him to the crowd's elation.

Remi: Vonn Richter been wanting a pose down with DJF for ages now! This isn't proper body builder etiquette!!

Clearwater: Tragic really. But Vonn's managed to slip out of the ring here.

Vonn manages to slide out of the ring just as DJF grabs Karnes from behind and hits a German Suplex.

DJF pumps the crowd up by raising his arms and the crowd responds his full. Cheering even louder as he goes to the top rope and starts walking on the ropes.

Clearwater: Spinning Leg Drop! Here we go!

Just as DJF's about to hit it, Vonn Richter jumps up and whacks his feet, sending DJF tumbling to the floor landing with a nasty thud.

Vonn Richter continues beating down on DJF's prone body as Karnes rises to stand.

He grabs his shoulder, groaning in pain. His eyes light open as he turns in shock and Tsukiko launches over out of nowhere, hitting a diving leg lariat.

Clearwater: She's bided her time and Tsukiko seems to be in prime position to tale control of this match!

Remi: Vonn's too busy slamming DJF's face into the steps with his very large, very destructive arms. She's all on her own.

Tsukiko limps over to the corner and rises to the top rope, hitting a picture perfect moonsault onto Karnes and then covering.

The crowd count.

1!
2!
KICKOUT!!

Karnes powers out as Tsukiko's rolls off him, catching her breath while rubbing her right leg, grimacing a little.

The crowd are still booing at Richter's beat down of DJF, all the while Vonn's shouting back at the audience with shouts of "QUAKE IN FEAR!!"

Tuskiko smiles to the crowd and then rushes to the ropes opposite Vonn. Rebounding off, going to hit a suicide dive.

Remi: Oh crap!!

Clearwater: Richter caught her in mid-air!!

The lack of speed from the beaten leg allowed Richter to catch her in position for a powerslam. Before going for it he takes one last moment to gloat to the crowd.

Remi: Richter's got bad intentions here! I don't like where this is going!!

Clearwater: DJF's back up! Here he goes!!

DJF climbs to the apron and with a last burst of energy he performs a springboard moonsault onto both Tsukiko and Vonn, knocking all three people down!

Remi: Absolutely brutal!

Clearwater: What a mass of humanity!! All three competitors look down and out here!

The crowd give off a "This is Awesome" chant as Tsukiko slowly rises to her feet.

She limps away from the fallen pile, the crowd slowly silencing a letting off a collective "oh shit" sound as Vonn Richter rises as well, looking not only relatively uninjured but absolutely pissed as well.

The crowd's sounds of warning get louder as Vonn marches over to Tsukiko, who manages to get off a quick superkick, but one that fails to knock Vonn of his feet.

Clearwater: I'm not sire Vonn appreciated his display of strength being interrupted! Oh crap!!

Vonn regains his footing, grabs Tsukiko by the throat and absolutely fires her through the air, over the barricade where she lands awkwardly.

Vonn then angrily turns to the ring, where Karnes has managed to drag DJF into a proceed to work the Texan's wrist by constantly slamming his foot onto it.

Karnes stands at attention as Vonn enters the ring and they have a stare down.

Vonn shouts profanities at him before raising his arms out, offering a test of strength.

Clearwater: Vonn loves to test his own strength against those he considers weaker.

Remi: I'm not sure if this is the safest scenario to do it in though! Not that he's bothered, of course.

Karnes nods with a snarl, before grabbing Vonn's hands to the cheers of the crowd.

Vonn counts down with his booming voice and naturally starts way too early, as both me start twisting the other's hands in a painful test of strength.

The crowd break out into a "Revenant" chant as Karnes struggles against Vonn who continuously shout insults at him.

Karnes gets one last burst of strength and starts to twist Vonn's other hand, which the big man reacts to by shouting even more insults with a panicked face.

Eventually Vonn hits Karnes with a headbutt, which knocks Karnes to his knees only for the Misourian to respond with an uppercut onto Vonn.

His arms are too weakened to knock Richter down, but it does turn him around and is hit by a springboard bulldog by DJF which knocks both wrestlers to the ground.

Karnes is still kneeling, and before DJF can crawl over for a pin, he picks him up and hits a nasty Nice Shot, slamming him to the mat.

Karnes gets back to his feet, not bothering for a pin as he slowly walks into one of the corners.

He turns around starts pulling his hair back, the crowd lighting up in cheers as Vonn stumbles upwards, unaware of the angry glare that's being altered at him by Karnes.

Clearwater: The Revenant's looking for revenge here!!

Remi: This place has lit up!!

Karnes rushes over and slowly but surely manages to lift Vonn up for a W.D.K.M to the crowd's amazement.

Clearwater: That's over 200 pounds!! After all the beatings to his arms, how is Karnes still lifting this man up?!?!

Karnes can be seen struggling, clenching his teeth as he holds Vonn up but just as he's about to hit it, Tsukiko slides in and lets of a viscious howl before booting Karnes right in the calf, causing him to he fall flat on his face with Vonn's weight crushing on top of him.

Tsukiko starts to catch her breath as DJF tries in vain to scramble and grab her right leg. DJF gets to his knee's and is about to start tearing into it but Tsukiko hits a monumental enzugiri and DJF falls back dow , covering his face.

Clearwater: Tsukiko's taken control here!

Remi: Yeah but warrior spirit and all, she looks brutalised!! Will she be able to finish this?!

Vonn starts to slowly rise to his feet and Tsukiko let's out a howl and goes for a razor-sharp Kitsuneno Sakuryaku and locks it in on the All Natural Disaster.

The crowd cheer for Vonn to tap.

Clearwater: Could this be it?! Vonn's still on his knees but he seems to be tumbling over!!

Vonn lets out a gigantic meathead roar and, with an obscene amount of strength, he lifts Tsukimo up and hits her with a power bomb with his arm still trapped in the Armbar.

Tsukiko hits the ground hard but Vonn continues, freeing his arm and picking her up for another powerbomb.

The crowd lets out a massive collective "OH SHIT!!" As Richter gets her into position for the Vonn Bomb!!

Remi: This is an inhuman amount of strength!! These fans can't believe what they're seeing!

Clearwater: But look! Tsukiko eith those brutal palm strikes! She's fighting back here!! And- OH MY GOODNESS!!

Karnes kicks back up to his feet as the roof gets blown off the arena. He pulls his hair back and rushes forwards for a Lazarus Effect onto Ritcher just as Vonn's about to hit the Vonn Bomb onto Tsukiko.

Remi: Here comes DJF!

Dakota Joseph Franco plows right into all three competitors! Everyone goes down! Tsukiko extricates herself first, with DJF right behind her! DJF plants her with a big suplex -- then turns around to eat a roaring elbow from Vonn Richter!

Jake Karnes gets back to his feet -- and finds himself face to face with Richter, posing in an intimidating fashion. Confused, Karnes hesitates a moment while he considers what to do. Richter takes full advantage of the situation, crushing Karnes with a bear hug before he sets him up for the VONN BOMB!

Clearwater: Vonn Bomb to Jake Karnes! Tsukiko and DJF have recovered, but they’re brawling on the outside! Richter covers!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

DING DING DING!

Jessica Kaine: The winner of this match, by pinfall -- VONN RICHTER!!!

Vonn’s music hits, and he stalks to the ropes, posing victoriously for the fans as his opponents clear the ring.

Zaigon Carter vs Jaice Wilds

Clearwater: We’ve got a singles debut up next as its a powerful newcomer versus an exciting veteran.



Remi: This is going to be great, especially since we’re back in America!



Clearwater: Would you stop?



In darkness, the intro drums of “Don’t Tread On Me” by Metallica bang out loud through the arena. They continue to bang like the sound of war before the initial shout



“DON’T TREAD ON ME”



A single spotlight activates at the top of the entryway, showing Zaigon Carter with his eagle on his shoulder.



“I SAID DON’T TREAD ON ME”



Most of the lights come up now, as the pair walks to the ring. They’re taking their pace, as fans boo their presence.



“LIBERTY OR DEATH, WHAT WE SO PROUDLY HAIL



ONCE YOU PROVOKE HER, RATTLING OF HER TAIL



NEVER BEGINS IT, NEVER, BUT ONCE ENGAGED



NEVER SURRENDERS, SHOWING THE FANGS OF RAGE



I SAID DON'T TREAD ON ME”



Once in the ring, the eagle takes off his shoulder flying a lap around the ring as Zaigon climbs the second rope. Posing with both arms crossed, the eagle lands on the turnbuckle in front of him with wings spread.



Jessica Kaine: Entering the arena from Billings, Montana by way of Chicago, Illinois. He weighs in at 240 pounds. He is the Reckoning...Zaigon Carter!



Clearwater: It was a strong debut for Carter and his associate America Jackson at Kingdom Come, beating the Very Big Supervillains through...well less than scrupulous means.



Remi: They got the win didn’t they? Plus it wasn’t fair to begin with, those guys were HUGE!



he opening chords of “UltraNUMB” by Blu Stahli fills the arena as the lights go dark. Several flashes of blue and green lights illuminate various parts of the arena and entrance ramp to the beat of the song, all stopping with a cascade falling at the top center as Blue Stahli screams…



YOU WANT IT ALL RIGHT NOW!!!



At this point, the fans begin roaring as Jaice Wilds is spotted on a platform a few feet above the ramp. He raises his arms into an X, taking a moment to watch the crowd respond in kind before…



3! 2! 1!



Wilds flips forward off the platform, landing superhero style on the ramp below. He looks up, removing the hood from his face and tossing his shades into the crowd. He starts down the ramp, taking some time to slap random fives and bump fists.



You want it full frontal, over-stimulation

So say a benediction, For a new addiction

In voyeuristic overdrive

(Here comes the countdown)



Jessica Kaine: Ladies and gentlemen, making his way to the ring!!



(Three)

This is the new flesh



Jessica Kaine: From Puerto Vehlo, Brazil; weighing in at one hundred and eighty-four pounds!



(Two)

This is the open door



Jessica Kaine: He is the Final General and YOUR Xtreme Aerialist!!



(One)

We've got everything you wanted…



Jessica Kaine: He is JAICE! WIIIIIIIILLLLLLDSSSS!!!



Clearwater: Speaking of tag team action, Wilds didn’t mirror the success of Carter in his match for the tag titles against Man Made Gods.



Remi: And you bet your bottom dollar Carter is not happy about that fact. He believes he and America Jackson should have been in that match and I’m not sure I disagree.

Clearwater: They’ve only been here one week, I hardly see how they could be qualified.



Remi: Just ask them, they’ll tell you.



DING! DING!



Wilds and Carter circle each other, but before they can engage Prosperity the eagle flaps its wings towards Wilds on the turnbuckle post. Confused, Wilds turns his head to look at the bird but in the moment Carter charges with a clothesline to the distracted Wilds. The move sends Wilds into the corner, where Carter rains down head punches as official Jasmine Silk admonishes Carter for the closed fist. Carter stops before yelling “Shut up” at Silk to the boos of the crowd.



Clearwater: It’s all Carter early in the match thanks to his...manager? Pet?



Remi: Show that eagle some respect Mike, it’s the national bird you asshole.



Carter turns away from Silk, but catches a boot to the gut from Wilds. Grabbing the head of Carter, he goes for a tornado DDT off the second rope but Carter shoves him off splatting him onto the canvas. Shaking his head, Carter delivers forceful kicks to the stomach of Wilds before going for a lateral press.



1!



One count, as Jaice shoots the shoulder up before Silk can count the two. Frustrated, Carter grabs the hair of Wilds before delivering a knee to the gut. Carter shoots Wilds into the ropes, goes for a clothesline but Wilds ducks it, bounces off the other side, only to get caught by a vicious spinebuster by Carter on the rebound. Wilds arches his back in pain, but can’t recover long as Carter gets him back up and locks him in an Octopus stretch torquing everything on Wilds’ body.



Clearwater: Not a good position for Wilds here, who hasn’t been able to string any offense together so far in this one.



Remi: Carter has total control of this match, and now Wilds might tap out to this devastating submission!



Silk asks Wilds if he wants to quit, but he shakes his head no. “Give up you cretin” is heard from Carter’s mouth, as he tries to sink the move deeper. The attempt gives Wilds just enough room to slip out of the hold, before landing a superkick. Carter is staggered, which leads Wilds to slide under his opponent and roll him up for a quick pin.



1!


2!



Carter forcefully kicks out, looking angry that it even got to two.



Clearwater: A ray of light for Wilds, who almost stole one there from the so far oppressive Carter.



Remi: Of course he’s trying to steal one!



Clearwater: Oh give it a rest.



Not wasting any time, Wilds climbs to the top rope as Carter gets to his feet. On the top rope, he dives off for a crossbody as Carter turns into him. He lands square in the chest of Carter and is caught! Carter drops wilds to his feet, before wrapping his arms around the neck and head of Wilds and dropping him with a sitout side slam.



Clearwater: A critical mistake from Wilds, who gets hit with the Crowd Control going for a crossbody!



Remi: They don’t call it the high risk area for nothing Mikey. Wilds went for it all but got less than nothing.



Carter is back up to his feet as Wilds is on his back in pain. With a snarl on his face, Carter brings Wilds up before leaning down to look at him in the face. “This is it, this is over” Carter spits at Wilds, before taking him up in the air and forcefully slamming him down with a brutal Falcon arrow.



Clearwater: A just brutal Falcon Arrow from Zaigon Carter.



Remi: No didn’t you read...oh God here we go...I DIDN’T SAY IT!



The commentators are interrupted by Prosperity the eagle staring at Mike Clearwater as he sits right in front of him at the broadcast table.



Remi: You moron Clearwater, that’s the Eagle Arrow. Now you owe Zaigon Carter money per his contract, pay the eagle.



Clearwater: How much is it???



Remi: How should I know, just give him money so he’ll go away!



As Clearwater fumbles for his wallet, Carter looks down at Wilds before picking him up one more time. Wilds is defenseless, as Silk asks Carter what he’s doing. Carter goes through the ropes, dragging the limp Wilds with him. “This is what you deserve” Carter barks at his barely conscious opponent, before lifting him up and driving him into the apron with another Falcon Arrow.



Clearwater: Oh god in heaven, a second fa...Eagle Arrow this time onto the apron of the ring. That’s just sadistic.



Remi: That’s sending a message Mikey, Carter is not someone to play around with.



The boos are raining down as Wilds lays on the apron not moving. Carter kicks him under the ropes back into the ring, before placing a single foot on his chest. Silk protests, refusing the count. “DO YOUR FUCKING JOB YOU BITCH” Carter roars as more boos emerge. Very reluctantly, Silk gets down and starts the count.



1!



2!



3!



Jessica Kaine: The winner of the match…”The Reckoning” Zaigon Carter!



Clearwater: A decisive if not cruel victory here for Zaigon Carter in singles action tonight, and I hope Jaice Wilds is OK after that Eagle Arrow onto the hard apron.



Remi: Two weeks in a row Mr. Carter has said he’d win, and two weeks he’s been right. I’d start listening to him if I were you Mikey.



Clearwater: Well you can’t deny he’s been effective, even if you like me take issue with how both wins have come both are wins in the book nevertheless.



Carter exits the ring as Prosperity flies over to him with Mike Clearwater’s money in his beak. Carter removes and counts it, before pointing back at Clearwater. On command Prosperity flies back over in front of Clearwater and this time Remi just takes off from the table.



Clearwater: I paid you, what more do you want?!



The cold eyes of the eagle locked onto the play by play man, who looks down at the talons before fishing out a couple more bills. Prosperity scoops them out, flying back to Carter, who nods in approval as the two take off for the backstage area to a chorus of boos.



Clearwater: Intimidation and violence aside folks, hopefully Remi will be back at the desk soon because we’ve got a great rest of the show for you. Stay tuned!

Clearwater: Welcome back as we get more tag team energy underway.

St. Remi: This one has the potential to be explosive, bro!

Clearwater: You’re telling me… and uh oh, here they come!

The crowd boo proudly as “Glazgow Mega Snake” sounds out the PA System. William marches out, closely followed by ❄︎❒︎♋︎❖︎♓︎⬧︎. As VBS make their way to the ring, William makes sure to shout back at the fans, with obnoxiously high pitched insults.

Jessica Kaine: Weighing in at a combined 891 pounds!! William the Behemoth! Travis! The Very Big Supervillains!

Clearwater: They’re so massive!

St. Remi: Yeah, and they’re definitely sore about losing to the 5’2” Mafia. But hey, ya didn’t hear it from me.

Clearwater: Travis and William continue their path of destruction at a sloth’s pace.

St. Remi: You want to tell them that to their faces, bro?

Clearwater: I wouldn’t share a room with them, if we’re being honest. They’re that foul!

Eventually they both get into the ring via the steps. William slouched over and tries to catch his breath as ❄︎❒︎♋︎❖︎♓︎⬧︎ lifelessly stares at the crowd, waiting for the match to begin.

The arena goes black within a prolonged silence. When the graveled voice of veteran voice actor Hitoshi Ozawa declares to the heavens : “Ōsama banzai!”

Fans gasp at a sudden gong resounding throughout the arena. Opening riffs of “Der Konig der Dunkelheit” by D play Masuda Jubei’s dominant figure into that darkness with a layer of fog piping beneath his feet. Clips of previous matches play on the Alpha-tron behind him, glittering off his silky black haori. Bearing Masuda’s family insignia, it covers his upper body—all except for a narrow gap fastened by a white and gold cord. He remains atop the ramp, arms crossed and unimpressed by their sundering boos.

Jessica Kaine: On his way to the ring from Yokohama, Japan… weighing 215 pounds… “The Master” Masuda Jubei!

Clearwater: The Master on the warpath again. But can he reverse his recent fortunes?

St. Remi: Jubei knows there’s plenty left in the tank. We just have to give him a chance, bruh.

Clearwater: Maybe, or maybe he’s getting the comeuppance he rightly deserves.

St. Remi: Again, big words from ringside my dude.

Jubei paces down the ramp after that initial chorus so that his dark presence pervades with that steady rhythm of grand confidence. He circles to the far side of the ring within earshot of the announce table before climbing onto the apron. Jubei disrobes at the second line of chorus so everyone can get a long look at his back tattoo of the Buddhist demon king Fudō Myō-ō. He then ducks into the ring towards center stage. His terrible visage somehow brings on louder jeers. Jubei basks in it while securing his side of the ring, waiting for the match to begin.

“Fever for the Flavor” by Hot Action Cop begins to play and Steven Osbourne struts through the curtain carrying his trusty address book.

Jessica Kaine: And his partner, weighing in at 200 pounds… he is your reigning North American Champion… “The Super Sexy Boogeyman Slayer” … Steven Osbourne!

He hits on as many women as he can trying to get their numbers as he makes his way to the ring. Convening with Masuda is both a game and chore, but the unwavering optimism from the North American Champion empowers him to go first. Masuda obliges with a strange grin. Across from them, amidst a pep talk from his large partner, William the Behemoth decides to go first.

Ding! Ding!

Clearwater: William going for one of those bear hugs, but he can’t catch the speedier Osbourne.

St. Remi: What’s not speedy around these guys?

Steven circles around like Sugar Ray Leonard, but the big man maintains his center of gravity. Slight turns keep from tiring the human buffalo out too much. Osbourne move in at the wrong angle, and the big man snatches him off the ground for a low-effort scoop slam. He then lays all his weight on Steven’s thigh to immobilize him.

Clearwater: Osbourne screaming as the weight of a European compact crushes his limbs.

St. Remi: Bro, William’s smooshing him!

Clearwater: And no one’s enjoying this more than Masuda Jubei. I’ve never seen him laugh like that before!

William drags the NA Champ back to his corner and tags in Travis. They walk across him in unison before celebrating with belly bumps.

St. Remi: Somewhere, a small village has crumbled to the ground.

Clearwater: Travis going to work with a nerve hold. He’s in trouble.

St. Remi: How did he do that?

Clearwater: I think those palms might be a little sweaty, but somehow, Osbourne just slipped free.

He hits the ropes and runs into Travis with a flurry of forearms. He rebounds off the ropes again with a dropkick at knees. Travis shakes all that off with a jolly strut. Fans boo when a frying pan of a hand slaps Osbourne back to the canvas. He follows with a slow motion leg drop.

Clearwater: Osbourne escapes! He nearly died!

St. Remi: Talk about seeing flashbacks… and now he’s calling for the tag.

Clearwater: But Masuda won’t tag in.

St. Remi: Osbourne grabs his hand, and now it’s Masuda’s turn against these big bois.

The Master, after some observance, goes right after Travis—who has not yet willed himself off the canvas. Jubei kicks at what he assumes are vital areas only to sinking protective padding. He instead elbows the back of Travis’s head. Any attempt at a submission would be dangerous against their strength. So he tries to go for the small joints with stomps and kicks.

Clearwater: What do you make of this strategy?

St. Remi: Pop shots. Anything to keep these monsters grounded and out of their element.

Clearwater: Standing armbar from The Master… but the power of Travis just dragging him across the ring.

William tags in and gives chase. Jubei leads him into a corner, tricking the Behemoth into a failed body splash. He then goes for one of those thunderous knife-edge chops.

Clearwater: It made a crack… but did it hurt William?

St. Remi: Bro, I think his tatties observed it!

Clearwater: Masuda laying into William, but the big man is just letting his opponent tire on those strikes.

St. Remi: Masuda’s at a loss. Those always work.

Clearwater: I guess he didn’t account for—William threw him across the ring!

St. Remi: Dude—such raw power!

William barges in Masuda’s direction with the weight of an oil tanker barreling over the forty-seven year old. He then applies another of his devastating nerve holds into Jubei’s pectoral region.

Clearwater: He’s trying to rip flesh from bone!

St. Remi: Those might look easy on your TV screen, but trust me, those nerves holds suck, bro.

Clearwater: The Master slamming his fists with fury. Nothing seems to work against these men.

William applies pressure, leaving Jubei with no other recourse but bite the hirsute, briny hand of the Behemoth. William recoils as if cat scratched. Jubei walks over to his corner and offers a tag. Osbourne reach over. In that instant, and to the crowd’s displeasure, Masuda open hand slaps Steven.

Clearwater: What a despicable competitor! He just smacked his own partner!

St. Remi: And these people are furious!

Osbourne makes the switch with William lumbering in his direction. He makes a labored climb to the top rope. When William gets in range, Steven leaps onto his bovine shoulders and locks in a rear naked choke. Although William already has a plan for that offense by turning the same turnbuckle against Osbourne. He throws every pound into a reverse splash.

Clearwater: How’s he still hanging on? William practically flattened him?

St. Remi: I don’t know, bro, but William isn’t taking this lightly.

Clearwater: Oh no! He’s got a hold of Osbourne!

St. Remi: Get out of there Boogeyman!

William takes a few steps to ramp up to ramming speed. Osbourne goes for a ride, but by the greatest gods, manages to free himself before the Behemoth finishes a running senton. The impact leaves both men disoriented. Steven rushes in for dropkick that sort of damages his opponent. William shrugs of that bee sting as he slowly rises like a drawbridge.

Clearwater: Osbourne is running out of time! He needs to act now before that monster can regain his footing!

St. Remi: Relax… he’s got a plan.

Clearwater: Osbourne signaling something. What could it be?

St. Remi: Okay, let’s see if it works!

He takes off, and with William’s size providing a massive blind spot, he superkicks William in the balls.

Clearwater: Sweet … groin … music. He just took the punishment to William!

St. Remi: Wait, bro. Look!

Clearwater: He’s… unfazed?

Expert marksmanship be damned as his boot collides with excess thigh meat. Osbourne recoils in disbelief. Fans chant his name, but the Behemoth gains the advantage despite a limp. He throws Steven into the Supervillains’ corner and belly flops him into the padding. Travis tags in, letting both members get a firm hold of Osbourne’s throat.

Clearwater: Not this!
St. Remi: Dude! Double DDT from the North American Champion!

Clearwater: These people are losing it!

St. Remi: And that look on Masuda’s face—priceless!

Clearwater: Osbourne goes for the tag, looking out of breath here.

St. Remi: He got a Willy sandwich. I doubt anyone would be after that, bro.

Steven goes to tag in Masuda. In lieu of a regulation tag, he pulls Masuda in and knees him in the crotch. Jubei’s eyes pop out when Osbourne hip tosses him into the ring. Fans are delighted.

Clearwater: Masuda making his approach… and can he do against these two? They’re nearly impervious.

St. Remi: Look at Jasmine Silk trying to roll Big Willy out of there.

Clearwater: She should get hazard pay being that close to ground zero.

St. Remi: You can say that again… oh dude! What big soccer kick from Masuda!

Clearwater: He’s taking his rage out on Travis. Whoa! Whoa! Where’s he going?

St. Remi: Oh no! Look at front row!

Jubei hobbles into a full-on spear, wiping out him and Osbourne. They both collide with the barricade with Steven getting the worst end of it. Fans groan at the sight of The Master getting up first.

Clearwater: Where’ he going? No no no!

St. Remi: Someone stop him!

Masuda steals a chair from the timekeeper. Jasmine doesn’t even see this with William caught between the bottom and middle ropes. Travis leans over the top, deciding it best for their shit to play out instead.

Clearwater: He can’t do that! What’s going through his mind?

St. Remi: Nothing good, bro!

Clearwater: Osbourne’s defenseless—and it’s against his own partner!

Jubei rears up a big headshot with the steel chair, but an opportune second too many allows Steven give him a full-on low blow. His face absorbs every bit of that immediate pain to deliver a skull cracking shot from that steel chair. The Master aims a second before doubling over, clutching at Lapland.

Clearwater: And there’s you finish… Silk calling for the stoppage.

St. Remi: What the hell just happened, bro?
Clearwater: I don’t know Remi, but it can’t be good for these two hotheads.

Referees ascend upon the feuding parties while the in-ring official makes the final call. She raises Travis’s arm while his partner has since regained his composure beside them.

Jessica Kaine: Your winners by disqualification… The Very Big Supervillains!

Clearwater: Security breaking Osbourne and Jubei apart. This can’t be good for either man.

St. Remi: So true, but it’s about time Masuda stood up for himself.

Clearwater: That may be… although it’s going some time to get this sorted out. Folks, we’ll be right back.

Backstage, it’s a celebratory mood for the freshly victorious America Jackson and the Troops. They’re whooping it up when Dani Applegate slides into the room carrying a microphone.



Applegatei: Excuse me America Jackson, I just wanted to get a comment on your first singles win in APW tonight against Cray Mitchell.



Jackson: It felt good, it felt damn good! I haven’t been this jacked up since I snapped that poor boy Ryan Hurley’s arm at the junior wrestling finals. Course, he was talkin’ all day about how some country bumpkin like me couldn’t beat him. An ambulance ride and a trophy later, that sumbitch figured out what that loser Cray Mitchell learned tonight!



Applegatei: Well now that you’ve won two in a row, what will come next for you?



Before Jackson can answer, the door to the locker room slams open. In walks Zaigon Carter, still in his ring gear but with a scowl on his face. He snatches the microphone out of Applegate’s hands.



Carter: Get out, now.



Not hesitating, Applegate departs leaving her microphone behind in the possession of Mr. Carter.



Carter: I’ll tell you what’s next. Good job America by the way, disposing of that trash you were facing just as I disposed of that rotting corpse Jaice Wilds earlier in the night. But I’m pissed off, because it’s clear the management here doesn’t yet respect exactly what is happening here. They’re feeding a pair of lions garden salads, and that’s now how this is going to go. Not at all.



A cheer from the Troops as Jackson smiles looking on.



Carter: So if everyone wants to know what is next for us, here’s how it’s gonna be. Man Made Gods, I know you’re used to dealing with nobodies but consider yourselves on notice. Those tag titles will be ours, because there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop us from taking them away from you. The only thing that will save you is hiding behind the skirts of management who continue to protect you.



More cheers and hollering from the Troops.



Carter: Then, once that is taken care of and those tag belts are around the waist of the deserving champions, it’s time for the new North American champion to understand that his time is running short. Steven Osbourne, just like the rest of the world has learned throughout history, you will be unable to stand up to the unstoppable force that is America. America Jackson will end your reign before it begins, and take that crown before making it what it should be: the AMERICAN Championship.

The loudest cheer yet goes up, as the Troops start chanting “USA” while slapping America on the shoulders and back in solidarity.



Carter: I’ve saved the best for last though, and of course that’s the man talking. I am the best in this company and I am damn tired of seeing a poser walk around with the title that is rightfully mine. The title that I deserve, that I need to bring my revival full circle. So consider this your warning Damon Warrens. Consider this your notice, because you can’t hide forever. You will set foot in that ring with me sooner rather than later, you will lose that title, and you will be another footnote in the history of the Storm. That isn’t a threat or a promise, it’s a goddamn guarantee.



A new loudest cheer takes hold, this time with the Troops trying to converge on Mr. Carter but he shoots them a glare, so they reconverge around America.



Carter: Those are our demands, that is our future, and if you don’t like it too fucking bad. And I assure you as long as they are not met, then more people are going to get hurt. More people are going to find their careers and lives ruined by a Storm they can’t stop. It’s your move, but you best move quickly.



Dropping the microphone on the floor, Mr. Carter walks right back out with authority. Once he closes the door, it’s like a switch flips and the celebration goes on with more “USA” chants mixed in this time around.