Mario's Assertion to the World
Mario stood in the middle of the ring, microphone in hand as he looked at the crowd, a neutral expression on his face. He glanced at everyone before bring up the mic to his hand, but then he paused as it was towards his lips. Then he lowered the mic, and pointed towards the UniverseTron...and it suddenly began playing a video...
A video began playing which showed Mario coming down to the ring in slow motion, red and blue lights happening all over as a voiceover from Church stated...
"Even with all the problems with him, one cannot deny this...he is one of the greatest of all time. A true living legend..."
"There's no one better than Mario! No one has done what he has done! He's the Greatest Champion Ever!" Sarge was heard saying.
From there, a rapid fire throwing of clips showing Mario's dominance over his entire career was shown: from his debut as Jumpman in the 80s, going up against the original Donkey Kong, he and his brother Luigi consistently winning Tag Team Titles over and over and beating other teams, his rise through the midcard, and his overall popularity among fans.
"Jumpman has finally managed to save the girl against Donkey Kong!"
"The Mario Bros are once again Tag Team Champions yet again!"
"This plumber is rising through the ranks like few have before!"
"Everyone love the one and only Mario! He is unlike anyone that we've seen before!"
And after that, clips of Mario winning World Titles in every company he had ever been in: WWE, WCW, UWE, GWA, CWA, XCW, CWF, and of course, UCA, holding up every title high, now the top guy in that company without question as he stood over all the fallen that challenged him.
"Mario has won a World Title wherever he has been! There is no mountaintop he hasn't conquered! The greatest World Champion this business has ever seen!"
And now, we see all of Mario's adventures in his video games, as they sell like hot cakes everywhere, and Mario brings that video game notoriety with him as he gains sponsorships and promotions amid the wrestling business, raising both industries as a whole.
"Mario is a legendary video game character, he's the one to show that video game characters can work in the business! There is no gaming quite like Mario!"
"He is SUPER MARIO! THE GREATEST CHAMPION EVER!"
And suddenly, the video turns black, before it faded into Mario and Sonic facing off with each other, and several clips of them clashing, and the Console Wars between SEGA and Nintendo in the 90s were shown in great detail...
...before it turned into a montage of Mario just beating Sonic repeatedly! From him nailing moves like the Spinning Spinebuster and Facebreaker Knee Smash, chair shots to the skull, getting the Nintendozer over and over again, and the Super Mario Splash repeatedly lands on Sonic!
"Mario has once again defeated Sonic! He has emerged out of another chapter of their rivalry as the victor!"
"Mario's done it again! He has triumphed over Sonic!"
"Sonic failed! Mario is still World Champion!"
"Mario once again stands tall over Sonic the Hedgehog!"
And from there, clips of Nintendo winning the Console Wars with SEGA are shown as Nintendo rises to great heights while SEGA falls, and Sonic is shown on the ground in pain, and is then shown being put out of the WWE by Mario in 1996 to complete his turn, and then last year where his leg was broken by the Mushroom Kingdom, and he was stretchered out in both cases...
...and it shows for the last clip, Mario standing over a downed Sonic, holding up a World Title with a smirk on his face...
"He is Super Mario! The greatest of all time...and the Greatest Champion Ever!"
Boos rained from the crowd as the video on the Tron ended, as Mario just stared out the crowd neutrally before he finally spoke...
"That-a video was all I-a needed to say what-a had to be-a said. Do you-a now realize the-a difference between me and-a Sonic?" Mario questioned. "It's a world of-a difference. Because I...am-a...BETTER. Because that's-a what this whole-a battle between me and-a Sonic has-a been about! It's-a been about who is-a better, me or him! And you would-a think that it would-a be obvious by now that it's-a me that is the better man! You-a saw that video, all of you! What I-a have done! I have accomplished what-a no one else in the-a business has done! I have-a won everything that there is-a that matters in this business, everywhere I go! World Champion no matter where-a I go! My company, Nintendo, DESTROYED his-a company, SEGA! I saved-a video games! I...AM...BETTER THAN SONIC THE HEDGEHOG!"
Mario seethed for a bit, before taking a deep breath...and continuing, "But no...despite all-a that, all I ever hear...is Sonic this, Sonic that...from all of you. You always-a prefer Sonic, you always-a say he's-a the one you like more! Despite everything I've-a done that-a CLEARLY dwarfs what he has done, you-a STILL put him on a pedestal above me! And I'm-a done with it! Because Sonic is NOTHING before me! I'm-a Mr. Nintendo! The Champion of Life! The Greatest Champion Ever! The G.O.A.T.! And no rat from a second-rate game company was ever my-a equal, let alone my better! But you all won't-a listen to me...but you'll-a listen to Sonic...when he says the two words that will-a tell everyone that I'm-a better! And this decades-long FARCE of a debate can-a finally en-"
"Oh Mario, Mario, Mario..."
The crowd exploded into massive cheers as Mario turned to the Tron, which showed Sonic the Hedgehog himself, sitting in some sort of chair with legs crossed and a grin on his face as some sort of activity was going on around him...
"You always knew how to talk out of your mouth so much. Glad to see that skill hasn't changed over all these years. But man, you know how to speak some bullshit." Sonic shook his head in dismay. "I mean, you talk about all of this stuff you've done. About the Console Wars, about saving video games, about being the greatest game character, your victories...it's amazing you miss the point. Truly. You are great that for sure, Mario."
"What-a do you mean I'm-a missing the point?!" Mario questioned.
"What I mean...is that it isn't about any of that." Sonic remarked. "It really isn't. See, it's not about the Console Wars and what happened there, it's not about the quality of our video games, it's not about the Death Battles we've been apart of, it's not even about who's the GOAT or whatever. What it's about is...is that I've done everything you've done in this business. And you hate that. World Titles, mid-card Titles, Tag Titles, tertiary titles, main events, Rumbles, you name it. Whatever company I've been in, I've pulled it off just like you have. I'm the ultimate cross-company legend in the business, just like you. And you hate that this hedgehog, who came in wanting to go as fast as the wind could, wanting to be defiant as possible to the likes of you, could even be that to the likes of the great Mario. It eats you up...and that's why you've done what you've done to me over the years. To try and assert your supposed superiority over me."
Mario gritted his teeth as Sonic continued, "Both of my legs have been broken, my friends have been assaulted, my girlfriend was insulted, hell, you even knocked me out of a company so many years ago. All because you hated the idea that the fans preferred me, and you were so damn sure you were better than me in spite of that. Because you're right, this whole decades long thing has been about one thing...who's better? Sonic or Mario? That's been the great debate since we came into town, and throughout our rivalry, that's been the crux of it all. When we were in tag teams...in the midcard...as friendly rivals...to now hated enemies...it's always been about who's better. And what better way to find out who's better...than to make you say 'I Quit'!"
Sonic leaned forward, and had a grin on his face, "And I'm gonna prove I'm better than you once and for all, Mario. Because I've always been that, Mario, since day one. And I've done that by just being me, free as the wind. And you can't handle that, which is why you've gone out of your way to ruin me and everything around me. But it all ends at War Zone. We're going to finally settle the great debate once and for all...and I'm gonna unload two to three decades worth of anger and hate on you to get you to say the magic words. And I'll enjoy every second of it. But until then...well...I've been on a very dark tear as of late. So I've decided to relax a bit. And hey, there's only way to do that for a guy like me..."
Sonic then kipped up off the chair...which showed itself to be a throne...and it had Mushroom banners around as Mario's eyes widened...
"...and that's to throw it all down with a party!"
And from there, the camera suddenly backed away in view as it showed a party of Mobians happening INSIDE THE MUSHROOM KINGDOM CASTLE!
"HOLY...!" Church cried out.
"WHAT?! NO, THAT CAN'T BE...!" Sarge exclaimed.
Mario cried out in horror, as Sonic looked out impressed with the party around him, "Man, this has been one hell of a party. And this castle has been perfect for it, I can see why you stay here all the time. WOAH, BIG! You're a giant, did you eat one of their mushrooms?!" Sonic questioned as you could see a gigantic Mobian cat stomping around in the background, likely because of a Mushroom. "What did I tell you, don't eat stuff like that! Hey, Chaotix, my main detective gang! Oh, Vector, Espio, better catch Charmy! It seems he likes that punch way too much!" Sonic noted as Charmy the Bee was laughing, flying overhead with a bowl of punch as Vector shouted at him and Espio tried to catch him. "And Silver, just kiss Blaze already, we all know you want to!" Sonic pushed Silver the Hedgehog towards Blaze the Cat, who both blushed at the close contract. "Hey, lovebirds, what can you do?" Sonic then slid through the crowd of Mobians to stand right in front of the camera with his trademark grin.
"As you can see, it's been an awesome party here in this castle! Just the best! Have to thank you for having this castle for us, it's been perfect!" Sonic remarked, as you could hear things shattering in the background, and things being thrown. "And heck...you can consider it payment. For what? Ah, just for the decades of misery and torment you've put all of us through since 1996. I think we're even on that front! Man, I feel good, need this party to get myself back to feeling like my old self! So I'll see you at War Zone, Mario! I gotta do what you Nintendon't and take this place for the ultimate ride! Gotta Juice!"
Sonic then grinned as he slid back towards the party to have his share of fun, and the feed ended as Mario was shouting greatly in rage, exclaiming "SONIIIICCC!" before he ran out of the ring and angrily up the ramp to backstage, everyone knowing where he was going now!
"And Mario running out of here like a madman, and you can understand! Because Sonic, with no fucks given, has taken over Mushroom Castle, and is having the ultimate Mobian party in there!" Church stated.
"How dare he! This is a Red injustice! Mario has done nothing wrong, he shouldn't have his and Peach's castle violated like this by dirty animals like those Mobians! They are nothing but heathens, and Sonic should be ashamed of himself!" Sarge proclaimed.
"Excuse me?! Do you know how much shit Mario has done to this hedgehog over the years?! To Sonic, this is simply retribution for all the years of pain and frustration, and he's going to enjoy every second of it! And it couldn't happen to a nicer guy!" Church called. "And this is going to be TAME compared to War Zone, because trust me, Sonic is going to be ALL OVER MARIO when that goes down!"
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS HEDGEHOG! YOU'LL PAY!" Sarge cried.
Tag Team Match: Gentle Roses (Amy Rose & Hinata Hyuuga) vs. The Mushroom Princesses (Peach & Daisy)
- The first match of the night was going to be the first match of the newly created Women's Tag Team Division, and it had the Gentle Roses going up against the Mushroom Princesses, and after the previous segment, the latter were not happy. They were downright furious, and especially at Amy, who was Sonic's boyfriend/sometimes still stalker, and was guilty by association. Amy...couldn't give a damn, she has had her own problems with the Princesses over the years, and she had no sympathy towards what was done after what they've pulled. Hinata was left out of this whole situation, bewildered, but willing to help out her friend, Amy. And thus, this tag match had high emotions as the Princesses zeroed in on Amy, punishing her repeatedly with double team moves and perfect symmetry, showing off their years of friendship and teaming with each other as the hedgehog was isolated from her partner for several minutes, Hinata getting very worried.
- But the princesses got a little too cocky as Peach showed off a bit during her beating of Amy to loud boos before looking for a Powerbomb, but Amy flipped through it to land in front of her and quickly nail a Piko Piko Combo! From there, the crowd chanted loudly as Hinata held out a hand for a tag, and Amy slowly crawled towards her. But then Daisy came in to try and take her out, but with an Open Palm Strike to the cheek after a duck, sending her back, and Amy got the tag right after! From there, Hinata came in like a house of fire as she began to take it to both princesses, nailing Suplexes and Palm Strikes all over the two, and even nailing a Double German Suplex on the two of them!
- In the end, Daisy and Hinata were the legal ones in the ring, as Daisy was looking for the Daisy Blaster (Scissors Kick)...but Hinata moved her head out of the way and caught the leg, pulling it down and locking in the newly christened Hyuuga Lock (Ankle Lock)! Daisy scratched and clawed as Hinata wrenched on the ankle, and Peach slid back in, running to break it up, but got caught by Amy and planted with a Rose Flow DDT! With Peach laid out, Daisy had no choice but to tap out to the Hyuuga Lock, giving the Gentle Roses their first victory as a team!
- Amy and Hinata hugged each other at this victory, with Hinata especially happy as she can't believe that they actually won and felt this might work. Amy reminded Hinata that she had already made an unlikely tag team work in APEX, they were going to be just fine. And as they began to leave up the ramp, she made it known to Hinata and the world that they were going to be the first Women's Tag Team Champions come War Zone.
Backstage Segment: Mandy & Gaz Reveal The Truth of Their Union
We go backstage, where we see a backdrop of a split head between a grim reaper skull and a vampire piggy, half and half as two girls stood in front of the backdrop. Two little girls...by the names of Mandy & Gaz.
"...I told you all that you would wish I had stayed where I was." Mandy finally said. "I told you all that would be the last time you would enjoy me losing a few weeks ago. Because now...I'm taking back control. Of my career, and my place in UCA. You all thought you were done with me...but you were wrong. You're never rid of me, ever. And I'm here to do what I always do. But I know you're surprised. You'd thought I come back to the singles division to win the Women's Title. Normally, you'd be right. But I thought...why not a change of scenery? Why not take over a newly created division and make it my own? It's one thing to rule over an age old division, but a new division? Where history is waiting to be created? That's too good to pass up, to make sure everyone remembers who I am. Of course, I can't do it alone...which is why I brought in someone with me.
Mandy then turned to Gaz, who was playing on her GameSlave religiously. "Gaz Membrane. My old rival. Now the last time me and her were facing off, we were at each other's throats, hate in our eyes. Why are we even a team together? ...I think I'll let Gaz answer that."
Mandy let Gaz have the floor, who took her eyes off her GameSlave and towards the camera, almost in an annoyed fashion. "...What? You expected us to hate each other forever? Like some Sonic and Mario rehash? That's so old and played out. Yeah, we beat the crap out of each other, and I hated her, she hated me, so what? That's in the past, this is now. And I've spent a lot of time in WWT when I was gone from UCA, and I dominated there as well. I've shown what I can do. But with WWT ended, and me back, well what do I do now? How else do I play this 'game'? Because I've mastered a lot of singles stuff already, and I want a challenge. I want to beat something new."
"And then here came Mandy, proposing this of all things." Gaz stated. "At first, I was about to tell her to go screw off. But then we talked. A lot. Shocked, huh? Yeah, well guess what, I don't just hit whatever I see. On you for being stereotypical of me. But anyway, we talked, and then I realized for all the stuff we've been through...we aren't really different. In fact, we're pretty similar. We both have idiots friends or brothers to deal with, we both deal with crazy stuff around us, and we both somewhat despise what's around us. We're so much smarter than the people we deal with...and you know what? Who says I have to hate her forever? Who do you take us for, Red and Blue? No, I realize one thing...we're better together than we are apart. Because think about what we did to each other? Now imagine that, but added together and against us? ...It would be game over for everyone."
Mandy then took the floor and turned the camera towards her. "We were enemies once, and I didn't much care for Gaz. But times change, and I realized that Gaz is the only person out there who really is anything like me. And that together, we are capable of so much more. And last week was but a taste of what is to come. What you're looking at is...the first-ever UCA Women's Tag Team Champions. And you can call us...the Grim Slayers. We're coming for you all, to take over everything."
"And if you don't like that, and moan about it...then shut up and deal with it, whiner. This is a game, we're going to win." Gaz proclaimed as the promo ended and the screen faded to black...
Tag Team Match: Lucy Kuo & Nix vs. The Diamond Survivors (Piper Wright & Cait)
- The next match on the card was the second match of the Tag Division with two teams with similar clashing personalities. Lucy Kuo and Nix used to be enemies, on different sides of the Karma spectrum, and gone to war in AUW. But their UCA situation as well outside circumstances had them call it a truce, and try to work together as a tag team, to see what they could do together. However, tensions were still there with them as one could clearly see the differences in philosophy would be a problem. On the other hand, Piper and Cait, the residents of the fallout wastelands, could work together much better because of their experiences in surviving such hells, but clearly had differences themselves. Piper was a clever, sly girl who deceit and wit to get where she needed to get to, preferring plans to straight up brute force. Cait didn't much care for that, and would rather beat the piss out of people to get things done, she had no time for games, and thus, it always lead to disagreements. And thus, an interesting match was born.
- The match began with Piper and Lucy being the ones to start, and Lucy showed off her technical prowess, gaining control of Piper with holds and grappling that kept her at bay, showing how more pronounced she was in this style. But when Piper dragged herself over to the corner, and Lucy went after, she Drop Toe Hold her into the turnbuckle, then quickly Dropkicked her face against it, showing her own craftiness. Piper used her wits to deal with the technical, smooth prowess of Lucy, always staying one step ahead with moves like Hotshots and leg trips, to hit a move quickly after. Lucy was doing everything she possibly could to counter
- However, their counterparts were not as amused as Nix tagged herself in, much to Lucy's shock, and Nix just said "You takin' too long... We need to get down to the nitty gritty..." before getting into the ring to Lucy's annoyance. And Cait demanded to get into the ring, because she had been waiting too long for a fight, and wanted one now. Piper shrugged and tagged her, and the two aggressors of the team stared off with each other. Nix sneered while Cait glared, and then they suddenly began to trade blows with one another, forgoing wrestling altogether. Cait even Speared Nix down to the ground and was now raining down fists on her. Nix proceeded to retaliate later with a brutal Lariat that spun Nix inside out. And then at the end of their brawl, the two even HEADBUTTED each other, almost busting each other open, but then they continued to headbutt each other again, the crowd loving it. Lucy was in disbelief before running her hand down her face, and Piper just shook her said saying "Oh brother..."
- As expected, things eventually broke down from there, and we had Lucy and Cait as they were the legal people in the ring. And Cait was beating down Lucy with rights constantly, and she scowled heavily before running the ropes, but got lifted onto the shoulders of Lucy for a Cyro Buster, but Cait managed to slip out of it and behind her. However, Nix grabbed her from on the apron and Cait struggled against her, and Lucy saw her and ran at her, but Cait ducked AND THE CONDUITS HIT EACH OTHER! Nix was knocked off the apron as Lucy was stunned, but got turned around by Cait, and Lucy recovered with a right to the face. She ran, but Cait ducked again, and then suddenly Piper appeared on the apron and blind tagged in! Lucy ran the ropes, unaware, and right into a Diamond in the Rough (Shatter Machine - Flapjack (Piper)/Double Knee Facebreaker (Cait) combo)! And Piper made the pin to give the Diamond Survivors the win!
- "Atom Bomb, Baby" played as the two celebrated as the two fallout survivors left, and Cait said "See? My way's better, we should always do it," and Piper just replied, "Cait, we're not doing that, but at least you make things more lively for sure..." as they left up the ramp, feeling optimistic. And in the meantime, Lucy and Nix recovered from inside and outside the ring, and Nix glared at Lucy for hitting her by accident, and Lucy was just frustrated in general. There was a lot of work to do for the Conduits to make this work, no question.
Backstage Segment: Saria & Malon Look to Make Their Mark
The camera went to the backstage once more, and this time it showed a Hyrulian backdrop, and in front of it...was Saria & Malon, who looked very contemplative.
"...We were the first women's tag team ever really signed to UCA." Saria stated. "I know the princesses say they were the first, but...we were the ones taken full on as a tag team. We were drafted her actually. Not as singles competitors, but as a team, before this division even existed. That...meant a lot. It still means a lot, because it meant Force believed in us. That we could be something. And we cant let that go to waste."
"We...watched over the years before we started wrestling." Malon explained. "We're friends with Link after all. We watched him for a long time become the legend. We went through the highs with him, and the lows with him. And some of us even...went through hardships during that time ourselves." Malon glaned at Saria, who had a grimace on her face at that memory. "But as we watched him, we realized one thing...we wanted to experience all of this just like he did. We wanted to not just be people who hung around and helped him occasionally, but people who could handle their own, and could stand beside him as equals. And this...is our chance. To prove ourselves more than what people think we are."
"The UCA Women's Tag Team Championships... The first of its kind." Saria interjected. "Whoever is the first to hold it will be remembered forever. We were the first women's tag team drafted to UCA. We were the first to be treated as team and not just friends. We were among the first to be called up to be part of this division. For the first time, we were believed in by someone after all the hard work we put in. And we can't let that go to waste. We know there are seven other teams who want those titles...but we don't care. It doesn't matter if we're the first or the last in that Turmoil Match...we're going to be the last ones standing! For ourselves, and for those that believed in us. So we can be more than what we are."
"Of course, that brings us to a team in particular...the Demon Sister. Scanty & Kneesocks." Malon revealed. "They attacked us after we got our first victory. And they dropped us last week during the melee. They clearly have a problem with us, and we don't like them after all. But if they have any guts, they'll see us next week in the ring. And they'll realize they won't have it as easy when it's straight-up."
"And we're going to show those Sisters what we're made of. And next week, it's going to be the start of a proclamation of what we're going to be at War Zone...the first-ever UCA Women's Tag Team Champions." Saria nodded as the camera faded to black...
Singles Match: Senji Kiyomasa vs. Wolfgang
- The next match was going to be the No. 1 Contender for the Intercontinental Title versus the Alpha Male, Wolfgang. And Cloud was out there at ringside, he wanted to watch what his No. 1 Contender, Senji would do, sitting in a chair with his title in hand. Wolfgang in particular was very smug after what he pulled against Toad, costing him a chance at the World Title, and wanted to show he was still the main Bully on block as he fought Senji. Senji didn't much care for Wolfgang's entire outlook, and the entire battle was stiff and hard-hitting, the two forgoing a lot of wrestling and went for beating the crap out of each other., it was a match built completely on physicality, and the fans loved every second of it.
- However, Wolfgang was willing to stretch the rules as far as he could, not interested in a clean fight and trying to torture Senji as much as possible. From choking Senji out close to a five count, raking his eyes constantly, and even biting at Senji when the ref wasn't looking, Wolfgang was clearly doing all he could to get away with the rules to try and take down Senji. However, Senji wasn't going down as it was slowly ticking him off, and Wolfgang was starting to get frustrated. He Powerbombed Senji, and covered him, only for a two count! Annoyed, he then looked to Powerbomb him again, but then suddenly got Back Body Dropped by Senji! Wolfgang stumbled up and right into a Crow Claws, for a two count! Turning to Cloud, he then pointed towards him and his title, who just narrowed his eyes, and then looked for the Invisible Black, but then Wolfgang slipped out of it and looked for the Wolf's Claw! But Senji ducked it, and Wolfgang got crotched across the ropes as result and BOOTED over the ropes and to the outside!
- From there, Wolfgang got up and looked to get back in, but then stopped, and he sneered as he backed up the ramp while Jimmy counted and the crowd booed loudly. Senji narrowed h is eyes in annoyance, as Wolfgang snickered, not caring as he shouted "I don't need to fight you! I can do whatever I want, I'm the Alpha Male! Deal with it, wee-" AND TOAD GRABBED HIM FROM BEHIND AND QUICKLY THREW HIM INTO THE RING! Wolfgang was stunned at what just happened, but quickly got lifted up by Senji in Argentine Rack AND INVISIBLE BLACK CONNECTS! ONE...TWO...THREE! Senji wins! Senji was victorious as he got his arm raised with a grin, and Wolfgang rolled out of the ring, slowly coming to as a result, and looking up the ramp to see Toad, glaring at Wolfgang before grinning and walking away, obviously payback for what happened last week. Wolfgang growled, now beyond angry at what just happened. Toad would pay for this after Post-Clash Bash.
- Senji celebrated in the ring, enjoying the victory, but then he caught sight of Cloud who still sitting at ringside and he exited the ring to walk up to him. Cloud stood up, and the two came face to face with each other. Senji then looked down at his title, and the two talked to each other, and they began to exchange words. Some of it didn't seem all that pleasant it appeared to get more and more heated, and at the end of it, Senji chuckled and turned away BUT GRABBED CLOUD FOR A CROW CLAWS-CLOUD SPUN OUT OF IT AND SET HIM UP AND LIFTED HIM FOR A BUSTER SWORD-SENJI SLIPPED OUT OF IT! The two turned and backed away from each other, staring each other down as the crowd cheered. After a few moments, Senji smirked as he said "Not bad, Cloud. Not bad," and then proceeded to back away, exclaiming "Better win at Post-Clash Bash, Cloud! Because I want to see you at War Zone! Dead-Center!" and from there left, leaving Cloud to himself. He slung his title over his shoulder, and simply replied, "Same to you. Show me what you got against HABIT."
Backstage Segment: Army of Two Confront the Tag Team Champions
We go backstage to see the World Tag Team Champions, the Elrics, together backstage as they were apparently deliberating on a subject together...
"Okay, so we're gonna handle Eddy at Post-Clash Bash, alright? You'll hold him down, and I'll finally get to beat his short head in, alright Al? He's got it coming..." Edward devised.
"Brother, you do realize we're facing Edd and Rolf, not Eddy, right? Beating him up does nothing for us." Alphonse sweatdropped.
"Yeah, well, it's his fault for being a jerk at that beach party!" Edward cried out in comedic anger. "He asked for it! And we're gonna kick Edd and Rolf's ass at Post-Clash Bash to prove we're the real team to look out for, and once we do, we're gonna Eddy's ass! He's gonna regret it!"
"Oh brother, you never change..." Alphonse sighed.
"Yeah, well, don't get too focused on the EPA, you two."
The Elrics' attention was officially pulled up as they turned around, and they saw the Army of Two, Salem and Rios, walk up to them. And Salem, in particular, had a grin on his face.
"After all, you may have to deal with us after once you get past those guys." He noted.
"Well, well, if it isn't the so-called Army of Two, the new guys around here. What the hell do you want with us?" Edward narrowed his eyes.
"Hey, calm down there, we want no trouble." Salem held up his hands in defense. "We're just here to talk to you. After all, we noticed that after Post-Clash Bash, you don't really have anyone else lined up, do you?"
"That's what I noticed as well. No other challengers coming up. That means you got a free schedule coming up. Something's got to be done about that." Rios stated.
"Let me guess...you want a shot at your titles?" Edward questioned.
"You got it. What else would we want with the Champs? Might as well stake a claim at this point, and the only other Tag Teams making noise are too deep into a stable war. So consider us your next challengers when you're done." Salem grinned.
"Don't you have a pair of urban gangsters to deal with? That you sort of flatout left lying in their home?" Alphonse reminded. "Not saying they didn't deserve it, but they aren't going to let that go. They're going to come after you."
"We're well-aware. We're just here to let you know what we got in mind." Rios stated. "They screwed us over, and asked for that. We're ready for them, because this was a fight they wanted, and they're going to get for it. And once we deal with them, we'll have proven ourselves. And we'll come for your tit-"
RIOS GETS TACKLED INTO CRATES BY ED WUNCLER! Salem was stunned but got booted down by an angry Gin Rummy, as Woodcrest's Most Wanted ambushed the Army of Two! They were pissed as Gin shouted "YOU WANT TO JUMP US AT OUR PLACE?! BECAUSE YOU GOT OUTSMARTED?! WELL WE GOT PAYBACK FOR YA, YOU BASTARDS!" Ed was just beating down on Rios, as Gin just stomped on Salem as they were beating down on them but then ALPHONSE tried to pull a rabid Ed off Rios, wanting to stop this!
"Hey, stop it! That's enough! You made your point, you can't just try to rip their hearts out!" Alphonse cried out.
"Al, hey get out of there, this isn't any of our-" Edward began BUT ALPHONSE GOT GRABBED BY ED AND GIN AND THROW RIGHT INTO EDWARD AND KNOCKING THEM BOTH OVER!
"STAY OUT OF THIS, MUPPHUKKERS! WE'LL MURDER YOUR ASSES LATER!" Ed shouted angrily as Gin sneered and they looked to get back to the beatdown, but got RIGHT FROM THE ARMY OF TWO! Salem and Rios had recovered, and were now pissed themselves as a brawl was on! Rios threw Ed down into the wall and was wailing on him, and Salem had tackled Gin down and was brawling with him across the floor, and it was chaos...
...BUT THEN EDWARD JUMPED ONTO GIN AND SALEM ANGRY AS HELL FOR WHAT HAPPENED! And Alphonse even jumped onto the crate and off onto Ed, taking down Rios in the process! The Elrics were not happy about what happened, and were trying to get the WMW. Of course, Salem & Rios didn't like how they got caught in the crossfire, so THEY fought with the Elrics too, and it TURNED INTO A HUGE THREE TEAM BRAWL! All six men beating the hell out of each other, and soon enough, backstage workers and security came into try and separate them, pulling them away from each other and holding them at bay, and Force came into the picture.
"HEY, HEY! Calm down! All of you!" Force ordered, as the teams glared at each other. "Are you kidding me? Is this what backstage has devolved into? A zoo of chaos? Where we can all beat on each other whenever we feel like? I know it's wrestling, but come on, guys. Alright, look...clearly, some tempers have flared. So here's what will happen. Elrics, you need challengers after if you win at Post-Clash Bash? You'll get them. Because Army of Two, Woodcrest's Most Wanted, you don't like each other? You want to beat each other's brains in? Then on the Flame before War Zone, you two teams are going to face each other in a TORNADO TAG TEAM MATCH. And the winner will be the No. 1 Contender to the World Tag Team Titles! You like that? I hope you all do, because this fight is done. Get them out of here, the Elrics got a title match to prepare for."
Security and backstage workers proceeded to drag the three teams away, with Ed shouting "YOU ARMY PHUKKERS GONNA PAY, WE GONNA SKEWER YOUR ASSES WITH AKS, YOU HEAR?!" while Gin just exclaimed they were going to get it, while Salem exclaimed "BRING IT! YOU'RE THE LAST THING WE'RE AFRAID OF!" while Rios simply motioned that their time was coming, and Edward very much fuming at everything, and Alphone just sighed, but knew what they had to do. Force stayed behind, and shook his head with a grin, muttering, "Only in wrestling... What a job..."
Singles Match: Link vs. Shadow the Hedgehog
- Link had a lot on his mind these days, with Sephiroth's return and him being his first target, and that carried over to his match against Shadow the Hedgehog, who was very frustrated amid a bad losing streak. And that was not a good mix for Link early as Shadow took out his frustrations on the Hero of Time, and Link couldn't handle the onslaught that was coming his way as Shadow even nailed a trio of Spinning Spinebusters on him in rapid succession. However, Shadow just couldn't put Link away, and it was only serving to make him angrier and frustrated, and for the savvy and wise Link, it gave him mistakes to capitalize on, including a hasty Chaos Nightmare turned into a Catapult into the corner, followed by a Dragon Suplex. From there, Link used Shadow's frustrations against him, reversing and being crafty, until he ducked a Chaos Blast from Shadow, and grabbed him from behind for a Triforce Strike! That resulted in a Link victory, and another loss for Shadow.
- Shadow rolled out of the ring and just stewed outside the ring, while Link grabbed a mic and stood in the ring and looked at the crowd. He then started to say that he has known Sephiroth for a long time, ever since the 90s. From the start, he had saw firsthand Sephiroth's capacity for cruelty, and lack of empathy towards people, treating them as puppets. Once he had been a hero, but Link knew from the first moment he met him, that he was now a monster. He saw all his terrible actions firsthand, but never truly fought him. He never truly fought him, because Cloud was always there. Cloud was always the main rival of Sephiroth, and always dealt with him when he got too ahead of himself. Link thought that he could trust everything to Cloud, who was Zack's best friend and it was his right. But now Link realizes that was a mistake. Not to trust Cloud, but not to do anything himself. Because Sephiroth was an evil unlike any other, and that for all Cloud did, it was not going to be enough. Because Sephiroth would always come back, he always knew how to against Cloud. And the cycle would begin again, and the cruelty would continue. He could've helped, but thought those who fought Sephiroth could handle him...but he had made a mistake. And that now was the time to end Sephiroth's evil. For all the chaos in UCA at times, it was still better than the days when Sephiroth roamed, and he couldn't let that change. It was his duty as a hero to finally put an end to his evil before it sunk it's teeth right into the company as well, and if Sephiroth wanted a fight, he was going to give it to him, and the One Winged Angel would finally be struck down for good.
- However, Link's promo stopped because of something he saw...a black feather dropping down to the ring. And his eyes widened as the lights went out, and he was on alert as he waited for him to appear. Then the lights came back on and Sephiroth was there WITH SHADOW IN HIS HANDS ON THE OUTSIDE. Sephiroth gave a smile as Link's eyes widened as he tried to run and get to the outside to stop him BUT WAS TOO LATE AS SHADOW GOT CHOKESLAMMED BY SEPHIROTH THROUGH THE ENGLISH ANNOUNCE TABLE! Link was in disbelief and anger as he tried to run at Sephiroth, but then the lights went out once more. And once they came back on, he was gone, leaving Shadow laid out amid the table remains. He checked on the hedgehog, as suddenly Sephiroth's voice echoed with, "Looks like you failed again, hero. Always a second too late. What a shame. This will be fun," and that left Link very frustrated. He knew this was Sephiroth's mocking Link and his inability to stop him from hurting anyone. And he knew that this was going to go on unless he did something about it.
Backstage Segment: The Chief's Anger Is On Full Display
Master Chief was shown walking through backstage, and his entire demeanor was one of pure rage as he walked down the halls. He kicked down a door off the hinges to a locker room, and looked through it for a person. When he found nothing, his mood got worse as he went down the hall more, and grabbed another door and tore it completely off, and looked through the room inside. Once again, nothing was there, and his anger only mounted. He then walked over to a backstage worked and glared at them.
"Where is Star Force?" He questioned.
"I...I-I-I don't know...!" He squeaked, spilling his coffee all over his face.
He then walked over to another backstage worked, and asked the same question, "Where is Star Force?"
"I-I haven't seen him, Chief! Honest!" Another worked cried out, spilling his candy all over him.
Frustrated, he goes around the corner and grabs a table and throws it a door, and checks inside it. However, the room was also empty, and Chief was left with absolutely nothing but rage and worry. "Cortana..."
"Typical. Going off and off again, uncaring of what happens around you."
Chief stopped in his tracks, as he slowly turned around, and came face to face with RC Bane, who seemed absolutely displeased by the very presence of Chief.
"A veteran, going around and destroying stuff just because of what happened to you. Are you even caring about the workers you scare or the property you're damaging? Of course not, because you only care about yourself." RC scoffed. "I wasn't even planning on caring about you, but you just had to go around doing all this. Good going. You know what? I've watched you and Geo very closely, considering I know him very welll...and I have to say he was right to take Cortana. It was a message for you to get the hint, and realize your time is done. You're the one who keeps bringing her after all to these things, so it's your fault she got taken. In the end, you only have yourself to blame, and you should-"
Master Chief then suddenly walked up to RC Bane and glared right at him, who only glared right back, and the Chief simply said, "...You talk too much. Face me in the right now. Let's see how much you talk then."
Chief then walked away towards the gorilla position, and RC just glared at him before scoffing, and walking away towards it, eager to show Chief how wrong he was.
Singles Match: Master Chief vs RC Bane
- The battle between the Spartan and the Revolutionary Spokesperson was...well, it was all Chief at first. Chief's anger and rage was not to be contained as he pretty much took it all out on RC. Bane had no answer as he got ragged around initially by him, being hit with Powerslams, Lariats, and even a Powerbomb on the turnbuckles. RC tried to fight back, but when he threw a right, it got caught and then he got a Fallaway Slam so hard he rolled out of the ring from it. He was getting manhandled, and he could barely do a thing about it. Chief exited the ring, and he proceeded to rag doll RC some more around ringside, throwing him against the barricade repeatedly before throwing him into the ring. He tried to get back in the ring, but RC managed to kick the leg as he was on the apron to stun him, and then quickly got on it, and then DDTed him on the apron!
- RC picked his spot, and from there, began to work almost methodically on Chief, attacking all of his body parts, from Leg Breakers, to Arm Bars to constant knees to the skull. RC had one goal in mind, to wear Chief down. He couldn't match Chief in power or rage, so he had to make him weaker to ultimately take him down. And this tactic was slowly working as Chief wasn't working as much as he used to, and RC refused to allow him a breather as he continued to work over him repeatedly, even throwing him headfirst into the second turnbuckle, and proceeding to knee him repeatedly before running the ropes and nailing a Running Knee Smash to the sitting Chief. RC felt very comfortable, even going so far as to mock Chief's entire shtick as pretending to power him around, before nailing a Reverse DDT on him, the crowd booing. RC didn't care as he looked to try and put in a Reaper Lock, but he couldn't get him over. Annoyed, he tried again, but Chief suddenly yanked RC in with his leg and grabbed him by the collar. RC's eyes widened as Chief pulled him in and began to wail on his face.
- From there, RC began to get even more beaten down by Chief who was now even more angry. RC was barely able to get away from Chief who was now looking for the Halo Ring, but RC managed to slip out of it and look for a Lariat, but Chief caught it and THREW RC over the ropes and down to the outside with a splat! Chief tried to follow him out there, but Matt stopped him, and then looked to check on RC who was in pain on the outside. Chief was very annoyed by this BUT GOT LOW BLOWED FROM BEHIND...AND THEN SFKO BY STAR FORCE MEGA MAN! STAR FORCE OUTTA NOWHERE! The crowd booed loudly as Geo quickly picked up Chief and SFKO'D HIM AGAIN! He then quickly rolled out of the ring and out of sight as RC slowly got back into the ring, in pain but seeing a chance. He then managed to pick up Chief, and then gave him the Virus Impact! And that was enough for the 1-2-3! RC Bane with another victory, and no one was happy!
- RC Bane left the ring, even-keeled but satisfied with his victory, knowing it was going to help him as he went backstage, and Geo slid back into the ring with a chair and set it up and sat on it as he looked down at him. With a mic in hand, he began to talk to Chief about how it was so typical of him to react this way. He knew Chief would go on a rampage, he knew he just couldn't help himself, and that he was so utterly predictable. He knew by taking Cortana that he would do these things, and it's almost a shame. And Chief could've avoided if he just left well enough alone, but no, he needed vengeance. He needed payback, well, look what it was getting him? Losses, pain, suffering, and losing people he cared about...like Cortana, which he produced the chip she was stored in, showing it to him. It was clearly not worth it, and Chief needed to understand that his time was over, and he lost, but he couldn't. And thus, everything that was happening to Cortana was his fault. His fault, and no one else's.
- Chief was struggling to get back to his feet, and Geo just stated that he couldn't do a damn thing about it. It was his time, the Gaming Killer's time, and if he needed to use Cortana to get the point across. He held the chip in front of Chief, to practically mock him, and told him he was going to keep her, and showed him how powerless he actually was. And when he left him with nothing, he was going to finally put him out of his misery. Because that's what the Gaming Killer does to washed-up has-beens like him. Chief was on his knees as Geo pocketed Cortana, then folded the chair, and lifted it up and swung it down BUT CHIEF CAUGHT IT! Geo's eyes widened as Chief slowly stood up with it, glaring right at the Mega Man. He then yanked the chair away and swung it down, Star Force moving out of the way AND THE CHAIR BENT IN HALF FROM HITTING THE MAT AS HARD AS IT DID! Star Force's eyes widened before getting out of the ring, Chief going after him as he tried to get over the barricade, but Chief grabbed him!
- He tried to pull him back to ringside, and even tried to grab at the chip that contained Cortana's AI, but Geo reached to a fan and SLAMMED A CANE OF AN ELDERLY MAN OVER CHIEF'S HEAD! It stunned him, but it was enough for Geo to get over the barricade and get out of there, Cortana's chip with him as he shouted "YOUR GAMING LIFE WILL BE KILLED, CHIEF! YOU HEAR ME?! I'VE JUST GOTTEN STARTED! YOU WILL BEG FOR ME TO END IT WHEN I'M DONE! CAN'T DO A THING ABOUT IT!" before he got out of there, while Chief stewed, anger and frustration at ringside. Geo had once again got one over on him, and got away...but he was going to get his. Sooner or later.
Backstage Segment: Scourge Calls Out the Power Rangers Legend
We go to Scourge backstage who was in front of a green backdrop that had yellow claw marks on it, and he had his leather jacket on, shades over his eyes, and briefcase in hand as a smug smirk was on his face like always. And then he began speaking...
"You know, it should be pretty good to be me right now. I mean, look what I got." Scourge explained with a grin. "I got the crew ready to take over, I got my girl at my side ready to kick ass, I got FWAs to my name by the plenty, and I got a briefcase which guarantees me a future World Title reign. I really am the King of the World. I should be happy as anyone can be, no one's got it better, despite what some pests from Sony may be trying to do. ...But I'm not. Not totally." Scourge frowned, smirk disappearing. "You want to know why? Do you?"
Scourge paused for a brief second, pulling his shades off his eyes, until he continued. "...Pride & Glory. Pride & Glory is why I am not completely happy. Because that was the moment I could have retaken my throne with the Toon Championship. I had Charlie Brown dead to rights. So what if his friend screwed him over? That's on him for letting that happen, I just did what anyone would have done. And I hit him with the Spear! And then it would have been ONE, TWO, THREE. And I would be standing before you now, the Toon Champion, and a FUTURE DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION! But clearly...that's not the case. So why do I not stand before you a World Champion? One person...Tommy freakin' Oliver."
Scourge scowled angrily. "Tommy robbed me of my throne. He pulled me away from my chance to win the title at the last possible second, took it away from me. And guess what? It wasn't even so he could win the title himself! It was so he could do the 'right thing,' and not even PIN CHARLIE BROWN YOURSELF! You felt sorry for him, and just ignored him! So you just took me out because I was 'the bad guy' and I shouldn't win the title? That makes my blood boil, oh, it really does! It pisses me off! And I have NEVER forgotten that, how it was you who ruined that night for me, who stole what would have been my greatest moment for me just to be a hero! And I will never forget that!"
"Which is why at Post-Clash Bash, I'm going to enjoy what I'm going to do." Scourge sneered. "Because I've been waiting for the day I finally get you back for what you did to me. You are the reason I do not have gold around my waist...and it's going to be payback time. You're just an old man hanging around, trying to relive his glory days and be who you once want to be. But you're Old Yeller, just way past his due date. And at Post-Clash Bash...I'm taking the shotgun and putting you out of your misery." Scourge then pulled the shades over his eyes, and smirked. "I'm turning the Power off big time, this is my revenge. And when I'm done with you...you'll finally learn...to Hail to the King, baby."
Backstage Segment: Playstation All-Stars United
We then go to backstage to one of the locker rooms, where we see the newly united Playstation All-Stars together. Crunch was already flexing his muscle in preparation, and Crash was on top of a chair, rubbing his shoulders in preparation. Jak and Ratchet were psyching up Crunch, and Kat was showing off pictures, mean ones, of the Destructix to get him angry, and Sly just watched it all with a grin.
"Heh, it's good to have you back with us, Crunch. It really is." Sly stated.
"Hey, what can I say? Had some time to think on things." Crunch explained with a smirk as he continued to flex. "I had been teaming with Nathan Drake over on FUSION and all that, with Jonesy as well, and...well...it got me to think about all the stuff that happened between me and Crash. As well as Sony. And I realized that there was no point in just fighting anymore with him. What were we even angry at each other about now? The past is the past...and it was time to make up for him. I think we're better together than apart anyway." Crunch grinned at Crash behind him, who gave him two thumbs up with his own grin. "And teaming with Nathan reminded me how much I loved Sony. I may not be the biggest star Sony has ever had, but I'm still that.
"I think we can all agree to that. They're assholes, without question." Jak remarked in a blunt fashion, before punching his fist into his palm. "And it's time for some payback. Because they did the one thing they shouldn't have...challenged our Sony pride."
"Yeah, that's a big no-no, because that's more of a way to unite us all. Big oops by them, but who said they were smart?" Ratchet quipped. "We were reminded of who we are, and we weren't going to be pushovers for them. They want a war? We'll give them a war. And it's a war we're going to win."
"Oh yeah, they won the first battles...but we're going to win the whole thing. Because now that we know what we're dealing with, what we're fighting for...it's given us new life." Sly grinned. "I feel more rejuvenated than I ever have, and ready to take on the world. And we're going to show them that messing with us is going backfire big time. And it's going to start tonight, right Crunch?"
"Of course, I got their big, silent primate. The one they call Sergeant Simian." Crunch cricks neck. "I got him, don't worry. I've been meaning to match strength with him, and I want to show him that he can't do it as good as I can. I'm gonna throw him all over that canvas. Though I hear that fox girl they got is gonna be with him at ringside."
"And we all know these guys don't play by the rules. So I guess it means we got to give you backup out there. And who better than a Gravity Shifter, right?" Ratchet grinned over at Kat, who was still showing off the pictures but gave a thumbs up.
"Of course, anything for a fellow All-Star!" Kat grinned happily. "Besides, I got a lot I want to pay back to Fiona for costing me the Universal Queen Finals before taking her down at War Zone. Why not keep her from getting the victory for her enforcer? There is so much I want to do her, it's not even funny! I'm serious!"
"Hey, easy there, you'll get her eventually. First, you got to help Crunch through this...and then deal with a certain Fire Princess." Jak reminded her.
"Yeah...Azula, no doubt. I intend to go to War Zone as the GAIA World Openweight Champion." Kat nodded. "I'm not gonna lie though, I feel a bit responsible for her being Champion. Because I made her tap during the tournament awhile back, she...snapped, and went on a rampage. And it ended with her as champion, adn Sylva getting exactly what she wanted. Now Azula's doing whatever she wants to the girls there. People keep telling me I shouldn't feel bad, that I didn't cause that...but either way, it's my responsibility to stop that. I know it sounds strange, an outsider winning their title to do that...but I'll make sure GAIA gets the chances it deserves to get their title back. I just want to make sure that Azula doesn't hurt anyone else anymore. I'll give it my all at Post-Clash Bash...and I will walk into War Zone as Champion. To show Fiona that I'm that much better than her."
Sly patted Kat on the shoulder, a grin on his face. "Yeah, we know, Kat. You got it with Azula. You'll take her down, and you'll take care of Fiona all the same. No question."
"Yeah...for now, I gotta focus on tonight, and helping Crunch not get affected by Fiona." Kat nodded before grinning at Crunch. I've got your back tonight, Crunch. We're gonna deal a blow to the Destructix tonight, for sure."
"Heh, that's what I'm talking about. Give it here." Crunch held out a fist, and the two fist bumped. "We've got this, no question about it! Simian and Fiona won't know what hit them."
"Good to hear. I'm going to go and get us some drinks, want us to watch the entire asskicking with something to enjoy ourselves with." Jak grinned before walking out.
"Hey, make sure it's the good kind of drinks, and not the crap they sometimes throw at us!" Ratchet exclaimed.
"So, you ready to go out there and be my backup?" Crunch grinned.
"Always have been, Crunch." Kat grinned back.
"Knock them on their asses, you two." Sly chuckled as the two left for the gorilla position.
Singles Match: Crunch Bandicoot w/Kat vs Sergeant Simian w/Fiona Fox
- The match between Crunch and Simian was hard-hitting and powerful, with the two powerhouses going at it while their allies were at ringside. They kept throwing each other around and slamming each other to the mat, as the clear dislike was on display from the start. Simian almost seemed to sneer down at his opponent, not even thinking Crunch was worth his time, and it showed in his movements. Crunch was getting very angry at the blatant lack of respect Simian showed to him, and it began when he caught a fist from the gorilla who was stunned by it, before Crunch lifted him and slammed him into the corner before he unloaded on him. Simian was stunned by the aggression of Crunch, and didn't have much when he got blasted with the Cortex Curse, but only got a two. Simian eventually stemmed the tide by ducking a fist, throwing him into a turnbuckle, and nailing him with a Full Nelson Slam!
- However, with who was at ringside, a clean fight was not guaranteed, as Fiona quickly grabbed a leg and tripped up Crunch when he ran the ropes while Matt wasn't looking, allowing Simian to boot his head off. Kat ran at Fiona in anger, who quickly ran to the other side of the ring, smirking at the angry Kat the whole time. From there, Simian took control and dominated Crunch, just beating down on him repeatedly, and even sending him over the ropes with a Gorilla Press Toss with a splat. But Crunch wasn't going to give, as he took everything Simian had and more. Simian's frustration grew, while Fiona barked order to finish, but the Simian Smash was reversed into a Back Drop Suplex, followed by another Cortex Curse. But the pin didn't count because Fiona got on the apron and began distracting Matt, arguing with him...UNTIL KAT CAME ONTO THE APRON AND DROPKICKED HER OFF! And from there, she ran and jumped off it to Hurricanrana'd Fiona as she got back up before jumping on her and throwing fists at her!
- Matt tried to restore order, but as Crunch watched the situation, Simian got back up, and turned him around before nailing a Chokeslam on him. Simian growled as he picked up Crunch off that, and looked to finish him off as he picked him up and hooked him for the Simian Smash, but suddenly Crunch threw him overhead. Simian rolled onto his feet, but got massive Lariat that nearly took off his head! He then picked him up, and planted him with Crunch Time. And that was enough for the 1-2-3, and a victory for the Playstation All-Stars! Crunch was elated as he actually got some payback on Simian, and Kat stood up, seeing the victory and cheered him on, sliding in and hugging him. Crunch chuckled, patting her before the two took their leave. Fiona and Simian slowly came to, and glared at the two, the fox especially who was clearly angry with what happened, all while Kat smirked and said this was coming at War Zone, and Crunch celebrated...
- ...but the celebration was short lived as Crunch got a chair to the back and fell to a knee from Predator! Kat was stunned but then got kicked away by a giggling Flying Frog, who had his own chair, and the two partners looked at the kneeling Crunch and GAVE HIM A CON-CHAIR-TO! Crunch was down on the stage in pain, and Predator and Flying smirked while Simian and Fiona approved, but the Playstation All-Stars came out! The two on the stage bailed out into the crowd quickly, with Simian and Fiona doing so as well! Sly glared at them, while the others checked on Crunch and helped up Kat. And Scourge was shown watching the situation from the back, a sneer on his face. Even if they lost the battle, the Destructix wanted to leave their mark, that this war wasn't going to be easy for them..
Backstage Segment: Takuya Lays Out His Feelings on the World Champion
We go to a studio room in the back, and we go to a certain female news reporter sitting in a chair in a black room as she looked at the camera...
"Hello everyone, I am Jane Valderama, normally of Steelport News," she introduced herself. "But now, I have been hired as UCA's personal sit-down interviewer. For those with personal grievances too great to bear out in a simple interview, I come in, and ask the hard questions. To get the answers in detailed form, and get personal. And my first guest at this time...none other than the No. 1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, Takuya Kanbara." Jane turned, the camera showing Takuya sitting across from her. "Takuya, thank you for your time."
"Of course, I don't mind. Felt this was a good opportunity anyway to get a lot off my chest." Takuya stated.
"Well Takuya, I'm sure you have a lot to say, and it is a pleasure to have you with us. Much will be revealed, so let's begin. You have recently become the No. 1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Title. It is your first World Title shot in some time. How do you feel about this opportunity?"
"I feel great." Takuya stated strongly. "I mean, I used to be a man on top of the world. I thought I was going to be the guy, the top man in UCA after I won at Final Clash all those years ago. But it fell out from the bottom. And when I lost the World Title, and when I lost to Gold in Hell in a Cell, it's never been the same since. It's been a struggle just to get another World Title shot. I've had to scratch, claw, and kick people down in order to get this shot. And now that I've got it, I won't let let it slip away. Not a damn chance."
"Indeed, but the Champion is someone you know very well in Matt Ishida." Jane pointed out.
"...Yeah, guess you could say that." Takuya replied after a pause. "I do know him well enough."
"Would you say that your history with Matt is what motivated you to get another title shot?" Jane questioned.
"Are you kidding me? I didn't need Matt to motivate me to get a title shot, I just wasn't given the opportunity to get one." Takuya retorted angrily. "Matt never motivated towards this moment one bit, I got here because I wanted to be World Champion again that badly, and get back what has always been rightfully mine. All Matt has done, is basically add more drama to it all, and is just another obstacle in my way. That's all he is, an obstacle, and not close to what people seem to think he is!"
"You seem to not have a very high opinion of Matt Ishida, evident by your words last week on him." Jane observed.
"No, I don't. And I have no reason to, he's given me none." Takuya stated.
"But why? Why do you feel this way? Does this have anything to do with your past history with Matt Ishida in Animated?" Jane questioned.
"In a way, it goes back to that...but in the end, it's because of this...he's just a damn story." Takuya explained. "That's all he is, a stupid story. That's what he based his entire shtick since coming to UCA, so he could get people behind him. So people would like the idea of "Matt Baby" being the main eventer, even though he was washed up thanks to what me and my friends did to him. He wasn't any different than what he was before, he was the same damn guy who failed to be 'The Man' in WWE, so he crafted this stupid 'Resurrection' BS in order to make sure fans loved him, and make sure no one questioned And guess what? Force saw money in that, and he and management made Matt the golden child, they pushed him to the freakin' moon because they saw dollar signs from his whole shtick and didn't want to let that go. So they made sure he became the World Champion by any means possible, and they haven't stopped kissing his ass since. I can see it, and so can many other people."
"Do you truly believe that management would be so favorable to Matt Ishida?" Jane raised an eyebrow.
"It's the only way to explain how Matt got such a quick rise, and how he was instantly promoted to the level he was. I never got nearly the treatment when I won the Rumble and the World Title." Takuya proclaimed bitterly. "In fact, to them, Matt was a better Digi-top guy than I ever could be, so once he showed up, I was forgotten, discarded, and left to rot even more so they could promote him. I was just known as Taiki's lackey in Digivolution, and everyone was comfortable with that. ...Except for me. I refused to let everything I did in UCA be forgotten, and replaced by the false crap that Matt spews! The World Title is the ultimate goal, whether Matt was around or not, but what he's done...is make this a priority: ending Matt Ishida for good. Because his story has run its course without question, and I'm going to be the one to slam the book shut on it."
"A very strong opinion on the World Champion, one that is no doubt going to get people talking. So you feel as if you've been held back?" Jane asked.
"I have, because of people like Matt, who won't realize that their time is over. How else does a guy go from main eventing Final Clash to curtain jerking it in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match a few years later?" Takuya proclaimed angrily. "They want to keep me in the background of Digivolution, but I won't. Not anymore. I should be the main event, I deserve it. Not Matt, me. And if they won't give it to me, then I'll take it from them. Because all Matt is is a FRAUD. His whole story is nothing more than a fake reel, and I'll expose the real Matt Ishida as nothing more than someone who is always the midcarder. While I show why I've got the goggles...and become the World Heavyweight Champion."
"But if he loses to Tai at Post-Clash, who will then become the World Heavyweight Champion, will that change your approach?" Jane questioned.
"Doesn't make a difference to me. Far as I'm concerned, they are both the same person. Two old men whose utterly fake, old stories have passed, and need to be taken out of their miseries. And I'll do it to whoever walks out as Champion, whether Force or Space Ghost like it or not. Because as far as I'm concerned...it's always been my time. And I need to take what I deserve once and for all."
"How riveting. Thank you for your time, Takuya Kanbara. I'm sure that Matt and others will be very intrigued by what you just said." Jane said before turning to the camera. "Thank you for watching the first episode of my series of Sit-Down Interviews. This is Jane Valderama, signing off."
Backstage Segment: The Crow Declares His Intentions Against Severance
We now go backstage to a room that had a red backdrop with the logo of a crow behind it, and who stood in front of it but the Crow himself, Senji Kiyomasa, arms crossed...
"You know, I've talked a lot about my Intercontinental Title Match coming up, and of course, it's something I put a lot into. But...there's one other thing I got to focus on..." Senji admitted. "My match with HABIT the Rabbit at Post-Clash Bash. More specifically...a good ol' fashioned Hardcore Match. Now you might be thinking on why the hell would I want to take on HABIT of all people? What could he possibly have to do with me? Why face such a madman in a match like this?"
Senji clicked his tongue as he contemplated a bit, "Well, here's the thing...I've been watching this guy for quite awhile. And man, HABIT's got his teeth in EVERYTHING. He's running around with the Joker, causing all kinds of havoc with his crew. Then there's the Gateway, and I'm watching him helping that Seed try to take over UWE with his Oblivion stuff. Whether he actually believes is another story. And finally, he's got his own crew, the House of Severance, as he basically runs roughshod over FWF. This guy's got his paws in everything, I gotta say, he certainly knows how to work his way into power and all that. But see, that's why I'm doing this. Because one thing I've noticed...he's never really paid for any of it, has he? He's sort of gotten away mostly scot-free, he has that knack."
"And that's why I'm here." Senji grinned. "Considered me the karma giver in this case. Because it's high time someone showed up to finally kick his ass for all the things he's done. Now HABIT, I know what you're capable of. I mean, you're one of the baddest guys in the FWM practically, how could I not? Everyone knows you, and what you can do, and that when people cross you, they go down. Hard. Painfully. And you do whatever it takes to win, there is no low you won't go to. You're dangerous...but that's why it takes a guy like me. Because when it comes to people like you, you don't need goody two-shoes, you need guys willing to do the dirty work to deal with assholes like you. And trust me, I'm willing to go to whatever lengths to take you down, and make you pay for all that you've done."
"You call this possibly your last stop on your Hardcore Retirement Tour?" Senji questioned. "Want this to be a glorious triumph before walking out, thinking you're better than it? Well then, I hope you like pain, because that's exactly what you're receiving through this. Because while you think you've "outgrown" this, this is a part of me, and it always will be. You may know how to fight here, but this is my world, and I'll throw everything that's in it at you to win. Because it's about time someone took a mallet to your giant ego and showed you're not impossible to get to. So I'm coming for you, and even if you bring your damn House along the way, I'll just tear them down along with you. I'll welcome the fight."
"So HABIT, at Post-Clash Bash, I'm going to show you no mercy." Senji grinned. "I'm coming for you, and I'll be the guy that finally brings down HABIT. This is my chance to show the world I'm ready for the big times...so get ready for the fight of your life, HABIT. Dead-Center."
In-Ring Segment: Tidus Shows He Isn't Afraid of The Darkness
Tidus stood in the middle of the ring, Cruiserweight Title over his shoulder as he held it and had a mic in hand. The crowd was chanting Tidus' name, and he grinned before talking...
"You know when I beat Sora, I really thought that was going to be the end of that. That I was going to be able to move on, and continue my reign with a new challenger." Tidus stated. "In a way, that is true...but it's from the same old source. Now I gotta deal with Riku, Sora's best friend. Man, I just can't get away from Kingdom Hearts, can I? But I suppose that's to be expected, they want this title of mine bad. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for the challenge, it's why I gave him the title shot he was looking for. I'm a fighting champion...but he clearly isn't looking to be friends, with what he did to me after I retained my title. At least with Sora, it was simply about who was better. But Riku made it clear, he doesn't care about any of that. That he's looking for "validation." And you know what? I get it, I'm looking for validation myself in regards to my old man. But all you had to do was ask for a title shot, or at least try to earn one. But no, you had to take the quick way to it, right after Sora failed to get it too. And you know what? I'm not really happy about it, and I'm not letting that go. But the thing is? I'm not scared of you, Riku. It doesn't matter whether you're light, dark, dawn, or whatever you are these days. Because this title is key to my journey, and like hell I'm letting you of all people take it from me-"
"Is that a fact, Tidus?"
A mixed reaction came from the crowd as Tidus turned to the stage, and out came Riku in his KH3 appearance, mic in hand as he quickly made his way down the ramp.
"Oh boy...now this is going to be very interesting..." Church stated.
"I'm smelling a roasting of epic proportions! Allow me to get some weenies to put over it!" Sarge exclaimed.
*Skip*
"You know, you said a lot there...but in the end, you don't really know anything about me." Riku stated. "You seem to take issue with how I had to get your attention, but here's the thing...I'm not Sora. He may have been interested in a playing a game of 1-Up with you and all that, trying to see who's better, but I'm not interested in that one bit. Not with you, and not with the position I'm in. I don't care for playing around with you, I only care about showing everyone that I am just as good as Sora, and that I can be on the biggest levels! And it starts with that title...and with getting you to give me a title shot. And I wasn't going to wait in line."
"So you jumped me from behind, huh? At least Sora had manners." Tidus stated.
"Would you even give me the time of place if I didn't? I did what I had to do, and I don't regret it." Riku retorted. "You're not playing with Sora anymore, you're dealing with me, and I do things differently. And honestly, I don't think you're that tough. You talk a lot about trying to "surpass" your old man, but the way I see it? You're just using his name to keep yourself relevant with all this talk you've got regarding you and him. The only reason you're even in this position is because you're Jecht's son, and let me tell you, you aren't even close to being as good as him, let alone surpassing him. And trust me, I've faced him, so I know. So this whole journey of yours means absolutely nothing."
"Oh you are one to talk!" Tidus snapped, clearly not liking what Riku claimed. "You're the one who talks about showing he's as good as Sora, yet here you are, needing to pick a fight with me in order get this shot. You say you're not as nice Sora to justify it, but you know what I think? I think you did it because you knew you wouldn't get a shot any other way! Because you didn't believe you couldn't earn it the old-fashioned way, am I right?"
"You better watch what you say." Riku threatened.
"Or what? Gonna try to kick my ass? I'm not afraid of you, Riku!" Tidus proclaimed. "No matter what you say, I've earned this..." Tidus held up his Cruiserweight Title. "I've earned everything I've got. I don't want my old man's name handing me anything, and where I'm at now, it's what I've fought for. I'm sorry that's hard for you to grasp, but at least I make it a point to earn what I've got. You seem to want people to believe you're this good so badly, you'll do whatever it takes to make it appear that way."
"Yet you gave me the shot regardless." Riku pointed out.
"Because if I can beat Sora, then I can sure as hell beat you." Tidus grinned. "So why not kick your ass and get this out of the way?"
"Oh you want to test that right now? Because I won't be looked down on by the likes of you!" Riku shouted angrily, fed up with Tidus' attitude.
"Oh, I'm ready if you are to show why I'm the Champion." Tidus replied.
The two stared each other down as the tensions were high as the crowd cheered, wanting a fight. However, Sora came down the ramp and quickly got in between them, pushing Riku away who continued to glare at Tidus. He then began to reason with Tidus, not wanting his friend to get into something too bad at the moment.
"Riku, calm down. Don't let him get to you. I know how he can be, but you can get him. Just beat him at War Zone, no need to hurt him now, right?" Sora grinned, hoping to placate his best friend. "So come on, you guys made your points. Let's get out of here."
Riku took a long look at his friend, and back at Tidus who stared at him, before sighing and nodding as he agreed with Sora. Sora gave a grin as he patted Riku on the chest before he looked to leave. Tidus watched the scene and sighed before he adjusted the title over his shoulder AND GOT A BOOT OUT OF NOWHERE BY RIKU! Tidus was laid out as Riku stood over him, and Sora was shocked. Riku only grinned before he rolled out of the ring, and Sora went after him in shock, wondering why he needed to cheap shot him. Riku simply said "To send a message, plain and simple," all while Tidus slowly sat up, holding his face as he glared at Riku, who simply motioned for the belt, saying he was coming for it, all while Sora just watched the situation, not sure what to make of it.
"Well, that escalated quickly. It's like Riku said, this isn't about "1-upping" Tidus, it's about taking that Cruiserweight Title." Church stated. "This is clearly not Tidus' rivalry with Sora at all!"
"And I appreciate it! Don't show any decency to the dirtbag! Take his title, and leave him downtrodden! SHOW NO MERCY!" Sarge cheered.
Vignette: Arthur Paul Onais Masters The Art of Sniping
A vignette begins, showing off the one and only APO as he was shown standing in a field of sorts, a quiver around his back and a bow in hand.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Arthur Paul Onais, otherwise known as A...P...O." APO proclaimed proudly. "Last week, I introduced you all to my new project in mastering the activities and sports of the other Cruiserweights in this division, to prove my superiority over them and such a division in general. Now last week, I mastered being a trapeze artist, a form I am well aware that our dear Robin once excelled in. And as you all saw, I could clearly do it in ways he could only dream of. But now I turn my focus to another member of the division, someone more recent actually. A certain pirate by the name of Usopp."
"Now while you are a sorry excuse for a pirate, your name is terrible, and your looks are clearly inferior to mine in every way, I couldn't help but notice that you fancy yourself a sniper." APO pointed out. "A very good sniper in fact. And well...I just need to show you how inadequate you are compared to me."
The camera view panned out, which showed the field before APO, and it was littered with all sorts of targets, from dummy horses, to broken trees, to brick walls, and even moving targets such as a dog with an apple that was running around. And each target had a tiny red dot on them, as if to say that was where it needed to be struck.
"Observe true superiority." APO stated.
From there, the Mr. Perfect theme plays as he took out an arrow and aimed it, before firing it at a dummy horse, and actually struck the little red dot with precision. He then aimed another bow, and fired it at a broken tree to hit that red dot as well. And soon arrows were shot in almost beautiful motion, slow motion to the viewers, as they struck each target with godly precision. APO then aimed one arrow particularly, and fired it so hard, it struck the red dot on the brick wall and actually pierced the red dot and embedded itself into it. He then fired off more arrows, and each pierced right through the previous arrow right on the dot over and over. The accuracy was insane...
...but then APO eyed the birds in the sky that were flying all about, and then proceeded to fire arrows over at all of them, never missing any of them as they all struck the flying birds that were flying almost in circles. Each bird went down and fell down to the ground, before eyeing the moving dog with the apple on top of it, then pulls out three arrows, aims...and fires them, where they all strike the apple on top of the moving dog in a perfect line, embedding the apple into a tree. APO chuckled as his archery session was done.
"Precise. As a Greek should be." APO smirked before turning to the camera. "As you can see, Usopp could only hope to do it as well as I did. I must thank my sister, of course, who is the only person better at this than me, haha. But as you can see, a pirate pales in comparison to the Greek Freak, and so do many others. And you will find out who else does in the coming weeks, for I am...A...P...O."
Tag Team Match: Gordon Freeman & Monkey D. Luffy w/G-Man vs. Ben Tennyson & Johnny Cage
- The next match was a tag match that had two people who were supposed to face each other being real pissed at a 'hero' in Gordon Freeman and Monkey D. Luffy, who didn't like their match being interrupted and wanted Ben. Ben, in return, enlisted Johnny Cage to fight in a tag match with him as a "friend to fight against the evil villains" trying to hurt him him. Cage was more than happy to help his old Revolution friend. Gordon was fed up with Ben's BS, and Luffy just wanted to kick his ass for attacking him, he didn't care much for whatever Ben said. Ben responded to this the only way a hero could...by staying on the apron as the match began. Proclaiming that he was saving himself for the final stretch, and Gordon was not amused by this, while Luffy started to wonder if Ben was a hero. Johnny was fully indulging Ben's shtick though, even saying this this was practically a movie, and movies always have happy endings, so they just lay down and accept their fate. Gordon and Luffy looked at each other, while Gordon just nodded at Luffy, who shrugged and DECKED JOHNNY HARD!
- Luffy and Gordon took turns rattling Johnny since they couldn't get to Ben just yet, so they took it out on his partner, while Ben remarked that the evildoers would pay for what they were doing to his friend, all while he stood on the apron. The two even nailed a Double Powerbomb on Johnny, which only netted a two, but clearly he was in trouble. But never fear, Ben was here for as Jimmy was checking on Johnny, Luffy ran the ropes AND GOT A GALAXY STRIKE FROM BEN ON THE APRON WHILE THE REF WASN'T LOOKING! Angry, Gordon chased after Ben, who ran off and exclaimed that he was saving his partner, and he would do so no matter what as Gordon glared at him, and G-Man just watched Ben very closely, adjusting his tie carefully. Of course, this all allowed Johnny to recover, and as Luffy stumbled up, Cage quickly nailed him with the Shadow Kick, and got a near fall out of that.
- From there, Cage and Ben went to work it, as Ben finally started to tag in as he said "now's the time for me to defeat the villains! You're welcome!" Boos rained down, but he ignored them as he and Cage worked on Luffy, hitting him with moves such as Double Suplexes, DDTs, and much more as they wore him down. All while Ben taunted Gordon, saying that his fall would come soon enough as Gordon got antsy on the apron. In the end, Ben was legal as he picked up Luffy, and looked for the Omni-Slam, but Luffy struggled in the hold, before managing to slip out of it and trying to reach Gordon for a tag! But Ben held onto him and pulled him back in for a Lariat that took him down. Ben grinned, saying it was the end for the pirate, and looked for the Galaxy Storm...but Luffy backflipped out of it and backed up INTO A TAG TO GORDON! Ben was stunned as he turned around RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM A CLEARLY ANGRY GORDON!
- Johnny was quickly knocked off the apron by Gordon, who then went to work on Ben, wanting to take his rage and anger out on the hero. He slammed and threw him around, even ducking a desperate Galaxy Strike attempt, and turning into an emphatic Gravity Blast. However, Ben was holding onto the ropes as Gordon tried to pull him off them and Jimmy tried to get him off them, and Gordon just shoved him away but then Ben took the moment Jimmy was shoved away to rake Gordon's eyes under his glasses! Gordon held his eyes and GALAXY STRIKE CONNECTS! Gordon went down as Ben covered...but ONLY TWO! Ben couldn't believe it, but he simply said it was the set up. He urged Gordon to get up, and when he did, he went for the Intergalactic...but Gordon pushed him away, and he bounced off the ropes INTO A POP-UP POWERBOMB! The crowd cheered as Gordon looked at G-Man who nodded back, and he proceeded to set up Ben for the Resonance Cascade, but then Johnny came in to try and help his pal! Gordon dropped Ben to intercept Johnny and Back Dropped him over the apron. With him taken care of, he went back to Ben WHO LOW BLOWED GORDON! Jimmy proceeded to DQ him and Johnny as Ben proceeded to nail the Galaxy Storm on Gordon!
- Ben shook his head as the boos rained down, and looked down in contempt at the "villain" in Gordon, before he saw the crowbar nearby. And with a devious grin on his face, he grabbed the crowbar and looked down at Gordon as he got up. He then exclaimed "You have terrorized UCA for long enough! Now, I shall strike you down with your own weapon! UCA...you're WELCOME!" then raised it to strike Gordon UNTIL LUFFY GRABBED IT FROM BEN FROM BEHIND! Ben turned around in shock as Luffy glared at him, and backed up into Gordon who was back up, and he glared at him as well...and he said "Oh gang up on the hero?! Clearly you monsters can't face me fair and sq-" AND THEY PROCEEDED TO BEAT DOWN ON BEN! They had enough of him as the fans loved it, and Gordon grabbed Ben, and looked for the Resonance Cascade finally...until Cage grabbed Ben's legs and pulled him out of the ring to avoid the worst.
- The crowd booed as Cage helped Ben up the ramp, and handed him his title as he told him it was alright, and Ben shouted "This was only a setback, you didn't end me, you dastardly evildoers! I'm still Hardcore Champion, and will end you! Because the Hero...Always...Wins!" and he held up his title. Luffy just blanched, finding it all stupid personally, while Gordon just narrowed his eyes...while G-Man actually got into the ring with a mic. And he said that he applauded Ben, for having a remarkable ability to twist facts to fit his narrative, a truly amazing ability. However, he could only twist the facts so much, before they come to light. And the facts were this...Mr. Freeman was done with Ben's "hero" rhetoric, and he wanted to finally take the Hardcore Title from him for good. Because he talked with Force earlier, and got a match approved...Ben Tennyson vs. Gordon Freeman at War Zone for the Hardcore Championship. And Gordon Freeman will finally realize his potential, while Ben...will fall victim to his own stories. Because in some stories...there isn't a happy ending for the "hero." Gordon Freeman pointed at Ben, motioning he was coming for him, while Ben shook his head and held up his title, shouting that he was going to save UCA, that Gordon wouldn't stop him while Johnny hyped up Ben...and Luffy just didn't like Ben, he didn't care much for the rest of this. But the title match was one in the making for awhile, and going to be a true battle.
Backstage Segment: A Bloody Queen's Execution...
We go backstage abruptly however, as cameras seem to pick up on some commotion in the back, as grunts and cries were being heard.
"What the fuck? What's going on? Don't tell me we got ourselves a fight going, we got enough damn problems as it is!" Church groaned.
"I love a good ol' fashioned fight, I bet it's destructive!" Sarge eagerly said. "Let me see it, I need to see what good old violence is being committed here and-"
SUDDENLY TIFA WAS THROWN IN FRONT OF THE SCREEN AND IN FRONT OF THE FLOOR! She had cuts and bruises all over as her body was bleeding, and she looked absolutely beat up as she struggled.
"Whoa, whoa, what the fuck?! TIFA?! Where did she come from?! How did she get like that?! What is-" Church then saw who was coming onto screen. "Ah, son of a BITCH..."
And from there, SALLY ACORN walked onto the screen, a vindictive, almost unhinged expression on her face as she looked down at the struggling Tifa. She picked her up, but Tifa had some fight still as she nailed a few body shots, which were painful coming from her as it stunned Sally, followed by an uppercut that sent Sally back. Panting, but wanting to fight back, she stood up and looked to get a few more hits BUT GOT BLASTED BY A CHAIR THAT SALLY GRABBED NEARBY! Tifa went down like a sack of hammers, and Sally stalked downed FF girl before she began slamming the chair down on her repeatedly!
"This is nothing but assault! I bet it was a damn ambush that led to this! And why?! Because Sally didn't like what Tifa said last week?! Talk about hurt feeling, this is sick!" Church exclaimed.
"That's what she gets for talking too much! She asked for it, never defy a Queen like Sally! What did you think was going to happen?!" Sarge questioned.
"Sorry, I forgot Sally has forgotten how to act like a decent fuckin' being! My bad for expecting the bare minimum there!" Church replied in sarcastic anger.
Sally continued to slam the chair down on Tifa repeatedly before picking up the FF girl, who now bleeding profusely, and proceeded to drag her across the hallway and throws her hard through a door of all things, as wood goes flying. The room they were in was a boiler room, and Tifa struggles across the ground, crawling away but Sally had grabbed her and threw her head-first into the boiler with a thud that she slumped against. From there, Sally went and stomped the head into the steel over and over, each one being louder and more vicious than the last. Then she backed up, and proceeded to knee the head right into the steel with impact, and Tifa crumbled to the ground. Sally stared down at Tifa before dropping down and pulling her between her legs and close to her body as Sally leaned against the boiler, head lowered right next to Tifa's bloody face as she held it up, before she spoke.
"You know you talked to me last week about why I joined the Joker and all that..." Sally mused, while Tifa was barely conscious. "Do you want to know why I did it? Why I 'sold my soul' to him? ...It was because I was sick of it. Sick of being disrespected, of being forgotten, of being on the short end of the stick trying to be a 'princess.' I played by the rules, I never crossed the line as you called it, even if I was on the other end of the spectrum so to speak it. And what did it get me? Just continued lower importance compared to Amy Rose, who was never on my level. Being forgotten and placed in matches of no consequences for years. And barely even getting a shot in a new company, all while being ridiculed and disrespected constantly. I was made a joke when I tried to play by the rules of your morality. The rules Sonic would have liked me to play with. And in the end, all I got was rock bottom and laughter around me."
Slowly, Sally stood up as she dragged Tifa's lifeless body with her, swaying their bodies around almost in a dance as she spoke. "But then a different kind of laughter came to me. A laughter...that appreciated me. When the Joker came to me...he helped me realize that I didn't need to do all of that. That I could be so much more. That I didn't need to stay a Princess...that I could be a Queen. The most dangerous Queen to ever existed. What he helped me realize in that meeting...was that I was constricted by my family, by the Sonic Heroes, by society itself. It was holding me down, and the only way I could change that...was by breaking the chains. So...I did it. I took his offer, I broke the chains...and it was the best decision I have ever made."
Sally continued to sway with Tifa, and then even SLAMMED her head into one of the boilers casually, and then did so again, and continued to do so as she continued to speak...
"What you call 'selling my soul'...I call freeing my soul." Sally sighed happily. "I'm free, Tifa...free to do whatever I want as the Queen of Hearts. Take what I want, destroy who I want, and conquer who I want. I no longer reside in the rock bottom as the butt of jokes. Now I make people the jokes, by slaughtering them one by one. I rule over this realm now Tifa, as the Queen of Hearts and Universal Queen. I am reborn, stronger than ever, and considering you decided to speak out against me...you have volunteered yourself to be my first victim. Thank you, truly, you saved me the trouble of looking. And earned yourself an ambush around the corner, but oh, you should have known better, that's on you, hehehe."
Sally stopped her actions before pulling Tifa's head close to her and whispered, "We're going to have lots of fun together, Tifa, and in the end...you'll bow to me. And you're going to like it, whether you want to or not."
Sally then suddenly placed Tifa between the legs and KILLER HEARTS HER ONTO THE GROUND VICIOUSLY! Tifa collapsed to the ground, almost lifeless, as Sally stood up, brushing herself off very casually before walking off with a whistle, and a few minutes later, backstage workers came in, and checked on Tifa, worried for her immensely...
Backstage Segment: The Tick Shows He is Ready to Fight The Koopa King
We go to the backstage interview area, and Grif was standing there, looking very annoyed behind his helmet...
"Are you kidding me? The one show where we don't have to do much, and I have to be the one do this? Seriously?" Grif complained. "We just won an FWA, I deserve my nap time, dammit."
"You lost the bet, dude, get over it!" Tucker exclaimed off-screen.
"You know I'm not good at Rock-Paper-Scissors, you guys set me up!" Grif retorted.
"Just shut up and do it, Grif, so we can all go home!" Simmons replied off-screen as well.
"Goddammit, I hate you guys..." Grif grumbled before groaning. "Fine...I guess, here's my guest at this time...The Tick. Yay."
After Grif's deadpan tone, the Tick suddenly burst through the wall causing debris to fly everywhere. Grif cried out "SON OF A BITCH!" as he nearly fell over, while The Tick did as he laid face-first on the ground. But from there, he peeled himself off the floor, and stood heroically.
"Neve fear, loyal citizen, I am here!" The Tick proclaimed. "I am sorry for being late, but the Evil Pants were this close to winning! The madman behind them wanted to pants the entire world so they could feel his pain of never having pants! THE EVIL! But in the end, he was no match for me, and thus, good has prevailed once more!"
"Yeah...right." Grif deadpanned. "Okay, look, you're going to fight Bowser at War Zone, title shot on the line, right?"
"That is correct, loyal citizen." Tick nodded.
"Then why the fuck are you fighting him?" Grif asked. "Bowser's a monster, he damn near killed me and the rest of my friends. Went on a rampage all to get what he wanted. He's a menace who will destroy whoever is in his way. You didn't even have anything to do with him, you two never had interactions before. So what gives? Why even fight him and get in his way?"
"A very good question, loyal citizen. Now yes, I have not had contact with the Koopa King in any form." The Tick admitted. "However, that doesn't matter! He is a dastardly, trying to get his icky, long, terrible claws into UCA, trying to twist it to do what he wants. And I will not allow it! If nothing is done, then the Koopa King will eat away everything good UCA stands for, and we'll be left with nothing but Goombas and Koopas to stomp on! And with UCA being my new home, I will not allow it! The evil turtle king can't be allowed to gain power, and make all princesses which he holds captives! It is my sworn duty to dispense justice and turn him into turtle soup! UCA needs a hero to stop him, and I will sacrifice everything to do so!"
"Seriously? Was the entire thing about Bowser not getting another World Title shot ever if he loses your idea?" Grif questioned.
"Heavens no, that was all Force's idea! He certainly didn't hold back, but in the end, I feel it is a deserving punishment!" Tick proclaimed. "Bowser has rampaged for long enough, and he cannot get off scot-free! UCA must be freed from his desire to steal princesses and destroy us all. If no one else will do it, then I will take up the job! Bowser will not win, as I will take my big, strong arms and squeeze him out of his spiky shell for all to see! Good shall prevail at the end of it all! Bowser will terrorize people no more!"
"And what about your match with Matt in the main event?" Grif asked. "I mean, that's a big deal?"
"It is! I have never fought Matt before, and it just oozes all sorts of fun!" Tick stated. "Fighting the World Champion is a great honor, and a good test of my skills before I fight Bowser! And I promise to give the audience a great show, for them and for UCA! And in the face of all that, there is only one thing to say...SPOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNN!"
With his catchphrase yelled, he then proceeded to run off, while Grif just sared at him before saying, "That's one weird guy..."
And from there, Force walked into view, standing next to Grif with a grin as he watched Tick run off, saying "Maybe, but he's also the right hero for the job. I know he can handle Bowser and give him what he deserves. After all...who doesn't love The Tick, heh?" and then walked off with a chuckle, while Grif sighed.
"Man, I don't get paid enough for this shit..."
Tag Team Match: Lightning Farron & Samus Aran vs. Kiva Andru & Agent Tex
- The final women's tag match was not going to be for the Women's Tag Division, but between the four women for the Women's Title at War Zone. The teams were volatile as Samus had almost cashed in on Lightning last week, who was very much not happy with that as Lightning glared at her, and Samus just shrugged. Kiva and Tex by nature had nasty words exchanged last week and a hard hitting match last week, and those tensions hadn't dissipated as they had very tense words. But Force made the match, and the two teams had to go through with the match ahead of Post-Clash Bash and War Zone, and they all wanted to send a message that they would be the one to end up as Women's Champion.
- Of course, that didn't mean the match was smooth. Moments of clear disunity were shown, as shown by Samus coming into the match and Kiva was facing her, ready to fight when suddenly Tex tagged in, much to Kiva's shock. Tex wanted more of Samus, but Kiva refuted, not liking how Tex tagged herself in, but Tex said Kiva needed to get over it, and the two got in each other's face before they suddenly got Lariated by Samus, who stomped on each other. Later in the match, Lightning was the legal lady in the match as she had Kiva in a headlock, and Samus asked for a tag. Lightning glanced at her, before just ignoring it and nailing a Swinging Neckbreaker. Samus was stunned and angry, but Lightning just blew Samus off, not interested in giving her anything she wanted after last week, leaving Samus to glare at her as she continued to work Kiva.
- Tensions were boiling, and eventually, it started to erupt as near the end, as Tex was legal and was beating down on Lightning as she got the upper hand, and picked her up and slapped Kiva's chest with a little more force than necessary to tag her in. Annoyed, but Kiva kept her cool as she got in and they looked to take down as Lightning, as Kiva Irish Whipped Lightning to Tex's Big Boot BUT LIGHTNING REVERSED AND KIVA GOT BIG BOOTED INSTEAD! Tex was stunned, but Lightning took advantage and assaulted Tex, trying to get her out of the ring, but Tex wouldn't budge, and Tex eventually turned the tables after a minute. She reversed a Dragon Suplex, throwing Lightning overhead BUT GOT GRABBED FROM BEHIND BY KIVA AND NAILED WITH A FUTURE TRIGGER, KNEE SMASHING INTO THE JAW!
- Kiva had enough of Tex as she went limp and rolled out of the ring, but Lightning quickly nailed a Dropkick to take her down. Kiva stumbled up to her feet as Lightning ran the ropes, but when she did, Samus tagged herself in from the apron. Lightning stopped, looking at her in shock, while Samus just smirked before shoving the Champion away AND RIGHT INTO AN XLR FROM KIVA! Lightning was laid out but Kiva got up right into a Lariat from Samus, who quickly took advantage as all teaming had broken down and hell had broken loose. Kiva and Samus went at it for a bit, forgetting they were even in a tag team match, as they traded moves and holds for a bit.
- And in the end, Samus tried for a Metroid Killer, but Kiva got an arm free and elbowed Samus off of her and pushed into the ropes, where a light tap was heard for a second, and Samus came back and went for a Boot, but Kiva ducked it AND GOT A FREELANCE FROM A RECOVERED, PISSED-OFF TEX! Kiva was laid out, and Tex, angry as hell, went for a Freelance on Samus, but Samus moved out of the way as Tex hit the turnbuckle and then she kneed Tex hard in the skull to bring her down! From there, she quickly grabbed Kiva, set her up, and NAILED THE METROID KILLER! Samus turned her over for the cover, but Jimmy didn't count, confusing Samus. Jimmy told her she wasn't the legal woman AS LIGHTNING CAME IN AND NAILED HER WITH THE VALHALLA STRIKE! Lightning made a light blind tag on Samus which she didn't notice being too busy with dealing with Kiva, and she was laid out as Lightning made the cover! And got the THREE! Lightning and Samus win...technically, with Lightning getting the glory of the pin.
- Lightning and Samus had won, but you wouldn't even know it was a tag team match from the carnage that had unfolded. Church even noted it almost seemed like a Fatal 4-Way within a Tag Match at the end as everything broke down between the women and went to hell, and the one left was standing was Lightning as she was handed her title. She then saw Tex trying to get up AND BLASTED HER WITH THE TITLE! She then saw Samus trying to do the same thing BEFORE NAILING HER WITH THE TITLE AS WELL! Every woman was laid out now as Lightning stood tall, and held up her title, shouting "I'm at the top of the mountain! And I always will be!" before she began to leave. The other women slowly came to each with varying responses: Kiva with pure frustration on her face, Samus just clutching her briefcase muttering that she would get the last laugh, and Tex just glaring at Lightning, and the Champion stood at the stage, holding up the title, before looking at the camera "See you at Post-Clash Bash, Zinnia..."
Backstage Segment: Cloud Strife Acknowledges the Challenge Upcoming
We go backstage to see another backdrop, this time it's black with a giant sword as the logo and a meteor behind it, and Cloud Strife was in front of it. His IC Title hung over his shoulder, and he had his usual stoic expression, but it was more focused than usual.
"At War Zone, I defend my title against Senji in what is sure to be a battle." Cloud started off. "And I will have plenty of time to deal with him, but now, I have to focus my attention on others. To be specific, five others. At Post-Clash Bash, I'm defending my title in a Six-Pack Challenge against five 'outsiders' so to speak, and I'm the Champion with the toughest task ahead of him. Some would call it not fair, but Force said it wouldn't be fair to not defend a few of our titles as others have in their own Supershows. And honestly? It comes with the job. It comes with being a Champion, I've been around long enough to know that. And I'm ready for that. And I will address every single one of them."
"First off...we have Animated's own Scott Pilgrim." Cloud started off. "The ultimate gaming nerd some would say, Canada's best fist fighter. A former Toon Intercontinental Champion, screwed out of that title actually. A guy who's been on the rise so far, and has amassed a strong following. You've done a pretty good job, Scott, and I know you'll be big...but I know you want to replace the Toon IC Title with MY IC Title, so you can get back on track. And I won't allow that to happen, because this title has helped me get back into the game. I know I'm a hero of yours, Scott...but I'm a hero that has take you down unfortunately."
"Then we have Showdown's Wes." Cloud continued. "A Pokemon Trainer, but not like Ash and Red, one of the Snagging variety. He's made an impact in the business recently, showing off power and strength in a way few trainers before him have. Already, he's got a buzz about him, and I know he wants to snag my title from me. So he can use it to complete that transformation into a breakout star that he feels he can become. But let me tell you something, this title isn't something for you to use as a breakout point. And I won't allow it to be snagged from UCA. I have pride as a UCA wrestler, and it's not going to be taken away from UCA without a fight."
"And now we have Gamzee Makura of DFW." Cloud stated. "Now he's...interesting. At one moment, he can be cool and relaxed, almost goofy in a way. But the next moment, he can be a raging, screaming maniac that tries to destroy you and leave you bloody. He's unpredictable, and that makes him dangerous. And winning this match would put him and DFW on the map completely. Combine those two, and it makes him the wild card. But I've dealt with plenty of wild cards over the years, and Gamzee won't be the last. If you want to put yourself on the map, you're going to have to bring it your all. Because I'm not going to allow this title to be used for that for DFW."
"And now...we've got The Caretaker of FWF. Albert Caine." Cloud mused. "He's a monster, plain and simple, from what I've heard. Someone who believes he holds the power over life and death, and whose evil knows no bounds. He has reigned terror over so many, in and out of the ring, and with his daughter, Cindy, being around,, I don't have much doubt they'll do whatever it takes to win. He's a true monster...but if I can survive Sephiroth, then I can survive him. I won't allow Albert Caine to gain my title and use it to allow himself to terrorize FWF and other companies further. He may have power over the dead, but I'm not afraid of him. Monsters can be struck down, and that's what I will do."
"And finally, there's Claude Speed of XCW." Cloud stated, a ghost of a smile on his face. "He's someone I can consider a friend of mine, surprisingly enough. I never would have thought it possible, but me and him go a way back. We've been through so much outside the ring, a lot of adventures. I consider him one of my closest friends, and it's an honor to face him for the title. But Claude, you may be my friend, but I can't let you win. I know you want to be the first person to win titles from two different companies to cement yourself as a future main eventer once and for all, but I can't let that happen. My pride as a UCA wrestler won't, and you're going to get my A-game come Post-Clash Bash."
Cloud took a deep breath, looking at his title, before looking back... "UCA has never lost a title to another company, we've always managed to defend what is ours. And that's not going to change. I have not come this far to re-establish myself and get back this title, just to lose it to one of you. You are the five I'm going to face, and it's going to be one of the toughest matches I've ever been a part of. But I'm ready for it all. So come...I'll take you all on at once if I have to. Because I'm NOT INTERESTED in what you want my title for... The Intercontinental Title will stay with UCA, and it always will. Count on it."
Backstage Segment: Matt's Response to The Warrior of Fire
Matt was walking through the backstage hallways towards the gorilla position, World Title over his shoulder as he had a clearly miffed expression on his face. He was preparing to head into his match, however, suddenly, a body was thrown in front of him with a scream,
"Grif, why'd you volunteer that I do it?!" Simmons cried out.
"Because if I have to do it, you too!" Grif replied off-screen.
"You didn't need to have them throw me in front of him!" Simmons complained.
"That's just because I felt like it!" Grif replied casually.
"Oh come on!" Simmons groaned...before seeing Matt. "Uh...hey Matt."
"...Hey." Matt deadpanned.
"So um...I'm here to interview! And as my duty, I promise to be diligent and as hard-working as I possibly can be!" Simmons stated. "So...did you hear what Takuya said in his interview?"
"...I did." Matt gritted his teeth.
"Soooo...what did you think of it? Any feelings in regards to it?"
"I've got a match about to happen, so I can't really go into them, but I will say this..." Matt stated in anger. "Takuya thinks I'm a golden boy, a fraud. Someone who was given this spot by management, and whose story has run its course. And you know what? That's a load of crap. I was handed nothing. I had to fight for an HOUR to get the World Title shot at Final Clash, and had to give everything I had to end a year-long reign for Mario. I earned everything I had, to gain my spot here, nothing was given. I won't have that question by someone who took me out just so he could get ahead long ago. And my spot has nothing to do with why Takuya isn't in the main vent anymore. He wants to know why that's the case? Maybe he needs to look at himself as the reason why that's no longer the case, and stop blaming me because he's jealous. He wants to make this personal? I'll happily accept that, and finally end the last flames of this Digivolution crap once and for all."
"Wow, strong words. Takuya's gonna be in for quite a fight. But he comes later, because at Post-Clash Bash, you face Tai, right? He's first?" Simmons asked.
"Yeah, I'm defending my title against him on the next show, Post-Clash Bash. A match a long time coming." Matt proclaimed. "And I know he's been through a lot recently, all too well actually. It's a rough time. But I know him, he'll get through it, and he'll be ready for this match. And I wouldn't want it any other way. This match means too much to him and me for him giving anything less than his best. This is match with these stakes, on this stage, we've been waiting for this. So we can finally settle the question we've had since our first trip to the Digital World. Who's better? Me or him. So Tai, I'll be waiting at Post-Clash Bash. And you better be ready to give it your all. ...Just also know I'll be kicking your ass, heh. No hard feelings. Now I gotta head out. I gotta face a legend and all that."
And with that said, Matt headed to the ring, focused on the task at hand, and the matches he had in the future...
Singles Match: Matt Ishida vs The Tick
- In what was a huge main event and possibly a World Title Match preview, it was Matt Ishida going up against The Tick, and the fans were going crazy. The Tick was very happy to fight someone like Matt, and Matt wanted to further elevate himself by beating a legend. So the two clearly didn't hold back as the fans were treated to a great match that went back and forth, with neither person having a clear advantage. The Tick was very much surprised by Matt's speed and almost ability to throw caution to the wind, outmaneuvering the bigger athlete and often getting him down, even Dropkicking him in the knee, then following it up with a Springboard Tornado DDT. However, Matt was surprised by The Tick's adaptability, as when he went to the top to hit a Splash, The Tick rolled out of the way, and Matt rolled through it, but was caught by a Springboard Clothesline by The Tick of all people, matching his flying with his own!
- The match was fast and furious, and the two were slugging it out in the middle of the ring as it wore on. The Tick kneed him and Irish Whipped him, but Matt bounced off the ropes to hit a Dropkick to the chest. But Tick bounced off the ropes at Matt got back up and nailed a Lariat to bring Matt down. He quickly brought him up and looked for a Powerbomb, but Matt flipped through it and landed on his feet and grabbed Tick for a Rocker Smash! However, Tick stayed on his feet and lifted Matt instead who landed behind them, then turned around and lifted him for the True Hero Slam! But Matt instead turned it into an Arm Drag, and Tick rolled to a corner as the two stood up in opposite ones as the crowd cheered loudly. Tick grinned as Matt chuckled, and they prepared to go at it again...
- ...BUT TICK GOT A HAND AROUND THE THROAT FROM BOWSER ON THE APRON AS HE GOT CHOKESLAMMED TO THE MAT! Stunned, Matt ran at Bowser, but he got a hand and CHOKESLAMMED AS WELL! Jimmy was stunned as he rang the bell for a no contest, but it mattered not, Bowser entered the ring, snarling angrily. He picked up Matt, and proceeded to Bowser Bomb him to oblivion! With Matt laid out, he turned to Tick, and glared at him with so much hatred. He remembered last week, that Tick was trying to keep him from what he wanted and so he grabbed him and began to beat him around. With stomps and punches, he picked him up AND THREW HIM OVER THE ROPES WITH A PRESS WITH A SPLAT! Bowser got out of the ring, grabbing a set of steps and proceeded to slam them repeatedly over the body of Tick repeatedly, each one louder than the last before dragging him up and SLAMMING them into Tick's face. He then proceeded to pick him up and CHOKESLAM HIM BACK-FIRST ONTO THE BARRICADE! Tick was down on his back, holding it in pain as Bowser growled, anger in his eyes before picking him up, and lifting him up, running...
- ...AND BOWSER BOMB HIMS THROUGH THE BARRICADE! The Tick was laid out as Bowser growled, muttering "You won't keep me from the title... You'll pay for getting in the way..." before stepping over him, walking through the crowd as his message was sent, carnage left in his wake. Tick was laid out on the outside, while Matt was trying to recover in the ring, groaning in pain...
- ...when TAKUYA came out to the ring, to boos from the crowd. He stared at Matt in the ring with an almost amused look before he grabbed the World Title from ringside and entered the ring. He stood over Matt as he was trying to get up AND THEN BLASTED HIM WITH THE TITLE, LAYING HIM OUT! Takuya sneered as he grabbed Matt by the head and held him up, holding the title near his unconscious face and exclaiming "You don't deserve this! I DO! You're a fraud, you AND Tai! And I'll expose one of you at War Zone! So have your match...I'll be waiting for MY title," before throwing the head down. He then walked over to the ropes, and held up the title as he proclaimed himself to be the future World Champion. And that was the final image of Flame, Takuya staking his claim in the main event, and for the World Title as Matt laid on the mat, as the Post-Clash Bash neared. It was Takuya taking the spotlight, where he thought he belonged...as we head to the Post-Clash Bash.
War Zone Match Card:
Singles Match: Kat vs. Fiona Fox
Ten-Man Tag Team Match: PlayStation All-Stars (Sly Cooper, Jak, Ratchet, Crash & Crunch Bandicoot) vs. Destructix (Scourge the Hedgehog, Sergeant Simian, Lightning Lynx, Predator Hawk, Flying Frog)
No. 1 Contender's Match, if Bowser losers, he never gets another UCA World Title Match: Bowser vs The Tick
"I Quit" Match: Super Mario vs. Sonic the Hedgehog
Cruiserweight Championship Match: Tidus (c) vs. Riku
Hardcore Championship Match: Ben Tennyson (c) vs. Gordon Freeman
Intercontinental Championship Match: Cloud Strife (c) vs. Senji Kiyomasa
Women's Tag Team Championship Tag Team Turmoil Match: Saria & Malon vs. Mandy & Gaz vs. Gentle Roses (Amy Rose & Hinata Hyuga) vs. Team B.A.K.E. (Ginger Snap, Orange Blossom and/or Angel Cake) vs. Demon Sisters (Scanty & Kneesocks) vs. Lucy Kuo & Nix vs. Diamond Survivors (Piper Wright & Cait) vs. Mushroom Princesses (Peach & Daisy)
Women's Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Lightning Farron (c) vs. Samus Aran vs. Kiva Andru vs. Agent Tex
World Heavyweight Championship Match: Yamato "Matt" Ishida (c) vs. Takuya Kanbara
Post-Clash Bash Card:
UCA World Heavyweight Championship: Yamato "Matt" Ishida (c) (UCA) vs. Taichi "Tai" Kamiya (XCW)
GAIA World Openweight Championship: Azula (c) (GAIA) vs. Kat (UCA)
Survivor Series Match: The Bullies (Wolfgang, Duncan, Francis, Brad Buttowski, Big Brother) vs. Gordon's Resistance (Gordon Freeman, Jude Lizowski, Samurai Jack, Willis Globermann, and Nagisa Shiota)
Lightning Farron (UCA) vs. Zinnia (DFW)
UCA Intercontinental Championship Severe Six-Way Match: Cloud Strife (c) (UCA) vs. Gamzee Makura (DFW) vs. The Caretaker (FWF) vs. Scott Pilgrim (WWE) vs. Wes (WCW) vs. Claude Speed (XCW)
Hardcore Match: HABIT the Rabbit (FWF) vs. Senji Kiyomsa (UCA)
Scourge the Hedgehog (UCA) vs. Tommy Oliver (WWE)
Bugs Bunny (XCW) vs. Sonic the Hedgehog (UCA)
Samus Aran (UCA) vs. Juliet Starling (GAIA)
UCA World Tag Team Championship: The Elrics (c) (UCA) vs. The EPA (WWE)
A/N: And we are finally done with this week, thus, paving the way for the Post-Clash Bash on the next chapter. I will decide on how to do that show, even if that's going to a full show and whatnot. I've been wanting to do a crossover show for a long time, and I'm really looking forward to do this. It's going to be a great show, and I hope you all enjoy the show as I do it.
Make sure to leave predictions for Post-Clash Bash and reasons if possible, those are always appreciated. I will see you all next time for Post-Clash Bash, until next time everyone. Please enjoy, and review if you want. Until then, ForceWalker signing off.