Weeks later, a few things had changed for the group of mix and match students. Layla and Justin had taken the next step in their relationship, finding a place of their own. AJ had moved in with Punk's aunt following an argument with her parents. Punk's aunt had welcomed her with open arms, in a similar fashion to how she did with her nephew, much like Tara, Punk's cousin did with much excitement. Sami and Emma had began dating, although it appeared as if the pair were unsure of their own relationship, instead they acted as if they were close friends, even siblings rather than dating. Roman on the other hand, had set himself on the task of convincing Mariah, the girls she seemed to be terrified off in his social group were anything but how she imagined them to be.
Today was the first round of the tournament, at least for WWE High. So naturally the entire school was talking off it. Two coaches had been parked near the construction of the school wrestling hall, Booker and Sting stood outside each bus, collaring the members of the alpha and beta team as they walked past and hoped the tutors would send them over if they took another route through the school. The Beta team were off to challenge a school who had hopes of being in next years tournament, although a regular school they had recently added wrestling to their schedules. WWE High had been selected as their test to see if they were capable of handling such a tournament. The Alpha team on the other hand was set to face AEW College in the first round. The schools rivalry having ignited over the past couple of years.
On the Alpha team were Hunter Helmsley and Dave Batista both having been collared as they walked passed, Booker having grabbed the back of the collars since they hadn't noticed his attempts to get their attention. Hunter had sent a message to the Nikki to inform her, knowing she would drag her twin along with her, as well as inform any other of the team she come across. Beth and Natalya had almost been knocked over by Tamina as she ran passed them from the main school building, having been told she was expected on the bus by one of the passing teachers. Seth and Dean had arrived together, as did AJ and Punk. Where as Morgan all but dragged a stubborn Aleister with her, having gotten a message from Nikki and promising Seth she would meet him there. Where as Roman said a goodbye to Mariah upon being cornered by both Booker and Sting.
"Alright listen up" called Booker when he was sure all fourteen students to make up the Alpha team were aboard the coach. Yet he still counted just to make sure. "Today we'll be facing AEW College at the sports centre mid way between both schools. When we get there you'll be told your matches" announced the team coach, taking his seat at one of the tabled ones towards the front of the bus, noticing Brie, Natalya and Beth opposite him, all seemingly emersed in conversation. Nikki on the other hand sat with Morgan and AJ at a tabled seat. Opposite them being Dean, Seth and Aleister with Roman just behind them on his own. Tamina opposite him behind the girls, where as Hunter and Dave sat at the back, seemingly quiet as it sunk in they were about to compete in the first round of the tournament.
"I wonder if we'll be in our teams?" randomly spoke Nikki curious if they would be competing in teams or in singles competition. She knew there was at least two tag teams and a stable within the alpha team. Yet she also knew each of them could also fight on their own. "Or if anyone else gets a nickname" commented the older of the Bella twins, a soft grin on her lips as she recalled what some of her fellow students had been nicknamed by the student body. Yet she also knew the boys around her and Tamina were also listening, their small nods and silence of conversations gave it away.
"What could possible beat the Devil and the Demon pair" commented Hunter from the back of the bus, referencing both Aleister and Morgan, almost finding the humorous side to their nicknames, especially when the pair had no connection inside the square circle. Yet he also knew he himself had a nickname, like he wondered if the tournament would gift the three ladies without one, their own nickname. A grin soon come to Batista as he looked around each and recalled the nicknames bestowed on them by their fellow students. Hunter had quickly become known as The Game, where as Roman was now the Big Dog, Seth had become the Architect and Dean the Lunatic, although his friends had called him that for years. The three boys stable known as the Shield had affectionately been nicknamed the Hounds of Justice. Aleister had quickly garnered the nickname of The Devil, where as Batista had become the Animal, Punk's catchphrase had become his name of The Best In The World, as Morgan had quickly garnered attention as the Demon. AJ on the other hand had two nicknames. The Geek Goddess and Queen of Mind Games. Nikki had been nicknames Fearless by those around her, much like Beth had become the Glamazon.
The small team of fourteen soon settled into conversation as they left the school grounds. Watching as students moved out the way of the bus although they didn't seemed to notice those waving at them from the windows. Their bags either in the storage compartment above them or in the larger compartments below. Yet all ready for what was to come, even when they had no idea whom was on the rival team, although they each suspected those on AEW College team didn't know who'd they be facing either. Instead they were in the same boat of suspicion as them and waited to find out when they arrived at the sports centre.
"Anyone else looking forward to this?" questioned Aleister as he looked around him, hearing Brie confirm she was from the front of the bus, much like Tamina made a comment of who wasn't, despite the nerves creeping up on each of them, they had prepared for this. Yet the rest merely offered a hum of agreement or a small nod. Even Booker spoke up in regards to looking forward the events taking place. Yet even he knew both schools had something to prove. AEW had made it to the finals last year, only being slightly pipped to the win by TNA Academy, WWE High had been knock out earlier on, all but ensuring new champions would reign for that year. Yet now WWE High were determined to regain the title as Wrestling School Champions.
"What are you thinking about?" gently asked AJ, upon noticing Morgan paying little attention to the conversations going on around her, instead she watched silently as the scenery went by in a blur, it being clear her mind was somewhere else and distracted. Although it was also just as clear she was had been listen to the conversation. The smaller teen and Nikki both looked to the English woman, determined to be there and be friends she could turn to, even if Nikki was considered to be from the rival group of Cheerleaders. Yet both were interested in knowing what had distracted the midnight haired teen, especially when she had appeared deep in thought before AJ had asked her quiet question.
"How something I thought would be a nightmare turned out to be the best thing that could happen" responded Morgan, seeing the confused looks she got from both girls. It being clear she had lost them at some point. "When my dad said we'd be moving. I didn't want to leave, I would've been in my last year at school, I didn't want to leave my friends behind" admitted the midnight haired teen, recalling when she had been similar to Maddy in terms of her attitude to moving, yet in the months since the move she had grown happy and accepting of it, finally understanding her parents decision to move to an entirely different country. "But now I'm here, I understand why the made the decision they did. I maybe attending a new school but the friends I have feel like family, the popular ones started a war over me. All of you made me feel welcome" finished Morgan, a small grin appearing on her lips as she spoke, just as she showed gratitude for those whom had made her feel as if she had always been apart of the school despite the opposite being true.
The three girls soon recalled when Vince had called those on the wrestling teams aside. Setting them the task of designing their own merch and picking out their music. His determination for them to have their own individual style clear, just as it was clear he intended on giving them the freedom to be themselves and to express it. Just as it was clear he intended on highlighting each of the students on both teams regardless if they won the tournament or got knocked out. It wasn't long before each received a message. Stephanie going out of her way to wish them luck, via a picture of what remained of the senior year, holding up signs of good luck and other encouraging comments. Even a few sarcastic ones. Roman soon pulled his phone from his jacket pocked, smirking upon seeing the collection of pictures, even one of Mariah, hold a sign especially for him. Yet he could hear Hunter and Batista behind him playfully arguing over who had the best finisher, their topic currently on the girls, Tamina being the referee for the pair and Aleister throwing his thoughts into the mix, as did Punk, Seth and Dean.
Before either of them knew it, they turned into the sports centre car park. Train tracks running opposite them, where as the high way they had previously been travelling alone stood parallel to that. The large building appearing newly built, no graffiti to be found nor any damage to say it had been there for a while. Another coach parked in the lot, suggesting the rival team was already there and waiting for them. Booker soon lead the way into the building, the wooden and glass doors without a single squeak. The smell of fresh paint and rubber as well as swimming pool water mixing with bleach hitting them upon entering through the doors. Booker signing in before leading the fourteen students down a corridor and through several double doors, it being clear he had been there before.
When they stopped through the many twists and turns, they arrived at an empty corridor. Empty changing rooms lined it. One side saying women with the opposite saying men. The black floor rubbery and bouncy where as the bare brick walls painted white. The rubber flooring continued into the changing rooms although the bare brick was replaced with tiles. Booker stood outside waiting with patience for the fourteen students to reappear when they were changed and ready to compete. While he waited, he quietly scanned over the matches, noticing there were no team matches of any kind, instead only single matches. Some names he recognised where as others he looked forward to watching compete. Upon the teenagers reappearing from the changing rooms, Booker grinned, seeing how different they were, but also looked forward to seeing them in action for the first time. Knowing it would be something new for both schools much like the set up would be.
"Alright. Ladies will be competing first" announced Booker, revealing the girls matches would be first. "Nattie you kick things off against Emi Sakura, Beth you're up after against Brit Baker, followed by Brie against Tay Conti, Tamina your up after that against Awesome Kong, Nikki against Leva Bates, followed by AJ against Allie. The last of the girls matches will be Morgan against Brandi" informed the team coach, yet he knew deep down the ladies selected were more than capable of showing their skills in the ring, they were talented and unique in their own way. "As for the boys. Seth will be kicking things off against Cody Rhodes, Hunter after that against Miro. Dean against Matt Hardy. Dave against Chris Jericho, Roman against Pac. Aleister against Christopher Daniels and finally Punk against Kenny Omega" announced Booker before handing the team members a card with a number on it. Indicating their match.
Following that he lead them through the corridors once more, this time with the make shift wrestling hall in mind. There he was sure the other team and their coach would be waiting, a member of the sports centre's staff or two acting as referee and other ringside personnel. Upon entering the large hall, the students were met with two rows of benches either side of the large ring. Steps leading up to the ring. The room bare white brick once again painted white with the familiar wooden flooring with a basket ball court markers taped in place. A table for the time keeper set up as another on opposite had been set up for those keeping tally of the score. The chosen students from AEW College already sat on the benches, girls one side as boys sat the opposite. All conversations falling into silence upon their rivals entering the large hall. The wrestling team of WWE High soon took their seats on the bench, yet didn't sit any particular order. The whispering of the opposite team didn't go unnoticed, especially amongst the girls.
Just over an hour later the results were in. Emi Sakura had won her match against Natalya after delivering the vicious move of Ice Driver, followed swiftly by the Nyan Nyan Press. Thrust setting AEW College in the lead, yet it didn't do much to dimmish the hope of their opponents. Beth on the other hand even out the score upon defeating Britt Baker after the Glam Slam, the battle even throughout most of the match. Tay Conti on the other hand won against Brie by delivering her finisher, being met with cheers of her team mates as she left the ring with a smirk. Much like Awesome Kong did upon defeating Tamina in their battle of strength. AEW College's cheers were soon silence by Nikki as she delivered the Rack Attack on Leva, a grin appearing on her lips as she mockingly waved to those on the opposite team, even sending a flirty wink to the boys as she pinned Leva.
AJ soon stepped into the ring, skipping around it as if to play mind games with Allie, the other blonde seemingly confused although with a cocky aura. Yet the match had ended quicker than most believed upon AJ locking Allie in the Black Widow submission. Ensuring the other teen would tap out. Upon the match ending she skipped from the ring with little care for the match she had been involved in, instead taking her place on the bench waiting to watch the remainder of the matches. A cheeky grin knowing she had equalled the score out. It wasn't long before Brandi entered the ring, determination on her features as she watched Morgan also enter. Arrogance also in Brandi's persona, as she believed she could easily defeat the other teenager. Yet she had discovered things wouldn't go as easily as she planned or hoped for. Morgan had effortless avoided most of her moves or counter them, much to her annoyance. Their match had ended when the midnight hair teen had preformed a brutal ending in the form of her finisher, Demons End. A wicked grin on her lips as she pinned her opponent.
Cody quickly ran into the ring, helping to roll his girlfriend from the ring. Where as Seth held the ropes open for Morgan before climbing into the ring. The pair of teenagers evenly match throughout the most part as both sides cheered their champion on. Cody fighting to even out the score where as Seth thought to keep the lead. The match ending with the two toned teen preforming the move he had called the Curb Stomp. Hunter soon entered the ring, amusement on his lips, although it faded slightly to see Miro standing across from him with an evil glint. It being clear the Bulgarian was determined to win even if he had to annihilate everyone whom stood before him., the match ended with a win for AEW College upon Miro delivering the Machka Kick with precise aim. Pinning the teen known as the Game in a heartbeat.
Dean soon stood the opposite side of the ring to Matt Hardy. Both teenagers noticing how quiet it had become. Both knew the other was the one considered a wild card for the team. Matt making this obvious by shouting delete and obsolete several times during the match. Where as Dean's unpredictable nature came through and proved to be too much for Matt to handle. The match ending in pin fall after Dirty Deeds were hit several times. Batista was up next, standing across the ring from an old friend in Chris Jericho. The two had trained together when attending the same school previously. Jericho wasting little time in knowing his opponent to his advantage. The match ending after a lion sault and Batista finding himself in the Walls of Jericho submission. Roman climbed into the ring after the match, being greeted almost immediately by Pac almost flying over the top rope with enthusiasm for the tournament he found himself apart of and wrestling as a whole. Yet it was also clear the two boys had opposite game plans. Roman attempting to use his height and build to his advantage, much like Tamina had. Where as Pac used his small height and speed to his advantage, preforming moves he got applauds from both sides for doing. Yet Pac ultimately won the match following hitting his finisher of the Black Arrow on Roman.
Christopher Daniels soon stepped inside the ring, proclaiming he was the Dark Angel. Yet he seemed unnerved to find a silent Aleister sat crossed legged in his own corner of the ring. Seemingly un-phased by what Daniels had called himself. Instead the Dutch teen was calm and collected. Upon the bell ringing, Aleister pulled himself to his feet, waiting for his opponent to make the first move. Both teens knowing they were fighting for the lead, as both sides were currently tied with wins. Yet despite the fight Christopher had put up, he was ultimately felled by the Aleister hitting the Black Mass out of nowhere, the kick enough to stun him longer enough for Aleister to pick up the win. Yet the Dutch teen happily showed sportsmanship by offering a hand to his opponent, both shaking before leaving the ring. Kenny Omega and Punk soon entered the ring. One fighting to even the score where as the other determined to win this match and thrust secure the victory for his team.
The match back and forth for sometime, neither teen willing to yield. Just as both used the cheers and chants from their fellow team mates as a way to will themselves into carrying on. Both also showing they had what it took to go a long time in a match and take several moves. Kenny managing to hit moves like the Double Hook Piledriver and 450 splash. Where as Punk trapped Kenny in the Anaconda Vice, as well as delivered the Bulldog and Diving Elbow on several occasions. Yet the match ended with Punk catching Kenny in the GTS, delivering it several times to ensure Kenny wouldn't kick out during the pin attempt.
"Your winners WWE High" spoke on of the many acting as a referee for the matches, he had asked both coaches to check over his written marks against their own, ensuring both he and the team coaches had the right scores and all agreed upon the outcome. Both Booker and Billy Gunn agreeing before returning to their teams, Billy even congratulating the opposing team for their win, much like he named a few he knew had showed promising skills for the future. Yet even he could see some members of his own team were none to happy about the result of losing, even going as far as sending evil hate ridden glares to those they'd lost to.
A/N – Morgan Devitt's finisher Demons End is a variation of the Canadian Destroyer (used by Petey Williams)