November 13, 2020
chapter 259
Stephanie walks into the arena and sighs, a small smile on her lips. She's still growing accustomed to not having her brother underfoot once more, and it's nice. Nice to have her show back under her control, nice to know that Survivor Series is just around the corner, which will put another cycle to bed and allow them all to start over fresh. She wants to luxuriate in it, she wants to walk among the wrestlers and just absorb everything- the good, the bad, the in-between. Alas, there is work to be done, so she diligently heads for her office instead, the pleased glint in her eye never wavering as she rests the tips of her fingers against the lettering of her name on the door, a much more permanent fixture now that they're doing everything from one arena for now.
The first match of the night pits Keith Lee and Penta El Zero M against Rey Mysterio and Drew McIntyre. After lengthy exchanges between all four men, Keith Lee claims the win after snagging Rey during a 619 follow up and lifted him easy for the Spirit Bomb. Rosemary defeats Taya Valkyrie, and Leon Ruff gets a shock win over James Storm, who looks thoroughly angry afterwards, leaning against the ropes and watching on in shock as his opponent makes his way up the ramp hurriedly, laughing all the way. Candice LeRae partners with Deonna Purrazzo to defeat Havok and Tay Conti.
Otis enters the ring next for his match against Rich Swann. The two men have vastly different wrestling styles, and it... it kind of makes it fun for Otis, to test himself against something weird, someone new. Swann grows frustrated quickly, but it does nothing to hinder the larger man's amusement. He's used to confusing people, knocking them off of their game a little with his antics. The gyrating, the caterpillar, it's all good for things of that nature. Then Swann tries to get ahold of him, possibly trying to set up for a finisher, but Otis is unwavering. Simply watches him try, and try again, and never quite managing. Otis finally bores of it and lunges forward, the simple force and size of his body enough to knock an already distracted Swann back, Otis then following it up with an elbow to the jaw that downs him fully.
Otis glances around, then grins, beginning the caterpillar, moving across the ring until back in position in front of Swann, dropping down in an elbow that rids him of oxygen, leaves him susceptible to a pin, which Otis does, hiking his leg up and holding him, all of his weight across Swann's chest keeping him struggling to breathe, unable to move or kick out, or anything. Otis only lingers as long as it takes for the bell to ring, and then he's off, celebrating his win as the referee raises his arm in success.
Curt Stallion defeats Rohit Raju, and Karl Anderson is victorious over Mustafa Ali. Brian Cage makes fast work of R-Truth, and Jay Briscoe succeeds over Moose. The team of Sami Zayn and Timothy Thatcher takes down Lashley and Santos Escobar, and Liv wins in triple threat action against Neveah and Shayna Bazsler. Luster the Legend partners with Chris Sabin in a winning effort against QT Marshall and Shawn Spears. Dustin Rhodes takes down Adam Thornstowe, and Riddle partners with Mark Briscoe to defeat Danny Burch and Eddie Edwards.
In six man action to end the evening off, Xavier Woods finds himself partnering with Oney Lorcan and Doc Gallows against Shane Taylor, Brian Myers, and... Kofi Kingston. His New Day fellow nods discreetly at him from the opposite side of the ring, a small smile curving at his lips, and Xavier exhales slowly, trying not to feel too guilty as he leans against the post and watches as the other team tags in and out as needed, Gallows not seeming eager to let he or Oney in as he fights his way through the three other men as best as he can. Xaver winces when Kofi takes a sidewalk slam, but Kofi kicks out, fights back, and before long, Gallows is staggering back into their corner and Oney takes the chance, lunges forward and slaps his hand against Gallows' back, a smirk spreading across his face as he surges into the ring.
Xavier finds himself distracted by the action from the pure rage on Gallows' face as he's stuck catching his breath on the apron now, but he refocuses as Lorcan almost eats another pin against Shane Taylor. This time it's Xavier who tags in, tilting his head as Myers sneers at him. They somewhat know each other from tag matches in the past, and he falls into the familiar routine, eventually getting the upperhand and carefully walking the ropes before slamming down upon Myers with an elbow that easily winds him. Leaping up to his feet, Xavier snags Myers by the back of the neck and drags him upright once more, moving him away from the ropes and grips him by the wrist, dragging him down for Lost in the Woods. Myers doesn't move after that, and it's easy to drag him into position and pin him. Xavier holds his breath as he hears Gallows slam in through the ropes, but then Shane Taylor is there, and Gallows can't make it in time, and the ref is counting three, and the bell rings, and...
And Xavier wins. He laughs and slowly rolls off of Myers, happy for the extra points. The only thing that makes his smile slip is turning and coming face to face with Kofi. But Kofi is grinning at him, nodding in congratulations, and he knows. They're going to be ok.