The cameras return to the arena with Ted Mosby, Logan Reese and Ned Bigby sitting behind their RAMPAGE announce table. After seeing that craven assault, Ned couldn't help but shake his head.
"Revolting. Just absolutely despicable," Ned frowns. "As if Yugi and Atem haven't had enough to deal with, Carter and Stan ruin their night further by attacking them like SORE LOSERS."
"Cry me a river, Bigby! It's their fault they eliminated Alpha & Omega and didn't hold their end of the bargain to become their transitional champions," Logan utters. "They got what they deserved for letting these cultist freaks become our new tag champs."
"Oh, give me a break—you can't be justifying these kinds of awful acts when they could've nearly killed Yugi just now," Ned argues.
"Please," Reese rolls his eyes, "you know that midget is very much used to getting killed since Extremely Crappy Wrestling. This wouldn't be nothing new to him."
"Nonetheless, ladies and gentlemen, we'll keep you posted on the status of Altered Egos," Ted intervenes, promptly ending the argument. "It is a relief that Joey, Tristan and Duke stopped a much worse scenario in time. But right now, let us move on to the women's side of the Tag Team Division."
As Barnes Courtney's "Champion" plays right on the chorus, the Night of Champions logo helps transition to a match card graphic, featuring iGeneration's Carly Shay dusting off the belt off on her shoulder with a smug grin and Sam Puckett bellows to the camera…then the Jeweled Felines' Lisa Weston slowly turning to face the viewer before throwing a punch whilst Jessica Wilson posing like a model she originally was. Our tag teams come together in still images with two pillars right next to them, "iGENERATION V. JEWELED FELINES – WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP" read below in a glowing gold color with a bold Times New Roman font and the very belts displayed in the golden background.
"We prepare for our second title match of the night—the APEX Women's Tag Team Championships hanging in the balance as iGeneration defends them against Jeweled Felines," Ted proclaims. "After their loss at Homecoming that caused the Four Horsewomen to disband in APEX, Shay and Puckett are definitely determined to seek vengeance, starting with their challengers, who earned the right from their victory last night."
"I'm-a stop you right there, chief. Lisa and Jessica 'earned the right' to become the next challengers? Nuh-uh," Logan differs. "It was through indisputable prejudice, absolute chaos and sheer BS that the Four Horsewomen are gone and that the Felines snuck their way into a title shot."
"Regardless of what you think, Reese, this match is happening. There's a lot going on through each competitor's head in this contest," Ned states. "The Jeweled Felines have gold on their minds. While iGeneration, having the same thoughts…also have retribution they wish to unleash."
The match graphic is swiped away for a clear shot of Mike "The Mic" Martin standing in the ring with referee Nikolas Alba next to him. The bell sounds off three times, giving signal to the ring announcer to do his job.
"The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Apex Caliber Wrestling Women's Tag Team Cha—"
("Popularity" by Jonezetta plays)
Mike was so close to finish his announcement, fairly confused as to why the champions are coming out first. But that didn't matter to the fans as iGeneration's theme song swiftly provoked them to fill up the arena with jeers. Holding the curtains up was Freddie Benson as Carly Shay and Sam Puckett practically stomp to the stage with fury plastered on their faces usually masked by their arrogance. However, this was not a moment to be haughty. This was a moment for the champions to let out their frustrations, shown by Sam blatantly motioning for the tech crew to cut the music. Thankfully for her, Freddie has that covered.
"Cut the music!" Freddie shouts into the microphone. "Cut the music! Your champions have plenty on their minds to say!"
"Hold up, where did he get that microphone?" Ned asks.
"Shut it! The champs are talking!" Logan says.
The iCarly trio enter the ring and Sam shouts at both Mike and Alba, "GET THE F—K OUT OF OUR RING, DICKWEEDS! GET OUT! AND LEAVE THE MIC!"
Mike does as she says out of fear and leaves the ring as quickly as possible. Nikolas, however, just rolls his eyes in annoyance, but complies as he refuses to deal with their trouble.
Freddie attempts to talk, but the unfavorable crowd were not giving him a chance with their intensely loud boos. Even for a limited audience, they made sure their voices were heard. Shaking his head, Freddie—Sam grabs the mic and screams, "Either you stupid rednecks and lazy wetbacks shut the hell up or I'm going down there and beat you down with my bare f—king hands!"
And the crowd simply replies in chants, "YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!"
The furious Sam Puckett was tempted to jump the barricade, but Carly convinces her that it's not worth "sullying her hands" with the "likely infected" citizens. Disregarding the ongoing boos, Freddie continues to make his statement clear as loud as possible.
"As I said, your champions of the Women's Tag Team Division have plenty to say on their minds. We'd first like to let everybody here and sitting in the back know exactly how we've been feeling since Homecoming, which by the way, instant contender for worst show of the year. And you know precisely why! So, without further ado, I demand that all of you need to listen closely to what your current…reigning…defending APEX Women's Tag Team Champions have to say, especially you that's sitting comfortably in your office, Mr. Ricardo Alvarez!"
After directly pointing at the hard camera, Freddie hands his microphone over Carly while Sam has picked up Mike's mic.
"What happened to us…was a tragedy," Carly speaks, starting off rather calmly and quietly. "What happened to the Four Horsewomen was injustice. The day was not even over for Homecoming, and that senile old man had to go and attempt to be a shining knight for the rest of the mediocre division. Nothing more than a contender for worst manager of the year—hell, I say that's a faster record than his own useless son has accomplished in his entire career."
"That's just uncalled for…" Ned mutters while the audience boos in defense of Jesse Alvarez.
"Getting to the point, what Old Man Alvarez did…was unforgivable. He can say it was Gardner's idea all he wants, but he approved of it regardless! Because, what, the entire Women's Division were calling us out for being 'toxic'? Ugh…" Carly rolls her eyes. "I swear, there's a response to that I'm looking for here, but I'm a lady and I can't swear that often. Sam?"
Sam nods. She clears her throat and utters, "Boo. F—king. Hoo."
"Exactly, Samantha! That's the response I was thinking of!" Carly states. "Boo-freaking-hoo! Grow some spines, you crybabies! It's not our fault your division was obscure to begin with before we came along to spice it up! We promised a change would come—The Change that would help this division thrive for many years to come! But no, you don't want change. You don't want anything different than what you already have. You want the same boring champion that talks about friendship like it means anything. You want the same lame tag team that was clearly never meant to be a team to begin with. But guess what? They're not the champions. WE ARE. And by the end of this night, not only do we arrive here first as champions, but we will also leave last as champions! That is the way it goes!"
"Nothing makes me sick than standing in this ring, standing in the same arena as that old f—kwad watching us right now," Sam bitterly asserts. "Because of him on top of that pile of dogshit named Téa Gardner, Jeweled Felines and Hinata Hyuga, the Four Horsewomen are gone. Gone from APEX without even given a chance to gain our spot at top of the entire Women's Division. Now, it's just Mai Valentine and iGeneration. But Aelita? Well, thanks to you, asshole…she quit. She left us because of all of you. That's not to say we're upset with her—she's right to quit after the mistreatment she suffered."
"Aelita, despite what you've been through, I hope you're still watching only because of us," Carly says with a hand over her chest. "So, you will know that this match and everything we do from here on out will be all for you."
"Aw, so sentimental," Logan coos.
"I think I'm going to vomit…" Ned groans.
But then, Carly's soft appearance quickly changes to a deadly serious expression. "Now before our next victims arrive to get their just deserts, I want them to know that they didn't do anything deserve a shot at these belts we carry proudly, let alone stand in the same ring as us, the greatest tag team in the entire Multiverse. Lisa Weston, Jessica Wilson…enjoy your next five minutes of fame while you're here with us, because we're going to leave you more broken than how we left Hart last night. And this goes out to every. Single. Woman. In this division. You didn't pin us. You didn't submit us. But I guess Téa pinning Mai—thanks to Kendra Daniels, who I hope is watching closely as well—was enough for you useless tramps to earn themselves an instant number one contender's spot for our Women's Tag Team Championships. I guess we're forced to comply. Know that right now…we are in a positively HORRIBLE mood. By the end of our match, we are not held responsible for what will happen to you."
Carly retains her sharp glare towards the hard camera…until it slowly molded into a vile smirk, and she brings the microphone back to her lips.
"Well," she chuckles softly, "it is what I would say…if we hadn't done the job already~"
"Wait…what is she saying?" Ted asks worryingly.
Without saying another word, Carly, Sam, and Freddie all look up at the TitleTron…
…
…and as if on cue, it reveals that Lisa Weston and Jessica Wilson are beaten, battered and lifeless while the paramedics are attending to them inside their devastated locker room!
"OH, GOOD LORD!" Ned shouts. "What?! What the hell happened?!"
"Two words, Bigby: VENGEFUL JUSTICE…MOTHERF—KER," Logan states, albeit preemptively miscounting.
Two more words: pure hatred. That's all that this crowd continues to emit from their seats towards the smug iGeneration.
"You see that shit, OLD MAN?" Sam exclaims. "That's what happens when you decide to F—KING CROSS US, when you decided to separate the Four Horsewomen, when you decided to introduce the two-faced bastard that you really are! You think you can make our lives Hell? HA! Guess what? YOU JUST PISSED OFF THE WRONG PEOPLE TO DO IT!"
Leading off that, Carly coolly speaks with a hint of malice on her silver tongue. "Mr. Alvarez—God, I hate saying that," she sneers, "as you can see…that is the result of your arrogance. This is the price you are paying for even allowing this match to happen. You're not different from your useless son as you want to do everything in your power to put us, Mai Valentine and anyone associated with the Four Horsewomen down for good. Because we're prideful? WELL, OF COURSE WE ARE—we are the BEST GODDAMN tag team champions to ever EXIST in all of wrestling, whether fiction or IRL! We have a RIGHT to be as conceited, smug, and superior as much as we fricking like! And if you refuse to accept that—"
"BOO. F—KING. HOO," Sam repeats her insult, much louder this time around.
"EXACTLY, SAM. From this moment forward, what we just did to the Jeweled Pussies, let their meaningless sacrifice be a WARNING—no, an OMEN to EVERYONE that thinks they can f—k with us now. We are STILL the tag team champions of this division and NONE OF YOU are going to stop us. The Change is not dead. So, if you even try to ignore our word…just talk to Weston and Wilson and they'll be smart enough to tell you not to cross in our paths. And as for our new boss…I assure you, 'sir', that while the Four Horsewomen are disbanded from this promotion…those of us that remain here will be the POISON to the entire Women's Division. Once the dust is settled and no other female wrestler is left standing against iGeneration and Mai Valentine…we'll be leaving with all the gold, and you will have no one to blame but yourself."
Carly flips the mic out of her hands, "Popularity" by Jonezetta resuming on the chorus verse. Freddie catches the microphone tossed by Sam and proceeds to clear his throat as he prepares himself to make the announcement.
"Damas y caballeros, the uncontested winners of this match by default and still your CURRENT, REIGNING, DEFENDING, DOMINANTING Women's Tag Team Champions of the Wooooooooooooooooorld…THE TEAM OF 'THE GREATEST INTERNET STAR WHO EVER LIVED' CARLY SHAY AND 'THE TRUE BEAST INCARNATE' SAM PUCKETT…THEY ARE 'THE VIRAL SENSATIONS OF THE SQUARED CIRCLE', iiiiiiiiGENERAAAAAATIOOOOOOON!"
Freddie spikes the microphone down and raises Sam and Carly's hands high while they hold their titles amongst the uninterrupted jeers from the audience.
"That's it? Just like that?! You gotta be kidding me!" Ned exclaims.
"There's no joke here, Bigby! Only joke is the so-called 'challengers' that iGeneration performed justice on!" Logan boldly asserts. "They sent a message loud and clear for everyone with gum in their ears to listen to! I hope you listened well and good to their speech, old man! You just started a WAR with the Four Horsewomen!"
"Are you trying to get fired, kid?" Ted Mosby asks, baffled.
"If I do, then he's only going to prove iGeneration's right," Logan smugly states.
"He'd be doing us a favor…" Ned rolls his eyes.
Ted pinches his nose bridge and can only go on with his job. He comments, "Regardless, ladies and gentlemen, it's obvious at this point the Women's Tag Team Championship match has been abruptly canceled due to the heinous, selfish actions of our titleholders themselves, iGeneration."
"Canceled? Bro, did you not hear what my man, Freddie Benson, just announced? Carly and Sam are STILL YOUR champions by DEFAULT!" Logan utters.
"Oh, will you shut up, man?" Ned groans.
"MOVING ON," Ted inserts himself between their argument, "I have word from Mr. Alvarez himself that we have no choice but to move on to the next match on our card—the Fatal 4-Way for the APEX Hardcore Championship!"
The Night of Champions event theme blares through the speakers for its logo transition to the match card graphic. It reveals still images of Crash Bandicoot making a wacky face, Joey Wheeler smirking with a fist pounded in his palm, Ichigo Kurosaki standing with his signature scowl with an added Kubrick Stare, and Sasuke Uchiha having his back turned while the Hardcore Title is hanging over his shoulder. Underneath those images read, "HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP FATAL 4-WAY MATCH" in the same font and color as before.
"No disqualifications! No count-outs! No rope breaks! Anything goes! These men are allowed to do whatever and wherever they want to enact carnage to each other and mayhem inside this building, maybe even outside of it!" Ted states.
"Last time we aired a Fatal 4-Way for the Hardcore Title, it was back at Summer Wars before our revival," Ned brings up. "We're going through the same dance, admittingly, but this time with a few different performers."
"This will be either a rehash of the same match before or it'll be a dumpster fire…and I mean the latter in the most logical sense possible knowing how our hardcore bouts can be, especially if it's for the title," Logan says. "So hey, this will be as fun to watch as a car crash."
"Before we do get to it immediately, we're going backstage to get a quick update on the condition of Altered Egos with Robin Scherbatsky on the scene," Ted tells. "Robin?"
"Thanks, Ted," Robin credits her colleague. "I'm here standing outside the Trainer Room where Yugi and Atem are being treated for injuries after the assault by Alpha & Omega earlier tonight. There's no word of update as of this moment, so I'm waiting to see if anyone will come out to hand me one."
As if someone heard her prayers, the door opens. She turns around to see Joey Wheeler walking out as he's still rather miffed about his friends' condition.
"Oh, Joey! I understand you have a match up next, but do you have any words to share about Yugi and Atem's current situation?" she asks.
"Lady…I have plenty to share, but I'll make this brief—Alpha & Omega pulled the worst kind of act ya can do and it's stabbing a man in the back while he's not looking. But in this case, replace that knife with a steel chair and I'm pretty 'effing PISSED about it. So are Tristan and Duke, but no one's more pissed than me. My best friends are hurt and I'm just getting MORE and MORE pissed off just by talking about it," Joey stares straight to the camera with the sharpest glares he can form. "I hope you two are proud of yourselves. I hope you two are watching this, because I want ya to listen—the next time I see ya bastards, I'm coming after ya FULL BLAST. And I couldn't give two craps about the numbers game—I'LL TAKE YOU BOTH ON ALONE IF I HAVE TO!"
Joey huffs and puffs, taking a moment to relax a bit. He turns to Robin, "As for my Hardcore Match…hope the champ is ready for me. 'Cause I ain't in a good mood right now. Ichigo, Crash, love ya guys…but you're gonna be in my way of making history where Joey Wheeler leaves Night of Champions as the NEXT Hardcore Champion."
"…I'm waiting for the punchline, Wheeler."
Joey tenses up and looks over to the voice of Sasuke Uchiha, current titleholder of the APEX Hardcore Championship. Like Naruto, he, too, has a new look straight from The Last.
"Tch… There ain't no punchline, pal. What I just said is a PROMISE," Joey glares down with Sasuke. "And tonight, I'm going to dedicate this victory to not just myself, but to Yuge and Atem."
"Hmph. Quite the sympathetic story. I think I might burst into tears," Sasuke dryly remarks. "If there's anything I can agree with Alpha & Omega…it's that the challengers in that Tag Team Turmoil never deserved a shot at the belts. And right now, neither do you, the failed experiment, and Kurosaki. Just opportunities given away like candy. So, here's my response…I'm going to make you all wish you hadn't stepped in that ring with me. Kurosaki is dumb enough to try again…but it'll be a nice first experience with you and Crash. Trust me, I will enjoy torturing you in just a few minutes…"
"…Bub…you're talking to an EC-Dubba legend…I've been put through way, way worse than you can ever imagine," Joey snarls.
Sasuke lets out another scoffing chuckle. "I guess we'll see. After tonight…you either leave as top dog of the Hardcore Division…or just a whimpering little puppy with all bark and no bite."
The champ and challenger remain their intense staredown…then Robin preemptively backs away. For what reason? Well, other than the fact these two could possibly break into a fight, Joey breaks his glare to see someone behind Sasuke, who looks back with the camera panning out…
…and it's Ichigo Kurosaki standing behind them with arms crossed. His eyes then make a brief glance over them, and Joey looks behind while Sasuke looks down…
…revealing Crash Bandicoot with a manic look on his face, obviously eager to start their upcoming Hardcore Match.
…
And that gives Joey an idea, subtly smirking.
"Ya know what…since we're all here together…I can't see nothing wrong with why we can't start now!" Joey suddenly shouts before DECKING SASUKE IN THE JAW!
THEN, CRASH JUMPS ONTO ICHIGO'S FACE AND THE LATTER IS TRYING TO PEEL HIM OFF AS JOEY TACKLES HIM AND CARRIES HIM ALL THE WAY TO A FENCING WALL!
"OH, SNAP!" Ned shouts. "THIS ESCALATED STUPID FAST!"
"THE BELL HASN'T EVEN RUNG—WHERE'S THE REFEREE FOR THIS NONSENSE?!" Logan yells…until the bell officially sounds. "Thank you! …WAIT, they're not even in the ring for this!"
"It certainly doesn't matter to these guys, Logan! Besides, Nikolas is still present, so he might as well call it before he heads up there!" Ted exclaims. "And we might as well call the match since we didn't get to previously!"
"Absolute anarchy has EXPLODED backstage! These four men are BRAWLING for the Hardcore Title that they're willing to spill their own blood for!" Ned states. "Joey is right—ain't no point of waiting any longer with all of them present!"
Ichigo successfully removes the mutated bandicoot off his face and throws him aside before nailing a lifting knee to Joey's face. Then, he grabs his head and hurls him face-first into the steel fencing! Crash returns with a leap on Ichigo's back, clinging to him tightly with a Sleeper Hold attempt. "GET OFF ME!" shouted the former Hardcore Champion as he has a bit of trouble removing Crash from his back. Eventually, he walks around long enough to yank Crash over and slam him on his back right on top of a flight case. Suddenly, Joey comes in speeding with another case and rams it into Ichigo! Wisely, Joey looks around for a referee so he can at least go for a pinfall. However, he doesn't notice Sasuke wielding his Hardcore Championship from behind, and the second he turned around, the champion makes him pay with a literal title shot to the face! Sasuke looks over and sees that referee Nikolas Alba has finally made it to the action as the former pins Joey: 1, 2…Crash Bandicoot breaks it up with a Super Belly Flop (Diving Splash) off the case! The Orange Twister has Sasuke up on his feet, battering him with a series of clubbing fists to his back. He puts his head in a Front Facelock, but Sasuke breaks out of it and yanks Crash into a sickening Broken Bonds (Inverted Headlock Backbreaker). Leaving Crash writhing on the floor, Sasuke returns his attention to Joey, who is bringing himself to his feet near a window as he still feels his head ringing from the belt to the face. The Hardcore Champion snatches him by the hair and sneers, "Punch me right in the jaw, huh? You think it's funny? Sorry it's not as funny as THIS!" Then, Sasuke gains spinning momentum enough to hurl Joey through the glass window!
"OH, GOD!" Ned screams.
"With undoubted fury, Sasuke just sent Joey through that window!" Ted calls.
"And rightfully so after getting jumped by that loser at the start of the match!" Logan says. "Good on Sasuke!"
"At least your friends won't be lonely with you around, Wheeler!" Sasuke mocks through the window, spitting down at Joey. With him out of the way, Sasuke has one less trouble to deal with…and that's when he received a hurled wooden pallet to the back! Sasuke goes down and it's revealed the person how tossed it was Ichigo Kurosaki himself. The Rated-R Shinigami picks the pallet back up and slams it over Sasuke's spine, inciting him to scream out in pain a second time. As the Lone Uchiha is thrashing, Ichigo makes sure the pallet is in good condition flat on the concrete floor and "helps" Sasuke to his feet. He applies the Front Facelock to Sasuke, looks to the nearby camera with a smirk, declaring that he's about to be a two-time Hardcore Champion right here and now…
…and DRILLS Sasuke's skull into the pallet with a Slaying Moon (Edgecution)! As Sasuke appears practically lifeless, Ichigo turns him over for the pin with a leg hooked: 1…
2…
…
…
"BANZAAAI!"
…and Crash Bandicoot comes flying in off a case with a chair-assisted Leg Drop across the back of Ichigo's skull! From out of nowhere, Crash managed to stop the pin while causing some serious damage as Ichigo rolls away holding his head. At that moment, Crash takes advantage to try and pin Ichigo, but only earns a two-count when Ichigo kicked out. So, he tries Sasuke at a desperate attempt, but even Sasuke manages to power out. Not giving up easily, though, Crash frantically looks around for anything to use as a weapon and the first thing he sees is a table with drinks and water dispensers on them. Crash pushes all of that aside to the floor and drags the table over to Sasuke as quickly as possible if he wants to do this spot right.
"Any idea what the heck that rabid animal is even up to?" Logan asks.
"Honestly, you got me," Ted shrugs.
The Insane Bandicoot drags Sasuke's virtually lifeless body up on the table, then brings Ichigo to the equation with a kick in the face. With that, he pulls Ichigo to the table and places him across Sasuke's corpse. Now that both men are set up on the table, Crash starts climbing the open window…
…and all the way up on the roofless edge of the wall.
"Ohhh, now, I see what he's up to…" Ned states with a hint of anxiousness in his voice.
"GET THAT IDIOTIC MUTANT DOWN FROM THERE!" Logan shouts.
"No need, because I believe he's about to do that himself!" Ted calls.
Realizing Crash's plan coming to fruition, the crowd starts anticipating of what might come next as the bipedal bandicoot balances himself on the edge. He smirks once everything is all set, lets out his signature cry and dives off for the Crash Landing (Swanton Bomb)…
…
…
…
…and it's a LITERAL crash landing with Sasuke and Ichigo moving out of the way in time as Crash falls through the table!
"OHHH, THROUGH THE TABLE, CRASH GOES!" Ned yells. "NOBODY HOME TO BREAK HIS FALL!"
"Holy Hell, the table just EXPLODED upon impact! This is the worst-case scenario Crash didn't want, landing HARD on the concrete floor with likely splinters in his back!" Ted says.
"Well, that's the result he deserves for attempting a stupid stunt like that," Logan callously derides.
As Crash lies unmoving in the debris, Sasuke crawls over on top for a desperate pin. However, Ichigo puts a stop to that with a stomp on his upper back. He forces him up on his feet and Irish Whips him against the door. Ichigo stalks Sasuke to his feet…and he dashes after him—only to eat a lifting kick to the face! Then, Sasuke takes his head to hit a European Uppercut that knocks him down on back. The next thing the champion does is grab a couple of cable cords lying around and wraps them around Ichigo's neck in a fatal attempt to choke him out. He was almost successful in this endeavor…but the door opens in the background unbeknownst to him…
…
…and Joey Wheeler is revealed with a cooler jug full of water that he slams over the back of his head! Sasuke lets go of Ichigo, giving him a chance to catch his breath, while Joey stands over the champion with the jug.
"Hey, 'champ', you look a little dry. How about a water break!?" Joey quips as he pours down the entire jug all over his opponent's face.
Sasuke is practically drowning under the water, being forced to retreat while Joey soaks him completely. The camera cuts to a more open space area filled with all kinds of foreign objects for these APEX Athletes to destroy themselves with where Sasuke and Joey are seen entering. The moment Sasuke looked back, Joey hurls the empty jug at his head, and it earns a round of amused chuckles from the fans. Joey grabs him by the neck and slams him head-first over a transport case. He then sees a tower of an empty cooler jugs stacked nicely near yet another flight travel case and can't help but crack a dastardly grin. He casually wraps an arm around his shoulder, flippantly asks Sasuke if he wants to go bowling, and proceeds to throw him over…
…
…but Sasuke reverses with an Irish Whip and sends Joey crashing into the tower of jugs instead!
"Strrrrrriiiike! Looks like Wheeler was taken for a ride instead!" Logan cackles.
"The Hardcore Champion basically said, 'No thanks', and made Joey be his bowling ball!" Ned states.
Getting very irritated at how much of a fool he's been made so far, Sasuke grabs a wet floor cone next to him and starts battering it over Joey's back. The champion is utterly IRATE, taking his bitter frustrations out on a defenseless Joey. As a final cheap shot, he throws the yellow cone down on his spine.
"You want to play jokes with ME?! Fine. I got a real good one for you!" Sasuke shouts as he picks up a plastic trash bin full of garbage and litter. "This is my exact opinion of how I feel about you in general, Wheeler!"
The Lone Uchiha proceeds to dump all the waste on Joey and smacks the bin against his face the moment Joey tried to sit up. Sasuke forces him to sit up again as he forces him the bin over his upper body and places him against the column. He checks his surroundings all around for an object to continue destroying his opponent and his eye catches a fifteen-foot ladder leaning against the wall. He goes over to grab it and quickly heads back to a groggy Joey Wheeler still with the trash bin over his head. With the ladder in his hands, Sasuke does not hesitate on his running start…
…
…
…and he BRUTALLY rams the ladder straight into the trash bin, breaking through the plastic to harm Joey!
"AUGH!" Ted winches in phantom pain. "Joey Wheeler getting all the ladder in such a vicious attack by the Hardcore Champion! Sasuke Uchiha is not in it for jokes and laughs—he wants to win and punish those that get in his way of victory!"
"Finish it, Sasuke! You got him right where you want him!" Logan urges.
Throwing the ladder down, Sasuke drags Joey out of the bin and hooks his leg for the pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…A FIRE EXTINGUISHER GOES OFF ON BOTH SASUKE AND JOEY, MAKING THE FORMER TO BREAK UP THE PIN!
"What the hell?!" Logan shouts.
"Who's using that fire extinguisher?!" Ned queries…
…as through the powder dust clears to reveal that it's Ichigo Kurosaki holding the item! "Oh, hey! Look who's back in the equation!"
"Where in the hell did Strawberry get that fire extinguisher?!" Logan exclaims.
Ichigo continues to use the extinguisher on Sasuke to keep him at a distance, all while also carrying a blasé expression on his face. Of course, Ichigo does stop pulling the lever on the extinguisher…and opts to hit Sasuke with the blunt object right in the stomach, then brings him down after a strike to his lower back with it! The Rated-R Reaper puts the extinguisher aside for now and turns Sasuke over to go for a cover: 1…
2…
…
…
…2.14 Sasuke somehow kicks out! Despite that, Ichigo shrugs it off and stands up. He walks over to a janitor's closet and takes his time to choose which likely object can be used next to as a weapon while Sasuke is recovering off-screen. Ichigo makes his decision and takes a very wet mop out of the bucket full of mostly water, so it's obvious how used it is. Before he can use it, however, Ichigo quickly kicks Sasuke down as he was about to stand. He uses the squeezer in the bucket to…well, squeeze any dripping fluids. Just as a "nice favor" for Sasuke…before he literally starts mopping his face in.
"UGH, DISGUSTING!" Logan frowns. "That's just outright DISGUSTING and DISRESPECTFUL to our Hardcore Champion! What the hell did he do to deserve to be embarrassed like this?!"
"I wish I could list them off, but I say it's just a bad luck for the Lone Uchiha so far," Ted comments. "Can't say I don't feel sorry for him right now."
Sasuke is gagging under the filthy mop while Ichigo casually whistles and "cleans up the mess". Sooner or later, he would toss the mop away to let Sasuke recover. At least for a small bit, as Ichigo grabs Sasuke by the hair and throws him into the custodial room, the latter crashing into boxes full of toilet paper.
"Well…at least Sasuke won't be running short on toilet paper in this pandemic," Ned snickers.
"Is it now the time to get topical with real-life events that were relevant months ago while Sasuke's getting denigrated?" Logan glares.
"I don't know—it seems appropriate regardless," Ted shrugs.
"I hate the both of you," Logan deadpans.
"Ah, don't worry, Sasuke, I'll leave you alone," Ichigo says as he takes picks up a five-foot metal pipe. The Substitute Shinigami shuts the doors, locks it with a deadbolt that was hanging out, and puts the pipe between the handle sets, completely trapping Sasuke in the janitor's room.
"Hold up, he can't do that!" Logan complains. "What are you stupid, Strawberry?!"
"Hey, remember, he doesn't have to pin the champion to win the title; there's still Joey Wheeler or Crash Bandicoot for Ichigo to wear down and steal the Hardcore Championship while Sasuke is stuck in the custodian's room!" Mosby states. "It's only one less issue for him to deal with. I say, it's genius on his part!"
While Ichigo was enjoying himself to mock Sasuke's current predicament, a running Joey blindsides him with a ladder right in the face! He immediately goes for a cover by literally pinning the ladder on top of Ichigo and lying on top of said weapon: 1…
2…
…
…
…2.98 Ichigo barely kicks out in time…as he managed to slip an uppercut through the ladder and low blow Joey! It was a dirty tactic, but Joey gave Ichigo no other choice with means of escape. The self-proclaimed Godfather of Wrestling rolls off to nurse his lower regions while Ichigo pushes the ladder off. Joey starts to leave the backstage, keeping his distance from Ichigo so he can recover from the sharp pain in his groin. Ichigo soon followed him, leaving Sasuke alone in the janitor's closet and screaming to be let out as he bangs his hands on the door.
"HEY! LET ME OUT, YOU BASTARDS!" Sasuke yells, trying to slip his fingers through the fencing holes, but obviously having no reach to the padlock or the steel pipe. He then sees someone about to walk by. "Hey, you! Hey! Help me out of here!"
The person turned out to be the janitor himself…but this janitor was none of other than Gordon "Gordy" Davenport, carrying a pillow and a blanket.
"Why are you in my break room?" Gordy asks in genuine confusion.
Sasuke blinks in pure bafflement, slowly tilting his head. "…This is the janitor's room, you moron," Sasuke deadpans. "Which you just so happen to be, and therefore, you must have the keys to this padlock. Just get me out of here—I'm in the middle of a match for my Hardcore Championship."
"…Eh, I'm on break. I'll let the night guy take of it," Gordy shrugs and walks off. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to let him know it's you, pal!"
An uproar of laughter is heard in the background as a blank-faced Sasuke can only slowly bang his head against the door.
"I'm surrounded by idiots…" mutters the Lone Uchiha…before he performs a set of hand signs…
…
…and generates the Chidori technique before the audience's very eyes!
"OH, SWEET JESUS, NO—!" the cameraman cried before the feed was cut off…
…and transitioned to find Joey and Ichigo trading fists from the left side of the stage (not noticing the flashing light from the back).
"…I-I think we just lost one of our cameraman…" Ted utters. "Can someone check if he's alive?!"
"Well, uh…in the meantime, we're back on the action with Joey and Ichigo duking it out near the crowd and the stage!" Ned states, trying to bring the focus back on the match. "The two are pretty evened out so far, but it's a matter of time before Sasuke returns to wreak havoc!"
"And I'll be watching closely when it happens," Logan coolly says.
Though both Ichigo and Joey are evened up when it comes to pure brawling with their bare fists, the latter wins it out by an arm-trap counter transitioned into a Discus Elbow Smash, sending spit flying out of the former's mouth. He grabs Ichigo's head and proceeds to throw his whole body at the giant column stand! Ichigo staggers back into Joey's Full Nelson grasp, but he quickly counters by hurling Joey over his shoulders. Joey gets up and immediately goes for a Bicycle Kick, but Ichigo catches the kicking foot and sweeps him on his back. He gets to hook his right leg between Joey's and turn him over almost instantly for the Reapercator (Edgecator)! With sheer intensity, Ichigo is leaning hard on the submission and wrenching the legs, making Joey scream his lungs out. Even if he was in the ring, it won't matter if he gets a rope break as there is none of that in a hardcore match and he knows that better than anyone else. With no means of a break, he must either tap out, pass out or find some way to escape the Reapercator. Joey Wheeler is by no means a quitter, but Ichigo is not making it easy on him as he keeps bending the spine in the most uncomfortable shape with a crazed look in his eyes. It seemed that Ichigo was moments away from reclaiming the Hardcore Championship…
…
…Joey raises his hand…
…
…
…to clutch onto Ichigo's leg from behind…
…
…
…
…and—Sasuke runs in with the Sharingan Impact (RKO) on Ichigo, breaking up the Reapercator!
"SASUKE'S BACK! THE CHAMPION'S BACK IN THE GAME!" Ted exclaims.
"SHARINGAN IMPACT FROM OUTTA NOWHERE, BABY! Sasuke's just about to retain his belt here at Night of Champions!" Logan grins.
The Lone Uchiha immediately flips Ichigo on his back for a frantic hook of the leg, Nikolas Alba leaping in to make the pin official: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…2.9888 JOEY WHEELER STOPS THE COVER FROM REACHING THE THREE-COUNT!
"Son of a—PISS OFF, MUTT!" Logan jeers.
"Joey Wheeler with the last second save, keeping the match alive along with his chances of becoming the Hardcore Champion!" Ned exclaims.
"Are you trying to jinx Sasuke's championship reign?!"
Joey has Sasuke in a Double Underhook, but Sasuke breaks away from the hold and nails a Jumping High Knee right in the jaw! He grabs his head and hurls him back-first into the guardrail near the audience, then grabs him again to run all the way to the smaller column stand by the entranceway and hurls him straight into it face-first. Joey stumbles into Sasuke's Front Facelock and spikes his head onto the floor with a Snap DDT! As of right now, Sasuke is soaked, covered in filth, and fuming with the embarrassment he's been put through in this match. He knows the exact way from him to cap off his victory…by slithering at least six feet away from his opponent…
…and revving his right leg for the infamous Punt Kick. It takes a while, but Joey is rising to his hands and knees, albeit in a sluggish speed. He nurses his head from getting drilled into the concrete floor…and he has no idea about Sasuke's further endeavor to concuss him with an incoming Punt Kick. By the time he lifted his head up, Sasuke rushes him like a demon…
…
…
…and Ichigo blindsides him with a Spear! The former Hardcore Champion has both legs hooked: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…2.957 Joey pushes Ichigo off Sasuke to break up the pin! Wheeler and Kurosaki get back to brawling with each other, making sure their fists make rigid contact with their jaws. Then Sasuke joins in on the fray with a Leaping Forearm Smash to Joey, turning this into a three-way fist fight.
"Nothing but pure and raw fisticuffs between these three! Honestly, Crash Bandicoot is missing out on the fun!" Ned states.
"I can't believe I'm asking this, but where in the world is that experimental lab rat?" Logan questions.
"He has been gone for some time. I'm hoping he hasn't—OHHH, NO," Ted sees something above the three contestants.
"What? What do you see—oh, no," Ned now sees what Ted is seeing with wide eyes.
"What do you mean, 'Oh, no'—OH, F—K NO!" Logan completes the hat trick…
…
…
…
…as Crash Bandicoot is found crouching on the top of the fifteen-foot column stand with a trashcan in hand! "HOW LONG HAS THAT ORANGE RAT BEEN UP ON THAT COLUMN?!"
"That's gotta be the most patient bandicoot in the AT&T Center!" Ted exclaims. "And with that trashcan in his grasp, you know he's got insane, evil intentions in mind!"
"I don't think Sasuke, Ichigo and Joey have a clue about Crash stalking them from the skies!" Ned comments.
He was right. As the three APEX Athletes were so busy fighting each other, they don't notice Crash looming over them with an unhinged grin. Crash eventually gets their attention by crying, "PAAAAANCAAAAAAAAAKES!" and the fans repeat after him…
…then one by one, Joey, Sasuke and Ichigo stop their fighting to see Crash slip the trashcan over his upper body…
…
…
…
…
…
…and HE JUMPS OFF THE COLUMN WITH AN INSANE MOONSAULT, LANDING ON TOP OF ALL THREE MEN!
"OH, MY GOOOOOOOOOD!" Ted screams, clenching his head.
"CRASH BANDICOOT, THE INSANE NAUGHTY DOG, HAS PERFORMED THE MOST DEATH-DEFYING STUNT FOR APEX CALIBER WRESTLING TO WITNESS!" Ned shouts.
"JESUS H. CHRIST, NEVER DO THAT AGAIN, MAN!" Logan yells. "I NEARLY HAD A HEART ATTACK FROM THAT!"
"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!" the crowd chants, utterly amazed at Crash's spot…and while all three men are flat on the floor, Crash slips out of the trashcan and kip-ups to his feet. "WHOA!" shouts the N. Sane Bandicoot with his arms spread wide, receiving loud cheers from the receptive fans. The first one to recoup himself is Sasuke, trying to get away from the carnage Crash left behind as he walks down to the ring. Picking up the trashcan along the way, Crash pursues after the champion. Sasuke rests on the ring apron, then sees Crash about to hit him with the trashcan and kicks him in the gut. Crash drops the foreign object and Sasuke snatches his head to smash his face on the ring apron. Sasuke pushes Crash in the ring, leaving his head draped over the apron. Then, he applies a Front Facelock, gradually dragging him out with his feet hung over the apron…
…
…and Sasuke drills his skull into the trashcan with the Curse of Hatred (Rope-hung Spike DDT)! He puts him in a pinning predicament: 1…
2…
…
…
…2.75 Crash kicks out! Sasuke stands on his knees, glaring down at the rebellious Crash Bandicoot. He clutches onto his fur and seeks to heave him over the barricade at the southwest corner…
…but then Crash turns it around and throws Sasuke over the barricade instead! As Sasuke is reeling from his back hitting the concrete floor, Crash pulls out a ladder from under the ring and sets it up on the barricade corner. Once the Hardcore Champion reached a vertical base, Crash starts running up the ladder…and he lands a One-man Poetry in Motion on his opponent! Crash tries for the pin as the Russian official counts on the barricade: 1…
2…
…
…
…2.88 Sasuke rolls the shoulder up! Opting for another plan, Crash staggers to the ladder from the other side and drags it over the barricade in a leaning position. Afterwards, he hauls Sasuke by the hair over to the ladder and sets him up for a Suplex…
…however, Sasuke keeps his feet planted on the ground…and he tosses Crash on the ladder with a Front Suplex! Then Crash bounces off into Sasuke's clutches yet again…
…
…and he drops him onto the ladder again with a vicious Powerbomb!
"From a Suplex to a Powerbomb, the transition has worked out smoothly for Sasuke, but not so well for Crash Bandicoot!" Ted Mosby comments.
Sasuke pushes the ladder back on the other side…only for Joey to grab it from the legs and rams the top rail into Sasuke's stomach. Joey steals the ladder and bridges it between the ring apron and the barricade. Meanwhile, Sasuke climbs back in the ring area and begins searching under the apron for a weapon of his own. Joey finds him around the corner and grabs him from behind, only to suffer a jab in the gut with a steel chair. Sasuke chases after Wheeler with a series of chair shots to the spine, bringing him to his knees. He stands in front of him and bashes the chair right over his head. Joey goes down, but Sasuke isn't finished with him as he drags his limp body on top of the bridged ladder. After that, he takes to the high-rent district. Desperate times come with desperate measures and Sasuke genuinely wants to end this match as fast as possible by climbing to the top turnbuckle. Sasuke was just about to dive off the ropes…but he didn't see a returning Crash Bandicoot behind him…
…jumping from one rope to the other…
…
…
…and catching Sasuke with a Super Hurricanrana as he lands on Joey and both men go through the ladder!
"OHHH, THROUGH THE LADDER! THE HIGH RISK PAID OFF, BUT NOT FOR SASUKE SADLY AS CRASH BANDICOOT SENT HIM FLYING!" Ned Bigby yells. "AND JOEY GOT CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE JUST AS WELL!"
"I AM SO CONFLICTED!" Logan groans. "WHEELER GETS HIS JUST DESERTS, BUT SASUKE SUFFERS FROM CRASH'S BULL! I HATE THIS!"
Crash drops down from the apron and tries covering both Sasuke and Joey at the same time: 1…
2…
…
…2.84 both men have their shoulders up! In the meantime, as Crash mounts Joey with raining fists, Ichigo is in the background setting up two tables, stacking one on top of the other. Ichigo climbs up the middle row and calls out Crash Bandicoot. Getting his attention, Ichigo beckons him to join him on the turnbuckles and tells him, "I got two tables with your name on them! Let's go!"
"Kurosaki is actually daring Crash Bandicoot to come up to the turnbuckles! I think he's sending an invitation to Crash for a game of chicken!" Ted states.
"It would be no surprise if Crash accepts that invitation—he's never one to back down from a challenge!" Ned adds.
Crash proves him right in nodding to Ichigo's request, cracking a wide, deranged smirk as he scrambles up on the ropes as fast as possible. Once Crash met Ichigo face-to-face on the same elevation, both hardcore specialists did not waste time blasting each other with their punches. This goes on for quite some time until Ichigo went for a headbutt…but he nearly loses his balance from his skull smashing into what is practically a brick wall. Crash capitalizes and goes for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb…
…but Ichigo's hands are clinging to ropes for dear life! Crash is dangling, trying his damnedest to bring down Ichigo for the Powerbomb. Ichigo is punching Crash's face in repeatedly just to get him off, but Crash is showing to be incredibly stubborn. This lasts for a good while until Sasuke makes a return of his own…by nailing a chair shot over Ichigo's skull, aiding Crash with his Powerbomb, and putting Ichigo through both tables! Crash was eager to go for the cover, but Sasuke stops him with a jab to the kidneys and then an overhead shot to the temple! The chair shot was so stiff, Crash was wearing the chair like a necklace, and then Sasuke proceeds to throw him over the barricade once again like if he was garbage. Sasuke pushes and kicks the broken tables aside to give himself enough room for a pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…2.847 Joey Wheeler breaks it up with an Elbow Drop!
"Yet again, Joey prevents Sasuke from leaving with the Hardcore Title! It's a matter of who truly wants this match the most!" Ned calls.
"Geez, this guy is like a freaking cockroach! Matter of fact, SQUASH HIM like one, Sasuke!" Logan urges.
Joey picks up Sasuke, slams his head over the apron and throws him in the ring. He follows immediately after and nearly becomes a victim of the Sharingan Impact, but he pushes Sasuke off. Sasuke hits the ropes…and gets sent over the top rope alongside Joey via Cactus Clothesline! While Sasuke is reeling from the Clothesline, Yu-Gi-Oh!'s own ultimate underdog feels the adrenaline running through him and slams his hands on the RAMPAGE announce table to hype himself and the cheering crowd up. His hands still on the table, he starts tearing it apart as the commentators quickly take their items (while Logan was easily annoyed about it) and distance themselves from the likely carnage. With the table completely empty, Joey gets Sasuke ready to go through it. He has him set up in a Suplex position…both legs are crossed…
"All hail Joey Wheeler, baby!" Joey exclaims.
…then Joey lifts him up high…
…
…
…
…and…Sasuke slips down over his back and strikes him with a low blow! Yet again, Joey is attacked in his lower regions, falling his knees with the intense pain shooting through him. A fuming Sasuke merely stands up and pushes him off the table with his foot, not even willing to put Joey through a table. The Hardcore Championship is his…and he's going this match his way. He hops down from the table, casually walks a few feet away from Joey…
…
…and swiftly turns around to FEROCIOUSLY punt Joey's head off his shoulders!
"POP GOES THE WEASEL! Sasuke executes Joey with the Punt Kick!" Logan comments. "Let this be the end PLEASE!"
A sign that the end was near, Joey's eyes were glazed over as Sasuke turns him over for the pinfall: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…3!
"You got what you wanted, Logan! It is ACADEMIC!" Ted exclaims. "Sasuke retains the title into the Renaissance Era!"
"Here is your winner, and still the Apex Caliber Wrestling Hardcore Champion: SASUKE UUUUUUCHIIIHAAAAAA!" Mike "The Mic" Martin declares.
Three Days Grace's "Misery Loves My Company" blasts through the AT&T Center, almost overwhelmed by the negative reception from the attendants. Sasuke snatches his belt as soon as it was given back to him from the official and stands up to have his hand raised. All the mortification he went through to retain his belt surely aggravated him, but the victory he's earned tonight has washed all that away. He declares with the belt above his head, "This belt is MINE! I am the APEX Hardcore Champion! And I'm just getting started with this reign!" Meanwhile, Ichigo is being checked on by a few EMTs, but he pushes them away out of frustration; and Crash is looking over the barricade with a quivering expression, absolutely crushed that he didn't win after the insane stunts he pulled off while his sister, Coco, had just arrived to comfort him.
"This night can't get any better for me: iGeneration make their statement as the dominate Women's Tag Champs, Sasuke keeps the Hardcore Title to elevate himself at the top of the roster…and better yet, our announce table didn't even get crushed!" Logan smirks.
"Shame it's not about you right now, Reese. After this rather insane and chaotic Fatal 4-Way, Sasuke retains the Hardcore Title and he couldn't be more relieved for that," Ned says. "Nonetheless, you can't take nothing away from the rest of the challengers here tonight. They all did their damnedest to claim for the gold and there's no shame in their loss."
Logan snorts, almost scoffing. "Pffft, yeah, I don't know about that one, my guy. Sure, they did all right, but it damn sure wasn't enough. Sasuke is the star here—the VICTOR. Not Strawberry, not the orange vermin, and especially not Wheeler."
Sasuke glares down at the immobile Joey, plants his foot on his chest and slowly drops to a knee with the belt close to the latter's face out of sheer insult to injury. The Lone Uchiha says, "This is as close to my belt as you, the mutant and Kurosaki are going to get, Wheeler. I will not stop until I am back on top of the roster. For as long as I have this belt…no one can touch me." He stands back up and literally walks on top of Joey to make his leave, draping the belt over his back. He doesn't even bother giving glances to the rest of his former challengers on his way up to the stage. Sasuke is on a mission to return to the main event and this belt was going to help him reach his goals.
Cameras move on from the arena to a different area backstage, where Luke Smith is found walking in the hallway with a gym bag strapped over his shoulder. From the looks of it, Luke has recently arrived in AT&T Center not too long ago as he's not wearing his ring gear yet. He reaches to a locker room door and opens it, finding his fellow stablemates still practically licking their wounds from their loss earlier tonight. A fuming Hannibal was sitting on a wooden bench with hands clenched together and looking down at the floor while Erik is looking over an unconscious Damian before turning to Luke…with a rather upset expression.
"You're late," Erik bluntly emphasizes.
"Hey, I told you I was going to be running late on the way," Luke coolly replies.
"You never mentioned you were going to be over an hour late, Smith," Erik sneers.
"Traffic's a pain; sue me. Besides…I'm here now, aren't I?" Luke says.
Hannibal sharply rose from his seat to get in Luke's face, grabbing him by his collar and pushed him against the wall! The Lunatic Wolf appeared more infuriated than before as he wanted to choke him with his forearm pressed against his neck…yet Luke kept his cool as Hannibal breathed heavily.
"Our boy, Damian, got his ass whupped in a three-on-one situation…we lost our chance to be the next tag champs…and that's all the shit you have to say?!" Ambrose snarls.
"Ghngh…Hannibal…you're letting your temper get the better of you," Luke gasps lightly. "Besides…shouldn't you be angrier at Damian for taking you out on accident?"
"SHUT IT, Smith…! I should—!"
"Hannibal!" Erik calls, putting a hand on his shoulder. "That's enough. I'm the one he needs to speak to."
Almost reluctantly, Hannibal lets go and backpedals with eyes glaring daggers at Luke and Erik stands in front of Luke with his arms crossed.
"Smith…look at me," Erik tells his teammate, who was glaring back at Hannibal before turning his attention on the leader. "No matter the excuse…it's your duty as a member of The Wolves to be there for this team. The Wolves were humiliated in front of millions—not just because we lost our chance to be champions of the Tag Team Division yet again…but because of those Hardcore Foundation maniacs used our finisher against us. That is a sign that war has begun and right now, as captain of this team, I need all my soldiers with me…and that includes you, Smith. I understand you have your business with the Intercontinental Title, but when one of us need each other, we are there for each other. All I ask from you is that this doesn't happen again. Are we clear?"
Luke licks his lips, looking down at his feet as he mused on Erik's words. His nonchalant attitude had apparently disappeared to an understanding manner, nodding lightly.
"Yeah…we're clear," Luke answers in a sotto voice. "Look, I didn't mean to piss you guys off. You're right, I have no reason to be this late. I'm sorry for not being there for you all tonight, especially Damian. I'm going to make it up to you all by becoming the first-ever Intercontinental Champion of the New Era. I'm dedicating this victory tonight not just for me…but for the Wolves. However…I'd like to get ready for my match coming later. If that's okay with you, Erik."
Erik stares at Luke for a moment…and gestures to him that he's allowed to leave. Luke nods and takes his departure, picking up his bag along the way. As Erik watches him walk off, Hannibal comes back into the frame with a look of disapproval.
"That's it? That's all he f—king gets, a slap on the wrist?" Hannibal queries. "Erik, you and I both know this guy was hesitant to come back until the old man had to offer him a large sum of money. You can't look at me in the eye and say that this prick is gonna get away with this shitty excuse…"
Erik doesn't even glance at Hannibal, keeping his eyes on the doorway Luke walked through. "I understand how you feel, Hannibal. I'm still angry about it, too."
"Then why didn't you lay it into him?"
"…Because he deserves a chance to prove his worth," Erik firmly states. "Yes, his ego could fill a balloon to the point of popping…but even so, I refuse to let him tread alone when he came to help our pack stand out from the rest in our mission to fight the injustice in this company. Whether or not he wins tonight, we are there to pick him back up…and he'll provide us the victory we will need in this war against the Hardcore Trinity. Until then, we prepare."
Erik walks by Hannibal, who looks on with a genuine curious face. He glances at the doorway one last time before following Erik.
By now, the cameras have transitioned to another area backstage as Saeko Busujima, shown from her back, is working out her left leg in a calves and hamstrings stretch and fans were quick to cheer for the current challenger for the APEX World Women's Championship. For this special occasion, Saeko's ring gear is inspired by "Mad Queen" Io Shirai's, shown to be all black with white accents and tracings, and most notably, a Shinigami skull on her back. Just as she was about to shift legs, she receives a playful kick to her lower back. She was slightly startled, but soon as she looked up, she was relieved with a humble chuckle and stands up to face her good friend, Saya Takagi.
"Nice to see you, too, Takagi," Saeko smiles.
"Had to get your attention somehow," Saya quips.
"How are Takashi and Kohta coping?" Saeko asks.
Takagi sighs, "Can't lie, they're hurting, and they're incensed. More so the latter than anything else, and I can't blame them. But right now…this is about you tonight. So, I ask you…how are you feeling? Give me an honest answer."
Saeko…didn't answer immediately. She bit her bottom lip, hands on her hips and looking down at the floor as she pondered on her words. She lifts her head up and exhales sharply, blowing her bangs up. Finally, she breaks the silence.
"Cliché as it sounds…I got butterflies in my stomach. This is the biggest title opportunity for me to ever receive in my career. I understand that there's this controversy I received for being handed the title shot…but I'm looking to prove my worth. This is my chance to establish myself as the next star of the Women's Division. With how much blood, sweat and tears I've poured over the years since we all came together in APEX, I feel like this is me finally getting my dues. Whether I actually do deserve this title shot or not…I'm going make sure people know who I am."
Short and straight to the point, that speech was enough to garner up praises from the audience as Saya nods and pats her friend's shoulder.
"Then you better do your damn best to capture that title if you want to make good on your word," Saya smirks. "Now you get your ass out there in the ring already; Rei and the guys are watching closely from the locker room."
"Understood."
Busujima and Takagi hug each other, hoping for some fortunate luck in this upcoming match. Saeko grabs both her sleeveless jacket and a mask off the table and starts walking her way towards the Gorilla Position. It was a long distance, at least taking up almost a minute to get there, but Saeko reaches her destination. As she was about to walk up the stairs, she stops…backpedals down…looks over to her left…
…
…and APEX World Women's Champion Satsuki Kiryūin walks in with the belt around her waist to meet her opponent face-to-face. Their expressions were totally unreadable as they stared each other down. Tension grows…until Satsuki breaks it with an offering handshake.
"May the best woman win," Satsuki says, softly grinning.
Saeko gazes at the hand for a good second…and smirks as she accepts it. "…I plan to~"
With that playful remark thrown, "Circus for a Psycho" by Skillet plays for Saeko to make her way up the Gorilla Position while Satsuki watches on and chortles to herself.
Dimmed, violet lights consume the AT&T Center…smoke consumes the stage…a silhouette walks backwards through the smoke with Japanese kanji that reads, "死が来る。。。 (Death is coming…)" on the jacket…
[Psycho, psycho…!
Psycho, go, go, go!
Psycho…!
Psycho, here we go!]
…and Saeko Busujima turns around halfway, revealing a Shinigami mask (colored dark violet with red eyes, and black horns and teeth) with her head leaning back. She gradually slides her mask off, her jacket's hoodie slipping down…
…and whips her head down and back, letting out the loudest shriek ever to the skies! Fans were taken aback by the new look before cheering Saeko on as she marches her way to the ring.
[You push me 'til I break
And the anger turns to rage
Why can't you just leave me alone?
Got your finger on the trigger
You think that you're the winner
But you're gonna get kicked (kicked)
Off of your throne, NO!]
Near the ring apron, Saeko points to a sign that reads, "Saeko Busujima, the NEXT World Women's Champ!" and proclaims to the camera in front of her, "That will become reality! I guarantee that!" She runs and slides inside the ring, headbanging to the song before whipping her hair back Lita style as she stands up.
[You think you're gonna hurt me
Get ready to get dirty
You created this beast inside! (This beast inside!)
Pull the noose tighter
And lift a little higher
'Cause you're killing me slow
I ain't ready to die!
(Killing me slow, but I ain't ready to die…!)]
She goes up to the ropes and stands on them Io Shirai style, head hanging down…and then she whips her head and hair back to let out another banshee scream. Saeko throws out her "ILY" hand signs for the hard camera with wide grin, inciting another round of cheers. During so, the camera catches her mouthing words as she utters, "Otto…Noct…this match is all for you as well."
"I have to say, Saeko Busujima is being rather…outgoing than her usual reserved self," Zack comments. "Especially her outfit; but no need for guessing since this has something to do with a certain Prince of Lucis we hear she's been dating lately."
"Little lady's got a chip on her shoulder," Barney clarifies. "It's clear as day in my eyes. Saeko is appearing to be more confident than usual because of what's on the line tonight: the APEX World Women's Championship. It's a matter of whether she makes good on her promises…or that she chokes on them completely by the end of the night."
"That's…surprisingly well thought out," Kenji blinks.
"When you've slept with a lot of women, you get to know them better than they do themselves," Barney replies.
"Of course…" Kenji face-palms.
"Hey, I'm just getting my words in before I'm silenced for you two to talk considering I got nobody to support. Should've been freaking Mai in this match…" Barney grumbles.
[Tonight, get ready for a fight!
So now you know it's time to ride
My circus for a psycho!
Round and round we go!
Look out below
'Cause I want off this, I want off this…
Circus for a psycho!
(Psycho, go, go, go!)
Circus for a psycho!
(Psycho, here we go!)]
"That aside, Barney does have a point—Saeko has had a chip on her shoulder for a long time since the Diamond in the Mine Ladder Match at Pride & Glory back between 2010 to 2020…or more specifically, 2015," Zack states. "She and Satsuki were competitors in that very match, representing different promotions. As we know, Satsuki Kiryūin won the briefcase, and the rest is history from Summer Wars."
"From Homecoming the night before, Saeko Busujima was rewarded for her dedication and hard work to the craft, even when APEX was at its lowest point," Kenji says. "The top reason for that reward was the fact she waited for so long since Pride & Glory to get her big break. Ricardo Alvarez has given that to her and, despite whatever polarizing view anyone can see about this match, it's all up to Saeko to show that she's earned this opportunity."
"Circus for a Psycho" dies down as Saeko's face shifts to a concentrated expression. Saeko hands her jacket and mask over to the ring crew, stands in the middle of the ring, gazes straight at the stage…and slowly descents to a seiza-style seated position. She closes her eyes, waiting for the Women's Champion to arrive at any moment.
…
…
…
The lights suddenly dim, the only shed of light coming from the TitleTron as the prologue of "Hadou" plays out. Throughout this minute-long intro, cameras were fading in and out to catch the fans' faces being captivated by the enchanting female singer and/or eagerly waiting for Satsuki to come out. Soon enough, the prologue makes its closing note with a deep exhale…
…
…followed by a sharp sword being drawn…
…
…
"Hadou" by Kazin plays to full effect while strobing lights scatter round the stage in-sync with the guitars, ending with a larger spotlight on the current World Women's Champion, who has her Bakuzan unsheathed and pointed up in the air. Standing beside her are her most loyal Elite Four regiment as they have their heads bowed to their leader. She lowers it to point it straight at Saeko in the ring, then sheathes her blade into its scabbard. Kiryūin hands her sword to Uzu Sanageyama, trusting him to take good care of it while she's defending her title. Satsuki dismisses her close friends and the Elite Four take their departure to the back. The champion sets her sights on the challenger and walks to the ring.
"Focused…prideful…iron-fisted. They don't call her the 'Steel Queen' for nothing," Zack chuckles.
"You are not wrong, brother. Satsuki became our second-ever APEX World Women's Champion, and she defends it here for the first time for the entire world to see," Kenji says. "Her first challenger…Saeko Busujima, who sits in the ring in a seiza posture…and hasn't even opened her eyes yet. I can only assume mind games are at hand here. Regardless, I doubt it's going to throw Satsuki off one bit."
Satsuki turns a corner around the ring…and stops to see Ryūko Matoi in the front row with a big smirk on her face. Satsuki's stern expression briefly disappeared for a moment.
"You didn't think I'd miss your big match up close and personal, huh, sis?" Ryūko laughs.
Grateful to see Matoi supporting her, the two sisters share a fist bump and Matoi tells her to "kick some ass". The champion nods and climbs up to the apron, standing for the hard camera proudly as she unstraps her belt from her waist and raises it high to a substantial sum of cheers. Then, she drapes the belt over her shoulder and enters the ring. She stands in front of Saeko, waiting for her to realize who is with her at this moment. In time, once "Hadou" faded away…Saeko opens her eyes and slowly trails them up to meet Satsuki's. Their stern eyes never leave each other while Busujima gradually stands up, officially meeting the champion face-to-face.
"…I'm getting chills down my spine, Ken…!" Zack expresses great delight with a soft squeal.
"Settle, brother. They're just about to make the announcement," Kenji says.
Everything is set in place for the arena to darken once again and the spotlight illuminating only the squared circle with both female wrestlers, referee Aiko Tanahashi and ring announcer Maria Lopez. Timekeeper Noah McQueen rings the bell…
"The following contest is scheduled for one fall…and it is for the Apex Caliber Wrestling Women's Championship of the World!" Maria declares to excited cheers. "Introducing the challenger first: from Tokonosu City, Japan…weighing at 123 pounds…SAEKOOO BUSUJIIIMAAAAAAAAA!"
The AT&T Center fills the arena with cheers for Saeko, who remains staring down Satsuki and makes no special gesture this time around.
"And her opponent: from Honnō City, Japan…weighing in at 125 pounds…she is the current, reigning and defending APEX World Women's Champion…'The Steel Queen' SATSUKIII KIRYYYŪIIIIIIN!"
Cheers are expressed once again, but they sound just a bit louder for the champion as she raises her belt, symbolically defining her status as the top star of the Women's Division. Saeko, still without taking her eyes from Satsuki's, points to the belt her opponent holds and proclaims that it's coming home with her, whatever it takes. Referee Aiko Tanahashi gently pushes them apart and is passed the World Women's Title, holding it high in her hands to display what's on the line tonight.
"What you see before your very eyes is the holy grail of the APEX Women's Division: The Women's Championship of the World. Satsuki Kiryūin is on a mission to revitalize the title and the division itself with her at the reign; Saeko Busujima is on her own mission to dethrone the queen from her reign early and make her own dreams a reality," affirms Kenji Matsuo.
Busujima and Kiryūin proceed to bow to each other out of sheer respect as Aiko hands the belt over to the ring crew and calls for the bell to ring. Noah McQueen does his job, and the match officially begins with the two women slowly circling the mat. Eventually, Saeko and Satsuki reach for each other by their fingertips, being careful to not to get snatched. Their hands interlock…and Satsuki quickly twists her opponent's wrist. Saeko quickly performs an impressive cartwheel, countering the sharp hold with her own arm wrench. The challenger bends the arm gradually far back while her other hand clenches onto the champion's shoulder. She alters that arm wrench into a Hammerlock, then Satsuki tries for an elbow smash, but Saeko ducks and hoists her over for a Back Suplex. But alas, Satsuki lands on her feet and hooks her legs around Saeko's left one to trip her over. She hovers over her body and applies the Front Facelock. While in the hold, it's actually shown that Saeko has her hand blocking Satsuki's arms from completely pressing against her esophagus. With that, Busujima steadily pries Kiryūin's arms off her head…and throws them aside to go for a Roundhouse! Satsuki ducks the kick, attempts for a kicking Legsweep, and Saeko hops over it! Both young women immediately collide into an intense collar-and-elbow lockup, trying to push each other back in a clear stalemate.
"Slow start, but these two are showing they're not rushing into things. They're being precise, careful," Kenji comments attentively. "Not one mistake is getting past them, because if it does, either Busujima or Kiryūin are in a world a trouble while the other completely capitalize on that opening."
The collar-and-elbow tie-up persists for another few seconds until Saeko takes down the champion with an outside legsweep. Satsuki immediately sits up…and lies back down at the same speed, avoiding the Shoot Kick from Saeko! Saeko performs a Standing Moonsault…and lands on her feet when Satsuki rolled away! Like having eyes on the back of her head, Saeko turns around to fire a swinging Lariat and Satsuki blocks it with her forearms, then twists the limb in an arm wrench. Satsuki has the wrist control until Saeko rolls forward to her feet so she can take her down again, this time with an inside legsweep. With her right leg still hooked around Satsuki's left leg, Saeko drops down to utilize an Indian Deathlock…but Satsuki ensnares her in a Chinlock, preventing her from completing the leg submission halfway through. Ever so slowly, Saeko removes her legs from Satsuki's…and the two begin rising to their feet as Satsuki changes holds to a Side Headlock on her opponent. Immediate Headlock Takedown by the champion, who shifts into a Keylock Armbar. Saeko has her free arm held up high in the air to prevent a likely pinfall if both shoulders are down. The APEX World Women's Champion tightens her catch-as-catch-can style submission, making Saeko dig her fingernails into her opponent's kneepad in pain. Obviously not quitting that easily, Saeko lets cool heads prevail as she begins rolling to the side. Thankfully for her, Saeko was close enough to the ring ropes for her long legs to reach out and rest on the bottom rope. The Japanese official acknowledges the rope break and lets Satsuki know, making her to break the Keylock. Satsuki backs off with her hands up while Saeko nurses her arm against the ropes.
"And again, these two talented gals are at a draw… At least, it seems like it," Zack assumes.
"I would agree with you, but from what I can tell, Satsuki Kiryūin has this round won just by a margin," Kenji states. "They may hold an amount of respect for each other…but it's only a matter of time before this match decides to get more…competitive."
Satsuki and Saeko circle the canvas again, keeping their eyes on each other. As a throwaway remark, the champion asks how Saeko's arm is. Almost sneeringly, Saeko replies that it's completely fine…and even "offers" it to her for a checkup. Kiryūin can't help but chortle at the cheekiness from Busujima, appreciating wholehearted humor…but both of them know it won't last long…as Satsuki slowly locks fingers onto Saeko's…
…and Saeko pulls the Satsuki into a Side Headlock herself! Responding quickly, Satsuki backpedals into the ropes with her challenger in tow and shoves her off. Saeko ricochets from the ropes and Satsuki drops down on her stomach for her to hop over…
…
…or at least, that would have been the usual case, but Saeko outsmarts her this time by changing directions to the right, bouncing off the neighboring ropes and blasting Satsuki with a stiff Shoot Kick to the chest! The crowd has POPPED for the first strike of this match!
"OH, WHAT A KICK!" Zack shouts.
"That's what Saeko was looking for right there! The first hit has finally been made and it goes to the challenger!" Kenji exclaims.
Saeko bobs her head around with a proud smirk while Satsuki recoils from the shot to the chest. The Steel Queen glares up at the violet-haired swordswoman, who gestures that she is now "1-0" so far. She hated to admit it, but Saeko got her good. Busujima extends her hand out to help Satsuki on her feet, wanting to show sportsmanship. Satsuki does accept the help up…then abruptly jerks Saeko into a knee strike right in the midsection and attempts to hook the Manji Gatame (Octopus Stretch) on her! Saeko frantically drags herself over to the ropes for another rope break, instigating Aiko Tanahashi to get between the two before she threatens to make the five-count. Ever so slowly, as the referee counted away, Satsuki complies and releases the Octopus Stretch…then when Saeko turned around, she narrowly avoids an overhead chop to the face and misses the Roundhouse Kick! The champ and challenger glare each other down from a good distance, finding themselves in a deadlock; Satsuki even imitated the gesture to show that they're "evened up". Saeko scoffs and bluntly tells her to come over to her by the wave of her hand. Taking up on that taunt, Satsuki walks up to Saeko and the two lock-up for the third time, being much more aggressive this time. Saeko slips around her with a Rear Waistlock, followed by a German Suplex attempt, and Satsuki throws a Back Elbow, but Saeko ducks under it. Satsuki puts her in a Front Facelock until Saeko flips her over with a picture-perfect Bridging Northern Lights Suplex, standing only on the tip of her toes as the first-ever pinfall has been attempted: 1…2…
…
…Satsuki kicks out almost immediately after two! Saeko hoists herself up by her feet alone off the pin at the same time as Satsuki does with the ropes. Saeko catches her with a running knee to the gut, then pulls her for an Irish Whip. Satsuki bounces off and Saeko kicks her right in the shin, tripping her to land face-first into the mat! As Satsuki is on her knees and elbows nursing her face, Saeko bounces off the ropes, jumps up…and over her, feigning the stomp to simply kick her in the face with her heel without looking.
"Ooh-ho-ho, Saeko getting a little crude here," Zack can't help but chuckle. "If I'm a guessing man, which I am, I'd say that Saeko is trying to get a rise out of Satsuki."
"It's going to take a lot more than that get a rise out of the World Women's Champion, but it is a start," Kenji adds.
Though there was a slight negative reaction scattered around the AT&T Center, most admittedly were loving the dirty kick by Saeko. The challenger picks up her opponent by the head—Satsuki props Saeko on her shoulder in a Fireman's Carry! She spins her out, but Saeko slides on her back and pushes her to the nearest corner. Saeko runs after her and gets Back Body Dropped over the ropes, landing feet first on the apron. She promptly turns Satsuki around and staggers her with a rigid Forearm Smash. With that, Saeko goes for a Shoulder Block to the gut…
…and Satsuki makes her eat a knee strike to the face followed by a lifting kick right in the chest! Busujima is hanging over the middle rope, which sparks an idea in Satsuki's head as she hops on the middle rope. The moment Saeko lifts her head up, Satsuki leaps off the rope with a Diving Knee Drop to the back of her head! The violet-haired swordswoman falls back in the ring and sits up holding her head as Satsuki wastes no time to run for the opposite ropes and returns to her opponent with a vicious Shoot Kick that struck so close to her throat! That caused a whiplash for Saeko to tumble through the ropes and to the floor, nursing her struck area. The APEX World Women's Champion casually leans over the ropes to watch Saeko recover from the attack; both women share a glare with each other…and Satsuki sits on the middle rope while pushing up the top. At the moment, one can take it as a sign of respect or a blunt gesture of mockery. Either way, Saeko gradually climbs the apron, eyes locked on Satsuki if she ever tries anything. Satsuki watches her hover her right leg over the middle rope…
…
…and when Saeko was about to enter all the way in, she tries catching the champion off guard with a Lariat! But Satsuki ducks under it, takes her right leg and twists it with a snap-motion Dragon Screw!
"Busujima nearly took Kiryūin's head off with the Lariat, but the champion saw that coming a mile away and makes her opponent pay with a painful Dragon Screw!" Kenji calls.
"Saeko better be careful from now on if she doesn't want her opponent to capitalize on that leg and damage it further," Zack says.
The challenger sits on the apron to nurse her leg before having her hair grabbed by Satsuki, who drags her to her feet in a Suplex attempt. She barely lifts her off her feet as Saeko is being very rebellious against the Suplex attempt. Then, Saeko summons the strength to lift Satsuki over the ropes…and the latter lands her feet on the apron, pushing the former away. During their fight on the ring apron, Saeko throws an Elbow Smash to the face and Satsuki replies right after with a sharp Knife Edge Chop to the chest. This sparked a repeated exchange of Knife Edge Chops between the two while fans were obligated to "Woo" to each chop given. Satsuki appeared to win out with her next three consecutive chops…
…until Saeko blasts her with a Running Big Boot to the face! Satsuki recoils, holding her jaw, and Saeko carries and drapes her over her shoulder in a precarious position. Almost having a manic appearance on her face, Saeko was about to drop Satsuki on her head right on the ring apron…
…
…
…but that Air Raid Crash attempt is foiled when Satsuki wiggles out of the hold and takes down Saeko with an impromptu Powerbomb onto the floor!
"Onto the floor, goes Saeko Busujima!" Kenji reacts. "There might be a padded floor, but there's really not much protection for her back!"
"Geez, I think I can feel that from here…" Zack winces. "Now Satsuki, wasting no time to force her back in the ring; she's going for the pin!"
"One, two—kick out from the defiant challenger!" Kenji calls. "You have to admire the fortitude Busujima has after taking a Powerbomb onto the floor. Even then, how much of it will last up to the end?"
Without so much as even a glance, Satsuki sits Saeko up in the middle of the ring and rebounds from the ropes to hit a Soccer Kick of the night to the chest. Instead of going for the pin right away, Satsuki merely watches Saeko recuperate from the vigorous kick. As she turns over to a prone position, Satsuki reverse walks to the ring ropes, bounces off them, and seemingly leaps for a Knee Drop…
…but she actually went over Saeko's head and kicks her head with her heel, likely out of retribution for earlier. Saeko is not exactly amused by that tactic used against her as Satsuki forces her on her feet and proceeds to barrage her face with a series of forearms. After five straight strikes from the champion that has Saeko nearly losing balance on her feet, she gives her opponent criticism that if she thinks she's going to win the match in the condition she's in, then she's sorely mistaken—sudden right-handed punch to the jaw from Busujima! Kiryūin nearly falls on her backside, but Saeko grabs her wrist…and hauls her in with a brutal Forearm Smash! With Satsuki's back turned, Saeko immediately Dropkicks her into the middle rope. Now, everything is all set up for Saeko to go for the Bushidō Code, making a run for the opposite ropes, clears across the canvas, and swings herself around the ropes…
…
…and connects—NOTHING! Satsuki catches the legs, glaring down the alarmed Busujima, then pulls her back in the ring enough to wrap her arms around the waist and slams her down with a snap-motion Bridging German Suplex!
"Holy cow, what a Suplex!" Zack exclaims. "Satsuki Kiryūin has both shoulders down—and a kick-out from the challenger at two-and-a-half!"
"Just when Saeko Busujima was ready for the early finish, the champion instantaneously shuts down her down, asserting herself back on top," Kenji comments. "Saeko really needs to find a way get one over Satsuki and stay on top of the match, or else she won't be holding that Women's Title any time soon."
Saeko sits up and she's holding her dizzy head after getting basically dropped on it from the German Suplex while Satsuki shows no mercy to send a sharp knee right into her spine. This makes Saeko react by instantly jumping to her feet, distancing herself in the nearest corner so she can nurse her back. Sadly, Satsuki refuses to give her opponent a single moment to breathe as she strikes her with another knee, this time to the midsection. She then nearly decapitates her with a ruthless European Uppercut; Saeko almost collapses to a seated position after getting her head rocked. The World Women's Champion doesn't hesitate to bend the rules as she presses her foot against her neck and starts choking her. Of course, referee Aiko Tanahashi has to enforce the rules with a five-count warning…
…and Satsuki backs away the moment she was about to reach the full tally. Satsuki tells her opponent to look at her in the eye…Saeko does so with the darkest glares displayed on her face…and their eyes remained locked as Satsuki SLAPS her right over her chest! Saeko grits her teeth, clenching tightly onto the ropes and refusing to let a single whimper out if it means to give her opponent satisfaction. Saeko…lifts her head up to glower daggers at Satsuki…and asks with a sneer, "Thank you, ma'am…may I have another?" Kiryūin, seemingly unfazed, obliges to Busujima's request…and lands another chop, this time hitting across Saeko's face. Taking stride in her dominance, Satsuki can't help but smirk and splays her arms; she even asks Saeko that if she's wanting a third, she's willing to accommodate…and Saeko spits her in the face with blood mixed in! The crowd nearly goes silent as Satsuki staggers back…
"…Yep. That'll do it for her," Kenji nods.
…wipes the spit and blood off her face slowly…
"Uh-oh," Zack gulps. "This is gonna get ugly in second…"
…trembling with tranquil fury…
…and all five fingers form a fist together in her hand…
…
…
"How about we quit playing around from here on out, Kiryūin?" queries Saeko.
…
"Couldn't agree more," Satsuki replies…
…and without delay, she SLAPS Saeko's face a second time! Saeko recoils around the ropes and Satsuki grabs her arm for an Irish Whip, but the former stands her ground, especially as her arm is hooked around the top rope. With that to her advantage, Saeko yanks Satsuki into a harsh knee strike to the gut and puts her head through a Three-quarter Facelock over the top rope just to choke her out. But as always, the official starts counting: 1, 2, 3, 4—4.5 Saeko lets go and goes for an Irish Whip of her own this time. Satsuki runs through the ring to bounce off into a Japanese Arm Drag from Saeko, who follows up with a Discus Clothesline that turns her inside out! The champion still manages to get up on her feet quickly, attempting a kick to the sides, but Saeko catches it and ensnares her into an Exploder Suplex. Again, Kiryūin is able to stand, albeit using the ropes to help her up as she stands against the corner. The roles are reversed as now Saeko walks up to her, removing her glove from her right hand…
…licking her palm with a vile grin…
…
…and SLAPS it over Satsuki's chest! The burning sensation would make anybody cry out in pain, but Satsuki is too prideful to give Saeko that pleasure. As she keeps glaring daggers, she receives a kick to the midsection from Saeko and Saeko puts her in a Front Facelock. She takes a few steps back…runs up the turnbuckles for spinning momentum…and her Tornado DDT is denied with Satsuki sitting Saeko back on the top turnbuckle. She pulls her head out, backhand chops Saeko across the chest…
…
…
…and nails Saeko with a Springboard Enzuigiri that brings her down onto the apron!
"Crash and burn for the challenger, down goes Saeko Busujima!" Kenji states. "Finally, the gloves have come off as sportsmanship and respect are completely thrown out the window!"
"If what was happening in the first quarter was child's play, then I'm scared to find out more what these two will do to each other," Zack comments.
Satsuki reaches over and grasps onto Saeko's hair, dragging her up to her feet. However, Saeko yanks herself away, ripping her own hair off, and shoulders Satsuki right in the gut! Ignoring the stinging discomfort from losing her locks, Saeko drops from the apron to trip up Satsuki by her ankles and drag her outside, trapping her in the fabric skirt! She blocks a right hand and delivers a SOLID Elbow Smash to the face, advancing on with her series of Shoot Kicks to the upper body area. Getting all those kicks in, Saeko puts Satsuki's throat against the bottom rope, places her hands behind her head and pulls her inward in attempts to suffocate her! As Saeko is making the champion suffer…she is caught smiling with sadistic glee, taking sick pleasure to her own actions. Just when she put her foot on the ring apron for leverage, Aiko immediately warns Saeko to let go at the count of five…
…and she came so close to finishing it when Saeko finally let go and backs off. The dark grin never left Saeko's face as she observed Kiryūin coughing up a storm, even earning a bit of ire from fans (mainly fans of Satsuki). As Aiko Tanahashi is starting the slow ten-count, Saeko bends Satsuki over and stomps the back of her head with an Axe Kick, having enough force to make her fall out of the apron skirt. (Aiko: 1…! 2…!) Saeko forces her to a vertical base, just so she can drop her on her abdomen via Front Suplex right over the barricade! (Aiko: 3…! 4…!) Satsuki is left hanging on that spot while Saeko rolls in the ring and back out to restart the count, much to the Japanese official's exasperation. The challenger stands on the apron, but then sees Ryūko in the front seat visibly worried about her sister. (Aiko: 1…! 2…!) The Scissor Blade wielder glares up at Busujima…who audaciously exclaims to her that Satsuki "asked for this". (Aiko: 3…! 4…! 5…!) Saeko spies her opponent lifting her head up…
…
…
…and so, she runs and dives off the apron to land a FEROCIOUS Double Foot Stomp to the back of her skull!
"And the ruthlessness progresses through the match after that Diving Double Foot Stomp," winces Kenji Matsuo. "Saeko Busujima finally has what she's wanted: absolute control. And she's loving every second of it."
"No kidding. If that sadistic grin she had from when she was choking out Kiryūin earlier doesn't make it clear enough, I don't know what will," says Zack Carver.
Hearing the Japanese official dawning on the end of the ten count, Saeko grabs Satsuki (while flashing a glance to a glowering Ryūko) and throws her back in the ring. She slides in, stopping the count at nine…and starts ascending the high-rent district on the top turnbuckle. With Satsuki laid out in perfect position on her back, Saeko rises to her tall stature…
…makes a dive off the very top…
…
…and her second Double Foot Stomp is futile, Satsuki Kiryūin has just rolled away! Saeko rolls through to her feet and turns around to Satsuki charging her with the Gowan Lariat (Crooked Arm Lariat)—Saeko shuts that down with a Big Boot to the arm…
…then picks her up on her shoulders…
…and promptly drops her on her head with the Samoan Driver! Both legs are hooked: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…2.567 Satsuki Kiryūin kicks out, keeping her title for just a little longer! Despite that, Saeko isn't seemingly bothered at all with her head cocked to the side, almost staring down her opponent blankly in a trance. She does focus back on the match in a millisecond once she stood up, then hauls Satsuki over to the nearest corner. She brings her to a vertical base against the turnbuckles and proceeds with a slow, methodical series of knife edged chops to the chest and measured fists to the temple in-between them. Saeko grabs her under the jawline and sneers in her face, "I told you…I was coming for your head, Kiryūin…!" After a knee to the gut, Saeko whips her across the ring with a Hammer Throw that slams Kiryūin's back into the turnbuckles! The champion nearly falls forward after that brutal crash and gets herself back up…
…only for Saeko, screaming like a banshee, to appear with an ambitious Running Big Boot to the face! Kiryūin plops onto her backside, virtually knocked for a loop, while Saeko runs back across the canvas; she hits her back on the turnbuckles as a rebound…
…
…and swiftly returns to the sitting World Women's Champion with a Running Delayed Low-angle Dropkick!
"Unforgiving Dropkick to the face from Busujima!" Zack states. "And she's not through yet as she takes to the skies once again!"
After dragging Satsuki a few feet away from the corner, Saeko sits on the top turnbuckle. She doesn't take too long this time for her to land a Frog Splash, bouncing off her body! She has her down for the cover with a hooked leg: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…
…2.888 Satsuki manages to roll her shoulder up! Saeko erects to a sitting posture, her tongue poking in her cheek as she's starting to grow slightly vexed. She props herself on her feet, eyeing Satsuki trying to distance herself, but Saeko's punishment has been taking a toll on her. Showing no mercy, Saeko is literally kicking down the champion from her back to her head at a methodical pace. Gone is the kind and humble Saeko Busujima, replaced by a truly sadistic and calculating woman. The challenger "helps" her opponent sit up by using her foot and grabs her in a Front Headlock from there. With all her gathered strength, Saeko deadlifts Satsuki from the mat all the way up in a Vertical Suplex stance. She displayed her potency long enough to start leaning Satsuki forward…
…but she's kicking around in the air in hopes of throwing Saeko's balance off. She lands on her feet, but Saeko knees her in the gut twice. Saeko lifts her up again—Satsuki slides down on her back and rolls her up! Both shoulders are on the mat: 1, 2…
…
…2.4848 Saeko kicks out! The challenger is taken aback, scrambling to get up, and Satsuki snatches her in a Small Package: 1…2…2.579 Saeko stops the count by rolling back and deadlifting Satsuki! She holds her by her inside leg, carrying her all the way to the ropes and putting her on the apron; she lets go and kicks her head in with an Enzuigiri. Satsuki nearly falls off if she didn't hang onto the middle rope. Busujima steps on the middle rope and starts heaving Kiryūin up by her wrist. As her arm and head are hooked around her…she deadlifts her from the apron once more…
…
…
…and hits the Superplex!
"Saeko brings the World Women's Champion back in the hardest way possible with a Superplex!" Kenji reacts. "Busujima has essentially just said to Kiryūin, 'Welcome back to the ring'!"
"Leg hooked, shoulders down, Saeko confidently sitting on top…and no championship victory just yet for the challenger!" Zack calls. "The champ was still able to get the shoulder up—I almost thought Saeko had it here!"
"I'm sure Saeko felt the same way; she's keeping herself reserved and not get too hotheaded," Kenji adds. "Saeko is a smart young woman to realize how defiant Satsuki is when it comes to the gold put on the line."
Saeko is tempted to argue with the official, but she takes a deep breath. Inhaling, then exhaling, she soothes herself and comes up with a new idea that should put down the champion for good. She walks over to a corner far opposite of the ring, silently glaring daggers at the sluggishly rising Satsuki Kiryūin. By the time Satsuki is on her feet, Saeko makes a cutthroat taunt…
…rushes out of the corner…
…
…
…
…and BLASTS her with a devastating Running Knee Strike!
"OHHH, BOMAYE~!" Zack marks out. "She dubs that move the 'Otto Destruct (Bomaye)', based off and inspired by the robot friend she's taken care of for nearly a decade! I betcha that little guy is smiling somewhere!"
"From the sight of that destructive Knee Strike, it has to be enough to put her away! Satsuki's reign might come to an early end here at Night of Champions!" Kenji exclaims.
Saeko excitedly rolls her legs up and Aiko Tanahashi drops down to count: 1…
"ANATA…!"
2…
"DESU…!"
…
…
…
…
…
…
…2.999 SATSUKI KIRYŪIN LIFTS HER FOOT OVER THE BOTTOM ROPE!
"KANSE—NOOO, THE CHAMPION IS STILL ALIVE! SHE GETS A ROPE BREAK WITH IN-RING AWARENESS!" Kenji yells. "AND THE CHALLENGER IS DEVASTATED!"
"MUCH AS I CAN'T BLAME HER, SHE HAD TO REALIZE HOW CLOSE TO THE ROPES SHE REALLY WAS!" Zack notes. "If she can give it a second shot, she might have a better chance of taking home the gold!"
Saeko Busujima is beyond disbelief. As she sits against an immobile Satsuki, she is clenching onto her hair and her face expresses her thoughts clear as day: "How in the hell am I supposed to put this woman away?" She wants to lose her composure, unbelievably frustrated with how long this match is prolonging and how much it's taking out of her. Her shocked expression dissipates as she shakes her head, mouthing, "F—k it," and dragging Satsuki to the center of the ring by her arm. Not waiting for her to move, Saeko props her in a sitting position as the Steel Queen is seemingly still out of it. Saeko stands at the corner behind Satsuki, a dark glare displaying over her face, as she grabs a part of her ring gear on her right leg and rips a hole where her knee is at. If Busujima wasn't trying to hurt her opponent before, she's definitely trying now. Under the midst of a mixed reception, one side telling her to not do this, the other supporting her decision, Saeko makes a run for a second Otto Destruct…
…
…
…
…
…
…and Satsuki ducks her head under the knee and snatches her by her attacking leg! Satsuki wastes no time to assert herself on top as she applies the Ankle Lock on a now screaming Saeko!
"OH! OH! SATSUKI KIRYŪIN, EYES IN THE BACK OF HER HEAD, MANAGES TO AVOID DEATH AND PUT SAEKO IN AN ANKLE LOCK!" Zack exclaims.
"The World Women's Champion is back on top of the match! She's hurting all over, but that's not stopping her from making Saeko suffer this time around!" Kenji states.
Satsuki is twisting and wrenching the ankle in her hands as viciously as possible, manipulating the joints with Saeko at her mercy. Meanwhile, Saeko is circling the ring and desperately reaching out for a rope break, but Satsuki's boots are planted to the center of the canvas, refusing to let her go anywhere. Since that's an option not available to her, Saeko pushes herself off the mat and Victory Rolls Satsuki with her shoulders pinned: 1…2…2.474 Satsuki kicks out! Both women are at their vertical stances and Satsuki reverses Saeko's Irish Whip with her own. She spins for a Gowan Lariat, but Saeko blocks it with a Big Boot. Saeko capitalizes with a Discus Lariat of her own—and gets TURNED INSIDE OUT with the Discus Gowan Lariat instead! She follows up directly afterward in forcing Saeko to a Standing Headscissors; Satsuki whips her hair back, ready to put her challenger down while she has the chance and lifts her onto her shoulders. She grabs the waistline…
…and Saeko is rapidly firing her fists into her face, trying to stop the finish from happening. Satsuki stumbles from the rebellious Saeko…
…
…but it is not enough as she lifts her high in the air and plants her with the Might of Honnōji (Elevated Sitout Powerbomb)!
"MIGHT OF HONNŌJI POWERBOMB!" Kenji calls.
"THAT HAS TO DO IT! IT'S A CINCH FOR THE CHAMP!" Zack proclaims.
Saeko holds the pin, Aiko counts: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…2.999 SAEKO LAYS AN INDEX FINGER ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
"WHAT?! YOU'RE KIDDING ME!" Zack cries in shock. "The RING AWARENESS, I swear!"
"Busujima has to be the luckiest woman alive right now to get that rope break after taking the Might of Honnōji! Whether on purpose or not, she had Satsuki believe victory was so assured that she didn't see the ropes!" Kenji utters.
Now Satsuki is beyond disbelief; hand over her mouth, her head shaking, expressing disappointment in herself that she allowed herself to get caught up in the moment. She was stumbling near the ropes and had no awareness with Saeko blinding her with her punches. At the moment, Satsuki is nursing her head, still feeling the effects of the Otto Destruct from before. Shaking the pain off, Satsuki proceeds to stand…and motions for Saeko to get back up as well. Slowly, but surely, Saeko sits up to find her opponent glaring her down. She scoffs with a snicker, indulging Satsuki's urging invitation. She reaches her vertical base, meeting the champion face to face. They press into each other's foreheads, Satsuki holding up her stern expression while Saeko smirks vilely and licks her teeth with disturbing glee. The champion encourages her opponent to make the first shot…and the challenger complies with a shove and an overhead chop to the face! Kiryūin replies "kindly" with her own chop to the face, then a Forearm Smash right after on the jaw. Both women are exchanging vicious strikes back and forth, switching from sharp chops, stiff forearms, and a rare punch in-between. It goes on for a full minute and these two aren't even showing signs of fatigue! In the end, Saeko ducks under a forearm, low kicks her in the leg, then hits a Spinning Back Kick to the gut and stomps her head with an Axe Kick. Satsuki stands bent over, appearing quite dazed as Saeko puts her head between her thighs. She wraps her arms around the waist, holds her upside-down…
…puts one leg at a time over her arms…
…
…
…and flattens Satsuki with the Styles Clash! She rolls her over for the pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…2.999999 SATSUKI KICKS OUT AT A DEADLY NEAR-FALL! SAEKO STARES UP ON HER BACK AGAPE WITH EYES AS WIDE AS SAUCERS AND SHRUNKEN IRISES!
"SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR!" Kenji proclaims. "The Styles Clash came out of nowhere, much to Satsuki's surprise, but the champion was still able to power out of it! And Saeko Busujima is at her wit's end!"
"Dooon't go crazy right now, Saeko. You still have the champion on the ropes and have a bigger chance right now to put her away while she's still shaking the cobwebs off," Zack says.
Busujima gradually rises to a seated position, the anger boiling up in her to a point of subtle trembling. Not even looking at Satsuki yet, she seizes her by the hair and pulls her up to her knees. She stares straight into her eyes with a heavy scowl, not wasting time to slap her across the face over and over. She was letting out her frustrations out on the champion, who was just there taking it with gritted teeth. Once the slaps stop, Satsuki has the gall to mock her and ask if that's the best she can do. Saeko fumes at her insult and nails her with a right fist to the jaw.
"YOUR HEAD IS MINE, KIRYŪIN!" Saeko proclaims, hitting the ropes immediately after for the Otto Destruct…
…
…
…
…
…
…and Satsuki slides right by her, catching her from behind with the Sternness Slinger (Flipping Release Leg-hook Belly-to-back Suplex)!
"STERNNESS SLINGERRRRRR!" Kenji calls. "SATSUKI KIRYŪIN FLINGS SAEKO BUSUJIMA RIGHT ON HER HEAD WITH THAT SUPLEX!"
"SAEKO FINALLY BROKE AND SATSUKI HAS HER HOOK, LINE AND SINKER!" Zack adds.
On her knees, Saeko's eyes are glossed over after the Sternness Slinger as Satsuki runs past her. She rebounds from the ropes to hit a Sliding Lariat Takedown to the back of her head…and swiftly ties her arms around her head tightly in the Anaconda Vice/Cobra Clutch combination called—
"Junketsu Kuratchi! Junketsu Kuratchi! Satsuki wa Junketsu Kuratchi—"
"English, Ken, we don't have subtitles!" Zack shouts.
"JUNKETSU CLUTCH (Hiroyoshi Tenzan's Anaconda Max)! Satsuki has the Junketsu Clutch locked and sealed! Saeko has nowhere else to go, trapped at the center of the ring!" Kenji deciphers.
"And you're exactly right on that one!"
Saeko, dead center of the ring, flails her legs around in a frantic effort to escape with no prevail. Satsuki proclaims to Saeko that if she can't pin her, then she might as well make her submit. Screams were let out from both women, one of intensity as she wrenches at the hold, one of sheer agony as she suffers in the wrath of the Junketsu Clutch. Referee Aiko Tanahashi is constantly asking Saeko if she wants to give up right now, but Saeko screams, "NO!" at her. She's still thrashing her own body around, struggling to find the nearest rope for a break with her extended legs.
"Look at Saeko! She's persistent; dire to find a rope break with no avail! Satsuki has the Junketsu Clutch locked in and she knows it! At this point, her only option is to surrender!" Kenji states. "She has to quit! She has no choice! I'm sorry, but please Saeko, for your own sake, you have to submit now while you have the chance! You will have no shame in losing!"
"Saeko is writhing in excruciating pain, but she doesn't want to die at Night of Champions! Not when she was so close to the gold so many times!" Zack proclaims. "I can't help but sympathize with the poor girl! Come on, Saeko! Find a way out, please!"
The audience are up from their seats, one half telling Saeko to tap out and the other telling her to fight on. Satsuki constricts the Junketsu Clutch deeper, likely cutting the oxygen off at Saeko's esophagus. Regardless of the submission getting worse for her, Saeko is still moving with her stomping feet…
…and then she starts ramming her knees to the back of Satsuki's head! With the advantage of her long legs, Saeko incessantly striking her knees at Satsuki's temple. However, even if it were to crack her skull, Satsuki would still not let go of the Junketsu Clutch! At this point, the World Women's Champion is agitated and tells off Saeko to let go of her stubborn pride, this act of defiance isn't going to be enough to help her win the belt. She was right about that…
…but Saeko couldn't give less of a damn…
…
…as she spits her right in the eye! Normally, this would have anyone else let go to recover…
…but Satsuki, scowling heavily with one eye open, keeps the submission sealed and starts headbutting the hell out of Saeko!
"JESUS CHRIST! WHAT IN GOD'S NAME ARE THESE WOMEN?!" Zack exclaims.
"TWO OF THE TOUGHEST, MOST FRIGHTENING WOMEN WE'VE GOT IN OUR ROSTER, MY YOUNGER HALF-BROTHER! THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE!" Kenji answers. "NEITHER ONE OF THEM WILL BACK DOWN ONE GODDAMN BIT!"
Then, after slamming Saeko's head against the canvas, Satsuki wrenches the Anaconda Vice/Cobra Clutch combo even further, leaning her head back with an intense war cry! Ultimately…
…
…Saeko's kicking legs are showing signs of limping, barely moving around. Taking a good notice of this, Aiko looks into Saeko's eyes…and she sees clear as day that they're beginning to flicker. She asks her if she wants to quit right now or if she doesn't respond, she will have no choice but to stop the match. Saeko…sits up immediately after hearing her…
…but Satsuki puts her back down with a head slam. The Japanese official tries asking again for an answer…
…
…Saeko's eyes flutter again…
…
…
…Aiko has a hand ready to signal the timekeeper…
…
…
…
…and Saeko, after being trapped in the Junketsu Clutch for three minutes so far…
…
…
…
…
…
…TAPS OUT. Her hands trapped under Satsuki's clutches, she manages to tap her fingers on her own shoulder and Aiko Tanahashi sees it, instantly calling for the bell.
"SAEKO TAPS! SAEKO TAPS OUT! SHE'S TAPPED OUT TO THE JUNKETSU CLUTCH!" Kenji proclaims.
"HOLY CORN, IT'S FINALLY OVER…" Zack lumps in his seat. "…DAMN IT…"
"Hadou" by Kazsin plays to a THUNDEROUS reaction from the satisfied crowd as Marina Lopez announces, "Here is your winner, and still the Apex Caliber Wrestling Women's Champion of the Wooooorld, SATSUKIIIIII KIRYŪIIIIIIIN!"
When the final bell rang, Satsuki immediately released the Junketsu Clutch as she was absolutely reassured that the match is finally over. She took the time to catch her breath, enduring what has likely been the toughest title defense of her career…and it was only her first defense. Satsuki is battered, beaten, pushed to the very limit…and she came out on top in the end. With a self-assuring nod, she respectfully denies any help from the official as she picks herself up. It took a while, but Satsuki reaches at her proper vertical stance to a commended reaction. Referee Aiko Tanahashi returns with the APEX World Women's Championship and hands it back to the rightful owner. Satsuki thanks her with a nod and raises the belt high, standing victorious amongst the cheering crowd.
"Tooth and nail, these two robust women have fought for, knowing what was on the line! Not just the Women's Championship of the World, but pride; proving oneself worthy of becoming the champion!" Kenji commentates. "Saeko and Satsuki have shown these people what it takes to fight for the top prize of the Women's Division!"
"And in the end, Satsuki Kiryūin stands on top of that mountain with her belt. Saeko fought her hardest…and it wasn't enough, but that doesn't mean she should be ashamed of herself," Zack says. "…Unfortunately, my words are unlikely to reach her at this moment."
Saeko Busujima is found near the corner, lying on her back as she hides her face in her arms. Rei and Saya had arrived recently in attempts to ease her at what Saeko feels to be her lowest point. She tried so hard, got so far…but in the end, it felt like it didn't even matter. Saeko drags herself up to sit against the turnbuckles with Rei and Saya still consoling her…before they look up in surprise to see Satsuki coming up to them.
The stern champion gently descends to a seiza posture in front of her and the camera was able to catch her words, "Busujima…you spat in my face. You disrespected me. You even went as far as try to break me, mentally and physically. You pushed me so far to where I couldn't treat you with the same respect we had before."
Saeko listened to it all and she doesn't wish to look at Satsuki in the eye.
"…But despite all that desperation…there's a fighter in you I can't help but respect," Satsuki confesses…Saeko's head perking up only slightly. "You did what you had to do to win, and so did I. We're not so different. In a way…you won already by proving to everyone that you earned this match. For next time…work harder. Truly show why you deserve another chance. Maybe one day, when I'm still champion…I'll be waiting."
Satsuki…lays her belt between herself and Saeko…and she places her hands on her thighs, bowing to her former opponent. Saeko, now looking at the champion with awe and watery eyes…responds kindly a moment after, forming a seiza position and bows back to her completely. This formal tradition of Japanese culture earns enough of a loud applause from the crowd as they witness a heartwarming moment.
"After all they've put each other through…they still show the respect they deserve to each other," Zack smirks. "How about that?"
"People can say it's about the fame, that it's about the money you make in this business, the victories you earn to build your status…but if there's one thing that's the most important of all in our industry, it's respect," Kenji states. "And these two future legends are the purest example of that."
Saeko rolls out of the ring to let Satsuki resume her post-match celebration as she ambles back to the Gorilla Position with her friends at her side. As she digests the advice given to her in her own head, Satsuki poses with her raised World Women's Title in her hand, standing tall, proud, and victorious. She points at the hard camera and, with a resounding clack of her right heel (how did she do that?), proclaims off-mic…
"Listen well and good! This is a message to everyone in the Women's Division! What you witnessed is just the beginning of my reign—the introduction of the True Change arriving! I am on a mission to make the Women's Division better than it ever was before! Saeko Busujima was the start of it; she proved to be a true rival before my very eyes! After what I've been put through…I expect—no, I command the entire locker room watching closely to step up their game if they dare to challenge my belt! I'll be waiting…"
"…I think I'm in love, Ken," Zack stares in awe.
"I think you're way out of your league, little brother," Kenji deadpans.
The last shot has Satsuki leaving the ring and walking backwards to the stage with her APEX World Women's Championship held high once again before we fade to black…
The screen fades in, slowly unveiling the APEX wrestling ring in front of three glaring lights as a soft rhythmic and marching drumming can be heard. As well, there's a podium standing in the middle of it. Then, the screen cuts to the APEX Athletes walking up to the ring apron in slow-motion from a front low angle. The likes of Beowulf, Sasuke Uchiha, Satsuki Kiryūin, Spider-Man, and Nero among others are shown leading the front, especially as the camera pans up to show the entire roster, established veterans and young rookies grouped together like a marching army.
The drumming intensifies, instantly recognized to be "All Out Life" by Slipknot that's been playing since the start. Transitioning back to the squared circle, Ricardo Alvarez, Jr. has seemingly appeared out of nowhere next to the podium as he looks over his roster with a proud expression. Then, Joshua Garza also appears from thin air at the opposite side. Taking a step back, Josh gestures for the official chairman to make his words known on the mic. However, Ricardo declined and offered the stand to him instead. He almost hesitated, but Josh accepts it and stands at the podium to make his speech, lip-syncing with Corey Taylor's vocals.
[We are gathered here today to get it right…]
"For too long, APEX has been hiding in the shadows of a shameful hiatus," Josh speaks for himself. "We would not be here today if it weren't for Mr. Alvarez's hard work. But now that he's done his part to bring us back…it's our turn to do our part to make APEX a better promotion than it ever was before. We are on a mission to get ourselves back on top…and this next event is going to do it."
Josh holds up right hand, followed suit by multiple raised fists as well from the roster. Taylor's voice returns to replace Josh's and certain members for the next lyrics, but only to appear between cuts.
[Repeat after me: "I will not celebrate mediocrity!
"I will not worship empty shells!"]
During then, Nero gradually lifts his head up and glares at the camera while half of his face is covered in the shadows; Dante (looking up) and Vergil (looking down) stand back-to-back, unsure of their future; Isaac Clarke's visor shines bright blue at his entrance, smoothly cutting to him looming over Naruto Uzumaki's lifeless body.
["I will not listen to worthless noises!
"I will not subject myself to selected predictable choices!"]
PewDiePie gives his signature fist bump to a fan; Joey Wheeler and Tristan Taylor raise their finger gun, then we cut to them nailing a Double Low-Dropkick to a cornered camera; the APEX World Championship is given a close-up on Beowulf's shoulder, then cuts back to said champion in the ring with potential challengers stalking behind his back (i.e., Seto Kaiba, Kenshin Himura, Takashi Komuro), and the champion takes heavy notice before staring down into the camera.
["My time, my attention…
"My quality should not be bought and sold…
"For convenience's sake!"]
Kurt Hudson smugly sits on his throne with Alyssa Parker leaning on him and Niko Bellic stands by with arms crossed; Spider-Man suddenly appears with a Three-point Landing in the ring; iGeneration have their hands raised by Freddie Benson; Mai Valentine has her memorable Summer Wars entrance; Crash Bandicoot makes a silly face while Nathan Drake chuckles in amusement; Takashi Komuro, in front of his stable, holds up his baseball bat to the camera.
["EVERRRRRRRRRRR!"]
Shot by shot, Venom and Carnage screech in unison, Edback roars afterwards, and Godzilla bellows with an Atomic Breath to the skies—all lip-syncing with the lyric, as does the rest.
[We are not your kind!]
The Cult of Shadows stand side by side, Yami Bakura splaying his arms out with an unhinged grin.
[We are not your kind!]
Carly Shay poses seductively with her belt while Sam Puckett gives a double middle finger.
[We are not your kind!]
Sasuke Uchiha, back turned with the Hardcore Title belt over his shoulder, glares furiously with the Rinnegan.
[We are not your kind!]
Satsuki Kiryūin sits on her throne in a royal manner while the Elite Four are beside her and the APEX World Women's Championship is on her lap.
[WE ARE NOT YOUR KIND!]
Nero, with the original Devil May Cry crew behind him, shouts the lyric as Dante headbangs.
[WE ARE NOT YOUR KIND!]
Apocalypse Academy lip-sync at the camera above them, really getting into the thrash theme.
[WE ARE NOT YOUR KIND!]
Now, almost the entire roster members are in the ring as the rest surround it to chant the lyric together, most notably PewDiePie, Spider-Man, Ichigo Kurosaki, and so on.
[WE ARE NOT YOUR KIIIIIIIIIND!]
The roster chant at the top of their lungs, Beowulf pushing himself through and capping it off with an intense Goldberg-esque bellow front and center; highlights of posing wrestlers rush by for even just a second featuring the Blake Bros 2.0, Jeremy Ellis, the Wolves, Ryan Mitchell, and concluding with Naruto Uzumaki. Matching with the beat, Naruto lifts Sasuke, Bakura, Isaac, and Beowulf for a Ninja's Way, ending with him landing the move.
[Old does not mean dead! (DEAD!)]
Dante, twice in a row, plants Vergil with the Rebellion in the middle of the ring; then, as payback, Vergil hits an emphatic Force Edge.
[New does not mean best! (BEST!)]
PewDiePie lowers his sunglasses with raised brows, then punches Luke Smith out with a Bro Fist.
[No hard feelings
I'm tired of being right about everything I've said!]
A scowling Jason Krueger shoulders his sledgehammer, then we cut to him Goring multiple people through multiple objects throughout his career and finishes with him tearing at his hair with an unhinged expression.
[Yours does not mean mine! (MINE!)]
Alpha & Omega make their in-ring poses for the camera, then decimate the Naughty Dogs with their eponymous tag-team finisher.
[Kill does not mean die! (DIE!)]
Jason Voorhees walks out of the shadows ever so frighteningly, then flattens Eddy with the Camp Killer.
[We are not your kind!]
Beowulf hits a Spear on Naruto, leaps to his feet to let out a roar…
"Apex Caliber Wrestling presents…
[No excuses!
I challenge you to—]
…and as he was about to hit the Wulfhammer, a logo appears onscreen, and it sings/reads in three bold letters in-sync…
ALL. OUT. LIFE.
"ACW" chants echo in the background as David Wenham's narration takes it home.
"APEX presents: All Out Life! Premiering LIVE January 29th, 2023, from San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome! Tickets are available to order from tonight midnight! Starting 8E/5P, only on pay-per-view!"
Returning from the ad-break, the backstage interview area…is empty. Empty as in, there's no literal interviewer standing there. Both fans and even the offstage crew were confused as to why no one's showing up. At least until…
…
…
…
"Hallelujah!"
At the choir's melodic cry, a spotlight unexpectedly appears with two crossed arms (one hand holding a microphone) forming a diamond and they happen to belong to Mako Mankanshoku as she makes her iconic pose!
"Helloooooooooooo, Apex Caliber Wrestling!" the hyperactive Mako greets herself to the viewers as she starts moving all over the screen with various, exaggerated poses related to past events in her fast-paced speech. "Wow, what a five-star match by Lady Satsuki and Saeko! I mean, I knew it was gonna be crazy, but I didn't think it would get that crazy! And that ROCKIN' commercial was truly HEADBANGING! Most of all, however, I'm soooooo~ excited to work here as the newest member of the APEX interview team!" For a brief moment, she had the entire (confused) team in her arms out of thin air. "Mako Mankanshoku can promise you that she will be the best darn interview gal in this whole company~!
"…
"…Who am I talking to again?" She blinks twice, genuinely curious expression that has the crowd bursting out in laughter.
Sadly, the offstage crew weren't in the mood for jokes as one of them said in a deadpan voice, "You're interviewing the boss of this company."
"Ah, gotcha!" Mako winks. "…Who's the boss again?"
"RICARDO ALVAREZ, JR., YOU DUNCE!"
Mako lets out a long gasp, hands pressed against her cheeks. "THE LEGENDARY IMPRESIONANTE ALVAREZ?! Get him in here, then!"
"That's your job! Introduce him, Mankanshoku!"
"Ohhh… Okay!" Mako gives a thumbs up and turns back to the camera. "All right, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the chairman of Apex Caliber Wrestling~…Mr. Ricardo Alvarez!"
Mako motions her arms to the side for the presentation of the famous luchador…who walks into the frame with a blank stare towards the energetic Mako.
"…You're an enthusiastic young lady, aren't you?" Ricardo asks, trying to stifle a chuckle.
"I'm a lot of things!" Mako beams…before turning to the off-screen crew. "Sooo, what do we do here?"
"For the love of—ask him about his potential plans for APEX's future!"
"Aye-aye, Captain!" Mako salutes. "Okay, Mr. Alvarez, what are your potential plans for the future of APEX?" A facepalm can be heard in the background.
Mako pushes the microphone up against his lips…and Ricardo gently pushes it down, at least far enough so he can speak. One has to bless him for his patience.
"That's a good question. Hm…where to start?" Ricardo ponders. "Well…regarding that APEX doesn't have a television station to air their shows at the moment…I have decided to move both Friday Night Ignition and Saturday Night RAMPAGE to the likes of YouTube, Twitch, and Fite TV! We'll even continue to be on the FWM Network! At least temporarily. When will we broadcast? Why, by this next upcoming weekend!"
"Ooh~ But if they're temporarily, what television station do you have your sights on for the future? TNT? AXS TV? The Disney Channel?! Tokyo TV?! FOX News?! CNN?!"
"…" Richard blinks…and chuckles. "I like you. Truthfully, most of them are…viable options, but we're looking into it. Until then, it's streaming services for us."
"As for this strange Coorsvirus that's making one side insane and the other turn into giant blueberries?!"
He blinks again, as if hearing this for the first time. "As…long as we follow safety procedures, wash our hands, be smart, and consider the people around us, I assure you we'll be fine. APEX is always attentive to these troubling times, which is why we make sure our seats are limited to keep social distancing."
"What about that All Out Life pay-per-view that's just been announced? That was METAL!" Mako throws up her rock horns.
"Well, that one, I'm actually excited to talk about the most. See, Miss Mankanshoku, I've been inspired by the various promotions I've come across over the years, especially since I've arrived in the FWM," Ricardo smirks. "For these next couple months leading to All Out Life, we will host our next tournament that I'd like to call the 'APEX Grand Prix'."
"Ooh, that sounds exciting! What's that one about and who are the tough guys and/or gals involved in it?" Mako asks with stars in her eyes.
"Heheh, that…I'll answer another time," Ricardo winks.
"Awww, don't leave me hanging, Mr. Alvarez!" Mako groans.
"I know, but truth be told, we are on a time schedule for our show and I'd rather not our pay-per-view get cut off before we can actually finish," the former luchador chortles. "If it helps, I suggest you keep an eye out for whatever I may state next. Trust me, it'll be worth it when I announce what kind of tournament it is and who's involved."
"All riiiiiight," Mako says. "But it's really great to have you as my first guest, sir! I promise I won't let you down on the job!"
The elder Mexican nods, admiring her fire. "I believe you. Adios, hija."
"See you around, Mr. Alvarez!" Mako waves her boss. "…Wow, he's a lot younger than I imagined him to be for his age." She looks over at the crew. "So, is that it?"
"Yeah, that's it. Just go ahead and signal back to the commentary," the crew leader answers.
"Awesome! Commentary people, back to you!" Mako points…then instantly falls asleep where she stands with a snot bobble.
"…Did she just seriously fall aslee—?!"
The scene cuts back to the RAMPAGE commentary table at ringside, all three men staring blankly at who they were introduced to as the newest member of the backstage interview team.
"…Well, she's…something," Ted musters up those only words in his head. He clears his throat, "Moving along, there's a lot to look forward to for APEX in the forthcoming future: Ignition and RAMPAGE returning next weekend, the APEX Grand Prix, and our next pay-per-view event, All Out Life, coming at the end of January!"
"And right about now, Ted, we're about to find out who will climb the ladder and take down the rejuvenated Intercontinental Championship!" Barney Stinson chimes in.
"Hold up…are you going to be commentating with me?" Ted asks with wide eyes.
"Yessir~!" Barney grins as he rolls his chair over to the RAMPAGE table, throws Ned Bigby out of the way (Ned: AAH! DICK!) and wraps an arm around his shoulders. "The people in the back wanted to spice things up for this match and have decided to have us commentate! How awesome is that? The prophecy has finally come true for us to be the best damn commentators after a long time coming! It will be LEGEND—wait for it…say it with me now…!"
"…Barney, I keep telling you for years that Marshall's my best frie—"
"—DARY! Legendary!" Barney concludes. "And it'll be even more so when Luke Smith makes history as our first-ever APEX Intercontinental Champion!"
As Barney nods with a smirk, Ted looks over to the Ignition table. "…Enjoy your break, guys."
"Oh, ho-ho, we will while you catch up with Stinson," A grinning Kenji Matsuo reclines in his seat with his hands behind his head.
"I feel like I've did something wrong in my past life to deserve this…" Ted contemplates with a thousand-yard stare.
Cameras fade from the tables to pan over four surrounding ladders at each side of the ring…
…
…
…and the noise of the audience gets broken by howling wolves from the loudspeakers.
[WHISKEY!
OSCAR!
LIMA!
VICTOR!
ECHO!
SIERRA!
WOLVES…]
("Of Wolf and Man" by Metallica plays)
Every few seconds, the cameras cut from one section of the sky-blue and strobing lit arena to another as they try to find Luke Smith. Eventually, he's seen from the left side of the AT&T Center walking down the stairs and the audience are not too kind to his arrival with heated boos despite the fact San Antonio is his hometown. Too bad for them that he couldn't care less about their opinions as his eyes are on the ring alone. Like his teammates earlier tonight, Smith donned the signature tactical vest and half-face skull mesh mask. But this time, he brought his own bottle of Coca-Cola (not sponsored by said brand) to gulp down as he casually walks down the aisleway past the spiteful spews and gestures.
[Off through the new day's mist, IIIIII run!
Out from the new day's mist, IIIIII have come~!
I hunt!
Therefore, I am!
Harvest the land!
Taking of the fallen laaaaaamb!]
As Luke is halfway down the steps, Mike "The Mic" Martin proceeds with the announcement after the bell, "The following contest is a Ladder Match, and it is for the vacant Apex Caliber Wrestling Intercontinental Championship! Introducing first: from San Antonio, Texas, weighing in at 184 pounds…he is known as 'The Cunning Wolf' LUKE SMIIIIIITH!"
"Ah, Luke Smith, how far this bro has come since the humble beginnings of APEX," Barney smirks. "He went from a faceless referee to one of the most successful and established names in our company; he was the final Intercontinental Champion, the final United States Champion, the final Television Champion, the first-ever and last International/Evolve Champion in the era before the APEX Era!"
"You forget one more name, Barney—the first-ever and last 'Phenomenal' Champion," Ted notes.
"We don't talk about that, Ted."
"Well, I'm going to, anyway; we shouldn't feel any shame to acknowledge the mistakes," Ted states. "Since we're on that topic, while I can't necessarily disagree with the success Luke has achieved in his time pre-APEX Era, we can't ignore the fact this guy straight-up abandoned APEX when it was at its nadir."
"Hey, hey, has The Barnacle taught you nothing about looking to the past is bad and looking to the future is good?" Barney claims.
"Sorry, I'm usually tuning you out with how long I've persevered you. I don't believe Luke Smith is trustworthy of carrying the belt. What happens if he does win? It's only going to fill his ego more!"
"And what's wrong with that? Having an ego means you know you're the best, especially if you got a title belt around your waist," Barney shrugs. "Plus, better payment and a better status on the card. Besides, he says he's winning for his homies in the back. I say he's good on his promise of being a two-time Intercontinental Champion—the first of our kind, bay-bay~"
[Off through the new day's mist, IIIIII run!
Out from the new day's mist, I have cooome!
We shiiift…
Pulsing with the eeeaaarrth…
Company we keep
Roaming the land while yooou sleep…]
At this moment, Luke Smith hops over the barricade and climbs on the apron. He looks over to the immensely jeering crowd past the commentary table with a smug sneer and enters through the ropes. He stands on the middle rope section and raises his nearly empty soda bottle with a blasé expression. During so, he was admittedly bobbing his head to Metallica's "Of Wolf and Man," deciding to remove his mask so he can drink the last of his beverage…
[Ohhhhhh…!
Shape shiiiiiift, nose to the wind…!
Shape shiiiiiift, feeling I've been…!
Move swiiiiiift, all senses cleeeaaan…!
Earth's giiiiiift, back to the meaning…
Back to the meaning of…
LIFE!]
…and spits it up in the air on cue with the last lyric. He throws the bottle away in the front row and deliberately ignores the noisier round of boos as he leans back against the turnbuckles and rest his elbows on the ropes. He continues bobbing his head to heavy metal song until it fades out, which makes him click his tongue in dissatisfaction. A small section of the front row points and chants at Luke, "YOU LEFT US!" referencing clearly to his previous departure, to which Luke quickly replies off-mic, "Please. Be grateful I came back here at all, you dumb, useless ingrates." Luke looks back at the stage…
…
…
("Devil Trigger" by Casey Edwards featuring Ali Edwards plays)
The venue is consumed in darkness save for a blue neon wave weakly rising to the music.
[I'll endure the exile…]
Soon after the first lyric is sung, the warbled, distorted prologue begins to pick up as shown by the blue neon wave spiking up rapidly…the sounds of a motorcycle reverberating within the arena…
[I'll endure the exile…!]
…and then the techno beat finally kicks in! A spotlight exposes "The Lone Devil Hunter" Nero at center stage, the lights come out in complete neon blue, and the revved Red Queen has flammable fuel spread across it to match the growling synthesizers and heavy guitar.
[The darkness of night falls around my soul
And the hunter within loses control
Gotta let it out, gotta let it out…
Gotta let it out, gotta let it out…
This demon inside has a hold of me
Clenching its power, trying to break free]
Nero looks over his shoulder and turns around to face the cheering audience as his Devil Breaker starts emitting electricity around it. He removes Red Queen from his back, flipping the handle over his fingers and into his grasp, and stands it up on the tip, revving up the motor…as his Overture increases the currents…
[Gotta let it out, gotta let it out…!
GOTTA LET IT OUT, GOTTA LET IT OOOUUT!]
…and, with a grin, he fires an electric burst from his palm shaped like a giant open hand into the skies! Nero reels his right arm back and this time, he's surprised it didn't fall to pieces, much to his surprise—nope, just kidding, it falls apart completely. He shrugs it off and shoulders his Red Queen so he can walk on the red carpet towards the ring with a grin. On the way there, he glances at the camera following him and says, "Hey, Nico, if you don't want me to break your 'babies', stop using the cheap shit."
[Move fast, baby, don't be slow-ohhh~
Step aside, reload—time to go-ohhh~
I can't seem to controool~
All…this…rage that's inside me!
Pullin' shots, aiming dots—yeah, I don't miss
Branded by fire, born in the abyss
Red hot temper—I just can't resist
All…this…vengeance inside me!]
"And his opponent: from Fortuna Island, weighing in at 218 pounds…he is 'The Lone Devil Hunter' NEROOOOOOOOO!" Mike announces.
"Ladies and gentlemen, who you see before your eyes happens to be the winner of the Intercontinental Rumble from last night's Homecoming!" Ted proclaims. "Nero fought through twenty-nine other men from the number one spot, including the sons of Sparda and Jason Voorhees, lasting for an hour to earn a new opportunity at becoming the next Intercontinental Champion."
"Yeah, I guess he got really lucky, but none of that will matter by the time Smith climbs the ladder and takes down the IC Title itself," Barney remarks. "Exactly like he did on Ignition X!"
"You do remember that episode was never aired due to the USA Network cutting off APEX, right?" Ted reminds him.
"Wait, how does that not count? I know we didn't get to air it, but you'd think it count as an episode," Barney argues.
"It's…a whole other mess I also would not want to get into," Ted confesses. "Regardless, it is mentioned these two have a shared past…and this is Nero's biggest chance to rectify that."
Nero slingshot somersaults himself over the top rope and sticks the landing at the center of the ring. He glances at the impassive Luke with a smirk and drops to a knee. He spreads his arms out dramatically, signaling the crowd to shush for a moment. The crowd follow along while the music is all they hear…and Nero throws up blank bullets in the air…
…and spins to catch them in Blue Rose's cylinder, posing with his signature weapon aiming at the hard camera and triggering blue pyro to explode from above—on cue with the chorus hook!
[All of these thoughts runnin' through my he-haaad!
Arm on fire, veins burnin' re-heeed!
Frus-tra-tiooon is getting bigger~!
Bang! Bang! BANG!
Pull my Devil Trigger~!]
Nero twirls his revolver back in the holster with an amused chuckle and proceeds to remove his items off his person, leaving himself in only his ring gear…which just happens to be his black cargo pants and combat boots. The ringside crew take them away for safekeeping as the two APEX Athletes stare each other down from their respective corners and "Devil Trigger" fades out. Even though after "Devil Trigger" disappeared, fans in the AT&T Center were still singing the second half of the chorus like the song was still playing. Nero can't help but smile at the appreciation. Meanwhile, referee Andrew Styles comes in the view with a navy-blue cloak in the shape of a championship belt.
Martin proceeds with the introduction: "Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado…we bring back to you the rebuilt, redesigned, and revitalized Intercontinental Championship of Apex Caliber Wrestling!"
Andrew Styles removes the cloak and unveils the new APEX Intercontinental Championship design to a praising reaction. Its strap is pearl white, the side plates are pure gold with diamond pillars on either side, and the main plate is gold with black accents and diamonds lacing within the border and on the sides. Speaking of which, the centerplate is shaped like an elongated hexagon with a symbol of the globe at the center with the APEX logo in front; the side plates themselves have the North/South American continents on the left side and Europe, Africa, and a bit of Asia on the right side. "INTERCONTINENTAL" and "CHAMPION" are displayed on top and bottom respectively in Ariel Bold font as the blank name plate is above the latter.
"Oh, that's so cool…" Barney stares in awe.
"It sure is something to gaze upon," Ted agrees.
Nero gives an impressed whistle in reaction to the belt while Luke nods subtly and mouths, "Not bad." The hook comes down and Andrew straps the belt on it, clipping the buttons in so it won't fall. Once the strap is secured, it starts rising high to twenty feet above the ring. The official checks if both men are ready…they answer with nods…and he calls for the opening bell, prompting Luke Smith to immediately leave the ring and grab a ladder!
"Oh, look at my guy here! He's taking care of business already!" Barney exclaims.
"Smith's quick on the draw, but Nero is already coming right after the former champion!" Ted adds.
Nero slides out of the ring from the opposite side of the ring post and leaps at Luke with a Rainbow Bullet from behind, but Luke sidesteps it at the last second and Nero knocks the ladder over instead! As Nero gets back up, Luke already is on top of him with a series of fast left fists to the temple. However, those punches hardly do anything to effect Nero as said Devil Hunter ducks under the next punch and shoulder tackles him spine-first against the edge of the announcer's desk! Nero grabs his head thereafter and slams his face on the table. With the Cunning Wolf dazed, Nero shoulder tackles him again, this time slamming his spine against the ring apron. The Lone Devil Hunter then takes his head and arm in a Suplex setup, just about to pop him up in the air…but Luke rolls through and lands on his feet to safety! Nero turns around and Smith nails him in the jaw with a High Knee! As Nero is still on his feet despite that, Luke takes his arm and Irish Whips him shoulder-first into the ring post. Nero writhes on the floor holding his left shoulder while Luke is folding the ladder so it's easier for him to bring inside. What he doesn't know is that currently, Nero forced himself back in the ring, knowing Luke is going to bring the ladder in. Nero hits the ropes and goes for a Baseball Slide, hoping to strike the ladder into Luke's chest; however, Luke saw that coming and slides the ladder out of the way. Nero turns around, receives a kick to the stomach and Luke throws him straight into the steel stairs!
"Gah! Luke Smith has driven Nero's shoulder into those steps, staying one step ahead of his opponent tonight!" Ted calls.
"You may as well call this one a short match tonight if this is the effort Nero is putting up against the true Intercontinental Champion," Barney sneers.
Now Luke has the ladder inside the ring and set up at the center, proceeding to climb upward soon as he was finished. But Nero was far from finished when he slid back in and bashes his lower back with a clubbing forearm. Luke retaliates with a series of kicks, only to have one caught by Nero. He yanks him off the ladder and catches him on his shoulders. With Luke squirming in his opponent's grip, Nero gets a running start to drop him on his head…but Luke slides down his back and shoves him to the ropes. He swings and misses the Discus Elbow Smash, turns around and Nero viciously clobbers him with a Lariat! Luke rolls out of the ring to regain himself, but Nero quickly follows after him as he stands on the apron. Just as Luke turns around, Nero dives off with a Crossbody, but Luke catches him in his arms. A surprised Nero attempts wiggling out of his grasp, yet Luke doesn't loosen his grip on Nero. The Cunning Wolf drives his spine on top of his knee, then on the ring apron and completes the trifecta with a brutal run-in against the ring post to the entire back area!
"No mercy coming from the former champion after making him pay for that Crossbody!" states Barney. "And it was well deserved!"
"Smith back on top of this contest," Ted says. "And with that fact in mind, he's going to make sure he stays on that spot."
Luke grabs Nero by the hair to bash his skull on top of the steps, ringing his head in. Then, Luke picks him up again to practically carry him up on the apron and has him all placed in a Fireman's Carry. But Nero sees what Luke had planned and repeatedly bashes his jaw with his elbow, sliding off his shoulders and back inside the ring. The Intercontinental Rumble winner quickly takes his opponent for a Suplex and hurls him straight into the very ladder Luke put up earlier! With the ladder knocked down, Nero goes over to pick up, but not to use it to for climbing. Not yet, at least. Instead, he folds up the foreign object, awaits Luke to get up…and rams his weapon into his chest with ferocious authority! Luke is flat on his back in pain and Nero brings the ladder over to the nearest corner to rest it on the top turnbuckle. The Lone Devil Hunter goes back for Smith, kicking him against the corner to do some damage. He grabs his arm for an Irish Whip…and Luke Smith reverses it as his own, sending Nero flying face-first into the ladder and tumbling hard to the outside!
"Oh, my God! Nero catapulted right in that ladder, Luke turning the tables on him!" Ted calls.
"The ref should really check on him, man!" Barney utters, oddly concerned.
"That's…unusually caring of you, Barney," Ted blinks.
"What? I want to see if Nero is missing a tooth, so I can feel more handsome knowing I still have mine," Barney states.
"Ah. There's the Barney Stinson I know."
Believing the tables are turned in his favor, Luke takes this time to recuperate on the mat after preventing his face from getting smashed right in the ladder. During do, so does Nero, suspiciously digging under the ring apron. Luke Smith senses something felt off and stands up to amble over to his opponent. He pokes his head through the ropes and grabs Nero by his hair to pull him back in the ring…only to receive a brutal chair shot to the skull, courtesy of the Devil Hunter!
"Oh, wow! What was that about 'missing a tooth', Barney?!" Ted remarks. "Because Luke might be losing one himself after that shot heard 'round the arena!"
"No, Luke! He had such a bright future with those supermodel facial features!" Barney cries.
As Luke's head is being rung from the shot, Nero slides both the chair and ladder back inside almost immediately after. Nero rejoins his opponent in the ring and kicks him in the head via Low Dropkick to keep him down. The Lone Devil Hunter heads to the prone ladder and erects it, not to climb it, but to have it lean on the middle turnbuckle at the southeast corner. Satisfied with the setup, he returns to the rather still stunned Luke and drags him to his feet. Bringing near the ladder, Nero has Luke in the Front Facelock, near left arm over his shoulder and throws him up for a High Roller (Rolling Release Suplex)…
…but Luke lands perfectly on his feet behind Nero! Luke side kicks his opponent in the gut, picks up the chair used against him and drills the edge of it right in the same abdominal area! Then, Luke raises the chair up and nails it across Nero's spine! He lays it on the mat in front of Nero, wraps his head in a Facelock and elevates him into the Gunsmith DDT (Spike Cradle DDT), drilling his head on the chair!
"God, that DDT! Luke Smith with no hesitation to deliver what Nero did to him by tenfold!" Ted exclaims.
"Good. Because Luke ain't even finished with him by a mile, Ted!" Barney states.
The Sly Wolf has his eye on the ladder and repositions it a bit to have it lean up in the whole corner. Observing Nero nursing his likely headache just at the opposite end of the ring, Luke struts to him with a smarmy grin, believing himself in control of the whole match. He picks him up by the hair and heaves him over on his right shoulder. Not wasting any time, Luke makes a beeline for the ladder and throws Nero like a javelin into the ladder rungs! Nero stumbles away…but Luke catches him by the wrist and utters, "I'm not even close to being finished, deadweight!" Then he Irish Whips him into the ladder, holding him against it and lifting him up to hook his right leg through the ladder. Despite how many times his body was slammed against the steel, Nero's fighting spirit is unwavering with a series of rebellious elbows to Luke's ribs. Still, Luke puts him in check with a simple head smash in the ladder rungs. With that oppression done, Luke takes off from the ropes and goes down with Nero in a vicious attempt at a Russian Legsweep from the top turnbuckle, virtually crushing Nero's leg with the ladder!
"God—oh, my God! Both men down! Luke has put his body on the line, as well as his adversary to pull off such a perilous maneuver!" Ted exclaims.
"I think his little 'Neros' got crushed in the process, too," Barney snorts. "Either that or his leg~"
Both Nero and Luke remain on the canvas for a moment after taking a hard fall like that. After that, Smith is the first to push himself up on his vertical stature and notices Nero has his leg between the ladder's steps. Evil intentions brewing in his scheming brain, Luke grabs the other leg to try and slip it through the ladder…but Nero is quick to react with a number of right-handed knuckles to the temple. Nero meets Luke at the same vertical base, both men trading blows with one another until Nero hits him with a Big Boot to the face. Luke leans on the ropes and Nero grabs him for the Irish Whip. Nero sets for a Back Body Drop, but Luke slides right past him. He goes for a Back Body Drop on his own as Nero turned around, but Nero proves one step ahead to drop to his knees in front of Luke…and slap him across the face! Luke is offended he was disrespected in that manner, but his anger blinds him to where Nero ducks under his Clothesline attempt, knees him in the gut and, this time, drops him with a High Roller right on the prone ladder!
"Ohhh, Luke's spine meets the cold, merciless steel of the ladder and it did not end well for the former champion!" Ted states.
"No! Bad Nero! That is not how a deadweight should act!" Barney comments.
As Luke writhes in pain from his back, Nero has the ladder open and standing in the middle of the ring. The APEX Intercontinental Championship is but a grasp away as Nero begins ascending the ladder. With the crowd cheering loud behind Nero, he brings himself closer to the white-strapped gold. Nero is fingertips away from bringing the belt down…
…until Luke slams the steel chair on Nero's legs! The same chair used before is now being used to practically cut down Nero from beneath, striking at his legs a second time! He remembered the ladder aided Russian Legsweep that did some damage to Nero's leg earlier and he's taken absolute advantage of a possible weak point by cutting him off from beneath. Luke throws the chair down, grabs Nero's leg and yanks him right off the ladder to make him land spine-first on the chair! Nero thrashes in agony while Luke wastes no time going up on the ladder. Smith is fingertips away from earning himself the gold…
…but Nero refuses to go down without a fight as he is already back on his feet and has smashed the chair over his spine! Nero pulls Luke down just enough to put him in an Elevated Prawn Hold, trying to Powerbomb him off the ladder. Luke is as much of a fighter as Nero is, raining down fist after fist to the top of his temple. Nero wobbles near the ropes and Luke slides down to stand on the apron, countering Nero overall into a Suplex off the apron and both men land flat on the padded floor!
"Right in front of us, Nero and Luke take a hard landing on the floor with little to no protection from that padding!" Ted reacts. "These two are just doing everything they can to destroy each other to become the inaugural Intercontinental Champion of our Renaissance Era!"
"Luke, especially! He was the guy that became the first and final Evolve Champion when unifying the previous midcard belts! You can complain all you want about how he left APEX, but he came back to claim what is rightfully his!" Barney exclaims. "And so, like hell he's going let a deadweight like Nero come out of this match unscathed!"
Both warriors are hurting on the floor, but they're moving at least. Luke crawls to the ring apron while Nero is trying to pick himself up on announce table. Then, the Cunning Wolf has his hands searching through underneath and pulls out another ladder to add in the mix of the battle, using that to promptly ram against Nero's stomach. As Nero is lying on top of Barney and Ted's table (Barney: Get off my table, you ninny!), Luke bridges the same ladder between said desk and the ring apron. He then forcefully drags Nero all the way back to the apron and climbs up with his practically lifeless body. Luke has Nero on his shoulders in a Fireman's Carry, looking to put him away through the ladder via Blacksmith's Hammer (Death Valley Driver). Before that, Luke declares to Nero, "Watch as I make history once again, deadweight!" And he goes for the Blacksmith's Hammer…
…
…but Nero slides right off his shoulders back in the ring and snags Luke's neck across the rope with a Mega Buster (Jumping Hangman's Neckbreaker)!
"FUCK YOU!" Nero spouts with both middle fingers to a supine Luke now lying on the ladder and nursing his neck.
"What a counter! Luke took too long to taunt Nero, who narrowly avoids the Death Valley Driver through the ladder and turns the tables on Luke once again with the Mega Man's Mega Buster, adopting it as his own!" Ted comments. "And now Nero is capitalizing on the opportunity in front of him, rising on the ladder to the gold!"
"Get your eyes checked, Ted, because Nero is climbing…but not towards the Intercontinental Championship," Barney points out. "Heh, I think his brains got scrambled from that Gunsmith DDT earlier to not realize his position."
"I'm not so sure about that…because I'm seeing other intentions that Nero has in store for Luke…!"
With the ladder propped up and set near the ropes, the Lone Devil Hunter finds himself near the top of the ladder. Fans are on their feet from their seats, morbidly curious to see what he's going to do while Luke is none the wiser of his viable demise. Nero reaches his destination: standing at the very top. He stares down at Luke, knowing there's a fifty-fifty chance he'll land it or miss it. Nero gives a look at the crowd…shrugs with an apology to Kyrie…
…
…
…
…and dives down to successfully hit a Crossbody on Luke through the bridged ladder!
"OH, GOOD GOD, NO!" Barney screams.
"HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD—NERO TAKES DOWN LUKE SMITH WITH A DEVASTATING CROSSBODY! RIGHT THROUGH THE LADDER!" Ted exclaims. "Now all Nero has to do is get back in the ring and climb the ladder once more to retrieve the Intercontinental Title!"
"That's easier said than done after taking a brutal fall like that, Ted!" Barney remarks. "I can't tell who got the worst of that collision, but I'm praying that it's Nero!"
"HOLY SHIT!" chants are echoing in the AT&T Center from the crowd as Nero sluggishly pushes himself off the floor and drags himself inside the ring. There's no telling what damage that Nero and Luke have endured to become the first-ever Intercontinental Champion of the new era, but it's more than worth it when it is all said and done. Nero lies on the mat holding his ribs for a moment and sits up as he begins propping the ladder on its feet again. The Devil May Cry protagonist growls through the bitter agony in his midsection and starts mounting up towards his goal. It was a slow journey to get to the top, but Nero knows it'll be worth it once he can pull down the strap. He's now moments away from unshackling the IC Title, grabbing hold of the belt…
…
…
…
…and OUT OF NOWHERE, LUKE SMITH SPRINGBOARDS TO JOIN NERO ON THE LADDER! Like the crowd, Nero is stunned before being struck and the duo start trading fists!
"HOLY—WHERE DID LUKE COME FROM?!" Ted questions. "He shouldn't be able to stand, let alone do that!"
"I told you before, Theodore! Luke isn't going to let someone like Nero walk away with what's rightfully his!" Barney states. "If there's anything you wanna call Luke, you can call him one tough son of a bitch!"
Unrelenting, Luke and Nero are not backing down no matter how many punches they deliver to each other. Even as Luke sends a kick to Nero's head, Nero retaliates with a sharp elbow. Nero goes to grab the belt while he has the chance, but Luke quickly strikes back with an elbow of his own to his opponent's bruised ribs. He slams Nero's head on the top of the ladder, ringing the bells in his temple, though Nero still hangs on. Luke hits Nero's head on the ladder once more and he holds him in a Front Facelock. Anticipating what's to come, the crowd are shown standing as Luke takes another step up on the ladder. He lifts Nero up at a precarious position…
…but Nero is weighing himself down, not wanting to take the massive fall Luke had in mind. Nero is back on the ladder and the two are still fighting for control on top of the mountain. Eventually, Nero nails Luke with a stiff forearm across the jaw…which sends momentum to make the ladder tip over! Nero stops himself from falling over completely with a foot on the rope…while Luke suffers the worst of it by landing crotch-first on the rope! Nero winces in some sympathy like most of the male crowd…but shrugs as he carefully pushes himself back up with the ladder balanced back at the center.
"Luke Smith is down! Nero has no one to stop him now!" Ted states.
"Oh, not like this! Please, not like this!" Barney cries. "History Maker, get up! Don't let the deadweight bastard win!"
Nero takes a step up on the ladder, grabbing hold of the white strap with a grin and the crowd cheers immensely…
…
…
…
…until they exclaim in boos…
…
…
…
…when Damian Reigns pulls down Nero and start beating him down alongside Hannibal Ambrose and Erik Rollins!
"WHAT THE—THE WOLVES! THE CALVERY HAS ARRIVED FOR SMITH!" Ted exclaims. "JUST AS NERO WAS ABOUT TO PULL DOWN THE TITLE! UNBELIEVABLE!"
"JUSTITIA HAS BLESSED SMITH, TED! SHE WEPT FOR THEIR LOSS EARLIER AND WANTS SMITH TO BECOME THE HISTORY MAKER AS THE ONE AND TRUE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION BY BRINGING IN HER HOUNDS!" Barney cheers.
Hannibal shoves the ladder down in the midst of the assault, flipping the bird at every jeering audience member while Erik and Damian have Nero cornered with their kicks and punches. Hannibal then runs up to Nero with a leaping forearm in the corner and Nero is just able to avoid it with two lifting feet to the face! Nero avoids the running Damian with a forward roll and knocks Erik on his back with a Punchline (Superman Punch)! While Damian was nursing his shoulder from hitting the ring post, Nero grabs him from behind and uses his demonic strength to hoist the colossal Wolf on his shoulders in an Argentine Backbreaker Rack. This feat makes the fans go wild in cheers as Nero gradually marches to the center…
…until Hannibal kicks him square in the groin! Nero drops Damian in pain and Hannibal hurls Nero right into a rebound Spear from Damian! The Reigning Juggernaut howls at the top of his lungs as Nero is writhing on the mat and Erik mounts him to strike his head with repeated right hands.
"If we aren't allowed to gain tag team gold, then neither will you!" Erik exclaims in Nero's face, then turns to his Wolves. "SET IT UP!"
"This is ridiculous! Nero had his hands on the Intercontinental Title and these Wolves come in to take that away from him!" Ted shouts. "Damn it all!"
"You call it 'unfair'?! These boys consider it JUSTICE! Nero is going to remember exactly that if you take on one wolf, you got the rest of the pack to take on as well!" Barney states.
Hannibal and Erik bring the limp Nero on his feet while Damian howls once more to signal the incoming Triple Powerbomb. They lift Nero on to Damian's shoulders…and they thoroughly slam him down on the canvas with a vicious Triple Powerbomb—Justice Served! The Wolves stare down at their fallen prey and hold their fists out together among the endless number of boos received from the crowd. Before they leave, Luke was found getting back in the ring to see the aftermath his comrades' assault as he is seated against the corner. Hannibal looms over him and crouches to say to him, "Don't say we don't do shit for each other, Smith…" Luke took those words…and nods lightly, understanding the pact the Wolves stand for. All three leave the ring and through the crowd while Luke is alone with a barely moving Nero, who had just rolled out of the ring. Seeing the opportunity handed to him, Luke is wasting no time setting the ladder back up in the middle of the ring under the hanging belt. His body is essentially battered and beaten to a point of using all his remaining strength to take each step up on the ladder. After what felt like a lingering expedition to the top, Luke reaches for the white strap…
"Luke is right there! Is this truly how it ends?!" Ted asks.
"Yes, it is, Ted! Go for it, Luke! Go down in history as the one true Intercontinental Champion!" Barney cheers.
…
…
…
…
…and…
…
…
…A LADDER IS RAMMED RIGHT AT HIS BACK, MAKING LUKE LOSE HIS GRIP AND TAKE A HARD FALL ON THE MAT!
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Barney yells.
"WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!" Ted asks…and the cameras reveal Dante standing on the apron with the very ladder in his hands. "IT'S DANTE! DANTE'S HERE!"
"HUH?! GET OUT OF HERE, YOU BUM! YOU GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!" Barney shakes his fist.
"Well, I'd say this evens out with what The Wolves did to Nero a while ago! Isn't that called 'justice'?"
"NO! Not in the Wolves' definition, you goof!"
Dante relishes in the cheers from the crowd before hopping down from the apron and runs back through the crowd before any of the Wolves notice and come back. Luke is down. Nero is down. This is essentially anyone's ballgame to claim the Intercontinental Championship for themselves. Ultimately, the first man to stand…is Nero as he pushes himself up with the ring apron to lean on, and he wonders what the hell just happened with Luke being suddenly down on the mat. He sees the title is still hanging, so that's enough to give him relief before rolling back inside to climb the ladder. Luke is up as well with his head shaking off the cobwebs after the blindside attack from Dante and brings himself to join Nero on the ladder, both going at their own sluggish place. They finally meet on top of the ladder and resume their trading fists from where they left off before.
"Both men are at it again! No give from either Nero or Luke! They want this victory so bad! But who wants it more?!" Ted states.
"Is that a rhetorical question? Because the obvious answer is Luke Smith! Like hell he's going to let this cheat get away with what's rightfully his!" Barney says.
It was a stiff spectacle for the antsy crowd, wondering which one will fall first yet again. Nero lands an elbow and Luke returns one in favor. Nero slams Luke's head on the ladder and goes for the strap, then Luke rams his shoulder into his ribs, making him fall a couple steps down. Now Luke grabs the belt…and Nero comes back to hit a rigid left fist across the jaw! In retaliation, Luke…goes for a punch, but he fakes out with a thumb to the eye! Nero gets pushed down by Luke, landing on his feet…and Nero bounces from the ropes to hit a Rainbow Bullet to the ladder! The ladder falls, but Luke is hanging on for dear life twenty feet above the ring! While Luke is dangling, Nero gets the ladder back up, but folds the spreaders in. He uses that ladder to ram it in Luke and make him fall HARD face-first on the canvas! Not being done with him, Nero brings him back on his feet via wrist-clutch, hooks inside his near leg and drops Luke with a devastating Devil Buster (Small Package Driver) on the ladder!
"DEVIL BUSTAAAAAA!" Ted screams. "AND A CRUEL ONE AT THAT RIGHT ON THE PRONE LADDER!"
"THIS AIN'T RIGHT! NO, THIS AIN'T WHAT HISTORY HAD IN MIND FOR LUKE!" Barney panics.
Now that Luke is out of it, Nero sets the ladder back at the center…with Luke trapped underneath it as an insult to injury. All Luke can do is watch and struggle under the ladder pressed on him while Nero climbs up without any further trouble. Nero reaches for the gold one last time…and successfully pulls down the Intercontinental Title to an enormous pop!
"THAT'S IT! NERO'S DONE IT! WE HAVE A NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION! OUR FIRST ONE IN YEARS!" Ted proclaims.
"NOOOOOOO!" Barney cries.
[All of these thoughts runnin' through my he-ad!
Arm on fire, veins burnin' re-ed!
Frus-tra-tiooon is getting bigger~!
BANG, BANG, BANG!
Pull my Devil Trigger~!]
"Here is your winner, and the NEEEW Apex Caliber Wrestling Intercontinental Champion…'The Lone Devil Hunter' NEEEEEROOOOOO!" Mike declares.
As "Devil Trigger" plays through the arena for Nero's victory, an ecstatic Nero roars at the top of his lungs and holds the belt high with a standing ovation behind him. He looks at the Intercontinental Title in disbelief, panting to finally catch his breath and planting a kiss on the main plate. From entering at number one in the Intercontinental Rumble and winning it all to this moment, Nero couldn't be more elated to become APEX's revitalized Intercontinental Champion.
"History has been made! Our first-ever Intercontinental Champion since the belt's retirement!" Ted asserts. "Nero endured the prolonged, arduous battle in the Intercontinental Rumble at Homecoming, and now, here he stands with the prize he holds in his hands on top of the ladder! But all the same, you cannot deny the lengths Luke went to come close to achieve what could've been his."
"You mean, what should have been his, Teddy!" Barney proclaims. "Luke Smith was outright cheated from becoming the History Maker he is! And you know who's the blame?! That fourth-rated handsome bastard, Dante! If it wasn't for him, Luke would be our true IC Champ!"
"Firstly, the Wolves got themselves involved for Dante to even show up afterwards. And second…the fact, you have Dante in the top five is genuinely surprising," Ted blinks. "I'm also morbidly curious to know who's on that list."
"Even I can't deny the man's good looks," Barney nods. "That aside, I guess we gotta deal with this tragedy."
While Nero went to continue celebrating around the ring, Luke had the ladder removed by the other officials and rolled out of the ring to leave with his nursed head held down. All he can do is watch on with a disappointed expression and eventually leave through the backstage area. The last shot of this fallout features Nero standing on the apron to boast to the hard camera with his Intercontinental Title held high in one hand and nodding to his victory before the scene fades to black for a commercial break.
Bright white neon lights rapidly move through the screen, constructing itself as pavement for a neon fast-driving vehicle with an exposed engine to drive on.
"Ignite your engines…"
Then, a purple faceless pro-wrestler bashes through a brick wall and starts running towards the car.
"Rampage through the night…"
The car speeds up in retaliation as the faceless wrestler continues head-on.
"And prepare for the homecoming…"
The camera rapidly switches back and forth between the subjects, zooming on closer on the car's engine and the wrestler's charging right fist. The car's engine shoots out fumes at the same time as the wrestler reels his fist back for a punch, and the two meet at the center in an explosive collision! Out of that explosions, past clips of Ignition and RAMPAGE opening fireworks are featured alongside excited fans.
"HELLO, EVERYBODY!" Markiplier's voice echoes.
"We come to you LIVE…!" Ted Mosby's voice is heard next.
"On FRIDAY NIGHT IGNITION!"
"SATURDAY! NIGHT! RAMPAAAGE!"
APEX Ignition & RAMPAGE
Returning this Friday and Saturday on YouTube, Twitch, Fite TV, and the FWM Network
"Tune in next weekend for the return of Apex Caliber Wrestling, now available LIVE on all streaming services!"
Back from the brief ad, Barnes Courtney's "Champion" hits the chorus as still images of San Antonio famous landmarks from the San Antonio River Walk, the Missions National Historical Park, the Tower of the Americas, and the Alamo display onscreen for the hailing audience.
"Once again, we come to you live from Apex Caliber Wrestling's hometown in San Antonio, Texas with over 15,000 attendees at the AT&T Center witnessing our return to the Multiverse," Markiplier states. "Just a day removed from Homecoming, and what a short, yet enormous journey it has been thus far for us here at APEX and the many loyal fans."
The cameras return to the announcer's desk, Markiplier continuing on. "And truly, what a night it has been for us all. Though many titles haven't changed hands, we have new champions going into the returning Ignition and RAMPAGE by next weekend!"
"Gods of Darkness as World Tag Team Champions could be a nightmare to deal with for the division itself, but with Nero as our newly established Intercontinental Champion? Hey, I'll take this and anything else to end on a happy note!" Zack proclaims.
"Oh, tonight has been quite the rollercoaster, brother," Kenji chuckles. "There's plenty to look forward to soon—Ignition and RAMPAGE coming back, the APEX Grand Prix, and especially All Out Life as our next pay-per-view. I can't lie, I've not felt this excited for a long time."
"I can't lie, Benny, even I have to agree to that! […] I sense a bad omen among us now that I've said that," Barney says.
"I'm sure it'll be worth it," Zack shrugs. "But now, we got a main event to focus on~"
The Night of Champions logo swipes in for the final match card graphic of the night. A statue of Isaac Clarke rises up before it collapses for the Dead Space Devil to emerge as his visor folds itself back and reveal his vile glare. Another statue, this time Beowulf, appears and it shatters with the Beast of Geats coming alive and roaring at the top of his lungs. Our main eventers come together in still images with two pillars right next to them, "ISAAC CLARKE V. BEOWULF – APEX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP" read below in a glowing gold color with a bold Times New Roman font and the very belts displayed in the golden background.
"The Apex Caliber Wrestling World Championship is on the line tonight, ladies and gents, and the competitors involved are driven to hold our world championship," Zack hypes up. "The question is, between the champ and challenger, who wants it more?"
"Isaac Clarke has barreled his way through the tournament, taking Naruto Uzumaki out of commission and recently defeating Scorpion at the start of Night of Champions, and he's had all night to recover for this contest," Kenji states. "Meanwhile, the world champion has plenty of stamina to spare once he enters the ring and unleashes Hell."
"Will the Dead Space Devil get his due, or shall the Beast of Geats conquer yet another victim and build his status as the APEX World Champion?" Markiplier queries.
The graphics depart from the screen as cameras pan around the awaiting audience…until the lights go out. This startles a few folk in the crowd right up until they hear a disembodied static female voice…
…
…
["Make us whole again…"]
("The Beginning is the End is the Beginning" by The Smashing Pumpkins plays)
Hearing that echoing line, the crowd start escalating in boos. It stays dark for up to sixteen seconds in and a bright, flickering blue light emits from the center of the stage. The light soon starts becoming a ray that hits straight towards the ring. By then, the spotlight manages to shine onto the Dead Space Devil, Isaac Clarke. Underneath his helmet, it was hard to tell any emotion that would be emitted from Isaac with how bright his blue visors are while staring towards the ring. Once the lyrics arrive, Isaac proceeds his slow amble to the ring.
[Send a heartbeat to…
The void that cries through you…
Relive the pictures that have come to pass…
For now, we stand alone…
The world is lost and blown~…
And we are flesh and blood disintegrate…
With no more to hate…]
Feeling the déjà vu himself, Isaac turns to the same fan sign from earlier in the beginning of the night near the ramp. The very sign that read, "Why, Isaac? Why?" The Dead Space Devil's eyes are locked on that for a good while, then focus his attention back on his arrival to the ring by way of stairs. He takes his time to walk across the apron and go through the ropes to enter the ring.
[Is it bright where you are…
Now the people changed~?
Does it make you happy, you're so strange?
…
And in your darkest hour…
I hold secret's flame…
We can watch the world devoured in its pain…]
Clarke comes to a gradual stop at the center and lifts his head up, his eyes inspecting the surroundings in front of him through his visor. He moves over to the corner and stands on the middle rope with one more glare towards the jeering audience in front of him. His mask finally folds itself from within to reveal his face…and this time, it shows he has a certain disdain for the people that once praised and supported him. As if he was disgusted to even share in the same room as any of these fans. Once Isaac steps down, he turns around and sits on the top turnbuckle, now simply staring emotionlessly towards the stage. The music fades out, the lights come back on, and the fans have not stopped hissing at Clarke since the entrance.
"Yet again, Isaac is in hostile territory…but focused, he remains," Kenji comments. "Beyond doubt, there isn't anything more terrifying…than a man of focus, commitment, and sheer will."
"Firstly, John Wick, he is not, Ken," Zack chimes in. "Secondly, a 'man'—after Homecoming and earlier tonight—he most definitely is not. This dude has slayed Necromorphs for a living, and he treated Naruto and Scorps no differently."
"And you can bet he will treat our world champion the way he did those two—with pure, absolute lack of mercy," Barney states. "Naruto underestimated the Dead Space Devil because of their so-called 'friendship' getting in the way. Scorpion was ready to match Clarke for his callousness, and he still lost in the end. You think Beowulf has a chance? Then, that's a losing bet right there, bro."
("Who's Next?" by Jim Johnston plays)
"Perhaps we shall see what the APEX World Champion has to say!" Markiplier says.
A sudden shift from the audience ensues with deafening cheers filling up the gold-lit arena as the entrance them booms from the loudspeakers. Right at the entranceway, golden pyrotechnic sprays from both sides and underneath the TitleTron, fully covering up the red curtains. A half minute passes since the song began…and the shower disperses to reveal "The King" Beowulf with his head held low and the APEX World Championship wrapped around his waist, soon glaring up at the ring with great intensity. Beowulf inhales deeply and snorts thick smoke from his nose as a dragon would, followed by the rest from his mouth…and then he exclaims with heart, "BEEEOOOOOOWUUUUUULF!" to an enormous pop. Arms raised à la Goldberg, the King of Geats punches up the air and throws out a Savate Kick in sync with the explosive fireworks going off behind him. All that said and done, the crowd chanting his name, Beowulf begins walking down to the ring.
"…God, so freaking cool, man," Zack fanboys. "Beooo~! Beooo~!"
"The Living Legend. The Mighty Beowulf. The Beast of the Geats. […] The Apex Caliber Wrestling Champion of the World," Markiplier lists off. "The King is alive, well and here in the AT&T Center…and removed from twenty-four hours ago in his epic Triple Threat bout against Edback and Godzilla, despite giving a grand performance, Beowulf is still starving. He is still yearning to prove himself as the absolute best—both as an APEX Athlete and as a world champion. With APEX in sudden hiatus and nearly shutting down, Beowulf himself said there was no one to challenge him, being felt in the dark and disgruntled."
"Now, he's been given a second chance to make his reign and streak shine brighter than ever, like how it should have before post Summer Wars all that time ago," Kenji states. "Beowulf said that he is not the same man we knew before. Beowulf tonight is a warrior—a RAVENOUS BEAST that is starved for long-awaited competition, outright refusing to be disappointed by any lack of effort from his challenger."
"Guy really setting up a lot of goals here. I definitely respect that," Barney nods. "Sadly, he might end up getting more than what he bargained for with who his opponent is tonight. Remember when Beo also said that he demanded those in the tournament to bring all they got and give their all? Well…Isaac Clarke took that to heart."
Beowulf arrives inside, sauntering to the ropes front and center to hang off and bellow at the top of his lungs. After the fans cheered in response, he backs away, removes the belt, and raises it proudly to another pop. The King of the Danes deliberately turns his head to scowl at Isaac still sitting on top of the turnbuckle and remain his expressionless face. However, Isaac has been subtly glancing at the golden world title in Beowulf's hands, a clear indication of how much he desires the belt itself. The instrumental theme song fades out, Isaac steps down to sit on the bottom turnbuckle, Beowulf stands in his corner, the lights dim with bright spotlights shining on the certain individuals, and Noah McQueen rings the bell for Maria Lopez to make the announcement.
"Damas y caballeros—ladies and gents, the following contest…is your Night of Champions main event of the evening scheduled for one fall! And it is for the Apex Caliber Wrestling Championship of the World~!" Maria declares with pride. "Introducing el retador first…from the American Republic of Earth, weighing in tonight at 229 pounds…he is 'The Dead Space Devil' ISAAC CLAAARKE!"
Speaking of whom, Clarke remains seated in his corner as boos rain down on him, not even bothered to budge from his spot with his eyes steadied on the prize Beowulf holds.
"Y su oponente—his opponent," the crowd alter to cheers now, "from the Land of Geats, weighing in tonight at 278 pounds, he is…'The Beast of Geats'…'The Almighty'…'The King'…the current, reigning, and defending APEX Woooooorld Champioooooon…BEEEOOOOOOWUUUUUULF!"
Beowulf beats his chest and raises his belt up high with one arm, basking in the favorable praises and name chants from the San Antonio natives. The official of this main event is, of course, Marshall Eriksen is given the belt and holds it for display to each side of the arena, signifying to the spectators what is on the line tonight. Marshall hands the belt to Maria for safekeeping at the bell keeper's area with Noah.
"For the first time in what feels like a long time…the Apex Caliber Wrestling World Championship is up for grabs for both Beowulf and Isaac Clarke," Mark utters. "It is time to see which one of these two will walk away with the holy grail of our organization that promised itself to rise from the ashes."
"Clarke's got a mountain to climb that is Beowulf, Fischbach," Barney adds. "They're both in the best shapes of their lives since our return to the public, so it'll be exciting to find out how they'll clash."
Marshall asks one at a time if Beowulf and Isaac are ready to start the match; Beowulf nods…and so does Isaac, who hasn't taken his eye off the champion…and with that confirmation, the senior referee requests Noah McQueen for the bell and he sounds it off!
"And now we are UNDERWAY!" Kenji states.
"For the first time ever, we witness Beowulf versus Isaac Clarke! The King versus the Devil! Let's get it on, everybody~!" Zack proclaims.
Isaac pulls himself up by the ropes to a vertical base, removes his vest and circles the ring with Beowulf. Soon as they meet at the center, they lock up in a collar-and-elbow hold. Though Isaac appears to have match his opponent's vigor, Beowulf suddenly propels him with exceeding strength! Isaac rolls in the corner in startlement from that push, finding his power far more than what he expected. All Beowulf does in response is smirk and gestures him to try again. Isaac grimaces and stands up to close the gap between him and the champion. Isaac is careful to not engage…until he nails a straight kick in the gut and snatches Beowulf in the Side Headlock. Despite this, Beowulf thrusts Isaac away to the ropes with one arm and puts him down on his back with a Shoulder Black off the rebound! Beowulf misses a stomp as Isaac rolls away to the ropes for safety.
"Oh! Damn! The champion already has Clarke on the ropes! Literally, heh!" Zack proclaims.
"Now, now, don't get too excited yet, kid," Barney assures. "Notice each start of his matches so far—he caught Naruto off guard like a speeding demon; he tried the same on Scorpion, but that didn't work; and now, he is being precautious against Beowulf knowing his strength and even agility. The Dead Space Devil has been learning as he wrestles with the knowledge of what prize he's fighting for."
"If that is the case, then Beowulf might need to keep on guard before Isaac finds a way to put himself in the driver's seat…" Kenji comments.
Beowulf stays at the center crouched Goldberg style with a confident grin, letting Isaac recuperate for the moment. Isaac regains his composure and circles the canvas once more with the champion. Beowulf openly mocks Isaac in offering a hand for a Greco-Roman knuckle lock. Even though he scoffs, Isaac raises his hand towards Beowulf's…and slips by him this time in a Rear Waistlock, followed back into the Side Headlock and concludes in the Front Facelock. Clarke is already trying to strangle his opponent out in a Guillotine Choke, but Beowulf lifts and rams Isaac into the southwest corner, getting him to remove the hold. The Beast of Geats starts hitting Turnbuckle Thrust after—Isaac stops with a knee lift to the face! Clarke switches places with him in the corner and strikes his chest with a Knife Edge Chop. Progressing with the attack, Isaac begins repeatedly stomping at Beowulf's gut before bringing him down to stomp on his chest until Eriksen threatens the five-count. By four, Isaac backs away…and comes back almost instantly to run his boot through Beowulf's face!
"Yeow! Big Boot—a Running Facewash across the World Champion's face!" Zack calls.
"This is what you've been bringing up, Barney. Learning as he fights and making Beowulf pay with his arrogance by putting him what Naruto and Scorpion have been through," Markiplier says.
"And I love it when I'm right," Barney grins.
Isaac drags Beowulf by the head and brings him to the center for a Snapmare. He rushes the ropes and goes for another Big Boot…but Beowulf catches the leg! The King is no longer amused as he stands up with Isaac's leg in hand. Isaac tries escaping his grip by jumping and booting his face, but Beowulf deflects and catches that as well. Seeing the dilemma Isaac has put himself in, Beowulf punishes him with a Giant Swing to a massive pop! Around and around and around Beowulf spins at the center of the ring with Isaac helpless and left to suffer for his consequences with every degree he's being spun in as the crowd counts along! After a total of twenty swings, Beowulf reaches his stop and immediately applies the Kneebar on Isaac's first leg he grabbed. Isaac frantically moves around with Beowulf weighing him down and just barely pulls himself to the ropes for a break. However, as Beowulf lets go of the Kneebar, he wants to bring Isaac back at the center and Isaac turns around to frequently kick him in the face to release himself. Clarke is forced to reclaim his equanimity and gain his distance, but Beowulf refuses to slow down as he hurtles after him…and Isaac throws him through the ropes to counter him! Beowulf lands fine on his feet outside and quickly climbs back on the apron…but then, Isaac prevents him from coming in with a Springboard Triangle Dropkick!
"Dropkick to the outside and down goes the King!" Markiplier states. "Beowulf had a good comeback going for him with the Giant Swing leading into the Kneebar, but Isaac was absolutely quicker to get back on top."
"And now, he needs to keep that momentum going. He needs to prevent Beowulf from getting a singular breath back in order to claim the world title as quickly as possible," Barney notes as Isaac stalks Beowulf to his feet and hits the ropes. "Like right now! Suicide Dive incoming!" Isaac flies through the ropes…and Beowulf catches him midair! "Ohhh, nooo…!"
"Oh! The champ stops Isaac and has him in his clutches!" Zack shouts.
Beowulf holds tightly on to his throat, briefly choking Isaac before hoisting him up in a Gorilla Press and dropping him chest-first onto the barricade! Isaac holds his sternum in pain as Beowulf continues on the attack, landing body blows with his punches to the kidney areas, then a clubs his spine. He puts him in an Inverted Facelock, lifts him back on the barricade, leaves him hanging…and practically caves his chest in with a sounding sharp chop that echoes throughout the arena! Clarke slides down on the barricade with stinging pain in his chest and Beowulf grabs him to drape him face-up across the apron. Referee Eriksen is at the count of five, but Beowulf is ignoring the ring count as he nails Isaac's side of his head with a Big Boot. Beowulf gets inside the ring at six and makes the first pinfall: 1, 2…kick out right after two! Beowulf sits Isaac up and applies him in a Rear Chinlock, which Isaac doesn't stay long in when he shoots up to his feet with the champion behind him trying to keep the move held in. Clarke leans forward…and dashes backwards into the nearest corner, slamming Beowulf against the turnbuckles. Beowulf still has grip around his neck and Isaac starts smashing his elbow deep against his ribs, doing enough to make Beowulf loosen the Chinlock. Isaac turns with a Back Elbow to the face of Beowulf followed by a Knife Edge Chop across the chest. He hits a second chop. Then, a third chop. And another. And another, and another, another, another—there's no stopping the Dead Space Devil with his Pulse Rifle Rapid-Fire (Rapid Knife Edge Chops to a cornered opponent)! After the final chop…Isaac slaps Beowulf in the face. The King is unamused with the explicit disrespect…and faces Isaac to smack his chest with his own WALTER-esque chop, echoing across the arena!
"OH, JESUS H. CHRISTMAS!" Zack winces. "Y'all heard that?!"
"We have, Zack, and we can tell this chop was even more vicious than the first one, bringing Clarke down on his back," Mark grimaces. "Isaac might be the Devil, but Beowulf is no stranger to facing those kinds in his heyday."
"And he is truly humbling Clarke tonight with his sheer durability shown to us right now. Beowulf is on a mission to protect not just his streak, but his championship reign," Kenji states.
Isaac is recoiling to the opposite corner, nursing the burning welts on his torso region as Beowulf stalks towards him. Though Isaac strikes a kick to the abdomen, Beowulf stiffs his opponent with a forearm. "I told you not to disappoint me, boy!" screams Beowulf in Isaac's face and body shots him before taking him to the ropes. He makes an Irish Whip across the ring, Isaac bounces off and eats a Kitchen Sink—or so would it appear, with Isaac rolling through and performing a Dragon Screw to the APEX World Champion! Beowulf is holding his right knee as he stands up by the ropes and back elbows Isaac to give himself distance. He hits the ropes to wind up the Clothesline, but Isaac ducks under and rebounds from the ropes to hit a Chop Block right into the knee Beowulf was holding previously! Beowulf front flips over on the mat and is holding his leg in agony. Isaac now smells the blood and capitalizes on that right leg with repetitive, crushing Elbow Drops to the targeted knee, Beowulf flailing around in excruciating response.
"Like a shark, there is blood to smell in the water, and Isaac is not wasting time to punish Beowulf what he put him through!" Barney calls. "The Dead Space Devil is beating the absolute hell out of that leg!"
"Which, unfortunately for Beowulf, means that if there's no chance for him to prep the Spear, let alone possibly stand with Clarke's sights on the target," Kenji adds.
Isaac has been taking every page from the book of demolishing an opponent's leg: snapping leg pulls that stretch out the knee, stomping behind the knee, and performing a Stump Puller. Beowulf finds himself in seething agony tending to his leg as Isaac pushes him down for a pin cover, but Beowulf kicks out almost immediately. The Dead Space Devil mounts the King of the Danes and rams his fists into his skull over and over at a methodical pace until Beowulf opposes with a right hand of his own. Beowulf turns the tables, climbing back on top to deliver a few strikes of his own before forcing him up with both hands holding his head. Just as Beowulf was about to perform a Biel Toss, Isaac slips out of it and chop blocks his wounded leg from behind! Beowulf goes down on all fours and Isaac drags him to the nearest ring post, where he slams the leg against the post with sickening authority! Beowulf's screams echo in the AT&T Center to go with the biased jeers from the spectators. Not done performing his punishments, Clarke holds the champion's legs and ties them up with his to form a Figure-four Leglock in the ring post! If this were a no disqualification match, Isaac would ensure Beowulf's demise without a cost, but since Senior Referee Marshall Eriksen is there to enforce the rules of a regular bout, he is shouting at Isaac to break the hold…and just before the five-count, Isaac lets go. Of course, the damage has been done as the Beast of Geats is coerced to scramble away nursing his bad knee and the Devil himself watches with killing intent in his eyes from the apron.
"It's unbelievable—I've never seen Beowulf like this before," Markiplier expresses in disbelief. "To recoil in this state from Isaac Clarke's sheer inhumanity."
"You know the difference between Isaac and the monsters Beowulf fought back in his day? The beasts he faced were mindless, destructive that can be predictable and defeated at the end of the day. Isaac Clarke is a calculating, resourceful man that survived true horror in the depths of space," Barney states. "Beowulf should now start to see what he was really getting into."
Clarke slithers back in the ring to stalk Beowulf on the mat, the latter trying to kick him away with his good leg, but even Isaac takes it strike his knee right up against the hamstring. The challenger brings Beowulf to the center, refocusing on the bad leg with a falling double knee drop on top of it. Following up almost right after that, Isaac applies Beowulf in a Figure-four Leglock—Beowulf reverses it into a Small Package! The official counts: 1, 2…2.45 Clarke kicks out! Both men back on their feet and Beowulf charges forward—Isaac strikes a Low-angle Dropkick to the bad leg, bringing his opponent down. This time, without interference, Clarke has the Figure-four made and locked tight, straining heavily on Beowulf's legs as the titleholder is thrashing on the canvas. Opposite of the King suffering, Clarke is seemingly content to not only hold the iconic submission, but at hearing the anguish of Beowulf's cries for freedom. Pass out or tap out—that's the endgame for the Dead Space Devil to offer Beowulf, who had his shoulders down for only a two count. Two minutes pass by and the enduring Beowulf remains in the fight, eventually using the strength he has to turn himself over in conjunction with Isaac. The Beast of Geats is but moments away from reaching his goal…and despite how strong Isaac held the Figure-four, Beowulf succeeds on the reversal and applies his own submission against Clarke! Unfortunately, he didn't apply it as long as Isaac did when the latter grabbed the ropes for a break.
"Whew, that was too close of a call…!" Zack sighs in relief. "Clarke had me going for a second. We would be moments away from having a new APEX World Champion if it weren't for Beowulf's phenomenal resilience."
"That's an interesting way of saying foolhardiness, Carver," Barney scoffs. "Yeah, Beowulf caught himself a lucky break. But the inevitable is dawning closer than you think once Isaac sinches that bad leg again."
"We'll see," utters Kenji.
Beowulf is forced to roll away in a sluggish manner, resting near the apron, while Isaac shakes his leg off, having undergone some damage himself. Isaac notices Beowulf and follows with an exit through the ropes. He grabs the leg he has been occurring mutilation throughout the match so far and drags Beowulf out with his legs hanging. He lifts the injured leg for an attempted slam on the apron edge…but Beowulf suddenly shoves him away with both legs, sending Isaac crashing over the Ignition commentator's desk!
"OH, SHIT!" Zack shouts as he pulled Kenji out of the way with Clarke tumbling underneath. "You good, Ken?!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine…!" Kenji assures.
"Oh, hey, Zackery, I'm okay, too—thanks for asking," Barney remarks sarcastically after barely avoiding the crash and burn.
"Ho, man, what a sight to behold!" Mark exclaims. "Even though Clarke had endlessly attacked the leg, Beowulf counteracts and gives him far more distance than he anticipated with Isaac toppled under our table! This could be the difference maker that the APEX World Champion needs desperately to get back on top!"
Bringing himself back to a vertical base from under the table, Isaac ambles around and towards Beowulf sitting on the apron. Beowulf counters Isaac grabbing his ankles with a series of hard rights, pushing him against the table yet again. In spite of the pain to his leg, Beowulf is standing on his feet to nail multiple left and right jabs to the face, punches hitting upstairs and downstairs. Then Beowulf grabs hold of Isaac's shoulder and empathically bashes him with a Clothesline to lay him out on the table. As Clarke remains on his back, Beowulf wastes no time to remove the entire table top and sweeps the tablets off. Hearing the referee is at the count of five, Beowulf rolls in the ring and rolls back out to restart the count, much to Marshall's chagrin. Smacking some feeling back in his bad leg, Beowulf climbs on top and brings Isaac to a vertical posture—Isaac pounces Beowulf with a Plasma Cutter on top of the table!
"OH, GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY!" Mark screams. "The sickening thud on this table from that Plasma Cutter! It's a miracle the damn thing didn't break!"
"Yeah, but now Isaac needs get Beowulf back inside that ring if he wishes to win the world title," Zack implies. "Can't do that with a count-out, no sir!"
"Clarke may have a difficult time doing that considering the amount of dead weight he'll have to drag, let alone lift, towards the squared circle with the referee still counting his way to ten!" notes Kenji.
At the count of eight, the Dead Space Devil rolls off the table, circling his right arm with a slight wince. Like Beowulf before, Isaac quickly slides in the ring and back out to restart the count. He then grabs Beowulf and heaves him all the way to the ring apron, shoving him back inside. It took quite a bit of strength to even return Beowulf's whole lifeless body in the ring, but it shall be worth it for when he hooks the leg: 1…
2…
…
…
…2.788 Beowulf kicks out!
"AYO, WHAT THE FU—?!"
"Beowulf survives!" Zack intrudes Barney. "By a near three-count, Beowulf stays alive along with his streak and his championship reign!"
"He'll have to thank Odin later for the fact Isaac had to break the ref's count for a moment and was having difficulty carrying the champion to the ring, giving him a chance to recover," Kenji says.
Frustration was slowly seeping through Isaac's expression, running a hand over his face. The fuming Isaac Clarke watches Beowulf rise to his feet with the ropes' aid in scowling fashion. The Dead Space protagonist stalks the champion from behind and strikes an Eviscerator to the chest of Beowulf that sends him to the ropes. Isaac runs for the ropes behind and hits another thunderous Lariat, yet Beowulf stays on his feet. Third time's the charm, as they say, but even that third impact hasn't brought Beowulf off his standing posture. Fourth Lariat in a row…and Beowulf remains alive, staggering against the ropes! In sheer exasperation to Beowulf's resilience to refrain from falling over on his back, he grabs his head to roar at his face and makes for his fifth Eviscerator—SPEAR! A SPEAR BY THE POUNCING BEOWULF!
"HOLY MOTHER OF—KING BEOWULF WITH A COMEBACK! THE MASSIVE SPEAR HAS DECIMATED WHAT CHANCES CLARKE MAY HAVE HAD AT THE TITLE! MY GOD, WHAT AN IMPACT!" Markiplier shouts.
"ANOTHER DIFFERENCE MAKER HERE TONIGHT AT NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS! BEOWULF NEEDS TO CAPITALIZE ON IT RIGHT NOW TO RETAIN HIS REIGN!" Zack states.
"BUT CAN HE DO IT WITH A BAD LEG?!" Barney adds with his question.
Beowulf instantaneously jumps to his feet (albeit staggering, considering the injured leg) with a bellowing roar followed by a thunderous pop from the crowd. With a cutthroat gesture as a sign of ending this match, Beowulf grabs Isaac by the head for a Front Facelock. He gets his arm over the shoulder, hand gripping firmly on to his tights, and hoists him up…
…
…
…but Isaac slides down for a Plasma Cutter attempt—BEOWULF BRINGS DOWN ISAAC ALONGSIDE HIMSELF IN A TIGHTLY CINCHED CROSS ARMBREAKER!
"OH, MY GOD! WHAT AGILITY! THE COUNTER INTO THE ARMBAR! THE KING PUT ON THE BREAKS AND HAS ISAAC RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS HIM!" Markiplier yells.
"NAKAMURA WOULD BE PROUD OF BEOWULF PULLING THAT OFF!" Zack laughs, excited.
"Remember when Isaac was nursing that arm earlier when he hit the Plasma Cutter on our table? Beowulf has a firm grip on that same limb and is making his challenger thrash around the ring in agony!" Kenji denotes.
"If Beowulf had no clue about Isaac's own predicament, he certainly does now! And that's bad news for the Dead Space Devil!" Barney states.
And there's quite a lot of thrashing from Isaac Clarke in the middle of the ring as Beowulf is trying to extend the arm out with Isaac's hands locked by his fingers. Beowulf is enforcing all his might to break Isaac's grip and fully apply the Armbar with his fists to his opponent's hands and face. Both APEX Athletes are ruthlessly stubborn to make each other's own goals and there's no sign of momentum changing just yet. That is until Isaac, with his fingers still barely locked, is somehow able to stand while rolling Beowulf on both shoulders. The King makes sure he only has one shoulder down while still putting Clarke through a sheer amount of pain in the armbar. Virtually out of options, Clarke struggles his stance and drives down a stiff elbow in Beowulf's face from his free arm. But Beowulf is still robust, unbreaking of the Cross Armbar despite the ostensibly incessant elbow strikes he's eating from Clarke.
"Goddamn, are these guys ever gonna give in?!" Zack exclaims. "Beowulf is not ceasing his grasp on the armbar, and Clarke is relentless with those elbows!"
"They know what's on the line, brother!" Kenji utters. "The APEX World Title urges these men to go far beyond their limits and push through the pain they're putting their bodies in! Until that adrenaline rush goes away by the time that closing bell rings, they will fight for APEX's most prestigious title no matter the cost!"
At this point, Beowulf has held the Armbreaker for more than two minutes and Isaac has been unbelievably resilient to submitting, planting his boots firmly on the canvas. Considering the fact Beowulf is maintaining his shoulder above from being pinned, Isaac needs another gameplan right now if he wants to prevent a fate much similar to Grendel. So, Isaac musters up the strength to carry Beowulf off the mat with all his might to the shock and awe of the crowd, enduring the anguish of his virtually overextended arm combined with Beowulf's heavy body. The Dead Space Devil rushes to the nearest corner and drops Beowulf with a Buckle Bomb, knocking his head on all three turnbuckles! Beowulf's Armbar was released, and Isaac couldn't be more relieved to keep his arm, albeit experiencing such throbbing pain. Isaac is shaking and beating his arm to rid of the numbness he had to endure while Beowulf holds his head and Eriksen is checking on him for a potential concussion. Once that was done, Clarke has the senior referee pushed away and stomps on Beowulf's chest out of vexation. Isaac lets Beowulf bring himself a seated position and dashes to the ropes for an incoming Facewash…
…but Beowulf rolls away in the nick of time with Isaac hitting nothing but the air and ropes! Beowulf, back on his feet, has Clarke in his clutches from behind and plants him with a high-impact Dangan Bomb! He has Isaac rolled up for the pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…
…2.592 Isaac Clarke pops his shoulders off the mat!
"A close fall, is all that the King gets!" Barney calls.
"Despite how much power that the APEX World Champion has put into that unique Powerbomb, Isaac remains the opposing force against Beowulf's reign!" Mark Fischbach states.
"I'm amazed that the big guy's still standing after taking a nasty Buckle Bomb in the corner just a few moments ago!" Zack brings up.
"This is awesome! (Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!)" chants the applauding audience members, witnessing quite the main event they've spent their earned tickets on, as Beowulf and Isaac are assembling what's left inside them to even move around, let alone stand up. The Devil and the King lock eyes in the middle of the ring, pressing into each other's foreheads with fuming glares and intensity while using each other to rise on their vertical statures. Beowulf roughly shoves his head into Isaac and viciously caves his chest in with a Knife Edge Chop! Clarke cried out in agony as the welts on his chest are reforming from that attack, but he stays on his feet. "COME ON, BOY! I'M JUST GETTING STARTED!" Beowulf urges his challenger to return his best shot…and Isaac does just that with a Backhand Chop of his own from his favorable arm! Beowulf felt that…but he believes it's not as strong as his own, returning the chop that stings worse than before! The two are trading chop after chop before Isaac switches it up with a southpaw elbow and Beowulf adapts to it. It has become a moment of Japanese shoot style wrestling until Beowulf unexpectedly headbutts Isaac to a sickening echo! Beowulf drops on top of him for the pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…2.777 Isaac is somehow able to kick out! However, Isaac's eyes are glazed over with no clue of where he might be right now. On the other hand, Beowulf himself is shaking off ringing noise in his head after nailing the surprise headbutt. As Beowulf starts forcing himself up, he drags Isaac with him by the very arm he was inputting damage early on. He rams his shoulder into the bad arm a few times, and then puts him in a Hammerlock to only drop him with a combined Back Suplex! But he doesn't make the pin yet. He allows Isaac to suffer while retreating in a corner behind his opponent. This time for sure. This time, Beowulf has a chance to hit the Spear-Jackhammer combo to retain his belt.
"The look in his eyes—King Beowulf finally looking to end the match here and now while he has the chance," Kenji says.
"With a bad leg, though? Remember that Isaac has input so much damage to Beowulf that made it nearly impossible for him to stand!" Barney reminds. "I don't see how he's going to pull it off!"
"Isaac hasn't been able to target that leg for a good while, so who knows how much the leg recovered since!" Zack emits.
The Beast of Geats is acting quite patient for Isaac to recover from both the arm pain and headache handed to him by the former. The fans anticipate what's to come with rising shouts, Isaac is staggering on his feet and turns around, Beowulf rushing from the corner…
…
…
…and Isaac blasts Beowulf's wounded leg with a Dropkick to cut him off mid-Spear!
"OH, HE DIDN'T FORGET! HE DIDN'T FORGET!" Zack yells in panic. "AGH, ME AND MY BIG MOUTH!"
"HE AIN'T DONE YET!" Mark states, as Beowulf careens in bitter pain to his knee and eats a Dead Space (Codebreaker) from Clarke! "CODEBREAKER! THE DEAD SPACE CONNECTS!"
"BUT CLARKE IS UNABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION! BEOWULF IS ABSOLUTELY OUT OF IT AND CLARKE APPEARS TO BE THE SAME WAY!" Kenji proclaims.
The crowd is coming unglued from their seats, unknowing which of them will move first. Isaac's head pops up, as if he was waking with awareness for the first time since the headbutt. He sees a prone Beowulf is barely moving from the Dead Space and crawls to turn him over for the pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…
…2.889 BEOWULF KICKS OUT AT A SHOCKING NEAR-FALL! Isaac stays on top of Beowulf with saucer-sized eyes and a silently fuming expression!
"YOU'RE KIDDING! YOU'RE KIDDING! AFTER ALL THAT?! GOD, WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE TO END THIS!?" Barney shouts.
"THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT ISAAC HAS TO BE THINKING RIGHT NOW, BARNEY!" Mark adds. "DESPITE THE DEVASTATING DEAD SPACE CODEBREAKER HE DELIVERED, HE COULDN'T CAPITALIZE ON THE VICTORY FAST ENOUGH, GIVING THE CHAMPION ENOUGH TO MUSTER THE STRENGTH TO KICK OUT!"
"You have to imagine how unhinged Isaac Clarke is becoming the longer this match goes on!" Zack says. "He needs a way to end this now before it gets worse for him and Beowulf!"
At this point, Clarke looks like he is willing to do anything to win this match, desperate to snatch golden victory from the jaws of defeat. With Beowulf bringing himself on all fours, Isaac stomps the back of his head and holds him in a Front Facelock as he forces him up the corner, albeit struggling in doing so with one good arm. To ensure Beowulf is in his control, Isaac nails shot after shot to the face with his Back Elbow from his good arm. After four Back Elbows, Isaac makes a run for the ropes and hits a Running Back Elbow for emphatic assurance to prevent Beowulf's chance of recovery. Fighting the pain in his arm, Isaac lifts Beowulf to a seated position on the top turnbuckle and climbs up to join him. He gets a few shots in with his fists to the temple, stands on the top rope…
…leaps on his shoulders to perform a Super Hurricanrana…
…
…
…and Beowulf holds him midway and pulls him back up! Isaac is desperately hammering his fists on his head, but Beowulf falls forward all the way from the middle rope and plants Isaac with an Elevated Super Powerbomb!
"POWERBOOOOOOMB!" Kenji cries.
"FROM ALL SKY HIGH TO THE UNFORGIVING CANVAS! WHAT A SLAM DUNK!" Zack shouts.
"BUT THE KING IS FAR FROM FINISHED HERE!" Markiplier comments as Beowulf rolls Isaac to his feet, hoists him up in a Military Press—bad leg be damned…and pops him up into a Spear! "SPEAR! SPEAR BY BEOWULF! HE FINALLY HITS IT!"
Rising to a knee, Beowulf howls at the top of his lungs with a hailing crowd behind him. He gets Isaac back up, puts him in the Suplex hold…
…
…
…and he hits the Jackhammer!
"WULFHAMMER~!" Zack calls.
"CORRECTION, ZACK—HE NOW DUBS THAT THE 'SONG OF BEOWULF'!" Mark states.
Beowulf remains on Isaac for the leg hook and pin: 1…
2…
…
…
…
…3!
"AND THE KING HAS ESTABLISHED HIS THRONE! BEOWULF RETAINS THE APEX TITLE AT FOURTEEN AND ZERO!" Kenji yells.
("Who's Next?" by Jim Johnston plays)
"Here is your winner, and still the Apex Caliber Wrestling Wooooooorld Champioooooon…'THE KING' BEOOOWUUUUUUUUULF!" Maria declares.
For a good minute, Beowulf and Isaac lie beside each other at the center of the ring, the adrenaline finally drained away to leave them lifeless. Eventually, Beowulf rises to his feet amongst the roar of the cheering crowd and stands in victory with both fists up in the air. Referee Marshall Eriksen hands him the belt and signals him to the fans as the winner. The King is the proudest he's ever been tonight with a positive rally from the San Antonio natives. His first title defense in IRL years since he won the belt from Naruto at Summer Wars, and he achieves in defending his reign.
"What. A. Fight! Isaac Clarke shown to be a hell of a threat, but King Beowulf just proved he has what it takes, what he will do, what he will fight for to remain the APEX World Champion!" Zack comments.
"Fourteen and 'O' and still going strong into the APEX Era! Or the Renaissance Era—whatever you want to call it!" Kenji remarks.
"Clarke had firm control of the match when he had the leg targeted to ensure that Beowulf wouldn't charge for the Spear! In spite of that, Beowulf somehow turned the tables and inevitably hit the Spear when Isaac got too eager for his own good!" Barney says, with highlight replays being shown throughout discussion. "I thought Isaac had it regained with the second Plasma Cutter attempt, but Beowulf made the astonishing counter via Cross Armbreaker!"
"Even when these two resorted to beat the hell out of each other, Beowulf made sure victory was his with the Falling Powerbomb off the second rope, a second Spear and an effective Song of Beowulf to retain!" Markiplier states. "Previous heinous acts aside, take nothing away from Isaac Clarke while Beowulf is moving ahead in our hopefully bright future as the de facto leader of our locker room."
Speaking of Isaac Clarke, he sits in the corner defeated with Ellie Langford at ringside trying to comfort her romantic companion. By then, Beowulf stands over the two with his belt draped over his shoulder while Marshall is keeping him at arm's length. The King assures no trouble with the wave of his hand, staring at the Dead Space Devil, who only glares right back. It's inaudible of what is heard from Beowulf, but the camera has his lips saying, "You came close…and though you've lost, you've earned my respect…Naruto's hospitalization notwithstanding." Clarke only huffs in response and leaves the ring with his right arm held while Ellie walks close with him on their way to the trainer's room. Beowulf watches on in the ring before recommencing his victorious retention with his fans, holding his prestigious world title belt high for enormous cheers.
"Despite the animosity that Clarke has given to Beowulf throughout the night, the King has granted his most vicious challenger to date his respect, even if the Devil refuses it," Kenji notes.
"In the meantime, thank you all so much for being here to witness APEX's glorious return to the Fiction Wrestling Multiverse! Thank you for being so patient with us and allow us to give you the best and damnedest two-night event of APEX's rebirth!" Zack asserts. "From San Antonio, Texas in the AT&T Center, don't forget to tune in next week when we return full time on all available streaming services! You sure as hell don't want to miss whatever action we may come up with next! The reign of King Beowulf has just begun in Apex Caliber Wrestling! We've set the bar here! Now let's see how our APEX Athletes will meet and surpass it!"
"Damn straight, kid!" Barney agrees. "Many defenses were successful, only one pair of belts changed hands, a crowning of a new Intercontinental Champion is in the history books, and now, we have our champions going into the new era! What a Night of Champions it has truly been!"
"I've been Markiplier with Kenji Matsuo, Zack Carver, Barney Stinson, Ted Mosby, Logan Reese and Ned Bigby at ringside saying…THANK YOU! GOOD NIGHT! AND WE WILL SEE YOOOU…in the first episode of Friday Night Ignition! BUH-BYYYYE~!" Markiplier concludes.
The last shot of the night for Night of Champions has Beowulf posing on the top turnbuckle à la Drew McIntyre as he roars at the top of his lungs and raises his APEX World Championship, triggering explosive pyro and raining confetti above him. Alike the return of the king, the APEX Era…has been reborn.
Results for APEX Night of Champions:
APEX World Championship #1 Contendership Tournament Finals – Isaac Clarke def. Scorpion via pinfall
Tag Team Turmoil – The Gods of Darkness def. Altered Egos, Alpha & Omega [c], The Wolves (Hannibal Ambrose and Damian Reigns), Apocalypse Academy, and The Erupting Eds (Ed and Eddy) to become the new APEX World Tag Team Champions
iGeneration (Carly Shay and Sam Puckett) [c] vs. Jeweled Felines (Lisa Weston and Jessica Wilson) for the APEX Women's Tag Team Championships could not officially start
Fatal 4-Way Match – Sasuke Uchiha [c] def. Joey Wheeler, Ichigo Kurosaki, and Crash Bandicoot via pinfall to retain the APEX Hardcore Championship
Satsuki Kiryūin [c] def. Saeko Busujima via submission to retain the APEX World Women's Championship
Ladder Match – Nero def. Luke Smith to become the new APEX Intercontinental Champion
Main Event – Beowulf [c] def. Isaac Clarke via pinfall to retain the APEX World Championship
Kept you waiting, huh?
Three years in the making. Never imagined I'd be in the situation where I struggled to write for this long, but here we are. Major burnout, the Coronavirus pandemic, the amount of frustration brewed from wrestling for a long time—it all just fucking sucked, man.
But I made it. I have achieved getting the APEX Era started. Where do we go from here? I don't know, honestly. It's pretty awkward that I was so excited to start anew right up until the writer's block happened, and the pandemic sure as hell didn't make it better.
Still, I'm grateful to push through. My love for wrestling has been rejuvenated as of late. My life has been slowly getting better than it was during the pandemic. I even endured the virus itself earlier this year, so that's a plus. Hopefully, this time, APEX will continue on for a long time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this dumb story about fictional characters fighting in a pro-wrestling ring I've been giving my love, passion and all for nearly ten years of my FanFiction life. I hope I can continue giving that passion as I type in each passing letter for another ten years. I can only pray the updates will be frequent from now on.
As said, updates from now on will be in recap form. They can be found here and on the official FWM forum. I can't do full detailed writing like I used to, but maybe I'll have them saved for special occasions like the big-time pay-per-views.
I appreciate all readers.
Until next time, adios.
