GYM - Mixed Match Challenge
The students in the bleachers watch with high anticipations as this next bout determines who'll go to the finals to face Alexa and AJ in the Mixed Match Challenge. On the sidelines, Apollo looks at his phone swiping through it. While Apollo is occupied by his phone, he is soon joined by Bayley with an ice pack wrapped around her elbow. Bayley takes a seat next to Apollo.
"Hey! Did I miss anything?" Bayley asks
"Nah, they're just waiting for ole big boy to come out. How's the elbow?" Apollo asks.
"It still hurts a bit. Doc said that it's only a swelling problem and that I should recover in no time." Bayley said with a sigh of relief.
"That's good." Apollo said although with a bit of a monotone as he goes back to looking at his phone.
"Hey, you ok?" Bayley asks.
"Well, I'm just worried about Zack. He left in a hurry and he's not picking up the phone nor answering it. That's scary as that dude practically can't live without it. He usually updates his social media by the second, but he hasn't posted anything before his bout against Finn." Apollo stated.
"You know I asked the doctor if anyone else had come by and he said no. I was the first person he had to treat. I wonder what happened to Zack?." Bayley asked with concern.
"I don't know and I'm worried about him. This isn't like him to do th-" Apollo pauses as he eyes the freakishly huge Braun Strowman storming from out of the locker room. "Man, that kid is big!"
Strowman marches towards the ring entering it. Strowman glances over at his partner, Mandy Rose, for a hot second just before he turns his attention towards Finn. Braun steps right into Finn's face towering over him. Finn looks up at the monster that stands before him and smirks while Sasha Banks hides behind him.
"You ready for this, big boy?" Finn asked with a cocky grin on his face but Braun says nothing and just breathes heavily while staring down the shorter man. Mandy Rose goes to stand right next to Braun and shifts from a look of concern to an arrogant smirk.
"Finn, I just want you to know there are no hard feelings between us, but it's obvious who's going to win this one. I mean they don't call him the Monster among kids for nothing around this school. If only we'd met under better circumstances." Mandy says.
"Oh, why don't you can it, blondie? So far you haven't lifted a finger and he's been doing all the work. The way I see it, you better hope Finn doesn't tag me in, because, at that point, it'll be obvious that I'll kick your ass with ease." Sasha retorted.
"Oh, you think so?" Mandy asked.
"I don't think so, I know so." Sasha replied.
"Mandy, I just wanted to say that you shouldn't underestimate us. We've been getting through this tournament and we don't plan on stopping. I know big boy here will be a problem and I'm sure you'll give us some fits as well. I know that behind that beautiful smile of yours is a fire that has the desire to win. So, may the best team win, yeah? That sounds good, big boy?" Finn asked looking up at Braun.
"You think I have a beautiful smile?" Mandy quietly asked while blushing.
"I don't think about anything. I deal with facts and here's a fact for you. You're going to get these HANDS!" Braun shouted down at Finn just as Mr. Snow gets in the middle of them.
"Alright, I think that's enough talking. These kids didn't come to see you guys have a promo war they came to see some action! So, let's get this thing started alright?" Mr. Snow said just before he blew his whistle "Let's get it on!"
"Out!" Braun told Mandy as she quickly hurried onto the apron outside. Braun turns his attention right back to a grinning Finn Balor who motions for Braun to bring it. In the bleachers, Seth and Becky look on intensely as the match starts off with Braun chasing Finn, but he's able to evade the big man. Finn showcases his incredible speed and agility by escaping Braun's clutches every time he chases after him. Finn is able to get off some quick and light kicks on Braun's knees, but they barely phase the monster and make him angrier. Braun is able to finally catch Finn, grabbing him by the throat and throws him up high and watches him crash down hard. Apollo and Bayley look on with concern, while Seth, Becky, and Principal McMahon seem to be pleased with how this match is going. Braun goes to pick up Finn but he is able to strike Braun with a dropkick that sends him reeling back into his corner. Mandy Rose looks at Finn and Braun with emotions running wild inside of her. Mandy taps Braun on the shoulder, tagging herself in. Mandy jumps in and gets right in front of Finn. Finn goes to tag in Sasha, but Mandy pulls on his arm turning him around.
"Finn! I just want you to know that I am so sorry!" Mandy cried.
"Sorry? Sorry for what?" Finn asked just before Mandy pulled back and kicked Finn in the balls! Finn frails to the ground holding his groin. Mr. Snow confronts a confused Mandy Rose.
"Excuse me, young lady? What do you think you are doing?" Mr. Snow asked just before Mandy kicks him in the balls next. Mr. Snow falls to the mat holding his groin wincing in pain alongside Finn.
"What the hell is your problem?" Sasha asked as she jumps into the ring now.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Braun asked shouting at Mandy.
"I'm saving the man that has my heart!' Mandy informed Braun just before she storms out of the ring. Mandy is met outside of the ring by a gleeful Sonya Deville.
"Braun Strowman and Mandy Rose have been disqualified. Your winners are Finn Balor and Sasha Banks." A hurt Mr. Snow announced as he struggles to get on his feet.
"Oh my God! Mandy! I am so proud of you! Finally! Finally, you've seen the light! You know realize how disgusting men are! And whatever spell that moron had over you is now broken! Now our real love story can begin!" Sonya stated as she hugs Mandy tight.
"Uhh Sonya, not now. This isn't the right time." Mandy said.
"Oh but it is! I've been dreaming for this day for a long time now. The way you just kicked him in his balls was just so beautiful to watch! Ugh! I wish I had recorded it." Sonya exclaims as she follows a conflicted Mandy Rose straight to the locker room.
In the ring, Sasha helps Finn up on his feet. "Finn, I'm starting to think you need to wear a cup." Sasha giggled.
"I didn't realize dick kicks were popular here. I still wanna know why she apologized?" Finn said.
"She apologized?" Sasha asked.
"Yeah, and it was weird. As a matter of fact, these last few matches have been really weird." Finn stated.
"Well, look at it this way, we'll be fresh for the finals now. We only got one match to go!" Sasha pointed out as she helps Finn exit the ring. Finn and Sasha are greeted by Apollo and Bayley on the outside.
"You guys! Congrats! I know it's not how you wanted to win, but a win's a win I guess?' Bayley says with uncertainty.
"Yeah, you've made it all the way to the finals! Finn, you've been so impressive that half of Class J is starting to believe in you and in this idea of us actually taking on Class ME in wargames." Apollo informed Finn.
"Really? Well, at least I'm making some progress." Finn said with a slight grin on his face fighting through the pain still.
"Well, I'll be damned!" A voice shouted out loud. Everyone turned around to see that it came from AJ Styles approaching Finn, with Alexa Bliss by his side. " Y'know I was hopin' it would come down to us, Finn."
"Me too. I never did get the rematch back in Japan." Finn stated.
"Oh, there was a good reason you didn't get it. I'm clearly superior. Last year I was labeled as most likely to be Phenomenal! And, I'm going to make it 2 and 0 in just a matter of moments, but no need to rush. You need to heal up your balls, which I didn't even know you had." AJ said with a big smirk on his face.
"Honestly, you only got to the finals because of flukes. You should have been done a long time ago, but if you want something done you have to do it yourself." Alexa said.
"In case you forgot, I happened to be teaming with a very talented Class ME member. One of the best actually." Finn replied.
"Her? Please! Don't make me laugh." Alexa said giggling.
"Oh is something funny?" Sasha asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I mean he called you talented, but if we're being honest, you're borderline Class ME who just happened to squeak by. At best you are a Class MC better know as a B+ player. Don't get too upset about it. Some people are special and are just born into greatness and I happened to be one of them." Alexa said with a smirk on her face.
"We'll see about that, little miss Bliss!" Sasha said with an angry tone in her voice as AJ and Alexa walk off laughing. "Ugh! I can't stand her! I just wanna break her face!"
"Sash, don't let her get to you! She wants to get under your skin just ignore her and do you." Bayley told Sasha.
"Yeah, but still I just…. She makes me sick to my stomach! She's nothing but tool who does nothing but suck up to the principal!" Sasha states.
"Sasha, don't worry too much about them. We'll get them and put them in their place. I got a bone to pick with AJ as we got quite a history, but I'll make sure you get yours with Alexa." Finn said as he stood up and his balls have stopped causing him grief. "Just give me a few more minutes and I'll be ready to go"
"Pardon me, peeps?" A voice said and everyone turned around to see it was Becky Lynch.
'Becky? Hey girl what's up?" Sasha asked.
"Oh nothing just been watching the tournament and I gotta say you two are seriously kickin some mean arse." Becky said.
"Yeah, thanks. Who are you?" Finn asked.
"I'm Becky Lynch. Class ME and two-time Mixed Match Challenge winner." Becky informed Finn.
"Oh, you were in this tournament last year? Why'd you not enter it this year?" Finn asked.
"After winning it two years straight, I and the boyfriend decided it was beneath us, so let someone else win it this year yeah?" Becky replied. "Sasha, do you mind if I have a word with you?
"Yeah sure." Sasha replied.
"Alone in private." Becky replied.
"Uhh yeah ok." Sasha said as she follows Becky.
"So, is she one of the popular ones as well?" Finn asked.
"Yeah, she's one of the top students in our class. She and her boyfriend both." Bayley said.
"Who's her boyfriend?" Finn asked.
"Class ME rep, Seth Rollins." Apollo stated.
"Him? Really? Well, that means that he has to be one tough bastard which makes challenging him more exciting." Finn added. "Well, I'm all set and ready to go! I'll head to the ring now. Wish me luck!"
"You got this bro! Show em what Class J is all about!" Apollo said patting Finn on the shoulder as he runs to the ring.
"Good luck Finn!" Bayley shouted as she blushes quite a bit.
Finn jumps into the ring and is soon joined by AJ Styles and Alexa Bliss. Finn and AJ have an intense staredown in the middle of the ring.
"Are you ready for this?" AJ simply asked Finn.
"I've been ready for this for two years now." Finn replied.
"We'll see about that." AJ told Finn.
"So, where's your partner? Did she realize what a dork you are and bail out on you?" Alexa asked and right on cue, Sasha Banks enters the ring.
"Well, you were saying, Alexa?" Finn asked with a grin on his face as he turned to look at Sasha, but Sasha looks away from him.
"Well, this is going to be fun. Perhaps this will prove that Sasha really isn't Class ME material and that her being in it is a mistake!" Alexa shouted back.
"The only mistake I see is staring right in front of me. You better hope I don't break that pretty little face of yours." Sasha angrily retorted.
"Alright. I'm back. I had to go get a cup to prevent any more low blows. Now, I want to make one thing clear! Please, for the love of God no more low blows! We've seen enough of them and some of us have endured enough already! Clear? Good! Now, let's get this match on!" Mr. Snow blows his whistle as Alexa and Sasha go stand out on the apron as Finn and AJ start things off.
"Let's see if you can try to keep up with." AJ said just before he and Finn lock horns in the ring.
AJ and Finn have an intense battle going back and forth with no real clear cut winner. AJ starts to get the upper hand taking it to Finn with everything he's got, but Finn's will to fight is strong and he manages to make a comeback against AJ. Styles and Balor fight to the point where they are running on fumes, exhausted but refusing to give up to the other man. AJ manages to take out Finn as he springboards off the ropes and pushes his forearm right into Finn's face and as AJ pins Finn, he's able to kick out much to the shock of Styles. Finn is able to fight back and manages to make a TAG! Sasha Banks charges in fired up waiting for the reluctant Alexa Bliss to get in the ring. Tired of waiting, Sasha pulls Alexa over the ropes into the ring. Sasha unloads on Alexa with a wide variety of attacks. Sasha seemingly is taking out her frustrations on Alexa, ignoring to pin her at every opportunity. Sasha's anger gets the best of her as she lashes out at Mr. Snow for telling her to ease up and that was the perfect opportunity for Alexa to rake Sasha in the eyes. Alexa tackles Sasha to the mat and taunts her, but this only makes her angrier as she gets back on the offense brutalizing Alexa to no end. Sasha grabs ahold of Alexa and applies a crossface submission. Sasha has the submission locked on and tight and Alexa has no choice but to tap out. Mr. Snow blows his whistle signaling the end of the match.
"Here are your Mixed Match Challenge winners, Sasha Banks of Class ME and Finn Balor of Class J." Mr. Snow shouted out as an ecstatic Finn enters the ring to hug Sasha. A mixed reaction came from the students with boos from the higher classes and cheers from the lower classes.
"Oh my god! They did it! They won!" An excited Bayley screamed out jumping up and down.
"Yeah! Finn! That's what I am talkin about! Class J in the house!" Apollo shouts from the sidelines.
"Congrats kid! That was a hell of a fight! You got a lot of heart!" Mr. Snow told Finn as he shook his hand.
"Thanks teach, but I wouldn't able to do it without my partner, Sasha." Finn said.
"Yeah! We did it! Whooo!" Sasha exclaimed with excitement that quickly turned to a look of regret. AJ Styles gets back in the ring and gets right in Finn's face.
"I just only got one thing to say to you… Damn good match." AJ extends his hand out to Finn for a handshake. Finn looks at AJ's hand confused. " I know we got a complicated history but tonight you were the better man. It seemed like no matter what I tried to do you never quit. You actually got better and I' man enough to admit defeat."
Finn nods his head smiling as he shook AJ's hand. "This means we're even." Finn replied.
"For now of course." Styles said.
'Of course. We'll need to have that third match to really settle things once and for all." Finn said as he and AJ shake hands. After AJ and Finn's handshake, Principal McMahon enters the ring with a microphone in his hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for AJ Styles and Alexa Bliss of Class ME! Certainly some top of the line students. They were actually my pick to win, so imagine my shock when I just witness they were defeated by Sasha Banks of Class ME and some kid from Class J." Principal McMahon stated. "Now Sasha is one fine student of Class ME, but this kid from Class J really showed me something. Gosh, son, I gotta say that I was impressed. I mean I didn't think you'd get far let alone to the finals but you sure proved me wrong and I wa-" Finn pulled the microphone away from the Principal.
"I shouldn't be surprised. You didn't think much of me when I first got to this school. I've been dead set on proving you that I am in the same class as Class ME. So, I'm sure you have an idea on where I'm going with this." Finn said just before Principal McMahon takes back the mic.
"Whoa! Let's slow down, son. Now, you're right I didn't think much but today you proved quite a bit, but not quite enough I'm afraid. However, let's not dwell on that. Let's talk about the grand prize you won." Principal McMahon stated.
"Prize? What prize?" A confused Finn asked.
"Finn, you and Sasha, win the prize…. Of challenging last year's Mixed Match Challenge winners Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch!" Principal McMahon shouted as Becky and Seth enter the ring ready to go. Finn looks on confused.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Mr. McMahon, if you don't mind me asking what the hell is going on?" Mr. Snow asked.
"Well, Mr. Snow, if you'd like to know, this has been the best tournament we've seen in years and I'm sure our students would agree. Has this Mixed Match Challenge been a great one?" Principal McMahon asked the students in the bleachers who respond with a roar of cheers much to the amusement of the principal. "You hear that Mr. Snow? These kids are loving it! So why not have just one more match? Besides, can they really call themselves the Mixed Match Challenge champions if they haven't beaten the duo who has won it three years in a row?"
"Principal McMahon I get that, but they just went through hell and are beyond fatigued. Is it really fair for them to go up against these two when they are fresh and haven't even lifted finger?" Mr. Snow questioned.
"Well, I thought the kids would like to see it. To see who's really the Mixed Match Challenge champions and I want to see how your shining star of Class J can deal with adversity. However, it appears to me you have little faith in him which tells me enough already. So, if you don't want them to go through with it because you feel the kid doesn't have what it takes then by all means we-"
"I'll do it! You wanna see how I deal with adversity? Fine! We'll take them on!" A fired-up Finn stated.
"Finn, I need you to think about this and use your head." Mr. Snow said.
"I don't need to think any longer. If the old man wants me to take on his top students, then I am all in!" Finn replied.
"Kid, you're running on emotions! Look, I believe in you but this just seems like a big mistake. I have a bad feeling about this!" Mr. Snow argued.
"Teach, don't worry about me I'll be fine. Now blow the whistle so we can get this thing started." Finn urged Mr. Snow.
"Fine. I hope I don't regret this." Mr. Snow said as he sighed blowing the whistle for the match to begin.
"Hang on! Just before you kids beat the hell out of each other, let's make this interesting. Let's make this no disqualification! Anything goes!" Principal McMahon shouts out which pleases most of the students.
"Wait a minute, nobody said anything about no DQs, Principal McMahon!" Mr. Snow argued.
"Well, I just did. So, the match is now officially underway." Principal McMahon replied as he exits the ring ignoring an upset Mr. Snow.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rolls walk right up to Finn with smirks on their faces.
"I've been watching you all day and I gotta say at best you're ok nothing too special." Seth states.
"You've been the talk of the whole school for a while now. So, let's see what all the hypes about. You ready?" Becky asked.
"I'm ready! I'm always ready no matter what. And, I know my partner, Sasha has my back! Right, Sasha?" Finn turns to see Sasha Banks standing on the apron sighing heavily. "Sasha?" Finn says as she shakes her head with a conflicted look on her face just before she hops off the apron, walking away from the ring. Finn looks on in disbelief.
"Sasha! Sasha! Sasha! Where are you going?" Bayley cried at but Sasha didn't respond and keep on walking. Bayley runs up to Sasha blocking her from the door. "Sasha! What are you doing? Why are you abandoning, Finn? He needs you! Sasha reminds quiet avoiding eye contact with Bayley. "Answer me! What's going on with you?" Bayley cried but Sasha simply brushes past her out the door. Bayley is left speechless as she turns back to see Finn looking on.
Finn watched Sasha exit the gym and as he has his back turned, Seth Rollins clubs him in the back of the head. Rollins stomps all over Finn as Mr. Snow looks on disgusted. Seth Rollins lifts up Finn Balor and powerbombs him on the turnbuckle. Finn screams in pain grabbing onto his left shoulder. Becky and Seth look on smiling delightedly at the expense of Finn Balor. Mr. Snow kneels down to check on Finn.
"Finn, are you alright?" Mr. Snow asked.
"My arm! I can't lift up my arm!" Finn cried in pain.
"Jesus! Alright! That's it! I'm putting a stop to this whole thing!" Mr. Snow said.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hold it right there, pal! What do you think you're doing?" Principal McMahon asked.
"Vince, this kid is hurt! I'm putting a stop to this match." Mr. Snow complained
"And disappoint all these kids? They need to see a decisive winner! They're not going to get that with a stoppage! They need to see this thing out." Principal McMahon argued.
"He can barely lift his freakin arm, Vince! What more do you want from him?" Mr. Snow cried out.
"Well, if Mr. Balor isn't fit to continue on then it won't be a problem for him to get on the microphone and say he quits! Just say you quit kid and acknowledge Seth and Becky as the true winners here today." Principal McMahon said but it appears his words only lit a fire in Finn as he wills himself on his feet.
"The last thing I'll do is quit! I never quit!" Finn shouted back.
"Finn, you are seriously hurt! Do not let your pride damage you long term." Mr. Snow told Finn.
"I'm sorry teach, but I just can't quit! I rather die trying!" Finn replied as he charges at Seth swinging with his good arm but misses. Becky and Seth circle Finn taunting him as he kept on swinging away and missing every time.
"Whoa! It seems like this one still has a fire burnin in him." Becky commented.
"Yeah, well it's about time we put it out, babe! " Seth said just before he hit Finn with a swift kick to the midsection bring Finn down to his knees.
"You seem to be hurtin really bad. Let me give you a hand." Becky said as she grabs Finn's bad arm and applies a seated armbar. Becky pulls on Finn's arm tight as she can as Finn screams out in pain.
"Babe, I think that's good. His screaming is killing my ears." Seth instructed Becky as she lets go of Finn. Seth eyes Finn struggling to make it to his feet. Rollins has a big smirk on his face as he runs towards Finn leaping in the air and coming down straight on Finn's head with a curb stomp! Finn appears to be out cold as Seth and Becky look on pleased.
"Kid, can you hear me? Jesus! He's out cold. Ok, this match is done!" Mr. Snow said.
"Wait a minute pal this thing isn't over yet." Seth said as he rolls Finn over with his foot then places it on top of Finn's chest. "Now, just make the count and it'll be over."
"You can't be serious." Mr. Snow replied.
"You know you're right. Babe! Come here." Becky calls over to Becky as she puts her foot on Finn's chest next to Seth's. "Now you can make the count." Seth and Becky embrace with a kiss while standing over an unconscious Finn. Mr. Snow reluctantly makes the count.
Mr. Snow blows the whistle "Here are your winners Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch of Class ME. Now, for God's sake let me get this kid some help!" Mr. Snow picked Finn up carrying him out of the ring carefully. Apollo and Bayley go to check on Finn.
"Oh my God! Is he going to be ok? We should get him to the doctor!" A concerning Bayley suggested.
"No good. Class J is not covered with health benefits in this school. I'll take him to a guy I know." Mr. Snow said as Apollo helps him carry Finn, but they come to a stop as Principal McMahon stops before them.
"Well, it is quite unfortunate on how things ended for you, but if it means anything you put on one hell of a show." Principal McMahon said with a big grin just before he enters the ring and raises the hands of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. "Ladies and gentlemen, for the third year in a row, your Mixed Match Challenge champions, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch!" Principal McMahon shouted out loud to a mixed reaction from the students.
Mr. Snow shakes his head in disgust and then helps carry Finn out of the gym, while the Principal and majority of Class ME storms the ring to celebrate and congratulate Seth and Becky. Bayley looks at her fellow classmates celebrating but doesn't join them and just looks on.