ACW: Apex Caliber Wrestling

by El Jesu

Of all the characters from across the Fiction Wrestling Multiverse, whether fiction or nonfiction, the worldwide audience are now be able to see them collide within one ring at the reincarnated ACW now known as Apex Caliber Wrestling! Will these athletes become the APEX established wrestlers they strive to be or fall hard from failure? [Read and review!]

55. The Nightmare Before Christmas – Night 2

DISCLAIMER: All characters (fiction, nonfiction, and other OCs) and lyrics used and/or mentioned here are properties of their respective owners. Ricardo Alvarez, Jr., Jesse Alvarez, Joshua Garza, Alpha & Omega, The Wolves, Kurt Hudson, Alyssa Parker, Lisa Weston, Kenji Matsuo, Zack Carver, Clarissa Rivera, Mike Martin, Maria Lopez, and the OC referees are all created and owned by me.

Enjoy.

Welcome to the APEX Era.

---

APEX Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas – Night 2

Venue – AT&T Center (San Antonio, Texas)

Broadcast Team – Markiplier, Barney Stinson, Kenji Matsuo and Zack Carver

Ring Announcer – Maria Lopez

---

Best of 5 Trios Series, Final Round – The Wolves [2] vs. The Hardcore Trinity [2]

Every Ignition and RAMPAGE episode began with treating the audience with the Best of Five Trios Series to always get them pumped, and this will be no different as the Wolves and Hardcore Trinity journey in their quest to best the other. For every match in the last few weeks, it escalated from simple six-man tag team action to sheer carnage between both battling ideals in justice and chaos. This was their last shot to outdo the other…and in the announcement given by Maria Lopez, informed by Ricardo Alvarez, Jr. himself, this Best of 5 Series Finals will now be a Falls Count Anywhere Match! No disqualifications, no count outs, no more holding back…and that is certainly more than what the Wolves and the Trinity need and deserve to violate each other in vehemence.

Soon as the announcement ended, "Controlled Chaos" by CFO$ hit the speakers as Mason Stone, Marcus King and Nolan Gates immediately make their presence known as the first arrivals of the match. Drowned in black garb with chaotic themes in their tattered clothing and bandana masks, as if coming straight from the apocalypse, these brothers of madness marched to the ring and scare Maria out of the ring to own it for themselves and expose their faces, proclaiming their mission: tear the Wolves apart and force the entire locker room to embrace in bedlam.

Just at the apex of their entrance, The Wolves' role call interrupted it followed by "Of Wolf and Man" by Metallica playing out for Erik Rollins, Damian Reigns, and Hannibal Ambrose in their signature black protective vests and tactical gear with their respective colors in navy blue, dark violet, and bleeding crimson, and donning their masks with panted fangs over the mesh. While the Hardcore Trinity were very eager to get this match started, the Wolves themselves took their time to inspect their surroundings and glare down at the thorns in their sides. Though they were tied, the Wolves remained confident with Hannibal's vibing charisma in his head bobbing to the theme, Damian subtly flexing his muscles, and Erik's cold, calculating eyes staring down at the rest of the Hardcore Trinity with mere disdain before they start walking down the arena stairs and took their time.

Thanks to the new rules of their finals, what played out before the audience and commentators was anything but a simple Falls Count Anywhere match and felt more so like gang violence as the Wolves crossed the barricade and clashed with the Hardcore Trinity with flying fists, inciting the ringing bell! Hannibal on Nolan! Erik on Mason! Damian on Marcus! These stables were not going home until the other is dead and buried in the wake of their destruction, and fans were all for this!

The massive brawl between these men have spiraled all around ringside, all over the arena floor, clashed against the barricade, and even come close to spilling in the front row of the fans. Eventually, one pair of enemies would bring their hectic scrap inside the ring, as Marcus King hurled Hannibal Ambrose through the ropes. Marcus has Hannibal cornered with a swapping series of clubbing forearms to the spine and impactful Corner Clotheslines. He then takes Hannibal for a ride with a Biel Toss that sends him flying across the ring! The Wolves' Wildcard is back on his feet against another corner with a pained expression and Marcus sought to collide with him for a Body Avalanche, but Ambrose still had enough in him to move out of the way just as Marcus hit the turnbuckles instead. As King was nursing his chest, he heard a strange shout in the words of, "JOHN WOO KICK, MUTHAFUKKA!" as Hannibal came flying with a Running Front Dropkick best known in the indies as…well, the John Woo Kick (Muthafukka), tipping Marcus against the ropes. Always the scrappy fighter, Hannibal climbs and barrages on the big man with wild, vehement fists until he gets a clutching right hand to his throat. Just as Marcus lifted him, Erik Rollins makes the save with a chop block to King's leg and Damian Reigns blasts him with a violent Lariat! Three hounds on one man, the Wolves excel in this wolfpack mentality as they engulf Marcus King like a swarm of black hornets in a hail of fists and boots.

In spite of the numbers game, King is able to bring himself out of the swarm, shoving all the Wolves away from him. He first takes Rollins over the ropes with a Clothesline, then hits a stiff Big Boot to Hannibal, and grabs Damian to have him practically put through the canvas with a Running Powerslam. Damian is able to slide off and push Marcus to the ropes for an attempted Spear, but in the nick of time, Nolan Gates returns with a sudden running knee across the skull of Damian! Now it was the Hardcore Trinity's turn to enact their version of a three-on-one assault, this time involving unforgiving steel chairs brought to them by Mason Stone. All Damian can do in his defenseless position is shield himself and wince deeply in pain from the bombardment of chairs slamming onto him. Thankfully, he wouldn't endure the punishment for too long as Hannibal and Erik take a twelve-foot ladder out and use it to flatten the Hardcore Foundation trio! Three men down, one rolled out to recoup, but two remain as Rollins and Ambrose slam the ladder down on top of Marcus and Nolan! With Damian back on his feet, he helps Rollins keep the ladder on them with another slam as Hannibal climbs the top turnbuckle. With no hesitation whatsoever nor any concern for his own body, Hannibal soars and lands spine-first on the ladder with a Diving Senton to squash Gates and King!

With the Lunatic Wolf taken out of commission by his own stunt for a while, Rollins and Reigns quickly lean the ladder on the opposite corner. However, Stone blindsides the duo with a chair to Reigns' back, rams it into Rollins' stomach, and starts wearing them down with the merciless steel! Encouraging his fellow anarchists to get back to their feet, Mason has Damian kicked out of the ring while Marcus rose to his feet. The Hardcore Dynasty themselves take the Wolves' leader by the arms and double Irish Whip him at high speeds to smash him right into the ladder! They hold him up against the ladder, Marcus takes Mason with an Irish Whip to Stinger Splash Erik, and Marcus follows with an impressive Cannonball Senton! First cover of the match from Mason to Rollins, and Rollins is able to kick out at two.

As the match escalated in vehemence and odium, more and more weapons would get involved by both sides as it was becoming slightly more difficult to keep up with the action. Erik Rollins would be sandwiched in a ladder as Marcus King keeps hitting the chair over to soften him up; Hannibal Ambrose has an opened steel chair propped up to drill Mason Stone's skull into the seat; and Damian Reigns comes close to landing Nolan Gates on the steel steps with a Powerbomb, but Gates swiftly countered with a Hurricanrana into the stairs instead! The Wolves show why they're a unit as Ambrose and Rollins have Mason Stone on a ladder that's sitting flat on the top turnbuckle; the duo climb all the way to stand on the ladder with Mason in their grasp…and they all go down with a Double Superplex! Marcus King emerges to break up the pin attempt at two, but the two-on-one advantage by Hannibal and Erik proves too much. Later, they have him on the ladder for a similar demise akin to Stone, but King is able to power out of it, sending Erik flying down to the floor outside and Hannibal tumbling away on the mat. Devastatingly quicker than he appeared, Marcus King leaps off the ladder to strike down the Rabid Wolf with a Flying Clothesline!

In a cruel twist of irony, Damian Reigns would be taken out of commission when the Trinity sent him through the announce table via Triple Powerbomb! Erik and Hannibal did well to hold their own, but Stone, King, and Gates remain on top with the odds in their favor. Through more intense methods, after removing Erik from the equation, Gates and Stone take Hannibal in a Double Suplex setup and would drive his skull right into the same propped chair from earlier, leaving him open to bleed from the top of his head. But they wouldn't cover Ambrose off that, as they wanted the Wolves to suffer for their crimes all those years ago, never forgetting what they took away from them. As King patrolled ringside to ensure Reigns and Rollins are down and out, Mason and Nolan used every weapon to their benefit in whipping kendo sticks against his exposed torso and spine; then slip a trashcan over his body to dent it with a Frog Splash off the apron by Mason, a Double Foot Stomp by Nolan, and a Running Senton from a returning Marcus King; and finally, King and Gates hold Ambrose by his arms for Stone to shatter two fluorescent light tubes over his already bleeding temple! Mason secures the leg—and Hannibal kicks out at one! The Trinity can hardly believe it; after all they did to obliterate Hannibal, he still managed to power out! Hannibal is trembling with incensed fury and spouts at the Trinity that they aren't living to their name, actually asking for more and mocking that "if that's all they got."

"COME ON, ASSHOLES! I'M NOT GONNA ASK AGAIN!" Hannibal snarls. "MAY I PLEASE HAVE SOME MORE?!"

Ask and ye shall receive, as Marcus picks up a steel chair and smashes it over Hannibal's head, leaving him to wear it like a necklace! And yet…Hannibal is still standing, tackling down Marcus King with a flurry of fists! Mason and Nolan pried the wild animal that is Hannibal off their teammate and threw him away as the chair flew off his head. By then, Mason further breaks Hannibal's face in with the Dying Light! The Dark Saint has the leg hooked with Hannibal's shoulders down…

…

…and Erik Rollins and Damian Reigns arrive at the last second to break up the pin in tackling Nolan and Marcus onto Mason, saving the match! Both Wolves are back with a vengeance with fists and forearms piling on the Trinity, but with Hannibal having taken so much punishment, the numbers game was still in the favor of the Hardcore Foundation.

Two tables out from under the ring and now braced on their stands, adding a twenty-foot ladder to the equation, the Trinity have Ambrose and Erik laid out on the tables and the one to offer himself to dive off the ladder would be Mason Stone himself. The Dark Saint reaches close to the top, eager to end this violent collision in his way…but the fans began clamoring…

…

…

…when they see Luke Smith climbing up the ladder behind Mason! By the time Marcus and Nolan tried to warn him, Luke had already met Mason with a series of fists! As the two duked it out, Hannibal and Erik capitalized to lunge of the table and fight off Gates and King! Hannibal is on Marcus like a spider monkey in a Sleeper Hold attempt, bodyscissors included, directing him closer to the corner of the barricade…as he jumps off for a roaring Damian Reigns to Spear the giant Marcus King through the barricade! Meanwhile, after Erik stomped Nolan's skull into the floor with the Blackout, he aids Luke with Mason on the ladder. After softening him up enough, Luke grabs hold of Mason's head…

…Erik is underneath the latter with the Prawn Hold…

…

…and they send the Dark Saint through the tables in their Blockbuster/Powerbomb combo! And that was enough to get the Wolves the three-count!

Cheers and boos clash for the hard-earned victory by the Wolves as "Of Wolf and Man" by Metallica boomed in the arena. Weapons are scattered around the ring, bits of Hannibal's blood are trailed behind him, and the Wolves unite to celebrate their win in maintaining their ideals against their opposing chaotic foes. Hannibal, dazed and bloody, had his fists ready to still fight but had to be assured by his fellow stablemates that the match is already won. Relieved, Hannibal crumbles and Damian catches him before carrying him with his arm over shoulder. The Wolves are exhausted, but were proud and satisfied to walk away as they're last seen together with their fists out and connected in a symbolic image for the cameras.

One last proclamation was made by Rollins before his Wolves left with him, "Alvarez…this is a clear message to you and all in Apex Caliber Wrestling…watch us closely now. The Wolves are one…and are on the rise once again to reign in lawfulness. Believe in justice…or fear her wolves."

Destruction has been left in their wake "in the name of justice"…and it's only the first match.

–/–/–/–/–/–

The Gods of Darkness [c] (with PaniK) vs. Blake Bros. 2.0 for the APEX World Tag Team Championships

Just when the Blake Bros. 2.0 believed they were out, they get pulled back in.

It took an awful lot of convincing from Ricardo Alvarez, Jr. to bring back plenty of the original ACW talent, one pair including the challengers themselves, Tony and Adrian Blake—the Blake Brothers 2.0. Their first stint with ACW in its heyday was anything but pleasurable. No one would blame them for wanting to stay away…but they couldn't. Thanks to Ricardo and his well-weaving words to persuade the brothers, adding a title shot they had earned a long time ago in the previous era, Tony and Adrian have come home to claim what is theirs.

Arriving in their 1965 Chevrolet Impala automobile as DMX's "Party Up (Up in Here)" hyped up the crowd, Tony and Adrian Blake gradually park their car by the stage and interact with the grateful fans that have embraced their homecoming while also hoping they can be the ones to dethrone the Gods of Darkness sooner than expected. On their way to the ring, while Adrian remained stoic as per usual, Tony rallied up the crowd through his mic session that not only are they overthrowing the "Yaoi Gods" from their reign on their first title defense, but they will also make sure everyone in the APEX locker room knows who they are.

"And if you don't know who we are—maaan, let me introduce ourselves to y'all bitch-asses! We hail from the great nation's capital of WASHINGTON D.C.~ Unified, we weigh in tonight at exactly five-hundred and fourteen pounds of pure awesomeness and raw dawg attitude! I…am the one, the true, the bona fide, certified classic—'Hot Flash' Tony Blake—ayo, Maria! When you and me gon' get to know each other, girl?~" Tony smirks in his flirting with Maria, who only brushes her hair behind her ear while seemingly "ignoring" him if not for her small smirk. "Ohh, she want some~ But that'll have to hold off for now, for when we the new champs, right 'A'?" Adrian folds his arms in response, remaining stoic, though subtly nodding. "Oh, shit, yeah, pardon me not introducin' ya, bro. Ahem—THIS BIG MOTHA RIGHT HERE?! He known as Adrian Blake, but y'all can him Big A! We be the nephews of the one and only UWE legend Terry Blake, Sr.; better known as the second-gen Blake Bros., and we here to make our triumphant comeback! But tonight? Don't call it a comeback~ Call it THE next reign of the APEX TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS OF THE 'EFFIN' WORLD! How you doin', baby?!"

Their entrance theme revives itself in the song's chorus as Tony moved his arms up and down with the fans following along, getting himself hyped…until everything in the arena shut off from the lights to the music to the ChristmasTron. Almost instantly, the crowd went from feeling confident and touted to follow behind the Blake Bros. to clamoring in gasps and feared shrieks. Then, a single match ignites to light a significant lantern, one resembling a vintage hurricane lantern that a beloved fiend wielded. The lamp's luminosity was enough to reveal its wielder, Yami Bakura alongside Marik Ishtar and PaniK appearing from the shadows. As they display vile grins in their arrival, Bakura greets the attendees followed by these two haunting words: "We're here."

The lantern is snuffed out and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Emily Browning plays out the Cult of Shadows' arrival through the black fog with heavy dark blue lighting coats the entire arena, where they stand with Bakura holding up the same lit lantern. Paying their respects to the fallen bayou-dwelling cult leader, Bakura leaves the lantern in place at the stage as multiple candles flickered the path along both sides of the ramp and the trio gradually stride on their way to the ring. Tensions were thick in the air for the crowd, a shot showing a fan being quite unnerved by the Cult of Shadows' presence as they stood at ringside. With the spread of his arms, Bakura's flashing grin causes the darkness consumes the arena once more in a blink…and the dark blue shade returns to reveal Bakura, Marik and PaniK already in the ring with dim spotlights over them; PaniK is found at the center kneeling and hailing his Gods of Darkness, who raise their APEX World Tag Team Championships with a defining dark aura that commanded respect…if not out of fear and dread.

"JUMP 'EM!"

But two defying words protested that as Tony and Adrian Blake attacked the Gods of Darkness from behind! Payback for their attack on RAMPAGE XII, the Blake Bros. were unleashing their fury on to the champions tenfold before turning their attention to PaniK, who tried to interfere. The two-on-one assault gets shoved back by PaniK and he grabs Tony's neck for Chokeslam, but upon the lift, Adrian strikes him with a kicking low blow while Tony counters with the Kill Yo Self (Diving Leg Lariat). With PaniK taken out of the ring, all that was left was for the Gods of Darkness themselves as Tony directed Adrian to launch him over the ropes via Leapfrog and Hot Flash lands right on Bakura and Marik with a Crossbody Plancha!

The Blake Bros. 2.0 started this match white hot, pulling off an impressive combo where Adrian held Bakura in a Bear Hug and Tony leapfrogs high over Bakura to drop him with the Hot Flash (Running Leapfrog into a Leg Drop Bulldog). Unfortunately, Bakura would quickly extinguish their flames with a sudden Throat Thrust Uppercut as a counter to Tony's Kill Yo Self attempt. Despite being put up against the wall, Yami Bakura couldn't help but chortling darkly in admitting that the challengers had a good thing going…but that'd be as far as they go, as Bakura started bashing Tony's face in the top turnbuckle over and over and over. Followed by slow, aggressive stomps, Bakura would slap a hand over Tony's throat to start choking him with a vile grin as Tony kicks the mat with no given effort to breathe until referee Shawn Yeager threatened the five-count for him to let go.

The Hot Flash and Yami Bakura would end up trading moves and strikes on each other, a battle to turn the tide for one's side over the other. After throwing a running Tony over the top rope, believing him to fall to the floor, Bakura didn't realize that Tony landed his feet on the ring apron like a cat. Tony capitalizes Bakura not keeping his eye on the ball with a climb up the top turnbuckle and nails the champion down with a Missile Dropkick! A need to recover, Bakura tags in Marik, who baseball slides through Tony's legs and catches him with a Forward Russian Legsweep.

The self-proclaimed True Pharaoh devoted his infliction on Tony in the name of the Gods of Darkness as he has Tony resting over the middle rope to stand and push his boots down his opponent's shoulders. Right at the count of four, Marik leaps over the top rope and performs a neck snap to Tony, landing fine on his feet with a declaration for those watching to "FOLLOW THE SHADOWS! That's all we can ask for~" However, Tony briefly gives himself resurgence with a counter to his Gory special attempt by way of Sunset Flip, earning him a two-count. Tony with a Kill Yo Self, Marik shoves him over…and that's the bait Tony wanted him to take as he tags in Adrian Blake! Adrian becomes a powerhouse feature for the fans to enjoy, demolishing Marik Ishtar with Clothesline after Clothesline, then lifts him Gorilla Press style to flex his strength…and demonstrates his absolute might with a brutal Front Powerslam! Bakura scales behind Big A from the top rope for a Diving Double Axe Handle…and Big A catches him by the throat! By the Marik was up and about, Adrian grabs his neck as well and hits a slam dunk of a Two-handed Chokeslam!

Tony and Adrian shown interesting promise to overthrow the Gods of Darkness as tag champions with their effortless experience with their tight-knit bond as brothers and using gang mentality to switch out for the other to wear down either Bakura or Marik. However, the Gods of Darkness put an end to their rallied momentum when Marik backflips out of the Back Suplex attempt from Tony Blake and chop blocked him. Now, the Reapers of the Shadow Realm halted this match in their advantage, just the way they wanted in a methodical pace. And they took their time to relish the dictated tempo and the agonizing punishment of Tony's leg to prevent him from ever attempting the Leg Lariat finish if he were to dare try. From Bakura's Five Prong Halo (Garvin Stomp while circling a grounded opponent) to Marik with his Keeper's Judgement (Inverted Indian Deathlock), the Gods are loving every second of being in control with Tony's screams played like music in their ears, especially Marik's. Any time would not be worth this pain, but this is the World Tag Team Championships that he and Adrian have been striving for since day one, and if he gave up now, he'd go against everything he's stood for. With the reminded drive that gold is on the line, along with Adrian gathering support from the fans, Tony's will becomes enough to survive and break the Keeper's Judgement with a rope break. After Marik angrily clubs him while he's still down, referee Shawn Yeager steps in with a five-count attempt and Marik argues with him over it, giving PaniK a chance to choke Tony against the bottom rope while Bakura held his foot over his head before they both moved away at the last second that Yaeger turned around.

Having Tony now against the ropes, Marik sets Tony up for an attempted Snap Swinging Neckbreaker hung on the top rope…but Tony actually pushes off the rope to counter with a Somersault Sitout Neckbreaker! Tony and Marik are down and hurt, but the Hot Flash stirs to crawl to his brother, who has his hand out as well. Marik suddenly springs to life on top of Tony to have him in a Sleeper Hold, floating over to switch into the Guillotine Choke. But Tony is standing strong to spite the tight grip around his neck as his hand is stretching outward as far as he can reach his arm for a tag like Adrian, fingertips away from turning the tables. Unfortunately, Marik wrenches the neck and strikes Tony's chest upward with his knees to soften him up. By then, Marik has him set up for a Flip Piledriver attempt…and Tony uses that motion against him with a Back Body Drop!

This just might be the difference maker for the Blake Bros. 2.0 as Tony sluggishly crawls over in his corner…and tags in Adrian Blake! A massive pop then turned into venomous boos when the referee stopped Adrian from fully getting the ring. The reason being? Yami Bakura intervened on purpose to preoccupy the official, making him blind to the legal tag. During the verbal quarrel, Marik grabs Tony and throws him outside the ring through the ropes and PaniK starts beating the living crap out of him! With Tony battered enough, PaniK flings him back in the ring before the official can see him and Adrian appears out of nowhere like a raging bull to Pounce the big man down! Yami Bakura jumps off the apron after Adrian, but he catches him and slams him spine-first into the ring post! All the while, Marik spikes Tony with Nightmare Wheel (Inverted Facelock spun out into a DDT)! He had this won for his team if Adrian didn't come in to snatch Marik off his brother and slams him back down on the canvas with a One-handed Spinebuster! Now back in his corner, Adrian rallies up the hot crowd for the tag-in as Tony eventually comes to…and he tags in Adrian same time as Marik tags out to Bakura!

A blazing bulldozer, Big A is with repeated Lariats to Bakura, an Irish Whip attempt reversed by the champion, and Adrian makes him eat a Running Big Boot! Marik tries to douse out the flames of the hot fire, but Adrian snatches him up with a Sitout Swinging Side Slam! Absolutely high of the adrenaline, Adrian receives a roar of cheers when he tears his tank top in half and beats his chest, soaking in the fact he and his brother are in the driver's seat! Yami Bakura returning to his feet, he stumbles into Adrian's grasp from behind and lifts him for the Ghetto Pain (Torture Rack)! Big A is hyperextending Bakura's spine in a way it should never be extended, stomping on the mat to emphasize the pain and ensure his victory…

…

…but with Bakura, he outlasted the pain long enough for Marik to make the save with a low-angle Dropkick to the back of Adrian's leg! For his troubles, though, Tony Blake hits him with a Sling Blade! Hot Flash grabs on to Bakura to finish him with a Blake Drop (Booker T's Book End), but Bakura reverses that into a Death Penalty! Ultimately, Big Adrian makes up for Tony and ends up being the one to take down Bakura with the successful Blake Drop! The legs are hooked, the referee counts…

…up to two when PaniK pulled the referee out of the ring hard enough to slam him against the barricade! Everyone in the arena became enraged, no more so than Adrian as he glared PaniK down and challenged him to get in the ring to fight. PaniK quickly accepts with eagerness and the two giants clash in the middle of the ring with swinging fists! The fans have blown up with enthusiasm seeing two titans clobber each other's skulls with their massive fists before PaniK knees Adrian up in his stomach. PaniK runs to the ropes and Adrian demolishes him with an explosive Sitout Swinging Side Slam, displaying tremendous strength to carry his size!

With Tony's assistance, the Blake Bros. throw PaniK out of the ring and get Bakura prepped for the end. Bakura is sat on Adrian's shoulders, Tony is on the top turnbuckle…

…

…and PaniK comes in to shove Tony off and crotch him on the ropes! Off the distraction, Bakura rakes Adrian's eyes to get himself down and Marik helps in taking down the six-foot eight tall man with a Double DDT…but Adrian shoves them right off and takes them both down with a Spear! PaniK rushes in the ring after Adrian to turn the tide, but Tony suddenly jumps on him with golden chains wrapped around his neck trying to choke him out! Soon as PaniK dropped to his knees, Adrian then takes out his brass knuckles to knock out PaniK with a right hook across the jaw! Now with G.O.D.'s insurance policy expired in a dazed PaniK getting dumped out of the ring, Tony wraps Adrian's brass knuckled fist in his golden chains for extra cover on their tag team championship victory. Bakura and Marik are rising closer to their vertical base…Adrian reels his right fist back…

…and Marik pushes Bakura out of the way to take the knockout punch! Now Marik falls and Bakura is trying to escape the ring, which Adrian grabs him by the waist to pull him back inside…

…

…and Yami Bakura spits Black Poison Mist directly into Adrian's eyes! Adrian drops the chain to rub the painful mist out of his eyes while a charging Tony misses a right hook on Bakura, who shoves him into Adrian's wild brass knuckled punch for his troubles! He directs his attention back to a blinded, screaming Adrian, sneaking behind him with a malicious grin before ending his misery with a Death Penalty to him and, by the time the referee was already awake to count it slowly, successfully defend their titles with this pinfall decision.

Though a fantastic match to from start to finish, fans could not hold back their distaste for the winners as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" echoes Yami Bakura's victory for his team, shown kneeling on the mat and catching his breath with the first victims of the Gods of Darkness established. A wide grin forms across his face, spreading his arms out in gratefulness to himself and the dark that aided him and his allies to conquest as Bakura lip syncs with the song's chorus. Soon enough, Marik comes to and kneels next to him with a bleeding, but smirking mouth as he relishes in the taste of his own blood. Then, a sluggish PaniK is able to deliver the APEX World Tag Team Championship belts personally, even though he's barely stirring from the brass knuckled punch. Once the Gods of Darkness were able to stand, they take their belts and raise them high to intense boos from the San Antonio crowd while PaniK remained practically dead on the mat.

All the while, Tony is understandably seething at the loss while trainers are tending Adrian to see how bad his condition is with the black mist.

As Marik kicks PaniK awake, ordering him to stand back up, Bakura makes his statement off-mic: "This, mortals, is only the tip of the iceberg! What you witnessed is EXACTLY as I prophesied—two lambs coming home to the SLAUGHTERHOUSE! If you foolishly believed the brothers Blake even had a single chance at dethroning us for our rightful crowns to this division, then you are going to continue to be sorely disappointed! But all is not lost, knaves… For if you join us, there is no possibility of what you might be capable of! All you must do…is to FOLLOW…THE SHADOWS!"

DEH!

The last shot shown before a change in scenery is the flashing still image of the Cult of Shadows sinfully grinning at the audience…

–/–/–/–/–/–

"The Gallant" Zeke Aries vs. "The Synthetic Nightmare" Revenant

In just a few short weeks, Zeke Aries made good on his word to show everyone watching closely how much he has improved as a person and as a pro-wrestler. But he too knew he was far from completing his redemption arc, as he currently has a score to settle with the likes of the heartless, unkind Revenant. As "Fight Like the Devil" by Onlap plays for the first time, Zeke had donned new ring gear to further establish himself as a new man. Though one side of the fans remained leery against him, the other side are willing to embrace the new change after seeing him put the work in. And Zeke Aries is appearing as the type to push himself beyond in his entrance to the ring.

Almost immediately after…the countdown began. Just as it reached zero, a voice screeched, "EVERYBODY…!" to signal Revenant's theme, "Everybody Dies" by Tyler Sheasgreen, playing to a crowd that swiftly showed no support with a large amount of jeers as he menacingly saunters to the stage. Upon arrival, his glowing orange eyes never ceased locking on Zeke Aries in the ring as he crouches very low onstage. By the time the chorus struck, Revenant rose tall with his hands outward and triggered flaming pyro to shoot like geysers from both sides of the stage, then his entire body twitched and contorted to stand straight, headed tilted towards a glaring Zeke, before he marches down the ramp. Just as he makes it to the ring apron…the cameraman near him catches his words off-mic, "Everyone DIES,"…and Revenant suddenly grabs onto a nearby ring crew member's face to treat him like a rag doll with an Iron Claw Slam, a showing of what's to come! This incensed Zeke to take flight with a Suicide Dive on top of Revenant and rain a barrage of fists to his face!

No bell has been rung yet until these two get in the ring to make it official as referee Nikolas Alba is demanding in his thick Russian accent to the brawling competitors to do so. But neither were listening. All that's on Zeke's head is to take the fight to Revenant. And all that's on Revenant's circuits for mind is to annihilate the Gallant Aries. Just as Zeke had Revenant about to be thrown into the steel steps, Revenant turns it around and slams Zeke into them instead!

After throwing Zeke back in the ring, allowing the match to start officially, Zeke tries going back on the attack, only for Revenant to blast him away with a Big Boot. Zeke is up against the corner and Revenant already has met him with a Running Corner Back Elbow shot. The callous Revenant bullies Aries with frequent Back Elbows, then digs his metal fingers into Zeke's chest and rakes them down all the way down to his abdomen! Zeke is reeling in vicious pain with tears left over his body and screaming through gritted teeth as Revenant admires the blood on his fingertips. Referee Nikolas Alba is berating Revenant for this action, giving him a warning to watch his actions…and Revenant snapped his soulless, glowing eyes through Nikolas to stare him down. Nikolas Alba is well known to be the toughest referees in APEX with no display of fear…but for a mere moment, he felt a raw chill down his spine and the Russian official still tells the Synthetic Nightmare to refrain from disqualifying himself. Revenant scoffs and picks Zeke up, but Zeke swiftly catches him with a forearm smash and bangs Revenant's head into the top turnbuckle! Now Zeke takes control with a series of forearms in the corner, then blasts at Revenant's upper torso with multiple shoot kicks. One more good kick in the gut for good measure, Zeke runs to hit off the opposite corner and rebounds for a Corner Front Dropkick, the fast momentum landing Zeke on the apron. The Valiant Aries builds off this for an Apron Suplex…but Revenant breaks the hold, takes him by the throat, and Chokeslams Zeke onto the ring apron!

In a mood to play with his food, Revenant slid out of the ring to follow a reeling Zeke suffering from the effects of the Apron Chokeslam, forces him to his feet and smashes his face into the nearest cameraman's camera lenses! It's a wonder how the lenses didn't crack. Continuing the punishment at ringside, Revenant has seated against the barricade and simply chokes him with his metal foot up in his throat. Referee Nikolas Alba again berates Revenant's behavior, threatening him to cut his antics and get the match back in the ring before Revenant gets in his face. Though frightened, Alba stands his ground and refuses to let the rules of the match be pushed beyond the limits.

Revenant returns his attention back to Zeke and crouches near him to hold his head up by his hair to face him, "Not looking so strong after all, skinsuit. You have enough of these fools supporting you blindly when you aren't living up to your word. You're PATHETIC."

And Zeke spits directly in Revenant's eye. Just when the Synthetic Nightmare considered putting him out of his misery…now he only delays the inevitable as Revenant yanks Zeke to his feet and tosses him into the apron with a Fallaway Slam! Now back in the ring, Revenant has Zeke pinned and breaks the pin at one, telling everyone around him, Zeke especially, that he'll be done when he says he's done with making Aries suffer. Letting Zeke stir to his feet, Revenant stalks him like a spider with his contorted body and cricking neck, which certainly perturbed all in attendance. Once they arrive at their vertical bases, Revenant sets him up for a Pumphandle Slam and Zeke slides down behind him to turn the tables with a Tiger Suplex! Seeing Revenant standing on his knees in a daze, Zeke outright clobbers him with a running European Uppercut! He takes a chance with the pin attempt, and Revenant powers out of it by two.

Both men back on their feet, Aries lands blow for blow with shoot kick after shoot kick from knee to thigh up to Revenant's sides, keeping on the offense. Revenant catches his leg and pulls him for a Clothesline, but Zeke ducks under and ensnares him in an Arm-trap Swinging Neckbreaker. Zeke floats over for the pin and yet again, Revenant kicks out around two. In the need to keep control, Zeke has Revenant arranged in a Seated Abdominal Stretch, not only to employ pain, but add his elbow strikes across the side of his face over and over and over. But Revenant would not go down, even as he was screaming from how Zeke is ruthlessly extending out his submission to make him pay a thousandfold for earlier. However, the Synthetic Nightmare isn't without dishonor as he reaches one of his clawed fingers close to Zeke's right eye, raking it long enough for Zeke to release the hold. Aries nurses his eye before getting clobbered with a high-impact Dead Man's Curve (Discus Clothesline)! Signaling for the end, Revenant has Zeke seated on the top turnbuckle and sets him up for the Death Totem, until Zeke breaks out of it to go for a Chaos Theory up in the corner. Just as they hit the turnbuckles, Revenant hangs on to the ropes with Zeke rolling back by himself, then Revenant dashes after him for the Big Boot…and Zeke catches it with a Dragon Screw! Revenant rolls out of the ring to nurse his leg, cursing his pain receptors for existing, while Zeke bounces off the ropes to run the mat and Dropkicks through the ropes (which he latches onto) to send Revenant into the table! He hounds Revenant from the apron and lands on top of him with the High Knee!

Back in the ring, Zeke begins beating Revenant's chest with The Aries Series, earning "Yes!" chants from the crowd while Revenant drops to his knees. After more than ten kicks, the noise of the crowd rises in anticipation as Zeke measures the final Roundhouse Kick to the head…and he misses the last shot by a hair with Revenant playing possum to roll him up! Zeke kicks out and runs into a tilt-a-whirl counter from Revenant, who holds him a Bear Hug and swings him around with the Hammerlock before cracking his spine with a modified Side Slam Backbreaker! Zeke recoils in sharp pain, sitting at the corner where Revenant stalks him and starts to strangle him. Revenant berates Zeke for believing he had a chance of even winning, let alone firm control because he allowed it. The referee counts up to four when Revenant takes Zeke out of the corner with both hands on the throat and plants him with a Chokebomb. But he doesn't pin him yet, wanting the methodical pace in his favor. Grabbing hold of his entire face with the Iron Claw, he lifts Zeke up by his head and throws him back into the turnbuckles. Then, he Hammer Throws him across the ring into the opposite end of the corner, roughly slamming his back against it. Revenant lines him up for an incoming right hook and Zeke lifts his boots up to kick him away! The Gallant takes an angrily running Revenant down with the Drop Toe Hold into the middle turnbuckle and kicks the rope into Revenant's throat. As Revenant nurses his esophagus, Zeke leaps on the middle turnbuckle and springs off it for a Hurricanrana—Revenant knocks him back down with a Snap Powerbomb counter!

Now this time, Revenant's the one thrashing Zeke's chest with a series of shoot kicks of his own, mocking his opponent by using his signature against him while the fans boo. Before the final kick to the head, Revenant grabs Zeke's jaw to face him and tells him, "Beg for your life. It's good for both of us." Revenant swings for the fences…

…and Zeke blocks the Roundhouse Kick, angrily hooks the leg, and Dragon Screws him down! But Zeke doesn't let go of the leg as he yanks the supine Revenant towards him, grabs both wrists…and shouts that he's "gonna kick his fucking face in," immediately proceeding to do so as he rapidly stomps away at Revenant's face! Zeke Aries is showing no signs of stopping his violent stomps, even if Revenant was knocked unconscious, all for insulting Zeke by using his own Aries Series against him! Aries pulls his befuddled opponent up to his knees, finishing what he started with the Aries Series shoot kicks and the immediate Roundhouse Kick thereafter. With hands and knees on the mat, Revenant shakes the heavy headache provoked on him as Zeke Aries pursues him from behind…and the moment Revenant lifted his head, Zeke goes off the ropes to strike the back of his head with the Shining Empress (Shining Wizard to the back of an opponent's head)! He makes the cover…

…

…and Revenant shoots a hand up at a near-fall! Zeke grabs the raised wrist to control and contort it at his will, an urge to punish Revenant rising. But the Synthetic Nightmare is able to counter with a Stomach Slaw to Zeke, digging his sharp talons deep enough to puncture his skin! The two are at a stalemate in who is dominating who in each other's hold…and with a further squeeze to Zeke's abdomen, he was forced to release the wristlock and Revenant maintains the Stomach Vice. But in spite of that, Zeke is hammering Revenant's face with multiple forearms, then downward elbows at the back of his head to force the Apex Legend to his knees. A third set of the Aries Series begins after the Stomach Vice was released, then Zeke runs to the ropes for the Shining Empress…

…

…and Revenant catches him with Dead Man's Curve (Discus Clothesline)! Not done by a long shot, after turning Zeke inside out, as he was staggering from eating the Dead Man's Curve, Revenant scoops him up, sets him in an Inverted Facelock, reels the right leg back, and drops him with the Death Drop Turmoil (Snap Inverted DDT)! He gets both legs hooked…and Zeke Aries is able to kick out at a near fall of his own!

After throwing Zeke with a Buckle Bomb, Revenant knees Zeke further in the corner and sits him on the top turnbuckle. He has him all ready for the finish with the Death Totem…and just as he hurled him over, Zeke counters with the Victory Roll! A near fall for the Reaper, who misses the Clothesline and gets planted with a sudden Valiant Finale! It was the end of the line for Revenant as Zeke turns him over for the pin and the official counts to 2.97 for when Revenant applied the Mandible Claw—his dubbed Suffering Silence on Zeke! Tried as he might, Zeke is fighting through the immense pain in his jaw as Revenant increases the pressure of his Suffering Silence. Eventually…Zeke begins to fade. He's dropped to his knees and Revenant slams him down hard on his back, beating his head over and over on the canvas and keeping the submission long enough with him mounted and Zeke's shoulders down for the full three-count.

But even with "Everybody Dies" declaring his victory, Revenant would not let go of the Mandible Claw. The Synthetic Nightmare is making Zeke sustain the unbearable hold as referee Nikolas Alba struggled to wrest him off, even with his built frame, until Revenant finally released it when the Russian official cautioned him that he'll reverse the decision. As Alba checks on Zeke, Revenant stares down at his fallen opponent who is barely conscious with a slow tilt of his head. To Revenant, that just won't do, snatching Zeke away from the official and medics. He scares them off before decimating Zeke Aries with the Death Totem! Tyler Sheasgreen's "Everybody Dies" tunes in for Revenant's departure, now giving the medics a chance to do their jobs…

…or that's what we thought. Revenant was halfway up the ramp when he stopped and gradually turned his head back to find Zeke stirring. It's clear that he wants Zeke to remain immobile, getting back in the ring shove and beat the officials to the side as he grabs Zeke's throat!

"I told you, boy! EVERYBODY DIES! Even YOU," Revenant proclaims, lifting him up for a Chokeslam…

…and Zeke is able to counter it with an elbow! Revenant staggers and Zeke is taking the fight to him with repeated forearms, unwilling to go down without a fight! He leads him into the ropes and Clotheslines him out of the ring. Revenant lands on his feet, however, and Zeke swings for the fences with a Suicide Dive…but Revenant catches him with a devastating Spinning Side Slam! The Reaper now decides to "grant the fans their wish" of embracing Zeke's new leaf turned by throwing him over the barricade and into the fans at the front row seats! The arena remains raining on Revenant with venomous jeers for his actions until turning to cheers when Drew Cage, biker chain in hand, rushes down the ramp to chase off Revenant! Plenty of unsavory words were shouted towards Revenant's way as he made his escape through the crowd before Drew went over to bring Zeke back from over the barricade.

Later, at backstage, Zeke is accompanied by Drew and Clarissa Rivera comes up to them to discuss about the match. Clarissa expresses sympathy in her words after witnessing a hard-fought match against the cold-blooded Revenant, wanting Zeke's thoughts of where he goes from here. The Gallant asks for her microphone, and he goes off on Revenant, telling him that while it's one thing to beat him down, it's another to hurt innocent people to get to him and that absolutely pisses him off the most.

"As you can see, Revenant, I'm still standing! No matter how many times you can put me down, I'm always going to get back up! Next time you get people involved in our business, I WILL PERSONALLY END YOUR MISERABLE LIFE!"

Meanwhile, on the other end of the arena, Revenant walks through without any regrets before over tonight being chewed out by Ricardo Alvarez, Jr. for his malicious deeds committed against Zeke Aries, his officials and medics for doing their job, and even the innocents in attendance.

"I don't know what you were trying to prove here tonight, but harming fans that simply want to enjoy wrestling is not what we're about! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't suspend you, Reaper…" Ricardo growls.

Revenant…responds with a morbid chuckle.

"You think that kind of threat holds power over me, old man? Threatening me with suspension and a fine on top of that? […] Sure. Suspend me if you like. Take away my pay while you're at it; wrestling isn't the only thing I'm good at, after all. But know…that this promotion will understand the true meaning of feeling at death's door."

Revenant departs…and another thing left for Ricardo is a migraine to deal with on top of these controversies.

–/–/–/–/–/–

Ladder Match – Sasuke Uchiha [c] vs. Bloodhound for the APEX Hardcore Championship

Much like Nero, Sasuke has been put through the works to defend his APEX Hardcore Championship, albeit in multiple non-DQ bouts against numerous Apex Legends. Safe to say, Sasuke was not a happy camper going in this bout with the amount of hardcore matches he's participated in to retain his reign. And it was all leading up to this point, the culmination of his trials in a Ladder Match against the debuting Bloodhound, who has been stalking the Lone Uchiha since APEX's resurgence. To Bloodhound, it was their chance to make a name for themselves with an upset title victory that would establish them in the history books. To Sasuke…it was a hindrance that is getting in his way of climbing the metaphorical ladder back up to the top of the card as well as conquering the one match he typically had the worst luck in APEX.

As the APEX Hardcore Championship is displayed hanging twenty feet high above the ring with numerous ladders surrounding it…the sounds of crows reverberate in the arena, announcing the arrival of the current challenger. And it wasn't just the loudspeakers as the cameras catch a white raven sitting on the strap of the Hardcore Title. With dimmed lights, coating the fans in deep purple, "End of Everything" by Stereomud plays as Bloodhound walks to the ring with purpose, killing intent, and sheer resolve with a mysterious aura behind their identity as well as what is unexpected by how they play in this contest on their debut.

By the time Blódhundr completed their entrance and sat in the corner with the mannerisms of ECW legend Raven, the next theme to play was "Misery Loves My Company" by Three Days Grace. On stage, the Sharingan was displayed as spotlights, and they were in sync to tune with the song, showing off the evolution of Sasuke's personal Sharingan experience from one tomoe each, then two, then three, to the Mangekyō, to Eternal Mangekyō, to the Rinnegan…and all come together to surround the final red spotlight that shines on Sasuke Uchiha staring down Bloodhound from the ring with his Sharingan eyes. On cue with the lyrics, Sasuke strides down the ramp, heavy scowl exhibited on his face. Compared to Bloodhound's cheers, Sasuke's reception was the clear opposite, but he didn't care. Not a single of the fans' opinions mattered to Sasuke whatsoever for as long as he's been around. As the song arrives to end of the first chorus, Sasuke is already in the ring standing on the middle turnbuckle, his eyes staring back at the jeering fans with disgust before raising his arms in a "Release the Doves" pose.

Now, our competitors are set to fight as they stare at the title hanging above them at center of the ring. Then, after the opening bell rings, they aim their eyes at each other while gradually circling the mat. Sasuke tells off Bloodhound that like the other Apex Legends, they will fall victim. Bloodhound remains silent as they stare a dagger through the Uchiha from their black tinted lenses. After Sasuke pie-faces Bloodhound as a method to provoke them to make a mistake, Bloodhound catches his hand he was about to slap them with, kicks Sasuke in the gut and Irish Whips him to the ropes. Sasuke avoids a Discus Clothesline attempt from Bloodhound, ducks a Back Elbow on the rebound, and performs a picture-perfect Dropkick. Bloodhound recoils up at the ropes and Sasuke charges to send them out of the ring, but gets tossed right over! The Hardcore Champion sticks the landing on the apron, however, and catches Bloodhound with a Broken Bonds (Inverted Headlock Backbreaker) over the ropes! Believing the window is open for him, Sasuke takes a ladder and folds it to bring it in the ring…but Bloodhound recovered quickly enough to hit a running Baseball Slide! Sasuke stumbles as he keeps his grip on the ladder and Bloodhound risks their body by performing a Slingshot Plancha! With the ladder sandwiched between both competitors, it's hard to tell who got the worst of it!

The Technological Tracker takes the ladder that Sasuke had before and shoves it in the ring, then heads around the corner where Sasuke is found grabbing another ladder. The challenger grabs him, but eats a European Uppercut for their troubles and Sasuke takes Bloodhound to throw them straight into the steel steps. As they recoil in pain, Sasuke resumes what he was doing by folding his ladder and bridging it between the barricade and ring apron. The Lone Uchiha picks up Bloodhound for an Irish Whip to the ladder, leading to a sequence of reversals until Sasuke kicked him in the gut. He seeks a Suplex on Bloodhound from that and Bloodhound counters with a Front Suplex Slam on top of the ladder bridge! As Sasuke hangs over the ladder, Bloodhound hops on the ring apron and hops right off it to land a Guillotine Leg Drop across Sasuke's head!

After returning to the ring, Bloodhound sets up the ladder up against the nearest corner and has Sasuke's head slammed into the rungs. Blódhundr spaces himself far enough in the opposite corner to get a running start…and Sasuke avoids the Stinger Splash attempt, the challenger crashing hard into the ladder! Adding more punishment to Bloodhound, Sasuke swings the ladder down on his opponent. Afterward, he repositions the ladder as a bridge in the corner, drags Blódhundr underneath it, grabs firm hold of their legs and catapults their face into the ladder in a snap motion! Moments later, Sasuke is already climbing the ladder used before to reach for the Hardcore Championship hanging a few feet higher than he anticipated…and Bloodhound recovers in time to tip the ladder over! Sasuke lands on his feet like a cat, but Blódhundr snatches him up with a Scoop Slam across the ladder's rails. As Sasuke recoils, Bloodhound tilts the ladder back to its vertical base and climbs up for the title. Just as they reach their hand out, Sasuke clubs their lower back and brings down the Apex Legend with an Olympic Slam!

The Lone Uchiha brings more spiteful punishment to his challenger, sandwiching Blódhundr inside the ladder to slam the rails over their body over and over like a guillotine. After dragging an anguished Bloodhound out and closing the spreads, Sasuke hoists them on his shoulders and hits the Chidori Current (Rolling Fireman's Carry Slam) across the ladder! He throws Bloodhound out of the ring and rebuilds the ladder at the center of the ring. A great opportunity hangs high from Sasuke, moments away from retaining his blood-coated golden title as he reaches out. However, Bloodhound is somehow able to walk, let alone stand, and joins Sasuke up on the ladder as the two now trade blow for blow with stiff punches. Blocking a European Uppercut from Sasuke, Bloodhound smacks his head into the top rung. They reach up for the belt, but receives a straight jab in the abdomen. The defending champion swiftly sets him for a desperate Suplex off the ladder…but Bloodhound retains their spot on their side of the ladder. Sasuke bashes his fist into his opponent's sides to soften them up, but the resilient Bloodhound smashes his skull into the head rung and takes Sasuke down with them via One-handed Bulldog!

Once both APEX Athletes recovered outside the ring, especially after avoiding the falling ladder from their previous spot, Bloodhound bridges a new ladder between the ring apron and the announce table. Blódhundr drags a somewhat immobile Uchiha over to the ladder and rests him on top of it horizontally. Valhalla's Predator takes themselves to the high-rent district, crouching on the top turnbuckle. Risking it all to further incapacitate the champion, Bloodhound dives…

…

…and crashes into the ladder, their entire body bouncing right off the steel when Sasuke rolled off at the last second! Another open window for the staggering Sasuke as he swiftly slides back in the ring and stands the tipped over ladder back up. He mounts towards his goal, literally fingertips away from preserving his reign…but Bloodhound continues to be a thorn in his side, going around the other side of the ladder…

…and tipping it over to make Sasuke fall! But, to the shock of all, Sasuke lands his feet on the ropes. Sustaining his balance, Sasuke springs off the ropes to catch a flabbergasted Bloodhound with a Hurricanrana, an unintentional callback to his rookie years! Sasuke tries to keep the momentum going with a Powerbomb attempt through the bridging ladder outside…only for Bloodhound to take a page out of the champion's book with a Hurricanrana counter of their own, taking Sasuke down on the bridged ladder with them! The two are careful to stand on the bridge as Bloodhound has Sasuke prepped for the Nevermore (Raven's Even Flow DDT)…

…but Sasuke twists out of it to drive the Apex Legend through the ladder with the Mark of the Clan (Snap Double Underhook DDT)! An ugly sight to behold as the AT&T Center attendees couldn't turn away from and let out a "HOLY SHIT!" chant.

Subsequently, when both wrestlers were able to salvage themselves back to their feet, Bloodhound folds a new ladder and hurls at Sasuke as violent payback for the Mark of the Clan earlier! The broken ladder is discarded to the side as Bloodhound grabs a now bleeding Sasuke by the hair to throw him into the corner of the security wall. As Bloodhound rips the top half of the steel stairs off, the camera catches a glimpse of their right-eyed lenses that cracked from taking the Sharingan Impact, then they place the steps near Sasuke. Bloodhound keeps Sasuke stunned by slamming his head on the steps, gains some distance…and runs to leap off the stairs with a Guillotine Bulldog over the security barricade!

With the champion seemingly out of the way, Bloodhound can straighten the ladder dead center of the ring and make their way to the suspended APEX Hardcore Championship. But as soon as Blódhundr grabbed the title, Sasuke makes a shocking return by ramming a ladder into their spine! Sasuke is shown at ringside striking at Bloodhound's back before landing one more blow to the head to bring them down! Leaving the ladder leaned over the ropes, Sasuke takes Bloodhound's place to climb the ladder, but Bloodhound refuses to stay down. They climb after Sasuke, forearm clubbing his back on their way before wrapping his head in an Inverted Facelock…

…

…

…and taking him down with the Valhalla Voyage (Rope-hung Inverted DDT)! Sasuke has rolled out of the ring and Bloodhound is in the clear to chase the gold once more. Though their body has taken quite the abuse throughout, Bloodhound persists to not only win the gold, but to avenge their fallen Apex comrades. They grab of the gold, ready to take it down…

…until Sasuke slams a steel chair at Bloodhound! The Uchiha Clan's Predator continues to be as persistent as he hurls the chair to Bloodhound…who catches it and throws it back in Sasuke's face! Bloodhound grabs the violent-themed title once more as Sasuke bounces from the ropes…and tips the ladder over, leaving his challenger to dangle for their life! Despite them kicking their feet around to keep Sasuke away, he grabs firm hold of their ankles…

…

…

…and yanks Bloodhound down to catch them with a Sharingan Impact!

Clearing the way to the Hardcore Title, Sasuke is able to eventually stand up and ascends on the ladder. Meanwhile, somehow in some way, Bloodhound is able to crawl around to the opposite side of the ladder and climb their way upward. Aggravated by Bloodhound's constant pursuing, Sasuke is raining fists to the Apex Legend's masked face as they continue climbing up to tank his punches. The Technological Tracker trades punch for punch with the Hardcore Champion, winning it out with a head smash over the top rung and sending Sasuke down with a shove. Sasuke lands on his feet and just as Bloodhound was about to pull down the belt, Sasuke reaches under the ladder to pull Bloodhound's legs between the rungs! With Bloodhound now completely helpless, Sasuke picks up the same chair used before to swing at Bloodhound and violates them with sickening chair shots to the temple! A superfluously cruel act of public execution as the crowd rains the arena with massive jeers and Sasuke eventually comes to a halt after throwing the dented chair down. Bloodhound is immobile, limp as a corpse while Sasuke drags them out with the legs hung over the rung and drills them with the Curse of Hatred (Elevated DDT from the middle rope)!

With a fresh ladder, Sasuke uses that to ascend to the hanging belt…and with no more interruptions, Sasuke unclips the title to retain his championship status, much to the crowd's discontent. "Misery Loves My Company" and Maria's declaration of Sasuke's victory was enough to bring more boos from the fans while Sasuke holds the belt high in his hand. Bloodhound would come to and find themselves lying on the mat as they see Sasuke victorious above them.

Through the cracked lenses, Bloodhound can only express disappointment with their hands clasped over their mask, especially now dealing with a possible concussion. But it didn't matter to the Uchiha, as he has conquered his greatest weakness that's haunted him for so long and retains the belt he cherishes most (until the next one comes along).

–/–/–/–/–/–

Revy vs. Téa Gardner

Behind Revy is both a trail of broken bodies, fallen legends of women's wrestling as she looks to add one more to the pile and the one standing in her way of standing on top of that mountain is the one who climbed it first, Téa Gardner. Not only is this Revy's shot to establish her name in the APEX ranks, but this is also her shot to destroy one of the strongest guards in the APEX Women's Division and rebuild it in her own image as "The Great Revy." For Téa, she's willing to risk herself to defend the division she's helped build and stand in the way of Revy's merciless carnage, much worse than the Four Horsewomen have done in their invasion. On top of that, she felt at fault for not being there enough and took the roster for granted as champion, needing to make up for it now by being the gatekeeper.

Prior to the match, moments before making her entrance, Revy was in a backstage interview with Jacksepticeye who asks the Black Lagoon character her thoughts going into the match about Téa Gardner. Two Hands scoffs at Séan's question for how "stupid" it is, but she decides to humor his "dumbass inquiry" with a strong statement.

"Let me describe Miss Power of Friendship with two words: Overhyped…and overrated. Idiots like those jagoff fans in their seats are putting her on a pedestal because she's considered 'one of the greats' when she was just Yugi's little cheerleader in ECW. I'm here to make my name in APEX by taking down whoever is stupid enough to get in my way. If Téa wants to play the 'hero' just to impress the little girls aspiring to be like her," Revy looks directly in the camera with cold, empty eyes, "then they are all in for a violent reality check…because I now got a mission of my own…to put her in her place, six feet underground next to her Yugi."

Once the stage was set, "Kill Everybody" by Hollywood Undead announces Revy's arrival as she walked down the ramp to the ring with a dark scowl and the eyes of a true killer. By the time she entered the ring, she poses with her signature dual "Sword Cutlass" Beretta 92F pistols, the hard camera holding a clear shot of Revy snarling through her bared fang while the fans were booing her throughout.

Then, in a complete one-eighty, the crowd swiftly embraced Téa Gardner in cheers as "With Legs Like That" by Zebrahead heralds her entrance. Compared to Revy's cold exterior, Téa emitted warmth and kindness that would exemplify an angel, heading down to the ring with passing high fives to the grateful fans all around ringside. It was all smiles and hugs until she entered the ring to meet Revy with a disdainful glare, having Revy's heinous actions over the course of December on her mind. Téa is here on a mission to put a stop to Revy's carnage before she can continue to destroy the entire locker room, come Hell or high water.

The opening bell is called by referee Aiko Takahashi and Revy immediately charges for a Yakuza Kick in the corner, but Téa dodges it as Revy has her leg hung over the turnbuckle! Téa punishes Revy's impatience with a swift sweep under the leg and performs a double jump off the bottom and middle ropes to land a Double Knee Drop across Revy's chest. The inaugural ACW Women's Champion drags Revy to the center for a quick pin, but Revy powers out before the referee can count. Téa puts Revy in a Reverse Chinlock in attempts to wear her down at the start, but Revy is resilient to shoot to her vertical base and tosses Téa Gardner right over, landing a Basement Big Boot to the face thereafter. Revy grabs Téa by her head with a couple of forearm shots, then Irish Whips her across the ring. Téa stops herself at the ropes and baits Revy into flying through the ropes. She first strikes Revy back with a rope-assisted Dropkick through the ropes, Skins the Cat, and takes flight with a Slingshot Plancha! She lands on Revy…who stands on her feet after catching Téa and hurls her spine-first into the steel ring post!

Having the momentum deep in her favor, Revy began working Téa's back through rigorous and gruesome means, hitting repeated Pendulum Backbreakers before finishing the combo with a simple Sidewalk Slam. And if that wasn't enough, Revy has Téa up in an Elevated Prawn Hold and sends her into the corner with a Release Buckle Bomb. Revy furthers the aggressive punishment with constant mudhole stomps before the official had to separate her to give Téa breathing room as the near five-count was not enough to stop her. They argue before Revy pushes the ref aside to focus back on Téa, who had already rolled out of the ring to nurse her spine. After following Téa, Revy kicks her in the gut and sets her up for an Apron Powerbomb that could surely end the match early…but Téa telegraphed Revy to counter with a Hurricanrana, sending her head-first into the LED ring apron!

Now it's the former APEX Women's World Champion in the driver's seat as she keeps the momentum going with her elegant showmanship and high-flying style that sends Revy in circles. She ducks under Revy's Clothesline with a Matrix evasion, hits a Handstand Backflip Kick to the head, and follows with the Graceful Whirlybird (Trish Stratus' Whirlybird Headscissors)! At one point, Revy nearly takes back control when she threw Téa out of the ring, but she hangs on to the ropes. Two Hands turns around to meet Téa performing a Slingshot Rolling Thunder past her and jumping up to hit the Neckbreaker Slam! Téa makes the pin and Revy, who is able to kick out at two, if not for the fact that Téa hesitated due to her reacting to the pain in her back. Nevertheless, Téa pushes on as she felt the end being near, signaling for the Faithful Bulldog (Trish Stratus' Stratusfaction) with Revy's head in her grasp and an index finger raised. She leaps and springs from the ropes…and Revy spins her out into a violent Deep Six Backbreaker!

Revy regains full control to resume targeting the back of Téa Gardner, further damaging it with not one, not two, but three Canadian Backbreaker Drops. Afterward, she puts Téa through the works in a Torture Rack, wanting to make her opponent suffer and eventually submit with sadistic glee on her face. However, Téa forces Revy to loosen her grip as she wrenches the nose out of desperation. Revy staggers to the ropes and Téa keeps wrenching the nose long enough to stand on the apron to hit her opponent with an elbow shot across the jaw. As Revy recovers, Téa jumps high on the top rope…and Revy "accidentally" bumps into the referee and Aiko Takahashi hits the ropes to make Téa crash and burn on the canvas! Revy explains to the irritated referee that she was simply dizzy before flipping her off from behind while Aiko checked on Téa.

Still willing to go, Téa confronts Revy, who decides to "give congrats" to the former champion for being able to survive Two Hands this long with a sneering clap, then a pat on the head. The unamused, fuming Téa smacks Revy's hand away and eats a punch…before slapping Revy square across the face! Revy actually appears stunned with how hard Téa slapped her, even feeling for any teeth gone missing. All are still there…but the next thing she sees is her own blood on her fingertips…and that sets her off. She screams, "OH, YOU F—KING BITCH!" in offense, but Téa Gardner suddenly Lou Thesz Presses her down with a ferocious sequence of hard fists! Téa Gardner is taking the fight to Revy, who in turn reverses the mounting to send punches right back at her opponent as the excited fans urged these two women to fight! Revy slams Téa's head into the canvas and Téa does the same after getting back on top before being shoved off by Revy's boots. The inaugural Women's World Champion, however, bounces from the ropes and strikes down Revy with a Sliding Forearm! After that, Revy is up in the corner to regain herself while Téa mounts her with raining fists. She now has Revy sitting on the top turnbuckle and ascends the height herself. Signaling for the Super Hurricanrana, Téa springs high…

…

…

…but Revy shoves her off midway and Téa horrifically spikes her head on the canvas! The crowd nearly goes quiet out of concern as referee Aiko Takahashi checks up on her ability to continue after that scary fall. Téa Gardner is miraculously still moving enough to gradually roll on her back and sit up, albeit her eyes glazed over, much to the relief of all in the crowd and the commentators…and Revy doesn't even hesitate to curb stomp Téa's chest in from the middle rope! She has the legs hooked tight…and Téa shoots her shoulder up at two! Revy is beside herself, grasping onto her head in panic and slapping the mat in frustration when she saw Téa land on her head!

As fans cheer on Téa and chant her name proudly, Revy pulls Téa by her hair to talk trash and scream in her face that her "time is f—king over" and she "needs to stay dead and irrelevant" before Revy decides to keep her promise…

…and Téa breaks from her grasp to knock Revy's jaw off with the Petite Angel Kick! Revy's back is turned and Téa exploits this with the Faithful Bulldog! She makes the cover…and Revy is able to power out at an unbelievable near-fall! Undeterred by this surprise kick-out, Téa has Revy in position for her classic signature, the Moonsault. At the apex of the turnbuckle, Téa Gardner swings for the fences…

…

…

…

…or she would, if Revy had not sprung back to life to cut Téa's legs from underneath with a chop block, leaving her hanging in a tree-of-woe! Afterward, Revy first hits Téa with a Straitjacket Backstabber, and then a Cutlass Hangman (Straitjacket Sitout Neckbreaker) for good measure to deepen the aggravating pain! Revy yanks Téa out of the corner with enough punishment done to her spine and now her neck, berating the former champion for not listening to her. Revy drags a near motionless Téa by her wrist to strike her down with the Pistol Whip with violent authority! However, Revy still has a firm grip onto Téa's wrist…and she had a statement to make, forcing Téa to eat a second Pistol Whip! A sadistic grin gleams over Revy's face as she keeps the wrist control…and blasts Téa once more with a third Pistol Whip!

Referee Aiko Takahashi holds off Revy and issues her to back off as medical trainers arrive to check on Téa's condition. With the earlier head spike now combined with the Cutlass Hangman and the trio of Pistol Whips thereafter, Téa looks completely out of it. But before a decision can be made, Revy shoves her way to take Téa back and caves her face in with a fourth Pistol Whip! All throughout, the fans and commentators were begging Revy to just pin Téa already, at least the match to be stopped! Revy callously tells them off that she's done when she says she's done…but just as she was about to go for a fifth Pistol Whip, the official pulls her off to berate and tell her that the match is already over, having it called off after seeing the medical staff signal her that Téa Gardner cannot continue.

While most are relieved it was over, the rest are livid towards Revy for her heartless deeds to commit such atrocities. Kenji Matsuo, absolutely fuming at the top of his lungs, stated that Revy stopped trying to win a while ago as she was determined to keep her end of the bargain and put Téa Gardner on the shelf. As the official and the trainers are overlooking a barely conscious Téa Gardner, Revy stands victorious with a sneering grin and a raised index finger. Revy mockingly wishes Téa a speedy recovery next to Yugi and takes her exit, walking past Téa's friends who she gives side glances with scoffs. Before leaving fully, she forcefully has one of the cameraman on her to state, "I'm the real f—king deal, APEX! That in the ring right there is your pitiful, pathetic embarrassment of your past! I'm your future! […] So, you better have been watching closely, Champ."

–/–/–/–/–/–

Halloween Town Match – "The Pumpkin King" Jack Skellington vs. ?

Over the course of December, Jack Skellington has been patiently waiting for someone, anyone to step up to the challenge against the Pumpkin King. It's truly as if no one would even dare step foot in the same ring as Jack. However, the Pumpkin King decided to add a special stipulation…and that was to make his upcoming bout a Halloween Town Match! Simply put, instead of waiting for someone to accept the open challenge, the Pumpkin King becomes inspired to personally send an invitation to the one man he has in mind for an opportunity to face him on his home turf, if they're brave enough.

He has been a fair and gracious host for The Nightmare Before Christmas event to the fans, enjoying every match that has come and gone these past two nights…and now was the time to return home to commence his debut. With the wave of his hand, Jack Skellington reveals his current location at the Hinterlands, specifically at the center of the grove of trees with their Holiday Doors when Jack first discovered them. This was it. This was Jack's final offer to let whoever takes on his challenge step up now or forever disappoint the Pumpkin King.

Eventually…someone does show. As the perspective changes from the usual reality-based one-shot setting to a cinematic scenery, Jack Skellington hears the crunching of leaves from behind and grins excitedly to know his challenger accepted the invitation. The Pumpkin King turns and greets him with a bow.

"Welcome, my friend! Call me a liar, but I'd be worried enough to think you wouldn't show up~"

A pair of boots are found walking towards Jack, the challenger remaining unseen from the viewer as they stop a few feet ahead of him. The Pumpkin King folds his arms as he stares down at the opponent for his special challenge, wondering if they know the story behind these doors.

"Then let me explain~" Jack starts circling the trees as does the challenger. "T'was a long time ago—longer now than it seems—in a place that perhaps you've seen your dreams, for the story you're about to be told, took place in the holiday worlds of old. Now…you've probably wondered where holidays come from! If you haven't…I'd say it's time you've begun~"

The Pumpkin King suddenly opens the Jack O'Lantern door with a gleeful grin and cackles as he falls through, followed by the surprised challenger as well as they were sucked in by a magical force! From the contestant's perspective, all he can see is darkness and hear the joyful, if not ironically sinister laughter of Jack Skellington echoing through as the all too familiar and beloved tune of "This is Halloween" plays out to "welcome" the challenger to the eponymous and renowned city.

The viewers are treated with a spectacle of seeing every memorable citizen performing their most iconic theme as they do every year on Halloween, this time around being a special biannual occasion considering who they're making the entrance for, as we also see the entirety of Halloween Town currently coated with snow this time of year. Have to keep up with the theme of this special live television event, after all.

[In this town, don't we love it now!

Everyone's waiting for the next surprise~

Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back

And scream like a banshee

Make you jump out of your SKIN!

This is Halloween; everybody SCREAAAM!

Won't ya please make way for a very special guy?~

Our man, Jack, is king of the pumpkin patch!

Everyone, hail to the Pumpkin King now!

This is Halloween, this is Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!

…

In this town we call home

Everyone, hail to the pumpkin song~]

As the citizens' ongoing performances draw closer to the end with the final verse post-bridge, Jack Skellington artistically rises from the snow-coated casket to a standing ovation from his fellow residents of Halloween Town. Residing at Guillotine Square, Jack is found in an actual pro-wrestling ring, and it is surrounded by bleachers where the residents, especially one Sally Skellington and her five skeleton children beside her at front, currently sit to support their Pumpkin King.

After taking a bow to thank his people, he turns his now undivided attention to one person, the challenger approaching through the open gates as the spectators of Halloween Town are booing and hissing at them. A new angle shot shows the same pair of boots from before, gradually cutting through different angles to feature the wrestler's unique attributes…which are revealed to resemble a certain devil from the dark outskirts of space.

Back to Jack, he rests his bony hands on his hips and stares down at the arriving opponent, "Yes, welcome to Halloween Town…Mr. Isaac Clarke."

With that revelation, "The Beginning is the End is the Beginning" by The Smashing Pumpkins booms in the background as the Dead Space Devil enters Halloween Town staring cold daggers at the Pumpkin King with many biased jeers thrown at him. Ignoring the rather adverse reception, Isaac marches to the ring, passing a side glance to Sally Skellington who keeps her children close to her. Since his loss back at Night of Champions, Isaac has been walking with a chip on his shoulder as he was unable to gain the APEX World Championship, but perhaps this open challenge might be what he needs to bring himself back up on the card. As we've seen before, Isaac will do what it takes to survive.

Isaac steps inside as the match is about to begin soon with Lock, Shock, and Barrel as the special color commentators and the Mayor of Halloween Town acting as the referee, who Jack Skellington told personally to call the match down the middle no matter who wins, much to his anxiety. Despite that, the Mayor trusts Jack's word and explains the rules as such; this match like any other, win by pinfall or submission, but this will be falls count anywhere and there's a special optional stipulation where the first wrestler to put their opponent away in the casket at ringside is declared the winner.

The match finally commences with the Mayor calling for the bell…and Jack Skellington, like the undead gentlemen he is, offers a handshake to Isaac, which the inhabitants of Halloween Town are warning their not to even bid him any amount of respect. Assuring his townsfolk he has this under control, Jack remains holding his hand as Isaac stares at it. All there is to say from the Pumpkin King to the Dead Space Devil is wishing him luck and that "may the best man win"…and Isaac eventually accepts the handshake. But Jack had one more thing to say…

"You can consider yourself 'the devil' all you want, Mr. Clarke…but you're dealing with the Pumpkin King," Jack proclaims with a malicious grin.

Isaac, in response, scoffs with a smirk…and headbutts Jack Skellington to start the match off! Jack staggers, but he starts trading hard fists with Isaac in the center of the ring! The Pumpkin King now takes Isaac to the ropes for an Irish Whip, exhibiting his insane agility with a Leapfrog over Isaac and then catching him with a Hurricanrana! Even for Isaac, he couldn't anticipate how fast Jack actually is for his stature. Jack Skellington did well to dominate the ring as Isaac is forced to recollect himself outside…and that might demonstrate to be a bad idea as the Pumpkin King takes flight with an Over-the-top-rope Suicide Dive right on top of the Dead Space Devil! The Halloween Town natives are elated to see their king bring the likes of Clarke down for a change. Arriving at the announce table, Jack slams Isaac's head on the desk as Lock, Shock, and Barrel scatter away. The Pumpkin King has Isaac Clarke set for a Powerbomb through the table…

…but as Isaac is on his shoulders, he immediately rains fists on his literal skull to break free and elbow Jack onto the table. He climbs to join Jack with his head in his grasp…and soon brutally drills him through the table with Bad Moon Rising (Bloody Sunday)! The panic is shown on the faces of the citizens and the mayor as Isaac goes for the pin…and after a reluctant count, Jack actually kicks out at two! Much as the townsfolk are relieved, Isaac continues the onslaught.

Isaac puts on hefty damage to the Pumpkin King, repeatedly throwing him head-first into each ring post. He throws him on the ring apron as he goes a Piledriver…but Jack is able to distribute his weight down to toss Isaac over with a Back Body Drop! The stiff pain makes Isaac writhe off of the apron with a scrunched face as he nurses his spine and distances himself in an attempt to recover from the landing. Upon turnaround, Isaac finds Jack bouncing off the ropes with an Arabian Press! Now Jack with the pin…and Isaac kicks out at two! Jack lets Isaac roll away as he follows and receives an elbow to the gut, but quickly retaliates with a Throat Thrust Uppercut. These two fight all over Guillotine Square, even going up the bleachers where the citizens aid Jack Skellington to have their items used or stolen by Isaac, such as Jack smashing a smiling Jack O'Lantern over Isaac's face and Isaac later punching out Jack with a chain-wrapped fist. At one point, they go down to the fountain where Jack attempted to drown Isaac in it up until he pushes back up and elbows Jack right in the sternum. From there, he stands on the fountain and leaps off to take down the Pumpkin King with a Diving Clothesline! After dragging a dazed Jack over to the guillotine, Isaac sticks his head through the pillory and locks him in. Isaac then grabs hold of the rope and releases the blade, which swiftly slices Jack's head clean off!

[…]

But there were no screams of horror from the citizens at the decapitated body of their fallen Pumpkin King, as Isaac realizes. Instead, Jack's body takes sudden control of itself and performs a kip-up, shocking Isaac as he gets knocked back from a Big Boot! The headless Jack walks towards his head to pick up and reattach to his neck with a relieved exhale.

"Truly, I am blessed to be able to take off my head to recite Shakespearean quotations~" Jack quips.

Isaac, seeing how this isn't going his way, is forced to make a retreat as he bashes shoulder-first through the gates and runs to the graveyard.

"Running away, Mr. Clarke!? Can't say I blame you; you are a survivor, after all!" Jack laughs. "But remember…I'm a master of fright~"

As Jack's words resonate, Isaac Clarke is found hiding behind a tombstone to recover his wounds and catching his breath. Much as he hated to admit it, Isaac's face tells that he's underestimated the kind of opponent Jack Skellington really is. In hindsight, he should've known Jack wouldn't be killed that easily by a simple guillotine. Still, he needed a ripe opportunity, an open window, to turn the tables on the Pumpkin King. Then, hearing the gates open, Clarke tenses up and peeks over to see Jack Skellington walking through with his hands behind his back without a care in the world and a wide grin remaining on his face as he searches for the invitee.

"One thing I do not understand myself, Mr. Clarke…why?" Jack quizzes. "Why treat the one person, the one friend who had your back and avenged you throughout the course of ACW's early beginnings…like he was a hindrance—a nemesis?"

A dark expression unfolds over Isaac's face, staring daggers at Jack from his hiding spot before beginning to move quietly through the graveyard out of Jack's sights.

"Surely, it wasn't done out of personal intent…but you made it so," Jack states. "Like you, Naruto is a well-respected veteran, if not legend…and you turned on him. You turn on him and resort to this. A shameless, hollow version of yourself that lets his vile actions speak and treat others like Necromorphs… Were you trying to prove something? Were you…afraid of falling behind?"

As Jack continued on, Isaac carefully stalks the Pumpkin King, now with a piece of tombstone debris in his hand. It seemed Isaac didn't want to hear what Jack had to say, increasingly growing angrier the more he talked and wanted him to just shut up.

"With a shot at the world title on the line, all intents and purposes show you were willing to do anything…even bury the friendship you had with dear Naruto. But in the end, was it worth destroying what you cherished when you failed to capture the gold from King Beowulf? So much so, you brought a chip on your shoulder to come face the Pumpkin King to assert your dominance. Frankly, when all is said and done…I'm disappointed," Jack frowns, a large group of bats suddenly flying by behind him and blocking Isaac's path just as he was about attack him from behind.

The bats circle around Isaac for a moment as he swings away at them to shoo them off…and finds that Jack Skellington has disappeared. Isaac grips onto his rock in frustration…and swiftly swings back at Jack behind him, but Jack catches the arm! The ghosts that reside within the graveyard begin rising out of their resting places and the pumpkin patches to howl and screech with Jack's own rising anger. He lands a right haymaker to Isaac's jaw and Isaac swings right back with a fist of his own. The Devil and the King battle upward on Spiral Hill, drawing themselves closer to the ledge. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Halloween Town has been desperately trying to keep up with the two, anxiety growing further when he and the pursuing civilians see their king near the edge of Spiral Hill.

The exchange of fists has leaned to Isaac's favor, having more experience when it comes to scrapping. The Pumpkin King is forced to his knees as Isaac stares him down with evil intentions. With Jack's wrist firmly gripped in Isaac's hand, Isaac clocks him with Brute Force…then a second…then a third, fourth, and fifth. Jack seems deeply dazed, given no chance to defend himself. Now Isaac has the Pumpkin King where he wants him as he's just about to throw him off the hill…and a snowball flies right in his face. A bit staggered, but Isaac wipes the snowball off his face to deadpan glare at Lock, Shock, and Barrel who all start aiding Jack with a flurry of snowballs thrown at him. Soon, the citizens join in to pelt Isaac with snowballs, making him stagger back while shielding himself. They've had enough of Isaac's brutality and violent intentions to their king as they try to even the odds. This succeeds to let Jack recover long enough as Sally Skellington throws the final snowball to Isaac…and turns him around for the Soul Robber (Impaler DDT)! He makes the pin…and Isaac Clarke shoots the shoulder up at a near-fall, much to the dismay of the citizens! Jack himself is surprised, but impressed to see such resiliency to withstand the Soul Robber. However, this next move…might bring him closer to victory, as he puts Clarke in a Standing Headscissors.

"ALL HAIL THE PUMPKIN KING!"

With that mighty acclaim from the citizens of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington swiftly lifts the barely conscious Isaac Clarke up on his shoulders. He tells him that despite everything…Jack hopes that the real Isaac Clarke will return one day the good man he once was…

…

…

…

…and hurls him off Spiral Hill with All Hail the Pumpkin King (The Last Ride)! Isaac has seemly disappeared from sight before the citizens rush over as the Spiral Hill itself uncurls to let Jack walk down the bridge with his people behind him. By the time they reach the bottom, they find Isaac Clarke completely laid out in the snow-filled pumpkin patch and motionless whatsoever. Jack lets out a long exhale (whether it was relief or disappointment is up to the viewer) and gestures for the casket to be brought in. The Vampires carry it with them and set it down for Jack, who manages to drag and place Isaac's carcass inside it. As his puts his hand on the lid, he shares a few final words to Isaac, who began to regain consciousness…

"Let it be known, Mr. Clarke, that I consider this a grand match to start off my new adventure in APEX…and I have you to thank for that," Jack grins. "While you have the time to think of your actions in this casket, I just have to say…Merry Christmas from the Pumpkin King~"

SLAM!

The casket lid is closed shut before Isaac can reach up as he is sealed in the darkness of his own demise…and Jack Skellington stands victorious before his cheering people.

"Your winner of the Halloween Town Match—'THE PUMPKIN KING' JAAAAAACK SKELLINGTOOOOOON!" The Mayor proclaims.

In celebration of their leader's conquest, the citizens sing to the "This is Halloween" verse in vocables as they surround him. After sharing a hug with Sally, Jack tells his people to continue the festivity back at the Halloween Town Plaza. As everyone returns to the Plaza at their king's request with their heads up high, Sally looks to Jack in concern, but not over the wounds he carries.

"Jack…did you mean by what you said to Isaac?" the Pumpkin Queen asks.

"Of course I do, Sally. Is what he did unforgivable? Absolutely, no question. […] But I have to believe there's more to what he did than simply becoming the monster that he is," Jack replies. "I may not know the man personally, but I can see in his soul that this is not the same Isaac Clarke as people cherished before."

"All I ask is you don't put too much faith in something that could backfire worse than it already has," Sally begs.

"Haha, oh my beautiful queen, when have I ever had anything that backfired on me?" Jack laughs.

Sally Skellington is unamused, giving her husband a deadpan stare in recounting the events of The Nightmare Before Christmas…and his encounters with the Heartless.

"Okay, I see your point," Jack backs down. "But if there's anything I have a good feeling about…it's that this phase might not last long."

"If you believe in this…then I'll believe, too," Sally smiles.

"I'm grateful, Sally. Truly," Jack beams back. "Now then! Lock, Shock, Barrel?"

"Right here, Jack!" The mischievous trio pop up between the Pumpkin King and Queen.

"Be sure to take Mr. Clarke in his casket back to the human realm," Jack orders. "Safe and sound. Understood?"

"We'll be sure to deliver him back alive and unbroken!" Lock salutes.

"Are we sure his bones aren't broken after that fall?" Barrel snickers.

"Maybe even dead?" Shock snorts.

"We're counting on you three…much as I would prefer anyone else," Sally mutters.

"And you can be sure we won't let you down!" Shock assures, then whistles for the trio's bathtub to arrive.

Lock and Barrel have the casket chained to the bathtub and the trio hop in to drag Isaac away back to the human realm through the Hinterlands, heard cackling mischievously as they also vocalize "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" on their way into the forest.

"…You really believe they'll take Mr. Clarke home safely?" Sally asks.

"Nope!" Jack bluntly answers, the grin never leaving his face. "But I'm sure he'll be fine. Now, off to celebrate Christmas with Mr. Claws! Have to keep tradition in exchanging gifts this time of year, after all!~"

An excited Jack Skellington walks ahead as Sally watches with a soft smile. She scoops up a handful of snow and winks at the camera before throwing it up into the air, the snowflakes glimmering into stars as they spell out, "Merry Christmas from Halloween Town!"

–/–/–/–/–/–

MAIN EVENT – King Beowulf [c] vs. "The Marvelous" Spider-Man for the APEX World Championship

And so, we reach the finale. The main event of The Nightmare Before Christmas. One king seeks to further his establishment and dominance in the roster he never rightfully had that chance to during ACW's dark times and bring a bright light to his reign for the people. The other, a young hero who is unwavering to show not only the world, but to the very champion himself that he's on the same level as Beowulf—to show everyone he has what it takes to stand at the top.

Per tradition, the challenger arrives first…and what the fans received was unexpected, but not altogether unpleasant. The arena goes dark momentarily for the ChristmasTron to display a highlight reel that features the best moments in Spidey's live-action saga…and his biggest tragedies, all through the mash-up harmony of Spider-Man's music pieces from over the years from Danny Elfman's score to James Horner to Michael Giacchino. It takes only a minute to show that much history, but it more than enough to get the audience hyped up…

…especially when the familiar siren goes off…

…and "Elevated" by It Lives, It Breathes takes over to the surprised pop of the crowd! In sync to the beat, two rays of spotlights reveal the actual counterparts—Sam Raimi's "Friendly Neighborhood" and Marc Webb's "Amazing" Spider-Men—in the very flesh making their iconic poses from the top of the 'Tron! At the last beat, they turn their heads…and "The Marvelous" Spider-Man is exposed to the spotlight, receiving a bigger pop from the Texas crowd. The Spider-Trio then jumps off from the screen to land effortlessly on the stage and rise to their feet just as the first verse hits, triggering massive red and blue fireworks!

After playing to the fans for a good while with their web-swings in the arena, Spider-1 (MCU) gathers with Spider-2 (Raimi) and Spider-3 (Webb) back at ringside to thank them for being here on this night and hopes he can take the gold home tonight. Spider-2 advises his young counterpart to watch for Beowulf's speed and strength and to do this best while Spider-3 simply tells him to kick ass. After the sentimental huddle, Spider-1 breaks away in great determination to make his way to the ring with a high leap over the ropes…and meets the chants of "SPIDER-MAN!" from both song and audience, whom Spidey has been playing to the fans once more up to the very end.

Though the track has ended, the fans have not ceased their chants for the aspiring Spider, whose sights are set on the stage…as "Who's Next?" by Jim Johnston booms with epic marching drums from the loudspeakers. Fans couldn't help to not hide their support for the APEX World Champion as the arena is coated in pure gold lightning with bright sparking sprays and smoke emitting over the entranceway. Where it only took a moment for the champion to arrive, it felt like an eternity to the anxious fans…and it was worth the wait as King Beowulf is revealed right through the dispersing pyrotechnic shower, only smoke left in his way as he deeply exhales from his lips. The Beast of Geats exclaims his name with heart, punching up the air and throwing out a shadow kick in sync with the fireworks going off behind him as he marks his entrance to the ring to meet his challenger. After making his in-ring poses, Beowulf glares deep daggers through the lenses of Spider-Man as both men stare each other down in the middle of the ring; a true David vs. Goliath in the making in front of the thousands in attendance and the millions watching at home. It even took Senior Referee Marshall Erikson a tough bit to separate the two just to have them in their corners and have the match ready.

By the time Maria Lopez's introductions were done, Marshall had to ensure both were fully ready to go; he gets the stern confirmation from champion and challenger…and calls for the opening bell. All throughout, the crowd were absolutely divided for who to cheer the most between Beowulf and Spider-Man; truly, a spectacle to behold.

Beowulf and Spider-Man size each other up as they circle the canvas. Spidey makes a swift kick at the thigh, partially deflected by the champion. It's clear Spidey is gonna have to rely on his superior speed and acrobatic capacity to take down the big man as he tries a Single Leg Takedown, but Beowulf remains standing and lifts the young hero like the child the King claims him to be! Beowulf shocked commentators, the fans, and Spidey himself from his sheer raw strength to haul the Wall-crawler over the ropes! Receiving a warning count from Marshall to break from the ropes, King Beowulf complies short of hesitation, but not without a condescending pat on the back. In disbelief and feeling disrespected, the Web-head scowls deep through his mask as he reenters. Yet again, the two loop the mat, this time into a collar-and-elbow tie-up…then Beowulf snatches him a Side Headlock before throwing him down across the ring mat! King Beowulf, confident in his crouching stance, stares down at the young Spider with a stoic expression as he clenches onto the middle rope and glares underneath him in anger. Before needing to continue, Spidey exhales deeply to calm himself down. This match is far too important for Spidey to act irrationally and lose the chance to become the new APEX World Champion.

With his head all cleared, Spidey once again sizes up his opponent and vice versa. Spidey offers his hands for a Greco-Roman Knuckle Lock and Beowulf accepts; the Wall-crawler baits the Test of Strength in twisting his arm after rolling backwards in the need to control the wrist, but the APEX Champion grabs hold of his chin from behind. It looks like he's going for a Sleeper Hold, but then Spidey is able to cling to the ropes for a break. Beowulf gives his challenger space and Spidey takes advantage with a quick kick to the leg, agitating the king to lunge after him and Spidey performs a Dante Martin-esque hop over him! The Beast of Geats growls in annoyance while the Web-slinger wobbles his head with a smirk under his mask. Meeting at the center once more, they engage in a true Greco-Roman Knuckle Lock to test each other's power. They seemed evenly matched at the start in pushing each other back until Beowulf's veins appear in his arms to display dominance, using his size advantage to take down Spider-Man. Queen's own superhero is fighting with all he has, but King Beowulf is able to gradually, but surely pin down the young hero on the canvas. However, the official can't count it if his shoulders aren't down, so Beowulf decides to hop and drive his knees down into him. Both shoulders pinned…

…and Spidey pops his shoulders up at a near-fall! Not only that, but carrying the nearly two-hundred and eighty pounder man practically sitting on him! The San Antonio fans are rallying behind the challenger in echoing his name as he rises to his feet to show Beowulf he's just as strong, if not more! Though able to return to his vertical base, Beowulf still has his height advantage to push the lad back to the ropes. Spidey's able to reverse for a moment…and lands a quick back elbow to Beowulf's jaw before backing away as swiftly as he can. As Spidey forms a wry smile from landing the shot, Beowulf nurses his jawline with a deep scowl towards the challenger. Spidey truly is pushing his luck when he's standing in the same ring across from a big, dangerous animal…and it couldn't be more true as Beowulf snatches the Spider in a Wristlock and spins it into an aching Arm Wrench. The King of the Danes lifts Spidey up and over, flipping him down on his side for a modified Armbar where his knee rests over Spidey's head. But that was nothing more than to have Spidey sit up so Beowulf can patronize him with a rough ruffle on his head.

Zack Carver points out how Beowulf's character has changed in this match to get into Spidey's head and Barney Stinson retorts that that's the case because this isn't just about the world championship and retaining his reign and streak; it's about sending a message to Spider-Man that he can't hang with the King of APEX.

And that was enough to set Spidey off with a kip-up and a Dropkick. Beowulf stays on his feet in light stumble and Spidey quickly follows with a Knife Edge Chop across the chest! The King glares down at his chest…then looks up to Spidey…who slaps him across the face, having enough of the insults with the crowd surprised! A now ire Beowulf snaps his head back at Spidey and grabs him to throw him behind into the nearest corner for a Backhand Chop of his own, but Spidey ducks under to land a second chop of his own! This only infuriates the Beast of Geats to chase the backpedaling Wall-crawler with a Clothesline and Spidey avoids it to take down the champion with a Handspring Enzuigiri!

Now he has Beowulf up against the corner with elbows into jaws and chops against chests, but despite that, Beowulf is defiant to the young hero as he doesn't seem to take in the blows, shouting at him, "Is this all you are, with your pitiful strength, BOY?!" This sets off Spider-Man to land rapid-fire Shoot Kicks that transform instantly into mudhole stomps out of sheer anger and bitterness before referee Marshall Eriksen, failing to get his attention with a five-count warning, forces himself between the two to separate. Spidey ignores the berating from the official as he goes after Beowulf again, but the APEX World Champion smashes his elbow across the Spider's face! Marvel's iconic hero is sent to the ropes in a daze, knocked for a loop from that Elbow Smash as Beowulf taunts him, telling him that he wanted this. He deliberately leaves himself open for Spidey to have a shot at returning the favor…

…and instead of an Elbow Smash, Spidey fakes him out with a swift Spinning Side Kick to the gut! He leaps off the bottom rope with one foot to perform a Tornado DDT, but Beowulf remains standing and holds onto the Web-head. Beowulf with the Suplex counter and Spidey slides over down, then Beowulf hits the Standing Switch to shove Spidey to the ropes. With great force to have Spidey forced to the run, he bounces from the ropes under a leapfrogging Beowulf and rebounds to eat a violent Big Boot from the big man! Poor Spider-Man is incapable to know where he is at the moment with his fists held up while sitting, then Beowulf grabs his head to gradually bring his opponent to his vertical base. Making sure that Spidey faces him, Beowulf lifts his head with the edge of his hand and reiterates him that he wanted this before knocking him back down on the canvas with an earth-shattering Knife Edge Chop that reverberates throughout the arena for the audience to wince in agony! Even the referee and commentators couldn't help but wince from the phantom pain, Markiplier remarking Spider-Man may as well be shot in the chest with a cannonball!

King Beowulf tries being merciful to have Spidey pinned here and there…but the Web-head refuses to stay down with a powerful kick-out at two…and unfortunately, that stubbornness may be the catalyst to his excruciating chastisement throughout the match. The APEX Champion is in full control, deep in the driver's seat, as he landed methodically paced elbow shots across the jaw to keep Spider-Man stuck in the cobwebs before slamming him down with a Gutwrench Suplex. After another failed pin attempt from Spider-Man, he desperately fires kicks at the proverbial tree that is Beowulf before the latter caves his chest in with a brutal stomp! As if the chop before wasn't bad enough to knock the wind out of his lungs, the stomp only made it worse for Spidey to hold his sternum and writhe in pain. And it's only going to get worse from here as Beowulf forces the young hero to stand on the apron with his back turned…and introduces him to a new weapon in his arsenal by bashing his fist across the chest in the Beats of the Geats (Sheamus' Beats of the Bodhrán)! After ten consecutive thumps that caves in Spidey's sternum further into likely dust, Spider is left to crumble down to the padded floor while Beowulf roars to a divided crowd that loves and hates Beowulf's newfound brutality.

It took a miracle for Spider-Man to even get back inside the ring before the end of the ten-count. Throughout then, Beowulf didn't have a need to interrupt the count by stopping Spider-Man for the easy win or going outside to continue the punishment; he has more honor than that to trust in the masked hero to return in the nick of time. However, this means that Spider-Man has to endure another violent session of the Beats of the Geats…

…

…but Beowulf's right arm is caught by the Web-slinger to yank that arm over the top rope! Spider-Man does what he can to directly attack the arm with Arm Wrenches into elbows and kicks before going for an Irish Whip. In a swift reversal, Beowulf sends Spider-Man to the ropes instead and after avoiding Beowulf's Big Boot with a knee slide, Spidey catches him with a Cravate Russian Legsweep—coined as the Armstrong Web-sweep! Then Spidey smoothly rolls back through the top and middle rope to stand on the apron as Beowulf rises to his feet and Spider-Man comes down on him with the Web-slinging Forearm! All that effort to make a comeback…

…and go figure, it's not enough to put Beowulf down as he powers out at two, tossing Spidey off! The King of APEX reaches his feet to rush after Spider-man, who backflips off him and strikes hard with the High Knee! Beowulf is forced outside through the ropes in his tumbling and Spidey has the fans rallying behind him for his incoming daredevil attempt. He hits the ropes from behind and executes the Spidey Special (Cartwheel Over-the-top-rope Suicide Corkscrew Moonsault)…

…

…

…only for Beowulf to catch him with ease! Spidey panics in Beowulf's clutches as he gets slammed onto the unbreakable announce table! Then, Beowulf adds more damage with a devastating Knife Edge Chop and completes the Hat Trick with a grotesque Apron Powerbomb!

The pain is taking a heavy toll on the young crusader as he's crumbled up on his knees, essentially kneeling before Beowulf, who sneers at him that, again, he wanted this. Forcing him on his feet against the apron, Spider-Man takes in another heavy chop…and instead of collapsing, he insults Beowulf's strength, taunting him that that chop was as soft as the last one. Beowulf provokes him to the favor and Spidey gladly does so with an effective, but desperate brisk series of backhanded chops of his own! It's actually working to make the APEX World Champion reel back before he fires back with a brutal Lariat! Interestingly, Beowulf slightly nurses his arm (as still feeling the effects from the Hot Shot to his arm earlier) and grabs Spider-Man by the throat. After hoisting him in a Military Press Lift, Beowulf is just about to toss his opponent into the ring post, but Spider-Man drops down from behind and shoves him shoulder-first into that ring post instead! That is the window of opportunity Spidey has managed to open up for himself as Beowulf grimaces in pain to his shoulder.

Both men returning from outside after Spider-Man threw Beowulf back in the ring, Spidey lands as many strikes and hits as he can with Beowulf on the defense, with highs and lows, from elbows to kicks. It seemed that Spider-Man has the tides turning in his favor as he bounces from the ropes for a Crossbody Block…and Beowulf catches him in his arms! Beowulf aims for a Scoop Slam counter, but Spidey turns that around into a Tilt-a-whirl and encases the legendary hero in the Iron Spider (Octopus Stretch)! The arena reverbs with excited anxiousness to see if Beowulf could actually tap out and Spidey would be the one to do it…

…

…

…but in spite of the super strength to aid his well-knotted submission, Beowulf summons his own inhuman might to power out of the Iron Spider to the Wall-crawler's horror! With Spidey still in Beowulf's arms from the broken Iron Spider, Beowulf drives his challenger down with an Air Raid Crash! Cover by the champion to retain…and Spider-Man keeps his ambitions alive with a kick-out at two!

Up against the corner, Beowulf has the utterly battered Spider-Man set up for an Overhand Chop and a Biel Throw thereafter that has the latter soaring across the ring. Needless to say, the landing was not pleasant for Spider-Man. Beowulf gradually stalks him to his feet in the opposite corner and, in spite of what he's gone through, Spider-Man gestures the Beast of Geats to give him all he has. A snort escapes Beowulf's lips, finding disbelief that Spidey would want to keep fighting, let alone endure the punishment. He shakes his head out of pity…

…and grabs onto his costume to rip open, exposing Spidey's bare chest, which was already burning red and bruised up from the initial chops and Beats of the Geats before, and this time bashes his entire right fist into his torso! The Marvelous Spider-Man falls to his knees…and gives out a defiant glare up to Beowulf for "holding back". As his left eye twitches in irritation, Beowulf grabs Spidey's head and heaves him on the top rope. The King himself ascends the turnbuckles to set up for the Superplex. During so, he beats Spidey's back with repeated clubbing forearms. Just as he has the Superplex ready for landing, Spidey mustered enough strength to stay in place and then begins headbutting the champion! The young Spider slips down underneath Beowulf with his head grabbed and tucked into the turnbuckle…

…and strikes Beowulf square in the face with the Cheeky Arachnoid Kick! Afterward, Spidey has the dazed Beowulf perfectly sat on the top turnbuckle before he could fall over, hops on the top rope to sit behind him…

…and spikes him with the Spider Suplex! Spider-Man pulls himself back up to crouch on the top as Beowulf gradually rises to his vertical…

…then Spidey takes flight with the Jumping Spider (Phoenix Dragonrana)…

…

…

…and Beowulf catches him with a violent Powerbomb counter! But he clings to the Spider, lifting him off the mat and Powerbombs him against the turnbuckles! The Web-head ambles wearily into Beowulf's grip by the throat before getting lifted high in a Gorilla Press followed by a Powerslam! Center of the ring, the champ hooks the leg…

…

…

…and Spider-Man kicks out at ONE! The crowd goes nuts as Beowulf is rattled, seeing Spider-Man suddenly full of energy slamming on the mat and screaming at the champion, "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT, 'YOUR HIGHNESS'?!"

But then Beowulf smashes his dominant right elbow into Spidey's face…and Spidey fires back with his own! Steadily rising from their knees, the King and the Spider are striking each other's craniums with elbows galore in a trading session before going at it simultaneously with furious fists with the praising crowd behind them! It comes to a sluggish halt when Spidey and Beowulf are back down to a knee, leaving the audience to give a roaring round of applause. Both men temporarily lean on each other, chins resting on their shoulders while catching their breath. Then, as they stand on their feet, they nudge each other's foreheads in their smack talk to rile up.

"GIVE ME EVERYTHING YOU ARE NOW, BOY!" Beowulf urges, if not taunting.

Spidey abruptly gets shoved back before dashing right under an Overhead Chop, then hits the ropes, ducks a Backhand Chop, and sit-bounces from the second rope to hit Beowulf with a Springboard Stunner! The impact sends Beowulf reeling back and tumbles through the ropes, then Spidey builds speedy momentum with running back and forth from the ropes to perform a Mach 10 Suicide Dive that sends both Spider-Man and Beowulf over the barricade! At the height of his adrenaline rush, Spidey slaps his hands over the barricade before rushing back in the ring. Beowulf is in trouble as he stumbles to his vertical base with the barricade as his support…

…

…

…

…and the first thing he sees is Spider-Man clearing across the massive gap between the ring and the crowd with a Web-slinging Shooting Star Plancha!

"HOLY SHIT!" chants boom vividly from the sold-out AT&T Center after seeing such a display! And their cheers become roars as Spider-Man pops to his feet to beat his red beet chest with a triumphant holler, absolutely pumped up! After sharing a high-five with a fan, the challenger drags the champ all the way back to the ring as fast as he can to finish this while he's in the driver's seat. With Beowulf laid out flat on the mat on his back, Spider-Man takes flight with the Spectacular Splash! But he wasn't satisfied with just one, rolling out to the apron to hit a second Spectacular Splash, this time across the spine of Beowulf! For the third and final time, Spider-Man brings himself to the apron…and he hits the third Spectacular Splash across the champion! Now he has the legs hooked…

…

…

…

…and Beowulf kicks out right after one! As the crowd screamed in horror, Spider-Man cowers in the corner with hands over mouth in sheer shock to the fact that Beowulf breaks out of the pin after a singular count, after three consecutive Spectacular Splashes! The Beast of Geats is living up to his name as he huffs in anger, standing on all fours and glaring up at the young Spider with a feral expression. Pushing himself up to his knees, Beowulf gestures for his challenger to escalate the fight further…

…and with that, Spider-Man bursts from the corner to run through Beowulf with a fierce Shining Wizard! Another pin attempt, and Beowulf powers out before the official can even drop down to count the pin! The frustrated, frightened Spider is firing with all his got with multiple elbows to the face, then suffers a sharp Knife Edge Chop across the chest, but remains standing on his feet somehow! Center of the ring, Spidey trades between swinging body shots and elbows as Beowulf covers up. Beowulf goes for a chop and misses, Spidey unloads further with the strikes, now adding low swift kicks. A second chop attempt misses, but he catches Spidey with both the Northern Lariat and the Backhand Chop right after! Spidey goes down…

…and kip-ups back on his feet to nail Beowulf with an Enzuigiri! Spider-Man makes the pin…and Beowulf kicks out at 2.38! The young Spider slaps the mat, but not out of frustration; it's a rhythm beat that the fans quickly follow with matching claps as Spider-Man then leaves to the apron. With what appears to be a set-up for the Spectacular Splash, he actually waits for Beowulf to ascend…

…and by the time he did, Spider-Man springs from the top rope with a Web-slinging Forearm (Phenomenal Forearm)…

…

…

…

…and connects the move just as Beowulf made contact with the Iconic Elbow (Discus Elbow Smash), a tribute to the Deathmatch Icon!

Spider-Man falls hard from the elbow while Beowulf nearly stumbles and plants his feet to the mat with an epic bellow. The King awaits from the corner for the Spear he has in store for his stirring opponent. Once Spidey stood fully, Beowulf sprints, Spear incoming…

…

…and Spider-Man attacks the shoulder with a Bicycle Knee Strike! Beowulf is reeling from the returning pain in his arm as Spider-Man then plants him with the Spider Bite! But wanting this finish to truly put the champion away, Spidey musters all the strength to lift Beowulf Fireman's Carry style and hops to the top turnbuckle with such ease. Preparations concluded, and Spider-Man dives down to perform the Super Iron Curtain, a page out of the Iron Man's book taken to the extreme! The legs are hooked together, shoulders are down…

…

…

…

…

…

…and by 2.9574 Beowulf kicks out!

With sheer ire and frustration, the crying Spider-Man punches the mat so hard that it nearly dents the canvas. And who can blame him? That was everything Spidey could fire from his arsenal and Beowulf remains alive, remains the champion! He is grasping onto this mask, nearly tearing it off as he spectates the bruised King Beowulf sluggishly rise to his feet. As Beowulf pushed himself to his knees, Spider-Man grabs him by the head to scream at his face, becoming unhinged unlike any the other Spider-Men.

"YOU SAY I'M NOT READY?! YOU CALL ME A 'BOY'?! I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE READY THAN I HAVE EVER BEEN IN MY LIFE! AND IT STARTS BY ENDING EVERYTHING YOU'VE EARNED!"

Spider-Man hurls Beowulf to the ropes…

…and Beowulf swings back in the ring with a Tiger Feint Kick, astonishing Spidey with his athleticism before taking him down with a destructive Spear! Off the Spear, Beowulf jumps to is feet and sounds off a thunderous roar for the cheering fans! He takes Spider-Man for the next ride, bringing him aloft in a delayed Vertical Suplex stance…

…

…

…and practically drives Spider-Man through the ring with the Song of Beowulf! Hook of the leg, dead center…

…

…and at the count of three, King Beowulf retains his throne as APEX World Champion!

Much to the distraught of those in the Spider Squad, the three-count made official and "Who's Next?" by Jim Johnston signifies the hard-fought victory of the one Beast of Geats. No matter who might be upset at the decision, it doesn't change the fact that the streak continues at seventeen and zero, and Beowulf is still Apex Caliber Wrestling's World Champion. After being awarded his title back, Beowulf stands with both belt and fist raised by the referee to further exemplify the winner to the cheers of many who firmly believed in the king. Meanwhile, Spider-Man is hurt, battered…and heartbroken, sitting in the corner with Spider-2 and Spider-3 recently turning up to console the young hero of his loss. The dejected Spider-1 could only bury his masked face in his hands, feeling so ashamed for not just the defeat, but how he enacted himself in a desperate act to prove his worth. He can't bring himself to look at his fellow Spiders in the eye to apologize, let alone the fans.

Seeing this, Beowulf drapes his belt over his shoulder and walks to his former challenger. Spider-3 steps in to warn Beowulf to back off, clearly not lenient on whatever the champion has to say. But Spider-2, appearing as the most experienced one, gets between them to convince Spider-3 that Beowulf should be allowed to talk to the young Spider. Considering there's no more damage to be done already, Spider-3 tentatively steps away to let Beowulf speak. The two older Spiders give Beowulf space as he takes a knee before the disappointed Spider-Man.

"Young man…if you can't bother to look at me in the eye, then by Odin's beard, I pray you are at least listening," Beowulf expresses. "And listen close… For what you've done tonight, how you presented yourself…even if you aren't proud of the actions you took to end my reign…do not consider this the end of the world. Do not believe your actions are the reason for your downfall. It may not have been tonight, this month…but when you are truly ready…you'll know. And when you do…if I'm still champion by that time…I'll be waiting. I will be waiting to see how much you've grown…Spider-Man. Truth is, my validation was never important to you. […] It's theirs."

Glimpsing at Beowulf's finger pointing to the crowd, Spider-Man turns his head to see the fans expressing much of their love and support for him, even after everything tonight with their "Spider-Man!" chants. The San Antonio crowd gives the young hero a standing ovation for his efforts and a wave of emotions tides over him, feeling truly supported. His fellow Spiders help him to his feet and Beowulf extends a hand. Spidey doesn't take a moment to shake his hand, further earning a louder positive response from the audience. The Spider-Men take their leave as Beowulf is left in the ring to continue his own celebration. During so, Beowulf makes one final statement to the nearest camera with its mic fully capturing his audio.

"HEAR YE, FOR THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING! HEAR YE, FOR THIS IS OUR CROWN, OUR KINGDOM! APEX CALIBER WRESTLING'S REVIVAL ERA…IS HERE, WITH YOURS TRULY AT THE THRONE! ALL! HAIL! BEOWULF! ALL HAIL APEX!"

One last shot features Beowulf standing on the middle turnbuckle with his belt raised, the fans chanting "HAIL!" and fireworks going off above the arena as APEX's the Nightmare Before Christmas…fades to black.

---

Results for APEX The Nightmare Before Christmas – Night 2:

Best of 5 Trios Series, Final Round – The Wolves [3] def. The Hardcore Trinity [2] via pinfall

The Gods of Darkness [c] (with PaniK) def. Blake Bros 2.0 via pinfall to retain the APEX World Tag Team Championships

Revenant def. Zeke Aries via pinfall

Ladder Match – Sasuke Uchiha [c] def. Bloodhound to retain the APEX Hardcore Championship

Revy def. Téa Gardner via pinfall

Halloween Town Match – Jack Skellington def. Isaac Clarke

MAIN EVENT – King Beowulf [c] def. Spider-Man via pinfall to retain the APEX World Championship

---

Hey, how you doing? Hope you're doing well.

Sorry I took a bit; guess that break of mine (read: procrastination) took longer than expected between matches. But hey, at least I updated again~ And I'm pretty happy with the results. Hope you're the same, but if not, I'd be happy to hear some constructive stuff.

For real for real, I'm probably taking another break for a couple of weeks before I think about writing wrestling again. Next update won't be much, thankfully, as it'll simply be very short recaps blasting through more TV specials in the likes of Last Night on Earth and New Divide. After that? All Out Life, baby~ First real big pay-per-view since Homecoming/Night of Champions, so here's to some fortune coming my way when I get to writing it and I present the best that I have without burning myself out.

Appreciate y'all for reading.

Until next time, adios~