Post by Robb (Owner) on Aug 1, 2020 7:38:26 GMT -8
Live from Hammerstein Ballroom - New York, NY
31 July, 2020.
BACKSTAGE
What a wind! The dead must hear it!
The bejeweled night sky is still beautiful even amidst this concrete jungle. Tucked away from the clamor of traffic-choked streets is a slice of old New York.
Boutiques and industrial buildings that date back a hundred years line the cobblestone streets of Tribeca, and walking cat-footed down a long road is Precious Pepper Vain.
A year on from Liberation's last show, her usual boldness and sauciness remained.
She has on a dress of wine-coloured silk, overlaid with a layer of sheer Egyptain linen. The dress clings to Vain's figure and the short skirt reveals a long expanse of dark, slender leg.
Her dark eyes glitter with curiosity as she regards the sky. Catching the moonlight on her shoulder is her golden Anarchy championship.
PPV: "Ever since mankind first looked up at the stars, we have wondered what lies beyond. Space is a boundless place. That's why it continues to capture people's imaginations. The darkness just goes on and on forever, and ever, and ever... without end. So very few have dared to look inward. The depths of the human mind hold more secrets than we could possibly imagine.."
The Anarchy Champion's lingering gaze descends on us.
PPV: "I bet you’re feeling a strong sense of Deja Vu. The last Liberation opened with Kendrick Kross vs. Precious Pepper Vain in a contest to determine the Anarchy division's future. And the main event was a battle royal to decide the Liberty Championship #1 contender."
"Sounds familiar? It should do. Cos tonight we open Liberation with a match between Kendrick Kross & PPV to determine the Anarchy division's future… and we close with a battle royal to decide the Liberty Championship #1 contender. Except this time, there will be no unbreakable wall of paparazzi and screaming fans. The Hammerstein Ballroom will be as empty as Carm the Clown's head."
"It doesn't help to have Kross tweeting me the same goddamn thing day in day out. So repetitive. You're making me yawn here. It's cute you have my name written all over your lips. Being the one person on someone's mind when they’re all alone ain’t new to me. Learn the difference between persistence and desperation, boo."
The champion pauses to check her reflection in a shop window. She admires her figure appreciatively. Almost as an afterthought, she looks back to us.
PPV: "I know why you're the way you are though. It's because you don't have any stars. And that's shaped hpw you see yourself
We are shaped by our beliefs. I think of nothing except of pursuing my own victory. That's why I'm the big bad. When it comes to talent and charisma, I am not found wanting. I’m perfection on legs. Saying no to what every other wrestler says yes to is what makes me me. Yet, beliefs can be so easily misguided. That's why as soon as Liberty reopened a bunch of scrubs started thinking they're hot shit."
PPV almost breaks into laughter, but catches herself, stifling it dead. It's not proper to laugh at the ill fortuned.
PPV: "Pardon me. As fun as it is to watch them all cluck and scurry at every little tweet, what really matters has always been the show. At Liberation, false theories melt away like snowflakes in the sun. Once the proper order has been established, like dogs running from lions, the fakes will hide in the dark while the champions stand in the light. Because the champions have ALL the stars."
The Anarchy champion hefts the title she has tended to this past year onto her other shoulder, smirking.
PPV: "Of course, the dumbest need more convincing. Because of their beliefs, they've deluded themselves, brainwashed themselves into a reality of their own. Dumb-dumbs like Carm the Clown and Kendrick Kross look at me and see an illusion, a fantasy. They don’t see New York’s premier champion. They don’t see Precious Pepper Vain. No, they look at me and see this wide eyed baby deer who just stumbled into the hunters campsite."
A ragged dog growls as the girl passes, yet flees yelping when she gives it no more than a glance.
When that glance turns on us, it's as cold as a child's worst nightmare.
PPV: "Not that it bothers me. What really bothers me is listening to you two. I know that every single word that comes out of your mouths is nothing but random babble. One minute Kendrick is outraged by Carmen’s disrespect for my beautiful Anarchy championship. The next, he is liking every tweet she makes like a simpering puppy. You talk about your pride for the Anarchy title? Your pride is not even worth the shit beneath my boots. It's an insult you even humour the thought of beating me."
"But what should I expect? Liberty barely gave a shit about me when I first signed. I remember when they rolled out the red carpet for Kaelan Laughlin. You remember that? They treated her signing like a big deal. They thought they hit the big time. They let her compete for the United States title from jump and she ran with it. She became US champion. Where is she now? Gone like a candle in the wind. Just like all the other “greats” in Liberty Pro’s history. I can understand her hesitance at returning but the best ability is availability. I've been adding people to my body count since I signed and I ain't stopping anytime soon."
"Cos I knew if I wanted to get joy out of this company, I had to do things myself. I dug everything I have today out of the dirt. I worked for everything. The high standards I have brought to this company. The way I train. The way I speak. I grinded hard to become a proven champion and I bring that reputation with me from REBELLION. I'll probably never get the props I feel I ever deserve. That's the life we lead, New York. It's enough to make one cry. You work and do your utmost, you wear yourself out, getting no sleep at night, and rack your brain on what to do for the best. And then what happens? You get bullshit. You get dumb dumbs like Kendrick Kross and Carmen the Clown flapping their gums at me. If those two lived to be 1000, they’d never achieve what I could do in a month."
"Now you'll see what reality really looks like. Now you'll see what Precious Pepper Vain really looks like. Cos I'm making sure you all know why I'm the one to watch. We've seen The rise and fall of Liberty Pro. And now, because of me… you get to see the rise, the fall… and the rise again. Arriverdeci."
What a wind! The dead must hear it!
The bejeweled night sky is still beautiful even amidst this concrete jungle. Tucked away from the clamor of traffic-choked streets is a slice of old New York.
Boutiques and industrial buildings that date back a hundred years line the cobblestone streets of Tribeca, and walking cat-footed down a long road is Precious Pepper Vain.
A year on from Liberation's last show, her usual boldness and sauciness remained.
She has on a dress of wine-coloured silk, overlaid with a layer of sheer Egyptain linen. The dress clings to Vain's figure and the short skirt reveals a long expanse of dark, slender leg.
Her dark eyes glitter with curiosity as she regards the sky. Catching the moonlight on her shoulder is her golden Anarchy championship.
PPV: "Ever since mankind first looked up at the stars, we have wondered what lies beyond. Space is a boundless place. That's why it continues to capture people's imaginations. The darkness just goes on and on forever, and ever, and ever... without end. So very few have dared to look inward. The depths of the human mind hold more secrets than we could possibly imagine.."
The Anarchy Champion's lingering gaze descends on us.
PPV: "I bet you’re feeling a strong sense of Deja Vu. The last Liberation opened with Kendrick Kross vs. Precious Pepper Vain in a contest to determine the Anarchy division's future. And the main event was a battle royal to decide the Liberty Championship #1 contender."
"Sounds familiar? It should do. Cos tonight we open Liberation with a match between Kendrick Kross & PPV to determine the Anarchy division's future… and we close with a battle royal to decide the Liberty Championship #1 contender. Except this time, there will be no unbreakable wall of paparazzi and screaming fans. The Hammerstein Ballroom will be as empty as Carm the Clown's head."
"It doesn't help to have Kross tweeting me the same goddamn thing day in day out. So repetitive. You're making me yawn here. It's cute you have my name written all over your lips. Being the one person on someone's mind when they’re all alone ain’t new to me. Learn the difference between persistence and desperation, boo."
The champion pauses to check her reflection in a shop window. She admires her figure appreciatively. Almost as an afterthought, she looks back to us.
PPV: "I know why you're the way you are though. It's because you don't have any stars. And that's shaped hpw you see yourself
We are shaped by our beliefs. I think of nothing except of pursuing my own victory. That's why I'm the big bad. When it comes to talent and charisma, I am not found wanting. I’m perfection on legs. Saying no to what every other wrestler says yes to is what makes me me. Yet, beliefs can be so easily misguided. That's why as soon as Liberty reopened a bunch of scrubs started thinking they're hot shit."
PPV almost breaks into laughter, but catches herself, stifling it dead. It's not proper to laugh at the ill fortuned.
PPV: "Pardon me. As fun as it is to watch them all cluck and scurry at every little tweet, what really matters has always been the show. At Liberation, false theories melt away like snowflakes in the sun. Once the proper order has been established, like dogs running from lions, the fakes will hide in the dark while the champions stand in the light. Because the champions have ALL the stars."
The Anarchy champion hefts the title she has tended to this past year onto her other shoulder, smirking.
PPV: "Of course, the dumbest need more convincing. Because of their beliefs, they've deluded themselves, brainwashed themselves into a reality of their own. Dumb-dumbs like Carm the Clown and Kendrick Kross look at me and see an illusion, a fantasy. They don’t see New York’s premier champion. They don’t see Precious Pepper Vain. No, they look at me and see this wide eyed baby deer who just stumbled into the hunters campsite."
A ragged dog growls as the girl passes, yet flees yelping when she gives it no more than a glance.
When that glance turns on us, it's as cold as a child's worst nightmare.
PPV: "Not that it bothers me. What really bothers me is listening to you two. I know that every single word that comes out of your mouths is nothing but random babble. One minute Kendrick is outraged by Carmen’s disrespect for my beautiful Anarchy championship. The next, he is liking every tweet she makes like a simpering puppy. You talk about your pride for the Anarchy title? Your pride is not even worth the shit beneath my boots. It's an insult you even humour the thought of beating me."
"But what should I expect? Liberty barely gave a shit about me when I first signed. I remember when they rolled out the red carpet for Kaelan Laughlin. You remember that? They treated her signing like a big deal. They thought they hit the big time. They let her compete for the United States title from jump and she ran with it. She became US champion. Where is she now? Gone like a candle in the wind. Just like all the other “greats” in Liberty Pro’s history. I can understand her hesitance at returning but the best ability is availability. I've been adding people to my body count since I signed and I ain't stopping anytime soon."
"Cos I knew if I wanted to get joy out of this company, I had to do things myself. I dug everything I have today out of the dirt. I worked for everything. The high standards I have brought to this company. The way I train. The way I speak. I grinded hard to become a proven champion and I bring that reputation with me from REBELLION. I'll probably never get the props I feel I ever deserve. That's the life we lead, New York. It's enough to make one cry. You work and do your utmost, you wear yourself out, getting no sleep at night, and rack your brain on what to do for the best. And then what happens? You get bullshit. You get dumb dumbs like Kendrick Kross and Carmen the Clown flapping their gums at me. If those two lived to be 1000, they’d never achieve what I could do in a month."
"Now you'll see what reality really looks like. Now you'll see what Precious Pepper Vain really looks like. Cos I'm making sure you all know why I'm the one to watch. We've seen The rise and fall of Liberty Pro. And now, because of me… you get to see the rise, the fall… and the rise again. Arriverdeci."
BACKSTAGE
Kendrick let a smile go as the camera panned onto him and he was getting ready to head out to the ring for his match.
Kendrick: It’s been said on Twitter since the match was announced that I’m not going to be able to beat Precious. That’s something that I’ve had to laugh at.
Kendrick shakes his head and looks at the camera with a smirk and then a chuckle.
Kendrick: See, here’s the thing. I don’t care how this match is structured, which I still believe she had a hand in to make sure I couldn’t hurt her. Anyways, I don’t care how it’s structured that I can be DQ’d and she can’t. I’ve been up against a wall before and guess what? I’ve come out on top.
His face produces a smile and he gives out an exhale.
Kendrick: When it comes to these matches it doesn’t matter what kind of wall I’m backed up against, Precious I’m still going to make you bleed.
A big grin and a wink follows.
Kendrick: PPV, you may be the Anarchy Champion, you may think that you’re the best in this division but the way I see it you’re a placeholder. A placeholder for someone who will actually do that title justice and won’t just want it to be a champion.
Kendrick: I may have to win this match to earn a shot and then beat you again but it doesn’t matter. To me, I don’t care what I have to do, I don’t care if I have to beat you five times to earn a shot. Precious, be prepared to have your ass handed to you because that’s what is going to happen, and after I earn this shot you need to start counting your days because that title? It’s mine. Very soon.
Kendrick lets off a smirk and the pushes the camera away as he heads out towards the ring.
Kendrick let a smile go as the camera panned onto him and he was getting ready to head out to the ring for his match.
Kendrick: It’s been said on Twitter since the match was announced that I’m not going to be able to beat Precious. That’s something that I’ve had to laugh at.
Kendrick shakes his head and looks at the camera with a smirk and then a chuckle.
Kendrick: See, here’s the thing. I don’t care how this match is structured, which I still believe she had a hand in to make sure I couldn’t hurt her. Anyways, I don’t care how it’s structured that I can be DQ’d and she can’t. I’ve been up against a wall before and guess what? I’ve come out on top.
His face produces a smile and he gives out an exhale.
Kendrick: When it comes to these matches it doesn’t matter what kind of wall I’m backed up against, Precious I’m still going to make you bleed.
A big grin and a wink follows.
Kendrick: PPV, you may be the Anarchy Champion, you may think that you’re the best in this division but the way I see it you’re a placeholder. A placeholder for someone who will actually do that title justice and won’t just want it to be a champion.
Kendrick: I may have to win this match to earn a shot and then beat you again but it doesn’t matter. To me, I don’t care what I have to do, I don’t care if I have to beat you five times to earn a shot. Precious, be prepared to have your ass handed to you because that’s what is going to happen, and after I earn this shot you need to start counting your days because that title? It’s mine. Very soon.
Kendrick lets off a smirk and the pushes the camera away as he heads out towards the ring.
MATCH ONE: NO DQ FOR PPV, DQ RULES FOR KENDRICK
If Kendrick wins, he earns Anarchy Championship Opportunity
Kendrick Kross vs Precious Pepper Vain
If Kendrick wins, he earns Anarchy Championship Opportunity
Kendrick Kross vs Precious Pepper Vain
| RECAP The bell rings as Precious Pepper Vain immediately goes after Kross, taking him down with a sweep. PPV starts to pummel Kross and he tries to use his technical abilities to wiggle free but he can’t. Pepper Vain is relentless with her assault knocking him down time and time again. Kendrick finally counters and gets PPV in a headlock but Vain is able to kick him between his legs, hitting him with a completely legal low blow. Kendrick drops down and falls through the ropes to the outside. Pepper Vain then hits the ropes before coming back as Kendrick stirs. PPV then leaps over the ropes and takes him out with a plancha. Precious ran towards the ring bell to grab her Anarchy Championship. She takes the title and shoves it in Kendrick’s face, screaming at him and telling him that he’ll never get close to winning it. While PPV does this, it gives Kendrick the chance to somewhat recover and he shoves an elbow straight into her face. She stumbles back and Kross drops her with a DDT on the mat outside! Kendrick then instinctively grabs a chair and slides into the ring but the referee takes it away from him, reminding him that he has DQ rules but PPV doesn’t. The referee drops the chair and PPV slides into the ring. She pokes Kendrick in the eyes before grabbing the chair herself and slamming it onto Kendrick’s back. She drops the chair and goes for the pin but Kendrick refuses to give up and he kicks out after two. Precious gets frustrated as she grabs the chair again and she slams it on his back one more time. She goes for a second pin but Kendrick Kross kicks out after two again. Precious can’t believe it and she yells at the referee for making a slow count. She then goes and grabs the chair and she waits for Kendrick to stir. He grabs onto the ropes and uses them as leverage to start to lift himself up. PPV goes to hit Kross but he drops back down to the canvas and she slams the chair down onto the ropes and it bounces back and the chair hits her in the face! What a blunder! PPV is standing there dazed and Kross takes her down with a brutal knee strike, using his MMA background. PPV is out and Kross pins and picks up the three count and the upset win. WINNER Kendrick Kross METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 8:23 FINISHING MOVE Knee strike |
BACKSTAGE
Backstage, Josephine Morant is sitting staring intently at her notebook. She flips through a few pages of neat writings and drawings that the camera can’t quite pick up what they are exactly. But whatever they are, she seems to be very focused in reading them, her lips moving as she mutters under her breath. She herself is already dressed in her ring attire except for her wrestling boots. With one hand holding up the notebook, she struggles a little with putting on the right boot with the other hand. Yet she doesn’t break her stride reading her notes and instead leaves her boot laces untied to finish the page. Her brother and tag partner, Dex Morant, appears from behind with a furrowed brow.
Dex Morant: What are you looking at so intently!?
Dexter tries to grab the notebook from Joss. She lets him take it when she realises it’s him and her face breaks out into a grin.
Joss Morant: It’s my wrestling notes! Everything that I’ve learned so far, I recorded it down so I can look back to try and remember for training and actual matches. It’s hard sometimes remembering all the advice from different people, so I thought this was the best way! I even drew some of the new and more difficult moves to better memorise them. And since we’ve got 2 matches tonight, I better prep myself! So what do you think?
She looks up at him with a hopeful look. Dex rolls his eyes before tossing the notebook behind him. Her jaw drops seeing that.
Dexter Morant: You don’t need to look over a notebook over and over again to remember shit. It’s all about your experience, and while you haven’t had a real match, you’ve experienced a ton of training. Those things? The moves you’ve been shown? They’ll come to you naturally. Once that bell rings and the match starts? It’s all natural. If you try and think back to your notes? You’re going to slip up. So don’t worry about that shit and focus on yourself and your abilities.
Dex smiles and nods.
Dexter Morant: Besides, you are my sister. You already have the natural ability to go along with the things that you’ve learned. You don’t need a stupid fucking notebook.
Even though he clearly means well, Joss backhands him on the arm.
Joss Morant: Maybe I don’t need a “stupid fucking notebook” but I worked hard on doing up those notes! And you didn’t need to throw my book away, you jerk.
She pouts as she goes to retrieve the notebook from the floor.
Joss Morant: Anyway, I know the moves will come naturally during matches but I don’t know that for sure. I haven’t exactly done this before, not like you. And I’m booked in TWO matches on the same night I make my debut. You don’t see it but I’m freaking out inside! I just wanna be prepared, that’s all.
Dex pauses and exhales slowly before nodding.
Dexter Morant: You’re right.
He then places a hand on his sister’s shoulder.
Dexter Morant: You might be in two matches but guess what? I’ll be right there next to you for every step of the way. You’re not doing this alone. That’s going to make it a lot easier… For the both of us.
Joss Morant: Hmm true….. Yeah I’m so glad you’d be with me doing this. It does ease my mind more than the thought of doing this alone. I think I’d be in a much worse state!
She laughs as she closes her notebook to put it aside.
Joss Morant: Not that I shouldn’t be a little worried still since we’re facing former champs in our opponents. But I do feel pretty confident! You and me, against…. I can’t pronounce their tag name but yeah! I’m nervous but more excited for this. Can’t believe we’re already about to make our debut as a tag team!
Dex laughs and shrugs.
Dexter Morant: It doesn’t matter to me that they’re former champs. Tamsin and Claire haven’t done anything here in Liberty and that’s what I’m focused on. It’s a clean slate here for almost everybody besides the champs that are already here. It’s a new Liberty and everyone in this match is starting from the same point. You and I will be taking momentum by beating these two though and then we’ll set our sights on Girls of Summer. It’s that simple.
Her eyes widen at the thought of facing Girls of Summer one day, no doubt troubled thoughts are now crossing her mind at warped speed.
Joss Morant: Whew! Girls of Summer huh? Wow… well that’s gonna be something. Once again? Glad you’re here, Dex! Reeeeal glad! Okay where’s my notebook?!!
She starts digging up her bag for her notes. Dex places his hand on Joss’s bag and shakes his head.
Dexter Morant: You’ve looked at those enough. Come on, let’s start heading out. Don’t wanna keep the fans waiting.
Dex nods to the door of their locker room. She lets out a panicky yelp before frantically tying up her laces. Then she jumps up to follow Dexter out of the room.
Backstage, Josephine Morant is sitting staring intently at her notebook. She flips through a few pages of neat writings and drawings that the camera can’t quite pick up what they are exactly. But whatever they are, she seems to be very focused in reading them, her lips moving as she mutters under her breath. She herself is already dressed in her ring attire except for her wrestling boots. With one hand holding up the notebook, she struggles a little with putting on the right boot with the other hand. Yet she doesn’t break her stride reading her notes and instead leaves her boot laces untied to finish the page. Her brother and tag partner, Dex Morant, appears from behind with a furrowed brow.
Dex Morant: What are you looking at so intently!?
Dexter tries to grab the notebook from Joss. She lets him take it when she realises it’s him and her face breaks out into a grin.
Joss Morant: It’s my wrestling notes! Everything that I’ve learned so far, I recorded it down so I can look back to try and remember for training and actual matches. It’s hard sometimes remembering all the advice from different people, so I thought this was the best way! I even drew some of the new and more difficult moves to better memorise them. And since we’ve got 2 matches tonight, I better prep myself! So what do you think?
She looks up at him with a hopeful look. Dex rolls his eyes before tossing the notebook behind him. Her jaw drops seeing that.
Dexter Morant: You don’t need to look over a notebook over and over again to remember shit. It’s all about your experience, and while you haven’t had a real match, you’ve experienced a ton of training. Those things? The moves you’ve been shown? They’ll come to you naturally. Once that bell rings and the match starts? It’s all natural. If you try and think back to your notes? You’re going to slip up. So don’t worry about that shit and focus on yourself and your abilities.
Dex smiles and nods.
Dexter Morant: Besides, you are my sister. You already have the natural ability to go along with the things that you’ve learned. You don’t need a stupid fucking notebook.
Even though he clearly means well, Joss backhands him on the arm.
Joss Morant: Maybe I don’t need a “stupid fucking notebook” but I worked hard on doing up those notes! And you didn’t need to throw my book away, you jerk.
She pouts as she goes to retrieve the notebook from the floor.
Joss Morant: Anyway, I know the moves will come naturally during matches but I don’t know that for sure. I haven’t exactly done this before, not like you. And I’m booked in TWO matches on the same night I make my debut. You don’t see it but I’m freaking out inside! I just wanna be prepared, that’s all.
Dex pauses and exhales slowly before nodding.
Dexter Morant: You’re right.
He then places a hand on his sister’s shoulder.
Dexter Morant: You might be in two matches but guess what? I’ll be right there next to you for every step of the way. You’re not doing this alone. That’s going to make it a lot easier… For the both of us.
Joss Morant: Hmm true….. Yeah I’m so glad you’d be with me doing this. It does ease my mind more than the thought of doing this alone. I think I’d be in a much worse state!
She laughs as she closes her notebook to put it aside.
Joss Morant: Not that I shouldn’t be a little worried still since we’re facing former champs in our opponents. But I do feel pretty confident! You and me, against…. I can’t pronounce their tag name but yeah! I’m nervous but more excited for this. Can’t believe we’re already about to make our debut as a tag team!
Dex laughs and shrugs.
Dexter Morant: It doesn’t matter to me that they’re former champs. Tamsin and Claire haven’t done anything here in Liberty and that’s what I’m focused on. It’s a clean slate here for almost everybody besides the champs that are already here. It’s a new Liberty and everyone in this match is starting from the same point. You and I will be taking momentum by beating these two though and then we’ll set our sights on Girls of Summer. It’s that simple.
Her eyes widen at the thought of facing Girls of Summer one day, no doubt troubled thoughts are now crossing her mind at warped speed.
Joss Morant: Whew! Girls of Summer huh? Wow… well that’s gonna be something. Once again? Glad you’re here, Dex! Reeeeal glad! Okay where’s my notebook?!!
She starts digging up her bag for her notes. Dex places his hand on Joss’s bag and shakes his head.
Dexter Morant: You’ve looked at those enough. Come on, let’s start heading out. Don’t wanna keep the fans waiting.
Dex nods to the door of their locker room. She lets out a panicky yelp before frantically tying up her laces. Then she jumps up to follow Dexter out of the room.
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The Liberty Pro cameras cut in with a viewer P.O.V. The scenery is black and void, dark save for the faint patch of rectangular gray dead center. The framing pans out at a steadied pace, opening the shot wide enough to see Claire Lichfield of Nachthexen. She on the left of this perspective shot, and is strapping down the arms of someone into what the zoom-out shows to be a torture chair. Claire straps down the wrist so tightly, the chair creaks in agony. The victim is silent and tunnel visioned.
Claire moves herself to the other side to begin her process again. In this time, footsteps pierce the silence of the shot. A few paces echo out, all until Tamsin crosses into the shot. She's dressed in her ring gear, with a military general's uniform jacket hugging her tightly. The cameras blur out some politically testy insignias and medals on her uniform jacket, good editing from the Liberty Pro production team. Tamsin, like Claire - hasn't uttered a word yet. Instead she produces a small remote, and that canvas of grey gets put to use as a projection screen. What comes next is solely focused on the projection screen.
The cameras reverse their zoom, tightening in on the shot of the projection screen and its contents. What Nachthexen have in Que for the projected video is a quick flash of still images, mixed with quickly-cut video streams. The subject matter is a myriad of disgusting images, cringe-inducing still shots, and overall a video chiefly created to invoke the most unsettled and uncomfortable feeling within the viewer.
Tamsin: "Your reeducation program begins tonight."
Tamsin's voice is followed by a heavily distorted laugh from Lichfield. The entire thing sequences on a loop. Tamsin's point of reeducation is reinforced by some spliced in video of a younger Tamsin, in her most memorable moments of Liberty Pro's previous run.
Tamsin: "Your reeducation program begins tonight."
The looped voice is now accompanied by cut video of Tamsin and Claire's individual successes in PEAK and Rebellion respectively, cutting to their unification as Nachthexen, transitioning to match footage of them both working in tandem, administering pain in every highlight within the video package. The looped audio, the looped laugh, and the images themselves begin to speed up exponentially - all before coming to a peaking crescendo of.... black. The projection ends, Claire and Tamsin fall from sight within an instant. The projection screen flickers itself alive once again, only to display a constant static feedback for the viewer... All before the cameras fade out entirely.
The Liberty Pro cameras cut in with a viewer P.O.V. The scenery is black and void, dark save for the faint patch of rectangular gray dead center. The framing pans out at a steadied pace, opening the shot wide enough to see Claire Lichfield of Nachthexen. She on the left of this perspective shot, and is strapping down the arms of someone into what the zoom-out shows to be a torture chair. Claire straps down the wrist so tightly, the chair creaks in agony. The victim is silent and tunnel visioned.
Claire moves herself to the other side to begin her process again. In this time, footsteps pierce the silence of the shot. A few paces echo out, all until Tamsin crosses into the shot. She's dressed in her ring gear, with a military general's uniform jacket hugging her tightly. The cameras blur out some politically testy insignias and medals on her uniform jacket, good editing from the Liberty Pro production team. Tamsin, like Claire - hasn't uttered a word yet. Instead she produces a small remote, and that canvas of grey gets put to use as a projection screen. What comes next is solely focused on the projection screen.
The cameras reverse their zoom, tightening in on the shot of the projection screen and its contents. What Nachthexen have in Que for the projected video is a quick flash of still images, mixed with quickly-cut video streams. The subject matter is a myriad of disgusting images, cringe-inducing still shots, and overall a video chiefly created to invoke the most unsettled and uncomfortable feeling within the viewer.
Tamsin: "Your reeducation program begins tonight."
Tamsin's voice is followed by a heavily distorted laugh from Lichfield. The entire thing sequences on a loop. Tamsin's point of reeducation is reinforced by some spliced in video of a younger Tamsin, in her most memorable moments of Liberty Pro's previous run.
Tamsin: "Your reeducation program begins tonight."
The looped voice is now accompanied by cut video of Tamsin and Claire's individual successes in PEAK and Rebellion respectively, cutting to their unification as Nachthexen, transitioning to match footage of them both working in tandem, administering pain in every highlight within the video package. The looped audio, the looped laugh, and the images themselves begin to speed up exponentially - all before coming to a peaking crescendo of.... black. The projection ends, Claire and Tamsin fall from sight within an instant. The projection screen flickers itself alive once again, only to display a constant static feedback for the viewer... All before the cameras fade out entirely.
MATCH TWO: TAG TEAM
Josephine Morant & Dex Morant vs Nachthexen (Tamsin & Claire Lichfield)
Josephine Morant & Dex Morant vs Nachthexen (Tamsin & Claire Lichfield)
| RECAP Tamsin and Joss start off the match and at the sound of the bell, the two lock up in the middle of the ring, with Joss gaining the advantage with a quick knee strike before taking Tamsin down with a belly to belly suplex. Joss keeps the pressure on with a knee to the neck of Tamsin before going for a quick cover that only manages a one count. Joss tags in Dex who keeps the attack going with several hard stomps to the downed Tamsin. Dex pulls her back to her feet before dropping Tamsin back down with a swinging neckbreaker. Dex goes for an arm bar rather than the pin and tries to yank Tamsin’s arm out of her socket. Claire tries to enter the ring and it distracts the official enough that Tamsin is able to rake the eyes of Dex and break free. She tags in Claire who quickly takes Dex out with a running shining wizard. Claire then playfully taunts Dex’s sister, Joss, to get in the ring and Joss goes to oblige but is stopped by the referee. This gives Tamsin the chance to get in the ring and the two girls known as Nachthexen do a double suplex to Dex. As the official turns around Tamsin gets out of the ring again. Claire locks in a rear chinlock to try to keep Dex down but he is able to power back and make the hot tag to Joss who clears the ring of both of Nachthexen. After a bit of arguing and a referee count of seven, all four competitors are in the ring and brawling. The official tries to regain control but is having trouble. Dex seems to be in control of Tamsin when Claire pushes Joss into Dex and the two crash down into the canvas. As Dex gets to his feet, Tamsin tries to throw him out but Dex counters and out goes Tamsin out of the ring. \Claire then knocks Dex out of the ring and it’s just Claire and Joss. Claire turns right into a kick from Joss and Morant goes for her Static Lullaby - Kneeling double underhook facebuster but Claire lifts her up over her head. Claire then drops Joss with a shining wizard and goes for the pin. From the outside, Tamsin grabs Joss’ feet and holds them down without the referee noticing. The referee counts to three and Nachthexen pick up the win of the pair of siblings! WINNER Nachthexen METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 7:43 FINISHING MOVE Shining Wizard |
BACKSTAGE
The camera follows Brianna Leigh Clark as she moves around the backstage area of the Hammerstein Ballroom, seeming to soak in the atmosphere as she smiles at people in that way of hers. She finds a good spot near a monitor that’s showing what’s going on ringside, and she turns to face the camera, just a little.
Brianna Clark: I’m excited, guys.
She pauses, just the tiniest hint of a wince on her face before that smile amps up again.
Brianna Clark: I promised myself that I wouldn’t get out here and give that sort of gushy, wide-eyed newb speech that seems to come with debut matches… but here we are. I just really am excited, and I’d rather feel free to tell you all that. I’m not going to front, or play it cool. This?
She waves a hand, from the monitor to the backstage activity, other wrestlers moving around before she adjusts her ring gear to have something to do with her hands as she talks.
Brianna Clark: This is big for me. I came across the country to work here, and I know I was lucky. I found a good place to live, got settled in quickly, found a reputable gym with all the things I like. The owner of Liberty took a chance on me, and I want to show off. I want to let what I can do in the ring speak for me.
Brianna smiles wider, and takes a stance, showing off her physique a bit.
Brianna Clark: And I get to face Derrick La’Bell. They call him The Beast and I’m just Brianna Clark. But I’m working on it, I’m going to be a lil Lady Hoss, and what better place to start something like that than against a fighter they call that? I’m stoked, it’s all I can do not to run to gorilla early and hang around there.
She pauses, mouthing the word ‘wow’ at herself then she works to relax just a little bit.
Brianna Clark: At least I don’t have long to wait! Wish me luck, guys!
With that she turns back to the monitor and the camera cuts away.
The camera follows Brianna Leigh Clark as she moves around the backstage area of the Hammerstein Ballroom, seeming to soak in the atmosphere as she smiles at people in that way of hers. She finds a good spot near a monitor that’s showing what’s going on ringside, and she turns to face the camera, just a little.
Brianna Clark: I’m excited, guys.
She pauses, just the tiniest hint of a wince on her face before that smile amps up again.
Brianna Clark: I promised myself that I wouldn’t get out here and give that sort of gushy, wide-eyed newb speech that seems to come with debut matches… but here we are. I just really am excited, and I’d rather feel free to tell you all that. I’m not going to front, or play it cool. This?
She waves a hand, from the monitor to the backstage activity, other wrestlers moving around before she adjusts her ring gear to have something to do with her hands as she talks.
Brianna Clark: This is big for me. I came across the country to work here, and I know I was lucky. I found a good place to live, got settled in quickly, found a reputable gym with all the things I like. The owner of Liberty took a chance on me, and I want to show off. I want to let what I can do in the ring speak for me.
Brianna smiles wider, and takes a stance, showing off her physique a bit.
Brianna Clark: And I get to face Derrick La’Bell. They call him The Beast and I’m just Brianna Clark. But I’m working on it, I’m going to be a lil Lady Hoss, and what better place to start something like that than against a fighter they call that? I’m stoked, it’s all I can do not to run to gorilla early and hang around there.
She pauses, mouthing the word ‘wow’ at herself then she works to relax just a little bit.
Brianna Clark: At least I don’t have long to wait! Wish me luck, guys!
With that she turns back to the monitor and the camera cuts away.
BACKSTAGE
We cut to what looks to be a pre-recorded video of Liberty’s latest acquisition, Freddie Hjalmar. The Promised stands proudly, dressed in his extravagant robe, coronet resting on his head with the Royal Guard flanking either side of him. He takes a moment, allowing us to soak in his presence before speaking.
Freddie Hjalmar: I am a man who needs constant action to thrive. I am not a ruler who can rest on his throne, as much as I’d like to. I seek new horizons, new companies...to conquer. Rest assured, I will conquer. For anyone foolish enough to not know who I am, I am Freddie Hjalmar. I am the Prince of Wrestling. The Prince of Roses. I am The Promised. I am everything they said I would be and more, and yet I feel unfulfilled. That is why I'm here. Fulfillment.
Hjalmar takes a slow, assured breath, a quick glance at his Royal Guard before continuing.
Freddie Hjalmar: I will be watching tonight with great interest. A championship will either be won or defended. Others will vie to become the contender for that championship. Though as far as I am concerned you’re all pretenders. Have no doubt that I will carve through this roster like a hot knife through butter, and you will all thank me for the privilege when I'm finished with you. You get to stand this close to royalty, true royalty. The Promised gets what he wants and I want Liberty. Everything to do with it, I want it...and so, I will take it.
Another pause, though this one considerably shorter.
Freddie Hjalmar: With it’s restart, I have given you all a one show grace period. You should thank me for that. So tonight, have fun, because in two weeks time The Promised will take what he is owed.
With that Hjalmar and his Royal Guard exit the shot as it begins to fade.
We cut to what looks to be a pre-recorded video of Liberty’s latest acquisition, Freddie Hjalmar. The Promised stands proudly, dressed in his extravagant robe, coronet resting on his head with the Royal Guard flanking either side of him. He takes a moment, allowing us to soak in his presence before speaking.
Freddie Hjalmar: I am a man who needs constant action to thrive. I am not a ruler who can rest on his throne, as much as I’d like to. I seek new horizons, new companies...to conquer. Rest assured, I will conquer. For anyone foolish enough to not know who I am, I am Freddie Hjalmar. I am the Prince of Wrestling. The Prince of Roses. I am The Promised. I am everything they said I would be and more, and yet I feel unfulfilled. That is why I'm here. Fulfillment.
Hjalmar takes a slow, assured breath, a quick glance at his Royal Guard before continuing.
Freddie Hjalmar: I will be watching tonight with great interest. A championship will either be won or defended. Others will vie to become the contender for that championship. Though as far as I am concerned you’re all pretenders. Have no doubt that I will carve through this roster like a hot knife through butter, and you will all thank me for the privilege when I'm finished with you. You get to stand this close to royalty, true royalty. The Promised gets what he wants and I want Liberty. Everything to do with it, I want it...and so, I will take it.
Another pause, though this one considerably shorter.
Freddie Hjalmar: With it’s restart, I have given you all a one show grace period. You should thank me for that. So tonight, have fun, because in two weeks time The Promised will take what he is owed.
With that Hjalmar and his Royal Guard exit the shot as it begins to fade.
MATCH THREE: HOSS MATCH
Brianna Leigh Clark vs Derrick La’Bell
Brianna Leigh Clark vs Derrick La’Bell
| RECAP It doesn’t take long for the competitors to start trading really heavy shots that turn into a heated contest, drawing cheers from the energetic crowd. Derrick eventually has Brianna backing into the ropes before tossing her to the other side. On the rebound, Brianna ducks Derrick’s lariat attempt, only to bounce back into a well-timed spinebuster. Derrick wastes no time to hit the mounted elbow strikes, leaving Brianna dazed. Derrick stands to pick up Brianna who fights back hard but gets punished with a huge foot stomp. As Brianna tries to crawl away, Derrick pulls back in for triple gutwrench suplexes that impress the crowd. But when Derrick goes for the pin, he only gets a two-count. The match resumes with Derrick in the driver’s seat with Brianna slowing down more and more, until Derrick misses a superman punch. To the crowd’s amazement, Brianna capitalises with a stiff elbow before throwing him hard into the corner. As Derrick sinks down, Brianna charges at him with a devastating cannonball senton. The fans cheer as Brianna drags Derrick out of the corner before looking for the Boston Crab. But Brianna only manages to lock in one leg in the hold, which eventually allows Derrick to break out and escape, though not without a lot of struggling. It looks like Derrick is hurting on one leg which Brianna takes advantage with a chop block. As Derrick falls on his knees, Brianna throws heavy shots at him before taking him down with a tiger suplex and a cover. But Derrick kicks out at two. Brianna now tries to aim Derrick’s bad leg but somehow he’s able to thwart her plans with a spear that nearly tears her in half. Brianna rolls around on the mat in agony, clutching her midsection. Derrick struggles to his feet and limps over to pick up Brianna for a Gorilla Press. But due to the bad leg, Derrick crumbles down on one knee which allows Brianna to escape his hold safely. As Derrick looks up, Brianna smashes his face with her shotgun double knee finisher, Incoming! Brianna rushes for the cover and finally gets the victory, impressing everyone in attendance that night. WINNER Brianna Leigh Clark METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 10:44 FINISHING MOVE Incoming! |
BACKSTAGE
The show transitions to pre-tapped footage. The set of Liberty Pro's return show has been competed as we get a panning shot of the ring crew putting together the finishing touches on the ring and stage. Up top in the balcony is none other than TJ Techniques. TJ has his feet kicked up on the railing before putting them down on the ground to stand up. He takes in a good view of his surroundings. The return of Liberty Pro and his debut in Liberty Pro are just a few short hours away. TJ nods as he envisions the night going his way. Will it? Time will tell.
TJ Techniques: The Hammerstein Ballroom. This is something else, huh? This ain't MSG. It ain't even Barclays. But even though this place can't house a fraction of the fans that those places have, this venue is still something special. Think about it, family. Think back to all of the famous... and infamous... events that took place within these four walls. These are hallowed grounds that we're walking on. It'll be a privilege to be stepping through those curtains later on and stepping into that squared circle and competing. So what better place to host the return of Liberty Pro. What better place to host the Liberty Pro debut of yours truly.
He continues.
TJ Techniques: Me? I'm still a young cat in this game. I haven't been around the block like some of my contemporaries have. But I've had the pleasure of competing in a few places here and there. Back when this place was apart of the CWC, it's a place that I always had my eye on. Liberty Pro is a place that I always wanted to be at. New York's own competing in the Big Apple? The story damn near wrote itself. But for one reason or another, Liberty Pro and the name TJ Techniques could never link... until now.
TJ locks his fingers together.
TJ Techniques: What better time than the present to show Liberty Pro what I can do. What better time to do show them what I'm about...
A beat.
TJ Techniques: Nathalie Genevieve? That's the opponent for the night. Homegirl has been doing this for roughly the same time that I have. Maybe a year or so less. But I can't deny her skill. I've peeped game. She's fast on her feet. She knows how to move. She knows what she's doing out there in the ring. I can't hate it. But if you think that you're gonna be serving me up an L come showtime? Sis, you got another thing coming. I didn't come to Liberty Pro for a feel good story. I didn't show up just to be here and enjoy the experience. I came to leave my mark. I came to win. Now I'm not in the big battle royal in the main event. And that's cool. It'll make my journey up the ladder that much more satisfying. That journey to the top starts tonight by getting that W over you. It's nothing personal. I got no hate in my heart over you. But only one of us can walk out of that match with a win and you're looking at the winner right here. It won't be easy. I wouldn't dare disrespect and act as if I'm gonna steamroll right over you. Nah, never. But let me tell you what I am gonna do. I'm gonna show up, show out and show & prove why TJ Techniques is the hot product coming to Liberty Pro.
He takes a breath, then continues.
TJ Techniques: They say that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I've found success across the pond in Evolution Wrestling. I got my Lucha Libre on in ACM. I've tagged with Johnny Amazing as Amazing Techniques. The boy even earned himself a gig Australia at the top of the year. Can you believe that? Australia! But wrestling under these lights? In New York City? It hits differently. And Nathalie Genevieve? She's gonna find out that I hit different when that bell sounds later on tonight. TJ Techniques, Staten Island's own, will be making his Liberty Pro debut here shortly. Staten Island... often looked down on as "the forgotten borough". Heh. Well let it be known that when I get through leaving my mark... and when I get through with you tonight, Nathalie, TJ Techniques will be the name that you never forget.
He smile as he gestures to the camera.
TJ Techniques: Now peep that.
The show transitions to pre-tapped footage. The set of Liberty Pro's return show has been competed as we get a panning shot of the ring crew putting together the finishing touches on the ring and stage. Up top in the balcony is none other than TJ Techniques. TJ has his feet kicked up on the railing before putting them down on the ground to stand up. He takes in a good view of his surroundings. The return of Liberty Pro and his debut in Liberty Pro are just a few short hours away. TJ nods as he envisions the night going his way. Will it? Time will tell.
TJ Techniques: The Hammerstein Ballroom. This is something else, huh? This ain't MSG. It ain't even Barclays. But even though this place can't house a fraction of the fans that those places have, this venue is still something special. Think about it, family. Think back to all of the famous... and infamous... events that took place within these four walls. These are hallowed grounds that we're walking on. It'll be a privilege to be stepping through those curtains later on and stepping into that squared circle and competing. So what better place to host the return of Liberty Pro. What better place to host the Liberty Pro debut of yours truly.
He continues.
TJ Techniques: Me? I'm still a young cat in this game. I haven't been around the block like some of my contemporaries have. But I've had the pleasure of competing in a few places here and there. Back when this place was apart of the CWC, it's a place that I always had my eye on. Liberty Pro is a place that I always wanted to be at. New York's own competing in the Big Apple? The story damn near wrote itself. But for one reason or another, Liberty Pro and the name TJ Techniques could never link... until now.
TJ locks his fingers together.
TJ Techniques: What better time than the present to show Liberty Pro what I can do. What better time to do show them what I'm about...
A beat.
TJ Techniques: Nathalie Genevieve? That's the opponent for the night. Homegirl has been doing this for roughly the same time that I have. Maybe a year or so less. But I can't deny her skill. I've peeped game. She's fast on her feet. She knows how to move. She knows what she's doing out there in the ring. I can't hate it. But if you think that you're gonna be serving me up an L come showtime? Sis, you got another thing coming. I didn't come to Liberty Pro for a feel good story. I didn't show up just to be here and enjoy the experience. I came to leave my mark. I came to win. Now I'm not in the big battle royal in the main event. And that's cool. It'll make my journey up the ladder that much more satisfying. That journey to the top starts tonight by getting that W over you. It's nothing personal. I got no hate in my heart over you. But only one of us can walk out of that match with a win and you're looking at the winner right here. It won't be easy. I wouldn't dare disrespect and act as if I'm gonna steamroll right over you. Nah, never. But let me tell you what I am gonna do. I'm gonna show up, show out and show & prove why TJ Techniques is the hot product coming to Liberty Pro.
He takes a breath, then continues.
TJ Techniques: They say that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I've found success across the pond in Evolution Wrestling. I got my Lucha Libre on in ACM. I've tagged with Johnny Amazing as Amazing Techniques. The boy even earned himself a gig Australia at the top of the year. Can you believe that? Australia! But wrestling under these lights? In New York City? It hits differently. And Nathalie Genevieve? She's gonna find out that I hit different when that bell sounds later on tonight. TJ Techniques, Staten Island's own, will be making his Liberty Pro debut here shortly. Staten Island... often looked down on as "the forgotten borough". Heh. Well let it be known that when I get through leaving my mark... and when I get through with you tonight, Nathalie, TJ Techniques will be the name that you never forget.
He smile as he gestures to the camera.
TJ Techniques: Now peep that.
BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to Jade Night sitting behind her desk in her office. She was looking over some papers for a moment, paying no mind to the camera before looking up and beginning to speak.
Jade Night: I’m going to keep this short and sweet. I’m here to do a job and that’s to run this company the way it was run during its first year. So if you want to play games and bring bullshit my way? Then you better be ready when I bite back. Got that?
Jade nods and continues.
Jade Night: Anyway, the night has gone well so far and I expect it to keep on going that way. But as for other news? I know some of you are wondering about the vacated Gotham and U.S. Championships, as their champions have not returned. There will be opportunities for all of you for those championships but first? First I want to see how you all do tonight. Show me what you got. Show me what you deserve. Then? Then I’ll give you opportunities. Good luck to all of you.
Jade shoos the camera away and the scene cuts away.
The scene cuts backstage to Jade Night sitting behind her desk in her office. She was looking over some papers for a moment, paying no mind to the camera before looking up and beginning to speak.
Jade Night: I’m going to keep this short and sweet. I’m here to do a job and that’s to run this company the way it was run during its first year. So if you want to play games and bring bullshit my way? Then you better be ready when I bite back. Got that?
Jade nods and continues.
Jade Night: Anyway, the night has gone well so far and I expect it to keep on going that way. But as for other news? I know some of you are wondering about the vacated Gotham and U.S. Championships, as their champions have not returned. There will be opportunities for all of you for those championships but first? First I want to see how you all do tonight. Show me what you got. Show me what you deserve. Then? Then I’ll give you opportunities. Good luck to all of you.
Jade shoos the camera away and the scene cuts away.
MATCH FOUR: SINGLES
TJ Techniques vs Nathalie Genevieve
TJ Techniques vs Nathalie Genevieve
| RECAP In the fourth match of the night, TJ Techniques takes on Nathalie Genevieve immediately creating some problems to the Philadelphia born with his speed and agility. After an endless series of arm drags from TJ, Nathalie is able to counter an irish whip and send the Crown Prince Of Mid-Air against the ropes. Twice she missed with the clothesline, ducked by Teej who then comes back from the ropes a third time and, with a running hurricanrana that sends Nathalie rolling out of the ring. And of course the hometown boy couldn’t pass on the chance to awe the fans and fly over the top rope, diving onto the blonde with a perfect somersault plancha. landing on his feet beside the wiped out opponent. The high risk paid off for TJ who found himself now on the driver seat, using the ten count to wear Genevieve down on the outside before rolling her under the bottom rope and jumping back inside the ring with a springboard 450 splash, obtaining the first near fall of his match. As minutes go by Nathalie finally finds her footing, taking the opponent down with a dropkick to counter a diving springboard. In order to keep the control she just obtained, Nathalie wisely slows down the pace, keeping TJ grounded as she switches from one hold to the next. The Funky Technician keeps wiggling, trying to get out of her grasp, slowly pushing himself up to a vertical base. Once again his agility comes into a play as he manages to escape after a long series of flips and tumbles that left Nathalie confused, easy prey for that back elbow to the face that allows TJ to charge once again at the ropes, jumping on the middle one and bouncing back toward Nathalie with a back elbow. Genevieve this time is ready and catches him in a double knee backbreaker. The pace once again picks up near the end of the match, and this clearly favors TJ who obtains a few near falls with moves like the Moonwalk DDT, the Peep The Technique phenomenal forearm and the Wig Splitter. Nathalie barely kicks out from this last one, crawling to the corner and using the ropes to pick herself up. Despite her lack of experience, Nathalie already possesses a strong predisposition toward cheating and exploiting the situations. With quick movements she removes the protective padding from the top turnbuckle, hiding the now exposed steel with her body. When TJ charges and jumps at her, she quickly moves but Techniques caught himself! Nathalie charges TJ to shove him into the unprotected ropes but he moves and Nathalie meets the exposed turnbuckle instead. TJ then hits the Set 'Em Straight (Busaiku Knee Strike). He drops down and pins Nathalie and picks up the win with the three count. WINNER TJ Techniques METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 11:34 FINISHING MOVE Set ‘EM Straight |
BACKSTAGE
A single cameraman managed to catch up to 'YOUR Favorite Drug' Xavier Laroux as he was in the middle of a prematch cigarette. Laroux sat upon the trunk of a random black sedan, that lit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. Once he caught sight of that man holding the camera, that oh so arrogant smirk began to creep across the features of Laroux.
Dressed to compete, Xavier was decked out in a pair of work, tattered denim jeans and a near skin tight white tank top. As the cameraman got closer, Laroux pushed off of that car, those black boots thudding on the ground upon impact. Plucking the cigarette from his lips, Xavier began to speak, wisps of smoke rolling free from his mouth as he did so.
Xavier Laroux: 'Y'know..when I heard Liberty was back up and runnin, I felt like I just hadda throw my hat back in there. See cause the last time I was here? I was here as bosslady's hired gun. She point, I went. And it was a good understandin, very profitable for both of us. But things is different now. This time? I've got no leash. This time? I'm doin whatever the fuck I wanna do.'
A slow nod of the head followed those words as Xavier paused briefly to take in another hit.
Xavier Laroux: 'And as y'all know that's my favorite way of doin things. Quick snap decisions, consequences be damned. Y'know who's gonna find that out first hand? Olegirl Lilah. Now don't get me wrong, she's hot as fuck and a hell of a competitor. But that match is just the appetizer. Ima still enjoy the fuck outta it and give it my full undivided attention but really? It's just to hold me over until the main course comes rollin out. And that main course is that big ass Battle Royal to determine the number one contender to the Liberty Championship.'
The last hit taken off that cigarette, Xavier let it fall from his fingers before stepping it out with the bottom of his boot.
Xavier Laroux: 'Lotta names in that match. Some I know. Some I don't. Some I gotta lottabit of history with. Some I don't give two shits about. Names like Tamsin, Quinn, Killian Rory, Storm? I don't know them and to be entirely honest, it's no big loss not to know them. Fuckin fillers. But there's ones like Tyson Prolly In a Midlife Crisis Gregory, fuckin Chicken Carmasean, uhh PPV, she fine as fuck. Olegirl Brianna, she could fuckin get it wheneverrrr. Scotty Better Than A Shot of Nyquil Latimer. Those are the ones I've got my eyes on. But ya see..none of that really matters..I mean God himself could be in the match and it wouldn't make a shit bit of difference. The roll I'm on? I'm fuckin untouchable.'
Another slow nod of the head was given off by X. That look of arrogance hadn't once wavered the entire time he talked. Pushing his hands into the car behind him, he shoved off of it, taking a couple steps towards that cameraman.
Xavier Laroux: 'By time tonight is over..Ima be one tired piece of ass. Three matches deep. Let's go finish this shit out.'
Another couple steps were taken by Xavier, seemingly approaching the cameraman only to sidestep the man before making his way back into the arena.
A single cameraman managed to catch up to 'YOUR Favorite Drug' Xavier Laroux as he was in the middle of a prematch cigarette. Laroux sat upon the trunk of a random black sedan, that lit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. Once he caught sight of that man holding the camera, that oh so arrogant smirk began to creep across the features of Laroux.
Dressed to compete, Xavier was decked out in a pair of work, tattered denim jeans and a near skin tight white tank top. As the cameraman got closer, Laroux pushed off of that car, those black boots thudding on the ground upon impact. Plucking the cigarette from his lips, Xavier began to speak, wisps of smoke rolling free from his mouth as he did so.
Xavier Laroux: 'Y'know..when I heard Liberty was back up and runnin, I felt like I just hadda throw my hat back in there. See cause the last time I was here? I was here as bosslady's hired gun. She point, I went. And it was a good understandin, very profitable for both of us. But things is different now. This time? I've got no leash. This time? I'm doin whatever the fuck I wanna do.'
A slow nod of the head followed those words as Xavier paused briefly to take in another hit.
Xavier Laroux: 'And as y'all know that's my favorite way of doin things. Quick snap decisions, consequences be damned. Y'know who's gonna find that out first hand? Olegirl Lilah. Now don't get me wrong, she's hot as fuck and a hell of a competitor. But that match is just the appetizer. Ima still enjoy the fuck outta it and give it my full undivided attention but really? It's just to hold me over until the main course comes rollin out. And that main course is that big ass Battle Royal to determine the number one contender to the Liberty Championship.'
The last hit taken off that cigarette, Xavier let it fall from his fingers before stepping it out with the bottom of his boot.
Xavier Laroux: 'Lotta names in that match. Some I know. Some I don't. Some I gotta lottabit of history with. Some I don't give two shits about. Names like Tamsin, Quinn, Killian Rory, Storm? I don't know them and to be entirely honest, it's no big loss not to know them. Fuckin fillers. But there's ones like Tyson Prolly In a Midlife Crisis Gregory, fuckin Chicken Carmasean, uhh PPV, she fine as fuck. Olegirl Brianna, she could fuckin get it wheneverrrr. Scotty Better Than A Shot of Nyquil Latimer. Those are the ones I've got my eyes on. But ya see..none of that really matters..I mean God himself could be in the match and it wouldn't make a shit bit of difference. The roll I'm on? I'm fuckin untouchable.'
Another slow nod of the head was given off by X. That look of arrogance hadn't once wavered the entire time he talked. Pushing his hands into the car behind him, he shoved off of it, taking a couple steps towards that cameraman.
Xavier Laroux: 'By time tonight is over..Ima be one tired piece of ass. Three matches deep. Let's go finish this shit out.'
Another couple steps were taken by Xavier, seemingly approaching the cameraman only to sidestep the man before making his way back into the arena.
MATCH FIVE: SINGLES
Killian Rory vs Brien Storm
Killian Rory vs Brien Storm
| RECAP Brien is excited to make his return to Liberty, as he’s been a part of the company for it’s entire run and Killian is looking to make a statement in his debut. Brien Storm stays focused on Killian Rory. They circle the ring and lock up; Brien attempts to use his technical background against Killian, but that's the one aspect of his very, very raw game that he's also got a hang on. Killian manages to out wrestle Brien early on and shoots for a single leg takedown, focusing on that bad left knee of Storm's. Killian attempts a single leg crab right out of the gate, but Brien's able to instantly grab onto the ropes before Killian can even apply the hold. But despite Rory’s hot start, once Brien started to switch things up and stray away from trying to purely grapple with Killian, the rookie's hopes of winning started to crumble before him. Once Brien takes away Killian's ability to grapple, it's his match for the winning. A trio of snapdragon suplexes nearly does the trick too, but Killian shows some heart in kicking out. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much in the long run and while Rory does manage to take Brien down with an impressive high dropkick, it's not enough to swing the momentum back in his favor. The match goes on a bit longer until Brien manages to slip free of a rear naked choke attempt from Killian and pulls Killian in with a wicked knee to the midsection. As Killian doubles over, that's exactly what Brien needed to set him up for his Unforecasted Storm (Michinoku Driver)! That just about does it and as Brien hooks Killian's leg, that's all he needs to keep him down for the three count. WINNER Brien Storm METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 5:52 FINISHING MOVE Unforecasted Storm |
RINGSIDE
The scene cuts to ringside where E Smoove is standing in the ring with a mic in her hand.
E Smoove: Yo! I can’t believe I wasn’t booked tonight. So I’m gonna get myself booked. So who wants a fight, huh? Somebody fight me!
There is silence for a moment and the fans start to boo. The lights finally darken though and “Long Live the Chief” by Jidenna blares over the PA system. Out walks Max Cerrano, who was trained by the legendary champion, Shane Atwater. Max walks down to the ring, his eyes glared in on E Smoove.
E Smoove: Hell yeah! Get your ass down here fool!
Max then slides into the ring and before the referee can even ring the bell, Max clothesline E Smoove.
The scene cuts to ringside where E Smoove is standing in the ring with a mic in her hand.
E Smoove: Yo! I can’t believe I wasn’t booked tonight. So I’m gonna get myself booked. So who wants a fight, huh? Somebody fight me!
There is silence for a moment and the fans start to boo. The lights finally darken though and “Long Live the Chief” by Jidenna blares over the PA system. Out walks Max Cerrano, who was trained by the legendary champion, Shane Atwater. Max walks down to the ring, his eyes glared in on E Smoove.
E Smoove: Hell yeah! Get your ass down here fool!
Max then slides into the ring and before the referee can even ring the bell, Max clothesline E Smoove.
SURPRISE MATCH: SINGLES
E Smoove vs Max Cerrano
E Smoove vs Max Cerrano
| RECAP Max waits for E Smoove to get up and when she does, he tells her to bring it on. Smoove charges at Max and goes for a clothesline but Max charges her and slams her to the mat. Smoove gets back up and Max levels her with several European uppercuts before hitting a final big one. Cerrano waits for E Smoove to stir and he then charges her and nails Headhunter (Sliding D). Max doesn’t go for the pin, instead picking her up and hitting her with Kill Your Masters (Flatliner transitioned smoothly into a Koji clutch). Smoove screams from the move and quickly taps out. “Love Live the Chief” blares over the PA system again as Max Cerrano is announced as the winner. Max demands a mic and he is handed one and he gets ready to speak. Max Cerrano: That...was even less than I was expecting. Max looks over to where Smoove is laying on the mat, a look of disdain crossing his face as she tries to claw her way to her feet. With a sneer, he plants a solid boot in the side of her head to send her back to the mat. Satisfied, he paces back to the center of the ring to continue. Max Cerrano: Minor amusement that it was...That was just a taste. The appetizer. I refuse to content myself with dregs. I refuse to content myself with the leavings and scraps that those in positions of privilege deem fit. My purpose here is simple. The aim is clear. Your heroes are forfeit. Your idols, tarnished. Those who have....I’ll provide them a glimpse at what it is to be the ones without. Your champions...well. Your champions will find themselves wanting soon enough. The time for waiting for handouts is over. The time for accepting what I’m given, for knowing my place...is done. The privileged will not be protected. The rich will not get richer off of my name for a single second longer. Understand this...The moment I walked through those doors...Liberty was an endangered concept. You are no longer free. When I’m finished here, you will know the name Max Cerrano...And you will know that this is now occupied territory. “Long Live the Chief” hits again, and Cerrano drops the microphone on the downed Smoove in disgust, stepping over her body on his way out of the ring, soaking up the new-found chorus of boos as he heads for the backstage area. WINNER Max Cerrano METHOD Submission MATCH LENGTH 1:45 FINISHING MOVE Kill Your Masters |
BACKSTAGE
Backstage at the arena, the cameras make their way towards the locker rooms when laughter can be heard. Dressed in an old piece of Gavin Grimes merch thrown over her rather skimpy ring wear is Lilah Wood.
LW: Sooo this week everyone is jumping up and down to be the one who is looked at for a championship, the people are screaming and stamping their feet like Jade is going to respect that? Well, respect comes from your actions…
Lilah flips her hair with an air of cockiness she always carries about her. Hands on hips she smirks behind her to whoever is in her locker room with her.
LW: annnnd that brings me to my opponent this week.
Lilah turns her attention back to the camera and grins.
LW: I like you X, you’re fun and we’re gonna have a good time out there, really put it on for the fans but, let’s be honest… no one synonomises you and the word Respect. You’re the joke, the laugh, the lad… but you’re not the one Jade is looking at to represent her company.
Another hair flick and this time the person in her locker room speaks up, the words can’t quite be made out but the voice itself is very familiar.
LW: You’re right Gav, I AM the person you want representing your company, I’m a decorated former champion, I’m talented, I’m personal, I have the breeding AND the training and if all that wasn’t enough? I’m also beautiful, I mean really, who here can compete with me…?
Lilah leans to the camera with a wink.
LW: Spoiler Alert… No one.
With a laugh she swings the door closed.
Backstage at the arena, the cameras make their way towards the locker rooms when laughter can be heard. Dressed in an old piece of Gavin Grimes merch thrown over her rather skimpy ring wear is Lilah Wood.
LW: Sooo this week everyone is jumping up and down to be the one who is looked at for a championship, the people are screaming and stamping their feet like Jade is going to respect that? Well, respect comes from your actions…
Lilah flips her hair with an air of cockiness she always carries about her. Hands on hips she smirks behind her to whoever is in her locker room with her.
LW: annnnd that brings me to my opponent this week.
Lilah turns her attention back to the camera and grins.
LW: I like you X, you’re fun and we’re gonna have a good time out there, really put it on for the fans but, let’s be honest… no one synonomises you and the word Respect. You’re the joke, the laugh, the lad… but you’re not the one Jade is looking at to represent her company.
Another hair flick and this time the person in her locker room speaks up, the words can’t quite be made out but the voice itself is very familiar.
LW: You’re right Gav, I AM the person you want representing your company, I’m a decorated former champion, I’m talented, I’m personal, I have the breeding AND the training and if all that wasn’t enough? I’m also beautiful, I mean really, who here can compete with me…?
Lilah leans to the camera with a wink.
LW: Spoiler Alert… No one.
With a laugh she swings the door closed.
MATCH SIX: SINGLES
Lilah Wood vs Xavier Laroux
Lilah Wood vs Xavier Laroux
| RECAP The match starts with the Gypsy Princess standing toe to toe with Xavier Laroux in the middle of the ring. The two are talking trash to each other as Laroux says something and wears the cockiest grin known to man or woman. Whatever was said causes Lilah to try to blatantly kick Laroux low, but X grabs her foot and says 'no no little princess', but in his moment of mocking, it leaves him open for a jumping enziguri kick that connects to the side of his head. Lilah then kicks up and taunts, playing up her own confidence. But as much as she enjoys putting on a show, she also is well trained and knows she has to stay on Xavier. She waits for the decorated veteran to make it to his feet and as he does, she takes him down with a running bulldog. A cover merits only a one count, showing Laroux was far from finished. As the match continues on, Wood shows that she has set a good pace and trained well specifically for X. She manages to avoid being caught in his grasp and is staying one step ahead with her speed. A ddt plants Laroux into the mat again, and this time when Wood goes for the cover, she puts her feet on the ropes for leverage but the referee catches her and stops the count. As Wood allows herself to get into an argument with the official, Laroux gathers himself and stalks up behind her. He grabs his hands around her head and rakes her eyes from behind. 'Ya wanna get cute and dirty? Let's do it' he says as he then spins her around and hits a beautiful belly to belly suplex. He goes for a pin and picks up a two count before turning to the official himself and telling him to 'learn how to count'. Laroux has found his own method in this match now as he locks in an abdominal stretch and sends shots to the stomach of Wood the entire time, which leaves the young woman screaming in pain. 'Scream louder'! is what he shouts at her as he continues to assault those ribs, but Wood wasn't done, far from it. She manages to move her foot just enough to trip up Laroux, which sends him stumbling and forces him to break the hold. With distance between them now, Wood manages to hit a big time superkick that takes Laroux off his feet, but Wood collapses to the mat as well! After about thirty seconds on the mat, she crawls over and drapes an arm over his chest but he kicks out at the last possible moment! Both wrestlers were down, and struggling to make it back to their feet. Lilah makes it up first and tells Laroux to bring it on. As Xavier gets up, he ducks a big clothesline attempt from the Gypsy Princess and then grabs her in a bearhug, kneeling down to his knees to weaken her. After a few moments in one of his big holds without her submitting, he says 'screw it' and pushes her away and then hits the NARCOTERRORISM! He quickly makes the cover, knowing this was his best chance to put her away. The referee makes the count and Xavier picks up the win that he worked hard for. WINNER Xavier Laroux METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 9:58 FINISHING MOVE NARCOTERRORISM |
BACKSTAGE
The Liberty Pro Tag Team Champions, the Girls of Summer are standing by near the gorilla position, waiting on their upcoming match. They are dressed in their matching ring gear - red, cream, and gold tonight, the gold of the tag belts gleaming brightly around their waists. Coral looks confident, and Nami more thoughtful as the pair see the camera coming up to them.
Coral: How many times do we need to say it? It never changes.
She looks to the camera and then to her sister, the pair nodding in synch.
Nami: It’s always the same isn’t it? The Grommets and the Barneys come in on some soft waves and they want to shit talk us. Every one of them the same saying that we slept our way into our positions here. It’s the same fucking cheap ass lazy bull. Sam and Katie. Kolin and Felix. Beckitis Balfourious and whatever puppet she’s got a hand up their ass.
Coral: Nami, language.
The pair exchange another look and Coral grins.
Coral: Heckin rude though. Hella hecking rude that we have to mess with Homeless Hot Topic Barbie and her likely roofied ‘mystery’ tag team partner. Are we supposed to be shook? When we put in the work we do to stay this way? Whoever it is, can’t possibly, remotely, ever have the chemistry that Nami and I do. But all that aside? You owe us, Becky.
Nami nods gravely.
Nami: You owe us. You owe everyone in the Liberty locker room that you’ve bamboozled, cheated, or stolen wins from. You owe Nathan the money that he had to pay off that priest you and yours assaulted too. It’s sickening, the depth of the debt you owe. And you know, we hoped that when you popped up like a zit on the chin of the Prom Queen on Prom Night that you’d changed. That you’d learned, or grown, or did some yoga or something.
Coral: Imagine how disappointed we all were that you’re just the same, but with apparently less accessories so you’re devalued. You’re not even a Hot Topic Barbie anymore, you’re Dolla Tree vaguely Fashion Doll Becky.
The pair laugh, shaking their heads until Nami puts a hand on Coral’s shoulder and they cast aside the mirth.
Nami: We’re sure that Becky’s either spoken out some long winded crapfest of a manifesto on why she’s back again like pubes after a Brazillian Wax, or that she’s fixing to. That’s fine, we’ll endure.
Coral: We are your Liberty Pro Tag Team Champions. We got these without cheating, we’ve fought for them and will keep fighting for them. Whatever Becky has planned, we’re here to spoil it… and if we can’t?
Nami’s smile is almost feral at this point.
Nami: We’ll get even.
With a clap of their hands they send the camera scurrying off elsewhere.
The Liberty Pro Tag Team Champions, the Girls of Summer are standing by near the gorilla position, waiting on their upcoming match. They are dressed in their matching ring gear - red, cream, and gold tonight, the gold of the tag belts gleaming brightly around their waists. Coral looks confident, and Nami more thoughtful as the pair see the camera coming up to them.
Coral: How many times do we need to say it? It never changes.
She looks to the camera and then to her sister, the pair nodding in synch.
Nami: It’s always the same isn’t it? The Grommets and the Barneys come in on some soft waves and they want to shit talk us. Every one of them the same saying that we slept our way into our positions here. It’s the same fucking cheap ass lazy bull. Sam and Katie. Kolin and Felix. Beckitis Balfourious and whatever puppet she’s got a hand up their ass.
Coral: Nami, language.
The pair exchange another look and Coral grins.
Coral: Heckin rude though. Hella hecking rude that we have to mess with Homeless Hot Topic Barbie and her likely roofied ‘mystery’ tag team partner. Are we supposed to be shook? When we put in the work we do to stay this way? Whoever it is, can’t possibly, remotely, ever have the chemistry that Nami and I do. But all that aside? You owe us, Becky.
Nami nods gravely.
Nami: You owe us. You owe everyone in the Liberty locker room that you’ve bamboozled, cheated, or stolen wins from. You owe Nathan the money that he had to pay off that priest you and yours assaulted too. It’s sickening, the depth of the debt you owe. And you know, we hoped that when you popped up like a zit on the chin of the Prom Queen on Prom Night that you’d changed. That you’d learned, or grown, or did some yoga or something.
Coral: Imagine how disappointed we all were that you’re just the same, but with apparently less accessories so you’re devalued. You’re not even a Hot Topic Barbie anymore, you’re Dolla Tree vaguely Fashion Doll Becky.
The pair laugh, shaking their heads until Nami puts a hand on Coral’s shoulder and they cast aside the mirth.
Nami: We’re sure that Becky’s either spoken out some long winded crapfest of a manifesto on why she’s back again like pubes after a Brazillian Wax, or that she’s fixing to. That’s fine, we’ll endure.
Coral: We are your Liberty Pro Tag Team Champions. We got these without cheating, we’ve fought for them and will keep fighting for them. Whatever Becky has planned, we’re here to spoil it… and if we can’t?
Nami’s smile is almost feral at this point.
Nami: We’ll get even.
With a clap of their hands they send the camera scurrying off elsewhere.
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The charm of one of the most iconic and recognizable wrestling venues remains intact whether it's filled with an ecstatic and loud crowd or empty, hours prior to the event. We're obviously talking about the Hammerstein Ballroom, usual home for Liberty Pro and chosen location for their return episode of Liberation. Standing in the middle of the ring, barely visible in the dim light is a solitary figure.. As the camera zooms in, it's revealed to be the current Liberty champion Helena Noir, the title proudly strapped around her waist, her gaze fixed on the giant Liberty logo floating on the tron over the entrance. The screen suddenly comes to life, showing what will be the opening footage of Liberation. Images of the Liberty Pro superstars, both old and new roll on in a frantic montage, ending with the final moments of Day Of Reckoning, showing Warren Corbett tapping out to the Fondu Au Noir, and Helena raising the title in the air.
Helena Noir: “It’s been a while…”
Comes the calm and collected voice of the Sweden born.
Helena Noir: "Over a year, fifteen months, 461 days. That's how long since I won this title."
Looking down at the title around her waist, she unwraps it and lays it down on the canvas.
Helena Noir: "It’s an odd feeling when you work so hard for something, finally obtain it and watch as they take it away from you. For 461 days, this piece of gold and leather was nothing more than a beautiful ornament in my New York apartment, a memorabilia of my time in Liberty, a token with no soul.”
The Liberty Champion crouches in front of her title, her tattooed hands running all over the beautiful design of the central piece.
Helena Noir: “What’s a champion if they can’t prove their worth? Everything I did. everything I had to do to get my spot in that main event at Day Of Reckoning and beat Honey and Corbett, it was all in vain. To the fans' eyes I was, and perhaps still am, the greedy, selfish bitch who stabbed one of the sweetest and last pure souls in this business to quench her thirst for gold. I was the scorpion that took advantage of the frog to get where it wanted to be, and then stung them because it’s in their nature.”
Hard to tell in the semi-darkness filling the arena, but it looks like Helena’s lips curled, for the briefest of moments, in a bitter smile.
Helena Noir: “As often happens, truth and perception can be quite different. I won’t deny that, once upon a time, that was indeed my nature, that I wouldn’t have thought twice about using someone like Honey to climb the ranks faster. But that Helena died long before Liberty.”
Still on her knees, she now picks up the title.
Helena Noir: “The reason why I betrayed Honey is another one, and I think it’s time I give you, and her, an explanation. In my career I dealt with enough scumbags and became quite skilled in seeing through their bullshit. I saw what Nathan Callaghan was doing, his wheeling and dealing with Moss, how both of them were placing their pawns on the chessboard. It was the kind of scenario where everyone loses, Liberty needed someone who wouldn’t bend for any of them where it mattered the most, it needed a wrench in either of their plans. And as much as I adore and respect Honey, she wasn’t cut for that role.
Liberty needed a new champion, and I decided to take the matter in my hands.”
She finally gets up from the kneeling position, raising the title in the air and resting it on her shoulder.
Helena Noir: “Sounds quite cocky, you say? Well, you know me, I’m not shy, I know my worth and when I say that I’m the best in Liberty, I say it because I believe it. And here’s the only proof you need.”
A light pat on the Liberty Championship.
Helena Noir: “Callaghan is gone, enjoying his Buen Retiro and new venture in Australia, Moss has her own new toy to play with. It’s a new dawn for Liberty Pro, a clean sheet to write a new chapter of its glorious history. Sure, there’s a reputation to clean and I admit some of my peers didn’t really help the case, but I would’ve stayed retired if I didn’t believe in Jade’s vision for this place.”
Pause, her eyes glued on the title.
Helena Noir: “For 461 days I held this title. Tonight is my first day as the Liberty Pro Champion and it starts against the person I didn’t pin to win the title. Bring your A-game Honey, but make no mistake, I’ll be the one watching the battle royale to scout the next contender.
For those of you who live on the internet and for that reason may not have heard much about me, my name is Helena Noir, I am the Liberty Champion, I am the face of this company, I am the woman to beat.
And so it will be for a long time.”
On those last words, the pre-recorded clip ends, and the show cuts back to live action.
The charm of one of the most iconic and recognizable wrestling venues remains intact whether it's filled with an ecstatic and loud crowd or empty, hours prior to the event. We're obviously talking about the Hammerstein Ballroom, usual home for Liberty Pro and chosen location for their return episode of Liberation. Standing in the middle of the ring, barely visible in the dim light is a solitary figure.. As the camera zooms in, it's revealed to be the current Liberty champion Helena Noir, the title proudly strapped around her waist, her gaze fixed on the giant Liberty logo floating on the tron over the entrance. The screen suddenly comes to life, showing what will be the opening footage of Liberation. Images of the Liberty Pro superstars, both old and new roll on in a frantic montage, ending with the final moments of Day Of Reckoning, showing Warren Corbett tapping out to the Fondu Au Noir, and Helena raising the title in the air.
Helena Noir: “It’s been a while…”
Comes the calm and collected voice of the Sweden born.
Helena Noir: "Over a year, fifteen months, 461 days. That's how long since I won this title."
Looking down at the title around her waist, she unwraps it and lays it down on the canvas.
Helena Noir: "It’s an odd feeling when you work so hard for something, finally obtain it and watch as they take it away from you. For 461 days, this piece of gold and leather was nothing more than a beautiful ornament in my New York apartment, a memorabilia of my time in Liberty, a token with no soul.”
The Liberty Champion crouches in front of her title, her tattooed hands running all over the beautiful design of the central piece.
Helena Noir: “What’s a champion if they can’t prove their worth? Everything I did. everything I had to do to get my spot in that main event at Day Of Reckoning and beat Honey and Corbett, it was all in vain. To the fans' eyes I was, and perhaps still am, the greedy, selfish bitch who stabbed one of the sweetest and last pure souls in this business to quench her thirst for gold. I was the scorpion that took advantage of the frog to get where it wanted to be, and then stung them because it’s in their nature.”
Hard to tell in the semi-darkness filling the arena, but it looks like Helena’s lips curled, for the briefest of moments, in a bitter smile.
Helena Noir: “As often happens, truth and perception can be quite different. I won’t deny that, once upon a time, that was indeed my nature, that I wouldn’t have thought twice about using someone like Honey to climb the ranks faster. But that Helena died long before Liberty.”
Still on her knees, she now picks up the title.
Helena Noir: “The reason why I betrayed Honey is another one, and I think it’s time I give you, and her, an explanation. In my career I dealt with enough scumbags and became quite skilled in seeing through their bullshit. I saw what Nathan Callaghan was doing, his wheeling and dealing with Moss, how both of them were placing their pawns on the chessboard. It was the kind of scenario where everyone loses, Liberty needed someone who wouldn’t bend for any of them where it mattered the most, it needed a wrench in either of their plans. And as much as I adore and respect Honey, she wasn’t cut for that role.
Liberty needed a new champion, and I decided to take the matter in my hands.”
She finally gets up from the kneeling position, raising the title in the air and resting it on her shoulder.
Helena Noir: “Sounds quite cocky, you say? Well, you know me, I’m not shy, I know my worth and when I say that I’m the best in Liberty, I say it because I believe it. And here’s the only proof you need.”
A light pat on the Liberty Championship.
Helena Noir: “Callaghan is gone, enjoying his Buen Retiro and new venture in Australia, Moss has her own new toy to play with. It’s a new dawn for Liberty Pro, a clean sheet to write a new chapter of its glorious history. Sure, there’s a reputation to clean and I admit some of my peers didn’t really help the case, but I would’ve stayed retired if I didn’t believe in Jade’s vision for this place.”
Pause, her eyes glued on the title.
Helena Noir: “For 461 days I held this title. Tonight is my first day as the Liberty Pro Champion and it starts against the person I didn’t pin to win the title. Bring your A-game Honey, but make no mistake, I’ll be the one watching the battle royale to scout the next contender.
For those of you who live on the internet and for that reason may not have heard much about me, my name is Helena Noir, I am the Liberty Champion, I am the face of this company, I am the woman to beat.
And so it will be for a long time.”
On those last words, the pre-recorded clip ends, and the show cuts back to live action.
MATCH SEVEN: TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Becky Balfour & Mystery Partner vs Girls of Summer
Becky Balfour & Mystery Partner vs Girls of Summer
| RECAP There’s plenty of trash talk to start this one off. Coral and Nami, obviously tired of Becky’s games over the last few years, both want a piece of Becky and neither seems willing to wait. Becky is quick to put the referee between herself and the twins while yelling about how one of them has to get out of the ring and that the referee should disqualify them immediately. It looks like Becky isn’t going to have a tag team partner but suddenly a masked woman makes her way from the crowd and hops the barricade. Becky looks over and smiles and nods, yelling that one of her #Followers are here to assist her against the Tag Champions. The masked woman gets in the corner and the girls settle and talk amongst themselves before deciding that Coral will start. Becky is cautious, pointing over at Nami and yelling that she’d better stay in her corner before finally locking up with Coral who immediately begins to over power Becky in a test of strength. Just when it looks like Coral is going to bring Becky to her knees, she is quick to snatch a handful of Coral’s hair and yanks her down to the canvas. Nami immediately protests and tries to step into the but she’s cut off by the referee. Becky takes advantage of the brief distraction by diving on top of Coral and choking her with both hands as the crowd screams for justice but the referee is too busy getting Nami back to her corner. Becky finally releases the choke just as the referee turns around. Coral receives no mercy though as Becky immediately begins putting the boots to her foe. Becky controls the middle portion of the match, keeping Coral grounded and away from her corner with a variety of DDTs mixed in with taunts that draw Nami from her corner and once again allow Becky to bend the rules by grinding her knee across Coral’s throat. Sensing the end is near, Becky scales to the top turnbuckle and hits an Attention Seeker (Blockbuster Neckbreaker) but Coral rolls out of the way and Becky goes crashing down. Both women are out. Coral begins to crawl to Nami as Becky crawls toward the masked mystery partner. Becky tags in her mystery partner who looks like she is going to charge Coral but she stops in her tracks. The masked woman turns and grabs Becky by the hair and Balfour looks shocked and betrayed. The masked woman then drops Becky with T-Up (gory special flatliner), a move popularized by Carli Davis. The masked woman then leaves as Coral tags in Nami. Coral and Nami take advantage of the situation and they take Becky out with Sunburned in Paradise - Senton (Coral) followed by a Warrior Stomp (Nami) before both pinning her and they pick up the win. WINNER Girls of Summer METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 11:11 FINISHING MOVE Sunburned in Paradise |
BACKSTAGE
Backstage we cut to a woman with black hair tied up into space buns and dressed for action tonight. She is a newcomer to the wrestling scene but has already, unintentionally, made quite the stir on Twitter. The woman is of course, "Melanie" Pianta.
Melanie: Yooo wassup? Y'all doing good? I guess tonight I'm making my debut in my hometown of New York CIIIITTTTYYYYY!! Against some chick called Raedan who, well her personality is all over the place if we are being honest. But hey girl, I'm not gonna judge. Let's just go out and give these fans a great show, yeah? Cool.
With that Melanie walks off, obviously feeling like she doesn't need to say more than that. The scene fades.
Backstage we cut to a woman with black hair tied up into space buns and dressed for action tonight. She is a newcomer to the wrestling scene but has already, unintentionally, made quite the stir on Twitter. The woman is of course, "Melanie" Pianta.
Melanie: Yooo wassup? Y'all doing good? I guess tonight I'm making my debut in my hometown of New York CIIIITTTTYYYYY!! Against some chick called Raedan who, well her personality is all over the place if we are being honest. But hey girl, I'm not gonna judge. Let's just go out and give these fans a great show, yeah? Cool.
With that Melanie walks off, obviously feeling like she doesn't need to say more than that. The scene fades.
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The opening rifts of NoirBlvd’s remix to “I’d Rather See Your Star Explode” by Slaves begins to play as the Transcendental rifts of the music give way to the sound of an effervescent almost Science Fiction sounding theme, a plethora of stars and radiant light emerge on screen as the nebula-like images shift an change in subtle enigmatic movements, colors swirling in decadence just as the images fade into the image of a young woman dressed in sparkling black, as she turns with an over the shoulder glance, a smile crossing her ambient features before she turns directly towards the screen.
Kaia Grainger: “Take a moment, admire the sight.”
She pauses briefly, the smile on her face growing.
Kaia Grainger: “It's funny for a company run by a woman named Night, she decided she needed a little Light and that’s me. Kaia G. . .”
A smirk comes again from the loosely transcribed context of rhythmic poetry, before she takes her hand adjusting bits of her hair before she continues.
Kaia Grainger: “That’s Kaia Grainger in case you didn’t know. One of the newest signings for this return of Liberty Pro Wrestling.”
A brief pause was taken before, as she looked away briefly and then looked back towards the screen one again.
Kaia Grainger: “There are a lot of big personalities, just from the moments leading up to this Liberation show have shown that some of them just lack professionalism. That is something you will never see out of me. I’m not an attention seeker, I don’t need the praise, and certainly never reveal my flex.”
A small little laugh was given before she rolled her eyes at that.
Kaia Grainger: “It's not my job to dull anyone’s shine but when it comes down to it. I’m a boss, with an image, and a dream and any adventure your girl has set out on, she’s accomplished it 100! All these people promising you wins from improbable conditions can continue that narrative if they please. . . but it's simple really. This battle royal is anyone’s game, and whoever is the Liberty Champion by the end of the show will know that everyone is gunning for their heads”
Softly she tilts her head to the side, a laugh escaping her lips then.
Kaia Grainger: “That is mostly everyone. Just to shed a little light on the situation, there’s a reason I’ve been booked in the main event in my first-ever televised contest and maybe some just shouldn’t overbear their confidence before they’ve had the chance to put up.”
As she slid her finger through her hair almost absent-mindedly twisting it around at the end, she offered one last phrase.
Kaia Grainger: “Yet whatever plans or methods I invest, just know the light always shines when it's ready too, and I'm the one bringing it to you. Until then. . .”
A wink was given as she stepped off to the side and the image faded.
The opening rifts of NoirBlvd’s remix to “I’d Rather See Your Star Explode” by Slaves begins to play as the Transcendental rifts of the music give way to the sound of an effervescent almost Science Fiction sounding theme, a plethora of stars and radiant light emerge on screen as the nebula-like images shift an change in subtle enigmatic movements, colors swirling in decadence just as the images fade into the image of a young woman dressed in sparkling black, as she turns with an over the shoulder glance, a smile crossing her ambient features before she turns directly towards the screen.
Kaia Grainger: “Take a moment, admire the sight.”
She pauses briefly, the smile on her face growing.
Kaia Grainger: “It's funny for a company run by a woman named Night, she decided she needed a little Light and that’s me. Kaia G. . .”
A smirk comes again from the loosely transcribed context of rhythmic poetry, before she takes her hand adjusting bits of her hair before she continues.
Kaia Grainger: “That’s Kaia Grainger in case you didn’t know. One of the newest signings for this return of Liberty Pro Wrestling.”
A brief pause was taken before, as she looked away briefly and then looked back towards the screen one again.
Kaia Grainger: “There are a lot of big personalities, just from the moments leading up to this Liberation show have shown that some of them just lack professionalism. That is something you will never see out of me. I’m not an attention seeker, I don’t need the praise, and certainly never reveal my flex.”
A small little laugh was given before she rolled her eyes at that.
Kaia Grainger: “It's not my job to dull anyone’s shine but when it comes down to it. I’m a boss, with an image, and a dream and any adventure your girl has set out on, she’s accomplished it 100! All these people promising you wins from improbable conditions can continue that narrative if they please. . . but it's simple really. This battle royal is anyone’s game, and whoever is the Liberty Champion by the end of the show will know that everyone is gunning for their heads”
Softly she tilts her head to the side, a laugh escaping her lips then.
Kaia Grainger: “That is mostly everyone. Just to shed a little light on the situation, there’s a reason I’ve been booked in the main event in my first-ever televised contest and maybe some just shouldn’t overbear their confidence before they’ve had the chance to put up.”
As she slid her finger through her hair almost absent-mindedly twisting it around at the end, she offered one last phrase.
Kaia Grainger: “Yet whatever plans or methods I invest, just know the light always shines when it's ready too, and I'm the one bringing it to you. Until then. . .”
A wink was given as she stepped off to the side and the image faded.
MATCH EIGHT: SINGLES
Melanie vs Raeden Dela Cruz
Melanie vs Raeden Dela Cruz
| RECAP Mel smirks as she gives a hand for Raeden to shake but Raeden rolls her eyes and slaps it away. The two then circle each other before locking up. Melanie soon got the upper hand and she kept it for a bit before Dela Cruz eventually gained the upper hand after a well placed dropkick floored Mel. Raeden kept the upper hand on Melanie until she went for one too many high risks as she missed the springboard 450 as Melanie got her knees up to drive them into her sternum. Melanie gets up and has a little limp apparently tweaking her knee. However she ignores it and strikes Dela Cruz down with forearms and leg strikes. She starts working the shoulder of Dela Cruz jerking on the joint in ways the joint shouldn't be jerked. Melanie, later still in control, delivers a spike ddt to Raeden and goes for the cover but Dela Cruz kicks out at two. Mel delivers a piledriver impressing the crowd. She covers Raeden again but she kicks out at two. Melanie keeps working whatever is wrong with her knee out and as she does Raeden catches her with a quick roll up. Melanie kicks out at two and then gains control again with a superkick to the jaw. Later in the match both competitors are going back and forth as it seems whatever is wrong with Mel’s knee is getting worse. She starts to realize that she has to finish Dela Cruz off soon. Raeden is in the corner as Melanie sights him up. She takes off to smash her knees in his face but Dela Cruz moves as Melanie went straight into the turnbuckle with her knee. She screams out in pain as she stands up. Raeden climbs the turnbuckle and leaps off, catching Melanie with Cruz Missile - Missile Dropkick. Raeden goes for the pin but Melanie has the wherewithal to turn the pin into a roll up of her own. Melanie gets the three count and the win as Raeden kicks out just after the three count. Melanie gets the win and they announce her name. She stands up gingerly as the referee raises her hand but Raeden dropkicks the knee that Melanie had hurt earlier in the match. Melanie drops and the referee yells at RDC. Raeden rolls out of the ring and grabs a chair before she gets back in and slams it down on Melanie’s ginger knee. Mel rolls around in pain as RDC drops the chair beside her with a smug, satisfied look on her face. WINNER Melanie METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 10:42 FINISHING MOVE Roll Up |
BACKSTAGE
Backstage we find Honey Smith wearing her bee mask while she's getting out her BatGirl ring gear. A gear she'd worn before but never for Liberty and that was about to change. Honey then turns back to the camera. Behind her, Honey's put up a full sheet, taut so the Liberty Pro logo is nice and visible without a crease in sight. Honey's t-shirt is the #Workunicorn shirt in mauve with a beautiful dream colour scheme.
Honey: Hello, Everyone! It's wonderful to be back in Liberty after many many MANY month!
Honey smiles as best she can behind her mask.
Honey: Back in the promotion Coda and I were great teamies! Where I got lots of new opponents, and winning the briefcase and then the Liberty Pro Championship!! That was a very magical time, and now I have another one against my old…
Honey searches for the word friend, but she wonders if she could call her that considering their history, betrayal and so on. Honey swallows hard because of that, and she decides not to say it.
Honey: against Helena. This will be a new chance and probably a last chance since after this match there's the BIG, HUGE, GIANT battle royale. So if I don't win, then I could be out of the title picture for, like, a lot.
This makes Honey sit up on her tip toes as she takes a big breath and we see how one of the smaller in stature Smith girls handles that big pressure.
Honey: I know that's a big responsibility, but a Workunicorn doesn't shy away from big responsibility! Being the Liberty Pro Champion is a big job, to be a role model, a fighting champion, a super-duper wrestler! Thats, like, a lot of responsibility. Helena is good, she's been in the business quite a long time, but when it's her and I in the ring tonight, I do have to bring my bestest! And, like, my bestest is to take the title...which I know is hard to lose, but it's just the way the cookie crumbles. And I promise after the Rumbly Royale winner has their shot at the title, I will honour your rematch clause too, Helena.
Honey flashes another smile which is not too visible thanks to her mask.
Honey: I hope we will have a tip top match! And remember..
Honey clicks a button in the small remote she's been holding. The sheet behind her drops to reveal another one behind her. #Workunicorn on a sea blue background, with Honey's big motto for wrestling. Of course, Honey says it.
Honey: Always play fair, when you wrestle in the square!!
Backstage we find Honey Smith wearing her bee mask while she's getting out her BatGirl ring gear. A gear she'd worn before but never for Liberty and that was about to change. Honey then turns back to the camera. Behind her, Honey's put up a full sheet, taut so the Liberty Pro logo is nice and visible without a crease in sight. Honey's t-shirt is the #Workunicorn shirt in mauve with a beautiful dream colour scheme.
Honey: Hello, Everyone! It's wonderful to be back in Liberty after many many MANY month!
Honey smiles as best she can behind her mask.
Honey: Back in the promotion Coda and I were great teamies! Where I got lots of new opponents, and winning the briefcase and then the Liberty Pro Championship!! That was a very magical time, and now I have another one against my old…
Honey searches for the word friend, but she wonders if she could call her that considering their history, betrayal and so on. Honey swallows hard because of that, and she decides not to say it.
Honey: against Helena. This will be a new chance and probably a last chance since after this match there's the BIG, HUGE, GIANT battle royale. So if I don't win, then I could be out of the title picture for, like, a lot.
This makes Honey sit up on her tip toes as she takes a big breath and we see how one of the smaller in stature Smith girls handles that big pressure.
Honey: I know that's a big responsibility, but a Workunicorn doesn't shy away from big responsibility! Being the Liberty Pro Champion is a big job, to be a role model, a fighting champion, a super-duper wrestler! Thats, like, a lot of responsibility. Helena is good, she's been in the business quite a long time, but when it's her and I in the ring tonight, I do have to bring my bestest! And, like, my bestest is to take the title...which I know is hard to lose, but it's just the way the cookie crumbles. And I promise after the Rumbly Royale winner has their shot at the title, I will honour your rematch clause too, Helena.
Honey flashes another smile which is not too visible thanks to her mask.
Honey: I hope we will have a tip top match! And remember..
Honey clicks a button in the small remote she's been holding. The sheet behind her drops to reveal another one behind her. #Workunicorn on a sea blue background, with Honey's big motto for wrestling. Of course, Honey says it.
Honey: Always play fair, when you wrestle in the square!!
BACKSTAGE
Backstage in a dressing room with his head down and his eyes closed sits Brooklyn's own Scotty Latimer. He seemed to be unable to be still as his legs were twitching and he was twiddling his fingers. He then slaps himself on both sides of his face and looks into the camera.
Scotty Latimer: You know I never thought I would see it again but Liberty Pro is back, and everything feels the same besides the one glaring issue of having no fans due to the recent events of this world. I won't take much of anyone's time…..but I felt like getting something off my chest.
Scotty slides his hoodie off and looks into the camera.
Scotty Latimer: Let's go back to when I first set foot in Liberty Pro. Little backstory here, I walked in at the lowest level of my personal life and career. The girl who at the time I thought was going to spend the rest of my life with ran off with her best friend and got married a week later, so that kind of sucked. But I got over it. That was because I came home and these Liberty fans and this company supported me.
Scotty rubbed his face then shrugged and continued
Scotty Latimer: My professional life before I came here wasn't the greatest either right. I worked for a company that as world champion they discredited me and ran me through a meat grinder with defense after defense after defense until finally I lost. Then they spat ,e out like chewed up food. But it was here….home….where I found myself again as a professional wrestler.
Scotty smiled as he looked at his phone clicked on it then showed a picture of his wife Carter Latimer
Scotty Latimer: Then I met my real soul mate and the best thing that ever happened to me, who believes in me. I didn't meet her in Liberty, but I was a part of this place when I did. I guess you can say Liberty Pro is special to me in many ways, which brings me to this battle royal.
Scotty Latimer: The one thing I haven't done here is become Liberty champion. That's what I want, it's what I need to have. Because I want to be the very best and give back to Liberty Pro since it was this company that got me through hard times. The fastest path for me to achieve that goal is to win this battle royal. Now you have heard on Twitter how some of these competitors say they want this more and how no one else wants it more than them. Everyone of you that said that I hope you heard everything I said in this shoot, because all the stuff I talked about….the personal issue, the professional conundrum, that's all true. So no, you aren't the one in that battle royal tonight that wants this the most. It's Scotty Latimer.
Scotty could no longer sit down as he quickly stood up and pushed the chair to the side.
Scotty Latimer: You see I've kind of developed a little more crazy style than I used to. So each and everyone here tonight in that ring can bet your asses I will do what I have to do to win this. I have a lot of respect for everyone here. I'm friends with Carmen Cambridge, but sorry it's not going to be your night. I've known Tyson Gregory for a long time, Xavier Laroux, Derrick La'Bell who will have his girlfriend and a friend of mine Mimi Smith sitting ringside. I respect you all, but it's not going to be your night. It's going to be mine, because I want it more. I want this more than anything because this is my best chance to get what I want!.
Scotty throws his arms out.
Scotty Latimer: Because this is the fastest way to get that Liberty championship match right? That's the ultimate goal. I'd rather win this then work my way up to get it. And I want to be Liberty champion. So I'll see you all tonight. 20 person battle royal. New York City. Hammerstein's Ballroom. This is my home. You want proof? Twenty minutes away is the Brooklyn Bridge. Cross it and the third apartment building three blocks down was where I was raised. A half a mile away from this very building is a private cemetery wedged between two tall buildings. My mother is buried there. This is my home, Liberty Pro is my home.
And tonight…. the #RogueNightmare returns home.
Backstage in a dressing room with his head down and his eyes closed sits Brooklyn's own Scotty Latimer. He seemed to be unable to be still as his legs were twitching and he was twiddling his fingers. He then slaps himself on both sides of his face and looks into the camera.
Scotty Latimer: You know I never thought I would see it again but Liberty Pro is back, and everything feels the same besides the one glaring issue of having no fans due to the recent events of this world. I won't take much of anyone's time…..but I felt like getting something off my chest.
Scotty slides his hoodie off and looks into the camera.
Scotty Latimer: Let's go back to when I first set foot in Liberty Pro. Little backstory here, I walked in at the lowest level of my personal life and career. The girl who at the time I thought was going to spend the rest of my life with ran off with her best friend and got married a week later, so that kind of sucked. But I got over it. That was because I came home and these Liberty fans and this company supported me.
Scotty rubbed his face then shrugged and continued
Scotty Latimer: My professional life before I came here wasn't the greatest either right. I worked for a company that as world champion they discredited me and ran me through a meat grinder with defense after defense after defense until finally I lost. Then they spat ,e out like chewed up food. But it was here….home….where I found myself again as a professional wrestler.
Scotty smiled as he looked at his phone clicked on it then showed a picture of his wife Carter Latimer
Scotty Latimer: Then I met my real soul mate and the best thing that ever happened to me, who believes in me. I didn't meet her in Liberty, but I was a part of this place when I did. I guess you can say Liberty Pro is special to me in many ways, which brings me to this battle royal.
Scotty Latimer: The one thing I haven't done here is become Liberty champion. That's what I want, it's what I need to have. Because I want to be the very best and give back to Liberty Pro since it was this company that got me through hard times. The fastest path for me to achieve that goal is to win this battle royal. Now you have heard on Twitter how some of these competitors say they want this more and how no one else wants it more than them. Everyone of you that said that I hope you heard everything I said in this shoot, because all the stuff I talked about….the personal issue, the professional conundrum, that's all true. So no, you aren't the one in that battle royal tonight that wants this the most. It's Scotty Latimer.
Scotty could no longer sit down as he quickly stood up and pushed the chair to the side.
Scotty Latimer: You see I've kind of developed a little more crazy style than I used to. So each and everyone here tonight in that ring can bet your asses I will do what I have to do to win this. I have a lot of respect for everyone here. I'm friends with Carmen Cambridge, but sorry it's not going to be your night. I've known Tyson Gregory for a long time, Xavier Laroux, Derrick La'Bell who will have his girlfriend and a friend of mine Mimi Smith sitting ringside. I respect you all, but it's not going to be your night. It's going to be mine, because I want it more. I want this more than anything because this is my best chance to get what I want!.
Scotty throws his arms out.
Scotty Latimer: Because this is the fastest way to get that Liberty championship match right? That's the ultimate goal. I'd rather win this then work my way up to get it. And I want to be Liberty champion. So I'll see you all tonight. 20 person battle royal. New York City. Hammerstein's Ballroom. This is my home. You want proof? Twenty minutes away is the Brooklyn Bridge. Cross it and the third apartment building three blocks down was where I was raised. A half a mile away from this very building is a private cemetery wedged between two tall buildings. My mother is buried there. This is my home, Liberty Pro is my home.
And tonight…. the #RogueNightmare returns home.
HEADLINE: LIBERTY CHAMPIONSHIP
Honey vs Helena Noir
Honey vs Helena Noir
| RECAP The match begins with a bit of feeling each other before they trade holds in the centre of the ring. Helena quickly gains the upperhand, keeping Honey’s arm in a hammerlock. Honey tries her best to escape before countering with a reverse STO. Honey steps through ropes, looking for a springboard crossbody. The impact lands Helena on her back but it doesn’t faze her as she kips right back up to retaliate with a roundhouse kick. As Honey staggers back, Helena hits another roundhouse kick before taking her down with a swinging neckbreaker. Helena drops for the cover but only gets a two-count. Before Honey can get some distance, Helena quickly draws her into a triangle choke. The crowd comes alive with nervous excitement as Honey struggles in the hold, trying her best to break free. Helena however is determined to hold on until Honey’s efforts eventually allow her to reach the nearest rope. Upon release, Helena rolls to her feet and waits for Honey to pull herself up by the ropes before charging at her. Honey drops to pull down the ropes, forcing Helena to fall out and land on the apron. They start trading shots that leave Honey reeling. Helena goes for a grapple but Honey fights back till Helena doubles over in agony. As Helena kneels down on the apron, Honey steps back before charging at her with a busaiku knee she calls Hiyah. There’s a collective gasp around the arena as Helena falls back to the outside floor from impact. With Helena struggling to regain her bearings, Honey takes the opportunity to run the ropes before leaping out of the ring with a huge suicide dive. The crowd goes nuts! Honey is the first on her feet and she slowly drags Helena back into the ring. But Helena retaliates with a desperate toss to the ring post where Honey’s face meets steel, forcing her to sink into the concrete floor. The fans are in disbelief. Both women take their time to recover. At the 9th count, the competitors cut it pretty close as they rushed into the ring. It’s clear that the match has taken its toll on both wrestlers but neither wants to give up just yet. The back and forth battle of strikes and holds grow faster as it gets more intense, leading to Honey taking down Helena with a corner shiranui she calls That Banned Move. Honey goes for the cover but Helena somehow kicks out just before three, shocking the fans and even Honey. Yet Honey stays focused as she maintains control of the match, determined to wear down Helena even more. After a dropkick to the knee, Honey swoops down on Helena with a fujiwara armbar. But somehow Helena manages to keep her arm from being locked in the hold as she proceeds to reverse it with a vicious double underhook sitout facebuster she calls Ink Yo Face. With the crowd on their feet, Helena takes out the groggy Honey with her cradle DDT into a guillotine choke finisher, Fondu Au Noir. Despite her efforts, Honey eventually taps. The referee raises Helena’s hand in victory before she and Honey share a hug that receives cheers of appreciation from the entire arena. WINNER Helena Noir METHOD Submission MATCH LENGTH 14:05 FINISHING MOVE Fondu Au Noir |
BACKSTAGE
The scene opens backstage deep inside of the Hammerstein Ballroom, where Liberty Pro superstar, Tyson Gregory is pacing back and forth. He’s in his ring gear and seems incredibly focused on his match later in the night. His eyebrow arches as he notices the camera on him. He takes a few steps over and flashes an almost sinister smirk on his face.
Tyson Gregory: You know… Things for me on the personal side haven’t really been favorable. Any regular kind of man would have been emotionally crushed if they would have been put through the same ordeals. But that’s just the thing, I’m not some regular person. I’m Tyson fucking Gregory. Now yes, I know that name doesn’t hold exactly what it used to. I can’t honestly stand here and tell you that I am the same guy who has countless championships and accolades on his mantle at home and that’s because I’m not. You see that change is something that’s inevitable and that’s exactly what I have been going through. I could have sat back and mopped like any normal person would do but once again… I’m Tyson fucking Gregory.
He smirks again, eyes full of focus.
Tyson Gregory: While other people might go out and post a bunch of pictures and try to draw eyes on themselves or get under the first person they can to get over the last person they were with, I was busy pushing myself harder than I have before. I couldn’t go to the gym so I brought the gym to me. Setting up a training center in my backyard that could rival most independent gyms. I buried myself into my craft to be better than that man who won all those championships and earned all those accolades. That starts tonight with the return of Liberty Pro and if I have to go through thirteen other people in a battle royal? Then so be it.
He takes a moment to run his hand through his short hair.
Tyson Gregory: Hell, over half of the people in this thing will have had matches already tonight. Some of them even against other people in this battle royal. Now I get that anything can happen in these things and all it takes is one asshole to be in the right place at the right time to win it. But that asshole still has to last long enough to get to that right place and time. Having no disqualification or hoss matches beforehand might seem like a nice warm up but when you have five other people in this thing that are one hundred percent fresh and ready to go? It’s not favorable to the people working twice. Especially when a buzzsaw like myself is waiting fresh as a daisy for them in the main event. Make no mistake about it, there is a reason my name is listed first, why my name is that one flashing brightest on the marquee and that’s because I grab the attention and keep it. I put the asses in the seats.
Don’t think I forgot about the people who are well rested going into this. You have Kaia who calls herself a light bringer but the only lights she’s going to be seeing are the ones in the rafters after I toss her out of the ring. Then we got Carter’s husband… See the thing with Scotty boy is he will fuck this up for himself, he’s a creature of habit and that’s his habit. He’s kind of like a Great Value Brand Xavier Laroux. I could talk about X too but he just won a companies top championship so he’s busy killing that place like everywhere else he's won too gold.
A slight chuckle leaves his lips now as he arches his brow again.
Tyson Gregory: Now I could do what I wanted and not even mention Carmen in this and know how bad that would sting her but, I figure why not mention her? Her time is limited here cause as soon as she sees her journey isn’t directly to the top her days on the roster are limited and back to Mexico she will go to do her donkey shows… Or is it dogs now? It’s hard to keep up with the twitter trends anymore. I will say that Carmen is a talent, in that when she has people fawning over her and doing the heavy lifting she succeeds. Look back at her most successful bodies of work and she had the likes of Jacob Daniels or Deadeye around her. She can’t get shit done on her own. That’s why she immediately called me out instead of making her own noise.
He gives an almost Cheshire cat grin.
Tyson Gregory: Oh and one last thing Carmen, don’t go crazy on posting thirst traps to get attention after this, that’s Precious Pepper Vain’s move and she’s hotter than you anyway.
A laugh escapes Tyson before he winks to the camera and starts to walk off. Just before he’s out of the shot, he yells back.
Tyson Gregory: I’ll toss Pepper out on her fine ass too!
The scene then fades to black.
The scene opens backstage deep inside of the Hammerstein Ballroom, where Liberty Pro superstar, Tyson Gregory is pacing back and forth. He’s in his ring gear and seems incredibly focused on his match later in the night. His eyebrow arches as he notices the camera on him. He takes a few steps over and flashes an almost sinister smirk on his face.
Tyson Gregory: You know… Things for me on the personal side haven’t really been favorable. Any regular kind of man would have been emotionally crushed if they would have been put through the same ordeals. But that’s just the thing, I’m not some regular person. I’m Tyson fucking Gregory. Now yes, I know that name doesn’t hold exactly what it used to. I can’t honestly stand here and tell you that I am the same guy who has countless championships and accolades on his mantle at home and that’s because I’m not. You see that change is something that’s inevitable and that’s exactly what I have been going through. I could have sat back and mopped like any normal person would do but once again… I’m Tyson fucking Gregory.
He smirks again, eyes full of focus.
Tyson Gregory: While other people might go out and post a bunch of pictures and try to draw eyes on themselves or get under the first person they can to get over the last person they were with, I was busy pushing myself harder than I have before. I couldn’t go to the gym so I brought the gym to me. Setting up a training center in my backyard that could rival most independent gyms. I buried myself into my craft to be better than that man who won all those championships and earned all those accolades. That starts tonight with the return of Liberty Pro and if I have to go through thirteen other people in a battle royal? Then so be it.
He takes a moment to run his hand through his short hair.
Tyson Gregory: Hell, over half of the people in this thing will have had matches already tonight. Some of them even against other people in this battle royal. Now I get that anything can happen in these things and all it takes is one asshole to be in the right place at the right time to win it. But that asshole still has to last long enough to get to that right place and time. Having no disqualification or hoss matches beforehand might seem like a nice warm up but when you have five other people in this thing that are one hundred percent fresh and ready to go? It’s not favorable to the people working twice. Especially when a buzzsaw like myself is waiting fresh as a daisy for them in the main event. Make no mistake about it, there is a reason my name is listed first, why my name is that one flashing brightest on the marquee and that’s because I grab the attention and keep it. I put the asses in the seats.
Don’t think I forgot about the people who are well rested going into this. You have Kaia who calls herself a light bringer but the only lights she’s going to be seeing are the ones in the rafters after I toss her out of the ring. Then we got Carter’s husband… See the thing with Scotty boy is he will fuck this up for himself, he’s a creature of habit and that’s his habit. He’s kind of like a Great Value Brand Xavier Laroux. I could talk about X too but he just won a companies top championship so he’s busy killing that place like everywhere else he's won too gold.
A slight chuckle leaves his lips now as he arches his brow again.
Tyson Gregory: Now I could do what I wanted and not even mention Carmen in this and know how bad that would sting her but, I figure why not mention her? Her time is limited here cause as soon as she sees her journey isn’t directly to the top her days on the roster are limited and back to Mexico she will go to do her donkey shows… Or is it dogs now? It’s hard to keep up with the twitter trends anymore. I will say that Carmen is a talent, in that when she has people fawning over her and doing the heavy lifting she succeeds. Look back at her most successful bodies of work and she had the likes of Jacob Daniels or Deadeye around her. She can’t get shit done on her own. That’s why she immediately called me out instead of making her own noise.
He gives an almost Cheshire cat grin.
Tyson Gregory: Oh and one last thing Carmen, don’t go crazy on posting thirst traps to get attention after this, that’s Precious Pepper Vain’s move and she’s hotter than you anyway.
A laugh escapes Tyson before he winks to the camera and starts to walk off. Just before he’s out of the shot, he yells back.
Tyson Gregory: I’ll toss Pepper out on her fine ass too!
The scene then fades to black.
BACKSTAGE
The camera opens up backstage where we see Carmen Cambridge standing with a smirk on her face, wearing a tight leopard print dress and laced up heeled boots.
Carmen Cambridge: What's Gucci Boo Boo's?
The former champion cackles before taking on a more serious face.
Carmen Cambridge: Episode forty six, and you guys finally get a taste of the Gucci Girl herself, and I have to say, it feels amazing to be in Liberty. Despite the shortcomings of Nathan as a whole, this has always been a company that has put on a show. But guess what happens when a show is put on? Someone steals it. I'm not talking Kace Matthews stealing, nah...I'm talking SNATCHING it away from every other competitor that walks through those curtains and makes their way down to the ring. Tonight the odds are heavy. I have to take on thirteen others, and trust...every single one of them wants the same thing I want, that number one contendership. So what's gonna set me apart?
Carmen pauses as the camera pans back just a bit, showing her entire frame.
Carmen Cambridge: Haters. Doubters. I've always had a ton of both, and time after time, I've proven them wrong. That's what I have to do tonight, I have to prove to everyone that I didn't run away to Mexico only to reappear a few years later, a washed version of myself. Nah. I'm better than I've ever been and to keep it all the way real? I'm better than the other thirteen competitors. I hear the yapping, from PPV, and Tyson Gregory...even Scotty Latimer, but they all know that on my worst day and their best? I'm still better. This match is a lil different though. None of these fools have to pin me or make me submit, so I'm not doubting alliances could be formed to eliminate the top contenders, and I know I'm at the top of that list. So while they are gonna squad up and set that Target on my back, I'm gonna have eyes all over boo boo's.
I'll see Tyson over there, PPV over there, Tamsin across the ring, Brien Storm on the top turnbuckle, Killian Rory charging at me, you get it....besides, I don't have the time to give everyone shine by mentioning their name.
So luck...that's what it comes down to. Who is lucky enough to be the last person standing in the ring? Who will face either Honey or Helena for that pretty lil Liberty Championship?
If I have my way? It'll be me. Y'all can paint that target, but I'm gonna keep moving. You can try to press me over your head and toss me to the floor, but I'm gonna float like a butterfly and sting like a bee...I'm on my Muhammad Ali tonight.
Carmen smirks before holding her hands up to the camera. She wags her fingers, telling them to bring it on.
Carmen Cambridge: Lets see how slick you talk tonight Pepper girl when I'm right up in that face of yours. I'ma add a lil salt to your game and spoil that...bet.
And lets not forget that while luck will play an important part, what about cardio, fatigue, and strength? Over half of my opponents in this battle royal have matches earlier in the night, while I'm one of a few entering the battle royal fresh as can be. At first I was mad I wasn't wrestling anyone else, but I think Jade mighta did me a solid...and not that I NEED the luck, but who wouldn't take any lil advantage they can get in a match with such high stakes?
I know how big of a deal this is, and I'm not coming nonchalant like Tyson...I want the Gold, and the first baby step to getting it is tonight. I'm gonna EARN mines...
She rubs her hands together and says 'cha ching' before smirking and waving the camera out of her dressing room.
The camera opens up backstage where we see Carmen Cambridge standing with a smirk on her face, wearing a tight leopard print dress and laced up heeled boots.
Carmen Cambridge: What's Gucci Boo Boo's?
The former champion cackles before taking on a more serious face.
Carmen Cambridge: Episode forty six, and you guys finally get a taste of the Gucci Girl herself, and I have to say, it feels amazing to be in Liberty. Despite the shortcomings of Nathan as a whole, this has always been a company that has put on a show. But guess what happens when a show is put on? Someone steals it. I'm not talking Kace Matthews stealing, nah...I'm talking SNATCHING it away from every other competitor that walks through those curtains and makes their way down to the ring. Tonight the odds are heavy. I have to take on thirteen others, and trust...every single one of them wants the same thing I want, that number one contendership. So what's gonna set me apart?
Carmen pauses as the camera pans back just a bit, showing her entire frame.
Carmen Cambridge: Haters. Doubters. I've always had a ton of both, and time after time, I've proven them wrong. That's what I have to do tonight, I have to prove to everyone that I didn't run away to Mexico only to reappear a few years later, a washed version of myself. Nah. I'm better than I've ever been and to keep it all the way real? I'm better than the other thirteen competitors. I hear the yapping, from PPV, and Tyson Gregory...even Scotty Latimer, but they all know that on my worst day and their best? I'm still better. This match is a lil different though. None of these fools have to pin me or make me submit, so I'm not doubting alliances could be formed to eliminate the top contenders, and I know I'm at the top of that list. So while they are gonna squad up and set that Target on my back, I'm gonna have eyes all over boo boo's.
I'll see Tyson over there, PPV over there, Tamsin across the ring, Brien Storm on the top turnbuckle, Killian Rory charging at me, you get it....besides, I don't have the time to give everyone shine by mentioning their name.
So luck...that's what it comes down to. Who is lucky enough to be the last person standing in the ring? Who will face either Honey or Helena for that pretty lil Liberty Championship?
If I have my way? It'll be me. Y'all can paint that target, but I'm gonna keep moving. You can try to press me over your head and toss me to the floor, but I'm gonna float like a butterfly and sting like a bee...I'm on my Muhammad Ali tonight.
Carmen smirks before holding her hands up to the camera. She wags her fingers, telling them to bring it on.
Carmen Cambridge: Lets see how slick you talk tonight Pepper girl when I'm right up in that face of yours. I'ma add a lil salt to your game and spoil that...bet.
And lets not forget that while luck will play an important part, what about cardio, fatigue, and strength? Over half of my opponents in this battle royal have matches earlier in the night, while I'm one of a few entering the battle royal fresh as can be. At first I was mad I wasn't wrestling anyone else, but I think Jade mighta did me a solid...and not that I NEED the luck, but who wouldn't take any lil advantage they can get in a match with such high stakes?
I know how big of a deal this is, and I'm not coming nonchalant like Tyson...I want the Gold, and the first baby step to getting it is tonight. I'm gonna EARN mines...
She rubs her hands together and says 'cha ching' before smirking and waving the camera out of her dressing room.
MAIN EVENT: BATTLE ROYAL FOR LIBERTY CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER
Tyson Gregory vs Killian Rory vs Carmen Cambridge vs Previous Pepper Vain vs Brien Storm vs Tamsin vs Scotty Latimer vs Dex Morant vs Josephine Morant vs Quinn vs Xavier Laroux vs Derrick La’Bell vs Brianna Leigh Clark vs Kaia Granger
Tyson Gregory vs Killian Rory vs Carmen Cambridge vs Previous Pepper Vain vs Brien Storm vs Tamsin vs Scotty Latimer vs Dex Morant vs Josephine Morant vs Quinn vs Xavier Laroux vs Derrick La’Bell vs Brianna Leigh Clark vs Kaia Granger
| RECAP The match starts off with Brien rolling out of the ring and joining the commentators booth. Brien claims that he doesn’t need to wrestle until he wants to because the show is all about Brien Storm. It doesn’t take long for Tyson to follow suit and he rolls out as well before sitting down next to Brien but he’s telling Brien he needs to get back into the ring. Brien tells Tyson he’s ugly and to get out of his space. Tyson tells Brien to get in the ring before the two then start to fight on the outside when Brien tackles Gregory down. Inside of the ring, Joss Morant and Dex Morant are battling with Brianna Leigh Clark and Killian Rory near the ropes when Xavier Laroux comes up behind all four of them and he lifts them all over the ropes but Joss and Dex tumble down to the ground and are eliminated but Brianna and Killian both hold on and aren’t eliminated as they roll back into the ring for safety. ELIMINATED: Dex Morant & Joss Morant The match continued on with Carmen hitting Derrick La'Bell with a brutal superkick, followed up with a superkick from Scotty Latimer. Derrick is down but Killian comes out of nowhere and takes Cambridge out before hitting her with a Belly to Belly suplex. Killian then picks Derrick up and tries to throw him over the ropes but the big man doesn’t give in. Soon Brianna comes into the picture and so does Scotty and they all help Killian toss Derrick over the ropes and he is eliminated! ELIMINATED: Derrick La'Bell Killian starts to celebrate but he doesn’t see PPV and she nails Killian with a dropkick that sends Rory over the ropes. Killian catches himself on the apron and stands up but Tyson, who is still outside of the ring, pulls Killian down and eliminates him from the outside. ELIMINATED: Killian Rory Killian is furious. He takes Tyson out with a clothesline and then whips him into the steel steps, knocking him out. Brien is on the side laughing and pointing at Tyson but he doesn’t feel Xavier Laroux, who grabs him by the head and tosses him back into the ring. Inside of the ring, Carmen Cambridge and Kaia Granger are battling back and forth, trying to eliminate each other but neither one of them wants to give up an inch. Xavier slides in and he fights back and forth with Brien, who’s finally a part of the match. Brien gets one over on Xavier and throws him over the ropes but Xavier hangs on. Brien looks to knock Xavier off but PPV dropkicks Brien from behind and Xavier pulls down the rope rope and Brien goes flying over, getting eliminated. ELIMINATED: Brien Storm Xavier gets back in the ring and he drops PPV with a clothesline but then Quinn comes out of nowhere with Tamsin and they both try to eliminate Xavier. PPV comes from behind and she tosses Quinn out but Tamsin ducks out of the way. ELIMINATED: Quinn Tamsin is upset that her friend got eliminated and she grabs PPV to eliminate her. Xavier dropkicks Tamsin and she falls through the ropes but isn’t eliminated. PPV goes to attack X but Tamsin grabs her from behind and holds her. Laroux charges and he clotheslines Precious over the top rope as Tamsin pulls it down, helping PPV to go over and get eliminated. Tamsin stands up on the apron and Xavier knocks her down as well, eliminating her along with PPV. ELIMINATED: PPV & Tamsin Brianna Leigh Clark looks to hit Xavier from behind but she doesn’t see Carmen, who comes out of nowhere and she attacks her from behind, hitting her with a running knee strike. She picks Brianna up and tries to throw her over the ropes but she hangs on. Suddenly, Tyson Gregory is back in the ring and he tosses Brianna over but she has too much power. Scotty Latimer shows up and he helps push Brianna over the rope. Kaia Granger comes from behind and drop kicks Scotty and Tyson and this momentum throws Brianna over the ropes and eliminates Tyson and Scotty lands on the apron and then rolls back in. ELIMINATED: Brianna Leigh Clark Tyson Gregory gets up to his feet and he grabs Xavier Laroux. He tries to eliminate Xavier, an old rival, but he can’t seem to get him over the ropes. Carmen Cambridge comes from out of nowhere and she grabs both men’s legs and lifts them up and over the ropes! Tyson and Xavier go tumbling out of the ring! Leaving Carmen, Scotty Latimer and Kaia Granger left in the ring. ELIMINATED: Tyson Gregory & Xavier Laroux Kaia and Scotty Latimer start to battle it out on the other side of the ring as Carmen watches, as if she’s stalking for the right moment to get the win. But wait! Tyson Gregory slides back into the ring and Cambridge doesn’t see him! He grabs Carmen by the hair and throws her over the ropes, eliminating her in a fit of revenge! ELIMINATED: Carmen Cambridge The fans can’t believe it! Carmen was looking to win it all but Tyson took her moment! Ty then grabs Carm and he throws her into the steel steps. Tyson laughs before exiting. Inside of the ring, Scotty and Kaia continue to battle. Kaia soon gains the upper hand as she nails Star Shine- Handspring Cutter. She grabs a dazed Scotty and tosses him over the ropes but Scotty hangs on! Kaia thinks she won but she can tell by the fans reaction that it’s not over. She turns around and charges Scotty but he reaches over the ropes and clubs her with a forearm. Latimer then gets into the ring and he takes Kaia out with Final Wave (Blade Runner). He picks Kaia up and tosses her over the ropes, eliminating her and becoming the number one contender! ELIMINATED: Kaia Granger At the end of the monumental battle royale, Scotty Latimer is the one standing tall. Well, barely standing, exhausted after the battle he just went through. The former Seattle Pro champion is still celebrating, with his arm raised in victory and a satisfied smile on his face. But his celebration is caught rather short as “Noir” by Shandon blares out of the loudspeakers and Helena Noir walks out of the curtain, Helena Noir: “Well, look at this…” She says standing at the top of the ramp. Helena Noir: “I guess it’s true that barking dogs never bite.” A not so subtle jab at Carmen Cambridge who, with a questionable choice of words referred to herself as a dog. Helena Noir: “So many talented individuals in that match and you are the only one standing tall at the end of it. I admit I'm a bit surprised, amongst the likes of Tyson Gregory, Tamsin and Xavier Laroux ai wasn't expecting you to come out victorious. And that's not a knock at your skills, mind you. I've seen what you're capable of, and I know that facing you is not going to be a walk in the park." Throughout all her speech, she never took her eyes off her future opponent. Helena Noir: “Winning a battle Royale is not an easy feat, I can say that from experience. That's how I won my first title here in Liberty Pro, the Can-Am championship many moons ago. Allow me to congratulate you, Scotty. Here you are now, one step closer to the Liberty championship.” The camera zooms on the most coveted prize in the company, still held by Helena after her successful defense against Honey Smith earlier in the night. Helena Noir: “It’s a shame that will be as close as you ever get. You just beat fourteen other superstars, both rookies and veterans. But see, there's a reason why you had to go through all that just to get an opportunity to face me. To quote Sinatra, I'm king… Well, Queen Of The Hill, Top Of The Hits, I sit on the peak of Liberty Pro… And I’m not ready to step down just yet. See you soon, Scotty.” Once again “Noir” by Shandon hits the loudspeakers, and that’s Helena’s cue to leave. Scotty is standing in the ring, yelling towards the ramp that he's ready for Helena. With a shot of Scotty now, the scene fades. WINNER Scotty Latimer METHOD Over the rope elimination MATCH LENGTH 30:22 FINISHING MOVE N/A |