Post by Chris Page on Jan 23, 2018 22:00:56 GMT -5
EARLIER TODAY:
The scene fades in as we are at the loading dock to the Staples Center as the crowd pops at the sight of “GLORIOUS” TRISTAN SLATER walking through the rollup door to the building while wearing a pair of casual faded jeans, a black t-shirt with a red hoodie zipped half way up while pulling his travel bag behind him. The Glorious One is approached by Denise Essex who tries to grab a word with the former WGWF World Heavyweight Champion.
DENISE ESSEX- “Tristan can we grab a quick word with you about tonight’s World Title Triple Threat match pitting you versus your stablemate John Cable and the WGWF World Champion MDK.”
There’s a smirk from Tristan which causes Denise to ask.
DENISE ESSEX- “What’s so funny?”
“GLORIOUS” TRISTAN SLATER- “What’s funny is you called John “Dead Weight” Cable my stablemate… on a night the World Title is at stake. There’s no friends here tonight, there’s no stable here tonight. Do you see me flocked with Citizen or Terry Borden? Nah, that’s for John because John NEEDS extra bodies around to make him self feel important. Let’s face it, John hasn’t been ”himself” for a while now; and when my plan comes full circle there’s no way anyone BUT Tristan Slater leaves as the World Heavyweight Champion
A cocky Slater spouts out as he continues.
“GLORIOUS” TRISTAN SLATER- “I will take it so far as to stand in front of you here and now I stand here and guarantee that I am leaving the Staples Center as the WGWF World Heavyweight Champion!”
There’s a mixed reception now from the sold out crowd as clearly some of the things Tristan has said is rubbing some folks the wrong way. Aw.
“GLORIOUS” TRISTAN SLATER- “I didn’t come here tonight to leave empty handed and I can tell you and everyone else that I’m not here representing the Glorious New Breed, oh no. I’m representing THE TRISTAN SLATER!”
The crowd pops massively as John Cable enters the picture.
“GLORIOUS” TRISTAN SLATER- “Sup.”
JOHN CABLE- “I’m not who you think I am!”
John lunges at Slater taking him up off the ground with a double leg take down driving Slater down into the concrete floor! The fans are shocked as the Glorious New Breed has apparently imploded! Cable mounts Slater and is hammering down with hard right hands to the face, each shot harder than the one previous. Security officers quickly rush over with five of them pulling John of Slater and as they pull him away John continues to kick at Tristan trying to get at him while screaming out.
JOHN CABLE- “I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU! I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!”
Producers and agents check on Tristan who is dazed yet manages to get back to his feet following the attack as he muffles under his breath.
“GLORIOUS” TRISTAN SLATER- “Shit.”
The scene suddenly splits to the locker room of the Royal Family where MDK has been looking on with utter delight as states out loud.
MDK- “This is going to be easier than I thought.”
WGWF PRESENTS…
THE WEST COAST RUMBLE 2018
1.22.18
STAPLES CENTER
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
SOLD OUT
[/span][/div][/i][/b]The scene fades into the SOLD OUT Staples Center in Los Angeles, California as a passionate WGWF crowd is on hand, over 18,000 in attendance for the 2018 West Coast Rumble!
“LADIES and GENTLEMAN…”
The crowd ERUPTS as the general manager of Monday Night Brawl emerges out to the top of the ramp in a black suit with a red tie.
“MY name is FLASH ROTTEN….”
The crowd chants along as Flash continues.
FLASH ROTTEN- “And I am the General Manager of Monday Night Brawl and want to welcome you all to the 2018 WEST COAST RUMBLE!”
The crowd pops big time as Flash continues to speak while making the walk to the ring.
FLASH ROTTEN- “I wanted to take this time to thank each and every person in that locker room for showing up tonight willing to give us everything they’ve got to make sure everyone here in attendance and everyone watching from home goes home happy.”
Flash reaches ringside as he climbs up on the ring apron and steps through the ropes and into the ring.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Tonight I am presenting to you a FIRST TIME EVER singles encounter between two names that are iconic in their own right when James Raven takes on the WGWF Intercontinental Champion Christian Connolly in what will be nothing short of a historic encounter.”
The Staples Center pops BIG time for the upcoming contest.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Tonight we will also find out just WHO will go on to Wrestle Wars Twelve to challenge for the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship when the winner of the 2018 West Coast Rumble Match is crowned.”
A louder pop for the staple match that determines the Number One Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Finally all roads lead to tonight’s Triple Threat Main Event as MDK defends the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship against John Cable and Tristan Slater!”
The roof explodes at the mere mention of tonight’s Main Event.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Now things have already gotten a little heated in the locker room already as we all have witnessed between John Cable and Tristan Slater; and with MDK looming around I’m sure that he’s going to try to further instigate the issues to insure he leaves with the title; so I’m out here tonight to announce a NO CONTACT order between all three participants in tonight’s Main Event UNTIL the opening bell. If anyone decides to violate the No Contact order they will be REMOVED from the match. Period.”
There’s a mixed response from the crowd at Flash Rotten’s announcement…
The Staples Center roars with massive boo’s from all over the building as the Chairman of the WGWF Board of Director’s ADAM BARKER emerges out to the top of the ramp! Adam is in all black as he starts to make the walk to the ring. Flash Rotten stands in shock as he watches Adam walk towards him. Adam reaches ringside and up the ring steps to the ring apron. He reaches into his sport coat inner pocket retrieving a microphone as he steps through the ropes and into the ring where he looks across the ring at Flash Rotten with the music fading away.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Can I help you?”
The crowd roars at the sarcastic nature from the General Manager to the Chairman of the Board; which garners a little laughter under the breath of one Adam Barker who raises his microphone.
ADAM BARKER- “Flash Rotten.”
Adam states with a narrow tone.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Yeah, that’s my name.”
Flash doesn’t back down from Adam as he once again asks.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Can.I.help.you?”
ADAM BARKER- “Let’s cut the pleasantries, shall we?”
FLASH ROTTEN- “Oh let’s do; I’ll ask again, what do you want?”
Adam takes a step closer to Flash as he states.
ADAM BARKER- “Funny you should ask…”
Flash chimes in.
FLASH ROTTEN- “Three times.”
There’s a massive pop from the crowd that stops Barker in his tracks. Flash takes a moment to look out towards the fans as for the first time in the Staples Center there’s a very loud chant of “FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!” that even catches Adam Barker off guard.
ADAM BARKER- “I’m well aware of how many times you’ve asked…”
Adam looks out towards the crowd.
ADAM BARKER- “And I assure you you’re not going to be chanting his name in a few minutes.”
Adam directs his attention back towards Flash.
ADAM BARKER- “I’m here to address some of your more questionable decisions in recent weeks; how about for starters naming Alyce Starchylde the Number One entrant to the West Coast Rumble?”
The crowd ROARS as Flash grins while nodding his head in approval.
ADAM BARKER- “What has Alyce done to you? Absolutely nothing…”
Adam emphatically states.
ADAM BARKER- “You put her in at Number One for your own amusement, that sir; that’s abuse of power.”
The crowd starts to boo as Adam Barker continues while Flash steps back towards the ropes where he leans back against the ropes listening to Adam.
ADAM BARKER- “Let’s talk about adding Tristan Slater to the World Title Main Event when his rematch could have easily been pushed back a few weeks so that we could have delivered something new and something fresh; but your reasoning behind it was initially to stack the deck against MDK; again, abuse of power.”
The crowd gets louder and louder.
ADAM BARKER- “How about changing a scheduled World Title match that was already announced into a 6 Person Tag Match? Do you see where I’m going with this? In case you don’t see the writing on the wall…”
Adam turns around towards the top of the ramp motioning. The crowd boo’s six members of black shirted security emerge out and start walking towards the ring. Adam turns around facing Flash as he states.
ADAM BARKER- “Because of these more recent; and incredibly questionable decisions, I cannot allow you to handle tonight’s Pay-Per-View; furthermore as Chairman of the WGWF I am giving you the night off.”
Flash starts to laugh as he simply tosses his microphone down to the mat as he throws his hands up in the air before willingly exiting the ring.
ADAM BARKER- “We’ll see you in two weeks, pal.”
There’s a massive “ASS-HOLE! ASS-HOLE! ASS-HOLE!” chant for Barker the security members surround Flash and escort him up the ramp.
ADAM BARKER- “But none of you need worry, you not need fret… I am here to make sure this event goes off without a hitch! I cannot change anything that Flash Rotten has put together, nor will I.”
Adam sarcastically winks towards the camera as he tosses the microphone before making his exit. He walks up the ramp to massive boos from the crowd.
MATCH ONE:
JAMES RAVEN LEGENDS TOUR 2018
NON TITLE
CHRISTIAN CONNOLLY
versus
JAMES RAVEN
Masters: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS THE DREAM MATCH... AND IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!
"RAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
*BO-BO-BO-BO-BO-BO-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!*
Pumped full of adrenaline, the "Legend" enters the Staples Center. He bounds down the aisle, crackling with pent-up energy as Linkin Park's "Bleed It Out" begins to pummel the Staples Center's speakers and resonate around the concrete and timber structure.
Masters: INTRODUCING FIRST! FROM TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA.. AND WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE POUNDS... HE IS A MULTI-TIME WORLD CHAMPION... MULTI-TIME SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR... MAKING HIS RETURN, HE IS THE LEGEND.. JAAAAAAAAAAAMES RAAAAAAAAAAVVVEEENNNNNNNNN!!!
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
After leaping up onto the apron, James bounces on the spot, purely kinetic. Grabbing the top rope, his hands yank it back, and then he rides the springboard onto the cable.
Baxter: Whoa!
Diamond: Tremendous athleticism displayed by the Canadian, that’s going to be a key feature of this contest… James has the advantage these days where speed and agility are concerned, but Christian Connolly will be looking to get him onto the mat and into some technical situations, where he most definitely will take the upper-hand.
Balancing on tip-toes on the strand of plastic coated cable, the "Legend" surveys the crowd, before hopping off and into the ring, still loosening himself up as he goes. Thomas Giles welcomes Raven to the ring with a pat on the back, but Raven brushes him off as he immediately steers away from him and towards the opposite side of the ring.
"Bleed It Out" begins to slowly fade away as the fans prepare for the biggest moment of the night so far: Christian Connolly’s entrance into the Los Angeles scene.
Masters: …AND HIS OPPONENT…
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
The opening beats of Grandtheft & Keys' "Keep It 100" begins to blast over the Staples Center.
Masters: ...FROM NORFOLK, VIRGINIA... WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE POUNDS...
"KEEP IT 100!"
Pyro shoots up from in front of the entrance and Ignatius Lisieux storms right through it, jumping around on the spot, dripping wet with water, pumping his fists as the crowd goes absolutely nuts:
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Christian Connolly, dressed in special white and pink tights with white boots, his golden Intercontinental Championship fastened firmly around his waist, stands at the top of the ramp, soaking in the adoration from the fans.
"C-2!! C-2!! C-2!!"
Masters: ... WGWF HALL OF FAMER... ONE HALF OF THE LONGEST REIGNING WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS IN HISTORY... HE IS A MULTI-TIME WORLD CHAMPION...
The Suntan Superman turns and gives the thumbs-up to the Los Angeles fans, before turning on his heels to face directly down the huge entrance aisle towards his destiny: the squared circle and a meeting with the "Legend".
His eyes remain narrowed and focus as he shakes out his calf-muscles and bursts into a jog, massive white pyrotechnics shooting off just after he passes over them on his run down the aisle like time-delayed proximity mines, offering up an amazing front-on visual from inside of the ring.
Masters: ... THE REIGNING WGWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION.. THE SUNTAN SUPERMAN...
Still jogging down the aisle, Connolly spins off to either side now and again to slap some raised hands, never willing to miss an opportunity to interact with his fans. He stares intently up towards the ring for any signs of movement from James Raven, but he’s kneeling down in the corner, mentally and physically preparing himself for the bout – trying to act totally care-free about the pomp and ceremony of the champion’s entrance.
Masters: ... CHRRRRRRIIISSSSSSSTIAAANNNN CONNNNNNNNOOOOOOOLLLLLYYYYY!!!
As Connolly reaches the bottom of the aisle with the music still pounding away, he's finally met with the sight of a beaming James Raven, now energetically bouncing on the spot in the middle of the ring. Despite Thomas Giles' attempts to usher him back towards his corner, Raven remains, staring right into C2 with nothing but confidence exuding from his hyper-charged figure.
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Diamond: Connolly making a beeline straight for Raven!!
Baxter: Lookout!!
Spring-boarding onto the top rope, Connolly flings himself across the ring at a startled "Legend", crashing down into him with a fierce flying forearm. Realizing he has little chance of getting things paused for an official start to the match, Giles calls for the bell, which is barely heard above the now-roaring fans…
Diamond: Los Angeles already firmly in the corner of the Intercontinental Champion and James looks totally dumbfounded at the sheer speed of his first attack in this contest!
"LET’S GO C-2!!"
Squirming on his back, the "Legend" thrashes his feet out, trying to stop Connolly getting any clean blows to follow up his first attack of the contest.
Diamond: James trying to immediately regain a hold in this contest, he knows that he cannot allow his stronger opponent to dominate from the outset!
Outside of the ring, the crowd fights their own battle. The pro-Raven camp try to make up their severe numbers deficit by jeering C2's jump-start with everything their lungs can muster, but they're drowned out early on by the majority, as the WGWF fans fuel their "Superman" with whatever support they can.
Diamond: The eighty-twenty split is creating a fantastic atmosphere here inside of the Staples Center, the Connolly fans are overcoming their adversaries with sheer numbers, it is absolutely deafening in this place!
"C-2!! C-2!! C-2!!"
Bringing his legs up to fend him off, the "Legend" avoids the full-brunt of Connolly's onslaught and then manages to free himself from underneath him and bail from the ring.
Diamond: Oh look at that, Raven running from Connolly like a scolded dog!!
Baxter: He’s merely taking a breather, dammit! If that bastard had started this match properly then he’d never be in this position right now.
Having underestimated the desire Connolly possesses to put him down on one of the biggest stages in WGWF, the usually ice-cold Raven appears a tad flustered, a state that isn't helped one bit as the pumped-up IC Champ rushes toward the ropes.
Diamond: He’s not willing to give him one moment of rest here tonight… here he goes again!!
Baxter: GET OUT OF THE WAY, JAMES!!
With adrenaline numbing all the wounds inflicted to his body in the love/hate relationship he's endured with WGWF and its many superstars, C2 simply flings himself head-long over the top rope. As James feels the shadow cast over him, he looks up, but has no time to react as the super-charged two-hundred-forty five pounds of Christian Connolly thumps into him, sending both their bodies tumbling back up the ramp, much to the delight of the ravenous fans at ringside.
Diamond: Oh my! What a daring move from the "Suntan Superman"!
Baxter: That was a lucky shot, Diamond… he’s gonna burn himself out here if he isn’t careful!
Far removed from the reserved figure that had held his frustrations in for so long, the now-released Christian flings his head back and lets out a primal roar, orchestrating the WGWF fans to chant his name with even greater gusto than before.
"SUPER-MAN!!! SUPER-MAN!!! SUPER-MAN!!!"
Diamond: I have never seen Christian Connolly so psyched, I have never seen anything like this in all of my days announcing for this company!!
Fists clenched, Connolly springs up and watches as a startled "Legend" pulls himself up; not exactly having previously predicted the way the match had started. Striding up to him, C2 then lashes out with his right hand. Stretching out his fist, the "Suntan Superman" lands a harsh slap to the cheek of Raven with such ferocity that it even manages to be heard above the still-warring Los Angeles crowd.
"OHHHHHHHH!!!"
Baxter: The BITCH!
The force of the slap sends the dazed "Legend" staggering back against the safety barricade, his six-foot-three frame resting seated against it as he rubs his stinging cheek with a scowl.
Baxter: Uh-oh Connolly, you’ve really done it now… look at James’s expression – hell hath no fury like a thrill-seeking nymphomaniac scorned!
Huffing out of his nose like a frenzied bull, Connolly scrapes the soles of his boots across the ramps surface, before charging at the shell-shocked Raven. As he looks back wide-eyed at the man he thought was too washed up: version two-thousand-six, the "Legend" is a rabbit in the headlights as the "Superman" hurls himself at him with a diving spear, taking them over the barrier and tumbling into the fans lined-up along the aisle.
Diamond: Good Lord, good God! Spear from Connolly, he just took Raven right over that damned security railing! Listen to this crowd here!!
"OOOHHHHH!"
Hurriedly leaping over the rail in pursuit of the match's participants, Thomas Giles fails to find them as the over-eager fans at the West Coast Rumble mob the wrestlers in their droves.
Diamond: Thomas Giles is in there trying to restore some measure of regulation to a contest that is already getting out of hand!
Baxter: Come on zebra - lay the authoritarian smack-down onto that punk!
As a winded and startled Raven tries to crawl away from the frighteningly unreserved Connolly, his fiercely loyal fans try and form a prohibitive wall to keep him away from him.
Thomas Giles finally finds the wrestlers in the crowd, but as he lectures Connolly about returning things to the ring, the "Superman" instead rushes at Raven once more, leaping off a fan's chair to mow him down with an awe-inspiring spinning heel-kick.
Diamond: Whoa! More high-risk from the "Suntan Superman"!!
With the IC Champion not exactly going about the match in the most calculated of fashions, he's left crash-landing into a cluster of discarded chairs, while Raven is left tumbling over a tipped-over seat.
"WOOOOO!!!"
Diamond: The Staples Center is rocking again as Christian Connolly keeps up the high-intensity onslaught!! I’m not sure how long he’ll be able to sustain the pace of these attacks for, though… all it takes is one missed move…
Again, Thomas Giles tries to implement a measure of ceremony into proceedings as he orders a rising C2 to get things back into the ring, but again he is ignored by the super-charged Connolly.
Baxter: Will you get a damned grip on things in there, Giles? - That idiot is letting Connolly run riot!
Diamond: I think those Connolly fans out there would kill him if he stopped this!
With fans jostling for position to pat his back and shout words of encouragement and support, Connolly stalks the dazed "Legend" as he drags himself up. Creeping up behind him, the "Superman" reaches forward and grabs a handful of brown hair, before sharply yanking him down into one of the abandoned seats. With his opponent now prone, the "Suntan Superman" hops up onto the ringside barrier, then flings himself back off with a cross-body block, sending the chair on which the "Legend" is seated toppling backwards.
"OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Diamond: Man-oh-man!! Cross-body block through a CHAIR by Christian Connolly! Raven has not been given a millisecond to get a single ounce of offense onto his opponent; I’m not sure if I have ever seen him being manhandled like this from the outset!
Baxter: The fact remains that the low-down Canuck blindsided her and started this before the bell rang, how come you don’t mention that!? Huh!?
As the wrestlers spill down onto the floor, Connolly is finally able to land a short flurry of forearms, before Giles grabs his arm and tries valiantly to pull him off James.
Baxter: It’s about damn time, too… Thomas Giles finally grows a pair!
Knowing that the official hasn't the desire to bring the colossal match to a very early close with a disqualification call, Connolly pushes the official off-of him, only to catch one of Raven's unpredictable feet to the mouth.
Baxter: Now he’s pushing the- YES!!!
Feeling one of his teeth aching, the "Superman" pats his mouth for blood, giving the "Legend" a chance to swing both legs up and catch him in a vice-like head-scissors, using Connolly's own arm to constrict his neck's artery…
Diamond: All it took was one moment, one second of inactivity on the part of Connolly and the "Legend" has seized his opportunity, he has those scissors locked-in incredibly tight – he’s almost going blue already!
Despite the ferocity with which his heart is pumping the blood around his body, Connolly refuses to yield - and instead begins to climb to his feet - only for the "Legend" to make himself dead-weight on top of him.
Baxter: That’s it, keep a hold of it, James… keep it locked-on!
The fans surrounding the wrestlers turn their volume dials up an extra notch as C2 manages to straighten his body off, before toppling forward and driving the hanging "Legend" down into a pile of toppled-over chairs.
Baxter: NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
"C-2!! C-2!! C-2!!"
Diamond: Connolly breaks free, Connolly breaks free!!
As he feels the edges of the chairs dig into his ribs and arm, a pained Raven releases his grip on Connolly, who heaves in a few deep breaths. Security again step in as some fans get caught up in the moment, one leaning down over Connolly to hurl abuse at him, almost resulting in a pro-C2 fan blind-siding him with a right hand.
Diamond: Things getting a little out of control out there on the floor and again CSC security are forced to step-in to separate these warring fans! I have NEVER seen an atmosphere like this for a WGWF encounter - this is more akin to the crowd at a football game!
Before the "Suntan Superman" can fling himself at the "Legend" once again, Thomas Giles commandeers one of the security guards, using him to force C2 back to the ringside barrier, much to the disgust of the baying crowd inside of the Staples Center.
"BOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Diamond: Thomas Giles had better get the hell out of Dodge because those fans will lynch him if he doesn’t…
Baxter: Yeah, Connolly fans are just like the guy they support… do one tiny little thing against them and they’ll hold it against you forever!
Hopping up, James rubs his thigh where a chair dug in, before catching a glimpse of a distracted Connolly through all of the commotion.
Baxter: Do it James… Go for him!
Diamond: Lookout Connolly!!
Eager for revenge, he yells for a path to be cleared, done in the form of an expletive-laden threat, then sprints through the parting crowd towards the "Superman". Just catching sight of an flash, Connolly dips a shoulder as Raven explodes out of nowhere, before he bursts back up, sending the "Legend" high over the barrier and down onto the mats with a back body-drop!
"WOOOOOO!!"
Diamond: Back body-drop from the IC Champ, how in the name of the Lord did he see that one coming!?
Baxter: Heaven forbid that he could have been warned by any one of his twenty-thousand fans out there… or even that he looked up to one of the screens and saw him coming, huh!?
Arching his back off the black safety mats, a grimacing "Legend" feels the effects of landing on the thin padding, while a pumped Connolly high-fives a few of his supporters on the opposite side of the barrier.
Diamond: The momentum is still with the "Suntan Superman", anything that Raven has tried so far has not come off… I have never seen such a blistering start, this is insane!
As Thomas Giles climbs over to ringside, C2 waits for a hunched-over Raven to rise, before using the barrier like a gymnastics’ horse. Planting his hands upon it, C2 swings his legs over, latching them around James's neck before pushing himself off and taking James down with an innovate version of the famed head-scissors maneuver.
Diamond: Another piece of smart innovation from Connolly as he slams Raven down into the mat with a modified head-scissors… since his return we have been used to seeing Connolly start slow in his matches, he has tended to absorb punishment before hitting a killer blow… his tactics for this bout are completely different to the norm!
Baxter: Maybe James is using his tactics, huh? You ever thought about that…
Finding therapeutic relief in finally being able to vent himself physically at his selfish colleague, Connolly pumps an inspiring fist towards his support, before hopping up onto the apron and lining up the rising "Legend" in his sights. Jumping up onto the middle rope, Connolly then vaults off…
Diamond: ASAI MOONSAULT FROM CONN-
...only for Raven to gather his senses and duck forward, seeking sanctuary just under the lip of the ring apron.
Diamond: -JAMES DODGES IT!!
Somehow managing to spot him dodge and adjust his flight in the constrictive airspace, Connolly lands, crouched, just an inch or two away from the barrier...
Diamond: Amazing! Connolly lands on his feet…
…Only to almost be beheaded by a roundhouse kick from his opponent!!
Diamond: OH!!! RAVEN LANDS ONE!!
As he's finally able to connect, his furious foot smacks the loose head of the "Suntan Superman" into the safety barricade, immediately scrambling his brains.
"OHHHHHH!!"
Baxter: What did I just say!? What did I just tell you!? James Raven has been biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike and then… BOOM! I bet Connolly can no longer see straight after that shot.
Diamond: That did not look at all good for Connolly right there… his eyes almost rolled back into his head with the impact of the barricade…
As Thomas Giles now calls for the "Legend" to bring the action back into the ring, Connolly tries to drag himself up. Holding his splitting head in both hands, the "Suntan Superman's" historically-weak legs won't solidify beneath him, and he drops back down to the mats with a pained thud, taking his supporters’ noise with him.
Grabbing Christian’s head, Raven keeps his head held down as he flings a flurry of short kicks up into his face, before ushering him back into the ring…
Baxter: See? For all of the bad you have to say about him, he’s just rolled that sack of crap back into the ring like a true sportsman. How many times did Giles ask Connolly to do just that?
His head obviously groggy, Connolly struggles to stand following the harsh shots, and he drops back against the buckles for support. Seeing his cue, James charges at him, leaping up to drive both knees into his sternum, and then hooking the head to pull him down into an inverted lung-blower.
Diamond: LUNG-BLOWER FROM RAVEN! Christian Connolly needs to shake out these cobwebs a.s.a.p. if he wants to make any more progress in this match, after such an enthralling start it has only taken one pure moment of force for James to be able to establish a foothold.
Baxter: This was exactly his point, Connolly is too susceptible - he’s a risk to himself and everyone around him!
Seeing a chance to go for the first pin-fall attempt of the match, James rolls C2 over, then hops up to the top rope, flipping back off and onto his rival with an Arabian Press, before hooking both legs.
Diamond: Raven with the pin-fall attempt!!
"ONE!
TW-NO!!"
Diamond: Shoulder-up from Connolly, quick shoulder-up!
The "Legend" looks gleeful, rather than frustrated, that he wants to dish out some more punishment.
Baxter: You think James is enjoying this yet?
Diamond: It certainly looks that way to me, he knows that he has his opponent exactly where he wants him… this is when Raven is at his most dangerous, I fear for Christian, I really do…
Still cupping his pounding head in his hands, the "Suntan Superman" pulls himself up using the ropes, then again has to drop back against the buckles. With his opponent's arms draped over the ropes, Raven sees his torso as an open target, and fires off a harsh snap-kick to his chest…
Diamond: Solid shot from James… and another one, this time to the abdomen! Connolly is trying to cover-up but the shots are simply too quick to defend against.
Baxter: Come on, James, unload!!
With Connolly beginning to sway, James vaults the top rope onto the apron, keeping hold of it, before springing back over to score an enziguri to the back of C2's throbbing head! His pockets of support spring into action along with the Canadian and the Connolly majority struggle to find enough inspiration to drown them out…
Baxter: And now we hear the voice of the true supporters in this Los Angeles crowd, just listen to this for the dominance of Raven:
"RA-VEN! RA-VEN! RA-VEN!"
With the support of James’s hardcore echoing around his brain and a glassy look to his eyes, Connolly collapses forward, prompting the referee to slide down and check on him.
Diamond: Thomas Giles looks extremely worried here, we’re only ten minutes into the contest and already there are serious health concerns about the IC Champion.
Baxter: Most people usually have health concerns after stepping into the ring with the "Legend" - it’s hardly a new phenomenon.
Not quite showing the same concern for his opponent as the official, Raven simply waits for him to roll onto his front, before flinging himself up into a majestic standing corkscrew senton. Rolling seamlessly back onto her front, James takes a moment to pose for Los Angeles, before once again flipping-off gravity to score with a standing, twisting four-fifty splash - hooking both legs upon landing!
Diamond: WHAT A MOVE!! COVER!!
"ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO!!!"
Baxter: Arghhhhhhh!!
With James not looking entirely surprised, Connolly shoots a shoulder up and then quickly tries to shake the vast array of cobwebs loose before things get any worse for him. His supporters find their voice again, but it is nowhere near as loud as five minutes ago…
Derrick: The Connolly majority trying to fire some life into the IC Champ once again, but I think it’s going to take something huge for him to be able to sway this contest back over to his side of the scales.
"LET’S GO C-2!!!"
Baxter: I don’t know why they’re bothering, seriously – and they’re already growing quieter, if James can silence these idiots then she has this match as good as won.
For some reason getting the idea that he can take out WGWF Hall of Famer Christian Connolly in a matter of minutes, the "Legend" keeps the tempo cranked up. Poised in his starting blocks, he waits for C2 to drag himself up to his knees…
Derrick: Raven poised to strike one more time… the majority of fans in the Staples Center are praying that Connolly will see him coming…
Taking his cue, James rushes the ropes, building up speed as he rebounds. Approaching C2 behind his right shoulder, the "Legend" plants his left hand onto the canvas, using it as a pivot to swing through and smash both his feet into the "Suntan Superman’s" face with a handstand six-one-nine!
Derrick: OH MY!!!
Baxter: He didn’t see it coming, not at all!!!
"OOOOOHHHH!!"
Baxter: LOOK AT THIS!!!
With C2 flattened out, the "Legend" makes a short rush at him, once again showcasing his athleticism by landing a twisting, running shooting star press – and then again hooking both legs!!
Derrick: Undeniably amazing from James… he’s making another cover!!
"ONE!"
Baxter: This is it!!
"TWO!!"
Derrick: Not already… no way!
"THR-NO!!!"
Derrick: SHOULDER-UP ONCE AGAIN FROM CONNOLLY!!!
Fairly content that each unsuccessful pin-fall attempt wears down the "Superman" just that little bit more, inching his towards victory, the "Legend" hops up without any protest towards Thomas Giles.
Seemingly enjoying himself now after a shaky start, James drops into his stance across the ring from Connolly, waiting for him to rise into his mental cross-hairs. The twinkle in his eyes gives away the moment his aim goes red. Surging forward, he steps up off Connolly's knee and tries to behead him with a "Shining Wizard", only for the "Superman" to somehow duck his head under the blow!
Derrick: Connolly digs down deep and ducks underneath the-
"WOO-"
Just as C2 managed to duck, the "Legend" somehow manages to land on both feet, before flinging his right foot back to catch Connolly square on the back of the skull, sending him slumping forwards.
Derrick: -ARGH!! RAVEN LANDS IT!!
"-OOOOHHHH!!"
Baxter: Sit down and shut up, sheep… your hero is getting his ass handed to him on a silver platter! Although he did have me worried there for a second…
As the hopeful C2 fans sigh at his defiance being cut short, James ties up his legs, before grabbing an arm so that he can roll his opponent upright. Despite the attempts by the IC Champ to slip free, the "Legend" presses her foot against the back of his head and then violently drops forward to crush his skull against the canvas with a curb-stomp!
Derrick: Oh God! Christian’s cranium takes more punishment!!
Baxter: CURB STOMP from James! What a move!!
"BOOOOO!!"
Grabbing his splitting skull, Connolly can't put up an air-defense as Raven rolls into place, then again dazzles for the cameras with a standing, inside-tuck four-fifty, complete with, you guessed it, a leg-hook…
Derrick: …And another cover from the "Legend"!
"ONE!"
Baxter: This time, this time… I can feel it!
"TWO!!"
Baxter: Count faster, dammit!
"THRE-NO!!!"
Derrick: CONNOLLY ESCAPES AGAIN!!
Baxter: NOOOOOOOOO!!
For the first time in the match, the "Legend" looks aggrieved at not getting her three-count as he snarls towards the match official and motions for a faster fall next time around.
Derrick: So much for not complaining about the falls, huh?
Baxter: I think he has every right to after that count - Giles was counting with "Mississippi’s" in between, or something!
Giles opens his arms out by his sides as though to protest innocence and the Canadian can do nothing but turn away and go ahead with his assault on WGWF’s "past".
Baxter: Well, as usual James it looks like you’re wrestling your opponent PLUS the match official… I tell you, will we ever get a fair contest in this company?
Derrick: What in the hell do you mean!? Our match officials are the best around!
Continuing with his "stand 'em up, knock 'em down" tactics, the "Legend" shoots another warning glare at the official, before rolling out under the bottom rope…
Derrick: Uh-oh for Connolly – I dread to think what he has planned next…
Hopping on the apron, eager to continue the onslaught, Raven lines up a rising Connolly, before spring-boarding with a twist onto the top rope…
Baxter: Have you ever seen anything like this before!?
…Riding the cable's bounce, he effortlessly flings himself off, continuing the twist, and latches onto C2's head, spinning through to spike him head-first into the mat with the seven-twenty DDT!!
Derrick: HOLY JESUS!!!
"OOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!"
Baxter: AWESOME!!
"RA-VEN! RA-VEN!"
Derrick: That was quite simply unreal, he’s making another cover!!
Baxter: Count it!!
Throwing himself upon the motionless Connolly, Raven again hooks both legs.
"ONE!
TWO!!!
THREE-NO!!!"
Baxter: For the love of God, stay down Connolly! STAY DOWN!
"TWOOOOOOOOOO!!"
Derrick: This man will not give up without a fight, he will not go quietly into the LA night… it’s going to take a hell of a lot more from Raven if he wants to put away the Hall of Famer here tonight.
Another move, another tenth of a second closer to victory for the Legend.
Baxter: Connolly needs a miracle though, and last I remember he used that up when he won the IC title…
Springing back to his feet, the resurgent "Legend" looks down with smug satisfaction at the increasingly-wounded Connolly, his head still suffering the effects of the violent collision against the safety barricade from earlier. Blinking rapidly to try and clear his blurring vision, Connolly sits up - only for a fierce, sweeping kick from the "Legend" to swat him back flat!
Baxter: …Oh really!? Then explain that one to me, Mr. Smarty Pants!
Derrick is silence, but the resurgent pro-Connolly factions of the crowd now begin to grow in voice the more damage Raven inflicts on their hero, trying to urge him back up through sound and prayer alone…
"SUPER-MAN!! SUPER-MAN!! SUPER-MAN!!"
Baxter: These idiots in the crowd are just as bad as he is! Do they not know when to give-up and shut-up!? In any case, they should be saving their energy for chanting MDK’s name after he embarrasses the New Breed later on!
Snarling towards the growing anti-Raven movement and slowing it down just a notch after his high-tempo onslaught, the "Legend" takes a few deep breaths, before dropping into a one-armed handstand, then spinning through into a short knee-drop to the chest. Shuffling off C2 and into a sprinter's start, James rushes the ropes, hopping onto the middle cable…
Derrick: More danger for Connolly here… I have never witnessed anyone move so quickly around a WGWF ring as James Raven does… WAIT A SECOND!!!
…Suddenly revived by the crowd's new-found energy, Connolly kips-up as Raven flips back off the ropes and into an Asai moonsault…
Derrick: HE’S UP! CONNOLLY KIPS-UP!
Baxter: WATCH OUT, JAMES!!
Catching sight of C2 flashing out of her path, the "Legend" amazingly manages to land crouched on his feet, then roll under the lunging "Yakuza" kick that Connolly throws his way!
Baxter: HA! Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon eat thy heart out with thine spoon!!
Rolling onto his feet, James rebounds off the ropes and flings himself at C2... only to be plucked out of the air, and then swung down into a urinage back-breaker!
Derrick: HE’S COMING BACK! LISTEN TO THE ROAR OF THE CROWD!!
Keeping hold of the stunned Raven, Connolly pulls him back up for a fall-away slam, backing towards the ropes before hurling James over both his head, and the ropes themselves!
Derrick: OH MY!!
Reaching out for the ropes in desperation, Raven's fingers can only brush the plastic-coating as he's sent plummeting down onto the mats below.
"WOOOOOOOO!!!"
Derrick: Raven SLAMMED to the outside by Christian Connolly! I don’t know where the heck that little burst of life came from but it looks to me as though the IC Champ has just received his second wind! He’s managed to withstand everything that Raven has thrown at him so far and he’s back with the upper-hand! I have never heard such a constant din from our fans, ever!
With the fans going nuts for him under the bright lights, Connolly pulls himself up using the ropes, and again has to massage his throbbing head between his hands. Putting any thoughts of injury to the back of his splitting head and looking up to the clear skies for inspiration, the "Suntan Superman" then backs away across the ring, resting back against the cables and calling for the "Legend" to rise to his feet.
Baxter: Look at the arrogance of this bastard, he hits one lucky move on the "Legend" and now he’s issuing him with demands… I hope he kicks his brain right out of his head for this!
From across the length of the ring, C2 sees a startled James stagger up, nursing his back and shoulder which took the brunt of the nasty fall…
Derrick: Oh, looks like Raven is suffering some pain himself now, he’s heavily favoring that shoulder – it could well be dislocated!
…With his opponent looking as if he's trying to put his shoulder back into place, C2 begins his run-up, building up speed before hurling himself head-long through the ropes.
Connolly extends his body into a missile, leading with both fists. Just as the "Legend" realizes he's still in a wrestling match, Connolly ploughs into his side…
Derrick: SUPERMAN WARHEAD!!
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!"
As he's sent tumbling down, the "Legend" again lands with all his weight channeled through his shoulders - while the landing hardly helps Connolly's agonizingly sore head.
Baxter: He’s a madman, a certifiable lunatic! I want him OUT of this company!
Shooting back up to fuel himself on the WGWF crowd's gigantic burst of sound, Connolly suddenly feels light-headed, and slumps down against the guard-rail, gasping after a dry-heave.
Baxter: Oh, looks like things aren’t going as brilliantly as you thought, eh?
Derrick: Christian must have hit his head pulling-off that move, he looks in trouble again and the match official is right on over there to check him out…
Blinking rapidly to try and fix his vision, the violent crushing of his head between Raven's boot and the barricade continues to take its toll on the "Suntan Superman" - something that hasn't gone at all unnoticed by Thomas Giles.
Baxter: Imagine if Giles stops this match because he doesn’t think Connolly is fit to continue, I think we’d see another witch-hunt!
Derrick: TG would surely never do that!
With genuine concern for their hero on some faces in the crowd, Giles rushes over to Connolly, the concerned official then checks on the WGWF Hall-of-Famer, who instantly protests the official's claims that he might not be okay to continue and pushes him away.
"C-2!! C-2!! C-2!!"
Accepting the offer of a fan's water bottle, Connolly pours the contents down his throat, letting the rest wash his face, before returning his focus to the huddled-up "Legend". As he approaches, Raven bursts up in the blink of an eye, trying to cave his face in with a spinning back-fist - only for the "Suntan Superman" to use the extended limb to throw James over his shoulder!
Derrick: James out of nowhere… BUT CONNOLLY TELEGRAPHS IT!!