Darkest Hour 2015 Results!

Following the opening video package, used to once more hype up this special event before it starts, the cameras within the arena survey the capacity crowd in Sheffield, England, capturing their excited reactions for the beginning of Darkest Hour as “Throne” by Bring Me The Horizon plays. Purple strobe lights sweep across the packed tiers of the Motorpoint Arena, illuminating the audience and their collection of signs. Eventually the view switches to Axel Reid and Ruby Parvati at ringside, both dressed in their prefered clothing for the event.

Axel Reid: From the raucous energy here inside the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, Visionaries of Wrestling is proud to bring you the last event on our UK Tour, Darkest Hour! I’m Axel Reid, and as always sitting alongside me is my broadcast partner, Ruby Parvati! Now before we begin... tonight we will be showing our support for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. As respect to all those affected, those who've lost their lives and those who've lost their loved ones, we not only dedicate this show to them... but more than half the proceeds from ticket sales will be going to the families suffering through this horrid tragedy.  

Ruby Parvati: A very generous decision made by our staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paris in this troubling time.

Axel Reid: Nous Ne Sommes Pas Peur. There will be no fear. And we stand by you all.

The crowd applauds proudly, exclaiming their respects and support. After a few minutes they quiet down as Axel clears his throat and continues.

Axel Reid: That said, this show will surely be worthy of that dedication! Are you excited, Ruby?

Ruby Parvati: I’d be more comfortable calling the action from a hot country, Axel! The weather here has just been awful! It nearly snowed! Can you believe that!?

Axel Reid: I CAN believe that, Ruby. After all, we are on the home stretch to the new year! But the question is… who will triumph here tonight and go into 2016 as a victor… or, better yet, as a Visionary Champion? That is what we are going to find out tonight! Four Championships will be on the line in four great matches... but that includes a match that, in my mind, has much more at stake than simply being known as the World Visionary Champion!

Once Axel brings up the Main Event, the view switches to a cameraman standing by the mound of dirt that makes up the gravesite near the stage. The camera moves amongst the soil, scanning the terrain, the engraved headstone, and the deep grave itself. The fans continue to cheer, witnessing the foreboding site in person and anticipating the carnage that will ensue.

Ruby Parvati: There it is, Axel… that cold, haunting grave…

Axel Reid: Indeed, in our Main Event tonight, one man will leave as the World Visionary Champion… and the other will be BURIED ALIVE under a tonne of dirt! Casanova English will defend the championship against Valquist in a Buried Alive Match, but let’s also keep this in mind, Ruby. If Valquist loses… if he is buried alive in that grave tonight… then his career in VoW will be OVER.

Ruby Parvati: Valquist has put his career on the line in order to once again become the World Visionary Champion, but… I don’t know what to say, Axel! This could be the last time, EVER, that we see him!

Axel Reid: And let’s not forget about another match tonight that has been reached through blood, tears and family drama. Matthew Robinson and Seifer Black have promised to permanently conclude their war tonight… but the only way it can be settled is if one of them is beaten down and CRUCIFIED before our very eyes!

Ruby Parvati: I’ve never seen a Crucifixion Match before in my life! But the way Seifer busted Robinson open and hung him upside-down in Edinburgh… I have a bad feeling about that match.

Axel Reid: Also tonight, Ryder Blade will set his sights on becoming the longest reigning champion in history, and the only person that can potentially stop him tonight is Patrick Jones!

Ruby Parvati: You’re talking about the one-and-only XCELLENT Champion, Axel! I truly think Ryder will put Jones in his place and walk out of here STILL the Xcel Champion! History is going to be made! I love it!

Axel Reid: That is a rather bold prediction to make, Ruby. Nonetheless, we have so much more scheduled for you all tonight, INCLUDING… as I have just been told… a special announcement that has been planned later this evening!

Ruby Parvati: A Special Announcement? I wonder what that could be about?

Once “Throne” by Bring Me The Horizon fades away, the fans begin to settle, saving their voices for the opening of the event. Suddenly, ‘Subconscious’ by Yonosuke Kitamura blasts from the speakers, causing the crowd to erupt and go ballistic!

Axel Reid: It’s defeaning in here!

Ruby Parvati: What did you say?!

Eventually, from behind the black entrance curtain, Matt Slater walks out to a huge ovation. He is already dressed in his wrestling gear, but he has a company-endorsed T-Shirt on. Despite the thankful smile he shares with the fans, his eyes seem to tell a different story. He looks disappointed, or rather saddened, by something yet unknown to the public. Soon enough he walks down to the ring, acknowledging the fans at the barrier and sharing quick words with them as he passes.

Jerry Heisenberg: Ladies and gentleman please welcome… MATT SLATER!!!

Axel Reid: Well I was under the impression we’d be starting this show off with the Zero Gravity Championship Match between Tyron Bickerton and Kincaid, but apparently Matt Slater is coming out here… for whatever reason, I don’t know yet.

Ruby Parvati: He couldn’t wait to feel important, Axel. He couldn’t wait until his match tonight like any other wrestler. He just wants to inflate his ego after he defeated Casanova English in Edinburgh!

Axel Reid: Do you seriously think Matt Slater has an ego problem? You’ve got to be kidding me. There is a reason why he’s out here, but as I said before, I have no idea what it’s about. It could even be the special announcement!

Ruby Parvati: Or not. As I said, he just wants to feel like he matters again.

After entering the ring and concluding his entrance, Slater looks around at the cheering crowd before he takes a microphone from a staff member at ringside. His music fades away, exposing the growing “Slater” chants that quickly take over the arena.

Axel Reid: The fans love Matt Slater here in Sheffield!

Invigorated by the chants, Slater seems to shrug away the negativity his eyes portray, becoming jovial and content.

Matt Slater: Good evening, Sheffield!

The recognition of their city elicits strong cheers, causing Slater’s smile to reform.

Matt Slater: That’s what I like to hear. Now… I realize that I haven’t spoken publicly since my return to action at Armed and Dangerous a couple months ago…

The crowd interrupt Slater by cheering again, this time for the abolition of his retirement.

Matt Slater: …So I understand how belated my next few words are going to be. For all of you in attendance tonight, and for everyone watching this show in the comfort of their homes, I simply want to say…

Slater pauses, looking out at the crowd with sincerity in his eyes.

Matt Slater: …Thank you.

The crowd cheer loudly again, subsequently clapping for the Silver Knight and chanting his name.

Ruby Parvati: As if he needs any more love and support…

Axel Reid: He’s being honest and appreciative, Ruby.

Ruby Parvati: This is that ego I was talking about.

The chants gradually diminish, prompting Slater to continue speaking.

Matt Slater: Thank you for the messages of encouragement… thank you for believing in me and supporting me through my rehabilitation… and thank you all for making me feel respected and worthy enough to return to this magnificent industry! I am grateful to you all.

Applause flows throughout the arena, at which point Slater exhales and surveys the audience.

Matt Slater: So… with that out of the way, are you excited about tonight?

The crowd cheer in agreement.

Matt Slater: Are you ready to see Casanova English and Valquist attempt to bury each other alive?

Once again they cheer loudly.

Matt Slater: Are you ready to see Scarlet Flint and Tyler Storm go to war inside an IRON BAR STEEL CAGE?

For a third time the crowd cheer, anticipating the brutality that will emerge from these matches.

Matt Slater: Are you ready to see Ryder Blade…

Before Slater can even conclude his question, the crowd boo with pure hatred, directed at the current Xcel Champion. Listening to the audience, Slater looks around, smirking at the intense chants that ensue.

Matt Slater: I don’t think I have to say anything else.

Some of the audience laugh, while the rest continue chanting obscenities.

Matt Slater: Well… in that case… are you ready to see me compete here tonight?

Immediately the crude chants stop, being replaced by a strong, positive ovation. However, as soon as Slater receives the response to his upcoming match, his expression changes, casting disappointment towards the canvas he looks down upon; the same kind of disappointment he showed on his way to the ring.

Matt Slater: I appreciate that… but unfortunately… it seems there’s been a change of plan.

The crowd murmur quizzically, wondering what Slater could possibly be referring to.

Axel Reid: What does he mean by that?

Matt Slater: You see… as scheduled and as advertised… I was supposed to enter this ring later in the evening and compete in front of you all tonight against Artemis Kaiser.

Slater scratches the side of his cheek with his finger, clearly irritated by what he is about to reveal.

Matt Slater: But according to our General Manager, Sky Sangue…

The audience in Sheffield give a mixed reaction, with half the crowd accepting her and the other half despising her.

Matt Slater: …I hate to say this, but… due to unknown circumstances at this time… Artemis Kaiser will not be here to compete tonight.

Strong boos flow around the arena; not just at the mention of Artemis, but due to her unavailability.

Matt Slater: Therefore… as of right now… my match against Artemis Kaiser has been officially cancelled.

Thunderous boos dominate every conceivable sound inside the arena, with the Sheffield audience justifiably annoyed at the cancellation.

Axel Reid: Well that’s a kick in the teeth.

Ruby Parvati: Good. The less we see of him the better.

Axel Reid: Would you stop sounding so bitter?

Slater nods along with the fans annoyance.

Matt Slater: I know… I know exactly how you all feel about that. I share your disappointment. You see all week long… even with a damaged neck and shoulder… I trained as hard as I could for as long as I could, because I knew that you people had not only paid to see a decent show… you paid to see me compete in this ring against one of the best female wrestlers around today. So I took it upon myself to come out here, with expression permission, and explain the situation to you all personally. But now that I’m standing out here, basking in your energy, basking in your excitement… I firmly believe that isn’t enough.

Slater once again scans the canvas until he looks upward, showing raw determination and frustration, which the fans can visually comprehend.

Matt Slater: Let me tell you all something. I didn’t leave my family, train as hard as I could to conclude my part in this UK Tour, and prepare to have a classic encounter, JUST to be told, by no fault of mine or by the fault of management, that I have to sit backstage, watching other wrestlers compete tonight. I came here for the specific purpose of WRESTLING! I came here to entertain all of you! And I know I’m not 100% percent healthy… but the satisfaction of seeing your delighted faces after it’s all over makes all the pain I’m experiencing worth it!

The fans applaud strongly, hanging on his every word.

Matt Slater: So how about it? Do you think I should compete in this ring tonight?

His question is received positively, almost sounding like a unanimous decision has been made.

Matt Slater: I believe that answers the question… but the problem is, I need to face someone who is willing to voluntarily take Artemis’ place. Now I know most of the wrestlers backstage are busy warming up and getting ready for their matches… but there has to be someone back there who can take the place of Artemis Kaiser. Not everyone has been scheduled for this show… so I’m directing this to those in the locker room right now. If there is anyone willing to come out here and accept, then please go ahead and grant me the kind of match I’ve been training for!

Slater looks towards the entrance, whereby nothing seems to happen for several seconds. Once he and the crowd realize that no one is going to come out, Slater shrugs and nods his head.

Matt Slater: Okay, not to worry. I was expecting that eventuality. There’s always a backup plan. In fact… there’s always those two hooded figures that have been causing chaos in VoW recently… the two figures that seriously need to be a taught lessons of discipline and respect.

The crowd cheer once again, tempted to witness these two mysterious people confront Slater and accept an impromptu match.

Ruby Parvati: Why would he call them out? Is he crazy?!

Matt Slater: Maybe one of them can step into this ring and compete against me? Maybe one of them can actually wrestle instead of attacking the members of our roster from behind like a pair of demented cowards!

More cheers erupt from the stands, mixed in with boos at the acknowledgment of the vile pair.

Matt Slater: Now I have a feeling they’re in this building tonight, so to those two people, wherever you are, I’m putting the challenge out there! Come out and face me, one-on-one!

With the crowd cheering and searching for their appearance, Slater does the same thing, walking around the ring and scanning every avenue and entryway. But much like before, nothing seems to occur, causing the crowd to boo vehemently. As if humoured by their refusal, Slater smirks and shakes his head.

Matt Slater: You know… I can’t say I’m surprised by that.

Axel Reid: I’m not either, but thank God they haven’t shown up yet. Not that I’d like them to.

Matt Slater: Okay, well… I mean… I guess I could go the desperate route. I suppose… I don’t know… maybe I could wrestle Axel Reid?

The crowd cheer as Slater walks over to the ropes opposing the commentary tables, leaning on the top one and staring at Axel. Naturally, Axel loses his composure, sounding flustered as he waves his hands defensively.

Axel Reid: Hey! Whoa, whoa! Come on, Matt! You know I can’t…

Ruby Parvati: Go on, Axel! It’ll be fun!

Axel Reid: But I’m not a wrestler! Matt, listen…

Easing Axel’s discomfort, Slater raises his hand, signalling him to be silent.

Matt Slater: Axel… settle down. Remain calm.

The crowd laugh again, but some of the fans begin to chant “Let’s go, Axel!”, attempting to persuade him to have a match.

Matt Slater: I’m not going to wrestle you. Your job is at that commentary table where it belongs. You’re doing great. Also, nice dress, Ruby.

Members of the audience whistle at the exposure of Ruby’s dress, causing her to look around with a smug expression.

Ruby Parvati: It IS a nice dress! Beautiful, in fact! The redness brings out the color of my eyes.

Returning to the center of the ring, Slater listens to the chanting of his own name once more. He can’t help but smile gratuitously, humbled by the reception.

Matt Slater: Well… it seems there’s nothing more I can do. It seems I’m going to have to accept the consequences. I may no longer have a match tonight… but I can assure you all the facts remain the same.

At that moment, Slater gradually becomes the version of himself people recognize, the part of his personality that emits serious concentration, pride and nobility.

Matt Slater: No matter what condition I’m in... no matter how bloody and battered I am… I will proudly give my heart and my soul to compete in this ring. Win or lose… I aim to give you all a match to remember. I aim to inspire the next generation with matches you can tell your grandchildren about someday. I aim to--

Suddenly, Slater is dramatically interrupted by the sounds of “Psychosocial” by Slipknot, causing the crowd in Sheffield to nearly blow the roof off the building with boos! Instantly, he turns towards the stage, his eyes contaminated by surprise and intensity as he stiffens up, preparing to take whatever the man about to arrive will do to him.

Axel Reid: Oh no…

Ruby Parvati: Should I be scared… or better yet, should I hide under the desk?

The guitar loop of that song continues to play out. The audience has not wavered one bit in intensity of their passionate hatred of this man. But as the song plays out, there’s an air of impatience...just waiting to see if this is a red herring...or if the real deal comes out. Finally the curtains move and emerging from them is to these fans the devil himself...Seth Iser. And he doesn’t even flinch in the loud barrage of boos and even an occasional piece of debris thrown in the face of increased security in the crowd.

Axel Reid: The most hated man in England has arrived...and this might be the scariest situation I’ve ever seen in development.

Ruby Parvati: Might!? I don’t think two people hate each other more than THESE two.

Axel Reid: Considering the personal grudges including one culminating in a man being buried alive...that might be the truest statement you’ve ever said.

Iser just stays still on the stage, eyeballing the tense Matt Slater in the ring just for a few more seconds. There’s no emotion in Iser’s face...unable to gauge what could be on his mind. After a couple more minutes...he finally takes the slow walk down in that black and blue suit he’s wearing. He’s ignoring every profane shout and boo toward him and even the audience has willed itself into a moderate version of the ‘F*** you Iser’ chant that begins to take hold.

Axel Reid: Slater...I don’t even think has blinked. Neither has Iser.

Iser begins the very slow walk down the ramp in the face of this profane chant...and as soon as he is in range, the debris begins to pick up in full force. Soda cups, beer cups, even a couple of D batteries are thrown at Iser, taking the place of the vulgar chants. One even hits Iser right under the lower lip and the big man doesn’t even flinch. He doesn’t react to what’s being thrown at him. No spitting at the audience, nothing. His eyes are just locked...staring at the man he possesses more hatred in him than anything in life itself. And Slater hasn’t bat an eyelid in the face of what looks like a tornado has gone off...where Iser stands and all around him...but he doesn’t even acknowledge it’s there. It’s tunnelvision. It’s like he just sees the ring...and Slater. And Slater is the same way in this...mass of insanity as the second round of ‘F*** you Iser’ chants WHILE these people are throwing things at this man has begun again.

Axel Reid: I have never in my entire life seen...a scene like this in my life covering or following professional wrestling...and these two...aren’t even reacting to that mass of insanity. My broadcast partner Ruby has taken shelter under the announce desk from...this barrage of debris. And I don’t blame her at all.

Iser has finally made it to ringside, almost stepping over piles of cups, batteries, and even a folding chair. But instead of walking directly into the ring, he slowly begins the pace around it...his eyes and his face never breaking the death stare he has on Slater and Matt not once...is breaking eye contact as Iser begins his slow walk around the ring. The thrown debris is getting even worse now that there are more people capable of hitting him. Bottles from misfired shots are bouncing off the ropes. But even in what looks like a literal war zone around the ring and the occasional can inside...neither man is flinching in their glare toward one another. A second battery has connected with Iser right between the shoulder blades on that suit...but again the big man does not flinch at all as he has completed his lap around the ring...never losing focus. The debris throwing finally starting to settle down because they may have run out of things to throw...but their focus...one one another...not wavering at all.

Axel Reid: As much hatred...as these fans have for Iser...with what they just expressed...this doesn’t compare to the hatred Slater and Iser have for each other. It’s been over a year...since these two last had a confrontation and Slater ended up in a mask from it.

Iser finally pulls himself up onto the apron by the middle rope, never once breaking his stare from Slater...who has likewise not once taken his eyes off of Iser. There’s a couple drops of sweat from intensity pouring down Slater’s face as Iser has finally entered the ring and the two, for the first time in over a year, are face to face in the ring. The audience has finally absolved throwing debris in the ring. And the crowd is roaring in anticipation...just waiting to see which one is going to either blink first...or throw the first punch.

Axel Reid: Slater did ask for this. A moment that you can tell your kids and grandkids. But I don’t think this is what he imagined.

Slater and Iser aren’t even saying a word as the two intensely stare at one another. Iser hasn’t even called for a microphone...nor has Slater turned his back on the microphone he used. The audience is clapping...almost trying to will one man or the other into jumping but this is like two cowboys waiting to time the draw. Before finally Iser takes a half of a back step, cuing boos from the audience, but he never once takes his eyes off of Slater...and he took that backstep because now he is taking off his tie.

Axel Reid: Here we go…

Iser methodically peels off that blue tie before tossing it aside gently...never once breaking eye contact. Slater senses exactly where this is going as now they have inadvertently begun to circle the ring...like two gladiators...never once breaking eye contact...as Iser begins to peel off his suit jacket. As the crowd roars knowing that this means a fight is about to break out...the roar gets even louder as their United Kingdom native peels off his t-shirt and they both almost simultaneously toss aside those articles of clothing...before they almost go nose to nose. The audience begins to clap again...while also another contingent loudly begins a ‘Let’s go Slater’ chant in support of their favorite son.

Axel Reid: Let them settle it at long last.

Slater and Iser continue to glare at one another...as the audience is continuing to roar in anticipation. Iser’s right hand slowly balls up into a fist as the eye contact never wavers. And the audience roaring has turned into boos...not for the man seemingly wanting to strike first perhaps...but because of an intruder slipping through the debris wearing Seth Iser’s old mask and hungry to make an impact. The fans boo louder as he then chop blocks Iser from behind on his bad knee and down goes the ring veteran as he soon peels off the Iser mask to reveal…

Axel Reid: My God it’s Ace Watson...and he’s attacking Seth Iser for an advantage in their upcoming match!

Slater glances down at the fallen Iser for a second as Ace continues to pin pointedly stomp heavily on the bad left knee of Iser on the wave of debris in the ring. The audience has begun to boo violently because they were robbed of that confrontation that they so desired between the two men. Slater looks to the audience for a minute...hearing their disapproval as he then marches over behind the stomping Ace and waist locks him before dumping him over on the canvas to the roar of the audience!

Axel Reid: Okay Ace. Let’s see how tough you are when you aren’t hitting someone from behind.

Ruby Parvati: He’s plenty tough, Axey.

Axel Reid: Welcome back Ruby.

Ace pulls himself up from the mat in an absolute fury as the audience is daring Ace now to make a move on his fellow United Kingdom native. Ace doesn’t wait long, rushing in with a giant two handed shove toward Slater and the moment that connects and Slater back pedals...he glances at the audience that begins chanting his name...looking to his right...and then his left as Ace is shouting the universal sign for bring it on before a giant mob of security finally is able to sprint toward the ring and the audience consequently boos.

Ruby Parvati: I think the boss has had enough.

Axel Reid: This is not how Sky wanted to start this important event here in the United Kingdom. That’s for sure.

Security has mobbed Ace first, the aggressor in the situation as they begin to peel him away from the ring as he makes threats toward both men in the ring. Slater glances at Ace before there’s another murmur in the crowd as Iser is pulling himself up by the ropes...very agitated. Slater ends up glancing back at his adversary as security has now stepped in between the two long time rivals even if neither has made an actual move toward one another and the audience is booing. One of the guards ends up making the mistake of grabbing Iser’s bad left knee...and Iser, as swift as he’s ever been, pulls the guard toward him by his arm and drops him quickly with a swift Deprivation DDT!

Ruby Parvati: DEPRIVATION DDT!

Axel Reid: What the hell was that for!? I get that he’s upset...but I don’t know if that’s the best answer to that.

After that aggressive move toward the guard, more security has swarmed Iser but they’ve smartly not touched his bad knee. But as the guards end up pulling Iser away from the ring as they have succeeded with Ace...Slater and Iser have again not taken their eyes off one another even as security also begins to escort Slater away to the adulation of the audience. Ace leaves on one end of the stage...as Iser is forced out on the opposite end...still not breaking eye contact from Slater...while Matt is going out through the center.

Axel Reid: That might be one of the most...chaotic starts I’ve ever seen to a wrestling program.

Ruby Parvati: These Englander’s had beer spilled over my dress when they were throwing things at Iser, Axel! They ruined it! It matched my eyes and now it matches this stupid country’s soul!