VoW World Visionary Championship Match
Casanova English [c] Vs. Seth Iser
As we return to ringside, the audible energy of the crowd is that of hushed awe. Some people make themselves heard, but the general feeling in the building is one of astonishment and exhaustion after what just happened in the previous match. The camera’s focus on Axel and Ruby, both commentators having different emotions; Axel seems to be more composed yet a little haggard, but Ruby is staring into space with her lips tightly locked in grief.
Axel Reid: Wow… what a show this has been. And we’re not even finished yet! How are you feeling, Ruby?
Axel turns to his broadcast partner, who parts her lips and absently shakes her head.
Ruby Parvati: … I … I mean…
Ruby is still lost for words, flustered from the Xcel Championship Match between Constance Chapin and Ryder Blade.
Ruby Parvati: … I don’t even… I can’t think clearly right now!
Axel Reid: Obviously you’re still speechless about the previous match. I couldn’t quite believe it either! The streak is over!
Ruby Parvati: … Don’t say that. It’s not funny.
Axel Reid: But it happened, Ruby! Constance Chapin is the new Xcel Champion! Ryder Blade is no longer undefeated since his match against Valquist!
Ruby turns and glares at Axel, her cheeks reddened from shock and sadness.
Ruby Parvati: … You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?
Axel Reid: I’m trying to make you get over it. I mean we have the Visionary World Championship on the line next between Seth Iser and Casanova English!
Folding her arms, Ruby turns and looks away from Axel.
Axel Reid: Okay, suit yourself. Ladies and gentleman, this next match is more than just about the Visionary World Championship. It’s about pride and proving who is the superior man. For weeks English has antagonized Seth Iser with claims that he is has taken the veteran’s throne, but he has also targeted the surgically-repaired knees of the “Deity of Destruction”. Tonight, Iser sets out to prove that he can still reside on the mountain top, and that he can be a World Champion again. But will English prevail and back up his claims? We’ll find out… right now.
With the crowd still recuperating from the previous match, the lights dim down as "Psychosocial" by Slipknot begins to play. Soon enough, Seth Iser slowly walks through the curtain with that familiar scowl on his face, receiving mixed cheers and boos from the Puerto Rican crowd. He absorbs their shouts and screams as he slowly walks down to the ring, hobbling on one leg due to the attacks by Casanova English in recent weeks.
Axel Reid: The story of this match is not Iser’s age or his goal to succeed. It is that left knee. That knee has been the subject of English’s sneak attacks against Iser before this event, used to wear him down before their inevitable encounter. But Iser is not going to forfeit this opportunity. He is going to gain retribution against the Modern Day Messiah and ensure that his throne remains untainted by the words and actions of his upcoming opponent.
Ruby Parvati: … If he can remain stood up, he might just win.
Axel Reid: So you’ve decided to commentate this with me after all?
Ruby Parvati: … I’ll think about it.
Iser reaches the ring and rolls underneath the bottom rope. He then performs a crucifix pose in the center of the ring which brings the lights back on. Iser then scans the crowd calmly, rotating his shoulder and stretching his legs in quiet focus.
Axel Reid: Iser has had one chance to be the Visionary World Champion before. He was a participant in the Six Visions of Pain Match at Heatstroke, where Ziu Zhong lost the title to Valquist. Of course Iser claimed he won that match, as did Casanova English… but it was English who sunk his teeth into contention before Iser, and he went on to win the title for a second time at Armed and Dangerous.
Ruby Parvati: So all this time Iser has been envious that English got awarded that opportunity before him. Now it all makes sense.
Axel Reid: Maybe not envy, but definitely anger. However, Iser can rectify what happened last year and increase his legacy tonight. And what better way to do that then against the self-titled “Gate Keeper”?
After half-a-minute or so, with Iser staring at the entrance without moving, the lights go dim inside the arena once again as the eerie voice of a former member of the notorious Manson Family rings out.
"yeah, I remember her saying:
I'm already dead... I'm already dead... I'm already dead..."
The lights flicker revealing Casanova English on the stage, all while “Real Solution #9” by White Zombie begins to play. The crowd boos loudly as the voice continues.
"You're going to get up and scream. I'm already dead... I'm already dead... I'm already dead..."
You're going to get up and-
Burn an x in your head."
Pyro blasts off from the stage and the lights turn back on as Casanova English takes a long drag of his already lit cigarette, his leather jacket hung loosely over his shoulders. He scowls at the crowd before walking down the ramp slowly, keeping his eyes set on Iser.
Axel Reid: 2015 may as well have been called “The Year of Casanova English”. From the previous Double Jeopardy event to this one… he has only been truly beaten by two people. He was first pinned by Ziu Zhong on Breakthrough #27 shortly after Fate of the Gods, losing the Visionary World Championship in the process. Then later in the year, at Breakthrough #36 in November, he was pinned by Matt Slater.
Ruby Parvati: Ryder Blade only lost once...
Axel Reid: Be that as it may… Casanova English has won the Visionary World Championship twice, and has been featured in more Main Event matches than anyone on the roster. You can credit Blade for having the longest championship reign in VoW history, and that he has lost fewer matches than English… but there is no denying who had the most newsworthy year. He ended the career of Vanessa at Nothing Else Matters. He practically held this company’s future hostage to get that Visionary World Championship in the first place. He recently buried Valquist alive at Darkest Hour and ended HIS career. This man will do anything to remain at the top of this company, and if he gets his way, we could very well see him end another career tonight.
Ruby Parvati: Anything to cleanse the bitter taste in my mouth right now … anything...
English stops to blow smoke in the general direction of some fans before slowly strutting up the steps onto the ring apron. He hangs his jacket on the turnbuckle before stepping through the second rope. English smirks as he pulls the cigarette from his lips, blowing a cloud of smoke straight up into the air and tossing his coffin nail into the crowd. English laughs as people move trying to avoid the ember, and he follows it up by uncoupling the Visionary World Championship from his waist and raising it up in front of Iser.
Axel Reid: Iser is no stranger to big-match situations. He has been in plenty of them throughout his career. Just ask Mike Park. Ask Matt Slater. Ask Hazard… if you can find him. He has failed when it matters the most… but he has also triumphed with flying colors. But if that knee gets taken out, which I’m sure English will intend to do, then even if Iser does win, he won’t be in such a celebratory mood once it’s over. Let’s go over to Jerry Heisenberg.
Both men stand idle in their respective corners, allowing Jerry Heisenberg to commence their special introductions.
Jerry Heisenberg: Ladies and Gentleman… the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the VoW VISIONARY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
The crowd roar with approval, clapping their hands as the referee keeps hold of the respective title.
Jerry Heisenberg: Introducing first, the challenger… he hails from Morgantown, West Virginia and weighed in tonight at 246lbs… SETH ISER!!!
There is a strong mixed reaction for Iser, although it is more positive than negative. Iser does not react to this though, keeping English in his sights with a cold, stern expression.
Jerry Heisenberg: And his opponent… he hails from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and weighed in tonight at 202lbs… he is “The Modern Day Messiah” and the current VoW Visionary World Champion… CASANOVA ENGLISH!!!
English spreads his arms wide, receiving thunderous boos with a spattering of cheers mixed in. Obviously there are English followers in attendance, but the champion seems to be impervious to how the people react, whether it’s fandom or disgust. He is only concerned with defending what’s his, keeping it at all costs against his older, wiser adversary. The referee then approaches the center of the ring and holds the championship aloft, showing it to the crowd at all four sides of the ring to more applause.
Axel Reid: That’s what’s at stake, ladies and gentleman. The most prestigious prize in this company.
Ruby Parvati: Well Iser better have plenty of padding around that knee to survive this match. He’s going to need it.
Once the referee hands the championship over to an outside official and returns to the center of the ring, he checks both men before he nods and signals for the bell.
DING DING DING!!!
Axel Reid: And here we go. The Visionary World Championship is on the line. The Modern Day Messiah versus the Deity of Destruction.
Both men cautiously circle each other, calculating what the other could be scheming as they yearn for control. English rubs his hands together in a satisfied manner, as if he adores his chances against his larger opponent. Meanwhile Iser merely keeps his arms at his sides, remaining open for any kind of attack as he focuses on the champion. Eventually, both men stop and step towards the other, going for a standard collar-and-elbow tie-up. That is until English changes his motive at the last second and kicks out at Iser’s knee… only for Iser to quickly grab English’s foot with both hands, having anticipated this deceptive ruse!
Axel Reid: I knew English would go for the knee, but so did Iser!
Ruby Parvati: He’d be foolish to think he wouldn’t.
Forced to balance on one foot, English attempts to hop his way to the safety of the ropes. Unfortunately, Iser simply shakes his head and spins English around on the spot, catching him with a hard clothesline once English completes a full rotation! Casanova gets taken off his feet in an instant, collapsing onto the tough canvas and immediately rolling away from his imposing challenger!
Axel Reid: And look at English exit the ring after that clothesline! Go ahead, take your time, champ.
Ruby Parvati: Could you sound any more sarcastic for what is actually a smart idea?
Axel Reid: For all the talk English has done, I expected him to stand his ground and back up his words. Instead his one trick got foiled, and now he’s taking his time thinking about what to do next!
Touring the outside of the ring, English ignores the booing fans as he stares at Iser, the latter occupying the center of the ring like it’s his territory. Soon enough, English finally re-enters the ring, but Iser does not go straight after him. The challenger seems to be patient, biding his time as English chuckles to himself and circles Iser.
Axel Reid: I’m not sure why he’s laughing. The last thing I saw was Iser knock him to the ground with ease.
Ruby Parvati: Do not question the actions of Casanova English. He is much, much smarter than you. In fact, he’s better than you period.
After much stalling on English’s part, the two men go for each other again… this time with English administering a knife-edge chop to Iser’s chest! Iser tenses up from the sting, leaving him vulnerable to another chop from the champion. Before Iser can retaliate, English suddenly jumps up and connects with a Dropkick, sending Iser backwards into the ropes.
Axel Reid: It seems English is going for a different gameplan now… or maybe not!
Having spoken too soon, Axel, Ruby and the audience watch as English grabs Iser’s leg, attempting to perform a Dragon Screw. However, Iser swings a left hook at English’s head, snapping the champion back and forcing him to let go of his leg.
Axel Reid: Well English had the leg for a moment, but that left fist from Iser quickly changed things.
Walking forward, Iser delivers a knee strike to the abdomen - with his better knee - and follows up with a forearm to Casanova’s spine, keeping his opponent bent over before he applies a front facelock, trapping the champion under his broad arm. Thinking like a wrestler, Seth then grabs English’s side and hoists him into the air for a Vertical Suplex. However, English is able to free himself and begins to fall onto his feet behind the challenger… until his right leg buckles, causing him to immediately tend to his knee and quickly hobble over to the safety of the corner.
Ruby Parvati: Wait… what happened?
Axel Reid: I think English just twisted his knee on that landing. That’s got to be karma right there!
Instantly suspicious, Iser goes after English and prepares to pummel him… but English holds his hand out for Iser to stop, his face clearly pained as he keeps his hand on his damaged knee. Sensing an injury, the referee intercepts Iser, blocking the challenger from doing any damage. Iser is disgruntled as the referee kneels beside English, telling Iser to back off so he can get some room. At first the fans are puzzled… but then they start to boo tremendously.
Axel Reid: Well… I never expected this to happen so early. If 2015 was English’s year on top, 2016 could be English’s year in recovery on the sidelines.
Ruby Parvati: If he is seriously injured, does this mean he has to forfeit his championship?
When the referee asks him if he quits and can’t go on, English grits his teeth and shakes his head “no”. With his hands on his hips, Iser shakes his head and scans the crowd, not expecting this sort of situation himself. Eventually an official doctor of VoW reaches the ringside area, complete with latex gloves as he questions English’s condition. The referee then stands up and approaches Iser as the doctor tends to English, telling him he may have to stop the match. Iser is clearly annoyed with this, telling the referee it should still go on.
Axel Reid: As often as English has been an asshole, no wrestler should suffer a career-affecting injury. No wrestler should… WAIT A MINUTE!
Suddenly, to the doctor’s and the fans’ combined surprise, English bounds to his feet from the corner and rushes at the distracted Iser, chop blocking him in the back of the knee with all his might and sending his challenger crashing down! The referee is bewildered by this, looking at English as the champion laughs, all while most of the crowd boo thunderously!
Axel Reid: That son of a bitch! He wasn’t hurt at all! It was a damn setup!
Ruby Parvati: What did I say about questioning what Cass does? He knows what he’s doing every single time.
Clearly not injured and having deceived everyone, including Iser, English immediately goes to work on Iser’s bad leg, holding his foot with his hands as he drops his knee onto Iser’s knee joint. The challenger yells aloud after every harsh connection, prompting English to stand up and press his foot down onto the knee while pushing Iser’s leg forward in an excruciating manner.
Axel Reid: No leg should be bent like that! English is going to break his damn leg!
Ruby Parvati: Iser wanted this match, Axel. English obliged… and this is what Iser gets.
Shortly thereafter, English executes a rolling leg snap, torquing Iser’s leg at the hip joint and leaving the challenger grounded. From there, the World Champion hammers Iser with rapid elbow strikes, making sure he is suffering pain at every second during this contest.
Axel Reid: Well we all know English is a man who will do anything to achieve his goals, even if it means faking an injury to lead his opponent’s into a false sense of security!
Taking hold of Iser’s leg again, English slips under the bottom rope nearby and pulls Iser toward him. The referee warns Cass about the rules and threatens a count-out. Instead, the champion snaps Iser’s leg onto the apron, causing the challenger to writhe in agony!
Ruby Parvati: Somebody’s going to be on crutches before they leave Puerto Rico, that’s for sure.
Sliding back into the ring, English kicks out at the seated challenger, delivering a boot to his chest… and then a swinging kick to his face! Once Iser falls back, English covers him and hooks his leg for good measure.
Axel Reid: English going for a pinfall here!
ONE!
TWO!
Iser kicks out just after the two count is made. After wiping his hands to clarify he’s remaining calm, English targets the left leg of Iser again. He hooks the leg under his arm and stands up… only to drop backward with a DDT to Iser’s foot! The impact does several things at once, but all we can see is how Iser reacts, once again yelling out and reaching for his leg.
Ruby Parvati: We are slowly watching another career come to an end at the hands of Casanova English… and it’s all Iser’s fault.
Axel Reid: The only reason English has Iser in this predicament is because of his trickery!
Ruby Parvati: Don’t play dumb, Axel. Sooner or later this would have happened, and you know it.
After kicking at the leg a few more times, English begins to turn Iser over onto his belly for a Single Leg Crab. The crowd, having been made fools of for falling for English’s clever acting, firmly put their support behind the Deity of Destruction, willing him on to counter this submission. To their delight, Iser does fight against the movement, forcing his spine back onto the canvas and pulling English into another left handed punch from the ground! Like a pitbull, English remains latched on to the leg, but Iser is relentless, delivering a barrage of rights and lefts before one particular left hand stuns English and sends him falling to the side!
Axel Reid: Iser fighting back now, but will he be able to stand up on that bad leg?
Defying the pain that orders him to give in, Iser pushes himself up to his feet to major encouragement. Once he stands, he cannot put any pressure on his knee, having to lightly stand on his toes with his other foot planted firmly on the ground. But before he can muster a strong defence, English runs at Iser and hits a low dropkick at the knee, sending Iser falling back down again!
Ruby Parvati: This is just sad.
Axel Reid: Iser will not quit though. Even with all the terrible things he’s done in the past, he will fight with everything he has to achieve what he desires the most. Right now his desire is to become the Visionary World Champion and push English off his throne.
For a second time, English attempts to pull Iser into a Single Leg Crab. This time, he manages to turn Iser completely over, initiating the submission hold and squatting down for added pressure. Despite all the pain shooting through his leg, Iser fights against the will to surrender, slowly but surely dragging himself towards the distant ropes.
Axel Reid: Iser needs to get those ropes. The longer this hold lasts, the weaker his leg and his lower back becomes!
Eventually, after several moments of struggling to hold on, Iser valiantly reaches the ropes, grasping the bottom rope firmly and gripping it with unyielding strength!
Axel Reid: And Iser makes it to the ropes! English is forced to break the hold.
Hearing the referee declare that Iser saved himself the humiliation of submitting, English lets go of Iser’s leg without much resistance. He acknowledges the state of his challenger, a man who has been on the canvas longer than he has been stood up during this entire match, and simply smirks.
Axel Reid: Look at that smirk. English is enjoying his handiwork, even if Iser did make it to the ropes.
Ruby Parvati: Because he knows he has Iser beat. No matter what Iser does, he will not win. He just won’t!
Suddenly, English goes to the head of Iser and hooks him into a Dragon Sleeper. But instead of applying another submission, English begins to lift Iser up to his feet, keeping him arched backwards under his arm. Only then does it all become clear as English momentarily looks around, dropping Iser onto the canvas with an Inverted Snap DDT!
Axel Reid: English just took a page from Iser’s playbook with that Inverted DDT!
Ruby Parvati: He’s so good he can do his opponent’s moves better than they can!
However, English is not done. Eyeing the ropes and then Seth, the champion runs to the ropes and leaps onto the middle one, rotating backwards with a Lionsault! English quickly hooks Iser’s inside leg again for another pinfall!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-- NO!
Axel Reid: Iser got his shoulder up in the knick of time! His chance to be champion continues!
Ruby Parvati: What chance is that? The chance to be the Handicapped Champion?
Axel Reid: … That was disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Instead of keeping Iser grounded, the “Modern Day Messiah” goads Iser into standing up on his own accord. He acts like a Drill Instructor, leaning towards “The Deity of Destruction” and barking condescending, motivational words to his challenger. Iser does begin to stand, but he is not doing it simply because he wants to get to English. He knows that he needs to stay off the ground at all costs, even if his leg is completely shot.
Axel Reid: I’ve never seen Iser in this condition before. He’s fighting to stand back up, and English is insulting him!
Finally, with the crowd still behind him, Iser makes it to one knee, unable to raise his damaged left leg. That’s when English plots his next move, knowing Iser is too weak to fully stand. He hits the distant ropes and rushes towards Iser… but Iser shocks English and the crowd by valiantly standing up and quickly grabbing English into a Flapjack! He drives the champion neck first onto the top rope behind him with a Stun Gun, collapsing from the weakness of his knee at the same time!
Axel Reid: What a counter from Iser, but he couldn’t stay on his feet for more than a second!
Ruby Parvati: He should get that limb amputated. It’s going to be no use to him soon.
As English feels his throat, Iser growls defiantly and grabs the middle rope, using them as support as he forces himself up yet again! Some of the crowd chant his name, watching as Iser stands fully! Unfortunately, he can’t handle much weight and bends his left leg, having to stand on his toes lightly yet again. At the same time, the persistent English manages to get back to a vertical base and chops Iser. But after he does so, Iser grabs English and powers him upward, driving him down to the canvas with a Spinebuster!
Axel Reid: And now a Spinebuster from Iser! He’s not giving up on his objective to reclaim the throne English says he took from him!
Running on adrenaline and anger, Iser grimaces as he feels his knee, only to summon immense courage as he forces himself back to his feet again! He hobbles around, trying to see if he can survive this contest on one leg, but he still has trouble applying any kind of weight down. Meanwhile the champion is weakly standing, his body shocked by the impact of the Spinebuster. As he turns towards Iser, the challenger levels him with a right hand… and then he connects with three rapid left jabs and an incredible Discus Clothesline, falling to the canvas along with Casanova after the strike! Iser then makes a lateral cover on English…
ONE!
TWO!
TH-- NO! English popped his left shoulder up before the three!
Ruby Parvati: He’s fighting in vain! It’s not going to work!
Axel Reid: You sound like you’re doubting yourself, Ruby! I see a man who could very well overcome the injury that has plagued him for the past few years on his way to being the Visionary World Champion!
Not allowing his injury to defeat him, Iser courageously pushes himself up onto his better leg again, hobbling forward some more as he massages his left knee and adjusts his visible knee brace. English, groggy from the jabs and the clothesline, wearily gets up on his own accord… only to stumble into Iser’s path. Fuelled by vengeance, Iser punches English in the stomach and grabs him for a Back Suplex. But instead of doing that, he hooks English’s left leg and powers him up, dropping him onto his right knee with a shin breaker! The crowd cheer this act of bittersweet justice, watching as English feels his leg and rolls around!
Axel Reid: That’s payback! Now how does English like it?!
Snarling through the pain, Iser slowly drags English back up to his feet while still balancing his weight on one leg and his left toes. For a second time, Iser powers English up into another Shin Breaker, attempting to snap the leg of the champion and gain a savage form of retribution! The crowd accept this joyously, although there are those in attendance who boo Iser’s tactics and the decimation of their spiritual leader.
Axel Reid: I never thought there would be a day when a crowd of people… even ONE person… would rally behind Seth Iser. This is unbelievable!
Ruby Parvati: For years he’s exposed how flawed and gullible they are… but instead he’s become just like them! He’s lost his way, and because of that, he’s going to lose this match as well.
Axel Reid: So he’s had a change of heart! That’s not a bad thing!
Following up on these shin breakers, Iser leans on the nearby ropes as he stomps down on English’s leg and knee, attempting to give him the same injury that warranted knee reconstruction surgery!
Ruby Parvati: This isn’t going to prove anything! If he injures English, he’ll have Hell to pay from the Orphanage!
Axel Reid: I don’t think Iser cares! All he cares about is redeeming himself and punishing English for his actions in recent weeks!
Suddenly, as English is crawling away from Iser to avoid more kicks, he swings his other leg out and connects with Iser’s left knee! The challenger’s leg gets taken out in front of him, but he stubbornly holds on to the ropes, almost looking like he is sitting on nothing in particular. Once English gets back up, shaking his leg to see if he can move it properly, he slightly limps towards Iser before he hits a low dropkick into Iser’s RIGHT knee!
Axel Reid: Now English is going for the other leg! He’s taken one out already! Might as well get the other one too!
Ruby Parvati: And why not? Iser will be a sitting duck… literally!
After performing a Dragon Screw, English rolls out of the ring and grabs the right leg of Iser. With all of his strength, he drags his opponent across the canvas towards the corner, where he leans in, grabs Iser’s other leg and pulls him closer to the ring post.
Axel Reid: Oh really?! English is going to use that ring post, and there’s no way Iser can defend himself!
Ignoring the referee, who is scolding English for what he is about to do, the champion swings Iser’s right leg into the post, damaging the knee at the joint! Iser yells out in agony, immediately sitting up and reaching for his leg. But instead of letting Iser favour his knee one last time, the champion has other ideas. Taking another page out of Iser’s playbook, English wraps Iser’s legs around the post in a Figure Four position!
Axel Reid: No… he wouldn’t!
As the crowd boo loudly - again with some fans cheering amongst them - English feeds one of his legs through the gap and jumps up, pressing his other leg onto the right ankle of Iser and hanging upside down in a post-assisted FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK! The referee immediately starts counting English up to five, doing so as Iser elbows the canvas in a state of anguish!
Axel Reid: This is uncalled for, but English could end up being Disqualified!
Ruby Parvati: But Iser just submitted! He quits!
Axel Reid: His elbow hitting the mat doesn’t count! And Iser hasn’t quit, nor do I believe he will!
At the count of four, English finally lets go of the hold, falling onto his side before he looks up and sees Iser drag himself away from the corner.
Axel Reid: Well English avoided a Disqualification, but the damage has been done. Iser is broken and agonized!
Ruby Parvati: Again… he wanted this match. This could be the last one he ever has.
After sliding back into the ring, English goes after Iser's legs again. He grabs his left leg and kicks the thigh muscle of his challenger... and then he looks around at the crowd with a smirk.
Axel Reid: What is he thinking now?
Demonstrating his message that he is indeed Seth Iser's superior and successor, English appears to go for a standard Figure Four Leg Lock. Instead, he twists Iser's leg with a Spinning Toe Hold, showing complete disrespect to the challenger!
Ruby Parvati: This is brilliant!
Axel Reid: This is pure arrogance from English! I know you're happier now, but at least... HEY!
Suddenly, to the amazement of the commentators and the audience, Iser sits up and reverses the Spinning Toe Hold into a SMALL PACKAGE!
Axel Reid: ISER HAS A ROLL-UP! HE COUNTERED HIS OWN MOVE!
Ruby Parvati: WHAT!
The referee slides into a position where he can see English's shoulders!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE--NO! NO! ENGLISH ESCAPED!
Ruby Parvati: Well there goes Iser's last chance for redemption!
Axel Reid: Or is it?!
Somewhat respecting Iser's tenacity, English still has a sour expression on his face after nearly being beaten with a counter. As Iser remains on his back, unable to really move that much, English angrily runs to the ropes again. He leaps on the middle rope for a second Lionsault... BUT ISER MOVES AT THE LAST SECOND!
Axel Reid: English went for another Lionsault, but instead he hit nothing but canvas!
Clutching his chest, English deeply inhales as he struggles back to his feet. Iser wilfully does the same thing, managing to get onto one foot just as English approaches him. The Deity of Destruction punches out at the champion with rights and lefts, stunning the Gate Keeper momentarily. That's when, with the crowd screaming loudly, Iser forces himself up to a vertical base, grabs English by the head and DRILLS HIM WITH THE DEPRIVATION DDT!
Axel Reid: DEPRIVATION DDT! ISER CAN DO IT!
Ruby Parvati: NO... THIS CAN'T BE!
The crowd are ecstatic as Iser crawls across the champion, collapsing onto his body and breathing heavily as the referee counts!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE???
NO!!! ENGLISH GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE WITH TIME TO SPARE!
Ruby Parvati: ENGLISH IS STILL ON THE THRONE!
Axel Reid: I thought Iser had him there! We could have crowned a new Xcel Champion AND a new Visionary World Champion on the same night!
Ruby Parvati: Don't mention the Xcel Championship again!
Flustered from this grand battle of attrition, both men struggle to get back up. Iser is obviously the one worst for wear, gingerly moving around as English uses the ropes to guide his ascent. Once both men fully stand, with Iser still having to balance on one leg, English is the first to strike his slower, more fatigued opponent with a knife-edge chop. Seconds later, Iser retaliates with a right hand... and English responds with a forearm!
Axel Reid: It's like we're back to square one! Which one of these men will leave Puerto Rico as the World Champion?!
English seems to get the upper hand with a series of forearms... but Iser changes things with a well-timed headbutt! Another headbutt sends English down onto his knees, whereby Iser grabs the champion by his hair and pulls him upward. However, English has the wherewithal to poke Iser in the eye, temporarily blinding his opponent before he kicks Iser's left knee again!
Axel Reid: And right back to the knee! That's English's only advantage right now... the ability to properly stand!
After administering another kick, this time to Iser's stomach, English then leaps up and drops the Deity of Destruction on his face with the ENGLISH LESSON!
Ruby Parvati: Now this match can end! Iser put up quite a fight, but in the end, I told you so!
Axel Reid: Then why isn't English going for the cover?
Ruby Parvati: I'm sure he's got a reason!
Axel is right; English does not go for the cover. Instead the champion heads towards the nearest corner, scaling the ropes and perching himself on the top rope. He is facing away from his opponent... which can only mean one thing.
Axel Reid: He's not going for a Moonsault, is he? That's adding insult to injury yet again!
However, Iser does not want to stay down. Using all of his available resources, he battles back up to his feet as English hurriedly wonders what to do against this man. Hobbling forward, Iser slowly pursues his antagonist... and that's when English leaps backwards with a Moonsault Crossbody!
Ruby Parvati: THERE HE GOES!
But to complete shock and awe, Iser CATCHES English against his broad chest and staggers backwards on one leg!
Axel Reid: HE CAUGHT HIM!
Ruby Parvati: THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE!
Then, as the crowd are at a fever pitch, Iser's eyes light up with rage. In a moment of pure insanity, Iser turns English upside down against his body and DELIVERS THE TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!!
Axel Reid: BLACK MAGIC!!! BLACK MAGIC!!!
Ruby Parvati: WAIT... WHAT?!
The crowd come unglued as Iser rests across the downed champion, not even paying attention to the referee as the official counts the pinfall!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!!!
DING DING DING!!!
Axel Reid: HE DID IT! HE DID IT! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!
Ruby Parvati: BUT... WHAT?!
"Psychosocial" by Slipknot plays throughout the arena, but it is drowned out by the overjoyed masses. Iser, bad leg and all, rolls away from English and feels his knee. But his anguish and sacrifices have truly been paid off, something he realizes as the referee hands him the Visionary World Championship. Iser collects the gold belt and studies it wearily, knowing he has overcome everything and achieved his goal.
Axel Reid: Seth Iser has overcome his knee injury and reclaimed his throne! This man had one leg... ONE LEG... but he still managed to beat Casanova English! I can't believe it! What a night we're having here in Caguas!
Ruby Parvati: But... something isn't right here...
Jerry Heisenberg: Here is your winner...
Suddenly, as Jerry is about to announce the victor, Iser's music is suddenly replaced with "Sick Like Me" by In This Moment. Bewildered, Iser looks towards the entrance as the VoW General Manager Sky Sangue steps out onto the stage, holding a microphone and studying Seth Iser from afar. Meanwhile English has not moved, remaining still in the ring after suffering the Tombstone.
Axel Reid: Wait... why is Sky Sangue out here?
The music fades, allowing Sky to hear the confused remarks from the capacity crowd.
Sky Sangue: As you are all aware, it is my priority as the General Manager of VoW to legislate rules and contests, and ensure that those aforementioned rules and contests are properly adhered to. With that said, I would like to bring to your attention a particular ruling that was made last year... to prevent severe injury and promotional hindrances.
Iser stares at Sky from afar, keeping hold of the Visionary World Championship at his sweat-laden chest.
Sky Sangue: Mr Iser... I am out here to remind you, and all of those in attendance here in Caguas, Puerto Rico... that your Tombstone Piledriver was banned after numerous injury reports related to its execution.
Axel Reid: Oh no...
Ruby Parvati: I knew it! I thought something wasn't right!
The crowd continue to boo this announcement, all while the color fades from Iser's exhausted face.
Sky Sangue: Therefore... it is my duty to inform you... that you have hereby been Disqualified for using the Tombstone Piledriver.
This causes the crowd to boo more so. Suddenly Iser starts to force himself to his feet, although he knows he has made an irrational error, fuelled by anger and malice.
Sky Sangue: As a result... I am also reversing the decision of this contest. Mr Heisenberg, if you will.
Having heard her verdict, Jerry nods at ringside and speaks again.
Jerry Heisenberg: Ladies and gentleman... due to the ruling of our General Manager Sky Sangue... the winner of this match via Disqualification... and STILL THE VoW VISIONARY WORLD CHAMPION... CASANOVA ENGLISH!!!
Thunderous boos flow around the packed arena with a few cheers mixed in as Sky disappears backstage. Aggravated by what just occurred, Iser refuses to let the championship go, knowing he won and wanting to possess what should be his.
Axel Reid: Oh man... that's a heartbreaker. But the move was banned last year. Sky Sangue had every right to change the outcome of this match based on that move.
Ruby Parvati: And I've just realized English hasn't moved either! He could have a broken neck!
The referee, who is also hating himself for counting the pinfall when he should have known the move was banned, asks Iser to give him the belt back. The crowd refuse to accept this, booing as Iser reluctantly hands the championship over to the official. The referee then approaches the still-downed English and lays the belt on his stomach and raising his arm, initiating the outro version of "Real Solution #9" by White Zombie.
Axel Reid: So English is leaving here still the Visionary World Champion... but neither of these men will feel the same ever again.
Iser stumbles to the corner and sits in deep contemplation, watching painfully as several staff members tend to the champion. Eventually they get him out of the ring, whereby English is somehow able to stand. Still, he does need help leaving the ringside area, but he still has the strength to hold on to his championship, not wanting to let it go for as long as he lives.
Ruby Parvati: English remains on the throne, Axel. I told you Iser wouldn't win.
Axel Reid: He did win! He beat English fair and square! But because he used a banned move and had a lapse of judgement in doing so, he was forced to abdicate the title. English won by a technicality. That's the real situation!
English is able to raise the belt aloft in silent triumph as he is escorted to the backstage area, causing the crowd to boo and cheer at the same time. But the story is about Seth Iser's mood, with everyone turning to focus on a man who had everything... and lost it in a matter of moments. He stares at the canvas silently, not willing to move from his spot. But eventually, as he does start to move, some of the crowd applaud his tenacious effort, prompting him to look around with a slight glare.
Axel Reid: This man deserves respect. For years he demanded it... but tonight he earned it.
Ruby Parvati: I can't believe he's able to stand up!
Axel Reid: Only just, Ruby. Only just.
Several other officials aid Iser as he rolls out of the ring, hobbling towards the backstage area in English's shadow as the scene fades to a brief commercial...
: She is rising...all she sees is decay.
