Breakthrough (Edition #42) Results!

The Challenges

Thumpf! Thumpf! Thumpf!

The audience hears it before they see anything. The camera comes to life somewhere deep in the dark, quiet depths of the General Motors Centre. Visionaries of Wrestling interviewer Darius Yates walks down a hallway with a camera close behind him. He’s dressed professionally, as ever, in a three piece suit. He carries no microphone, relying on the camera behind him and the earpiece in his ear that an observant viewer would just be able to pick out in the dark. He’s carefully put together, and everything about this part of the arena feels wrong to him. There’s a distinct feeling of this very put together interviewer, and his very expensive camera intruding on something far too big for him.

Darius Yates: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we come to-

THUMPF! The loudest thud yet makes him jump a bit. Darius stops in front of a thick brown metal door at the end of the hallway. The pounding stops for a moment and he takes a moment to straighten his tie and compose himself. He turns directly to the camera to speak to the fans at home.

Darius Yates: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we come to you with a highly anticipated main event. One of the most talked about wrestlers here in VoW in Kincaid is going to take on our World Visionary Champion Casanova English. I’m hoping to get a few words with Kincaid ahead of what should be one of the biggest tests of his career.

He turns around and grabs the handle of the door. Darius pulls back, grunting a bit when the door resists and then puts his hips into it. The metal groans and slowly opens up. He enters the room slowly, with the camera just over his shoulder. There, in a hallway with another metal door on the other side, is Kincaid. Under a filthy yellow lightbulb, his scarred back faces toward the camera. What looks like a cushion, or a bag of canvas has been tied and taped onto the other door in a makeshift sort of punching bag. His fists are wrapped in gauze, his wrists wrapped heavily so as not to shatter them with the impact of hammering the door. He doesn’t turn to address the camera. Instead, he rolls his right hand a few times and raises his fist again. THUMPF!

Darius Yates: Mr. Kincaid, uh, I was hoping we could get a few words before tonights match with English?

Kincaid doesn’t turn around. He keeps working, moving from his left to his right. There’s little grace in his strikes. He’s not some great, technical boxer or anything. What he does have is enthusiasm. He drives his full weight into every punch. His fist sinks into the cushion with every blow. Darius watches for a moment, then tries again.

Darius Yates: Alex? Anything to say? This match would have been hotly anticipated before we heard comments before both of you. Now, things look a lot more personal.

He hesitates. He almost turns around, but then decides against it. He goes back to work on the door. After a few more shots though, he stops and turns back around. He stares at the interviewer through a mess of sweaty, stringy brown hair and starts pulling the tape off his hands. When it proves to be more difficult than he expects, he snarls and takes his teeth to the tape at the bottom of his wrist. Darius seems a bit put off and half turns away from the scene as Kincaid rips the tape off.

Kincaid: What do you want me to say? I’m not Ryder, Yates. You don’t come looking for me for entertainment. I’m not going to give you some zinger that’s going to be all over twitter by nights end.

Darius nods and then turns to the cameraman. He waves him toward the door and they start to exit the room. As they open the door though ,they’re met by a very puzzled looking Alyssa. She holds a pair of styrofoam food containers in her hands and she nearly drops them when the cameraman walks into her. She moves forward, and they step back. Kincaid speaks again.

Kincaid: Darius, do you remember what I said in the first video I sent in to VoW? I talked about one of the only comforts wrestling brings me. That you never need to worry if the person you’re standing across the ring from is innocent. We make our money hurting each other, we make our money taking seconds of life - the only seconds of life - away from one another that we’re going to get. That’s an uncomfortable thing to make your peace with. Because we’re at least a little bit of monster. Except for...a few.

He rolls his neck back and forth, and he winces when the cracks from years of wear and tear come. Alyssa opens her takeout and eats her chinese food in silence. There’s tension between the two of them. Alex ignores it and continues.

Kincaid: Katie Moicelle is a rare breed in wrestling. A good person. But sooner or later, good person or not, you end up on the bottom of the big old wheel that keeps on turning. For months now, I have been talking about how I’m after that Zero Gravity Championship. About how I want to be the gatekeeper in this company. The sentinel that stands at the door of this place and tends the worthiness of anybody who walks into this company. To do that, I have to take that belt. This? This is the formal challenge. I want you, Katie. You and I and nothing between us but the fight.

He goes to work on the other fist, biting at the tape again and ripping it open. Darius keeps an eye on him this time and Kincaid continues.

Kincaid: I promise you Katie, I promise you I fight better than anyone you know. I promise you that this will be a test. I promise you that I will hold that belt after you in a way that honors what you’ve done with it. And I promise you that when you want to come looking for it again? I’ll give you the rematch you deserve.

Darius Yates raises an eyebrow at his confidence, and then broaches the obvious subject.
Darius Yates: But what about tonight? You taking on Casanova English? A win over the world champion would absolutely skyrocket your career. It’d certainly be the best possible preparation for a chance at the Zero Gravity Championship. What do you have to say about that?

Kincaid balls the tape up in his hand and stares at the interview for a moment. He tosses the little ball of it away, landing close to Alyssa. She looks up from her food for a second, vaguely annoyed, but doesn’t speak. It’s nearly a minute before he speaks again - forever in TV time.

Kincaid: Nothing.

Yates seems unsatisfied with the answer, but Kincaids stark looking stare makes it clear that he’s not going to get any more. The interviewer backs toward the door, pushes it open without turning around, and heads back into the building. The camera cuts away a moment later.

Diving Into Shallow Waters

The camera then fades backstage, into a small dressing room with dimmed lighting. Our view is simple... the long back of a wheeled chair. We stare at it for a few seconds (4.7 seconds to be exact), before it suddenly begins spinning around. On it's first spin, the chair is empty. On the second a bare, blonde-wigged mannequin has appeared in it. At this sight, the chair keeps spinning... faster and faster... until soon enough the doll flies off of it!

In the background we hear a loud crash and some giggles, as the chair keeps going around, though now slowing down... until on it's final spin, there's someone in it. We come face to face with a wide-eyed, grinning young woman with glittered paint splattered on half her face. She leans forward, that grin never faltering.

Elskerinne: You know... gold in it's purest form can be molded by one's hands. It's not affected by air or water or anything. But it's flexible. And so that gives us the ability to twist it into whatever we desire. And I wouldn't say a certain Champion here has utilized that idea to it's full potential. But more on that to come...

She pauses, staring into space as the camera remains focused on her. After a moment, she looks back into the camera with an easy grin.

Elskerinne: Fact of the matter is, people hate a man who does nothing but toss a few insults their way. He's not very relevant otherwise. Sure his lil lackeys run around trying to create a chaos they don't even understand... trying to one up the horseladies because, you know, we need more crazy people hell bent on trying to prove... uh... that they're crazy??? None of it makes sense. No one here f-bleep-ing makes sense.

Her smile suddenly drops, as we move closer to the heavy gaze she's offering.

Elskerinne: Have you ever tried to dive into the shallow end of a swimming pool head first? I'm already drowning... I don't wanna add a cracked skull into the mix. I don't want my blood in the waters just yet.

The smile returns as soon as she finishes that point, and she leans back in the chair and puts her arms out, almost as if offering a hug.

Elskerinne: We both know I'm not worth the gum you stepped on five months ago that still resides on the bottom of your shoe. Mister... Casanova. English. The big champeen who does so little and yet acts so big. I'm not there. Not at that point. And quite frankly, that belt deserves better than a contender who doesn't even take her own life seriously.

She drops those arms and stares upward, toward the ceiling.

Elskerinne: There are people far more worthy in VoW to get a shot at the big one... however...

The stare trails back down to the camera.

Elskerinne: As important as it is, while I'll have to decline that which you've put on the table... I'll make an offer of my own. But not to you, Mr English. Oh no, you wanted an answer... a match? You've got one. That's already in the books, already in motion. At Nothing Else Matters, now that I've officially 'accepted' the 'challenge'... it'll be English and Elsky. In the deep end. I'll be wearing floaties, you'll be wearing a speedo. It'll be a good time all around!

She throws out a corny thumbs up, before she begins spinning around in her chair again, still speaking...

Elskerinne: But let's keep it one-on-one... no gold on the line.

She stops for a moment and shakes her head toward the camera.

Elskerinne: Not because I don't want it... but because it's too important to be mucked up by personal feelings and my head blood. Diving in after a world title that's floating over there in the shallow end this early in the game? I'd rather keep my brains inside my head. Ahaha... ahem. Nonetheless, back to my offer... it's to the fans. To everyone viewing this. Watch and wait, my dears, for a bout that will sweep you off your feet, catch you in it's arms and make sweet, sweet love to ya all night long. And be prepared, friends. You know where to find me.

She starts up the spinning once more, but soon enough we notice that it's suddenly empty... and as the spinning slows, eventually to a stop, we fade on the image of the empty seat, a strange red splatter on the upper part of the headrest...

Incoming Meltdown

As Breakthrough is still getting underway, Dustin Holt can be seen walking through the corridor heading for the ring. He stops short of a large black curtain as his eyes catch the camera staring at him.

Dustin Holt: Do you mind?

The cameraman begins to shake while trying to keep the camera steady.

Cameraman: Dustin, how confident are you heading into your match with Katie Moicelle?

Dustin tilts his head to the side as his wife enters the picture. She softly moves her hand along her husband's chest while glancing back at the camera.

Jenifer Holt: When are you going to understand that my husband will always be confident in his abilities. Yes, he could lose again, but that only makes him stronger. Ms. Katie is going to find out that this match will go differently than last time.

Cameraman: What are your thoughts on our General Manager's no violence mandate?

Dustin narrows his eyes while letting out a chuckle.

Dustin Holt: Sky Sangue is going to realize that when you back a cobra into a corner, sooner or later it's going to strike back. Violence will always be around since it's in our DNA. Take tonight for example, I am going to go to that ring and toss Katie around like a ragdoll. This is a wrestling company not a ballet school. We all knew the risks when we signed on the dotted line.

The cameraman gulps a bit before asking the last question.

Cameraman: Aren't you afraid that Sky Sangue might fine you for threatening Katie?

Jenifer can sense Dustin's temper beginning to flair as she steps in front of him. As he begins to calm down, she turns back toward the camera.

Jenifer Holt: How dare you? My husband did no such thing. He was just giving an example of what will happen tonight. Katie Moicelle is going to come face to face with the one man who can stop her. Her time has Zero Gravity Champion will soon turn into a...

Dustin looks directly into camera.

Dustin Holt: Catastrophic Meltdown.

Jenifer smiles while looking at the cameraman.

Jenifer Holt: I believe this impromptu interview is over. Now scram.

The cameraman quickly walks away as the cameras cut away.

Katie Moicelle Vs. Dustin Holt

Jerry Heisenberg: The following non-title contest is scheduled for one fall! If Dustin Holt wins, he will be added to the Zero Gravity Championship match at Nothing Else Matters!

The lights go down as the fans begin to boo, a solid spotlight catching the silhouette of a woman walking onto the stage. She stands off to the side as “Close My Eyes Forever” blasts from the sound system, causing fans to boo even louder. A disgruntled man in a wife beater and dirty jeans walks out from behind the curtain, standing next to his wife, the jeering reaching its peak by this point. He gives her a kiss and leads her down to the ring, ignoring the insults fans are hurling at the pair.

Jerry Heisenberg: Introducing first, accompanied by his wife Jenifer... From Orlando, Florida, weighing in tonight at 238 pounds… DUSTIN HOLT!

Holt slides into the ring under the bottom rope, crawling to the nearest corner as his theme music fades. He crouches in the corner with his hands to his face, eagerly awaiting his opponent. A subtle rumble can be heard, with a gradual crescendo and a smattering of Katie chants.

“Never Turn Back” begins playing, and the fans leap to their feet with excitement.

Katie Moicelle bursts out from behind the curtain, clutching the Zero Gravity Title in her left hand as she shoots her arms wide open to greet her adoring fans. She stands at the top of the ramp for a moment, taking in the ovation from the Ontario crowd.

Jerry Heisenberg: And his opponent, from Crossville, Tennessee… She is your current VoW Zero Gravity Champion, The Cumberland Jet, KATIE MOICELLE!

With a smile as wide as a country mile, Katie enthusiastically strides down the entrance ramp, slapping outstretched hands of fans as she passes. She slides into the ring, placing her championship onto her shoulder as she gives the crowd a thumbs up.

At the referee’s request, Moicelle hands her title over as Holt rises from the corner, meeting his opponent in the middle of the ring. The bell sounds, and the two combatants instantly lock up -- Holt is much stronger than the smaller Moicelle, and has no trouble forcing her back into the ropes. As the referee calls for a clean break, Holt takes it upon himself to rub his open palm in Moicelle’s face in a sign of disrespect. He chuckles to himself and willingly backs away, allowing Moicelle to regain her footing.

Axel Reid: A total lack of respect from Dustin Holt there!

Ruby Parvati: Talk about rubbing it in her face! Ha!

It seems we’ll see another tie-up -- however, Moicelle ducks under and grapples her bigger opponent with a belly-to-back waist lock. It appears as though she’s trying to wrestle her foe to the mat, but she’s just not strong enough -- Holt unlocks Moicelle’s arms from around his waist, then shifts behind her and delivers a German Suplex, dumping her onto her head. Holt immediately goes for a pin.


ONE!


TWO!


Moicelle shoots her left shoulder off the mat.

Ruby Parvati: Dustin almost had it done early there!

Moicelle climbs to her feet, exchanging right hands with Holt as she does. Groggily, Moicelle stands in the middle of the ring as Holt rebounds off the ropes and takes her down with a hard clothesline. Staring down at his opponent writhing on the mat in pain, Holt smirks as the camera squares in on him, causing the fans to boo with passion.

But Holt’s assault on the Zero Gravity Champion is far from done, as he grabs a handful of Moicelle’s hair and starts vehemently hammering her with closed right fists to the forehead. The official finally pulls Holt away from the situation, leaving Moicelle to check her face for blood.

Axel Reid: Katie Moicelle’s obviously feeling the sting of those shots from Dustin Holt.

Holt shows mercy by allowing Moicelle to regain her footing, taunting her as she tries to shake the cobwebs. As quick as a bolt of lightning, Moicelle charges at Holt, taking him down with a tackle and returning the favour with several punches to the cranium. The Zero Gravity Champion springs back to her feet and lets out a shriek of frustration, to which many fans respond with verbal support.

Holt rolls under the bottom rope to gain some separation, where his wife checks up on him. Realising this, Moicelle stands poised in the ring, looking between the crowd and her opponent -- a slow rumble from the fans builds, fueling Moicelle’s adrenaline. She decides to throw caution into the wind, rebounding off the ropes and sending herself between the top and middle ropes with a suicide dive -- Holt pushes his wife just enough to remove her from harm’s way, in turn taking the full brunt of the attack. Holt crashes to the arena floor as Moicelle lands on her feet, stumbling to a complete stop and basking in the adulation of her admirers.

Axel Reid: We’ve seen confidence building in Katie Moicelle recently, and I think a lot of that is because of Stacy’s training!

Ruby Parvati: She’s flirting with disaster a few too many times, if you ask me. It’s gonna come back to bite her.

Moicelle wastes little time heaving Holt into the ring, and immediately going for a cover.


ONE!


TWO!


Holt powers out, with plenty of fight still left in the tank. Moicelle slaps a sleeper hold on Holt, trying to wear down her bigger opponent. The referee’s attention is diverted by Jenifer, who starts shouting something about Moicelle’s recklessness -- this gives Holt opportune time to grab a handful of Moicelle’s nose and eyes, raking them while the official’s back is turned. As a result of the illegal move, Moicelle releases her sleeper hold, and Holt gets into position to deliver a devastating Exploder Suplex that almost takes the young champion out of her wrestling boots.

Axel Reid: Holt almost turned Moicelle inside out with that move!

Ruby Parvati: Nice one, Holt! Looks like you’ve just earned yourself a title shot!

Holt drags Moicelle to the middle of the ring to attempt a cover as the referee focuses on the match once again.


ONE!


TWO!


THR-- Moicelle gets a shoulder up at the very last moment, much to Holt’s disbelief.


Holt slaps the mat in frustration, and begins bickering with the referee, who assures him once again that Moicelle did indeed raise her shoulder before he could count three. Moicelle collects her wits and takes the opportunity to roll Holt up into a quick pin.


ONE!


TWO!


Holt rolls his shoulder up, and gets back to his feet -- just in time to eat a Bicycle Kick from a fired-up Moicelle. Even though she’s given an opportune moment to go for a pin, she heads over to the closest corner.

Ruby Parvati: What is she doing?! She has Holt beat! Just go for the cover!

Axel Reid: I think she wants to prove all the doubters wrong. But I agree with you, she should’ve gone for a cover there…

Moicelle ascends to the top turnbuckle, slowly rising from a crouching position to a standing one. She launches herself off the top rope into a corkscrew shooting star press -- Holt has the move scouted, rolling out of the way with a split second to spare. Moicelle doesn’t have enough time to adjust, and lands flat on her face and stomach where Holt’s supine body once was.

Axel Reid: Katie Moicelle attempted The Crossville Rise, but Dustin Holt managed to avoid it!

Ruby Parvati: She hasn’t had anywhere near enough experience with that move yet.

Visibly winded, Moicelle struggles to her feet -- and staggers into Holt’s superkick, appropriately named Splitting Headache. If the crack of the move’s impact isn’t enough to go by, Moicelle is sent tumbling over the top rope to the outside, landing hard on the arena floor. The referee looks out concerned at Moicelle’s motionless body, until he’s reminded by Holt that he has a job to do.

Assuring Holt is stationed inside the ropes, the referee begins his count.


1…


2…


Ruby Parvati: Did you hear her head smack the floor? I think she’s done.


3…


4…


Axel Reid: It’d be a shame for this match to end like this, but you may be right… Katie hasn’t moved!


5…


Holt cracks his knuckles as he watches on, half-believing it to be over already.


6…


Moicelle begins to stir, pushing herself up to all fours as she coughs and splutters.


7…


8…


Moicelle clutches the apron, using it to pull herself up to one knee.


9…


With every ounce of energy left in her body, the Cumberland Jet launches herself under the bottom rope, breaking the referee’s count with less than a second to spare. She collapses as soon as she does so, however, still clearly dazed from Holt’s superkick.

Frustrated that the match didn’t end then and there, Holt lifts Moicelle to her feet and attempts Catastrophic Meltdown -- Moicelle reveals she was partially playing possum when she pushes out of the finisher attempt. Holt spins around and charges, but gets caught in a drop toe-hold, sending him crashing face-first into the second turnbuckle.

Moicelle somehow finds the wherewithal to propel herself to the top rope, and perform Star in the Night -- this time, she hits her mark, driving the air from a grounded Dustin Holt’s lungs. She manages to grab a handful of his jeans to pull his leg up for leverage in the forthcoming pin.


ONE!


TWO!


THREE!


DING DING DING!


Jerry Heisenberg: Ladies and gentlemen! Your winner, the Zero Gravity Champion… KATIE MOICELLE!

Ruby Parvati: How in the hell did Katie Moicelle overcome that? She was broken on the floor right in front of us!

Axel Reid: Never bet against the heart of Katie Moicelle… She’ll never give in, and she proved that tonight!

Exhausted and clearly in a world of pain, Katie props herself up in the corner as the referee hands her championship to her. She sits in the corner, holding her head and clutching her ribs as the scene fades out.

Owen Gonsalves & Patrick Jones Vs. Horsewomen of Chaos (Talon & Katalina Star)

Axel Reid: Well coming up next is the Tag Team Match involving Fury and Strife of the Horsewomen of Chaos, better known as Talon and Katalina Star, taking on Owen Gonsalves and Patrick Jones.

Ruby Parvati: And I know one person who is anticipating that contest more than anyone here.

Axel Reid: I assume you're talking about Joanna Thade, who is currently at ringside right now with a purchased ticket for this event. I'm still not sure why she has been ejected from the building.

Ruby Parvati: She hasn't done anything wrong. She's being well-behaved for once. If she gets sent out of this arena for no reason then she could sue.

Axel Reid: Theoretically she could, but I still don't like the idea of her being out here. I sense trouble brewing...

The camera spots Thade humming a song to herself, sitting amongst the fans as a team of security officials block any path she could use to jump over the barrier and cause a ruckus. Suddenly, the opening drum beats of Billy Talent's "Red Flag" echoes throughout the arena as the crowd erupt in a flurry of cheers and immediately begin to slam against whatever they can to the beat of the song. Once the song kicks in (0:12), "Indestructible" Owen Gonsalves bursts out from behind the curtains with his trademark hooded vest on his shoulders and the hood itself covering half of his face, the crowd pops at the sight of him, continuing to slam against the guardrail. Owen stands and doesn't make a move. He joins his hands quickly before unclasping them and going ahead with the sign of the cross quickly before flipping off the hood and making his way down the ramp.

"Cast off the crutch that kills the pain
The Red Flag waving never meant the same
The kids of tomorrow don't need today
When they live in the sins of yesterday"

Jerry Heisenberg: The following Tag Team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, he hails from Melbourne, Australia and weighed in tonight at 205lbs... "INDESTRUCTIBLE" OWEN GONSALVES!!!

Axel Reid: Owen Gonsalves really took it to our World Champion Casanova English at Breakthrough 41 in Syracuse, New York. He came close to victory that night, but English managed to block a Shooting Star Press with his knees and score a pinfall with the Existential Existence. If Owen has that same desire and drive tonight, then the Horsewomen could be in trouble.

Ruby Parvati: But these are the Horsewomen he's facing, Axel. They have a mutual bond and natural chemistry. What do Owen and PJ have together? Super Kicks?

Axel Reid: Both of those men are capable of beating anyone, Ruby. You should know this by now.

Ruby Parvati: But everyone else is capable of beating them, and it's been proven time and time again.

The verse repeat a second Owen is fired up, leaning against a guardrail and joining the front row in slamming against it to the beat of the song. Slowly, the song calms down and Owen continues to make his way down the ramp.

"Well I've never seen us act like this
Our only hope is the minds of kids
And they'll show us a thing or two

Our only weapons are the guns of youth
It's only time before they tighten the noose
And then the hunt will be on for you"

Owen stops in front of the ring, staring at everyone inside of it as the song reaches it's chorus. He climbs up onto the apron and then slingshots from the apron into the ring. The song begins to die down as Owen climbs up onto the second turnbuckle, facing the inside of the ring and takes off his hood and throwing it outside the ring. Moments later, “I Won't Back Down” by Burn Halo fills the arena. After a few seconds, Patrick Jones bursts onto the stage with a surge of energy. At the top of the ramp, he drops to a knee with a big, over-handed fist pump. Patrick takes a moment to enjoy the cheers around him and collect his thoughts before hopping to his feet. He jogs down the ramp, talking to and high-fiving fans, trying to get them as pumped up and ready to go as he is. Joanna simply stares at PJ, watching him circle the ring as he claps his hands.

Jerry Heisenberg: And his tag team partner, he hails from Louisville, Kentucky and weighed in tonight at 235lbs... PATRICK JONES!!!

Axel Reid: PJ has tasted victory against the Horsewomen before. He defeated Joanna Thade shortly after her alliance with Emma Carlisle was revealed, and that has always been something Joanna has failed to forget.

Ruby Parvati: But she got her revenge for that at Double Jeopardy, Axel. She tore Jones apart and left him laying. That's exactly what's going to happen tonight with Talon and Katalina.

After a full circle around the ring, Jones goes straight from the ramp and jumps onto the ring apron before ducking through the second and third rope, spinning a full circle as he looks out into the crowd. Owen drops down from the turnbuckle and approaches his partner for the evening, both men going talking as Thade shrugs nonchalantly.

Ruby Parvati: She isn't impressed. Neither am I.

Axel Reid: It's that kind of ignorance that can cause problems, Ruby. Owen and PJ should not be underestimated by any means.

The arena darkens considerably, the only light remaining coming from the big screen over the stage. Images of a setting sun, massive and red, casting shadows across a barren landscape with four mounted figures riding dead-center. The scene shifts to the side, showing the figures, shadowed by the dim light, charging past other figures that are noisily cut down, past buildings that catch fire in their path while screams, crackling flames and laughter echo in the background. “Unchain Utopia” by EPICA starts to play as the sights and sounds reach a crescendo, with three spotlights shining down on the stage, each one illuminating a single figure. In the center stands Emma Carlisle with her hood and half-skull mask, Katalina Star to Emma's left with Candi's leash tight in her hand and Talon to Emma’s right. Thunder rumbles over the music as the four soak in the virulent reaction to their presence. Meanwhile, Joanna continues to smile fondly from her position, watching her sisters and her lover stand united in a strong formation.

Jerry Heisenberg: And their opponents... representing the Horsewomen of Chaos, at a combined weight of 309lbs... TALON AND KATALINA STAR!!!

Axel Reid: They're not exactly out in force tonight, but they do have one vocal supporter in the crowd as of right now.

Ruby Parvati: If you're going to poke at the fact that Joanna Thade is suspended and has to watch this with these idiots, Axel, I swear I'm telling on you.

Axel Reid: It's not that! But usually they're down here with Opeare, Eleanor, the Chosen...but it's just Emma and Sentinel with them tonight.

The spotlights unerringly follow the three down to the ring while the video plays on a rotation with clips of each Horsewoman’s in-ring exploits mingled in for good measure. In their wake walks Sentinel and, of course, Candi, who follows quickly on her hands and knees behind Katalina. Sentinel takes the lead as they reach the ring, ascending the steps and holding the ropes for Talon as well as for Katalina and Emma, entering after they do.

Ruby Parvati: It doesn't matter how many they have at their backs, Axel. These women are dangerous at any level. I AM glad they brought Sentinel out, though. He's a sight for sore eyes.

Axel Reid: Now I'M gonna tell on YOU.

The Horsewomen themselves come to stand in the middle of the ring, ignoring Owen and Jones as they do so. Katalina and Talon stand just behind Emma who’s front and center. Behind them, Sentinel stands like a tower of stone, arms folded. Candi watches from ringside, remaining knelt on the floor padding with committed obedience. The three women raise their arms as one, bringing the lights back up with a rumble of thunder sounding over top of "Unchain Utopia" before the theme fades out. Sentinel drops down to the floor after the theme cuts out, though Emma remains within the ring, imparting a few words to her fellow Horsewomen before leaving the ring as well and moving to the corner with the Silent Destroyer. Joanna also stands near them, but the host of security that are monitoring her every move makes it difficult for her to get close.

Axel Reid: The fact of the matter is, this will be the first time Talon and Katalina have teamed up as a unit. Owen and PJ have teamed once before...

Ruby Parvati: Whereby they lost to Emma and Joanna. That turned out great for them.

Axel Reid: Experience is a factor though, as little as it is. But then you have Sentinel out here as a colossal difference maker, Emma as a deadly observer, and Candi as... well, Katalina's "pet".

Ruby Parvati: As long as she stays where she is, this match shouldn't be too difficult.

Deciding to confront her fears once again, Katalina starts off for her team as the abnormally-large Talon stands in their respective corner. Even from a distance, she is noticeably taller than Owen, who has decided to start off this match for his team. Jones grabs the rope at his corner, motivating Owen with a few words before the referee signals for the bell.

DING DING DING!

Candi howls following the toll of the bell, yet Katalina maintains her concentration on Owen. She seems hesitant to move, but with the support of her sisters, she nods firmly and prepares for the battle. Owen, on the other hand, seems to dance around on the spot, loosening his limbs while also trying to take Katalina off her guard. Eventually, he rushes forward and takes hold of Katalina's arm, wrenching it overhead before bringing it down with a twist. The crowd chant for Owen as he torques Katalina's arm, causing the Dominatrix to feel her shoulder as she moves towards Talon.

Axel Reid: Owen with an arm wrench, and Katalina already wants to reach for safety.

Ruby Parvati: Well when you have a tag partner, they come in very handy at times like this.

Mustering courage, Katalina bends her leg before kicking it out at Owen's shin. The Indestructible One hobbles back, but he still keeps Katalina's arm wrenched. Shortly thereafter, Star twists her body towards Owen, swinging her free arm around and connecting with a vicious slap to his face!

Ruby Parvati: Now that's how you slap a man! There is no one that does it better!

With his cheek already discoloured, Owen lets go of Katalina and feels his face. Now freed from her predicament, Star issues a karate chop of sorts to Owen's neck, damaging the nerves in that sensitive area and forcing him to bow in pain. But as Star grabs him for a DDT, Owen yells out before he straightens his posture, propelling the Dominatrix toward the ceiling of the arena and bringing her back down with a Northern Lights Suplex! He completes the move with a bridge, beginning the first pinfall of the match...


ONE!

Showing great resolve, Katalina manages to kick out before the count of two!

Axel Reid: That is how quickly Owen can change a match when he's still relatively fresh. Even if his cheek his bruised, the rest of his body still works.

Ruby Parvati: For now.

After Katalina stands, Owen grabs her arm again, twists it around and slams his elbow onto the joint. The Dominatrix cries out from the pain, but this fails to change Owen's mood. He takes her to his corner, whereby he Scoop Slams her onto the canvas before he tags in Jones.

Axel Reid: The first tag is made, and Jones is in to work on Katalina.

Ruby Parvati: Yawn.

Keeping their control going, PJ takes hold of Katalina and slams her down to the canvas as well. Afterwards he attempts a grounded armbar, but Star is lucky to get to the ropes with a frantic surge of panic. The referee forces the break, which also forces Jones to pull Katalina away from the ropes and perform a Back Suplex. After raising his arm to the crowd, which gets a positive reaction, Patrick hits the ropes and comes back with a stalling elbow drop... but Katalina tucks one of her feet in and thrusts it upward into PJ's head as he comes down!

Axel Reid: Now that was a unique defence of the elbow drop coming from PJ! Katalina has a way with her legs as well as her arms.

Ruby Parvati: And I believe it's time Talon got into the mix here. She's poised for devastation.

Talon does indeed look ready, primed and focused as she gestures for the tag. Meanwhile, Katalina nods to her partner before she tends to Jones, administering a slap to his face too before she grabs a hold of his blonde hair and pulls him by the strands towards her corner!

Axel Reid: Look at this! Katalina is pulling PJ to her corner with his hair!

Ruby Parvati: I'd love it if she ripped that hair out of the roots! He'd have to shave his entire head!

Delivering a strong kick to Jones mid-section, Star puts him into the corner. Then she tags in Talon, allowing the fiery Horsewoman known as Fury to enter and batter Jones with well-measured stomps and punches.

Axel Reid: Talon is a ferocious competitor. With her amazing size and ruthlessness, she is a force to be reckoned with, and that is what she is proving right now with this assault.

Ruby Parvati: Now you know why Sentinel adores her. They belong with each other.

Utilizing her unsettling figure, Talon drags PJ out of the corner and, demonstrating her scary strength, snaps Jones over with a quick Powerslam! Afterwards she goes for the pin, doing so as a calm, observant Sentinel nods and Emma smirks...


ONE!




TWO!



Jones gets his shoulder off the canvas.

Ruby Parvati: Tell me, Axel, could you handle that?

Axel Reid: Honestly... there's a lot of men who couldn't. Myself included.

Feeding into the depths of fire she has stored, Talon tosses her red-hair aside and casts a menacing glare at PJ. Following this, she brings Jones up and, with great posture, grabs his body into a falling Uranage! Owen stomps onto the apron repeatedly, inspiring crowd support that serves to get Jones moving. Instead, Jones feels his back before Talon stomps onto it, once again bringing him up before she whips him to the ropes and performs a running Clothesline. Somehow, perhaps due to the crowd, Jones ducks under the clothesline and slides to a stop. Annoyed, Talon spins around to perfectly catch a side kick from PJ... who then jumps up and brings his other leg across Talon's head with an Enziguiri! The one known as Fury goes down, allowing Jones to push himself to get to his partner.

Axel Reid: PJ got the break he needed... and here comes Owen again!

Following the successful tag, Owen immediately leaps into action. He nails the rising Talon with a dropkick, keeping her at bay before he sprints to the ropes, bounces off them and spins into a Neckbreaker on his menacing adversary! Emma and company watch the action unfold silently, keeping their eyes on Owen as he performs a Rolling Senton onto Talon and goes for a cover...


ONE!




TWO!


NO, Talon kicks out tenaciously!

Knowing he still has the momentum, Owen gets back to a vertical base before he brings Talon up with him. He grabs her waist for a Suplex, but Talon elbows him in the face. Another elbow sends Owen reeling, at which point Talon sneers before she nails the Indestructible One with a Spinning Roundhouse Kick! However, Talon does feel her stomach, courtesy of Owen's weight crashing down onto it. Emma speaks wisely and coolly to Talon from the outside, doing so before Sentinel offers his advice. Talon absorbs their words and becomes a little more intense, going after Owen again and giving him a Reverse STO!

Ruby Parvati: Their unity is unmatched, Axel. See how they motivate and inspire each other to succeed? What other team or group has that level of care?

Axel Reid: The Orphanage do.

Ruby Parvati: They're strong, but the Horsewomen seem to have a lasting bond.

Meanwhile, Talon has taken Owen towards Katalina. The one known as Strife hesitates to accept Talon's tag, but her partner assures her she will be safe. Once Star exhales and accepts, she steps into the ring as Talon keeps a hold of Gonsalves. Katalina then plants her foot into Owen's exposed ribs, driving him to the canvas as Talon leaves. Wanting to make the most of this opportunity, Katalina applies a Sleeper Hold to Owen, cinching the hold in tight and draining the energy from his body.

Axel Reid: Katalina knows how to make people submit to her will, but she also knows how make people surrender to pain and fatigue. She proved that against Jamo and Tristan Ambrose in her debut by making Jamo submit, and now she plans to put Owen to sleep with this hold.

Ruby Parvati: I'm sure he'll have nightmares. I suspect the Horsewomen wish him to have them too!

Moments elapse with Owen fighting against the hold, but Katalina is persistent, channelling all the anger she has built up over the years against men into her arms. In spite of her lethality, the crowd cheer Owen on loudly, motivating him to power back again and rise to his feet!

Axel Reid: Listen to these fans! They just love Owen Gonsalves!

Prying Katalina's arms apart, Owen Fireman's Carry's Star onto the canvas! The Dominatrix feels her back again as she rises to her feet, but Owen whips her to his team's corner and runs at her with a flying forearm! After connecting with this attack, Owen tags in Jones, who enters the ring to a supportive ovation and Snap Suplexes Katalina out of the corner!

Axel Reid: Owen and Jones are back in control... but look at Owen!

Coming in to aid her partner, Talon strides towards her opponents, but she is taken down by another flying forearm from Owen! Sentinel unfolds his arms and tenses as he looks at Owen pull Talon up to her feet, clearing her from the ring as the referee attempts to maintain order!

Ruby Parvati: I think he's just upset Sentinel. This won't be good for him!

Meanwhile, as PJ gives Katalina a Back Suplex, Owen ascends the top rope and measures Talon up. Candi stares wide-eyed with her tongue sticking out as Owen readies himself, with Emma and Sentinel sharing intimidating looks. As the crowd cheer mightily, Owen flies towards the standing Talon with a Senton... but Talon dodges the airborne attack and leaves Owen to crash and burn!

Ruby Parvati: HA-HA! You reap what you sow!

Axel Reid: Owen took a risk to keep Talon away, but it didn't pay off as well as he'd hoped!

Now switched on as it were, Talon looks at Sentinel with fire in her eyes. Suddenly she turns, storming towards Owen, pulling him up and giving him the Bloodspike onto the floor to loud boos!

Axel Reid: Lifting DDT from Talon, and Owen could be disposed of here!

Ruby Parvati: But there's still Jones to deal with as well!

Katalina is clearly in trouble as Jones gives her a successful Elbow Drop in the ring. From there, he keeps Star in his sights as he backs up to the corner, preparing for his trademark Zoned Out!

Axel Reid: Get ready to be Zoned Out!

Unfortunately, PJ does not see Talon roll into the ring. At the last second he does notice, but by this time Talon is running at him full-speed, whereby she raises her foot and blasts him in the face with all of her might with SANGUINE CROSS!

Axel Reid: Talon got PJ with the Sanguine Cross!

The crowd boo louder as Jones collapses to the canvas, badly affected by the vicious boot of Talon. After the referee orders her outside the confines of the ring, a more confident yet fatigued Katalina capitalizes, seizing PJ's prone body and pulling him into a DDT!

Ruby Parvati: And there's a DDT from Katalina!

As Emma smirks and Candi laughs giddily, Katalina covers Jones with the referee counting shortly thereafter...


ONE!




TWO!





THREE!!!


DING DING DING!!!

Ruby Parvati: Fury and Strife prevail, Axel!

Axel Reid: Indeed they do. What an impressive victory for these two women, and no one is happier with that victory than Death herself, Emma Carlisle.

Emma applauds the accomplishment of her sisters as Talon freely enters the ring, joining Katalina's side and raising her arm triumphantly. Katalina has a genuine smile of pride on her face, having overcome what she has feared for years twice in a row. Eventually, Emma, Sentinel and Candi enter the ring, with Sentinel gently and softly rubbing his fingers down his wife's arm. Joanna also joins the festivities, albeit at a distance as security guards firmly surround her. The crowd around her are not amused, continuing to boo as the Horsewomen and their accompanying affiliates gather inside the ring

Jerry Heisenberg: Here are your winners... TALON AND KATALINA STAR!!!

Ruby Parvati: The Horsewomen have spoken, Axel. Chaos will reign, and change will occur, just as they have warned countless times.

Axel Reid: Not if our General Manager has anything to say about it. She suspended Joanna Thade, who is now celebrating at ringside with her purchased ticket.

Ruby Parvati: But Ms Sangue can't control them forever... even if she is impressed with their body of work.

Axel Reid: The scary thing is, Ruby... you could be right about that.

The Horsewomen do their pose yet again, doing so with Jones recovering on the canvas and Owen getting onto his hands and knees outside the ring. Soon enough, Emma leaves the ring and approaches Joanna, talking with her lover and partner before the scene fades to a brief commercial break.

Dathyn Vs. Zahara Matisse

Jerry Heisenberg: The following contest is a singles match set for one fall!

The classic pop tune "Lucky Star" by Madonna starts up as spotlights shine upward through the stage toward the rafters above. A light shower of glitter is released from above, catching the aforementioned lights nicely as Zahara Matisse twirls her way through the curtains, coming to a stop at the top of the ramp. She takes a grand bow once there, briefly removing her top hat before rising and putting it back in place. She's all smiles on her way down the ramp, magically creating flowers from the tip of her wand and handing them to the children in the crowd as she passes and sometimes showering them with confetti and streamers as well. For one lucky fan on the way down, she produces from within her top hat one of her t-shirts.

Jerry Heisenberg: Introducing first! From Atlantic City, New Jersey...standing in at 5 foot 7 and weighing in at 143 pounds! “The Magical Maiden”...Zahara...Matisse!

Reaching the ring, she hops easily onto the apron, briefly posing in front of the ropes with another bow and tip of her hat before rising and stepping through the top and middle strands. Ascending the turnbuckles, she twirls her wand between her fingers, she flicks it in the direction of the ringside fans, causing loud pops to sound and more confetti to stream down from above, getting a happy reaction in response. Hopping down to the mat, she removes her hat, gloves and coat, setting them beneath the bottom turnbuckle along with her wand before beginning to stretch in preparation for her match as “Lucky Star” fades out.

Axel Reid: And there she is ladies and gentlemen, the undefeated Zahara Matisse...who is also the number one contender for Constance Chapin’s Xcel Championship. Time and time again, this young lady puts in her all and comes out of the other side victorious, question is...can she do it at Nothing Else Matters against Constance?

Ruby Parvati: She better not be worrying about that right about now, Axel...because she needs to make sure she’s focused on tonight’s opponent, who is certainly no pushover.

The arena goes black as a single spotlight cascades down onto the ramp. The lights stay off as Emma Browning's "Sweet Dreams” plays throughout the arena. About thirty seconds into the song, Dathyn walks out, wearing a sweatshirt with the hood up and a Bo staff on his back. Dathyn continues towards the ring, paying very little attention to the fans.

Jerry Heisenberg: And her opponent! From Yerevan, Armenia...standing in at 6 foot 2 an weighing in at 195 pounds! “The Visionary of Wrestling”...Dathyn!

When the 'screaming' in the music occurs, the lights begin frantically flashing, but then default after. Dathyn walks up the steps and jumps over the ropes before standing on the ring ropes and taking off his hood, staring into the distance. He then takes a coin out of his pocket and flips it before cracking a grin and taking a knee as “Sweet Dreams” fades out.

Axel Reid: A former Twin City Champion, is Dathyn...and Zahara is looking quite confident here considering who her opponent is.

Ruby Parvati: Let’s hope it’s confidence and not cockiness...sometimes when people get onto an undefeated streak, they get cocky...

Axel Reid: Like Ryder?

Ruby Parvati: ...leave him alone!

The referee calls for the bell and the match is underway as both competitors circle one another before locking up in the centre.

Axel Reid: Collar and elbow tie up here...

Dathyn being the stronger of the two begins to slowly push Matisse towards the corner, however Matisse quickly spins around the back of Dathyn, who quickly turns to face her as the two competitors are once again staring one another down.

Ruby Parvati: These two going through the feeling out process here first...

Again, back to their respective corners, they begin to circle one another, Matisse shaking her arms loose a little, hopping from foot to foot as Dathyn offers to test her strength.

Axel Reid: Dathyn wanting Zahara to test her strength against him...this should be interesting...

Dathyn raises his right hand up and Matisse slowly but surely takes hold of it with her left, they then do the same with their other hands and then Dathyn begins to push down on the entire body of The Magical Maiden.

Ruby Parvati: And as if anyone is surprised...Dathyn is the stronger of the two...

He slowly pushes Matisse down to the mat, as much as she is trying her best to fight back, it’s to no avail and she drops onto the mat back first, with her shoulders down.


1...


Suddenly, before the referee’s hand drops for the second time, Matisse kips back up onto her feet, breaks out of the test of strength and locks Dathyn into a side headlock, dropping own to one knee in the process.

Axel Reid: And just like that, Zahara gets control of this match...

After a few moments of squeezing Dathyn’s head between her upper arm and forearm, he begins to deliver a few stiff shots to her kidney before then pushing himself free whilst also pushing her off the ropes.

Ruby Parvati: And Dathyn breaks free...

As Matisse comes back however, she plants him with a running dropkick right onto the chin, sending him crashing to the mat.

Axel Reid: And he’s back down again...

Matisse wastes little time keeping her offense going as she hits the ropes, does a cartwheel and drops her leg over Dathyn’s throat before quickly hooking the outer leg.


1...


Kick-out!


Ruby Parvati: It’s going to take a lot more than that to put Dathyn down...

Getting back to her feet, she lifts Dathyn up to his feet with her and delivers a few quick knee strikes before then charging towards the ropes and springboarding off of them, going for a corkscrew crossbody, however Dathyn stops her dead in her tracks with a thunderous knife edge chop to her chest as she crumples to the mat.

Axel Reid: What a chop that was! Catching her in mid-air with that one...

Dathyn then wraps his arms around the top of Matisse’s chest, trapping her arms in the process before he proceeds to roll back and forth on the mat with a Gator roll.

Ruby Parvati: And there’s the Gator roll from Dathyn...

Lifting her up to her feet, still keeping his arms wrapped around her, he then pulls her head under his arm and plants her with double arm DDT, then goes for the pin.


1...


2...


Kick-out!


Axel Reid: And Zahara kicks out at two there!

Getting back to his feet, Dathyn picks Matisse up with him, positioning himself behind her, he wraps his arms around her waist and lifts her up for a German Suplex.

Ruby Parvati: No! Matisse lands on her feet!

Dathyn then swiftly turns around to face Matisse but is met with a thunderous facebreaker knee smash which stuns the self-proclaimed Visionary of Wrestling.

Axel Reid: What a facebreaker knee smash from Zahara!

Matisse then quickly follows this up with a leaping reverse STO that sends the fans to their feet and they cheer wildly as she drops down for the cover.

Ruby Parvati: This could be it right here!


1...


2...


3???


NO!!! DATHYN JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!!


Matisse looks on in disbelief as the fans groan in disappointment that the number one contender for the Xcel Championship wasn’t able to find the three.

Axel Reid: Zahara was so close and judging from the look on her face, she must have thought she had it...and these fans must have thought she had it too...

Not allowing frustration to get the best of her, Matisse gets back to her feet and picks Dathyn up with her and sets him up for her patented “Seeing Stars” finishing move.

Ruby Parvati: Zahara’s looking to end this for good with that Scissored DDT...

Out of desperation, Dathyn manages to roll out of the set up and from out of nowhere, strikes with a Stunner and both competitors drop to the mat.

Axel Reid: Identity Krisis! Dathyn just hit Zahara with the Identity Krisis! Can Dathyn capitalize?!?!

The referee checks on both competitors who are down and out, flat on their backs, both breathing heavily due to exhaustion as the fans begin to chant.

Crowd: THIS IS AWESOME! <CLAP><CLAP><CLAP CLAP CLAP> THIS IS AWESOME! <CLAP><CLAP><CLAP CLAP CLAP> THIS IS AWESOME! <CLAP><CLAP><CLAP CLAP CLAP>

Ruby Parvati: And these fans are absolutely loving this match, and I agree with them, this is awesome. We are watching one Hell of a match right here...

Finally, Dathyn rolls over onto his stomach and begins to slowly crawl his way over towards Matisse who is still down after suffering the Identity Krisis.

Axel Reid: Can Dathyn make the pin?

He reaches her and raises his arm, ready to drop it over her chest for the pin, but suddenly Matisse grabs his arm and rolls him over into a cross armbreaker, right dead centre in the middle of the ring sending the fans into a frenzy.

Ruby Parvati: Spellbound! Spellbound! Matisse has her Spellbound submission locked in!

The referee drops to his knees right in front of Dathyn and asks him if he wants to tap out as he shakes his head, flailing around to try and find his way to the ropes to force Matisse to break the hold.

Axel Reid: Dathyn has to find some way of breaking this hold or he may be forced to tap out right here!

Dathyn shakes his hand furiously, clenching his fist and his teeth, trying to hold on and not give up as Matisse keeps the hold locked in as tight as possible.

Ruby Parvati: C’mon Dathyn! You can do it!

Eventually, Dathyn cannot take the pain any longer and begins slapping the mat repeatedly with his free arm forcing Matisse to break the hold and the referee to call for the bell.


DING DING DING!!!


Jerry Heisenberg: Here is your winner! Zahara...Matisse!