Post by King Richius on Nov 16, 2018 14:35:39 GMT -5
Backstage, Lila Sleater is seated at the desk within her roving office, dutifully poring over what could be any number of pertinent documents laid out before her, the work of the WFWF General Manager never ceasing for a moment. A sudden rap upon the door draws her focus away from her work, and she eyes the door suspiciously, history having left her never quite certain just who may be waiting on the other side.
Lila Sleater: Come in.
Without hesitation, the door swings open, and a uniformed member of the WFWF production crew, identified as such by the requisite, embroidered black polo and oversized headset slung around his neck, leans in, his hand remaining upon the handle, never quite entering the office fully.
Production Hand: Ms. Sleater? We’re two minutes out to showtime.
Lila Sleater: Thank you, Bartholomay.
Rather than making a swift exit, as has been commonplace following the delivery of the live cue, Bartholomay idles a moment longer, apparently not yet finished delivering pertinent details to the GM.
Bartholomay: Oh, uh...also?
Sleater looks on as Bartholomay steps into the room and immediately aside, clearing way for a uniformed FedEx driver to enter, brandishing a rigid, flat-pack cardboard envelope, conspicuously sealed with a neon green label along one edge.
FedEx Driver: Certified. You’ll need to sign.
She does, glancing upward at the two men looking on, her stare all but commanding the two of them to leave in swift fashion. No sooner has the door slammed, Sleater procures a handled opener, slicing open the flat package and reaching in to procure its contents - a single sheet of legal sized letterhead. She pores over the note, her brow furrowing as her eyes dart, before letting it land on the desk before her, glancing up at the wall clock as she leans back to ponder what she’s just taken in, exhaling heavily, almost defeatedly..
Lila Sleater: Damn.
Resigning defeat, she rises from her seat, pushing back her chair and storming past the desk, rushing out the door as it slams behind her.
In the GM’s absence, we pan in to the brief note that has arrived to kick off Sleater’s night in unanticipated fashion. It’s typewritten, pointed, and without frill:
To whom it may concern:
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my intent to opt-out of all provisions of my remaining contract with the WFWF, as detailed and allowed in the amendment signed into agreement in March of this year.
With no certain regards,
David F. Brennan
The show starts with a video package set to the song “Right here, right now” by Fatboy Slim. As the music ramps up in intensity, highlights from past matches play on the Tunatron featuring names and faces from the past to the present: Thunder, Wayne McGurk, Obo, Shawn Malakai, Yukio Blaze, Joshua Dean,Trace Demon, Brennan, Kyzer, Drakz, and many others. True WFWF historians immediately recognize the significance of the clips as they are all from (in)famous SuperBrawl matches.
A murmur in the crowd builds to a roar of anticipation as the video closes out with still shots of all three current champions: Drakz, Frank Lynn, and Mesh. Then it fades to black and text appears:
The road to greatness starts right here, right now!
The image of AT&T Stadium, also known as the “Jerry Dome”, in Dallas appears.
SuperBrawl X!
The image of the AT&T Stadium behind the big bold word “SuperBrawl X” remains on the Tunatron as the lights come up to reveal Lila Sleater standing on the stage.
Lila Sleater: Hello to all our fans here in Seattle and watching at home all around the world! As you just saw, it’s that time once again when the WFWF will put on the greatest of all pro wrestling shows… SuperBrawl X is coming to Dallas, Texas in the Spring of 2019! All titles will be defended at this prestigious event as well as other matches sure to satisfy and send you home with a smile.
Also this year, the WFWF will be taking over Dallas for the week before SuperBrawl with the first ever WFWF All Access events where you can meet your favorite superstars past and present, immerse yourself in the WFWF wrestling experience with your own entrance on a real WFWF stage, and WFWF tryouts for those of you who think you have what it takes to be a WFWF superstar. Keep your eyes and ears open for more details on tickets and special All Access packages.
The Seattle crowd cheers. Lila milks the approving roar for all it is worth before speaking again.
Lila Sleater: I can tell you’re all as excited as I am for SuperBrawl but lets not forget that we have a show to put on tonight right here in the Key Arena. We’ve got two great matches lined up so sit back and enjoy the show!
Lila gives the crowd a regal wave and then turns to exit backstage.
Daniel Knight: Welcome one and all to SNAFU! It’s indeed Situation Normal: All F’D Up in the WFWF as Drakz is once again the World HeavyWeight Champion. He’s not wrestling tonight but he is in the building and where he goes, chaos is sure to follow.
Alecia Matthews: Also in the building but not wrestling is the International Champion Frank Lynn, who through no fault of his own is also surrounded by chaos thanks to Ante Whitner and Tyler Draven.
Daniel Knight: In fact, we’re going right now to a backstage interview with the International Champion where I’m sure he will address the two men leading the charge to take his title away from him.
And away we go to the backstage interview area where Kay Fabe is standing with Frank Lynn and his manager Daphne Velasquez.
Kay Fabe: Good evening Frank. And congratulations on another successful defense after your open challenge was answered by Tyler Draven at London Calling.
Frank Lynn: Thank You Kay. I have to give credit to Tyler, he put up a good fight but came up a little short. Just Like Ante Whitner did in Mexico City.
Kay Fabe: So what’s next for you? Ante and Tyler made it quite obvious they aren’t done with you. Will there be a rematch against one or both? Or will it be another open challenge?
Frank Lynn: The open challenge was a one night deal only to make sure I was on the London Calling card. I wasn’t missing out on the chance to wrestle at Wembley Stadium. But the open challenge is over. I’m the fighting champion, not the stupid champion. I’ll defend my title against whoever Lila sees fit to match me up against but I’ll know who ahead of time so I can prepare properly.
Daphne Velasquez: Yeah, Lila is in charge and we know that. We’ll fight the matches she wants because she knows what is best for business.
As hard as she tries to hide it, the sarcasm in Daphne’s voice is obvious.
Kay fabe: But you have to have a preference. Who do you want to defend your title against next?
Before Frank can answer, Daphne jumps in.
Daphne Velasquez: Preference? How about Frank versus Drakz for the World Heavyweight Championship? Brennan has apparently retired which means Drakz’ dance card is open.
Kay Fabe: Are you serious? Drakz beat Frank just a few months ago. What makes you think another match would turn out any differently?
Daphne Velasquez: That right there is the problem. Brennan and Frank carried this company on their backs for the past two years. Brennan is gone now, Drakz is back as champion, and Frank gets no respect for what he’s done. This man has brought respect to the International Championship and the WFWF as a whole with his by the rules style and dominance. He deserves a shot as much as if not more than anybody else.
Frank Lynn: What my slightly over enthusiastic manager is saying is that I’ll fight anybody regardless of whether it is to defend my title or challenge Drakz for his.
Daphne Velasquez: I said exactly what I meant. You should get the first shot at Drakz. If you don’t then it shows the lack of respect you get. Just look at this new WFWF video game. Who’s on the cover? MESH! And Drakz will be on the special exclusive release. What about Frank? I mean, you’re one of the biggest stars the WFWF has. You’re the one getting offered movie roles.
Kay Fabe: Wait, what? Frank, are you going Hollywood on us? Will you be taking time off to go make movies like Cameron Stone?
Frank Lynn: No no no. Again, my overly enthusiastic manager may be exaggerating slightly. I was offered a role in a movie… as Thug #2 with one line: “Whatever you say boss.” Hardly worth noting compared to Cameron Stone’s success. I’m not going anywhere. I know who butters my bread and it is the WFWF. I’m here for the fans, to be a champion they can look up to and aspire to be like. A fighting champion who keeps it clean.
Frank is abruptly interrupted as a familiar figure approaches.
Ante Whitner: Still spouting your party line for the masses, eh Frank?
Frank Lynn: What do you want Ante?
Ante Whitner: To deliver a simple message to you. The road to redemption is a long one with many potholes. I shall travel that road no matter how arduous until it leads me to my redemption. The pendulum has swung in your favor lately but the thing about pendulums is that they always swing back. It will swing in my favor soon and when it does I shall have my redemption… and the International Championship.
Before Frank can reply, another voice chimes in.
Tyler Draven: Blah blah blah. You’re all talk and no action Ante. Not like me. I take action. I do what has to be done. If anyone is going to take the International Championship from Frank, it’s going to be me.
Frank Lynn: I think you’re both barking up the wrong tree. You can talk trash to me all you want although I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. Last time I checked I was the one who beat both of you. If you’re here trying to get a rematch out of me, you should have listened to what I said at London. Get on your knees, pucker up, and kiss Lila’s ass.
Yet again, a new voice interjects.
Lila Sleater: You should pay attention to Frank, although I’ll thank you to not plant your lips anywhere on my person. I’m the one who makes the matches. No more open challenges. I’ll give title shots to the wrestler I think is most worthy.
Ante Whitner: I think my record speaks for itself. I want the title shot.
Tyler Draven: A record full of failures. Your time is past. It’s my time. I should get the title shot.
Ante and Tyler get right in each others face. Tensions rise quickly and a shoving match ensues. Tyler takes Ante down to the concrete floor and they start to fight. They roll around on the floor throwing wild punches while knocking over equipment and sending Kay Fabe running for cover. Frank watches with mild interest.
Frank Lynn: Looks like you have a problem on your hands Lila.
Lila Sleater: My problem for now, but soon to be yours I think. Where the hell is security?
As if on cue, security guards rush over to separate Draven and Whitner.
Lila Sleater: Listen up. I can see you both want another shot at Frank’s title. Problem is, I can’t decide which of you is more deserving. So here’s what we’re going to do. Sometime soon, we’ll have a number one contender’s match. Tyler Draven versus Ante Whitner with the winner getting a title match against Frank Lynn.
Frank Lynn: Really? That’s your solution? Have them fight it out to see which one gets to lose to me again?
A clearly aggravated and frustrated Lila gets right in Frank’s face and in a raised voice addresses him.
Lila Sleater: Would you prefer a triple threat match? Because I can certainly make that happen if you don’t like how I run things.
Observant viewers see Frank wrap an arm around Daphne’s waist, gently restraining his manager from doing something she would regret.
Frank Lynn: Whatever you say boss. Whatever you say.
Frank walks away, practically dragging Daphne with him. Security releases their grips on Tyler and Ante, who glare at each other.
Tyler Draven: I‘ll gladly go through you to get to Lynn. Your days are numbered.
Ante Whitner: We shall see. You’re just another pothole on my road to redemption.
Kay Fabe: Well that was a tense situation. Lila made it official. Ante Whitner versus Tyler Draven in a number one contender’s match for the International Championship. No word on when the match will take place but I’m sure it will be soon. Back to you Alecia and Daniel.
Daniel Knight: Thank you for that special report Kay. Things are already heating up tonight and we haven’t had a match yet.
Alecia Matthews: Indeed Daniel. Never a dull moment. Draven vs Whitner should be a great match.
Daniel Knight: I’m sure it will be but first, Ante has to deal with the resident psychopath of the WFWF, Ryan “Needles” Payne. Needles knows no limits when it comes to violence.
Alecia Matthews: Well neither does Ante. If Payne wants to bring the pain, Ante can take it and dish out plenty of his own.
The lights go out. The arena is in a state of silence, fully aware of who's about to appear from behind the curtain. You Only Live Once by Suicide Silence begins to play starting with a guitar solo leading to the inclusion of drums and climaxing in an immense wail from the lead singer. The second the vocals hit the arena is bombarded with a sea of extreme flashing lights. The colours are a blur at first. The lights trigger Needles entrance to the stage where he is met with severe boos and met with a reception of ‘expletives.'
Needles has a baseball bat that he swings around and then rests on his shoulder as he walks to the ring. He has a smile on his face, the kind of smile that scares people.
Alecia Matthews: Needles is looking quite pleased with himself tonight.
Daniel Knight: Well he is coming off a victory over Chris Priceless where he basically had his way, damn near killing Priceless.
Alecia Matthews: He better think twice if he’s planning on doing the same thing to Ante Whitner.
The soft strokes of a piano echo throughout the arena. A pinch of light dims at the center of the stage with a faint white smoke. The notes get louder and louder with accompanying orchestra and chorus vocals. The words "War is God" flash on the screen over and over again, endlessly. The beat drops and the epic orchestral rendition of "Gangsta's Paradise" hammers the arena with a large thud, like an atomic bomb landed at its epicenter.
A figure emerges from the stage with a grin of his face. Ante Whitner glimmers in a white boxing robe, hopping around for a bit of momentum going into the matchup. He shakes out his hands, stretches his arms, and cracks his neck, smiling as he's ready to "redeem" his next target. The "Redeemer" walks down the ramp with swagger and the thunderous orchestral rendition of his classic theme song in the background. He enters the ring and takes off the pale white robe, revealing the soldier he is underneath with camo gear and a propensity for violence. The smoke fades from the arena as Whitner stares down his opponent and mouths the word “redemption".
Alecia Matthews: Ante looks ready for battle.
Daniel Knight: He better be. Not only does he have to survive a psychopath but a loss tonight might put the kibosh on his #1 contender’s match with Tyler Draven.
Christa Adina: Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the competitors for our first match of the evening. In the corner to my left, hailing from Glasgow, Scotland… Ryan “Neeeedles” Paynnne! And in the corner to my left, hailing from Yonkers, New York… The Redeemer Ante Whiiitttnnneeerrr!
Payne stands in the middle of the ring leaning on the baseball bat. Ante stretches in a corner of the ring. Ante turns to face Payne but before he can approach him, the psychedelic sounds of Anthem of the Space blare over the P/A system. Frank Lynn strolls out in street clothes to a cheer from the crowd. He holds up the International Championship belt and walks towards the ring, stopping at ringside to give Ante a wave, then making his way to the announcer’s table. He takes a seat next to Daniel and Alecia, putting on an extra set of headphones.
Alecia Matthews: Hello Frank. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?
Frank Lynn: As I’m sure you saw, Ante decided to stick his nose into my business yet again. I’m here to keep a close eye on him. He can make all the claims he wants about being born again and seeking redemption. I don’t trust him.
Daniel Knight: So you’re doing a little scouting. That’s the trademark of a smart wrestler.
Frank Lynn: Was that a compliment Daniel? I remember when I was at the top of your sh*t list.
Daniel Knight: Times change. People change.
Alecia Matthews: In any case, welcome to the team Frank. It looks like the ref is having a hard time getting the match started.
In the ring, Ante has turned his full attention to Payne, walking up to him and engaging in a staredown. Payne ignores the ref as he asks Payne to give up the bat. Ante takes matters into his own hands.. or in this case feet. He gently kicks the bat hanging at Payne’s side. Payne swings the bat up into an offensive position, ready to swing for the fences. The ref steps in between the two men and demands that Payne relinquish the bat or he will be immediately disqualified.
Payne smirks, then hands the bat to the ref. The ref pushes the two men apart, then slides the bat out of the ring to a staffer who places it on the timekeepers table. The ref signals for the bell.
DING DING DING
Ante Whitner crosses himself quickly, then charges at Ryan Payne. Taking a cue from Needles’ hardcore style, Ante doesn’t bother with a wrestling hold or move. He rams his head straight into Payne’s head, their skulls cracking loudly. Ante spins around and hits a back elbow smash to the throat, stomps Payne’s foot, reaches down to grab Payne’s foot and lifts up causing Needles to fall to the mat. Ante twists the ankle violently until Needles rolls over and grabs for the ropes. Ante drags Payne away from the ropes, slams his knee into the mat several times, and drops an elbow to the back of Ryan’s knee. He resumes his hold of the ankle, twisting away at it while leaning back so that his weight keeps Needles pinned to the mat.
Alecia Matthews: Ante starting off on fire.
Frank Lynn: That’s what you have to do against someone like Needles. Fast hard hitting offense to take some of the fight out of him. You can’t let a bully like Needles get on a roll because he will hurt you.
Daniel Knight: Just look at what happened to Chris Priceless.
Ante continues to target the leg of Needles, draping it over the bottom rope and dropping knee after knee to Payne’s leg. The ref steps in, forcing Ante to step away from the ropes. Payne hops up on one leg and glares at Ante. He massages his knee and ankle while the ref chastises Ante for using the ropes.
Whitner steps around the ref and runs at Needles. Needles uses the ropes for leverage and leaps up to hit Ante in the face with a knee. Ante rocks back and Needles follows up with a devastating clothesline. Needles backs away to lean against the ropes again, trying to massage the pain out and get full mobility back.
Ante kips up and taunts Payne. Ignoring the pain in his leg, Needles comes at Ante. Ante sidesteps and hits Needles with a drop toe hold. Ante quickly bounces up, Needles is much slower to get up. As soon as he is standing again, Ante hits a roundhouse kick to the head. Ante whips the wobbly Payne into the corner with enough velocity to shake the ring. He comes flying in after Payne with a big splash, then jumping onto the second rope and punching Needles in the forehead over and over while the crowd counts along.
Frank Lynn: We are seeing Ante Whitner at his best right now. He is controlling the match and keeping the pressure on his opponent, forcing Needles to react instead of act.
Alecia Matthews: Sounds like you respect Ante.
Frank Lynn: I respect his wrestling skills, which are formidable. He’s good, just not as good as me.
Daniel Knight: Spoken like a true champion.
Ante continues to punch Needles despite numerous warnings from the referee. Payne tries to counter, blocking the punches with his forearms, then shoving Ante off of him. Ante jumps right back onto Needles to punch him again but Payne catches shim, lifts him up, and then slams Ante to the mat with a running power bomb.
Payne wipes some blood off his lower lip, then eyes up Ante. He stomps on Ante’s chest, then works his way around each appendage, and lastly stomps on Ante’s head. Then he picks Ante up and whips him into the corner. Needles charges into the corner after Ante, hitting a shoulder block into Ante’s midsection. Needles gars Ante by the beard and yanks his head down into Ryan’s rising knee. Ante is rocked back by the blow and tries to spin away but Ryan catches him in a side headlock.
Daniel Knight: Is Needles using an actual wrestling move?
Alecia Matthews: That would be a first.
Needles drags Ante’s eyes along the ring ropesfrom one corner to another, then slams Ante’s head into the turnbuckle. Not satisfied with the impact, Needles rips the pad off the turnbuckle and slams Ante’s head onto the exposed metal.
The outraged ref forcibly separates Needles and Whitner. He scrambles to get the pad back on the turnbuckle before things get completely out of control. While the ref is busy, Needles pokes Ante in the eyes. Temporarily blinded, Ante stumble around the ring trying to avoid Needles. Needles catches Ante with a big boot to the head. Then he lifts Ante up and flips him over into position for the Lasting Impression.
Amazingly, Ante reaches up to grab Needles head and use that to lift himself onto Needles’ shoulders. He keeps his momentum going and hits a modified Code Red. Both men lay on the mat afterwards, Needles having been almost knocked out and Ante still feeling the effects of the eye poke.
Frank Lynn: Impressive counter but Ante. A little bit of desperation too as he had to avoid taking the pile driver or this match would be over.
Daniel Knight: You’ve been in the ring multiple times with Ante. What is the key to beating him?
Frank Lynn: You know he’s going to get his offense in. You have to ride out the storm, wait for him to make a mistake, and capitalize. That’s the difference between us. He will make a mistake. I won’t.
Alecia Matthews: And what about Needles? How would you defeat him.
Frank Lynn: Needles is a bully. Punch him in the face to let him know you aren’t going to take any of his sh*t. Once you do that, all you have to do is outwrestle him. Shouldn’t be too hard since he has all the wrestling skills of a chimpanzee. He reminds me a lot of another psychopath who couldn’t wrestle to save his life: Phillip Schneider.
Needles and Whitner have managed to get back to their feet and square off in the center of the ring. Ante tries to get a collar and elbow hold but Needles fights it off and just throws punches. Ante replies in kind and the two men pummel each other while the ref warns the, about closed fists. Eventually the ref gives up and lets them go at it.
Ante ducks under a punch and kicks one of Needles legs out from under him. Ante spins around and his shin connects with Needles’ face. Needles sways back and forth on his knees so Ante goes for another shin kick.
Needles blocks the kick, then points wildly at something happening at ringside. Actually nothing was happening at ringside, but the ref is fooled and looks away. Needles hits a low blow! Then he gets to his feet, kicks Ante in the stomach, whips him into the ropes, and follows in with a Cactus clothesline that sends both men over the top rope down to the floor.
Daniel Knight: Needles just pulled one over on the ref. Now he’s got Ante on the run.
Frank Lynn: Let’s be honest. The quality of refereeing in the WFWF is questionable at best. You don’t have to try very hard to pull a fast one on them.
Alecia Matthews: Do you think it’s wise to criticize the officiating? Lila could be listening.
Frank Lynn: I hope she is. Better referees would make it a hell of a lot easier for me to have clean matches. I hate all this rule breaking crap that goes on. It’s not wrestling. It’s garbage.
Needles goes to whip Ante into the ring steps but Ante reverses and Needles crashes into the steps instead. Ante stomps over to the downed Needles but Needles reaches into his pocket, pulls something out, and then throws a cloud of powder into Ante’s face. Once again blinded, Ante is helpless as Needles slams his head into the ring steps.
Needles approaches the announcer’s table, grabbing a chair and waving it around while smiling that evil grin of his. He stops briefly to confront Frank.
Needles: Hey champ, maybe it’s me who should be the number one contender!
Frank Lynn takes off the headphones and stands up, arms spread out inviting Needles to try something. Needles makes threatening gesture with the chair. Frank smiles and points behind Needles.
Needles turns to see a very angry Ante Whitner. Needles tries to swing the chair but Ante kicks it right into Needles’ face. Needles drops the chair, Ante picks it up, and he hits Needles several times over the back with it.
Ante glances in Frank’s direction but Frank is already sitting down and putting the headset back on. Frank gives Ante a golf clap and points at his downed opponent, then points at the ref in the ring. Ante realizes that the ref has been counting all along and is up to fifteen.
Ante drags Needles to his feet and pushes him into the ring, then slides in after him to break the count.
Frank Lynn: Ante is smarter than he looks. He could have succumbed to his violent urges and continued the chair shots but that would cost him the match. Instead he chose to get it back in the ring.
Daniel Knight: He’s a savvy veteran. He knows when it’s time to get hardcore and when it’s time to wrestle.
Alecia Matthews: The ref actually doing his job didn’t hurt either. Ante knows a loss tonight would be a major blow to his title hopes.
Still reeling from the chair shots, Needles is easy pickings for Ante, who turns to a more traditional, less hardcore wrestling style. Ante hits a series of german suplexes followed by a diving headbutt from the top turnbuckle. Ante goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Needles kicks out!
Ante calmly continues with the offense, whipping Needles into the ropes and hitting power slam. Then a belly to belly suplex, knee drop to the head, and split legged moonsault. Another cover.
1…
2…
Needles kicks out!
Alecia Matthews: Ante is turning this into a wrestling clinic.
Daniel Knight: But Needles keeps kicking out! You have to give him credit: he can take it as much as he can dish it out.
Frank Lynn: If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Needles is getting off on the pain. He freakin’ enjoys it!
Ante keeps up with the punishing offense. He hits Needles with a standing dropkick, then a Frankensteiner, and then he locks on the Bloody Yonkers submission.
Needles struggles at first, grimacing in pain (or is it pleasure) as Ante cranks up the pressure trying to force Needles to tap. Slowly, it appears that Needles is fading as he stops struggling but the smile remains on his face.
Suddenly Ante screams and jumps off Needles. A hypodermic needle is sticking out of his leg!
Alecia Matthews: What the hell? Needles used a needles on Ante!
Daniel Knight: Why isn’t the ref calling for the bell? That has to be a DQ!
Frank Lynn: The ref is too busy checking Needles to see if he can continue the match. He didn’t see the needle. Typical shoddy refereeing.
Ante reaches down and yanks the needle out of his leg but it is empty, the contents having been injected into him doing lord knows what.
Needles slowly stands up and his grin turns into the widest ear to ear sh*t eating smile you never want to see on your opponents face. He walks over to Ante and slaps him. Ante tries to fight back but his leg gives out and he falls to his knees.
Needles towers over Ante, holding his head in one hand while slapping him over and over. Needles lifts Ante up and drops him down across his knee with a brutal backbreaker. Needles lifts Ante up again and hits a second backbreaker. Then he drops Ante to the mat and nonchalantly covers him.
1…
2…
Ante kicks out!
DanielKnight: How? How? He kicked out! HOW?
Alecia Matthews: Incredible!
Frank Lynn: We’re seeing the Ante Whitner who refused to quit against Phillip Schneider no matter what sick sh*t Schneider tried. Needles may have poked the bear a little too hard.
Payne is shocked that Whitner kicked out and pounds the mat in frustration. Ante is unable to get to his feet so he crawls towards the corner and pulls himself up on the ropes. Needles charges at Ante. Ante jumps off the ropes and hits a flying forearm smash to Needles’ jaw.
Both men end up on their knees face to face. They start to trade heavy blows. The crowd is firmly behind the redeemer and cheers loudly when lands a punch while booing Needles right out of the building when he lands a blow.
Whatever Needles injected into Ante is not having the desired effect. Ante isn’t feeling the blows from Needles at all. He keeps hitting back harder and harder until Needles has to retreat, rolling out of the ring and taking a walk, trying to get his second wind.
Ante Pulls himself up using the ropes, checks his leg and finds that he can stand on it. He slowly walks around the inside of the ring parallel to Needles on the outside. Needles stops to lean against the apron and catch his breath. Ante strikes, running the ropes to hit a suicide dive.
Frank Lynn: Ante Whitner may be the craziest son of a b*tch I’ve ever seen. Trying a suicide dive in his condition? He’s lucky he didn’t break his neck.
Alecia Matthews: It took a toll on him too.
Daniel Knight: This is it. The match has come down to which wrestler can crawl back into the ring before the ref counts them both out.
1… 2… 3… Ante lifts himself up, grabs Needles head and slams it into the security barrier. 4… 5… Then he drives his knee into Needles’ head making sure he stays down. 6… 7… 8… Ante stumbles towards the ring, falling down just as he reaches out for the apron. 9… 10… Ante lifts himself up again and manages to pull himself into the ring.
11… 12… 13… Needles is moving. He crawls towards the ring. 14… 15… 16… Needles grabs the bottom rope and pulls himself up and into the ring, breaking the count.
Needles stands up and walks towards Ante. Ante retreats, bounces off the ropes and comes back at Needles attempting a cross body. Needles catches him, then flips him onto his shoulders, and hits a samoan drop, his arm draped over Ante for a cover.
1…
2…
Whitner kicks out!
Alecia Matthews: Amazing resilience and determination by Ante.
Daniel Knight: I’m sure Needles is amazed. He probably thought he had this wrapped up when he shot Ante full of whatever was in that needle.
Frank Lynn: He should have taken Ante’s history into account. That guys pumped himself full of so much sh*t over the years that Needles’ needle may as well been full of saline solution.
Needles tries to pick Ante up for the Lasting Impression but Ante reverses it and drops Needles on his head. Ante slowly, laboriously climbs to the top rope, then leaps off to hit a flying elbow drop. He goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Needles kicks out!
Ante backs away and leans against the ropes, clearly wondering what he has to do to finish off Needles. Needles gets to his feet and smiles his evil grin yet again. He comes towards Ante who hits an enziguri kick. Needles is rocked and wobbles on spaghetti legs. Ante charges in and hits a running knee. Needles wobble some more but doesn’t fall.
Ante grabs Needles and head butts him. The two exhausted men lean against each other for support.
Then there is a roar from the crowd. A hooded figure has jumped the barrier, grabbed Needles bat from the timekeeper’s table, and entered the ring. The unknown assailant winds up for a home run swing at Needles’ head but Needles quickly spins around placing Ante in the way. The bat connects with Ante’s back, a sickening thud that silences the crowd.
Ante slumps to the mat.
The referee immediately signals for the bell.
DING DING DING
The attacker removes his hood.
Daniel Knight: It’s Chris Priceless, back from the dead to get retribution on Needles!
Frank Lynn: That’s why you shouldn’t use shortcuts like weapons in a match. It always comes back to bite you in the ass.
Priceless steps over Ante’s body to get closer to Needles, swinging the bat at Needles’ head. Needles ducks the blow that would have decapitated him had it connected. Priceless continues to stalk Needles, swinging the bat wildly, as Needles crawls, rolls, and scrambles to get away. Needles manages to get out of the ring but Priceless catches him and one of his swings connects to Needles shoulder. Priceless swing several more times, each blow driving Needles down to the floor. Then Priceless gets behind Needles, locks the bat in under his chin, and starts to choke the life out of Needles.
Security guards swarm down the ramp but Frank Lynn gets to Priceless and Needles first. Frank puts a choke hold on Priceless and pulls him off Needles.
Frank Lynn: Not like this! Needles is a piece of sh*t but not like this! It could cost you your career! Be the bigger man Chris!
Priceless roars and fights against Frank’s choke hold while Needles goes over the security barriers and escapes through the crowd. Once Needles is out of site, Priceless settle down enough that security are able to escort him backstage.
Frank goes over to the announcer’s table.
Frank Lynn: I can’t say its been fun, but it’s definitely been interesting.
Frank then takes one last look at the ring where Ante Whitner is being attended to by the medics, turns and walks up the ramp and backstage.
Alecia Matthews: Welcome to the WFWF, where anything can and often does happen.
Daniel Knight: Missed in all the ruckus is the fact that Ante just got the win over Needles. Sure, it was by DQ, but a win is a win and he remains on track to become the number one contender to the International Championship.
Alecia Matthews: I’m sure Tyler Draven will have something to say about that.
Daniel Knight: Before our next match, I’m getting word that we have to go to the locker room for an update from Michael Kyzer.
The cameras cut to the locker room and we are treated to the lovely image of Homeless Alex Sean biting the toenail on his big toe while Fat EBR sits next to him surrounded by a couple of buckets of fried chicken. Sean spits out a piece of toe nail he pulled off his gnarly looking toe and glances around.
Alex: Isn’t he supposed to be here by now?
EBR spits food and grossness everywhere as he answers with his mouth full. It is completely indecipherable.
“I am here.”
Michael Kyzer walks into the picture followed by Tugarin Zmey. He gives the fat former World Champion a look of disgust.
Alex: So what is the plan for The Anointed tonight?
Kyzer: We are not The Anointed. I have told you that name is plain stupid. I told you that back in the day when you first formed that little group.
Alex Sean looks sad.
Kyzer: But there is no plan for the two of you. I have no use for either of you anymore.
EBR goes to protest but starts choking from having a mouthful of fried chicken. Sean slaps him on the back and he spits everything in his mouth onto the floor. He is a disgusting guy.
EBR: You made promises!
Alex: You took me away from teaching jiu-jitsu only to discard me like a piece of trash?
Kyzer: I didn’t know you had a job. You are trash, just look at yourself.
Alex: It is a fashion style!
Kyzer just shakes his head.
Kyzer: I am not going to sit here and argue with you two slobs. I don’t either of you around anymore so I guess you are both fired.
They are both stand and furiously march out, only for EBR to come back and grab one of the buckets of fried chicken. He flips Kyzer a greasy bird as his walks out. Kyzer watches them spam and turns towards Zmey.
Kyzer: With those two slobs gone, you and I need to talk.
Zmey stares.
Kyzer: While you have been my greatest asset since my return, I think it time for our mutual story to end here.
Zmey stares.
Kyzer: I am saying you are no longer bound to me. You are a free man, Subutai. I don’t know what you want to do from this point forward but I am no longer going to decide that for you.
Zmey: Are you sure about this?
Zmey’s first words on television.
Kyzer: I am my man. My journey is almost at an end and this last part I have to do alone. You are free to go back to Hungary, Mongolia or wherever.
There is a respectful moment of silence between the two before they are suddenly interrupted by Lila Sleater. She has a smile on his face at finding Michael Kyzer and Tugarin Zmey, most people never smile at seeing these two.
Sleater: I was looking for you…
She nearly slips where EBR spit chicken everywhere.
Sleater: That is nothing less than disgusting (referring to the mess on the floor). So since you weren’t the one who was pinned by Drakz in London, I think it is only appropriate that Michael Kyzer vs Drakz for the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship take place at Super Brawl. It is what you and him both want, why not make it at our biggest show.
Kyzer: Not happening.
Sleater: What do you mean?
Kyzer: What I said.
Kyzer turns from her and looks at Zmey.
Kyzer: Take care of her my man. I didn’t dig you both out of Budapest for her not to have the life she deserves.
He slaps Zmey on the arm, turns and walks out on Sleater and Zmey. Sleater is very confused.
Sleater: What just happened?
Zmey: We are all free.
Sleater is taken back by the words from the giant. This is obviously the first time she has heard him speak.
Sleater: I am really lost in all these riddles. Does he really plan to walk away from the match that been building like this? This is the biggest money match this company has ever had!
Zmey says nothing, just stares at Sleater.
Sleater: I am so over all these divas. Between him, Drakz, Brennan, Whitner, Draven, Lynn… I am going to lose my mind.
She stares at Zmey for a second.
Sleater: Well maybe you would like to discuss your future around here….
Before the camera shot cuts back to Daniel and Alecia, Billy Broom walks into view and glances inside the disgusting mess of a locker room.
Billy: Don’t care how much they pay me. I ain’t cleaning up that sh*t.
Lila Sleater: Come in.
Without hesitation, the door swings open, and a uniformed member of the WFWF production crew, identified as such by the requisite, embroidered black polo and oversized headset slung around his neck, leans in, his hand remaining upon the handle, never quite entering the office fully.
Production Hand: Ms. Sleater? We’re two minutes out to showtime.
Lila Sleater: Thank you, Bartholomay.
Rather than making a swift exit, as has been commonplace following the delivery of the live cue, Bartholomay idles a moment longer, apparently not yet finished delivering pertinent details to the GM.
Bartholomay: Oh, uh...also?
Sleater looks on as Bartholomay steps into the room and immediately aside, clearing way for a uniformed FedEx driver to enter, brandishing a rigid, flat-pack cardboard envelope, conspicuously sealed with a neon green label along one edge.
FedEx Driver: Certified. You’ll need to sign.
She does, glancing upward at the two men looking on, her stare all but commanding the two of them to leave in swift fashion. No sooner has the door slammed, Sleater procures a handled opener, slicing open the flat package and reaching in to procure its contents - a single sheet of legal sized letterhead. She pores over the note, her brow furrowing as her eyes dart, before letting it land on the desk before her, glancing up at the wall clock as she leans back to ponder what she’s just taken in, exhaling heavily, almost defeatedly..
Lila Sleater: Damn.
Resigning defeat, she rises from her seat, pushing back her chair and storming past the desk, rushing out the door as it slams behind her.
In the GM’s absence, we pan in to the brief note that has arrived to kick off Sleater’s night in unanticipated fashion. It’s typewritten, pointed, and without frill:
To whom it may concern:
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my intent to opt-out of all provisions of my remaining contract with the WFWF, as detailed and allowed in the amendment signed into agreement in March of this year.
With no certain regards,
David F. Brennan
The show starts with a video package set to the song “Right here, right now” by Fatboy Slim. As the music ramps up in intensity, highlights from past matches play on the Tunatron featuring names and faces from the past to the present: Thunder, Wayne McGurk, Obo, Shawn Malakai, Yukio Blaze, Joshua Dean,Trace Demon, Brennan, Kyzer, Drakz, and many others. True WFWF historians immediately recognize the significance of the clips as they are all from (in)famous SuperBrawl matches.
A murmur in the crowd builds to a roar of anticipation as the video closes out with still shots of all three current champions: Drakz, Frank Lynn, and Mesh. Then it fades to black and text appears:
The road to greatness starts right here, right now!
The image of AT&T Stadium, also known as the “Jerry Dome”, in Dallas appears.
SuperBrawl X!
The image of the AT&T Stadium behind the big bold word “SuperBrawl X” remains on the Tunatron as the lights come up to reveal Lila Sleater standing on the stage.
Lila Sleater: Hello to all our fans here in Seattle and watching at home all around the world! As you just saw, it’s that time once again when the WFWF will put on the greatest of all pro wrestling shows… SuperBrawl X is coming to Dallas, Texas in the Spring of 2019! All titles will be defended at this prestigious event as well as other matches sure to satisfy and send you home with a smile.
Also this year, the WFWF will be taking over Dallas for the week before SuperBrawl with the first ever WFWF All Access events where you can meet your favorite superstars past and present, immerse yourself in the WFWF wrestling experience with your own entrance on a real WFWF stage, and WFWF tryouts for those of you who think you have what it takes to be a WFWF superstar. Keep your eyes and ears open for more details on tickets and special All Access packages.
The Seattle crowd cheers. Lila milks the approving roar for all it is worth before speaking again.
Lila Sleater: I can tell you’re all as excited as I am for SuperBrawl but lets not forget that we have a show to put on tonight right here in the Key Arena. We’ve got two great matches lined up so sit back and enjoy the show!
Lila gives the crowd a regal wave and then turns to exit backstage.
Daniel Knight: Welcome one and all to SNAFU! It’s indeed Situation Normal: All F’D Up in the WFWF as Drakz is once again the World HeavyWeight Champion. He’s not wrestling tonight but he is in the building and where he goes, chaos is sure to follow.
Alecia Matthews: Also in the building but not wrestling is the International Champion Frank Lynn, who through no fault of his own is also surrounded by chaos thanks to Ante Whitner and Tyler Draven.
Daniel Knight: In fact, we’re going right now to a backstage interview with the International Champion where I’m sure he will address the two men leading the charge to take his title away from him.
And away we go to the backstage interview area where Kay Fabe is standing with Frank Lynn and his manager Daphne Velasquez.
Kay Fabe: Good evening Frank. And congratulations on another successful defense after your open challenge was answered by Tyler Draven at London Calling.
Frank Lynn: Thank You Kay. I have to give credit to Tyler, he put up a good fight but came up a little short. Just Like Ante Whitner did in Mexico City.
Kay Fabe: So what’s next for you? Ante and Tyler made it quite obvious they aren’t done with you. Will there be a rematch against one or both? Or will it be another open challenge?
Frank Lynn: The open challenge was a one night deal only to make sure I was on the London Calling card. I wasn’t missing out on the chance to wrestle at Wembley Stadium. But the open challenge is over. I’m the fighting champion, not the stupid champion. I’ll defend my title against whoever Lila sees fit to match me up against but I’ll know who ahead of time so I can prepare properly.
Daphne Velasquez: Yeah, Lila is in charge and we know that. We’ll fight the matches she wants because she knows what is best for business.
As hard as she tries to hide it, the sarcasm in Daphne’s voice is obvious.
Kay fabe: But you have to have a preference. Who do you want to defend your title against next?
Before Frank can answer, Daphne jumps in.
Daphne Velasquez: Preference? How about Frank versus Drakz for the World Heavyweight Championship? Brennan has apparently retired which means Drakz’ dance card is open.
Kay Fabe: Are you serious? Drakz beat Frank just a few months ago. What makes you think another match would turn out any differently?
Daphne Velasquez: That right there is the problem. Brennan and Frank carried this company on their backs for the past two years. Brennan is gone now, Drakz is back as champion, and Frank gets no respect for what he’s done. This man has brought respect to the International Championship and the WFWF as a whole with his by the rules style and dominance. He deserves a shot as much as if not more than anybody else.
Frank Lynn: What my slightly over enthusiastic manager is saying is that I’ll fight anybody regardless of whether it is to defend my title or challenge Drakz for his.
Daphne Velasquez: I said exactly what I meant. You should get the first shot at Drakz. If you don’t then it shows the lack of respect you get. Just look at this new WFWF video game. Who’s on the cover? MESH! And Drakz will be on the special exclusive release. What about Frank? I mean, you’re one of the biggest stars the WFWF has. You’re the one getting offered movie roles.
Kay Fabe: Wait, what? Frank, are you going Hollywood on us? Will you be taking time off to go make movies like Cameron Stone?
Frank Lynn: No no no. Again, my overly enthusiastic manager may be exaggerating slightly. I was offered a role in a movie… as Thug #2 with one line: “Whatever you say boss.” Hardly worth noting compared to Cameron Stone’s success. I’m not going anywhere. I know who butters my bread and it is the WFWF. I’m here for the fans, to be a champion they can look up to and aspire to be like. A fighting champion who keeps it clean.
Frank is abruptly interrupted as a familiar figure approaches.
Ante Whitner: Still spouting your party line for the masses, eh Frank?
Frank Lynn: What do you want Ante?
Ante Whitner: To deliver a simple message to you. The road to redemption is a long one with many potholes. I shall travel that road no matter how arduous until it leads me to my redemption. The pendulum has swung in your favor lately but the thing about pendulums is that they always swing back. It will swing in my favor soon and when it does I shall have my redemption… and the International Championship.
Before Frank can reply, another voice chimes in.
Tyler Draven: Blah blah blah. You’re all talk and no action Ante. Not like me. I take action. I do what has to be done. If anyone is going to take the International Championship from Frank, it’s going to be me.
Frank Lynn: I think you’re both barking up the wrong tree. You can talk trash to me all you want although I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. Last time I checked I was the one who beat both of you. If you’re here trying to get a rematch out of me, you should have listened to what I said at London. Get on your knees, pucker up, and kiss Lila’s ass.
Yet again, a new voice interjects.
Lila Sleater: You should pay attention to Frank, although I’ll thank you to not plant your lips anywhere on my person. I’m the one who makes the matches. No more open challenges. I’ll give title shots to the wrestler I think is most worthy.
Ante Whitner: I think my record speaks for itself. I want the title shot.
Tyler Draven: A record full of failures. Your time is past. It’s my time. I should get the title shot.
Ante and Tyler get right in each others face. Tensions rise quickly and a shoving match ensues. Tyler takes Ante down to the concrete floor and they start to fight. They roll around on the floor throwing wild punches while knocking over equipment and sending Kay Fabe running for cover. Frank watches with mild interest.
Frank Lynn: Looks like you have a problem on your hands Lila.
Lila Sleater: My problem for now, but soon to be yours I think. Where the hell is security?
As if on cue, security guards rush over to separate Draven and Whitner.
Lila Sleater: Listen up. I can see you both want another shot at Frank’s title. Problem is, I can’t decide which of you is more deserving. So here’s what we’re going to do. Sometime soon, we’ll have a number one contender’s match. Tyler Draven versus Ante Whitner with the winner getting a title match against Frank Lynn.
Frank Lynn: Really? That’s your solution? Have them fight it out to see which one gets to lose to me again?
A clearly aggravated and frustrated Lila gets right in Frank’s face and in a raised voice addresses him.
Lila Sleater: Would you prefer a triple threat match? Because I can certainly make that happen if you don’t like how I run things.
Observant viewers see Frank wrap an arm around Daphne’s waist, gently restraining his manager from doing something she would regret.
Frank Lynn: Whatever you say boss. Whatever you say.
Frank walks away, practically dragging Daphne with him. Security releases their grips on Tyler and Ante, who glare at each other.
Tyler Draven: I‘ll gladly go through you to get to Lynn. Your days are numbered.
Ante Whitner: We shall see. You’re just another pothole on my road to redemption.
Kay Fabe: Well that was a tense situation. Lila made it official. Ante Whitner versus Tyler Draven in a number one contender’s match for the International Championship. No word on when the match will take place but I’m sure it will be soon. Back to you Alecia and Daniel.
Daniel Knight: Thank you for that special report Kay. Things are already heating up tonight and we haven’t had a match yet.
Alecia Matthews: Indeed Daniel. Never a dull moment. Draven vs Whitner should be a great match.
Daniel Knight: I’m sure it will be but first, Ante has to deal with the resident psychopath of the WFWF, Ryan “Needles” Payne. Needles knows no limits when it comes to violence.
Alecia Matthews: Well neither does Ante. If Payne wants to bring the pain, Ante can take it and dish out plenty of his own.
The lights go out. The arena is in a state of silence, fully aware of who's about to appear from behind the curtain. You Only Live Once by Suicide Silence begins to play starting with a guitar solo leading to the inclusion of drums and climaxing in an immense wail from the lead singer. The second the vocals hit the arena is bombarded with a sea of extreme flashing lights. The colours are a blur at first. The lights trigger Needles entrance to the stage where he is met with severe boos and met with a reception of ‘expletives.'
Needles has a baseball bat that he swings around and then rests on his shoulder as he walks to the ring. He has a smile on his face, the kind of smile that scares people.
Alecia Matthews: Needles is looking quite pleased with himself tonight.
Daniel Knight: Well he is coming off a victory over Chris Priceless where he basically had his way, damn near killing Priceless.
Alecia Matthews: He better think twice if he’s planning on doing the same thing to Ante Whitner.
The soft strokes of a piano echo throughout the arena. A pinch of light dims at the center of the stage with a faint white smoke. The notes get louder and louder with accompanying orchestra and chorus vocals. The words "War is God" flash on the screen over and over again, endlessly. The beat drops and the epic orchestral rendition of "Gangsta's Paradise" hammers the arena with a large thud, like an atomic bomb landed at its epicenter.
A figure emerges from the stage with a grin of his face. Ante Whitner glimmers in a white boxing robe, hopping around for a bit of momentum going into the matchup. He shakes out his hands, stretches his arms, and cracks his neck, smiling as he's ready to "redeem" his next target. The "Redeemer" walks down the ramp with swagger and the thunderous orchestral rendition of his classic theme song in the background. He enters the ring and takes off the pale white robe, revealing the soldier he is underneath with camo gear and a propensity for violence. The smoke fades from the arena as Whitner stares down his opponent and mouths the word “redemption".
Alecia Matthews: Ante looks ready for battle.
Daniel Knight: He better be. Not only does he have to survive a psychopath but a loss tonight might put the kibosh on his #1 contender’s match with Tyler Draven.
Christa Adina: Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the competitors for our first match of the evening. In the corner to my left, hailing from Glasgow, Scotland… Ryan “Neeeedles” Paynnne! And in the corner to my left, hailing from Yonkers, New York… The Redeemer Ante Whiiitttnnneeerrr!
Payne stands in the middle of the ring leaning on the baseball bat. Ante stretches in a corner of the ring. Ante turns to face Payne but before he can approach him, the psychedelic sounds of Anthem of the Space blare over the P/A system. Frank Lynn strolls out in street clothes to a cheer from the crowd. He holds up the International Championship belt and walks towards the ring, stopping at ringside to give Ante a wave, then making his way to the announcer’s table. He takes a seat next to Daniel and Alecia, putting on an extra set of headphones.
Alecia Matthews: Hello Frank. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?
Frank Lynn: As I’m sure you saw, Ante decided to stick his nose into my business yet again. I’m here to keep a close eye on him. He can make all the claims he wants about being born again and seeking redemption. I don’t trust him.
Daniel Knight: So you’re doing a little scouting. That’s the trademark of a smart wrestler.
Frank Lynn: Was that a compliment Daniel? I remember when I was at the top of your sh*t list.
Daniel Knight: Times change. People change.
Alecia Matthews: In any case, welcome to the team Frank. It looks like the ref is having a hard time getting the match started.
In the ring, Ante has turned his full attention to Payne, walking up to him and engaging in a staredown. Payne ignores the ref as he asks Payne to give up the bat. Ante takes matters into his own hands.. or in this case feet. He gently kicks the bat hanging at Payne’s side. Payne swings the bat up into an offensive position, ready to swing for the fences. The ref steps in between the two men and demands that Payne relinquish the bat or he will be immediately disqualified.
Payne smirks, then hands the bat to the ref. The ref pushes the two men apart, then slides the bat out of the ring to a staffer who places it on the timekeepers table. The ref signals for the bell.
DING DING DING
Ante Whitner crosses himself quickly, then charges at Ryan Payne. Taking a cue from Needles’ hardcore style, Ante doesn’t bother with a wrestling hold or move. He rams his head straight into Payne’s head, their skulls cracking loudly. Ante spins around and hits a back elbow smash to the throat, stomps Payne’s foot, reaches down to grab Payne’s foot and lifts up causing Needles to fall to the mat. Ante twists the ankle violently until Needles rolls over and grabs for the ropes. Ante drags Payne away from the ropes, slams his knee into the mat several times, and drops an elbow to the back of Ryan’s knee. He resumes his hold of the ankle, twisting away at it while leaning back so that his weight keeps Needles pinned to the mat.
Alecia Matthews: Ante starting off on fire.
Frank Lynn: That’s what you have to do against someone like Needles. Fast hard hitting offense to take some of the fight out of him. You can’t let a bully like Needles get on a roll because he will hurt you.
Daniel Knight: Just look at what happened to Chris Priceless.
Ante continues to target the leg of Needles, draping it over the bottom rope and dropping knee after knee to Payne’s leg. The ref steps in, forcing Ante to step away from the ropes. Payne hops up on one leg and glares at Ante. He massages his knee and ankle while the ref chastises Ante for using the ropes.
Whitner steps around the ref and runs at Needles. Needles uses the ropes for leverage and leaps up to hit Ante in the face with a knee. Ante rocks back and Needles follows up with a devastating clothesline. Needles backs away to lean against the ropes again, trying to massage the pain out and get full mobility back.
Ante kips up and taunts Payne. Ignoring the pain in his leg, Needles comes at Ante. Ante sidesteps and hits Needles with a drop toe hold. Ante quickly bounces up, Needles is much slower to get up. As soon as he is standing again, Ante hits a roundhouse kick to the head. Ante whips the wobbly Payne into the corner with enough velocity to shake the ring. He comes flying in after Payne with a big splash, then jumping onto the second rope and punching Needles in the forehead over and over while the crowd counts along.
Frank Lynn: We are seeing Ante Whitner at his best right now. He is controlling the match and keeping the pressure on his opponent, forcing Needles to react instead of act.
Alecia Matthews: Sounds like you respect Ante.
Frank Lynn: I respect his wrestling skills, which are formidable. He’s good, just not as good as me.
Daniel Knight: Spoken like a true champion.
Ante continues to punch Needles despite numerous warnings from the referee. Payne tries to counter, blocking the punches with his forearms, then shoving Ante off of him. Ante jumps right back onto Needles to punch him again but Payne catches shim, lifts him up, and then slams Ante to the mat with a running power bomb.
Payne wipes some blood off his lower lip, then eyes up Ante. He stomps on Ante’s chest, then works his way around each appendage, and lastly stomps on Ante’s head. Then he picks Ante up and whips him into the corner. Needles charges into the corner after Ante, hitting a shoulder block into Ante’s midsection. Needles gars Ante by the beard and yanks his head down into Ryan’s rising knee. Ante is rocked back by the blow and tries to spin away but Ryan catches him in a side headlock.
Daniel Knight: Is Needles using an actual wrestling move?
Alecia Matthews: That would be a first.
Needles drags Ante’s eyes along the ring ropesfrom one corner to another, then slams Ante’s head into the turnbuckle. Not satisfied with the impact, Needles rips the pad off the turnbuckle and slams Ante’s head onto the exposed metal.
The outraged ref forcibly separates Needles and Whitner. He scrambles to get the pad back on the turnbuckle before things get completely out of control. While the ref is busy, Needles pokes Ante in the eyes. Temporarily blinded, Ante stumble around the ring trying to avoid Needles. Needles catches Ante with a big boot to the head. Then he lifts Ante up and flips him over into position for the Lasting Impression.
Amazingly, Ante reaches up to grab Needles head and use that to lift himself onto Needles’ shoulders. He keeps his momentum going and hits a modified Code Red. Both men lay on the mat afterwards, Needles having been almost knocked out and Ante still feeling the effects of the eye poke.
Frank Lynn: Impressive counter but Ante. A little bit of desperation too as he had to avoid taking the pile driver or this match would be over.
Daniel Knight: You’ve been in the ring multiple times with Ante. What is the key to beating him?
Frank Lynn: You know he’s going to get his offense in. You have to ride out the storm, wait for him to make a mistake, and capitalize. That’s the difference between us. He will make a mistake. I won’t.
Alecia Matthews: And what about Needles? How would you defeat him.
Frank Lynn: Needles is a bully. Punch him in the face to let him know you aren’t going to take any of his sh*t. Once you do that, all you have to do is outwrestle him. Shouldn’t be too hard since he has all the wrestling skills of a chimpanzee. He reminds me a lot of another psychopath who couldn’t wrestle to save his life: Phillip Schneider.
Needles and Whitner have managed to get back to their feet and square off in the center of the ring. Ante tries to get a collar and elbow hold but Needles fights it off and just throws punches. Ante replies in kind and the two men pummel each other while the ref warns the, about closed fists. Eventually the ref gives up and lets them go at it.
Ante ducks under a punch and kicks one of Needles legs out from under him. Ante spins around and his shin connects with Needles’ face. Needles sways back and forth on his knees so Ante goes for another shin kick.
Needles blocks the kick, then points wildly at something happening at ringside. Actually nothing was happening at ringside, but the ref is fooled and looks away. Needles hits a low blow! Then he gets to his feet, kicks Ante in the stomach, whips him into the ropes, and follows in with a Cactus clothesline that sends both men over the top rope down to the floor.
Daniel Knight: Needles just pulled one over on the ref. Now he’s got Ante on the run.
Frank Lynn: Let’s be honest. The quality of refereeing in the WFWF is questionable at best. You don’t have to try very hard to pull a fast one on them.
Alecia Matthews: Do you think it’s wise to criticize the officiating? Lila could be listening.
Frank Lynn: I hope she is. Better referees would make it a hell of a lot easier for me to have clean matches. I hate all this rule breaking crap that goes on. It’s not wrestling. It’s garbage.
Needles goes to whip Ante into the ring steps but Ante reverses and Needles crashes into the steps instead. Ante stomps over to the downed Needles but Needles reaches into his pocket, pulls something out, and then throws a cloud of powder into Ante’s face. Once again blinded, Ante is helpless as Needles slams his head into the ring steps.
Needles approaches the announcer’s table, grabbing a chair and waving it around while smiling that evil grin of his. He stops briefly to confront Frank.
Needles: Hey champ, maybe it’s me who should be the number one contender!
Frank Lynn takes off the headphones and stands up, arms spread out inviting Needles to try something. Needles makes threatening gesture with the chair. Frank smiles and points behind Needles.
Needles turns to see a very angry Ante Whitner. Needles tries to swing the chair but Ante kicks it right into Needles’ face. Needles drops the chair, Ante picks it up, and he hits Needles several times over the back with it.
Ante glances in Frank’s direction but Frank is already sitting down and putting the headset back on. Frank gives Ante a golf clap and points at his downed opponent, then points at the ref in the ring. Ante realizes that the ref has been counting all along and is up to fifteen.
Ante drags Needles to his feet and pushes him into the ring, then slides in after him to break the count.
Frank Lynn: Ante is smarter than he looks. He could have succumbed to his violent urges and continued the chair shots but that would cost him the match. Instead he chose to get it back in the ring.
Daniel Knight: He’s a savvy veteran. He knows when it’s time to get hardcore and when it’s time to wrestle.
Alecia Matthews: The ref actually doing his job didn’t hurt either. Ante knows a loss tonight would be a major blow to his title hopes.
Still reeling from the chair shots, Needles is easy pickings for Ante, who turns to a more traditional, less hardcore wrestling style. Ante hits a series of german suplexes followed by a diving headbutt from the top turnbuckle. Ante goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Needles kicks out!
Ante calmly continues with the offense, whipping Needles into the ropes and hitting power slam. Then a belly to belly suplex, knee drop to the head, and split legged moonsault. Another cover.
1…
2…
Needles kicks out!
Alecia Matthews: Ante is turning this into a wrestling clinic.
Daniel Knight: But Needles keeps kicking out! You have to give him credit: he can take it as much as he can dish it out.
Frank Lynn: If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Needles is getting off on the pain. He freakin’ enjoys it!
Ante keeps up with the punishing offense. He hits Needles with a standing dropkick, then a Frankensteiner, and then he locks on the Bloody Yonkers submission.
Needles struggles at first, grimacing in pain (or is it pleasure) as Ante cranks up the pressure trying to force Needles to tap. Slowly, it appears that Needles is fading as he stops struggling but the smile remains on his face.
Suddenly Ante screams and jumps off Needles. A hypodermic needle is sticking out of his leg!
Alecia Matthews: What the hell? Needles used a needles on Ante!
Daniel Knight: Why isn’t the ref calling for the bell? That has to be a DQ!
Frank Lynn: The ref is too busy checking Needles to see if he can continue the match. He didn’t see the needle. Typical shoddy refereeing.
Ante reaches down and yanks the needle out of his leg but it is empty, the contents having been injected into him doing lord knows what.
Needles slowly stands up and his grin turns into the widest ear to ear sh*t eating smile you never want to see on your opponents face. He walks over to Ante and slaps him. Ante tries to fight back but his leg gives out and he falls to his knees.
Needles towers over Ante, holding his head in one hand while slapping him over and over. Needles lifts Ante up and drops him down across his knee with a brutal backbreaker. Needles lifts Ante up again and hits a second backbreaker. Then he drops Ante to the mat and nonchalantly covers him.
1…
2…
Ante kicks out!
DanielKnight: How? How? He kicked out! HOW?
Alecia Matthews: Incredible!
Frank Lynn: We’re seeing the Ante Whitner who refused to quit against Phillip Schneider no matter what sick sh*t Schneider tried. Needles may have poked the bear a little too hard.
Payne is shocked that Whitner kicked out and pounds the mat in frustration. Ante is unable to get to his feet so he crawls towards the corner and pulls himself up on the ropes. Needles charges at Ante. Ante jumps off the ropes and hits a flying forearm smash to Needles’ jaw.
Both men end up on their knees face to face. They start to trade heavy blows. The crowd is firmly behind the redeemer and cheers loudly when lands a punch while booing Needles right out of the building when he lands a blow.
Whatever Needles injected into Ante is not having the desired effect. Ante isn’t feeling the blows from Needles at all. He keeps hitting back harder and harder until Needles has to retreat, rolling out of the ring and taking a walk, trying to get his second wind.
Ante Pulls himself up using the ropes, checks his leg and finds that he can stand on it. He slowly walks around the inside of the ring parallel to Needles on the outside. Needles stops to lean against the apron and catch his breath. Ante strikes, running the ropes to hit a suicide dive.
Frank Lynn: Ante Whitner may be the craziest son of a b*tch I’ve ever seen. Trying a suicide dive in his condition? He’s lucky he didn’t break his neck.
Alecia Matthews: It took a toll on him too.
Daniel Knight: This is it. The match has come down to which wrestler can crawl back into the ring before the ref counts them both out.
1… 2… 3… Ante lifts himself up, grabs Needles head and slams it into the security barrier. 4… 5… Then he drives his knee into Needles’ head making sure he stays down. 6… 7… 8… Ante stumbles towards the ring, falling down just as he reaches out for the apron. 9… 10… Ante lifts himself up again and manages to pull himself into the ring.
11… 12… 13… Needles is moving. He crawls towards the ring. 14… 15… 16… Needles grabs the bottom rope and pulls himself up and into the ring, breaking the count.
Needles stands up and walks towards Ante. Ante retreats, bounces off the ropes and comes back at Needles attempting a cross body. Needles catches him, then flips him onto his shoulders, and hits a samoan drop, his arm draped over Ante for a cover.
1…
2…
Whitner kicks out!
Alecia Matthews: Amazing resilience and determination by Ante.
Daniel Knight: I’m sure Needles is amazed. He probably thought he had this wrapped up when he shot Ante full of whatever was in that needle.
Frank Lynn: He should have taken Ante’s history into account. That guys pumped himself full of so much sh*t over the years that Needles’ needle may as well been full of saline solution.
Needles tries to pick Ante up for the Lasting Impression but Ante reverses it and drops Needles on his head. Ante slowly, laboriously climbs to the top rope, then leaps off to hit a flying elbow drop. He goes for a cover.
1…
2…
Needles kicks out!
Ante backs away and leans against the ropes, clearly wondering what he has to do to finish off Needles. Needles gets to his feet and smiles his evil grin yet again. He comes towards Ante who hits an enziguri kick. Needles is rocked and wobbles on spaghetti legs. Ante charges in and hits a running knee. Needles wobble some more but doesn’t fall.
Ante grabs Needles and head butts him. The two exhausted men lean against each other for support.
Then there is a roar from the crowd. A hooded figure has jumped the barrier, grabbed Needles bat from the timekeeper’s table, and entered the ring. The unknown assailant winds up for a home run swing at Needles’ head but Needles quickly spins around placing Ante in the way. The bat connects with Ante’s back, a sickening thud that silences the crowd.
Ante slumps to the mat.
The referee immediately signals for the bell.
DING DING DING
The attacker removes his hood.
Daniel Knight: It’s Chris Priceless, back from the dead to get retribution on Needles!
Frank Lynn: That’s why you shouldn’t use shortcuts like weapons in a match. It always comes back to bite you in the ass.
Priceless steps over Ante’s body to get closer to Needles, swinging the bat at Needles’ head. Needles ducks the blow that would have decapitated him had it connected. Priceless continues to stalk Needles, swinging the bat wildly, as Needles crawls, rolls, and scrambles to get away. Needles manages to get out of the ring but Priceless catches him and one of his swings connects to Needles shoulder. Priceless swing several more times, each blow driving Needles down to the floor. Then Priceless gets behind Needles, locks the bat in under his chin, and starts to choke the life out of Needles.
Security guards swarm down the ramp but Frank Lynn gets to Priceless and Needles first. Frank puts a choke hold on Priceless and pulls him off Needles.
Frank Lynn: Not like this! Needles is a piece of sh*t but not like this! It could cost you your career! Be the bigger man Chris!
Priceless roars and fights against Frank’s choke hold while Needles goes over the security barriers and escapes through the crowd. Once Needles is out of site, Priceless settle down enough that security are able to escort him backstage.
Frank goes over to the announcer’s table.
Frank Lynn: I can’t say its been fun, but it’s definitely been interesting.
Frank then takes one last look at the ring where Ante Whitner is being attended to by the medics, turns and walks up the ramp and backstage.
Alecia Matthews: Welcome to the WFWF, where anything can and often does happen.
Daniel Knight: Missed in all the ruckus is the fact that Ante just got the win over Needles. Sure, it was by DQ, but a win is a win and he remains on track to become the number one contender to the International Championship.
Alecia Matthews: I’m sure Tyler Draven will have something to say about that.
Daniel Knight: Before our next match, I’m getting word that we have to go to the locker room for an update from Michael Kyzer.
The cameras cut to the locker room and we are treated to the lovely image of Homeless Alex Sean biting the toenail on his big toe while Fat EBR sits next to him surrounded by a couple of buckets of fried chicken. Sean spits out a piece of toe nail he pulled off his gnarly looking toe and glances around.
Alex: Isn’t he supposed to be here by now?
EBR spits food and grossness everywhere as he answers with his mouth full. It is completely indecipherable.
“I am here.”
Michael Kyzer walks into the picture followed by Tugarin Zmey. He gives the fat former World Champion a look of disgust.
Alex: So what is the plan for The Anointed tonight?
Kyzer: We are not The Anointed. I have told you that name is plain stupid. I told you that back in the day when you first formed that little group.
Alex Sean looks sad.
Kyzer: But there is no plan for the two of you. I have no use for either of you anymore.
EBR goes to protest but starts choking from having a mouthful of fried chicken. Sean slaps him on the back and he spits everything in his mouth onto the floor. He is a disgusting guy.
EBR: You made promises!
Alex: You took me away from teaching jiu-jitsu only to discard me like a piece of trash?
Kyzer: I didn’t know you had a job. You are trash, just look at yourself.
Alex: It is a fashion style!
Kyzer just shakes his head.
Kyzer: I am not going to sit here and argue with you two slobs. I don’t either of you around anymore so I guess you are both fired.
They are both stand and furiously march out, only for EBR to come back and grab one of the buckets of fried chicken. He flips Kyzer a greasy bird as his walks out. Kyzer watches them spam and turns towards Zmey.
Kyzer: With those two slobs gone, you and I need to talk.
Zmey stares.
Kyzer: While you have been my greatest asset since my return, I think it time for our mutual story to end here.
Zmey stares.
Kyzer: I am saying you are no longer bound to me. You are a free man, Subutai. I don’t know what you want to do from this point forward but I am no longer going to decide that for you.
Zmey: Are you sure about this?
Zmey’s first words on television.
Kyzer: I am my man. My journey is almost at an end and this last part I have to do alone. You are free to go back to Hungary, Mongolia or wherever.
There is a respectful moment of silence between the two before they are suddenly interrupted by Lila Sleater. She has a smile on his face at finding Michael Kyzer and Tugarin Zmey, most people never smile at seeing these two.
Sleater: I was looking for you…
She nearly slips where EBR spit chicken everywhere.
Sleater: That is nothing less than disgusting (referring to the mess on the floor). So since you weren’t the one who was pinned by Drakz in London, I think it is only appropriate that Michael Kyzer vs Drakz for the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship take place at Super Brawl. It is what you and him both want, why not make it at our biggest show.
Kyzer: Not happening.
Sleater: What do you mean?
Kyzer: What I said.
Kyzer turns from her and looks at Zmey.
Kyzer: Take care of her my man. I didn’t dig you both out of Budapest for her not to have the life she deserves.
He slaps Zmey on the arm, turns and walks out on Sleater and Zmey. Sleater is very confused.
Sleater: What just happened?
Zmey: We are all free.
Sleater is taken back by the words from the giant. This is obviously the first time she has heard him speak.
Sleater: I am really lost in all these riddles. Does he really plan to walk away from the match that been building like this? This is the biggest money match this company has ever had!
Zmey says nothing, just stares at Sleater.
Sleater: I am so over all these divas. Between him, Drakz, Brennan, Whitner, Draven, Lynn… I am going to lose my mind.
She stares at Zmey for a second.
Sleater: Well maybe you would like to discuss your future around here….
Before the camera shot cuts back to Daniel and Alecia, Billy Broom walks into view and glances inside the disgusting mess of a locker room.
Billy: Don’t care how much they pay me. I ain’t cleaning up that sh*t.
I dont know good luck 
