Pride S03E01 (9/2/15)

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

Tony Allen: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is your opening contest of the evening. Introducing first, from Westwood, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 129 pounds… EMILY CARTER!

After about fifteen seconds of “F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.” playing through the speakers, Emily Carter bursts through the curtain as the beat kicks in. Carter bounces to the music as she makes her way down the aisle. Carter then circles the ring, smiling and high fiving the fans along the way. She then climbs up the steps, enters through the ropes, springboards onto the middle ropes and holds her arms out towards the crowd. Carter claps her hands before pointing out to various fans in the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: Emily Carter finally gets to make her in-ring debut for LDFC. I’m sure that wait must have felt like an eternity for the young upstart. But here she is, finally debuting in front of the Carolina faithful. But she faces a tough task tonight in the form of Valcone, a man that’s ramped up the intensity level since donning the mask.

Tony Allen” Her opponent, from Hollywood, California! Weighing in at 191 pounds… VALCONE!

"And I'm going to make sure that they all pay..."

The opening of "Razor's Edge" by Digital Daggers fills the arena speakers. The lights dim down to almost nothing while flashes of green light hit the entrance ramp. After a few seconds, Valcone comes out from the back with a towel over his head. He pays no mind to the crowd or anything around him, continuing his steady pace down the entrance ramp. Once he reaches ringside, the "Sultan formerly known as Prince MacRear" slides into the ring and rips the towel from his head. He keeps his head down as he pushes himself up to his feet and slowly raises his head, revealing the black and green mask covering his once 'gorgeous' face. Valcone falls back to the mat and crawls toward his corner, keeping his head down at all times while screaming 'don't look at me!' over and over again.

Geoff Penzer: The former Prince MacRear swore up and down that Donovan Cross and Bree Nelson turned him into the man we see today. At 2nd Impact, Valcone got some measure over revenge over them as he and Laura Seville were victorious. Unfortunately for Seville, she suffered what some are calling a career threatening injury. You would think that Valcone, being her partner, would tend to her. But no. Once he was done with his business inside the ring, he stepped over Seville like trash and went on his way. Some guy he is, huh?

As Carter circles the ring, she begins to clap her hands. The audience then quickly joins in on the clapping. But the claps come to a screeching halt once “Crimson” plays throughout the arena. Out from the curtain steps The Crimson Baroness. TCB immediately receives negativity from the crowd. The Baroness smirks as she hears the jeers and boos from the fans. She begins her slow walk down to the ring. As soon as she locks eyes with Carter, TCB’s once smug demeanor quickly shifts to one of fear. She then gingerly holds her shoulder. Carter continues to not buy TCB’s story and responds by rolling her eyes.

Geoff Penzer: I don’t know what The Crimson Baroness is doing out here. But it looks like she’s making her way over towards the table.

The Crimson Baroness: Hello Geoff.

Geoff Penzer: The Crimson Baroness, the woman that commandeered the Carolina Cup, has just taken a seat next to me. Baroness, what brings you out here tonight?

The Crimson Baroness: I'm just here to make sure Emily's debut goes off without a hitch. It's the least I could do after everything that's happened recently...

The bell sounds as Valcone attacks from behind, delivering clubbing shots to the back of Carter’s neck.The crowd boos his antics. But Valcone pays them no mind. He then grabs Carter, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. The crowd continues its downpour of boos as Valcone turns Carter around, only to pummel her down in the corner with a flurry of right hands to the face. Once Carter is seated in the corner, Valcone delivers a series of facewashes before choking her with his boot. He then pulls down on the top rope for extra leverage. The ref then gives him until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Valcone breaks the hold. While Carter gasps for air in the corner, Valcone steps back just past the center of the ring. After zeroing in on carter, Valcone charges into the corner and flings himself at her face, going for a running thump. But Carter rolls out onto the apron, sending Valcone hip-first into the turnbuckles. The crowd cheers upon seeing Valcone miss.

Geoff Penzer: Nobody home there!

As Valcone stumbles away from the corner, Carter pulls herself up on the apron using the ropes. When Valcone turns around, the crowd cheers as Carter connects with a springboard forearm smash. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Valcone kicks out.

The Crimson Baroness: She should know it'll take more than that to put a man like Valcone away.

Carter picks up Valcone and goes for an irish whip. But Valcone reverses, sending Carter into the ropes. When she comes back, Valcone lifts her up and falls back, delivering the Facial. The crowd boos as Valcone pulls her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Carter kicks out.

Dissatisfied with the kick out from Carter, Valcone covers Carter with another lateral press. This time, he presses his forearm firmly against Carter’s jaw.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Carter kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: A forearm across the face as he made the cover, how disrespectful can you get?

The Crimson Baroness: You could be the sort of person to attack someone backstage after their match, I suppose.

Geoff Penzer: Oh, come on, she barely touched you at 2nd Impact!

Valcone picks up Carter and repeatedly knees her in the midsection, doubling her over. After placing Carter in a side headlock, Valcone marches over towards the ropes. He then proceeds to rake Carter’s face across the top rope. The crowd boos as Carter is sent stumbling into a nearby corner. While Carter’s still recovering from the attack, Valcone comes up from behind and rakes down across her back. He then turns Carter around, grabs her and whips her into the opposite corner. Valcone charges across the ring. But Carter nails him with an elbow that sends him stumbling back. After shaking off the blow, Valcone charges back into the corner. This time, he eats a boot to the face. As Valcone stumbles back, Carter charges out of the corner and connects with a clothesline. But it only knocks Valcone further back. So Carter turns and takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, Valcone throws out a running clothesline. But Carter ducks and stops in her tracks as Valcone’s momentum takes him into the ropes. When he comes back, Carter connects with a dropkick, sending him through the ropes and to the floor.

As Valcone tries to get back to a vertical base, Carter takes off into the far ropes. Once Valcone makes it back to his feet, Carter sends him right back down with a Fosbury Flop to the floor.

Geoff Penzer: Emily Carter goes airborne!

Carter climbs up onto the apron and marches over towards the nearest ring post. After turning to face Valcone, Carter runs along the apron, jumps off and connects with a diving double foot stomp.

The Crimson Baroness: The Brat isn't doing too bad. Not exactly a supershow quality performance, so it's probably for the best her debut got delayed.

Carter picks up Valcone, rolls him back into the ring, then rolls herself back in before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Valcone reaches over and grabs the bottom rope.

Carter picks up Valcone and whips him into the ropes. When Valcone comes back, Carter bends over to set up a back body drop. But Valcone easily scouts it and counters with a spinning neckbreaker. He then picks up Carter, only to drive her head-first onto the mat with a DDT. He turns over and makes the cover.

The Crimson Baroness: Oh, bravo Valcone!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Carter gets her shoulder up.

Valcone picks up Carter and whips her hard into the corner. As Carter staggers out, Valcone doubles her over with a kick to the midsection. He then follows up with a release fisherman suplex before rolling over for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Carter kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Great resilience here from Emily Carter.

The Crimson Baroness: You're right, she is a glutton for punishment this one.

Valcone picks up Carter, delivers a snapmare and follows up with a dropkick to the back of the head. he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Carter gets her shoulder up.

Valcone sits up Carter and applies a rear chinlock. When Carter refuses to quit, Valcone shifts the position of his hands, transitioning into a fish hook. The crowd boos as he tries to rip Carter’s mouth apart. Carter can be heard screaming in pain as she tries to pull Valcone’s hands from off of her. But it’s to no avail. Thankfully, the ref gives Valcone until the count of five to break the illegal hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Valcone transitions back to a rear chinlock. Again, the ref checks on Carter, asking if she wants to give up. But Carter continues to fight through the pain.

The Crimson Baroness: She does not know when to quit...

Carter begins to feed off the energy of the crowd. She slowly turns over to her knees, causing Valcone’s eyes to widen with shock. As she slowly gets up to her feet, Valcone shakes his head in disbelief. Carter follows up with four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. She then takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, Valcone knocks her down to one knee with a basement dropkick. After scrambling to get back to his feet, Valcone quickly follows up with Uglified. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Carter gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: How did she kick out of that!?

Valcone picks up Carter and throws a punch. But Carter blocks and counters with one of her own. Valcone then throws out another punch. But Carter blocks and counters with one of her own. Valcone then throws out another punch. Carter blocks it and goes to counter with one of her own. But Valcone blocks that. He then throws out a haymaker. But Carter ducks. When Valcone turns back to face her, he turns into a roundhouse kick that leaves him loopy. Carter quickly takes advantage as she leaps into the air and plants him with a jumping DDT. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Valcone gets his shoulder up.

Carter picks up Valcone and goes for an irish whip. But Valcone reverses, sending her into the corner. Valcone then charges into the corner. But Carter nails him with an elbow strike. While Valcone is dazed, Carter turns towards the corner, springboards onto the middle rope, backflips over Valcone and delivers the Emilution to cheers from the crowd. A shot of The Crimson Baroness shows her growing more and more annoyed with Carter’s comeback.

Carter steps back through the ropes and slaps the top turnbuckle pad three times before scaling the turnbuckles. Once Valcone gets back to his feet and turns around, Carter knocks him down with a Five Star Frog Splash.

The Crimson Baroness: Excuse me, Geoff...

Geoff Penzer: Where are you going?

After rolling off of Valcone, Carter heads into the corner and crouches down, waiting for him to get up. As Valcone begins to stir on the canvas, Carter can be seen slowly waving him up. Her waving gets more frantic as Valcone slowly rises to his feet. When he turns around, Carter motions to run out of the corner to hit a Busaiku Knee Strike. But she gets tripped up by The Crimson Baroness, who receives a thunderous round of boos for her actions.

Geoff Penzer: What was that for?!

Carter immediately turns around, runs over and tries to kick the Baroness. But the Baroness steps back, smirking at a job well done. The ref then steps in between the two and begins to read Baroness the riot act. But Baroness turns on the charm, claiming that she was simply wiping debris off the canvas. She then flutters her eyelashes at the ref.

Geoff Penzer: Oh come on, ref, don’t fall for this junk.

When Carter turns around, the crowd erupts in boos after Valcone gouges her eyes. The ref then turns around to see Valcone hoist Carter on his shoulders before delivering Damaged Goods. The crowd continues to rain boos down on the former MacRear as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Tony Allen: Here is your winner, VALCONE!

After the match, The Crimson Baroness gets in the ring. As Carter tries to get up to her feet, the Baroness grabs her from behind and brings her down with a Fujiwara Armbar. The crowd boos as Carter can be heard screaming in pain.

Geoff Penzer: The match is already over! Come on!

Baroness bridges back, increasing the pressure of the hold. The bell repeatedly sounds, but the Baroness will not let go. After a few more seconds, the Baroness finally releases the hold. Carter quickly curls up as she clutches her arm in immense pain. As she looks over at Baroness, Baroness kisses her fingertips before blowing her a kiss.[/font]

[Deleted]

The show cuts to the backstage area, where a few people in the know pop at the sight of SCW Sinner Rex Evans. By his side is the young blonde who recently signed a contract with LDFC, Becky. The two are walking, Becky with wide eyes as she looks around the backstage area. Rex stops to get the attention of a stagehand.

Rex Evans: Can you direct me to the head trainer, Chris Bond?

The stagehand points in a direction and Rex nods, thanking him. He turns back to Becky.

Rex Evans: I’m going to go talk to the guy in charge of training. Think you can take it from here?

Becky, still bewildered by the backstage area, nods faintly and continues walking down the hall, spinning in a bit of a circle to watch Rex disappear the other way. As she’s walking backwards a moment she bumps into somebody, quickly regaining her balance and turning around with an apologetic smile.

Becky: Oh, I’m sorryyy!

AKIRA: …

The Five-Foot Colossus looks uncomfortable herself but quickly masks it, staring up at the rookie with an impassive glare but otherwise saying nothing. Becky continues to smile at her, extending her hand.

Becky: I’m Becky, I’m new here. I think it’s… Kirra, right?

Brown eyes narrow at that.

AKIRA: No, it’s not.

More silence passes between the two as the Little Monster continues to glare at the other girl.Becky glances down at her own hand, letting it linger there a moment longer before it falls and expression starts to sour.

Becky: Oh, well I’m sorry. I haven’t had a chance to meet many people yet. But I can see you’re uninterested.

AKIRA: … observant. Watch where you’re going, idiot…

Becky cocks her head to the side, biting down on her tongue a little bit as her arms come up and fold.

Becky: Idiot? That’s not very nice, you don’t even know me.

AKIRA: A sixteen year old boy walking around backstage? Would you prefer… uh, rat? Or just moron.

As the words leave the Five-Foot Colossus’ mouth she shakes her head, a long sigh of air leaving her lips.

AKIRA: Fuck it… I’m done talking with you.

With that AKIRA walks past the high school girl, shoulder bumping her with obvious intent as the Japanese born malcontent makes her exit. Becky gasps a little louder than she probably needed to as she catches her balance, turning and staring at AKIRA as she walks away.

Becky: Seventeen! And I’m a girl! And, and - nuh uh, I’m done talking to you!

She shouts, though AKIRA has already disappeared.

Becky: Bye Felicia!

Becky turns and walks the opposite direction in a huff, not really sure where she’s going as the camera fades.

[Deleted]

The match got underway as the referee rang the bell. Endee Leights looked to be toying with the new wrestler. He went in at her and locked up with her only for her to duck out of the move and wag her finger at him. This happened several times before Dylan just ran in and drop kicked Endee in the knee. She went down and Dylan dropped an elbow to her back. He hit her with a few of his softer moves before running off the ropes and slamming her to the ground with a bulldog. He went for the cover but only was able to get the two count.

He pulled her back to her feet but she slapped his hands away and hit him with a vicious chop to the chest. He backed up a few steps before firing back one of his own. Endee grabbed her chest in pain and Dylan ran off the ropes dropping her with a shoulder block. She got to her feet quickly but Dylan just sent her off the ropes again with an irish whip. On her way back Dylan lifted her high into the air slamming down on her back with a hiptoss. He went for the cover but only got another two count.

Dylan, feeling as though he had the match in hand pulled Endee back to her feet looking for a vertical suplex. But Endee used her leg to block it. She then shoved him off running off the ropes. On her way back she jumped up hitting Dylan with a big cross body block. She then strung together some of her more common moves, ending with a side Russian leg sweep before floating over for the cover. She was only able to get the two count though.

She got to her feet waiting for Dylan to get to a knee looking for her shining wizard, “Leights Out”. She ran in for it, but Dylan ducked the move. Once she hit the mat, Dylan jumped on top locking in a hammerlock to the downed Endee. He wrenched at her arm, but after about a minute she maneuvered herself to the ropes and broke the hold. He pulled her to her feet then threw her off the ropes with an irish whip. On her way back though she sunset flipped over Dylan getting a two count.

The two opponents stood to their feet. Dylan ran at her but she baseball slid under his legs. She quickly got to her feet hitting Dylan with a dropkick to the back slamming him into the turnbuckle chest first. On his way stumbling out of the corner, Endee ran off the ropes hitting Dylan with her trademark triangle drop kick, “Future Endeevours”. She went for the pin, only getting a two count. She then climbed the ropes waiting for her opponent to get to his feet. Dylan looked around losing track of Leights, and when he found her he had no time to avoid her “Catch Me If You Can” mule kick from the top rope. She rolled over getting the pin for the 3 count.

Winner: Endee Leights

[Deleted]

Backstage, we find one of LDFC's newest talents, Jensen Walczak, already dressed in his ring gear and keeping his cell phone pressed to his ear. He seems to be in the middle of a conversation as he pays the cameras nearby no mind.

Jensen Walczak: Yeah, I understand.

There's a reply from the person on the other line and Jensen nods his head.

Jensen Walczak: Right. Right. Yeah, I get all of that, Brandon.

Brandon Banks responds to Jensen, but again, the cameras can't pick up any sound from the phone. Jensen just nods before giving out a verbal response.

Jensen Walczak: I'm a little nervous. But once I get out there, I just know I'm gonna kill it. That Keegan dude runs his mouth a lot, but he ain't like ya or me. He ain't backing none of that shit up.

Walczak screws his face up as he tries imitating Keegan.

Jensen Walczak: "Too bad I'll be beating up her boyfriend." Pfft. Like I'm supposed to be scared of him. I'll just go out there and give em these hands and then me, you, Kerry, and whoever else can come out and celebrate so we can get absolutely smashed. You are almost here, right?

We can only assume the response is a yes because Jensen lets out a sigh of relief.

Jensen Walczak: Alright, cool. I'll see ya out there, then. If ya boo me, I'll come over there and kick ya.

Laughter can be heard from the other side before BB says something and Jensen responds, a smile forming.

Jensen Walczak: Alright, alright. Just make sure ya don't get lost. Know ya got that short term memory shit going. Bye.

After getting a "bye" back from his half brother, Jensen closes the phone and slips it into his hoodie pocket before letting out another sigh, this one to help release some of the nervousness and stress that he's feeling. He begins stretching as he mumbles something about Keegan Hightower before we exit out of that scene.

[Deleted]

Butcher looked incredibly pissed before the start of this match. More so that usual, that is. He stood seething as the referee called for the bell. Quinn maneuvered herself to the right place to not be caught off guard before the bell rang. Butcher came running in, but Quinn hit him with a drop toe hold and moved back over to the other side of the ring trying to see what Butcher’s mindset was. He got back up slapped his hand on the ropes before coming at her again. This time she flipped him over with a hiptoss. She pushed him down going for the cover, but only got a one count. She stood to her feet and Butcher just laid on the ground looking up at her with a hand on the ropes wondering what she’s thinking.

He got to his feet and charged Quinn again. This time Quinn could not counter and Butcher hit her with a shoulder block to the chest driving her back into the corner turnbuckle. He then started laying punches to her gut as the referee made the count. Finally the referee made him back off as Quinn doubled over in the corner. He then went back in hitting her with a european uppercut driving her back into the corner. Butcher then climbed the ropes and landed punches to Quinn’s dome as the crowd counted, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!”

Quinn regained her composure though after the assault wrapping her hands around Butchers legs and carrying him out of the corner. She then fell forward slamming Butcher down onto his back with a slam. She rolled over getting to her feet. She then ran off the ropes coming back and driving an elbow down onto Butcher. He tried to get to his feet, but Quinn then pulled him up and sent him back first into the corner turnbuckle. She then reached down into her trunks pulling out her best friend and manager Mr. Benjamin. She then jammed the paintbrush into Butchers gut before tossing him to ringside. The referee warned her that one more trick like that and she was done. She just nodded at him.

As she turned from nodding at him though, Butcher reversed her positions slamming her back first into the turnbuckle. He unleashed a flurry of blows to her stomach again before pulling her out of the corner. He then lifted her up and dropped her with his trademark sheerdrop brainbuster. He rolled over for the pin and was flabbergasted that she kicked out at two. He lifted her up and irish whiipped her off the ropes. On her way back he popped her up hoping to hit a european uppercut. Instead Quinn reared back and mule kicked Butcher in the chest coming down hard on her back.

The two layed rolling on the mat for a second trying to catch their breath. Butcher was on his feet first and he went right at Quinn, but Quinn dropped him with a drop toe hold. She then went over and stood by the ropes as Butcher was getting to his feet. She jumped off the ropes grabbing Butcher with a springboard arm drag. As Butcher got to one knee, Quinn went in for the kill nailing Butcher with a step-up enziguri. Butcher fell sideways as Quinn went for the quick cover pulling off the upset by getting the three count.

Winner: Quinn Cobain

[Deleted]

We cut backstage at the National Guard Armory where we see Shintaro Majima walking through the corridors, and he looks incredibly distracted as the band holding his hair in place just doesn't seem to be capable of doing what he expects from it, causing his hair to fall out of place. As Majima tries to use his hand to brush it back in place, more strands flop out of place and into his peripheral vision, at which point Majima reaches back and removes the hair tie, before tossing it across the corridor in a fit of pique.

Majima: ...

Sensing the futility of taking out his frustration on a cheap piece of rubber, Majima takes a moment to gather his thoughts and is about to pick up the hair tie - only to see Hana Song is standing there, arms crossed and her lips curled in the usual devilish grin at Majima and the minor display of aggression happening in front of her eyes. She waits, saying nothing nor making a move to aid in the retrieval of the hair tie - it's not her property and she's not about to give out any favors; plus it's just so exhausting to pick something up. Hana breaks the awkward silence between the two - else they stand around saying nothing indefinitely.

Hana: Rough night, Shintaro? Nervous? Angry? Going bald or something? You know, the last person I ran into backstage didn't leave happy...but don't worry...we've a date later and I want you at your best otherwise there's really no point, is there.

At this, Hana bends forward to pick up the hair tie, still smiling even as she merely looks at the item before offering it to Majima.

Hana: I'm not one for the psychological game so you can take these words at face value. Were it up to me I'd be against someone else; there's no reason for us to be opposed to each other, is there? As I said before...we're almost like kindred spirits. I don't expect you to believe me and I doubt you'll trust me...but regardless of tonight...you and I should have a talk.

Hana's hand is extended towards Majima in what seems to be a neutral greeting.

Majima: I believe we should.

Majima accepts Hana's offer of a handshake, and in return she hands him his hair tie

With their business, at least for the moment, concluded, Hana offers Majima a brief nod and a smirk before turning on her heels and setting off on her way. The retreating figure manages to even offer Majima a small wave in farewell, as a show of good faith.

[Deleted]

Tony Allen: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, residing in Gibsonville, North Carolina, weighing in at 211lbs … JENSEN WALCZAK!

Once the beat of “The Outside” by Red kicks in, the curtains are pulled open and Jensen Walczak steps out, nodding his head, wearing his black hoodie over his head. As he bobs his head to his music, Jensen slowly makes his way down to the ring, even mouthing the words to his theme. He slaps hands with some of the fans before reaching ringside, where he slowly removes his hood from over his head and unzips his hoodie. Jensen tosses his hoodie to the side and quickly slides into the ring before going over to the nearest corner and climbing to the middle turnbuckle. Flashing a small grin, Jensen points to himself before dropping down and leaning in his designate corner, waiting for the match to start.

Tony Allen: And his opponent, from Providence, Rhode Island, weighing in at 215lbs … KEEGAN HIGHTOWER!

"Let The Bridges Burn" plays and Keegan comes out he has sunglasses on bedazzled of course. He walks down to the ring without looking at the fans he slides into the ring and takes his sunglasses off and hands them to the stage hand and tests the ropes

The bell sounds to start the match as Keegan and Jensen both begin to circle the ring. They come together in the center of the ring, locking up collar and elbow. Keegan gains the initial advantage, applying a side headlock to his less experienced opponent. And, ever the showman, Hightower takes the opportunity to showboat to the crowd as he frees up one arm in order to flex his biceps for the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: Not exactly sportsmanlike behaviour from Keegan Hightower.

Walczak takes the opportunity to break free from the headlock; a look of anger flashes across his face as he glares at the showboating Hightower, but Keegan just waves him off as they circle the ring once more. Another collar and elbow tie up ensues as this time Keegan goes behind with a hammerlock. Jensen struggles with it, but quickly reverses the hold as he applies a hammerlock of his own. The fans give him a small cheer, but they’re short lived before Hightower fires off the back elbow. And another. Keegan runs against the ropes, rebounding with a Lou Thesz press that takes down Jensen!

The referee intervenes, warning Keegan about using clenched fists but he proclaims his innocence. Walczak remains down as Hightower turns away from the official, stepping on his opponent’s face, much to the chagrin of the fans in attendance. Unaffected by their boos, Hightower drags his opponent back to his feet and sends Walczak head first into the top turnbuckle. A few forearm shots follow, before Keegan whips him from pillar to post with an Irish whip. Walczak hits the far corner hard as Keegan charges in with a clothesline!

Geoff Penzer: Keegan Hightower has a distinct experience advantage here tonight, and it’s showing.

Walczak gets lifted up to the top rope as Keegan climbs up to the middle rope – but Jensen fires off a few punches to the midsection. Hightower is stunned enough that he’s able to be pushed away! The crowd pop as Hightower lands back first against the mat, but he rolls through. Hightower stands back up, staggering around. He has his back to the corner as Jensen steadies himself on the middle rope before leaping with a bulldog! And a hook of the leg!

ONE!
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TWO!

But Keegan Hightower kicks out! He’s clutching at his face as he rolls away, out under the bottom rope and it appears he’s heading towards the aisle.

Geoff Penzer: Uh oh, looks like something is wrong with Hightower after that bulldog…

As he removes his hand, it’s obvious there’s no blood, nothing is broken. Just a pretty boy who’s angry that he got hit in the face. Glaring, Keegan turns to face the ring just in time to see Jensen flying over the top rope with a fosbury flop! Another pop from the crowd as Jensen stands up, gloating over his opponent.

Geoff Penzer: An impressive move there from the rookie.

Jensen picks his opponent back up and rolls him into the ring before climbing up onto the apron. Hightower gets back to his feet again, charging towards Jensen – only to get caught by a shoulder thrust to the gut. He staggers back, doubled over in pain, as Walczak slingshots in with a DDT! He rolls Keegan over and hooks the leg again.

ONE!
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TWO!
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NO!

Hightower gets the shoulder up in the nick of time. The official assures Jensen it was only two, but the rookie doesn’t let the near fall psyche him out. He sits his opponent right back up and applies a rear chinlock. Keegan begins to battle back, however, quickly working his way back to a kneeling position as he fires off elbows to the midsection. Jensen’s grip loosens, allowing Keegan to counter with an atomic drop. He staggers away as Keegan goes against the ropes, springboarding off the middle rope with a corkscrew crossbody into the cover!

ONE!
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But Walczak rolls through.
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ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOOO!

Geoff Penzer: So close to the upset there!

Jensen looks to the official in disbelief, but the referee assures him it was only a two count as an irate Keegan Hightower gets back to his feet in a hurry. Walczak follows suit as Keegan charges in with a clothesline, which is ducked. Jensen sets off against the ropes as Hightower turns on the spot, only to get caught by a clothesline. Hightower gets back up quickly as Walczak charges in with another clothesline.

Walczak lifts his opponent back to his feet once more as he hooks Keegan in place for a suplex, but Hightower hooks the leg. Jensen tries again, but once more it’s blocked before Hightower counters with a suplex of his own. Both men are down momentarily as they catch a breather, but both stand back up around the referee’s count of six. Hightower is up first, and he’s off against the ropes before Walczak stands up – just in time to eat the Superman punch. Walczak staggers back against the ropes as Keegan hits a spinning hurricanrana into the cover!

Geoff Penzer: He’s got a hold of the rope, ref!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!!!

Tony Allen: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, KEEGAN HIGHTOWER!

Hightower releases the rope before the oblivious referee can look up, and he rolls out under the bottom rope as the crowd boo him heavily.

Geoff Penzer: Daylight robbery here from Keegan Hightower, as he stole a victory out from under the nose of the debuting Jensen Walczak!

In the ring, Walczak looks absolutely gutted at the decision. The camera pans around to where Kerry Windsor, one of Jensen’s trainers, is standing in the crowd with the same look of disappointment on his face. Hightower, meanwhile, is ‘borrowing’ a female fan’s pocket mirror to make sure his face wasn’t damaged during the match.

Geoff Penzer: An impressive debut for Jensen Walczak, he should feel proud of taking the experienced Keegan Hightower as far as he did, even if he didn’t get the victory.

Jensen turns his gaze to Keegan, as the victor walks back up the aisle with that cocky smirk on his face.

[Deleted]

Backstage at the National Guard Armory, in one the hallways, is Jason Bronco. Bronco is not dressed to compete tonight, but is attired in a black zip-up hoodie with white laces, a pair of dark denim jeans and a pair of black Chuck Taylors. His hair has begun to look shaggy from the lack of a proper cut, and he sports stubble that only a teenager would consider a beard.

Jason Bronco: Some of you might be surprised to see me. Hell, some of you might not even know who I am. Allow me to reintroduce myself.. my name is Jason Bronco. A few months ago I competed alongside Chris Bond - a living legend - in FGA's Dynamic Duos tournament, only to be eliminated in second round by a more polished team. I spent those two months begging to be let back into FGA, and I kept getting the door slammed shut in face. Well, there's an old saying about when a door closes another opens. So just a few weeks ago, after trying to get back into a wrestling ring for months, I found myself here - in the Lion's Den FC. I came to the aid of a mentor and a friend, and managed to work my way onto the 2nd Impact show. But once again, I came up short. As starts go, 1-and-2 is inauspicious, to put it mildly. Taking the fall to the Ze Germans... I'd be lying if I said that didn't hurt my pride. Things haven't exactly gone as I'd hoped so far, except for this...

Jason reaches into the pouch of his hoodie and pulls out a neatly folded piece of paper. At the top is the logo of LDFC and at the bottom are a pair of signatures.

Jason Bronco: This... is my Lion's Den contract. But it's so much more than that. This is everything I've worked my entire life for; this is the chance I've been killing myself for. This is hope. This is a spark. And a spark is sometimes all it takes to start a fire. So to everyone who has said I don't belong here and to everyone who said I coasted in on my father's name: I'm not going anywhere, so if you want me gone... you're going to have to make me leave. And to whoever I face next: be ready. Because I'm turning this franchise around.

[Deleted]

Tony Allen: Ladies and gentlemen, our next match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Courtenay, British Columbia … LIGAYA FONTAINE!

"Here we come, here we are! The living dead superstars!"

A cheer goes up for the beginning of Zombie Girl's "Living Dead Superstars" and the team of 420 B.C., Ligaya Fontaine and Serenity, emerge through the curtain. Ligaya runs back and forth on her way to the ring, high fiving and hugging fans, while Serenity follows at a more sedate pace, clutching a bouquet of dead flowers. Ligya slides into the ring and jumps up onto the far ropes, leaning over them and pumping up the crowd, while Serenity starts prowling at ringside. Ligaya crosses back and forth across the ring, hyping different sections of the auditorium, before finally retreating to her corner and shaking her limbs out.

Tony Allen: And her opponent, from Shreveport, Louisiana, weighing in at 205lbs … DONOVAN CROSS!

"The Future In The End" by Evans Blue blares over the speakers and Donovan Cross enthusiastically surges through the curtain with his arms raised in the air. He bounces around on his toes for a bit, throwing a couple of punches before giving one final one as the song breaks into the chorus. He makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans along the way. Finally he slides into the ring. He pops up, spinning around with his arms outstretched, a wide smile on his face. Then he backs into his corner as he awaits for the match to begin.

Geoff Penzer: One half of 420 BC against the UK Cup finalist, Donovan Cross. I can’t wait for this one!

The bell sounds to start the match as Ligaya and Donovan Cross head towards the center of the ring. The fans cheer them briefly as the pair shake hands before retreating back to their corners. A dual chant sounds out throughout the arena as both competitors circle the ring. Finally they come together with a collar and elbow tie up. Cross gains the initial advantage as he goes behind with a hammerlock; the referee checks for a submission, but Ligaya shakes her head before reversing the hold. She has the hammerlock applied now, before releasing to sweep the legs. Cross falls face first to the mat as Fontaine loops around her opponent to apply a front facelock.

DC tries to battle his way out, pushing himself back up to a kneeling position, but Ligaya keeps the facelock applied. She fires off a couple of knees to the face, subduing Donnie long enough for her to execute a DDT! Cross rolls right through into a seated position as Ligaya catches him, and applies a rear chinlock. The fans begin to rally behind Donnie Cross as the referee checks for a submission again, but again he gets told no. With the adrenaline pumping, Cross works his way up to his knees, whereupon he fires off a few side elbows. But Fontaine keeps the hold applied – at least until Cross counters with a sitout jawbreaker!

Geoff Penzer: Great counter there by Donovan Cross!

Fontaine rolls away as Cross pulls himself up via the ropes. Ligaya approaches first, but gets caught with a knife edge chop to the chest that sends her staggering away. She spins around and returns, firing off a forearm shot to the face, but Cross responds with another chop. Again, Fontaine fires off a forearm shot to the face, then another. She bounces her opponent off the ropes and Irish whips him across the ring. Cross comes back off the ropes, straight into a drop toe hold before Ligaya keeps holds of the leg, transitioning into a single leg crab.

Geoff Penzer: Whoa, Donnie may be in trouble here.

But they’re too near the ropes! Cross grabs hold of the bottom rope as the referee calls for a break. At the count of three, Ligaya releases the submission and drags her opponent away from the ropes as he lets go of them. Cross finds himself in the center of the ring as Fontaine works the leg, going for a spinning toe hold before Cross manages to kick her away with his free leg! Ligaya rolls through and gets back to her feet, turning around just in time to see Donnie kip back up to a vertical base. She charges in, but gets caught by a dropkick! Ligaya gets right back up, but Donnie is ready with another dropkick. Fontaine is slow back to her feet this time as Donnie runs against the ropes, but she was playing possum! Fontaine runs and catches her opponent with a basement dropkick, taking Cross out at the knee!

Geoff Penzer: Ligaya Fontaine has been dominant in the early going here, and she’s targeting that leg. I think she’s looking for a submission.

Not this time, however, as Fontaine drops an elbow down across her opponent’s spine before heading to the legs. A simple kneebar is applied as the referee checks for a submission, but Donnie is adamant he won’t quit. He can’t reach the ropes this time, though, so Donnie kicks his opponent in the face to try and break the hold. The first one doesn’t work, but the second one forces Ligaya back a step. Cross struggles to stand back up, and gets caught with a Battlegrounds Uppercut! After that, he staggers back and slumps down against the bottom turnbuckle.

Fontaine tries to get the fans behind her as she claps her hands; they follow suit, clapping rhythmically as Ligaya runs against the far ropes, coming back with a high angle senton – NO! Cross gets his knees up, and Ligaya Fontaine lands flush, back first across them! The Donnie Cross fans cheer as Ligaya writhes in pain, but Cross can’t capitalize immediately. He uses the ropes to pull himself back to his feet, moments before Ligaya stands up in the center of the ring. But her back is to her opponent as Donnie rushes in, limping slightly, as he connects with a jumping reverse bulldog! And the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!

Geoff Penzer: Ligaya kicks out, but Donnie Cross may have found a way back into this match.

Both competitors stay down for a moment, but Cross crawls back to the ropes, pulling himself back to a vertical base once again as Fontaine gets to all fours. As she reaches a kneeling position, Cross runs in again, this time hitting the shining apprentice! And down goes Ligaya Fontaine as Cross stands back up, looking towards the corner. He positions his opponent closer to the turnbuckle before readying himself. Cross bounces up onto the middle rope, then onto the top rope before leaping with the moonsault – NO!

Geoff Penzer: Nothing but mat!

Fontaine rolls out of the way as Donovan Cross hits the mat hard. Only this time it’s Fontaine who can’t capitalize on the advantage. She rolls closer to the ropes, using them to drag herself back to a vertical base as Donovan stands up nearer the center of the ring. He’s holding his stomach in pain, but stands upright in time to see Ligaya coming with the jumping high kick. Cross ducks underneath it and counters with a discus elbow smash, catching the spinning Ligaya flush against the jaw. He follows it up with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head, staggering his opponent as Cross goes against the ropes, coming back with a huge rolling koppu kick!

Geoff Penzer: This is the sort of fighting spirit that took Donovan Cross to the finals of the UK Cup!

Cross makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Ligaya gets the shoulder up. Cross sits up in disbelief, wondering what he’ll have to do to try and win this one. Regardless, the fans are on their feet cheering him on as Cross drags his opponent back to her feet. He pushes Ligaya into the corner, lifting her up onto the top rope. He fires off a few punches to keep her steady before climbing up onto the middle rope. Cross hooks his opponent in position for a superplex, but Fontaine blocks it. She fires off a few shots to the midsection, right where Cross just landed moments ago. He releases his grip and doubles over in agony as Ligaya steadies herself, standing up on the top rope before executing a super sunset flip powerbomb!

Geoff Penzer: Oh my God! Ligaya Fontaine with a powerbomb off the turnbuckle! That has to be it!

Slowly but surely, Ligaya makes her way across and hooks the leg.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
THREE-NOOO!

The fans gasp collectively as Ligaya looks to the referee in disbelief. He holds up two fingers, assuring Fontaine that this match isn’t over just yet. But she can’t believe Cross kicked out of that one. Finally, Fontaine gets over the shock as she delivers a body slam, positioning Cross near the corner. She climbs out onto the apron before slowly ascending to the top rope. The fans cheering Ligaya on as she steadies herself before leaping with the senton bomb – NO! Cross gets the knees up again!

Fontaine rolls away, writhing in pain before she and Cross make their way back to their feet at a snail’s pace. Cross sneaks up behind his opponent and wearily hits another jumping reverse bulldog before hooking both legs!

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
THREE!!!!

Tony Allen: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, DONOVAN CROSS!

[Deleted]

Tony Allen: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Gifu, Japan! Weighing in at 242 pounds! He is “The Strong Style Savior”… SHINTARO MAJIMA!

The arena lights dim as "Rhino Jockey" begins to play, before gold and reddish-orange lights slowly illuminate the entranceway. As the primal buzz of the bassline starts to build, the lights begin to flicker in sync with it, as the bassline grows and grows in its intensity until Shintaro Majima appears at the top of the ramp and walks towards the ring without a moment's hesitation.

Majima reaches ringside and climbs the ring steps, stepping through the ropes into the ring, where he loosens his ring robeand standing in the nearest corner before removing his dark sunglasses and locking eyes with his opponent.

For his entrance he wears a black ring robe with crimson detailing around the lapels and a pair of black sunglasses.

Tony Allen: And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California! Weighing in at 127 pounds! She is “The Black Adder”... HANA SONG!

The horns marking the start of 'Wiping All Out' sound out like the trumpets of reveille would. The lyrics announce the arrival of the Black Adder herself. "I'm not a princess. Not a cutie girlfriend, oh no, don't you know?" Hana stands in front of the black curtain, her head tilted to the right and her arms crossed. She stares down towards the ring, smirking, and drags her tongue left to right across her lips before setting off. As she walks to the ring, she bobs her head in rhythm to the beat of the song. Outside the ring she slides into it under the bottom rope and the head bob transitions into a quick horizontal body wiggle akin to a snake slithering about. Hana stands and bobs her head until her music stops, at which point she merely waits.

Geoff Penzer: Two competitors with opposite luck at 2nd Impact; Shintaro Majima feels he was robbed of victory in the number one contender's match by Terrence Tillman - who we'll see later in the main event. While Hana Song was able to pick up a victory over former FGA World Tag Team Champion, Annie Zellor. Who can win this one?

The bell sounds as Majima and Song shake hands before circling the ring.

The two combatants inch towards each other before lunging forward to initiate a collar & elbow tie up. But Song ducks under. When Majima turns around, he’s given a shoot kick to the thigh. Majima winces as he pulls back. He then begins to circle the ring, looking for the perfect opportunity to attack his opponent. Meanwhile, Song doesn’t take her eyes off of him for a second. Majima then motions for a lock up. Song takes the bait and over commits, allowing Majima to tackle her into the ropes. As The Strong Style Warrior has the Black Adder pressed against the ropes, the ref quickly scurries over and gives them a five count to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR...

Just before the ref shouts “FIVE!”, Majima makes the clean break as he lays against Song. He then slowly peels himself off of her and keeps his arms raised in the air. That is, until he throws out a roundhouse kick. But Song quickly ducks and moves out of the way, narrowly escaping.

Geoff Penzer: Both competitors look evenly matches here in the early goings. It'll take something special to separate these two.

The two combatants continue to circle the ring. They then begin to inch towards each other. Before either grappler can initiate a lock up, Song throws out and connects with another shoot kick to the thing. Upon impact, Majima steps back and tries to shake off the pain in his leg.

Song begins to try and cut off the distance as she forces Majma back into the corner. She then lunges forward to attack, but she ends up eating an elbow to the face. After getting thrown into the corner, Majima lunges forward, nearly driving the air out of her with a series of knee thrusts to the midsection. After leaning Song up, Majima lets out a blistering knife-edge chop. He then pulls his arm back, only to end up throwing a knife-edge chop that echoes throughout the arena. After he delivers a third chop, Song comes back with a chop of her own. Majima lets out another chop. But Song is quick to respond again. Majima comes back with yet another chop. But Song returns the favor again. Before Majima can even bring his arm back, Song fires off another chop… and another… and another. Just as Song pulls her arm back, Majima stops her assault with a Mongolian Chop. After shoving Song into the corner, Majima fires off a round of machine gun chops. He then takes Song and whips her into the opposite corner. After sizing her up, Majima charges across the ring and goes for the Kao No Nai. But Song catches his foot. She then pushes him back, sending Majima down to the canvas. As Majima rolls up to his feet, Song runs from out of the corner to attack. But Majima throws her down with the Uragaeshi. He makes the cover.

Geoff Penzer: Not quick enough. Could this be it?

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Song kicks out.

Majima picks up Song, moves her into the corner and delivers another knee to the gut, doubling her over. He then takes her by the arm and shoots her into the far ropes. When Song comes back, she slides through Majima’s legs. When Majima turns around, Song returns to her feet and throws out a high kick. But Majima catches her leg, wrapping his right arm around it. He then uses his left arm to elbow Song across the front of the thigh. After throwing down Song’s foot, Majima fires off a roundhouse kick, clocking Song in the side of the head. After she falls to the canvas, Majima drops down, pulls her towards him and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Song kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Another near fall.

Majima picks up Song and applies a front facelock. He then pulls up and leans back, trying to choke out the Black Adder. But Song is quick to move Majima into the ropes. After she reaches out and grabs the middle rope, the ref is forced to give Majima until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE...

After the ref reaches “FOUR”, Majima slowly lets go. He then raises his arms in the air, leaving himself exposed. Song quickly takes advantage of this with a shoulder thrust, doubling him over. She then grabs Majima and goes for an irish whip. but Majima reverses, sending Song into the ropes. When Song comes back, Majima goes for a running knee to the midsection. But Song flips over his knee and counters with a school boy…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Majima kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Hana Song can attack in the blink of an eye, and Shintaro Majima is learning that the hard way here.

Both grapplers scramble to get back to their feet. Majima ends up beating Song to the punch and throws out a roundhouse kick. But Song ducks and counters with a russian leg sweep. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Majima kicks out.

Song picks up Majima and delivers alternating knee strike to the midsection. She then grabs him by the wrist and follows up with a short-arm elbow smash, sending Majima stumbling back into the corner. Song then marches over, grabs Majima by the wrist, pulls him out of the corner and delivers another short-arm elbow smash. This time, Majima stumbles back before dropping down to one knee. With her opponent down, Song turns and takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, Majima turns her inside out with a running forearm smash. He then quickly picks up Song, lifts her up and delivers a release powerbomb. He makes the cover.

Geoff Penzer: That one shook the ring! Is it enough for the three, though?

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Song gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: So close. Neither competitor pulling any punches here, they both want - no, need to win this one tonight.

Majima picks up Song, grabs her by the wrist and delivers a series of short-arm clotheslines. After picking up Song, he snapmares her over before taking off into the ropes. When Majima comes back, he throws out a soccer kick. But Song rolls out of the way. When Majima turns around, Song runs over and connects with a front dropkick, sending him through the ropes and onto the apron. As Majima tries to get up on the apron, Song goes over to attack. But Majima nails her with a shoulder thrust through the ropes, sending her stumbling back. Once distance has been created, Majima goes for the Hakai Tsuchi. But Song connects in mid air with a jumping sole kick, knocking Majima to the floor.

As Majima tries to return to a vertical base on the outside, Song takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she knocks down Majima with a baseball slide. She then slithers to the outside, picks up Majima, rolls him into the ring, rolls herself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Majima kicks out.

Song picks up Majima, moves him into the corner and unleashes a series of elbow smashes. She then takes Majima and goes for an irish whip. But Majima reverses, sending Song into the corner. Majima follows up by charging across the ring and connecting with the Kao No Nai. He then brings Song from out of the corner and delivers the Kurifu. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Song gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Near fall after near fall.

Majima picks up Song and whips her into the ropes. When Song comes back, she knocks him down with a spinning heel kick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Majima gets his shoulder up.

Song picks up Majima and whips him into the ropes. When Majima comes back, Song bends over to set up a back body drop. But Majma stops, kicks Song square in the face and follows up with an enzuigiri, sending her flipping down to the canvas. Majima picks up Song, grabs her by the wrist and goes for the Akuma-fu. But Song ducks. When Majima turns around, Song knees him in the midsection and follows up with a facebreaker knee smash. While Majima is dazed, Song returns to a vertical base and connects with the Rattler’s Bite. Song then brings Majima back to his feet and delivers a jumping sole kick to the midsection, doubling him over. From there, Song takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she connects with the Adder’s Kiss. Song then pushes Majima over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Tony Allen: Here is your winner, HANA SONG

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

Tony Allen: The following tag team match is scheduled for one fall and it is your main event! Introducing first, weighing in at a total combined weight of 333 pounds. They are HANS KUNTZ and LIESL ALBRECHT!

“We're all living in Amerika
Amerika ist wunderbar
We're all living in Amerika
Amerika, Amerika”

“Amerika” by Rammstein begins playing throughout the arena and crowd begins to immediately boo. ‘The Hammer’ Hans Kuntz steps out from behind the black curtain wearing his trademark leather jacket – the German flag emblazoned on the back. He’s followed close behind by Liesl, who is wearing a similar, albit sequined version of the same jacket. The pair of them soak in the negative reaction as they walk, slowly and purposefully towards the ring, making obscene gestures along the way. Kuntz rolls under the bottom rope and immediately makes his way towards the nearest turnbuckle as Liesl jumps up onto the apron, doing a splits to slide under the bottom rope before she rolls up athletically.

Geoff Penzer: Ze Germans, the team who beat Chris Bond and Jason Bronco at 2nd Impact - and you have to wonder what they make of Jason Bronco returning tonight. He says he's signed a contract and will be an LDFC wrestler, and you have to wonder what's going through the mind of Hans Kuntz or Liesl Albrecht right now, especially when they're facing these two...

Tony Allen: And their opponents! Introducing first, from Orlando, Florida! Weighing in at 230 pounds! he is “TERRIFIC” TERRENCE TILLMAN!

As the beginning horn sound that starts “Forever” blasts through the arena, Terrence Tillman runs out to the stage. Running back and forth shouting and waving his arms in the air motioning for the fans to get on their feet. He stops in the center and stretches his arms out to either side shouting “It’s Time” at the top of his lungs. Tillman starts his march to the ring with a smile on his face, slapping hands of the kids in the audience letting out an occasional “Wooo!” or “Yeah baby!”

Tillman rolls into the ring under the bottom rope and runs to each corner pointing to the fans, clapping his hands, and feeding off the crowd’s reaction.

Tony Allen: And his partner, from Rocky Mount, North Carolina! Weighing in at 312 pounds! He is the reigning Apex Champion… NEST!

The opening to Deftones' "Cherry Waves" plays as a small screen of smoke cover the ground of the stage. As the first rift blasts through the venue, Nest walks through the curtain breathing heavily. Keeping his head down he looks out to the crowd briefly before eyeing the ring ahead, making his way down the ramp with an alarming sense of urgency. Nest stops right before he gets to the apron, holding out both of his arms with pitchfork hand signs along with a scream. He rolls in the ring and starts cracking his knuckles as the music dies down.

Geoff Penzer: The LDFC Apex Champion and his number one contender, teaming together. How well can they get along here--wait a minute!

The bell sounds as Albrecht and Kuntz attack Nest and Tillman from behind. Albrecht quickly takes Tillman and tosses him through the ropes and to the floor. Meanwhile, Kuntz pummels Nest down in the corner with mudhole stomps.

Geoff Penzer: Ze Germans wasting no time!

On the outside, Albrecht takes Tillman and whips him hard into the guard rail. Upon impact, Tillman collapses to his knees before falling face-first on the floor. Back in the ring, Kuntz is choking Nest with his boot while pulling down on the top rope.

Back on the outside, Albrecht picks up Tillman and whips him hard into the ring post. After smacking his face against the ring post, Tillman stumbles around ringside before collapsing to the floor. In the ring, Kuntz continues his assault with stomps to the face. Once Albrecht returns to the ring, Ze Germans pick up Nest from out of the corner and whip him into the ropes. When Nest comes back, they knock him down with a double clothesline.

Geoff Penzer: Say what you will about them, but Hans and Liesl work together like a well oiled machine.

After Nest is brought back to his feet, Albrecht nails him with a knee to the midsection, doubling him over. She follows up with a knee lift, sending Nest over towards Kuntz, who knocks him down with a single leg dropkick. Albrecht immediately heads over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest kicks out.

After sitting up Nest, Albrecht waves in Kuntz, who quickly nails Nest in the back with the Kuntz Puntz. Albrecht then forces Nest back down and makes and covers him with a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Liesl forcing her opponent to use his energy to kick out here. Clever.

Albrecht picks up Nest, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then tags Kuntz in. Once Kuntz gets in, he hammers away with a series of forearm strikes to the face. He then takes Nest and whips him into the corner. After charging across the ring, Kuntz gets an elbow to the face. Kuntz shakes it off and runs back into the corner. This time, he gets a boot to the face that knocks him down. Nest then picks up Kuntz and whips him into the ropes. When Kuntz comes back, Nest throws out a clothesline. But Kuntz ducks and runs into the ropes. When Kuntz comes back, he delivers a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest kicks out.

Kuntz heads over and tags in Albrecht. Once Albrecht gets in, Ze Germans pick up Nest and whip him into the ropes. When Nest comes back, they go for another double clothesline. But Nest swats their arms down before running into the far ropes. When Nest comes back, he knocks Ze Germans down with a leaping clothesline.

Geoff Penzer: And down go Ze Germans! Nest could have just found a way back into this one.

As Tillman pulls himself up using the edge of the apron, Nest gets up on all fours. He begins to slowly pull himself towards the corner as Tillman pulls himself up onto the apron using the ropes. Just then, Albrecht runs across the ring and connects with a dropkick, knocking Tillman off the ropes and to the floor. She then turns her attention to Nest before delivering a kick to the ribs. Once Nest collapses onto the canvas, Albrecht stomps away on his back. She then picks up Nest and whips him into the corner. After sizing up Nest, Albrecht runs across the ring, hops onto Nest and monkey flips him out of the corner. She then crawls back over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest gets his shoulder up.

Albrecht picks up Nest and whips him into the ropes. When Nest comes back, Albrecht goes for a Lou Thesz Press. But Nest catches her in mid air and counters with a flapjack.

Geoff Penzer: What a counter!

Kuntz can be seen screaming out at Albrecht as he stretches his arm out for the tag. But Albrecht appears to be out of it. Meanwhile, Nest slowly sits up on the canvas before turning over on all fours. The Apex Champion begins his crawl back towards his corner as Tillman slowly pulls himself back up onto the apron.

As Nest continues his trek across the ring, Albrecht rolls over and latches onto his leg. She then hangs on, trying her best to prevent Nest from making the tag. But Nest is too big for her to hold back, so he ends up dragging her across the ring with him.

Geoff Penzer: Can Nest make the tag here?

Nest continues to pull himself across the ring while Albrecht hangs on for dear life. Just then, Kuntz gets in the ring, grabs Nest’s other ankle, and helps Albrecht drag him back across the ring. The crowd boos as Kuntz delivers a Garvin Stomp, stomping away on each of Nest’s extremities before capping it off with a stomp to the back of the head. After he returns to the apron, Albrecht pushes over Nest and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: So close.

Albrecht picks up Nest and whips him into the corner. She then runs into the corner, connects with a clothesline and goes to follow up with a bulldog. But Nest shoves her off of him and into the ropes. When Albrecht comes back, Nest throws out another clothesline. But Albrecht ducks and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, Nest flattens her with a crossbody block. He then rolls off of Albrecht and onto his back. With both grapplers down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!



TWO!




THREE!





FOUR!







FIVE!




Nest turns over and gets up on all fours. Meanwhile, Kuntz gets in, marches over towards Albrecht and drags her across the ring as the crowd boos.

After hopping back through the ropes, Kuntz reaches through the ropes and gets the tag from Albrecht. As soon as Kuntz steps back in through the ropes, Nest reaches over and tags in Tillman, stopping Kuntz dead in his tracks.

Geoff Penzer: And here comes Terrific Terrence Tillman! And Kuntz wants no part of him!

After Tillman slingshots himself into the ring, he charges over at Kuntz and vice versa. The two men meet in the center of the ring, trading rights and lefts as the crowd goes wild.

The two men continue to trade blows until Kuntz delivers a knee strike to the midsection, doubling Tillman over. He then takes Tillman and whips him into the ropes. When Tillman comes back, Kuntz bends over to set up a back body drop. But Tillman hurdles over him before running into the far ropes. When Kuntz stands up and turns around, Tillman knocks him down with a clothesline. Kuntz gets back up, but Tillman knocks him down with a dropsault. Kuntz gets back up again, but Tillman knocks him back down with a spinning heel kick. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Albrecht breaks up the pin.

Geoff Penzer: Liesl saving her tag team partner there.

Albrecht picks up Tillman, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Tillman around, she goes to work with kicks to the midsection. Once Kuntz returns to his feet, he heads into the corner and joins in. Ze Germans then bring Tillman from out of the corner and whip him into the ropes. But instead of bouncing back, Tillman hangs onto the ropes. So Albrecht runs over to attack. But she ends up catching an elbow strike to the face. Kuntz then charges at Tillman. But Tillman dips his shoulder and dumps Kuntz to the outside with a fireman’s carry, sending Kuntz down to the floor.

While Tillman shouts down at Kuntz, Albrecht comes up from behind and connects with a dropkick, sending Tillman over the top rope and down to the floor. On the outside, Kuntz picks up Tillman and whips him towards the guard rail. But instead of crashing into the guardrail, Tillman leaps over it. Kuntz sees this, so he runs over to attack. But Tillman knocks him down with springboard forearm smash off the guard rail. Back in the ring, Albrecht is watching as this all plays out. But unbeknownst to her, Nest has rolled back into the ring. When Albrecht turns around, Nest shoves his middle and ringer fingers into her mouth, applying the Teroclaw.

Geoff Penzer: Teroclaw! They're not the legal competitors, she can't submit to escape this one.

Albrecht flails her arms around as Nest has the hold firmly applied. She then grabs him by the wrist with both hands and tries to yank his fingers out of her mouth. But it’s to no avail. As Nest keeps the hold applied, Albrecht begins to fade…

Geoff Penzer: Oh...

… until she responds with a kick between the legs, breaking the hold. While Nest is doubled over in pain, Albrecht grabs him and plants him with a springboard DDT.

Albrecht returns to her feet and admires her handywork. But unbeknownst to her, Tillman is crouched down behind her. When Albrecht turns around, Tillman delivers Pride Before the Fall. While Albrecht is down, Tillman points to the top turnbuckle. He then steps through the ropes and scales the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he flips off, going for the Skyfall. But Kuntz reaches in and yanks Albrecht out of the way, causing Tillman to crash onto the canvas. After Kuntz rolls himself back in, he pushes Tillman over and makes the cover.

Geoff Penzer: Nothin' but canvas for Tillman, and this could be it.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tillman gets his shoulder up.

Kuntz picks up Tillman, shifts him up across his shoulders and delivers a fireman’s carry gutbuster. He then steps through the ropes and scales the turnbuckles. When he reaches the top, he flips off and goes for the Blitzkrieg. But Tillman gets his knees up, causing Kuntz to crash down across them.

Geoff Penzer: Crash and burn, Kuntz!

With both men down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!






TWO!







THREE!









FOUR!








FIVE!





Both men begin to make that long, arduous crawl towards their respective corners. Kuntz begins to roll over before tagging Albrecht back in. Once Albrecht egts in, Tillman rolls forward, dives and tags Nest back in. As soon as Nest tries to step back into the ring, Albrecht darts over and nails him with a barrage of forearm strikes to the face. She then moves Nest into the nearest corner and connects with a series of shoot kicks to the chest. She then takes Nest from out of the corner and goes for an irish whip. But Nest reverses, sending Albrecht into the ropes. When Albrecht comes back, Nest bends over to set up a back body drop. But Albrecht counters with a sitout facebuster. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: All four competitors giving this everything they have. None of them want to be the one to lose this.

Albrecht picks up Nest, doubles him over with a knee to the midsection and follows up with a bulldog. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Nest gets his shoulder up.

Albrecht picks up Nest and whips him into the corner. She then runs across the ring and jumps up, looking for a monkey flip. But Nest catches her in mid air and counters with a thrusting spinebuster. Nest then picks up Albrecht, whips her into the opposite corner and connects with a corner splash. After Albrecht slumps down in the corner, Nest charges back over and connects with a cannonball senton. He then drags Albrecht from out of the corner and makes the cover.

Geoff Penzer: Oh, that had to hurt. Can Nest get the three count here?

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Kuntz dives over and breaks up the pin.

Geoff Penzer: A timely save by Hans.

Kuntz picks up Nest and sets him up for a sitout double underhook powerbomb. But Nest back body drops Kuntz over to the top rope and to the floor. As Kuntz gets up on the outside, Tillman runs across the ring, slingshots himself out onto the apron and knocks down Kuntz with the Terry-sault. Back in the ring, as Albrecht tries to get up, Nest runs over and connects with Nest Assured. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Tony Allen: Here is your winner, NEST and TERRENCE TILLMAN!

Geoff Penzer: They did it! Nest and Terrence Tillman worked together to defeat Ze Germans!

The two of them stand tall in the center of the ring, staring at one another as they celebrate their victory here.

Geoff Penzer: That's all we have time for tonight, folks. Be sure to tune in next time on Pride!

[Fade to black...]