Pride S05E02

[FGA Office]

3.10.16

Escapade Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

Geoff Penzer: Hello and welcome to another edition of Pride! I am your host, Geoff Penzer! Tonight, we kick off the APEX Tag Team Title tournament! Seven teams were selected. One of them will become the first-ever APEX Tag Team Champions! Now I said seven teams were selected, which meant that one team would end up getting a bye. Due to a lucky draw, the team of Prince MacRear and The Crimson Baroness will not be competing here this evening. However, we do have all of the other First Round Matches for you!

Geoff Penzer: In our first tournament match, the team of Brute Camp goes up against El Grandé Malo and Pedro Gonzales. The Pride of Mexico… Maine and Mexico City’s Favorite Son have the clear advantage when it comes to experience. While Becky brings a lot of athleticism and agility to the table, Malo and Pedro’s lucha libre style could give her and THE MASON! fits. However, Becky and Mason Mannion cannot be counted out. The #BRUTAL Apparel branded wrestlers have scored a big win over The Crimson Baroness and Prince MacRear. They proved that they have the ability to compete and beat some of the best here in LDFC. However, to win those APEX Tag Titles, they’ll have to put on a strong performance throughout the tournament, not just for one night.

Geoff Penzer: In our second tournament match, the team of Emily Carter and Jensen Banks face off against Butcher and Darby. Butcher and Darby are obviously acquainted from their time across the pond. So the experience edge would have to go with them. These two aren't afraid of getting down and dirty. If this thing turns into a slugfest, I don’t like Emily and Jensen’s chances. However, if Emily and Jensen are able to use their speed and agility to their advantage, then that will cause a lot of problems for the Brits.

Geoff Penzer: And in our main event, the team of Nest and Terrence Tillman will team up once again as they take on a pair of rivals in Hana Song and Shintaro Majima. The Black Adder and The Strong Style Savior left a ton of bodies in their wake during the Season 4 cycle of shows. On the other hand, Nest and Tillman proved themselves to be one hell of a tag team during Season 4 as well. Can they repeat that same success here tonight? Or will Song and Shima hand them a bitter defeat?

Who will fall? Who will advance? We’ll find out here tonight! Now let’s send it to the ring for our opening contest!

[FGA Office]

The match begins with Bianca catching Thunderbelly with a rolling koppu kick. She makes a quick cover. But The Sheep Herder is able to kick out at two. The Princess of the Reed Dynasty brings Thunderbelly into the corner and tries to slam him face-first into the top turnbuckle. But Thunderbelly blocks, grabs Bianca and sends her face-first into the top turnbuckle. A series of stinging chops cause Bianca to howl, Thunderbelly whips her hard into the opposite corner. As Bianca stumbles out, Thunderbelly turns her inside out with an Axebomber. He makes the cover. But he only gets two.

At the three minute mark, Thunderbelly continues to overpower Bianca. He whips Bianca into the ropes. When she returns, she slides through his legs. When Thunderbelly turns around, a basement dropkick knocks him down to one knee. She follows up with an enzuigiri that knocks him down. As Thunderbelly gets up on all fours, she connects with a front dropkick to the side of the head. A pin attempt gets two.

Bianca remains on offense as she stomps away on her larger competitor. After struggling to drag him into position, Bianca steps out onto the apron and hits a slingshot leg drop for two. She picks up Thunderbelly and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, Bianca delivers a snap hurricanrana. She follows up with a rolling thunder for two, followed by a standing moonsault for two. Annoyed, Bianca snaps at the ref to count faster.

As we head into the seven minute mark, Biana whips Thunderbelly into the corner. She runs into the corner, hops on The Sheep Herder and monkey flips him out of the corner. As Thunderbelly slowly returns to his feet, Bianca heads out to the apron and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. She leaps off and connects with a flying crossbody block. But Thunderbelly rolls through it, pulls Bianca back up and delivers Thunderstruck (swinging sideslam backbreaker). He makes the cover, but only gets two. Thunderbelly sends her into the corner. He charges into the corner, but he gets caught by a back elbow. Bianca quickly follows up with a tornado DDT for two. She then goes for a split legged moonsault. But Thunderbelly gets his knees up.

Both wrestlers return to their feet at the ten minute mark. Bianca throws out right hands. But Thunderbelly blocks them and counters with right hands of his own. This continues until Bianca stops him with a front kick to the knee. She then brings him down with a straightjacket neckbreaker for two.

Bianca heads out onto the apron and waves up Thunderbelly. When Thunderbelly returns to his feet, Bianca goes for a springboard twisting European Uppercut. But Thunderbelly knocks her down with a European Uppercut of his own. The lateral press only gets two.

At the thirteen minute mark, Thunderbelly sends Bianca into the ropes. When Bianca returns, Thunderbelly scoops her up across his shoulders and executes an airplane spin. While Bianca’s dazed, Thunderbelly knocks her down with the Thunderclap (running palm strike). He then picks Bianca back up and sends her into the ropes. When she returns, Thunderbelly knocks her down with a big boot. He then picks Bianca back up, lifts her up onto his shoulders and throws her down with the Wrath of Sif (alabama slam) for the one, two, three.

Winner: Thunderbelly

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first from Detroit, Michigan, weighing in at 230lbs … ROBBIE BLACK!

The lights in the arena slowly begin to dim and whilst doing so, the beginning of "Buzzin" by Mann hits the speakers, causing the audience to get up onto their feet as they turn their attentions to the curtains. Emerging from the curtains is the self proclaimed" Pimpin Master", who is dressed in his usual ring attire - however also wearing a long black robe, sunglasses and some chains dangled around his neck. Grinning from ear to ear, he makes his way to the ring, pointing at the audience members as he swaggers his way down. Before he even enters the ring he stops, taking off his robe and throwing it over at a certain section of the audience who scramble for the two hundred thousand dollar worth robe so they can presumably sell it on ebay. He smirks arrogantly, before passing his raybans and his chains to one of the technical members outside the ring. He jumps on the apron, posing towards the audience quickly, before entering the ring with a smile embedded on his face. He cockily hoists himself up onto the turnbuckle, spreads his arms out wide and poses once more.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from McLeansville, North Carolina, weighing in at 180lbs … JOSH MITCHELL!

As “Alive” begins to play through the PA, Josh pushes his way through the black curtain, wearing a sleeveless hoodie in addition to his ring gear. He pauses a moment in the entranceway, spreading his arms wide, before slowly setting off to the ring. As he reaches the apron, he rolls into the ring under the bottom rope, before getting to his feet, smiling and waving to the crowd. He then makes his way to his corner, removing his hoodie before leaning against the ringpost, testing his weight on his prosthetic limb, checking for fit and comfort.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring; there’s an intensity present in Robbie Black as he feigns a grapple a couple of times, causing Josh to jump back a step each time. As they do finally lock up collar and elbow, Black immediately overpowers his smaller opponent, forcing Josh back into the corner. The referee starts the five count, but Robbie releases it at three before delivering a stinging chop to the chest. And a few more to follow before an Irish whip sends Josh from pillar to post. He charges in after him, but Mitchell lifts his left leg to deliver a boot to the face!

Geoff Penzer: The rookie Josh Mitchell isn’t going to go down easy tonight; Brett Dunn found that out two weeks ago, and Robbie Black needs to be careful it doesn’t happen to him as well.

Black staggers back, holding his face in pain, as Josh leaps up with a single leg dropkick that knocks his opponent down. Both competitors scramble to get back to their feet as Robbie Black lunges forward with a clothesline attempt. But Josh ducks underneath it and fires off a knife edge chop to the chest. And another, before getting cut off by a powerful knee to the midsection.

Mitchell is doubled over in pain as Robbie delivers a couple of clubbing blows to the back, and a belly to belly suplex to take Josh down to the mat once more. He doesn’t go for the cover, however; Robbie Black takes a moment to stroll around the ring, posing for the crowd before he lifts his opponent to a vertical base and promptly body slams Josh right back down – with authority! A standing moonsault follows and Black hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Josh kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Robbie Black has the size and strength advantage, with a good fifty pounds on his opponent. And you know he’s going to use that advantage as much as he can.

Black lifts his opponent back up to his feet. A European uppercut has Mitchell reeling as he stumbles back against the ropes. A couple of forearm shots to the face leave the rookie feeling worse for wear before he’s sent across the ring with an Irish whip. Upon his return, Mitchell is caught with a high hiptoss. He bounces off the mat and back to an upright position as Robbie hits another hiptoss. This time Josh is slower to get back up, only to get planted by an inverted DDT when he finally does so.

But he doesn’t make the cover yet; instead Robbie makes his way towards the ropes and engages in conversation with some hot young blondes in the audience.

Geoff Penzer: The Pimpin’ Master working his magic on the ladies in the audience, but he needs to keep an eye on Josh Mitchell here.

The conversation ends with Robbie winking at the ladies in question, before he turns around and gets caught by a single leg dropkick to the face! The crowd pops as Black gets knocked through the ropes and out onto the apron. He pulls himself back up, but Josh is already on the move, running against the far ropes for momentum before returning with a clothesline that knocks Robbie off the apron and crashing into the guard rail!

Geoff Penzer: This match is heading to ringside, but what can Josh do from here?

The rookie is standing by the ropes, trying to pluck up the courage to fly with a plancha like he did last time. But he bottles it, and instead opts to run against the far ropes. He comes back with a baseball slide to the face of Robbie Black, sending the Pimpin’ Master against the rails again. Mitchell slides out and rolls his opponent back into the ring, following him in and going for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Black powers out.

Josh gets thrown across the ring by the powerful Robbie Black, but Mitchell gets back to his feet first. He connects with a couple of forearm shots to the face before going for the Irish whip. But Robbie reverses it and sends Mitchell against the ropes. Black lowers his head for the back body drop, and it gets countered with a DDT! The crowd pop again as Josh rolls over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Robbie Black kicks out!

Geoff Penzer: A couple of near falls, and Josh Mitchell appears to be getting more confident in that ring tonight.

As his opponent gets back to his feet, Josh grabs him with a side headlock. But the larger Robbie Black isn’t having any of that as he fires off a couple of side elbows to the midsection, before going for the atomic drop counter. Mitchell staggers away clutching his backside in pain, before Black whips him towards the corner. Josh tries to counter, vaulting up off the turnbuckle over his approaching foe, but gets caught across the shoulder of Robbie Black. A powerslam follows as Mitchell gets planted, and covered.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Geoff Penzer: He kicked out! Josh Mitchell stays in this one after kicking out of the powerslam, and Robbie Black does not look happy.

The Pimpin’ Master is asking the referee about the speed of the count, and not in a nice manner. But the official assures him it was only a two count. Relenting, Black drags his opponent up and whips him against the ropes again. This time he catches Josh with a spinning spinebuster, playing up to the crowd before finally planting Josh dead center in the middle of the ring. And the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NOO!

Geoff Penzer: Another kick out, this time after the AH HELL NO! And Robbie Black can’t believe it.

The referee assures him it was only a two, so Robbie doubles Josh over with a toe kick before running against the ropes. Black comes back with a sweet superkick, catching Mitchell flush and sending the rookie sprawling across the ring. Josh rolls out under the bottom rope, but his respite is short lived as Robbie rolls out after him. Black grabs his opponent by the back of the head and throws him into the guard rail; the crowd booing as Black stomps at the fallen foe.

“THREE!”


“FOUR!”


Geoff Penzer: Robbie Black not messing around right now, but he needs to be careful about that count out.


“FIVE!”


Mitchell is dragged back up to his feet and whipped to the other side of the aisle, into the guard rail there.


“SIX!”


Robbie Black looks to do some damage as he grabs hold of Josh again and hoists him up across his shoulders with a fireman’s carry. But Mitchell counters the following move with a spinning DDT, planting Robbie Black head first on the aisleway!


“SEVEN!”


“EIGHT!”


“NINE!”


Neither man is moving as the referee finishes his count.


“TEN!”

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, this match has ended with a DOUBLE COUNT OUT!

Geoff Penzer: A draw? A hard fought contest by both men; some may say that Josh Mitchell was outclassed, but he hung in there with one of the more experienced members of the LDFC roster. And not even that aggressive side of the Pimpin’ Master was enough to put him away here.

[FGA Office]

Jessie Pederson: With me right now are Jensen Banks and Emily Carter. Guys, can I get some final thoughts from you as you head into tonight's match against Butcher and Darby?

Jensen Banks: All I can really say is that we're in for some fight tonight. Don't expect either of us to walk out tonight unscathed, because we're not. A fight is what we want tonight and shit, it's going to be what we get.

Emily Carter: That's right. Butcher and Darby are fighters. They know how to scrap. They know how to claw. They're as tough as they come. But you know what? We're pretty tough, too. They may not realize that because all they've been is dismissive of me and Jensen. But that's okay. I'm glad they're this arrogant. I'm glad that they're overconfident. It'll only make our win out there tonight that much sweeter.

Nest made history by being the first APEX Champion. Skylar made history by being the first Old North Champion. It's time that me and Jensen started making some history of our own. And it starts right here tonight in Charlotte!

[FGA Office]

The match starts off with Mylo controlling the action early. He’s able to catch the more experienced Dunn off guard with quick strikes. Hip tosses and arm drags sends Dunn retreating to the floor. At the two minute mark, Dunn returns to the ring. He goes to initiate a lock up. But he cheapshots Mylo with a kick to the gut. An eye rake sends Mylo staggering into the ropes. From there, Dunn moves Mylo into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops. But Mylo is quick to grab Dunn, toss him into the corner and give him a series of chops of his own. He then sends Dunn into the opposite corner. Mylo charges across the ring. But Dunn knocks him down with a discus forearm for a two count.

At the four minute mark, Dunn remains on offense. A tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover is followed up with a dropkick, followed by a single leg dropkick for two. He then whips Mylo into the ropes. When Mylo returns, Dunn goes for a pop-up death valley driver. But as soon as Mylo lands on Dunn’s shoulders, he elbows him repeatedly in the head. Once Mylo slips down from behind, he brings Dunn down with a bulldog for two. An irish whip into the ropes sets up an STO for another two count. A vertical suplex gives Mylo another two count.

At the seven minute mark, Mylo goes for a vertical suplex to the outside. But Dunn blocks and counters with a front suplex onto the top rope. While Mylo dangles across the rope, Dunn knocks him off with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head. He then picks up Mylo and goes to suplex him back into the ring. But Mylo slips down and rolls him up with an O’Connor Roll. Dunn kicks out before three. But he kicks out with so much force that it sends Mylo into the ropes. When Mylo comes back, Dunn goes for a pop-up powerbomb. But once Mylo lands on Dunn’s shoulders, he turns around and spikes him with an inverted frankensteiner.

While both men are down, Robbie Black makes his way down to the ring to boos from the crowd. As the two wrestlers continue to stir on the canvas, Robbie spots Mylo’s Reapers in Pride cut. An arrogant smirk forms as he rushes over and snatches up the vest. The crowd boos as Robbie takes the vest and makes his way back up the aisle just as quickly as he came. Back in the ring, both men return to their feet by the count of eight. They trade rights and lefts until Mylo gains the upperhand. He continues to knock Dunn further and further back towards the ropes. While Dunn’s dazed, Mylo turns and runs into the far ropes. When Mylo returns, he delivers a clothesline that sends them both to the floor.

At the count of five, Mylo is first to get up after he pulls himself up using the edge of the apron. Mylo immediately notices something is off. He then turns and notices that his RiP cut is gone. He quickly scans the crowd to see who the culprit was. A fan in the front row can be seen motioning towards the back while the name “Robbie Black” is muttered. Mylo quickly takes off to the back, leaving a Dunn on the floor. Dunn tries to return to the ring. But the clothesline to the floor took too much out of him. The bell sounds at the 10:12 mark.

Double Count Out

[FGA Office]

Butcher is pacing back and forth. The look on his face was the usual for someone who was pissed about something. He stops, then looks down at his tag team “acquaintance” Darby. Butcher scratched his beard, looking to see if he and Darby were on the same page.

Butcher: Alright then, here’s how it’s gonna go. You and I? You and I are going to make this sod job work. After what I saw a couple o’ weeks ago, I see I’m gonna have to be your mum and make sure you don’t screw this up. What’s on the line, is a free ticket to the APEX Tag Team Championships.

Butcher takes a deep breath and looks down at Darby.

Butcher: Those two lil’ gits we’re facin’? It should be a cakewalk, as smooth as mother’s milk. There is no way for us to sod this up. They are practically ripe for the pickin’. Us losing this match means that I’ve got all the reason to turn your head upside down. You said you had a bloody plan? Well you better hope it ends up with us movin’ on the belts. Do your part, keen?

Darby looks at Butcher and sighs, rolling his eyes as he continues to get ready.

Butcher: Oi, I had Fawkes call me two days ago wonderin’ if you skipped the pond. I covered for you. If you mess this up, I’m gonna box your ears a good one. Now, I’m gonna ask you again: Are you keen on the plan…?!

Darby nods his head and Butcher stands straight.

Butcher: Good. Now c’mon y’knob we got work to do.

Butcher slaps Darby on the back, who didn’t seem to be too fazed by Butcher’s threats. He finishes up and stands up following behind his partner. The scene then cuts away from the two and goes black.

[FGA Office]

As pink lights begin to flicker around the venue, Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" begins to play over the sound system and Becky steps through the curtain with her fists clenched, she cracks her neck as she looks around the crowd, breaking for a second to smile and wave before her attention returns to the rings and she grits her teeth. Slipping her #BRUTAL mouth guard in, she slaps a few hands on her way to the ring, taking a few quick steps up the stairs and jumping in through the bottom rope to throw her fist in the air just once to a pop from the crowd.

“House of Balloons” hits the PA system to a moderate pop from the audience. Pink lights strobe throughout the arena for a moment before finally a single spotlight focuses on the curtain. Mason Mannion emerges through it, back already turned to the ramp and the camera as he backs out into the crowd, arms extended to his sides. Turning his head, he shoots a wink toward the audience-- many of which remain largely unimpressed-- before turning, making a display of presenting himself toward the nearest camera which follows him toward ringside. Mason yells for the cameraman to “slide!”, and Mason turns, sprinting into the ring… and the cameraman sprints after, following, sliding alongside Mason, who rushes toward the turnbuckles, extending his arms again as he looks out into the audience, music finally fading as he climbs down from the corner.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it’s a first round match in the APEX Tag Team Title Tournament! Introducing first, weighing in at a total combined weight of 329 pounds! They are the team of Becky and Mason “THE MASON!” Mannion… BRUTE CAMP!

Still lots of colorful lights. Add smoke machine. There seems to be some confidence in Pedro's walk, perhaps even (horror upon on horrors!) a bit of swag. Occasionally channels Ric Flair by ripping off the robe and dropping a few elbows on it because he's just a dork like that.

The house lights dim slightly as the gentle sound of a piano playing gives way and the beat drops. Bursting from behind the curtain, El Grandé Malo stomps his way out onto the stage bouncing in time with the music. Right by his side is Pedro Gonzales, who swaggers down to the ring in his ring robe. EGM hops and jogs down to the ring, slapping the outstretched hands along the way, before sliding into the ring and heading for the nearest corner. Pedro can be seen slapping hands with the fans as well. EGM scales the turnbuckles and continues to hype up the crowd before dropping down and stretching while waiting for the match to begin. The two luchadors high five each other before the match begins.

Melanie Sierra: And their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of 320 pounds! They are the team of EL GRANDE MALO and PEDRO GONZALES!

Geoff Penzer: This one should be a fast-paced bout, especially when Malo, Pedro and Becky are in there. Both teams are fan favorites, so the crowd is going to be torn in this one.

The match starts with Becky and EGM shaking hands before locking up. Becky quickly places him in a side headlock. But EGM is quick to shove her off of him and into the ropes. When Becky comes back, EGM knocks her down with a standing shoulder block. He then takes off into the ropes. When EGM comes back, Becky gets back to her feet and leapfrogs over him. EGM then runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, Becky knocks him down with a crossbody block.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM kicks out.

When EGM gets back to his feet, Becky runs over to attack. But EGM throws her down with a Japanese arm drag. Becky gets back up, but EGM brings her back down with another Japanese arm drag. When Becky returns to her feet, EGM brings her down with an overflow arm drag, sendings her rolling underneath the bottom rope and to the outside. While Becky gets up on the outside, EGM claps his hands before taking off into the far ropes. When he comes back, he charges forward, leaps over the top rope and knocks her down with a leaping somersault plancha, which elicits cheers and applause from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: Malo wasted little time taking to the air. All four wrestlers know what’s on the line here. Win and advance. You lose? You go home.

After rolling Becky back into the ring, EGM rolls himself back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Becky gets her shoulder up.

EGM picks up Becky, moves her into the corner and delivers a knife edge chop. He then takes Becky and whips her into the opposite corner. EGM runs across the ring. But Becky connects with a back elbow to the face. As EGM stumbles back, Becky comes from out of the corner and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the chest. That is, until EGM catches the last kick. He then swings Becky away from him. But Becky uses the momentum to turn into a Pelé Kick. While EGM’s dazed, Becky gets up and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, she brings EGM down with a wheelbarrow arm drag. EGM returns to his feet, but Becky runs over and executes a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover, sending EGM through the ropes and to the floor. While EGM returns to his feet on the outside, Becky claps her hands before taking off into the far ropes. When she comes back, she hurls herself through the ropes, knocking him down with an elbow suicida to a roar of cheers. Becky picks up EGM, rolls him back into the ring, then rolls herself back in to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Becky may have only gotten two. But you have to believe that Malo is hurt after that suicide elbow.

Becky picks up EGM, wrenches his arm, brings him over to the Brute Camp corner and tags in Mason Mannion. The crowd cheers as THE MASON! enters the ring. He quickly takes a hold of EGM’s free arm and wrenches it. He then continues to wrench the arm three more times while EGM groans. But the Pride of Mexico… Maine doesn’t quit. Instead, he rolls forward, leans back, kips up and brings Mason down with an arm drag. He then rolls over, dives into his corner and tags in Pedro Gonzales. The crowd cheers as Mexico City’s Favorite Son enters the ring. He and Mason then circle the ring before locking up. Mason quickly uses his strength advantage to move Pedro into the corner, where the ref gives them a five count. Both men make the clean break at four. Mason then tries for a shoulder thrust. But Pedro catches him with a knee lift to the face, sending him stumbling back. Pedro then comes from out of the corner and connects with a thrust kick, sending Mason back a few more steps. He then goes over, grabs Mason and whips him into the ropes. When Mason returns, Pedro sets up a back body drop, but Mason stops and connects with a knee lift. As Pedro stumbles back, Mason goes over and throws out a clothesline. But Pedro ducks. When Pedro turns around, Mason catches him with a Pelé Kick. While Pedro’s dazed, Mason kicks him in the midsection and goes for a snap suplex. But Pedro blocks it. So Mason tries for another snap suplex. But again, Pedro blocks it. So Mason delivers four punches to the ribs. He then muscles Pedro up for a vertical suplex. But Pedro slips down from behind and rolls up Mason with a school boy.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason kicks out.

After both men return to their feet, Pedro throws out a front kick to the face. But Mason turns Pedro away from him and rolls him up with a school boy of his own.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro kicks out.

After both men get up, Mason takes Pedro and whips him into the ropes. When Pedro returns, Mason throws out a lariat. But Pedro ducks, floats over across his back and brings him down with a crucifix pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

After both men return to their feet, Pedro quickly rolls up Mason with a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason rolls over, pinning Pedro with a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro rolls over, pinning Mason with a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason rolls over, pinning Pedro with a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro rolls over, pinning Mason with a small package.

The two men then rolls across the ring in a circle to cheers from the crowd. Pedro then stops the momentum, pinning Mason with the small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: What a sequence that was by these two. Both men are looking to get the three count at every opportunity. The chance to become the first champion in a title’s history doesn’t come along too often. Both teams are showing just how much that means to them in this one.

After both men return to their feet, Mason quickly sends Pedro flipping down to the canvas with a step-up enzuigiri. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Mason picks up Pedro and whips him into the ropes. When Pedro returns, Mason goes for a back body drop. But Pedro slips down from behind and rolls him up with an O’Connor Roll.

ONE!
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Pedro bridges back with a prawn hold.
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TWO!
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Mason kicks out.

After both men scramble to get back to their feet, Pedro runs over and brings Mason down with an STO. While Mason’s on the mat, Pedro heads into the corner, hoists himself up onto the middle ropes and then connects with a double tornillo splash.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Nice splash there by Pedro, but it only gets two.

Pedro picks up Mason and whips him into the ropes. Becky quickly makes the blind tag. When Mason comes back, Pedro hoists him up onto his shoulders. He’s about to drop Mason into a roundhouse kick when Becky knocks him down with a shotgun dropkick. She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: What a dropkick that was by Becky! She nearly soared across the ring!

Becky picks up Pedro and goes for an irish whip. But Pedro reverses, sending Becky into the ropes. When she returns, Pedro throws out a clothesline. But Becky ducks, floats over across his back and brings him down with Game Over (Crucifix Driver). She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Pedro gets his shoulder up.

Becky picks up Pedro, delivers four European Uppercuts and then follows up with Spirit! (standing shiranui). She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM pulls Becky off of Pedro.

As EGM heads back out, Becky picks up Pedro, moves him into the corner and delivers Shoot Kicks to the chest. She then takes Pedro and whips him into the opposite corner. Becky runs across the ring. But Pedro catches her with a back elbow. While Becky stumbles back, Pedro faces the ropes and brings her down with a springboard arm drag. Becky returns to her feet, but Pedro knocks her down with a clothesline. Becky gets back up, but Pedro knocks her down with a dropkick. When Becky gets back up, Pedro kicks her in the midsection and delivers a Devil Spike DDT. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Becky gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Another close call there. I can barely keep up with the action in this one!

Pedro goes over and tags EGM back in. EGM picks up Becky and goes for an irish whip. But Becky reverses, sending EGM into the corner. She then runs across the ring and goes for another corner yakuza kick. But EGM steps out, captures her and delivers an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Timely save there by Mason. I wasn’t sure if Becky was going to be able to get her shoulder up after that suplex.

While Mason heads back out, EGM picks up Becky and whips her into the corner. He then charges across the ring and delivers a corner yakuza kick of his own. He then brings a dazed Becky from out of the corner before delivers a brainbuster across his knee. He makes the cover.

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

While Mason heads back out, EGM picks up Becky and whips her back into the corner. EGM runs into the corner, but Becky nails him with a kick to the face. After stumbling back, EGM runs back into the corner. This time, Becky delivers a back elbow to the face. After EGM stumbles back, she hoists herself up onto the middle ropes before bringing him down with a blockbuster. She slowly turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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EGM gets his shoulder up.

Becky goes over and tags Mason back in. Once Mason returns to the ring, Brute Camp picks up EGM and whip him into the ropes. When EGM comes back, Brute Camp goes for a double back body drop. But EGM stops and kicks Mason square in the face. Once Becky stands up, EGM throws out a kick. After Becky catches it, EGM goes for an enzuigiri. But Becky ducks, accidentally causing Mason to get hit with the kick. After EGM returns to his feet, Becky throws out a clothesline. But EGM ducks. When she turns around, EGM brings her down with a leg lariat. He then staggers over towards his corner to tag out. But Mason is able to grab him from behind and deliver an O’Connor Roll transitioned into a back suplex.

When Mason gets up from behind, Pedro is quick to bring him back down with a jumping reverse bulldog. While Mason’s down, Pedro steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. He leaps off, going for a diving double foot stomp. But Mason’s able to roll out of the way. After Pedro lands on his feet, his momentum sends him rolling forward. When Pedro gets back to his feet and turns around, Mason connects with a running dropkick, knocking him through the ropes and to the floor.

Once Mason gets up, EGM knocks him down with a leaping calf kick. He then picks up Mason and goes for a brainbuster. But Mason knees him in the head on the way up. After slipping down, Mason takes EGM and whips him into the ropes. When EGM comes back, Mason throws him down with a stalling snap spinebuster. He then heads to the outside and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. After EGM gets back up, Mason dives off and knocks him down with a missile dropkick to the back of the head. EGM’s able to slowly get back up on one knee. But Becky is quick to knock him back down with The Scoreboard Clock (Boma Ye). Mason turns him over and makes the cover while Becky’s on the lookout.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

“House of Balloons...” plays to cheers from the crowd.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentleman, here are your winners, BRUTE CAMP!

Mason and Becky raise each others arms as the crowd continue to cheer.

Geoff Penzer: What a contest that was! Both teams came out strong. They were aggressive without being dirty. It was a hard fought match. Unfortunately for the luchadors, Brute Camp picked up the duke and will be advancing to the Semifinals!

[FGA Office]

The scene fades in the hallway as a raged Mylo Danvers is walking around shirtless in search of his RIP cut that was stolen from him during his match by Robbie Black. Mylo grabs a crew worker and pins him up on a wall with his hand grabbing at his jaw.

MYLO DANVERS: Where is he?! Where's that douche, Black?!

CREW WORKER: I DON'T KNOW MAN?! LET ME GO!? PLEASE! PLEASE?!

Mylo tosses the worker to the side seeing that he truly didn't know anything. Suddenly the sound of a Harley Davidson starting up was heard in the parking lot.

MYLO DANVERS: No.

Mylo then began to sprint towards the exits heading into the parking lot. Once he walks out into the parking lot he sees Robbie Black with his cut and on his bike.

MYLO DANVERS: HEY?! GET THE FUCK OFF MY BIKE?!

Robbie looks back at Mylo and smirks. He laughs and then speeds off on Danvers' bike. Danvers runs after him but he couldn't catch up.

MYLO DANVERS: Son of a bitch...SON OF A BITCH?!

The scene fades away.

[FGA Office]

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Anita, from Providence, Rhode Island, weighing in at 215 pounds … 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.

Melanie Sierra: And his opponent, from Tucson, Arizona … ECHO RIGBY!

The psychedelic blues rock of "End of the Line" by Frijid Pink begins to play, and out walks Echo in her sleeveless bell bottom jumpsuit, floppy hat and sunglasses. She flashes peace signs and laid back smiles to the crowd as she saunters down to the ring, climbs on the apron and walk down the edge of it blowing kisses to the crowd. She takes off her hat and flings it into the crowd like a frisbee. She removes her glasses and jewelry, climbing into the ring and ready for the match.

The bell sounds to start the match as Echo emerges from her corner to pace back and forth in a semi circle, while her opponent, Keegan Hightower remains in his corner with a shit eater’s grin on his face. He gestures across the ring at his hippie chick opponent as he and his valet, Anita, share a laugh at Echo’s expense.

Geoff Penzer: The cocky, brash Keegan Hightower doesn’t think too highly of his opponent tonight. Echo was successful in her debut two weeks ago against Bianca Reed, but her opponent is much more experienced, so she’ll have to have her wits about her tonight.

But Rigby isn’t backing down as she beckons Keegan to come out of the corner. He does so as she offers up a collar and elbow tie up – only to get caught by a boot to the midsection. It doubles Echo over as Keegan hammers away with a couple of right hooks to the face, the second of which knocks the hippie chick down. She gets back up, and Keegan promptly body slams her right back down again.

He places a boot across the chest and goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Echo kicks out.

The crowd boo and jeer as Keegan struts away, rolling his eyes at his opponent’s ‘resiliency’. But Echo keeps her cool as she gets back up to her feet. She claps her hands, trying to rally the fans to her cause – which isn’t difficult when against Keegan – as the two competitors lock horns again. Echo manages to use her speed to dive around the back of the tie-up, applying a hammerlock to her opponent. Keegan tries to fight his way out, firing off some back elbows, but he misses the third one and spins on the spot due to the momentum, before getting caught by a side headlock from Echo Rigby.

The advantage doesn’t last long, however, as Keegan is able to push Rigby away and against the ropes. Upon her return, she’s knocked down by a shoulder block. Keegan then runs against the ropes, hopping over Echo as she rolls onto her front before popping back up to her feet. Hightower hits the ropes again, this time ducking under his opponent as Echo leapfrogs up into the air, bellbottoms flying, before she finally hits a dropkick!

Geoff Penzer: Echo Rigby taking the upper hand here with a picture perfect dropkick.

Hightower scrambles back to his feet, but Echo connects with another dropkick that sends him back against the ropes. As she closes the gap, however, Hightower lashes out with a toe kick to the gut. He follows up with an Irish whip, sending Echo against the ropes. Keegan lowers his head ready for the back body drop, but Echo has it scouted; she counters with a boot to the face and Keegan flails his arms to try and remain upright. But Rigby can’t capitalize straight away. She staggers back after the counter before charging at her opponent, ducking under the clothesline attempt of Hightower. Echo hits the ropes and comes back, launching herself at Keegan as she hits him with an STO! A pop from the crowd as the move connects, and Rigby hooks a leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Keegan kicks out!

Geoff Penzer: That move seemed to come out of nowhere, and Echo Rigby picks up a near fall. But her speed has been catching Keegan Hightower off guard thus far, does he have an answer for it?

Rigby gets back to her feet and moves towards the corner, climbing up as she faces out across the crowd. But she’s distracted; Anita is shouting up at her from her position by the apron, causing Echo to stop long enough to allow Keegan to recover. He catches Rigby from behind with a clubbing blow to the back.

Geoff Penzer: Anita providing the timely distraction there, and Keegan Hightower might be right back in this one.

The crowd are booing as Keegan climbs the turnbuckle as well, hooking his opponent in position for the avalanche belly-to-back suplex! Rigby gets folded up, and rolls over to be face down in the center of the ring as Keegan sits upright. That same grin on his face as he wore at the beginning of the match, as he and Anita blow kisses to each other.

And the crowd keeps booing as he rolls Echo over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
THR-NO!

Keegan can’t believe it, but the referee assures him it was only two. Undeterred, he brings Echo back to her feet and pushes her into the corner, whereupon he proceeds to stomp a mudhole in the midsection of Echo Rigby. The fans continue jeering until the referee intervenes, forcing Hightower back a step. But he just runs right back in with a clothesline. An Irish whip sends Echo from pillar to post as Keegan follows her in – only to get caught by a boot to the face! The crowd pop again as Echo composes herself quickly and charges at Keegan, only to get caught by a snap powerslam! And the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Geoff Penzer: Echo kicks out again, and Keegan must be wondering what he has to do to win this one.

Relentless in his assault, Hightower drags his opponent back to her feet again. He has her bent over backwards and hooked ready for the reverse suplex, but Echo manages to drop down the back and land on her feet – albeit unsteadily. Hightower spins on the spot and goes for the clothesline, but Echo ducks under the arm and runs against the ropes, coming back with a headscissors armbar! The submission hold applied out of nowhere and Keegan Hightower is looking for the ropes!

Geoff Penzer: Echo Rigby with the submission attempt, and she’s got it locked in in the dead center of the ring!

The crowd are fully behind her as she cranks back on the arm, applying more torque to the shoulder as Keegan tries to move towards the ropes. Anita shouting support from the corner as Keegan moves closer to the ropes – but he stops as Echo cranks back even harder! She’s putting everything she has into keeping the hold applied, but Keegan finally makes it to the ropes as the referee calls for the break!

Rigby lands on her feet as she’s forced to release the hold, but she’s quickly on the move again as she runs against the far ropes. Hightower staggers away from the ropes in time to eat the Busaiku knee strike, and Echo drops down for the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Geoff Penzer: Keegan kicks out in the nick of time!

Undeterred, Echo kneels over her opponent, taking a moment to catch her breath before lifting Hightower to his feet and moving him towards the corner. She sends him head first into the top turnbuckle, causing Keegan to stumble away as Echo lifts herself up to a seated position on the top rope. She waits for her opponent to turn back around before leaping off with a flying neckbreaker! And another cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
THR-NO!

The referee points to Keegan’s foot on the ropes as a sheepish Anita moves away from the scene with a look of innocence on her face. But Rigby doesn’t get angry at the obvious interference, despite the oblivious referee missing it. Instead she lifts Keegan back to his feet and moves him towards the corner again. This time she unloads with a series of boots to the gut, before going for an Irish whip. Keegan reverses it, though, sending Rigby across the ring as she hits the turnbuckle chest first! Echo staggers away from the corner, right into the waiting arms of Keegan as he lifts her up for the back suplex – NO! Echo rolls through and lands on her feet – only to get caught by the superkick!

Geoff Penzer: Boom Headshot! Out of nowhere! And that has to be it!

But before Keegan can make the cover, he spies a figure at the top of the aisle…

Geoff Penzer: Becky? What’s Becky doing out here?!

Becky begins to walks slowly towards the ring, but Keegan is pointing at her, telling her to get the hell out of here. The argument continues as Becky protests that she’s out here to get a closer look at things, but Hightower is adamant she needs to leave. He continues jaw jacking at her, so he doesn’t notice Echo sneak up behind him with a schoolboy!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!!!

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, ECHO RIGBY!

Geoff Penzer: What an upset! Give the assist the Becky, but Echo Rigby gets the win tonight against Keegan Hightower!

Rigby rolls to the outside to celebrate her victory as Becky and Keegan lock eyes once more; he knows she just cost him the match. But the young cheerleader seems rather pleased with herself…

Geoff Penzer: What’s this?

The crowd’s cheers turn to boos as Becky is blindsided; a single cane shot to the back of the head and down she goes as The Crimson Baroness stands over her, yelling at the “stupid, little girl”. Keegan and Anita join The Baroness in the aisleway, stepping over the unconscious Becky as the trio leave together.

Geoff Penzer: Becky may have helped Echo win, but she fell victim to an attack from behind as The Crimson Baroness helped out her friend, Keegan Hightower. Hopefully this doesn’t affect Becky too much ahead of her tag team match later tonight.

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

"Morning Glory" by Oasis plays, Butcher blasts through the curtains, soaking in the reaction. He glares around before talking to the crowd, letting out a big laugh. He slaps some hands along the way. He stops at the front of the ring as the lights strobe blue, white, and red. He goes to his right, and runs up onto the apron, facing the crowd. He flings himself through the ropes, spinning around and kneeling down, leaning on the middle rope. He looks around with a smirk, he then points at himself and glares into the camera saying something into it. Butcher stands up and marches around the ring soaking in the atmosphere. He stops, and then stands in his corner, ready to go at it.

“Back Off Evil” hits and Darby swaggers out, chewing gum as he looks around the crowd before spitting it out and batting it into the air. He makes his way down toward the ring, jabbering at a fan or two, making a pass at a couple of the more comely ladies in the crowd before he slides in, sitting on his knees and giving the official an earful before he heads toward his corner, stretching as he waits for the beginning of their opponents.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a first round match in the APEX Tag Team Title Tournament. Introducing first, weighing in at a total combined weight of 467 pounds! They are the team of BUTCHER and DARBY!

As the drums start at the beginning of "Don't Die Digging", the audience turns their attention to the entrance way. When the guitar kick in, Emily Carter steps through the curtain to a positive reaction from the crowd. Carter smiles before pointing to various fans in the crowd. She then makes her way down to the ring, slapping hands with the fans along the way. She then hops onto the apron before entering the ring. When the chorus hits, Carter climbs up onto the ropes and holds her index finger in the air. She hops down, marches across the ring, climbs up onto the ropes and thrusts her index finger in the air. Carter smiles, nodding her head in approval as the crowd continues to cheer her on.

Once the beat of “The Outside” by Red kicks in, the curtains are pulled open and Jensen Banks 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.

Melanie Sierra: And their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of 340 pounds! They are the team of EMILY CARTER and JENSEN BANKS!

Geoff Penzer: This should be a good one. We’ve got the technical brawlers in the Brits versus the speed and agility of Emily Carter and Jensen Banks. Emily and Jensen can fight, too. Part of Emily’s offense is based around strikes and we know what Jensen can do with his hands, as well as his feet. With that being said, they can't get into a slugfest with these two. If they do, Butcher and Darby will knock them out.

The match begins with Jensen and Butcher circling the ring before locking up. After jockeying for position, Butcher nails Jensen with a knee strike, doubling him over. He proceeds to pummel Jensen with clubbing shots to the back of the neck. The crowd continues to boo as he takes Jensen, moves him into the corner and unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts to the midsection. After standing up, he sends Jensen slumping down in the corner with elbow smashes. Butcher reaches down, picks up Jensen and rocks him with a series of European Uppercuts. He then takes Jensen and whips him into the opposite corner. Butcher runs across the ring, but Jensen catches him with a back elbow to the face. He then takes Butcher, tosses him into the corner and unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body as the crowd cheers. He then sends Butcher slumping down in the corner with clubbing overhead shots. While Butcher’s seated in the corner, Jensen begins to stomp away at his chest. As he reaches down and goes to pick up Butcher, Butcher hooks his tights and jerks backs, sending Jensen face-first into the top turnbuckle. Butcher then quickly gets to his feet, places Jensen in a side headlock and rakes his face along the top rope. Once Butcher lets go, Jensen stumbles into the corner, where Darby is waiting. Darby quickly holds Jensen from behind while Butcher unleashes hard rights and lefts to the body. He then lunges forward, nailing Jensen with a headbutt that dazes him.

Geoff Penzer: Unlike the first tag match of the night, this match isn’t exactly being fought fair. But I would expect nothing less from the likes of Butcher and Darby.

After tagging Darby in, Darby gets in and nails Jensen with two European Uppercuts before sending him stumbling out of the corner with a rolling European Uppercut. Jensen stumbles into a nearby corner. But Darby is right on him. He turns Jensen around and nails him with a series of knife edge chops before whipping him into the opposite corner. Darby runs across the ring. But Jensen catches him with a back elbow. After stumbling back, Darby charges back in. This time, Jensen gives him a boot to the face. After stumbling back, Darby rushes back in. This time, Jensen comes out of the corner and knocks him down with a rolling kesagiri chop. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Darby kicks out.

Jensen picks up Darby and goes for an irish whip. But Darby reverses, sending Jensen into ropes. When Jensen comes back, Darby goes for a kitchen sink. But Jensen flips over his knee and reverses into a school boy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Darby kicks out.

Both men get back up, but Jensen knocks Darby down with a dropkick. Darby gets back up, but he gets knocked back down by another dropkick. When Darby returns to his feet, Jensen returns him to the mat with a jumping calf kick. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Darby kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Jensen’s starting to use that speed and agility to his advantage. You can see how quickly the tide turned, too. That’s what him and Emily need to do to win. When this match deteriorates into a brawl, that’s when you’re playing to Butcher and Darby’s strengths.

Jensen picks up Darby, wrenches his arm, drags him over towards his corner and tags in Emily Carter.

Geoff Penzer: And the crowd roars with cheers as the current Carolina Cup holder enters the ring.

The crowd cheers as Emily gets in and nails Darby with a kick to the midsection. She executes an arm wrench of her own. But Darby is quick to reverse into an arm wrench. He then delivers a clubbing shot to the arm before delivering another arm wrench. When Emily refuses to quit, Darby tries to yank her arm from out of its socket. The ref checks in on her. But she still refuses to submit. So she rolls forward, leans back, kips up and connects with a dropkick. As Darby stumbles back, Emily gets back to her feet and runs into the ropes. When she comes back, Darby knocks her down with a kitchen sink. After Emily flips over his knee and gets up in a seated position, Darby runs over and connects with a boot trembler. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Emily kicks out.

Darby picks up Emily and whips her into the corner. While Butcher holds her from behind, Darby runs into the corner and connects with a running European Uppercut. He then tags Butcher back in.

Geoff Penzer: This is the worst place for Emily to be in. She’s got to find her way out of that corner and fast.

Once Butcher gets back in, he brings Emily from out of the corner before knocking her down with a headbutt. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emily kicks out.

Butcher picks up Emily and whips her back into the ropes. When Emily comes back, Butcher knocks her down with a running boot to the chest. He then bounces into the ropes. When Butcher comes back, he connects with a knee drop. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emily kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Butcher’s just having his way with the current Carolina Cup holder. When you talk about the hardest hitters in LDFC, Butcher’s right there at the top of the list.

Butcher picks up Emily and goes for a vertical suplex. But she slips down from behind, hops up on his back and applies a sleeper hold. The crowd cheers as Emily cinches in the hold. But the cheers turn to boos as Butcher runs backwards and squashes her in the corner. After walking towards the center of the ring, Butcher turns and runs back into the corner. But Emily knocks him back with a back elbow. She then quickly steps through the ropes before knocking him down with a springboard forearm smash. After she steps back out onto the apron, Darby heads over to attack. But Emily catches him with a back elbow. She then runs over towards the ring post, runs up to the top turnbuckle and leaps off, delivering a shotgun dropkick that knocks Butcher down. Butcher’s momentum then sends him rolling underneath the bottom rope and to the floor.

Geoff Penzer: Butcher’s been knocked to the floor. What’s Emily going to go for here?

While Butcher slowly gets up on the outside, Emily gets up and runs along the ropes. She then flips over the top rope, knocking Butcher down with a Fosbury Flop to cheers from the crowd. Jensen then gets in the ring and waits for Emily to pick up Butcher. While she’s got Butcher held in position, Jensen takes off into the far ropes. Emily then moves out of the way as Jensen comes back, dives through the ropes and knocks Butcher down with an elbow suicida. The crowd cheers as Jensen picks up Butcher and rolls him back into the ring, where Emily’s waiting to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Butcher kicks out.

Geoff Penzer: Emily only got a two count. But the momentum has swung back in her favor.

Emily picks up Butcher, moves him into the corner and delivers shoot kicks to the chest before tagging in Jensen. After Jensen gets in, he takes Butcher and hangs him in a Tree of Woe. He circles the ring before connecting with a hesitation corner dropkick. While Butcher’s still hung in the tree of woe, Jensen gets up and tags Emily back in. After Emily gets in, she circles the ring before charging into the corner and delivering a hesitation corner dropkick, which knocks him down. She then gets up and tags Jensen back in. After Butcher finally returns to his feet, Jensen doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. He then follows up by planting Butcher with a slingshot DDT. He makes the cover.

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

Jensen picks up Butcher and tags Emily back in. After Jensen sits Butcher up on the top turnbuckle, Emily climbs the ropes, hops onto Butcher’s shoulders and brings him down with a top rope hurricanrana. The crowd cheers as she makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Emily executes the top rope hurricanrana. But the Englishman finds a way to get his shoulder up.

Emily picks up Butcher, places him in a side headlock and goes for a running bulldog. But Butcher shoves Emily off of him and into the ropes. When Emily comes back, she plants him with a jumping DDT. She makes the cover.

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

Emily picks up Butcher and goes for an irish whip. But Butcher reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Emily comes back, Butcher knocks her down with a pop-up European Uppercut. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Emily gets her shoulder up.

Butcher goes over and tags in Darby, who immediately puts the boots to Emily. He reaches down, picks up Emily and delivers an arm wringer, sending her falling shoulder-first to the canvas. Darby takes her arm, holds it down against the canvas and delivers five knee drops to it. He then pulls Emily back up before throwing her down with an arm trap scoop slam. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emily gets her good shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: Darby now trying to work over the arm of Emily Carter. He could be setting up for a submission.

Darby picks up Emily and whips her into the ropes. When she comes back, Darby kicks her in the midsection before bringing her down with Divorce Court (hammerlock single arm DDT). He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emily gets her good shoulder up.

Darby picks up Emily, lifts her up from behind and takes her down with a hammerlock belly to back suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Emily gets her good shoulder up.

Darby sits up Emily and applies a Buffalo Sleeper.

Geoff Penzer: And there it is!

The ref asks her if she wants to give up. When she refuses to quit, Darby cinches in the hold. Darby turns to Jensen and taunts him while he’s still got Emily locked in the sleeper. Jensen begins slapping the top turnbuckle. The crowd then begins to clap in unison. With the crowd rallying behind her, Emily begins to stir on the mat. Darby shakes his head in disbelief as she slowly turns over onto her knees. Once she gets up to her feet, she’s able to deliver four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. She then runs over towards the ropes. But Darby is right on her. He nails her with a knee to the midsection just as she bounces into the ropes. He then throws Emily down with another arm trap scoop slam. After dragging Emily across the ring by the hair, Darby tags Butcher back in.

Butcher gets in and puts the boots to Emily. He picks up her and goes for the Sleight of Hand (irish with feint into an STO). But Emily ducks the STO and runs into the ropes. When Butcher comes back, she takes him down with the Emilution (Stylin DDT). While both wrestlers are down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!



TWO!



THREE!




FOUR!

Emily turns over and begins crawling over towards her corner. Jensen’s got his arm outstretched. But he’s not close to getting tagged back in. As Emily continues her trek across the ring, Butcher turns over and latches onto her ankle. He then gets to his feet while trying to keep Emily’s ankle locked. But she gets on her hands before rolling forward, sending him crashing face-first into the top turnbuckle. As Butcher stumbles back and turns around, Emily goes to leapfrog over him. But he catches her in mid air. He then hoists her up to go for a pop-up European Uppercut. But Emily connects with a dropkick to the face on the way down. She then gets on her knees, rolls forward, dives over and tags Jensen back in.

Geoff Penzer: The crowd explodes as Jensen’s tagged back in!

The crowd cheers as Jensen gets back in and knocks down Butcher with a right hand. Darby then runs in. But he, too, gets knocked down by a right hand. Butcher gets up, but Jensen knocks him down with a clothesline. Darby gets up, but he gets knocked down by a clothesline. Jensen picks up Darby and sets him up for a standing shiranui. But Darby shoves him over towards Butcher, who hoists him up for a pop-up European Uppercut. But Jensen lands on his shoulders, turns and spikes him with an inverted frankensteiner. When Jensen gets back to his feet, Darby throws out a clothesline. But Jensen ducks and counters with a Blue Thunder Bomb.

Geoff Penzer: Jensen Banks is on fire!

After stomping Darby out of the ring, Jensen goes to pick up Butcher. But Butcher rams him back-first into the corner. He then brings Jensen from out of the corner and delivers an inverted atomic drop into a pop-up European Uppercut. Butcher picks up Jensen and goes to lift him up for a brainbuster. But Jensen blocks the move. After a punch to the ribs, Butcher goes for another brainbuster attempt. This time, Jensen drops down to one knee. So Butcher lefts go and blasts him in the face with a knee lift, knocking him down. He then yanks Jensen up off the mat and goes for the Sleight of Hand. But Jensen ducks and runs into the far ropes. When Jensen comes back, Butcher throws out a lariat. But again, Jensen ducks. When he hits the ropes, Darby yanks him down to the mat, causing Jensen’s face to smack hard against the canvas. The crowd boos. While the ref checks on Jensen, Darby quickly reaches into his pocket, pulls out a pair of brass knuckles and slides them into the ring.

Geoff Penzer: Wait a second! What in the world was that!?

The ref then turns his attention to Darby. The official sticks his upper body throw the ropes and admonishes Darby from interfering. While Darby and the ref go back and forth, Emily leaps over the ref and knocks down Darby with a somersault plancha.

Geoff Penzer: Emily just took out Darby with that plancha to the floor!

While the ref checks Darby and Emily, Butcher scoops up the brass knucks from off the canvas and slips them onto his right fingers. The crowd erupts with boos as he gears up to blasts Jensen in the face until Pedro Gonzales makes his way through the crowd. He climbs up onto the apron and yells at Butcher. Butcher sees this, so he runs over and takes a swipe at Pedro. But Pedro hops off in the nick of time. Butcher continues yapping at Pedro while he backs away from the ropes. But when he turns around,

*THWACK!

Jensen nearly knocks his head off with a Bank Shot. The crowd explodes with cheers as he drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“The Outside” plays to cheers from the crowd.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentleman, here are your winners, JENSEN BANKS and EMILY CARTER!

After Emily rolls into the ring, her and Jensen get their arms raised by the ref while the crowd continues to cheer.

Geoff Penzer: Jensen Banks and Emily Carter become the second team to advance in tonight’s tournament! Butcher was seconds away from knocking Jensen’s lights out. Thankfully for him, Pedro Gonzales was there for the save. Pedro’s got history with both Butcher and Darby. I wouldn’t want to be near Butcher or Darby when they come to and realize what happened.

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a non-title match. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, she is the current LDFC Old North Champion … ‘THE STRONGEST STYLE SAVIOR’ SKYLAR CLOUD!

Lights start strobing as Skylar Cloud makes her way out through the curtain to a negative reception from the fans in attendance. She looks around, surveying the crowd before beginning her trek to the ring. Keeping a brisk but controlled pace, she zigs and zags, taking her time to forcibly high five as many unwilling fans as possible. She slides under the bottom rope once she reaches the ring, then pops up to her feet. After climbing the nearest turnbuckle, playing to the fans, she performs a backflip and lands on her feet. She then takes her corner to await her opponent.

Melanie Sierra: And her opponent, from Sydney, Australia … ‘THE EMERALD JEWEL’ MERCY WILLIAMS!

"I don't want no fly guy

I just want a shy guy

Thats what i want yey

You know what i want yey"

The intro of Shy Guy by Diana King echoes through with the song kicking in with its reggae beats. Mercy Williams appears on stage with an open wide smile, soaking in the reaction from the audience. Mercy walks down the ramp syncing her movements to the beat of her entrance theme with a smile brightening up her face. Mercy climbs up to the apron and spins around on her right knee down and her left leg bent and gets her feet pointing her right arm up to to the fans. Mercy ducks under the top rope to climb into the ring and points towards the fans once again.

Geoff Penzer: Last time these two met, it was Skylar Cloud who walked away victorious but not without controversy. Mercy had her opponent dead to rights, and we all saw Skylar tap out in the center of the ring only for the referee to miss it. That allowed Skylar to pick up the victory moments later, but tonight they’ll meet again in a non-title match. Who will prevail, we’ll find out soon.

The bell sounds to start the match as both competitors circle the ring for a few moments, before finally locking up collar and elbow. The two women jockey for position until Mercy grabs her opponent in a side headlock. Skylar tries to escape, but the hold is locked in tight, Williams wrenching the neck each time Skylar tries. That is until Cloud shoots off a couple of elbows to the midsection. With her grip weakening, Mercy is pushed away against the ropes before Skylar knocks her down with a shoulder block. Cloud runs against the ropes herself this time as Mercy rolls onto her front, waiting to be hopped over, but Cloud slows herself and steps on her opponent’s lower back!

Geoff Penzer: Skylar Cloud not endearing herself to the fans tonight, but what’s new there?

The Old North Champion steps off as Mercy angrily gets back up, and the two competitors put some space between themselves. The fans in the arena begin chanting for Mercy as she and Skylar lock up collar and elbow again. And again it’s Mercy who gains the upper hand as she dives around the back with a hammerlock. From there, Williams is able to take her opponent down to the mat with the hold still applied before she transitions upwards to a front facelock.

Mercy uses the facelock to lift Skylar back to her feet, delivering a couple of knees to the face before going for an Irish whip. Skylar is sent against the ropes before she manages to duck under the clothesline attempt by Mercy, countering it with an overflow arm drag. Both competitors scramble back to their feet, but Skylar is up first and already running against the ropes, this time coming back with a headscissors takedown! Williams is sent sprawling across the ring and out under the bottom rope as Skylar pops back up to her feet as she plays to the crowd.

Not that they much care for it. They’re trying to rally behind Mercy on the outside as she gets back to her feet, just in time to see Skylar soar through the ropes with an elbow suicida! She catches the Aussie flush in the face, sending Mercy crashing back against the guard rail.

Geoff Penzer: Skylar going airborne with that one, and it paid off.

But the match doesn’t stay outside for long as The Strongest Style Savior rolls her opponent back into the ring and goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
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Mercy kicks out.

Williams is helped back up to her feet before being tagged by a knife edge chop to the face. She reels away in pain, but Skylar delivers another chop to the face that forces Mercy back into the corner. From there, Cloud shoots off a few knee strikes to the midsection before going for the Irish whip that sends Williams across the ring to the far corner. The Old North Champion takes a moment before running in, performing a cartwheel into a jumping high kick!

Geoff Penzer: Skylar caught her opponent with all of that one.

Mercy staggers out of the corner, right into the waiting arms of Skylar Cloud and a rolling snapmare, before The Strongest Style Savior shoots off a soccer style kick to the face! And the cover by Skylar.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mercy kicks out.

Skylar doesn’t waste time arguing with the official, though, instead choosing to sit Mercy up and apply a rear chinlock. The crowd are beginning to grow restless after fifteen seconds, and start to rally behind Mercy again, chanting her name as the Aussie tries to battle her way out of the submission hold. She manages to get back up to her knees as she fires off some elbows to the gut. Mercy breaks free of the hold and goes to run against the ropes for momentum – only to get her hair accidentally pulled, sending her crashing back to the mat!

Geoff Penzer: Just when Mercy looked to be getting back into this match, Skylar Cloud pulling the hair to cut her off. And the referee isn’t buying the excuses either.

The official is admonishing the Old North Champion for pulling the hair, but Cloud is trying to explain that her opponent’s hair just got caught in her wristband. Regardless, she helps Mercy back to her feet, but this time the Aussie is ready to fight back. She pushes Skylar’s arms away and fires off a couple of forearm shots to the face, rocking the Strongest Style Savior where she stands before drilling Cloud with a European uppercut!

The champion goes down, but quickly gets back up as Mercy performs a body slam. Williams stumbles backwards after, leaving Skylar on the mat arching her back in pain. But Mercy quickly gathers her bearings and returns to action. As the champion gets back to her feet, Mercy charges in with a clothesline attempt, which Skylar ducks. Cloud tries to counter with a spinning elbow strike, but Mercy ducks underneath that one, and grabs Cloud from behind for the atomic drop! She staggers towards the center of the ring holding her fanny as Mercy hits the ropes for momentum, coming back with an STO! And the cover by Mercy Williams!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Skylar kicks out!

Geoff Penzer: Mercy Williams has found a way back into this match, what can she do from here?

Williams drags her opponent back to her feet again and sends Skylar running to the corner with an Irish whip. She follows her in, delivering a clothesline, before following up with a bulldog that sends Skylar face first into the mat. But before her opponent can do anything else, Skylar rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope.

Geoff Penzer: And it looks like the champion needs a breather here…

The crowd booing as Skylar remains at ringside, seemingly checking her nose to see if it’s broken. The referee even exits the ring to help her instead of making the count-out, drawing more jeers from the crowd.

Geoff Penzer: This could be serious here, it looks like Skylar may have broken her nose.

Unfortunately for her, the referee ascertains that there’s nothing wrong with Cloud’s nose, and she needs to return to the ring. She protests mildly before turning towards the ring and grabbing Mercy by the ankles, and pulling her feet out from under her! The Aussie crashes to the mat and gets pulled all the way to the outside, as she lands with a thud on the thin mats.

Skylar proceeds to stomp at the prone opponent at her feet before lifting Mercy to her feet. An Irish whip sends The Emerald Jewel towards the steel ring steps – NO! Mercy reverses and it’s Skylar who crashes into the steps knee first, falling ass over tea kettle over them! The crowd whoop and cheer as Mercy heads over and helps Cloud back to her feet, before bouncing her head off the ring apron. Cloud spins and falls back against the apron, her arms spread, as Mercy unleashes a series of chops to the chest – the fans “whoo!” along with each one – all before Skylar gets rolled back into the ring.

Cloud scrambles back to her feet and tries to put some distance between her and her opponent, but Mercy rushes in with the bicycle kick! She drills Skylar Cloud with it, and quickly hooks the leg to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NOO!

Geoff Penzer: Skylar kicks out in the nick of time, and Mercy can’t quite believe it.

Williams looks to the official, but he assures her it was only a two count. Undeterred, Mercy lifts her opponent back up and delivers a vertical suplex. Skylar is down in the center of the ring as Mercy heads towards the corner, propping herself up on the middle rope as she poses for the fans, tapping her elbow a couple of times before leaping with a driving elbow – NO!

Skylar rolls out of harm’s way, and Williams gets nothin’ but mat! Both competitors are down momentarily; Mercy nursing that elbow, Skylar just trying to recover from the beatdown she’s endured over the last few minutes. But it’s the latter who moves first, crawling towards the ropes to try and get back to her feet as Mercy pushes herself back to a vertical base in the center of the ring. Cloud staggers away from the ropes as Mercy lashes out with a roundhouse kick – NO! Skylar evades it with a backflip, before leaping up with a knee strike to the face of the Australian! Down goes Mercy, and Skylar covers!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mercy kicks out!

Both competitors slowly get back up again as Skylar tags her opponent with a couple of elbow strikes to the face. She drives a knee up into the gut of Mercy Williams, doubling her over in pain before an Irish whip sends Mercy towards the corner. She hits the turnbuckle hard before Skylar runs in with a Yakuza kick – just like ShiMa does! The crowd respond with more jeers as Skylar continues the assault, not letting her opponent drop down. With an inverted facelock applied, Skylar climbs to the middle rope – but Mercy fights back! She catches Cloud with a couple of shots to the gut, just enough to force a break, before shooting off some forearm shots to the face. All is going well until a stray thumb catches Mercy in the eye!

Geoff Penzer: A cheap shot by Skylar Cloud there, just cutting off Mercy’s momentum when it was building.

Williams staggers away, hunched off as Skylar steadies herself on the ropes. She leaps off with a mushroom stomp, driving both feet into the back of Mercy Williams before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NOO!

Geoff Penzer: Mercy kicks out!

The fans cheer, but Skylar can’t quite believe. She turns to the official who assures her it was a two count only. Frustrated, Skylar drags her opponent back up via a handful of hair. An Irish whip sends Mercy against the ropes as Skylar leaps up with a jumping high kick. But she misses as Mercy ducks underneath it, and carries on running against the far ropes, coming back with another bicycle kick! It takes a moment, but Williams drapes an arm across the chest.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NOOO!

Geoff Penzer: Another near fall! Both competitors laying it all on the line tonight, but which one will walk away with the victory.

Mercy pushes herself back to her feet, the exhaustion evident on her face as she rests back against the ropes for a momentary breather. Skylar gets back up in the center of the ring, but she’s unsteady on her feet as Mercy moves in and nails her with a third bicycle kick! And this time Mercy drops down on top of the Old North Champion and hooks both legs.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!!!

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match, MERCY WILLIAMS!

Geoff Penzer: She did it! Mercy Williams has pinned the Old North Champion, breaking Skylar’s undefeated streak.

The crowd are on their feet cheering as the referee helps Mercy back to her feet, raising her arm as the fans continue to applaud her efforts tonight.

Geoff Penzer: Some may call it an upset, but Skylar Cloud has been beaten tonight. And Mercy has a major boost as she continues to prepare for her upcoming Carolinas Cup match against Adam Adonis.

[ FADE OUT ]

[FGA Office]

Geoff Penzer: Up next is our Main --

Penzer stops mid-sentence as a low murmur passes through the fans in attendance at Escapade. Their attention has all been drawn to the figure approaching the ring, the bearded tattooed man who laid waste to both Credo and Kellen Klein last week.

Geoff Penzer: -- Well it looks like we have an unscheduled interruption. This man appeared last week without a word, interrupting a scheduled match, and committing a heinous assault. I can't imagine what he's doing out here now.

The man enters the ring, approaching Melanie Sierra who was set to do the introductions for the Main Event. He stalks her down, approaching her, before stopping a half pace in front of her. After taking the mic from her hand, he gestures her away, and she quickly scurries out of the ring.

Geoff Penzer: This is highly uncomfortable, but hopefully we're going to get some kind of insight into whoever this is now.

Striding to the center of the ring, he cradles the mic in his left hand as he glances up and points to the sky. As he raises the mic to his lips, he begins to speak, but stops before he can even get a word out. He slowly cranes his head towards the fans in attendance, focusing his attention on a young woman heckling him from the front row. Dropping the mic, he begins walking towards her, stepping through the ropes to the outside. He approaches the front row, where the fan still seems rather unimpressed with him, despite the fact he has gotten up in her face. Without a word, he snakes his arms out, yanking her out of her chair, and performing a two handed toss to the floor outside the ring.

Geoff Penzer: Oh come on now! Sending a message to a wrestler in the locker room is one thing, but you never lay a hand on a fan!

He drags her up, rolling her into the ring, and then re-entering. There's a mixture of boos, and uncomfortable quiet coming from the fans as she scoots away, while he stalks her down. The boos suddenly turn to cheers as Jensen Banks comes sprinting down to the ring, slightly banged up from his match earlier, but running on adrenaline!

Geoff Penzer: Thank goodness.

Banks slides into the ring, and is immediately met by clubbing blows from the bearded man. He fights through them, trying to rise to his feet, getting cut off with a forearm shot to the back of the head. Banks is sent off the ropes, and the man goes for a spinning side slam off the rebound, which Jensen slips out behind to avoid. A dropkick to the back wobbles him, and he then performs an inverted frankensteiner. That doesn't keep the big man down, as he wobbles right back up to his feet. He slowly turns around, and the fans are cheering loudly as Jensen starts to line him up for a superkick.

Geoff Penzer: I think someone's about to go for a trip to Bank Shot City!

Jensen steps into the kick -- *thwack* -- he crumples in pain as the woman who had been brought into the ring hits him with a vicious low blow from behind, using the microphone! First there's dead silence, then boos as she pushes herself to her feet, approaching the tattooed man while mouthing 'shake it off, you're fine'. She points to Jensen Banks writhing on the mat from the low blow, and he then scoops Jensen up, setting him up in tombstone piledriver position as the young lady heads to the apron. After a quick point to the sky, she springboards in, and performs a somersault spike assist to a tombstone piledriver that drops Banks on his head.

Geoff Penzer: This was no fan, this whole thing was a set up to lure out someone from the LDFC locker room, but why?

Grabbing the microphone again, she kneels down, straddling Jensen's motionless body as the powerhouse cuts an imposing figure, keeping an eye out to ward off any of Jensen's friends who might think about making the save.

???: Jensen Banks, it could have been anyone from that locker room in your position, it just happened that you have the privilege of taking part in the delivery of our message. I once was empty, living life without fulfillment.

She reaches her arm up to hand the mic off.

???: I was lost, without direction.

He hands her the mic back.

???: But now, we have the strength to accomplish anything. Strength from a source that everyone here has made light of, setting them up to end up broken, just like you. Because we -- Reached for the Skylar.

[FADE OUT]

[FGA Office]

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 robe and standing in the nearest corner before removing his dark sunglasses and looking out at the entrance.

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.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentleman, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! It is a first round match in the APEX Tag Team Title Tournament and it is your main event of the evening! Introducing first, weighing in at a total combined weight of 369 pounds! They are the team of “THE BLACK ADDER” HANA SONG and “THE STRONG STYLE SAVIOR” SHINTARO MAJIMA!

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.

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.

Melanie Sierra: And their opponents, weighing in at a total combined weight of 542 pounds! They are the team of “TERRIFIC” TERRENCE TILLMAN and the APEX Champion, NEST!

Geoff Penzer: Nest was left laying at the end of the last edition of Pride by hana Song. But he wasn’t the only one that fell victim to her wrath. The Sultan of Selfies, prince MacRear, suffered a similar fate. The Black Adder stood over both men and took a selfie with macRear’s very own phone, sending a message loud and clear that she was coming to unseat nest as APEX Champion. You can bet that Nest will be o-

The match starts with Song and ShiMa getting the jump on Nest and Tillman from behind.

Geoff Penzer: here we go! Song and Majima have wasted little time getting the jump on Triple T and the APEX Champ!

ShiMa brings Nest into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning the champ around, ShiMa delivers a series of alternating Muay Thai Knees to the body. In the opposite corner, Song is choking Tillman with her foot. The ref gives her to the count of five to release the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Song releases the hold. She then turns around and calls ShiMa. After the two give each other a knowing nod, they go to irish whip Nest and Tillman towards the center of the ring. But they reverse, sending Song and ShiMa crashing into each other in the center of the ring. The crowd explodes with cheers upon impact. When ShiMa turns around Nest knocks him down with a running shoulder block. ShiMa gets back up, but Nest knocks him down with another running shoulder block. After ShiMa gets back to his feet, Nest grabs him and whips him into the corner. Nest runs across the ring, jumps and connects with a corner splash. While Nest backs up, ShiMa begins to move out of the corner. Nest then runs forward and sends him over the top rope and to the floor with a clothesline.

Meanwhile, Tillman takes Song and whips her into the ropes. When Song comes back, Tillman throws her down with a back body drop. Song gets up, but Tillman knocks her down with a dropkick. Song gets back up, but Tillman knocks her back down with another dropkick. As Song returns to her feet, Tillman runs over and sends her over the top rope and to the floor with a clothesline.

Geoff Penzer: NesTTT have cleared the ring and this crowd is going nuts for Triple T and the APEX Champ!

As ShiMa gets up on the outside, Nest runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, he hurls himself through the ropes, knocking ShiMa into the crowd with a suicide dive.

Geoff Penzer: Nest with a huge dive to the floor! I’m still amazed that a man with his build can fly with such grace! Just one of the many reasons why he’s been dominant for so long.

Back in the ring, Tillman takes off into the far ropes. When he comes back, he goes for a baseball slide. But Song side steps and slides back into the ring. After Tillman climbs up onto the apron, Song knocks him to the floor with a dropkick. As Tillman slowly gets back to his feet on the outside, Song runs into the far ropes. When she comes back, she connects with a baseball slide to the back, sending Tillman tumbling to the floor.

Nest rolls himself back into the ring and attacks Song from behind.

Geoff Penzer: You know Nest has ben waiting to get his hands around her neck after that stunt from two weeks ago.

After hurling her into the corner, Nest delivers a series of shoulder thrusts that nearly drive the air out of her. He then delivers a series of stinging chops that cause Song to guard her chest. The APEX Champ grabs Song by the arm before whipping her into the opposite corner. Nest runs across the ring. But Song stops him with a boot to the face. After stumbling back, Nest charges back into the corner. This time, Song greets him with a back elbow to the face. While the champ stumbles back, Song hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, jumps off and brings him down with a diving hurricanrana. She makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Nice move there by Song, but it only gets two.

Song picks up Nest, wrenches his arm and follows up with a hook kick, sending the champ stumbling back into the ropes. Song heads over, grabs Nest and whips him into the far ropes. When Nest comes back, Song brings him down to one knee with a low angle dropkick to the leg. The Black Adder returns to her feet before running into the far ropes. When she returns, she connects with a dropkick. She makes the cover.

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

Song picks up Nest, wrenches his arm and delivers a series of shoot kicks to the midsection, doubling him over. She then grabs a hold of his head with both hands and holds him in place while she delivers a quick flurry of kicks to the face. After Nest drops down to one knee, Song takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she knocks Nest down with a running high knee lift. She makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Song continues her vicious assault of strikes on the APEX Champ. This isn’t just about advancing in the APEX Tag Title Tournament. It’s about proving a point to the champion.

Song picks up Nest and whips him into the corner. While ShiMa holds his arms from behind, Song runs across the ring and connects with a spinning heel kick. When she returns to her feet, she tags in ShiMa. ShiMa enters the ring and immediately cracks Nest across the jaw with an elbow smash. He then brings the champ from out of the corner before whipping him into the far ropes. When Nest returns, he knocks ShiMa down with a crossbody block.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
ShiMa kicks out.

After both men return to their feet, Nest throws out a kick. But ShiMa swats it down and follows up with an elbow smash to the jaw. He then cracks Nest with another elbow smash… and another… and another. He then takes off into the ropes. When ShiMa returns, Nest stops him with a back elbow to the face. While ShiMa’s dazed, Nest takes off into the ropes. When Nest returns, ShiMa doubles him over with a knee strike. ShiMa then runs back into the ropes. When he comes back, Nest throws him down with a thrusting spinebuster. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

Nest picks up ShiMa, wrenches his arm and follows up with a hook kick that sends ShiMa stumbling back into the NesTTT corner. Nest then heads into the corner and tags in Tillman. Triple T gets in the ring and delivers a series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. He then brings ShiMa from out of the corner and whips him into the ropes. When ShiMa comes back, Tillman sets up for a back body drop. But ShiMa stops in front of Tillman. He then lifts Tillman up for a powerbomb. But Tillman’s able to kick his legs and eventually slip down from behind. When ShiMa turns around, Tillman throws out a kick. ShiMa catches it. But Tillman is quick to follow up with the dragonwhip. He makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Did you hear the impact from that dragonwhip kick? I’m shocked Majima isn’t knocked out.

Tillman picks up ShiMa and delivers a vertical suplex. He turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
ShiMa kicks out.

Tillman picks up ShiMa and whips him into the corner. Triple T the calls for a corner splash. Once the crowd cheers, Tillman runs, jumps and goes for the corner splash. But ShiMa catches him in mid air and throws him down with a Uranage. The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Great counter by Majima, but it only gets two.

ShiMa picks up Tillman, shoves him into the corner and unleashes a series of machine chops. He then sends Tillman slumping down in the corner with Mongolian Chops. From there, ShiMa faceswashes Tillman before choking him while pulling down on the ropes.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

ShiMa lets go to run into the far ropes. When ShiMa comes back, Tillman rolls out onto the apron, pulls himself up and nails him with a shoulder thrust using the ropes. While ShiMa stumbles back, Tillman slingshots himself back into the ring before hitting the DDTripleT (Stylin DDT). The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

ShiMa gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: What a close call that was.

Tillman picks up ShiMa and whips him into the ropes. When ShiMa comes back, Tillman knocks him down with a spinning heel kick. He makes the cover.

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

While Hana heads back out, Tillman picks up ShiMa and goes for a vertical suplex. But ShiMa blocks the move. He then lifts up Tillman for the Kurimuzon Jigoki (Brainbuster). But Tillman’s able to slip down from behind. When ShiMa turns around, Tillman dazes with him with Chin Checka (Savate Kick). After a kick to the gut doubles over the Strong Style Savior, Tillman takes off into the ropes. When he comes back, he goes for the Terrific Kick (Scissors Kick). But ShiMa moves out of the way, grabs Tillman from behind and folds him up in half with the Tora O Rirīsu (release tiger suplex). The crowd boos as he makes the cover.

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

Geoff Penzer: Timely save by the champ.

While Nest heads back out, ShiMa picks up Tillman and whips him hard chest-first into the turnbuckles. As Tillman stumbles back, ShiMa delivers a bridging German suplex.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

Tillman gets his shoulder up.

ShiMa picks up Tillman and tags in Song. Once Song gets in, her and ShiMa take Tillman and whips him into the ropes. When he comes back, they go for a double back body drop. But Tillman’s somehow able to land on his feet. He then runs into the ropes. When Tillman returns, he dives across the ring and knocks them both down with a clothesline.

Geoff Penzer: What a clothesline by Tillman! He just took off both Song and Majima!

While all three wrestlers are down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!





TWO!





THREE!





FOUR!





FIVE!





SIX!





SEVEN!




After all three wrestlers get up, Tillman runs over towards his corner. ShiMa throws out a lariat. Tillman’s able to roll underneath it. But as soon as he rolls up to his feet, he’s clocked with a roundhouse kick from Song. When Tillman turns around, ShiMa turns him inside out with a running forearm smash. The crowd boos as Song makes the cover.

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

Song picks up Tillman and whips him into the ropes. When Tillman comes back, Song throws out a spin kick. Tillman blocks it, but she’s able to follow up with an enzuigiri which stuns him. While Triple T is still dazed, Song runs into the far ropes. When she returns, Tillman knocks her down with a dropsault. He then rolls over, dives and tags Nest back in. The crowd explodes with cheers as the APEX Champ steps through the ropes. Once Song returns to her feet and turns around, Nest knocks her down with a springboard forearm smash. The crowd cheers as he makes the cover.

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

ShiMa picks up Nest and whips him into the ropes. When Nest returns, ShiMa throws out the Kurimuzon Kasai (lariat). But Nest ducks and runs into the far ropes. When ShiMa turns around, Tillman knocks him down with a leaping clothesline. When Nest returns to his feet, he gets attacked by Song. She then takes Nest and goes for an irish whip. But Nest reverses, sending her into the ropes. When Song comes back, she goes for a crossbody block. But Nest catches her in mid air and counters with a fallaway slam. As Song pulls herself up in the corner, Nest runs, jumps and connects with a corner splash to the back. Song slowly turns around in the corner while Nest steps back to the center of the ring. He then charges forward, jumps and connects with another corner splash. The champ takes Song and whips her into the opposite corner. Nest charges across the ring and connects with a corner yakuza kick. After Song crumbles from out of the corner, Nest lifts her up and plants her with a piledriver. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

Song gets her shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: How was that not three!?

Nest picks up Song and whips her into the ropes. ShiMa makes the blind tag. When Song comes back, Nest brings her down with a leg lariat. He then picks up Song and hoists her up from behind, positioning her for The Fall (lifting sitout chickenwing facebuster). But ShiMa nails him with a series of clubbing strikes to the back of the neck. He then turns Nest around and deliver several elbow smashes to the face. He then takes Nest and whips him into the ropes. When Nest comes back, ShiMa throws him down with a Uragaeshi (STO). He makes the cover.

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

ShiMa picks up Nest and connects with a roundhouse kick that sends Nest stumbling back into the ropes. ShiMa then goes over, takes Nest and whips him into the far ropes. When Nest comes back, Majima throws out the Kurimuzon Kasai. But Nest ducks. As he runs into the ropes, Song delivers a gamengiri to the back of the head. As Nest stumbles away from the ropes, ShiMa runs over and turns him inside out with the Kurimuzon Kasai. The crowd erupts with boos as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd explodes with cheers as Nest gets his shoulder up.

Geoff Penzer: He got his shoulder up!? HE GOT HIS SHOULDER UP!

ShiMa picks up Nest and whips him into the ropes. When Nest returns, ShiMa throws out another Kurimuzon Kasai. But Nest ducks. When ShiMa turns around, Nest turns him inside out with a Tree Removal (rolling kesagiri chop). Nest throws so much force behind the move that he collapses to the canvas. While both men are down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!




TWO!



Geoff Penzer: Both men are beginning to stir…..



THREE!




FOUR!



Geoff Penzer: Now they’re beginning to crawl towards their respective corners. Who is going to make the tag first!?


FIVE!




SIX!





Geoff Penzer: Nest is almost there! Tillman’s jumping out and down! He’s begging for the tag! He’s almost there!




SEVEN!





Nest dives over to make the tag, but Tillman hops down off the apron.



Geoff Penzer: Huh!?


The crowd sits in stunned silence as Tillman turns his back on Nest. He proceeds to make his way up the aisle, where an applauding Maurice Graham is waiting at the entrance way.

Geoff Penzer: What is Tillman doing!? And is that… that’s Maurice Graham! What’s he doing here in LDFC?

The crowd begins to boo Tillman as he doesn’t bother looking back. He then stops in front of Graham. Graham smiles from ear to ear before patting him on the shoulder. The two then step through the curtain as Nest pulls himself up using the ropes.

Geoff Penzer: Why did Tillman leave Nest high and dry!? Why did he leave with Maurice Graham of all people!? We need to get to the bott-

Nest backs away from the ropes. When he turns around, Song knocks him down with the Rattler’s Bite (Savate Kick). ShiMa then picks up Nest and lifts him up onto his shoulders. The Strong Style Savior looks out at the crowd before planting Nest with the Kurimuzon Taki (Emerald Flowsion). ShiMa picks up Nest and doubles him over with a hard knee to the midsection. Song then comes over and knocks Nest down with the Adder’s Kiss (Scissors Kick). The crowd continues to boo as she turns Nest over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

“Wiping All Out” blares throughout the venue as the crowd boos.

Melanie Sierra: Here are your winners, HANA SONG and SHINTARO MAJIMA!

Song and Majima get their hands raised as the crowd continues to boo.

Geoff Penzer: I don’t know what to make of what we just saw! It looked like Tillman was ready to be tagged in and finish off Majima. Then he suddenly hops off the apron, leaving Nest high and dry! In an even stranger turn of events, he leaves with his estranged brother, Maurice Graham! With that, Song and Majima were able to overpower an already weakened Nest and pick up the win! So now Song and Majima advance, joining Brute Camp, Emily Carter, Jensen Banks, The Crimson Baroness and Prince MacRear in the Semifinals! If this is a sign of things to come in this tournament, then we’re in for a wild ride. For everyone here at Lion’s Den Fighting Championships, this is Geoff Penzer signing off. We’ll see you all on the next installment of Pride. Goodnight, everyone!

[FGA Office]

Benton Convention Center
Winston-Salem, NC
4.21.16