Post by Kai Morgan on Apr 7, 2023 8:27:00 GMT
As the opening video closes, the lights to the Namihaya Dome go out, the stage illuminating to the beat of the second half of the second verse!
We looked at the price tag, and it's one we can't afford
We were taught that progression means accumulating more…
Just then, the arena bursts to life, with lights spanning the entire arena as we pan over the crowd packing the stands! We go to the commentary booth where Eddie Red Apples and Amber Westgate are standing by!
Eddie Red Apples: We’re inching ever closer to the biggest show of Zion’s entire year, and things are just starting to heat up! Welcome everyone…to Friday Night Fusion! I’m Eddie Red Apples, joined as always by Amber Westgate!
Amber Westgate: Destiny II is just around the corner and it shows, Eddie! We’ve got qualifying matches for Sovereign of the Frontier, as well as a big match for the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship! And in the main event, we have Yukiko Kusanagi going to battle for the Hardcore Championship in front of her home of Osaka!
Zion Fusion starts off red hot. Zachary Porter is inside the ring. Dressed in a black business suit, he is sitting on a steel folding chair in the middle of the ring. The crowd is hyped already, showing their disdain for one fourth of The Void. He allows the reaction to die down. Pushing the microphone to his lips, he begins.
Zachary Porter: I don’t have all day so Legion, get your ass down here. Now!!
Zachary pauses. He looks towards the entryway. Waiting for about a minute for Legion to come out, she doesn’t appear. He shakes his head and continues.
Zachary Porter: Of course you weren’t going to show up. Upset we’re not playing by your rules, dollface? Pissed management honored my request to challenge for the Trios Championship without allowing you to dictate terms? Newsflash doll, when you are the greatest World Champion that has ever stepped foot in a Zion ring. My face is on the 2k version of our video game, in case you forgot. When the face that runs the place speaks, management listens, Katrina Lopez knows if I never came to Zion, Fusion doesn’t exist. This whole damn company would have been long dead. Sorry, not sorry, I am the man who has the stroke around these parts. NOT. YOU. If you need further reminding who runs this show, if it wasn’t for The Deathriders, you and your Wolves wouldn’t be Trios Champions right now, food for thought.
Zachary smirks, feeling completely convinced of his assessment. He doesn’t waste any time, pushing forward.
Zachary Porter: Contrary to your ramblings and your perverted games, I have not gotten everything I wanted. Twice you robbed me of a chance to challenge for the World Title in a matter of weeks. Not once you have paid for your crimes. At every turn during this whole ordeal, you have escaped judgment. I should be a Trios Champion right now damn it. As we already established, those brats from Mayhem saved you from suffering a loss at my hand. Thankfully, your Wolves and Deathriders have no choice but to focus on other matters. This means we can get right down to business. More specifically... Vengeance can get down to business.”
Zachary sneers.
Zachary Porter: “Vengeance is the side of me I keep caged up for the sake of everyone to go home with a fat solid paycheck. If I allowed my dark passenger to roam free, the only people who would exist in this company are me, KC, Miguel and Eddie. I keep Him caged up for your own protection. I can’t ignore His need to seek divine judgment. You have been allowed for far too long to cross the line. There are consequences for your brand of disrespect, Legion. So I have the perfect solution. You and me, locked inside a cage. No one else gets in. What I want more than anything is to punish you. Lets end this at Destiny. You. Me. HELL. IN. A CELL. Now do I have your attention?
The lights flicker in the arena. The fans began to cheer as Legion came out with Ms J in tow. She is holding a microphone as she looks down into the ring but she doesn't speak, she taps Ms J on the shoulder then she marches down to the ring, placing two gold coins at his feet. Ms. J then climbs back out of the ring, as Legion finally decides to speak.
"the Queen" Legion: Whine and complain all you wish Porter, see we have been listening to your comments from the back. And we find it fitting we need to be punished for our sins when your sins are no better. Enjoy the coins for the ferryman, Charon will be along shortly to collect you. As for your challenge, we accept. See we don't need our wolves to win. We just happen to have them because we enjoy the company. Can you say the same about Miguel, Kara and that little runt?
Before Zach can fire off a response, the lights flicker. The arena fades to black. A couple seconds later the lights come back on without Legion and Ms J being present. In defiance Zach kicks the two gold coins placed at his feet. He exits the ring in a huff as the crowd processes his challenge being accepted by Legion. Vengeance vs Legion. Hell in a Cell? Dear lord.
Taylor Gibson slides into the shot from the side of the screen à la Tom Cruise in "Risky Business". She spins on the spot 180 degrees to face the camera, with a smirk on her face. Just minutes before her Viral championship match, the 26 year old Miami native is oozing confidence.
Taylor Gibson: It's that time of the year when everyone likes to talk about destiny. Be it Zion's biggest show of the year, or their own personal destinies. But am I really going to repeat that old cliche? Yeah I am.
The blonde presses her tongue up between her canine tooth and upper lip, her mouth curving into a playful smirk.
Taylor Gibson: Ya see, there's nothing I've ever wanted to do with my life other than wrestling. It's all I know at this point, and you know what? I think I'm pretty damn good at it. Straight out of high school, I conquered the Southeast indies. Then, with my best friend, we conquered the world. We proved ourselves the best tag team everywhere we went. But I want moooooore, babyyyy.
The Floridian leans in a little bit, bringing her face closer to the camera.
Taylor Gibson: I uh, I ran my eyes over the Zion roster the other day. You know what I saw? The best wrestlers in the whole world, no lie. But you know what I didn't see? Someone I can't beat. From Zachary Porter, to Razzles Mars, from Undisputed Champion Kasey Kash to Viral Champion Gianna Rojas. I think on any given night I can beat ANYONE. And guess what tonight is? Yeah. It's a given night.
Taylor places her right hand on her hip and cocks her head a little to the right.
Taylor Gibson: I'm Taylor Gibson. I'm a very famous wrestler. And in about… oh, twenty minutes? I'm gonna be even more famous, when I walk back up that ramp the NEW Viral Champion.
Taylor points her index finger at the camera like a gun, clicking down her thumb and making a clicking sound with her mouth. The scene then fades out.
Here we are, mere moments before her upcoming match as the Viral Champion Gianna Rojas is walking with a purpose down the back hallway! If she's heard about anything her opponent has said or done just prior to this, she certainly doesn't show it as she smiles towards the camera that comes up on her left. The overhead lights gleam on the little sparkles decorating her ring jacket and of course from the faceplate of her championship belt, resting snugly around her trim waist.
Gianna Rojas: ¡Hola, fans y amigos de la lucha de Zion! Tonight I will be facing Taylor Gibson, jajaja. ¡Alguien que busca la victoria, estoy seguro!
She fist pumps, the smile on her face growing to an excited grin for a few seconds before she continues.
Gianna Rojas: After all, we all want to win! Para ser honesto, amigos míos, no confío en nadie que diga que no quiere ganar.
Gianna pauses for a moment, tipping her head curiously for a moment before that smile creeps back to her full lips.
Gianna Rojas: ¡Así que espero que me traiga una buena pelea! No puedo esperar una limpia, no con su historial, ¡pero aún así! ¡Una buena pelea!
She seems ready to speak even further about this, but perks up as she clearly hears something, a gasp coming from her before she takes off, calling back over her shoulder as she goes.
Gianna Rojas: ¡Hora de irse, escucho mi música comenzar!
OPENING CONTEST: TAYLOR GIBSON VS GIANNA ROJAS ©
VIRAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Alex Lawson: The following contest…is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Alex Lawson: And it is for the Zion Wrestling VIRAL! CHAMPIONSHIP!
Introducing first, the challenger…representing Thotline Miami…from Miami, Florida…weighing in at 110 lbs…”Vaporwave”! Taylor! Gibson!
And her opponent…from Eureka, California…weighing in at 145 lbs…she is the Zion Wrestling VIRAL! CHAMPION!...GIANNA! ROJAS!
Rojas and Gibson approach the center of the ring, taking the time to give each other a handshake to show some respect before shuffling around and going to lock up! Gibson is able to get the upper hand from the offset, getting Rojas into a Wristlock that she’s only able to further break her down with by wringing the arm a second time! Rojas is flipped back first to the mat from this, with Gibson trying to keep the pressure on the arm still to keep Rojas at bay! Rojas is able to escape however, kipping up on her feet before twisting Gibson’s arm with a Wristlock of her own to counter! Gibson finds a way out, using her leg to sweep Rojas backfirst to the mat before going for a lateral press!
ONE…!
TWO…!
Rojas kicks out! Gibson makes it to her feet, only to get her legs swept from a kneeling Rojas! She goes for the pin!
ONE…!
TWO…!
Kick out by Gibson! The two both make it to their feet with their guard up, realizing they’ve reached a deadlock early on in this match! They start to fall back, but Gibson decides to take the opportunity to go after Rojas, looking for a Lariat! Rojas ducks underneath, sending Gibson into the ropes! Gibson comes back, jumping up and looking to hit the champion with a Hurricanrana! Rojas is able to reverse, landing on her hands and front flipping to her feet! She jumps up, landing a Dropkick on Gibson that sends her doubling back into the corner! Rojas rushes to the corner, looking for a Knee Strike! But Gibson rolls out of the way, leaving Rojas stuck with her legs hooked on the top rope! Rojas pulls herself up in an attempt to get free, only leaving herself open for Gibson to run in and drop her from the top rope with a Backstabber! Pin from Gibson off the devastating move!
ONE…!
TWO…!
THR-
Kick out by Rojas! Gibson can’t believe it, thinking a move like that could’ve surely put Rojas away! She pulls her up to her feet, getting her in position for a Vertical Suplex! But Rojas is having none of it, pulling Gibson up instead and attempting to dump her over the top rope! But Gibson clings to the ropes to stay on the apron, nailing Rojas with a Forearm when she approaches to send her off fully! She immediately follows up with a Shoulder Thrust that doubles the champion over, before flipping right over her back and into the ring! She hits the ropes, ducking underneath a Lariat attempt from Rojas before coming back and hitting a Dropkick!
The shot sends Rojas through the ropes and out of the ring, with Gibson getting the idea to fly! She hits to the ropes before launching herself out of the ring towards Rojas with a Suicide Dive! But Rojas manages to catch Gibson, getting her into the position before throwing her into the barricade with a Belly-To-Belly Suplex! Gibson hits the floor in a heap, with Rojas working her to her feet and throwing her back into the ring! Rojas takes to the top rope, looking for a diving move onto a supine Gibson! But the challenger is having none of it, quickly popping to her feet and lunging into the ropes, knocking Rojas off balance and leaving her to rack herself on the top turnbuckle! Gibson takes advantage jumping up to the top rope with her and landing her signature Spanish Fly! Pin by Gibson!
ONE…!
TWO…!
THREE-
Kick out by Rojas! Gibson doesn’t get that deter her, knowing that she’s close to getting the win! She pulls Rojas to her feet, slowly looking to get her in position for the Vaporwave DDT! She hooks one of the arms, but before she can hook the other, Rojas is able to counter, hoisting Gibson up on her shoulders before dropping her with a Death Valley Driver! Gibson tries to get up and recover from this, only for Rojas to follow up with her signature Shotgun Knee Strike! Pin by Rojas!
ONE…!
TWO…!
THREE-
Kick out by Gibson! Rojas gets a bit nervous now, thinking that was surely it! She pulls Gibson to her feet, looking to get her in position for Terminar Rápida! She hooks one of the arms, but just like Gibson before her, she gets hoisted onto her opponent's shoulders in reversal before she can hook the other! Gibson drops Rojas with a Death Valley Driver of her own, before immediately capitalizing by dropping her fully with a Superkick! Gibson sees her chance, slowly climbing to the top rope despite the pain of this match catching up to her! She dives off, looking for the Shooting Star Press, but Rojas is just barely able to get out of the way! Gibson crashes and burns on the mat, trying to reach her feet again as she gets to her knees! Rojas takes advantage, getting her in position before rolling her up with Gia-Got-You! Gedo Clutch gets Gibson’s shoulders to the mat!
ONE…!
TWO…!
THREE!!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…and STILL Zion Wrestling VIRAL! CHAMPION!...GIANNA! ROJAS!
Eddie Red Apples: Gianna Rojas impresses in her first defense of the Viral Championship!
Amber Westgate: She’s looking great going into Destiny II as champion, but will she leave the same way as she takes on two other people for it? We’ll have to see!
Rojas tries to celebrate with her belt, only for Elijah Copeland to rush in, going for the attack! Rojas is left defenseless after having been through a grueling match! Her only respite comes with the arrival of Tajnia Mustafi, who rushes into the ring with a steel chair in hand to chase off Copeland! Rojas makes it back to her feet, seeing Copeland running off and Mustafi yelling at him! She thanks Mustafi for the assist, extending her hand out to her! Mustafi is reluctant at first, however she takes Rojas’ hand, the two seemingly having an understanding as we fade!
WINNER: GIANNA ROJAS (#ANDSTILL)
RESULT: PINFALL (GIA-GOT-YOU)
The cameras go backstage in the arena and the pop from the crowd can be heard as we find Osaka born Zion Hardcore Champion, Yukiko Kusanagi, sitting cross legged on top of an equipment box. Her title rests beside her as she sits with her eyes closed, appearing to be in a meditative state. She’s already in her gear with a sleeveless, cropped Queens of Chaos t-shirt. A set of earbuds visible in her ears. A moment goes by before we hear a voice–
Meliana Rodrigo: "Yukiko? Excuse me, Yukiko?"
–and Meliana Rodrigo tentatively steps into the frame. She lingers for a moment, getting no response from the Osaka Devil and starts to step away, opting not to bother her further.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "...What is it, Meliana-chan?"
Meliana almost jumps as Yukiko speaks, eyes still closed. She doesn’t budge from her position, otherwise, as Meliana steps back over.
Meliana Rodrigo: "Oh! Yeah, hi! Sorry, you seem like you’re in the moment. I didn’t wanna bother you. I just wanted to ask a couple questions about recent events."
Yukiko opens her eyes, shifting her gaze to the interviewer as she calmly reaches up and pulls one of her earbuds out.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "Ne?"
Meliana Rodrigo: "I’d just like to ask you a couple of questions. For the fans."
Yukiko holds her side gaze to the woman, her hand holding that earbud next to her head. Waiting. Meliana shifts nervously before continuing.
Meliana Rodrigo: "Right. So…first, some are wondering about Reo Ojima’s offer to join ONI. It seems they’re very interested in having you as a part of their group. Now, you politely declined, as we saw on twitter–"
Yukiko smoothly cuts her off, keeping that eerie calm to her tone.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "That is all that needs to be said on the matter."
Meliana Rodrigo: "But do you think their attempts are over?"
Yukiko sighs and pushes a button on the earbud, pausing her music and lowers that hand into her lap. Finally, she turns her head fully towards Meliana.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "Does it matter? If they are not, I will save them some time: I acknowledge Ojima-san for his accomplishments in the industry. I respect what he has built with the members of ONI: Ikeda-san. Kaneko-chan. Megumi-chan. That said, mistakes were made in such an approach. Advising me to “ditch” the family took me in. Who gave me a place when I was simply roaming. Who, even before then, members offered console when I was given news of the death of a dear friend. What would it say of me were I to throw that away in favour of another group? Let’s not forget: does one of their own not hold a child hostage from his mother while others do nothing? I cannot align myself with that. I will not align myself with that."
She pauses and turns her gaze directly to the camera, staring intently into it.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "And I can go to the lowest of places to get what I want. It is known."
Meliana Rodrigo: "It is known!"
Meliana chimes in, joining in on what she thinks is a meme reference until Yukiko turns her cold gaze towards her again, silencing her with but a look. Yukiko looks back to the camera.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "Where were any of them before I joined? No. You see, now, too late what you could have had among your ranks. You have seen what I am capable of."
She reaches over, lifting the Hardcore Title into her hand and holds it in her lap, over her arm, admiring it for a moment.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "If I were truly so valuable to you, ONI, I would have been a founding member. Instead there you sit, in the company of a lowly criminal and another that, despite her best efforts, cannot hold a candle to me. So…Arigatō, shikashi īe. I will stay where I am. I will not abandon my family for perceived greener pastures. That has already happened with one of our own…and look at her now."
Yukiko falls silent then as Meliana takes that as her cue to move onto the next topic.
Meliana Rodrigo: "Moving on, Yuki, y–"
Yukiko Kusanagi: "Yukiko."
Meliana Rodrigo: "Apologies. Yukiko. Speaking of the Hardcore Championship, you’ll be defending it tonight, here in your hometown, against former multi-time World Champion, Crystal Caldwell. What sort of pressure are you feeling with such a challenge in front of you, knowing that another challenger, ISIS, awaits you at Destiny?"
Yukiko Kusanagi: "Pressure?"
Yukiko snorts in disgust.
Yukiko Kusanagi: "I will give credit to her accomplishments. Her skill as a technical wrestler. If that were what this is, I would say that she would have a better chance… But this is not a technical wrestling match, Caldwell-chan. This is my realm you are stepping into and you have a history with my blood that is not exactly admirable. That is why I’m going to enjoy tonight the most, out of all of the opponents I have had in Zion. You do not get just the Osaka Devil tonight. You get the darkest side of her. You get me at my most sadistic. I will bleed buckets so that your blood flows like a rushing river. I’ll smile as I carve yours from your smug face. The sound of your screams will be more exhilarating than the music of which I listen to now. Crystal Caldwell, I step into the ring, every time, with some semblance of respect for the one who stands across from me. You are different. You get none of that. I am not only coming out there tonight to defeat you. I am not only coming out there to defend my Hardcore Championship. I am coming out there to Fucking. Destroy you. I do not want you sharing a locker room with me. I do not want you stepping into the same ring I step into at any given time. Unfortunately, I cannot make such an executive decision. However, I can do the next best thing. I can render you incapable of ever competing in a wrestling ring again and - mark me, cunt - I will absolutely do so with the utmost joy in my heart. So call your wife. Call your child. Tell them you are coming home, because, barring some miracle against the Devil, it’s going to be the only place you have left when I am finished with you."
Without another word, she sets her title back down, sticks the earbud back in her ear and resumes her music. Her eyes close again, leaving Meliana Rodrigo like a deer in headlights as she just sloooowly slinks away to give the Osaka Devil her space and the scene fades out.
MATCH #2: JESSI OZBORNE VS EDUARDO GUETIERREZ
Guetierrez gets a little too cocky for his own good, beginning to hurl insults at the Queens of Chaos frontwoman! He talks about how much better The Void is, and that he’ll even give her the first hit, because he knows it won’t make a difference! Ozborne, trying her best not to laugh at the sophomorish insults thrown by the jobber, precedes to oblige his request, nailing him square in the jaw with an Uppercut that rocks him and sends him tumbling back! Guetierrez falls back into the corner, with Ozborne following in hot pursuit! He tells her he isn’t ready, with Ozborne very audibly yelling back “I don’t give a fuck how ready you are!” as she nails him with a Knee Strike in the corner! She rolls him to the center of the ring, before rushing in and nailing him with Disenchanted (Basement Back Kick)! Ozborne folds Gutierrez up for the pin, very obviously mocking Kara Carbajal’s use of the same pin to secure the victory!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…Jessi! Ozborne!
Eddie Red Apples: The leader of the QoC with a statement victory over The Void’s Eduardo Guetierrez!
Amber Westgate: I have a feeling The Void aren’t gonna like seeing that too much!
And just like that, Amber’s feelings are validated, with the other three members of The Void rushing down to the ring and laying the boots to Ozborne! They help Guetierrez to his feet, allowing him to jump in on what is now a 4-on-1 assault! It doesn’t take long for help to arrive for Ozborne, with Ollie The Honorary Queen heading the charge of Jordan Majors, The Deathriders, and Ayu Megumi, who’s armed with a steel chair!
The Queens turn the tables on The Void, pushing the number advantage they initially had back on them! A brawl begins to break out, with everyone finding a member of the opposite clique to go after! Megumi looks to nail Zachary Porter with a steel chair, only for him to duck! She goes for another swing, with Porter ducking again! This time things go horribly wrong, with Megumi accidentally sending the weapon right into the back of Lilith Parker’s head! She falls to the mat, clutching her head as blood begins to seep through her fingers! Every member on the Queens’ side pauses as they see what’s happened!
Eddie Red Apples: Lilith Parker is down! Ayu Megumi smashed her with a steel chair!
Amber Westgate: It was completely by accident though, Eddie! Ayu would never purposely betray the Queens!
The Void make their escape, mocking Megumi’s misstep as they take off through the crowd! Meanwhile in the ring, Ollie the Honorary Queen and Jordan Majors try to bring Megumi comfort, reassuring her that everything is fine. Ozborne, however, is not as forgiving, nailing Megumi with a Superkick in the heat of the moment, a very obvious emotional overreaction on her end! She immediately checks on Lilith with Kaya, yelling for medical personnel to come help as we fade!
WINNER: JESSI OZBORNE
RESULT: PINFALL (DISENCHANTED)
"I should care more about this opportunity, shouldn't I?"
We see Eden Sterling sitting alone in the backroom somewhere deep in the bowels of the arena. Her whole...demeanor looks a bit ragged, tired.
Eden Sterling: I should care about a chance at becoming the Internet Champion, right? The chance to gain some momentum I desperately need and grab a piece of hardware that could elevate my standings. That sounds nice. But if I'm really true with myself, that's a means to an end. Because what I truly want has been given to me even before that fact.
A small smile crosses her face.
Eden Sterling: Before I can even get to that Sovereign of The Frontier match, I gotta win a qualifying match and now that's what I really want. Olivia Nightshade. That is whom I want to get my hands on. Do you want to know why? Because the way I see things, that is where everything went south for me and Ashlynn. The Crown, we wanted those titles and we got completely and utterly screwed out of them and never really got a chance to get another shot at them together. So, yeah, I'm harboring a bit of resentment towards Code Black, can you blame me?
The smile turns a bit sour.
Eden Sterling: That was a moment in time when The Crown fell out of the title picture and my appearances on Fusion became less and less. And you know what? I'm tired. I'm frustrated. I truly am. And now I've been given an opportunity to get my hands on one of the women whom started that lack of momentum. Yeah, I'm good with that. So while getting a chance at the Internet Championship sounds cool and all, right here, right now? I want the women in front of me and I want to tear her apart. I'm tired of feeling like this, and so here I'm taking a stand. Here, I'm doing this on my own, for myself. Everything else be damned.
Slowly Eden gets up to her spot, dusts herself off a.d opens the door, walking out into the hallway. Fade.
MATCH #3: OLIVIA NIGHTSHADE VS EDEN STERLING
SOVEREIGN OF THE FRONTIER QUALIFYING MATCH
Nightshade and Sterling show off their collective strength early on in this match, locking up and pushing each other around the ring as they struggle for control! This eventually ends with Nightshade pushing Sterling back into the corner, with the official threatening a five count in order to split them apart! Nightshade starts to back up, only to nail Sterling in the face with a Headbutt before pulling her in and dropping her with a Belly-To-Belly Suplex! She goes for the cover, only to get a two count!
Nightshade pulls Sterling to her feet, looking for a Vertical Suplex! But Sterling slips out of it, landing on her feet behind Nightshade before pushing her into the ropes from behind! Nightshade comes back to a hunched over Sterling waiting for her, responding with a Kick to the head that gets her vertical again! Nightshade hits the ropes again, looking for another move! But Sterling reverses, nailing Nightshade with a Shoulder Block instead! Nightshade makes it to her feet, with Sterling pushing her up and throwing her to the mat with a Back Body Drop! Nightshade falls back into the corner, catching a Corner Body Splash from Sterling for her trouble, followed closely by a Neckbreaker! Sterling with the pin, only for Nightshade to kick out of it at two!
Sterling looks to finish this one off, backing into the corner before rushing towards Nightshade for Eat This! Nightshade catches her out of the Discus Lariat however, getting her in position before dropping her across the knee with a Uranage Backbreaker! She pushes Sterling to her feet right off the knee, backing into the corner before nailing Sterling with Taste That Leather, B*tch (Brogue Kick) She lays across Sterling for the pin, only for her to reverse at two by grapevining the arms and getting a Crucifix Pin, getting a two count as well! Nightshade tries to get back into this, only for Sterling to hoist her up onto her shoulders, looking for Killer Instinct! But Nightshade is able to get down, landing behind Sterling and hoisting her onto her shoulders before dropping her with Dark Silence (Joker Driver)! Pin by Nightshade securing the victory!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…Olivia! Nightshade!
Eddie Red Apples: Olivia Nightshade entering somewhat unfamiliar territory as she qualifies for the Sovereign of the Frontier Match at Destiny!
Amber Westgate: Olivia is usually a tag team wrestler alongside her sister, Ravyn! But it seems as though she’s got a chance to break out come the end of the month!
Nightshade celebrates as we fade!
WINNER: OLIVIA NIGHTSHADE
RESULT: PINFALL (DARK SILENCE)
We open backstage near the ready area. We see a female figure standing there in crimson red and black ring gear and a hooded leather jacket with the hood pulled up over her head. Her back is turned to the camera so we cannot get a good glimpse of who it is, but the back of the jacket has the words “Queens of Chaos” inscribed on it. A few moments later and a sinister laugh can be heard from the female. Now we can safely assume that this laugh, this voice, and this woman is none other than “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. It is confirmed when she turns around to face the camera. She throws the hood off to reveal her face. A sadistic grin is etched across her lovely features.
Kimberly: These eyes will deceive you. They will destroy you. You look at me and what do you perceive? Some perceive a clown just out here to have fun. I admit, a great deal of why I do what I do is to give my Kimmymaniacs a fun as hell thrill ride that they will never ever forget. Some look at me and perceive an eccentric if not outright deranged lunatic. I am eccentric but crazy? Do I look crazy to you?!
Williams holds up her right hand which is wielding her knife glove, affectionately known as “Betty White.” She looks at it briefly, smiles sheepishly, and then puts it down.
Kimberly: Don’t answer that just yet! Ok fine, I may be a little crazy, but that doesn’t mean I am not intelligent. Underestimate my strategic ability at your own peril. I am one of the smartest ring generals to lace up a pair of boots. But if you look into these eyes and see a clown or a crazed lunatic then you are treading into dangerous waters. Behind these eyes is darkness, the absence of light.
The Woman Scorned laughs softly yet with a nasty, hint of mischief.
Kimberly: Ricky Ricardo Rodriguez! Ricky Raccoon! How the hell are you, buddy?
She waves at the camera.
Kimberly: It looks like it’s down to you and me for this Sovereign of the Frontier Qualifying Match. A shot at the Internet Championship is on the line and lemme tell ya Ricky Raccoon, I see this as a huge opportunity for me. See, luck hasn’t exactly been on my side since joining Zion. Hell, you could say I’ve been in quite the rut. But lately I have changed my luck. I am back to my winning ways. And it feels good, oh so good, to win…
Williams shakes her head. Her grow more and more intense.
Kimberly: …and if you think you are going to end my lucky streak, if you think you are going to put me back on the sidelines and have me sit this match out then you have another thing coming! I want to go to Destiny and be a part of this match! I want to walk through the chaos of it all and come away as the new Internet Champion! But step one means going through you. Step one means taking away your dreams and destroying them.
The Woman Scorned points into her eyes one more time.
Kimberly: So go ahead, look into these, be deceived Ricky. Allow yourself to be destroyed by these eyes. Because Kimmy is coming and she is bringing chaos with her.
She skips away whistling happily.
A bit of prerecorded footage began to roll. Earlier in the day, outside of the Namihaya Dome, there was a trampoline set up in a portion of the parking lot. And who else would be using it, besides anyone in their right mind? Ricky Rodriguez. The young man was clearly having an amazing time, jumping up and down on it.
The view turned around to reveal Ashlynn Cassidy having been doing the filming. She smiles, laughing out while watching Ricky do his thing.
Ashlynn Cassidy: 'This is what I live with.'
She sticks her tongue out and laughs as she turns focus back to Ricky. With each step she takes, she gets closer and closer to him. He notices this, of course, and begins to spice it up a bit, doing a couple flips, some corkscrew spinny kinda stuff. Just putting on a good show.
Ashlynn Cassidy: 'Look at him, a huge match coming up tonight against Kimberly Williams. Winner qualifies for the Sovereign of the Frontier Match for the Internet Championship. And he's just..free. Not stressed. Not scrambling with last minute preparations. Just doing what he does to come in with a clear mind and a full heart. It's really great to see.'
Every time Ricky came crashing down onto that trampoline, the fabric sent him launching back up, landing on his feet as he did so. He brought his arms out, keeping his balance despite the unstable footing he had.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Y'know..I'm all for that whole 'get back up again' mentality. No matter how hard you come crashin down..'
Taking a few small bounces, building his momentum, Ricky jumped high into the air only to come crashing down onto his back. Soon after, he launched himself back up, landing on his feet.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'You gotta pick yourself right back up. The harder the fall..the bigger the come up. No matter how hard you hit..you hafta pull yourself together and keep goin, y'know?
See, I'm comin in tonight off a couple pretty big falls. Not only did I lose a big ass Battle Royal Match while representin Liberty..I lost my Hardcore Championship Match against Yukiko..'
His arms extending back outwards, Ricky slowly let himself fall back, laying flat on the surface of that trampoline. Eyes focused up at the sky above, Ricky sighed softly.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'And it sucks..it really fuckin sucks gettin within a fingertip to these huge accomplishments only to fall short. But it's like I told the man who snatched victory away from me in that Battle Royal. I'd rather do the work and fall short. Cause I can learn from that failure. I can get..better, y'know?
See..I learned..no matter how close you think you are..you're not there..until you're there. Right now? I'm not there. And I mean..even if I beat Kimberly tonight? I still won't be there. I won't be there until that Internet Championship is in my hands and held high above my head.'
Rolling up into a kneeling position, Ricky slowly drug the tips of his fingers across the material of that trampoline mesh. A soft smile breaks out across his face as he gets fully to his feet. Beginning to jump up and down again, Ricky's smile grew brighter and brighter as he went.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'Which is why I'm lookin at the future the way I am. At Destiny..I'm battlin for Infinity. I'm goin into the match I debuted in..tryinta reclaim the first championship I ever won here. As important that is to me? There's nothin more important than the now. Kimberly is that now.'
Ricky turned his attention entirely to Ashlynn as she was continuing to film.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'To The Top isn't just a catchprase. It's not just..somethin to put on a t-shirt. It's Destiny. But I'm not gonna sit back and wait for Destiny to play out. I'm gonna make it come to fruition. But that is then..and this is now.'
He walked up to the edge of that trampoline, he extended his hand down to Ashlynn. She took his hand and they both helped her up onto that trampoline. Ricky looks down at her with a warm smile, nodding his head.
Ricky Rodriguez: 'And ain't nobody I'd rather get To The Top with than you.'
The footage cut away as Ricky and Ash shared a kiss.
MATCH #4: RICKY RODRIGUEZ VS KIMBERLY WILLIAMS
SOVEREIGN OF THE FRONTIER QUALIFYING MATCH
Rodriguez and Williams start this match off hot, with the two exchanging a variety of quick grapples that ends in Williams getting the advantage via Waistlock! She pushes Rodriguez towards the ropes, hoping to pull him in with an O’Connor Roll! But Rodriguez hooks his arms on the ropes, sending Williams off! She remains persistent however, rushing over and nailing Rodriguez against the ropes with a Knee Strike! She rolls Rodriguez to the center of the ring, before nailing him with a second Knee Strike as he tries to get up! Williams with the pin, but Rodriguez kicks out!
Williams tries to pull Rodriguez to his feet, looking to keep the onslaught coming! But Rodriguez is able to reverse, pulling Williams to the mat with an Arm Drag! Williams scrambles to her feet, only to be met by a second Arm Drag from Rodriguez! She gets up again, this time trying to get the jump on Rodriguez with a Lariat! But he catches the arm, switching her into position before dropping her with a Hammerlock Suplex! Pin by Rodriguez, only getting the two!
Rodriguez pulls Williams to her feet by the arm, wrenching it in hopes of getting his signature Double Knee Armbreaker! But Williams retaliates, using her free hand to clobber Rodriguez in the midsection with a few strikes of her own! Rodriguez doubles back, with Williams nailing Morrigan’s Wrath (Superkick)! Pin by Williams, with Rodriguez kicking out at the last possible moment! Williams sees the finish line, waiting in the corner for Rodriguez to get up before running at him for Shadowblade! But Rodriguez catches her by surprise, running towards her as well and nailing a Running Stomp out of nowhere! Pin by Rodriguez, securing the win!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…Ricky! Rodriguez!
Eddie Red Apples: And with that, the final spot in the Sovereign of the Frontier Match goes to Ricky Rodriguez!
Amber Westgate: Ricky Rodriguez has been a decorated competitor in Zion so far! Will he be able to make it To The Top again?
Rodriguez celebrates the win as we fade!
WINNER: RICKY RODRIGUEZ
RESULT: PINFALL (RUNNING STOMP)
Melissa Tasman: If you were wondering, I'm not gone, I'm not done. Zion and Fusion haven't been great for my record so far.
It really sucks.
But I'm not gonna be someone who bitches about it. I haven't won, it sucks, it's time to do better.
I promise you all when I do get back I won't be wasting time or moves. It'll be banger after banger that you'll never forget.
And if I still lose, I'll still make sure I keep putting out the best you've seen. I'm not gonna take the business by storm. I'll be the storm. No matter what, I'm not gonna be kept down or lose this smile.
I hope the audience of theZion universe is with me on this. Because I'm not doin this just for me. Banger after banger is for you. Always.
I will be back. And it's gonna be nothin you've ever seen before.
Fade
MATCH #5: JORDAN MAJORS VS ELIJAH COPELAND
Majors and Copeland kick it into second gear right of the bell, with the latter immediately going for a Bicycle Kick off the bell! Majors dodges the kick, looking for one of her own as she goes for a Roundhouse to Copeland! He ducks it, grabbing Majors from behind and looking for a German Suplex! Majors is able to reverse, landing on her feet off the move and nailing Copeland on the back with a Kick! Copeland gets to his hands and knees, with Majors rushing in with a Punt Kick for the pin, only getting the two count!
Majors pulls Copeland to his feet, only catching a Forearm to the midsection for her trouble! He throws her into the corner, nailing her with Stomps until the referee comes in to break things up! Copeland pulls her out, getting her in position before dropping her with a Vertical Suplex! He rolls through, looking for a second Suplex! But Majors reverses, pulling him to the mat and getting him into an Inside Cradle Pin for the two count! The two make it to their feet, with Majors catching Copeland with a Knee across the midsection! She hits the ropes, looking for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb, but Copeland reverses by taking her to the mat with a Back Body Drop! He follows up, nailing a Superkick before going for the pin, only getting a two count!
Copeland looks to finish this off, getting Majors in position for a Shin Breaker! But Majors sends back an Elbow to Copeland, causing him to fall back into the corner! Major sees an opportunity to end this, rushing towards the corner for the Donk Bonk! But Copeland gets smart, pulling the referee in the way and causing her to hit the Hip Attack on them instead! The official falls to the mat in a heap, with Majors’ shock leaving her open to a suckerpunch by Copeland that knocks her to the mat! Copeland sees the downed referee, deciding to use that to his advantage as he pulls a set of brass knuckles out of his trunks! He winds up his shot, bringing back his fist for the swing! However, he gets held back by an arriving Gianna Rojas! She keeps him from going for the swing, leaving him open for Majors to hit Chapter 11 (Double Knee Facebreaker)! Majors takes to the top rope, launching off and nailing Copeland with the Money Drop (Moonsault Double Stomp)! Pin by Majors, with Tajnia Mustafi waking the referee in order for the three count to be rendered!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…Jordan! Majors!
Eddie Red Apples: Tajnia Mustafi and Gianna Rojas even the odds for Jordan Majors, giving her the victory here tonight!
Amber Westgate: With these two now being on the same page, Elijah Copeland may be in for a bad time come Destiny!
Mustafi and Rojas both raise Majors’ arms in victory as we fade!
WINNER: JORDAN MAJORS
RESULT: PINFALL (MONEY DROP)
MAIN EVENT: CRYSTAL CALDWELL VS YUKIKO KUSANAGI ©
2-OUT OF-3 LIGHT TUBE CABIN HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Alex Lawson: The following contest…is a 2-out of-3 Light Tube Cabin Match…and it is for the Zion Wrestling HARDCORE! CHAMPIONSHIP!
In this match, the only way to win is to put your opponent through a set of weaving light tubes two times out of three!
The entire arena fades to black as we are left in nothing but darkness. All of a sudden Crystal's voice can be heard all throughout the speaker systems.
"I'm gonna burn this theater down
And pray to God for the strength to help me face the crowd
I wanna live like I lost the script and scream every line like "This is it!"
As soon as that is said explosions can be heard going off as we are treated to some flame pyros.
Theater by Icon for Hire plays across the speakers and it is at that moment when the blue and green haired "Burning Rose" Crystal Caldwell walks from the curtains. In front of her are paparazzi who snap photo after photo of ther. Crystal is focused as she walks to the ring with a purpose. She however slaps the outstretched hands of fans along the way. She runs up the stairs and walks to the middle of the apron. She flicks her hair before she drops down into a split that gains the pop of the entire crowd. Flashes from the paparazzi go off one after another. She slides into the ring and as soon as she is inside she kips up to her feet. She tosses her Shoto inspired hoodie towards her wife as she awaits the start of the match.
Deadstar Assembly's "Send Me An Angel" comes on over the PA system with its grueling guitar riff and thunderous drums, sending the crowd into a mixed reaction. Some cheer with bloodlust, others boo in disdain. The rest of the lights go out, leaving the audience shrouded in darkness as an eerie purple light illuminates the ring itself. The stage and ramp are lit up with plain white lights, violently flashing in sync with the music. As the music swells, the lights take on a more intense flashing, adding a purple hue among the whites. The crowd waits in anticipation as smoke fills the entryway as the music flows from the speakers, assaulting the ears of those present. The camera focuses intently on the entryway as the inner lights come on and, combined with the smoke, give off an almost ethereal, heavenly appearance. The video wall is alight with the visage of the Queens of Chaos logo and the name “草由紀子."
The wall of light within the entryway is disturbed by the visage of a black silhouette, soon coming into view to reveal Yukiko Kusanagi. Sleeveless robe over her gear, with her hood drawn up over her hood. We see her eyes though are, as always, cold and utterly hateful towards everyone present as they peer out over her black face mask. Her eyes then shift down the ramp and aim directly to the ring. Her battleground. Angel holds her position on the stage throughout the chorus and when the second verse begins, she shifts forward and begins her walk down the ramp. She completely ignores the fans in the front row, throwing jeers and boos at her. That which she sees as nothing more than scum beneath her. Angel moves methodically but with a sense of purpose as she approaches the ring. As she reaches the ring, she circles around to the opposite side of where she approached and stands on the apron, turning her head to sneer towards the fans again. Despite the sour attitude she gives off, she wipes her feet on the apron before entering the ring through the top and middle ropes at the return of the chorus.
She comes to stand in the center of the ring, continuing to just glare hatefully at any and everyone. One hand comes up to unclasp the buckle on her coat before he peels the hood back and slides the garment off of her body, dropping it to the floor for the ringside attendant to take while she goes to her corner and uses the ropes to get some stretching in. Finally, she turns towards the ramp with that ever hateful expression and calmly waits for the match to begin.
Alex Lawson: Introducing first, the challenger…from Detroit, Michigan…weighing in at 115 lbs…Crystal! Caldwell!
And her opponent…representing the Queens of Chaos…weighing in at 125 lbs…she is the Zion Wrestling HARDCORE! CHAMPION!...and OSAKA’S OWN…YUKIKO! KUSANAGI!
Kusanagi doesn’t even hesitate to attack off the opening bell, rushing over and nailing Caldwell with a Forearm as soon as things get started here! Caldwell is flattened to the mat, with Kusanagi rushing out of the ring and grabbing the first set of weaving light tubes from ringside! She leans the contraption against the announce table, seemingly already having a gameplan set! Caldwell looks to throw off whatever these plans may be, getting to her feet and hitting the ropes before rushing towards Kusanagi in hopes of hitting a Suicide Dive! But Kusanagi moves out of the way, seemingly hoping for Caldwell to dive straight into the light tubes! This doesn’t work however, with Caldwell pausing next to the ropes to avoid jumping straight to her doom!
Kusanagi takes advantage of this, hopping onto the apron and nailing Caldwell over the ropes with an Enziguri! Caldwell staggers, with Kusanagi getting her in position for a Suplex over the ropes! But Caldwell rejects it, nailing Kusanagi with a few strikes to the midsection before sliding under the bottom rope and trying to position Kusanagi for a Powerbomb into the light tubes! Kusanagi clings to the ropes for dear life, finally getting free when she brings a foot down to kick Caldwell in the head with! Caldwell staggers, with Kusanagi throwing herself off the apron and hitting her with a Senton! Kusanagi pops to her feet, getting her hometown crowd hyped for her! She pulls Caldwell to her feet, smashing her head against the light tubes and leaving her leaning against them! She searches under the ring for another weapon, coming up with a steel chain and a wicked smile! She twirls it around in hands, before looking to lash her with it! Caldwell gets out of the way however, with Kusanagi smashing the light tubes with the chain instead! The distraction gives Caldwell a chance to capitalize, nailing Kusanagi with a Dropkick that sends her falling into light tube shards splayed across ringside!
Caldwell gets Kusanagi to her feet, before throwing her into the ring! She walks around the ringside area, grabbing the second set of weaving light tubes off the ground and lifting it up! She pushes it into the ring, before taking to the top rope and nailing Kusanagi with a Missile Dropkick to keep her at bay! Caldwell uses her time wisely, pulling the light tubes into position in the center of the ring! She takes the top rope again, waiting for Kusanagi to make it to her feet before going for a Diving Hurricanrana! But Kusanagi catches it, angling Caldwell right above the light tubes before dropping her with a Sit Out Powerbomb right into them! Kusanagi gets the first point!
KUSANAGI: 1
CALDWELL: 0
Kusanagi writhes in agony on the mat, the shards of the light tubes digging into the back of her legs off that move! She still decides to act quickly however, sliding out of the ring and grabbing another set of light tubes before Caldwell has a chance to fully recover! She drags the light tubes into the ring, before setting them up against the corner turnbuckles! She pulls Caldwell to her feet, looking to drive her straight into the tubes to go two-nil in this match! But Caldwell gets her hands up to protect herself, pushing back against the light tubes before driving an Elbow back into Kusanagi’s midsection! Kusanagi tries to come back, only to be met with a Superkick from Caldwell! She takes to the top rope, looking to dive onto Kusanagi and maintain an advantage! But the champion isn’t having it, rushing over to the corner and getting a hold on Caldwell! She drags Caldwell down to the mat, driving her into the shards of light tubes with a Superplex!
Both women are laid out on the canvas now, each of them trying to pull themselves back up amidst the crippling pain! They eventually make their ways back up, trading strikes back and forth! This eventually ends with Kusanagi rocking Caldwell with a shot that sends her back into the set of the light tubes in the corner! Kusanagi looks for one final fatal blow, running towards Caldwell to send her through the tubes! But Caldwell gets out of the way at the very last second, sending Kusanagi careening through the light tubes and giving herself the second point of this match!
KUSANAGI: 1
CALDWELL: 1
Caldwell realizes that just happened, quickly rolling out of the ring and grabbing the last set of light tubes from ringside! Caldwell tries to push it back into the ring, but she’s in too much pain to get a full lift on it! She instead pushes the light tubes against the barricade, resolving herself to bringing Kusanagi to the tubes instead! She slides back into the ring, looking to pull Kusanagi to her feet! But the champion reverses, swatting Caldwell’s hands away before nailing her with a Roundhouse Kick that sends her draping against the middle rope! Kusanagi sees an opening to attack, climbing out onto the apron before going for the Draping Big Boot! But Caldwell gets out of the way, pushing Kusanagi off the apron from behind! Caldwell looks up, hoping to see Kusanagi fallen through a broken set of light tubes! Unfortunately for her, the champion falls just short of the light tubes at ringside, crashing to the barricade alongside them!
Caldwell rolls out of the ring, pulling Kusanagi to her feet before nailing her with Flashing Lights! Chick Kick connects! Kusanagi doubles back, being left leaning against the set of light tubes! Caldwell continues to brutalize Kusanagi, pulling her head forward before pushing it back across the tubes repeatedly, to the point that visible cracks begin to show! Caldwell looks to end this one, getting to the apron and waiting for Kusanagi to turn around before flying off for a move! Kusanagi catches her out of midair however, nailing Caldwell with The Steel Feather! Black Mass Kick right out of midair! Caldwell nearly crumbles to the ground at ringside, only being held up by Kusanagi, who sets her up and drops her through the light tubes with Kuro Gishiki! Double Underhook Brainbuster connects! The glass shatters around Caldwell as the referee calls for the bell!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…and STILL Zion Wrestling HARDCORE! CHAMPION!...YUKIKO! KUSANAGI!
Eddie Red Apples: Yukiko Kusanagi gets a huge win tonight in front of her home of Osaka!
Amber Westgate: This has to be huge for her, as well as a sign of her undefeated streak remaining intact!
The referee tries to hand Kusanagi her title, only to be intercepted by none other than ISIS, Kusanagi’s challenger for Destiny! She hands Kusanagi the title, condescendingly clapping for her victory! She raises Kusanagi’s hand before proceeding to leave the ring! However, this is a trick by ISIS, who suddenly jumps out a Kusanagi! She doesn’t lay a hand on the Hardcore Champion, though, stopping just short of her in hopes of getting some kind of reaction! Kusanagi gives her nothing however, stoically staring into the challenger’s eyes instead! ISIS is taken aback by the lack of few shown from Kusanagi, before smiling and backing off!
Eddie Red Apples: Forget getting knocked out from a kick from Sakamoto! Forget having her speed challenged by Link Andrews! That! That right there? Has to be the most intimidating sight that ISIS has come across! Yukiko Kusanagi, standing tall and unafraid of the God of Destruction!
Amber Westgate: ISIS may have bitten off more than she could chew with this one! At Destiny II, it’s all or nothing for these two women!
“Send Me an Angel” by Deadstar Assembly begins to play again as ISIS backs up the ramp! Kusanagi raises her Hardcore Championship high as we fade to black!
WINNER: YUKIKO KUSANAGI (#ANDSTILL)
RESULT: LIGHT TUBE CABIN
Zion Wrestling © 2020
