Post by Kai Morgan on Oct 7, 2022 19:19:46 GMT
As the opening video closes, the lights to P&J Live 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 cut to the commentary both!
Eddie Red Apples: Coming off an amazing tour of England, we have the honor and privilege of welcoming you all to beautiful Scotland! Welcome…to Friday Night Fusion! I’m Eddie Red Apples, joined as always by my broadcast colleague, Amber Westgate!
Amber Westgate: We’re back with another episode that’s all killer, no filler! The Blue Crew came to tear down Aberdeen, and there’s no doubt our main event tonight will do the job! The Zenith of Zion, Daria Dorsey, coming off her huge win over the weekend, challenges the Banshee Witch, Morgana Summers, for the Viral Championship!
When Fusion cuts to ringside, the crowd breaks out into cheers as Phantom by NateWantsToBattle hits, signaling the arrival of the new Youtube Champion, Alexis Lemon, who makes her way out onto the stage. She wears a huge smile on her face, her championship around her waist, and a black velvet bag over her shoulder. She stands at the top of the stage and takes in the fan reaction before beginning her march down the ramp.
After interacting with fans at ringside, Lexi slides the bag into the ring before crawling in after it. She gets to her feet, unstraps the belt from around her waist and looks at it, her smile growing even more as she holds it up high into the air, drawing more cheers from the crowd. After standing like this for a few seconds, she slings the title over her shoulder and goes to grab a microphone. She stands in the center of the ring while the crowd gets their excitement out before she speaks.
Alexis Lemon: Aberdeen!
She can’t help but laugh at the cheap pop for the home crowd.
Alexis Lemon: That’s fun. I like that!
She looks around with a huge smile while the crowd settles again.
Alexis Lemon: Ladies and gentlemen, Friday Night Fusion is now Avatar Country and the queen welcomes you!
She declares, drawing yet another pop from the crowd.
Alexis Lemon: All right, that was dope. But let’s come back to Earth for a sec… Last weekend was Zion’s Invasion event, and… spoilers… I walked out with this bad boy!
Lemon holds her title high into the air, a proud smile plastered on her face.
Alexis Lemon: This title was practically made for me. I was two years old when Youtube first launched, I quite literally grew up with it! I saw the sneezing pandas and Freds and Salad Fingers. From Annoying Orange to Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared. So it only makes sense that this is the first singles strap I’ve ever held. And while Legion may have had a great reign, I think I’m more than ready to take this title to new heights.
Her smile falters just a little while she looks back at what she just said. But she shakes her head and holds the title in her hand up to eye level, staring down the camera while she speaks.
Alexis Lemon: This title right here is the greatest achievement in my career so far. I’ve dreamed of winning a championship since I was like, five! My best friend has videos of me standing in my bedroom, holding the terrible belts I made in art class while I cut promos.
She directs her attention to the front row, where a woman holding a camera is seated.
Alexis Lemon: And if she releases those videos I will FIND HER…
The woman, now clearly revealed to be her best friend Kayla, giggles and waves.
Alexis Lemon: But seriously, I’ve wanted this moment for as long as I can remember. Ever since I walked in on my brothers watching wrestling when I was little, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do. And now… standing in this ring, having toppled a seemingly unbeatable champion…
She looks back to the belt, then to the black bag laying next to her on the mat. She sighs and nods.
Alexis Lemon: I think it’s time for something new. It’s time for something more. That’s why I’m out here to begin with. See, it is seriously my job to usher in a new era in the history of Zion Wrestling. And that is without exaggeration or hyperbole.
Lexi puts her free hand behind her back and begins slowly pacing the ring while she speaks.
Alexis Lemon: I don’t just mean I’m going to make this title better than it already is. What I mean is…
Lemon looks down at the title in her hand and smiles before looking back up.
Alexis Lemon: It’s time to close the chapter of the Youtube championship.
A wave of confused murmuring spreads throughout the crowd.
Alexis Lemon: See, I think it was pretty obvious that this was coming when Zion wrestling moved to the Splat Network. I never thought I would be the one to introduce this change, but life is full of surprises, right?
Lexi sighs and nods. She bends down and places the YouTube championship down propped up on the mat before picking up the bag and standing upright, undoing the knot holding it closed.
Alexis Lemon: So, I’m super excited to announce that the Youtube championship is officially retired…
She opens up the bag and pulls a brand new title belt from it. She holds it up for everyone to see.
Alexis Lemon: And even more excited to introduce the brand new Internet championship!
The reaction from the crowd is a mix of oohs & aahs and cheers from the Scottish crowd. Lexi grins and sets the microphone down so she can fasten the new title around her waist. She then grabs the mic back up.
Alexis Lemon: I’m proud to be the final Youtube champion and I’m proud to be the first ever Internet champion. I know this is a huge responsibility, and I’m hyped to defend this baby with my life. I’m going to show everyone here life, everyone watching at home and especially everyone in the back that I didn’t just get lucky. I’m a worthy champion. I deserve to hold this title and am proud to do so. If anyone has a problem with me or thinks they can do it better, feel free to step up. I’ll be happy to give you a shot. Just know that I ain’t going anywhere without a fight. Whether you’re one of the two peeps fighting for a shot at me tonight or someone like me, trying to get a new start. I’ll take everyone on and may the best person win. I hope you’re all ready. Because Alexis Lemon is going to break the internet. Enjoy Fusion!
Phantom hits again while Lexi exits the ring. She interacts with some fans at ringside before making her way back up the ramp, stopping at the top and holding up the devil horns to the crowd before returning to the backstage area.
OPENING MATCH: THE WILLIAMS DYNASTY VS THOTLINE MIAMI © (WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH)
"Call Me" by Blondie begins to play asTaylor Gibson and Cindy Collins run out onto the stage. They stop abruptly, with Cindy holding her right hand up over her eyes, looking out over the sea of people in the crowd. Taylor takes a couple of steps backwards, before pointing down the ramp with finger guns and clicking her thumbs as if to fire. Around their waists are their newly won World Tag Team Championships, shining brightly under the arena lights. The pair look at each other with a smile, before running down to the ring. Taylor slides under the bottom rope as Cindy makes her way around to the side, climbing up to sit on the apron. Taylor gets up and stands on the ropes behind Cindy, posing for the crowd. Taylor runs to a far turnbuckle, climbing to the top and posing again, while Cindy motions to a member of the ringside crew for a pair of microphones. The music fades out and the new Champs stand side by side in the middle of the ring.
Cindy Collins: WHAT'S UP, ABERDEEN!?
The crowd cheer loudly. It was a cheap pop, but the crowd eat it up anyway.
Cindy Collins: You really have no idea how good it feels to be standing here, ready to perform for you tonight as your World Tag Team Champions.
Taylor Gibson: Our whole careers we've been chasing this moment. We're living our dream and we're not about to slow down now. We've only had these titles for a few days, but you know what? We've already grown attached to them.
Taylor pats the faceplate of her championship and runs her palm over it in a circular motion.
Cindy Collins: Let's make something clear. We know we have massive targets on our back now. We know that every team out the back is gunning for us and so are so many talented teams out there yet to ink their Zion contract. But you know what? We welcome that. We embrace the challenge and we will defend these World Tag Team titles against anyone and in any place. And just so happens, we're gonna put these fancy, new belts on the line right now!
Taylor Gibson: They say your first defence is the hardest. Well, if our dream were to end tonight, it would have been well worth it. But guess what? We ain't losing. Williams Dynasty? Bring us your best, because we're damn sure bringing you ours.
Both girls stare into the hard cam, with looks of absolute confidence on their faces.
Alex Lawson: And their opponents…at a combined weight of 315 lbs…Emily Williams and Brayden Hilton…The Williams! Dynasty!
Brayden Hilton and Cindy Collins start the match for their teams, with the two circling the ring around each other to start here! Hilton slides around Collins looking to get the upper hand early by wrapping in a Waistlock! But Collins quickly reverses, prying the arms from around her waist before getting a Side Headlock in on her opponent! Hilton tries to fend Collins off, pushing her towards the ropes, but Collins slides to the mat to stall momentum, keeping the hold intact! She gets back to a vertical base, dragging Hilton over to the corner before making the tag to Taylor Gibson! Collins lifts Hilton up, looking for a Vertical Suplex! Gibson with the assist, nailing a kick to Hiltons back before Collins sends him all the way down! Pin by Collins!
ONE…!
TWO…!
Kick out by Hilton! Gibson gets him to his feet, pulling him into the corner in hopes of nailing a Tornado DDT! But Hilton keeps his balance, catching Gibson out of midair and throwing her into the opposite corner instead! He hits the ropes, with Emily Williams getting the blind tag on his back! Hilton returns to Gibson, nailing her with a Corner Dropkick! He falls to his hands and knees, allowing Williams to jump off his back for Poetry In Motion! She throws Gibson to the mat, waiting in the corner for her to get up before rushing over and leveling her with a Discus Lariat! Cover!
ONE…!
TWO…!
Kick out by Gibson! Williams gets her to her feet, looking for a German Suplex to send her right back down! But Gibson rolls through instead, getting to her feet before rushing over and nailing a Hesitation Dropkick to the side of Williams’ head! Williams rolls out of the ring, with Gibson looking to trail her with a Suicide Dive! The moment she peaks her head through the ropes however, Brayden Hilton intercepts with a Bicycle Knee on the side of Gibson’s head! He pulls her over the ropes in a Suplex Position, with Williams now waiting for him to drop her into her arms at ringside! But just then, Cindy Collins intercepts, pulling Gibson down from Hilton’s shoulders before sending him right into Williams at ringside with a Shoulder Thrust off the apron! The two work to get back to their feet, with Collins now clearing the way before Gibson to nail them both with a Suicide Dive! She throws Williams back into the ring for the pin!
ONE…!
TWO…!
Kick out by Williams! Gibson looks to finish this one off, taking to the apron as Williams makes it to her feet! She bounces off the ropes, looking for a Springboard Blockbuster! But Williams catches her out of mid air with a Knee! She pulls Gibson to her feet, tagging in Brayden Hilton before hitting a SITOUT SPINEBUSTER!! Hilton capitalizes off of that, following up with the SPARTAN WILL!! RED ARROW CONNECTS!! Hilton with the pin!
ONE…!
TWO…!
Cindy Collins rushes in now, with Williams looking to block her off!
THREE-
NO! Pin broken up by Collins, who pushes Williams right on top of her cousin! Collins gets Williams to her feet, looking to throw her out of the ring! But Williams reverses by throwing Collins out instead, before looking over to Hilton! The two nod towards each other, with Hilton pulling Taylor Gibson to her feet before Irish Whipping her towards Williams! She looks for the Lariat, but Gibson ducks underneath, leaving her to nail Hilton with it instead! He falls to the mat as Williams looks down in shock! Before she can process it all though, Gibson rushes over, nailing her with a SUPERKICK!! Williams rolls out of the ring as Hilton staggers to his feet, looking for a swing of his own! But Gibson catches it, instead getting him in position and taking him down with the VAPORWAVE DDT!! DOUBLE UNDERHOOK DDT CONNECTS!! She isn’t done however, tagging in Cindy Collins before getting Hilton in position! Collins drops him down, with the two connecting with SCHISMATRIX!! POWERBOMB/BACKSTABBER COMBO CONNECTS!! Collins with the pin!
ONE…!
TWO…!
THREE!!
Alex Lawson: The winners of this match…and STILL Zion Wrestling WORLD! TAG TEAM! CHAMPIONS!...THOTLINE! MIAMI!
Eddie Red Apples: An amazing first defense for the new champions to start the show tonight! Thotline Miami is firing on all cylinders!
Amber Westgate: They’re here to show everyone that the win they scored in London was anything but a fluke! They are the real deal and the tag division better take notice if they haven’t al–
Just then, the lights go out! With the fans in the arena wondering what it could be! Eventually the lights come back up, with the House of Wolves standing behind the tag champs! They wave as they come face to face with Gibson and Collins before diluting themselves in darkness yet again!
The lights come back up, with Danae and Kassandra being replaced by two gold coins and a note that simply reads “WAR GAMES”. The champions look at it in confusion as we fade.
WINNERS: THOTLINE MIAMI (#ANDSTILL)
RESULT: PINFALL
MATCH #2: MIGUEL ORTIZ VS SUBIE BRUH
"Kill Or Be Killed" by New Years Day starts blasting through the arena speakers as the lights dim with billows of fog rolling around on the stage from the machine. A single, dark purple shaded light focuses on the center of the stage where Miguel Ortiz appears and the fans boo, however the booing increases as we then see Kara “Killer” Carbajal appear by his side. They both smirk before giving each other a fist bump before they begin to make their way down the ramp towards the ring.
Eddie Red Apples: Well here comes Miguel Ortiz who is set to make his in-ring debut tonight, but this isn’t the first time we’ve seen him here in Zion as he would assist Kara Carbajal in securing the second fall over Daria Dorsey in their two out three falls match at Invasion last week.
Amber Westgate: And speaking of Kara, it appears she’s joining him out here.
Once the duo reach the bottom of the ramp, they both pull themselves up onto the apron and Carbajal climbs through the top and middle rope while Ortiz steps over the top rope. KC immediately snatches the microphone from Alex Lawson’s hand and scares him into leaving the ring while Ortiz laughs as “Kill Or Be Killed” fades out.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: Before you all get to witness Miguel here wipe the fucking floor with Subie Bruh in his in-ring debut tonight, I have something I wanna say!
The fans boo loudly causing Kara to scoff while Miguel is shaking his head at the disrespect directed towards his long time friend.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: Despite the fact that Invasion didn’t go the way I was hoping… Dorsey? We have two victories each over one other! See, while you may have beaten me twice in one night last week at Invasion?! I beat your ass long before last week and I also beat you once during our two out of three falls match!
Ortiz nods in agreement.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: And before you or any of your keyboard warrior simps try to bring up the fact that Miguel here helped me beat you in our second fall… I basically handed you your first victory over me last week by getting disqualified… so sit the fuck down… and shut the fuck up!
Miguel nods again, this time putting his index finger to his lips, basically telling all the booing fans to be quiet.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: So here’s what I’m proposing, Dorsey?! You and I one… last… time! And regardless of the outcome?! We are done! No more sticking noses into each other’s business! No more matches! Done! Finito!
The fans now cheer, actually liking the idea of possibly seeing Carbajal and Dorsey face off against one another one last time.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: Now I’m gonna sit my ass down at the announce table next to Eddie Red Apples over there… mainly because I’m afraid of catching anything if I sit in such close proximity to the REAL Tits McGee down there!
The camera switches to show the shocked reaction on the face of Amber Westgate before it cuts back to Carbajal and Ortiz who are snickering.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: And I’m gonna have a front row seat to witness Miguel Ortiz DESTROY Subie Bruh!
KC then passes the microphone over to Miguel who happily takes it from her. He smirks as he listens to the crowd for a moment.
Miguel Ortiz:After witnessing, in person, the crap that Killer was having to deal with…did you idiots really think I’d remain on the indy scene for much longer?
Ortiz chuckled as he shot a quick look towards Killer, a smirk on her face very similar to the one that he was now wearing.
Miguel Ortiz: Did anyone really think I’d sit back and let these airheads make a mockery of what we-
Miguel paused for a second to point between himself and Kara before he continued what he was saying.
Miguel Ortiz: Have based our livelihoods on, then by all means…meet one of us in this ring, and we’ll show you exactly what real wrestling is.
Ortiz chuckled deeply as the crowd continued to jeer and boo at him, soaking in the reaction that he was getting.
Miguel Ortiz: But I don’t think any of you really have the balls to want to face one of us. You only face Killer because that’s what management tells you to do, and you’ll only face me for the same exact reason. We’re not here for your entertainment…we’re here to kick asses, and tonight, I start with Subie Bruh!
Miguel tossed the microphone out of the ring and leaned against the corner, waiting for the match to star as Kara exited the ring to sit next to Eddie and watch the match.
Ortiz does pull back any punches in the opening moments of this contest, immediately rushing over and nailing Subie Bruh with a Big Boot! He pulls Subie to her feet, once again taking her down using a Scoop Slam! He goes for the pin early, only to get a close two count after Subie off the mat by her hair!
He pulls Subie up to her feet, looking for another move, but Subie begins to retaliate, going for a set of strikes to Ortiz’s head! It seems as though Ortiz’s hubris is gonna be his downfall, but he comes back with a Knee straight to Subie’s midsection! He lifts her up, before taking her down with a Crucifix Powerbomb! Ortiz goes for the pin off the move, getting the easy three count!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…Miguel! Ortiz!
Ortiz celebrates in the center of the ring, getting his hand raised by Kara Carbajal as we fade.
WINNER: MIGUEL ORTIZ
RESULT: PINFALL
Backstage, we see Daria with some KT Tape around her shoulder, as she's still feeling some of the effects from her brutal three stages of hell match against Kara Carbajal, as she is prepped to face off against Morgana Summers for the Viral Championship later that night, as she spoke to the camera.
Daria Dorsey: "Kara tore me apart in that ring. She was hellbent on putting an end to my story, when it's barely begun. Her and her friends battered me in three stages of a personal hell, but, I survived. That's the thing about this sport... you have to adapt to survive. And my opponent tonight, is one of the more bizarre ones to date."
She said, holding up a tarot card, before revealing it to be an autographed picture of Morgana Summers, as she knows some of her exploits outside of Zion.
Daria Dorsey: "Morgana, you're a real wild card, you know that? Someone to always expect something unexpected from... People might see you as an underdog against me, but, I know better. You're the only person from Takeover to defend your title. Now, what I know, is winning a title is one thing. Defending a title, on the other hand, is a whole other story. I have the most defenses of the Zion Heavyweight Title, so, I understand the pressure of it as well as anybody."
Daria said, before crumpling the card in her hand, and speaking to her.
Daria Dorsey: "Can you handle the pressure, Morgana? Will you shimmer like a diamond, or will you shatter like ice? One thing I can tell you, Ms. Banshee Witch... the last time a wicked woman stepped up to me, she retired. She met with a terrible fate, Morgana. Will you?"
She says with a wicked smile of her own, before tossing the crumpled card at the camera and walking away... the camera would then peer down to the tarot card, as it slowly begins to revert back to a flat state, unbeknownst to Daria, as we fade out.
The room is dark. A single spotlight turns on, overhead. Tajnia Mustafi, recent contract recipient, is seated on an oak stool. She wears a pale pink saree, trimmed in gold, hugging her tall, slim figure. Her dark hair is pin straight, framing a pretty face wearing minimal makeup. She responds to a question that is asked off camera.
So... tell us about yourself?
The corners of her lips turn upwards. One long leg crosses over the other, the sole of a high heel pressed into the horizontal bar of her stool.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: That's a loaded question!
She laughs, gently tucking a loose strand of her dark hair behind an ear.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: The story of Tajnia Mustafi is one of resilience and resourcefulness. A story of having nothing, and perpetually making it something. But, like all great stories... I suppose we should start at the beginning.
She says, gracefully. Some poor quality photos appear on the screen, provided by Tajnia herself. They're stained, the polaroid film torn, and their edges tattered from wear and mistreatment.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: I was born in Sylhet. Āmi ēkhana'ō āmāra kichu mātr̥bhāṣā balatē pāri. The culture is quite different than anywhere else I've ever been. It's quite strict, straight-laced, and very conservative. It's also quite nationalistic, which makes for a difficult time growing up. My family was large, and because of that environment and the number of people in it? My father wanted better. We knew we had to leave, it was just a matter of finding where to go. He wanted a more loose environment where he could make a better living, and a better life for myself, my six siblings, my mother, and her mother. So, we emigrated from Bangladesh to Wales. Wales already has a large number of Bengladeshi immigrants, so it felt quite natural. I was about six at the time.
Taj reflects, with an anxious grasp of her knee.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: I remember being quite nervous about it. Bangladesh was my home, and Wales is 8,000 kilometers away. Practically a world apart. More importantly, it was a completely different, and if I'm quite honest, a slightly intimidating language to learn. Getting to a new world, not being able to speak the language, not knowing anybody, having no resources until baba could land himself a new job, cramped conditions in a home far too small for that many people... it was quite trying. In order to teach myself Welsh and eventually English, I threw myself into books. In order to escape a very difficult living situation, I immersed myself into the worlds written on the pages. It was my sanity. This was how I coped.
Where did the love of wrestling come from?
She muses. It's also a loaded question, by the expression washing over her face.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: Honestly? Necessity.
Taja says, a mourning frown on her face.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: Telly was a luxury we did not have. I didn't get to watch wrestling growing up. We were cut off to the world, essentially. So, I would read. Reading was free, and free was within my budget. I read about beautiful places in the world, saw vibrant imagery of cities and countries I knew that I could not leave this world without seeing. But, that too, was a luxury I could not afford. I needed a talent that would take me around the planet. Unfortunately, I was never going to be a gifted actress, I was never going to be a model, the only other profession that really allows you to see our beautiful world is this. Wrestling. That was motivation enough to find a boat to the states, pay every pound that I had to buy a ticket, and figure it out along the way. Motivation and desire are a hell of a mix to assure you're actively becoming the absolute best at something. I worked days, and wrestled at night, grinding and chipping away at my dream. It's taken years... but finally... finally I made it! Full circle. Earning a contract in the UK? I couldn't dream of something better for me.
She loosens up. A weight lifted off of her chest.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: And now we're here. And I think that that sort of tenacity truly sets me apart from others on this roster. I was given nothing. I was handed nothing. I've earned everything I've ever had, hand-over-fist, time and time again. There was no easy break for me. Because of that... I know nobody wants this like I do. It doesn't mean the same to someone who's got another option... I don't. This is A through Zed for me. And now that I'm here? Now that I'm finally here... it's going to take more of a militia than you can ever dream of to take me from this place.
We dwell on the sight of Tajnia for a moment, before we draw back to ringside to continue the wrestling action.
MATCH #3: ARIA VS KANDICE STANFORD (INTERNET CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS MATCH)
ARIA and Stanford start things off technically, with ARIA getting the upper hand in a Collar-and-Elbow Tie Up by going for a Wristlock! Stanford is no slouch however, rolling forward to escape before going for a Waistlock! She pushes her towards the ropes, looking to pull her back in for an O’Connor Roll! But ARIA hooks her arms on the top rope, refusing to budge! Stanford refuses to release her hold on her either, with the official stepping in to threaten a five count of Stanford if she doesn’t release her opponent! Stanford eventually releases her grip on ARIA, only staying away for a few moments before clocking her with a Forearm to the back of the head against the ropes! She pushes ARIA to the mat before hitting a Knee Strike as she tries to get up, going for a pin that only renders a two count!
Stanford gets ARIA to her feet, holding her by the hair before nailing her with a few stiff Slaps to the face! She gets her in position, looking for a Saito Suplex! But ARIA gets a few Elbow Strikes in to release herself, before nailing a Discus Forearm! She hits the ropes, nailing a Bicycle Knee Strike before getting Stanford in position and dropping her with a Snap Suplex! She rolls through, getting Stanford back up before nailing a Falcon Arrow! She hooks the leg, getting a two count for her efforts!
ARIA pulls Stanford back to her feet, looking to keep the momentum going with a Blue Thunder Bomb! But Stanford reverses, getting her legs around ARIA’s head before nailing a Hurricanrana! ARIA rolls back to her feet, running over to Stanford! But she reverses with a Running Meteora! She traps the legs for the Rana Pin, only getting a two before ARIA reverses by pulling down for the Sit Out Pin! That only gets a two as well before Stanford kicks out of it, rolling to her feet before Drop Kicking a seated ARIA! She rolls to her feet off the Dropkick however, finding the burst of energy needed to roll to her feet and nail a still laying Stanford with a Double Foot Stomp! Pin by ARIA, only getting a close two count!
ARIA waits for Stanford to get to her feet, rushing over to the ropes and hitting a Handspring for the Zircon Injection! But Stanford reverses, catching ARIA out of midair with a Jumping Cutter of her own! She isn’t finished however, waiting for ARIA to make it to her feet before looking for You Hate To See It! ARIA dodges the Running Knee Strike however, lifting Stanford off the mat as she turns around and nailing her with the Judging Strike (Death Valley Driver)! She immediately transitions, getting Stanford right into the “Aria” of Expertise! The Gargano Escape is in, with Stanford having nowhere to go! Knowing this, Stanford gives in to the pain, banging the mat vigorously as she submits!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match, via submission…ARIA!!
Eddie Red Apples: Huge rebound win for ARIA after a terrible weekend in London! Now she has a shot at the newly instated Internet Championship!
Amber Westgate: I’d say if she brings that same performance next week as she did tonight, we might have our second Internet Champion quicker than expected!
ARIA celebrates as we fade!
WINNER: ARIA (INTERNET CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER)
RESULT: SUBMISSION
Eddie Red Apples: Well here comes Miguel Ortiz who is set to make his in-ring debut tonight, but this isn’t the first time we’ve seen him here in Zion as he would assist Kara Carbajal in securing the second fall over Daria Dorsey in their two out three falls match at Invasion last week.
Amber Westgate: And speaking of Kara, it appears she’s joining him out here.
Once the duo reach the bottom of the ramp, they both pull themselves up onto the apron and Carbajal climbs through the top and middle rope while Ortiz steps over the top rope. KC immediately snatches the microphone from Alex Lawson’s hand and scares him into leaving the ring while Ortiz laughs as “Kill Or Be Killed” fades out.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: Before you all get to witness Miguel here wipe the fucking floor with Subie Bruh in his in-ring debut tonight, I have something I wanna say!
The fans boo loudly causing Kara to scoff while Miguel is shaking his head at the disrespect directed towards his long time friend.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: Despite the fact that Invasion didn’t go the way I was hoping… Dorsey? We have two victories each over one other! See, while you may have beaten me twice in one night last week at Invasion?! I beat your ass long before last week and I also beat you once during our two out of three falls match!
Ortiz nods in agreement.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: And before you or any of your keyboard warrior simps try to bring up the fact that Miguel here helped me beat you in our second fall… I basically handed you your first victory over me last week by getting disqualified… so sit the fuck down… and shut the fuck up!
Miguel nods again, this time putting his index finger to his lips, basically telling all the booing fans to be quiet.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: So here’s what I’m proposing, Dorsey?! You and I one… last… time! And regardless of the outcome?! We are done! No more sticking noses into each other’s business! No more matches! Done! Finito!
The fans now cheer, actually liking the idea of possibly seeing Carbajal and Dorsey face off against one another one last time.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: Now I’m gonna sit my ass down at the announce table next to Eddie Red Apples over there… mainly because I’m afraid of catching anything if I sit in such close proximity to the REAL Tits McGee down there!
The camera switches to show the shocked reaction on the face of Amber Westgate before it cuts back to Carbajal and Ortiz who are snickering.
Kara "Killer" Carbajal: And I’m gonna have a front row seat to witness Miguel Ortiz DESTROY Subie Bruh!
KC then passes the microphone over to Miguel who happily takes it from her. He smirks as he listens to the crowd for a moment.
Miguel Ortiz:After witnessing, in person, the crap that Killer was having to deal with…did you idiots really think I’d remain on the indy scene for much longer?
Ortiz chuckled as he shot a quick look towards Killer, a smirk on her face very similar to the one that he was now wearing.
Miguel Ortiz: Did anyone really think I’d sit back and let these airheads make a mockery of what we-
Miguel paused for a second to point between himself and Kara before he continued what he was saying.
Miguel Ortiz: Have based our livelihoods on, then by all means…meet one of us in this ring, and we’ll show you exactly what real wrestling is.
Ortiz chuckled deeply as the crowd continued to jeer and boo at him, soaking in the reaction that he was getting.
Miguel Ortiz: But I don’t think any of you really have the balls to want to face one of us. You only face Killer because that’s what management tells you to do, and you’ll only face me for the same exact reason. We’re not here for your entertainment…we’re here to kick asses, and tonight, I start with Subie Bruh!
Miguel tossed the microphone out of the ring and leaned against the corner, waiting for the match to star as Kara exited the ring to sit next to Eddie and watch the match.
Ortiz does pull back any punches in the opening moments of this contest, immediately rushing over and nailing Subie Bruh with a Big Boot! He pulls Subie to her feet, once again taking her down using a Scoop Slam! He goes for the pin early, only to get a close two count after Subie off the mat by her hair!
He pulls Subie up to her feet, looking for another move, but Subie begins to retaliate, going for a set of strikes to Ortiz’s head! It seems as though Ortiz’s hubris is gonna be his downfall, but he comes back with a Knee straight to Subie’s midsection! He lifts her up, before taking her down with a Crucifix Powerbomb! Ortiz goes for the pin off the move, getting the easy three count!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match…Miguel! Ortiz!
Ortiz celebrates in the center of the ring, getting his hand raised by Kara Carbajal as we fade.
WINNER: MIGUEL ORTIZ
RESULT: PINFALL
Backstage, we see Daria with some KT Tape around her shoulder, as she's still feeling some of the effects from her brutal three stages of hell match against Kara Carbajal, as she is prepped to face off against Morgana Summers for the Viral Championship later that night, as she spoke to the camera.
Daria Dorsey: "Kara tore me apart in that ring. She was hellbent on putting an end to my story, when it's barely begun. Her and her friends battered me in three stages of a personal hell, but, I survived. That's the thing about this sport... you have to adapt to survive. And my opponent tonight, is one of the more bizarre ones to date."
She said, holding up a tarot card, before revealing it to be an autographed picture of Morgana Summers, as she knows some of her exploits outside of Zion.
Daria Dorsey: "Morgana, you're a real wild card, you know that? Someone to always expect something unexpected from... People might see you as an underdog against me, but, I know better. You're the only person from Takeover to defend your title. Now, what I know, is winning a title is one thing. Defending a title, on the other hand, is a whole other story. I have the most defenses of the Zion Heavyweight Title, so, I understand the pressure of it as well as anybody."
Daria said, before crumpling the card in her hand, and speaking to her.
Daria Dorsey: "Can you handle the pressure, Morgana? Will you shimmer like a diamond, or will you shatter like ice? One thing I can tell you, Ms. Banshee Witch... the last time a wicked woman stepped up to me, she retired. She met with a terrible fate, Morgana. Will you?"
She says with a wicked smile of her own, before tossing the crumpled card at the camera and walking away... the camera would then peer down to the tarot card, as it slowly begins to revert back to a flat state, unbeknownst to Daria, as we fade out.
The room is dark. A single spotlight turns on, overhead. Tajnia Mustafi, recent contract recipient, is seated on an oak stool. She wears a pale pink saree, trimmed in gold, hugging her tall, slim figure. Her dark hair is pin straight, framing a pretty face wearing minimal makeup. She responds to a question that is asked off camera.
So... tell us about yourself?
The corners of her lips turn upwards. One long leg crosses over the other, the sole of a high heel pressed into the horizontal bar of her stool.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: That's a loaded question!
She laughs, gently tucking a loose strand of her dark hair behind an ear.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: The story of Tajnia Mustafi is one of resilience and resourcefulness. A story of having nothing, and perpetually making it something. But, like all great stories... I suppose we should start at the beginning.
She says, gracefully. Some poor quality photos appear on the screen, provided by Tajnia herself. They're stained, the polaroid film torn, and their edges tattered from wear and mistreatment.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: I was born in Sylhet. Āmi ēkhana'ō āmāra kichu mātr̥bhāṣā balatē pāri. The culture is quite different than anywhere else I've ever been. It's quite strict, straight-laced, and very conservative. It's also quite nationalistic, which makes for a difficult time growing up. My family was large, and because of that environment and the number of people in it? My father wanted better. We knew we had to leave, it was just a matter of finding where to go. He wanted a more loose environment where he could make a better living, and a better life for myself, my six siblings, my mother, and her mother. So, we emigrated from Bangladesh to Wales. Wales already has a large number of Bengladeshi immigrants, so it felt quite natural. I was about six at the time.
Taj reflects, with an anxious grasp of her knee.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: I remember being quite nervous about it. Bangladesh was my home, and Wales is 8,000 kilometers away. Practically a world apart. More importantly, it was a completely different, and if I'm quite honest, a slightly intimidating language to learn. Getting to a new world, not being able to speak the language, not knowing anybody, having no resources until baba could land himself a new job, cramped conditions in a home far too small for that many people... it was quite trying. In order to teach myself Welsh and eventually English, I threw myself into books. In order to escape a very difficult living situation, I immersed myself into the worlds written on the pages. It was my sanity. This was how I coped.
Where did the love of wrestling come from?
She muses. It's also a loaded question, by the expression washing over her face.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: Honestly? Necessity.
Taja says, a mourning frown on her face.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: Telly was a luxury we did not have. I didn't get to watch wrestling growing up. We were cut off to the world, essentially. So, I would read. Reading was free, and free was within my budget. I read about beautiful places in the world, saw vibrant imagery of cities and countries I knew that I could not leave this world without seeing. But, that too, was a luxury I could not afford. I needed a talent that would take me around the planet. Unfortunately, I was never going to be a gifted actress, I was never going to be a model, the only other profession that really allows you to see our beautiful world is this. Wrestling. That was motivation enough to find a boat to the states, pay every pound that I had to buy a ticket, and figure it out along the way. Motivation and desire are a hell of a mix to assure you're actively becoming the absolute best at something. I worked days, and wrestled at night, grinding and chipping away at my dream. It's taken years... but finally... finally I made it! Full circle. Earning a contract in the UK? I couldn't dream of something better for me.
She loosens up. A weight lifted off of her chest.
TAJNIA MUSTAFI: And now we're here. And I think that that sort of tenacity truly sets me apart from others on this roster. I was given nothing. I was handed nothing. I've earned everything I've ever had, hand-over-fist, time and time again. There was no easy break for me. Because of that... I know nobody wants this like I do. It doesn't mean the same to someone who's got another option... I don't. This is A through Zed for me. And now that I'm here? Now that I'm finally here... it's going to take more of a militia than you can ever dream of to take me from this place.
We dwell on the sight of Tajnia for a moment, before we draw back to ringside to continue the wrestling action.
MATCH #3: ARIA VS KANDICE STANFORD (INTERNET CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS MATCH)
ARIA and Stanford start things off technically, with ARIA getting the upper hand in a Collar-and-Elbow Tie Up by going for a Wristlock! Stanford is no slouch however, rolling forward to escape before going for a Waistlock! She pushes her towards the ropes, looking to pull her back in for an O’Connor Roll! But ARIA hooks her arms on the top rope, refusing to budge! Stanford refuses to release her hold on her either, with the official stepping in to threaten a five count of Stanford if she doesn’t release her opponent! Stanford eventually releases her grip on ARIA, only staying away for a few moments before clocking her with a Forearm to the back of the head against the ropes! She pushes ARIA to the mat before hitting a Knee Strike as she tries to get up, going for a pin that only renders a two count!
Stanford gets ARIA to her feet, holding her by the hair before nailing her with a few stiff Slaps to the face! She gets her in position, looking for a Saito Suplex! But ARIA gets a few Elbow Strikes in to release herself, before nailing a Discus Forearm! She hits the ropes, nailing a Bicycle Knee Strike before getting Stanford in position and dropping her with a Snap Suplex! She rolls through, getting Stanford back up before nailing a Falcon Arrow! She hooks the leg, getting a two count for her efforts!
ARIA pulls Stanford back to her feet, looking to keep the momentum going with a Blue Thunder Bomb! But Stanford reverses, getting her legs around ARIA’s head before nailing a Hurricanrana! ARIA rolls back to her feet, running over to Stanford! But she reverses with a Running Meteora! She traps the legs for the Rana Pin, only getting a two before ARIA reverses by pulling down for the Sit Out Pin! That only gets a two as well before Stanford kicks out of it, rolling to her feet before Drop Kicking a seated ARIA! She rolls to her feet off the Dropkick however, finding the burst of energy needed to roll to her feet and nail a still laying Stanford with a Double Foot Stomp! Pin by ARIA, only getting a close two count!
ARIA waits for Stanford to get to her feet, rushing over to the ropes and hitting a Handspring for the Zircon Injection! But Stanford reverses, catching ARIA out of midair with a Jumping Cutter of her own! She isn’t finished however, waiting for ARIA to make it to her feet before looking for You Hate To See It! ARIA dodges the Running Knee Strike however, lifting Stanford off the mat as she turns around and nailing her with the Judging Strike (Death Valley Driver)! She immediately transitions, getting Stanford right into the “Aria” of Expertise! The Gargano Escape is in, with Stanford having nowhere to go! Knowing this, Stanford gives in to the pain, banging the mat vigorously as she submits!
Alex Lawson: The winner of this match, via submission…ARIA!!
Eddie Red Apples: Huge rebound win for ARIA after a terrible weekend in London! Now she has a shot at the newly instated Internet Championship!
Amber Westgate: I’d say if she brings that same performance next week as she did tonight, we might have our second Internet Champion quicker than expected!
ARIA celebrates as we fade!
WINNER: ARIA (INTERNET CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER)
RESULT: SUBMISSION
