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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2024 23:27:12 GMT
Tenacity Wrestling:
The 1st Grand Wrestling Arts Tournament
July 20th, 2024
SEGMENT:
‘THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS’
MONTAGE:
A selection of clips play with a voice over
Kace Matthews standing in an empty ring. The camera cuts to closer shots of Kace - all with his head down until the final shot shows him lifting his head up and rubbing his hands together.
Matt Stone initially on his knees at Show 10, post-match with a swipe transition to him standing under a spotlight from the back, then two more light up Matt in the blue and pink Tenacity is known for.
The Blue and Pink tints a scramble cut to Faizah Marshall proudly posing holding her shades and pushing them on her face, but not before a wink.
A zoom into Faizah’s shades transitions fluidly to Logan Traeger looking over his shoulder, pausing the music on his phone, and standing up.
A rotation pan under the bench he was sitting on is a poster of Darcy Graves, which fills the frame. Darcy comes to life moving a few steps forward. The camera starts on her right but spins around to her left and she walks ahead.
As she crossed the hallway, a zoom in shows Derrick La’Bell standing in the door frame. A close up on his right fist taped, a shot from behind as he lowers his hood, before a low shot shows him taking in the scenes.
We zoom out completely as if he’d been on Kayla Claxton’s black fingernail the entire time with her clenching her fists and fade to white.
Each competitor appears in front of the vibrant blue backdrop with a hot pink backlight, cut in rapid succession.
All eight competitors are placed on the screen in eight boxes with the ninth box in the middle showing the question mark.
VOICE OVER:
They say life throws you opportunities. Some come at the apex of a downfall. Some come as you’re grinding away. Some put you in a brand new place. A new calling for the right person. Bringing you to unfamiliar, yet exciting new settings. Sometimes it’s a chance to redeem yourself, and sometimes it give you the chance to prove yourself to the world.
8 competitors, 1 Winner - who’s it going to be?
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘’
CUT TO: MONTAGE
A series of weird but aggressive clips of animals mixed with what seems to be a training montage flash on the screen. A lion roaring, a man training in a boxing gym, a leopard and a crocodile fighting, the same man from before lifting an insane amount of weight, a hippopotamus crushing a watermelon, that same man powerbombing a bunch of different people, a herd of stampeding wildebeest, and finally that man decorated with a multitude of title belts. Music accompanies these images, culminating in what could have been a big crescendo, but it all stops and fades to black after that final image. Suddenly a woman’s voice is heard from the darkness
MYSTERY WOMAN:
Tonight is the Tenny Pro Greatest Wrestling Arts Tournament! 7 of the best of the bestest are looking to give it their all, but they’re all gonna fall short to one man, my man. My bammers…
The screen slowly transitions into a shot of the woman speaking, Mimi Smith, who has a big smile. She has a denim jacket over a “Derrick La’Beast” shirt that she’s dawning proudly like Clark Kent does when he’s showing off his Superman logo underneath.
MIMI SMITH:
Derrick La’Bell is going to win the whole thing. I know, because he was listed as number one in the seeding, and he’s been number one in my heart for a LONG time! He’s Mimimazing! He’s better than a Whopper on Wednesday! He’s undefeated in boxing, he’s got world titles in not one, but TWO combat sports, and he’s got SO many titles that I’m pretty sure that’s why he’s still banned from Nevvy Pro!
Mimi wags a finger in the air and shakes her head.
MIMI SMITH:
And I know what you’re all thinking. No, I’m not just saying this because Bammers is the most Mimimazing boyfriend SLASH wrestler in the world. I’m saying it because it’s true. Just like how he’s the number 1 seed because he EARNED it, NOT because he’s basically married into the Smith family because WE’RE NOT EVEN MARRIED!!!
There’s an awkward pause.
MIMI SMITH:
Not that it’s an issue. We haven’t even really talked about it, but it’s been almost 5 years, so like, it has to be coming soo-
Derrick La’Bell steps in at this moment and hugs Mimi with his arms around her head so she would stop talking.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Thank you so much, babe, for that introduction. It was amaz- Mimimazing.
Mimi pokes her head out of his arms and smiles at her boyfriend.
MIMI SMITH:
I just wanted everyone to know that I love you more than Tootie loves Timmy, and that you’re stronger than the Crimson Chin mixed with Jorgen Von Strangle!
DERRICK LA’BELL:
And that’s all true! And I love you for coming out and saying all that, and making the montage in the beginning. You know I love the training montages you always make me! But I can't let you say ALL the fun things either.
He kisses his girlfriend on the forehead and smiles at her. They release their embrace as Derrick faces the camera. He looks to be in some of the best shape of his career. He flexes for the camera for a bit as Mimi looks up with awe.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Like the fact that the clips of me in that montage are all from this past training camp. I’ve been working on my conditioning, lifting heavier weights, and getting as much practice as possible in. I have done nothing but work long and hard to get myself ring-ready, even before the field was announced, but the real fun began just twelve days ago. As soon as those brackets were announced, I was spending every day just watching as much tape as I can get and training for each and every person in this tournament. I wasn’t about to lose an edge to any of you.
He smiles at Mimi, who helped train him and filmed a lot of said training to help hype him up for the Grand Wrestling Arts Tournament.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
The first day alone I watched every Kace Matthews match I could find. I got plans for his small package driver and that frog splash. If the man even thinks about going into the air, I’m bringing him back to the mat so hard he’ll have CTE and back problems for the rest of his life. I know his girl is cool with my girl’s family…
MIMI SMITH:
SHOUT OUT THE BREETEE COMMITTEE BY THE WAY!!!
DERRICK LA’BELL:
But he ain’t blood with me. He ain’t friends with me. Mimi, what happened when I face Honey and went easy on her?
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Cousin Honey got a big bruise on her back and had to step away from in-ring stuff for a while! Her dads were NOT happy with you about that! She still feels it from time to time.
Derrick laughs to himself a bit, realizing he has re-opened a can of worms with her family, but it was to make a good point.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Exactly my point. Honey Smith is blood to me, AND we were a championship-caliber tag team. If I was willing to put lasting hurt on her, imagine what imma do to some dude who hasn’t been active in this business in almost 2 years…
He pauses.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Or a newbie like Kayla Claxton, who got maybe one and a half matches under her belt and weighs less than my left calf muscle. She calls herself the Red Carpet, but she’s gonna get beat and rolled up like Mama La’Bell’s old rug on Sundays. The same goes for that perennial loser, Kendrick Kross, who has been pinned by just about everyone in this business. I’m sure he’s got a finisher, b-
MIMI SMITH:
But Kenny Kriss Kross’ finisher is like that Ravenclaw Goblet you got me a couple of years ago off of Wish! He claims it’s there, but it’s never arrived and we still haven’t seen it yet!
Derrick’s jaw drops at the absolute burn his girlfriend just delivered. He hugs her again, lifting her off her feet and smiling.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Bars, Meems! That was an absolute BAR!!!
Mimi smiles, though she isn’t necessarily sure what that means. Derrick doesn’t notice her subtle confusion, though, as he sets her down and continues to speak.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
I’ve basically got my side of the bracket locked down. Nobody is coming in and upsetting me in the first two rounds. It’s just going to be clinic after clinic of “Why you shouldn’t pick a fight with a 3 Sport, multi-time World Champion”. End of story.
Derrick isn’t usually this cocky, but there’s just something inside him that makes him feel like this tournament is almost a foregone conclusion. He feels like he could be in a new home for his craft and he’s so excited that he’s ready to show up, off, and out! In the moment that he is paused, though, you can see his face get a little more serious.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
The finals is where it gets dangerous though…
Mimi looks at Derrick, trying to figure out where the drop in confidence came from, because all she sees is a winner! Derrick isn’t concerned though, it’s more of a focus. It’s the stoic determination that has gotten him so far in his career setting.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Darcy Graves has the same style as me. She’s hard-hitting and strong as hell, but if she makes it past Traeger and Stone, she won’t have much in the tank for a guy like me. If she tries to do a Grave Digger, I’m hitting her with an elbow to the back of the head that’ll end up putting her on the sidelines. I’m drilling her with Hellbows until she rethinks her career choices. 15 years doing this and only one title to show for it won’t be worth what I do to her.
He lays out his hands and mimics a balance scale to emphasize his point. Again, he doesn’t mean to be braggadocious, but one does not become a 2x Heavyweight MMA Champion before 25 by pulling punches and fighting nicely. His size and his competitive streak makes him dangerous for these smaller wrestlers, and he knows that gives him a huge advantage.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Faizah Marshall won’t be much different. I’d hate to do it to another member of wrestling’s long list of Black Excellence, but I’m going to test just how bouncy the Original BAE is when I’m slamming her on the mat so hard that she can nearly land back on her feet like she kipped up or something!
Mimi perks up and throws a finger up to interject.
MIMI SMITH:
Which is something I’ve seen him do before!!!
Derrick smirks and points at Mimi for bringing life to his statement with her testimony.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
And it’s not that I don’t think those ladies can’t make it to the finals, but it’s knowing that heavier hitters like Matt and Logan are there, so I know that if they make it to me, they ain’t walking right going in and they definitely ain’t walking going out of it.
He slams his fist into his hand to make a point at just how hard-hitting he’s trying to be in this tournament. This is his Tenacity Wrestling debut and he wants to make the great impression he never got to in HAWT Wrestling.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
I mean, take Matt Stone for instance…
Derrick raises one hand to symbolize the potential opponent.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
He’s like if Kendrick Kross was actually good. He’s a journeyman who’s been around for a long time and collected a lot of gold. I can’t remember if I’ve gotten to face him before, but we’ve worked in the same company a few times and he’s definitely capable of being the guy I face in the finals. He’s sneaky and cunning, and surrounds himself with people willing to help him get to the next round no matter what.
Derrick raises the other hand now, showing all the cons that equal out Matt’s pros. Matt Stone might be a “better Kendrick Kross”, due to his extensive resume over the years, but Derrick still isn’t convinced he’s the biggest threat to his run through the tournament.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
That all being said, he’s still like Kendrick Kross and he’s liable to face an upset. On top of that, even with all his friends cheating for him at his side, he’s also got a LOT of enemies that like to cost him matches. He’s a guy who could make it to the end, but he’s got way too much baggage to win it all!
MIMI SMITH
You can be a LITTLE nicer to Matty! He’s been down with the Meems since #TalieTuesdays
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Which just leads me to Logan!
Derrick laughs, but Mimi just shakes her head and mouths out “Not Nice” to her boyfriend,
DERRICK LA’BELL:
The closest build to me in this tournament, and he’s still about 30lbs too light. I’d actually like to face him. Just two heavy hitters fighting all the way to the end. I think it would be a good match and great show of how dominance really looks in the ring. That being said, at the end of the day, for every pound I got on the guy is another square inch of force being applied onto his body. For all the strength behind his punches, there’s a lot more surface area on me to distribute that pressure. My neck and back are much stronger than his, and I ain’t knocking on the back door of my prime the way he is, I’m stepping into it.
Derrick spreads his arms and Mimi does her best impression of a Price is Right model, waving her arms and accentuating Derrick’s physique. At just 29, he was a Goliath with nearly a decade of experience and impressive resumes in 3 different combat sports. He was not someone to just stumble and fall, he was a guy who could take on not just this entire tournament field, but the entire Tenacity roster if he got the chance, and after winning the GWA, he might just get that opportunity!
DERRICK LA’BELL:
I guess what I’m saying is that-
MIMI SMITH:
Of all eight competitors, there’s only one wrestler Mimimazing enough to bring the Tenny Pro Greatest Wrestling Arts Tournament trophy home to Me(me)!!!
Mimi leaps onto Derrick, wrapping her legs around his stomach and giving him a big kiss on the cheek. He holds her with one arm while flexing the other.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
And that’s ME(ME)!!!
The couple hype themselves a little more for a moment before walking off-screen. In the background, you can hear Mimi and Derrick talking about how good they did and how they think Mimi should do more promos with Derrick. Mimi suggests celebratory Whoppers for when Derrick wins and he agrees. We get more flashes of animals being ferocious and Derrick working out to close out the video.
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘HEAD GAMES’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
DERRICK LA’BELL is first seen walking out of his locker room rocking a sleeveless tee ‘Living La Vida with Mimi’. He towered over some of the staff on his way to get a refreshment.
In his pursuit of a finger sandwich, he also helped himself to a bottle of water but on them he noticed Kendrick Kross pictured on them.
CUT TO: DERRICK LA’BELL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Kendrick’s already got himself on the label as the winner. Isn’t that a little presumptuous?
CUT TO: KENDRICK KROSS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KENDRICK KROSS:
Yeah I did a little gig a few days before the tournament, told ‘em I was about to win this first ever tournament and they supplied the show with a couple pallets. Now whenever anybody in this tournament hydrates, even between rounds, they’ll be reminded Kendrick Kross is winning this. Subliminal messaging? Nah.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
Derrick’s attention is now drawn to the double doors behind him opening and MATT STONE walking through.
MATT STONE:
Abby Blake, the Grand Wrestling Arts Master is here-you’re not Abby Blake.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Glad you can tell us apart. But did I just hear you right - Master?
MATT STONE:
Maybe living with Mimi and what I can only assume is nightly karaoke sessions has damaged your hearing but yes. Grand Wrestling Arts Master - G-WAM for short.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
“Gwam”? Like Insta-Gwam?
MATT STONE:
No. No, don’t ruin it. Don’t ruin it - okay? Just because Kace Matthews is sending your ass back to New York Wrestling, Liberty Lad, doesn’t mean you can rain on my Grand Parade - Note to self. Consult Abby Blake and Rina about a Matt parade after this is said and done.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Note to Matt - Don’t get too ahead of yourself.
MATT STONE:
Let me just make something clear, this is my phone and I’d prefer it ham free. Keep your hands to yourself in general. Don’t cross this line.
KACE MATTHEWS:
Matt. If you’re going to do that bit you need the egyptian get up, Night at the Museum btw Derrick, you probably don’t get the reference though you will have a lot of free time tonight. It looks like I drew you in the first round.
KACE MATTHEWS:
And Matt - looks like I’ll be seeing you next once this triple athlete gets laid out for the three count.
MATT STONE:
Seri-
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Matt - zip it. Kace, keep talking. You got any more words you wanna eat when I drop you on that absurd amount of hair gel and convert every Kace Matthews fan into picking me as the guy who’ll take this whole tournament?
DARCY GRAVES:
Guys, Guys, Guys - actually - Derrick, so sure its going to be a guy who’ll take this whole tournament by storm? My road to winning this thing starts with Logan, then it can very well be Faizah Marshall, before I face Kayla Claxton in the final. I like that scenario because that makes you three losers. You look like you’d ring out yourself.
MATT STONE:
ME!? Let me educate you a little, Second Generation Suzie. You might be eyeing your first Grand Championship but I’ve been there. Hell I would be the champion YOU ALL would be trying to challenge had it not been for Ray Ray Interference of House AllUpInMyBusiness.
DARCY GRAVES:
All I’m hearing is you got problems getting it done, hence why I selected Faizah as who I’ll face in the second round.
KACE MATTHEWS:
I actually want to face Darcy now.
MATT STONE:
Kace….KACE you just said you’ll be seeing me next.
DARCY GRAVES:
Bad call, if that’s how he - you judge it, Kace, at least you’ve given yourself a surprise when Kayla knocks you out the tournament.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Kayla won’t get a chance. See you out there, Matthews. Matt I’m sure you’ll handle Girl Reaper here.
La’Bell took off with Darcy irked by the comment.
MATT STONE:
At least I got La’Smith’s blessing. Best of luck, Darcy. Kace - when you’re ready to apologize for being a turncoat with your pick I’ll be in my changing room.
Matt Stone then exits off to the right.
CUT TO: KACE MATTHEWS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KACE MATTHEWS:
Kace! Kace Mathews apologize? How much of that Kendrick Krap water has Matt Pebbles been drinking?
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘AWKWARD ENCOUNTERS’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
LOGAN TRAEGER entered from the parking lot with a gym bag and just so happened to put on the brakes as Tenacity Wrestling’s Co-Owner ABBY BLAKE walked by.
CUT TO: LOGAN TRAGER TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
So, cards on the table, I was hoping to run into the other owner. I hadn’t met Abby until now. I get she was the woman setting this up. Three matches ahead of me, didn’t get a ton of sleep, strong coffee before arriving - let’s just say jitters times jitters equals…
Logan
LOGAN TRAEGER:
If it isn’t Abby Bake - “Bake”, I meant Blake. Blake. I don’t know why I said Abby Bake. Blake.
CUT TO: LOGAN TRAGER TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
An awkward car crash of a first impression.
CUT TO: THE VENUE- BACKSTAGE AREA.
Logan started to put a lot more hand gestures in as he spoke.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
I guess on the way here I passed some ads for cake so subconsciously I had bake locked in the brain bank. I definitely meant Blake.
CUT TO: LOGAN TRAGER TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
I REALLY WISHED it stopped there.
CUT TO: THE VENUE- BACKSTAGE AREA - JUMPING FORWARD SLIGHTLY
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Do you even like to bake?
CUT TO: LOGAN TRAGER TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
I didn’t even let her answer that question.
Logan threw his arms up at the whole situation.
CUT TO: THE VENUE- BACKSTAGE AREA.
While visibly passing the invisible conversation baton over to Abigail.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Yeah - why don’t you talk now.
ABBY BLAKE:
Er sure, nice to meet you. I’m Abby, I’m sure you can fill in the last name after all that.
Logan smiled, but as Abby looked briefly away there was a pained grimace, then right back to the smile as her eye contact was back on him.
ABBY BLAKE:
Welcome to the show, and all that. Everyone’s got their own room, live feed to keep an eye on the opponents.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Good. I was hoping for that, Abby Blake.
ABBY BLAKE:
Perfect. Feel free to help yourself to some catering. Dane Mitchell’s a name to remember, I’m gonna grab one of his baked goods before they’re all gone.
He sensed the mentioned food would only restart the name mix up and quickly made an excuse.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Maybe later - I had a baked potato earlier.
Logan held himself back from adding anything else, noticed by Abby who excused herself.
ABBY BLAKE:
Cool. Well best of luck, Logan. Don’t be a stranger.
Abby quickly left the frame and pushed through the doors, before they closed SABRINA SMITH quickly side stepped through them before they closed and Logan quickly replied.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Now you show up.
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘KAYLA CLAX BACK’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
KAYLA CLAXTON impatiently waited for someone to emerged from the locker room. She aggressively knocked again on the locker room.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Where’s the fire?
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Right here. The fire that’s about to take this whole tournament - but I’m actually here to be a good samaritan. You walked in with that skipping lovestruck blonde girl, right?
DERRICK LA’BELL:
That’s one way to describe my girlfriend.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
I’m pretty sure I heard her in another locker room down that way, and the noises she was making - well I’m sure you will recognize them.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
What are you trying to play? Meems is loyal. If this is the level you stoop to because of that Rug line I dropped earlier.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Don’t believe me then, and don’t go down that hall right there and to the left.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
What are you trying to play? Meems is loyal. If this is the level you stoop to because of that Rug line I dropped earlier.
Kayla had left her mystery grenade and walked out of the way of it’s ‘detonation’. Derrick looked over his shoulder to check she was plain out of sight - then began making his move to a locker room where he heard his girlfriend giggling - but what got him concerned was he did recognize those noises and swung the door open.
Only to find Mimi was sitting upon a YITAHOME Zero Gravity Massage Chair and filming an ad spot for the company.
ABBY BLAKE:
I think the sponsor will be happy with that. Great work. Hey, Derrick - you’re up next by the way - better get yourself down to the ring. Kace is already making her entrance.
Only to find Mimi was sitting upon a YITAHOME Zero Gravity Massage Chair and filming an ad spot for the company.
CUT TO: KAYLA CLAXTON TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
Kayla Claxton sat forward on her seat and tapped the side of her temple.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
I’m already in. His. Head.
(Scene End)
'MATCH #1'
'STARTING OFF’
DERRICK LA’BELL Vs KACE MATTHEWS
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
The opening match begins with Kace Matthews and Derrick La’Bell being remind of the tournament rules. Pinfall, Submission, Unable to get back to their feet by a count of 10, DQ or being knocked from the ring and they touch the ground. Kace Matthews lands the first strike of the tournament with a quick jab. La’Bell hits the ropes and comes back into a knee lift. Kace goes for the a snap suplex, BLOCKED, body blows and Derrick gets the first knock down. Kace used the ropes to get up and ducked a clothesline. La’Bell hit the ropes and Kace caught him, trying to lift Derrick and eject him from the tournament early. Derrick fought him off with his trademark downward elbows, then teased a release german OUT THE RING - But Kace blocked it and broke free. He hit the ropes and Derrick clotheslines him over the ropes!
CUT TO: DERRICK LA’BELL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
That’s how easy it is.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Audience on their feet checking if Kace was out this early but he held the ropes. He quickly got back in, somersaulted onto his feet but took a knee to the head. A spinebuster filled La’Bell with some straight confidence, so he performed it again and then let the referee count him. Matthews got back up at a count of six and challenged Derrick. La’Bell struck with a closed fist and Matthews hit the ropes, using the moment to hit La’Bell harder. La’Bell hit back again, and once again Kace came off the ropes with another punch, superman style. La’Bell fell to a knee and Kace went for another, this time countered into a one-armed spinebuster with a pissed off look. A few beats of trash talk before La’Bell prepared a jackhammer slam - only scoring a two count.
La’Bell then tried to end it with a submission but Matthews had scouted the two game-enders La’Bell used, fighting out of it with a throat thrust well placed it had La’Bell on the ropes. Kace drove his shoulder into La’Bell’s kidneys and tried to remove Derrick under the ropes! La’Bell clung to the with his hands but his legs were being pushed out. La’Bell pulled Kace halfway through the ropes which provoked him to back off in a panic. La’Bell didn’t get fully up as Kace clotheslined him on the side of the head
CUT TO: KAYLA CLAXTON TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
I’m watching this match thinking - do I really rank Derrick La’Bell in top 5 powerhouses and top 5 on a more personal list - Kace is going to throw him out and that doesn’t reflect well on my city.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
La’Bell took a good ten shoulders in the corner, followed by an uppercut strike. Kace added a headlock takedown before he tried to submit La’Bell with a knee to the back facelock. La’Bell fought out of it, causing Kace to roll to the ropes and stop himself falling through them. La’Bell cautiously charged and ate a boot from Matthews, Kace then ran at the adjacent ropes for a springboard DDT on La’Bell, who collapsed into a heap on the mat. Running shooting star press scored Kace a two but La’Bell was able to power out. RUNNING SHINING WIZARD by Kace AND he locked in a figure four necklock - busting out all the stops to advance. He even turned over and added some head slams but La’Bell continued to try power out. Sensing he wasn’t going to choke out Matthews, he rolled to try and ring out La’Bell. Derrick put a foot on the bottom rope, ripped himself free and caught a running senton by Kace into a powerbo-No Kace slid out the back door, jumped off the second rope and sentons La’Bell down! BUT WAIT! Bridge by Derrick to kick out, turned them both over and gutwrench buckle bombs Kace. He caught Matthews on the ricochet with a huge spear and hooked the leg. One Two - and somehow Kace Matthews gets a shoulder up!
Derrick was trying to conserve energy for later fights but Kace proved difficult to put away. He looked over his shoulder thinking he’d throw Kace out. After a superman punch, Derrick looked to razor’s edge him out. Kace came to seconds before he was made to fly and thrashed free. Superkick puts La’Bell on the ropes, a second got Derrick off his right foot briefly, so Kace goes for a running version but kicks nothing but air. Momentum had his leg hung up and La’Bell aided in getting him over the ropes, before taking a rope hung kick. Kace sprung to the top rope and leaped at La’Bell, missed him, La’Bell hits the spear on the rebound and then Kace was finally thrown from the ring by La’Bell - standing side slam by La’Bell to the ring apron, which caused Kace Matthews to topple to the outside.
CUT TO: KENDRICK KROSS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KENDRICK KROSS:
Okay, La’Bell. Congrats you got to the semi-final.
A sarcastic clap followed.
KENDRICK KROSS:
Enjoy it because you’re not going any further.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - and advancing to the semi finals….Derrick La’Bell!!
Derrick celebrates with his arms up as the official does go out to check on Kace after how he was eliminated. Suddenly he’s greeted by his girlfriend who’s wearing a dark denim skirt, denim jacket and the La’Bell tee she was seen in earlier.
CUT TO: VICTORIA SALINAS TALKING HEAD - SALINAS FAMILY HOME.
VICTORIA SALINAS:
Of course I’m going to be watching everyone tonight.
(Scene End)
Winner: Derrick La’Bell via Ring Out - Standing Side Slam
Match Time: 13:37
SEGMENT:
‘LISTENING SKILLS’
INT: THE VENUE - HALLWAY BEFORE GORILLA
DERRICK LA’BELL made his way backstage following the match up where he’s greeted by none other than KAYLA CLAXTON.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Great work, Mr. La’Bell. I could tell you really wanted to step in the ring with me - that’s what you and Kace were fighting for - who has the privilege to be kicked out of this tournament by me. Now, I’m kind, and I thought I’d let you choose. Should I pin you, make you tap out, should I gently push you out the ring or just leave you in the ring unable to answer a 10 count?
Derrick La’Bell had been drinking some water while she spoke, wiped his chin once he’d finished the bottle. He even grabbed the pen nearby and signed the empty water bottle.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Here this is for you.
Kayla saw Derrick’s signature on it and felt as though he was treating her as a fan. The Red Carpet Starlet quickly made her voice heard.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
You think I’m some fan? I don’t want your trash. Maybe you didn’t hear What. I. Just. Told. You.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
You didn’t read the other side.
Which prompted Kayla to look on the left, then the right side and saw what he’d wrote.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
You will NOT pin me, Derrick La’-
She looked up and noticed Derrick had already walked off frame but she called out down the hall.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
You know what! I wanted Kace Matthews to win - at least he’d have been a respectful opponent.
CUT TO: KAYLA CLAXTON TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
When I speak it is your duty to listen - you know what it was, he was probably checking on his girl yet again. The Walking Red Flag isn’t going to pin me though.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - HALLWAY BEFORE GORILLA
Speaking of disrespectful opponents; KENDRICK KROSS showed up behind Kayla and made her jump - startled by his unnecessary loud stomp.
KENDRICK KROSS:
Yeah - that’s how you should be, Clax. One stomp and you’re out of this tournament.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Oh yeah? You know what, Kendork? Hey! Where you going?
CUT TO: KAYLA CLAXTON TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
Kayla, exasperated, with a lot of hand motion asks/vents to the camera.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
What is with these two men? I have plenty to say
CUT TO: THE VENUE - HALLWAY BEFORE GORILLA
Finally, in a drive by comment MATT STONE adds:
MATT STONE:
Don’t choke now, Kayla. Hollywood won’t like it.
Before he walked off out of frame, leaving Kayla to let out her version of an annoyed grunt.
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘WAITING IN THE WINDS’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
MYRA RIVERS can be seen backstage enjoying coffee with her ring gear on. She sat back against the cabinet as ASHER FORRESTER, who was working security, came by getting two cups and began making one coffee and one hot chocolate
ASHER FORRESTER:
Your new. Nice to meet you, Asher Forrester.
He extended out his hand and Myra shook it. She took a peek at his name badge for his name.
MYRA RIVERS:
Nice to meet you, Asher. Name matches the tag - and your @. One sec.
Myra searched @asher4ester and dropped him a follow.
MYRA RIVERS:
There - followed. I’m Myra. just sitting back in case they call me in. In case someone wasn’t able to turn up, but I think everyone arrived.
ASHER FORRESTER:
You got your ring gear on though. You expecting to be called in?
MYRA RIVERS:
I am - just in case something happens
DARCY GRAVES:
And What would happen?
The camera pulled back to reveal DARCY GRAVES in the scene, hands on her hips sussing out Myra.
MYRA RIVERS:
In case somebody isn’t able to perform tonight. I’m on standby in case the worst happens and I need to step in tonight.
DARCY GRAVES:
Myra, wasn’t it? I think it’s cute you dressed up to compete tonight. I think it’s even cuter you had your hopes set on becoming Tenacity Wrestling’s final entrant - but let me let you in on a little secret - I WAS the last entrant. I snagged that spot.
Myra was a little surprised and Darcy appeared to reassure her.
DARCY GRAVES:
Let’s lose the deer in headlights look. Okay. So when you say you’re going to just substitute yourself in, what I hear is you’re a stone cold vulture trying to take MY spot.
The crowd in the arena was heard reacting to Darcy’s aggressive switch.
MYRA RIVERS:
I never named any names.
DARCY GRAVES:
No - you didn’t. I mean you could replace Logan and face me in the first round. You could replace Matt or Faizah - and face me in the semi finals. Either way - I’d be booting your tournament entrant wannabe ass out of the ring and out of the tournament.
MYRA RIVERS:
Darcy, it was just awful meeting you. Now I do hope I get your spot - the people deserve better.
Myra caught Darcy with her hair on her quick turn, leaving Graves with Asher Forrester who’d been a fly on the wall.
ASHER FORRESTER:
Well I best be getting the boss her dri-
DARCY GRAVES:
Can you believe she just did that? I mean I got the vibe she was vying for my spot and she just admitted it - you heard her…
Darcy continued to rant to Asher who nodded to her but his face said it all - these drinks were gonna go cold before she finished.
(Scene End)
'MATCH #2'
'STARTING OFF’
KENDRICK KROSS Vs KAYLA CLAXTON
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
Kayla Claxton squared off against Kendrick Kross determined to advance but Kendrick quickly derailed those plans by almost eliminating Kayla with a rising knee and clothesline - but Kayla clung to the ropes. Kendrick stomped on her, but she fought to roll back under the ropes. Kross added some well placed knees - then prepared a DDT - Kayla slipped out of it, struck with a few chops but Kross came back with a punch - missed the second, springboard dropkick by Kayla sends Kross under the ropes - ELIMINATION? No Kendrick clung to them himself.
Kayla taunted about getting the win so quickly, triggering and gaslighting Kross to go for a few punches. Claxton covered up in the corner before she would pull him and tried to send him through the ropes. Kross braced himself with a hand on the apron but Kayla kept pushing, adding some kicks and one boot to the butt - STILL Kendrick went nowhere. Kayla managed to get Kross up for a DDT, covering him for a pin. Two, only two for Kayla. Kross got a nasty set of nails on back, earning Kayla a warning.
CUT TO: KENDRICK KROSS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KENDRICK KROSS:
I’m used to them scratches - but that was uncalled for.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Kayla ducked a clothesline - springboard drop- Springboard Side Slam by Kross! Kayla rolled to the ropes but quickly saw the mistake as Kross unleashed some stomps on the back and tried to push her out the ring. Kayla clung to the ropes, even when Kross dropped down and hit a couple knuckle shots to the forehead. Kross used her will to get back in against her, pulling her in by her legs before trying to catapult her over the opposite set. Kayla caught the ropes with her neck and arms, rebounding and struck with a rolling neck snap. Kross was stunned and Kayla took a wheel out from under him with a Sliding dropkick.
Kayla proceeded to box the ears, and attempted to throw Kendrick out the ring in the corner. Using the ropes as leverage to push her foot in his throat until the referee almost disqualified her. Kayla caught Kendrick with a gut kick and took too long teasing her sunset flip powerbomb. Kendrick lifted her up and walked her to the ropes. Sensing she’d be dropped over the ropes Kayla raked the back again, this time causing Kendrick to back to his knees. Kayla opted for an overdrive neckbreaker - pulling out all the stops to win but Kendrick Kross kicked out.
CUT TO: DERRICK LA’BELL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
Kayla Claxton fights power with tricks, that’s what you and I saw against Kendrick. Neither of them are worthy to hold that 1st ever winner.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Kross mounted a comeback when Kayla teased to the crowd she’d boot Kendrick through the ropes - only for her foot to get caught by Kross. A big kick to the leg made Kayla go up from the force, but the elbow to the knee dropped Kayla and a big swing almost slung Claxton from the ring. She avoided the sliding dropkick and Kross quickly, luckily, and almost on instinct rolled himself under the ropes but through the middle and bottom rope; a face of a man who almost eliminated himself. Kayla was ticked off she didn’t win there and slapped Kendrick hard.
Kross took three more slaps before he drove Kayla into the corner and unleashed holy hell on her. He turned her around and drove his shoulder repeatedly into her back as retribution for his bloody back. A back elbow to the back of the head looked to KO Kayla. Claxton let Kendrick Kross lift her to the top rope before he turned his back and wanted a big razor’s edge! Fans were on their feet and Kross flung Kayla, aiming for the bottom turnbuckle BUT KAYLA landed on her feet with a fast, urgent twist at the waist. Tramp Stamp to Kross! Kayla landing his own finisher but knew she didn’t get all of it - so she hit Kross with a Red Carpet Walker to cap the match off.
CUT TO: FAIZAH MARSHALL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
FAIZAH MARSHALL:
Last show I was talking to Vic and Matt, this show - Vic & Scotty - BAE Ready because I’m 1 win away from challenging - No - Ripping that title away from either of you.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - Kayla Claxton!
Kayla celebrated with boos at her, the fans calling her Box Office Bomb as opposed to her actual nickname which irked her originally so she took the microphone from Aubrey.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
You people need to get the name right, It’s the Red Carpet Premiere - just like Derrick La’Bell better beware…
Claxton smirked at her rhyme there.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
… because if he thinks he’s going to end my run in this tournament - he’s got another thing coming. Hit my music!
.::MUSIC CUE::. “Popular” by The Weeknd
Claxton poses on the top rope, showcasing her balance to the crowd who boos her.
CUT TO: DERRICK LA’BELL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
You believe that, Meems? The rolled up rug thinks she’s gonna end my run - not a chance….
MIMI SMITH:
You’re the king of this ring, Bammers.
(Scene End)
Winner: Kayla Claxton via Pinfall - Red Carpet Walker (Diving Double Foot Stomp)
Match Time: 12:07
SEGMENT:
‘GUARD-DAMN ANGEL’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
Backstage we find FAIZAH MARSHALL ready to compete, walking down the hallway and just so happened to shoulder check DARCY GRAVES.
FAIZAH MARSHALL:
Stay out of the BAE’s way.
Faizah shook her head as she continued walking down the hallway. DARCY looked back and had an inner conversation before she turned around and started walking down the hallway after Faizah.
DARCY GRAVES:
She was looking to replace someone - yeah - lemme help with that.
Darcy almost made a grab to Faiz’s hair before another individual stepped between her and Faiz - that individual being ALIYAH MARSHALL.
ALIYAH MARSHALL:
I don’t think you want to do that.
Faizah turned back around but stayed behind Aliyah who was body guarding the BAE at this point from a potential attacker.
DARCY GRAVES:
Another reserve? They’re everywhere.
ALIYAH MARSHALL:
I’m not here to compete. I’m here to keep Faiz protected in case someone gets the idea in their head they can harm her.
FAIZAH MARSHALL:
You’re just going to have to wait ‘til the semis to get your hands on me. Count yourself lucky - it’s a privilege that so few get. Keep your hands to yourself now.
Faizah turned away initially and was shortly followed by Aliyah Marshall as they spoke privately.
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘ON THAT NOTE’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
KACE MATTHEWS is seen standing backstage, now dressed in a nice shirt with a button up waistcoat, matching pants and addressing the camera directly.
KACE MATTHEWS:
So - yeah that happened. But if I can take a moment tonight to just address the other half of the bracket. Matt!
Kace called over MATT STONE who would come into frame wearing a matching outfit.
MATT STONE:
Look at us playing who wore it better.
They each then simultaneously say “Me”. There’s a little pause before Kace continued.
KACE MATTHEWS:
I just wanted to talk about your side of the bracket. You got you, Faizah Marshall, Logan Traeger and Darcy Graves - and if there’s one thing everyone knows about Kace Matthews he’s better than Darcy Graves, Faizah Marshall, Logan Traeger and.
MATT STONE:
Don’t even say my name.
Faizah turned back around but stayed behind Aliyah who was body guarding the BAE at this point from a potential attacker.
MATT STONE:
Kace, you drew a short straw against the giant. It’s like that episode of the Simpsons where Bart loses to Giant Nelson. You lost. But later in that episode Giant Nelson is taken down by the american national treasure that is Ralph Wiggum. That role should be played by Kayla but if need be I’ll hurl the gravestone.
KACE MATTHEWS:
What are you talking about?
MATT STONE:
Someone needs to catch up on their Season 10 of the Simpsons - my point is you’re out the tournament and you’re clearly trying to say you’re better than the other half of the bracket to save face or dare I say it.
KACE MATTHEWS:
Don’t even say my name.
Matt held his hands up for more comedic effect than anything.
MATT STONE:
I’ll respect your wishes. Do me a favor, though. Try work on the interview skills for when I get back after I remove Millie’s BFF from the tournament. You’re borderline Jessica Carter bad at the moment.
Matt patted Kace on the back and put his hand on his shoulder as he spoke. Kace removed Matt’s hand.
MATT STONE:
Later, KM.
And Kace turned his back to the camera to reveal a note stuck to his back reading “Point at me and tell me how much you hate Rayven Hardy”.
(Scene End)
SEGMENT:
‘RUN IT BACK’
EXT: THE VENUE - PARKING LOT
Security are currently swarming as we see KENDRICK KROSS holding a brick and aiming for the sweet red ride of KAYLA CLAXTON. The commotion is full of security telling Kendrick to put the brick down.
Quickly arriving on the scene would be the main proponent of the tournament ABBY BLAKE.
ABBY BLAKE:
Kendrick - put the brick down.
Security also join in with the pleading
KENDRICK KROSS:
And let her get away with embarrassing me? She wants to tweet how easy it was to advance - let’s see how easy it is to ruin the windshield of Loud Mouth Riding Hood.
Kendrick lightly chucked the brick up and caught it, considering his options.
ABBY BLAKE:
Kendrick, put the brick down now or else I will reset your win counter back to 0. You’re one away - legit don’t throw it all away.
THUD.
Kendrick let the brick go and it echoed in the lot. Kendrick then approached Abby and turned his head to her, looking down due to the height difference.
KENDRICK KROSS:
But you better book me in the next show. I’m not taking a backseat to any of these new hires. In fact - if Kayla Claxton dares sign up - you put her against me.
DANE MITCHELL:
Or how about you go up against me.
Dane stepped in, seeing Kross’ demanding and intimidating actions, to put his name in the ring.
KENDRICK KROSS:
Go back to the kitchen, “Chef”.
The camera closes on Kross walking his way from the Claxton car, presumably to his own ride with some murmurs from security and closing on Dane still staring him down.
(Scene End)
'MATCH #3'
'STARTING OFF’
MATTS STONE Vs FAIZAH MARSHALL
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
Matt Stone and Faizah square off again, with Faizah Marshall reminding Matt he lost his title match. Matt lunged to lock up but Faizah side stepped and posed. The BAE finally locked up with Matt hitting a surprising back club to drop Faizah. Faizah was shell shocked the technician went barbarian. Matt landed a couple more stomps before he did irish whip Faizah. She held the ropes and Matt showed his hand as he looked for a lariat. Stone went at Faiz who attempted to boot him away. Matt caught it, swung Faizah’s legs out and went back club frenzy on Faizah until a four count by the official. He was heard cursing Rayven Hardy’s name before grabbing Faizah up for a german suplex - Faiziah stuck the landing and Busaiku knee! One - Two - No Matt Kicked out with authority. Faizah kept the Canadian former contender down with a few sentons, some elbow drops and a one leg body scissor, a knee to the back and chin lock - still Matt refused to tap.
Matt would power up, carrying Faizah on his shoulders and appeared to go for a ring out win. Faizah quickly got free before he could toss the Queen of Chaos out, connecting with a lungblower and Matt almost went over the top rope. Faizah was not adverse to using the ropes to lock Matt’s arms up and landed a big dropkick to the abdomen. Faiz tried pushing Matt under the ropes but caught a kick to the shoulder. Stone pulled himself up quickly, ducking Faizah’s clothesline and caught her with a classic flying forearm smash. Two suplexes later, Faizah was in the corner and took a stinging chop. Matt turned her around and tried to eliminate her only for Faizah to boot him away while half perched on the top rope. Faiz took to the skies for a moonsault! CAUGHT BY Matt Stone and he lands the running powerslam! One - Two - But another kick out by Faizah.
CUT TO: DANIELLE PAGE TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DANIELLE PAGE:
Of course I watch this. I already qualified so I don’t need to put my Diamond standard body through three matches back to back like these two are. I’m just amused Matt Stone thinks he’ll be back in the title picture, ‘specially since I’m going to do what he couldn’t. I guess Faizah should start calling me the Best At Everything.
CUT TO: DARCY GRAVES TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DARCY GRAVES:
I’m getting a closer look at these two and are they good - yes. Are they talented - yes. Are they better than I am - You guys ask the funniest questions because we all know the answer to that.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Matt tried to put Faizah away after a brainbuster following a catapult into the corner. He attempted a Stone Cutter but Faizah kicked off the ropes to roll off Matt and boot him on the jaw. Stone landed on the middle rope so Faizah came running and landed on his upper back, driving the windpipe into the rope. Stone took a DDT before Faizah hit the double foot stomp - Openly telling Kayla Claxton that’s how you do it better - before she attempted a brainbuster! Matt laned on his feet and neckbreaker reversal! Stone then capitalized with a Stalling Piledriver! One - Two - and somehow Faizah kicked out.
After being dropped on her head, Marshall was on the bad end of the beating. Stone connected with a back suplex before telling the cameraman to capture this - sending a message to Hardy again by running Faizah into the corner and violently german suplexing her across the ring. Stone connected with a big corner clothesline, quickly bringing Faizah to the mat with a snap suplex and covered again - yet again Marshall kicked out. Faizah took a jawbreaker and fell to the ropes. Stone went for a dropkick to knock Faizah up - almost over the ropes but she landed back on her feet. Stone then tried lifting her over but she booted him away. Heel to the chest turned Stone around - STONE CUTTER BY FAIZ? No Stone swiftly turned around back suplex! Faizah escaped out the back door and shoved Matt to the ropes, ducked the running boot and SAVATE KICKS to stun. Faizah got Stone up for a BRAINBUSTER! One - Two - NO STONE KICKS OUT.
CUT TO: RAYVEN HARDY TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
RAYVEN HARDY:
You know that feeling when your ex can’t stop talking about you - can’t stop thinking about you. Yeah.It’s a little like that - but also you have a shot at the Grand Championship and they’re about to lose to Faizah Marshall - so yeah I’m good how about you?
CUT TO: LOGAN TRAEGER TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
LOGAN TRAGER:
That’s an impact you wake up introducing yourself as Satt Mone. Ouch. Gonna be watching for that.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Faizah connected with some headlock punches, shouting at Matt Stone that Rayven Hardy did him a favor, among other things. It set Stone off as he palm struck her back over and over before a gutwrench suplex put Faiz on her bruised back. Matt connected with a double knee press in the corner - STONE CUTTER, back into the corner and Matt added an abdomen kick - german suplex rolled through BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX - Faizah kicked out on two! Monkey Flip by Stone Faizah somersaulted, caught the second rope and BAE ALERT! Off the second rope! One - TWO - BUT Matt Stone kicked on out!
CUT TO: DARCY GRAVES TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DARCY GRAVES:
So he said HE is going to be watching out for them. Wow - the arrogance of the guy.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Faizah was in shock but figured she needed to go to the top rope to put Matt away. Matt Stone started getting up so Faizah changed tactics rather than risk elimination. A step off enziguri! Caught by Matt - Stone forced her to roll onto her feet, german - roll through by Marshall - One - Two - Stone kicked out and deadlift german suplexed Marshall! NO! Faizah turned at the launch and caught the ropes! Matt caught a back kick to the face and then a big pop as Faizah Marshall performed a springboard stomp, forcing Matt into a supta virasana position. Veteran official Referee Boscoe saw the shoulders were down and counted one - two - but Matt sat up!
Faizah was on one foot when Matt sat up so she went for the enziguri - Matt ducked it and pulled Marshall by her captured leg in, inverted suplex no - inverted lifting DDT by Matt who was off balance - the forced yoga position may have done something to the knee but Stone tried to prove to everyone they were fine by using them as weapons - C-C-C-C-COMBOBREAKER by Matt who transitioned straight into a Danger Zone when Faizah barely kicked out at 2.9999 - the BAE falling to the hold as the official checked her arm three times, all three falling signaling Faizah was out.
CUT TO: DARCY GRAVES TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DARCY GRAVES:
Thank you, Faizah. The fans may have not seen it but I did. Matt’s leg’s not 100%. If by some miracle he makes it to the final, I’ll tap the Canadian to the figure four.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - Matt Stone!
Matt Stone took to the camera to tell Rayven Hardy that’s one win, two more to go, and she won’t keep him from the title. Faizah was aided by her friend Millie who looked disappointed but she wouldn’t go behind the curtain before reminding the fans she’s got one win left to grab and she’ll be challenging for the title, so this is okay. She even encouraged Matt to win the title because then she’ll run it back and pick up the gold in one night.
CUT TO: VICTORIA SALINAS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
VICTORIA SALINAS:
I like how she assumed Matt would be taking my title - Hopefully someone points her to my last match and see how that went.
(Scene End)
Winner: Matt Stone via Submission - Danger Zone (Katahajime)
Match Time: 16:57
SEGMENT:
‘LOCK YER ROOM’
INT: THE VENUE - LOCKER ROOM
.::MUSIC CUE::. “Sunrise” by Morgan Wallen
In the locker room, with some music playing in the background sat LOGAN TRAEGER in his quiet, chilled, relaxed place. Away from the hustle and action, letting the music transport him away.
BANG!
The locker room door swung open and slammed against the wall. In came KAYLA CLAXTON who did not like the look of this locker room.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Okay that needs to go. Who’s smelly gym bag is that? Someone needs to empty that trash can. Jessica Carter poster? Gone.
Kayla said, after she ripped it off the wall.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Where is the bowl of fruit? I specifically requested sultanas and that Dudley fellow to feed me them.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Do you mind?
Kayla continued to put out this and that until Logan stood up.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Okay, all that grunting - from just getting up - is clouding my whole space.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
You must be hearing things. Now put my music back on and excuse yours-
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Why are you still here? Don’t you have a match to go do? Can you just get your elimination over with, I need MY space to be ready for La’Bell. Notice how I said La’Bell and not Logan.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
I did. I also tried it the easy way so.
Claxton shrieked as she she’s picked up by Logan and pushed out the locker room. She landed on her feet but stumbled back still. It was enough for Traeger to shut the door and lock it as Kayla came running at the door and started banging on said door.
(Scene End)
'MATCH #4'
'STARTING OFF’
DARCY GRAVES Vs LOGAN TRAEGER
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
In another double debut match, Logan Traeger and Darcy Graves squared off. Darcy using her height disadvantage to stay low, chopping at the ankle with kicks. Logan would attempt a boot but it was caught - though the California born easily pushed her away. Logan gets ready for her to come back charging but Darcy feint kicked and delivered it down at the ankle again. She followed up with a wicked fast leg sweep that brought Logan down to a knee, then he saw her land a flurry of forearms until he could push her back. He wasn’t able or allowed to get to a vertical base as Darcy hit a nasty, high impact uppercut that took Logan down. Darcy put Logan in the corner on his knees before landing several kicks to the chest. Logan caught the final kick and slung it to the ropes. He hit back with an uppercut of his own and pulled himself up. Traeger finally on offense kicked Darcy in the ribs to the other corner. A back elbow to the head, one to the abdomen and another to the head for good measure. Graves got thrown out of the corner onto her back and Logan ran the ropes twice to hit one big kick to the back while checking if he was bleeding.
Traeger tried to put this one away as his Tenacity compadre had, sleeper hold locked in but Darcy countered it with a sitout cutter. Traeger then got clotheslined and briefly left the ground but Darcy couldn’t get him over the ropes. Darcy unloaded with some kicks to try push Darcy through the ropes, Logan struggled to guess where he was struck next and fought out with a spinning backfist. He battled Gracy back with few knees while grappling and an abdomen stretch got locked in. Darcy did her best to try and power out the hold but no good. She refused to tap out and Logan changed tactics - Fireman’s Carry Gutbuster into a sleeper hold. Much like the match before, the first hand dropped after Darcy appeared to have faded. Darcy’s arm dropped once again and it all resided on the final drop. Before it fell she clutched her fist defiant. Back headbutts into Logan’s nose was enough to force a break. Traeger checked his nose for blood as Darcy got up and slid under a revenge big boot. Logan wasn’t fast enough at this very moment and ate a jumping DDT by Darcy - back kick to the back of his head. This allowed Darcy to climb the top rope safely, Logan started getting up so she changed up into a diving euro uppercut, scoring a two count and she looked annoyed she was unable to land Grave Robber instead.
CUT TO: KACE MATTHEWS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KACE MATTHEWS:
What should she have done? Been better. I’d have finished Logan Traeger there.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Darcy went for a big dropsault on Logan but in a pictured moment, Logan caught it and stepped forward - using her own momentum to lock in the Boston Crab. Darcy’s smaller stature let her tuck and roll into some closed fist punches to loosen Logan’s grip. She shoved him into the middle rope but Traeger came off the ropes with a discus clothesline that turned Darcy Graves inside out and lights out. Traeger pinned her for two and almost as punishment for kicking out, Logan dragged her to the ropes. He attempted to toss her out by the trunks and top but Darcy clung to the middle rope. Logan picked up some speed for a boot but missed! Legsweep then by Darcy followed by a springboard senton on Logan’s knee as it was hung up! Traeger let out every curse word he knew in English and Spanish - prompting one fan in the audience to gasp at the language.
Darcy went on the offense to the leg, connecting with multiple kicks to it. Graves connected with several running dropkicks to it that kept Logan off his feet. He saw her kneebar him but rope breaks were his best friend. She got some mad height from a standing vertical jump to double foot stomp the knee, before a jumping spike DDT by Graves looked like it set her up for the move she wanted - she licked her teeth as she sensed it too. The Irish Born superstar climbed the top rope, and she went for it! GRAVE ROBBER! NOBODY’S HOME!
CUT TO: KACE MATTHEWS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KACE MATTHEWS:
I also wouldn’t have missed. I’m just better than Darcy Graves, Guys. I’ll be the one to say it. She wouldn’t be on offense this much if we’d have been matched up.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Logan was put in the corner and multiple kicks were made to his leg. She got his leg out the ring on the middle rope before picking up a hell of speed from the opposite corner - Step off the ropes clothesline by Logan! He fully somersaulted after connecting and tried to put Darcy away with a knee safe move - the sleeper hold again!
CUT TO: RAYVEN HARDY TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
RAYVEN HARDY:
Logan really wants to copy Stone. Poor… role model…choice is all I’ll say to that.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Darcy fought the hold with multiple elbows. Logan tried to slow her down with an added body scissors. In a rare moment, Darcy got her freedom by hammer fists on the bad knee but as he let go Graves was low on oxygen. This time Traeger was first to his feet and he booted Graves with his good leg. She came up from the impact and Traeger caught her for a gutwrench, throwing her with a gutteral, pain-ridden yell. The Dubliner was slow to her feet and Traeger booted her hard - so hard he collapsed on the bad knee but she ALMOST fell through the ropes. Graves pulled herself up and springboarded at Logan! Another Boot! URANAGE! One - Two and Darcy Graves kicked out.
Snake eyes got set up but Darcy Graves slipped out the back - shoving Logan into the corner. Darcy dished out kicks galore, earning a pop when she eventually buckled Logan and continued laying into him. The official made her back off and she got a stern warning for not listening. Logan was able to use this to catch her with a straight pull into the middle turnbuckle. She covered up from the rights and lefts but a knee broke her cover. Logan caught her with a euro uppercut and whipped her hard into the opposite corner - Darcy Graves walked up and moonsaulted over Logan! Spinning back kick to the shin, axe kick to the head! It was Grave Robber time again! Darcy climbed to the top rope but this time she felt a hand on her ankle - it was Traeger! He pulled her off the top rope onto his shoulders looking for something - POISON RANA - NO, Logan clearly used his forearms but played possum. Darcy Graves headed to the top rope again - Logan Traeger quickly got himself up and shoved Darcy Graves out of the ring!
CUT TO: KACE MATTHEWS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KACE MATTHEWS:
Logan played her real good there. Then again, anyone can play Darcy Graves.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - Logan Traeger!
Logan celebrated his win climbing the turnbuckle to celebrate his win..
.::MUSIC CUE::. “Almost Famous” by Eminem
Matt Stone stepped out on the stage to greet his next opponent with an obnoxious fast clap.
MATT STONE:
Logan Traeger. Nice work. Towards the end of that I thought you were going to buckle and Darcy Graves would be coming for the Grandmaster of the Combobreaker. But it’s you. Matt vs Logan. I thought I’d just come out here and just be a friend, a buddy, a pal and remind you that this guy is your stopping point. You don’t advance past me, you don’t collect the Grand Tournament win.
The fans give Matt plenty of boos and start chanting “Shut Up”. Before Matt would react with his usual comment, he actually replied directly to Logan.
MATT STONE:
Look-
But Matt wasn’t able to finish his sentence as Darcy Graves ran by with a vicious jumping dropkick to Logan Traeger. She made her motivation known by telling Logan she should have advanced. Telling Logan to play possum now. Her target was the left knee and after a slam down on the apron - Darcy made her exit as Matt Stone got to the ringside.
CUT TO: DARCY GRAVES TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
We find a slightly breathless Darcy sitting in the interview seat.
DARCY GRAVES:
No, don’t even start with any sore loser talk. I fought hard, I should have won that match - it should be me in the semi finals, the finals.
(Scene End)
Winner: Logan Traeger via Ring Out
Match Time: 16:21
SEGMENT:
‘MATT STONE’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
As DARCY GRAVES made her way backstage, disappointed by her loss, she is even more displeased to see KACE MATTHEWS who is on his phone streaming.
KACE MATTHEWS:
Yes. I would have done exactly that if I had been paired up against Logan and I’d be winning this tournament - heck I’d have won in half the time against Darcy - it’s like I keep saying, they booked the final of this tournament in match one. So all these easy pickings, like Darcy, get a much better chance instead of complete Kace demolition.
Darcy made Kace drop his phone with an aggressive shoulder to the back, ripped the suit arm as she grabbed the arm to issue some kicks before she would send Kace face first into the wall.
DARCY GRAVES:
Keep my name out of your mouth.
MYRA RIVERS:
See this is where I’d be subbed into the tournament if Kace was up next.
Myra reminded Darcy before, wisely, making a hasty exit. Darcy quickly called out to her.
DARCY GRAVES:
Get Lost, Myra. Stay away from me for the rest of this thing.
This is when Kace Matthews got a hit back in, spinning back kick sent Darcy stumbling into the opposite wall. Kace quickly collected his phone and saw it had a slight crack in the screen.
KACE MATTHEWS:
She straight up cracked my screen - but I’ll make sure she gets the bill for a new one.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
Don’t even try it, Darcy. This is my time to shine. Bring it this way, Boys.
Darcy stood up and saw two staff members bring out a merch table for Kayla Claxton Out to the Ring?
(Scene End)
'MATCH #5'
'STARTING OFF’
DERRICK LA’BELL Vs KAYLA CLAXTON
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
Kayla Claxton, before the match began, brought out a merch table with a nice table cloth and tees featuring herself in a box ready to be sold to any fan. She reminded the audience they were a set price however once she overcomes Derrick La’Bell they’ll be worth quadruple and she’ll charge quintuple as soon as the match is over.
Claxton even offered one to Derrick La’Bell’s girlfriend to replace the ratty and soon to be worthless La’Bell shirt she, in Kayla’s words, didn’t look the best in.
When the match began Derrick La’Bell started off in a cat and mouse game which severally was against Kayla. She couldn’t escape the ring and La’Bell quickly began cutting off her escape before he cornered her. Expecting his opponent to come out fighting, La’Bell had his guard up, but Kayla dived between his legs. Before she could get up, La’Bell had her in a headlock. La’Bell held it in tight and Kayla couldn’t push him off. La’Bell changed it up into a bearhug, but Kayla was able to fight out with a couple elbows to the neck. Kayla was able to get a quick DDT on La’Bell but her cover wasn’t even a one.
Kayla Claxton started to drive the fans angry with her stomps on Derrick. She refused to use anything else until they started calling her that name from earlier. The tiny moment she gave La’Bell to respond saw La’Bell throw her over the top rope and clapped his hands as if it was job done. Then he noticed his music wasn’t playing and his gf’s brother’s gf wasn’t coming to the ring to announce, and there was no ring bell. Kayla had clung to the ropes. So he drove by with a running knee but Kayla twisted and side-stepped it. Hair pull rope choke caused Derrick to fumble back and Kayla waved at his girlfriend sarcastically after stepping in the ring. She proceeded to take Derrick down with a drop toe hold before she locked him in a headlock while showing La’Bell’s girl the lock up and wrenched a little harder.
La’Bell still got up, and Kayla tried to bring him back down - nope, not a chance. La’Bell shoved Kayla into the ropes and on the rebound she slid under his big boot. Kayla sprang up and caught La’Bell with a big jumping hip attack before taunting with her glutes to the crowd.
CUT TO: MIMI SMITH TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
MIMI SMITH:
She’s testing my patience.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
La’Bell got hit by some more stomps by La’Brat, as the fans began calling her. After a seven count punch, because the crowd aren’t anywhere near a ten like she is - her words, Kayla measured Derrick for the Lights Out. La’Bell ran at her and tried to get an elimination like the match before. Kayla, rather impressively, locked her legs around Derrick for a choke while she hung over the ropes. Derrick tried to shake her loose but no joy. The official began counting and at a count of three La’Bell brought her back in the ring for a one armed sit out chokeslam like move. His girl ringside proudly pointed out that’s her guy, slapping the mat with the official but Claxton kicked out on two.
Severely winded, Claxton got up to be effortlessly body slammed by Derrick La’Bell. He gave Claxton a taste of her own medicine by hitting her with some stomps to force her up. Body slam again, stomps followed but on the third move - a running powerslam, Kayla turned it into a sit-out cutter. La’Bell, stunned on his feet, was easy pickings for Kayla to land her Lights Out Forearm, covered with a finger wave to his girlfriend as she scored the win - NO! La’Bell powers out. Kayla didn’t appreciate him spoiling a picture perfect ending and started choking him on the bottom rope. She grated his face in front of his girl on the middle rope, choked again, before she would hit a running dropkick to the back of his head!
CUT TO: KAYLA CLAXTON TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
Kayla covered her face with both hands with a huge, loud, and pronounced gasp - breaking ‘character’ immediately with a chuckle.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
That’s what his girlfriend did. It was so precious. She was so concerned I’d knocked her boyfriend out before I pushed him out.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Kayla Claxton began rolling Derrick back towards the ropes and made sure his girlfriend got a good view of her dumping him out the ring. Derrick looked out and fans could see his girl had a natural reaction to stop him rolling out - and visibly fighting that to avoid getting him disqualified. Kayla then felt resistance and saw Derrick had hooked the bottom rope used it to swivel and took Kayla’s legs back from under her. He got back in, and unleashed a series of hellbows on Kayla Claxton, before rolling off and delivered a huge spinebuster. Kayla’s groans were loud, and she was trying a sympathy ploy against La’Bell. Crocodile tears, and La’Bell grabbed her up, before landing a jackhammer lift - EYE RAKE! This provoked his girlfriend getting on the rope to tell the official. Low Blow by Kayla!
Derrick’s girl got down and Kayla demanded the official make the cover. One - Two - Thre KICKOUT! Kayla couldn’t believe it. Utter shock as La’Bell hung in there. She managed to get Derrick onto his knees and DDT’d him not once but twice. Believing she had it now, Kayla made a more provocative cover but Derrick La’Bell sat up! He got to his knees and carried Kayla into the corner, driving her back first into the corner with a leaping spear. Kayla almost rolled out the ring to recover but knew she couldn’t. La’Bell backed up in the corner and looked to land a second spear - LEAPFROGGED by Kayla and Derrick ran into the ring post!
Kayla quickly got there to try push Derrick out. Stomp after stomp to the shoulder but nothing. Kayla then got a run in for a dropkick and La’Bell got a huge back elbow - dropping Claxton. La’Bell fed off the crowd and his girl ringside to hit a superman punch after! Claxton down again. La’Bell decided to try end it with the Let Go aka the Canadian Rack. Claxton had a bloody nose from the two strikes and still refused to give in!
CUT TO: KENDRICK KROSS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
KENDRICK KROSS:
No I’m not going to agree and say she was a tough one. In fact, I’m forgetting about Kayla Claxton altogether. You get me?
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Claxton absolutely refused to quit the match but couldn’t get herself out of the hold. Their eyes met and La’Bell demanded she tapped. Defiantly she spat in his face, right in the eye. La’Bell instinctively let go of her, and she rolled off his shoulder. Claxton quickly did an o’connor roll while he wiped his eyes, slapping that booty in front of his girl as Derrick pushed her off to pin. La’Bell tried to hit a clothesline but The Red Carpet Starlet ducked it and backflipped, headscissors toss to the middle rope right in front of his gf. There, Claxton did something to break his gf’s patience - a lick up the side of his face while she compressed his windpipe against the ropes. La’Bell’s girl decided to go get herself a weapon. A steel chair. The crowd popped to see it and Kayla called for it, but La’Bell pleaded no with a raspy voice. Begrudgingly she let it go, throwing it down with a death stare at Claxton - who looked slightly annoyed the DQ option wasn’t working.
She decided to slide through La’Bell’s legs again, jump on his back and try submit the giant - gutsy move which started to work as La’Bell dropped to a knee. La’Bell grabbed two handfuls of hair and flung Claxton over by it, no doubt having a few strands left in his hands. Claxton held her head and walked right into Derrick’s spinebuster before he locked in the Let Go Canadian Rack again!
Kayla tried to escape but to no avail. The spinebuster worked in tandem beautifully as Kayla tried to spit at him again. It made contact but La’Bell didn’t budge. Seeing Kayla wasn’t going to tap, La’Bell ran at the ropes, throwing Kayla over the top rope with a razor’s edge for a ring out! RIGHT THROUGH THE RED TABLE!
CUT TO: DANE MITCHELL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DANE MITCHELL:
That right there was sweeter than nana’s sweet pecan pie. And there ain’t nothing sweeter than my sweet nana’s pecan pie.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - Faizah Marshall!f
Derrick raised his arms up to the crowd, with the official leaving the ring to check on Kayla who had been thrown from the ring in a nasty ring out. La’Bell then pointed at the camera to zoom in and posed yet again, as the tournament’s first finalist - he sent a message to Matt or Logan to hurry up so he can take a run at Salinas’ title.
CUT TO: VICTORIA SALINAS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
VICTORIA SALINAS:
Bravo, La’Bell. Bravo. But no - you won’t take it from me.
(Scene End)
Winner: Derrick La’Bell via Ring Out
Match Time: 22:13
SEGMENT:
‘MATT STONE’
INT: THE VENUE - BACKSTAGE
We see a side by side shot of Logan and Matt pulling up a knee pad into position, then standing up. A Coming Up Next Graphic appeared as they exited their respective locker rooms. Eventually they would come face to face and Matt Stone was quick to open the trash talk.
MATT STONE:
Let’s make this one nice and easy. We both know who stands a chance at winning this whole tournament - HINT, he’s Canadian.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Maybe I got a little Canadian in the DNA. Appreciate the vote of confidence. If you want to be ringside for me after, that’s always possible.
MATT STONE:
I’m no valet.
LOGAN TRAEGER:
Not looking like that.
MATT STONE:
You know what I was going to be gracious and let you take a long entrance but I just decided Matt Stone deserves to walk out first because the people love Matt Stone. Hit my music.
Matt Stone then proceeded to stomp his way through the curtain, leaving Logan Traeger backstage. He had a quick feel of his knee and stood up - now seeing Abby Blake just passing through.
ABBY BLAKE:
You good?
LOGAN TRAEGER:
All good, Abby Blake. All good here, Abby Blake.
(Scene End)
'MATCH #6'
'STARTING OFF’
MATT STONE Vs LOGAN TRAEGER
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
After their matches earlier the two started off slow. Matt Stone even donned a knee brace where Logan chose not to but favored his right leg. Logan was the powerhouse in their lock ups but Matt Stone showcased his finesse, even getting the first suplex on the night which Logan took a breather from in the ropes. After a backslide pin, Logan took it to a strike fest, knee lifts to back Matt to the ropes, two chops and one spinning heel kick to try and eliminate Matt then and there. Stone landed back on his feet and fell to the floor in the ring, so Logan would work over the back. After throwing Matt into the corner, he didn’t expect Matt to come back out immediately with a running stone cutter! Stone tried to win it off that but Traeger was able to kick out.
Traeger punched Matt’s ribs to back him up, before he backed up into the ropes YAKUZA KICK! NO! Matt Caught him, KICKs to the knee Darcy targeted! Single Leg Boston Crab by Stone who saw Logan’s power as he crawled to the ropes - Stone dragged him back past the center of the ring and applied an STF! Logan was in a whole heap of pain, but fought through it until he grabbed the ropes again. Stone broke the hold on three as he felt his own knee. Stone kept Logan down with a dragon legsweep straight into a kneebar - broken when he got a little cocky and sat up to talk himself up - only to take a hook on the chin.
Logan then planted Stone square on his back with a spinning spinebuster, running the ropes for a big elbow drop that had Matt’s whole lower body come flying up. Logan attempted an anaconda vice but Stone escaped with a knee to the back - headscissors - No Alabama Slam by Logan into a pinning combo - one - two - Kickout by Matt but Traeger deadlifts Matt up for a powerbomb? Punches come raining down and Logan’s knee gave out. Matt’s seated senton reversal allowed him to hook both legs for leverage but Logan still able to kick out but had to use the bad leg.
CUT TO: VICTORIA SALINAS TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
VICTORIA SALINAS:
This one is sure to be fire, but a playful reminder I’ve beaten Matt Stone before he entered this thing. If Logan Traeger thinks about signing and/or wins this tournament - I’ll just remind him who’s the real Grand one around here.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Stone’s chop block took Logan off his feet and Stone attempted another STF. Logan said no thanks with a coil up and elbowed Stone away. Stone ran into the ropes and came by with a kick, but much like Charlie Brown, Logan played the part of Lucy and let him kick nothing but air. Traeger caught Stone with a big punch to Matt’s thigh that dead legged the Canadian. Traeger then issued some payback with some stomps to the knee in an increasingly aggressive fashion. Elbows landed on the inside of the leg before Traeger attempted a Brock Lock but Stone caught the ropes. In a Lemons Lemonade moment, Traeger tried to push Stone out before the four count and Matt had to drive his heel into Logan’s shoulder over and over to force Logan to retreat.
Feeling his shoulder, Traeger was easy pickings for Stone Cutter but Traeger didn’t go back. He pulled Stone into a release german suplex. He felt his knee after but powered through - hitting a jumping knee lift to Matt Stone in the corner, then planted him with another german suplex. Stone was seeing stars and cartoon birds as he got back up, staggered into Logan’s Unchained Melody! NO! Stone escaped and countered with Stone Cutter straight into his Combobreaker! COUNTERED BY Logan into that powerbomb from earlier but a buckle bomb variety. Stone stumbled out into LST! One - Two - But no Three as fans couldn’t believe Stone kicked out.
CUT TO: ROXIE SMITH TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
ROXIE SMITH:
That one got me a bit worried there. Logan trying to do what Derrick did to our near and dear Honey Smith that one time.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Logan Traeger knew it was gonna take Revelation to put Stone away. He prepped it but Matt Stone elbowed the bad knee to freedom, coming by with a penalty kick usually meant for the back but this one came as a drive by to Logan’s bad knee. Stone would knee slam before locking in the STF and overtalked the official commanding Logan to tap. Traeger crawled to the ropes with an absolute red face and caught the rope to try get some relief. Stone didn’t break - chickenwinged the arm behind Logan who caught the ring ropes with his other hand. Traeger almost rolled out the ring but kept hold of the ropes. For anyone else and in another other situation they would let Logan up, Matt Stone in the semi finals came by with kicks to the knee.
To stop Matt, Logan took a dive at Matt’s own leg, dragging the Canadian down and then pinning the leg down before driving his good knee into Matt’s bad one. Stone took a knee slam before trying to use the ropes to back Logan off. Logan hung the leg up on the middle rope, and superkicked it - causing Matt to turn to face the outside of the ring. Traeger now went for his Unchained Melody but Stone kicked off the ropes to backflip over Traeger’s back and shoulders. Dodgy landing as he fell to a knee but caught Logan’s gut kick, big crescent kick to Logan’s bad knee to drop him and a single leg boston crab? No Traeger rolled them both back over and pulled Stone in for a cradle! One - Two - Th- Kick out again. Stone and Traeger trade chops until their chests, seeing who could turn the other’s chest that shade of coca cola red first. They both hit a big chop to cause a break and Matt Stone came back with a sliding shoulder block, Traeger jumped and stomped on Stone’s back - leading him to gutwrench Matt up and onto the top ropes in the corner.
Traeger tried to toss Matt out but Stone got a foot under the top rope and clung to the ropes with like his life was on the line. Stone fought Logan off with a couple back elbows but as he tried to get his lower half down, Traeger came running with a jumping knee to his leg! Stone just released and let himself fall in the corner and caused Logan to hit nothing but turnbuckle. Traeger had to put a hand out to the ring post to stop himself going out the ring. Stone then hit a school boy roll up purely so the back of Logan’s head collided with the middle turnbuckle. Stone followed up with a drive by boot to really clean his clock, and finally put Logan Traeger away with the C-C-C-Combobreaker. Referee Boscoe counted the one, the two and the three as Matt Stone advanced.
CUT TO: MATT STONE TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
MATT STONE:
The Grand Matt Stone is so close, I can almost taste it!.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - Matt Stone
Logan Traeger finally could roll out the ring and got helped to the back while Matt Stone paraded around the ring, trying to show off or cover up his leg.
CUT TO: LOCKER ROOM AREA.
Watching the match is Derrick La’Bell who had been watching the entire match, appeared to take copious mental notes.
(Scene End)
Winner: Matt Stone via Pinfall - C-C-C-Combobreaker (Codebreaker)
Match Time: 19:02
SEGMENT:
‘SHWARMA BREAK’
INT: THE VENUE - THE CANTEEN
Four of the six eliminated contestants in this tournament sit at the table, silently just having a bite to eat. There is no Darcy Graves or Kendrick Kross to be seen.
Kayla called over Dane.
KAYLA CLAXTON:
There, I think we’ve done the ad - can I please have some real food.
CLAP CLAP
But not by Kayla, but the chef backstage who brought in two dishes for each wrestler. Their favorite they requested and a light side he picked to accompany it. Their eyes were wide, their bellies hungry and we leave them to eat their dishes in peace.
(Scene End)
'MATCH #7'
'STARTING OFF’
DERRICK LA’BELL Vs MATT STONE
INT: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the finals of the tournament, with three ring outs, two pinfalls victories and one submission we find ourselves with the last two. Matt Stone and Derrick La’Bell stared down before Matt Stone exploded into action at the ring bell - big uppercut, Stone Cutter, into a Combobreaker but only got a 2.9. He slapped the mat pissed off but he found himself in the driver’s seat. Matt would chop La’Bell in the corner before a forearm to the back of the neck and whipped La’Bell into the corner. La’Bell bounced out looking for a clothesline but Matt countered with a school boy - with the tights! 2.9 again as La’Bell kicked out.
Derrick saw he’d nearly lost it twice so soon and held the rope to try regroup but Stone went for his ring out victory. Derrick did get off his feet but he managed to battle Matt off. Double legged takedown and after some vicious rib punches, La’Bell got his hands on Matt’s knee. A few kicks landed before Derrick DDT’d the leg into the mat. Stone quickly booted Derrick away - La’Bell bounced off his back into a crouched position - Stone arrogantly kicked up - SPEAR! Down went Stone and La’Bell now tried to go for a military press ring out. He got Matt up with ease but before Stone would be thrown he rolled off La’Bell’s hands - STONE CUTTER! La’Bell bounced off the ropes into another Stone Cutter! And Clothesline to the back of the head by Stone that got Derrick off his feet but La’Bell landed back on the ring mat.
Because he didn’t go out - Matt Stone tried to push him under the ropes - doesn’t matter how they go out as long as they do. Stone then felt that same stipulation as La’Bell began pulling him through the middle and top rope - Matt gambled and kept pushing La’Bell but as he saw it a losing battle, he stopped, braced himself - sensing Matt wasn’t going out now La’Bell caught him on the nose with a closed fist.
CUT TO: SABRINA SMITH TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
SABRINA SMITH:
They both really wanted it. We haven’t done an event where people fight three matches in one night since our debut match. That’s a tough relay of matches.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Stone got thrown by La’Bell up into the air and caught on his shoulder - front powerslam as La’Bell was feeling it. He decided to lock the Canadian in the Canadian Rack - but Matt had it scouted. Matt would land a jumping neckbreaker and then back suplexed Derrick which left Derrick feeling his back on the ring mat. Stone didn’t leave him any time to recover and hit a jumping double knee press - feeling his knee but still connected with a springboard stomp on the back. Stone quickly addressed the camera and told the champion he’s coming back for the title - then teased a spear of his own. Stone ran at Derrick but La’Bell used his momentum against him - picking him up into a powerbomb position - changed into La’Bell’s finisher Let Go! Almost! He didn’t get the one hand and Matt used that free arm liberally to elbow his way to freedom - again almost. La’Bell turned it into a facebuster and rolled into a pinning position a certain wrestler would love but Matt suffice to say did not. Matt pushed La’Bell off and locked in his girl’s submission hold to catch Derrick by surprise
Derrick used one of his long term partner’s own moves to escape - though his was a backpack version. Sitout cutter - or stunner caused Matt to flop back on his back and La’Bell lay across him - one, two, thr-No good, Matt got the shoulder up. Stone broke the waistlock La’Bell had on him and back elbowed La’Bell into the corner as Stone would land an impressive bridging german suplex for a two count! La’Bell was staggered by the impact and Stone caught him with his own move - spear! Matt then attempted to use hellbows, knowing it would aggravate two superstars as well as the fans if he used them against La’Bell. He got ready to hit but La’Bell caught the left and the right; headbutt to Stone! Matt fell back and La’Bell grabbed both of his legs; he rolled through with Matt! Bringing the Canadian up for a standing powerbomb. La’Bell crouched down for the cover but Matt Stone again kicked out. Because he did - La’Bell quickly applied a knee behind Matt’s worked over knee and pulled on the thigh and calf.
Matt bit his own fist to try and redirect the pain, before La’Bell rolled onto his lower back and really tried to break the leg off. Matt did the only thing he could do, pulled La’Bell’s shoulders to the mat and got a two count before La’Bell kicked out - and Matt got his leg free, driving his heel into La’Bell’s abdomen. La’Bell turned over and allowed Matt Stone to forward senton on his back. A jawbreaker created some distance and Stone went for ST-Owned but couldn’t get Derrick to fall - instead he ate a big back elbow from Derrick - scouted Derrick’s spear with a sunset flip roll up - 2.9 again! And Matt is livid and in awe he didn’t get it. La’Bell shut him up with a superman punch and then hit a gutwrench suplex. La’Bell kept the waist lock and hit a second one to Matt however the third was too much on the back to hit. Instead he let Matt fall to the side and thought one more spear might do it - La’Bell ran at him but Stone rolled over his back Stone Cutter! Matt then hit the ropes and finally connected with STOwned! La’Bell was down for one, two but kicked on out at three.
CUT TO: ABBY BLAKE TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
ABBY BLAKE:
Matt nearly had him there. Almost.
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING.
(Back to the Action)
Derrick was taken down by Matt with a drop toe hold and Matt ambitiously attempted a bow and arrow stretch. Stone did manage it but it was detrimental for both stars, but Matt was able to turn it into a pin. One - Two - La’Bell pulled Matt in, and turned it into a mount where he rained down some hellbows. Stone crawled free after the official forced the break. La’Bell tried to hit that last gutwrench but Stone caught La’Bell with a rolling heel kick and drew blood. La’Bell’s had what could be described as a Phantom of the Opera crimson mask and Stone quickly locked in a headscissors choke hold with an arm to try and submit La’Bell. La’Bell slammed Matt into the ring mat three times trying to shake him loose - going big with a bridging cover that scored Derrick the match if Matt hadn’t kicked out with half an inch between the mat and the official’s hand left.
Stone beat La’Bell to his feet but ate a forearm, struck back with his own open hand slap to La’Bell’s left side, drop toe hold and stepped over La’Bell to hit a rebound dropkick. La’Bell was down on his back and Matt Stone safely went to the top rope before he would perform a diving frogsplash on La’Bell, trying anything and everything to win but La’Bell powered out at two point five. Stone beat down La’Bell’s backs with stomps out of frustration and decided to send La’Bell through the ropes. Derrick reversed and slung Matt over the top rope but Stone managed to cling his ankles to the top rope and he swung back through the top and middle ropes. La’Bell still caught Stone with a side slam and held himself up by the ring ropes - La’Bell hoping the duration of the match and impact would keep Matt down for a count of 10. One - five saw Matt down but at seven, Stone broke the count thanks to the ropes and La’Bell made him pay. Body shots from his boxing background hit their targets and La’Bell whipped Matt off the ropes, sent Matt up in the air and turned his back to let Matt free fall in. Stone was now on his knees clutching his chin and La’Bell made good on that last gutwrench suplex; almost sending Matt through the bottom and middle ropes. At a count of four La’Bell got up, and a count of six Matt pulled himself up in the corner.
SPEAR! Spear to Matt’s lower back, La’Bell didn’t wait for him to turn around, before he dragged Matt out from the corner and hit Matt with not one, not two, not three but four Prodigy in Motion’s - though only the first was a pop-up variation. La’Bell collapsed himself and slung an arm over Matt - using what must have been everything in his reserves - but four back to back left Stone out as Referee Boscoe slapped the ring mat for the three count.
CUT TO: REFEREE BOSCOE TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
BOSCOE:
That one, the boys were done. They went all out for it. Confined to that ring, no rest, I’ll buy them both a cold one because they sure as hell deserve it..
CUT TO: THE VENUE - THE RING
In the ring, Aubrey Williams took to the mic to announce the winner.
AUBREY WILLIAMS:
Ladies and Gentlemen your winner of this match - and the winner of the 1st Grand Wrestling Arts Tournament - Derrick La’Bell!
Neither Derrick or Matt could stand at this point, not before a 10 count that’s for sure. Matt Stone was helped out of the ring where Derrick was given a towel to clean himself up with his wound. La’Bell was then given a bouquet of flowers, Aubrey Williams presented him with the trophy for the tournament while Sabrina and Abby unveiled a chest of $100,000.00 as an additional prize for winning the tournament.
CUT TO: DERRICK LA’BELL TALKING HEAD - BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW ROOM.
DERRICK LA’BELL:
You know, thankfully there was no more. Matt Stone you could tell wanted it but I wanted it more. Grand Championship title in the near future - Vicky Salinas, meet Derrick La’Bell
(Scene End)
Winner: Derrick La’Bell via Pinfall - Prodigy in Motion (Pop-Up Sit-Out Last Ride)
Match Time: 25:36
(Show End)
General Manager:
Referees:
Backstage Interviewer:
Ring Announcer:
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