Saturday, February 20, 2016
Denver, Colorado
Episode XXXIII
Pyro blasts from the stage, jumbotron, and ramp, before the cameras pan across the crowd showing the various signs in attendance.
Mike Vincent: Welcome to AXW! If you missed the return of Before the Bell on AXW.com, tonight's Main Event is an AXW Championship Match between David Slayton and Starla Gardevoir.
Cole Haywood: Starla has passed the 90 day mark as Xperience Champion which means she can redeem the Xperience Title for another title match of her choosing, and she wasted no time.
Mike Vincent: And Luke Mathews stated that if anyone not named Starla Gardevoir, David Slayton, or Matt Baker comes to the ring before, during, or after the match, they will be fired. Therefore, we're gonna have a nice clean bout for the title later on.
"Second Sucks" by A Day to Remember plays and out walks Toa with the towel, drenched in blood, wrapped around his neck. He is staring down on the ground and listening to the boos and cheers coming from the fans.
"FIGHT"
Salvatore Pellegrino: This opening contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, from the Isle of Samoa, weighing in at 280 pounds, "Samoan Executioner" TO'A!
Once he hears the opening line, he starts walking down the ramp, still not showing his face. When he walks up the steel steps and enters the ring, he throws the towel on the ground and does a battle cry.
The opening beat of "ultranumb" by Blue Stahli as the crowd goes in a frenzy, hyped to see the arrival of "The World Warrior" The cameras focused on the countdown clock shown in the titantron while we hear a voice say, "Ultranumb"
"THREE. THREe, THRee, THree,Three
"TWO, TWO., two two
ONE"
"YOU WANT IT ALL RIGHT NOW"
The lights starts to flicker before coming back to normal as Justin Wyndham comes out with a smile on his face. He bends down on both knees and looks at his imaginary "watch" before getting up and does a cut throat sign.
Salvatore Pellegrino: And his opponent, from Cloverleaf, Texas, weighing in at 210 pounds, "World Warrior" JUSTIN WYNDHAM!
He then gets up before running down to the ring in full speed. Once he enters the ring, he bangs his head to the nearest turnbuckle, hyping himself up before looking back at the crowd with a sick smile. He then climbs at the turnbuckle and does the cuthroat sign before getting off and waiting for his match to start
vs.
They lock up with TO'A simply slamming Justin to the mat. TO'A delivers a Gordbuster, before dropping his 280 pound frame onto Justin with a senton. TO'A sends Justin across the ring with an Exploder Suplex. Justin uses the corner to help himself up and is immediately met with a Forearm smash. TO'A looks to nail Justin with the Executioner (Jumping twisting enzuigiri while facing away from a cornered opponent), but Justin ducks it. Justin tries to lift TO'A for a German Suplex, but TO'A doesn't budge. TO'A grabs the arm of Justin and wrings it, then looks for a short arm clothesline which Justin ducks. Justin manages to lift TO'A for a back suplex. Justin throws a number of various strikes of all shapes and sizes, punches, kicks, elbows, finishing off with Peace Out(Spinning Capoeira kick). Justin tries to cover but TO'A rolls out of the ring. Justin wastes no time as he runs the ropes to build up momentum before diving out onto TO'A... who catches Justin out of the air. TO'A drives Justin spine first into the ring post, then carelessly tosses him into the steps. TO'A enters the ring confident he'll get the count out victory, but Justin rolls under the bottom rope just before the count of 14. No wasted motion by TO'A as he plants Justin to the mat with an Island Driver (Sitout side powerslam), and doesn't stop there as he locks Justin in the Dream Killer (Dragon Clutch). Referee Shane Gates asks Justin if he chooses to submit, but no response at all from Justin signals the referee to call for the bell.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner as a result of a submission, TO'A!
Mike Vincent: Justin has been going on about how this isn't the TO'A he knows, but that Justin Wyndham who just competed didn't look like the Justin Wyndham we've seen in the past.
Cole Haywood: TO'A has evolved. Justin Wyndham is stuck in the past. Sometimes you need to be aggressive, and TO'A sees that. Justin doesn't.
"Second Sucks" replays as TO'A exits the ring and grabs a chair. He re-enters and sees Justin on all fours. Justin looks up and sees TO'A with the chair. TO'A kicks Justin in the gut and slams the chair on his back once before exiting up the ramp.
-----
We're backstage with Renee Peltier.
Renee Peltier: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is the co-holder of the AXW Light Heavyweight Championship, Acer Stone!
Acer steps into frame with the Light Heavyweight title over his shoulder.
Acer Stone: Hello, Renee.
Renee Peltier: Hi, Acer. I just wanna get your thoughts about your match last week. In the Main Event, you nearly ended Starla Gardevoir's Xperience Championship reign and would've been the first person in AXW history to hold two AXW titles at the same time.
Acer Stone: It would have been a cool feat, wouldn't it? Unfortunately for me, it wasn't meant to be. But that's okay, I'm happy for Starla and will be watching the Main Event tonight real close. And now that the Xperience Title is vacated, certainly I will get another chance to hold that title as well as this one.
Renee Peltier: Your fellow AXW Light Heavyweight Champion Danny Hall has aligned with the Alliance of Truth. With the both of you being the AXW Light Heavyweight Champion, you have gained an affiliation. Does that make you also aligned with the Alliance of Truth.
Acer Stone: I am not a member of the Alliance of Truth, but I'm definitely going to try to stay on their good side so long as Danny Hall is affiliated with them, because I know that if I don't, it won't end well for me.
Renee Peltier: Thank you for the time Acer.
Acer Stone: No problem!
-----
"Marvelous Me" plays as Chaz Anix comes out flexing and shooing fans away
Salvatore Pellegrino: This next contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Chester Andrews, from Miami, Florida, weighing in at 234 pounds, "Dr. Big Freaking Deal" CHAZ ANIX!
as he gets into the ring to a spotlight just on him as he "flaunts his stuff" in the ring.
"She packed my bags last night pre flight
Zero hour nine a.m.
And I'm gonna be high, as a kite by then
I miss the earth so much, I miss my wife
It's lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight
And I think it's gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone"
Then a hooded figure shows up and waits at the spotlight.
"And I think it's gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone"
Ben raises his arms simultaneously taking off his cape and walks to the ring.
Salvatore Pellegrino: And his opponent, from Mason City, Iowa, weighing in at 223 pounds, "Rocket Man" BEN EATR!
"Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids
In fact it's cold as Hell
And there's no one there to raise them if you didn't
And all this science, I don't understand
It's just my job, five days a week
A rocket man, a rocket man"
On beat with the song Ben climbs the apron and jumps on the turnbuckle.
"And I think it's gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone
And I think it's gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone"
Ben keeps his arms up then jumps into the ring.
"Now, I think it's gonna be a long long time
And I think it's gonna be a long long time
And I think it's gonna be a long long time
And I think it's gonna be a long long time"
vs.
Chaz Anix has the slight power advantage as he backs Ben to the corner, and gets a cheap punch in before backing away. They lock back up in the center of the ring where Chaz gets Ben in a side headlock, before Ben pushes him off into the ropes. Chaz takes Ben down with a shoulder tackle, then runs back to the ropes where he is caught by a surprise Sling Blade from Ben. Ben drops Chaz to the mat with a DDT before running the ropes himself where he nails Chaz with a Rocket Shot (Running single leg dropkick). Ben tries to lock in Gassed Out (Rear Naked Choke), but Chaz gets to his feet and breaks out of the move with a backpack stunner. Chaz runs at Ben and takes him down with a Spear, before delivering a Standing Moonsault. After a two count, Chaz starts to bring Ben to his feet where Ben just hits Chaz in the face with a knee strike. Ben plants Chaz to the mat with a Snapmare driver then heads to the apron. Chaz keeps the referee distracted allowing Chester to cut Ben's legs out from under him, causing him to land hard on the apron, and rolls him into the ring. This allows Chaz to deliver the Anix Cutter(Running Cutter) for the victory.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, CHAZ ANIX!
Mike Vincent: You know, I'd really like to see Chaz win a match without Chester Andrews at ringside.
Cole Haywood: I'm sure next you're gonna say you wish the Broncos would've won the Superbowl without Gary Kubiak on the sidelines.
"Marvelous Me" plays as Chester joins Chaz in the ring before we head to commercials.
thebwf.proboards.com/board/51/bwf-networkthebwf.proboards.com/board/57/alternative-xperience-wrestling
We head to the ring, where AXW Champion David Slayton is already standing by. Fall Out Boy's "The Phoenix" dies down as Slayton grips the mic, adjusting the belt on his shoulder.
David Slayton: I've been AXW Champion for a solid while now. I couldn't tell you the exact amount of days, because frankly, the length of the reign isn't nearly as important as the way in which the reign is projected through hard-fought title defenses and the worthiness of the man or woman holding the title. Though, I'm to understand records have been broken.
A pause.
David Slayton: That being said, there are those among the AXW locker room who, even after everything I've been through, would paint my reign as a fluke. Perhaps I'm simply the longest reigning transitional champion in the history of this business.
He chuckles.
David Slayton: I've been wrestling since 2002. Fourteen years this coming September. And since the first day I walked into a ring as Blazenwing, the masked superhero, there has been one word that has hounded me. It followed me throughout AJWF, PWA, Victory Wrestling, even the BWF.
Slayton closes his eyes for a moment.
David Slayton: Undeserving.
His eyes open, pained.
David Slayton: I won't sit here and pretend that I've always done things the right way. For the longest time, I was the number one guy you absolutely knew you'd never be able to trust in this business. But when I signed with AXW, I made a promise to myself, to all of you, and even to all the guys and gals in the back that I wouldn't step foot inside an AXW ring unless I finally manned up. Did things the right way. And dammit, say what you will about my career up to this point, but I have done
nothing but the right thing in AXW, time and time again.
He exhales slowly, calming himself down.
David Slayton: When everybody was absolutely certain I was going to turn on Bobo, the thought never once crossed my mind. I loved that dude like a brother. Hell, even after the way he betrayed me, if he ever called for
anything, I'd be on the next flight out because that's the man I am. I'm not a backstabber or a betrayer anymore. And I'm sure as hell not fixing fights in AXW just so I can be the goddamned World Champion.
Slayton's nostrils flare.
David Slayton: I have BUSTED MY ASS to make it to this position. I am NOT the AXW Champion because I have a secret backdoor deal with Luke Mathews or anybody else. I can understand people telling me I didn't deserve my spot back in the AJWF days when I became World Champ simply because Darqness didn't show up to defend her title. I can understand hearing it when I handed myself the BWF World Title a month after we opened because Bam walked out of the company an hour before Havok went on the air, I had a promoted World Title Match and the only individual I could trust to actually show up to that defense was me.
A pause.
David Slayton: I can and will take full responsibility for all the times I
did take shortcuts to look better than I really was, years ago. But to claim that I don't deserve this title now, after everything I've accomplished? I beat Aries. I beat Corman. I beat Jackson. I beat Cutler. You guys in the back want to whine and bitch about me being AXW Champion? You all had MONTHS of opportunities to beat me for the Xperience Title before I was able to cash it in on Aries. Not a single damn one of you got the job done. I've defended this AXW Championship numerous times. Not a single damn one of you has been able to get the job done there, either.
Slayton gently taps the belt on his shoulder.
David Slayton: Y'know, if Luke was out here paying off referees, causing distractions, sending out people to help me? Maybe your conspiracy theories would hold some weight. But I'm pinning you guys. Tapping you out. 100% legitimately. I am getting sick and goddamned tired of listening to you jerkoffs run your mouths, claiming there's some grand conspiracy to keep me at the top of AXW. Here's a newsflash for you -
MAYBE YOU'RE NOT AS GOOD AS YOU THINK YOU ARE. If I pin your shoulders to the mat? If I make you tap out? You have officially lost the right to complain about me being AXW Champion; because you had the chance to end my reign... and you failed. At this point, I'm pretty sure Danny Hall is closer to an AXW Championship Match than Steve, Duncan or Ethan are, for starters. Or maybe -
Dave is cut off as "Endless Possibility" hits. Slayton flashes a smile, the first of the night, as Starla Gardevoir walks out onto the stage, beaming. She skips down to the ring, and then slides in, calling for a mic as the music fades.
David Slayton: Katie.
Starla Gardevoir: Dave! Heeeeeey! Sorry, I don't mean to crash your "I'm totes better than all y'all" party, but I just HAD to come out here before you said something you ended up wanting to take back later.
Slayton raises an eyebrow.
David Slayton: And what, my rose-hued friend, might that be?
Starla Gardevoir: Weeeeeellll I don't know for SURE, but it definitely sounded to me like you were about to namedrop a certain Stutterfly. That Stutterfly being me. I'm Stutterfly.
She waves.
David Slayton: As a matter of fact, I was about to mention you, Katie.
Starla Gardevoir: Starla.
David Slayton: Really?
Starla Gardevoir: Just go with it, man! You're risking merch sales here. MERRRRRCH SALES.
David Slayton: ...right. ANYWAY. A short while back, Corman suggested that a match between us for this title was a certainty. That suggestion came to fruition when you cashed in the Xperience Title on Before the Bell. That match is tonight.
He smirks.
Starla Gardevoir: What?
David Slayton: I have to know. Why'd you go the route you did?
Starla Gardevoir: What do you mean?
David Slayton: When I cashed in my Xperience Title, it was on a prone Duncan Aries. Asshat had it coming, sure, but the overarching point is, I picked the most opportune moment to cash in and capitalized. You could have easily done the same, but instead, you called your shot ahead of time. Gave me time to prepare. You're getting me tonight, and you're getting me at 100%, I promise you. Why throw away your shot?
She looks down, thinking to herself. When she looks back up at David, her face is etched with determination.
Starla Gardevoir: Less than two years into her career, my older sister Sarah became BWF World Champion. Our younger sister, Alison, debuted only three and a half years ago, but she was pegged as a future World Champion the moment she stepped foot in a ring. But me?
A pause.
Starla Gardevoir: This past December marked the ten-year anniversary of my very first match. I've won countless accolades and matches during my career, but there's one thing I've never, ever been... and that is World Champion. And Dave... it's all I've ever wanted from day number one. You know that. That passion. That need that drives you. The agony when you nearly get there again and again, only to fail when your fingertips are grazing the brass ring.
Slayton nods as Starla continues.
Starla Gardevoir: I've had to sit back as all of my friends and family, year after year, win the big one while I watch from the sidelines. You. Emily. My husband Gabe. Sarah. I'm sick and tired of being the only James sister people don't expect greatness out of. I have dreams too. Why can't mine come true?
A pause.
Starla Gardevoir: Why not tonight?
Slayton smirks again.
David Slayton: That's all well and fine, but you didn't answer my question. If that all is the case, why on Earth would you not wait to cash in until you had the best possible chance to win?
Starla Gardevoir: Because...
Starla takes a few steps, coming right up to David's chest. She looks up, her eyes locking with his.
Starla Gardevoir: ...
when I win the AXW Championship tonight and finally make my dreams come true, I need to know that I earned it. When I become World Champion, I'm doing it the right way. No excuses. No regrets.
The crowd in attendance "oohs" when Starla says "when".
David Slayton: Fair enough. Corman joked that our match wouldn't be a "money match", but you know what? He's dead wrong. Katie - sorry, Starla, as far as I'm concerned, you may be a woman, but you're the only contender in that entire locker room who might actually have a set. Unlike the rest of those keyboard crusaders tapping away on their Twitters and their MySpaces, you actually win matches and back up what you say. You earned the right to face me with your stellar Xperience Title reign, and I'm actually glad you're cashing in on me. Lord knows this might actually be the first challenging match of my reign.
Dave and Starla both smile.
David Slayton: And, Star? If I AM going to lose this title... I'll be honored to lose it to you. Just don't hold your breath, kiddo. As for the rest of you who have faced me and lost? Think real hard about who's REALLY undeserving. 'Cause I promise you, it ain't me... and it ain't her. Make sure all eyeballs are on the main event tonight, 'cause guys like Corman and Aries are about to find out what a real main event looks like.
A mischievous smirk.
David Slayton: And you all can take THAT... to the bank.
"The Phoenix" kicks up again as Slayton drops the mic and exits the ring, leaving Starla, who is amped up and ready to go for tonight's main event.
-----
"Snake Charmer" hits as a strobe light show begins. A little bit of smoke pours over the stage. A little after 30 seconds, when the snare roll comes in, is when Caitlin Shay emerges from the back. She stops on the stage, and looks around the crowd, sneering, unhappy about having to be in Denver.
Salvatore Pellegrino: This next contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Jack Adams, Ethan Cutler, and Damien Steele, from Pinecrest, Florida, CAITLIN SHAY!
She makes her way down to the ring, where she climbs onto the apron. She takes a moment to talk down to the crowd before entering the ring. She walks to the opposite ropes, with her arms spread, and a smile on her face as if to say, "I'm better than you." The music fades out as we await for the match to start.
"Invincible" by Amaranthe hits, the fast pounding drums blaring loudly from the speakers as the lights dim completely. They come back to Android 18 standing at the entrance ramp, head down, the words 'The code awakens me' flash along the jumbotron behind her as she opens her eyes and brings her head up slowly. She walks stoically down the ramp, a smirk spreading over her face as she goes.
Salvatore Pellegrino: And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Duncan Aries, Jonathan Fhenix, and the co-holder of the AXW Light Heavyweight Championship Danny Hall, from Cork, Ireland, ANDROID 18!
She stops in the middle of the ramp, raising her hands to actually sign the words 'I am Invincible.' Before continuing on and leaping straight up onto the ring post, she signs ''I am Invincible' one more time, entering the ring and awaiting the match to start.
vs.
Caitlin throws forearms at Android, causing little effect if any. Android takes Caitlin down and delivers some mounted punches. Android plants Caitlin with a Lifting Double Underhook Facebuster. Android lifts Caitlin up for a powerbomb which Caitlin counters with a hurricanrana. Android is quick back up and Caitlin ducks a clothesline, taking Android to the mat with a Shayplex (Half Dragon Half Tiger Suplex). Danny Hall climbs onto the apron and Caitlin dropkicks him off, this angering the Alliance of Truth who all enter the ring. The Corman Guys also enter and this match ends sooner rather than later as the referee is powerless and calls for the bell, throwing the match out.
Mike Vincent: The match has been thrown out but that isn't stopping both teams from going at it!
The Alliance of Truth eliminate the Corman Guys from the ring one by one until AOT stands tall. Steve Corman has entered ringside to collect his group and try to calm them down, telling them, "This isn't the place or the time."
-----
Velvet Valentine and Zoey Mathews-Mitchell are sitting on a table backstage in a hallway discussing what happened on Before the Bell. Zoey is wearing a neck brace.
Velvet Valentine: …I just want you to know I’m here for you, if you need it.
Zoey Mathews-Mitchell: I appreciate that, but it’s just something I have to deal with myself. I’ll catch up soon, I have to get back to the trainer's room.
The pair hug and Zoey leaves alone. Velvet stands and watches her go. She shakes her head and turns; right into the chest of Austin Graves! The crowd roars as she takes a noticeable step back.
Velvet Valentine: What the hell do you want?
Austin Graves: I told you already what I want. And Mathews says if you guys agree, we can have a rematch.
Velvet Valentine: HA! You’re not just fat, you’re delusional. If you think that we are just going to agree to give you a title match out of the kindness of our hearts…
Austin Graves: Oh no, you misunderstand… I’m not looking for kindness… I’m looking for hatred.
Graves smiles, and boots Velvet in the gut! He stuffs her head between his legs, jacks her up into the air and viciously powerbombs her through the table! The table collapses in itself as Graves chest heaves with anger. Ryan Starr runs up, holding his head in shock…
Ryan Starr: What did you do…?
Austin Graves: Just got us our rematch.
Graves walks off as Ryan calls out for a medic.
Upcoming Major BWF Network Events
Monday, February 29, 2016
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Thursday, March 31, 2016
We return from commercials, where the only thing on the screen is:
The text fades away as we head into the next match.
The tunes of "Unbreakable" by Fireflight pulse over the PA system as pink and purple strobelights flash and pulse. Hailey emerges, bouncing up and down, firing the crowd up before sprinting down the ramp, slapping hands with fans, both of her arms extended.
Salvatore Pellegrino: This next contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, from Baltimore, Maryland, "The Longshot" HAILEY HARRIS!
She slides into the ring and scales a turnbuckle, one hand on her hip, the other raised high in the air. She jumps off the turnbuckle with a smile, prepared for her match.
"Pressure" by Paramore takes over the sound system, cuing Bailey Mayhew to walk out onto the stage. She places her left hand on her hip while pointing to the sky with her right.
Salvatore Pellegrino: And her opponent, representing Empire Wrestling, from Syracuse, New York, BAILEY MAYHEW!
Bailey walks down the ramp with a smile on her face as she slaps the hands of the fans with their arms outreached. She climbs onto the camera side ring apron, looking out into the crowd as she points to the sky again. She enters the ring and hops in place, getting ready for her performance.
vs.
Hailey and Bailey lock up with Bailey getting behind Hailey and taking her down with a German Suplex. Bailey takes Hailey back down with a Snapmare and quickly follows up with a dropkick to the back. Bailey gets a quick one count before locking Hailey in an Abdominal Stretch, which Hailey fights out of with a hip toss. Hailey nails Bailey with an enzuigiri. Hailey follows up with a Snap DDT, then grabs Bailey's head and runs up the turnbuckles for a Sliced Bread #2. Hailey climbs to the top rope and hits Bailey with a top rope back elbow. Hailey gets a two count and sends Bailey to the ropes, where Bailey comes back and strikes Hailey in the face with a Palm Strike. Bailey hits the ropes again, this time taking Hailey down with a Swinging Neckbreaker. Bailey brings Hailey back to her feet before delivering Brain Damage (Chris Hero's Death Blow). Bailey gets a two count and upon bringing Hailey back to her feet, Hailey hits her with a spinning heel kick. Hailey drives Bailey to the mat with The Long Shot (Twist Of Fate). This earns Hailey a two count. Hailey climbs back to the top rope and Bailey meets her up there, taking Hailey back down with a super Wings of a Butterfly (Butterfly Suplex). Bailey grabs Hailey and connects with a Into the Sunset (Asai DDT). Bailey ascends to the top turnbuckle, some of the fans who are aware of who Bailey is start to cheer as they get to witness perhaps the best frog splash in wrestling today, and Bailey leaps high into the air as she delivers a beautiful Not Just Another Frog Splash... to the knees of Hailey. Hailey quickly takes advantage as she drops Bailey with Check This Out! (Mic Check) for the win.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, HAILEY HARRIS!
Mike Vincent: EW's Bailey Mayhew had an incredible showing against the longest reigning AXW Women's Champion, but the more experienced Hailey Harris comes out on top.
Cole Haywood: I gotta say, I was impressed by Bailey's performance tonight, but unfortunately for her, Hailey is not looking to lose as she prepares for the Best of 5 Series.
Mike Vincent: If you'd like to see more of Bailey Mayhew, check out EW Animosity on the BWF Network!
"Unbreakable" plays as Hailey celebrates her victory. The two girls shake hands as we head backstage.
-----
We're backstage where Brad Adams is standing by with David Clash.
Brad Adams: David Clash, welcome to Alternative Xperience Wrestling!
David Clash: Thanks, man. Feels good to be here.
Brad Adams: Anything in particular you wish to accomplish while in AXW?
David Clash: You see, everyone wants to be a champion, and if they tell you otherwise, they're lying. I want to hold gold. Having gold also means more money. But for right now, I'll see where this ride takes me. If I don't like it, well, I'll get on a different ride. One that'll take me directly where I'll want to go -- (he points up) -- to the top.
Brad Adams: Thanks for the time, David. Let's head back to ringside.
-----
The cameras fade back to ringside, panning across the crowd. In the ring stand Salvatore Pellegrino and Matt Baker.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Ladies and gentlemen it is now time for the Main Event! Should anyone other than the participants of the match get involved prior, during, or after the match, they will be fired.
The lights in the arena go out, one by one, until the entire arena is blanketed in complete darkness. A few seconds pass of this, the crowd cheering loudly, eagerly awaiting whatever is going to come next. The JumboTron comes to life with a neon pink butterfly, slowly flapping its wings against darkness. With every flap of its wings, the arena lights pulse. The flapping gets faster and faster, until finally, the butterfly explodes into glitter. When it does, a stage-wide blast of pink and purple pyro explodes across the stage and as the screen fills with the words "Stutterfly" Starla Gardevoir, "Endless Possibility" by Jaret Reddick begins playing over the sound system!
This is my escape
I'm running through this world
And I'm not looking back
The crowd explodes in a flurry of cheers as Starla Gardevoir struts onto the stage and points to the crowd, grinning. She moves to each side of the stage, posing for the fans, then comes back to the center of the stage before dropping to one knee and posing as a shower of pink pyro begins falling behind her!
'Cause I know I can go
Where no one's ever gone
And I'm not looking back
Starla stands up, still grinning from ear to ear, and then quickly bounds down the ramp, slapping fan's hands along the way. Towards the bottom of the ramp, she stops and turns back to the stage, then poses with her back to the ring. Starla turns back and laughs, then makes her way around ringside, high-fiving fans as she goes.
But how will I know when I get there?
And how will I know when to leave?
We've all got to start from somewhere
It's like that for me
The possibilities are never ending
After a quick trip around the ring, Starla runs towards the ring apron facing the stage and leaps up, turning in midair and sliding from one side of the apron to the other on one knee. Starla stands up and steps over the second rope, then leans in slowly, showcasing her butt for the cheering male fans before entering the ring completely.
I see it, I see it
And now it's all within my reach
Endless possibility
I see it, I see it now
It's always been inside of me
And now I feel so free
Endless possibility
Starla then heads up to the top of the nearest turnbuckle and poses once more. With the fans still cheering, Starla does a backflip off the top rope and lands on her feet, then walks over to the corner across the ring and leans against it, rolling her head back and forth as the music fades.
PUT ON YOUR WAR PAINT!
The lights in the arena all cut to black and the Tron comes to life, pulsating with a green light as a quiet beat gets louder with every flash. It gets faster and faster, and louder with each pulse, until the pulsating light explodes into the words "Blazenwing Rises" and “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy blares across the arena sound system.
You are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down
Strike a match and I'll burn you to the ground
We are the jack-o-lanterns in July
Setting fire to the sky
He-here comes this rising tide
So come on
PUT ON YOUR WAR PAINT!
The stage fills with smoke and the crowd rises to their feet, cheering loudly, as the smoke clears on the stage and a man in a dark green trenchcoat stands, head down, facing the Tron. He raises his hands and snaps his fingers, causing four loud bursts of pyro to ignite, two on each side of him, before spinning around Y2J style to reveal David Slayton!
Cross walks and crossed hearts and hope-to-dies
Silver clouds with grey linings
So we can take the world back from the heart-attacked
One maniac at a time we will take it back
You know time crawls on when you're waiting for the song to start
So dance alone to the beat of your heart
His sunglasses shining with the glare from the arena lights, David looks to the left, then to the right, nodding towards the crowd before walking down the ramp. After stopping to slap hands with a few fans, David moves towards the ring steps and hops up and down a few times in front of them before quickly racing up the steps to the apron side facing the stage. He stops and pulls his sunglasses off, then tosses them behind his head into the crowd before leaning down and stepping through the ropes to enter the ring.
Hey young blood
Doesn't it feel like our time is running out?
I'm gonna change you like a remix
Then I'll raise you like a phoenix
You're wearing our vintage misery
No, I think it looked a little better on me
I'm gonna change you like a remix
Then I'll raise you like a phoenix
David walks across the ring and leaps up onto the second rope in the corner nearest the timekeeper, then pulls off his green trenchcoat and tosses it towards the timekeeper. David smirks and points to the fans, then slaps his chest a few times and points up towards the sky, closing his eyes and saying a short prayer. David leaps down from the corner and immediately turns to sit down in the same corner, ala Raven. David then rests his head on the second turnbuckle pad as his theme fades and the crowd continues cheering.
The lights in the arena dim and spotlights hit David and Starla.
Salvatore Pellegrino: This contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the AXW Championship! ...Introducing first, the challenger, from Panama City, Florida, weighing in at 125 pounds, she is "Stutterfly" STARLA GARDEVOIR!
Starla climbs a turnbuckle and raises her arms into the air.
Salvatore Pellegrino: And her opponent, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, weighing in at 245 pounds, he is the defending AXW Champion, "The New Hotness" DAVID SLAYTON!
David walks to the ropes holding his championship into the air. Senior Official Matt Baker instructs both competitors to go to their corner and gives a quick pat down to them each. He is handed the AXW Championship, where he shows it to David and Starla to remind them what is on the line. He raises it into the air before handing it off to Salvatore.
vs.
AXW Championship
The fans have already begun the split "Let's go David! Let's go Starla!" dueling chants. The two lock up with David simply slamming Starla to the mat. Starla looks like she's going to lock up again but at the last second tries to double leg David. David doesn't leave his feet and delivers a Double Underhook Backbreaker to Starla. Starla gets taken down with a series of clotheslines, that end with David slamming her hard with a spinebuster. David lifts Starla up for a vertical suplex, then a second, and goes for the third, but upon being lifted Starla does her best to fight out of it, kneeing David a few times in the head before dropping him with a DDT. Starla hits David with a couple of dropkicks, David tries fighting back with a clothesline which Starla ducks, she runs to the ropes and springboards off them hitting a beautiful springboard dropkick. Starla helps David to his feet, David tries to lock Starla in a Crossface Chickenwing but Starla wiggles out of it. Starla looks to throw a punch or clothesline but David catches her arm and wrings it, takes her down with a forward leg sweep, and locks in a Fujiwara Armbar. Starla screams out in pain, but manages to get a foot on the bottom rope. Starla rolls out to the apron holding her arm, David approaches her and receives a rope-assisted gamengiri. Starla re-enters the ring via Slingshot Dragonrana, earning herself a two count.
Starla delivers a forceful knee strike to the gut of David, before running the ropes and taking him down with a Corkscrew Neckbreaker. She climbs to the top rope where she hits David with a Diving Dropkick. David rolls out of the ring and Starla wastes no time jumping out after him for a Suicide Dive. Unfortunately for Starla, David catches her and throws her behind him with a back body drop. David rolls Starla under the bottom rope, her face and chest sticking out on the apron. David climbs onto the apron, and jumps up for an elbow drop, but Starla moves out of the way. David clutches his arm as he elbow drops the apron, which is the hardest part of the ring. David is on the outside holding and shaking his arm as he is suddenly attacked by Starla who this time is successful with the Suicide Dive. David hits the barricade and Starla gets back into the ring. Starla awaits for David to re-enter and he does at the count of 8, Cole Haywood of course says he should have stayed out for the full 20 count and keep his title.
Starla runs at David, who tries to catch her with The Full Effect (Sweet Chin Music), but Starla manages to somehow ninja roll under it, however David catches her with a back kick, then drops her with a swinging neckbreaker. David runs to the ropes and tackles Starla with a Lou Thesz Press followed by some Mounted Punches. David adds in a Jumping Elbowdrop. David hoists Starla onto his shoulders and drives her into the mat with a Death Valley Driver. David walks to a corner and stomps his foot, getting the crowd amped up as he waits for Starla to reach a vertical base. When she does, David again tries for the Full Effect but again Starla ducks it. David turns around and falls to the mat as Starla borrows his own move, Starla just catching David's chin with a Full Effect. The crowd counts along.
One!
Two!
Oooohhh!
Starla knew it wouldn't put David away but figured it was worth a shot anyway. She helps David up and tries to whip him but he doesn't budge. David instead whips Starla to the ropes and on the rebound Starla executes a Double Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors Takeover. David gets back up and Starla takes him down with a Dropsault. Starla grabs David's head and runs up the turnbuckles, slamming him down with a Sliced Bread #2. Stara makes her way back up to the top rope, and dives off, taking down David with a Flying Overcastle Neckbreaker. Starla continues her aerial offense with a Split-Legged Corkscrew Moonsault, then pops right back up to her feet and straight up jumps to the top turnbuckle, swiftly delivering pain to David's chest with a Moonsault into a Diving Double Foot Stomp, and for good measure adds in a Standing Shooting Star Press. All of this gets Starla a two count. She now heads to the middle turnbuckle, and jumps off for the 343 Guilty Spark (Tornado DDT), but David fluidly reverses with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex, gaining a two count. Upon both reaching their feet, David nails Starla with the Full Effect!
One!
Two!
ThreOOOHH!
David Slayton seems taken back a bit that Starla shot her shoulder up. He remains calm as he stands back up. He allows Starla to get up on her own so he can rock her with a Running Forearm Strike. David plants Starla to the mat with a Sit-Out Facebuster. David holds Starla's head under her arm, picks her up, spins her around 360 degrees, and drops her with a DDT. He delivers the Triple Vertical Suplexes, however the third one was closer to a Brainbuster. David is on his feet and looks down at Starla who is using David to try to pull herself up. David eventually stops her as he hooks her arm with his legs and locks in the Firehawk Lock (Crippler Crossface)! Starla is in pure agony at this point as she reaches out, but there's no ropes within reach. Starla tries to break David's grip but to no avail. Starla is just refusing to give up, as she starts to go limp. Matt Baker is quick to check on Starla, as he raises her arm. She keeps it up, and somehow someway slowly but surely inches her way towards the ropes. David breaks the hold before she can get there. He drags her back to the middle of the ring by her foot, but before he can even think to lock the hold back in, Starla kicks him hard in the knee. Starla looks to be on the comeback but David is quick to retaliate, kicking Starla in the gut and slamming her head first into the top turnbuckle. He lifts her up and seats her on the top turnbuckle. David places a foot on the rope with the intentions of climbing up with her, but Starla boots him in the face. She dives off and drives him head first to the mat with the 343 Guilty Spark! The move that usually sets up the Red Ring of Death, she opts to pin as the crowd counts...
One!
Two!
Th-OOOOH!
Starla runs her hands through her hair. By the time she gets back to her feet, David is to his knees. Starla doesn't allow David much time up as she plants him face first with a Jumping Complete Shot. She climbs back to the top rope, and immediately comes off with the R.R.O.D. [Red Ring of Death] (Swanton Bomb)! The fans count once more with Matt Baker as they're sure Starla has it won this time.
One!
Two!
Three!
The fans are erupting. Starla is absolutely shocked. Not because she won, but David kicked out at the very last second. She says it had to have been three to Matt Baker, Matt responding saying "It was only two, he got the shoulder up." It seems Starla doesn't even know what to do at this point. There's only one thing she really can do, and that's locking in It's Super Effective! (Black Widow Submission). She has it locked in for about 30 seconds, but the bigger David simply falls backward, all of his weight landing on Starla to break the hold. David slams Starla to the mat some more as he now connects with Triple German Suplexes. David signals it's over, as now he heads to the top rope. A rare sight as David busts out From the Ashes (Frog Splash), which connects right to the boots of Starla who got both feet up to defend herself. Both are exhausted and in pain as they lie on the mat, Senior Official Matt Baker starting the 10 count. David breaks the count first as he gets up at 8, and helps Starla to her feet. David whips Starla into the corner. He runs at her full speed, Starla moves out of the way and David collides chest first into the turnbuckle and staggers backwards holding his chest. Starla jumps onto David's shoulders and drops him right onto the top of his head with an Inverted Hurricanrana. She doesn't go out to the apron, rather climbs the turnbuckles from inside the ring as quickly as she can, and once more dives off with another R.R.O.D.!
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the match, and the NEEEEEEEEWWWWWW AXW CHAMPION, STARLAAAAAAAAA GAAAARDEVOOOOOOOIIIRRRRRR!
Mike Vincent: An accomplishment that has eluded Starla Gardevoir he entire ten-year-long career, she has finally accomplished her dream of becoming a World Champion. Starla Gardevoir has stated since she came to AXW that she's looking to break down walls, and tonight she absolutely demolished them. Starla Gardevoir makes history tonight by becoming the first ever female AXW World Champion, and surely this will pave the way for more female AXW World Champions for years to come.
Cole Haywood: I'm sure everyone's waiting for me to say something, but I got nothing. This is Starla's moment as she is permanently etched in history. I've ragged on Starla in the past, but I simply can't take this moment away from her. Congratulations Starla Gardevoir.
Starla's theme song is a little hard to hear due to just how loud the crowd is. Starla seems a little overwhelmed at first, but upon being handed the AXW Championship, she drops to her knees and cries. She wipes her eyes so she can get a good look at the title, a title that she can now say belongs to her. Still on her knees, she raises the title into the air. Confetti rains down from the rafters. Starla makes it to her feet, and for the first time since becoming AXW Champion, locks eyes with David Slayton. David does not hesitate to hug one of his best friends who finally caught the thing she's been chasing for ten long years. When they break their embrace, David does a quick bow before respectfully giving the ring to Starla. Starla poses with the title on each of the four turnbuckles. She exits the ring and high fives, hugs, and takes some selfies with the fans. She makes her way up the ramp and when she reaches the stage, raises her title once more to a pyro display to close the show.
Cole Haywood: If this is the match Luke Mathews puts out on free tv, just imagine what we're gonna see at Collide.
Mike Vincent: We'll find out March 12 in Austin, Texas. Ladies and gentlemen thank you for tuning in, I'm Mike Vincent along with Cole Haywood, be sure to tune in to the Alternative next week! Good night!
