Friday, April 10, 2020
Watsco Center
Coral Gables, Florida
Episode LXXVIIIThe scene fades from black to an image of an old radio that looks like it's straight from the 1940's. A hand adjusts the dial through some static, before stopping on this song:
It plays for a few seconds. The hand adjusts the dial again, going through another bout of static. A voice can be heard through the radio:
"...a shift in power..."
before the hand stops in the middle of this song:
The hand turns the dial. More static. A voice:
"...regained power..." some more static, "....a new alliance..." more static, before now coming to this song:
The hand keeps adjusting the dial. Another voice is heard through the static:
"....suspects presumed to have fled to the west..."
The hand stops when we hear this song:
The hand moves the dial again, and after a good chunk of static, we hear a voice:
"...and they'll be going for one last ride."
A video package set to "Ride" by As December Falls shows off all the current members of the AXW roster. After the chorus, we cut to the arena where cameras pan across the AXW Faithful. We are welcomed by a familiar voice.
Mike Vincent: The former BankUnited Center where the first episode of AXW took place, now the Watsco Center for AXW Episode 78. We're going for one last ride and we're glad you're coming along via Hulu and EWSN.
The camera cuts to the announce table.
Mike Vincent: As usual I'm Mike Vincent, joined of course by Cole Haywood. Cole, I'm excited to be back here in AXW, how about you?
Cole Haywood: It's good to be back, but how long's this gonna last? I know as an on-air personality I shouldn't be suggesting that this won't last, but I'm going to tell you one thing: out of all the different people in power there's only one who hasn't flushed AXW down the toilet and brought AXW to amazing heights. If Luke Mathews truly cares about the health of this company, he should let his son run this ship--and I'm not talking about Trent Mathews, I'm talking all-caps TRENT.
Mike Vincent: Well we are uncertain if Luke will be running day-to-day operations, so that very well could be on the table. In fact, we're about to hear him from him, so let's send it to Sal.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Ladies and gentlemen, THIS IS A-X-W!
A pop from the Faithful.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Please welcome the Owner of AXW, LUKE MATHEWS!
The camera pans from Salvatore to the Alternatron. Luke Mathews emerges from the back and makes his way down the aisle.
Mike Vincent: Uncertainty surrounds whether Luke will be the day-to-day authority, he recently returned to in-ring competition at Empire Wrestling.
Cole Haywood: Well if you think Luke's business career is garbage, his wrestling career is an entire landfill.
Luke enters the ring and receives Sal's microphone.
Luke Mathews: I've lost track of the amount of times I've stood on this black mat, between these red ropes, and gave some sappy speech. All I can say is thank you for way too many shots at trying to do this. So let's get right to the meat and potatoes. I'll start off by saying our budget isn't what it used to be. Television networks don't want to pick us up due to our history, so we have streaming rights through Hulu and EWSN stepped up to help us out as well. This venue, the Watsco Center at the University of Miami, will be AXW's home for the foreseeable future.
Luke Mathews: That word - "future" - one thing is certain about AXW's future and that is that the future is uncertain. For the time being, I will be the one running the shows in an effort to get AXW walking again. When AXW is ready to run, I will likely hand the daily operations to a person capable of doing so. In the meantime, we have two nights of action in store for you tonight. Tomorrow night on The Alternative, a new AXW Xperience Champion will be crowned. But for tonight, we'll have a Tag Team Match Main Event. The winners of the match will be the AXW Tag Team Champions. That's all I have to announce for now, so I'll let the action get started. Thank you.
Luke walks to the ropes and is about to duck through, when suddenly,
Cole Haywood: I can't believe it! The prodigal son is here!
Mike Vincent: I guess Trent Mathews is going to be kicking off the action tonight. I wasn't expecting him to be here, and neither was Luke judging by his face.
Luke has a quizzical look on his face as Trent Mathews walks to the ring, not dressed in his ring gear, but a pair of jeans, some t-shirt, and a leather jacket.
Luke Mathews: Well I wasn't quite expecting your presence, especially since you aren't under contract. I know you're not coming out here to just say hi, so what can I do for you?
Trent Mathews: I came to the show tonight for several reasons. I feel I have a big part in helping build this company with my contributions with Chicks and America as well as being a former Light Heavyweight Champion so I have an interest to see how this first show goes. I also wanted to say hi to my good friend Sam De Santa, who for some reason you felt the need to relegate her to being a referee, but that's neither here nor there. Out of all the places I've been, AXW is my home.
Luke Mathews: So why is it that you've turned down contracts, then?
Trent Mathews: Because of my
biggest contribution to AXW. I'm not here to be a wrestler. I don't know if you heard a word of what Cole Haywood said before you came out here, but that man is a smart man that speaks the truth, whoever hired him did a good job scouting him. Oh wait, I hired him. I also hired Renee Peltier, Gina Furlow, Lily Luna, Jen Brunelli, Jessie McCormick, Shane Gates, all people you love to utilize who don't get the credit they deserve. I made The Alternative a show that actually mattered. I came up with the rule that the Adrenaline Championship be defended every time the the champion competes, a rule you would use for the Xperience Championship. I started the relationship with BWF. As AXW Owner I took this place to heights its never seen before or seen since because you were too jealous that I took something you made and brought it places that you couldn't. And before you open your mouth and dismiss me you need to keep listening. I'm not here to fight you for ownership, we've been through that. You can keep ownership, you can keep all the rights and whatever, but if you have a list of people you're considering to run operations, that list should simply be a sticky note with 5 letters on it: T-R-E-N-T. I can help get AXW out of this financial crisis and make sure none of us ever have to step foot in Florida again.
This draws heat from the crowd.
Trent Mathews: You know what, I'll give you guys some credit. You guys are always making headlines. Headlines such as "Florida Man Breaks Into Jail to Hang Out with Friends," or "Florida Man Throws Alligator into a Drive-Thru," or "Florida Man Arrested for Having Sex with a Stuffed Olaf in Target." Anyway, as much as you hate to admit it, Luke, AXW's best success was when I had power, and frankly, AXW won't survive unless I'm in power.
Suddenly, a crack is heard as a steel chair is swung to the back of Trent.
Mike Vincent: What the hell! That-- that's Benji Mathews! And Brandon Laux is with him!
The Kings in Chaos get Trent up before executing the Plebeian Plummet (Shatter Machine [Laux flapjack + Mathews double knee facebreaker]). Luke asks "What the fuck are you doing?" while shoving Benji. Benji grabs the microphone that Trent once held.
Benjamin Mathews: Maybe you've forgotten, Luke, but I haven't. I don't give a fuck what his last name is, that bastard had it coming. See, I was the one who used to be sitting in that chair Mole Haywood is in until your darling son chose to outright fire me, a wrestler who can actually give insight on color commentary, and replace me with some random dad off the street with poor eyesight. I've been waiting five long years to put that weasel in the mat and if you do choose to make him General Manager or whatever title you want to give him, I'll do it again, and again, and again. Now me and Brandon have been waiting over a year for us to make a mark as a tag team and we're not waiting any longer. We're taking those tag team titles tonight, and one more thing, if you put your hands on me again, you'll be lying with him.
Benji's voice trails off on the last word as he tosses the microphone at Luke. The Kings exit the ring as Luke tends to Trent.
Mike Vincent: I certainly do not want to be in that family right now, dysfunction at an all time high. Cole, you got anything to say about what Benji had to say about you?
Cole Haywood: [feintly] .............I didn't hear nothin'.
Mike Vincent: Well we'll get this situation cleared up and have your first match shortly.
Floyd doesn't give a chuff about entrances, therefore comes out to nothing. He walks through the curtain rubbing chalk dust in his hands.
Salvatore Pellegrino: This opening contest is scheduled for one fall, and is to determine a Number One Contender for the AXW Xperience Championship! Introducing first, wrestling out of London, England, weighing in at 15 stone, FLOYD THE BUTCHER!
Gets onto the apron, wipes his feet and enters the ring. Backs into the corner, raises the right index finger and mean mugs the camera before stretching out the ropes on either side of his corner.
The Killers "The Man" kicks in as Ryan Richards comes hustling out from behind the curtain, rocking merch of the Miami Heat and a ‘Coral Gables’s Local Hero’ t-shirt to a chorus of boos – although it is clear he only hears cheers. He stops on top of the ramp, smiling as he looks around at the crowd, pointing out to the different sections.
Salvatore Pellegrino: His opponent, making his AXW Debut, wrestling out of Coral Gables, Florida, weighing in at 225 pounds, he is "Your Local Hero," he is "The MAN" RYAN RICHARDS!
He looks up to the heavens, kisses his fist and points to the big man upstairs, then throws both arms overhead and makes the double rocker hand signals, and shouts WOO! He refocuses with a smile at the camera man, points and says "Time to go to work!" and runs the ramp to the ring, belly sliding into the ring. He takes time to move around to all sides of the ring, pointing at the fans, especially the youngsters, winking and shouting motivational phrases. He moves to the camera side and pulls off his Hustle-Merch t-shirt twists it and throws it into the crowd – only for it to come sailing right back a few seconds later. Shaking his head at the lack of hustle & grind being displayed by his ‘hometown’ crowd, he flexes his left muscle and points to the bicep band that reads "HARDEST WORKER" then flexes the right for the camera, pointing to the other band that says "IN THE ROOM" and shouts out a pumped up YEAH BABY! WOO! LET'S DO THIS!
The two lock up. Neither are seeming to budge until Floyd gets Ryan in the headlock. Ryan backs him to the ropes and shoots him to the other side. On the rebound Floyd nails Ryan with a nasty European uppercut. Floyd looks to continue his attack but Ryan drags himself to the bottom rope and demands that official Tommy Spooner keeps him back. Tommy does his best but Floyd is able to get through to Ryan, who kicks Floyd in the knee. Ryan delivers a series of punches, backing Floyd to the opposite ropes. Ryan whips Floyd and takes him down a hip toss, then another hip toss, and a Falling Hip Toss then catches rising opponent with a flash stiff Clothesline off his bent knee. Ryan covers and only gets one out of Floyd. Ryan hits the ropes to deliver a Series of Running Stiff-arm Shoulder Tackles, and tops them off with a beautifully executed dropkick (or at least in his head it is, in reality it isn't so pretty). Ryan covers one more, this time barely getting two. Ryan, still seated, claps his hand rapidly towards Spooner. Ryan turns to lift Floyd up, who manages to nail a European uppercut while grounded. Floyd is up and hits another European uppercut, causing Ryan to stagger to the ropes, bounce off, and walk into another European uppercut. This spot continues for a solid 30 seconds. Floyd finally ends it with a Pendulum Backbreaker. Rather than going for a pin, Floyd instead stomps every bit of Ryan that he can. Floyd grabs the hand of the downed Richards and starts manipulating it, bending his wrist backwards, pulling at his fingers, which concludes with Ryan poking Floyd in the eye with his other hand, to the chagrin of Spooner. Ryan gets to a corner for separation, but this backfires as Floyd barrels in with several Running Flying Cornered European uppercuts. Ryan manages to move away from one, causing Floyd to crash in the corner. Ryan takes a moment to regroup before hooking Floyd for a Sleeper Hold then almost instantly into a pick up Sleeper Slam. Ryan points to the sky, before lifting Floyd to his feet, then into the air, with a Powerlift (gorilla press) held for up to 30 seconds with the crowd ending up counting along. Then Ryan drops him with a snap front powerslam, yielding a two count. Ryan yells "Come on, Spoonman!" out of frustration of Spooner's count. Floyd takes advantage and hooks the arms of Ryan for a crucifix pin, nearly getting the victory. Both men are up and it's Floyd throwing straight punches, until Ryan catches one, shakes his head in Floyd's face, then starts delivering a series of jabs of his own. Ryan winds his arm up round and round before delivering a big right hand that knocks Floyd off his feet. Richards pulls him back up, whips him into the ropes and hits a Running Axe Bomba! Richards takes the time to gloat as Floyd gets to his feet, then takes Floyd back down with a pair of scoop slams. Richards lifts him up for a third one, but spins around 360 with opponent in his arms and hits a sit-down scoopslam driver! Richards pops up to his feet, points to his Rebook Pumps and bends down giving them both a good squeeze. Perfectly Pumped, he pops up, brushes a little dirt off his shoulder, then rebounds off the ropes, stopping suddenly next to his opponent, striking a Mr. Universe Pose, then turns it into a DAB before dropping the Dab Elbow to the heart! Floyd gets up, holding his chest, Richards boots him in the gut, singles out the right arm, applies an arm twist and into a short arm pull up across his shoulders. Then he spins Floyd in an Airplane Spin, and Floyd manages to slip out. Both men a little dizzy, Ryan throws a clothesline, which Floyd ducks and throws Ryan with a Snap Release German Suplex. Floyd pulls Richards up and onto his shoulders, and nails him with Go to Europe (GTS into Pop-Up European Uppercut)!
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, FLOYD THE BUTCHER!
Mike Vincent: Floyd will now be competing tomorrow night for the AXW Xperience Championship, against an opponent to be determined tonight.
Cole Haywood: Truly an upset over the hometown hero, all of Coral Gables and even the greater Miami area all look up to Ryan Richards. At least Ryan is still EWS Grizzly Weight Champion.
No music as Floyd has his arm raised by Tommy Spooner. Floyd exits the ring as we head backstage.
-----
Backstage, Gina Furlow is standing by with the head honcho.
Gina Furlow: I'm glad to be back here in AXW, I'm Gina Furlow and I'm joined by AXW Owner Luke Mathews. Luke, care to shed some light on what happened moments ago?
Luke Mathews: It certainly is a lot to taken. I'm not going to argue against what Trent had to say, yes he admittedly has done well with AXW at my expense, but the fact of the matter is it's too early to make a decision as to who I want to run day-to-day operations. We all know AXW's history, I want to make sure this era can get off the ground before I hand the keys off to somebody. As for Benji, well, he and Brandon will indeed be competing for the AXW Tag Team Championships in tonight's Main Event. As for his attack on Trent, as Trent is not currently employed here, Benji will be fined an undisclosed amount.
Gina Furlow: Can you shed some light on who the Kings of Chaos's opponents are? The Kings are the only team we know of that have signed.
Luke Mathews: You'll find out when everyone else does.
Gina Furlow: Thank you, Luke. I'll send it back to ringside for our next match.
-----
The lights dim and the driving sirens of Gasoline by Porcelain and the Tramps echo throughout the arena. When the line “I'm highly flammable” plays the come back up to reveal 'The Tiger of AXW' F.M. Young standing in the 'Wonder Woman' pose, arms crossed over her chest, her head down chin resting between her fists. FM stands still like this for a moment, before lifting her head and taking an archers pose, roaring at the crowd! Young breaks the pose and struts down the walk way, popping her neck. She stops again in the middle of the ramp and thumps her chest with her fists rapidly, shouting 'CAGED UP ANIMAL!'
Salvatore Pellegrino: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, wrestling out of Seville, Spain, weighing in at 206 pounds, she is a "One Woman Army", "The Tiger of AXW" F.M. YOUNG!
The Big Woman starts moving again, slapping hands with fans along the way. FM gets to the ring and and leaps up the steps, leaping up to the top turn buckle where she takes up the archers pose again as the crowd cheers. The Tiger jumps down into the ring and goes to the opposite turn buckle, doing the Wonder Woman pose, before leaping down and finding a ring rope to lean against.
'Bad Reputation' by Joan Jett kicks in as the lights swing onto the entrance ramp, red and white lights blinking in a rotation pattern as Livy Paige jogs out from the back. She swings a short inside rapid strike combo on the ramp and fires up a knee into her hands, slapping it with a BAM!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Her opponent, making her AXW TV Debut, wrestling out of Venice Beach, California, weighing in at 135 pounds, "Cyborg" OLIVIA PAGE!
She jogs to the ring, up the steps and ducks into the ring. She jogs on the spot and shadow boxes in the corner, throwing combos and inside elbows.
These two immediately get face to face after their heated interactions on Social X. Paige gives a shove to Young, who takes a few steps back. The larger Young shoves Paige straight to the mat. Paige takes Young down with a double leg then starts delivering mounted punches, until official Jessie McCormick is able to get her off. The two are up and trade some blows, until Young takes Paige down with a clothesline, then another, and another, before hitting a dropkick. She looks to send Paige into the ropes but Paige is able to reverse and sends Young. Young comes back with a Flying Forearm. Young grabs the arm of Paige to deliver a Short-arm Elbow Smash, then nails Paige with a Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline). Young goes for the first cover and gets two. Young starts to lifts Paige to her feet but Paige executes a Snap Judo Throw.
Paige hoists Young onto her shoulders for a Fireman's Carry into Flip Neckbreaker over knee. Young is in a seated position, holding the back of her neck, allowing Paige to come in with a Deadlift German Suplex Throw. Paige heads to the apron and to the top rope and delivers a Shotgun Missile Dropkick. Paige waits a moment for Young to start getting up before running the ropes. On the rebound, Young is able to leap frog over Paige. On the second rebound, Paige looks to throw a clothesline, as does Young, and they both fall to the mat.
The drumming intro of Warrants “Cherry Pie” kicks in. A red-headed woman walks onto the ramp, wearing her teeny tiny lacy black booty shorts, and a black blazer unbuttoned, with apparently nothing underneath. She lowers her black rimmed glasses and licks her lips for the camera, before sauntering down the ramp.
Mike Vincent: This is the same woman who was interrupting matches one year ago, and in that time, I still haven't been able to get any notes on her...
Cole Haywood: I've got some notes I can give her, but I left my wallet in my car.
Mike Vincent: Well anyway, she's interrupting what's supposed to be a great physical match, and the fans aren't happy, and I can't blame them.
She saunters around ringside, stopping near the commentator's area and climbing onto the table, beginning to do a seductive dance routine.
It's at this point that Paige has begun to get up, and is confused by the music playing and what seems to be a stripper on the table. Unfortunately, Young is up right after, and lifts Paige onto her shoulders, planting her with a Human Error Processor (Assault Driver)!
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, F.M. YOUNG!
Mike Vincent: What a huge bummer that this match had to get interrupted by this hussy on our table! Get off!
Cole Haywood: Oh, is the match over? My vision is obstructed due to this angel on our table.
Mike Vincent: You have a monitor, Cole.
F.M. Young has her arm raised, but all she can seem to focus on is the mystery woman at ringside. She shakes her head and exits the ring, not caring to celebrate this win.
We return backstage where an irate Olivia Paige is walking backstage. A brave Craig Brooks approaches for an interview, but gets shoved into a wall. Paige screams "WHERE IS SHE?", before her eye catches the Women's Locker Room door. She kicks the door in, and the camera follows her in. Alas, the room is empty. She lets out an angry grunt before turning back around. She pushed the camera operator to the ground, who loses grip of the camera as it tumbles through the air, before hitting the ground and the broadcast loses feed to that camera.
-----
The bell rings and the ring is empty as the lights dim.
I... am a man... of constant sorrow... I've seen trouble... all my days...
The guitar kicks in as "Man of Constant Sorrow" by Charm City Devils kicks in as the "Belt Hubter", Cody Larson comes out in his black leather jacket with grey jersey knit hood on and he is wearing all black mma style shorts and a black shirt that has an Orange target on it and the words "Belt Hunter" can be read as he motions to the fans that are booing him yelling at them.
And I... bid farewell... to old Kentucky... the place where I... was born and raised... the place... where I was born and raised...
Larson looks out at the crowd for a moment with a smug look on his face. As he starts to slowly walk to the ring. He doesn't seem to be the slightest bit affected by any of the boos or insults the crowd is throwing his direction.
For Six... long years... I've seen trouble... Little pleasures.... have I've found... For in... this world... I'm bound to ramble... I have no friends... to help me now... I have no friends... to help me now...
Salvatore Pellegrino: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is to determine a Number One Contender for the AXW Xperience Championship! Introducing first, making his AXW Debut, wrestling out of Sparta, Tennessee, weighing in at 243 pounds, "American Shooter" CODY LARSON!
Larson reaches the ring as he goes to the left steps up onto the apron and spins around holding onto the top rope with one of his arms hooked around it (like Chris Jericho) as he looks out at the crowd with a smug look on his face. Then he wipes his feet as he steps into the ring through the top and middle rope.
I'm a man... I'm a man... of Constant... Sorrow...
Larson steps to the middle of the ring as the music fades out and he bounces back ant forth on his heels still wearing the leather jacket he throws a couple shadow boxing jabs and a forearm at the end as he turns to the fans and raises his right hand as the crowd boos him loudly.
We hear the electronic sounds of Deadmau5’s “Professional Griefers” and out comes “Stunning” Ryan Graham, to a somewhat mixed reaction. A mix of cheers from people who respect his wrestling ability, and boos from people who hate him for who he is. Ryan simply smirks and turns his attention to his opponent, who is awaiting him in the ring.
Salvatore Pellegrino: His opponent, wrestling out of Hamilton, Ontario, weighing in at 220 pounds, "Reckless" RYAN GRAHAM!
On the way down, fans are holding out their hands for Ryan to slap. He goes to slap a few hands, but then pulls away last second, eliciting boos from the fans and putting a cocky smile on Ryan’s face in the process. He then arrives at ringside, where he leaps up onto the ring apron looking out at the people, whom are now fully against him. He smiles an arrogant smile while wiping his feet on the apron and shaking his head as he steps through the ropes, as he steps between the ropes. He then climbs the turnbuckle. He puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head, while looking out at the people. He then leaps back down and looks over at his opponent.
The two lock up, and it's Graham who gets Larson in a headlock. Graham really wrenches on it, but Larson is able to lift Graham off his feet, spinning and planting him with a Blue Thunder Bomb, getting an early two count. Larson hits a few Palm strikes, then a Roaring Elbow. Larson runs to the ropes for a Springboard Moonsault, getting another two count. Larson lifts Graham to his feet, Graham shoves the arms away for separation and throws a punch, Larson ducking it and swiftly delivering a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging for two. Larson throws a toe kick but Graham catches it and takes Larson down with a dragon screw, and swiftly locks in a Figure 4 Leglock. The move is not applied for very long as Larson is able to drag himself to the bottom rope. Larson uses the ropes to get to his feet where he is met with a series of chops from Graham. This concludes when Larson grabs Graham by the singlet straps and sends him over the top rope and to the floor. Larson quickly follows suit with a Plancha. Larson pulls Graham to his feet and lifts him for a suplex, then drops him gut first on the barricade. Larson nails the dangling Graham with a knee to the head, causing Graham to slump into the front row. Shane Gates is at the count of 6 before Larson gets into the ring. Graham is back up at about 14, and Larson goes back out to retrieve his opponent. He reaches over the barricade and gets a left fist to the jaw. Graham climbs onto the barricade and jumps off with a clothesline. Graham rolls Larson into the ring and plants him with a Spinebuster, getting a two count for it. Graham looks to end it with his Fisherman Suplex, but Larson counters it into a small package, nearly getting the win. They both get up and Graham nails Larson with an Elbow before whipping him into the corner. Graham quickly gets to the opposite corner to get the most momentum possible, before charging across the ring. However, Larson quickly darts out of his corner and catches Graham with Flying Spirit (Busaiku Knee Kick)! Larson with a lateral press.
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, CODY LARSON!
Mike Vincent: With this win, it's official, Cody Larson will meet Floyd the Butcher tomorrow night for the AXW Xperience Championship.
Cole Haywood: Should be a hard hitting affair, I'm actually looking forward to it.
Gates raises the hand of Larson. Larson looks dead into the hard cam, moving his hands in front of his waist, indicating his intentions of winning the Xperience Championship.
-----
We cut backstage where John Hendon is standing by.
John Hendon: Ladies and gentleman, my guest at this time is Mary Borden. Mary, a video circulated onto your Social Xperience page about you looking to grasp championship gold, and right now, the Women's Championship picture is wide open.
Mary gives a small laugh.
Mary Borden: It is... but let's face it... that title is going to be mine. And if anyone else tries to reach for my title, I'll slam the door and crush their fingers.
John Hendon: Speaking of fingers, is that blood on yours? Whose bl--you know what, it's probably best if I don't ask. Anyway, I--
John isn't able to continue as Mary has been attacked! The attacker has floored Mary and stomps away at her, before throwing her into a wall.
Mike Vincent: Who-- wait that's-- that's Malika Flores Chen! Malika Flores Chen is attacking Mary Borden!
MFC lifts Borden onto her shoulders, before delivering an FU and GNite (F5), Borden coming crashing down through a table! MFC crouches down next to Borden and says:
Malika Flores Chen: Close the door then, bitch.
She stands up and walks away as several officials rush in to check on Mary Borden.
TOMORROW NIGHT ON HULU AND EWSN
"Watch Me" by The Phantoms kicks in and the crowd roars. Cocky as ever, "The Whole F'N Deal" Simon York, makes his way out onto the ramp. He stops to gaze around at the crowd, lowering his aviators and giving the crowd that million dollar smile.
Salvatore Pellegrino: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, wrestling out of Cameron, North Carolina, weighing in at 230 pounds, SIMON YORK!
He heads to the ring filled with swagger that borderlines cockiness. He slides up onto the apron, having a seat and facing the camera as he pops the collar to his jacket and smiles for the camera again, giving a little wink. He pulls himself up and for the first time recognizes his opponent. He motions for them to back up, before ducking into the ring, taking the corner and pulling himself up, tilting his head back and looking up into the great beyond as he outstretches his arms, soaking in the crowds reaction.
“Majesty” hits and after the short intro, out from the curtain comes Solomon Graham, to a chorus of boos raining down on him from the capacity crowd. We see that Solomon has a roll of white hockey tape in his left hand. He puts his hands on his hips before sighing and shaking his head at the booing. He then proceeds to take a strip of tape from the roll and wrap his right wrist up in tape.
Salvatore Pellegrino: His opponent, making his AXW Debut, wrestling out of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, weighing in at 223 pounds, he is "The Prince Of Prince Edward Island" SOLOMON GRAHAM!
After wrapping it in about five layers of tape, he then turns it diagonally and proceeds to also wrap his knuckles in tape as well, all the while slowly and methodically walking towards the ring. He then bites the tape in two, wrapping the strip still connected to the roll back on and wrapping the strip attached to him around the knuckle, before driving his right hand directly into his open left hand and walking to the ring, on the way stopping to taunt the fans and give them shit. He climbs the ring apron and wipes his feet on the apron. He then steps into the ring, gets into his corner and waits for the match to begin.
The two appear to be going for a lockup but instead Graham kicks York in the gut, and delivers some punches, ignoring Tommy Spooner's demands to open the fist. Graham whips York to the ropes and sends him up with a back body drop. Graham locks York in a chinlock. York is able to get his knees under him, then able to get to his feet, where he elbows his way out of the hold. York runs off the ropes and ducks a clothesline from Graham, and on the opposite side springs off the middle rope with a Rebound middle rope flying Roundhouse kick. Graham rolls out of the ring but is caught with a Suicide Dropkick + skin the cat, + Rebound tope con giro combo. York gets Graham back into the ring. York executes his Flurry of Palm strikes, giant ear clap, spinning backfist + Exploder combo, getting a two count for his efforts. York sends Graham to the corner and delivers a Corner Miz Clothesline, apron leaping enziguiri, and avalanche bulldog, another two count. York lifts Graham to his feet, and gets a thumb to the eye. Spooner reminds Graham that's illegal and threatens disqualification if it continues. Graham drills York with a Flatliner w/DDT Head Cradle, getting a two count. Graham immediately rolls York over and applies the Graham Family Armbreaker (A move that was once banned all across Canada - Essentially, it is a Fujiwara Armbar where Graham brings the arm back in a Hammerlock position and wrenches it in, bringing his own arm between the opponent’s arm and back, bringing it back up and attempting to break the shoulder). York hollers out in pain, but is just close enough to get his toes on the rope, and Graham utilizes all four out of the five seconds. York gets to his knees, clutching his shoulder, and suddenly is on the receiving end of Stiff Daniel Bryan-esque kicks to the chest. Graham lifts a dazed York up and brings him toward the center of the ring. He has him doubled over in a piledriver position, but York is fighting from going up. York double legs Graham and executes a step over leg breaker. He continues working the leg, delivering a series of elbow drops. York is perhaps trying to set up for Thin Red Line, but Graham flails his legs around to prevent it and ends up getting some good kicks in. Graham punches and chops York until he is cornered, and then continues to punch and chop, ending it with a back elbow. Graham appears he wants to end it, again bringing York to the middle of the ring in a piledriver position, this time York double legs him and rolls through with a jackknife pin!
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, SIMON YORK!
Mike Vincent: Simon York able to outwit Solomon Graham and leave with the win!
Cole Haywood: A bad night for the Grahams.
Simon York does his celebrating outside the ring, where his arm is raised by Spooner. In the ring, Graham pounds the mat out of frustration.
After that situation clears,
To the opening beats of “Fight” by Icon For Hire, pink strobes pulse and flicker. The silhouette of a woman is seen and then the lights go up to her smirking face under a pair of pink shades.
Mike Vincent: Oh wow! Here comes two-time AXW Women's Champion Hailey Harris! I didn't know she was going to be here tonight.
Cole Haywood: I'd say that the Women's Division is officially on notice.
Harris saunters to the ring, ignoring the chorus of boos. Entering the ring, she receives a microphone.
Hailey Harris: Well, well, well. Here we are again, AXW is back and well, so am I. A few nights ago, Luke Mathews called me, essentially begging and pleading for me to come back and save AXW. I know what you're all thinking: "Hailey Harris is back and is going to go right to the top of the Women's Division and will be in line for the AXW Women's Championship." And you know, I thought that too. I asked Luke what other women he had signed, and he told me F.M. Young, Livy Paige, Mary Borden, and I almost threw up right then and there. I said you know what, I've been there, I've done there, I'm not gonna waste my time having to regularly work with those women. I told Luke, who I'm pretty sure was on his knees on the other end of the phone, that I would come save AXW, but on one condition: I get first dibs at the AXW Championship. So, it's as simple as that, anyone gunning for the AXW Championship goes through me.
Hailey drops the mic and exits the ring.
Mike Vincent: Huge news from Hailey Harris, she's back and is going right for the AXW Championship!
Cole Haywood: Might as well just give her the title now, I'm more than certain we just heard from the next AXW Champion.
Mike Vincent: Sal is making his way into the ring, that means it's time for our Main Event.
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Salvatore Pellegrino: Ladies and gentlemen it is now time for your Main Event! It is a Tag Team Match scheduled for one fall, and is for the AXW Tag Team Championship!
The lights in the arena all go out, the only thing lit is the Alternatron as smoke fills the stage and ramp. “Throne” by Bring Me the Horizon takes over the sound system. Upon the entering of the full band, Benjamin Mathews emerges from the smoke, wearing a Kings in Chaos leather jacket. He has his arms outstretched, looking intently dead ahead. In front of him, Brandon Laux rises from the smoke, wearing a long Kings in Chaos leather coat. He looks around at the crowd, all with a sneer on his face. The tandem begins their walk down the ramp.
Laux walks up the ring steps and stands on the middle of the apron. He outstretches his arms, soaking in the crowd's reaction, all while Mathews slides into the ring. Laux enters the ring and stands in the center of it, meeting Mathews. Laux is extending his arms and looking toward the sky. Mathews is in a kneeling position in front of him and raises both fists into the air. They hold their poses until the music fades out and the lights return to normal. They remove their jackets and prepare for the match ahead.
Mike Vincent: We've been waiting all night, who's the second team?
The iconic banjo from deliverance picks twice before:
"REACH FOR THE SKY BOY!"
Followed by two gun shots, before Lynyrd Skynyrd & Kid Rock's remix of "Gimmie Back My Bullets" kicks in. Southern Comfort steps through the curtains onto the ramp. The brothers wear their trademark Confederate zip up hoodies that zip all the way up over their heads. Jackson steps in front of his brother and takes a knee, stretching his arms out as Austyn stands behind him, holding up the confederate flag tied around his neck. Jackson returns to his feet and both brothers raise their arms before heading down to the ring. The brothers slide into the ring and take station on separate corners un-zipping their hoodies to reveal their faces. Jackson again stretches his arms wide as Austyn repeats the flag pose on the opposite ropes.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Introducing first, wrestling out of Plattsburgh, New York, at a combined weight of 446 pounds, the team of King Benjamin Mathews and King Brandon Laux, the KINGS IN CHAOS!
The Kings look intently at their opponents.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Their opponents, wrestling out of Knoxwood, Alabama, at a combined weight of 425 pounds, the team of Austyn and Jackson Hughes, SOUTHERN COMFORT!
SoCo get the crowd fired up as Matt Baker shows each team the prize on the line, then raises the AXW Tag Team Championships into the air.
Laux starts the match with Austyn. They circle each other, and when doing 180, Laux goes in for the lock-up and backs Austyn to the Kings corner. Mathews tags himself in and stomps away at Austyn while Laux has the collar and elbow locked. Mathews applies an arm wrench, then delivers a series of Short Arm Clotheslines. With Austyn still in the Arm Wrench, Mathews makes sure he's close enough for Laux to tag himself in. Laux climbs to the top and comes off with a Diving Axe Handle to the shoulder of Austyn. Laux lifts Austyn up for a Back Suplex, only getting one. Laux gets Austyn in the Kings corner and throws as many strikes as he can within the five count. Mathews tags in and does the same, they do this a few more times until Mathews is once again legal. Mathews throws Austyn overhead with a T-Bone Suplex. Austyn is trying to crawl to the SoCo corner but Mathews drags him back. Mathews tags in Laux. Mathews starts to whip Austyn towards Jackson but pulls him back and sends him to Laux, Laux executing a Denial of Service (Pop-Up Powerbomb) for a two count. Laux darts across the ring and nails a dropkick to Jackson, sending him off the apron. Laux stands in the SoCo corner, awaiting for Austyn who's pulling himself up in the Kings corner, before he's struck with The Javelin (High Speed and High Impact Running Corner Dropkick). Laux tags in Mathews. Laux has Austyn's arms hooked, and Mathews looks to nail him with The King’s Kick (Machka Kick), but Austyn breaks free and Mathews kicks Laux! Mathews is momentarily stunned, and when he goes back to Austyn, is dropped into the second turnbuckle with a Reverse STO. Austyn makes his way across the ring and tags in Jackson, who just got back to the apron. Jackson comes in and delivers some Redneck Kung-Fu, a throat thrust to Laux, one to Mathews, one to Laux, one to Mathews, a a leaping back brain kick to Laux, Mathews gets one too. Jackson takes it to Mathews with his Heartpunch + Full Nelson Slam + Vertical Leap Senton, which earns him a two count. Jackson lifts Mathews onto his shoulders and slams him with a Cartwheel Death Valley Driver, again only earning two. Jackson appears to be looking for the end as he sets Mathews on the top turnbuckle in the Kings corner, perhaps looking for Southern Pride, but it's thwarted as Laux has comes up from the floor and hits a rope-aided enzuigiri to Jackson. Jackson staggers backward and Mathews jumps off the top rope, but Jackson is able to step out of the way. Mathews lands on his feet, and Jackson just pushes him into the SoCo corner. Austyn tags in and Jackson lifts Mathews up in an Electric Chair position. Austyn climbs to the top rope, and before they can deliver Southern Discomfort, Laux hits a superkick to Austyn, causing him and Mathews to fall to the mat. Austyn dives off but Laux catches him with a dropkick. Laux disposes Jackson from the ring. Laux, who Baker has been barking at to get out of the ring, blatantly starts trying to remove a turnbuckle pad, causing Baker's full attention to be on him. During this time, Mathews had grabbed a chair from under the ring and re-entered. Mathews holds the chair high and is unable to downswing as it's yanked out from behind. Mathews turns around and gets the chair to the gut from Trent Mathews! Trent quickly exits with the chair. Laux has seen all of this and has been trying to get Baker to turn around. Laux is dragged out of the ring by Jackson who sends him into the barricade. While that's happening, Austyn drills Mathews to the canvas with Southern Injustice (Omega Driver)! Austyn hooks the leg.
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here are your winners, and NEW AXW Tag Team Champions, Austyn and Jackson Hughes, SOUTHERN COMFORT!
Mike Vincent: An assist from Trent Mathews, but the Kings had it coming, congratulations to our new AXW Tag Team Champions!
Cole Haywood: That Mathews Family needs to be on Jerry Springer or something. Now we have alcohol as our Tag Team Champions, though I guess Southern Comfort is better than Corona, I hate that stuff.
Matt Baker awards the brothers their newly won championships, and raises their arms in the air. They spend the next minute or so celebrating as AXW's runtime concludes.
Mike Vincent: Ladies and gentlemen we hope you enjoyed this return edition of AXW. For Cole Haywood, I'm Mike Vincent, stay tuned tomorrow night for more great action on The Alternative where an AXW Xperience Champion will be crowned. Good night!
