Post by Mat on Apr 24, 2020 20:39:51 GMT -5
Friday, April 24, 2020
Watsco Center
Coral Gables, Florida
Episode LXXIX
After the opening video package, the cameras pan across the AXW Faithful.
Mike Vincent: We are coming to you from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida through Hulu and EWSN, this is AXW Episode 79! I'm Mike Vincent joined by Cole Haywood, and I'm being told there's already a development backstage.
The camera cuts to Luke Mathews' office. Luke is leaning against his desk with the Kings in Chaos in front of him.
Luke Mathews: Ben, you need to stay focused. Not just for you, for your partner. Until Trent signs a contract, you guys can't keep going after each other, which is why unless he signs a contract, he is hereby banned from entering any AXW event. If you want to be in a tag team, your focus should be on the tag team.
Benjamin Mathews: And your focus should be on being a half-competent business owner.
Brandon Laux: Yeah, so good of you to ban him now, and not two weeks ago before he cost us our tag team titles. How do we know he's not gonna weasel his way into the building tonight and do this shit again? How do we know he's even really banned? How do we know you're not trying to conspire against us?
Luke Mathews: Why would I conspire against you?
Brandon Laux: And what happens if you give Trent power? He's gonna fire him again? He's gonna fire me? A madman in control running around attacking employees?
Luke Mathews: Frankly, you brought this upon yourselves by attacking him in the first place.
Benjamin Mathews: That shitbird deserved it. Just because you scooped him off the street and changed his last name doesn't make him one of us.
Luke Mathews: Enough! Here's the law: Trent is off limits. If he does show up tonight and either of you lay a finger on him, I'll be the one to fire the both of you! You can't attack someone not under a contract! Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind about your rematch tonight!
The two take a moment, but Benjamin slowly backs out of frame. Brandon, however, takes a few steps forward and gets face-to-face with Luke. Luke makes a face like, "you really wanna push your luck?"
Brandon Laux: Luke the Lizard.
Brandon backs off.
Mike Vincent: Man, more drama surrounding the Mathews clan, and-- Cole... Cole! Are you on your phone?
Cole Haywood: Shh, Mike! Can't you see I'm on the phone? Yes, hi, is this the AXW merch department? Yeah, it's Cole. Cole Haywood. You know, the commentator? Yeah, the good one. Hey, put me number one on the waiting list for a Luke the Lizard shirt. Thanks. I love you too, bye bye.
Mike Vincent: What was that?
Cole Haywood: I wanna make sure I'm first to get a Luke the Lizard shirt, it's gonna be the hottest thing since Luke the Puke!
Mike Vincent: I don't even know how to respond that. We gotta move on from that, Floyd the Butcher is in the ring ready for a match.
-----
As Mike stated, Floyd the Butcher, notorious for not giving a chuff about entrances, is pacing back and forth in the ring awaiting his match to begin.
Salvatore Pellegrino: This opening contest is scheduled for one fall, already in the ring, wrestling out of London, England, weighing in at 15 stone, FLOYD THE BUTCHER!
“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, wrestling out of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, weighing 223 pounds, "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, amd gets into his corner.
Floyd comes right out of the gate with a European uppercut. Floyd has Graham backed to the ropes and continues his onslaught of Euros, until Official Shane Gates pulls him away, and nearly gets one himself. Floyd immediately tries to go back on the attack but gets a drop toe hold to the middle rope. Graham forces his knee into the back of Floyd's head, and uses the middle rope to choke him, breaking at Gates' count of four. Graham grabs hold off the top rope and uses his foot to push Floyd out to the floor. Graham follows out after, and Floyd manages to drive Graham back-first into the ring post. Floyd grabs Graham's arm and brings it around the post, then pulls him by his wrist, causing him to hit the post face first. Floyd doesn't even let that pain sink in as he has a tight grip on Graham's wrist, bending it every which way, as well grabbing and pulling some fingers. Graham somehow finds it in him to pull his arm back, causing Floyd to collide with the post. Graham pulls himself into the ring at the count of 14, and Floyd manages to get in right at 19. Graham runs the ropes and is caught by a surprise Elbow Attack. Floyd looks to retain his offense but Graham just claws Floyd's face before raking it, able to get an eye. Graham plants Floyd with a Flatliner w/DDT Head Cradle, earning two on the first cover of the match. Floyd starts to get to his knees and that's as far as he gets as Graham delivers some Stiff Daniel Bryan-esque kicks to the chest. Floyd manages to catch one, gets to his feet, and transitions into a Leg Hook Saito Suplex. Graham lands near a corner and uses it to help himself up, and is immediately nailed with flying European uppercut. Floyd heads back across the ring and looks for another, but Graham is able to side step. Graham now is on the opposing side of the ring and barrels in, but Floyd pops out of the corner with a Euro! Floyd grabs Graham and throws him between the buckles, shoulder first into the post. Floyd quickly rolls out of the ring, again grabbing the arm and pulling it back, doing as much manipulation as he can within the 5 count. Graham slumps in the corner, clutching at his arm. Floyd wants to attack but Shane Gates forces him to stay back as Gates checks on Graham to see if he can continue. Floyd is impatient and approaches, at which point Graham pulls Gates into the corner, simultaneously picking himself up, and catches Floyd with the Graham Crakker (Low Blow)! Graham quickly rolls Floyd up as Gates turns just in time to miss the blow.
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, SOLOMON GRAHAM!
Mike Vincent: Solomon Graham steals the win from Floyd the Butcher!
Cole Haywood: Solomon Graham is an honorable competitor, he respects the rules of the sport and won this match fairly.
Mike Vincent: He hit him with a low blow, Cole!
Cole Haywood: I DIDN'T SEE NOTHIN'!
Mike Vincent: I should know better by now...
"Majesty" replays as Solomon Graham is quick to slink out of the ring, backing up the ramp, raising his good arm high with a shit-eating grin on his face.
-----
Backstage, Gina Furlow is stood by with Malika Flores Chen.
Gina Furlow: Malika Flores Chen has joined me at this time, first off, welcome to AXW.
Malika Flores Chen: It seemed only fitting for the Alternative Beauty to come to Alternative Xperience Wrestling.
Gina Furlow: Right now we don't know much about the Women's Championship, but it seems you're on the hunt for it. Care to share some thoughts?
Malika Flores Chen: Rumors are swirling around that division, aren't they? The way I see it, it's one of AXW's most historic championships, and I want it. It's as simple as that. Am I going to strictly compete for this title? Hell no. But if this is is the last time we're going to see the Women's Championship, I want it before it's gone.
Gina Furlow: That sounds like a very valid reason. Thanks for dropping in, let's take a break.
'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: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, wrestling out of Venice Beach, California, weighing 135 pounds, "Cyborg" OLIVIA PAIGE!
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.
You Wear A Crown (But You're No King) by BlesstheFall blast over the PA system. As the opening scream ends Mary Borden blast through the entrance curtain and starts walking towards the ring.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Her opponent, wrestling out of Fall River, Massachusetts, weighing 140 pounds, "The Twisted Joshi" MARY BORDEN!
She is grabbing and pulling at her hair and seemingly screaming at no one in particular as she reaches the ring and slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Then she sits up to her knees and throws her head back and screams again before leaping up to her feet and charging at the rope on the camera side seemingly crazed but allowing the ropes to stop her. (Nikki Cross Style)
Paige immediately tackles Borden to the mat and delivers some punches. Borden is able to flip Paige over and deliver punches of her own. Paige pushes her off and the two get up, wildly throwing punches at each other. Paige is showing to be the better striker and backs Borden to the corner. Borden quickly dodges a strike and gets Paige cornered, and just blatantly chokes her. Paige is able to throw a good kick which gets Borden to back off. Paige executes a Double Knee Facebreaker. Paige pulls herself up to the second rope and delivers a Diving Knee Drop. Paige tries to cover but Borden doesn't let her. Paige lifts Borden up for a Fireman's Carry, but Borden slips behind and is able to drop Paige with a Borden Family Secret (Cobra Clutch Suplex). Paige ends up near a corner and drags herself to it, only to be hit with a Running Dropkick to the Face. Borden pulls Paige out so she can execute a Split Leg Moonsault, but Paige gets her knees up. Paige grabs Borden by the waist and throws her overhead with a release German Suplex. Paige looks to continue, but as to be expected....
Mike Vincent: Perhaps to be expected at this point, and hey- Paige is going after her!
As soon as she hears the song, Livy Paige immediately exits the ring and runs up the ramp, and through the curtain. Because she has left the arena, Brian Sullivan considers this a forfeit instead of counting the full twenty and calls for the bell.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, MARY BORDEN!
Mary comes to, not entirely sure what happened. That is until she is attacked from behind by the mystery woman!
Mike Vincent: She duped Paige with her music then just blindsided Mary Borden!
Cole Haywood: Shut up, Mike, you're ruining it.
The woman blows a kiss to the hard cam. However, a simple forearm to the back isn't gonna keep Mary Borden down for very long. The woman turns and sees Borden back to her feet, and quickly gets out of the ring. The red-head starts to head up the ramp, and that's when Livy Paige marches back out. She is finally trapped, with Paige approaching from the Alternatron and Borden from the ring. Paige and Borden charge at the woman, who just barely steps out of the way, causing Paige and Borden to take each other out with clotheslines on the ramp. The woman quickly gets out of the arena before more can happen.
-----
We cut backstage, where we see the brothers Graham. Ryan is dressed casually as he's not scheduled for tonight, and Solomon is holding ice to his shoulder.
Solomon Graham: I hope you watched closely and took some notes, you might actually learn how to win around here.
Ryan Graham: Kick a guy in the nuts because he's about to rip your arm off and you have no other chance at winning, I got it.
Solomon Graham: Yeah, well how'd you do in your match tonight? Oh, what's that? Only the good Graham was booked tonight? That's what I thought.
Ryan Graham: I have a match tomorrow actually, which I will win without cheating.
Solomon Graham: You can call it what you want, thing is, I'm smarter than you, which is how I win matches and you lose them.
Ryan Graham: I seem to remember you losing a match two weeks ago.
This falls on deaf ears, as Solomon has already put in some earbuds and walks off.
-----
We return to the ring, where Sal is stood holding a piece of paper, which he reads from.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for it is time for the second-ever Ryan Richards Brand Motivational Invitational, the open contest that gives losers like you a second chance to succeed! At this time please welcome the man behind the brand, "Mr. No Days Off", "Your Local Hero", "The Greatest Wrestler to Ever Come Out of Coral Gables", "THE MAN" RYAN RICHARDS!
The Killers "The Man" kicks in as Ryan Richards comes hustling out from behind the curtain, rocking merch of Tua Tagovailoa, fresh off the NFL Draft 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. 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! He receives a microphone.
Ryan Richards: Number two, baby! Not me, of course, I'm number one, but this is the second Ryan Richards Brand Motivational Invitational! I began this Invitational to give losers like you a chance at redemption. And tonight, one loser will have that chance. It could be you, you, or even... [he points directly into the camera that's on him] you! But before whatever loser accepts this challenge, allow me to introduce my good comrade, Jim!
He places his hand on Tommy Spooner's shoulder.
Ryan Richards: Jim, are you ready to--
Ryan Richards realizes that Tommy Spooner is not Feliks Voskoboynikov.
Ryan Richards: You're not Jim.
Tommy Spooner: If you're talking about Vosko, he's assigned to The Alternative.
Ryan takes a moment to look at Spooner's apparel - the cut-off ref shirt and black shorts.
Ryan Richards: Did you get dressed in the dark, pal? No no no, this won't do, I need Jim. You may leave.
Tommy Spooner: I'm signed on for this ma--
Ryan Richards: Go on, get! You're being replaced!
Tommy shrugs and exits the ring.
Ryan Richards: Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together, all the way from Russia, I present you the OFFICIAL Referee of the Ryan Richards Brand, RUSSIAN JIM!
Feliks Voskoboynikov emerges from the back, wearing a custom Ryan Richards Brand referee shirt. As he makes his way down the ramp, we can hear Richards yell "INTRODUCE HIM!"
Salvatore Pellegrino: Uh, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, FELIKS VOSKOBOYNIKOV!
Feliks enters the ring.
Ryan Richards: That's all you got for an entrance? I get it, you must be tired after just flying in from Russia.
Feliks Voskoboynikov: I live in Miami.
Ryan Richards: And the Rosetta Stone I got you is paying off I see!
Feliks Voskoboynikov: I'm already fluent in--
Ryan Richards: I'm glad you were able to make it in, Russian Jim.
Feliks Voskoboynikov: You can just call me Feliks, you don't have to say my full--
Ryan Richards: Jim here is officially my personal referee, and will be paid 50 korunas per match!
Feliks Voskoboynikov: That's Czech currency... and that's only like two dollars here.
Ryan Richards: Alright, Jim, I think it's time we get to the challenge!
Ryan tosses his microphone aside.
Come Baby Come by K7 hits and Helena comes sliding out from behind the curtain, with her trusty golf club held over her shoulder in one hand. She skips to a stop and starts dancing along, doing what can only be called a rather hip gyrating 'crotch centric' dance. Looking every bit like a high school boy at the moment and not a female wrestler. She skips down the entrance ramp, doing crotch thrusts to the line 'Do you love me?' in the song. She stops in the middle of the ramp to swing the golf club like a baseball bat.
Salvatore Pellegrino: His opponent, making her AXW Debut wrestling out of Pandora's Box, weighing 115 pounds, HELENA HANDBASKET!
She moves over, slapping hands with some fans, kissing the cheeks of others and even licking one. She skips back away from the guard rails grinning after that. Moving over she jumps up to the apron and slides into the ring, strutting around, giving the golf club a few more swings. After a couple of swings, she relents and gives the club to a stage hand, before pulling off her yellow glasses and spinning them in her fingers before she sets them aside. She takes off her screw U pendant, kissing it then setting it aside to. She flexes for a moment before skipping over to a corner and relaxing until the match starts.
Helena Handbasket stood in the ring for a moment as Feliks reminded her to remove her signature over sized leather jacket. Helena shrugged casually as she whipped the jacket down her arms, just in time for Ryan Richards to try to take advantage of what he saw as a distraction! Richards came charging at Handbasket, who merely slipped to one side of him waving her coat around and laughing. “Toro! Toro!” Richards shook his head, as Handbasket continued to wave the jacket at him, before Vosko stepped in as official and forced Handbasket to throw the jacket outside of the ring, which she did with another shrug. They meet in the ring and have a tentative lock up, with Handbasket giving up at over half a foot and at least a hundred pounds to the much taller brawnier Richards. Richards actually has to bend down as he attempted to throw a 12-6 elbow, which Handbasket again handily dodges by just rolling to the side. Just as Richards is straightening up, Handbasket leaps on his back! Richards wastes little time finding a turnbuckle to bash Handbasket into! After two solid hits to the back, Handbasket manages to scramble over the turnbuckle to the other side and lock in a modified upright version of her S.N.A.F.U. (Tarantula) hold! Richards flails for a few a moment, just seeming more stuck than harmed before Vosko forces the break. Richards moves away and Handbasket enters the ring, nailing him with a rope-assisted variant of her Chaos Box (High knee!) Richards finally topples over and Handbasket looks at Vosko, still holding her ribs from the damage to her back, mouthing “How else am I suppose to hit him in the chin?!” Richards seems to finally have had enough of Handbasket’s lackadaisical make it up as you go manner, severely clashing with his hustle and grind lifestyle, as he gets to his feet and flattens her with a spear that nearly turns the young woman inside out! Instantly Richards is up, hefting Handbasket above his head in a Powerlift (gorilla press)! The crowds, charmed by Helena's whimsical antics, to which Richard's visibly scoffs. Before Richards can transition into his powerslam, Handbasket fully wraps herself around his head and shoulders! Before Richards can get free, Handkaset tosses herself over his right shoulder in what seems to be a move of desperation! After a moment of twisting and struggling, both Richards and Handbasket realize that she cannot actually Huricanrana him! Instead, the Tiny Time Bomb punches Richards in the back of the knee and mule kicks him in the back of the head on the way down. Richards sprawls out and Helena rolls away from him in a panic. She attempts another rope-assisted springboard entrance but Richards is there to catch her out of mid-air! He hefts the struggling Handbasket around the ring, showboating to the crowd, as he sets her up and BOOM, Scoop Slam! Handkbaset looks completely rocked, Richards smirking as he motions her to get up. Handbasket dazedly walks into yet another scoop slam, that Richards puts that much more English on his trouble. Richards does a Mr. Universe pose for the crowd who boo him and accuse him of picking on a little girl, while Handbasket gets up. She goes for a flying kick, that Richards catches. Richards hefts her above his head, spins in a 360, before hitting his signature scoopslam driver! Helena Handbasket is out, no movement as the count starts.
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, RYAN RICHARDS!
Mike Vincent: Helena Handbasket fiery in her AXW Debut, but not enough to topple the Ryan Richards challenge.
Cole Haywood: Come on, Mike. It's the Ryan Richards Brand Motivational Invitational! Maybe you should accept one sometime.
Feliks raises the arm of Ryan Richards. Richards does his Mr. Universe into a dab pose. Feliks tries to tend to Helena, but Richards pulls him away and brings him to the back.
Renee Peltier is stood backstage with Simon York.
Renee Peltier: Simon York, tomorrow night you will take on Hailey Harris in her first match back in AXW. Hailey has declared that she is apparently first in line for an AXW Championship Match. If you beat her, where would you say that puts you?
Simon York: I understand that you have to be unbiased and be and maintain journalistic integrity, but I want to correct that word "if" with "when." Where will that put me, you ask? Well it seems obvious to me that that would put me ahead of Hailey in line. Anybody who wants a shot at the AXW Championship has to go through her? Not a problem. Let's also not sleep on the fact that I not only had, but won, two great matches last week. All Hailey has done is talk. And as a matter of fact...
Simon looks around.
Simon York: I haven't seen or heard from her at all tonight. I'm not booked to have a match tonight either, but here I am. I'm not going to run my mouth about how good I am, I mean, I could, but this show does have a time limit. All I have to say to Hailey right now is put your money where your mouth is, and I'll snatch that money tomorrow night.
Renee Peltier: Thank you, Simon. On the subject of championships, let's send it to some championship action.
-----
"Hear Me Now" plays throughout the arena and Malcolm M. Mitchell makes his way to the stage. He takes a moment to taunt, throwing shadow punches, then runs his hands through his hair and flicks the water off his hands, keeping his arms spread with his head up, soaking in the reaction from the crowd.
He walks down to the ring with confidence in every step. Malcolm enters the ring, climbs to the second turnbuckle, and does the same taunt he did on the stage.
Mike Vincent: Malcolm M. Mitchell a former two-time AXW Tag Team Champion, and the only person to hold the titles with different teams, but he hasn't had a successful singles career, and he looks turn that around with an Xperience Championship win tonight.
Cole Haywood: You can buy as many lottery tickets as you want, Malcolm, but you're still not gonna win.
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...
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.
Mike Vincent: Cody Larson marks the first person to have won the AXW Xperience Championship on an episode of The Alternative. Tonight will be his first defense of the title. If he can successfully defend the title seven consecutive times, he can redeem the title for another championship match that he qualifies for.
Cole Haywood: It can be redeemed for any title, but of course everyone guns for the big one. Only four have held the title long enough to redeem it, and they all became AXW Champion.
Salvatore Pellegino: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the AXW Xperience Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, wrestling out of Riviera Beach, Florida, weighing 214 pounds, MALCOLM M. MITCHELL!
Malcolm remains cool and collected, looking on at his opponent.
Salvatore Pellegrino: His opponent, wrestling out of Sparta, Tennessee, weighing 243 pounds, he is the defending AXW Xperience Champion, "The American Shooter" CODY LARSON!
Cody raises his red-strapped title with one hand, before handing it off to Jessie McCormick. Jessie shows Malcolm the prize he's competing for, and raises the title high. She hands it through the ropes and calls for the bell.
| Cody Larson | TALE OF THE TAPE | Malcolm M. Mitchell |
| 6'0" | Height | 5'11½" |
| 243 lbs | Weight | 214lbs |
| Sparta, TN | Wrestling Out Of | Riviera Beach, FL |
| 26 | Age | 33 |
| 12 | Years Experience | 7 |
| American Shooter Belt Hunter Mr. Fighting Spirit | Nicknames | 3M |
| To the Kill Flying Spirit Destiny Driver | Finishers | Faceplant Sleep Tight Death From Above |
| AXW Xperience Champion PWR Tri-States Champion LB Television Champion EWP World Champion | Select Accolades | AXW Tag Team Champion (2x) AXW Tag Team of the Year (2015) EWS LVF Duos Tag Champion |
Larson and Mitchell meet in the middle of the ring, Larson almost pulls Mitchell straight out of his boots with a powerful clothesline. Mitchell went for a mule kick as he fell, but Larson got out of the way causing the kick to whiff. It didn't stop Mitchell though as the former tag team champion bounced easily back up to his feet with a smirk and the two competitor's circled each other slowly. Each looked for an opening, Mitchell finding one first by backing into the ropes and coming off with a jumping shoulder jawbreaker! The move caught Larson dead to rights, he sprawled out on the mat as Mitchell moved to heft him into the air. Mitchell kept up his momentum with a T-bone suplex, Mitchell tried to lock in an arm bar on the downed Larson but the Champion was too close to the ropes and forced the break almost immediately. Mitchell rolled away, getting to his feet only for the Champion to fling himself off the middle rope with a drop kick to the back! Mitchell was back on his feet just as quickly, where he turned into a running knee from Larson. Larson capitalized on the shift in the match and not to be outdone he hefted Mitchell up for a T-Bone Suplex Cody Larson style! The champion pulled his challenger up and whipped Mitchell into the ropes, hard enough to set Mitchell up for a springboard stunner! A dazed Mitchell lay staring at the lights so Larson went for a cover that got a one-point-five count with Mitchell defiantly throwing his shoulder up! Larson tried to send Mitchell into the ropes again, but the challenger held firm, battling back with lightning-quick gut kicks! Out of nowhere, Mitchell takes Larson to the mat with a thunderous cutter! For a moment it seems like Mitchell might cover, but instead he goes for the turnbuckles, foisting himself up to the top as quickly as he can. Just as Larson is stirring, Mitchell comes off the turn buckle with Death from Above! (Red Arrow.) Mitchell then goes for a cover and gets similar results to Larson's early cover, except this time it's a loonnnggg two count, but the champion seems to take offense almost bucking Mitchell entirely off of him! Mitchell grunted in frustration, the two competitors so evenly matched, with similar styles had been smart enough to scout each other well. So Mitchell was not having an easy time gaining any ground in the match, it just seemed to light a fire in Larson, who got to feet with hell to pay, as he brought Mitchell down with a double A spinebuster that shook the ring! Back to their feet, both men lock up and Mitchell gains a temporary upper hand with some vicious knee strikes to Larson's midsection. Larson just seems to fight through the pain though as he gets a hold of Mitchell's shoulders for a Swinging Neckbreaker that leaves Mitchell writhing on the mat! Larson goes for the ropes and tries his luck with a moonsault that Mitchell had just enough wherewithal to roll out of the way of. Mitchell gets up and goes for a Zigzag on Larson, who had gotten up just a hair before Mitchell. Unfortunately the Champion saw the move coming and turning into it, dropping Mitchell instead with a chop that stops the challenger in his tracks that the Champion turns quickly into a fisherman's suplex! Larson seems to take control of the match from there, dragging a battered but fighting Mitchell, who was flailing and struggling to no effect, around the ring in hammerlock that Larson transitioned into a hammerlock DDT. To went further south for Mitchell from there as he was unable to prevent a devastating electric chair driver! Nor was Mitchell able to battle back as Larson racked up his Destiny Driver (Double Underhook Package Piledriver)!
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here is your winner, and STILL the AXW Xperience Champion, CODY LARSON!
Mike Vincent: And now Cody Larson has one successful title defense under his belt.
Cole Haywood: We very well could be looking at a future AXW Champion.
McCormick hands Larson his title and raises his hand. Larson takes a brief look at his downed opponent, places his title over his shoulder, and exits the ring.
-----
Backstage, John Hendon is with F.M. Young.
John Hendon: John Hendon here with F.M. Young. A tough loss on the last Alternative, on tomorrow's edition you're scheduled to compete though there is no word on who your opponent is. Can we get your thoughts?
F.M. Young: I shouldn't have to say it but I guess I will anyway: I don't really care who it is, because as you should know, I take on anyone and everyone. On the subject of everyone, it seems everyone is just declaring title shots. MFC wants the Women's title, Hailey and Simon want the AXW title. There was a mini-Xperience title tournament that I didn't even get a chance in, being a former Xperience Champion who never actually lost the title, but I won't dwell on that. There's also a Light Heavyweight Championship no one has talked about yet, and what a coincidence, I make the weight for it. If everyone's just gonna throw their names into the hat for championship contention, well I'll throw my name in all the hats. The difference between me and everyone else is I'm not just gonna force myself into contention, I'm gonna earn it by beating anyone who comes my way, starting with whoever Luke Mathews is going to throw at me tomorrow.
John Hendon: Confidence is key. Thanks for your time, F.M. We're going to our final break of the night.
SATURDAY, MAY 23 ON EWSN
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: A tandem that tried to break out last year until AXW went on hiatus, these two certainly live up to their name. All it's been for them so far is nothing but chaos.
Cole Haywood: I am conflicted on these two, these guys should truly be the kings of the division, but they took out our rightful leader right before he was about to be handed the keys to the kingdom.
Mike Vincent: That's a bit of a stretch, Luke said he's not going to come to a decision just yet on who will run the day-to-day operations.
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.
Mike Vincent: Southern Comfort are the second team to win the AXW Tag Team Championships on AXW TV. The Push did it first on AXW Episode 23 a little shy of five years ago. Every other AXW Tag Team Title change has happened on pay-per-view or a Supershow.
Cole Haywood: It certainly helps when they're vacant and up for grabs.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AXW Main Event! It's a Tag Team Match scheduled for one fall, and is for the AXW Tag Team Championship! Introducing first, the challengers, wrestling out of Plattsburgh, New York, at a combined weight of 446 pounds, King Benjamin Mathews and King Brandon Laux, the KINGS IN CHAOS!
The Kings look like they're ready to pounce.
Salvatore Pellegrino: Their opponents, wrestling out of Knoxwood, Alabama, at a combined weight of 425 pounds, they are the defending AXW Tag Team Champions, Austyn and Jackson Hughes, SOUTHERN COMFORT!
SoCo raise their titles toward the crowd before handing them off to Matt Baker. Baker raises them high, before handing them off outside and calling for the bell.
| Austyn Hughes | Jackson Hughes | TALE OF THE TAPE | Brandon Laux | Benjamin Mathews |
| 6'0" | 6'2" | Height | 6'3" | 6'2" |
| 205 lbs | 220 lbs | Weight | 225 lbs | 221 lbs |
| Knoxwood, AL | Knoxwood, AL | Wrestling Out Of | Plattsburgh, NY | Plattsburgh, NY |
| Not Public | Not Public | Age | 29 | 30 |
| 16 | 16 | Years Experience | 7 | 9 |
| None | None | Nicknames | King | King |
| Southern Injustice | Southern Pride | Finishers | False Flag King's Decree Laux and Behold | Benji Bomb Benjisault Royal Flush |
| Southern Dis-Comfort Southern Ball Buster Confederate Crunch Redneck Rampage | Southern Dis-Comfort Southern Ball Buster Confederate Crunch Redneck Rampage | Tag Finishers | Chaos Reigns Plebeian Plummet Off With His Head | Chaos Reigns Plebeian Plummet Off With His Head |
| AXW Tag Team Champion PWR Legacy Tag Team Champion PWR Southern Tag Team Champion EWS World Tag Team Champion (x3) | AXW Tag Team Champion PWR Legacy Tag Team Champion PWR Southern Tag Team Champion EWS World Tag Team Champion (x3) | Accolades | None | RSPW Junior Heavyweight Champion RSPW Trios Tag Champion (x2) CCW Tag Team Champion |
Mathews and Jackson are the starters for this one. The two go to lock up but Jackson is a step ahead, ducking behind Mathews and lifting him up for a German Suplex. Mathews gets up and runs into a Throw-down Spinebuster. Jackson tags in Austyn who enters the ring via a Springboard Cutter. Austyn runs to Laux and knocks him off the apron. Austyn goes back to Mathews and catches The King’s Kick (Machka Kick)! Mathews tries for the early win and gets two. Mathews tries to lift Austyn for a Northern Lights Suplex, but Austyn turns it into a Sunset Flip-style roll-up, getting a quick two. The two are back up and its Austyn who surprises Mathews with a standing Monkey Flip. Mathews ends up sliding out of the ring to try to regroup with Laux. This doesn't last long as Austyn takes them both out with a Tope Con Hilo. Austyn slaps a couple fans hands before rolling Mathews into the ring. Austyn tries to slide in after but he's stopped by Laux, who slams Austyn's face off the apron. Laux sends Austyn into the ring and climbs onto the apron, where he gets tagged in. Laux takes Austyn down with some clotheslines, before lifting him up and slamming him with a Falcon Arrow. Laux applies an arm wrench and tags in Mathews who delivers a diving axe handle. Mathews delivers a German Suplex into the turnbuckles, followed by a Running Face Wash to the seated cornered opponent. Mathews tags Laux back in. Similar to two weeks ago, Mathews looks like he's about to whip Austyn to the SoCo corner, but pulls him back and sends him to Laux, who pops him up for the Denial of Service (Pop-Up Powerbomb), but Austyn counters with a Rana whip that sends Laux into Mathews! Austyn tags in Jackson who takes down both Laux and Mathews with clotheslines. Jackson delivers a cartwheel Death Valley Driver to Mathews, who ends up rolling out of the ring. Laux tries to attack Jackson but is met with a Superkick! Laux is wobbly but doesn't fall, allowing Jackson to execute his Heartpunch + Full Nelson Slam + Vertical Leap Senton combo. Jackson tags in Austyn. Jackson lifts Laux up, allowing the champs to deliver a Powerstabber (Powerbomb/backstabber combo)! Austyn covers and Laux barely kicks out. Austyn tries to whip Laux, but Laux reverses it. Austyn hits the ropes and hits the Rebound Single Leg Dropkick. Austyn looks like he's trying to set up the Southern Injustice (Omega Driver), but Laux elbows Austyn in the side of the head before he can lift him. Laux drops on his back and nails Austyn with a Pele Kick. Both men end up tagging out to their respective partners. Mathews and Jackson enter, dodging and ducking various strikes, until Mathews takes Jackson down with a Running Crossbody. Mathews slams Jackson with a T-Bone Suplex. Mathews starts climbing the turnbuckles from inside the ring, perhaps looking for the Benjisault (Corkscrew Moonsault), but he, as well as everyone in the arena, is distracted by a wild Trent Mathews running through the crowd, security chasing him. This allows Jackson to pull Mathews off the top rope and onto his shoulders, and Austyn quickly runs to that corner, where the duo deliver Southern Dis-Comfort (From the top, Austyn leaps; nailing a star dust, as Jackson nails a electric chair facebuster!) Jackson covers!
One!
Two!
Three!
Salvatore Pellegrino: Here are your winners, and STILL AXW Tag Team Champions, SOUTHERN COMFORT!
Mike Vincent: The tag champs retain, but the bigger story here is a banned Trent Mathews trying to evade the security in the crowd!
Cole Haywood: Let him be! He technically has not gotten involved in this match!
Laux was also too distracted by Trent in the crowd, and by the time he realizes what has happened, the match is over. Southern Comfort take their titles and exit the ring, celebrating on their way up the ramp. Meanwhile, Trent has finally hopped the barricade, grabs a steel chair, and threatens all the members of security. They keep their distance, allowing Trent to pull a piece of paper from his back pocket. He unfolds it, sets it on the commentary table, grabs Mike Vincent's pen, and writes on it. He holds the paper up, and we can see it says "AXW Wrestler's Contract" at the top.
Mike Vincent: Trent had been holding out on signing a wrestler's contract because he wants to run the place, but it looks like he's finally given in!
Laux, now knowing he won't get fired for touching Trent, looks to go after him, but Trent has gone back over the barricade and makes his way back out of the arena, satisfied without having to get physical tonight.
Mike Vincent: Trent Mathews is now under contract to AXW, but he has two Kings to try to fight off. Ladies and gentlemen, that's all the time we have for, come back tomorrow to Hulu and EWSN for The Alternative!