Post by Staff on Jan 22, 2024 7:11:37 GMT
5 Nights in the 5 Boroughs
LIVE! From Brooklyn
Monday 22nd January
NORTH AMERICAN TITLE MATCH
Tiffany Lynn Page (c) v Callie Renton
Callie Renton has wanted to get her hands on Page for sometime now, and after beating her beau Duke Andrews last time out it was no surprise she put herself forward for this opportunity. Page has surrounded herself with like minded allies in recent weeks with the additions of Gabriel Landry and Marisol Vilaro to the roster, and will no doubt have a trick or two up her sleeve should things not go her way in this match up.
The champion came out strong, making light work of the lesser experienced Renton. But it didn’t last long, as Callie fought her way into control for the majority of this match up. The Brat Princess has come along way in the past year, and proved more than capable of securing her first championship with this fine performance as she put the cultured Page on the backfoot and in all kinds of trouble.
But you can never rule Page out of any match, no matter how out of sorts or up against she is. A clean reversal lead to a variety of dirty tactics and cheap shots, using the ropes and all manner of illegal moves to her advantage. She was cautioned on multiple occasions but managed to stay on top by hook or by crook and secure the win with a Sex in the City (Codebreaker) to retain her title, riling the crowd early on in this event. Renton left the ring to an ovation, naturally disappointed, but edging closer to that elusive first taste of gold.
Winner: Tiffany Lynn Page (Still North American Champion)
BACKSTAGE
We go to the locker room where Griffin Hawkins sits against the wall, the Openweight Title resting on his lap. He looks to the camera and begins to talk.
Griffin Hawkins: Thursday..December 21st...2023. What happened on that night? Jay Sinclair defeated three other men...Travis Levitt, Ace Sky and Chris Styles. All for the right to become the number one contender to the Openweight Title. The same belt that he once held. I was there backstage in the arena watching the match on a monitor. On the previous night I retained my title in a Fatal Four Way of my own...some figured I'd go home to rest after a hard earned victory, but I didn't. I wasn't ready to leave Toronto yet..not until I see the next challenger for my gold. And that match didn't disappoint. All four competitors are viable threats to my reign...but only one could win, and that was The Last Dragon himself, Jay Sinclair.
He takes in the events that happened.
Griffin Hawkins: Sin City's favorite son is coming to roll the dice once more and try to get back the title he feels he shouldn't have lost in the first place. I already know what awaits me...because I've been watching him from afar. I've watched him go to war in other organizations with the likes of Harper Morris, Britney Anders, Gavin Grimes and many others. The man knows how to bring it. And this is the type of match that I've been waiting for. Somebody to take it to me, somebody who's gonna give me a run for my money. The biggest threat to date to my title reign stands before me, and I am ready to hit you with 227 pounds of raw Heavy Metal..in the form of the Jukebox Hero.
He slowly pulls himself up.
Griffin Hawkins: And I am actually glad you broke your social media silence to let everyone know that you're training for this match. That's good. Because I want you at your best. I want you to be at the best shape in your career when you and me stand across the ring from each other tonight. See Jay...I know you're the real deal. You're not some phony wannabe tough guy who puffs out his chest on soical media and act like the whole roster should punk out to you just because you come from the streets. You've held this very title before, and that ain't an easy task to do. But if you want it...you're gonna have to kill me to take it from me.
He readjusts the title.
Griffin Hawkins: I just hope you got all the partying in the night clubs out of your system Jay. Because tonight is not gonna be a party..it's going to be one hell of a competitive match. Does the Jukebox Hero's reign continue?..or does the 36th Chamber Boss reign for a second time? All questions will be answered tonight. I'm not gonna bullshit you Jay..I know this could be anybody's match. If you were to beat me tonight, I'd look you in the eye and congratulate you tell you you were the better man on this evening. Would you do the same. I guess we're about to find out. So Brooklyn...get ready...because somebody's gonna get rocked!
He walks off as cameras head to a commercial and some ringside commentary in the build up to his match.
OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Griffin Hawkins (c) v Jay Sinclair
Hawkins overcame three top tier talents to retain his title in front of a home crowd in Ontario, but tonight was a different challenge altogether against the former champion Sinclair. This rap versus rock rivalry had the makings of a classic, in theory, but the commentators were more interested in what it meant for the winner, with Alejandro Rivera, amongst others, sniffing around for a rematch or an opportunity.
Bags of experience between both of these men, and it showed to begin with as they cancelled each other out for long periods of the match. Hawkins though was not willing to let go his championship, and dug deep to round off a second successive defence with a Shot in the Dark (Superkick) followed by the Holy Diver (Swanton Bomb).
The Openweight Title remains a popular secondary title, and whoever lies in store next for the Jukebox Hero would need to be on their a-game to rescue this belt from his grasp.
Winner: Griffin Hawkins (Still Openweight Champion)
BACKSTAGE
Switching backstage Emma Harrington comes across a pacing 'The Dragon' Travis Levitt. Emma asks him how he's feeling after Queens, and Travis looks at her for a moment, before rolling his shoulders, and then reaching behind himself, fiddling with his back for a few seconds but then pulling something out and bringing it back to show Emma it's a thumbtack. "I've been pulling these out for days. Everytime I think I got the last one, another seems to make itself known. But that's fine. I don't mind the tacks. Because the tacks show me, that Big Papi had to go extreme to really put me down. I showed how tough I was, and I went into his hometown, and I made damn sure he earned that win. And at Albany, I'll be doing the same thing. Because whoever escapes tonight with the Television Title. Whether its Chelsea or Andrew, they have a Dragon waiting for them on the other side of tonight. I'm fired up, I'm ready, and I'm getting my hands on some gold in Albany." Travis pauses after a moment, rolling his shoulders and groaning before he shakes his head at Emma with a sigh. "Fucking tacks." And with that The Dragon headed off.
BACKSTAGE
Switching backstage Emma Harrington comes across a pacing 'The Dragon' Travis Levitt. Emma asks him how he's feeling after Queens, and Travis looks at her for a moment, before rolling his shoulders, and then reaching behind himself, fiddling with his back for a few seconds but then pulling something out and bringing it back to show Emma it's a thumbtack. "I've been pulling these out for days. Everytime I think I got the last one, another seems to make itself known. But that's fine. I don't mind the tacks. Because the tacks show me, that Big Papi had to go extreme to really put me down. I showed how tough I was, and I went into his hometown, and I made damn sure he earned that win. And at Albany, I'll be doing the same thing. Because whoever escapes tonight with the Television Title. Whether its Chelsea or Andrew, they have a Dragon waiting for them on the other side of tonight. I'm fired up, I'm ready, and I'm getting my hands on some gold in Albany." Travis pauses after a moment, rolling his shoulders and groaning before he shakes his head at Emma with a sigh. "Fucking tacks." And with that The Dragon headed off.
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH
Andrew Raynes (c) v Chelsea LeClair
Raynes has already equalled the record number of defences for the Television Title, despite only holding it for a couple of weeks. A win here would put him the history books and one step closer to the five required to cash it in for another title shot. LeClair was hungry for gold after the episode in Toronto, and a long running rivalry with Raynes has perhaps afforded another bite at the cherry here tonight.
Raynes was eager to put this dispute to bed and came fast out the blocks to try and dominate. His plan worked first but LeClair was no rookie and bided her time for a way in. When it finally came she unleashed all manner of frustrations, as the crowd roared her on to take the title.
However, things swung back the other way thereafter and it looked to be another disappointing evening for Chelsea and the fans when Raynes tried locking on his Caught in the Rayne (Tazzmission), but LeClair stunned everybody with a Jersey Drop (Diamond Cutter) from nowhere. The crowd were on their feet as she climbed the turnbuckle and leapt off with a "CANCELLED!" (Corkscrew Moonsault)!! She made the count, as the roof almost came off the building in jubilation. It had been a long road but she was finally in possession of a Five Lakes Wrestling championship.
Raynes picked up himself, disappointed in the result, but didn't look back at the ring. If there's one thing he knew ho to do it was put any loss behind him and focus on the next. Onwards and upwards for 'The Toughest Out', no doubt.
Raynes picked up himself, disappointed in the result, but didn't look back at the ring. If there's one thing he knew ho to do it was put any loss behind him and focus on the next. Onwards and upwards for 'The Toughest Out', no doubt.
Winner: Chelsea LeClair (New Television Champion)
BACKSTAGE
We find Molly Hatchet backstage in a large and fairly out of the way spot filled with crates and boxes beside a large loading dock garage door. It wasn’t the locker room, but given that their travel bags are there and there’s a large fence around them, one could probably figure out that it was their changing area. She’s sporting her ring gear, her jacket hanging on the back of the folding chair she sits upon. She’s glaring at her phone, fuming almost. The red headed ginger curls her freckled lips with a snarl.
Molly: First they tell us we cannae be in tha’ same locker room with them and fer tha last few days they went on tirades against us on social media. Tis like I’d brought tha’ anti-christ ta’ 5LW or somethin, yeah?
We hear from around a stack of boxes, the voice of Lexus Van Drachenberg. Her foot sticks out as she slips a black and violet boot on it and slides it up and over her muscular calf.
LVD: I told you that I had enemies here, Molly, but you insisted that I be your partner for this endeavor. It would seem that grudges are more preferable to good business for many of these teams.
Molly: Aye but ta kick us out of tha locker room? Force us ta change here, in this spot at tha very back of the arena? Tis bollocks and you know it.
A little chuckle is heard. Molly quirks her brow.
Molly: Ye find this funny lass?
LVD: 'Aye, lass.’ I absolutely do. Pettiness is a sign of weakness. Let them be weak and petty, we are still here and have not been driven off, as the likes of Mr. Riviera and his idiot fiance wish us to be. Each of them speak ill of us behind our backs and at range, but when we stand before each and every one of them, we have the opportunity to not only make them all choke on that same petty inclination, but to rob them of their glory in this very moment tonight.
Lexus Van Drachenberg emerges from around the crates, sporting her own ring attire of black and violet, her jacket draped over her shoulders and long muscular arms crossed just below her chest. The tall Austrian Latina smirks at Molly. The Ginger Ninja looks back at her, listening to her partner as she continues.
LVD: Think about it for a moment, Ms. Hatchet. What better way to stick it to our enemies both old and newly influenced, than to enter this competition at a steep disadvantage and turn it around on them? Should we win this fight, we will learn who truly is dedicated to 5LW and who cannot put their personal differences aside. I have. I do not care if they hate me. I toy with people who hate me over superficial and insignificant, often selfish reasons. They take it as me being angry and raging while I am simply sitting there, sipping my coffee and swiping my finger on a screen in the morning.
LVD grabs a chair and pulls it up to Molly, taking a seat beside her. Molly nods with a little chuckle.
Molly: They do love assumin e’eryone who disagrees or insults them is somehow mad at them and on tha attack.
LVD: It is a fundamental flaw in the mentality of nearly everyone involved in this match. They each assume so much and really know so very little. A few judge me for things that I did under the name of a script someone else wrote for me under a different name and identity while others make claims based upon decisions I made due to having higher standards.
Molly looks off into the distance with a sigh.
Molly: That’s a big problem with people today. Nobody sees anythin good ye’ve done, only choosin ta remember tha bad and ne’er once seein strides ye’ve made, condemning people for mistakes long since paid their due. If ye were still who they said ye were, ye’d have gone. If I were tha same person I was just a year ago, I’d have said fuck this shite and moved on. We’re both better people than we used to be.
Lexus chuckles darkly.
LVD: You may be a better person. I want their hate and revel in it. I love the way they hate me for what amounts to absolutely nothing. I want them to keep hating me because their hate drives me to overcome them. I live to spit in their miserable, unforgiving faces and take away the things they want, such as their precious championships.
She rises from her seat, Molly looking up at her with a smirk of her own.
Molly: I remember when we met all those years ago in Mexico. You fuckin despised me and I you, yet here we are sharing more in common than younger me woulda e’er thought.
Lexus holds her hand out and Molly takes it, rising to her feet with but a tug of the bigger woman’s tremendous strength.
LVD: People and times change. It is those who do not that are doomed to be stuck forever in their frozen little bubbles, comfortable and refusing to acknowledge their fear of change. If they did, it would require they themselves to actually put in effort in being someone better and different and many of them are too lazy and/or stupid to grow beyond the limits they impose upon themselves.
Spotting the camera recording them from the otherside of the chain link fence, Lexus grins with an eerie, unsettling smile. Molly tracks the shift in gaze and seems a bit surprised by the camera being there, but quickly recovers.
LVD: Our colleagues want us to go away because we threaten their precious comfort. They decorate us with old labels born of times when we were less than perfect, unaware that each and every one of them have had those very same moments, whether others did not approve of them or rather despised them simply for being who they are. Each and every one of you who cry and want me to leave are no better than the garbage human beings who want wrestling promotions to die.
Lexus steps forward, walking right up to the chain-linked wall and gripping it with her gloved hands.
LVD: Every single one of you that forced us to change here instead of in the locker room, cannot fathom putting business ahead of your wants and desires, whereas Molly and myself have put aside differences for the sake of business and opportunity. If I were what you think I am, then I would not even be here right now. I would have seen your names on the roster and decided to walk on. Despite you, I am here and not going away anytime soon.
Molly steps forward, moving beside her partner before the fence.
Molly: Whether ye’ like it or not, we’re not goin anywhere. Ye cannae drive us out with words and like me colleague is fond of sayin, loss is inevitable while defeat’s a choice. Regardless as to what comes next, yer dealin with us whether ye like it or not. Tha only professionals I’ve seen since Lexus appeared as me partner, has been us and tha’ few who’ve embraced her upon appearin. Tonight we prove our fuckin worth and show each and e’ery one of ye why the fuck we’re in this match!
She’s hot and animated, while Lexus merely places her hands behind her back, cold and stoic as her fiery and passionate teammate goes off.
Molly: WE’RE THA’ FUCKIN HATCHET CLAN! We’re an army of family that goes beyond just meself and Lexus. Tha fans are behind us, our kin in tha stands as well as tha ones backstage here with us. Rivals that came together out of respect and a desire ta better our place in tha wrestlin business. I’ve her back, she has mine, same fer tha fans and our allies. Tonight may not go our way, tha odds be against us, but while loss is always possible, defeat be a choice and I choose anythin’ but!!!
Lexus merely smirks, casting a side-eye towards Molly.
LVD: I believe our match is coming up, shall we, Ms. Hatchet?
Molly: Aye! LET’S FUCKIN’ GOOOOOOO!!!!
Molly punches the chain link fence, then heads off camera. Lexus looks directly into the camera lens with a wink and purses her lips with a little kiss in the air before turning and following after her Hatchet Clan teammate.
TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
The NOVA Empire (c) v The Rogues Gallery v Illuminati PROJEKT v The Hatchet Clan
All four teams made their way out, making their way to separate corners of the ring. Eyes darting across at one another, this was inevitably going to be absolute bedlam once the bell rang.
Levi locked horns with Monty, while Otto went straight for Hatchet. Lex and Kaisano began to throw arms as Gwen and Jessi went toe to toe. Everything spilled onto the outside, over the barricades, through the announcers table, up the entrance ramp and beyond. People were tossed back into the ring as the competitors tried to secure a pinfall but with so many people vying for the titles it was near impossible to remain uninterrupted.
The Rogues started working in tandem, dumping Hatchet over the ropes and into the crowd. Meanwhile, Otto landed an OTTO-DRIVE (Super Flip Piledriver) on Monty, but the pin was broken by Silvera, leading to a fist fight between himself, Jessi and both of the Rogues. Otto, on the backfoot after a boot to the head, was quickly disposed of, as they double teamed Osborne on the outside of the ring. LVD entered the fray, ensuring the Rogues didn't get an upper hand in this match. Meanwhile, Hatchet re-appeared from behind the barricade. With the crowd willing her on, she climbed over, a little uneasy on her feet, and made her way onto the ring apron. Otto was in the centre of the ring, ready for the taking but Gwen too was steadily rising. Hatchet leapt off and caught Nova clean with a Hatchet Bomb (Springboard Superwoman Punch). It looked enough to secure the match until Gwen appeared behind her. Molly turned just in time to be superkicked through the ropes. Gwen dropped to the mat and hooked Otto's leg as the crowd shouted along. One.. Two.. Three! An emotional Gwen jumped to her feet and was handed both belts, as she looked around for her Uncle. Monty rolled underneath the ropes, clutching his head from that piledriver, and embraced his niece, as they hoisted the belts in the air to a standing ovation.
The Rogues, who had dominated for most of this match, slumped off in frustration, threatening any nearby fans that goaded them along the way. Lex picked up Molly, who will look back in disbelief, merely seconds away from victory. While Jessi stood in disappointment, their near-3 month reign having come to an end. She picked herself up and saw to it that Otto was ok, exiting with her head held high, and confident they would be back to reclaim what was theirs.
The Rogues, who had dominated for most of this match, slumped off in frustration, threatening any nearby fans that goaded them along the way. Lex picked up Molly, who will look back in disbelief, merely seconds away from victory. While Jessi stood in disappointment, their near-3 month reign having come to an end. She picked herself up and saw to it that Otto was ok, exiting with her head held high, and confident they would be back to reclaim what was theirs.
Winners: Illuminati PROJEKT (New Tag Team Champions)
As we await the Main Event, a promotional video is released for LIVE! From Albany, with a run down and reminder of the card..
Blake Belladonna v Sally Lambert
Myra Rivers v Kimberley Williams
Andrew Garrison v Sean Parker
Chelsea LeClair (c) v Travis Levitt
Chris Styles v El Gigante Hawaiano
Gabriel Landry & Marisol Vilaro v Kore Violet and Colin Moriarty
TATER v Silas Romero
Jack McGrath v Journeyman Phillips
BRASS KNUCKLES TITLE MATCH
TOURNAMENT FINAL
Alejandro Rivera v Ryan Samuels
The two bruisers came face to face and gave a brief fist bump to one another, a rare sign of respect from either man towards any opponent. Eight men have competed for this title and only these two remain, as the shiny new belt was paraded before them. Without hesitation they began brawling as the bell goes, zero weaponry, just two big men throwing big right hooks.
Rivera gets the upper hand first and uses the advantage to inflict further punishment with a chair. But Samuels hits right back with a huge Lariat. He sets up a table but gets speared right through it, as the back and forth between these juggernauts continues.
Samuels reached for the bull rope at any opportunity, and whipped lashes across Rivera's back, before choking him as long as possible. But Rivera muscled his way free and replied with a Protect Ya Neck (Backdrop Driver). The tacks came out and the blood began to pour as they put each other through hell in and outside the ring. The fight escalated up the entrance ramp as they slugged it out with heavy right hands. Edging precariously close to the drop, Rivera tried launching Samuels off, right into the path of the watching fans below them, but the big man stopped in his tracks and managed to Lariat Rivera off, which saw both men flying ten feet to the floor below. Rivera was practically unconscious, but Samuels had just enough energy to throw his arm over and make the pin, as the Referee counted, and the inaugural Brass Knuckles Champion was crowned, in brutal circumstances. Medics rushed to ensure Rivera was ok, who later pulled himself to his feet, unsure whether the match was still going on or not, while Samuels slowly made his way to the ring and was presented with the belt. A just reward after three devastating matches in the space of two weeks.
Samuels reached for the bull rope at any opportunity, and whipped lashes across Rivera's back, before choking him as long as possible. But Rivera muscled his way free and replied with a Protect Ya Neck (Backdrop Driver). The tacks came out and the blood began to pour as they put each other through hell in and outside the ring. The fight escalated up the entrance ramp as they slugged it out with heavy right hands. Edging precariously close to the drop, Rivera tried launching Samuels off, right into the path of the watching fans below them, but the big man stopped in his tracks and managed to Lariat Rivera off, which saw both men flying ten feet to the floor below. Rivera was practically unconscious, but Samuels had just enough energy to throw his arm over and make the pin, as the Referee counted, and the inaugural Brass Knuckles Champion was crowned, in brutal circumstances. Medics rushed to ensure Rivera was ok, who later pulled himself to his feet, unsure whether the match was still going on or not, while Samuels slowly made his way to the ring and was presented with the belt. A just reward after three devastating matches in the space of two weeks.
Winner: Ryan Samuels (New, and first ever, Brass Knuckles Champion)
As the camera's honed in on the new champion, a recap of the night's action was discussed. A night in which three titles changed hands, and two were retained. Focus then shifted to next week's event, LIVE! From Albany, before an unusual reveal of some breaking news, as the card for two weeks time, LIVE! From Syracuse was also revealed. Finally, the evening came to a close, as Samuels retrieved his bull rope and lauded his success in front of a booing crowd.
As the camera's honed in on the new champion, a recap of the night's action was discussed. A night in which three titles changed hands, and two were retained. Focus then shifted to next week's event, LIVE! From Albany, before an unusual reveal of some breaking news, as the card for two weeks time, LIVE! From Syracuse was also revealed. Finally, the evening came to a close, as Samuels retrieved his bull rope and lauded his success in front of a booing crowd.