Post by Staff on Oct 12, 2024 19:38:05 GMT
LIVE! FROM THUNDER BAY: BLOOD & THUNDER
NIGHT ONE
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
PRE-RECORDED
The show begins with a short video, pre-recorded earlier in the day.
‘You guys must really think I love me some ladders.’
A low, foreboding piano beat starts behind Erik Holland’s voice as we open the scene and find our favourite sociopath seated criss-cross, with a ladder situated a few feet ahead of him. But the difference here is…
He’s sitting on top of a barn. A red barn that you would find visiting Centennial Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the site of Reel In The Gold 1 which Mr. Holland will be beating the shit out of himself in. The camera shot we’ve got frames the ladder perfectly on the ground several feet below Erik, as he chuckles wryly to himself.
Card in Boston, I’m in a ladder match. Here in Ontario, in Canada, absolutely PARACAUSAL territory where the name Erik Holland is spoken with fear and with reverence, i’m in a ladder match. Reel in the Gold 1. All I gotta do is climb a ladder and get a briefcase, according to the rules. I was never, uh, real GOOD with rules, remember? Shoot, I remember when I was institutionalised I was the last kid to get meals, last one to get to the extracurricular shit because the rich kids who got clapped up with me for sayin' somethin stupid on twitter liked to beat the shit out of me, trap me in my room, all that fun shit the orderlies never did a thing about. So rules started meaning dick to me. But of course, what’s going to happen in that match is a lot more..complicated than those little rules.
Every time Holland says the word rules, he makes the bunny marks in the air with his ragged fingers.
What’s going to happen is each and every one of us is going to have to endure 11 other people in this match doing the most heinous shit we could think of to do to each other with ladders and with whatever else we can get our hands on. We’re going to be dropped on ladders. We’re gonna be hit in the face with ladders. We’re gonna probably be thrown THROUGH some ladders. I might even BREAK MY BACK..again..because of a ladder. Lose two MORE years of my career. Have to push my in ring retirement to 2032 when we’ll be doing these fuckin’ shows by proxy with…artificial intelligence or some dumb space age shit..
Holland shakes his head, making the teased-up hair shake, as he stares down at the ladder almost taunting him from the ground.
Or maybe I don’t. Maybe I don’t just lick my wounds when I land on those ladders. Maybe I don’t trigger a fucking panic attack like the LAST time I landed on a ladder and thought everything was over for good that time. Maybe I get myself up, maybe I put a body or two through those ladders! Let em know how it feels, RIGHT!? Maybe I have that panic attack and then I sling a chair into somebody’s face instead of listening to every synapse in my brain that’s screaming –
VERY suddenly, the feed cuts to static and then recovers–with Erik Holland an uncomfortable distance to the camera–
RUN! GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE! IT’S HAPPENING AGAIN!!
Holland immediately covers his face with his hands, trembling hands, and takes a deep audible and ragged breath.
Because I know these good people who paid their hard earned money to see me come to Thunder Bay and take home a briefcase will go nuts when I unhook one from the structure above the ring. When I get the opportunity to challenge for any damn championship i want, and then it’ll be the champions’ turn to have a sleepless night, to break out in a cold sweat when you hear my name or you see my face! LADDERS will not stop me. LADDERS will hurt me, but they’ll never stop me. All they’ll do? Is MOTIVATE ME.
We cut straight to ringside for some fireworks and usual razzmatazz to kick off the show. The commentators run down the stacked card before the first match gets underway.
CAPE vs CAPE
LUCHAS DE APUESTAS MATCH
The Freedom Fighters v La Fracasada
Freedom Fighters were first out and reiterated their message that being true superheroes was not for feint-hearted. Holding yourself to a higher standard and fighting villainous men, women and non-binary people was tough. You can’t just wake up one day, put on a cape, and call yourself a hero. Tonight justice will prove that. Fracasada then appeared high up in the crowd, entering through the wave of fans before eventually making more whooshing noises as they jumped off the guard rail and into the ring. Jess yelled a big A-HA as they took off their masks as if it was some kind of big reveal but their elaborate entrance and shadow fighting pre-match was probably of the height of their evening as Freedom Fighters proceeded to beat them round the ring with ease. Avery helped them to a reprieve with an impressive, albeit illegal, aerial move, but she was swiftly ushered back onto the outside of the ring as Miss Liberty retook the lead for her team and they rounded it off with the Stars & Stripes (Miss Liberty setting up Jess in a Gory bomb position with Glory doing a Springboard cutter). They picked up Fracasada’s capes and threw them into the crowd before exiting to a cheer.
Winners: The Freedom Fighters
BACKSTAGE
Mad Max was on hand for interview. Emma Harrington, interviewer, could barely finish her sentence when Max interrupted. Let’s cut to the chase, she said. You’re going to ask me what my game plan is and which title, in an ideal world, I’ll be hoping to get a shot at? Emma stuttered. ‘Err.. yeh.’ ‘It's fine. I’ve watched this interview a couple of times already,’ she replied. Her strategy was simple, she added. Reach up and grab a briefcase when nobody was looking. Pretty straight forward tactic to be honest. But not just any briefcase. She’s going to grab the one with the Openweight Title contract. That’s the belt she wins in the future, so might as well fast track it to the present. Emma doesn’t really know what to say so Max just walks off, rolling her eyes.
IN THE RING
Undisputed Champion Vanessa Reckless was out to ‘greet’ the crowd. Rowen came with, and insisted they show some respect for the champ. Nessa got on the mic and waited for the jeers to die down before addressing them. Next week will mark over 300 days as Undisputed Champion. 304 days to be precise, when she next defends her title in one week’s time. 304 since The Reckless Era officially took over this company. And 304 days since she dethroned Kore Violet to take her rightful place at top of Five Lakes Wrestling. As impressive as that is, it will pale into insignificance as the number rises. Next week will just be another footnote in her legacy. Because while everyone heads to the ring, desperate to kill one another, she will pick them off one by one, and retain her title once more. These five men and women offer nothing that she needs to be wary of. Remember, she has already beaten Violet and Romero throughout this run. These losers are not in their league, so they’re certainly not in hers. Hell, she beat Colin Moriarty too and even he’s probably better than these talentless hacks. Let’s be real though. Anything can happen out there next week. It’s going to be chaotic, and wild, to say the least. But you can be sure of one thing. Vanessa ALWAYS wins. The Reckless Era has only just begun.
BACKSTAGE
Ozzy Havok, Wheeler Wilkes and Scarlett Howell are on hand for interview now. They’ve worked out a plan. They’re going to work together and get all the briefcases. Scarlett will grab them, while Ozzy and Wheeler fight everybody off with no shirts on. It’s a flawless plan. Then there’ll open them up and Ozzy will have the Brass Knuckles contract. Wheeler will take the Openweight, and Scarlett will secure the Television. She already rules the Internet (NAWL Internet Champion reference). She is the Queen of Podcasts. By this point they might as well call her the Fox Corporation because she’s taking over the whole media. Wheeler makes a joke about her being foxy but Harrington pulls a face in disgust. Emma asks what about the North American contract but Scarlett is quick to dive in - since her daughter, Corsen, is about to become North American champion they’ll be tearing that contract up, of course. No briefcase necessary there.
REEL IN THE GOLD 1
Four briefcases are placed on poles at every corner of the ring. Inside each one pertains a contract for a shot at either the Television, Brass Knuckles, Openweight, or North American Title. Reach up, grab one.
Scarlett Howell v Ozzy Havok v Wheeler Wilkes v Ginny Kayl v Madison Lewis v Kathryn Merteuil v Vivian Venture v Ai Akina v Mad Max v Erik Holland v Hideo Watanabe v David Striker v Kanaka Mauna
With all the competitors in the ring the briefcases were randomly hung on poles in each corner of the ring. Mad Max followed one in particular with her eyes and moved her body towards it, as if sensing it had something specific inside. Things got underway and the allegiance of Ozzy, Wheeler and Scarlett proved a formidable force to begin with until Kanaka Mauna and Erik Holland decided enough was enough and fought them off before just as Scarlett was reaching for a briefcase. Meanwhile Mad Max was setting herself up for the very same briefcase but every time somebody thwarted her, usually Ginny Kayl, who had one hand on a briefcase herself only to be sent flying into the crowd by Madison Lewis. Madison was in a strong position now, as was Ai Akina but Ozzy and Wheeler pulled them down and ensured they didn’t get their prize. Holland and Mauna were back as The Haunted took out Wheeler while Mauna went for Ozzy. Max was inches away from the case she’d been chasing when Madison Lewis pulled her down at the last second. Max was furious and lunged at her in rage. Meanwhile Mauna was lifting Havok up for a big Powerbomb but he somehow made use of the elevation and craftily unhooked a briefcase, before bashing it across the face of the big Hawaiian. Mad Max meanwhile watched all this going on from outside the ring and was furious that he’d secured the exact briefcase she was interested in! She locked eyes on Madz, who in her eyes was to blame for altering the course of time! Holland was next to get hold of one, taking advantage of an empty ring to earn himself a contract with some intelligent timing. Wheeler and Scarlett were going toe to toe with Akina and Ginny now as Max shrugged her shoulders and climbed up onto the turnbuckle whilst nobody was looking to get one of the other briefcases. With just one left it was everyone for themselves and a chaotic scramble for the final case as Wheeler tossed Ginny onto the outside. Striker sent him flying after her, but a chair shot to the back and he was down too. Akina got a hold of Scarlett and sent her packing, setting up a ladder for the final case but as she was half way up the steps Vivian Venture reappeared from nowhere, picked up the same chair, and clobbered round her head. Akina fell backwards leaving Venture unopposed to ascend. Madison Lewis was first on her feet and had enough time to probably prevent her only to be clattered from behind by a head shot. Standing over her was Mad Max, laughing hysterically as Venture continued up the steps and unhooked the final case bringing the match to an end. Max shrugged, she had what she probably needed, and walked off, as the four victors stood on top of the ramp.
Winners: Ozzy Havok, Mad Max, Erik Holland, Vivian Venture (Contracts to be revealed later in the night)
BACKSTAGE
Stephanie Page stands in front of the camera, a smug smile on her face.
"Five Lakes Wrestling, you're welcome. I’m Stephanie Page, the woman who's about to bring real beauty and class to this place. You’ve all been stuck watching mediocrity, but that's about to change. I’m not just a pretty face—I’m the total package: beauty, brains, and dominance in the ring. My mission? To cleanse this company, one ugly person at a time. So, to anyone who thinks they can step up to me: you're not on my level. Prepare to witness The Glamorous One take over."
She smirks and walks off confidently.
IN THE RING
AJ Rivera was out now, mic in hand. The crowd were pumped to see him and he seemed to enjoy his new found popularity. I’ve been here since day one, he told them. Fighting tooth and nail against the best this business has to offer, and also some of the worst. Many names have come and gone in that time. And most jumped on the Five Lakes bandwagon, cashing in as soon as this place was growing in popularity. Not me. I came here when it was a tiny little promotion doing small arenas in Ohio. So when these bullshitters tell you the Undisputed Title means something to them, it doesn’t. It’s another line on their resume. Another bragging right. Big Papi is gonna take that belt and make it mean something again. The One True King deserves his crown, and he’s going to get it.
SINGLES MATCH
Stephanie Page v Tatum Valkyria
Out came newcomer Stephanie Page. The Page name is by now synonymous with large parts of the professional wrestling landscape, and the Great Lakes scene is no different, with cousin Tiff a household name already in this area, Naturally though, the crowd had gotten wind of the connection, and voiced their disapproval of Steph as she entered the ring for her debut. Like her cousin, she cared not what they thought, rising above it with an air of confidence and arrogance. Tatum was no stranger to the Five Lakes scene herself though and was met with a largely positive response on this occasion. She didn't really acknowledge it though, mostly focused on the task at hand and her focus paid off as she took an early advantage, exciting the fans with her ring awareness. Page rallied back, proving there was more to her abilities than meets the eye, but as Tatum regained control an unknown woman jumped the guardrail and attacked her from behind. Stephanie joined in to support in what was clearly a planned attack, as they beat the helpless Brit down, before leaving the ring together looking satisfued wit their work.
Winner: Tatum Valkyria (by disquaification)
BACKSTAGE
Ozzy Havok, Mad Max, Erik Holland, Vivian Venture are backstage with their briefcases. Max urges Ozzy to swap with her, insistent that it’s what they both want. ‘What the hell..’ he says, and the exchange is made. Emma Harrington, Five Lakes interviewer, is over seeing proceedings. Vivian opens hers first, to reveal a shot at the North American Title. She has a message for whoever holds that belt. Who is the champion again? She asks. Emma tries to answer but she cuts her off. Whoever he or she or they are, it won’t be for long! She ruled the seas once and now she’ll rule the Great Lakes. After all, she was a Captain. Ozzy Havok is next. It’s a Brass Knuckles Title shot and he’s pretty excited. He can’t wait to throw down. Mad Max doesn’t hang around. She tells everyone what it is before she’s even opened the case. An Openweight Title shot. ‘Oh no, so unexpected,’ she says, sarcastically. Erik Holland rounds it off by revealing his Television Title shot. He says he’ll be paying close attention to who comes through these next two shows, as we cut to ringside for the first of those match ups.
Summary..
Ozzy Havok wins a Brass Knuckles Title shot
Vivian Venture wins a North American Title shot
Erik Holland wins a Television Title shot
Mad Max wins an Openweight Title shot
TELEVISION TITLE NO. 1 CONTENDERS MATCH
Marisol Vilaro v Serenity Holmes
An old rivalry renewed here as former Undisputed Tag Team and North American Champion Vilaro seeks an opportunity to become a Triple Crown Champion, a feat currently achieved by only one person (Jack McGrath). Serenity has been edging closer and closer to her own taste of glory and victory here would be another step in the right direction for the serial trophy hunter. It was Vilaro though that got the upper hand, eager to get a shot at the Television Title, knowing full well a five match retention with it would get her a shot back at her beloved North American Championship. Serenity though, urged on by the crowd, dug deep to snatch the victory with a Red Bottoms (Diving Double Foot Stomp to the back of the opponent's head). Her resilience paid off, as she rolled out the ring and celebrated with the fans, winking at the camera and signifying a belt would soon be around her waist. Meanwhile Vilaro pulled herself to her feet and complained to the Referee over what she considered to be a dangerous and illegal move. This rivalry, you suspect, will linger on.
Winner: Serenity Holmes (Number One Contender to the Television Title)
BACKSTAGE
We see Openweight Champion Ichabod Thrasher and his tag team partner Weston Lovejoy walking through the backstage halls. The crowd watching on the big screen let out a huge cheer, as they come face to face with Noa Skye and Silas Romero. A brief, silent stare down between them all momentarily takes place. Ich breaks the silence to say, ‘we doing this again, bro’. Silas says he wants a fair fight this time, and he knows Ich will give him one. Ich says Weston will be there to make sure. Silas says Noa will too before they go their separate ways.
IN THE RING
Ryan Samuels comes out to a mixed reception. If anything, the crowd are cheering more than anything else, much to his surprise. He takes it all in, smiling at the response. 'These fools all chatting this and that about who the best is, who the worst it, how they deserve it. Ain’t nobody deserve a god damn thing more than anyone else. In this business you gotta reach up and grab those opportunities when they come your way, and that’s what the Midwest Nightmare doing.'
The crowd popped. He was being real, and honest. He'd had some beef with Rivera, and Raynes, in the past, but with everything going on it had paled into the background. Samuels seemed surprised at the wave of support. But with Reckless, Page and Duke in the match it was hardly surprising. The fans craved a hero. Raynes, while not loathed, had never be taken to. He was lukewarm at best, with the fans. Antihero Rivera had reluctantly endeared himself to the fans, but with all these focused, relentless characters in the mix Samuels found himself something of an unlikely beacon of hope. He carried on, comparing himself to a throwback of years gone back, someone who will bring great matches and old school rasslin' back to the Five Lakes, before taking off his hat, as a mark of respect, and exiting.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Andrew Garrison v Trash Oddity
After a couple of skirmishes these two got to settle their differences in the most brutal circumstances possible. A tasty back and forth wound up in the backstage area, dismantling the catering in doing so. Poor Edna the cook took an accidental clothesline and is fighting for her life in hospital but the show must go on as Garrison sealed brutal and bloody affair with his G Bomb onto the concrete.
Winner: Andrew Garrison
IN THE RING
Tiffany Lynn Page comes out to the ring. The crowd hate her, and are letting her know about it but she doesn't care. If anything it boosts her confidence. 'Rivera wants to come out here and talk about how he’s been here since day one. I’ve been here since day one too,' she says. I wrestled those shitty towns, in their shitty arenas. Me? I know! A global wrestling star. I'm not like these lower class rookie street thugs (clearly a reference to Rivera). 'I was the first ever Television Champion. I beat about thirty people for that belt. Now it gets tossed around like a.. like a cheap salad. I elevated the North American title into something Frank James and the fans would never have imagined. I could be selling out arenas all around the world. I’m a Page. I’m Tiffany Lynn Page. But I am here and I continue to sprinkle my star dust over this company and make it into what it is now. Frank James should be thanking me. Rivera, Reckless. You should thank all be thanking me. If I hadn’t stepped foot in this company it would have gone out of business a long time ago. Either that or you’d still be watching nobodies like Patti Rose and Sally Lambert each week. Next week everything will come full circle, and the person who made this company what it is will get her flowers. Forget the Reckless Era, time for the Page Era!'
BACKSTAGE
Ginny Kayl is speaking with a couple of wrestlers backstage. Tonight didn't go her way and she's visibly disappointed. She keeps coming up close but can't get a big win over the line. Vivian Venture appears, fanning herself with her North American Title contract. She unravels it to read it aloud, in front of Ginny. She says she's going to do what Ginny could't do, and win that title. The Kayl name is trash. The Renton name means nothing. But the Venture name is synonymous with success, and she's about to get fast tracked to stardom in this company. Kayl has to be restrained, as Venture walks off laughing to herself.
STREET FIGHT
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Noa Skye v Anya LeBeaux v Wendy Wynne
These three savages may seem innocent and friendly (at least in the case of Anya and Noa) but each of them had one eye on a Brass Knuckles Title shot, which in effect made this a war. Anya seemed to display an unnatural pain threshold to recover from a face full of Wendy's spinning heel kick. The Princess of Pain was eager to latch on the The Lamb’s Sacrifice at any opportunity, but she was unable to get the hold long enough. Naturally, she riled up the Wicked Witch from the opening bell, who seemed irrational to say the least when anyone hit her with a foreign object, despite this literally being the rules. What’s more she bought a barbed wire broomstick to the ring with her but didn't think twice about using it. To her credit she was a difficult opponent, often going missing for several minutes at a time before leaping on one of her unexpected opponents from an unusual vantage point. The equally excellently named Leader of the Lost (Noa Skye) amongst other catchy monikers, was just as maniacal came to putting her body on the line, suicide diving off any lifted platform. The extra-terrestrial high flyer was a threat throighout, but came a cropper with her daredevil antics. The crowd didn’t want this to end but an ill-fated Diving Senton onto the concrete was capitalised by Anya for The Trojan Horse and a huge win.
Winner: Anya Lebeaux
IN THE RING
Andrew Raynes heads out to the ring. Like his upcoming opponents, he has things he wants to get off his chest. The reception is mixed, as ever with The Toughest Out. His stoic and battle-hardened demeanour make him a hit with the purists, but there are many that can't take to him.
Since everyone else out here is massaging their egos, maybe I’ll say a few things, he says. Everyone walks into every match with the same mindset and the same attitude. Every one got the same humble brag and sob story and quite frankly it’s tiring. We all worked hard to get here, and at this level we’re all pretty good at what we do. Even Rivera, on his day, can probably put up a good fight. But I’m different to those fools. I can be real, and tell you that next week is going to be chaos. You could eliminate four people and still lose the title. It’s going to be brutal, and unforgiving. But most of all it’s gonna be fun. I’m gonna kick the shit out of each and every one of those men and women and leave my mark on that match. One on one I can beat everyone of those motherfuckers. But I know in a match like this you gotta have eyes in the back of your head and fight smart, more than you fight tough. I will do what I need to do to last as long as possible and give myself to beat opportunity to secure that belt. That’s what being The Toughest Out is. Not giving in to the situation or showing weakness, but adapting to the environment. Survival of the fittest. When I say I will take home that belt I truly believe it. Do they? I'm not so sure.
BACKSTAGE
Wendy Wynne is furious. She doesn't want to understand the rules of a Triple Threat match. How can you lose and not be pinned? It's farcical. Clearly these are rules set up by Frank James and the Five Lakes media team to ensure she doesn't win. As the greatest wrestler that ever lived she's being held back. Maybe they love an underdog story here in Five Lakes, she says. An opportunity for the losers of this world to succeed. Well no more. NO! MORE!
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH
Gwen Margolis (c) v Zara Walker
Best friends Gwen and Zara had to put their friendship to one side for the Television Title here. Adamant this wouldn’t come between them they embraced before the bell but an early series of exchanges put Gwen on the back foot. When they broke the crowd cheered and Gwen let out a smile, seemingly surprised and shocked at how Zara had managed to get the better of her. She upped her game in response and starter to dominate, a clear message to her friend and everyone watching. The camera cut to the backstage area where Serenity Holmes was watching the match on a screen in catering. Zara switched things up though and regained the lead. With moments to spare she hit the Crunch Time (Piledriver) and it looked to be over but Gwen miraculously kicked out and the match was over. So close for Zara, but Gwen's resilience had paid off.
Winner: Time Limit Draw (Gwen Margolis retains the Television Title)
BACKSTAGE
The new Number One Contender to the Television Title Serenity Holmes was being interviewed. She was full of praise for both Zara Walker and Gwen Margolis. Either one of them would have been a formidable opponent for her next week, but as it stands she's going to face Gwen, which is good because they were the last two remaining in the Open Battle Royal last month. Gwen got the better of her that night, and she's proven to be a good champion in that time since. But its Serenity's time now, and she's ready to right that wrong.
BACKSTAGE
After a short break Zara Walker was on hand for interview. She was surprisingly upbeat despite not winning the title. She said she proved that she belonged amongst the best, with her recent performances. It is what it is, she's not far away from greatness. Gwen Margolis then appeared and they hugged it out. Gwen said Zara will be a champion here soon, she knows it. As for her, it's onto next week and another showdown with Serenity. She's ready to go again, ready to take on all comers. That's what being a Television Champion is all about.
IN THE RING
Duke Andrews is next up. The jeers for Duke are almost as big as Page's but there's a minority that seem pleased to see him. He doesn't acknowledge the crowd either way. He has a mic in hand and is only interested in getting his message across. 'People wanna talk about who’s winning this match. Well I’m here to tell you isn’t winning it. Me and Tiff, we’re here to make sure it’s just us to left standing at the end. What we’re gonna do then is nobody's business but our own? Fight each other, me lay down, she lays down, rock paper scissors.. It don’t matter. By that point we’ll have proved to everyone that WE are the best in the business. That’s why we’re together. Nobody else is on our level. Rivera wants to play the race card, trying to get the fans on his side. Fuck him and fuck the fans. I don’t need their approval. Raynes is one of the good ones. I’m glad he got his shot, in a way. We were a good team. Hell we're still are a good team. Ain’t no championship getting between us. This is business. I already showed Reckless how this is gonna go down. And the cowboy? About time someone shut his mouth.' He threw down the mic and exited, the crowd jeering as he went.
HEADLINER
OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
NO DISQUALIFICATION
Ichabod Thrasher (c) v Silas Romero
Once again these two find themselves doing battle, and for the second week running it’s Ichabod's Openweight Title on the line. This time around, in order to protect themselves from outside interference, there would be no disqualifications. With Noa Skye, Weston Lovejoy and a few other allies on the outside of the ring they could fight their fight, shake hands, and go home afterwards.
From the moment the bell rang, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical match. Thrasher and Romero immediately squared off, their eyes locked in a cold, unrelenting stare as they circled each other. The first exchange was a sharp, testing series of strikes—Thrasher firing off a leg kick, Romero answering with a stiff elbow, both men gauging the other’s intent. The match quickly spilled to the outside as the action intensified, with the no disqualification stipulation coming into play in subtle, brutal ways.
Thrasher drove Romero back against the guardrail with a vicious series of kicks, following up with a stiff knee to the midsection. As Romero doubled over, Thrasher grabbed a nearby chair, but instead of wild swings, he placed it against Romero’s back and delivered a crushing knee strike into the steel, sending Romero crashing into the floor. Thrasher briefly looked to the crowd, his confidence showing, but Romero, ever resilient, quickly fought back with a low sweep, sending Thrasher to the ground.
The fight continued around the ringside area, both men exchanging blows in a gritty, no-nonsense style. Romero grabbed a chain from under the ring, wrapping it around his forearm before launching himself at Thrasher, hitting him with a devastating forearm shot. Thrasher staggered but managed to pull himself together, responding with a sharp kick to Romero’s ribs, sending him stumbling into the ring post.
Back inside the ring, both men seemed even more determined to outlast the other. Thrasher locked in a deep leglock, trying to wear Romero down, but Romero, showing his veteran instincts, grabbed the same chain and used it to rake across Thrasher’s face, breaking the hold. Romero then looked to finish it with a ripcord knee strike, but Thrasher countered with a spinning back kick that sent Romero into the ropes.
As the match drew closer to its end, both men were exhausted but refused to relent. Thrasher, with one last burst of energy, went for his Abandon All Hope jumping piledriver, but Romero slipped out at the last second. With incredible quickness, Romero locked in his Arkham Asylum crossface in the center of the ring. Thrasher fought, clawing toward the ropes out of instinct, but there was no chance. Romero cinched it in deeper, and after a final struggle, Thrasher tapped, bringing an end to the intense, hard-fought battle.
Winner: Silas Romero (New Openweight Champion)
IN THE RING
Romero celebrates, satisfied that he has achieved what he set out to do and in doing so becomes only the second person to become a Triple Crown champion in Five Lakes Wrestling, the first of which to do so having held a Tag Title in that process. He wrapped both his belts around his waist as Thrasher slumps up the ramp, disappointed in defeat. Before he gets to the top he (Silas) takes to the mic. Romero tells him to hold up. Tonight he got the better of him. Last time around Thrasher got the better of Romero, but it wasn't a fair fight, and Ich gave him the courtesy of a rematch. Romero says it's only right he does the same. But tonight there was no interference, so he wants to even things up in his favour. Next week they can do it once more. Maybe for the final time.. who knows. But the balls in his court now. So it's going to be Silas Romero versus Ichabod Thrasher AGAIN. For the Openweight Title AGAIN. Only this time, it's a Submission match. He joked, that after tonight he'd understand if Ich didn't want that match. Ich looks around the cheering the crowd and gives him a thumbs up. The match is made. AGAIN.
MAIN EVENT
UNDISPUTED TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Myra Rivers & Chelsea LeClair (c) vs. Kore Violet & Colin Moriarty
The bell rang for tonight's main event, and immediately the action kicked into high gear. Myra Rivers and Kore Violet started off, exchanging stiff forearms in the centre of the ring, each shot echoing throughout the arena. Myra, showing her technical prowess, ducked under a wild strike from Kore and whipped her into the ropes, catching her with a lightning-fast dropkick to the chest. Kore, undeterred, popped right back up, grabbing Myra for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, followed quickly by a dragon sleeper attempt, but Myra countered with a slick reversal into an arm drag.
The pace didn’t let up for a second. Myra tagged in Chelsea LeClair, and the two hit Kore with a double suplex that rattled the mat. Chelsea immediately followed up with a running cross-body, but Kore rolled through and tagged in Colin Moriarty. Colin stormed in, and Chelsea, undaunted, launched herself at him with a flying forearm. Colin barely budged, shaking it off before scooping Chelsea up for a massive powerslam. He went for an early cover, but Chelsea kicked out at two, showcasing her resilience.
Colin continued his brutal offence, hitting Chelsea with a series of heavy strikes, culminating in a running shoulder tackle that sent her crashing into the corner. With Chelsea dazed, Colin tagged Kore back in. Kore sprinted across the ring and nailed Chelsea with a running knee to the head, going for the pin, but Chelsea kicked out at two and a half. Kore quickly dragged Chelsea to her feet and hit a stiff snap suplex, keeping the pressure on.
Chelsea, clearly in trouble, fought back with everything she had, hitting a desperation Jersey Drop (Diamond Cutter) out of nowhere, sending Kore to the mat. Chelsea crawled over and tagged in Myra, who came in hot, hitting Kore with a series of quick kicks followed by a running knee strike. Myra then hoisted Kore up for a Rebel Bomb (Widow’s Peak), but Colin entered the ring to break it up.
Myra wasn’t backing down, though. She dodged Colin’s clothesline and hit him with a corkscrew neckbreaker that sent the big man reeling. As Colin staggered, Myra and Chelsea hit a double-team dropkick, sending Colin tumbling to the outside. Myra, with fire in her eyes, tagged Chelsea back in, and the two began to focus their attack on Kore.
Kore, however, was quick on her feet. She countered a double clothesline attempt from the champions with a spinning headscissors, sending Chelsea into Myra, knocking Myra out of the ring. Kore then hit Chelsea with a VIOLET FIRE (Tilt-a-Whirl Dragon Sleeper), wrenching back hard, but Chelsea refused to tap, fighting her way to the ropes.
Sensing a shift in momentum, Colin re-entered the ring after tagging in, blasting Chelsea with a running knee to the midsection. With Chelsea gasping for air, Colin set her up for the PALE HAND OF DEATH (Sitout Chokeslam), but Myra made the save at the last second, breaking up the pin with a missile dropkick from the top rope.
All four wrestlers were in the ring now, chaos ensuing as the match continued at a breakneck pace. Myra and Chelsea managed to isolate Kore after a flurry of strikes, hitting her with a tandem suplex. Myra then hit the Rebel Splash (630 splash) on Kore, but Colin, with perfect timing, yanked Myra out of the ring before the three-count.
Chelsea, sensing an opportunity, went to the top rope, but as she leaped for her CANCELLED! (Corkscrew Moonsault), Colin slid in, catching her mid-air and slamming her to the mat with a huge Spinebuster! Colin quickly dragged Kore over to Chelsea, and she capitalized, rolling Chelsea up with a handful of tights. The referee counted three as Kore and Colin snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat in an insanely close, action-packed match!
Winners: Kore Violet & Colin Moriarty (New Undisputed Tag Team Champions)
Myra and Chelsea were devastated, shocked at how they'd managed to lose if anything. Their eight month reign was, right now, the longest by far in Five Lakes short history, and without question they had taken the tag division to new heights. In time, they might look back on it with pride, maybe even a fondness. But tonight that was no consolation, as they stood speechless in the centre of the ring. Myra took Chelsea by the head and pulled her in tight, ever the mentor, and uttered a few words into her ear. Chelsea nodded in agreement and they both clapped the fans. Kore and Colin meanwhile grabbed hold of the belts and made their way to the entrance ramp, Therefore I Am blasting over the speaker. Colin grabbed ahold of his wife and passionately kissed her, as they simultaneously raised their belts in their air for the lasting image of the night.
NIGHT ONE
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
PRE-RECORDED
The show begins with a short video, pre-recorded earlier in the day.
‘You guys must really think I love me some ladders.’
A low, foreboding piano beat starts behind Erik Holland’s voice as we open the scene and find our favourite sociopath seated criss-cross, with a ladder situated a few feet ahead of him. But the difference here is…
He’s sitting on top of a barn. A red barn that you would find visiting Centennial Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the site of Reel In The Gold 1 which Mr. Holland will be beating the shit out of himself in. The camera shot we’ve got frames the ladder perfectly on the ground several feet below Erik, as he chuckles wryly to himself.
Card in Boston, I’m in a ladder match. Here in Ontario, in Canada, absolutely PARACAUSAL territory where the name Erik Holland is spoken with fear and with reverence, i’m in a ladder match. Reel in the Gold 1. All I gotta do is climb a ladder and get a briefcase, according to the rules. I was never, uh, real GOOD with rules, remember? Shoot, I remember when I was institutionalised I was the last kid to get meals, last one to get to the extracurricular shit because the rich kids who got clapped up with me for sayin' somethin stupid on twitter liked to beat the shit out of me, trap me in my room, all that fun shit the orderlies never did a thing about. So rules started meaning dick to me. But of course, what’s going to happen in that match is a lot more..complicated than those little rules.
Every time Holland says the word rules, he makes the bunny marks in the air with his ragged fingers.
What’s going to happen is each and every one of us is going to have to endure 11 other people in this match doing the most heinous shit we could think of to do to each other with ladders and with whatever else we can get our hands on. We’re going to be dropped on ladders. We’re gonna be hit in the face with ladders. We’re gonna probably be thrown THROUGH some ladders. I might even BREAK MY BACK..again..because of a ladder. Lose two MORE years of my career. Have to push my in ring retirement to 2032 when we’ll be doing these fuckin’ shows by proxy with…artificial intelligence or some dumb space age shit..
Holland shakes his head, making the teased-up hair shake, as he stares down at the ladder almost taunting him from the ground.
Or maybe I don’t. Maybe I don’t just lick my wounds when I land on those ladders. Maybe I don’t trigger a fucking panic attack like the LAST time I landed on a ladder and thought everything was over for good that time. Maybe I get myself up, maybe I put a body or two through those ladders! Let em know how it feels, RIGHT!? Maybe I have that panic attack and then I sling a chair into somebody’s face instead of listening to every synapse in my brain that’s screaming –
VERY suddenly, the feed cuts to static and then recovers–with Erik Holland an uncomfortable distance to the camera–
RUN! GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE! IT’S HAPPENING AGAIN!!
Holland immediately covers his face with his hands, trembling hands, and takes a deep audible and ragged breath.
Because I know these good people who paid their hard earned money to see me come to Thunder Bay and take home a briefcase will go nuts when I unhook one from the structure above the ring. When I get the opportunity to challenge for any damn championship i want, and then it’ll be the champions’ turn to have a sleepless night, to break out in a cold sweat when you hear my name or you see my face! LADDERS will not stop me. LADDERS will hurt me, but they’ll never stop me. All they’ll do? Is MOTIVATE ME.
We cut straight to ringside for some fireworks and usual razzmatazz to kick off the show. The commentators run down the stacked card before the first match gets underway.
CAPE vs CAPE
LUCHAS DE APUESTAS MATCH
The Freedom Fighters v La Fracasada
Freedom Fighters were first out and reiterated their message that being true superheroes was not for feint-hearted. Holding yourself to a higher standard and fighting villainous men, women and non-binary people was tough. You can’t just wake up one day, put on a cape, and call yourself a hero. Tonight justice will prove that. Fracasada then appeared high up in the crowd, entering through the wave of fans before eventually making more whooshing noises as they jumped off the guard rail and into the ring. Jess yelled a big A-HA as they took off their masks as if it was some kind of big reveal but their elaborate entrance and shadow fighting pre-match was probably of the height of their evening as Freedom Fighters proceeded to beat them round the ring with ease. Avery helped them to a reprieve with an impressive, albeit illegal, aerial move, but she was swiftly ushered back onto the outside of the ring as Miss Liberty retook the lead for her team and they rounded it off with the Stars & Stripes (Miss Liberty setting up Jess in a Gory bomb position with Glory doing a Springboard cutter). They picked up Fracasada’s capes and threw them into the crowd before exiting to a cheer.
Winners: The Freedom Fighters
BACKSTAGE
Mad Max was on hand for interview. Emma Harrington, interviewer, could barely finish her sentence when Max interrupted. Let’s cut to the chase, she said. You’re going to ask me what my game plan is and which title, in an ideal world, I’ll be hoping to get a shot at? Emma stuttered. ‘Err.. yeh.’ ‘It's fine. I’ve watched this interview a couple of times already,’ she replied. Her strategy was simple, she added. Reach up and grab a briefcase when nobody was looking. Pretty straight forward tactic to be honest. But not just any briefcase. She’s going to grab the one with the Openweight Title contract. That’s the belt she wins in the future, so might as well fast track it to the present. Emma doesn’t really know what to say so Max just walks off, rolling her eyes.
IN THE RING
Undisputed Champion Vanessa Reckless was out to ‘greet’ the crowd. Rowen came with, and insisted they show some respect for the champ. Nessa got on the mic and waited for the jeers to die down before addressing them. Next week will mark over 300 days as Undisputed Champion. 304 days to be precise, when she next defends her title in one week’s time. 304 since The Reckless Era officially took over this company. And 304 days since she dethroned Kore Violet to take her rightful place at top of Five Lakes Wrestling. As impressive as that is, it will pale into insignificance as the number rises. Next week will just be another footnote in her legacy. Because while everyone heads to the ring, desperate to kill one another, she will pick them off one by one, and retain her title once more. These five men and women offer nothing that she needs to be wary of. Remember, she has already beaten Violet and Romero throughout this run. These losers are not in their league, so they’re certainly not in hers. Hell, she beat Colin Moriarty too and even he’s probably better than these talentless hacks. Let’s be real though. Anything can happen out there next week. It’s going to be chaotic, and wild, to say the least. But you can be sure of one thing. Vanessa ALWAYS wins. The Reckless Era has only just begun.
BACKSTAGE
Ozzy Havok, Wheeler Wilkes and Scarlett Howell are on hand for interview now. They’ve worked out a plan. They’re going to work together and get all the briefcases. Scarlett will grab them, while Ozzy and Wheeler fight everybody off with no shirts on. It’s a flawless plan. Then there’ll open them up and Ozzy will have the Brass Knuckles contract. Wheeler will take the Openweight, and Scarlett will secure the Television. She already rules the Internet (NAWL Internet Champion reference). She is the Queen of Podcasts. By this point they might as well call her the Fox Corporation because she’s taking over the whole media. Wheeler makes a joke about her being foxy but Harrington pulls a face in disgust. Emma asks what about the North American contract but Scarlett is quick to dive in - since her daughter, Corsen, is about to become North American champion they’ll be tearing that contract up, of course. No briefcase necessary there.
REEL IN THE GOLD 1
Four briefcases are placed on poles at every corner of the ring. Inside each one pertains a contract for a shot at either the Television, Brass Knuckles, Openweight, or North American Title. Reach up, grab one.
Scarlett Howell v Ozzy Havok v Wheeler Wilkes v Ginny Kayl v Madison Lewis v Kathryn Merteuil v Vivian Venture v Ai Akina v Mad Max v Erik Holland v Hideo Watanabe v David Striker v Kanaka Mauna
With all the competitors in the ring the briefcases were randomly hung on poles in each corner of the ring. Mad Max followed one in particular with her eyes and moved her body towards it, as if sensing it had something specific inside. Things got underway and the allegiance of Ozzy, Wheeler and Scarlett proved a formidable force to begin with until Kanaka Mauna and Erik Holland decided enough was enough and fought them off before just as Scarlett was reaching for a briefcase. Meanwhile Mad Max was setting herself up for the very same briefcase but every time somebody thwarted her, usually Ginny Kayl, who had one hand on a briefcase herself only to be sent flying into the crowd by Madison Lewis. Madison was in a strong position now, as was Ai Akina but Ozzy and Wheeler pulled them down and ensured they didn’t get their prize. Holland and Mauna were back as The Haunted took out Wheeler while Mauna went for Ozzy. Max was inches away from the case she’d been chasing when Madison Lewis pulled her down at the last second. Max was furious and lunged at her in rage. Meanwhile Mauna was lifting Havok up for a big Powerbomb but he somehow made use of the elevation and craftily unhooked a briefcase, before bashing it across the face of the big Hawaiian. Mad Max meanwhile watched all this going on from outside the ring and was furious that he’d secured the exact briefcase she was interested in! She locked eyes on Madz, who in her eyes was to blame for altering the course of time! Holland was next to get hold of one, taking advantage of an empty ring to earn himself a contract with some intelligent timing. Wheeler and Scarlett were going toe to toe with Akina and Ginny now as Max shrugged her shoulders and climbed up onto the turnbuckle whilst nobody was looking to get one of the other briefcases. With just one left it was everyone for themselves and a chaotic scramble for the final case as Wheeler tossed Ginny onto the outside. Striker sent him flying after her, but a chair shot to the back and he was down too. Akina got a hold of Scarlett and sent her packing, setting up a ladder for the final case but as she was half way up the steps Vivian Venture reappeared from nowhere, picked up the same chair, and clobbered round her head. Akina fell backwards leaving Venture unopposed to ascend. Madison Lewis was first on her feet and had enough time to probably prevent her only to be clattered from behind by a head shot. Standing over her was Mad Max, laughing hysterically as Venture continued up the steps and unhooked the final case bringing the match to an end. Max shrugged, she had what she probably needed, and walked off, as the four victors stood on top of the ramp.
Winners: Ozzy Havok, Mad Max, Erik Holland, Vivian Venture (Contracts to be revealed later in the night)
BACKSTAGE
Stephanie Page stands in front of the camera, a smug smile on her face.
"Five Lakes Wrestling, you're welcome. I’m Stephanie Page, the woman who's about to bring real beauty and class to this place. You’ve all been stuck watching mediocrity, but that's about to change. I’m not just a pretty face—I’m the total package: beauty, brains, and dominance in the ring. My mission? To cleanse this company, one ugly person at a time. So, to anyone who thinks they can step up to me: you're not on my level. Prepare to witness The Glamorous One take over."
She smirks and walks off confidently.
IN THE RING
AJ Rivera was out now, mic in hand. The crowd were pumped to see him and he seemed to enjoy his new found popularity. I’ve been here since day one, he told them. Fighting tooth and nail against the best this business has to offer, and also some of the worst. Many names have come and gone in that time. And most jumped on the Five Lakes bandwagon, cashing in as soon as this place was growing in popularity. Not me. I came here when it was a tiny little promotion doing small arenas in Ohio. So when these bullshitters tell you the Undisputed Title means something to them, it doesn’t. It’s another line on their resume. Another bragging right. Big Papi is gonna take that belt and make it mean something again. The One True King deserves his crown, and he’s going to get it.
SINGLES MATCH
Stephanie Page v Tatum Valkyria
Out came newcomer Stephanie Page. The Page name is by now synonymous with large parts of the professional wrestling landscape, and the Great Lakes scene is no different, with cousin Tiff a household name already in this area, Naturally though, the crowd had gotten wind of the connection, and voiced their disapproval of Steph as she entered the ring for her debut. Like her cousin, she cared not what they thought, rising above it with an air of confidence and arrogance. Tatum was no stranger to the Five Lakes scene herself though and was met with a largely positive response on this occasion. She didn't really acknowledge it though, mostly focused on the task at hand and her focus paid off as she took an early advantage, exciting the fans with her ring awareness. Page rallied back, proving there was more to her abilities than meets the eye, but as Tatum regained control an unknown woman jumped the guardrail and attacked her from behind. Stephanie joined in to support in what was clearly a planned attack, as they beat the helpless Brit down, before leaving the ring together looking satisfued wit their work.
Winner: Tatum Valkyria (by disquaification)
BACKSTAGE
Ozzy Havok, Mad Max, Erik Holland, Vivian Venture are backstage with their briefcases. Max urges Ozzy to swap with her, insistent that it’s what they both want. ‘What the hell..’ he says, and the exchange is made. Emma Harrington, Five Lakes interviewer, is over seeing proceedings. Vivian opens hers first, to reveal a shot at the North American Title. She has a message for whoever holds that belt. Who is the champion again? She asks. Emma tries to answer but she cuts her off. Whoever he or she or they are, it won’t be for long! She ruled the seas once and now she’ll rule the Great Lakes. After all, she was a Captain. Ozzy Havok is next. It’s a Brass Knuckles Title shot and he’s pretty excited. He can’t wait to throw down. Mad Max doesn’t hang around. She tells everyone what it is before she’s even opened the case. An Openweight Title shot. ‘Oh no, so unexpected,’ she says, sarcastically. Erik Holland rounds it off by revealing his Television Title shot. He says he’ll be paying close attention to who comes through these next two shows, as we cut to ringside for the first of those match ups.
Summary..
Ozzy Havok wins a Brass Knuckles Title shot
Vivian Venture wins a North American Title shot
Erik Holland wins a Television Title shot
Mad Max wins an Openweight Title shot
TELEVISION TITLE NO. 1 CONTENDERS MATCH
Marisol Vilaro v Serenity Holmes
An old rivalry renewed here as former Undisputed Tag Team and North American Champion Vilaro seeks an opportunity to become a Triple Crown Champion, a feat currently achieved by only one person (Jack McGrath). Serenity has been edging closer and closer to her own taste of glory and victory here would be another step in the right direction for the serial trophy hunter. It was Vilaro though that got the upper hand, eager to get a shot at the Television Title, knowing full well a five match retention with it would get her a shot back at her beloved North American Championship. Serenity though, urged on by the crowd, dug deep to snatch the victory with a Red Bottoms (Diving Double Foot Stomp to the back of the opponent's head). Her resilience paid off, as she rolled out the ring and celebrated with the fans, winking at the camera and signifying a belt would soon be around her waist. Meanwhile Vilaro pulled herself to her feet and complained to the Referee over what she considered to be a dangerous and illegal move. This rivalry, you suspect, will linger on.
Winner: Serenity Holmes (Number One Contender to the Television Title)
BACKSTAGE
We see Openweight Champion Ichabod Thrasher and his tag team partner Weston Lovejoy walking through the backstage halls. The crowd watching on the big screen let out a huge cheer, as they come face to face with Noa Skye and Silas Romero. A brief, silent stare down between them all momentarily takes place. Ich breaks the silence to say, ‘we doing this again, bro’. Silas says he wants a fair fight this time, and he knows Ich will give him one. Ich says Weston will be there to make sure. Silas says Noa will too before they go their separate ways.
IN THE RING
Ryan Samuels comes out to a mixed reception. If anything, the crowd are cheering more than anything else, much to his surprise. He takes it all in, smiling at the response. 'These fools all chatting this and that about who the best is, who the worst it, how they deserve it. Ain’t nobody deserve a god damn thing more than anyone else. In this business you gotta reach up and grab those opportunities when they come your way, and that’s what the Midwest Nightmare doing.'
The crowd popped. He was being real, and honest. He'd had some beef with Rivera, and Raynes, in the past, but with everything going on it had paled into the background. Samuels seemed surprised at the wave of support. But with Reckless, Page and Duke in the match it was hardly surprising. The fans craved a hero. Raynes, while not loathed, had never be taken to. He was lukewarm at best, with the fans. Antihero Rivera had reluctantly endeared himself to the fans, but with all these focused, relentless characters in the mix Samuels found himself something of an unlikely beacon of hope. He carried on, comparing himself to a throwback of years gone back, someone who will bring great matches and old school rasslin' back to the Five Lakes, before taking off his hat, as a mark of respect, and exiting.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Andrew Garrison v Trash Oddity
After a couple of skirmishes these two got to settle their differences in the most brutal circumstances possible. A tasty back and forth wound up in the backstage area, dismantling the catering in doing so. Poor Edna the cook took an accidental clothesline and is fighting for her life in hospital but the show must go on as Garrison sealed brutal and bloody affair with his G Bomb onto the concrete.
Winner: Andrew Garrison
IN THE RING
Tiffany Lynn Page comes out to the ring. The crowd hate her, and are letting her know about it but she doesn't care. If anything it boosts her confidence. 'Rivera wants to come out here and talk about how he’s been here since day one. I’ve been here since day one too,' she says. I wrestled those shitty towns, in their shitty arenas. Me? I know! A global wrestling star. I'm not like these lower class rookie street thugs (clearly a reference to Rivera). 'I was the first ever Television Champion. I beat about thirty people for that belt. Now it gets tossed around like a.. like a cheap salad. I elevated the North American title into something Frank James and the fans would never have imagined. I could be selling out arenas all around the world. I’m a Page. I’m Tiffany Lynn Page. But I am here and I continue to sprinkle my star dust over this company and make it into what it is now. Frank James should be thanking me. Rivera, Reckless. You should thank all be thanking me. If I hadn’t stepped foot in this company it would have gone out of business a long time ago. Either that or you’d still be watching nobodies like Patti Rose and Sally Lambert each week. Next week everything will come full circle, and the person who made this company what it is will get her flowers. Forget the Reckless Era, time for the Page Era!'
BACKSTAGE
Ginny Kayl is speaking with a couple of wrestlers backstage. Tonight didn't go her way and she's visibly disappointed. She keeps coming up close but can't get a big win over the line. Vivian Venture appears, fanning herself with her North American Title contract. She unravels it to read it aloud, in front of Ginny. She says she's going to do what Ginny could't do, and win that title. The Kayl name is trash. The Renton name means nothing. But the Venture name is synonymous with success, and she's about to get fast tracked to stardom in this company. Kayl has to be restrained, as Venture walks off laughing to herself.
STREET FIGHT
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Noa Skye v Anya LeBeaux v Wendy Wynne
These three savages may seem innocent and friendly (at least in the case of Anya and Noa) but each of them had one eye on a Brass Knuckles Title shot, which in effect made this a war. Anya seemed to display an unnatural pain threshold to recover from a face full of Wendy's spinning heel kick. The Princess of Pain was eager to latch on the The Lamb’s Sacrifice at any opportunity, but she was unable to get the hold long enough. Naturally, she riled up the Wicked Witch from the opening bell, who seemed irrational to say the least when anyone hit her with a foreign object, despite this literally being the rules. What’s more she bought a barbed wire broomstick to the ring with her but didn't think twice about using it. To her credit she was a difficult opponent, often going missing for several minutes at a time before leaping on one of her unexpected opponents from an unusual vantage point. The equally excellently named Leader of the Lost (Noa Skye) amongst other catchy monikers, was just as maniacal came to putting her body on the line, suicide diving off any lifted platform. The extra-terrestrial high flyer was a threat throighout, but came a cropper with her daredevil antics. The crowd didn’t want this to end but an ill-fated Diving Senton onto the concrete was capitalised by Anya for The Trojan Horse and a huge win.
Winner: Anya Lebeaux
IN THE RING
Andrew Raynes heads out to the ring. Like his upcoming opponents, he has things he wants to get off his chest. The reception is mixed, as ever with The Toughest Out. His stoic and battle-hardened demeanour make him a hit with the purists, but there are many that can't take to him.
Since everyone else out here is massaging their egos, maybe I’ll say a few things, he says. Everyone walks into every match with the same mindset and the same attitude. Every one got the same humble brag and sob story and quite frankly it’s tiring. We all worked hard to get here, and at this level we’re all pretty good at what we do. Even Rivera, on his day, can probably put up a good fight. But I’m different to those fools. I can be real, and tell you that next week is going to be chaos. You could eliminate four people and still lose the title. It’s going to be brutal, and unforgiving. But most of all it’s gonna be fun. I’m gonna kick the shit out of each and every one of those men and women and leave my mark on that match. One on one I can beat everyone of those motherfuckers. But I know in a match like this you gotta have eyes in the back of your head and fight smart, more than you fight tough. I will do what I need to do to last as long as possible and give myself to beat opportunity to secure that belt. That’s what being The Toughest Out is. Not giving in to the situation or showing weakness, but adapting to the environment. Survival of the fittest. When I say I will take home that belt I truly believe it. Do they? I'm not so sure.
BACKSTAGE
Wendy Wynne is furious. She doesn't want to understand the rules of a Triple Threat match. How can you lose and not be pinned? It's farcical. Clearly these are rules set up by Frank James and the Five Lakes media team to ensure she doesn't win. As the greatest wrestler that ever lived she's being held back. Maybe they love an underdog story here in Five Lakes, she says. An opportunity for the losers of this world to succeed. Well no more. NO! MORE!
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH
Gwen Margolis (c) v Zara Walker
Best friends Gwen and Zara had to put their friendship to one side for the Television Title here. Adamant this wouldn’t come between them they embraced before the bell but an early series of exchanges put Gwen on the back foot. When they broke the crowd cheered and Gwen let out a smile, seemingly surprised and shocked at how Zara had managed to get the better of her. She upped her game in response and starter to dominate, a clear message to her friend and everyone watching. The camera cut to the backstage area where Serenity Holmes was watching the match on a screen in catering. Zara switched things up though and regained the lead. With moments to spare she hit the Crunch Time (Piledriver) and it looked to be over but Gwen miraculously kicked out and the match was over. So close for Zara, but Gwen's resilience had paid off.
Winner: Time Limit Draw (Gwen Margolis retains the Television Title)
BACKSTAGE
The new Number One Contender to the Television Title Serenity Holmes was being interviewed. She was full of praise for both Zara Walker and Gwen Margolis. Either one of them would have been a formidable opponent for her next week, but as it stands she's going to face Gwen, which is good because they were the last two remaining in the Open Battle Royal last month. Gwen got the better of her that night, and she's proven to be a good champion in that time since. But its Serenity's time now, and she's ready to right that wrong.
BACKSTAGE
After a short break Zara Walker was on hand for interview. She was surprisingly upbeat despite not winning the title. She said she proved that she belonged amongst the best, with her recent performances. It is what it is, she's not far away from greatness. Gwen Margolis then appeared and they hugged it out. Gwen said Zara will be a champion here soon, she knows it. As for her, it's onto next week and another showdown with Serenity. She's ready to go again, ready to take on all comers. That's what being a Television Champion is all about.
IN THE RING
Duke Andrews is next up. The jeers for Duke are almost as big as Page's but there's a minority that seem pleased to see him. He doesn't acknowledge the crowd either way. He has a mic in hand and is only interested in getting his message across. 'People wanna talk about who’s winning this match. Well I’m here to tell you isn’t winning it. Me and Tiff, we’re here to make sure it’s just us to left standing at the end. What we’re gonna do then is nobody's business but our own? Fight each other, me lay down, she lays down, rock paper scissors.. It don’t matter. By that point we’ll have proved to everyone that WE are the best in the business. That’s why we’re together. Nobody else is on our level. Rivera wants to play the race card, trying to get the fans on his side. Fuck him and fuck the fans. I don’t need their approval. Raynes is one of the good ones. I’m glad he got his shot, in a way. We were a good team. Hell we're still are a good team. Ain’t no championship getting between us. This is business. I already showed Reckless how this is gonna go down. And the cowboy? About time someone shut his mouth.' He threw down the mic and exited, the crowd jeering as he went.
HEADLINER
OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
NO DISQUALIFICATION
Ichabod Thrasher (c) v Silas Romero
Once again these two find themselves doing battle, and for the second week running it’s Ichabod's Openweight Title on the line. This time around, in order to protect themselves from outside interference, there would be no disqualifications. With Noa Skye, Weston Lovejoy and a few other allies on the outside of the ring they could fight their fight, shake hands, and go home afterwards.
From the moment the bell rang, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical match. Thrasher and Romero immediately squared off, their eyes locked in a cold, unrelenting stare as they circled each other. The first exchange was a sharp, testing series of strikes—Thrasher firing off a leg kick, Romero answering with a stiff elbow, both men gauging the other’s intent. The match quickly spilled to the outside as the action intensified, with the no disqualification stipulation coming into play in subtle, brutal ways.
Thrasher drove Romero back against the guardrail with a vicious series of kicks, following up with a stiff knee to the midsection. As Romero doubled over, Thrasher grabbed a nearby chair, but instead of wild swings, he placed it against Romero’s back and delivered a crushing knee strike into the steel, sending Romero crashing into the floor. Thrasher briefly looked to the crowd, his confidence showing, but Romero, ever resilient, quickly fought back with a low sweep, sending Thrasher to the ground.
The fight continued around the ringside area, both men exchanging blows in a gritty, no-nonsense style. Romero grabbed a chain from under the ring, wrapping it around his forearm before launching himself at Thrasher, hitting him with a devastating forearm shot. Thrasher staggered but managed to pull himself together, responding with a sharp kick to Romero’s ribs, sending him stumbling into the ring post.
Back inside the ring, both men seemed even more determined to outlast the other. Thrasher locked in a deep leglock, trying to wear Romero down, but Romero, showing his veteran instincts, grabbed the same chain and used it to rake across Thrasher’s face, breaking the hold. Romero then looked to finish it with a ripcord knee strike, but Thrasher countered with a spinning back kick that sent Romero into the ropes.
As the match drew closer to its end, both men were exhausted but refused to relent. Thrasher, with one last burst of energy, went for his Abandon All Hope jumping piledriver, but Romero slipped out at the last second. With incredible quickness, Romero locked in his Arkham Asylum crossface in the center of the ring. Thrasher fought, clawing toward the ropes out of instinct, but there was no chance. Romero cinched it in deeper, and after a final struggle, Thrasher tapped, bringing an end to the intense, hard-fought battle.
Winner: Silas Romero (New Openweight Champion)
IN THE RING
Romero celebrates, satisfied that he has achieved what he set out to do and in doing so becomes only the second person to become a Triple Crown champion in Five Lakes Wrestling, the first of which to do so having held a Tag Title in that process. He wrapped both his belts around his waist as Thrasher slumps up the ramp, disappointed in defeat. Before he gets to the top he (Silas) takes to the mic. Romero tells him to hold up. Tonight he got the better of him. Last time around Thrasher got the better of Romero, but it wasn't a fair fight, and Ich gave him the courtesy of a rematch. Romero says it's only right he does the same. But tonight there was no interference, so he wants to even things up in his favour. Next week they can do it once more. Maybe for the final time.. who knows. But the balls in his court now. So it's going to be Silas Romero versus Ichabod Thrasher AGAIN. For the Openweight Title AGAIN. Only this time, it's a Submission match. He joked, that after tonight he'd understand if Ich didn't want that match. Ich looks around the cheering the crowd and gives him a thumbs up. The match is made. AGAIN.
MAIN EVENT
UNDISPUTED TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Myra Rivers & Chelsea LeClair (c) vs. Kore Violet & Colin Moriarty
The bell rang for tonight's main event, and immediately the action kicked into high gear. Myra Rivers and Kore Violet started off, exchanging stiff forearms in the centre of the ring, each shot echoing throughout the arena. Myra, showing her technical prowess, ducked under a wild strike from Kore and whipped her into the ropes, catching her with a lightning-fast dropkick to the chest. Kore, undeterred, popped right back up, grabbing Myra for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, followed quickly by a dragon sleeper attempt, but Myra countered with a slick reversal into an arm drag.
The pace didn’t let up for a second. Myra tagged in Chelsea LeClair, and the two hit Kore with a double suplex that rattled the mat. Chelsea immediately followed up with a running cross-body, but Kore rolled through and tagged in Colin Moriarty. Colin stormed in, and Chelsea, undaunted, launched herself at him with a flying forearm. Colin barely budged, shaking it off before scooping Chelsea up for a massive powerslam. He went for an early cover, but Chelsea kicked out at two, showcasing her resilience.
Colin continued his brutal offence, hitting Chelsea with a series of heavy strikes, culminating in a running shoulder tackle that sent her crashing into the corner. With Chelsea dazed, Colin tagged Kore back in. Kore sprinted across the ring and nailed Chelsea with a running knee to the head, going for the pin, but Chelsea kicked out at two and a half. Kore quickly dragged Chelsea to her feet and hit a stiff snap suplex, keeping the pressure on.
Chelsea, clearly in trouble, fought back with everything she had, hitting a desperation Jersey Drop (Diamond Cutter) out of nowhere, sending Kore to the mat. Chelsea crawled over and tagged in Myra, who came in hot, hitting Kore with a series of quick kicks followed by a running knee strike. Myra then hoisted Kore up for a Rebel Bomb (Widow’s Peak), but Colin entered the ring to break it up.
Myra wasn’t backing down, though. She dodged Colin’s clothesline and hit him with a corkscrew neckbreaker that sent the big man reeling. As Colin staggered, Myra and Chelsea hit a double-team dropkick, sending Colin tumbling to the outside. Myra, with fire in her eyes, tagged Chelsea back in, and the two began to focus their attack on Kore.
Kore, however, was quick on her feet. She countered a double clothesline attempt from the champions with a spinning headscissors, sending Chelsea into Myra, knocking Myra out of the ring. Kore then hit Chelsea with a VIOLET FIRE (Tilt-a-Whirl Dragon Sleeper), wrenching back hard, but Chelsea refused to tap, fighting her way to the ropes.
Sensing a shift in momentum, Colin re-entered the ring after tagging in, blasting Chelsea with a running knee to the midsection. With Chelsea gasping for air, Colin set her up for the PALE HAND OF DEATH (Sitout Chokeslam), but Myra made the save at the last second, breaking up the pin with a missile dropkick from the top rope.
All four wrestlers were in the ring now, chaos ensuing as the match continued at a breakneck pace. Myra and Chelsea managed to isolate Kore after a flurry of strikes, hitting her with a tandem suplex. Myra then hit the Rebel Splash (630 splash) on Kore, but Colin, with perfect timing, yanked Myra out of the ring before the three-count.
Chelsea, sensing an opportunity, went to the top rope, but as she leaped for her CANCELLED! (Corkscrew Moonsault), Colin slid in, catching her mid-air and slamming her to the mat with a huge Spinebuster! Colin quickly dragged Kore over to Chelsea, and she capitalized, rolling Chelsea up with a handful of tights. The referee counted three as Kore and Colin snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat in an insanely close, action-packed match!
Winners: Kore Violet & Colin Moriarty (New Undisputed Tag Team Champions)
Myra and Chelsea were devastated, shocked at how they'd managed to lose if anything. Their eight month reign was, right now, the longest by far in Five Lakes short history, and without question they had taken the tag division to new heights. In time, they might look back on it with pride, maybe even a fondness. But tonight that was no consolation, as they stood speechless in the centre of the ring. Myra took Chelsea by the head and pulled her in tight, ever the mentor, and uttered a few words into her ear. Chelsea nodded in agreement and they both clapped the fans. Kore and Colin meanwhile grabbed hold of the belts and made their way to the entrance ramp, Therefore I Am blasting over the speaker. Colin grabbed ahold of his wife and passionately kissed her, as they simultaneously raised their belts in their air for the lasting image of the night.