Post by Staff on Oct 29, 2024 20:20:25 GMT
LIVE! From Cuyahoga Falls
Tuesday 5th November
PRE-SHOW
La Fracasada had the crowd on their feet in the pre-show taking down some local jobbers with their sweet moves and natural athleticism, of sorts. They jumped on the mic after and said it was a DISGRACE they weren’t on the actual card tonight so expect to see them later on where they will prove their point. The crowd cheered, but they would have cheered anything at this point with excitement in the air ahead of the show beginning.
LIVE SHOW
Things kick off with a shit ton of fire works and a sell out crowd of Ohio people going wild as the commentators run down the nights action, as the names of faces of the Five Lakes superstars appear on screen both for those at home and inside the arena.
IN THE RING
The arena is packed, the fans buzzing in anticipation as the lights suddenly dim. A refined, authoritative instrumental—“Money, Power, Respect” by The Lox—hits the speakers. The new Undisputed Champion of Five Lakes Wrestling, Ryan Samuels, appears at the top of the entrance ramp. He’s decked out in a custom, dark navy-blue suit with Western-style accents, a polished black Stetson with a gold band, and alligator-skin boots. On his shoulder sits the gleaming Five Lakes Wrestling Undisputed Championship, its gold reflecting the arena lights. The audience boos loudly, but Ryan just smirks and takes a slow, confident stroll down to the ring.
As he steps into the ring, the crowd’s boos only grow louder, but Samuels seems to bask in the hostility. He takes a moment to savor it, raising the championship high before calling for a microphone. The music fades, and the noise from the fans fills the arena. Samuels stands in the center of the ring, adjusting his suit jacket, and looking around with a grin.
Ryan Samuels: [calmly, but with an edge] “You people don’t get it, do you?”
The boos intensify, but Samuels doesn’t flinch. He actually laughs softly to himself before continuing.
Ryan Samuels: “Let me tell you something… I didn’t win this for you. I didn’t drag myself through the mud and claw my way to the top for you folks in the stands or anyone watching at home. No, I did this for me—for Ryan Samuels. Because for too long, you all saw me as nothing more than that ‘wild cowboy,’ the ‘Midwest Nightmare.’ Some of you cheered, some of you booed, but it didn’t matter because you all thought you had me figured out. But guess what? You didn’t.”
The fans erupt into a “You sold out!” chant, and Samuels shakes his head with a grin, soaking it all in.
Ryan Samuels: “No, I didn’t sell out. I wised up. See, I realized that being a brawler, being some hard-hitting cowboy—that wasn’t enough. I needed power. I needed control. And now, I’ve got that. This championship on my shoulder proves it. And if any of you think for one second that I’m here to please you, to cater to your whims—well, you’re even dumber than you look.”
The crowd’s reaction becomes even more hostile, with chants of “Midwest Nightmare!” trying to taunt him back to his old self.
Ryan Samuels: [his voice rising slightly] “You can chant whatever you want, but from now on, you’re all living in my world. And in my world, there’s no place for nostalgia, no place for your opinions, and no place for weakness. This is the era of the Midwest Tycoon, and that means money, power, and respect are the only currencies that matter.”
Samuels adjusts the title on his shoulder, pausing to collect his thoughts as he turns his attention toward the entrance ramp.
Ryan Samuels: “Which brings me to tonight… and my opponent, Flynn Howell.”
The crowd cheers, uncharacteristically, at the mention of Howell, but Ryan looks unfazed.
Ryan Samuels: “Flynn, I know you’ve been talking about how this is your big moment, your shot to prove yourself against the champ. And that’s real cute—makes for a nice underdog story, right? But let me give you a reality check. I didn’t climb to the top to give guys like you a happy ending. I climbed to the top to stay here. And tonight, I’m going to make an example out of you.”
Ryan paces in the ring, his eyes narrowing as he continues, his voice turning colder.
Ryan Samuels: “Flynn, you’re going to step into this ring with me, and you’re going to think you’ve got a chance. You’re going to think you’re one big move away from glory. But let me make one thing clear—you’re not even close. I’m going to beat you into the ground so hard that every single person in that locker room knows what happens when you try to stand toe-to-toe with the Midwest Tycoon.”
He stops pacing, staring dead at the camera.
Ryan Samuels: “Tonight, Flynn, you’re not just wrestling for a win—you’re fighting for your career. Because after I’m done, nobody’s going to see you as a contender… they’re going to see you as a cautionary tale. And everyone else back there? They’ll know exactly what happens when you cross paths with the man who owns this company, this ring, and every one of these people’s attention.”
Samuels smirks, holding the microphone up as if to drop it, but he stops and pulls it back in, addressing the crowd one last time.
Ryan Samuels: “So go ahead—boo me, hate me, call me whatever you want. But you’ll all remember one thing… I own this place. And there isn’t a damn thing any of you, or Flynn Howell, can do about it.”
With that, Samuels drops the mic, raises the championship high above his head, and basks in the wave of boos as his music hits. The Midwest Tycoon makes his exit, leaving the crowd buzzing in anger and anticipation for his showdown with Flynn Howell.
OPENING BOUT
NORTH AMERICAN TITLE MATCH
Callie Renton (c) v Vivian Venture
A first title shot for Venture here, as she looks to replicate the success she’s achieved in Black Flag Wrestling against the impressive Callie Renton. The North American Title was one of only 2 belts in existence when the company started out some 15 months ago, and is seen by many as the next best thing to it's Undisputed counterpart. Callie herself has gone some way to supporting that argument, with two defences already in a relatively short space of time. Venture though rescued the briefcase at Blood and Thunder to secure this opportunity, and made her intentions known very early on with an eye rake and some hair pulling to fire up the Brat Princess. If retaining her crown wasn’t enough for motivation, Venture’s underhand tactics ignited a reaction that was equal parts spectacular and, at times, reckless. A few mistakes here and there let Venture in for some close two counts but Renton recovered each time and rallied at the end to seal this with The Heiress (Top Rope Corkscrew Stunner) that had the crowd on their feet, setting the tone for an exciting evening ahead. She celebrated with the fans afterwards, lifting her title high in the air.
Winner: Callie Renton (Still North American Champion)
BACKSTAGE
La Fracasada are in Frank James' office and feel disrespected. They want a shot at the Undisputed Tag Title's to show off their incredible moves. James says they have been stalwarts in Five Lakes Wrestling and deserve a shot of some sorts for their resilience if nothing else. Next week he’ll give them a match against someone else, and if they win they’ll get a shot at the Television Tag Titles. Jess asks how long there have been two sets of tag titles but James just shakes his head and waves them away.
IN THE RING
Vanessa Reckless is out to the ring. She says she knows that everyone is expecting her come out here moan about how she lost her title but it isn’t going to be that way. She held that belt for 304 days. And it took a 6 wrestler clusterfuck for her to lose it, so why cry over something that was out of her control. Good luck to Ryan Samuels and let’s see what he can do with it, but she’ll always be the best Undisputed Champion this company ever had. End of. She'll get a ne new belt soon, because that's what she does. Tiffany Lynn Page’s music hits and out she comes to the usual chorus of abuse. She says Nessa only lost her title because Tiffany pinned her and while she’s furious that Ryan Samuels and AJ Rivera had to team up to get her out the match, at least she went home happy knowing she took away Vanessa’s belt. Nessa says if that’s her idea of success then she has a long way to go before she reaches her level. Page thinks she’s a level above already though, and the only reason Reckless was champion for so long was because she never got to face her one on one for the belt. Reckless says they can throw down any time, with or without any titles, it makes no difference. Page agrees, saying she’ll ensure the match gets made soon.
BACKSTAGE
A musical interlude begins as we are trying to locate Erik Holland, the cameraman sweeping around dramatically as they find themselves in a red-lit area of the backstage of the building. The music is fun, albeit spooky–everything from a celesta and harpsichord to a children’s choir serenading us as we finally find the Maniac himself seemingly getting ready for his match, warming up his muscles with a stretch-band–only thing is, he’s not ACTUALLY in the room with us. More like he’s on the other side of the full length mirror we’re standing in front of; as if he is in the middle of some insane fun-house.
Serenity Holmes, tonight you and I meet with the World Television Championship up at stake. I’m not gonna mince words with you, because I’d rather spend that time kickin’ your ass, so let me say this. There is nobody right now-besides me-that deserves to be the World’s TV Champ more than you, Holmes. You’ve proved it with how hard you work, how dedicated you are to this craft. But I want you to understand something and so I want you to listen to me very carefully.
He goes on warming up, as the whimsical music behind us tends to glitch out here and there. Erik hasn’t noticed that, and we haven’t either, so let’s just chalk that one up to a trick of the ears, eh?
As you know I announced my intentions to retire in 2026, this is now my second one on one opportunity at a major championship since I came back. My second chance to prove that I am not a gatekeeper, my second chance to prove I’m not just the guy on the card to have a five star match with because I been that fucking guy my entire career. Serenity, I am a threat to everybody–EVERYBODY-in 5 Lakes Wrestling because I have to be that threat to get to the top of this roster where I belong.
BACKSTAGE
A musical interlude begins as we are trying to locate Erik Holland, the cameraman sweeping around dramatically as they find themselves in a red-lit area of the backstage of the building. The music is fun, albeit spooky–everything from a celesta and harpsichord to a children’s choir serenading us as we finally find the Maniac himself seemingly getting ready for his match, warming up his muscles with a stretch-band–only thing is, he’s not ACTUALLY in the room with us. More like he’s on the other side of the full length mirror we’re standing in front of; as if he is in the middle of some insane fun-house.
Serenity Holmes, tonight you and I meet with the World Television Championship up at stake. I’m not gonna mince words with you, because I’d rather spend that time kickin’ your ass, so let me say this. There is nobody right now-besides me-that deserves to be the World’s TV Champ more than you, Holmes. You’ve proved it with how hard you work, how dedicated you are to this craft. But I want you to understand something and so I want you to listen to me very carefully.
He goes on warming up, as the whimsical music behind us tends to glitch out here and there. Erik hasn’t noticed that, and we haven’t either, so let’s just chalk that one up to a trick of the ears, eh?
As you know I announced my intentions to retire in 2026, this is now my second one on one opportunity at a major championship since I came back. My second chance to prove that I am not a gatekeeper, my second chance to prove I’m not just the guy on the card to have a five star match with because I been that fucking guy my entire career. Serenity, I am a threat to everybody–EVERYBODY-in 5 Lakes Wrestling because I have to be that threat to get to the top of this roster where I belong.
Erik laughs, tossing the stretchy band aside. Out of nowhere, Erik HEADBUTTS the full length mirror, shattering it!
But then…he walks out from behind the remains of the mirror? What exactly is going on here?
That includes you. That includes spoiling the title reign you’ve worked so hard to get to. And really, it isn’t anything personal at all, Serenity–this is just something that has to be done before I leave. I have to leave these people with memories and moments that they’ll point to and say “THIS is why I became a fan of professional wrestling and this is why Erik Holland BELONGS in 5 Lakes Wrestling!”
Erik grabs his goggles, snapping them over his eyes, cackling again.
Anything else is just funhouse mirrors to me.
Back to ringside.
SINGLES MATCH
Andrew Garrison v David Striker
Garrison comes out with Marisol Vilaro. He’s looking in good shape and makes sure everyone can see. Vilaro says Garrison is proof that her systems work and those who follow her methods will go on to achieve great things, in and out the ring. Tonight will prove that. Striker comes out and the match gets underway. Garrison starts well but gets too carried away flexing and showing off. Eventually Striker gets back in the match and is on course for a win but Vilaro distracts the referee and Striker at the same time, allowing Garrison a way back in for the win. He’s about to add further punishment to Striker with Vilaro there too but new Brass Knuckles Champion Kimberley Williams comes rushing to the ring in his aid with a steel chair. Garrison and Vilaro leave laughing, but Kim gets on the mic begins to call them out. Vilaro steps in and says she doesn’t do hardcore wrestling. It’s a bit beneath her. Garrison is a complete athlete though and aspires to great things so he might be interested in taking her belt off her if she retains tonight. Williams gladly accepts.
Winner: Andrew Garrison
BACKSTAGE
Callie Renton is backstage now. She has a clipboard with a pen attached to it on a piece of string, and a smile across her face. She says it’s time for another open challenge. This time it’s going to be a bit different though! And Marisol Vilaro won’t be able to complain that someone beat her to it. Nobody can. Anyone who wants a shot at her belt can write their name on this board. And next week she’ll put all the names in a hat and draw one out! She’s a fighting champion and she’s taking belt and defending it all over North America!
BACKSTAGE
Callie Renton is backstage now. She has a clipboard with a pen attached to it on a piece of string, and a smile across her face. She says it’s time for another open challenge. This time it’s going to be a bit different though! And Marisol Vilaro won’t be able to complain that someone beat her to it. Nobody can. Anyone who wants a shot at her belt can write their name on this board. And next week she’ll put all the names in a hat and draw one out! She’s a fighting champion and she’s taking belt and defending it all over North America!
TAG TEAM MATCH
Zara Walker & Gwen Margolis v C&C
Gwen had a brief run as Television Champion but the weekly defended belt can be a cruel mistress that leaves you wanting more. An opportunity to team with her friend Zara tonight against the the much maligned C&C, themselves looking to get back on track after a narrow defeat for the Television Tag Titles. Zara and Gwen seem to get the best out of each other, be it with OR against one another, and tonight was no different as they dominated their opponents in the early exchanges, but Clair and Coco showed at times they;re more than just tricks and sly tactics. Zara though pulled this one back for her team, and tagged in Gwen for the finish, but as she moved towards Coco she was raked across the face and when whipped into the opposing corner she was denied a charge when Clair grabbed her arms around the turnbuckle. Coco landed her trademark butt to the face in the corner of the ring and sealed the deal with a Double Knee Facebreaker.
Winners: C&C
POST MATCH
Gwen is pretty downbeat about the match and the circumstances in which they lost but Zara always knows how to put a positive spin on things, as she slides under the ring and pulls out a giant box of doughnuts to a huge cheer from the fans. She throws a few out into the crowd in the front row before handing over the box to be passed around. She then goes under the ring and grabs ANOTHER box before doing the same, but not before saving two for her and Gwen, who lets out a smile as the crowd show their appreciation for the two popular grapplers.
POST MATCH
Gwen is pretty downbeat about the match and the circumstances in which they lost but Zara always knows how to put a positive spin on things, as she slides under the ring and pulls out a giant box of doughnuts to a huge cheer from the fans. She throws a few out into the crowd in the front row before handing over the box to be passed around. She then goes under the ring and grabs ANOTHER box before doing the same, but not before saving two for her and Gwen, who lets out a smile as the crowd show their appreciation for the two popular grapplers.
BACKSTAGE
C&C are backstage and hyped after another victory. They call out "those lads they had a scrap with the other week" (Rogues Gallery). They want them in a match next time out. Will they have the balls to turn up? Unlikely they suspect. Either way they still consider themselves the team to beat as tonight showed.
SINGLES MATCH
Chelsea LeClair v Duke Andrews
LeClair had a fledgling singles career in Five Lakes Wrestling before unexpectedly finding Tag success with her long time friend Myra Rivers. After challenging for the North American and Undisputed Titles in late 2023 she had a solid run as Television Champion, and was no doubt looking to add to further accolades now that their Undisputed Tag run has come to an end. Duke himself challenged for the Undisputed Title last time out but a dominant display at the start ultimately ended in disappointment. Hell bent on getting back to winning ways he barely waited for the bell before launching into Chelsea, taking out his frustrations with a brutal beating in and around the ring. Chelsea had to be patient for her opportunity to get back into this and that’s exactly what she did. When the time came there was no looking back and rounded off a nice win with the Ocean City Crusher (Hurricanrana Driver).
Winner: Chelsea LeClair
BACKSTAGE
Gwen Margolis is being interviewed now. She's pissed off, but not going to let it get to her. Are we going to see more of her and Zara as a team moving forward, she's asked? Gwen says teaming with Zara is always a joy. But she still has something to prove in both divisions. Monty’s not here every week since becoming a Father, so don’t rule out challenging for tag honours with Zara in the interim.
TRIOS MATCH
Ginny Kayl, Ai Akina & Madison Lewis v Tatum Valkyria, Darcy Graves & Kendra Graves
A strange bedfellows match now and the team of Walker, Akina and Lewis were a slick outfit throughout, working well to get the job done here. Wicked Grace weren’t really interested in tagging in Tatum who eventually grew frustrated and tagged herself in anyway. Stubbornly refusing to make the return tag she tried to do it all alone and succumbed to the Season of Spring (Falcon Arrow) from Akina, after a double drop kick from Madz and Ginny sent the Graves sisters tumbling to the outside. After the bell a birthday cake was brought out much to Akina’s surprise and her partners hyped the crowd into singing along in celebration.
Winnners: Zara Walker, Ai Akina & Madison Lewis
IN THE RING
Flynn Howell is out now. The fans hate him but they actually want to hear what he has to say because it’s usually preposterous or unexpected or at the very least entertaining. Furthermore, he's facing Ryan Samuels tonight and he already pissed them off so by default they've warmed to him. He says he already beat the reigning North American champion, Callie Renton, the reigning Television champion Serenity Holmes, and the reigning Openweight champion ‘toothpick Ich’. He’s beat Silas in the past too but everybody knows that already. Those wrestlers he just mentioned should do the honourable thing and hand him their belts because they’re not fit to represent them. Tonight he’s going to beat the Undisputed Champion as well, and when he does this will go down the best day in American history. He's going to make the Five Lakes great again. Serenity Holmes music hits and the crowd go wild. She has her TV Title over her shoulder and lets the cheers go on for a little while just to annoy Flynn. Flynn gets in there quick and says they must be handing out titles now if she has one, but since she lost to him he’ll happily take it off her and ensure it doesn't get devalued any further. Serenity says any time he wants a rematch, title versus title, he can have one. She collects belts, as everybody knows, and just because she didn’t win the first time around, as she proved with the Television Title, she never lets that happen twice. Good people have held this title, many have gone on to even bigger and better things. She beat a talented woman to claim it.. the crowd pops for Gwen Margolis, and least we forget Silas Romero retained it five times before winning the Openweight Title. The crowd cheered for Silas. Holmes knew what she was doing with that, as Flynn grew frustrated in the ring. Serenity said she too will retain it five times and he’ll have no choice but to give him a shot because she is making that claim right here right now.. when the time comes, it’s HIS belt she will be cashing it in for. Flynn says there’s no way she will retain five times. He predicts she won’t even win tonight against Erik Holland. But he’s happy to sit back and watch her embarrass herself. Holmes then exits saying she’ll see him soon.
BACKSTAGE
BACKSTAGE
Jack McGrath is walking through the backstage halls. He looks weary, as if he'd just come out of a big fight, but he hasn't and is clearly still suffering the effects of falling from the scaffold two weeks ago in his Brass Knuckles Title defeat to Kimberley Williams. He's approached by Emma Harrington for interview, who corners him to the point he reluctantly can't get away. She asks if he's been cleared to fight tonight, to which he mumbles something incoherently and shrugs his shoulders. He doesn't seem interested in talking, nodding or shaking his head to most questions, but he does have one message; When we wins, he's a dangerous man. After he loses, he becomes a vicious and violent killing machine. God help whoever gets in his way from here on out.
SINGLES MATCH
Wheeler Wilkes v Weston Lovejoy
This match between Wheeler Wilkes and Weston Lovejoy delivered exactly the kind of high-impact action fans were hoping for, showcasing two young stars with completely different approaches. From the opening bell, Wheeler Wilkes, the powerhouse from Thunder Bay, imposed his size and strength advantage. He dominated the early exchanges, using his brute force to throw Weston around the ring. Wilkes nearly ended it early with his WHEEL SAW spear, catching Weston off-guard and leaving him gasping for breath.
Weston Lovejoy, however, lived up to his nickname, The Broken Heart Kid, showing incredible resilience and heart. Despite being overpowered, he relied on his agility and quick-thinking to stay in the fight. Dodging another high-impact attack, Weston began to rally with a flurry of strikes, ducking under Wheeler’s power moves and keeping him off balance. The crowd was firmly behind Weston as he gained momentum, landing a stunning Springboard Roundhouse Kick that stunned Wilkes.
The turning point came when Wheeler set up for his finishing move, the ALL WHEEL DRIVE Gorilla Press Slam, hoping to end the match decisively. However, Weston, ever the quick thinker, managed to slip free mid-lift, catching Wheeler by surprise. With a burst of speed, Weston rolled Wheeler up from behind, securing a tight school boy roll up for the three-count before the larger Wilkes could react.
The crowd erupted for Weston’s upset victory, but Wheeler wasn’t about to let things end on that note. Enraged, he blindsided Weston with a vicious clothesline as soon as he stood up, sending him crashing back to the mat. Ignoring the referee’s attempts to intervene, Wheeler delivered a brutal post-match beatdown, ending with another WHEEL SAW spear that left Weston writhing on the canvas.
Winner: Weston Lovejoy
BACKSTAGE
Ai Akina is backstage with Frank James. She’s tired of being in tag and multi person matches all the time. Tonight was fun and she had great partners but she wants to prove herself one on one in singles matches. James agreed, that's why he brought her here and until she now hasn't been given a proper chance to prove herself. He needs someone to step up and fight for the Television Title next week. Akina didn’t hesitate to take him up on it, saying she’ll be keeping an eye on who wins tonight.
SINGLES MATCH
Vanessa Reckless v Myra Rivers
Former Undisputed champion meets former Undisputed Tag Team champion as these two women looks to bounce back from disappointment last time out. Myra came to Five Lakes Wrestling with an eye on singles success. But a tag team tournament, that also featured Vanessa, changed all that when she was thrown in the mix with her old friend Chelsea to presumably ‘make up the numbers’. They surprised everyone that night and took home the belts, but eight months on she finds herself in the same scenario - looking to get herself in the singles title mix. Her stock has risen in that time, but none of that matters tonight as she stands across the ring from the impressive, and calculated Reckless. Few people would have the confidence to shake off a title loss and say ‘I’ll just win a different belt instead.’ But that’s exactly what Vanessa has done and few would disagree with her prospects. These two would a perfect match inside the ring, despite their differing personalities, and made for great opponents, bringing the best out of one another in a bid to get that all important first win on their individual new journeys. It looked like Vanessa had this one won as she lined up a beaten Myra for a running elbow into the corner, but she managed to find the resilience to roll up Vanessa with a small package, throwing all her weight down as Reckless’ flailing legs kicked in the their as she resisted the fall. Myra pressed down on her shoulders with great strength to secure a huge win, much to Reckless surprise and annoyance. Myra turned to face the crowd and celebrate as Vanessa clenched her fist ready to attack her from behind but let out a smile instead, letting it go. She pointed a finger at Rivers and said she’ll get her back, before exiting the ring.
Winner: Myra Rivers
BACKSTAGE
As Vanessa was heading through the backstage halls she came across Flynn Howell walking the other way. Flynn thought he’d try his luck but Nessa quickly reminded him that she was still married, and even if she wasn’t- but Flynn cut her off before she finished that sentence. Flynn said he heard she was on the lookout for a new title. He told her she should look no further than Serenity Holmes for the TV Title, or Callie Renton for the North American. But mainly Serenity. He’s beaten them both before and thinks Nessa would have no trouble beating them too. Reckless laughed, sarcastically thanking him for his advice, but says she might want to go after his Junior Heavyweight Title instead? Maybe she should put her stamp on that division, like she did the Undisputed? She cocked her head and stared at him, as Flynn gave a nervous laugh before walking off. ‘Let me know which one you choose.. yeh,’ he added.
UNDISPUTED TITLE MATCH
Flynn Howell v Ryan Samuels (c)
Newly crowned Undisputed Champion came out to a huge jeer. Flynn too was largely unpopular but found himself something of a fan favourite here, as the fickle fans got behind their ‘underdog’. Flynn wasted no time in the opening moments, using quick strikes and precise holds to chip away at Samuels’ defenses. A well-placed dropkick to Samuels’ knee sent the champion reeling, allowing Flynn to follow up with a series of sharp kicks. Flynn’s momentum had the crowd fully engaged, sensing an upset might be on the horizon.
But Samuels’ raw power shifted the tide quickly. Catching Flynn mid-air during a springboard attempt, he delivered a Spinning Leg Hook Belly-to-Back Suplex that halted Flynn’s offense in its tracks. With methodical stomps and taunts, Samuels took his time asserting dominance, making it clear he didn’t take Flynn seriously.
The back-and-forth continued as Flynn mounted a comeback, narrowly avoiding a spear and nailing Samuels with a Tilt-A-Whirl Facebuster. Flynn’s next attempt at a Red Eye Flight (top rope moonsault) had the crowd on their feet, but Samuels dodged just in time, letting Flynn crash hard to the mat. Wasting no time, Samuels responded with a brutal spear that seemed to fold Flynn in half. Instead of going for the pin, Samuels taunted Flynn, basking in the chorus of boos from the crowd.
Refusing to stay down, Flynn pulled off a near three-count with a Rolling Crucifix Pin, putting the champion on edge. Realizing he was in genuine danger of losing his title, Samuels’ frustration boiled over. In an act of desperation, as Flynn charged for a final strike, Samuels delivered a blatant low blow, dropping Flynn instantly and drawing an immediate disqualification from the referee.
The crowd voiced their disapproval as Samuels, unapologetic, hoisted his title and smirked at the fallen Flynn.
Winner: Wrestling was the real winner here (Ryan Samuels still Undisputed Champion)
BACKSTAGE
BACKSTAGE
Wheeler Wilkes is hanging around with Scarlett Howell, massaging her shoulders ahead of her big War Games match later in the night. Ozzy Havok appears and they chew the fat for a while ahead of his own big match. They both have their shirts off, as per usual and share a laugh over what he did to Weston Lovejoy earlier in the night. Weston's partner Ichabod Thrasher then appears behind them, Openweight Title over his shoulders, making his way to the ring for his defence. He stops still, catching the end of the joke. Ozzy turns around and he and Wheeler square up to him. Ich says he saw what went down earlier in the night, and Weston isn't going to let it go, so be warned. Wheeler tells him to cry more and not interested in going over old ground. Maybe he'll come after the Openweight Title though, if he still has it after tonight. He places a hand on the belt but Ich pushes him away as they all ready themselves for a fight. Ich says he has another idea, suggesting these 'shirtless morons' face him and Weston instead. If they he win, maybe then he can get his shot.
BACKSTAGE
Mad Max is on hand for interview ahead of her Openweight Title match. Emma Harrington asks what we can expect to see from her tonight. Max chuckles. What’s so funny? asks Emma. You have no idea, replies Max. She has seen this match a few times now, and it always ends with her winning the title and everyone bowing before her. She pauses momentarily. Actually.. that could have been another match now that she thinks about it? There are so many great moments for her in the future she gets confused sometimes. Emma tries to ask another question, confused as ever, but Max just walks off pondering what’s next.
OPENWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Ichabod Thrasher (c) v Mad Max
From the opening bell, Thrasher’s aggressive style was on full display, as he charged at Max with a relentless series of strikes. Max kept her distance, skillfully dodging his blows and using her agility to frustrate him. A quick evasion led to her countering with the Time Warp (Springboard DDT), momentarily stunning Thrasher and giving her control early on.
Max continued to work strategically, focusing on Thrasher’s legs with sharp kicks and locking him into holds that forced the larger man to expend energy escaping. However, Thrasher’s resilience was evident. He eventually caught Max off-guard with his Tony Jaa (Tornado Kick), which grounded her and allowed him to rally, hitting a series of brutal knee strikes in his Batarian Massacre sequence, nearly securing a pinfall.
Undeterred, Max adapted her approach, countering with a Quantum Leap (Top Rope Moonsault) that drew a close two-count, further intensifying the crowd’s anticipation. Sensing victory, she went for her finisher, the Future Shock (Spinning Brainbuster), but Thrasher countered, slipping out and retaliating with the Abandon All Hope (Jumping Piledriver) in a shocking reversal. Max barely managed to kick out, showing her own resilience.
In the final moments, the match became a fierce back-and-forth, with Thrasher nearly caught in Max’s Maestro Lock but muscling his way out before she could fully secure it. Max’s overconfidence in attempting a springboard move backfired, as Thrasher intercepted her with a Mass Relay (Brazilian Kick) mid-air, catching her clean. With the crowd roaring, Thrasher rolled her up tightly, leveraging his weight just enough to keep her shoulders down for the three-count.
Winner: Ichabod Thrasher (Still Openweight Champion)
BACKSTAGE
Ichabod gets stopped by interviewer Emma Harrington for a few words. Another win for the Young Legend, he said in his own colloquial way. He praised Mad Max for a tough fight. She mad alright he says, but she tough too. Onto the next though. He doesn’t want to defend his belt every six months like Flynn Howell. Frank James can go ahead and find him another worthy opponent because he’s ready to defend it all over again.
TELEVISION TITLE MATCH
Serenity Holmes (c) v Erik Holland
Newly crowned champion Holmes couldn’t have asked for a more difficult first defence against the experienced Erik Holland. The Haunted is chasing as much success as he can possibly lay hands on with his career swansong and found himself in an unlikely opportunity here, fighting for a Five Lakes title in just his second match here. He didn’t hang around, conscious that the ten minute time limit favoured the incumbent belt holder. Holmes though wasn’t interested in just winding down the clock, and fought back to create a thrilling back and forth, that was ultimately won with the finest of margins, reversing his Toxic Avenger (Attitude Adjustment) into her Ghosted (Reverse Frankensteiner).
Winner: Serenity Holmes (Still Television Champion)
BACKSTAGE
Serenity Holmes was stopped for interview. Was she still thinking about five wins after that tough defence? Of course she was, it’s always in the back of your mind as Television champion. But many good fighters have held this belt and not gone past the two or three defence mark. All she can do is focus on her next match and winning. She was told there and then that her next challenger will be Ai Akina. Serenity smiled. She was aware of Akina and this proved her point. There are no easy defences and she’ll be on her a-game once more. Win or lose she’s coming after Flynn. But she’s going to win anyway, she adds, with a smirk, before propping her title over her shoulder and exiting.
TELEVISION TAG TITLE MATCH
Fem/Slash v Midnight Demon Club (c)
This match was one of the most anticipated of the night following the online back and forth between both teams. Unsurprisingly there was a lot of tension pre-match as Noa and Lena tried to start things off but Saffron and Romero decided their slightly ‘cooler’ heads would be better to kickstart this match. A good back and forth set the tone early on and after a solid few minutes then made a double tag as their two fired up partners came rushing to the centre of the ring. Lena got the early advantage and made good use of it with some quick pin falls and two counts before tagging in Saff for some extra energy. Noa rolled across the ring and made a clever tag to Silas though and he came bursting into the ring to catch her off guard. Lena and Noa dived straight back in and full on chaos ensued now as it spilled onto the outside of the ring. Noa got some payback with a suplex onto the ring steps but her attention drifted momentarily when she saw some front row fans dressed as aliens for her. Saffron came flying through the ropes with a diving crossbody and they both tumbled into the crowd. The referee had no idea who was legal now and neither did anyone else as the brawling continued on the outside before eventually reaching a time limit draw, much to the fans frustration. Nobody was more frustrated than Lena and Saffron as Silas and Noa picked up their belts some five minutes later and left, Noa mockingly waving goodbye from the top entrance ramp. Not the 'win' they would have hoped for, but on they go.
Winners: Time limit draw (Midnight Demon Club still Television Tag Team Champions)
BACKSTAGE
Andrew Raynes is backstage for interview. He must be gutted about missing out on the Undisputed Title? Not really, he says, surprisingly. His time will come. His confidence is unwavering and he’s already put it behind him. He says he’s ready to put in more hard yards and go to war again. Last time out was strictly business. Anyone could have won that match and Ryan Samuels being champion was proof of that. Tonight was a little bit more personal. He didn't bother himself petty rivalries for the most part, but tonight him and Rivera have unfinished business and he’s looking forward to settling it. McGrath is just going to be collateral damage, he added.
WAR GAMES MATCH
Tiffany Lynn Page, Marisol Vilaro, Stephanie Page, Natalie Page v Wendy Wynne, Anya Lebeaux, Scarlett Howell, Corsen Howell
Team Redheads, as they’ve since been dubbed, had quite the following here as large swathes of the crowd adorned crimson wigs ahead of this bout. However the recent rift has caused some tension as they made their way to ring one by one. Team Beautiful, as the commentators named their nefarious, albeit beautiful, opponents, toyed mockingly with the front row fans as they came out all at once in a display of mind games that they were the stronger ‘unit’. They had the better start though, as expected, their natural chemistry and rapport shining through to put Anya under pressure. Wendy had tried to make herself captain, for Scarlett to wade in and cause an unnecessary argument before the bell. Corsen had her Mother’s back but Anya stepped in to tell them how much she loved them all and that it pained her to see them at one another’s throats. She volunteered to start the match as a way of keeping the peace but was sneakily attacked from behind for her efforts by Page, Page, Page and Vilaro. After a pretty heavy beat down she made the hot tag to Scarlett who capitalised on a mistake to eliminate Natalie Page but Marisol Vilaro came flying into the ring to regain the lead for her side, well within the rules albeit not very sportsmanlike. Scarlett recovered momentarily but was next to go after taking the Vilaró Experience (Handspring corner elbow). Wendy Wynne wanted some of the action now and leapt off the turnbuckle to a huge cheer to put Mari in trouble. Mari made a cheeky tag to Stephanie Page, and thinking Wendy hadn’t seen it beckoned her to come forward and face her as Page crawled around the outside for an attack from behind. But Wendy grabbed her (Stephanie) by the hair and pulled her over the ropes instead. Anya was quick to jump inside the ring and fend off the advancing Mari, with Tiffany and Corsen not far behind as the chaos erupted inside the ring. Wendy got on top of the match and managed to eliminate Stephanie Page, but was attacked from behind by Tiffany and soon disposed of herself (Wendy eliminated). Tiff tagged in Mari who was now up against Anya, and making very life very difficult once more for the Princess of Pain but she reversed a Vilaróizer (Fisherman Suplex) into The Trojan Horse from nowhere to eliminate the former Tag Team and North American champion (Vilaro). It was two on one now but Lynn Page didn’t look phased. For all her unpleasantness and cowardly tactics, she always brought the fight and wasted no time in setting upon Anya. Anya weathered an early storm and managed to make a hot tag to Corsen who came bursting to the ring, but Tiff rolled her up and using her the ropes for leverage got an illegal three count that was unobserved due to Natalie Page distratcing the Referee. Corsen didn't take the elimination well and shoved the Referee who fell backwards into Anya as she entered the ring. Tiffany was quick to react and moments later had her in the Resting Bitch Face (RBF) Cobra Clutch before she could do anything about it. Anya fought valiantly, freakishly taking the hold for minutes on end, but eventually succumbed to the pain when there was no way out. Stepahnie, Natalie and Vilaro all entered the ring and celebrated their victory, taunting their opponents on the outside, who by this point were at one another's throats anyway, blaming one another for defeat.
Winners: Tiffany Lynn Page, Marisol Vilaro, Stephanie Page, Natalie Page with Tiffany Lynn Page still left remaining
BACKSTAGE
After a short commercial break Wendy Wynne is pacing around the backstage looking for an interviewer. She’s furious that one doesn’t appear when she clicks her fingers or simply yells ‘INTERVIEW ME!’ Eventually Emma Harrington appears and casually asks what’s up. Wendy is outraged that everyone seemed out to GET HER tonight. Everyone! Not just the Pages and Page-aro or whatever the other ones called, but Anya was out to get her, and especially those ginger harlots! They will ALL rue the day, she says.
BACKSTAGE
After a short commercial break Wendy Wynne is pacing around the backstage looking for an interviewer. She’s furious that one doesn’t appear when she clicks her fingers or simply yells ‘INTERVIEW ME!’ Eventually Emma Harrington appears and casually asks what’s up. Wendy is outraged that everyone seemed out to GET HER tonight. Everyone! Not just the Pages and Page-aro or whatever the other ones called, but Anya was out to get her, and especially those ginger harlots! They will ALL rue the day, she says.
UNDISPUTED TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Freedom Fighters v Kore Violet & Colin Moriarty (c)
Miss Liberty and Glory controlled the early stages with their contrasting styles. Miss Liberty used her powerhouse moves to take down Kore, overpowering her in several exchanges. Glory, in turn, brought speed and agility, stunning Moriarty with her lucha-inspired offense and keeping the powerhouse off balance. The crowd erupted as the Freedom Fighters set up for Stars & Stripes early, only for Colin to slip out at the last second, tagging in Kore to break the momentum.
Kore took over with her signature underhanded tactics, digging her nails into Glory’s face and using biting as she delivered a Violet Fire tilt-a-whirl dragon sleeper, draining Glory’s energy. Colin, with his brutal strength and a well-timed KILKENNY DRIVER piledriver, nearly pinned Glory, but Miss Liberty broke it up, refusing to let her partner go down.
With the crowd rallying behind them, the Freedom Fighters fought back. Miss Liberty countered a Pale Hand of Death (sitout chokeslam) attempt from Moriarty and floored him with a devastating Fire Ball Punch, setting up the Freedom Fighters to execute Stars & Stripes on Kore. Just as they hit the move, the referee counted to three, and the arena erupted in cheers. The Freedom Fighters seemed to have won the titles.
But before they could celebrate, Kore, clutching her side in apparent pain, drew the referee’s attention to a so-called “illegal move,” claiming Miss Liberty had landed a low blow on her. While the replay showed no such thing, Colin used the distraction to deliver a brutal Lead Pipe shot to Miss Liberty’s back, unseen by the referee.
With Miss Liberty down, the referee shockingly reversed the decision, calling the previous pinfall invalid. Enraged, Glory attempted to defend her partner, but Colin intercepted with a vicious COLINOSCOPHY (Electric Chair Driver). Kore slithered in for the pinfall, and this time, the referee counted three without interference.
The crowd was furious as Kore and Colin celebrated, having retained their titles through pure underhanded manipulation. The Freedom Fighters had the match won, but the shady tactics of Kore and Colin stole the victory. This controversial finish left fans chanting for justice, and the Freedom Fighters, though robbed, stood resilient, determined to fight another day.
Winners: Kore Violet & Colin Moriarty (Still Undisputed Tag Team Champions)
BACKSTAGE
Kimberley Williams is being interviewed pre-match. She has her shopping cart full of weapons, if you can call them that. Random unconventional assembled objects is probably a better description. She's ready for war, and hopes Ozzy Havok is too. He earned his shot and she welcomes the challenge. If she wins she promises there will MORE Brass Knuckles Stampede Bunkhouse action, each and every week! More Wasley! And more unicorns.. perhaps. This is just the beginning.
BRASS KNUCKLES TITLE MATCH
Kimberley Williams (c) v Ozzy Havok
The crowd were apoplectic to see Kimberley Williams become Brass Knuckles Champion two weeks ago. She had long touted her ambition to rule this division and defeat here would not be the reign she had hoped for. Ozzy Havok though has proved to be a dangerous operator in his short time here and was relishing the prospect of a first title. He was quick out the blocks and put the new champ under severe pressure early on. A face slam into shards of glass and her face was the same colour as her hair, as the champion took some punishment in the quest to retain her title. But after a slow start she gave as good as she cut and then some, using the infinity gauntlet to good use, and even using a set of cookie cutters on his face to return the favour. Ozzy had a reprieve but a Phoenix Splash, off the turnbuckle and through a table on the outside of the ring meant Goodnight Vienna, as she hooked the leg in triumph.
Winner: Kimberley Williams (Still Brass Knuckles Champion)
BACKSTAGE
AJ Rivera is backstage for interview ahead of his match. The crowd cheer in the background as he trash talks his opponents tonight. He leaves the final word for Ryan Samuels, a man he thought was in his rearview mirror but as long as he holds the Undisputed Title he remains firmly in his sights. Last year the fans voted him (Rivera) to be a ‘Future Undisputed Champion’. He didn’t deliver on that promise at Blood and Thunder, but the road to New York begins now and he’s going to do whatever it takes to end the year on top. The One True King is coming for his crown. It's coming home to Papi, he says.
MAIN EVENT
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
NO HOLDS BARRED
AJ Rivera v Jack McGrath v Andrew Raynes
All three men came out starting with Raynes. The two time Television Champion and former Television Tag Champion looked even more focused than usual upsetting a few fans with his perceived ignorance. Rivera came next, and the crowd were on their feet for the former two time Openweight champion. He acknowledged a few front row fans but once he was half way down the ramp he only had eyes for Raynes, eye-balling his adversary every step of the way. Naturally Raynes wasn’t phased, darting him a quick smirk and asking if he was ready. McGrath came next, as the first Five Lakes Triple Crown Champion came hobbling out from the back. The bright lights were a lot for him to take in, it seemed, as he stopped momentarily to shake things off. It was clear to most he wasn’t 100% but even a semi-fit McGrath was a dangerous prospect and not to be discounted in this triangle of chaos. Frank James then comes out onto the ramp and says he’s had an idea. It’s not very often we get three wrestlers in the same ring that are capable to challenging for top honours. Tonight’s main event will be for a shot at the Undisputed Title! The crowd cheered as he left as all three men took a moment to digest what just happened. Once things got underway it didn’t take long for Rivera and Raynes to pick off the ‘weak link’ McGrath, as he probably was on this circumstantial occasion. Setting aside their rivalry for a few minutes they quickly turned on one another for a hard hitting back and forth. Raynes got the upper hand and tried to lock on his famed finisher, knowing full well the beast would awaken in McGrath before long, but Rivera either countered or found the ropes on every occasion and eventually evened things up with a Dream Shatterer (Diamond Head). McGrath came back into play and dominated for a few moments but couldn’t sustain it as Raynes came back into the fold with a chair shot to the head that echoed round the arena. One on one with Rivera again it was inevitably going to be one of these two men with their hand raised at the end. Ryan Samuels though wanted a piece of the action and came out swaggering to the announcers table, title draped proudly over his sweaty broad shoulders. After irritating the commentators for a while he started to trade insults with Rivera over the ropes, who was ready to put the final nail in the coffin on McGrath at this point and secure the win but Raynes had heard enough and instead of heading straight back into the ring decided to take the champion clean out with a chair shot he never saw the coming. The crowd erupted in cheers and even Rivera let out a smile as he (Raynes) then made his way to the ring went back into it with Rivera. After another solid tussle he got the better of his adversary and was ready to make a name for himself but Samuels had other ideas and entered the ring behind him, smashing the belt across Raynes' face before exiting the ring cursing all three men behind him. A weary McGrath was the only one getting to his feet now and took advantage of the bloodied Raynes to hit the Cold Snap (Cradle Piledriver) before practically collapsing on top of him for the pin. Raynes was in no fit state to fight back afte after the chair shot, with Samuels' interference effectively costing him and Rivera a shot at his title, and inadertedly handing it to McGrath.
Winner: Jack McGrath (New Number One Contender to the Undisputed Title)
As McGrath’s music played and he pulled himself up via the ropes he looked around the arena at the jeering fans and let out a wry smile before limping off to the backstage area. Rivera and Raynes got to their feet and simultaneously looked up the entrance ramp, shaking their heads in frustration at what might, or should, have been, as the night came to a close.