Chapter Text
BTWF Hardcore Heaven (Night 1 Part 1)
The show begins with footage of the BTWF Champions on Octane, including BTWF Champion Denki Kaminari, BTWF Women’s World Champion Clover Lamoreaux, BTWF United States Champion Laxus Dreyar, BTWF World Tag Team Champions Shoto Todoroki & Death the Kid, BTWF Hardcore Champion Eren Jeager, BTWF Octane Women’s Tag Team Champions Zero Gravity (Ochako Uraraka & Zoey Hanson), and BTWF Television Champion Bowie Arrington posing with their belts and celebrating with smiles. However, the images gradually change from joyful moments to scenes of them bloodied and writhing in pain.
“Being a champion isn’t all celebrations and success. Champions constantly have to be ready for war!” a voiceover began explaining as the footage showed Kaminari and the rest of Kaiba Corp beating Mordecai to a bloody pulp, Laxus and Valentino Calavera brawling in the hotel room, Clover and Tomo Aizawa taking turns putting each other down with the BTWF Women’s World Championship belt, and Eren Jeager being put through the windshield of a car. The footage also showed Ochako and Zoey staring down their #1 contenders of Mermaid Heel (Millianna & Kagura Mikazuchi), Jean Superkicking Todoroki in the face from the most recent episode of Octane, and Bowie posing in the middle of the ring.
“And where there’s war comes absolute brutality and bloodlust!” the voiceover continued as the footage showed Mordecai using Kaminari’s car to attack and bloody the BTWF Champion before switching over to Kagura bloodying Ochako’s nose with an Archenemy (Shinsuke Nakamura’s Kinsasha). Footage continued showing Eren hitting multiple members of SuperNova with a lead pipe while Bowie smirked at Shinji Ikari during a backstage interview. Taking a break from the champions, the footage switched over to Xochi Melendez and Sherry Blendy, who were brawling outside of the ring.
“However, champions aren’t the only people who have to be ready for war!” the voiceover said as footage began showing Natsu Dragneel striking a pose while Kit Saberfang was superimposed behind him, Sting and Rogue pushing and arguing with each other, and the UnAmericans (‘The Commandant’ Hange Zoe, Charlotte Belew, and Yelena) attacking Erza Scarlet before standing tall over her and posing. The footage then panned to Sherry and the rest of the Sisterhood of Darkness (Flare Corona, Himiko Toga, Frederica ‘The Cleaner’ Sawyer, and Tina Belcher) brawling with Xochi.
“Tonight, the BTWF is going to war. If these wrestlers want to leave Philadelphia with their championships intact, they'll have to get hardcore!” the voiceover explained before showing all the champions earlier in the footage, along with those same champions brawling and confronting their #1 contenders. The footage ended with all the wrestlers involved in tonight's matches lying in the middle of the ring or outside on the floor, writhing in pain with blood on their faces, before the footage faded to black.
The camera focused on the stage as ‘Face Off’ by Tech N9ne (featuring Joey Cool, King Iso, and Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson) played throughout the arena. The crowd cheered as pyrotechnics exploded across the stage and around the TitanTron. The stage was scattered with chairs, tables, ladders, and other weapons, while the TitanTron was decorated with imitation barbed wire and flashing lights in the shape of blood. The camera then panned across the arena filled with cheering fans, who also chanted ‘BTWF!’ while holding signs like ‘Shinji’s Still Our Pillar!’, ‘Kaminari’s about to Fall off the Ladder!’, ‘Clover’s about to get an Extreme Makeover’, ‘We Want More Natsu!’, and more. Finally, the camera shifted to the commentary table, where the commentators looked excited for the action-packed night ahead, just before they started the show introductions.
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Hardcore Heaven, where the BTWF roster is about to get 150% more extreme! From the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I’m Nigel McGuiness, alongside my broadcast colleagues Beth Vanderwood and Rintaro Okabe, and we are ready for one of the most violent nights in BTWF history!” Nigel exclaimed as the camera panned to the side to focus on Beth and Okabe, who waved to the camera before continuing the PPV introductions.
“Absolutely, Nigel! We have a ladder match for the BTWF Championship, a Falls Count Anywhere match for the BTWF United States Championship, an Extreme Rules match for the BTWF Women’s World Championship, and much more for tonight’s show. I can’t wait!” Beth cheered while pumping her fist in the air. Okabe and Nigel chuckled in response to Beth’s excitement before ‘Adonis’ by STIM played, the crowd booing as ‘The Definition of Perfection’ Jean Kirstein came out of the back with his sparkling gold robe and handheld mirror. Behind him were Baam and his manager/friend Rachel Light, and the crowd’s boos grew louder as Rachel patted Jean on the back supportively.
“And speaking of the ‘and more’, we’re starting the action tonight with the BTWF World Tag Team Championship match!” Okabe exclaimed as Jean stopped at the center of the stage and continued looking at himself in the mirror while Rachel turned to Baam and told him to focus on winning the BTWF World Tag Team Championships. Rachel was also holding Baam’s BTWF Tertiary Championship Feast or Famine briefcase while continuing to tell Baam the game plan for this match. The crowd continued booing as Jean ignored the BTWF fans before walking down the aisleway, with Rachel ordering Baam to follow Jean, which he did, though he didn’t look like he was happy about it.
“I don’t think there’s a worse way we could’ve started Hardcore Heaven,” Beth complained as Jean looked at several fans with disgust before returning to his handheld mirror. While Jean was fixing his hair, Baam smiled at the fans cheering for him in the front row, but Rachel pulled Baam away from them and yelled at him to focus. The crowd began booing even louder as Rachel ordered Baam to stand next to Jean, who was still checking his face in the mirror. After a moment, Baam raised his fists in the air just as Jean started walking toward the steel steps, climbing up, and jumping onto the top rope. The crowd kept booing as Baam shook his head in frustration before sliding into the ring from underneath the bottom rope.
“Rachel has been playing with Baam’s feelings for her as a friend because, just a few days ago, Rachel was celebrating Baam as if he had won the lottery after he took victory in the SuperNova this BTWF World Tag Team Championship match,” Nigel explained as Baam jumped back to his feet, then up to the top turnbuckle and posed while Jean jumped down from the top rope and landed in the center of the ring. The crowd continued booing as Jean swayed his hips back and forth before Rachel stomped over to one of the ringside attendants, grabbed a microphone, and handed it to Jean. The boos from the crowd only grew louder as Rachel yelled at Baam to jump down so Jean could do his introduction for the first time in a while, which he responded to by jumping down, though he stayed in the corner before Jean began speaking.
“Ladies, gentlemen, sweathogs of Philadelphia! My name is Jean Kirstein, and you may call me ‘the Definition of Perfection’. Tonight, I will achieve my destiny by helping this poor little boy in Baam claim the biggest victory of his career, when we both become BTWF World Tag Team Champions! And you all already know that the title is going to look incredible around my vascular waist. Now, before our opponents come out, I’d like all the fat, ugly, Philadelphia sweathogs in the arena tonight to keep the noise down while I take my robe off and show all the ladies in the arena what a real, sexy man looks like!” Jean exclaimed, the crowd booing as he dropped the microphone, and began swaying his hips while slowly taking off his robe. Baam, meanwhile, looked annoyed at the jab Jean had given him, but when Jean took his robe off, he threw it at Baam, much to the crowd’s chagrin.
“Jean does know that Baam has held the BTWF World Tag Team titles before, right?” Beth asked, as Baam angrily took the robe off himself. ‘Don’t Stop’ by Nothing More (feat. Jacoby Shaddix) started playing in the arena, the crowd cheering loudly as the lights flickered between red and blue. After a moment, Shoto Todoroki rose from the floor, seated in a crisscross position with the BTWF World Tag Team Championship belt around his waist. He opened his eyes, then spun back up to his feet. After glancing at the cheering crowd, Todoroki took the BTWF World Tag Team title off his waist and pointed behind him, where Death the Kid appeared a moment later, riding his skateboard with his half of the BTWF World Tag Team Championship belts around his waist.
“Speaking of the holders of the BTWF World Tag Team Championships, here come the champions, looking as confident as ever!” Nigel exclaimed as Kid stopped next to Todoroki. The two fist-bumped before the BTWF World Tag Team Champions started making their way to the ring, with Kid continuing to ride down the aisle on his skateboard. Todoroki followed on foot, high-fiving multiple fans in the front row while showing off his half of the titles. Todoroki paused briefly to look into the camera, telling Dabi from DFW (Draconic Fury Wrestling) to keep an eye on how a real champion handles business.
“Todoroki and Kid are two second-generation wrestlers who have found success together as the BTWF World Tag Team Champions. However, many in the business believe that this is only the beginning for Todoroki and Kid, and I have to agree with them!” Okabe exclaimed as Kid, when he made it to the ringside area, began riding around the ring, high-fiving all the fans he could. The crowd cheered even louder as Kid flicked Rachel in the back of the head while riding around the ring, infuriating Rachel as Todoroki continued making his way down the ramp. Todoroki then began walking up the steel steps and climbed onto the ring apron before jumping over the top rope and rolling into the center of the ring while sitting crisscross. Todoroki held his BTWF World Tag Team Championship belt over his head while Kid stopped his skateboard, jumped onto the ring apron, and then jumped into the ring, standing next to Todoroki while raising his own BTWF World Tag Team Championship over his head, just like Todoroki.
“This match is about to set a high-octane tone for the rest of the show, no pun intended! Our new Octane PPV ring announcer, Max Alors, will kick off this match and the show! Nigel exclaimed as Todoroki quickly got back to his feet. The referee stepped in between both teams to prevent any fighting between the four, as Todoroki and Kid handed the referee the BTWF World Tag Team Championships. The referee then raised the BTWF World Tag Team Championships overhead while Max Alors entered the ring holding a microphone, the crowd cheering as the arena lights dimmed, a spotlight illuminating the ring and the competitors.
“The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall, and it is for the BTWF World Tag Team Championships! Introducing first, the challengers, representing the SuperNova and accompanied by Rachel Light, they are the team of Baam and ‘The Definition of Perfection’ Jean Kirstein! And their opponents, they are the BTWF World Tag Team Champions, Death the Kid and Shoto Todoroki!” Max Alors announced, the crowd booing when the SuperNova were introduced, with Jean responding to the introduction by flexing and showing off his pecs, and Baam simply leaning against the corner. The crowd cheered when Kid & Todoroki were introduced, which the champions responded to by raising their fists in the air. The referee then raised the BTWF World Tag Team Championships again, the crowd chanting for Todoroki and Kid as the referee handed the belts to a ringside attendant.
“Rachel has been obsessed with bringing championship gold into the SuperNova, and this is a great chance for her and Baam to regain the World Tag Team Championships!" Okabe exclaimed as the referee, after one last check to see if both teams were ready, told the timekeeper to ring the bell and start the match. Todoroki and Baam were the legal participants starting the match, the crowd cheering as Todoroki and Baam locked up in the middle of the ring, with Todoroki able to take Baam down with a Japanese Arm Drag before trying to lock him in an Armbar. However, Baam pulled himself back to his feet, escaped the Armbar, took Todoroki down with his own Arm Drag, and attempted to lock him in his own Armbar. Todoroki was able to roll back to his feet, put Baam in a Hammerlock, and push him down to the canvas, the crowd cheering as Todoroki began doing push-ups on Baam’s back. Baam responded by pulling himself back up to his feet and attempting to hit Todoroki with a Back Elbow, but one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions ducked, took Baam back down with a Fireman’s Carry, and locked him back in the Hammerlock, much to the crowd’s delight.
“Todoroki and Baam are slowly staring at each other, trying to get a feel for one another so they can become more familiar as the match continues,” Nigel explained. After a moment, Baam pulled himself back to his feet and pushed Todoroki into the SuperNova’s corner. The crowd booed as Jean tagged himself into the match. Baam tried to keep Todoroki in the corner, but when Jean ran the ropes, he attempted a Running Corner Back Elbow on Todoroki. However, the crowd cheered as Todoroki managed to push Baam out of the way and roll out of the corner, sending Jean crashing into it. The crowd cheered again as Todoroki threw Jean out of the corner with a Japanese Arm Drag. While Rachel began yelling at Baam for messing up, Jean got back to his feet and tried to hit Todoroki with a Clothesline. But one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions responded with two more Japanese Arm Drags and a Dropkick, causing Jean to stagger into the champions’ corner. The crowd kept cheering as Todoroki ran the ropes and hit a Running Corner Forearm before tagging Kid into the match. Kid jumped into the ring, ran the ropes, and hit Jean with a Running Corner Forearm of his own, before both champions threw Kid out of the corner with a Double Vertical Suplex.
“Rachel should lay off Baam! It wasn’t even his fault that Jean got hit!” Beth exclaimed in annoyance as Kid hit Jean with a Standing Moonsault, with Todoroki responding by running the ropes and hitting a seated Jean with a Running Meteora. The crowd kept cheering as Kid picked Jean up, wrung his arm, and delivered several Roundhouse Kicks to the chest, but Jean tried to counter with a forearm to the side of Kid’s head before lifting him for a One-Armed Powerbomb. However, Kid responded with multiple elbows to the top of the head before throwing him down with a Hurricanrana, sending the Definition of Perfection back into the SuperNova’s corner. Baam tagged himself in, springboarded into the ring, then rolled Kid up with a Springboard Sunset Flip.
Ref: 1…
Kid got back on his feet, dodged a Superkick Baam tried to throw, and took Baam down with a Legsweep before attempting another Standing Moonsault. However, Baam rolled out of the way, with Kid landing on all fours. When Baam tried to hit Kid with a Penalty Kick to the chest, Kid dodged and struck the current tertiary Feast or Famine briefcase holder with several kicks to the leg, causing Baam to fall to one knee.
“Baam nearly stole the victory for SuperNova there, but Kid keeps fighting back with some tough kicks!” Nigel exclaimed as Kid ran the ropes and tried to hit Baam with a Hurricanrana Driver, but Baam dodged and struck one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a Spinning Backfist. Kid was spun around by the force of the strike, giving Baam a chance to attempt a Cobra Clutch Suplex on one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions. However, Kid managed to land back on his feet, delivered a Superkick to Baam’s back of the head, grabbed him, and hit Baam with a Springboard Arm Drag while tagging Todoroki back into the match. Todoroki then climbed to the top rope and hit Baam with a Missile Dropkick before Kid hit the third Feast or Famine briefcase winner with a Hurricanrana Driver, the crowd continuing to cheer. Todoroki then hit Baam with a Sliding Basement Dropkick and went for the pin.
Ref: 1…2
“Todoroki and Kid have only been a team for two months, but they already have an incredible chemistry together that shows why they are still the BTWF World Tag Team Champions!” Okabe exclaimed as Todoroki picked Baam up and hit the tertiary Feast or Famine briefcase winner with multiple kicks to the leg before hitting him with a Spinning Back Kick. The crowd continued cheering as Todoroki ran the ropes and attempted to hit Baam with a running attack, but Baam countered by hitting one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team champions with a Clothesline. The crowd gave a mixed reaction as Baam picked Todoroki back up and hit him with several forearm strikes before pushing Todoroki into the corner. Baam then attempted to hit Todoroki with a Running Corner Clothesline, but Todoroki countered with a Corner Kick to the side of the head before hitting Jean with a Back Elbow to the side of the head. Todoroki then hit Baam with a Back Kick to the gut when he attempted to run back into the corner, but Jean responded by hitting Todoroki in the side of the head with a hard forearm, much to the crowd’s chagrin.
“What a forearm by Jean! Todoroki may be out on his feet!” Nigel exclaimed as Baam tagged Jean into the match before the two attempted to hit Todoroki with a Back Suplex. However, one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions flipped back onto his feet behind them and struck both Jean and Baam with multiple forearms to the side of the head. He then sent Baam out of the ring with a Spinning Roundhouse Kick. The crowd cheered loudly as Todoroki hit Jean with a Bicycle Knee Strike, staggering him into the BTWF World Tag Team Champions’ corner. Todoroki ran the ropes and delivered a Running Corner Yakuza Kick before tagging Kid back into the match. The crowd kept cheering as Todoroki pulled Jean out of the corner and placed him in a Russian Legsweep position. Kid climbed to the top rope, and together with Todoroki, hit Jean with a Missile Dropkick and Russian Legsweep combination, going for the pin.
Ref: 1…2.
“Jean and Baam need to get their act together if they want to bring the BTWF World Tag Team Championships to the SuperNova!” Okabe exclaimed as Kid ran the ropes and hit Jean with a Springboard Tornillo. The crowd kept cheering as Kid tried to hit Jean with the Code Red, but Jean pushed Kid off him, hit him with a couple of Back Elbows, and pushed him over the top rope onto the apron. The crowd booed as Jean ran into the corner, springboarded off the middle rope, and knocked Kid off the apron with a Springboard Triangle Clothesline. Jean then swiveled his hips at a downed Kid before Todoroki re-entered the ring and hit the Definition of Perfection in the back of the head with a Running Dropkick, enough to send him out of the ring. The crowd kept cheering as Jean got back up, Todoroki ran the ropes and hit the Definition of Perfection with a Vaulting Somersault Senton.
“Todoroki pulled out the Definition of Perfection before he could take advantage of knocking Kid onto the floor!” Nigel exclaimed as Todoroki helped Jean up and delivered multiple punches to the side of his head. Before Todoroki could do anything else, Kid rolled into the ring and hit Todoroki with a Suicide Dive, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd as he helped Jean up. Jean and Baam then began stomping on Todoroki while Kid got back to his feet and started climbing one of the support beams of the building, making it a little over halfway up before diving off with a Diving Moonsault, taking out both Jean and Baam. The crowd cheered ‘Holy Shit!’ as all four guys ended up on the padded concrete floor at the same time. After a moment, Kid got back up, grabbed Jean by the hair, and started hitting him with multiple forearms to the side of the head before throwing him back into the ring.
Ref: 1…2…3
“Kid is absolutely fearless! He dove from more than halfway up the support beam of the building to take out both Jean and Baam with a spectacular Moonsault!” Nigel exclaimed as Kid jumped back onto the ring apron, then springboarded back into the ring with another Springboard Tornillo onto Jean before going for another pin, hooking both of his legs back.
Ref: 1…2…
Kid looked surprised that Jean had kicked out and responded with several stomps to the chest before climbing up to the top rope, preparing for an early Coffin Drop. However, before he could dive, Rachel climbed onto the apron and began arguing with Kid, telling him to stop. Kid argued back at her, not noticing that Baam had staggered back to his feet and was climbing back onto the apron. Baam springboarded into the ring, jumped onto the middle rope, and threw Kid off the top rope with a Springboard Inverted Frankensteiner, sending Kid falling onto the canvas neck-first.
“What a move by Baam, throwing Kid off the top rope with that devastating Poisonrana!” Nigel exclaimed as Jean got back up to his feet and tagged Baam back into the match, the crowd booing as Jean put Kid back into a seated position. Baam then ran the ropes and hit Kid with a Running Knee Strike before Jean climbed up to the top rope and hit him with a 2nd Rope Body Splash. The crowd continued booing as Baam picked Kid back up, pushed him into the SuperNova’s corner, and hit one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions before hitting him with a Running Corner Inazuma Kick and tagging Jean back into the match. Baam jumped up to the top rope and hit a now-standing Todoroki with a Diving Crossbody to the outside before Jean ran the ropes and hit Kid with a Running Corner Back Elbow.
“For two men who didn’t seem to get along at the beginning of this match, Baam and Jean now appear to be working well since they have taken control,” Okabe noted as Jean threw Kid out of the corner with a Falcon Arrow Throw before running the ropes, hitting a Springboard Senton from the middle rope, and going for the pin, hooking both of his legs back.
Ref: 1…2.
Jean slapped the mat in frustration before picking Kid back up and hitting him with multiple forearms to the side of the head, then pushing one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions’ head into his knee. With Kid stunned, Jean delivered a Standing Big Boot to one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions, then choked Kid with his boot and tagged Baam back into the match. Jean then lifted Kid by both legs and hung him over the middle rope by his back while Baam climbed to the top rope, allowing them to hit an Assisted Double Stomp to Kid’s chest. The crowd reacted with mixed cheers as Baam pushed Kid to the ground, then ran the ropes and hit several Sliding Leg Drops across Kid’s throat. Baam then turned Kid onto his stomach and delivered a Jumping Leg Drop across the back of the throat, with Rachel nodding at him and telling Baam to keep doing what he’s doing.
“Of course, now that Baam is doing well in the match, Rachel suddenly starts acting like she’s Baam’s biggest fan!” Beth noted in annoyance as Baam picked Kid up and delivered a couple of punches to the side of his head. Baam then lifted Kid and hit him with a few Pendulum Backbreakers before planting him with a Sidewalk Slam. He then dragged Kid back to the SuperNova’s corner, tagged Jean back into the match, and the crowd continued to boo as Baam choked a grounded Kid with his foot, allowing Jean to land a Vaulting Tope Con Hilo onto Kid. The crowd kept giving a mixed reaction before Baam kicked Kid in the back a couple of times. Jean ran the ropes and hit a Sliding Grounded Clothesline, prompting more boos as Jean posed after getting up.
“Maybe it’s Rachel’s motivation that’s getting Baam and Jean working together. Baam knows how important this is to Rachel, and clearly cares a lot for her,” Okabe responded as Jean picked Kid back up and hit him with a Backbreaker. The crowd kept booing as, instead of dropping Kid, Jean turned him around and hit one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with an Inverted Backbreaker before throwing Kid overhead with a Side Fallaway Slam. Then, Jean jumped up onto the middle rope and posed, much to the crowd’s chagrin, before hitting Kid with a Trust Fall Elbow Drop across the chest and going for a pin, hooking both of Kid’s legs.
Ref: 1…2..
“Y’all cannot be serious, Okabe. You know that Rachel’s using Baam’s feelings for her to get what she wants,” Beth responded in frustration as Jean grabbed Kid by the throat. But the crowd cheered again as Kid started fighting back with several punches to the side of Jean’s head to loosen his grip on Kid’s throat. Jean responded by throwing Kid into the ropes, but one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions stopped himself. When Jean tried to run at him, Kid kicked him in the face, causing Jean to stagger back. As Kid was climbing the middle rope, Baam pushed him off. Kid then kicked Baam off the apron with a Jumping Enziguri to his head, but Jean caught Kid from behind and threw him overhead with a German Suplex.
“Baam once again put himself in harm’s way to allow Jean to maintain control of this match for the SuperNova!” Nigel exclaimed as Jean grabbed Kid by the throat and threw him into the corner before hitting him with multiple punches and stomps to Kid’s head and chest, respectively. Baam began climbing back up to the apron, and Jean responded by tagging Baam back into the match. Baam then responded by jumping back into the ring, running the ropes, and hitting a Running Corner Dropkick to Kid’s chin before Jean planted one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a Back Suplex and bridging into a pinfall.
Ref: 1…2..
“Kid kicked out once again, but you can see that his kick-outs are getting weaker and weaker,” Nigel noted as Jean mounted Kid and hit him with multiple forearms to the side of the head before picking him back up and attempting a Vertical Suplex. However, the crowd began cheering again as Kid started hitting Jean in the head with multiple Knee Strikes to the top. Despite this, Jean maintained his grip on Kid and threw him onto the top rope with a Gourdbuster, prompting boos from the crowd as he tagged Baam back into the match while keeping Kid hung over the top rope in a Front Facelock. Baam then climbed to the top rope and hit Kid with a Jumping Double Foot Stomp to the back, allowing Jean to hit one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a Slingshot Vertical Suplex.
“It's still strange to see how well Baam and Jean are working as a team, even though Jean seems to have about as much respect for Baam as Rachel does,” Nigel remarked as Baam stomped on Kid’s chest multiple times before grabbing him and locking him in an Abdominal Stretch. The crowd reacted with mixed chants for both men as Baam continued stretching Kid out while one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions yelled in pain. After a moment, Kid started trying to reach the ropes, but Baam responded by hitting him with several elbow strikes to the chest before pulling him away from the ropes. Kid quickly fought back, landing several punches to Baam’s head, which loosened Baam’s grip on the Abdominal Stretch. He then jumped up and threw Baam down with a Frankensteiner.
“Kid was able to escape the Abdominal Stretch, but has enough damage been done?" Okabe exclaimed as Kid attempted to hit a kneeling Baam with a kick, but the tertiary Feast or Famine briefcase winner dodged and tried to hit Kid with a Back Suplex of his own. However, Kid managed to land on his feet behind Baam and clubs him in the back several times before trying to hit him with the Stundog Millionaire. Yet, Baam was able to stop him mid-move and plant Kid with a Reverse DDT before going into SuperNova’s corner and tagging Jean back into the match. The crowd booed as Jean picked Kid up, grabbed both his arms, put them behind his head, and told Baam to hit Kid with a Superkick. But when Baam went to do so, Kid ducked out of Jean’s grasp, causing Baam to accidentally send Jean down with the Superkick, much to the crowd’s delight.
“What was that about them working well together, Nigel!?” Beth exclaimed with a chuckle. While Baam went to check on Jean, Kid turned the tertiary Feast or Famine briefcase winner around and hit him with his own Superkick before making his way to Todoroki, who looked ready to get back in the ring with his arm outstretched for a tag. Jean then went in front of Kid, grabbed him by the throat, and attempted to hit him with a Sit-Out Chokeslam, but the crowd continued cheering as Kid reversed the Sit-Out Chokeslam attempt into the Stundog Millionaire before falling back into his corner, and tagging Todoroki back into the match. The crowd exploded into cheers as Todoroki jumped up to the top rope and hit Jean with a Missile Dropkick before kipping back up to his feet and hitting Baam with a Spinning Wheel Kick with enough force to send him staggering into the ropes. Todoroki then knocked Baam over the top rope and onto the floor with a Running Big Boot, the crowd continuing to cheer as Jean attempted to knock one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions down with a Clothesline to the back of the head, but Todoroki leapfrogged over Jean. When Jean rebounded off the ropes, Todoroki nailed him with two Clotheslines, a Teep Kick, a Bicycle Knee Strike, and a German Suplex before bridging into a pinfall.
Ref: 1…2…
“Todoroki’s coming back into this BTWF World Tag Team Championship match like a house of fire!” Nigel exclaimed as Todoroki hit Jean with a Jumping Double Foot Stomp to the chest, then ran the ropes, hitting Jean with a Shining Wizard, before picking him up and hitting him with an Impaler DDT. The crowd kept cheering as Todoroki climbed to the top rope, preparing for another Diving Double Foot Stomp. However, Jean managed to get back to his feet and tried to run up to the top turnbuckle. Todoroki stopped him dead in his tracks with multiple forearms to the side of the head, then hit him with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb from the top rope, causing the crowd to erupt into cheers as Todoroki grabbed Jean’s legs and locked him in a Sharpshooter.
“Todoroki’s got Jean in one of the most devastating submission holds in the wrestling industry, locked in! Can they use this to retain the BTWF World Tag Team Championships!?” Okabe asked as Jean yelled out in pain while trying to pull himself to the ropes. The crowd began chanting ‘Tap!’ at Jean as Todoroki pressed his knee against the Definition of Perfection’s back, but Baam broke up the submission by hitting Todoroki in the side of the head with a Running Basement Dropkick, much to the crowd’s chagrin. Jean then grabbed the ropes to get back to his feet, and after pushing Baam away from him, Jean hit a stunned Todoroki with several forearms to both sides of his head before running the ropes and attempting to hit him with a Cyclone Big Boot, but Todoroki countered with a Big Boot of his own. Jean staggered away while holding his mouth before Todoroki springboarded off the top rope, hit a standing Jean with a Springboard Moonsault, and went for the pinfall.
Ref: 1…2…
“Jean doesn’t seem too happy with Baam after the miscommunication earlier, but he'd better get over it soon if he wants to actually win the BTWF World Tag Team titles,” Nigel explained as Todoroki stomped on Jean’s chest multiple times before knocking Baam out of the ring with a running clothesline over the top rope. Todoroki then noticed that Jean was not in a seated position, and he responded by jumping onto the top rope. However, Jean was able to push the referee into the ropes, causing Todoroki to briefly lose his balance, and Jean took advantage of this by hitting one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a big boot to the side of the head before throwing Todoroki off the top rope with an Iconoclasm.
“Jean almost sent Todoroki right through the ring with that Iconoclasm!” Beth exclaimed in shock as Jean stepped over Todoroki’s chest, the crowd continuing to boo as he climbed up to the top rope. After Jean made it to the top turnbuckle, he swiveled his hips and hit one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a Diving Moonsault, but the crowd booed as he told them he wasn’t done yet. Jean climbed back up to the top rope one more time, giving the jeering fans another hip swivel before attempting a Corkscrew Moonsault, but the crowd cheered again as Todoroki raised his knees, causing The Definition of Perfection to crash into them midsection-first. When Jean struggled back to his feet, Todoroki knocked him down with a Reverse Sling Blade before tagging Kid back into the match. The crowd kept cheering as Kid lay on his back, allowing him and Todoroki to hit Jean with a Powerbomb onto Kid’s knees before Kid went for the pin.
Ref: 1…2…
The crowd had a mixed reaction as Baam rushed into the ring and hit Kid with a Sliding Elbow Drop to the back, breaking up the pinfall.
“Baam barely managed to break up the pinfall, but he and Jean still have a shot at becoming the BTWF World Tag Team Champions!” Nigel exclaimed as Baam helped Jean to his feet, with the two attempting a Double Gourdbuster on one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions. However, the crowd cheered as Kid countered by hitting both men with a DDT before one-half of the champions rushed into the corner to catch his breath.
“Kid able to take both Baam and Jean down with a Double DDT! This could be the end of the road for the SuperNova!” Okabe exclaimed as Death the Kid then began climbing to the top rope, attempting to hit Baam with a Coffin Drop. However, the crowd again gave a mixed reaction as Baam got back to his feet and hit one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a jumping club to the back, then jumped onto the middle rope and hit Kid with an Inverted Spanish Fly. Baam then looked at Rachel, who nodded at him, before the tertiary Feast or Famine briefcase winner jumped to the top rope and attempted to hit Kid with the End of the World (John Morrison’s Starship Pain). But Todoroki managed to spring onto the middle rope himself and threw Baam off the middle turnbuckle with a Middle Rope Dragon Suplex. Todoroki let out a battle cry before Jean turned him around and knocked him down with a Superkick, much to the crowd’s chagrin, as all four men fell to the ground.
“All four of these men are showing just how important it is to be BTWF World Tag Team Champions! Which team will get up first?" Nigel asked as both teams began to get back on their feet. The crowd cheered and booed accordingly as Baam and Jean started exchanging punches and forearms with Todoroki and Kid in the middle of the ring, with Todoroki and Kid ducking forearms from their opponents and hitting simultaneous Superkicks at the challengers. Todoroki and Kid then ran the ropes, trying to hit them with a Double Clothesline, but Baam and Jean ducked and took both men down with a Double Dropkick.
“The referee’s using his discretion in this match, not wanting this BTWF World Tag Title match to end in a disqualification!” Okabe exclaimed as Baam ran the ropes. When Jean picked Kid back up, the tertiary Feast or Famine briefcase winner attempted to hit one-half of the BTWF World Tag Team Champions with a Springboard Enziguri. However, Kid once again slid out of the way, causing Baam to accidentally hit Jean again, much to the crowd’s delight and Rachel’s anger. Baam looked shocked at what happened, and Kid responded by hitting him, the tertiary Feast or Famine winner, with a Jumping Spinning Roundhouse Kick to the chin with enough force to send him falling out of the ring. Todoroki then rolled out onto the apron, allowing Kid to tag his partner back into the match. The crowd cheered as Kid climbed to the top rope and hit Jean with a Coffin Drop.
“Kid is finally able to hit the Coffin Drop! This match is all but over!” Beth exclaimed as Kid ran out of the ring and hit Baam with a Suicide Somersault Senton. Todoroki then jumped into the ring and waited for Jean to get back to her feet. When the Definition of Perfection staggered back up, Todoroki ran the ropes and hit the challenger with the Hot and Cold (Mushroom Stomp) before going for the pin, hooking both of his legs.
Ref: 1…2…3
*Bell Rings*
“Here are your winners, and still the BTWF World Tag Team Champions, they are the team of Shoto Todoroki & Death the Kid!” Max Alors announced, as the crowd cheered. Todoroki pulled himself up to his feet before raising his fists in the air. Kid then got up outside, rolled back into the ring, and raised his fists skyward as the ringside attendant handed the referee the BTWF World Tag Team Championships. Kid and Todoroki high-fived each other before the referee handed both men the belts. The crowd kept cheering as the referee raised both their free hands while Todoroki and Kid used their other hands to lift the BTWF World Tag Team Championships high in the air.
“We should’ve known that the chemistry between Baam and Jean couldn’t last forever, but those miscommunications ensured that the champions remained the champions!” Nigel exclaimed as the referee released Todoroki and Kid, allowing them to clink their championships together before walking to opposite sides of the ring and jumping onto the top turnbuckles of opposite corners. Todoroki and Kid held the BTWF World Tag Team Championships high over their heads, soaking in the cheers from the fans. Meanwhile, outside, while Baam struggled to get back to his feet, Rachel started berating him for costing SuperNova the BTWF World Tag Team titles. By the time Baam was pulling himself upright, Rachel was still yelling at him, saying he had failed both SuperNova and her.
“And of course, Rachel decides to take her frustration out on Baam. Someone really needs to talk some sense into Baam to get him away from Rachel,” Beth noted in annoyance as Baam tried to say something, but Rachel cut him off with a slap, much to the crowd's dismay. Rachel told Baam to shut up and said they had a lot more training to do, while Jean rolled out of the ring, clutching his chest in pain. Todoroki and Kid, still celebrating their victory, looked at the scene outside and shook their heads in disappointment. Jean pulled himself back up and followed Rachel and Baam as the former continued berating the latter all the way up the aisle, much to the crowd’s continued chagrin.
“Baam’s relationship with Rachel might be worsening right before our eyes, but one thing that isn’t declining is the success of our BTWF World Tag Team Champions!” Okabe exclaimed as Todoroki and Kid kept celebrating, raising the BTWF World Tag Team Championships over their heads once more before the camera moved away from the ring.
The camera panned back to the trainer’s room, where Next Gen (Priya Guthrapali and Millie O’Shea) were being attended to by the medical staff. Priya had an ice pack pressed against the side of her head, while one of the medical personnel was applying athletic tape over Millie’s midsection. The two newcomers to Octane were recovering from the Sisterhood of Darkness attacking them on the Hardcore-Heaven pre-show. After the medical staff finished taping Millie’s midsection and side, Xochi Melendez entered the room, giving both Priya and Millie a fist bump.
“Hey guys, are you doing okay?" Xochi asked as she sat down next to Millie.
“Yeah, we’ll survive. We’ll make those Sisterhood creeps regret this,” Priya replied, muttering to herself about how she planned to confront the Sisterhood members. Xochi and Millie laughed at Priya’s comment, and Xochi ruffled Millie's hair, looking slightly guilty.
“Look, guys, I’m sorry you two had to get caught up in this. The Sisterhood wouldn’t be after you if you hadn’t helped me, which I really appreciate,” Xochi said, scratching her head. Millie and Priya exchanged glances for a moment before laughing, with Millie then patting Xochi on the back, both smiling.
“Don’t worry about it, Xochi. You’ve been kind to us since we came up to Octane, and we wanted to return the favor," Millie insisted with a shrug before Priya jumped off her chair and sat next to Xochi and Millie.
“Plus, if you think a couple of sneaky attacks from some freaks will scare us off, you don’t know us as well as you think! We’ll stand by you until the Sisterhood begs us to go easy on them!” Priya said, then winced as her headache worsened and she put the ice pack back on her head. Millie and Xochi exchanged glances and chuckled; Xochi playfully put Priya in a Side Headlock and gently noogied her on the top of the head.
“That means a lot, guys. Tonight, I finally have Sherry all to myself, and I plan to make her regret convincing me to join the Sisterhood initially. Plus, I’ll give her a few extra hits for you all," Xochi joked, playfully punching Millie and Priya on the arms.
“Good luck, Xochi. If you need help, we might be hurt, but we can still prevent any Sisterhood interference,” Millie said, with Priya nodding in agreement. Xochi smirked, then jumped from her seat to stand up, gave Next Gen a final fist bump, and headed out of the trainer’s room.
“I appreciate it, guys,” Xochi said before exiting the trainer’s room. Millie and Priya exchanged glances and nodded confidently, smirking as they allowed the trainers to inspect them once more while the camera moved away from the backstage area.
The camera moved back to the stage as ‘Not Gonna Die’ by Skillet played, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Shinji Ikari strode out from the back with a confident smile, appearing more self-assured than he had in recent weeks. He stopped at the center of the stage, took in the enthusiastic cheers, then looked down briefly before raising both fists in the air in a victorious gesture. The crowd continued to cheer and chant his name as flames erupted from the stage and sides of the TitanTron. After taking a deep breath, Shinji lowered his fists, outstretched his hands, and told everyone it was time for him to get back on track.
“Shinji hasn’t been having the best luck lately in big matches, and he hopes to turn that around tonight,” Nigel explained as Shinji started walking down the aisle. Shinji didn’t hesitate to give the cheering fans in the front row high-fives, even exchanging a few fist bumps with fans who asked for them. Shinji paused in the middle of the aisle and shot both fists into the air; the crowd kept cheering as he lowered his fists and kept walking down the aisle. Shinji then looked into the camera and told the fans that tonight would be the start of a new beginning for him, and for the BTWF Television Championship.
“Not only that, Nigel, but it’s also about the fact that Bowie hasn’t been giving him the respect he deserves as one of the faces of the BTWF,” Beth responded as Shinji reached the ringside area. Shinji took a deep breath, took off his ring jacket, threw it onto the ground, and slid into the ring under the bottom rope. The crowd kept cheering as Shinji quickly got to his feet and raised both fists in the air again, causing flames to shoot out of all four corner turnbuckle posts. After a moment, the flames died down, and Shinji rushed into one of the corners, climbed to the top turnbuckle, and gestured around his waist, once again claiming that the BTWF Television Championship would soon be his.
“Well, Beth, tonight is the best chance for Shinji to prove all the naysayers wrong, including his opponent," Okabe responded as Shinji jumped down from the top turnbuckle and started waiting for his opponent. After a moment, the arena lights dimmed while pink laser lights appeared, forming a circle around the center of the stage. The crowd gave a mixed reaction as, after ‘Light Up the Sky’ by Thousand Foot Krutch began playing, Bowie appeared from the shadows at the back, then walked underneath the laser circle and struck a pose as the lights returned to normal. Bowie then looked at Shinji with a smirk, patting the BTWF Television Championship around his waist and mimicking putting the crown on his head.
“Bowie has had an incredible career despite being so young. He debuted in a vignette at StarShow, became the first BTWF Television Champion on Octane after StarShow, and has been on a winning streak of defenses ever since,” Nigel explained as Bowie took the BTWF Television Championship off from around his waist, raising it over his head with a smirk growing on his face. Bowie then draped the BTWF Television Championship over his shoulder before strutting down the aisle, with the crowd giving him a mixed reaction. Bowie looked at a few anti-Bowie signs and simply laughed them off before continuing his walk down the aisle. Shinji kept staring at Bowie with a serious look on his face, and the BTWF Television Champion responded by striking a pose while kissing the centerplate of his championship.
“That’s why I believe he has every right to be as confident as he is. Bowie’s demonstrated that having some ego can be a good thing, especially in the wrestling business,” Okabe responded as Bowie stopped at the ringside area and struck another pose while also holding the BTWF Television Championship up. Bowie then walked over to the top rope, ran up the steel steps, jumped onto the top rope, and raised the BTWF Television Championship over his head, soaking in the reaction he received, although it was mixed. After a moment, Bowie jumped down from the top rope, reached the center of the ring, laid the BTWF Television Championship down in front of him, and struck yet another pose.
“I still think he’s a little too big for his britches for my liking,” Beth countered as Bowie, after mimicking putting a crown on his head once again, picked up the BTWF Television Championship and handed it to the referee. The referee stood in the middle of the ring as the arena lights dimmed, with a spotlight shining over the ring as Max Arlos entered, microphone in hand, standing next to the referee. Shinji and Bowie exchanged trash talk, the referee moving between challenger and champion to prevent them from attacking each other before the match officially began.
“The following contest is a 15-Minutes of Fame match scheduled for one fall with a 15-minute time limit, and it is for the BTWF Television Championship! First, the challenger, from Tokyo, Japan, he is ‘Undisputed’ Shinji Ikari! And his opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is the BTWF Television Champion, Bowie Arrington!” Max Arlos announced, the crowd cheering after Shinji’s announcement, which the challenger responded to by shooting both his fists back in the air. Bowie, for his part, posed in the center of the ring while patting the centerplate of the BTWF Television Championship, while the crowd gave him a mixture of cheers and boos. The referee then raised the BTWF Television Championship over his head before handing it to the ringside attendant, while Max Arlos left the ring and the lights in the arena returned to normal.
“Shinji has been looking forward to this match for a few weeks, but you have to imagine Bowie has as well, since a victory over Shinji could mean big things for his career,” Okabe explained as the referee checked one last time to see if Bowie and Shinji were ready. When they both confirmed they were, the referee told the timekeeper to ring the bell and start the match. Shinji immediately responded by taking Bowie down with a Double Leg Takedown and started raining punches onto the BTWF Television Champion, much to the crowd’s delight. Bowie responded by grabbing Shinji by the hair and hitting several punches to the side of the former BTWF United States Champion’s head.
“This match is starting off like a hockey fight!” Beth exclaimed as Bowie pushed Shinji off him and tried to hit the former BTWF United States Champion with a Superkick, but Shinji ducked and struck the BTWF Television Champion with multiple Knife-Edge Chops before throwing him into the corner. Shinji attempted a Running Corner Forearm on Bowie, but the BTWF Television Champion responded with a Corner Knee Strike to the side of Shinji’s face, pushed him away, and jumped onto the middle rope. Before Bowie could dive, Shinji grabbed him, threw him off the middle turnbuckle, caught him in a Powerbomb position, and tried a Running Buckle Bomb. Bowie fought back with a few forearms to Shinji’s head, then countered the Buckle Bomb with a Hurricanrana. Shinji managed to get back to his feet, ducked another Superkick from Bowie, and tried a Step-Up Enziguri, which Bowie also avoided. When Bowie went for a German Suplex, Shinji responded by throwing him overhead with an Arm Drag.
“Shinji and Bowie are neck-and-neck in the early stages of this match, neither man wanting to make a mistake and let his opponent capitalize,” Nigel noted as Bowie pounded the mat in frustration before attempting to hit Shinji with a Big Boot. However, the former BTWF United States Champion responded by countering with a Spinning Back Elbow to the side of the head, staggering the current BTWF Television Champion. Shinji then ran the ropes and knocked Bowie back into the corner with a Running Single Leg Dropkick to the chest. The crowd continued cheering as Shinji ran the ropes, hitting Bowie with a Running Corner Forearm, a Corner Back Elbow, and a CCS Enziguri before putting him on the top rope. Shinji then hit Bowie in the side of the head with several forearms before climbing to the middle rope and attempting to set up for a Superplex. Bowie responded by punching Shinji in the gut multiple times and then attempting a Sunset Flip Powerbomb. Shinji managed to land on his feet, much to the crowd’s delight. Bowie looked shocked before Shinji kicked him in the gut and tried to hit a Pedigree. However, the current BTWF Television Champion pushed Shinji away and knocked the former BTWF United States Champion down with a Dropkick to the chin.
“Bowie may have regained control of the match with that picture-perfect Dropkick!” Nigel exclaimed as Bowie stomped on Shinji multiple times before running the ropes and attempting to hit the seated Shinji with a Running Big Boot. However, Shinji ducked out of the way and rolled Bowie up with a schoolboy, much to the crowd’s delight.
Ref: 1…2
Bowie kicked out and clubbed Shinji in the back multiple times before the former BTWF United States Champion could get back to his feet. Bowie then hit Shinji with a Reverse Atomic Drop before running the ropes and attempting to hit the former BTWF United States Champion with a Running Front Flip DDT. However, the crowd cheered as Shinji threw Bowie overhead with a Back Body Drop before running the ropes and hitting a seated Bowie with a Running Basement Dropkick to the side of the head. The crowd continued cheering as Shinji ran the ropes and hit Bowie with a Springboard Middle Rope Moonsault before running the ropes again, jumping on the middle rope, hitting Bowie in the chest with a Springboard Corkscrew Senton, and going for another pinfall.
Ref: 1…2
“Shinji once again gets another two-count, but three minutes have passed, so Shinji should hurry up before Bowie can come back into the match,” Okabe explained as Shinji looked somewhat surprised, then picked Bowie back up and hit him with several forearms to the side of the head before attempting to throw him back into the corner. However, Bowie ran up to the top turnbuckle and hit a Diving Double Axe Handle to the top of Shinji’s head, sending him staggering into the ropes. The crowd began giving Bowie a mixed reaction as he ran the ropes and knocked Shinji out of the ring with a Running Big Boot to the chin, sending him over the top rope and onto the apron. Bowie followed him onto the apron and began clubbing him in the back and face before putting the former BTWF United States Champion over his shoulders.
“What in tarnation does Bowie have planned here!?” Beth asked as Shinji hit Bowie with several elbow strikes to the side of the head, allowing the former BTWF United States Champion to escape the current BTWF Television Champion’s grasp and hit him with more punches to the face. Bowie fought back with a Big Boot to Shinji’s chin, and the former BTWF United States Champion responded with a couple of kicks to Bowie’s gut before attempting a Canadian Destroyer onto the apron. However, Bowie fought back by hitting Shinji with multiple punches to the gut before throwing the former BTWF United States Champion’s throat into the top rope, stunning him. This allowed Bowie to back away slightly and send Shinji and himself off the apron with a Spear, the crowd giving a mixed reaction as both men writhed in pain on the floor in front of the commentary team.
“Wow! What a Spear by Bowie, sending both men falling off the apron and onto the floor, practically at our feet!” Nigel exclaimed. After a moment, Bowie pulled himself back up to his feet, stomped on Shinji’s midsection multiple times, then lifted him up and hit him with a Back Suplex onto the top of the commentary table. Shinji staggered away from the table, clutching his back in pain, which Bowie responded to by delivering a Running Dropkick to his back, causing his chest and face to crash into the fan barricade. The crowd reacted with mixed cheers and boos as Bowie grabbed Shinji, threw him back into the ring, then slid in after him and began delivering several Slingshot Knee Drops to Shinji’s back.
“Bowie’s now targeting the back, which is absolutely going to hinder that speed that Shinji is known for!” Nigel exclaimed as Bowie picked Shinji up and hit him with a Back Suplex before bridging into a pinfall.
Ref: 1…2..
Bowie smirked down at Shinji before delivering several Elbow Drops to the BTWF United States Champion’s chest. The crowd reacted with mixed cheers as he struck a pose and hit Shinji with a Jumping Leg Drop across the throat before rolling back to his feet. Bowie then helped Shinji to his feet, delivered several clubbing blows to his back, and threw him into the corner. The crowd continued to react with mixed reactions as Bowie ran the ropes and hit the former BTWF United States Champion with a Running Corner Clothesline. Next, Bowie grabbed Shinji with a Front Facelock and hit him with a Tornado DDT, followed by running the ropes and connecting with a Sliding Clothesline to his chest.
“A little more than 6 minutes have passed, and Bowie has finally taken full control of this match!” Okabe exclaimed as Bowie looked at the fans, crossed his arms, and rolled his eyes back, signaling the crowd—with their mixed reactions—that Shinji’s career was about to end, then hit Shinji with a Standing Coffin Drop. Bowie then quickly got to his feet, posed for the crowd once more, helped Shinji up, pushed him into the ropes, and delivered a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker. Bowie then lifted Shinji, trapped the former BTWF United States Champion on the ropes, and executed a Rope-Hung Swinging Neckbreaker before going for the pin, hooking both of Shinji's legs.
Ref: 1…2..
“One thing you have to admire about Bowie is that his skill set is growing every day. It doesn’t matter what technique or move he uses, Bowie always looks to add to his arsenal to keep his opponent on his guard,” Okabe complimented as Bowie shrugged, then picked Shinji back up and hit the former BTWF United States Champion with a Uranage before jumping onto the middle rope. Bowie struck a pose for the crowd before hitting Shinji with the Diving Pinpoint Elbow Drop from the middle rope, then turned him over and clubbed him in the back. Bowie then pulled Shinji back to his feet, looked at Nigel McGuinness, pointed at him, ran the ropes, and hit the former BTWF United States Champion in the back of the head with a Pendulum Lariat.
“I agree, Okabe, especially when he’s taking cues from some of the best in the business,” Nigel replied with a smile as Bowie went for another pin, hooking both legs.
Ref: 1…2…
“Oh, brother...," Beth mumbled as Bowie looked mildly amused that Shinji had kicked out, smacking the former BTWF United States Champion in the back of the head before picking him up and attempting to hit him with the Angel’s Wings. However, the crowd began cheering as Shinji pushed Bowie into the corner and started hitting him with multiple Shoulder Thrusts to the midsection before escaping the current BTWF Television Champion’s grasp. When Shinji tried to hit Bowie with a Running Corner Enziguri, Bowie ducked out of the way, hit the former BTWF United States Champion with a German Suplex into the corner, making Shinji’s head bounce off the top turnbuckle. The crowd’s reaction was mixed as Bowie lifted Shinji and threw him out of the corner with a Running Cartwheel Death Valley Driver before kipping back to his feet and striking another pose.
“Y’all are right about Bowie’s talent, but he’s so cocky he thinks that the sun comes up just to hear him crow,” Beth noted as Bowie ran back up to the top rope and hit Shinji with a Diving Corkscrew Splash before going for another pinfall, hooking both of his legs once again.
Ref: 1…2…
“Beth, if you won a championship your first night on the main roster, you’d be crowing about it too,” Okabe countered as Bowie chuckled at Shinji kicking out, telling the fans that he had a little more in the tank than he thought. Bowie then grabbed Shinji’s right leg and locked him in a Single Leg Boston Crab, the crowd giving a mixed reaction as the current BTWF Television Champion began hitting the small of Shinji’s back while continuing to pull back on the Single Leg Boston Crab. Shinji yelled out in pain while dragging himself to the ropes, the crowd cheering and chanting for Shinji as Bowie responded by striking the former BTWF United States Champion in the back of the head before pulling him back into the middle of the ring. Bowie pulled back even more on the Single Leg Boston Crab, the crowd continuing to chant for Shinji as the former BTWF United States Champion tried to pull himself out of Bowie’s grasp.
“Bowie has that Single Leg Boston Crab locked in tight! It’s going to be difficult for Shinji to escape this move without injury,” Nigel explained, as, after a moment, Shinji began hitting multiple punches to the back of Bowie’s head, causing his opponent’s grip on the Single Leg Boston Crab to loosen. This allowed Shinji to turn onto his back and land multiple kicks to Bowie’s head before pushing him away with his feet. Bowie responded by leaping onto the middle rope, attempting a Springboard Spear at Shinji, but the crowd cheered as Shinji countered with a Jumping Knee Strike to the side of Bowie’s head. The crowd erupted in cheers as Bowie fell to the mat, and Shinji ran the ropes to deliver a Shining Wizard to the current BTWF Television Champion before going for the pin.
Ref: 1…2…
“Shinji may finally be making his way back into this match, almost taking Bowie’s head clean off with that Shining Wizard!” Beth exclaimed excitedly as Shinji let out a battle cry before rushing into the corner and attempting to hit Bowie with a Genesis Moonsault (Christopher Daniel’s Best Moonsault Ever). However, Bowie responded by raising his knees, causing Shinji’s face to bounce off and staggering into the corner. The crowd gives a mixed reaction as the current BTWF Television Champion claims he can do it better. Bowie then charges into the corner and attempts his own version of the Best Moonsault Ever, but Shinji rolls out of the way, making Bowie bounce off the mat chest and face first. After a moment of crawling toward each other, Shinji and Bowie begin exchanging punches and forearms, eliciting cheers and mixed reactions from the crowd. They then rise while still striking each other. Bowie lands a shot to Shinji’s throat before trying a Superkick, but Shinji ducks and counters with a Fly to the Moon (Superkick).
“Over 12 minutes have passed, and Shinji may have just secured the BTWF Television Championship!” Nigel exclaimed as Shinji climbed to the top rope, hit Bowie with a Frog Splash, and went for the pinfall, hooking both of his legs back.
Ref: 1…2…
Shinji looked surprised that Bowie was kicked out, the crowd continuing to cheer as he got back to his feet and let out a battle cry. When Bowie lifted himself up again, Shinji ran at him and delivered two Clotheslines, a Running Forearm, a Sling Blade, and a Standing Shooting Star Press to the current BTWF Television Champion. The crowd cheered louder as Shinji helped Bowie to his feet and struck him with several forearms to the side of the head before tossing him into the corner and hitting him with a Running Corner Enziguri. Shinji then positioned Bowie on the top rope, hitting him with more forearms before running the ropes, jumping to the top rope, and executing a Superplex. The audience erupted into cheers as Shinji deadlifted Bowie back up and finished with a Falcon Arrow before going for the pin, hooking both of Bowie's legs.
Ref: 1…2…
“That was a close call! Bowie just barely got his shoulder off the mat!” Nigel exclaimed as Shinji turned Bowie onto his chest and tried to hit him with the Peace of Mind (Seth Rollins’ Curb Stomp). However, Bowie was able to counter by catching him in a Fireman’s Carry and attempting a Cartwheel Death Valley Driver. Shinji responded with several elbows to Bowie’s head before escaping the current BTWF Television Champion’s grasp and attempting a Pedigree. However, Bowie responded by lifting Shinji by both legs, catapulting him into the corner, and hitting him with an Alabama Slam.
“What a counter by Bowie, countering the Pedigree into that brutal Alabama Slam!” Okabe exclaimed as Bowie climbed to the top rope and hit the former BTWF United States Champion with a Diving Elbow Drop across the chest before going for another pinfall.
Ref: 1…2…
Bowie looked shocked that Shinji kicked out, as the crowd continued to give him a mixed reaction while Bowie rolled into the corner. When Shinji staggered back to his feet, Bowie tried to hit him with a Spear, but the former BTWF United States Champion countered with a Pedigree, and the crowd exploded into cheers as Shinji quickly turned Bowie around and went for another pinfall.
Ref: 1…2…
“With less than two minutes remaining, Shinji and Bowie are still fighting as if their lives depend on it!” Nigel exclaimed as Shinji brought Bowie to his knees and tried to hit him with a Kneeling Superkick. Bowie countered with a Jumping Knee Strike before lifting him up and attempting the Crowning Moment (Ricky Starks’ Rochambeau). However, Shinji managed to escape Bowie’s grasp, land on his feet behind him, and hit him with a Ripcord Knee Strike. He then jumped onto the ring apron and delivered a Springboard Knee Strike to the back of Bowie's head. Shinji moved to the corner, preparing for the Peace of Mind (Seth Rollins’ Curb Stomp), but Bowie responded by rolling out of the ring and onto the apron.
“Bowie escaping the Curb Stomp attempt, but the clock is ticking, and Shinji has to make sure that he gets the champion back in the ring in time if he wants to become BTWF Television Champion!” Okabe exclaimed as Shinji ran the ropes and vaulted over the top rope with a Vaulting Somersault Senton onto Bowie, knocking both men down. With only a minute left on the timer, Shinji pulled Bowie back to his feet, but the current BTWF Television Champion responded by pushing Shinji off of him and slapping him right in the face before spitting on him. Shinji began seeing red, grabbed Bowie by the hair, and began smashing his face into the steel ring apron repeatedly before raining down punches and forearms to the back of his head.
“Shinji’s snapped on Bowie! He’s got less than thirty seconds left! He has to get him back in the ring if he wants to win the BTWF Television title!” Beth exclaimed in worry as Shinji threw Bowie back into the ring, slid in after him, hit him with the Fly to the Moon (Superkick), picked him back up, and threw him into the corner with a Buckle Bomb. Bowie crumpled to his knees, and, much to the crowd’s delight, Shinji ran the ropes and attempted to hit him with the Peace of Mind (Seth Rollins’ Curb Stomp). However, just as Shinji hit Bowie with the Peace of Mind (Seth Rollins’ Curb Stomp), the bell rang, much to the crowd’s chagrin.
*Bell Rings*
“Ladies and gentlemen, the 15-minute time limit of this match has expired! Therefore, the winner of this match, and still the BTWF Television Champion, Bowie Arrington!” Max Alros announced, as the crowd gave a mixed reaction. Shinji looked at the ring announcer in shock, while Bowie, still dazed from the Peace of Mind (Seth Rollins’ Curb Stomp), rolled out of the ring, holding his head in pain. Shinji moved into the corner and sat down, putting his hands in front of his mouth in shock, shaking his head in disbelief. The ringside attendant approached Bowie and handed him the BTWF Television Championship. The crowd continued to react with mixed feelings as Bowie hugged the championship close to his chest, a smirk starting to form on his face.
“That was brilliant by Bowie! Shades of one of the greatest WCW Television Champions of all time, William Regal, Bowie used his opponent’s own emotions and the clock to his advantage to ensure he remained the champion!” Nigel exclaimed as Bowie grabbed the ring apron and began pulling himself back to his feet while pushing the ringside attendant away, raising the BTWF Television Championship over his head before mimicking placing a crown on his head. Bowie walked up to the ringside area while holding the BTWF Television Championship high above his head before glancing back at a shocked Shinji. Bowie smirked at the former BTWF United States Champion before striking a pose while once again raising the BTWF Television Championship over his head.
“I think it just showed Bowie is as cowardly as custard! He couldn’t beat Shinji fair and square, so he had to take the easy way out!” Beth countered as Shinji slowly pulled up from the corner, running his hands through his black hair while continuing to shake his head in disbelief. Bowie, meanwhile, turned around, walked back up the aisle, and kept celebrating with the BTWF Television Championship. When he reached the stage, Bowie turned back to look at a disappointed Shinji before mimicking placing a crown on his head, telling Shinji that his time was done and it was time for Bowie to take the BTWF into the future. The camera panned away from the ringside area as Shinji rolled out of the ring, still shaking his head in disappointment, while the crowd, despite him not winning the BTWF Television Championship, cheered and chanted for him.
The camera panned to the backstage interview area, where Sam Simpson stood next to Pieck Finger. Sam looked around the hall with a focused glare and her arms crossed over her chest, while Pieck held a microphone, ready for the interview.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with Sam Simpson, who has been targeting her former partner and friend, ‘The French Phenom’ Clover Lamoreaux, the BTWF Women’s World Champion. Sam, I assume you’re here to watch the BTWF Women’s World Championship Street Fight match between Clover and Tomo Aizawa?” Pieck asked as Sam nodded, and the backstage interviewer leaned the microphone closer to Sam’s mouth.
“You would be right about that, Pieck. I’ve been telling Clover that I’m coming after her and the BTWF Women’s World Championship, and I meant it. I don’t care what Clover says, I WILL get a match against her, and I WILL become the BTWF Women’s World Champion,” Sam explained before Pieck pulled the mic back in front of her mouth while nodding at Sam’s response.
“What are your thoughts on Tomo Aizawa, who has also been targeting the BTWF Women’s World Championship, and could potentially win the title tonight?” Pieck asked. Sam took a deep breath, lowered her head, then stroked her chin in thought for a moment before raising her head back up and leaning in closer to the microphone.
“Tomo has really shown how dangerous she can be. I mean, we haven’t seen Akira Hayami, who gave me a real challenge, since Tomo sent her through the spotlight. But, she doesn’t know Clover like I do, she doesn't know the grind of the BTWF like I am, and she definitely doesn’t know what it’s like to be a champion like I do,” Sam explained. Before Pieck could respond, #1 contender Tomo Aizawa stepped into the backstage interview area, glaring at Sam, who didn’t back down and even stepped up to her. Tomo and Sam stared at each other for a moment before the former took Pieck’s hand and pulled the microphone up to her mouth.
“You’re running your mouth a hell of a lot for someone I beat last month. There’s a reason you’re only watching the Women’s World title match, and I’m competing in it. And when I win tonight, I just MIGHT give you a title shot if you actually start winning some matches instead of bitching about the woman who beat you and broke your neck,” Tomo responded, condescendingly patting Sam on the shoulder. The former Totally Spy slapped Tomo’s hand away, prompting the #1 contender to step up to Sam once again, grabbing her by the collar of her shirt. However, Sam didn’t back down and simply glared at Tomo while the two continued staring each other down, daring the other to make the next move. After a moment, Tomo pushed Sam away and into a wall, causing the former Totally Spy’s back to crash against the bricks.
“Next time you see me, you’re going to be looking at the next BTWF World Women’s Champion, and if you want to step to me again, I’ll be happy to make what Clover did to you last year look like nothing!” Tomo exclaimed before stomping away. After Tomo had left the backstage interview area, Pieck tried to help Sam back to her feet, but an angry Sam pushed the backstage interviewer’s hand away, pulled herself up, and stomped off angrily, mumbling under her breath as the camera panned away from the backstage area, with Pieck watching Sam’s disappearing frame in worry.
The camera panned back to the stage, where ‘It’s a New Day’ by Adelitas Way played, and the crowd booed as Legacy (Sting Eucliffe and Rogue Cheney) came out, not even looking at each other and more focused on the ring. Behind them, Legacy’s manager, Dutch Van Der Linde, wearing a striped referee shirt, walked, looking worried as he noticed that Sting and Rogue weren’t even making eye contact. Dutch patted both Rogue and Sting’s backs, trying to prompt the two to look at each other and show some respect before their match, but the members of Legacy refused, keeping their focus on the ring.
“The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, representing the Legacy, from Gazania Fiore, Sting Eucliffe! And his opponent, representing the Legacy, from Gazania Fiore, Rogue Cheney! And please welcome the Special Guest Referee of this match, Dutch Van Der Linde!” Max Arlos announced, and the crowd booed Sting more than they did Rogue. In fact, there was a sizable section of the crowd cheering for Rogue, giving the black-haired Legacy member a surprise. Sting seemed to notice this as well and shot a quick glare at his friend and partner before turning his attention to the ring, the crowd still giving a mixed reaction as the Legacy members made their way down the aisle.
“It’s interesting to see Sting and Rogue come out together despite the fact that they’re going to be opponents here tonight. Dutch may have tried to have Sting and Rogue quell a little of their tensions by having them come out together to bring back those old memories of their time as a tag team,” Okabe explained as Sting and Rogue stopped at the ringside area, exchanged a look. Sting and Rogue stared at each other for a moment while Dutch went into the ring, the crowd cheering more for Rogue as he slid into the ring from underneath the bottom rope, not taking his eyes off of Sting the entire time. Sting took a moment before running up the steel steps, jumping onto the top rope, and posing on the top turnbuckle while locking eyes with Rogue.
“Sting and Rogue have known each other since childhood, and the fact that they’re not taking their eyes off each other shows they know each other too well to trust that the other won’t attack first," Nigel responded as Dutch stepped in front of Rogue, preemptively ensuring that Rogue and Sting didn’t attack each other before the match began. Sting and Rogue kept staring at each other for a moment before Dutch, after confirming both men were ready, told the timekeeper to ring the bell and start the match. They continued to stare at each other while walking toward each other, Dutch insisting they shake hands before starting their wrestling. Sting and Rogue glanced briefly at Dutch, then back at each other, sharing a quick handshake before locking up in the middle of the ring. After a moment, Rogue took Sting down with a Fireman’s Carry and tried to lock him in an Armbar, but Sting rolled back to his feet, grabbed Rogue by the arm, and kept wrenching it.
“Dutch is trying to ensure that this match doesn’t descend into chaos too quickly, making sure Sting and Rogue start this match respectfully,” Okabe explained as Sting tried to take Rogue down with an Arm Drag, but Rogue stopped himself from hitting the mat, jumping back to his feet, and throwing Sting down with his own arm drag. Rogue then tried to grab Sting’s arm, once again going for an Armbar, but Sting pushed Rogue aside and took him down with a Side Headlock, squeezing as tightly as he could. After a moment, Rogue managed to get back to his feet and attempted to push Sting off, but the blonde Legacy member kept his grip on the Side Headlock. Rogue then aimed a Back Suplex at Sting, but Sting countered by sending Rogue down with a headlock takeover. After a moment, Rogue escaped the Side Headlock and put Sting in a Grounded Headscissors.
“Dutch has to be tore up about what has been going on between Sting and Rogue,” Beth noted as Sting quickly got back to his feet and tried to lock Rogue in a Grounded Side Headlock, but Rogue was able to counter by putting Sting in an Armbar. However, Sting rolled back up to his feet, escaped the Armbar, and put Rogue in a Hammerlock, with the crowd booing as Sting attempted to push Rogue down to his chest. Rogue responded by turning around and slamming Sting down with a Waistlock Takedown before trying to put him back in a Side Headlock. However, Sting got back up, ducked down, and attempted to roll Rogue up with a Victory Roll, but Rogue was able to stop the pin attempt, grab both of Sting’s legs, and attempted to lock him in a Boston Crab. However, Sting responded by pushing Rogue off with his legs, kipping back up to his feet, and hitting Rogue with a Hip Toss before cartwheeling in front of him and posing with his arms stretched out.
“Sting’s ego is starting to come into play here, and this could be a mistake given the tensions between Sting and Rogue,” Nigel explained as Rogue nodded while chuckling before quickly getting back to his feet and attempting to Irish whip into the ropes. However, Sting stopped himself, and when Rogue tried to run after him, the blonde Legacy member responded by rolling out of the way, causing Rogue to fall onto the ring apron. Sting then tried to run at Rogue, but the latter countered with a Shoulder Thrust from the apron, doubling Sting over. Rogue then jumped over the top rope, landed behind Sting, and attempted a Slingshot German Suplex, but Sting fought back with several Back Elbows to the side of the head, causing Rogue to stagger away.
“Sting just threw the first strikes in this match with a couple of crisp Back Elbows to the side of the head! At this point, it’s fair game, and I don’t think Dutch wanted things to break down this quickly!” Nigel exclaimed as Sting attempted to hit Rogue with a Clothesline, but the latter responded by hitting the former with multiple Japanese Arm Drags before rolling in front of a staggered Sting and knocking him down with a Dropkick. The crowd gave a mixed reaction as Rogue rolled back to his feet and posed for the crowd before running the ropes, attempting another Dropkick onto Sting, but the blonde Legacy member responded by hitting Rogue with a Dropkick of his own. The crowd booed as Sting jumped back up to his feet and posed, though he didn’t look happy that the crowd reacted to him much more negatively than they did Rogue. Sting then picked Rogue back up and hit him with a couple of punches to the side of the head before running the ropes for a Running Dropkick, though Rogue, at the same time, attempted to hit Sting with a Dropkick, but both men ended up missing, and rolling back up to their feet, staring each other down while the crowd gave the competitors a respectful applause.
“Dutch has a lot of conflicting feelings right now. He wants Sting and Rogue to vent all their anger in this match, but he’s become a father figure to both men and doesn’t want to see either one, whom he considers family, hurt each other,” Okabe explained as Dutch stepped in between the two, encouraging them to shake hands. After a moment of hesitation, they did shake hands, though the crowd booed as, while still holding Rogue’s hand, Sting kicked him in the gut. Sting then delivered a few more hard kicks to Rogue’s stomach before tossing him into the ropes. When Rogue rebounded, he ducked Sting’s clothesline attempt and turned Sting inside out with a hard clothesline of his own. The crowd’s reaction was mixed as Rogue put Sting in a headlock and started throwing punches to the top of Sting’s head, prompting Sting to push Rogue off.
“Rogue’s not going to let Sting walk all over him like a welcome mat!” Beth exclaimed as Sting staggered into the corner. Rogue ran the ropes, hit Sting with a Running Corner Clothesline, and began punching his partner repeatedly in the side of the head. Dutch intervened again, but Rogue went back into the corner and stomped on Sting’s chest multiple times until Sting sat in front of the bottom turnbuckle. Rogue then ran the ropes and tried to hit Sting with a Running Corner Knee Strike, but Sting responded by raising his foot and kicking Rogue in the gut. The crowd booed as Sting got back to his feet, jumped onto the middle rope, and attempted a Middle Rope Missile Dropkick. Rogue countered by hitting Sting mid-air with a Pump Kick, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd. Rogue then grabbed Sting’s left arm behind his back, struck his face with multiple knee strikes, and finally planted him with a DDT, going for the first pinfall of the match.
Dutch: 1…
“Sting was able to kick out there, but Rogue is immediately back on the attack!” Nigel exclaimed as Rogue picked Sting up and struck the blonde Legacy member with several punches to the side of the head. Rogue then tried to hit Sting with a Back Suplex, but the blonde Legacy member landed on his feet behind Rogue and attempted to hit him with the Holy Nova (Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes). However, Rogue responded by hitting Sting with multiple Back Elbows to the side of the head before turning around and stunning Sting with a Discus Forearm, then running the ropes and hitting Sting with a Bulldog. The crowd gave Rogue a mixed reaction, and the black-haired Legacy member hit Sting with several Fist Drops, then ran the ropes and connected with a seated Sting in the face with a Running Big Boot to the chin. Rogue then picked Sting back up and hit him with a Snap Back Suplex before moving into the corner, jumping onto the middle rope, and hitting Sting with a Pinpoint Elbow Drop.
“Rogue isn’t letting up in this match, trying to prove Sting’s words about him wrong!” Okabe exclaimed as Rogue picked Sting up and attempted to hit him with the Shadow Drive (Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Dream Street). However, Sting responded by stomping on Rogue’s foot and hitting his partner with a Drop-Down Uppercut, sending the black-haired Legacy member staggering towards the ropes. The crowd booed as Sting ran the ropes and knocked both him and Rogue out of the ring with a Cactus Clothesline, sending both Legacy members crashing in front of the commentary table. Sting picked Rogue back up and attempted to hit him with a Gourdbuster into the commentary table, but Rogue responded by hitting Sting with multiple punches to the gut before hitting him with a Snap Vertical Suplex onto the commentary table. Rogue then ran over to the Spanish commentary table, jumped up on top of it, and hit Sting with a Running Pinpoint Elbow, sending Sting falling off the commentary table.
Dutch: 1…2…3
“Sting and Rogue are fighting like a pair of junkyard dogs!” Beth exclaimed as Rogue stomped on Sting’s chest several times before picking him back up and slamming his face into the steel ring apron multiple times. The crowd reacted with a mixed response as Rogue hoisted Sting onto his shoulders, attempting a Death Valley Driver onto the ring apron, which Sting countered by raking his eyes. The crowd booed as Sting dropped back into the ring, hitting Rogue with a Reverse Hotshot over the top rope, then bouncing off the ropes to deliver a Running Dropkick to the back of Rogue’s head, sending him flying off the apron and his face crashing off the edge of the commentary table.
Dutch: …4…5
“I think Sting may have turned the tide in this match and seems to be OK with taking a countout victory!” Nigel exclaimed as Sting pulled himself back up to his feet and told Dutch to keep counting Rogue out as the black-haired Legacy member pulled himself back up to his feet, though he was staggering around, holding the side of his head in pain.
Dutch: …6…7
“I can’t tell with the hand over his head, but I think Rogue might be bleeding!” Beth exclaimed as Rogue took his hand off his head, and the camera panned closer, revealing that there was blood spilling out of a wound on the side of his head. Rogue, after staggering for a moment, made his way back to the ring, but the black-haired Legacy member fell over in front of the ring, on all fours.
Dutch: …8…9
“Dutch looked worried about Rogue here, but I don’t think Sting really cares as long as he can get the win!” Beth exclaimed as, a moment later, Rogue jumped into the ring by sliding underneath the bottom rope. Sting looked shocked that Rogue had made it back into the ring, responding by stomping on Rogue’s back before running the ropes and hitting the black-haired Legacy member with a Jumping Knee Drop across the back of Rogue’s head. Sting then hit several Slingshot Stomps and Slingshot Knee Drops to the back and the back of the head before dragging Rogue away from the ropes. Sting then picked Rogue up and hit him with a Swinging Suplex Neckbreaker before going for the pin, hooking both of his partner’s legs back, much to the crowd’s chagrin.
Dutch: 1…2
“Sting’s slowing the pace of this match down considerably to keep control on his side, but he’s also increasing the aggression,” Okabe explained as Sting picked Rogue back up and hit him with several punches to the side of the head before hitting him with a DDT. Sting then lifted Rogue and executed a Fireman’s Carry Drop Gutbuster, followed by a Reverse STO, while the crowd booed and Sting posed over his fallen partner. He then retrieved Rogue, delivering a couple of forearms to his head before pushing him into the corner and hitting a Running Corner Clothesline. The crowd kept booing as Sting landed several Corner Back Elbows to Rogue’s head, then ran the ropes and threw Rogue out of the corner with a Monkey Flip. Finally, Sting ran the ropes again and connected with a seated Rogue with a Running Basement Dropkick to the back of the head before striking a pose to the jeering fans.
“Sting is determined to create a legacy for himself, and if that means he has to defeat his former partner, then that’s what he’s going to do,” Nigel explained as Sting ran the ropes and hit another Jumping Knee Drop onto the top of Rogue’s forehead, specifically targeting the wound on his head. Sting then placed Rogue on his knees and delivered multiple punches to his head before running the ropes again and landing a Pump Kick to the side of Rogue’s head, causing more blood to flow from the wound. Rogue tried to stand back up, but Sting responded by forcing him down with a Reverse DDT. He then picked Rogue up again, threw him chest-first into the corner, and hit him with a Jumping Stinger Splash. Rogue staggered out of the corner, and Sting responded by hitting a Russian Legsweep before going for the pinfall, hooking both of Rogue’s legs.
Dutch: 1…2..
“Sting may have more nerve than a bum tooth, but he knows what he’s doing in the ring,” Beth admitted as Sting looked annoyed at Dutch’s count. Sting simply shook his head before grabbing Rogue’s arm and hitting him with multiple stomps to the chest, then picking him back up and hitting him with a Ripcord Lariat. The crowd kept booing as Sting posed for the audience and told the fans that his legacy was just beginning before lifting Rogue again and placing him in the corner. Sting then tried to hit a Running Corner Clothesline, but the crowd cheered as Rogue countered with a Corner Kick to the side of the head. Rogue followed with a couple more Corner Kicks to the gut before jumping onto the middle rope, but the crowd booed as Sting springboarded off the middle rope, hitting Rogue with a Springboard Enziguri to the side of the head.
“Rogue was close to finally getting back into this match, but Sting was able to use the ropes to keep momentum on his side!” Okabe exclaimed as Rogue, still staggered on the middle rope, was hit by Sting, who jumped up to the middle rope and delivered a Middle Rope Superplex. However, the crowd booed as Sting helped Rogue to his feet before hitting him with a Gourdbuster, running the ropes, and hitting Rogue with a One-Handed Bulldog. Sting then climbed back to the top rope, and when Rogue staggered to his feet, he hit him with a Missile Dropkick and then planted him with a Snap DDT before going for the pinfall.
Dutch: 1…2..
Sting shook his head in frustration before grabbing Rogue’s right leg and locking him in a Single Leg Boston Crab. The crowd booed Sting as he pulled back, encouraging Rogue to tap out, but the black-haired Legacy member shook his head, refusing to give up. Gritting his teeth in pain, Rogue began pulling himself toward the ropes. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, though now about 65% were cheering as Rogue edged closer. Sting then tried to tow Rogue away from the ropes, but Rogue struck his opponent with several punches to the side of his midsection before grabbing the bottom rope. However, before the referee could separate Sting and Rogue, Sting dragged Rogue back to the center of the ring and locked him in a Sharpshooter, much to the crowd’s displeasure.
“Sting has Rogue locked in the Sharpshooter! Rogue has been showing a lot of resilience in this match! Will this be enough to give Sting one of the biggest wins of his career?" Nigel asked as Rogue yelled out in pain while trying to push Sting off. Sting responded by hitting Rogue with multiple back elbows to the back of the head, all while continuing to pull back on the Sharpshooter. The crowd gave Rogue a mixed reaction, though their cheers kept growing as Rogue, instead of reaching the ropes, turned onto his stomach, freed one of his legs, and began kicking Sting in the side of the midsection and the arm multiple times. With Sting’s hold on the Sharpshooter loosening, Rogue managed to pull himself out of Sting’s grasp, prompting a mixed reaction from the crowd as Rogue delivered multiple punches to the side of the blonde Legacy member's head.
“Rogue is trying to make a comeback once again, hitting Sting with some hard punches to the side of the head!” Nigel exclaimed as Rogue delivered multiple knee strikes to Sting's gut. When Rogue attempted to run the ropes, Sting charged at him and hit him with a Running Forearm to the back of the head. Sting then pulled Rogue up by the legs, struck him with a Hanging Midsection Kick, and then planted him with an Alabama Slam before rolling him up with a Jackknife cover.
Dutch: 1…2…
Sting looked shocked as Rogue once again kicked out and started arguing with Dutch about the pin count. Sting shook his head in annoyance before kicking Rogue in the face and climbing up to the top rope, preparing to hit his partner with a Diving Moonsault. However, while Sting was balancing on the top rope, Rogue got back to his feet and hit Sting in the back with a Running Dropkick, sending him crashing into the top turnbuckle crotch first. The crowd cheered again as Rogue jumped to the top rope and threw Sting off with a Top Rope Half-Nelson Suplex. The crowd cheered and chanted for Rogue as both men lay on the mat, and after a moment, they started pulling themselves up. Rogue and Sting then exchanged punches, the crowd reacting with cheers and boos as the fight continued, though Sting seemed to have the upper hand with a hard kick to the gut. Sting then tried to hit Rogue with another Grounded Uppercut, but Rogue grabbed his partner’s hand, dragged him back up, and hit him with a Spinning Back Elbow, stunning him.
“Rogue is coming back into this match in a big way, and the crowd is firmly behind him!” Okabe exclaimed as Rogue ran the ropes and hit Sting with two Clotheslines, a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker, a Spinebuster, and then jumped over the top rope onto the apron to hit Sting with a Slingshot Splash. The crowd kept cheering as Rogue picked Sting up and hit him with a Back Suplex, then placed him in a seated position and hit him with a Sliding European Uppercut to the back of the head. Sting then pulled himself back up, but Rogue responded by hitting the blonde Legacy member with a Running Single Leg High Knee, sending Sting falling out of the ring. The crowd continued cheering as Rogue ran the ropes and hit Sting with a Suicide Dive that sent the blonde Legacy member over the commentary table. Rogue then grabbed Sting again and threw him back into the ring, then jumped onto the apron, vaulted over the top rope, and hit Sting with a Slingshot Stomp to the chest before going for the pinfall.
Dutch: 1…2…
“Rogue is embracing the positive reception he’s getting and using the energy from the crowd to regain momentum!” Okabe exclaimed as Rogue immediately responded by pulling Sting back to his feet and attempting to put him over his shoulders. However, Sting responded with multiple back elbows to the side of Rogue’s head before pushing him into the corner. Sting then tried to hit a Running Corner Dropkick, but Rogue managed to dodge, causing Sting to crash into the corner in a Tree of Woe position. The crowd continued cheering as Rogue began stomping on Sting’s chest before stepping back and hitting his partner with a Hanging Thrust Kick to the chin. Before Sting could fall out of the corner, Rogue picked him up and hit him with a Blue Thunder Bomb, prompting cheers from the crowd. Rogue then rolled into the corner and started climbing up to the top rope.
“Sting’s up shit creek without a paddle!” Beth exclaimed as Rogue balanced himself on the top rope and hit Sting with a Frog Splash before going for another pin, hooking both of Sting’s legs.
Dutch: 1…2…
Rogue pounded the mat in frustration before picking Sting up and trying to hit his partner with the Shadow Drive (Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Dream Street). However, Sting responded by stomping on Rogue’s foot and stunning him with a Grounded Kick to the side of the head. The crowd booed as Sting springboarded off the middle rope and struck Rogue with a Springboard Disaster Kick to the side of the head. Rogue fell to his knees, and Sting then ran the ropes, hitting Rogue with another Springboard Disaster Kick to the face, which sent Rogue down on his back.
“Well, he’s not anymore, Beth, as Sting just took Rogue down with two straight Disaster Kicks!” Nigel responded as Sting stomped on Rogue’s chest multiple times before heading to the corner, climbing to the top rope, and hitting Rogue with a Moonsault before going for the pin, hooking both of his legs back.
Dutch: 1…2…
Sting pounded the mat in frustration and started arguing with Dutch again, claiming he got the three-count. Dutch argued back, and after a moment of back-and-forth, Sting ran his hands through his blonde hair and lifted Rogue before hitting him with multiple punches to the side of the head. Sting then pushed Rogue into the corner and climbed onto the top turnbuckle, with the crowd booing as Rogue continued to land punches to his head. Sting then climbed to the top rope and hit Rogue with a Top Rope Hurricanrana, while the crowd kept booing. Sting ran the ropes and delivered a Sliding Basement Dropkick to the back of Rogue’s head as he was pulling himself up to his knees.
“Sting needs to stay calm and focus on the match because we’ve seen Rogue show some incredible resilience,” Okabe explained as Sting kicked Rogue in the side of the head. Sting then prepared for Rogue to get back on his feet, ran into the corner, and tried to hit him with the Holy Ray (Cody Rhodes’ Cody Cutter). However, Rogue caught him in mid-air, and the crowd erupted in cheers as he set Sting up for the Shadow Drive (Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Dream Street). Sting responded with a Jawbreaker, stunning Rogue, then ran the ropes and attempted a Hurricanrana to take him down. But once again, Rogue overpowered Sting and planted him with a Sky High Spinebuster before going for the pin.
Dutch: 1…2…
“Rogue almost sent Sting right through the mat with that Sky High!” Nigel exclaimed as Rogue jumped onto the middle rope and hit a Middle Rope Fist Drop onto Sting. The crowd continued cheering as Rogue started climbing back to the top rope, but while Dutch was checking on Sting, Rogue threw Dutch into the ropes, causing Rogue to fall crotch-first onto the top turnbuckle. The crowd booed as Dutch was reprimanding Sting, and the blonde Legacy member jumped onto the middle rope, then sent Rogue off the top rope with a Holy Ray (Cody Rhodes’ Cody Cutter).
“Sting used his own mentor and manager to regain the advantage in this match!” Nigel exclaimed as Sting saw Rogue struggling to get back to his feet. However, the blonde-haired Legacy member responded by running into the corner, climbing to the top turnbuckle, and hitting Rogue with another Holy Ray (Cody Rhodes’ Cody Cutter) before going for another pin, hooking both of his legs back.
Ref: 1…2…
Sting pounded the mat in frustration again, confronting Dutch about how Rogue had managed to kick out. Dutch insisted Rogue had kicked out, and Sting responded by stomping on the back of Rogue’s head before grabbing him and trying to hit him with the Holy Nova (Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes). However, Rogue countered by sending Sting over his head with a Snapmare, and when Sting got back to his feet, Rogue grabbed him and finally hit him with the Shadow Drive (Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Dream Street), much to the crowd’s delight. Rogue attempted to pin Sting, but the crowd booed as the blonde-haired Legacy member rolled out of the ring under the bottom rope.
“Rogue finally hit the Shadow Drive, but Sting smartly rolled out of the ring, making sure he didn’t get pinned!” Okabe exclaimed as Rogue looked annoyed that Sting rolled out of the ring. The crowd kept cheering as Rogue ran the ropes and hit a now-standing Sting with a Suicide Dive, sending the blonde-haired Legacy member crashing back-first against the fan barricade. Rogue then threw Sting back into the ring, climbed to the top rope, and hit Sting with a Diving Elbow Drop to the chest, much to the crowd’s delight. Rogue shot his fist into the air, much to the crowd’s delight, grabbed Sting, and tried to hit him with another Shadow Drive (Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Dream Street), but the crowd booed as Sting pushed him and Rogue back into the corner and almost hit Dutch. However, Sting was able to stop himself just before hitting Dutch, but while Dutch was briefly distracted, Sting hit Rogue with a low blow Mule Kick.
“Oh, what the hell!? Sting just went low!” Beth exclaimed as Dutch was pulling himself out of the corner. Sting pulled Rogue back up by the hair and hit him with the Holy Nova (Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes) before going for the pinfall, hooking both of his legs back. Dutch looked annoyed at Sting for the tricks he had been pulling against his partner, but Dutch reluctantly began the count.
Dutch: 1…2…3
*Bell Rings*
“Here is your winner, representing Legacy, Sting Eucliffe!” Max Alros announced, the crowd continuing to boo as Sting pulled himself back up to his feet and shot both his fists into the air. Dutch, meanwhile, was checking on Rogue, who was still writhing on the floor in pain, the crowd booing as Sting stomped over to Dutch, pulled him back to his feet, and away from Rogue, demanding that Dutch raise his arm in victory. Dutch argued with Sting, but after a moment, the Legacy manager sighed before raising Sting’s arm in victory, the crowd continuing to boo as Sting smiled at his win. Dutch then turned Sting around and started arguing with the blonde-haired Legacy member about what he did to Rogue, saying that this match was only supposed to help them get their anger out.
“Sting probably achieved the biggest victory of his career, but it doesn’t look like Dutch is happy with how Sting did it!” Nigel exclaimed as Dutch and Sting continued arguing about what had happened. After a moment, Dutch shook his head and turned to go back to check on Rogue, but the crowd booed louder as Sting knocked Dutch down with a clothesline to the back of the head. Sting then mounted Dutch and started hitting him with multiple forearms to the back of the head as Rogue got back on his feet. When Rogue pulled himself upright, he pushed Sting off of Dutch, with the crowd cheering as Rogue asked Sting what the hell was wrong with him before checking on Dutch. However, Sting responded by kicking Rogue in the face, the crowd booing as Sting mounted Rogue and began hitting him with punches to the side of the head, targeting the wound on the side of his forehead.
“Sting’s actin’ crazier than a sprayed roach! What the hell is going on here!?” Beth asked as Sting picked Rogue up and hit him with another Holy Nova (Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes) in the center of the ring before picking Dutch back up as well. Sting then hit Dutch with the Holy Nova (Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes) before throwing him out of the ring, the crowd continuing to boo as Sting returned his attention to Rogue. Sting then picked up a bloody Rogue, dragged him to the ropes, and began pressing his knee against the back of Rogue’s neck, pressing his throat against the ropes. Sting then yelled in Rogue’s ear that this match proved what he had been thinking for a while, and that he was better than Rogue and didn’t need Legacy anymore to become a star.
“Jealousy is a color that looks ugly on anyone, Beth, even someone with as much upside as Sting!” Okabe exclaimed as Sting picked Rogue back up and hit him with a third Holy Nova (Cody Rhodes’ Cross Rhodes) before leaving the ring. Sting walked back up the aisleway, the crowd continuing to boo and chant that Sting sucked as the now-former Legacy member continued saying that he was the future of the BTWF, and he didn’t need Rogue or Dutch to get there. Back in the ring, Dutch had crawled back in, checked on Rogue along with the referee, and tried to help him back up while a ringside medical aide tried to patch up the wound on the side of his head. Back on the stage, Sting posed, the crowd continuing to jeer him while Sting said that this company was going to be his very, very soon.
The camera panned back to the Stanford Station, where Scott Stanford sat in an office chair in front of multiple TV screens.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Stanford Station, where we’ll go over the pre-show matches that took place before the official show. And, fans, did we have an eventful pre-show,” Scott announced before the camera panned to one of the TV screens on the wall, which displayed a match graphic for Next Gen (Priya Guthrapali & Millie O’Shea) going up against the Cannonade (Ty Lee & Mai).
“During our first match of the pre-show, Priya and Millie from Next Gen managed to secure victory over Mai and Ty Lee after 10 minutes of back-and-forth action in the Generational Clash. However, after the match, the Sisterhood of Darkness rushed into the ring, again attacking Priya and Millie for their ongoing support of Xochi Melendez over the past several weeks,” Scott explained as one of the television screens shifted from the match graphic to the match itself, showing the finish, where Millie pinned Mai after Next Gen hit Mai with the Generational Clash (War Raiders’ Fallout). While Priya and Millie celebrated, the Sisterhood of Darkness (Himiko Toga, Flare Corona, Frederica ‘The Cleaner’ Sawyer, & Tina Belcher) stormed the ring and attacked Next Gen. After showing the Sisterhood standing tall over a battered Millie and Priya, the camera then shifted to another screen displaying the graphic for a Black Star vs. Gary Oak of Kaiba Corp.
“The second match of the pre-show featured Kaiba Corp’s Gary Oak against the inaugural BTWF Hardcore Champion Black Star. After Manny accidentally collided with the top turnbuckle, Black Star delivered a DDT on Gary and then hit him with the Falling Star to win the match,” Scott explained as the television screen shifted from the match graphic to the actual match, where Black Star threw Gary into the corner, resulting in his head colliding with the top turnbuckle. This gave Black Star an opening to hit Gary with a Snap DDT, climb to the top rope, and perform the Falling Star (Alexa Bliss’s Twisted Bliss) before pinning Gary. The camera then panned to another TV screen showing the match graphic for ‘A Real American’ Stan Smith versus Uno in a singles match.
“In a continuation of the issues between Stan and Nico, Stan faced off against one of Nico’s Cell 13 partners, Uno. After eight minutes of back-and-forth action, Stan dodged one of Uno’s Big Boots and made him submit with the Patriot Lock. However, when Stan wouldn’t let go, Nico rushed into the ring and hit him with the Lethal Injection to the back of the head, sending the Real American out of the ring,” Scott explained as the match graphic panned to footage of the match, which showed Stan knocking Uno down with a Dragon Screw before locking him in the Patriot Lock (Ankle Lock). After a moment, Uno was forced to submit, giving Stan the win, but when the Real American wouldn’t let go of Uno, Nico rushed into the ring and hit Stan with the Lethal Injection (Running Enziguri). Stan rolled out of the ring before the rest of Cell 13 could get into the ring, though Rock threw the American Flag back at Stan before he, Nico, and Jyugo helped Uno back up to his feet. The camera then panned to another television screen, with the match graphic featuring 2Cool & Tidal Force vs. The Ed Equation & The Heavenly Bodies.
“In the main event of the pre-show, Ripper Jones & Zee Lopez of Tidal Force teamed up with Eddy & Gene Belcher of 2Cool to face Double D & Ed of the Ed Equation, along with Alejandro Buerromuerto & Justin Reeves of the Heavenly Bodies. After 15 minutes of action, Zee managed to knock Justin down with a Handspring Knee Strike, which allowed Ripper to hit Justin with the Riptide before going for the pin, Scott explained as the match graphic transitioned into footage. In the footage, Justin tried to hit Zee with a clothesline, but Zee ducked and struck the Heavenly Body with a Handspring Knee to the face. The crowd kept cheering as Zee tagged Ripper back into the match, and while he, Gene, and Eddy flew to the outside to take down Double D, Alejandro, and Ed, Ripper hit Justin with the Riptide (Diving Splash) and then went for the pin. The camera then panned back to the Stanford Station as Ripper, Zee, Eddy, and Gene celebrated in the ring, while Alejandro glared at Justin for taking the pinfall.
“And that was the pre-show of Hardcore Heaven. And if you thought those matches were good, wait until you see the rest of the show. Until next time, I’m Scott Stanford, and this was the Stanford Station,” Scott said, waving goodbye to the fans as the camera panned away from the Stanford Station before returning to the backstage interview area.
See you soon for part 2…