Chaos "Christmas Clash" - 30 December 2018

[Joshua Samson, ESQ]

REMEMBER:
The Icons of IPW are trained professionals
and their stunts should never be attempted without proper training.
PLEASE.
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

ICONIC PRO WRESTLING PRESENTS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH ICONIC MEDIA LLC

A NIGHT OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

Crumb: WELCOME EVERYONE TO CHAOS!!

“Fight Music” by D12 blares as the show pans about the capacity crowd of about thousand or so people. Signs, banners, and posters are sprinkled throughout the crowd such as “Your Momma Wasn’t Kissing Santa Claus. She Was Kissing Me!”, “Tickets to Christmas Clash: Best Gift Ever”, and “Caliee Adams Send Me Christmas Nudes Please”

LIVE FROM THE BARKER HANGAR IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

Nelson: What a night of wrestling action we have store for you tonight!

Rose: So much so that we’re not going to do the customary Stooges match rundown, huh?

Nelson: That is absolutely correct, Rose. Instead we will jump right into this Christmas Clash edition of Chao! Take it away, Herbert Torres!

Torres: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL with a TEN MINUTE time limit!

"Tear Away" starts to play and the fans roar with hate for Judy Albrecht. She strides to the ring ride and telling the audience to kiss her ass. She enters the ring and awaits her opponent.

Torres: Coming to the ring first hailing from Hollywood, California….weighing in at one hundred and twenty-four pounds….standing at a height of five feet six inches….making her Iconic Professional Wrestling debut….she is JUDITH ALBRECHHHHHHHHHHTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: The hometown Lady Icon should be familiar to man as she works as a wrestling correspondent for our sister company, California Wrestling!

Rose: Never heard of it.

Crumb: Sure you have, Rose. I saw you yesterday watching some of their shows online.

Rose: Shaddup!

As "What You Gonna Do About It?" by Flux Pavillon hits the P.A. System, Corey Lazarus emerges with a stride in his step, a look of disgust on his face regardless of the reaction he receives, and a sleaze aura that radiates from his pours.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from Newhaven, East Essex, England...weighing in at eight two kilograms….standing at a height of one point seventy-three meters….he is Hot Take….COREY LAZARUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: I am really surprised that Lazarus is even here tonight. He has been basically radio silent concerning all things Iconic Professional Wrestling.

Rose: Trying to get that appearance check.

Judith looks across the ring at Lazarus as she calls for the fans to get louder in anticipation of the upcoming match. Though they oblige without much hesitation, Lazarus nonetheless doesn't seem to be into it. He remains in his corner of the ring and leans against the ropes, looking out at the numerous fans that just can't wait for the match to get started. Lazarus continues to scan the arena. Judith steps toward the center of the ring, ready to go. The referee looks at her and nods. He then steps toward Lazarus and asks if he is ready to get started.

Nelson: I think the only person that is not quite ready for this match is Corey Lazarus himself.

Crumb: What is he playing at?

The referee once again asks Lazarus if he is ready to get started. Lazarus looks at him and doesn't answer. The referee calls for the bell anyway.

DING DING DING!!

---Debut Match: Judith Albrecht vs. “Hot Take” Corey Lazarus---

Lazarus finally steps away from the ropes and heads toward where Judith is in the center of the ring. She says something to him that the microphone is unable to pick up on. Lazarus listens to the statement and thinks it over for a moment or two before shaking his head. He mouths “f*ck this company!”. The fans begin to boo as they realize what is happening. Lazarus ignores the response and walks out of the ring, leaving the confused debuting Lady Icon in the middle of it.

Nelson: Is he just...

Rose: Walking away? He is!

Crumb: I don't get it?!

The fans continue to boo Lazarus' lack of fight as he calmly walks toward the back. The referee looks around in confusion before shrugging. Lazarus continues to mumble something to himself as he makes his way up the ramp. Once he is at the top, Lazarus turns around and looks at Judith and the disappointed fans one more time. He screams “F*CK THIS COMPANY!!” before heading to the back.

Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS COREY LAZARUS HAS SEEMINGLY WALKED OUT ON ICONIC PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING?!?!

Rose: Probably, “good riddance!”

Having no other choice, the referee calls for the bell.

Torres: The winner of this match...Judith Abrecht!!

Nelson: I fully understand the frustration this young man has been dealing with at the hands of Joshua Samson and the Heavyweight Championship but even this seems a bit...extra.

The scene fades backstage to Tapioca Joe waiting near the entrance for the Icons to the Barker Hangar. The General Manager of Iconic Pro Wrestling peers at his watch upon his wrist before looking back toward the entrance.

Tap: (muttering to himself) Back in my day the talent showed up to an event at least two hours prior. These young people today…

Oliver: Cynical old man really isn't a good look on you, Tap.

The retired wrestler slowly turns around to find Oliver Black and his manager Wes Meyers standing behind him.

Tap: Sadly being cynical comes with being an old man in this sport, Oliver. If I had known you were in the building already I wouldn’t have been here awaiting you.

Oliver: Ironically, had I know you were out here waiting for me I probably wouldn't have left the building… yet here we both are.

Eyeing both of the Icons, Tap shifts his weight from his left leg to his right. He pushes an open hand through his long gray hair while exhaling in order to compose himself.

Tap: I wanted to catch you to find out where’s the woman, Oliver?

Oliver: I assume you are referring to Anna as “the woman”.

Oliver makes mocking air quotes towards the grizzled veteran.

Oliver: While that is in a need to know basis, I can assure you Miss Morgan is safe and sound, don't you worry old man… don't you worry.

Black belittles Tap, patting him on the shoulder as begins walk away from the conversation. Tap looks down at the shoulder touched by one of the participants in tonight’s Highway to Hell main event.

Tap: I have no other choice but to worry, Oliver. Contrary to popular belief, there still are some good guys left in this sport. But of course you know that because Aaron Kostan is one of them also.

Oliver takes the bait and turns back towards Tap.

Oliver: See that's where you are wrong, Tapioca. Aaron Kostan is NOT a good man. He may desperately WANT to be… desperately TRY to be. But deep down Kostan is nothing more than a deadbeat father with a pill problem. Doesn't really scream good guy if you ask me? And tonight I will expose to the world that just like me Aaron, Aaron is a bad guy.

Tap: I’m not sure of Aaron’s personal life because well that’s personal but there should be one thing you should be aware of, Oliver….even good guys have problems. It’s what makes us all humans. You’ve pushed and pushed a good guy thinking you’ve tapped into a dark side of him but you’re wrong, young man. So, so wrong.

The sorrow in Tap’s eyes is evident as he looks upon Black.

Oliver: Oh for f*cks sake Tap, don't give me that B*LLSH*T. And save your tears for the end of the night and the beating your would be “good guy” receives inside the triple cage match…

Tap: Good skill later tonight, Oliver. Oh, yes, one more thing concerning the Highway to Hell match.

The General Manager smiles as he slides his hands into his pocket.

Tap: The Booking Committee has overruled Mister Samson’s declaration of making tonight’s main event non-title. So you and Aaron will be competing for his Heavyweight Championship.

The now near trademark Cheshire grin stretches across Black's face.

Oliver: You'll live to regret that decision, Tapioca.

Oliver gives a vague and confusing response to the news of the night's main event once again becoming a Heavyweight title contest before turning to walk away with Wes.

~~

Torres: The following DEBUT MATCH is scheduled for ONE FALL with a TEN MINUTE time limit!

The opening line of "Bad M*th*rf*ck*r" By Machine Gun Kelly slams out through the speakers as Drake Jones steps out from the back, his ginger hair wet as he makes his way down to the ring talking trash as he looks around the ringside area. He slides up onto the ring apron and leans against the top rope before throwing his leg back and stepping into the ring.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from Melbourne, Australia...weighing in at two hundred and three pounds….standing at a height of six feet one inches...makin his Iconic Professional Wrestling debut...he is DRAKE JONEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: I am very excited to see what this young man brings to the landscape of Iconic Professional Wrestling.

Rose: You say that about EVERY newbie, Patrick!

Nelson: Well I mean it every time, Rose.

Crumb: Hehee...

"The One" by Slaughterhouse hits the PA system with the crowd cheering very loudly, out comes Cody Belmont walking through the curtains. His eyes look around with a smirk along his lips then heads right down the ramp.. sliding into the ring and jumping up on one turnbuckle to raise his hand up high.

Torres: Coming to the ring next hailing from Detroit, Michigan...he weighs in at two hundred and fifteen pounds...standing at a height of six feet two inches...making his Iconic Professional Wrestling debut...he is CODY BELMONNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rose: Excited about Cody too, huh, Patrick?

Nelson: Indeed I am.

Rose: Of course you are.

The referee looks at both men to make sure they are ready for the upcoming match. The two shake hands before the referee calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!

---Debut Match: Drake Jones vs. Cody Belmont---

Drake and Cody both look at each other and nod. The two Icons put their speed on display as they circle around the ring awaiting for an opening to make itself apparent. When that doesn't happen, Drake shoots forward and grabs both of Cody's legs. He lifts him into the air and slams him down to the mat. Drake quickly shifts his positioning so that he is by Cody's head and locks in a front facelock. He tries to keep Cody grounded by driving a few knees into Cody's head. The strikes seem to be effective---Cody trying to pull himself back up to his feet but finding himself unable to do so. Drake drags Cody back up to his feet and tries to get him into position for a belly-to-belly suplex---only to have Cody shove Drake away. Drake stumbles a few steps but quickly recovers. He tries to close the gap only to have Cody leap into the air and kick him in the jaw with a spinning heel kick!

Nelson: These two Icons are really trying to make an impression!

Crumb: They have already impressed me!

Rose: Doesn’t take me.

Drake Jones tries to pull himself back up to his feet as quickly as he can. Unfortunately for him, Cody bounces off of the ropes and hits him in the side of the head with a running dropkick! CB lines himself up with Drake, leaps into the air, and lands on Drake with a double foot stomp!

Crowd: OHHHHH!!!!

Drake slowly tries to pull himself back up to his feet, clutching at his ribs as he does so. Cody quickly hurries over and tries to set Drake up for a swinging neckbreaker! Drake shoves Cody away before he can actually send him to the mat. He charges at Cody from behind and a forearm smash to the back of the head. Drake spins Cody around and hits him with a European uppercut! He follows it up with a second as Cody bounces off of the ropes from the impact. Cody stumbles toward Drake, who responds by lifting Cody into the air and slamming him to the mat with a butterfly suplex!

Nelson: Impressive suplex by Jones. He is beginning to get back into this match!

Cody Belmont slowly begins to pull himself back up to his feet as Drake lines himself up with his fellow debutant. Drake runs forward and nails Cody with a knee trembler that sends him staggering around the ring. Drake grabs Cody from behind and tries to get him into position for a German suplex! Cody struggles to keep Drake from completing the suplex, nailing Drake in the mouth with a series of elbow shots. Drake releases his hold and stumbles back. Cody bounces off of the ropes. He leaps into the air and catches Drake on the rebound with a hurricanrana! Drake rolls over toward the ropes to try and drag himself back up to his feet, but Cody hits him with a hard kick that sends him back down to the mat.

Crumb: Cody is looking like he wants to put this one away as quickly as he can!

Rose: Do you blame him? Because I don't blame him!

Cody drags Drake over toward the nearest turnbuckle and then begins to climb to the top. The fans cheer the entire time. Cody smirks and pauses for just a moment to steady himself. He then leaps off and tries to land on Drake with a moonsault! Drake rolls out of the way at the last possible second, causing Cody to splat to the mat instead! Drake quickly pulls Cody up and drops him right back down to the mat with a Kryptonite Krush!

Nelson: Jones calls that The Killswitch!

One...

Two..

THREE!!

Torres: The winner of this match...Drake Jones!!!

Crumb: Talk about a win!

Rose: Drake found a moment he could take advantage of and then he did just that!

Drake checks on the downed Cody when suddenly a female figure slides into the ring and delivers an axe handle smash to the back of Drake’s head!

Crumb: Who in the world is she?!

Nelson: I have recently seen this woman but where?

The woman begins to rapidly stomp away at the now prone Drake.

Rose: I know who that is! That’s Mischa Killings.

Crumb: Who?!

Rose: Mischa is a friend of Judith Albrecht. She was featured in Judith’s promo this week.

Nelson: And there is Albrecht now.

Walking briskly down the rampway to the ring is Judith Albrecht. She makes it to the ring and slides in. Cody groggily pushes himself up off the mat and Judith jumps up and drops him back down to the mat face first with a curb stomp. Mischa is still stomping away on Drake.

Nelson: These two Lady Icons have laid a beating on Jones and Belmont!

Crumb: After they just wrestled each other in a great match!

Rose: That’s the best damn time in my book!

Judith turns her attention to the stomp crazy Mischa. She pulls her friend away and instructs her to lift the barely conscious Drake up. Mischa does so and Judith stuffs his head between her legs. She then pulls him down into a pulling piledriver right on top of his head!

Nelson: Albrecht just used her The Muther F*ck*r on Drake Jones!

The two women stand pompously victorious in the ring as the show fades to commercial.

~~

Torres: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL with a TEN MINUTE time limit!

”Here I am” hits as pink and gold lights go off throughout the arena. Caliee adams steps out on the entrance ramp with a slight smirk along her pink glossy lips. She stands at the top of the ramp before she skips down to the ring. She didn't pay any attention to her surroundings. Caliee would jump up on one side of the ring and the ring and strike a pose before entering the ring and waiting for her.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from Southhampton, New York….weighing in at one hundred and thirty pounds….standing at a height of five feet five inches….she is CALIEE ADAMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: Caliee Adams is coming in here looking to strike a blow to The Dark Karneval after they have seemingly been on this reign of terror since coming to Iconic Professional Wrestling.

Crumb: Right you are there, Patrick. And what better way to do it than with a bubbly person like Caliee Adams.

Rose: Oh you’re only saying that because she’s blonde. There are a few other, well one really, who are blonde and no so bubbly. Stop sounding so biased, Crumbbum.

Flash music hits with red and blue lights flashing. She walks out on stage with a smirk along her red lips. She skips down the ramp and around the ring before climbing up on the side and striking a pose. As she enters the ring she stands in the corner waiting for whoever she's facing.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from The Dark Karneval...weighing in at one hundred and twenty-five pounds….standing at a height of five feet six inches….representing the Dark Karnevil….she is FLASSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: Not going to lie, the intimidating tactics of The Dark Karneval seem to be working and they have been on quite the roll as of late.

Crumb: But to me they’re not the most fearsome group in IPW and I think the team of WICKED is slightly more intimidating ever since Astrid and Stasi joined forces.

Rose: I was about to say I know you’re not talking about ASStrid and her little pet. These guys are the real deal and WICKED… are posers.

Crumb: And you’re nothing but a hater who’s been put in her place multiple times.

The referee looks at both Lady Icons to make sure they are ready for the upcoming match. He then calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!

---Caliee Adams vs. Flash---

Flash takes a moment to get the fans riled up. She then smirks at Caliee, who looks moderately disgusted by her opponent's lack of focus. The two women approach each other near the center of the ring. Flash hits Caliee with a forearm smash, and then a second, and then a third. The fans begin to show their disdain for Flash as she appears as though she is taking control of the match.

Nelson: Right out of the gate and Flash is already trying to end this one early.

Crumb: What I think you mean is that she’s trying to get the upper hand in the HOPES of ending this one early.

Rose: You two really are a couple of characters. This match was already going to be a victory for Dark Karneval even before this match got underway.

Unfortunately for her, Caliee begins to fight back with a few hard chops of her own.

Crowd: WOO! WOOO! WOOO! WOOOOO!

Caliee grabs Flash and shoots her across the ring. When Flash returns on the rebound, Caliee sends her to the mat with a crisp armdrag! Caliee immediately locks in a hammerlock to further apply pressure to Flash's arm while bringing her back up to her feet. Flash desperately tries to fight for position, but Caliee responds by running Flash into the turnbuckle. She backs Flash toward the middle of the ring before lifting her into the air and slamming her to the mat with a German suplex! Caliee bridges it into a pin attempt!

One…

Two...

T...Flash kicks out!

Nelson: A very close call there for Flash! She has to be trying to come up with some better ideas in the hopes of winning this.

Crumb: I think that’s pretty obvious. The referee was mere inches away from hitting that three count when she managed to kick out of the pinning predicament.

Rose: I will say this… she either is really lucky or just has really good timing. She almost lost this match.

Once again, Caliee gets Flash into position for a hammerlock and begins to apply pressure. This time, she manages to keep Flash grounded on the mat. Flash tries to make it up to her feet, but Caliee transitions to a front facelock and delivers a few knee strikes to wear Flash down. Caliee tries to spin Flash into a neckbreaker. Flash successfully blocks the attempt. She shoves Caliee away. Caliee stumbles a few steps and regains his balance---only to have Flash send her crashing to the mat with a running clothesline! Once Caliee is back on her feet, Flash charges and hits her with a second clothesline before hoisting her into the air for a big vertical suplex! The fans once again begin to jeer Flash, who calls for the fans to get louder.

Nelson: And just like that the tides have turned in favor of The Dark Karneval’s Flash. A complete one hundred and eighty to how things were just a couple of minutes ago.

Crumb: It is clear to me that this match is going to be a close one to call as both Lady Icons want to walk out as the winner.

Rose: Isn’t that the point of all matches… both people wanting to walk out as the winner?

Caliee pulls herself back up to her feet as Flash charges. The wife of Xstatic leaps into the air and tries to set Caliee up for an enziguri. Caliee is able to duck underneath the attempt! Flash crashes hard to the mat. Caliee immediately grabs Flash’s right leg, setting her up for a single-leg crab!

Nelson: Adams is an impressive technical wrestler and she is putting that on display right now!

Crumb: That or she read what Flash was trying to do in the right way.

Rose: She could be a combination of both. But Caliee is going to have to do a lot more that what she’s been doing if she does want to win.

Flash's eyes go wide in pain as she tries to crawl toward the ropes. Caliee continues to keep the hold applied as Flash just barely gets her fingers on the ropes. Caliee doesn't break the hold though. The referee begins a disqualification count.

One…

Two…

Three…

Four...Caliee finally releases the hold.

Nelson: A bit of ruthless aggression there from Ms. Adams and it almost cost her in the match.

Crumb: Much like Flash kicked out in time towards the beginning of this match, Caliee released the hold before getting herself disqualified.

Rose: Looked to me like the actions of a desperate woman. But you have to admit that the ring awareness of Flash was on point.

Flash grabs the ropes and tries to pull herself back up to her feet---only to have Caliee run over and slam Flash's knee into the mat! The referee immediately forces Caliee to back away from Flash. Once Flash is finally back on her feet, Caliee charges. Flash is ready as she lifts Caliee into the air and drops her onto the ropes! Caliee pulls herself up to her feet. Flash charges. Caliee uses Flash's momentum against her and tosses her over the top rope and out onto the floor!

Nelson: Every time it looks like Flash is going to gain control of this match...

Crumb: Caliee is ready for it!

Caliee follows Flash out to the floor. Flash pulls herself back up to her feet. Caliee hits her with a hard chop to the chest!

Crowd: WOOO!

Caliee follows it up with a second!

Crowd: WOOO!

Caliee grabs Flash and lifts her into the air! She then drops Flash onto her knee for a kneebreaker! Flash stumbles around in pain. Caliee grabs her and throws her hard into the steel steps! Flash's knee bounces off of it as she tries to keep herself upright. The referee continues to count both Lady Icons out in the ring.

Nelson: These ladies better hurry up and get back in that ring. If they do not they are both going to end up being counted out and neither will have won.

Crumb: Honestly, I don’t know if either are going to be able to. This match has gone and turned itself into a personal battle and it seems they just want to knock each other around.

Rose: The only way these two don’t make it back into the ring is if they just keep brawling like a couple of street rats.

Noticing, Caliee turns around and tries to get back into the ring. Before she can, Flash staggers over and pulls Caliee back out to the floor. Caliee tries to shove Flash away, but Flash responds by hitting Caliee with a devastating elbow smash!

Caliee takes a moment to recover before Flash hits her with a diving clothesline from the apron that sends both Lady Icons crashing to the floor! Flash grabs the apron and pulls herself back up, but before she can roll back into the ring, the referee calls for the bell!

Torres: This match has officially been ruled a draw as a result of a double countout!

The show fades into the backstage area specifically the office of Joshua Samson, Esquire. The Owner Extraordinaire paces back and forth in front of his desk pausing every few steps to look upon his wife, Astrid Sedin, who is seated on a loveseat a few feet away.

Samson: I don’t like it, Gizzy. I don’t like it all. You’re still healing from that cowardly attack by that punk ass Oliver. You don’t need to risk anything.

Astrid: And when has that really stopped me before. I have been medically cleared. I don’t need assistance to walk anymore, let alone up steps. What more do you want? This is a really, really good idea.

He reaches over onto his desk, grabs an unlit cigar, and pops it into his mouth. Pacing again.

Samson: But it’s unneeded. It’s too much risk involved.

Astrid: I’m a professional wrestler… risk is part of the job description. Besides… I need this.

The pacing stops from the man and he looks at the woman.

Samson: Even if I say no, you’re going to do it anyway, huh?

Astrid: Awe babe… you know me so well. I’m a stubborn fool you should know that.

Samson: Then there is no point in wasting anymore my voice on the matter. Just be careful and don’t get hurt.

Astrid: I’m going to make sure nothing happens like it has… because this time they won’t be able to lock Daveena behind a closed door.

She winked and saunters over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Astrid: I have everything all planned out. There’s no need to worry.

With a raised eyebrow, he smiles down on her.

Samson: Okay then because it’s past time for you made these plebs remember who the hell you are.

Astrid: That I’m the freakin’ queen around here and no longer will I be letting nothings take spots that they don’t deserve.

Samson: Exactly.

Giving her a peck on the lips, Samson pulls her in tight as the scene fades out.

~~

Torres: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL with a FIFTEEN MINUTE time limit!

Nico comes out with a shirt on and black shorts. The shorts have Rider on the back. He looks at the fans and shakes his head as he walks down the ramp.

Torres: Coming to the ring first hailing from Boston, Massachusetts...weighing in at one hundred and eighty-seven pounds….standing at a height of five feet ten inches...he is NICO RIDEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rose: This guy actually thinks he’s going to be the crusader for all things fair and forthright in IPW!

Nelson: Nothing is wrong with that, Rose. It is very admirable and commendable.

Crumb: Agreed.

Rose: You two make me sick.

"Frankenstain" plays as Willow walks out to a roar of boos as she didn't let that bother her as she was in a trance her body swaying around as she walks down the ramp as she gets into the ring she sits on the bottom turnbuckle as she looks up at the ceiling muttering things to herself as her theme dies down.

Torres: Coming to the ring next from Parts Unknown….weighing in at one hundred and twenty-four pounds….standing at a height of five feet six inches...representing the Dark Karnevil…..she is WILLOW RAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rose: It’s time for Willow to end this farce.

The referee looks at both Icons to make sure they are ready for the start the match before calling for the bell.

DING DING DING!!

---Nico Rider vs. Willow Rainn---

Willow laughs as she looks across at Nico, throwing her arms out and practically daring Nico to come after her. The fans boo the show of arrogance. Nico takes the bait and almost immediately runs across the ring to fight with Willow.

Crumb: Here we go!

Willow steps forward and catches Nico with an armdrag. Nico pops back up to his feet. Willow delivers a chop to the chest.

Crowd: WOOO!

She follows it up with a second.

Crowd: WOOO!

Willow backs Nico up against the ropes. Laughing, she holds him there for a moment. Willow then shoots Nico across the ring. Upon the rebound, she hits him in the mouth with a boot to the face. Nico hits the mat hard.

Rose: You see how easily Willow is handling Nico.

Nelson: It is still quite early in the match, Rose.

Crumb: That’s right. It could change in the blink of an eye.

Willow grabs hold of Nico and drags him up to his feet. Willow tries to send Nico to the mat with a DDT! Nico spins out of Willow's grasp before he can get planted on the mat. An annoyed Willow glares at Nico, though before she can get close to him, Nico leaps into the air and hits Willow with a huge dropkick! Willow crashes to the mat hard. Nico takes a few steps back toward the ropes to rest.

Crumb: See.

Rose: Shaddup!

Annoyed, Willow pulls herself back up to her feet. She wastes no time in running at her opponent. Unfortunately, Nico lifts Willow into the air and drops her down onto the ropes throat first! Willow stumbles around from the impact and desperately tries to regain her footing. Before she can recover, Nico pulls Willow in and rolls her up. The referee drops down to count.

One...

Two...

THREE!!

Rose: No way...

Torres: The winner of the match...Nico Rider!!!

Rose: He stole that one!

Nelson: Well, whether he stole it or not...big win for Rider!

Crumb: Bravo, Nico!

The scene opens backstage where Aaron Kostan is seated on a long bench. His hands, usually gloved, are instead only taped up with the knuckles still exposed. There are dark circles under his eyes, and his hair is down and disheveled. He looks nothing like The Artist of the past.

Aaron: “I would like to say that you didn’t fool me...that I had you pegged the whole time, Oliver. Every other man's pride would keep them from telling you the truth...That truth? You have been playing me like a fiddle for the last few months.”

He laughs for a moment.

Aaron: “Kidnapping Anna seemed like the act of a desperate man. Every interruption and every video clip of a mystery woman seemed like the act of a nagging child. Every mention of ‘the darkness inside’ seemed like the act of a mental patient. But now I see that just like everyone else in this company, I wasn’t giving you enough credit. Each of those were the well calculated acts of a mad man...a mad man whose mad plan was just mad enough...that it worked.”

Aaron picks the IPW Championship off the bench beside him and props it up so that the faceplate faces the camera.

Aaron: “All you wanted all along was the IPW Championship. All you wanted was to be back on top, and you have climbed quite a mountain, and taken one heck of a risk that you could break me and make me give you a shot.”

He drops is back down, this time to the floor.

Aaron: “The truth is that in telling me these things, you have only made my desire to end you even stronger. I don’t care what happens to the IPW Championship tonight. Samson already made it worthless a few weeks ago in my match with Corey Lazarus anyway. You see, as long as you don’t get to leave the arena under your own power, I think I will be very pleased.”

Kostan leans back. He places his right ankle on his left knee and leans back into a relaxed position against the wall.

Aaron: “You know...this is where I am supposed to look at you and say that now that I know your plan, I am done playing your game. But I am happy that I gave you the opportunity to be put out to pasture tonight by my hand. So, I will gladly continue playing your game Oliver, because through all of your carefully planned steps you have miscalculated one very important thing about the end game that we have now reached...I’m going to be much better at it than you.”

~~

~~

Torres: The following match is scheduled for ONE FALL with a TEN MINUTE time limit!

As the lights fade and the darkness falls upon the arena ”Hail To The King” by Avenged Sevenfold starts to play as the crowd starts to cheer. The screen flashes the words "Time for a new age!" and then the Seth Owens runs out and throws up the devil horns. He puts his hand down and kneels lightly brushing his fingers over the floor before making a fist and looking up at the ring. He gets up and heads down the ramp and rolls into the ring hopping up and cracking his neck.

Torres: Coming to the ring first hailing from Miami, Florida...he weighs in tonight at two hundred and thirty-two pounds….he stands at a height of six feet three inches...he is the New Age Prince….SETH OWENNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The lights go out as ”I'm Not Jesus” starts blaring through the speakers. Xstatic slowly walks out onto the stage wearing a hood over his head. His hands are taped as he places two fingers under his chin and two to his temple as he stands on the ramp. Once he uses his thumbs as "trigger" pulls the hood comes off and he heads down the ramp at a steady pace ready to fight before rolling into the ring and getting up. He leans on the top rope smiling as he places two fingers under his chin.

Torres: Coming to the ring next hailing from The Karnival….he weighs in at two hundred and twenty-seven pounds….standing at a height of six feet two inches….he is the leader of The Dark Karnevil...XSTATIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCCC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: These two Icons have finally have come to the point in their careers where they get to face each other one-on-one!

Rose: I’m confused what their beef is really all about? Is Seth jealous of Xstatic? Is Flash and Xstatic looking to have a threesome with Caliee? I need an explanation damn it!

Crumb: You and me both.

DING DING DING!!

---Seth Owens vs. Xstatic---

The two Icons lock up in a traditional collar and elbow tie-up. Owens quickly kicks up, nailing Xstatic under the chin. Xstatic staggers back slightly off-balance and Owens goes for the New Age Kick (superkick). Xstatic gets his hands up and blocks it. Owens bounces into a spinning heel kick that knocks Xstatic into the ropes. Xstatic starts to bounce off and Owens jumps up into a knee to the gut before rolling down into an inside cradle.

One…

Two…

TH...KICKOUT!!

Xstatic gets to his feet near the ropes. Owens pops up into a spin kick to the face. Xstatic goes down into the ropes and tumbles out onto the apron. Owens moves in looking to pull him up but Xstatic grabs Owens’ head and drops down, guillotining him across the top rope. Owens snaps back into the ring, landing hard on the mat back first. Xstatic climbs up and drops a leg off the top rope, landing it perfectly across Owens’ head and neck. Xstatic rolls over and covers Owens, hooking the far leg.

One…

Two…

THR...KICKOUT!!!

Owens throws his legs up, hooks both of Xstatic’s arms, and rolls him over into a crucifix pin.

One…

Two…

THRE...Xstatic KICKS FREE!!!

Xstatic grabs Owens by the head and squeezes him into a side headlock on the mat.

Nelson: Seth Owens has gotten in some good shots early here!

Rose: But what good has it done him? He’s still on the mat in that crazy clown’s grasp!

Crumb: He’s gotten a couple of close pinfall attempts!

Rose: And close… only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades!

Xstatic pulls his forearm tighter, muscling Owens’ head in closer to his chest. Owens grimaces in pain and tries to elbow out but Xstatic releases his grip and drills Owens in the trapezius with a downward elbow strike, putting the point of his right elbow in the spot between Owens’ right shoulder and his neck. Owens groans, writhing in pain. Xstatic grabs the headlock again. Xstatic starts to slide his arm down to take more of a chinlock. Owens tries to elbow out again and Xstatic gives him a big clap, bringing the inside of both forearms onto Owens’ ears. Owens grits his teeth as Xstatic grabs the headlock right back again. Owens tries to find a way out and Xstatic spins him into a knee to the gut into a DDT. Xstatic covers, hooking the leg again.

One…

Two…

THR...SHOULDER UP!!!

Xstatic takes a reverse headlock on the mat and then tries to wrap his legs around Owens’ head. Owens manages to pop up and drop an elbow to Xstatic’s face. Xstatic rolls Owens over into a side cradle.

One…

Two…

THRE...Owens KICKS OUT!!!

Owens rolls over and gets in an upkick that knocks Xstatic back to the ropes again. Owens kips up and turns to face Xstatic. The leader of the Dark Karnevil moves off the ropes and punches Owens dead in the mouth. Owens staggers back and punches back. Xstatic returns fire and they begin trading shots: Owens, Xstatic, Owens, Xstatic, Owens, Xstatic, Owens, Xstatic. Owens staggers back, bleeding from the mouth, nose and eyebrow. Xstatic, also bleeding from the same places throws one more big punch and connects. Owens goes down and Xstatic drops an elbow to the face. He rolls over to cover.

One…

Two…

Owens ROLLS HIM OVER INTO A PIN OF HIS OWN!!!

One…

Two…

REVERSAL!!!

One…

Two…

REVERSAL!!!

One…

Two…

THRE...KICKOUT!!!

Crumb: MY GOODNESS THAT WAS CLOSE!!!

Rose: What have I told you about close, Crumbbum?

Crumb: I don’t care, we were just within a millisecond of this match being over three times in a row!

Both rivals stagger up and once again begin slugging it out. Xstatic nails Owens in the mouth drawing more blood. Owens fires back, doing the same. Xstatic retaliates and Owens returns in kind. Xstatic, Owens, Xstatic, Owens, Xstatic, Owens, Xstatic, Owens. Xstatic drills Owens in the eyebrow with an elbow strike which sends Owens falling to one knee, his face now covered in blood. Xstatic rears back and goes for a big clothesline. Owens jumps up and catches him in the face with a high knee strike. Xstatic goes down hard. Owens lands on top for the cover.

One…

Two…

THRE...SHOULDER UP!!!

Xstatic rolls away from Owens, both men bloody messes. Xstatic grabs the ropes and pulls himself to his feet. Owens staggers up. Xstatic catches him for Listen To Her Voice (flip backstabber). Xstatic floats over for a cover, hooking the leg.

One…

Two…

THRE...SHOULDER BARELY UP!!!

Xstatic goes to pull Owens up when suddenly “Here I Am” by Asking Alexandria blares throughout the arena.

Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING A CALIEE ADAMS IS ABOUT TO COME OUT FOR THIS MATCH?!?!

Rose: Probably, “she needs to mind her business before Flash comes out her to beat her ass again!”

Xstatic scans the whole arena and shrugs when there is no sight of Caliee. Xstatic goes for a discus clothesline. Owens ducks under, runs and springboards off the ropes to connect with the New Age Cutter (springboard reverse cutter)! Xstatic goes down and Owens covers.

One…

Two…

THREE!!

Torres: Here is your winner….Seth Owens!!!

Owens rolls off, remaining on the mat in an exhausted bloody heap while Xstatic lies on the mat in a daze from the impact of Owens’ finisher. The crowd cheers for the effort as EMTs come down to check on both fallen Icons.

Nelson: Owens got it and damn near knocked them both out with that New Age Cutter!

Crumb: They both look like they’ve been in a war!

Rose: In a way, they have.

Nelson: And knowing the animosity between them, it is not really over yet either!

The scene opens up to the backstage area and the screen is focused on a pale hand knocking at a door. The frame zooms out to reveal that it is none other than the door of Joshua Samson, Esquire. Oddly enough the visitor is one half of the Television champions, Minx. She waits a few seconds and before he has the chance to answer, she invites herself inside. She bares a wide smile as she speaks.

Minx: I hope I’m not interrupting anything.

Sitting behind a desk within the makeshift office, is the Owner Extraordinaire of Iconic Professional Wrestling. Dressed in a black Hugo Boss tailored suit and chewing on the end of an unlit Cuban cigar, Joshua looks suspiciously upon the Lady Icon.

Samson: Well if you were I guess it wouldn't matter now, huh?

Minx: I think you and I sort of got off on the wrong foot, don’t you think? It’s such a shame and who says you need to be on such… bad terms with all of your employees? So if you were smart, perhaps you would take this as an opportunity, but what do I know?

Minx plops down in the seat in front of him, throwing her championship on his desk and in the process knocking a few things over. Joshua chuckles, whether it be at the brashness of the young woman or at the sight of the Hobby Lobby crafted Television Championship belt is unknown.

Samson: Yes, what do you know, Minx? Clearly barging in the owner’s office unannounced, uninvited, and unwanted speaks volumes. But I like your…”moxy”….it’s one of the reasons I recruited you to IPW and it’s because of that, I don’t have you thrown out on your little ass right now. What do you want?

Minx: What do I want? That’s sort of a question with an endless amount of answers, Mister Samson. I think you know exactly why I’m here, so do us both a favor and let’s cut the chase. This championship should be solely mine, and we both know this despite Brianna’s ridiculous and untruthful claims. So here I am coming to you with hopes you’ll offer some solutions, or if not I know a few individuals who are pretty good problem solvers themselves.

Samson: So you believe that you, and only,you, should be the TV Champ? I do have quite a few solutions to that issue but your veiled threat peaks my interest. Problem solvers, you say?

Minx: If it had not be for Tyrone Jackson I would have the real thing, which you and I both know. So it’s going to be very satisfying resolving that problem tonight, but once one problem is solved it seems another one always appears around here. Nothing is ever done to keep the peace either, no instead things are done that make things worse. So with that said, yes problem solvers are in dire need around here.

The husband of Astrid Sedin continues to chew on the end of the unlit cigar, still spying the co-TV Champ.

Samson: Peace is such a boring state, Minx. If you wanted peace you would have stayed in England waitressing tables. This sport thrives on chaos. Hell, the name of this very show is such. No, problem solvers isn’t want we need. We need Icons that will go out there and wage war. I thought you were one such Icon, Minx. I suppose I was wrong. You’re just like Little Brother Brianna, I guess.

As he speaks she begins to grow annoyed, and therefore fidgety. She shifts every now in her seat as she so desperately wants to interrupt him, however impressively minds her manners for once.

Minx: And I THOUGHT that this conversation would be much more pleasant. I haven’t really had the chance to speak to you in person since you’re such a busy bee, but it seems you’re just as awful as you are online as you are in person. I also thought I would leave this conversation, moments before my “big” match, with a tad better feeling, but clearly that was wrong.

Samson: Again, it was YOU that barged in unannounced, uninvited, and unwelcomed. It has been YOU that has given me an ultimatum about getting your own problem solvers even though we both know those problem solvers bring nothing but problems. If anyone has made this impromptu meeting unpleasant, it has been YOU, Minx.

Minx: I came here extending my hand to you, Mister Samson, so with all due respect I think you have it all wrong. It was you that turned this conversation down this route which I had no intention of it going into, because you just seem to have a real “people” problem. You just seem to love to go at it with just about anyone, perhaps there are problems at home? But again, with all due respect, please don’t take it out of me and for your sake… please don’t become a problem of mine. I wouldn’t want that, neither would you.

This time there is no chuckle but a full outburst of laughter.

Samson: You...become a problem...of mine?! What do they teach you rookies?

He tries to compose himself before continuing.

Samson: Let’s bring this back around to what I guess was your original point: you wanting to be the sole TV Champ. Well, the way I see it, you need to insure that both you and Little Brother successfully win in your individual matches tonight. If that is done, perhaps the Booking Committee will see to making a match to unify the title again. Or...you could….naw, you wouldn’t go for another idea…

Minx: For some reason I just have this feeling that this conversation has been a complete waste of my time. I come in here kind whereas you respond as being a pompous asshole who laughs at me like I’m damn fool. It seems as if whenever I approach things the “nice way” it doesn’t really work out for me. And what? Or I could… I could- WHAT, MISTER SAMSON? Spit it out already.

Her agitation breaks through, with his laughter pushing her to a point of no longer being able to mask it. She shoots up from the chair, standing over him. He stoically looks up at her.

Samson: Make your next choice your best choice, Minx. Having me as an ally can be a powerful thing. Having me as an enemy, not something you want.

Minx: You’re impossible, you know that? I came in here with that exact intention, you bugger, but the way you speak and treat people kind of makes it difficult to achieve. But no, let’s just turn it all on Minx instead of owning up to things.

She makes a move to grab her championship. This time she purposely knocks a few more things over, taking pleasure in making a mess of his otherwise orderly room. A frame knocks over to which she gasps mockingly.

Minx: Oops!

Joshua peers on with a sinister smirk.

Samson: If you’re finish with the kindergarten theatrics and tantrum, Minx, perhaps now that I have you at a boiling state, you’re ready to hear my alternative idea on you becoming the sole TV Champion?

Minx: I’m just a clutz, really, but go on….

Samson: Have a seat.

Minx plops down once more, with a huff and puff. Joshua, still smirking, leans forward onto his desk as the scene closes.

~~

Torres: The following TOP CONTENDERS match is scheduled for ONE FALL with a FIFTEEN MINUTE time limit!

"The Bass Song" by the Posters begins to play. Florence-Marie slowly walks out into the center of the ramp, swinging her long hair with her hand. She makes a stop at the top of the ramp giving her opponent a look, before flipping her hair behind her. She walks down the ramp, hitting a few hands before climbing up the stairs on the side. She walks alongside the outside of the ramp, bouncing to her music and stops for a pose. She then enters the ring by hopping over the ropes in style, centering herself in the middle of the ring with a look of confidence before her match.

Torres: Coming to the ring first hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada….weighing in at one hundred and forty-five pounds...standing at five feet seven inches….she is Number Nine on the Top Contenders List to the Iconic Professional Wrestling Heavyweight Championship….she is FLORENCE-MARIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: Florence-Marie has been on a hot streak since losing her debut match months ago.

Rose: Yeah but who did she lose to in her debut match?

Crumb: Acrimony.

Rose: Exactly. So this match is going to have the exact same outcome.

The lights dim as the opening verse of “Toxic Pretender” by Vanna begin to play around the arena. After thirteen seconds we hear the phrase “YOU F*CK*NG DISGUST ME!!” erupt as the lights flash in dark purple and red hues purple. In the shadows of the darkness Acrimony make his way onto the stage from behind the curtain. Walking to the far left side of the stage Acrimony stares out at the crowd from under the hood of his unzipped black hoodie. Walking back to the center of the stage, Acrimony drops to his knees and lets in a deep breath as he places both arms behind his head before pulling himself back to his feet and making his way down to the ring.

As Acrimony reaches the end of the entrance ramp, rolls under the bottom rope, and makes his way to the far right corner of the ring. Standing on the second turnbuckle Acrimony stretches his arms out wide as he keeps his head down before pulling them in to form an X under his chin. Lifting up his head up, Acrimony lets out a sick, sinister laugh to the crowd before fixating his gaze over at the announce table before hopping down off the turnbuckle. Taking a seat in the same corner, Acrimony runs his hands through his hair, pulling at it while he waits for the match to begin.

Torres: Coming to the ring next hailing from a State of Bitterness...weighing in at two hundred and twenty-three pounds….standing at a height of six feet two inches...representing The Dark Karnevil….he is Number Eight on the Top Contenders List for the Iconic Professional Wrestling Heavyweight Championship….he is The Unforgiven….ACRIMONNNNNNNYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: This man is just...

Rose: Be careful, he might hear you and decide to take umbrage!

Crumb: Somehow, I think he’d enjoy it if we called him just a little different from everyone else.

Rose: Yeah, right before the knife went in…

DING DING DING!!

---Top Contenders Match: Florence-Marie vs. Acrimony---

The two Icons make their way to the center of the ring. They lock-up and Acrimony ducks under into a hammerlock. As Florence looks to try and reverse it, Acrimony releases the hold and jumps into a spinning heel kick to the back of the head. Florence stumbles forward to the ropes. Acrimony runs forward into a springboard legdrop across the back of Florence’s head. Florence snaps back against the bottom rope and falls into the ring clutching at her head and neck. Turning to face the crowd, Acrimony extends his hands to accept the boos of the crowd as if they are both music to his ears and a source of energetic sustenance gratefully accepted.

Crumb: That man is just sick!

Rose: Wait until he gets blood...

Nelson: Why does it have to be about blood?

Rose: Because it’s fun?

Acrimony walks over to Florence. He drops an elbow and then starts to roll Florence over. Florence keeps rolling and pulls Acrimony over into an inside cradle.

One…

Two…

THR...KICKOUT!!!

Crumb: WHAT CAN ACRIMONY BE THINKING AS HE WAS ALMOST SURPRISINGLY PINNED BY FLORENCE-MARIE?!?!

Both Icons get to their feet and Acrimony goes for the spin kick again. Florence ducks and Acrimony lands against the ropes. He bounces back. Florence hits him with a dropkick that sends the Unforgiven crashing chest first into the corner. As Acrimony tries to catch his breath, Florence runs to the ropes and hits a tiger feint kick around the ringpost. Acrimony falls back to the mat and Florence springboards up, looking for a leg drop. Acrimony moves and Florence crashes to the mat full force. Acrimony rolls her up for a cover.

One…

Two…

THR...KICKOUT!!!

As the two Icons start to get up, Judith Albrecht walks through the entranceway and slowly starts for the ring.

Nelson: What in the world is she doing here?!

Rose: Well, she seems to want a piece of Florence-Marie and she is a championship-level competitor!

Crumb: She’s got no business being here!

Rose: I’m pretty sure I just said what business she has here!

Judith walks down to the ring, Acrimony and Florence-Marie get back up and trade a couple of punches. Acrimony takes a side headlock and Florence looks to shoot him off the ropes. Judith reaches in and trips the Lady Icon. They go down to the mat face first. Acrimony rolls them over into a cradle.

One…

Two…

REVERSAL!!!

One…

Two…

REVERSAL!!!

One…

Two…

THRE...KICKOUT!!!

As they start up to their feet, Judith climbs up onto the apron. Just as she reaches a vertical base, Drake Jones rushes through the entryway and down the rampway. The crowd explodes in cheers!

Crumb: It’s Drake Jones!

Nelson: Earlier tonight, for whatever reason, Judith Albrecht and her cohort, Mischa Killings, attacked Jones after his match!

Rose: The reason was Judith let people know she means business in IPW!

Drake runs down, jumps up, and clubs Judith in the back. Grimacing in pain, Judith looks down and Florence springs up and hits her with a spinning heel kick! Judith plunges down to the floor. Smirking, Florence stands up and Acrimony rolls her up from behind.

One…

Two…

THREE!!

Torres: The winner of this match and STILL Number Eight on the Top Contenders List...Acrimony!!!

Nelson: Throughout all of that, Acrimony emerges as the victor in this match!

Security rushes down to break everybody up as the show fades to commercial.

Check out the official Iconic Pro Wrestling channel

~~

Torres: The following match is for the Iconic Professional Wrestling TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP which is scheduled for ONE FALL with a THIRTY MINUTE time limit!

”No More Pain” hits the arena and Tyrone Jackson walks slowly to the ring. Once at ringside, he climbs the steps, climbs through the ropes and then raises his hands in victory.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from Detroit, Michigan….weighing in at two hundred and thirty-four pounds….standing at six feet one inch...he is TYRONE JACKSOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: This Icon has been a thorn in the side of Minx basically since his arrival to Iconic Professional Wrestling with repeated run-ins and attacks!

Rose: All’s fair in love and wrestling!

Crumb: You would think that!

The arena dims to complete darkness. "Same Again" - the Slaves begins to play and a pink center spotlight appears at the top of the middler ramp with Minx standing front and center, back turned to the crowd. With a cheeky grin she slowly spins to face the crowd, banging her head along to the music. She stares wide-eyed at the crowd who seems unsure of what to make of her. Minx looks back and forth at each side of the crowd, before laughing manically. She jumps up and down in excitement, before walking down the ramp. She walks around the ring to the side where she climbs the ring. Minx grabs hold of the rope, before toppling over in a strange fashion. She laughs as she spins circles in the ring, coming to a stop at her respective corner.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from London, England...weighing in at one hundred and twenty-five pounds….standing at a height of five feet five inches….she is the co-Iconic Professional Wrestling Television Champion….MINNNNNNNXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rose: You know Minx does really deserve to have sole ownership of the TV Champ.

Crumb: You’re only saying that because you don’t like Brianna.

Rose: Yeah and so?!

Tyrone smirks across the ring at Minx, looking fairly confident. Minx tries to ignore this as the referee calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!

---Television Championship Match: Tyrone Jackson vs. Minx---

Minx wastes little time in running across the ring immediately hitting Tyrone in the chest with a hard chop.

Crowd: WOOO!

She follows it up with a second, and then a third.

Crowd: WOOO! WOOO!

Tyrone stumbles back from the impact, but nonetheless tries to fight back with a forearm shot to the face. The impact sends Minx stumbling back. Tyrone tries to build some speed by bouncing off of the ropes. He runs at Minx, though before he can do anything, Minx hits him with a kick to the ribs. Tyrone doubles over and Minx grabs his right arm. She pulls on the arm and twists at it for an arm wrench, though as soon as she has created some distance between the two of them, she fires off a back kick to Tyrone Jackson's jaw. The Detroit bad boy hits the mat hard. The fans give Minx a mixed reaction.

Nelson: Big kick to the jaw from Minx!

Crumb: This is not the kind of start that Tyrone wanted!

Tyrone slowly tries to pull himself up to his feet. He shakes his head slowly and tries to recover from the kick. Minx wastes no time keeping control. She steps toward Tyrone Jackson and hits him in the ribs with a hard kick. She follows it up with a second before shooting Tyrone across the ring. Minx steps toward the center of the ring to meet Tyrone on the rebound. Before she can do anything, Tyrone leaps over Minx. He stands ready and waiting on the mat behind her. As soon as Minx turns to face him, Tyrone Jackson leaps into the air. He sends Minx to the mat with a dropsault. Jackson quickly covers.

One...

Two...

THR...Minx gets the shoulder up!

Nelson: If Jackson can do a bit more of that, he might end up winning this match!

Rose: Well, aren't you easily excited?

Nelson: Do not start with me, Rose. I am not Crumb.

Crumb: Hey!

Minx tries to make it back up to her feet in hopes of taking control of the match again, looking rather annoyed as she does so. Things don't improve all that quickly as Tyrone runs and snaps off a swinging neckbreaker! He once again goes for the cover.

One...

Two...

TH...Minx kicks out again!

Nelson: This has been a surprising burst of offense from Jackson!

Rose: So I'm not disagreeing with you, because I've seen plenty from Tyrone in the past. But are we really going to start counting Minx out already? Trust me, Patrick...she's got a lot of fight left!

While Rose continues to try and assure Patrick that the match is far from over, Tyrone steps out onto the apron and waits for Minx to pull herself back up to her feet. Once Minx is up, Tyrone uses the ropes to his advantage, attempting to springboard into the ring. He tries for a dropkick. Minx is able to step out of the way just before Tyrone connects! Tyrone Jackson hits the mat hard. He slowly pulls himself back up to his feet. Minx keeps her back to her opponent for just a few seconds before delivering a perfectly timed Pele kick!

Crumb: Wow!

Rose: See what I mean? Sure, Tyrone has looked good, but...Minx is a shooting star...

Tyrone falls to the mat. Minx lines herself up with the fallen Tyrone and tries to deliver a standing 450! She lands on Tyrone and hooks the leg, the referee drops to count.

One...

Two...

THR...Tyrone kicks out!

Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS TYRONE JACKSON JUST BARELY KICKS OUT OF A PIN ATTEMPT BY MINX?!?!

Minx grins at Tyrone as she waits patiently for him to make it back up to his feet. Once Tyrone is up, she hits him in the face with a hard right hand. She follows it up with a second and then a right hook. Tyrone is groggy, though before Minx can finish her combination, Tyrone shoves Minx to send her stumbling. Minx quickly regains his balance, but Tyrone tries to take advantage of the opening with a superkick! Minx ducks the kick and then strikes back with one of her own---connecting with a savate kick! She then covers.

One...

Two...

THREE!!

Torres: The winner of this match and STILL the Iconic Professional Wrestling Television Champion...Minx!!!

Nelson: It is hard to argue with results, and right now, Minx definitely has results as the Television Champion!

Rose: And I don't think that'll change any time soon!

Crumb: Well Brianna Rissi still has to beat Jessie Roberts in a little bit. Cause remember if either loses a title match, they BOTH lose the championship.

The door to the Barker Hangar’s security room swings open and in walks General Manager Tapioca Joe. The guard on duty swings around in his chair to look at him. Tap seems to barely acknowledge him, in fact, he steps right in front of him, intently staring at the array of monitors on the wall. Every single room in the building has a corresponding camera. The guard, obviously a bit annoyed, taps him on the shoulder.

Guard: Excuse me, sir! You're not supposed to be in here!

Tap slaps his hand away.

Tap: Get lost, young man! I just need to look for a moment.

Tap completely ignores the guard's protests as he scans the monitors with his eyes, obviously looking for something. Then, he spots what he's looking for: on a screen in the bottom, Oliver Black can be seen walking out of a small room, somewhere in the lower levels of the building. He turns and speaks to someone inside and then closes the door behind him. Tap smiles and whispers softly to himself.

Tap: Gotcha.

Then as quickly as he came, Tap is gone, leaving a confused and angry guard behind. Tap slams the door and heads down the building.

~~

Crumb: What in the world is Tap doing?!

Rose: Who knows with that old man?! I’m still baffled why Joshua hired him in the first place?

Nelson: Because Tapioca Joe is a respected veteran of this business. Anyway, here comes our second Television Championship match with Brianna Rissi defending her share of the Television title against Jessie Roberts.

Rose: This'll be short....

”With Mama Said Knock You Out” playing in the background Jessie walks out onto the stage and starts to bounce around trying to get loose. She waited for a few moments before she walked down and slaps hands with a few fans as she does this before she stops at the steps slapping the top of them before getting in the ring. She then get in and bounces around then if she is out on her own look at the enterance waiting for her opponents or if others are in the ring she looks on at them.

Torres: Coming to the ring hailing from Iowa City, Iowa….weighing in at one hundred and forty-eight pounds….standing at a height of five feet ten inches...she is the Hawkeye Warrior….JESSIE ROBERTTTTTTTTSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelson: Jessie Roberts has been having a streak of bad luck when it comes to title matches, which she hopes to remedy tonight.

Rose: I think what she's had to go through is nothing compared to this. If she couldn't make it in the tournament for the Heavyweight title for the tournament for the TV title, how can she beat Brianna for the TV title one-on-one no less?

Crumb: That's a good question as Brianna is without a doubt one of the most dominating Icons in our sport today.

Nelson: Although I wonder if Rissi is as focused on this as she should be? She has seemed to be more concerned with Christmas vacationing back in her home country of Australia than with her share of the Television Championship.

”Vanity” by Christina Aguilera plays as Brianna Rissi walks out with the Television title strapped around her waist.

Rose: There she is...the Greatest Television Champion ever!

Nelson: She is the only Television Champion Iconic Professional Wrestling has ever had.

Rose: That’s why she’s the greatest.

Crumb: Um, when did you become so pro-Brianna?

Rose: I’m not. I just know you’re going to be cheering your lungs out for Jessie so I thought I might as well cheer for Brianna.

DING DING DING!!

---Television Championship Match:“The Hawkeye Warrior” Jessie Roberts vs. Brianna Rissi---

Jessie walks to the center of the ring. Brianna does the same. "Jessie" chants are heard all over, but just as loud are the boos and chants “Brianna Sucks”. Jessie and Brianna stare at each other.

Crumb: This. Is. Intense.

The two eventually lock up. Jessie gives Brianna a kick to the midsection and then a hiptoss. Jessie locks in a half nelson. Brianna gets up and gives Jessie a snapmare. Brianna locks in a sleeper. Jessie slowly fades. The referee slides over and asks Jessie if she gives? Jessie’s head is bowed and her eyes closed.

The referee pulls up Jessie’s arm. He drops it.

He pulls it up again. It drops again.

He pulls it up one more time and lets go. The arm stays up!

Crowd: Jessie! Jessie! Jessie!

Jessie works off the crowd’s cheers and elbows Brianna’s head. Jessie gets to her knees and then to her feet. Brianna nails a kick to Jessie’s head and tries a DDT. Jessie reverses into a spinning spinebuster. Jessie points up top and climbs to the top rope. Jessie flies off the top and nails a leg drop. Jessie hooks a leg back.

One…

Two...kick out.

Crumb: Jessie is looking very impressive.

Rose: Are you kidding? It was only a few seconds into the match and Brianna already almost had her passed out.

Nelson: Yes but who just got the two count there?

Rose: ......

Jessie pulls Brianna up. Jessie throws Brianna off the ropes. As Brianna bounces back she leapfrogs Jessie. The Hawkeye Warrior turns and Brianna throws her off the ropes. She then catches Jessie and nails a T-bone suplex. Brianna jumps to her feet. Jessie gets to her feet. Brianna kicks Jessie and executes three consecutive German suplexes. Brianna continues to hold on. She gets up and hoists Jessie up for an atomic drop. Brianna spins, but Jessie pushes off on the corner of the turnbuckle. Jessie reverses and nails a springboard bulldog. Jessie immediately springs to her feet. She runs off the ropes and tries an Asai moonsault. Brianna gets her knees up and Jessie hits them hard! Jessie stumbles back, grabbing her stomach as Brianna springs to her feet. The Champ nails a series of knife-edge chops on Jessie, who is pressed against the ropes.

Crowd: WOOO! WOOO! WOOO!

Brianna steps back and climbs the turnbuckle. She tries a flying clothesline but Jessie sidesteps. Brianna holds onto the ropes and pulls herself onto the apron.

Nelson: Neither Lady Icon is getting a real firm advantage, it can still go either way.

Rose: You say that every time someone I like is about to beat the hell out of someone you like.

Crumb: But I thought you don’t like Brianna?

Rose: I don’t…shaddup!

Brianna comes behind Jessie and grabs her for an inverted DDT, but instead both get reverse suplexed to the outside onto the apron! Brianna stays on the apron while Jessie stumbles to her feet. Brianna leaps and nails Jessie with a flying clothesline from the apron. Jessie flies back and into the crowd! The fans are cheering both Lady Icons and slap Jessie on the back to encourage her as she crawls to her feet. Brianna gets to the announcers’ table and takes a drink from a water bottle.

Rose: WHAT THE HELL?! THAT WAS MY GODDAMN WATER!

Nelson and Crumb: HAHAAAAAA!!!

Brianna walks back over as Jessie runs at her. Jessie jumps at Brianna. The Champ drops a shoulder and hoists Jessie up in a fireman's carry. The referee yells at Brianna to get the action back in the ring. Brianna climbs the steel steps with Jessie still in a fireman's carry while Jessie tries to fight.

Nelson: Rissi displaying a considerable amount of upper body strength as she not only has Roberts up on her shoulders but is carrying her back into the ring!

Brianna uses all her balance and climbs to the top turnbuckle, still with Jessie in the fireman's carry. The fans are booing as the co-Television Champ flies off the turnbuckle and nails a modified torture rack into Lygerbomb!

Crowd: HOLY SH*T! HOLY SH*T!

Crumb and Rose: HOLY SH*T!

Brianna flips Jessie over and drops atop her.

One…

Two…

Thre...KICKOUT!

Rose: Told you....

Nelson: But she still didn't get the pin, did she?

Rose: ........

Brianna holds her head in shock. She waits for the challenger to get up. Brianna runs at Jessie and spears her into the corner. Brianna pounds away on Jessie. The Hawkeye Warrior seemingly has had enough and flips it around. Jessie pounds on Brianna in the corner. Brianna fights out of the corner. The two exchange blows, punch for punch, in the center of the ring.

Crumb: This has turned into a real slobberknocker!

Rose: You’re really trying to get us sued, huh, J.R.?

Crumb: Who? My name’s Todd.

Rose: Idiot...

Jessie kicks Brianna and goes for an ace crusher. Brianna pushes Jessie away. She bounces back and Brianna grabs him for a soviet suplex. Jessie gives Brianna an elbow to the head. Jessie pulls Brianna in and goes for a sitout powerbomb the move known as Hawkeye’s Pride.

Nelson: Roberts looking to end this match with her finisher!

Before Jessie can get her up, Brianna attempts a backdrop. Jessie slips down and goes for a roll up.

One...Brianna pushes back into her own pin.

One...Jessie flips Brianna over and pulls back with a half crab.

Brianna pushes up on the mat and pulls back. Brianna locks in a Boston crab. Jessie shakes her head in pain. Jessie is just about to tap, but she manages to reach out and grab the ropes. The referee informs Brianna who releases the hold and backs up.

Crumb: I don't know how much more punishment Jessie can take?!

Rose: Oh it won’t be much longer!

Jessie gets to her knees. Brianna nails Jessie with a dropkick. Jessie falls through the ropes and onto the apron. Jessie gets up and Brianna grabs her for a suplex. Jessie gives Brianna an uppercut that sends the Champ back. Jessie climbs to the top. She flies off and goes for a flip senton. Brianna catches for a powerbomb, but Jessie reverses into a hurricanrana!

Nelson: What a series of moves by both Lady Icons!

Brianna gets to her feet immediately. Jessie goes for a spinning neckbreaker. Brianna slips out and sets up for an inverted DDT. Jessie reverses midway into a spinning DDT. Brianna won't let it happen and executes a massive suplex. Brianna pushes up for the pin.

One…

Two...Jessie gets her foot in the ropes.

Rose: Ugh, another rope break.

Nelson: Yeah, you know the referee is enforcing the rules.

Rose: Shut up, you have way too much of an attitude tonight.

Both Lady Icons get to their feet and stare off. The fans are going crazy. Jessie and Brianna run at each other with clotheslines. Both miss. Brianna bounces off the corner and goes for a springboard dropkick. Jessie turns and slams Brianna to the mat with a hard lariat.

Jessie rolls onto her back and takes a breather. She quickly hops to her feet and drags Brianna to the middle of the ring. Jessie climbs to the top and nails a flying elbow drop. She doesn't stay down and bounces back to her feet. She climbs the opposite turnbuckle and nails a leg drop. Again Jessie immediately gets up and climbs the third turnbuckle. Jessie flies off with a huge five star splash. The challenger doesn't even stay for the pin and instead climbs the last turnbuckle. Jessie preps herself and executes a huge senton! Jessie now uses the only energy she seemingly has left and hooks Brianna’s leg.

One…

Two…

THRE...SHOULDER UP!!!

Crumb: WHAT CAN BE GOING THROUGH JESSIE ROBERTS’ MIND AS BRIANNA RISSI KICKS OUT OF THE MOST DEVASTATING SERIES OF MOVES IN.......

Rose: Oh knock it off! My only question is how did Jessie pull off all of those moves, since she has never been that great of a high flyer?!

Jessie rolls onto her back and looks up. Slowly Jessie gets to her feet. Brianna follows to her feet. Jessie runs at Brianna. Rissi does the same and takes Jessie down with a double leg takedown. Brianna tries to turn Jessie for a sharpshooter!

Nelson: Roberts is putting up the fight of her life!

Brianna puts all of her muscles behind the move. The sweat drips from Jessie’s face as she holds on as long as she can. Brianna leans back, looking up at the ceiling with her eyes closed, putting more pressure on. Just when it looks as though Jessie is about to submit, the fans begin to cheer even more than they were before.

Rose: What the hell is she doing out here?!

Up on the entrance ramp, co-Television Champion Minx has emerged. She looks to be watching the match with more than a casual interest.

Crumb: Well she does have a vested interest in this match!

Brianna has yet to notice her, so she continues to put pressure on as Jessie tries in vain to fight the pain. Finally Brianna looks away from the ceiling and notices Minx at the edge of the ramp. Brianna releases the hold and goes to the ropes as if to ask Minx what she wants. Minx in turn holds up her handcrafted title belt and shouts to Brianna.

Minx: YOU DON’T DESERVE THIS!

Nelson: Rissi needs to keep her focus on the in-ring action!

Rose: Brianna is still young in the game and needs more refining. She talks a good game but many forget she has only been competing for a little over a year.

As she stands there, Jessie manages to come up from behind and get a roll up. The referee goes for a quick count.

One.

Two.

THREE!!

Torres: Winner of this match and NEW Iconic Professional Wrestling Television Champion...Jessie Roberts!!!

Nelson: Jessie Roberts is the new and sole Television Champion!

Rose: That was not fair! I smell a conspiracy!

Crumb: I...don't know what to say….

Nelson: We have a new Television Champion, although I cannot exactly agree with how it happened!

Brianna has already rolled out of the ring and is hurrying up the ramp to the stage to follow Minx, who split as soon as she saw the decision.

Rose: Was it me or did the referee count the pinfall hella fast?

Nelson: It was not just you, Rose. Something is not kosher here.

In the ring, Jessie stands up and is given the TV title, which she proudly holds above her head.

Crowd: YOU DESERVE IT! *clapclapclapclapclap* YOU DESERVE IT!

Crumb: Yes she does!

Nelson: Roberts receives nothing but the utmost respect from our great fans!

Rose: Like what do they really know though?

Jessie turns to leave the ring when suddenly Astrid Sedin slides under the ropes from out of the crowd and plants Jessie back to the mat with a huge fist to the face.

Crumb: WHAT CAN JESSIE ROBERTS BE THINKING AS ASTRID SEDIN JUST AMBUSHED HER?!?!

Rose: Probably, “this little midget woman just won’t let anyone have the spotlight!”

Astrid grabs Jessie up by the hair and hits a massive Discontinuity (flipping neckbreaker) on top of the TV title.

Nelson: This is completely and utterly uncalled for by Sedin!

Astrid gets up and smiles a sinister grin as the camera fades out to a commercial.

Coming 27 January 2019

~~

Nelson: Here we go, Rose, the time you have been waiting for!

Rose: I’m going to miss Aaron Kostan...

The camera cuts to Todd Crumb at ringside explaining the Highway to Hell complex.

Crumb: The ring is set inside a steel cage...that cage has a ceiling ten feet high! There is a trap door in the ceiling with a ladder leading from the ring...if you go up that ladder, you find yourself inside a room made entirely of steel cage material. The floor is the ring level's ceiling, plus there are four walls of a cage and another ceiling. The ladder runs up past the "cage room" through a trapdoor in its ceiling to the top of the cage, this top floor is thirty feet in the air, the floor is cage material and there are barbed-wire ring ropes set up around the sides. One look at this structure, and you can truly understand why this match is called Highway to Hell!!!!!!!!!!

The shot changes to show a series of clips of action inside the cage taken from various wrestling promotions that have utilized the three tier steel cage. Then returns to a live shot of Crumb.

Crumb: As if that wasn't sadistic enough for this match, a ten-foot folding ladder will be set in the ring and the Heavyweight title belt will be suspended fifteen feet above the top of the cage, a total of forty-five feet above the floor of the arena! To win, an Icon must get the belt and then get it all the way down to the ring. When an Icon has both feet touching the canvas and the belt in hand, he is the winner, and new or still Iconic Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion!!!!!!!!!

Rose: My money is that, by this time next year, Aaron and Oliver are going to be badly hurt, paralyzed, or six feet under.

Crumb: (making it back over to the announce table) Now THAT was uncalled for.

Rose: It's only the truth.

Nelson: I cannot believe you would even say that?

Rose: Should we go back and check out vintage wrestling footage of anyone that has ever been in a match like this?

Nelson: No, it is time for the main event to start.

”The Downfall of Us All” by A Day to Remember begins to blast throughout the PA system as the fans quickly jump up to their feet, awaiting the arrival of the raven haired lady, Stasi Herveaux. The heavy guitar rift echoes and as it transitions into lyrics, Stasi emerges from the backstage area by stepping through the black curtain. She is holding her hands behind her back as she slowly and powerfully walks to the top of the ramp with a smirk upon her face. Once she's reached the ramp, she stops and holds her arms out to her side at shoulder height as she soaks in all of the energy coming from the fans. Holding her right hand up to her ear, she continues to listen as a wide smile makes it way across her lips. She stands there for a few moments before extending her arms back out and walking down the ramp.

Rose: Oh what in the hell is she doing out here?

At the halfway point, she starts skipping sideways, swinging and crossing her arms in front of her a few times, until she reaches the bottom where she stops and puts her hands back before her back as she smiles again. She walks off to the right, hips swinging from side to side as she makes her way around to the back o the ring where the commentary table was. Grabbing a headset, Stasi took a seat next to Nelson and made herself comfortable as the match was set to get underway.

Nelson: Welcome to the commentary table, Ms. Herveaux. We are glad you decided to join us tonight.

Stasi: I would say thank you, but honestly, I’m only out here to get a close up look at the carnage that is going to happen.

Crumb: Oh that can’t be the only reason why you’re out here. Come on… tell us.

Rose: She’s all buddy buddy with ASStrid who’s nothing but an attention seeker… that should tell you the reason why she’s out here.

Stasi: You better shut your mouth or I’ll drop you and leave you in the same state I left old man Thor in. I promise that it won’t be pretty.

The lights in the arena go out, the crowd pops as the pitch black twinkles with the light of cell phones. A slow melodic chime of reassembling a child's jack in the box plays through the speakers. A few lights flicker on stage, a guitar, base and drums all chim in slowly keeping beat with the creepy chimes. But then all goes silent.

NIGHTMARE!
(Now your nightmare comes to life.)

With the opening scream of "Nightmare" by Avenged Sevenfold echoes through the arena. The Nightmare Oliver Black pops up from a hole in the stage. The crowd erupts as Black stands center stage, black paint smeared under his eyes, a black nightmare bandana covering the lower half of his face.

Torres: Coming to the ring residing in Brooklyn, New York...weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds….standing at five feet ten inches….he is The Nightmare…..OLIVER BLACCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the announcement of his name the feathered shoulders of his entrance jacket burst open into a large pair of black wings! Oliver stands their a moment soaking in the crowds reaction, before making his way to the ring.

You should have known
The price of evil
And it hurts to know
That you belong here, yeah
Ooh, it's your f*ck*n' nightmare!

Black stands at the bottom of the cage, staring upwards. He looks over every inch of the mammoth structure in front of him. He walks around the outside of the cage, shaking at the fencing to see just how stable the structure really is.

Nelson: I will admit, this guy has been in some pretty unorthodox matches in the past but I do think this may be his biggest match to date.

Crumb: I agree with you there.

Rose: There’s honestly not much to agree on because it’s what Oliver Black does. It’s his thing.

Stasi: And just like you call Astrid an attention seeker… Oliver Black is just as big of one. But whoever makes it out of this… they’re going to have to deal with what I have planned.

After his inspection, Black steps inside the ring and gazes up through the maze of cages. He looks around, seemingly to grasp the concept of this metal structure.

Nelson: Black does not seem to realize that you are sitting out here, Stasi.

Crumb: Either that or he is too focused about what is sitting in front of him… a structure of pure, sadistic hell.

Rose: And that is what he should be focused on if he really wants to walk out of there with the IPW Heavyweight Championship.

Stasi: I’m just hoping that this sick little twisted thing he has going on with Aaron Kostan is finally going to be done with. I think he wants Aaron in more ways that one… and by that I mean… things I cannot say on television.

The Nightmare looks to the entranceway as the Barker Hangar lights fade to near pitch black and “Miami Showdown” begins to play as the arena goes dark. After a moment, Aaron Kostan emerges from backstage, a long cape around his neck. He stops at the top of the stage, staring at “The Nightmare” in the ring. He rips the cape off his back, holding it to the side for a moment, and drops it with intent. At the moment he would normally pray he looks up to the heavens, but his mouth doesn’t move. He shakes his head before again staring down his opponent and walking to the structure. He seems distant, almost angry, as he makes his way to the ring.

Black stares him down as he makes the long walk to the Highway To Hell. Kostan looks up at the IPW Heavyweight title, forty-five feet above him before returning his attention to Black. Aaron walks straight toward the cage. The referee holds the door open, waiting for him to enter. Kostan walks up the ring steps, Black still not taking his stare off of him.

Kostan grabs the cage, bends down, putting a leg through the ropes. Black hops over the ladder and runs at Kostan. The Champ quickly enters the cage and is met with a right hand, followed by another one. The referee starts to shut the door as Black hits Kostan with another right hand. As the door shuts and the referee starts to lock it, The Nightmare kicks the cage door into the face of the referee, knocking him back and out.

Crumb: What the hell is Oliver doing?

Nelson: Looks to me as if he is trying to get this whole thing started before the referee has even run the bell to officially begin the match.

Rose: He wants to do the damage now so that way when the bell finally does ring, all he has to do is pin Aaron and then he walks out as the champion.

Stasi: This is how this idiot operates… attacks when the person’s back is turned or whatnot and then nails them with an onslaught that they can’t fight back from. It’s totally a coward move because he knows that he can’t face Aaron one on one without doing something like this.

Kostan turns it around and kicks his opponent in the gut. Kostan grabs Black, picks him up and tosses him into the corner, grabbing the top rope with his left hand, then nailing a few good right hands into the face of the challenger. He then grabs Black's arm and goes to whip him across the ring, but Black reverses, sending Kostan across. Black holds on, pulls Kostan back to him, steps out of the way and sends the Heavyweight Champ outside through the cage door.

Black quickly follows him to the outside of the cage, the referee sitting against the safety rails bleeding from the head. Kostan picks quickly himself back up. The two Icons start going to blows again. Kostan with a right then Black with a right. After a right from Kostan, Black lifts a knee to Kostan, grabs his head and slams it down on the ring steps. Kostan's head bounces off. Black reaches over, grabs his head again, and once again slams it down on the steps. But Kostan puts the breaks on by putting his hands on the steel ring steps. He elbows Black in the stomach, grabs his head, and then slams it hard against the steps.

Nelson: These two are going to war and the match has not even officially begun yet!

Rose: Now I give them six months.

Crumb: You’re such a Negative Nellie, Rose. These two aren’t wasting any...

Stasi: I think you mean Black because Kostan isn’t doing much of anything and if he doesn’t do something soon it is going to “Kost” him the match.

Black stumbles back and away from Kostan a few feet. Kostan is in quick pursuit, grabbing Black’s head and slamming him into the cage wall. Black bounces back off of it. Kostan grabs Black again, holding his arm, then whipping him across to the safety rail, Black's back slamming hard against it. Kostan walks over and gets taken down by a lunging clothesline from Black. Holding onto the rails as leverage, Black repeatedly stomps the hell out of Kostan. Black drops down to his knees, grabs Kostan by the hair, and viciously slams his head hard against the the thinly covered concrete. Black stands to his feet. He takes a few steps back, reaches down and grabs at the mats, pulling them up, exposing the bare concrete.

Crumb: What's that psychotic animal have in mind now?!

Stasi: You say psychotic… I say desperate. Think about it… just think about it and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Kostan starts to move a bit, the damage on his head taking a bit of toll on him. Black walks over and helps him up. He drags him over to the exposed concrete, pulls Kostan in, and sets him up for a piledriver.

Nelson: He cannot do this!

Rose: Yes he can and now it's at four months!

Stasi: Oh just shut the hell up Rose. How do you even have a job here if you can’t do your job in a halfway decent manner?

Black picks Kostan up, but the Champ begins kicking and fighting his way out of the hold. Black can't hold on, Kostan dropping back down, then picking Black up, holding onto his legs. He then grabs Black's head from the side and drops down. Black just barely missing the concrete as he takes a kryptonite krunch.

Nelson: Oliver Black was almost taken out of this match!

Rose: Yeah, just the match, you say…

Stasi: Yawn… you know, if these two don’t get in the cage soon there will be no match and this silly vendetta of Oliver’s will have been pointless.

More referees and about half a dozen ring crew come out from the back. A few check on the downed ref while the others try to restrain Kostan as he gets back up. The refs talk to Kostan for a few seconds before he bends over and picks Black up. The refs and ring crew are pointing inside the cage, telling him to get in.

Stasi: Finally… somebody is trying to get these two into the cage and some decorum will come to this place.

Black still in his hands, Kostan walks through the mass of ring crew and refs. He walks around to the door and shoves Black under the ropes, into the ring. Kostan turns back and tells a ref to close the door. He turns to enter the cage himself, but gets the bottom of Black's boot to his face, knocking him back. Black slides under the ropes, grabs Kostan by his hair and pants, and shoves him into the ring. Black walks around to the side of the cage, grabs a chair and walks back to the door. He tosses the chair inside, it lands on the ladder in the middle of the ring. Kostan gets back up as Black gets in the cage and shuts the door behind him. Kostan jumps up quickly, taking a step back as Black stares him down. On the outside, the new referee secures the door and calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!

“The Reason Steel Was Made”

---Chaos “Christmas Clash” Main Event: Heavyweight Championship Match: Highway to Hell Match: “The Nightmare” Oliver Black vs. “The Artist” Aaron Kostan---

Crumb: And the match finally gets underway!

Rose: I'm pretty sure the fans know what the ring bell means.

Crumb: I was jus...

Rose: Shaddup!

Stasi: No Rose… you shut up. Your voice is like like nails on a chalkboard. Concentrate on the task at hand instead of being a bitch.

Black has his back to the Stooges as Kostan has his back to the entranceway stage. They circle around the ring, changing places. Kostan cocks his head a bit and looks at the entranceway, Black turns his head to look as well.

Nelson: What in the…

Crumb: I wonder what they’re looking at.

Rose: I...

Stasi: SHUT UP ROSE! Kostan is trying to play mind games with Black in an attempt to get the upper hand… duh!

No one comes out and Black turns his head back around. Kostan jumps over the ladder and takes Black down with a Lou Thesz press, laying in right heavy hands. Kostan jumps off quickly and grabs the chair. He pulls back and goes to slam the chair down on Black's ankle but Black pulls it out of the way. He grabs hold of the top rope and Kostan goes to hit him in the head. Black puts his foot to Kostan's gut, bending him over. Black tears the chair out of his hand, pulls it over his head, and whacks Kostan's back with it. Kostan falls to a knee, his face etched in pain. Black whacks the back of Kostan again, Kostan falls to his hands and knees. Black pulls the chair up above his head again but ends up dropping the chair as Kostan nails him in the groin with a right backhand.

Rose: Owowwwowwww….

Nelson: Sympathy pains, Rose?

Rose: No, I just remembered Tyler Mitchell put two hundred down on them lasting no longer than two months, and that was my guess.

Stasi: You really are pathetic Rose. I don’t think you know how to do your job… to call the match and not make stupid comments about betting and whatnot.

Kostan uses the bent over Black for leverage as he picks himself back up, grabbing Black's head, and dropping down with a one-armed, front face DDT, Black's face landing on the chair. Kostan doesn't release the hold though, keeping an armbar applied to Black, who now has a trickle of blood coming out of his bottom lip.

Nelson: Boy, how the tides have turned now that this match has officially begun.

Crumb: I seen a faint trace of blood too coming from the mouth of Oliver. Either he bit his lip or something...

Rose: Ugh… Well at least Kostan is showing some semblance of wanting to retain his championship. Looked like it wasn’t going to happen there for a little bit.

Stasi: I know what Aaron is like to the ring and I’ve pushed him to the very edges of his abilities. He got lucky against me for that championship but his time… it’s up. Aaron Kostan isn’t going to be making it out of here on his own two feet that is for sure.

After holding the submission on for a few seconds, Black battles back, fighting the pain as he tries standing up, Kostan having to follow him. Black continues the fight back, soon just using Kostan's own power against him, running back and slamming the back of Kostan's head into the steel cage. Kostan won't let go though. In pain, Black takes a few steps back then runs again towards the cage. Kostan jumps up, putting both feet on the cage, pushing himself off, turning and goes for a tornado one-arm front face DDT. Black turns him around in midair, reaching around and locking on a full nelson while pulling Kostan’s mouth open.

Crumb: WHAT CAN AARON KOSTAN BE THINKING AS HIS MOVE IS REVERSED INTO HIS DOWNFALL!!

Rose: Probably, well, that's his downfall.

Kostan begins to squirm wildly, trying to get out of the hold as Black smiles, grinding the move in. Black starts to drop with the hold when Kostan reaches back, grabs Black's head, and falls down, hitting an ace crusher, forcing Black to release the hold.

Nelson: A move of pure desperation there from the champion Kostan. Black showed no signs of letting that hold go.

Crumb: Right you are there, Patrick. Oliver Black is certainly pulling out all the tricks here tonight.

Rose: Oliver looks confident but how confident is he really? Stasi said earlier it looked like he was doing things out of desperation… and I'm starting to agree with her.

Stasi: And that is perhaps the smartest thing that you’ve said all night. Oliver Black likes to think he’s a force to be reckoned with but the dude didn’t even make it to the finals of the tournament and now he’s got this sick twisted obsession with Kostan. But whatever… I’m just here to find out who my opponent is going to be.

Sitting up, Kostan holds his mouth for a few seconds, Black on the mat catching his breath. Kostan pushes himself back up, still holding his mouth a bit, and picks up the ladder. He sets the ladder up in the middle of the ring and climbs to the trap door. He reaches the top, shoves it open, and climbs up to the second level.

Stasi: Oh come on… stop climbing like you’re a sloth or something. This is so boring.

Crumb: Well we have moved this match on up to the next level!

Nelson: The level of danger has risen.

Stasi: Ooh so scarwy. Pfft!

Kostan reaches down, grabs the ladder, and begins to pull it up. Black jumps up and snatches the ladder out of Kostan's hands. Kostan angrily looks down at Black. Kostan stands up, looking around the second cage of the Highway to Hell structure. He runs over to a trashcan and pulls out a kendo stick. He takes the garbage can off of its hook and walks over to the middle of the cage. He shuts the trap door as Black begins setting the ladder up. Kostan looks down at him then up to the next trap door. He holds the kendo stick up and pushes on the trap door, then closes it. He pulls the kendo stick down, then forces it up, the last trap door opening up.

Nelson: What does Aaron Kostan have planned now?

Rose: Probably to win the match, what else would he have planned, Patticake?

Stasi: To finally show the world that he sucks and that his win against me was nothing but a fluke and he’s truly nothing but a paper champion.

Crumb: Least not we forget that Aaron is fighting for the freedom of his friend Anna Morgan who has been kidnapped by Oliver!

The last trap door slams against its floor, completely opened up. Kostan takes the trashcan and tosses it up to the last part. Black has the ladder set up and is watching Kostan with interest. Continuing to stand on the trap door, Kostan looks down at Black. Oliver starts to climb the ladder and Kostan sticks the kendo stick through the holes in the cage, poking at The Nightmare. Black tries to grab the weapon, but Kostan pulls it up every time.

Black climbs back down the ladder and grabs the chair. Kostan stares at him as Black starts climbing the ladder again. Black puts the chair over his head and starts pushing at the cage, Kostan not able to poke him with the chair in his way. The Champ hops off the trap door and it swings open. Kostan swings the kendo stick, but Black uses the chair to block it. Kostan swings to the other side as Black takes another step up the ladder, Black blocking it again. Black throws the chair at Kostan, who ducks out of the way, which gives Black enough time to get up and in the second cage.

Crumb: This is where it starts getting dangerous!

Rose: I thought it got dangerous when they signed the contracts for this match?

Crumb: Well, this is when it gets really dangerous.

Rose: What about when they first get…

Nelson: Rose, please stop.

Stasi: Yes please shut up before I’m forced to shut you up. Because trust me… it won’t be pretty if it gets to that point.

Kostan and Black stare at each other, a showdown pursues in the second cage. Black backs into a corner and grabs a trash can. He looks inside until Kostan charges at him with the kendo stick. The Artist goes for an overhead swing, Black blocks with the trash can. He goes for a side swing, Black blocks with the trashcan then slings the can around and back, slamming it up into Kostan's face, who stumbles backwards a bit, almost to the open trap door. Black runs at him with the trashcan over his head, a few weapons spilling out of it. Kostan ducks as The Nightmare tries to slam the trashcan over his head. He then slams the kendo stick to Black's gut. Black drops the trash can, it rolls a few inches and falls on top of the ladder, then down to the bottom cage. Kostan pulls the kendo stick back and nails Black across the shoulders with it, dropping him down to his knees. Kostan tosses the kendo stick aside and picks up a "No Parking" sign that fell out of the trashcan. He walks over and slams it into the top of Black's head, the sign bending in half, not really phasing Black at all. Kostan walks over and picks up a red brick, tossing it up and catching it, then looking at Black.

Crumb: He wouldn't do that.....would he?

Stasi: A man will do just about anything if they’re desperate enough. Hell, I probably would’ve used it already had I been in this match.

Kostan walks back over to Black, pulls his arm back and swings the brick down! Black just barely moves out of the way, the brick smashing into the side of the trap door and crumbling to pieces.

Nelson: And Oliver Black ducks out of the way at the very last second, avoiding what would have surely knocked him out cold.

Crumb: Oh I agree with you. Aaron Kostan is wanting to get Anna back and he’s willing to do whatever it is necessary to do just that.

Rose: Both of these men are looking spent right now and if we thought they were desperate before…

Stasi: For the love of everything holy, shut your damn mouth Rose. You have no idea what you’re talking about because your career floundered before it even began so you settle for commentary and giving your two cents when it’s not wanted or needed. Educate yourself before you open that trap of yours again.

Black, on his knees, grabs Kostan's head and slams it down to the cage, the rest of his weight pushing on his head for a harder impact. Kostan starts bleeding from his forehead a bit. Black stands up, grabs Kostan by the hair to pull him up. He runs and throws Kostan into the side of the cage, the Champ’s neck compressing as he falls down to the metal floor. Black kicks him in the stomach again, flipping Kostan on his back. Black walks over and grabs another trash can from the corner. He reaches in and pulls out an iron, dropping it to the cage. He reaches back in and pulls out a noose. He reaches in, dropping the trashcan and has his hands around a fire extinguisher. Black wipes the blood away from his forehead, actually spreading it more before he turns the fire extinguisher on Kostan, spraying his whole body. Kostan, trying to get away, rolls away and falls through the trap door, but is able to catch himself before falling the complete ten feet down.

Nelson: Kostan saves himself from a deadly fall!

Black sprays him down a bit more before stopping, Kostan coughing with his eyes shut. Black drops the fire extinguisher, walks over, and grabs the noose.

Rose: But not from the deadly Oliver!

Black walks back over to the unaware Kostan, who has his head turned and is still coughing. He tries to put his feet on the ladder as Black wraps the noose around his neck and pulls it. Kostan loses his grip and falls but Black holds him up by the throat via the noose around his neck. Kostan kicks wildly, the ladder falling over from a kick. He grabs the rope, trying to loosen it. The Heavyweight Champ swings slightly as Black holds the rope, watching his opponent dangle helplessly.

Crumb: STOP IT!! This could KILL Aaron!

Stasi: DON’T STOP IT! In fact… keep going. Someone please end this match because I think I’m starting to feel the sleepies coming on. I could’ve been off seeing Aquaman or getting some…

Nelson: Family show, Stasi!

Kostan grabs the side of the trap door and pulls it. The trap door slams into Black's hands, making him let the rope go and causing Kostan to fall to the ring below! Coughing and gasping for air, Kostan quickly pulls the noose off. Black shakes his hands in pain.

Nelson: It is a wonder that Kostan can even move at this point after falling and having that noose around his neck.

Crumb: I genuinely thought he was going to get choked out there cause his face was starting to turn a reddish purple from lack of oxygen.

Rose: I… never mind.

Stasi: Wise decision there. But yet… Aaron Kostan for most of this whole steaming pile of doogie doo hasn’t been looking like the Kostan of old. He’s acting vastly different than the man I faced in the ring in the tournament finals.

Kostan tries to get his wind back as he stands up. Black looks down, holding his hands together, clenched together in pain. Dizzied, Kostan falls back to the mat on his hands and knees, twisted slightly, still trying to keep his head off the mat. Black opens the trap door, looking down at Kostan, who is crawling to the ropes, the ladder right in front of him. Black reaches down and puts his hand on the sides of the trap hole, hopping down and landing on his feet in the middle of the ring.

Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS OLIVER BLACK AND AARON KOSTAN HAVE RETURNED BACK TO THE FIRST LEVEL OF THE HIGHWAY TO HELL?!?!

Stasi: Why is it that every time someone hits a big move, one of you losers says “WHAT CAN HE/SHE/THEM BE THINKING AS…”? You all really need to come up with some new material so you don’t sound like a repetitive nimrod.

Crumb: “One of you losers?” I’m the loser that says that line.

Black looks at Kostan, who is unaware that Oliver is there, then walks over and picks up the chair on the other side of the ring. Kostan's hands are on the ladder, trying to crawl over it as Black slowly sneaks over to Kostan. The Nightmare raises the chair up over his head and gets the ladder slammed in his gut by Kostan, strongly forcing the ladder to knock the wind out of Black. Dropping the chair, Oliver backs up, holding his stomach. Kostan picks himself back up, charges in, and hits Black in the stomach with the ladder again, knocking Black back against the ropes. The challenger looks at Kostan as he tosses the ladder to him, then gets a dropkick to it from the Champ. Both Icons fall to the canvas.

Nelson: Aaron Kostan is not giving up! After that near-death experience, he seemingly has a new life in him to defeat Oliver Black!

Rose: That's it, after tonight, they'll never be back in the ring!

Crumb: Oh I highly doubt that. It might be a bit but they’re going to get back in the ring.

Stasi: Whoever wins this better be back right away or things are just going to get ugly for them with what I have planned.

Grabbing the ladder, Kostan is up first. Black is now profusely bleeding from the nose. Kostan sets the ladder up in the middle of the ring. He starts slowly climbing up, stopping midway to wipe some blood off his forehead and out of his eyes. Black is starting to stir, so Kostan begins climbing quicker. He gets to the top as Black is up, runs at the ladder, and knocks it out from under Kostan!

Black crashes back down to the mat with the ladder leaving Kostan hanging from the trap hole again. He locks his leg around the edge and pulls himself up, rolling over onto his back and resting for a second. He rolls slightly to the right, looking down at Black, who is standing back up. Black trips a bit, landing on the ropes as he picks himself the rest of the way up. Both Icons taking a moment to catch their breath.

Crumb: Both of these guys are worn to the bone in this battle!

Rose: Yeah, but the barbwire hasn't been touched and the title still hangs there.

Nelson: Give it time Rose. Obviously these Icons are not finished beating each other up.

Stasi: Wake me up when it’s over. I think it’s nap time.

Kostan rolls himself over on his hands and knees, looking down at Black, who bends over and picks the ladder up. Kostan wipes a bit more blood from his forehead before walking over to the trap door, bending over, and picking it up. Black has the ladder and is looking at Kostan as he starts to shut the door. Kostan looks up at the next trap door then back down to Black. Kostan slams the trap door back open, looking down at Black and taunting him, telling him to “bring it!”

The crowd cheers in a frenzy as Kostan stomps around the cage madly, yelling at Black, who sets the ladder up in the middle of the first level ring. He starts climbing, never taking his eyes off of Aaron. Kostan walks over to a corner, still taunting Black, who slowly climbs up to the next cage. Black steps up into it, still not taking his eyes off the Heavyweight Champ.

Kostan tells Black to bring the ladder up. Black hesitates, bends down, and pulls the ladder up. He tosses it over to the side of the cage, his eyes still locked on Kostan. He bends down again, grabbing the trap door. He picks it up, standing up himself. He wipes some blood off of his nose and then shuts the door. Completely trapped in the second cage, the two Icons circle each other.

Nelson: It is as if they are starting the match over...

Crumb: ...both Icons beat, bruised, and bleeding...

Rose: ...but they still won't be here next year!

Stasi: SHUT THE HELL UP ROSE! One more stupid comment out of you and you’ll find yourself in an ambulance in need of your jaw being wired shut.

Nelson: Whether they are or not, this match will forever be etched into the minds of the fans, Rose.

The two bitter rivals charge each other, locking up on the trap door, the crowd still cheering on both men. Black gets the advantage, shoving Kostan back against the steel walls, but Kostan quickly turns them around before his back touches. Black shoves Kostan off and runs at him, to which Kostan bends and tosses Black over and down, back first on the trap door. Black bounces back up, holding his back in pain. Kostan walks over to the last trashcan, takes the lid off and empties it out, weapons falling everywhere. A 2x4 wrapped with barbed wire, a pair of brass knuckles, a baking pan, a box of light tubes and a bag of unknown contents falls out.

Nelson: That trash can had a goodie bag of items that could cause a lot of mayhem and damage to Oliver Black’s body.

Crumb: This match is going to be getting interesting now.

Rose: Maybe one of Kostan will use that 2x4 to knock Black’s head off.

Stasi: I mean… that’s what I would do. Wait no, I’d break all those lights and then rub Oliver’s face in it. THEN I would rain down on him with that board.

Kostan reaches down and picks up the baking pan. Black looks at Kostan and slowly backs away a bit. Kostan throws the pan at Black, who ducks and the pan clangs against the cage wall. Kostan picks up the barbed wire 2x4 and points it at Black. Kostan walks around the trap door, still pointing at Black and saying something to him. Black walks the other way, staying away from Kostan. They circle around once until Black quickly picks the ladder up, turns back, and looks at Kostan. He stops as Kostan continues on, only stopping a few feet away. Both Icons stare at each other, blood dripping from their faces; the forehead on Kostan and the nose on Black.

Crumb: The tension here is unmatched to anything I've encountered in a long while!

Kostan swings overhead, Black blocking the 2x4 with the ladder. Kostan goes to hit him straight, but Black jumps out of the way and once again blocks with the ladder. Kostan moves in quickly and swings for the legs, but Black moves his leg out of the way, but slips up and falls forward, trapping Kostan's arm underneath. Black looks up at the cell and keeps the pressure applied on the ladder, keeping Kostan from moving. Black rips the barbwired 2x4 out of Kostan's hand, which isn't hard to do due to the pain. He stands up, releases the ladder, and Kostan yanks his arm out from underneath.

Kostan turns as Black pulls the 2x4 back and swings it at his head, but Kostan moves out of the way, the 2x4 slamming against the cage and getting stuck. Black tries to pull it out, but Kostan is back up and kicks Black in the gut. Black lets go and falls back a few feet. Kostan rushes in for a clothesline. Black ducks. Kostan turns around for another one, Black ducking it again. Black grabs Kostan, picks him up, and slams him down in a spinebuster!

Rose: COME ON, OLIVER!! Get the damn ladder and climb up!

Black stands up, a few of the knuckles on his left hand are scratched, bleeding a bit. Kostan is practically laid out, his eyes are open but he is not moving. Black picks the ladder up and walks to the middle of the ring. He sets the ladder up, staring at the open trap door above. He slowly starts climbing, Kostan still not moving. Black gets to the top of the ladder when Kostan starts to move, his eyes moving towards Black, looking at him. The Nightmare gets up to the top cage of the structure and reaches down to the ladder. He sees Kostan moving towards the ladder. Kostan jumps out, but Black pulls the ladder up into the top cell that surrounded by barbwire ropes and the IPW Heavyweight title just overhead. Black looks down at Kostan, who is standing up from his failed snatching of the ladder. Black looks up at the title then down at Kostan. The Champ is back up and looks at Black, his blood-ridden face staring at him. Black has the ladder in one hand, using his free hand to wipe some blood from his nose. He looks back up at the title, then tosses the ladder back down at Kostan, now taunting him to bring it, walking around the cage, shaking his head back and forth yelling in the air, the crowd getting into it.

Rose: What's this idiot doing?! He could have had the title in his hands now!

Crumb: I'm not quite sure, but I know these fans are getting their money's worth!

Nelson: I have to agree. This battle is classic.

Stasi: It’s still nothing compared to my match against Kostan back in October. Why? Because I showed that I don’t need silly stipulations or weapons to push Aaron Kostan to the brink.

Rose: He beat you though.

Stasi: He was lucky!

Looking up at Black, Kostan picks the ladder up then setting it up. He climbs the ladder not taking his eyes off of Black. Oliver, aware of the barbwire, walks into a corner watching Kostan climb into the last structure. Kostan reaches down much like Black did and picks the ladder up. Black throws his arms up, telling Kostan to “hurry up!” The ladder is pulled up to the top, Kostan tossing it over, it hitting the barbwire and sticking to it. Kostan reaches over and shuts the trap door, looking up at the title in a crouching position. He stands up, looking at Black, who rushes at him with an avalanche/Lou Thesz press maneuver, knocking both of them back a bit.

Black nails some sharp rights to Kostan's face. They are only inches away from the barbwire as Black goes for a right hand, Kostan ducks and gets behind him. Black turns around and is met with a boot to the gut. Kostan quickly sets Black up and slams him headfirst with a reverse Russian leg sweep. Keeping his leg wrapped around, he starts standing up, bringing Black with him and quickly doing another Russian leg sweep. Both Icons fly back into the barbwire, both of them cringing in pain.

Nelson: Black looks like he might be out of the match after Kostan sacrifices his own body to hurt his opponent!

Crumb: These two men surely are giving this match everything they got in the hopes of walking out the champion.

Rose: The question remains though… how much do each of them have left?

Stasi: You know, they’re quite lucky actually. Because I considered cashing in on my number one contender spot. And had I been placed in this match, things would’ve been a lot dark and would’ve ended a lot sooner with yours truly walking out with the IP Heavyweight Championship.

Kostan gets back up and looks at Black, who is now bleeding from the forehead, nose and parts of his back. Kostan's face shows pain as he breathes deeply, his forehead bleeding slowing down but he too is bleeding on his back. He walks over, picks the ladder up, and sets the ladder up on the trap door, looking up at his soon to be prize.

Stasi: DON’T FREAKIN’ STARE AT IT! THIS ISN’T THE DAMN MONA LISA! CLIMB THE DAMN LADDER!

Kostan slowly starts climbing. The crowd is almost deafening as Kostan climbs up another step...then another step. Black begins making some movement, looking at Kostan, who has his eyes locked on the title. Black starts to get back to his feet, trying to do it quickly but stumbling. With only four more rungs to go, Kostan climbs another step. Black makes himself vertical, stumbling towards the ladder. Kostan takes another rung, reaching up but is just a foot or so away from the title belt.

Nelson: Kostan is using every ounce of energy and strength that he has to climb up that ladder. I am actually quite surprised that he has the ability to do that after all he has been through so far tonight.

Crumb: Black better hurry up or his whole plan is going to go up in flames.

Rose: Like I said… four months.

Stasi: FUUU… He’s just trying to make it look like he’s fighting. He probably has all the strength in the world but wants to mislead the fans into thinking he’s fighting. He’s deceiving everyone here and everyone watching from home. Aaron Kostan is a phony.

Kostan feels the pressure of Black's body pushing against the ladder. He looks down as Black puts his foot on the ladder, climbing up a rung, then two. Black takes another rung, looking at Kostan as The Artist takes another one. Only six inches away, Kostan reaches up at the title. Black quickly climbs up another rung and grabs Kostan's pants through the ladder. Kostan tries to pull away as Black takes another rung up. Kostan looks at Black, who is almost level with him now.

Crumb: This is it guys! They can't go any farther up!

Rose: So the only way they can go is down...

Instead of reaching for the title, Kostan hits Black in the face with a right hand. Black takes another rung, taking his mind off the punch. Kostan goes for another one but Black blocks it and letting go of Kostan's leg. Kostan starts to wobble, but quickly braces himself. Black takes another step putting both Icons eye-to-eye. They stare at each other for a second, the whole world seemingly shut out, yet watching them.

Black goes for a right hand, Kostan catches his arm. He moves his head around to the back of Black's head, brings him in, and headbutts him. Black doesn't relent as he reaches out, grabbing Kostan's head and slamming it into the top of the ladder. Kostan bounces off, almost falling off again but insead slips down two rungs. Kostan looks up at Black as he takes another rung and finally grabs the title, holding it in his hand.

Nelson: THIS IS IT! Aaron Kostan has the belt in his hand!

Crumb: The match isn’t over yet. I doubt that Oliver is going to let it end like this.

Rose: In a rare instance, I am going to agree with Crumbbum.

Stasi: And for once I don’t have the overwhelming want to ram your face into my knee to shut you up. Keep up the good work.

Black tries to pull the title off it’s hook, but Kostan climbs back up and hits him in the gut. Black taking his hand off of the title to hold his stomach. Kostan reaches up for the title, unhooking it and dropping the title down.

Nelson: The Heavyweight Championship title belt has slipped from the hands of Kostan and has fallen on top of the trap door.

Rose: Oh great, now the title is beating them both.

Stasi: Good because neither of them deserve it!

They both look down at the title then at each other. They start quickly climbing down the ladder, practically slipping off and falling to the cage. They both rush after the title, Black getting there first, bending to grab it. Kostan backhands him, forcing Black to fall back a few feet. Kostan picks the title up in his hands.

Crumb: AARON HAS THE TITLE! AARON HAS THE TITLE!

Stasi: Calm your tits there! You need some Ritalin or something to bring you down a couple of notches… damn!

Black rushes back at Kostan, who twists and bends, picking Black up on his shoulder, the title dropping right below them on the trap door. Kostan sets Black up and falls down with an emerald fusion on the trap door and title belt! Black's head and shoulder slam into it causing the trap door to break through and sending the two men to continue to fall down. Black turns on impact and is across Kostan's chest as they fall, hitting the next trap door! The crowd is completely silent as the last trap door gives way, both men falling to the mat with Black landing on top of Kostan.

The title is stuck where the first trap door was, swinging back and forth before it falls to the mat, landing between the two Icons, who lie motionless in the ring except for their chest rising and falling.

Crumb: Oh my god!!

Nelson: Goodness gracious, did you see that?! I mean, that is somewhere around a twenty five feet dropping and Black landed on top of Kostan. Actually landed on him!

Stasi: They both probably have some internal bleeding going on. Which is good for me.

Rose: Not to mention them slamming against two trap doors and the wrestling mat itself.

Crumb: I think they’re dead….

Stasi: Good?

Nelson: Hopefully not as I think I see a twitch from Oliver Black.

The crowd waits with bated breath as the bodies start to stir. After long minutes, Black starts to crawl off of Kostan. He looks around the ring and finally spots the Heavyweight title lying off to the side. Inch by inch, The Nightmare drags his body over to the belt. He grabs the belt and tosses it towards the door, not having the strength to stand.

Nelson: Remember the rules of this Highway to Hell match is a winner can only be proclaimed when an Icon passes through the door of the bottom cage door with possession of the Heavyweight Championship.

Black crawls toward the door as Kostan regains consciousness. After a few moments of disorientation, Kostan sees Black heading toward the door and the title. Kostan heads in that direction, using every bit of strength left in his body.

Crumb: I don't believe it…these two are actually moving.

Rose: Moving? Oliver's about to get out of the door.

Stasi: Nah… you’re not watching Kostan over there! Dude is squirming.

Just as the words leave Rose's mouth, the revived referee comes over and opens the door as Black approaches. Black grabs the belt and begins to get to his feet. Somehow Kostan is able to lunge forward and grab onto Black's legs. Black tries to will himself out of the cage, but Kostan hangs on for dear life!

With his last bit of energy, Black takes a wild swing with the belt. He nails Kostan in the head and the momentum knocks both men out of the cage. Black grasps onto the belt and falls to the floor with a loud “SMACK”. Upon contact, the bell is rung!

Torres: The winner of this Highway to Hell match and NEW Iconic Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion….Oliver Black!!!

Crumb: OLIVER WINS! OLIVER WINS! I DON'T BELIEVE IT…OLIVER BLACK HAS CAPTURED THE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE!!

Nelson: I do not believe it folks…this has been one of the most intense matches I have ever seen. These two took it down to the wire. If this is the future of Iconic Professional Wrestling…I cannot wait!

Rose: What can I say? That has to be one of the most incredible matches I've ever seen!

Stasi: Oh now you’re basically speechless. Just wait until the dust clears. I guaran-damn-tee that you’re jaw is going to be on the ground.

EMTs run out with stretchers to help the two Icons who risked their lives for the fans of IPW. Suddenly two figures run out towards Kostan's stretcher.

Nelson: Who could that be?

Crumb: God, I hope it's not Dark Karnevil. Hasn't Aaron been through enough?!

Nelson: It's not Dark Karnevil…it is...it is…General Manager Tap and ANNA MORGAN?!

Rose: Where did she come from?

Crumb: I don't know, but I think we finally found out what Tap has been up to all night.

Tap helps the EMTs with Kostan as Anna is crying for her fallen hero. The EMTs slowly take the trio to the back. Back at ringside Black is pushing away the EMTs struggling his way to the rampway. His back is turned towards the commentator’s table so he doesn’t see that Stasi Herveaux has removed her headset and slinked her way to be about seven feet behind him.

Nelson: Oh… what is going through her mind right now?!

Crumb: She has been very vocal about being passed over twice for title shots. Looks like she’s going to send a message.

Rose: Does that honestly surprise you? She’s an attention seeking witch just like ASStrid.

Nelson: And she is back.

Noticing that the IPW Heavyweight Championship is on the ground, she quickly grabs it and before anybody can say anything and definitely before Oliver notices, she charges and drills him in the back of the head with it.

Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS STASI HERVEAUX KNOCKS OUT OLIVER BLACK WITH HIS NEWLY WON ICONIC PRO WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BELT?!?!

Brushing her hair out of her face, Stasi has a devilish grin upon her face as she puts the belt down and pushes the EMTs out of the way.

Nelson: WHAT IS SHE THINKING?!

Rose: Well obviously this is what she had been hinting at all match.

Clearing out the EMTs allows Stasi to grab Oliver’s head and pull him up to his feet.

Stasi: SURPRISE MOTHER F*CK*R!

Oliver pushes away with all that he has left and tries to swing and hit Stasi, but she is able to duck it and instead whips him off into the steel steps and he goes crashing hard into them. Stasi picks the title belt back up and slowly saunters over Oliver before raining down hit after hit using the belt.

Stasi: How does that feel Ollie the Bitch!?

Smirking some more, Stasi delivers a sick kick to the obviously injured midsection of Oliver before grabbing a microphone out of the hand of a ringside crew member. She then stands over Oliver and placing one foot on his head, she puts the weight down upon his cranium as she brings the microphone up to her lips.

Stasi: Two months ago I was in a championship match with our now FORMER champion and even though I lost, which by the way was a total f*ck*ng fluke, I secured myself the spot of number one contender. And then I had to sit back and watch as the likes of sniveling weasels and wanna be voodoo idiots got shots that I EARNED AND WERE RIGHTFULLY MINE! But you know what… NO MORE! Right before this match started I went to our amazing owner Joshua Samson, Esquire and that old fart of a general manager and demanded that I get my title match… and ASAP. I was offered a spot in the match but declined because I have other plans. I stated I wanted the winner of tonight and would you look at it… I snagged myself a fake ass, wannabe bitch in Oliver Black.

Nelson: Well now we know who the next challenger is going to be. Question is… when will it happen?

Stasi steps down a little more on Oliver’s head as the EMTs and security are waiting close by.

Stasi: So after I have a talk with all that I need to and we find a suitable date… it will be me and this snake… one on one… mono e mono… for the IPW Heavyweight Championship. I don’t need any fancy ass matches or stipulations to win either… unlike some people. Ain’t that right Ollie the Bitch? Oh what do you know… you’re probably going to cry so your little bitch boy or is he your boy toy? Anyway, you’re going to make sure that your little buddy is going to be out there… but that won’t be happening because one thing I know is for sure… ALL ASSOCIATES ARE BANNED FROM RINGSIDE! I’m that damn confident!

Stasi removes her foot from Oliver’s head and bends down, holding the microphone to her lips as she holds the IPW Heavyweight Champion by his face.

Stasi: And when we meet… this will become mine and you will be left in a state worse than this. See you next time Ollie Bitch!

As “The Downfall of Us All” begins to play once again, Stasi raises the championship above her head with a smile on her face as Oliver starts to stir at her feet. After a few moments, Stasi kicks him in the head before dropping the title and sauntering off as her music continues to play.

Nelson: WHAT A NIGHT WE HAVE HAD! WHAT A NIGHT!

The EMTs rush to Oliver’s side as Stasi walks backwards up the ramp to watch. She raises her arms up and smirks once more before disappearing behind the curtain.

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