Emperor of the Ring 2007

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

ACW Proudly Presents:
Emperor of the Ring 2007

Sunday 30th September 2007

Schedule of Matches:
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Derrick Daniels, Mr. Red, and Jade vs El Froggy Mask & The Lost Boys

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Hunter vs. Jason Freeman

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ACW International Title Match
The Senator vs XS3

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Alicia “Atomic” Kitsune vs Echo

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Victor “Latino” Laureano vs. Thunderkiss

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ACW Light-Heavyweight Title Match
Jake Cheng vs. Jay Zero

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ACW World Title Match
Wyvern vs. Starkweather

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EOTR '07 Finals Match
The Senator vs. Yoko Satoshi

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[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Ah, September. Season of mists, mellow fruitfulness, and ACW’s annual quest to find someone worthy of the title of Emperor of the Ring.

The tournament has entranced the ACW faithful, with several superstars staking their claims to bigger and better things. But in the end there can only be one winner, and tonight’s final promises nothing less than an epic clash.

Before we get to that point, however, there are titles to be defended, scores to settle, and almost certainly wall-to-wall shenanigans from our illustrious roster.

Much to the gathered crowd’s approval, the pyro technicians have outdone themselves with the opening display, and the sight of several thousand fans waving banners and generally acting their shoe size rather than their age makes everyone at home jealous.

Having made enough noise to alert most of China to the fact that an ACW PPV is on, the crowd settles, and the first scene of the night begins to play on the Alphatron…

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Changes (Credit: Jonny Hughes, Ricky Falcon)

The scene fades in to find Ricky Falcon and Jonny Hughes in their locker room. Falcon is taping his wrists with wrestling tape and Hughes is rummaging through his overnight bag in an attempt to find an elusive item. He starts to remove items from the bag in an attempt to find the item. Ricky notices the increase in frustration in his tag partner and stops taping his wrists.

Falcon: I think you need to calm down. What is it that you’re looking for anyway?

Hughes: My mobile phone. I’m expecting an important phone call.

Falcon: What about? Is about your DVD?

Hughes: No, I’ve already heard about that. It’s about the other thing…the other really important thing.

Falcon: Oh yeah. I’ll call you on my cell.

Ricky grabs his cell phone from his locker and proceeds to call Hughes. Whose call phone lets out a muffled ring from inside his suit jacket. He feels inside his jacket pocket and pulls out the phone.

Hughes: Cheers.

Falcon: No problem. What was the news on the DVD sales anyway?

Hughes: It wasn’t good. But I think I have a solution.

Falcon: A solution?

Hughes: I’ve realised that the poor DVD sales are down to the fact that I don’t have a larger than life personality, and I have a way to change that by following in the footsteps of Joseph Stalin, Mahatma Gandhi and JFK.

There is a short silence as Ricky tries to figure out the common attribute that these people share.

Falcon: You’re going to die?!?

Hughes: No…I’m going to take a leaf out of their books by adopting ‘The Cult of Personality’.

Falcon: Enlighten me.

Hughes: I need these people to fall in love with everything about Jonny Hughes. I need these people to adopt me as their hero, I need them to start worshipping me.

Falcon: How are you going to do that?

Hughes: I have my methods Mister Falcon. I have my meth-

Hughes is interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. He and Falcon fall silent as he picks up the phone and answers it. We hear a muffled voice through the phone but we are unable to make out any words. Hughes simply listens to the person on the other side of the phone and hangs up promptly.

Falcon: ….Well?

Hughes: It’s on.

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 1: Derrick Daniels, Mr. Red, and Jade vs El Froggy Mask & The Lost Boys
(Credit: BK London)

It’s time for the in-ring action to get underway, and as we cut back to the arena, we find the Fallout contingent already in the ring, with the crowd enthusiastically booing the heel El Froggy Mask. The camera angle changes, and the male members of the audience whoop and cheer for the arrival of the first of the ACW Trio.

Philip: Presenting first, from Okinawa, Japan…. Jade Amuro!

Jade slinks to ringside, a lethal mix of satin and strength. She poses for the fans, ignoring the cat-calls of some of the female crowd members, to await her fellow team members.

Philip: Next, from New York City, making his ACW Debut… The Omega Virus, Derrick Daniels!

Smoke smothers the stage, and is then practically frightened off of it as Daniels enters to the refrain of Adema’s “The Way You Like It”. He’s Jade’s complete opposite; at 6”11 and over 300lbs, he presents a formidable obstacle to the ambitions of everyone he’s matched up against. He walks to the ring with a quiet, confident air which immediately makes everyone sit up and take notice. Even Jade looks suitably satisfied with her partner’s credentials…

The music is replaced by “Reds Fan” as Philip rounds off his introductions.

Philip: And finally, from Columbus, Ohio… Mr. Red!

The crowd is divided between boos and cheers as Red walks out to join his team. As a lightweight male wrestler, he provides a useful “midpoint” between the two extremes, and the ACW Three look like an interesting mix as they all enter the ring.

The referee quickly sorts out the starters, and the match gets underway.

Bell rings.

As the match starts off, it seems that Jade and Uriel will be the first two active participants in this match - both of them eager to start off this show right and win the match for their team. The two lock up in a collar elbow tie up, to start off the match and Uriel's strength advantage gives him the early lead in this match as he simply pushes the much much lighter Jade across the ring. Jade hops back on her feet and Uriel watches her across the ring with a cocky smile on his face. Jade now takes her time before going into the tie up this time, thinking of her strategy, but with him having the strengh advantager there's not much she can do to take Uriel down. But throwing caution to the wind, she locks up with him again and this time captures him in a side headlock. Uriel pushes Jade into the ropes with ease, using one arm and as she comes off the ropes he runs through her with a shoulder block. Now Uriel bounces off the ropes and Jade rolls on her back, prompting him to jump over to her. The former Light Heavyweight Champion springs back up to her feet and scores with a dropkick to the face of Uriel which manages to take the former Fallout Tag Team Champion down. Uriel hops back up to his feet and now Jade takes him down with a drop toe hold before latching in a rear chinlock to the surprise of Uriel's partners. Uriel overpowers Jade, freeing himself in the process before planting her in the center of the ring with a German Suplex.

Jade holds the back of her neck in pain before Uriel drags her to his corner before tagging in his longtime tag partner, Memnoch. Uriel delivers a scoop slam to the ACW superstar before Memnoch follows up with a Slingshot Senton a la Eddie Guerrero. Memnoch covers Jade, but Jade manages to shoot her elbow up from the mat in the nick of time. Menoch now picks her up, dragging by the hair, and tossing her into the corner before choking him with the sole of his boot into his throat. Referee Carter Donovan intiates the five count, in which Memnoch breaks at 4 before going back to work on Jade with several forearms to her face. Jade sinks in the corner and now Memnoch signals for the Goregasm by slapping his knee. He runs off the ropes at full speed and looks to connect with both boots to his face - but Jade manages to slide out the ring, or so we thought for a second. When the camera cuts to outside, we actually see Mr. Red picking up Jade - saving her from possibly losing this match early for them - not to mention a couple of teeth. El Froggy Mask hops off the apron and makes his way over towards Mr. Red to attack him from behind, but he nearly runs into the near seven footer Derrick Daniels. Froggy, knowing when to pick his battle, hops back over to his corner as Jade manages to roll back into the ring on her own accord.

Memnoch meets her with several kicks to the abdomen before whipping her into the ropes, but she surprises him by ducking under his clothesline attempt and springboarding off the middle rope before turning in mid-air to take him down with a crossbody. Jade hooks both legs and it's only a near fall. Memnoch rises up, and takes Jade down with a huge clothesline that nearly turns her inside out before dragging her to her corner and tagging back in Uriel. Memnoch raises Jade over his head in a Gorilla Press before dropping her on the knee of Uriel's knee, prompting Jade to scream out in undeniable pain. Uriel pulls her to the center of the ring before making the cover but Mr. Red manages to break up the count with a dropkick to the side of the head. Memnoch enters the ring and now looks to take out Red, which prompts Derrick Daniels to step over the top rope and start cleaning house. He gets Uriel on the ropes and picks up Memnoch, throwing him into Uriel and sending them both flipping over the top rope. El Froggy Mask now stands perched on the top rope, looking to take the big man by surprise with a double axe handle from the top rope but Derrick catches him in mid air. The Omega Virus now sends him flying over the top rope into his two Fallout buddies to a bit of a pop from the crowd.

Froggy and the Los Boys regroup on the outside before deciding they don't have to do this match, they're on Fallout and don't have to fight any ACW'ers if they don't want to. The trio being making their way back up the ramp until "Gingerdude's Theme" hits to a pop from the crowd.

Ginger: Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! Where do you three think you're going? Biff signed a contract for you three to have a match tonight, and you're going to finish this match tonight! You see, I won't let this match end on a count out, or you know what? Just in case you had other plans, this match won't end in a DQ either. So as of right now, this match WILL continue… and it will continue as a No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Six Person Texas Tornado Tag Team Match!

Froggy: WHAT?!!?!

Without wasting any time, Jade, Derrick, and Mr. Red race up the stage and begin taking it to the Fallout Superstars to the delight of the ACW crowd tonight. Jade drags Uriel back down ringside where she bangs his head into the steel steps while Mr. Red plants Memnoch with a Snap Suplex on the steel ramp. El Froggy Mask begins to ascend the EOTR Alphatron, and the newcomer shows no fear by climbing up right after him. Froggy Mask finally reaches the top, and realizes that there's not much room on this small scaffolding and realizes he's in even more trouble when he sees the 300lber right behind him. Back in the ring, Mr. Red and Jade are attempting to fend off the tag team successfully but their lack of experience as a tag team they are failing horribly. Memnoch manages to take Jade down with a clothesline while Uriel hits her with the leg sweep, simultaneously. Memnoch hooks the leg of Jade but Mr. Red breaks it up and starts taking it to both Uriel and Memnoch with a series of rights but they prove to be too much for him. Uriel manages to get Memnoch on his shoulders, going for the Death From Above but Jade manages to take him down with a chop block. Uriel drops Memnoch down hard and now Jade very gingerly ascends to the top rope. Uriel rises up after trying to help back Memnoch, and he gets a Diving Hurracanrana for his trouble. Uriel is nearly tossed out the ring, but once he gets up Mr. Red plants him into the mat with a Cincinatti Swing.

Back on the top of the scaffold, El Froggy Mask has Daniels on a sleeperhold and the big man is fading. Daniels staggers around about 50-60 feet above the ground and now finally just drops down on the floor of the scaffold. Froggy now sizes him up, planning to dropkick off the edge and the crowd gazes at the top where the action is. Daniels finally shakes off the effects of the sleeper and slowly returns to his feet. When he turns around, he sees Froggy Mask coming straight for him with a dropkick in mind but the newcomer grabs the Fallout superstar by the throat with both hands. Derrick raises Froggy in the air with both hands and delivers a Standing Chokebomb off the side of the Alphatron down through the conveniently put stack of tables below. This manages to instantly endear him to a good 75% of the typical ACW crowd.

"HO-LY SHIT!

HO-LY SHIT!

HO-LY SHIT!"

The chants echo throghout the ACW arena as even Uriel and Memnoch, who got the best of Jade and Mr. Red at the moment are completely shocked. They stare up at the top of the scaffold and watch as their partner falls down in complete and utter shock, before realizing that they still have a match to finish. As they turn around, Jade takes Uriel out with a spear that sends both of them out of the ring and Mr. Red kicks Memnoch in the abdomen before planting him in the middle of the ring with the Tiger Driver '91. Red stacks up the former Fallout Tag Team Champion and Carter counts the three.

Phillip: And the winner of this match, Jade, Derrick Daniels, and Mr. Red, TEAM ACW!!

"Reds Fan” sounds through the speakers in recognition of Red’s pin, and all three ACW superstars celebrate their win in the center of the ring as we fade out into the following segment.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: “Out With The Old, In With The New!” (Credit: Freeman, TK, Hitman, Starr)

The scene fades in to show the Entourage locker room. The whole group is inside, except for Thunderkiss and Freeman, the ones who have matches preparing for them. At that moment, Thunderkiss walks inside, and the stable looks up.

Thunderkiss: Gentlemen, may I have your attention please.

And then the door opens again, and Freeman walks in...looking definitely different...he looks like...well...this.



Freeman walks in, looking around, obviously proud of his new look. He smirks a bit, as the other people look a bit impressed by the change

XS3: Good job, Freeman. This may be the beginning of something great for you.

Freeman: That's right, finally, I'm Entragized.

Dan: ...Entragized?

Freeman: Entourage-ized didn't really have a ring to it...

Starr: Maybe Entourage'd? Entourized? Well, whatever we could call it, it looks better man. A little pretty boy for me, but it is a step up.

Freeman: Well nobody can say I don't fit in now...I mean...at first...it looked a bit weird to me. I didn't love it that much at first. Didn't seem me. But...after getting used to it, I really like it. Thanks TK. You've helped me out a lot.

Freeman nods to TK to show his gratitude, before continuing.

Freeman: So tonight, I've got a match against Hunter, and I'm going to show him exactly why---

Zero sighs and shakes his head, before walking away from Freeman, obviously getting a bit annoyed and tired of hearing Freeman rant about things like this. Freeman pauses, and glares at Zero.

Freeman: Hey, Zero, what's your problem now? I guess you're kind of in a bad mood, since tonight, you're probably going to lose yet another chance at a title, huh?

Thunderkiss: Alright, enough of the damn bickering! I have had enough of it! If you two want to go kick the shit out of each other ..then go kick the shit out of each other and BE DONE WITH IT! Tonight we have BUSINESS ... and I don’t want our business getting fuck up by juvenile internal squabbles! Right now we have the chance to take not one, but TWO ACW titles into our possession!

XS3: I agree. It's about damn time I began a title reign that didn't wind up fucking over my career. I'm tired of this shit and I vow to bring Senator down for the count and walk away with the International title in my possession.

Thunderkiss: Give the old man hell, X. Freeman, the Senatorial Stable is all but decimated. However, there is still a fraction of life that keeps its heart beating. Tonight I want you to destroy squeeze the life out of that heart when you beat Hunter ...... but keep enough of him around for me to finish him off.

Freeman: Of course.

Thunderkiss: And Zero ..... I have full faith in your ability to bring home the ACW Tiny Man Championship.

Zero looks to Thunderkiss, and shows that he is ready to indeed win that match, but he has to prepare for his match, so he hastily moves out of the lockerroom. The rest of the group looks around and shrugs, followed by XS3 speaking up.

XS3: After tonight boys, we'll have two championships in our possession. If I can take that belt away from Senator, if Freeman can defeat Mr. I'm Too Important To Look After My Stable and if Zero can take that damned Lightweight title from Jake, it's only a matter of time before the world title comes to us.

Starr: Entourage holding all the titles? Now thats something that we find a use for. Who needs the Emperor of the Ring match to get the World Title? We're the mother fucking Entourage! We crush our opponents in a timely manner, and leave them to never come back for more. Dan said that we were going to be the most dominating faction in ACW history, TK has energized it, and the rest of you are moving us in the right direction. Good luck tonight fellas, break a leg... if not literally.

Freeman sighs and gets up. He begins to walk towards the door.

Freeman: Well, guys, my match is starting soon. Good luck to you guys.

With that, Freeman leaves, and Thunderkiss turns to face the group.

Thunderkiss: Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare myself for another breaking. Godspeed, Gentlemen.

[FADE]

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: A truly formidable opponent (Credit: Zero)

The scene in this ever-changing picture opens up to the backstage area where Jay Zero stands a lone soldier. No Thunderkiss, no XS3, no Kevin, nobody but only himself…or so we can believe. He looks somewhat distraught with one of his biggest matches coming up in just a little while for tonight’s Triple Main Event. Jay inhales, taking a very deep breath. He exhales, letting some of the negative energy out as he licks his lips and begins to speak.

Zero: Last Monday- you all saw or at least heard about the main event. Yoko Satoshi vs. Me; Jay Zero. Now, let me save you the time and effort here folks. I get it. I lost. I don’t need it posted up everywhere I go and I don’t need to hear it every waking minute of my life.

Yes! Yes, I know! I, Jay Zero, the leader of my millions of fans let you all down! I’m sorry! [/color]

He breaks his speech, showing the camera remorse while looking very apologetic. He makes a motion as if he wipes a tear from his eye before he continues.

[/center]

Zero: I guaranteed victory earlier in that night, but---But I just couldn’t follow through! Oh whhhy! Whhyyy am I such a faaaailure?! [/color]

Sniff Sniff. He wipes some more ‘tears’ from his eyes before spitting on the ground and unexpectedly becoming much more serious. He glares into the camera, not so much upset or angered, but instead shocked.

[/center]

Zero: Let me go ahead and answer my own question there for you. Heh…..I’m not! I’m not a failure, and I’m sure you all are just dying to know why! Hm? Aren’t you? Well it’s pretty straightforward but for you simpletons out there, I’ll break it down for you slow! [/color]

Once again he licks his lips, wetting them, softening them. He then slams the back of his hand down into his open palm. Slap!

[/center]

Zero: I’m not a failure simply because I have come closer to doing the impossible, than any of you could ever even dream of! You all say to yourself “Yeah! I could beat Yoko!” but in reality, you’re a 5’ 11” tall guy with a 150 pound base who kisses his repulsive wife good bye every morning; Goes to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and a bagel! Then heads off to the big ol’ office to sit in your tiny pathetic cubicle and kiss your bosses ass every single day!

If you only knew the pressures and sacrifices that are to be made once entering the career choice that I did, then you would know that overcoming an obstacle such as Yoko Satoshi, takes a hell of a lot more than just a brown nose and cream cheese on a bagel! [/color]

He swings his head to the left, taking a few more deep breathes before swaying his head back towards the camera.

[/center]

Zero: And may I add to the records, that both encounters with Yoko Satoshi, there was no clean win. Nope-not one. I was screwed over in the first match by our referee and then had to answer to Cassie afterwards. Ooooh, hooow fun! Hah hah hah….then last Monday; Jade got a few cheap moves in, but the real money shot was when Jock Shung decided to hop the security barricade! Lug that Light Heavyweight Title, up and over his shoulder! And then sprint full speed right at me, and clock me straight into my gorgeous face with that title!

That’s what sold me right there! Hell! And—for that matter, that’s what knocked me out too! I was a sitting, er….lying duck from there on out, only leading to that final Flying Gullotine, sending Yoko Satoshi all the way to tonights main event and finals of the Emperor of the Ring tournament….How disgusting. [/color]

He scowls at it, shaking his head in disagreement. He then sighs heavily.

[/center]

Zero: But the real shame is, no, not that Jack stooped that low. No, not that I was knocked out, even for the announcement of my match tonight! The real shame is that I should still be in the main event tonight. Last Monday, the truth of the matter is, I never even lost to Yoko. Yeah, earlier I said I let you all down, but really, it wasn’t Yoko that beat me. It wasn’t Stan that beat me. It wasn’t Jade, and it sure as hell wasn’t Jake either. I lost to a person, much more powerful than Yoko Satoshi. I lost to a person who knows loads more than any of you people do. No, I didn’t lose to myself emotionally or…or mentally! I lost to the greater power. [/color]

Slowly, Jay tilts his head up.

[/center]

Zero: ……I lost…To God. [/color]

He continues staring up at the ceiling or “to the greater power” as he breathes heavily. We can only imagine what’s running through Jay Zero’s head right now as the scene begins to fade out. Can Jay be losing it?

End.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Section Break



Match 2: Hunter vs. Jason Freeman (Credit: Hunter)

As we return from the commercial break, the lights slowly dim, and the fans cheer enthusiastically as Philip steps into the ring.

Philip: Ladies and gentlemen, this next match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first...

The lights cut to black, and the all-too-familiar brooding theme hits the speakers, follow quickly by a simple message.

...and Hell followed with him...

Philip: From Rochester, New York, this is HUNTER!

Hunter appears on the stage alongside his trademark crimson light scheme, along with his fiery pyrotechnic display. He walks down the ramp as the fans loudly boo him, but he simply shrugs them off, rolling into the ring and taunting the fans by pretending to throw his sunglasses into the crowd. His theme fades, and he throws off his trench coat before turning around and awaiting his opponent.

Philip: And, from Long Island, New York, this is JASON FREEMAN!

"Ugly" hits the speakers as Freeman makes his way out onto the stage, posing randomly and yelling at the audience. The audience treats him to a collection of boos as well, but he pays them no mind, shrugging them off much like Hunter. He rolls into the ring and comes face to face with his semi-nemesis. The two men look at each other sternly for a few moments, and then Freeman takes a cheap shot at Hunter's head, prompting the referee to quickly call for the bell.

Bell Rings.

Freeman launches at Hunter with a barrage of fists, forcing the former World Champion to take a quick defensive. He pushes Freeman back and attempts a close range kick, but Freeman dodges it and lets loose a vicious clothesline Hunter's way. Hunter does a Matrix-esque dodge of said move...but collapses regardless. Freeman jumps onto him for a sort of senton, and then attempts to roll him up, but Hunter lifts him up, gets to his feet, and slams him down with a modified spinebuster. Hunter does not attempt a pin, and instead runs at the ropes and leaps off, hitting Freeman with a surprising lionsault. He covers, but Freeman quickly kicks out. Both men rise and trade a variety of strikes, until Hunter finally gets the upper hand with a swift Irish whip, followed by snap belly to belly suplex. Freeman rolls out of the ring following this attack, coughing slightly as Hunter looks on, motioning for him to reenter the ring.

But we all know how this works, don't we? Freeman, refusing to even consider reentering the ring, turns away from Hunter, giving Hunter just the opportunity he needs to rush over the top rope, collapsing into Freeman with a lopsided crossbody. Hunter then punches Freeman a few times for good measure, and finally rolls him into the ring, reentering himself. The fans slightly applaud Hunter's show of "sportsmanship," but their applause dies down when they (finally) realize that Hunter only went along with it in favor of continuing to beat the living crap out of Freeman. Freeman rises and motions for Hunter to charge at him, but when the latter does, Freeman dodges the strike, and then grabs Hunter for an inverted suplex. Following this, he locks in a camel clutch, a move that always adds insult to injury to Hunter, seeing as how it is his personal favorite submission. Hunter pulls himself towards the ropes, and eventually breaks the hold, after much struggling.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Freeman lifts Hunter up and attempts a few strikes, and then for shits and giggles, hits a brain chop; alas, we all know that using the move of a WWE wrestler will never achieve good results, which is why Hunter chooses to no sell the move, instead deciding to lift Freeman up and hit him with an inverted tiger suplex. He then lifts him up and whips him into the ropes, and when Freeman returns, he attempts the ever popular tilt-a-whirl...but Freeman throws himself off to the side midway through the move. He then throws a kick Hunter's way, but Hunter catches his leg, lifts him up, and nails him with a quick version of the Mystery Olives. He does not attempt the pinfall, and instead launches into his own version of the camel clutch, which he dubs the Bear Trap. He keeps the move locked in gleefully, but wishing to conserve its importance, he breaks the hold, choosing to "end Freeman's suffering."

Hunter poses for a few moments, to no one's surprise; after all, he is a showboat. When Freeman begins to stir, Hunter grabs him from behind and attempts to lift him up, but Freeman elbows him in the head a few times, and then nails him with a surprise Spicy Drop. He then whips Hunter into the ropes and nails him with the Outta Control combination, whatever the hell that is. Hunter reels around after this mysterious move, but comes to his senses after ducking an attempted kick from Freeman. He pushes Freeman into the ropes, and then flips over him as he leans on them. Freeman turns around to find Hunter on the apron, smiling gleefully. Freeman raises an eyebrow, but Hunter does not give him enough time to ponder the situation, as he viciously headbutts him, and then lifts him up and nails him with an Elbow Driver off the apron onto the solid ground below!

The fans groan loudly from this dangerous spot, but are moreso surprised when Freeman is the first to get up, following the referee's count of seven. Freeman, clearly irritated by Hunter's continuing persistence in regards to this situation, rolls his nemesis into the ring and covers him...but Hunter, naturally, kicks out. Freeman then lifts Hunter up and attempts the Glory Driver...but Hunter does a back flip while holding Freeman's arm, effectively twisting it. He then lifts Freeman up and hits a move that the fans have not seen in ages, this being the coveted Volcano Driver! The fans cheer loudly simply for nostalgia purposes, and then continue to cheer when Freeman kicks out. Hunter slowly gets to his feet, allowing for Freeman to do the same. Hunter then kicks him in the gut and lifts him up for the Shotgun...but Freeman slides down behind him, locking him into a sleeper hold. Following all of this, Freeman throws Hunter into the Middle of Nowhere...but midway through the move, Hunter's leg connects with the referee's head!

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Freeman covers Hunter, but despite the fact that he clearly has gotten well over a three count, the match does not end, nor does the referee stir. Slowly realizing what has happened, Freeman gets to his feet, walking over to the referee...but he is stopped when he hears maniacal booing from behind him. He turns around to see Jonny Hughes, of all people, running down the ramp, a look of confidence in his eyes. Freeman slowly approaches the other side of the ring, which gives Ricky Falcon just enough time to slide in behind him, wait for him to turn around, and then nail the FALCON PUNCH! Freeman collapses to the ground as Falcon slowly helps Hunter get to his feet, while Hughes lifts Freeman up and nails him with the Burden of Excellence. Hunter looks at the two of them with a faux look of surprise, and then shakes their hands as they point to the referee. Hunter motions them out of the ring, and then drags the referee over, covering Freeman. The fans boo loudly as the referee counts, but everyone in attendance knows full well that it's over.

Philip: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner.....HUNTER!!!

"The Leper Affinity" hits the speakers as Ricky Falcon motions to Philip to hand him a microphone, his tag partner standing over the lifeless Jason Freeman. He snatches the mic from Philip and turns it on before handing it to Hunter as Hughes looks on with a broad smile on his face.

Hunter: I feel I should keep this very, very short, people: please welcome, the newest members of the Senatorial Stable, Jonny Hughes and Ricky Falcon!

Hunter tosses the microphone over to Hughes, who catches it quickly, smiling and nodding at his new stablemate, who leans in the nearby corner.

Hughes: Thank you, Hunter. Ladies and Gentlemen, I suggest that you all mark down this day in your calendar, because today could prove to be one of the most important days in the history of this company.

Hughes pauses for breath to a loud chorus of boos from the crowd.

Hughes: I say this because you are bearing witness to the evolution of an ACW dynasty. The Senatorial Stable is about to embark on a new era...and this era is bound to be one of triumph and glory.

Hughes pauses once again.

Hughes: And we thought there was no better way to break into the new era by casting aside one of the poxes of the last era. This man here was given the honour of being a member of this stable, an honour that he took for granted, an honour that he shunned when he betrayed this Stable, and he has paid for that mistake.

This garners a little applause from certain sections of the crowd.

Hughes: Now...I would like you to stand and embrace this new era with open arms and show us the respect that we command. Because standing in this ring before you, you see the future of the Senatorial Stable and most importantly...the future of this company.

Hughes drops the mic on Freeman and joins Hunter and Falcon as they all pose in the ring for the fans at ringside as we cut to commercial.

Fade Out.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: This Old House (Credit: AK / Yoko)

The Demon Pit. What was once-

Screw it. That narration has been done to death. Besides, we’re not in the Pit tonight. We’re not even in the blackened hallway.

Tonight, it’s the adjoining hallway.

Ginger and AK are standing there, facing the darkness. And they’re not alone. They’re with…carpenters? The carpenters have already gone to work. A wooden frame has begun to take shape at the intersection, which Ginger and AK regard solemnly.

Ginger: I don’t know why I didn’t think of this years ago. If I’d known what was at stake, I probably would have.

AK: It was an unusually careless mistake on my part. I didn’t even consider the possibility.

Ginger: Do you think it was really him…. Asmodeus?

Ginger rubs his chin, suppressing a slight shudder. No one really knows to what extent the chairman has knowledge of the strange and unsettling phenomenon which have somehow been connected to ACW and its roster over the years; it is enough for most to know that he takes those phenomenon seriously, even if his understanding is potentially vague. Alicia considers the question before answering.

AK: No, I don’t think so at all. If it was, Sarin and Jade would have seen him too, and I think we’d have been in a great deal more trouble long before now.

She pauses, and ponders how best to explain the theory she has for the recent bizarre events.

AK: This was merely a remnant of him. Ghastly things have happened in that room. As such, as best as I can understand it, the room is filled with so much latent energy that a tiny piece of Asmodeus was able to cling to it. After what happened Monday I did some research, and the best explanation I have is that it’s probably a small but concentrated element of will, divorced from all traces of higher intelligence. A piece not even big enough to do anything like resurrect itself, just vaguely influence a select few.

Ginger: Like Yoko?

AK: Like Yoko. I think Umeko knew that, too, or at least had an idea. She planned for it. She wanted that piece to transfer to Yoko. Can you imagine it? Yoko as strong as she is, corrupted by a fraction of an immensely strong evil, allied with Umeko Saito. At her command. It almost happened, thanks to me not seeing the big picture at first; I’m working from a greatly limited understanding of these things, and I just assumed that Simon took all those problems with him when he left. If it hadn’t been for Sarin asking me to help her talk to Yoko, I’d never have noticed this at all.

Ginger: But you did, and you stopped it.

AK: I stopped the plan, yes. But the evil? No. You can’t kill evil in its purest form, at least I don’t believe that a normal person can. You can only drive it into the shadows and try to trap it there. I wouldn’t dare venture in there and try to rid the room of that energy. It could end up escaping, or even worse, taking me. But THIS…

Ginger: Was a brilliant idea of yours. To erase this entire area from the building…The Demon Pit will practically no longer exist.

AK: How much longer will it take?

Ginger: Not long. Their captain informed me the hardest part was the frames, which are done. It should be within the hour. They all know that the faster it’s done, the more I pay.

He says that last part loudly so that they all hear it.

AK: It already looks great.

Ginger: Yes, when they fill in both frames, plaster them, and paper them up, you won’t even be able to tell this hallway ever existed. It, and the Demon Pit, will be completely sealed off on both ends. There will just be a corner instead of a fork. I only worry that-

AK: Don’t. Yoko won’t interrupt before they’re done.

Ginger: How do you know? You can’t guard both ends.

AK: I’ve…erm…locked her in her room. I did it as soon as she entered. It’s a little crude, yes, but very effective.

Ginger: …Are you aware she’s going to try to KILL you when you let her out? Which you WILL be doing, by the way, since she has a very important match later.

AK: I’m positive that Jade will let her out when she comes looking for her near match time, so there’s no need to worry about that. She won’t even know I was the one who did it.

Ginger: Clever as always.

AK: You know, if we could trap that blasted stable of hers in a box too, all of Yoko’s troubles would be successfully locked away.

Ginger: You think these guys can build coffins too?

AK: I…wasn’t being serious…

Ginger chuckles, and Alicia smiles a little. Her expression becomes serious again, however, and she looks Ginger in the eye.

AK: Ginger, I think you would do well to remember one more thing about Yoko Satoshi.

Ginger: What’s that?

Alicia looks at the corridor one final time, then back to him.

AK: Whatever else has been going on in her life, Yoko Satoshi is an adult woman, highly intelligent, and a former World Champion, and she is still responsible for her own choices and actions. But that said, as long as she is contracted to this company, the buck for her behaviour ultimately stops with you. You have to balance the demand for ratings with the wellbeing of your whole roster… and if Yoko continues down her current path, that may require some difficult decisions.

A silence falls between the two ACW veterans. Ginger looks as if he is wrestling with conflicting thoughts, and sighs deeply.

Ginger: ……..You’ve got a match to prepare for.

Alicia looks at him, and seeing his face, simply nods.

AK: Yes. I’ll go and get ready straight away. Ginger…. Thankyou.

She turns and walks away, leaving the carpenters to complete their work. Ginger turns his head slightly and watches her go, before resuming his watch.

He can seal away a weak and disembodied evil… but how do you cure that which is already rooted in someone’s heart?

Elsewhere…

An exterior shot of Yoko’s locker room. Various pieces of heavy equipment are strategically placed in front of her door. She can be heard pounding on the door from the inside and yelling for someone to let her out. The crewmen who happen to pass by ignore her.

End Segment.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 3: ACW International Title Match
The Senator vs XS3 (Credit: XS3)

Philip stands in the center of the ring, ready to announce this contest that seemingly has potential to be the most important match in XS3's ACW career.

Philip: "This next match is scheduled for one fall and is for the ACW International Championship! Introducing the challenger, from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada, standing in at 6'6" and weighing in at 280 lbs, he is a member of the Entourage, he is 'The Failed Artist' XS3!"

The opening guitars of "The End of Heartache" by Killswitch Engage kick in along with blue lights. The crowd mostly boos but there a few cheers here and there out of respect for what this man has done in his career thus far. Out from the back appears XS3, decked out in his ring attire, a white "Mundo es perdido" t-shirt and a baseball cap. He pauses to look on and listen to the audience's reactions before finally deciding to head down the ramp. When he approaches ringside, XS3 takes in a deep breath then exhales, wondering what the ring will hold for him tonight. Finally, XS3 slides into the ring under the bottom rope and hops onto the second turnbuckle. He does nothing but sighs before hopping down onto the canvas. XS3 hands his cap and shirt to the referee and watches as the lights return to normal and the music fades.

Philip: "And introducing the champion, from Washington, D.C., standing in at 5'11" and weighing in at 195 lbs, he is the mastermind behind the Senatorial Stable and the current ACW International Champion, he is Senator Steve Philips!"

With the opening riff of "Eye of the Tiger" playing, The Senator steps into the entranceway and does a Nixon style Victory pose. He then crosses his arms rapidly as red, white and blue tickertape shoots into the air from the entrance. The Senator then walks to the ring, shadowboxes in the corner, punching the turnbuckle a few times and then strikes another Victory pose in the middle of the ring before usually addressing the audience.

Bell rings.

As the crowd decides to fire up the Senator chants, Senator circles around XS3 before choosing to lock up with the big man. XS3 uses his size and frame to force Senator back towards the corner and the referee tells him to lay off. XS3 complies with the referee then pushes Senator into the turnbuckle even more. Senator, surprised at the total lack of respect from XS3, listens to the words being dealt to him:

XS3: "I'm not going to lay down or run away from you. I'm tired of this shit!"

Senator does not take too kindly to the assumption given to him by XS3 so he unleashes a hard knife-edge chop to the chest. The echoing sound doubles when Senator unleashes another chop. XS3 does not take too kindly to these chops so he lashes out at Senator, sending a chop resonating throughout the arena. The crowd watches the two go back and forth before XS3 scores a quick knee to the gut and whips Senator off the ropes. XS3 bends over for a back body drop but in a flash, Senator hooks the arms of XS3 and utilizes the High Angle Inside Cradle. The referee counts to two but XS3 kicks out. XS3 then stands to his feet and walks into some swift toe kicks from Senator before being taken down with an arm drag. In a flash, XS3 is back to his feet and the two exchanges quick arm drags before entering a standoff, gaining a pop from the crowd.

XS3 and Senator then circle each other once more before locking up again. Senator goes behind XS3, trying to go for a rear waistlock takedown. XS3 has a better idea as he reverses it and goes behind Senator, lifting him up for his pinning back suplex. A two count is produced and when Senator gets back to his feet, XS3 utilizes a spinning side kick, forcing Senator to double over. XS3 then backs up and does a quick Nixon pose before running towards Senator and rolling through with his own version of the High Angle Inside Cradle. The crowd boos but then gives a small pop as Senator kicks out before three. XS3 then gets back to his feet and whips Senator into the corner before charging. However, XS3 falls for the clichéd kick to face trick and is hit with a dropkick to the knee before being put in the Rolling Front Facelock. XS3 does not give up as he rises up after one flip and surprises Senator with a northern lights suplex. Senator brings his whole body up moments before the three is counted and throws XS3 to the canvas with a back Ipponzei.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

However, Senator is not done yet and applies a cross armbar for his troubles. XS3 fights out of the hold after being put in it for a few seconds and then trips Senator when he goes over to him. XS3 then keeps a hold of Senator's foot and rolls into a half Boston crab. Senator gustily resists the pain of this move much like XS3 did with the cross armbar. In a flash, Senator grabs the bottom rope and XS3 is forced to let go. When XS3 goes to pick up Senator, he is immediately surprised with a Dragon Screw, which is the precursor for the Tax Cut. XS3 struggles with this submission as one vocal fan wearing a Fallout t-shirt screams "TAP YOU PUSSY!" XS3 does not tap out just yet but he does manage to grasp the bottom rope. Senator lets go, not wanting to be disqualified against XS3 of all people. XS3 then slowly gets up to his feet and looks directly into the eyes of the Senator. The look in Senator's eyes tells XS3 that he wants this match to be done with so he can properly prepare for Yoko later in the evening. The look in XS3's eyes, however, tells Senator that all is not well with the Failed Artist's world…

Nonetheless, there is a title to retain as Senator makes his way towards XS3, only to be harshly dropped across the second rope. Senator holds his throat and XS3 drops an elbow across his chest before picking him up and taking him to the center of the ring. XS3 then brings up Senator and applies a bearhug, a recent submission move that has been utilized a lot more in recent memory. It appears that the title reign of the Senator will end tonight but it is not to be as Senator brings up a fist, trying to pump up the crowd. He is successful in doing so as he leans back and nails XS3 right in the forehead with a Zidane-style headbutt. XS3 instantly releases the hold and crumples to the canvas, now being busted open. Senator shakes his head to clear himself of the self-harm inflicted by the headbutt. Senator falls onto XS3 for the pin but only gets a two count.

At this point, Senator knows that he has to break out the big moves in order to end this match so that is exactly what he does: he grabs XS3 by the arm and tries for an overhead armbar pin only to have the Canadian kick out. Senator then utilizes some heavy boxing body punches then strikes down XS3 with some harsh elbow strikes. XS3 still remains on his knees and Senator shrugs, deciding to end it with the Partisan Kick. XS3 scouts Senator bouncing off the ropes and throws himself to the mat, barely avoiding the kick that would've ended the match. XS3 then swings Senator around and hooks him for a suplex before nailing the Final Fate, pinning for a two count. XS3 shakes his head and tries whipping Senator off the ropes. When Senator returns to XS3, he is brought in and sent flying across the ring courtesy of the Closing Moment. XS3 then gets to his wobbly feet, trying to end the match earlier than expected. XS3 then crouches down near the ropes, thinking of a possible Shadow Step.

Senator gets back to his feet and on cue, XS3 is charging at him for the Shadow Step. However, Senator actually leapfrogs over XS3 and goes behind him swiftly, applying a rear waistlock. Without even using the pickup version, Senator launches XS3 into a German suplex, the first of the Senatorial Series. The crowd pops as XS3 is then driven into the canvas with a harsh back suplex. Senator then brings up XS3 and hits the Liberalizer, spiking XS3's head into the canvas for good measure. Senator makes a pin but only receives two. Senator then stands up and strikes a Victory pose, signaling for the Victory Lock II. XS3 then slowly gets up and is taken down with a double leg takedown. However, XS3 shows signs of life and fights out of the attempted Victory Lock II. XS3 then rolls and stands behind Senator, bringing him up for a torture rack. XS3 then downs Senator with the Burning Cradle before heading over to the corner and signaling for the Shadow Step once again.

The crowd is giving mixed feelings towards XS3 now as he prepares to hit his finisher. Senator is recovering from the damage thus far and he uses the ropes to pull himself back up. When he turns around, he sees XS3 come at him for the Shadow Step. In a flash, Senator sidesteps the move and watches XS3 almost crash into the corner. Senator then hooks the arms of XS3 and thinks of his signature backslide. However, XS3 manages to roll backwards out of the hold and bring up Senator in a collar-and-elbow tie up. The move proves costly as Senator scores some quick knees to the midsection. XS3 then collapses to his knees once more and Senator swiftly bounces off the ropes. XS3 then scouts the Partisan Kick… but simply opts to just stay there and accept his fate. The Partisan Kick finally connects, much to the relief of a tired and worn-out XS3. Senator then lands on XS3 and the referee counts the 1-2-3.

Bell rings.

Philip: "Here is your winner and still ACW International Champion, Senator Steve Philips!"

"Eye of the Tiger" hits once more and the fans are cheering for their political hero. Senator is handed the International title and he takes a small glimpse at XS3, who is on the canvas. XS3's glazed eyes tell the audience at home that he has been through hell and back but came up short against the Senator tonight. Even Senator recognizes this as he bends down and grabs the hand of XS3, bringing him up to a seated position. XS3 breathes hard as he recovers from the deadly kick that almost dimmed his lights for good. Senator then gives a faint smile, a small token of respect for his opponent, before turning and leaving the ring, heading up to the back to finally prepare for Yoko.

XS3 still remains seated as "Eye of the Tiger" fades. A small section of the audience decides to stand up and applaud XS3 for the effort he put forth in the match. Finally, XS3 gets to his feet with the help of the referee and he goes over to the ropes, leaning against them for support. He wipes the sweat off of his face before gently inclining his head into his closed fists, almost as if he were praying to God for offering him mercy. Finally, XS3 exits the ring and makes his way to the back.

Fade.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Tea and Sympathy (Credit: Zero)

The scene opens up to a small little coffee shop, just down the road from the arena where Emperor of the Ring is currently taking place. Jay Zero is seen at the counter, placing an order to a very attractive, young blonde hair girl.

[/center]

“Hi.”

Zero: Hey. Can I just get a cup of green tea? Just need something to settle me down a bit. [/color]

“What size would you like?”

Zero: Just something small. The—uh, sixteen ounce is fine. [/color]

“Okay, great, that will be $2.65 with tax! It’ll be ready in just a minute, please!”

Zero: Thank you. [/color]

Jay turns around, looking throughout the shop. He smiles and nods his head at some customers who are pointing at him and talking to the person that they are with. Jay exhales deeply, looking down as he pulls his cell phone out to check it. No calls. He runs his hand through his hair and is startled when the pretty girl taps him on the shoulder.

[/center]

“Your tea- - AH!”

When she startled him, Jay spun around and accidentally hit the cup of tea out of her hand, spilling the hot liquid all over the counter. Both Jay and the girl jump back out of the way, but the mess is all over.

[/center]

Zero: Oh son of a…[/color]

“Oh I am SO SO sorry!”

Zero: No, no! That was all my fault. Here, let me clean it up! [/color]

“No, I got it, it’s fine!”

Jay grabs several paper towels and begins wiping the counter as the girl grabs a rag to soak up the tea.

[/center]

Zero: Man, I am so sorry for this. I—I’m a bit a jittery tonight. [/color]

“Oh don’t worry about it. At least I didn’t spill it all over myself, hahah.”

The two continue to clean up the mess until the girl realizes something.

[/center]

“Wait a minute. You’re that wrestler guy, aren’t you?”

Zero: Heh, some people call me that. Others call me Jay. [/color]

“Well, nice to meet you Jay. I’m Stefanie.”

Zero: The pleasures all mine. [/color]

He smiles at the girl who happily smiles back.

[/center]

“Are you over at the arena for that big show tonight?”

Zero: Mhmm. I’m in the Triple Main Event. [/color]

“Whoooa, reaaally? Hahaha, I’m dealing with a big shot here I guess!”

Zero: Hah, you know it! [/color]

“So if a big star like you can just get like---I don’t know a worker to go get stuff for you, what makes you show up to a small little coffee shop like this and do it yourself?”

Zero: I like to think I can do things for myself. Y’know, be self dependant. [/color]

“Oooh, famous and smart. I like.”

Stefanie keeps smiling at Jay who also keeps a small grin visible.

[/center]

“So what’s wrong? You keep looking at the phone of yours. Expecting something?”

Zero: What? Oh—oh, kind of. Some person has been calling me lately and—I don’t know. It’s complicated, but I just need him to call me. [/color]

“Ahh.”

The mess seems to be cleaned up a bit, so Stefanie takes the wet rag and tosses it towards the back. She then walks over and pours another cup of coffee. She seals the plastic lid on it tight and walks over to Jay, placing it down on the counter.

[/center]

Zero: So how much did this cost, again? [/color]

“Oh don’t worry about it. It’s on me.”

Zero: Nooo! Here, take the money! [/color]

“No! I’m not taking it!”

Zero: Aw come on! You’re not gonna do this to me, are you? [/color]

She smiles and grabs a piece of paper and a pen. She writes something down and rips the paper, handing it over to Jay.

[/center]

“There!”

Zero: What’s this? [/color]

He grabs the paper and looks at it.

[/center]

“My number.”

He looks up at the girl and bites his bottom lip a bit.

[/center]

“If you ever need a manager or escort or whatever….call me. I wouldn’t mind leaving this tiny place to do bigger better things with my life.”

Zero: Hmm….Y’know what? I’ll think about it and get back to you, Stef. [/color]

Jay tosses three dollars on the counter and grabs his tea.

[/center]

Zero: Have a good one. [/color]

“You too…. Oh, good luck tonight!”

Zero: Haha, thanks. Maybe I’ll do good now that I got a pretty lady like you rooting for me! [/color]

He smiles at her one more time before putting the piece of paper in his pocket and turning his back to walk out of the coffee shop with his cup of tea in hand. The girl leans over the counter and watches as Jay goes. The bell on the top of the door rings as Jay goes out onto the sidewalk and begins his trek back to the arena to prepare for his match later on tonight.

The scene fades.

End.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Segment: Save us 930 (Credit: Josh the Jersey Boy)

We return to ringside where Eddie and Maxwell are ready to call another match, and Phillip Jones is ready to announce, when the lights suddenly turn off.

Eddie: What the hell is this!!? Did we forget to pay the electric company again?

Maxwell: Eddie, calm down, I'm pretty sure a fuse blew up.

After a brief pause, the lights turn back on and a masked figure stands in the middle of the ring. The fans not knowing what to make of this, stand silent.

Maxwell: Who is this?

Eddie: I don’t know, John Elway maybe?

Philip frowns, annoyed at being interrupted.

Jones: Hold on a second, who are you, sir?

The masked figure in army camo, takes the mask off to reveal who it is.

Eddie: Oh no, it's not.................

Maxwell: It is......

The figure is JJB, JJB turns around and stares at Jones.

Jones: Josh the Jersey Boy.........

JJB: What's wrong there Jonsey boy? You look like you've seen a ghost? Maybe it's because you thought I was released from here?

Philip nods slowly.

Jones: Uh…yes.

JJB: No, my Jonesey friend you see I was released, but this week I was given a contract and you know something old Jonsey, it feels good coming back. It's like an old shoe you love and suddenly it fits again. That's what I feel about ACW. But there's a piece of shit in the back of that locker room, and since I’m the discreet type this shit for brained ego maniacal bastard shall go unnamed. Because on the next show I'm going to go after this young gun and show him what a real fight is.

This show looks good so far, maybe if Jeff James from GWF would get his fat ass off of his own ego, then maybe I would still be there more, that little toe sucking freak and his band of Trogdor weirdos have their own niche. And Dave I have no problems with you brother, it's just James. It's just James.

JJB removes a golden lighter from his pocket and also a cigarette. JJB begins to smoke after he lights it up.

JJB: You marks that watch this show and believe whatever Dan says are like the black people who believe that OJ didn't do it. Or the Fox News Channel trying to put their agenda on us. This fed has too many scandals I could name to the press, but I kept my silence because of the money I was offered.

Starting next week, I'm going to begin to name names in the scandal that will rock ACW to the core and I'll probably be fired again but it's worth it.

JJB leaves the ring, but before he does he turns to Jones and throws his lit cigarette at his shirt. Philip scowls, and narrowly resists a crude gesture to the equally crude Jersey Boy as the scene fades out.

OOC Note: JJB informs me that the content of this segment has been cleared with GWF, and due to its late arrival I haven’t had time to verify this. If anyone has any problems arising as a result, please let me know. Thanks.

[Alicia "Atomic" Kitsune]

Match 4: Alicia “Atomic” Kitsune vs Echo

With the card approaching the half-way point, it would be reasonable to expect a standard wrestling crowd to be in need of a “cooldown” match. Not our ACW fans, though; such is their enthusiasm that if you pointed them in the direction of Nebraska and instructed them to conquer it in exchange for OLYMPIA shirts, you’d soon be the proud owner of one authentic American state with its own fashionably attired military force.

While you contemplate that strange yet oddly appealing image, Philip proceeds with the introductions.

Philip: Ladies and Gentlemen, our next match is a singles competition set for one fall. Introducing first, from Mogadishu, Somalia…… Echo!

”Perish” seeps into the arena to herald Echo’s appearance. Immaculately turned out, she enters through the curtain and proceeds down the ramp; the fans reach out, but Echo keeps her distance, though she gives a nod or two to those she makes eye contact with. Entering the ring, she paces around it a couple of times before leaning up against the corner post.

Philip: And her opponent, from London, England… Alicia “Atomic” Kitsune!

The opening bass of “I’m a Bomb” keeps the crowd on their feet, and AK comes out with a smile, stopping to hold her hands up to the crowd. She doesn’t keep her opponent or the referee waiting, and makes her way directly to the ring, although she does get up on the turnbuckles briefly so that the throngs with digital cameras can get a couple of snaps to jam up Photobucket and Imageshack later on during the weekend. Discarding her excess costume elements, she moves to the centre of the ring, and Echo does the same, allowing the referee to get things underway without further ado.

Bell Rings.

The fans settle themselves down a little as Echo and AK begin to circle the ring. Having sparred together several times, they’re both on the lookout for telltale signs of the tactics which their opponent might use, and it’s Echo who proves the better reader, spotting AK lean back on her right foot for an extra push forward about half a second before she makes her move. This allows Echo to smoothly duck as AK tries to engage her in a grapple, and AK ends up with Echo behind her. At once Echo clips out AK’s feet from under her, and AK has to roll over as fast as she possibly can to get her guard up against the barrage of elbow strikes which Echo attempts to rain down on her.

Maxwell McNally: Just what we’ve come to expect from Echo, straight to business with no messing around.

”Fast” Eddie Edison: Heh, I like that in a woman, Max.

Drawing her feet up, AK kicks backward to roll over and get back to her feet, the kick forcing Echo to defend for a moment to avoid getting two boots to the face. AK has to choose quickly whether to stay defensive or go on the attack, and she chooses the latter, accelerating quickly with a shoulder charge. Being shorter and slightly heavier than Echo she is able to knock her opponent down, and carries on to the ropes to perform a fast and neat quebrada. Echo is no slowcoach and tries to evade, and the result is that AK hits her as she’s partially on her feet, knocking her back to the canvas. Seeing an opportunity AK dives in and makes a cover, trying to hold Echo down by force – but Echo’s far too powerful for that to work so early in the match, and she breaks out of it even before the referee’s hand is down for the 1 count.

Edison: Atomic making the first pin attempt, she clearly means to get the win here whether it takes five minutes or fifty.

McNally: Yes, and Echo’s got the exact same intention, I should imagine- here we go, this is exactly what I’m talking about!

The rising pitch of McNally’s voice mirrors the sound of the crowd, who begin to get more vocal as Echo and AK take one another on directly, exchanging fierce strikes in the centre of the ring. Echo’s mastery of her art is thrilling to watch as she delivers blow after blow with a heady mixture of finesse and power; AK reels backward, but if there’s one thing she’s toughened up to during her career it’s these kinds of strongarm tactics, and she won’t be panicked, holding her guard until she’s got a handle on Echo’s rhythm. Only then does she dodge sideways, launch a knee into Echo’s gut and grasp her around the head, continuing to work over her foe’s torso. Echo breaks away after around five knee strikes, backing off, which is when AK charges and clotheslines her opponent over the top rope. With supreme agility Echo manages to flip and land on her feet rather than in an ungraceful heap; showing off a bit, AK paces in the ring in a “this is MY territory” fashion, and a flash of spirit seems to flare up in Echo’s expression, causing the crowd to whoop and cheer to urge her on.

Edison: I think this is what the Brits would call “handbags at dawn”, Max.

McNally: More like kitbags at dusk if you ask me, Eddie. For our UK viewers, please don’t email to correct Mr. Edison’s mangling of your cultural memes…

Edison: Yeah, we’re having enough problems with people constantly overloading the website thinking it’s something to do with that damn “Cloverfield” film.

McNally: Indeed. What are these people thinking? As if massively convoluted plots, faux Japanese references, Lovecraftian-inspired themes and overblown action sequences are anything like typical ACW output- OUCH, that looked like it hurt…

Regardless of the fact that several thousand internet geeks are now doubtless rushing to hack ACW’s site, in the ring Echo has got herself back through the ropes and into contention. She has successfully backed AK into one of the corners and is testing her palm strike to destruction; McNally’s exclamation is triggered by a particularly strong dropkick to the chest, which makes AK wheeze and gasp for breath. She knows she has to get out of the corner, and moves out as Echo nips back up to a pop from the fans; sensing the time is right for something a little more ambitious, Echo lands a midsection kick and then executes her Gleaming Magus (High Angle Shining Wizard) beautifully. AK’s face meets the mat in a rather violent manner, and Echo rapidly pins, hooking the leg. The referee makes the count, 1…2-

Edison: Kickout! Boy, Echo does not look pleased, I think she wanted things to end there.

McNally: I agree, but I don’t think that was ever going to be more than a vain aspiration at this stage unless she got lucky. Alicia’s overcome worse than that before now.