Post by Xion Zeros on Jun 8, 2018 11:26:15 GMT -5
Venue: Prudential Center
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Recorded Date: May 28, 2018
As the smoke lifts from the stage into the air, Riot Control is officially underway. Cheers erupt from the crowd as they eagerly anticipate the upcoming show and the camera pans over the arena to show the excitement building from everyone all at once. Just as the camera scans over to the stage, the entire arena goes black. Whispers emerge as chatter from the crowd wonder if that was supposed to happen or if there were some sort of technical difficulties as the show began. The entire arena is covered in darkness for a few seconds, but no voice announces anything went wrong during the opening few moments. Over the arena speakers, a meow is heard and through the blackness, it's obvious confusion in the crowd. Some people laugh, wondering if that was supposed to be a sound test and others are starting to wonder when an announcement will come with more information on the blackout. Just then, a lion's roar is heard over the arena sound system and the Titantron flickers, as if struggling to turn on.
All attention is now focused on the Titantron, which flickers momentarily before showing a gazelle grazing on some grass in what one could only assume is the African wilderness. The gazelle lifts his head and glances around, as if it heard something but decides to continue it's meal. The Titantron then switches to show a close up of a lion's face - his eyes focused on something - and the view zooms out showing the cat licking its chops and stalking something through the grass. The entire crowd attending Riot Control is focused on the Titantron, their eyes fixed on what looks like something that would be shown on a National Geographic documentary.
Without warning, the lion crouches down for a second before springing off and bounding towards the gazelle. The gazelle recognizes the threat and tries to run, but the lion very quickly catches up and overtakes the smaller animal, dragging it to the ground and preparing to feast on the kill. The Titantron immediately returns to black as the sound of a female laughing comes through the speakers, as if she had just derived sick pleasure from what was just shown.
The cameras switch to the commentary team, welcoming the GZWA Nation to tonight's broadcast.
"Professor X" Xavier Cox: "Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Ground Zero Wrestling Association's first Pay-Per-View broadcast of 2018, Riot Control! We have a monumental event in store for tonight with not one, but two Riot Matches in store on tonight's match card. The first will determine the new #1 contender for the Women's Championship and the second that will close out tonight's broadcast will name a new GZWA World Champion for the vacant title."
Francine Monroe: "Don't forget that Reina de Reinas Dos winner and reigning title holder of both the Women's Championship and Queen of Queens Championship, Vi Malkov, will defend the Queen of Queens Championshp against Reina de Reinas Tres winner, Fujiko Mine."
Trey "The Carter" Carter: "Boy, I sure wish Fujiko was mine..."
Francine: "Ugh... not in your wildest dreams."
Prof. X: "You two, behave. We need to run this card and give our predictions."
Francine: "Sure, that sounds like a splendid idea. Give the masses an idea on what to expect tonight."
The Carter: "An appetizer before the main course!"
Prof. X: "Yeah something like that. Anywho, this event only has four matches booked, but that doesn't mean that they aren't going to be any less extraordinary. Tonight's opener is going to see the debuting Taralyn Skye against Amanda Cortez. Amanda has been barred from entering tonight's main event for the World Championship, since she forfeited said title to the Machine last year."
Francine: "To this day, I understand what she wanted to accomplish there, but at the same time, I understand the gripes of some of her peers who felt that she shouldn't have given it up so easily... I'm sure there's a joke to be made there on that statement, but I'm not touching that one."
The Carter: "I'm sure the only person she's giving anything up to is her wife, Rose, anyway..."
Prof. X: "Who do you all see winning this opener?"
Francine: "Say what you will about Amanda's unorthodox behavior and lifestyle, but one can't discredit her years of experience in the ring. The United Kingdom may be bursting at the seams with talent right now in the wrestling world, but no amount of training can prepare you for what Amanda brings to the table. Then there's that factor of Rose getting involved in any and all of her matches. Taralyn's going to dealing with a potential 2-on-1 handicap match in a sense here. So naturally, I'm going with Amanda Cortez to take the win."
The Carter: "I'm inclined to agree, but Taralyn has one trump card in her favor. This is her GZWA in-ring debut. No one has seen what she can do. Amanda doesn't know what she's getting into while Taralyn has years of match footage to dig into to know what to expect from the Goddess. In that aspect, Taralyn has the edge so I'm going with her. Whatcha got, Coach?"
Prof. X: "While I can see your viewpoint, I'm with Francine on the same vein of thinking that Amanda's veteran experience can't be discredited. I'm marking this down as an easy win for the Goddess to please her 'masters' within the Machine.
The second match on tonight's card sees Reina de Reinas Tres winner and Frontier Grappling Arts' own Fujiko Mine challenging against the reigning double champion Vi Malkov for the Queen of Queens Championship. Thoughts on this match between winners of Reina de Reinas Dos and Tres?"
The Carter: "Every time I check her out on Twitter, Fujiko's fighting ridicule for her looks and what not while people in our industry try to discredit her accomplishments and abilities in the ring. She's definitely a knockout beauty, but she's definitely able to put the hurting on her opponents when necessary too. I think she's going to give Vi one hell of a fight but damn, I can't look past the warpath of destruction that Vi's been on since Reinas Dos."
Francine: "Susie Price tried her damnest and couldn't get the job done, despite the fact that we saw her put Blake Harper on the shelf a few months prior to facing Vi. Vi's put Didgitz into retirement, defeated a Glamazon, and managed to add the GZWA Women's Championship to the list of her ongoing accomplishments here in GZWA. It's hard to see anyone stopping her at this stage. I got my money on Vi."
Prof. X: "Looks like we're all in unison on this prediction. Fujiko Mine is definitely one hell of a competitor from what I've seen here in her time performing in front of us for Reina de Reinas Tres, but I'm afraid that she's going to meet her end at the hands of the White Hawk. Vi has a stranglehold on both the Queen of Queens and GZWA Women's Championships and I think she would rather die than give up those titles. We've all seen what she's able to do for well over a year.
The Women's Riot will include 15 women competing for the #1 contender spot to challenge for the Women's Championship at a later date. GZWA.com and GZWA's various social media outlets informed the masses that GZWA Management decreed that ANY woman currently contracted, past or present, were elligible to compete in this match. This could result in a few surprises for anyone who isn't ready to adapt on the fly. Not to mention that this is the first year where GZWA is scrapping the traditional over-the-top rope format for falls count anywhere with eliminations via pinfall or submission."
Francine: "I'm going to throw a curve ball here with a shot in the dark and say Mariah's got this. Look, she's the heart and soul of that division. There's no denying that. Plus, she's said it herself. If there's anything she regrets from not being able to compete in the Reinas tournaments is that she never got to face Vi Malkov herself. That seems like enough to drive her to survive against 14 other women and win this thing."
The Carter: "Dang, I didn't even think of that. Any chance of Justice or a former Women's Champion like Porscha or Lise Starr swooping down and stealing it from underneath their noses?"
Francine: "I wouldn't count on Justice being back here as long as Brooklyn is still breathing... As for former Women's Champions? That's not far-fetched at all. GZWA Alumni always love to come out of hiding when the company does events like this, so who knows."
The Carter: "I'm going take a shot in the dark and put my money on The Grand Zabrina. Before you bite my head off, hear me out. She's been talking a big game on Twitter and seems like she wants to distance herself from that spanking nonsense - even though you didn't get any complaining from me on that front... Who knows, the girl might surprise us all when she starts taking things seriously."
Prof. X: "Good point, stranger things have happened in this sport. Who knows, we could be looking at a future Women's Champion with some more training underneath her belt. As for my prediction on this match, I'm looking at the list of competitors already announced in the match and I'm looking at someone like Legion to take the win here. Look at what's accomplished in other promotions like WWH, along with being a runner-up in Reina de Reinas Tres. She didn't win the tournament but she could definitely put herself back into the drivers' seat with a win tonight in the Riot.
Last but not least, we have the main event Riot Match for the vacant World Championship. Everything's been leading to this - the war between the Machine and the Bradley Clan along with other members of the roster who have risen up to oppose them, along with the multiple various rivalries up and down the roster. Who do you see as the next World Champion?"
Francine: "Anyone but Mike Bradley, but knowing that I just said that... I have a sick feeling in my stomach that might come true. It's the same as the night he won the Television Championship the first time... Then again, it could be an allergic reaction to Carter's disgusting cologne..."
The Carter: "There's nothing wrong with my Jungle Madness cologne!"
Francine: "Tell that to my allergies..."
The Carter: "I'm going to shock the world and put my money down on Psycho Sagus winning the World Championship. Upset victory of the century."
Francine: "If he wins, I'll do the entire next broadcast in my bra and panties."
The Carter: "I'll take that bet!"
Francine: "No thanks, because that would mean you'd be out here in your underwear when you lose that bet and I'm not going to be responsible for a mass suicide epidemic."
The Carter: "Yeah right, Franny."
Francine: "Carter, don't make me choke you before the first match even starts..."
Prof. X: "Interesting picks there for sure, but I'm split between two choices really if I'm perfectly honest. The Doombringer is an individual who has kept his intentions unknown since his return to GZWA. He is the first Superstar to hold the title in company's record books and it's long overdue for him to reclaim what was his. Then on the other side of the spectrum, we have the current Television Champion Equinox. Many may say that he's spreading himself thin, as he is quickly becoming a 'belt-collector' as he's currently champion in several promotions in our industry. He wants to add World Champion to his resume here in GZWA and be the first Television Champion to do so. It's hard to look beyond these two individuals as the biggest threats or ones to watch tonight."
Francine: "Well said, Professor."
The cameras switch to play footage from earlier in this past week...
We find the Showstoppin’ Senorita up early this Sunday morning, looking out the window as she awaits her visitors to arrive for the cookout/pool party that she’s hosting for the holiday weekend. She invited all of her tenants in her New York City suite, family members, and wrestling talent passing through town, including GZWA’s own roster members looking to make the drive to New Jersey the next day for Riot Control.
Today was all about having a good time - tomorrow will be back to business as she finds herself with another golden opportunity presented in front of her. Vi Malkov currently reigns supreme as both the Queen of Queens Champion since Reina de Reinas Dos and the GZWA Women’s Champion since Reina de Reinas Tres after defeating the former champion Susie Price. She is set to defend the Queen of Queens Championship against the winner of this year’s tournament, a woman that Mariah is no stranger to, Fujiko Mine, from Frontier Grappling Arts. Vi is set to face the winner of the Women’s Riot Match to determine a new #1 contender and as a former Women’s Champion herself, Mariah naturally aimed to win this prize.
She turned on her webcam on her laptop and sighed as she looked at her reflection on her laptop’s monitor before hitting record.
“Promo time again, right? Everyone’s expecting me to make a big declaration of war about how I’m going to defeat X amount of women and come out on top, no matter what. I could do that, but it’s not realistic. I don’t know what’s going to happen when all of these women and personalities collide in a match like this, especially with the new rules in effect this year.
There’s even talk about newcomers and even former talent making their returns and even debuts to compete for this opportunity. I welcome more additions to the women’s division, but not for one second I’m going to allow myself be stepping stone for someone else’s 15 seconds of fame when they don’t have the drive and passion for the ongoing evolution of this division, let alone respect for this business. It never ceases to amaze me when GZWA Management presents these golden opportunities, people come from far and wide to compete but when it comes to committing to compete for the long-haul, they want to take their balls and go home when things don’t go their way or if they aren’t handed everything on a silver platter. It’s either that or that one moment where they got that name recognition that they wanted by association before disappearing, never to be seen again, making me wonder why even bother wasting the company’s time and the time of the fans when they won’t stay to show what they are made of.
Sure, under the iron fist of the Machine, GZWA is far from perfect, but I’m honored to share that locker room with every man and woman signed to the active roster. Despite our differences, I’m confident that we’re going to tear the house down at Riot Control, no matter who comes out as the victor. I truly believe that. Correction, I KNOW that to be fact.
The last few weeks, especially the past month, have been tests of my patience when we had individuals discrediting the accomplishments of the opposite sex in the company. We have a few unruly individuals on the roster at both ends of spectrum in terms of gender that seem to not have this business or rather this sport’s best interests at heart, but a few sour grapes don’t ruin the entire harvest. There’s more than enough people on the roster that care about professional wrestling, even if they don’t have a strong social media presence or shout it from the top of the mountains at the top of every broadcast.
If I was concerned about anything for GZWA’s future, it would be for anyone to step through those doors, sign a contract merely to add brownie points to their modeling career or up their chances at landing a spot in a movie or new reality show. The hard working men and women who are putting everything they have in that ring on a regular basis don’t deserve that. The GZWA Nation who pay to see us perform at the best of our ability don’t deserve to be shafted by some Hollywood prick only looking out for themselves.
I don’t know what GZWA’s future may hold, let alone my own for that matter, but I do know that going to go out there and fight until I can’t any longer. To my peers and colleagues, I ask you all to do what you always do - give ‘em hell and send the fans home happy. To my friends, like Zora and Bobbi, I’m right there with you in the trenches, but it comes down to us, I’m not pulling any punches and I don’t expect you to either.
One thing is certain for tonight - at the end of Riot Control, there’s going to be new World Champion and new challenger for the Women’s Championship.”
The excitement in the arena was building as everyone was eager for the first match to get underway when all of a sudden the lights went out once again. The arena was blanketed in darkness for a few moments and the crowd started to break out in chatter. Not more than a few seconds later, a wildcat roaring was heard through the speakers followed by unfamiliar entrance music, "Bounce" by Slushii. After a few seconds, a strobe light effect began to flash through the arena alternating between various colors - green, purple, blue and black mainly. Streams of fireworks went off from the stage - five on the left side and five on the right shooting towards the middle and forming a crisscross pattern - in several timed bursts and a shadow was seen walking behind them waiting for the smoke to begin clearing away.
As the music picked up the pace sounding like a combination of electronic dance and dubstep, the smoke began to waft away and a blonde female with long wavy hair and midnight blue ring attire began making her way down the ramp with a microphone in hand. She played to the crowd, amping them up as she alternated from side to side giving high fives to those along the way. When she reached the bottom of the ramp, she stopped and glanced at the ring momentarily. She took a long deep breath, looked to her left and then the right and ran the rest of the way, sliding into the ring and hopping to her feet. The music was practically vibrating the arena, but just when people began to get into the beat, it cut off and the blonde smirked soaking in the cheers and excitement of it all. When the cheering subsided, she raised the microphone to her lips with a combination of a smile and a smirk.
"Now, that is something that I'm going to remember for the rest of my life!" she exclaimed with a chuckle, a British accent very noticeable as she spoke. "They say there are two things that you always remember - your first time stepping through the curtain and your first time defeating an opponent. I've already accomplished the first and the latter will be coming soon as I'm set for my debut match tonight against "The Goddess" Amanda Cortez. I can't say I know much about her, but she doesn't matter - not tonight anyway! Tonight and every night really, the only thing that matters is victory and you won't be hearing her name when the dust clears. This is my GZWA debut and my night to show everyone what a true champion looks like! Now, I know what you're thinking, which is probably 'Oh, a blonde British girl, huh? What can she do? She doesn't look very intimidating.' Well, that's where you're wrong. There's a reason they call me "The Wildcat" and Amanda gets to be the first to find out what it's like to be my kill. There's only one name that you need to know from now on - mine. My name is Taralyn Skye and I can assure you that it's a name you won't soon forget!"
With that, she takes a few steps towards the corner of the ring where a referee has a hand extended to take the microphone. Taralyn passes it off, before striding to the middle of the ropes and leaning against them with her left ankle resting against the bottom one waiting for her opponent.
*** Opening Match ***
Singles Match
"The Goddess" Amanda Cortez (w/ Rose Cortez) vs. "The Wildcat" Taralyn Skye (debut)
Prof. X: This was a last minute addition to tonight’s match card as the ink on Taralynn Skye’s contract didn’t even dry before GZWA Management booked her in this opening contest.
Francine: I bet Amanda Cortez thought she was off the hook tonight in terms of getting some work out of her for the Machine. Whether this is a show of force or merely an exhibition that she’s still a threat in the GZWA locker room, I wouldn’t be taking this opponent lightly if I were a newcomer like Taralynn.
The Carter: Oh definitely. Plus with Rose at ringside, we know that these two jezebels are going to whatever it takes to squeeze out a win here - by any means necessary.
Francine: God forbid that we have to see her spanking anyone to humiliate them tonight. Sounds like someone didn’t spank Amanda enough when she was a child…
The Carter: Or maybe they did and she just grew to like being “punished”...
Francine: Sounds like something that sicko would have a kinky fetish for…
In the ring, the bell rung to officially start this match with the Goddess showing no interest in wanting to take part in this match. Amanda merely yawns at the newcomer in front of her after Rose encourages her to get this over with quickly for they could go home. Amanda’s arrogance shows as she invites Taralyn to make the first move. That proved to be a mistake as Amanda found her legs taken immediately out from underneath her as Taralyn drops her on her spine with a Double Leg Takedown. Taralyn proceeds to assault the self-proclaimed Goddess to immediately put her on defense. Amanda held her arms up to protect herself the best to her ability. She managed to create her own opening through Taralyn’s offense, connecting with a Headbutt to throw the newcomer off balance. From here, Amanda sprung up and trapped the Wildcat within a Guillotine Choke. Taralynn punched at Amanda’s torso to get her to release the hold. Her attempts are proven to be futile as Amanda holds on.
Taralyn doesn’t give up. She uses her free hand to pull back Amanda’s hair, which allows her to perform Backbreaker over her knee to loosen Amanda’s grip even more. Once freed, Taralyn threw Amanda overhead with a Snap Suplex. The Wildcat then leapfrogs over the Goddess’ waking body to execute Jumping Bulldog. She followed up with a Check Meowt (Jumping double knee drop to an opponent's midsection followed by a standing moonsault double knee drop) before hooking Amanda’s leg in a pin.
ONE…
TWO…
T---NO!!!
Rose put Amanda’s foot on the bottom rope behind the referee’s field of vision. Taralyn immediately argues the count with the official as Rose stood on the ring apron, grinning from ear to ear. Amanda uses this distraction to her advantage - first by shaking off the cobwebs and second to arm herself with her trusty brass knuckles. Amanda charges in from behind the referee to use the brass knuckles. Fortunately, Taralynn moves out of the way, causing Amanda to knock out Rose instead. Taralyn quickly rolls up Amanda into another pin during the confusion.
ONE…
TWO…
THR---NO!!!
Somehow, Amanda kicks out again, throwing back Taralyn across the ring from the force. The Goddess is first back to her feet and she greets the waking Wildcat with a Swing Neckbreaker for her efforts. With Taralyn down and on all-fours, Amanda stalked her prey and connects with Fade to Black (The Gore) successfully. Amanda then covers Taralyn’s body and held up her fingers as she cockily counts along with the official.
ONE...
TWO…
THRE---NO!!!
Taralyn wasn’t staying down. No matter, the Goddess wanted to make her suffer a bit longer for what she made her do to Rose. Amanda drags to her feet in preparation for #1 Stunna (Stone Cold Stunner), flips her off, and proceeded to kick Taralyn in the midsection. The Wildcat caught her foot in motion, spun Amanda’s leg around and connected with one of her own. With the Goddess doubled over, Taralyn dropped Amanda head-first into the canvas with the Statik Shock (Spike DDT). The Wildcat follows up by applying the Broken Wings (Octopus Hold) to the waking Amanda Cortez as she staggers back to her feet. She drops to her knees while trapped within the hold with nowhere to go and quickly submits to the hold, thus granting Taralyn Skye her first win tonight in her GZWA debut.
WINNER: “The Wildcat” Taralyn Skye.
Up next, two sets of video packages aired from both the challenger and the champion leading into the next match for the Queen of Queens Championship.
FUJIKO MINE
"If she beats me, people will wonder: ‘Who will be able to beat her now?’" The voice of the Reinas Tres winner rings out clear amongst the darkness.
"This is a true test of my abilities, something that I’ve craved desperately." A few lights come on, revealing the form of Fujiko Mine. She leans back, casually lazing in a wooden rocking chair. Despite her relaxed appearance, her eyes are focused directly on the camera capturing her.
"Vi has had a track record of leveling everyone she’s come up against. She warns them, and whether they heed her warning or not? They never seem to be prepared to face her in the end. They all appear helpless when the eyes of the White Hawk fall upon them."
Fujiko looks up and around herself. More light is added, and the shot zooms out, revealing the location. Her rocking chair sits on the asphalt path of a park, the trees gently swaying above her. We are far away from the city, the lack of light pollution helping shroud Fujiko in darkness.
"Is that to be my fate?" She asks, cocking her head to the side. "Some can only wonder until I face her, the two of us going to battle. Her attempting to add my name to the list of foes she’s conquered, and me doing my best to build the ‘legend’ of Fujiko Mine. The White Hawk, looking to conquer her next prey, while the Apex Goddess attempts to add another believer."
She allows a small smile to dance on her plump, rose colored lips.
"I have to admit... It’s refreshing," The Apex Goddess muses, "To have an opponent so dominating, who domineering, and yet…" She pauses, her eyes awash with glee. "Someone so careful and meticulous that they dare not underestimate their opponent. It’s almost if it is a rarity to have such a thing."
She lifts herself up, forcing herself into an upright position. She swings her left leg up and crosses it over her right.
"Vi Malkov is no fool. She did not get to have literal years of dominance by allowing her ego to run her career. She has beaten every challenger, last besting Susie Price to the point where she chose to put herself into exile, by knowing exactly how to approach her every opponent. In short, she already has a plan to beat me. She’s done her homework. She’s studied. She knows about my wars with Chris Madison, with Jimmy Page, Johnny Karma, Molly Reid, and Izzy Anders. She knows about my failures. She knows about my losses to Molly and Johnny, my inability to defeat Izzy Anders, and my ‘one-second-too-late’ loss to the disgusting Brendan Samuels. She knows it, and if she didn’t, she does now. I don’t mind her knowing. I expect her to be fully prepared, to know my strengths, and my weaknesses. She’ll build a game plan, based on her tried and true strategy that has lead to an impressive undefeated streak."
She slowly draws the chair back and forth. The chair creaks in protest, but she ignores it wholly. "I want her to show no mercy, hold nothing back, and bring her full assault down upon my person. Because if she comes down on me like I expect her to, and I win? That makes things all the more interesting, now doesn’t it?"
The possibilities of the scenario she provided swirl in her creamy brown irises. "Vi knows that I’ve done more than wrestle since I made my full time return this time last year. She knows, just like you all do...I’ve survived. I’ve outlasted opponents who said that I was nothing but a sideshow, here only to shill a hashtag and pose in skimpy clothing. I returned to Frontier Grappling Arts and proved that I wasn’t a flash in the pan when I beat Molly Reid in a Pride Rules match. I survived Mayhem, The New Murder, and the Category 5. Twice. I’m confident in my ability to handle what Vi throws my way. I expect her to be one of the most difficult obstacles I’ve ever faced in my career, but I still expect to emerge victorious."
Fujiko rocks a little slower in her chair, the creaks and groans that emit from the joints of it.
"I expect to emerge victorious because I plan to push Vi Malkov beyond her limits. I’m going to teach her how a survivor wages war between those ropes, where I will scratch and claw; working her weaknesses to my advantage. I will push her stamina beyond where it can sustain her. She will be forced to adapt, when what she uses to put me away...doesn’t. What will she do? How will she adapt? When will the cool demeanor of the White Hawk crack and splinter, forced to move beyond her normal operation?"
She lets her proposal linger in the air, allowing her audience to digest her thoughts. "Vi wants this victory to better her legacy, to make herself better. To spread her legend. She wants to add my name to to list of those that she’s vanquished. Interestingly enough, I want the same. We more or less want the same out of this match. I want Vi Malkov’s legend to include that she was dominating, cold, and unstoppable...until she ran up against the Apex Goddess. I want it not only to complete the path that I began when I defeated Amber Torres, and then eliminated Legion on route to winning the Reinas Tres. Win or loss, I’ve proven my dominance over my competition there. But I want this so that even the great Vi Malkov can be a reference point in my own tale. She will stand and be witness to what I’ve accomplished. She will notify those who are ignorant, that Fujiko Mine is the Apex for a reason. She will do what the 4CW champion already has...and bow to me, acknowledging that I have truly set my mind to being one of the greatest wrestlers this generation has ever seen."
A soft chuckle escapes her, as she looks not into the camera, but through it.
"As I expounded upon my opponents, so too Vi will come to understand. I am more resilient than any Vi has ever faced. If she truly wants this victory, it will show by the sheer exhaustion she will have to put herself through. If she truly wants this victory, it will show by the blood she will have to pay in order to have a chance. If she truly wants this victory, it’s going to cost her far more than even she realizes. And she is going to have to ask herself, if it is indeed worth the payment she must give?"
Her face loses its smile, a slight eyebrow raise replacing it.
"I know that to defeat Vi Malkov, I am going to have to do what no one else has to this point. To defeat her, I’m going to have to wear her down, and cut off her routes to victory. I’m going to keep coming at her, until she realizes that her only option is defeat. No matter what she tries, I will find a way to survive. No matter how hard she hits, I will find a way to get back up. No matter the obstacle she throws in my way? I will overcome. She will not find traction in pinning me. She will not find traction in knocking me out. And she will not… WILL NOT. Find traction in getting me to submit."
Fujiko’s expression darkens as she leans towards the camera. She presses her left elbow into her thigh, tilting her head down. A shadow casts over her face as she does so.
"For the very first time in a wrestling ring, Vi Malkov will taste despair. You will all bear witness to it. She will gradually become desperate. Her demeanor will crack and crumble under the pressure, and she will find that she simply has no choice but to taste defeat."
Fujiko leans back, and then slowly uncrosses her legs. With a curious look, she then stands up from the chair.
"And oh, won’t that ever be interesting? After all, I doubt many think that I will emerge victorious. Vi’s dominance has been so great thus far. She’s proven to have all sorts of momentum on her side. I’ve been successful, but not to the level that she has. So I think that the ‘smart money’ rests with her."
Fujiko offers up a quick shrug.
"That just puts me in a position I have been incredibly comfortable being in. That of the underdog. But even with all of that, I will find a way to defeat Vi. I will stand tall, taking the Reina de Reinas championship away from Vi. I will end her impressive reign, and begin a new one all in the same night. The story has been “What can Fujiko do to defeat Vi Malkov?” But the real story should be: “What will Vi do when she realizes she cannot get Fujiko to give up?” Because that is what we are truly going to find out. And after that? Ha... After almost seven hundred days, it will be Vi Malkov’s time to fall. I know that she thought that this day would not come yet, but unfortunately for her...That is the will of the goddess, and my will be done."
Fujiko curtsies deeply, then turns her back to the camera and walks off. She drags her hand along the chair, which follows her until she lets go. It then rocks, alone, as Fujiko leaves it behind.
----
"Tessa?" Her name rang out and snapped her back to reality. She’d been caught daydreaming. She shook her head quickly before focusing her eyes on the direction of her companion. Aladina Oliver, known professionally as XENA glared down at her, her expression a mixture of annoyance and concern.
"You alright, hun?" The annoyance swirled away as Tessa looked up at her. "You checked out again, hun. You sure you’re doing alright?" Aladina shifted her weight onto her back foot and crossed her arms across her chest.
Tessa nodded in the affirmative. "Yeah, just tired. Haven’t been sleeping well." It was a lie. She’d been sleeping fine.
Her brain was just hyper focused on her match against Vi. Was it a mistake? Possibly. Over preparing was almost as dangerous as under-preparing. But her brain couldn’t help it. She’d been wrestling for nearly a decade, but this was the first time she’d come up against someone who was so utterly dominant, and likely just hitting their stride. The terrifying truth of it was that Vi likely was just getting started.
"Well, I can grab you some coffee. You’re gonna need to look alive. I just got word that our segment is next. You don’t wanna look sleepy or out of it when you’re standing face to face with Vi."
Xena kept the concern on her face. In a few moments, it would vanish and be replaced by the stern expression she was known for. But that was later.
"You’re right. Obviously." Tessa gave her a smile. She did her best to make it genuine. Aladina had a knack for being able to see through her. While she’d managed to pass off one lie, she didn’t want to push her luck.
Tessa pushed herself up to her feet, looking around her surroundings. She’d arrived and hung out backstage for the majority of the show. Technically, she was only a guest at these GZWA events. That would change, however, if she managed to do what no one else could.
"Hey." Tessa realized she was off in her own world again. She cursed herself internally for allowing herself to slip so quickly. She made eye contact with Aladina, one eyebrow raised.
"Don’t worry about it. That may be Vi Malkov, the woman that has terrorized GZWA for two years, yes...." Tessa didn’t let her finish, opting to give an exaggerated roll of her eyes.
"Gee, thanks, Dina." She began to turn to leave, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"No, wait. Listen. She may be all this and such, but there’s a saying my mother always used to tell me when I was younger." She took in a breath for a moment, staring down at the FGA Pride champion.
"Adversity breeds strength." She kept her gaze locked on the Apex Goddess, allowing her a few moments to understand the phrase. Tessa returned the gaze, waiting on Aladina to continue.
"The strong don’t get stronger by facing the weak. The strong need someone as strong, if not stronger to oppose them. Vi Malkov isn’t meant to be feared. That’s the difference between them and you. Susie Price and the others that faced Vi? Ultimately? They were scared. They fell victim to the hype. The momentum. They watched the ease in which Vi became the winner of the Reinas tournament, and they doubted themselves. Either that, or they underestimated Vi. Maybe both. But you? You won’t underestimate Vi. I can see it in your eyes. You know the threat she brings. But you know adversity like no one else."
Aladina takes a step in towards Tessa, slowly bringing up a hand to rest it on her shoulder. "I don’t need to remind you about your career, hun. I’ve watched. I saw how you were an afterthought to Tj Jones for too long. I know how when he returned to Phoenix Wrestling, you were forced into the background. I know how when you were in Femme Fatale Wrestling, they didn’t know what they had. They wasted your talents. They refused to let you shine. And they almost ruined everything when you chose to retire.
Aladina turned away from her, as disgust began to rise up. "Dina, you don’t have to," Tessa began, but she spun back on her. "No, Tess, I do. Ladies All Star Wrestling, PDW, Lion’s Road, Spirit and Pride, they all missed out on what they could’ve had with you. Frontier Grappling Arts is the only place to have understood their mistake. YOU ARE ADVERSITY. You’ve faced it more than anyone I’ve ever seen. Where is Vi’s adversity? She hasn’t faced any since she won the Reinas tournament. She’s been coasting. She think she knows you, but take it from someone who does...she doesn’t. She’s watched tape. She’s probably watched how Chris Madison barely beat you back in December, and she thinks she understands. She’s probably watched you beat Chris Madison to earn the Pride title in the rematch, and she thinks she understands that you have a higher gear that most wrestlers don’t have. She’s going to have to go above and beyond to get the job done, if she’s even able to do so."
Xena shook her head, a humorless laugh passing her lips.
"I carried you out after you beat Kol, James, and Chris that night. I was there. She may have watched it happen, but she hasn’t experienced a damn thing like what she needs to. She doesn’t understand what she’s up against. I don’t need to gas you up, babe; but Vi is going to find out in the rudest way who you are. Not tonight. You’re going to play the respect game, because that’s who you are."
Tessa blinked quickly, the conversation taking a sharp turn that she did not expect. Aladina nodded, uncaring that she may have struck a nerve. She was raised into a fervor, ignoring the side glances and whispers that were beginning to catch on around them.
"Tess, I know that you’re not just a survivor. You can be a killer. You’ll say all the right things, because you believe them. Unless Vi shows up out there and disrespects you verbally, you’ll show her the same respect. But I can guarantee you Vi is going to try and disrespect you just like everyone else, and that’ll be her fatal mistake. She’s gonna catch that kick to her chin, and then she’s going to watch that amazing run come to an end at your hands. If she thinks that she’s adding your name to her collection, she’s fucking mistaken."
Tessa stared up at Aladina, stunned. An uncomfortable silence settled between the two of them like a dense fog. Tessa shifted uncomfortably, aware of the stares around them. After a few moments, Aladina exhaled, breaking the silence.
"Sorry for ranting, Tess. I’m just sick and tired of no one giving you the respect you deserve. And I feel like if Vi doesn’t do it tonight, she will. Just like Chris Madison. Or Annie Zellor. The list goes on. And no one wants to admit how good you really are. No one admits that you’re one of the best. And I think you need to beat Vi to help people understand that you just don’t survive, you can dole out a devastating wrath. A wrath that will even the White Hawk will crash to the ground under."
Tessa remained speechless. Aladina continued to eye her, and then realized there was nothing else she could say. "But I guess that’s why you do all the talking, and I’m the strong silent type, right?"
She offered up a smile, but Tessa did not reciprocate. She merely nodded. The smile vanished from Dina’s face. Tessa looked away from her Amazonian friend, going so far as turning her back fully to her for a few moments. After a few beats, she turned back.
"Respect or no, I am going to bring the White Hawk everything I’ve got. You are right about one thing, Xena."
A short exhale. "Adversity does indeed breed strength. And in that case, I’ve got plenty enough to end the White Hawk’s epic hunting streak." Fujiko gave Xena a look, one that told her she was ready to go.
The conversation was over, at least it was for now. Xena followed Fujiko towards their first confrontation with a woman who was going to be her greatest challenge to date.
VI MALKOV
Vi Malkov ceases her protests and struggling while Susie Price licks her lips in anticipation as she wrenches the hold further. Susie suddenly found herself spiked into the canvas with a desperation Burning Hammer/Reverse Death Valley Driver from Vi. Susie staggers to her feet after the impact and immediately fell prey to The Essence of Life (Flying Guillotine Choke) from the White Hawk. Vi’s body weight caused Susie to drop head-first into the mat again while the hold was still applied. Vi kept her shoulders up as the referee checked to see if Susie was responsive. After raising her arm three times, it was determined that Susie Price was knocked out cold from the last two maneuvers and unable to continue, thus naming Vi Malkov the winner of this match.
Zoey Valentine | Ring Announcer: “Susie Price is unable to continue. As a result, your winner and holder of both the Queen of Queens Championship and GZWA Women’s Championship, Vi Malkov!”
Prof. X: I’m speechless after what we just witnessed. There you have it, folks. We have the first ever double champion as Vi Malkov holds both the Queen of Queens Championship and the GZWA Women’s Championship.
Francine: The question of the matter is how long can she hold onto the gold and remain undefeated? Vi will have to defend the Queen of Queens title against the winner of Reinas Tres, sooner more than later. Then on top of that, Susie Price has a guaranteed rematch clause.
The Carter: If the rematch is anywhere as good as what we’ve seen tonight then we’re in for another instant classic!
Prof. X: That’s all the time we have for tonight, folks. Thank you for watching and good night!
She knocked the bitch unconscious.
Vi’s win over Susie Price secured her what she longed for the GZWA Women’s Championship, but it knocked the woman out of the company. There was no one left.
She had truly beaten them all.
Now began a new chapter.
The GZWA Women’s Championship had seen its trials and tribulations, from its earlier days as the object of the gender bias that wrestling still adhered to. It wasn’t until the present day that it had metaphorized into a champion that hailed the gender that it was designated for, rather than limit them. The Women’s Championship now served as an attraction for what women, people who were once ostracized for even thinking of wrestling, can do now. It shined brightly both figuratively, but literally, in the frame of the shot. The championship lingered on the shoulder of its prodigious owner, Vi Malkov. She served as a welcome change to the foundation of the GZWA, having worked her way up the mountain.
Stars, legends, and champions laid in her path of dominance. It started at the Reina de Reina tournament a full year ago, which made her upcoming match something special.
Fujiko Mine is the toughest challenge that she must face. She won the latest Reina de Reina tournament and she stands high above anyone else that Vi had to face prior. Fujiko came into this match with a ton of fantastic matches and accolades on her resume. Yet, there was something that Vi knew about Fujiko. She knew her weaknesses because the person that brought Vi into wrestling happened to be the woman that Fujiko could beat. Vi made her way into the set with her head held high. Fujiko is strong, but a champion doesn’t buckle under the weight of a strong challenger. The challenger must fall to the tremendous might of the champion they hope to overcome. Vi is the wall that Fujiko cannot conquer.
“Vi,” said a person on the phone as she made her way down the hallway. “Do you think you’re ready?”
“I have to be, don’t I?”
“If not, I’ll lose everything that I’ve worked for,” she paused, “I’ll have to go back to the slums.”
“That’s somewhere I don’t want to go again. I can’t let her defeat me. I know she’s good. I know she has come far. I know that she has everything more than I do, but I cannot let her vanquish me, Izzy.”
Vi nodded as she stood ready for the contract signing.
“I must continue to survive.”
The cameras then rewind back to the contract signing that aired exclusively on GZWA.com between Fujiko Mine and Vi Malkov during Primetime.
gzwa.blogspot.com/2018/05/gzwacom-exclusive-queen-of-queens.html
*** Disclaimer: Due to time constraints, this contract signing didn't air as part of the original broadcast of the April 16th edition of Primetime, we are proudly bringing the GZWA Nation this footage exclusively on GZWA.com ***
Primetime returns from commercial break with a table set up in the middle of the ring. On it, lays the contract laying out the terms for the Queen of Queens Championship Match set for GZWA’s upcoming Riot Control PPV, along with two pens for the reigning champion and challenger - aka the winner of Reina de Reinas Tres - to sign in agreement.
Mary stood in front of this table with two chairs at opposite ends of the table for the two women that she was going to invite to join her in the ring.
Sensational Mary: “On February 17, 2018, we saw the women of professional wrestling set the industry on fire once again as GZWA hosted the third inaugural Reina de Reinas tournament. As winner of Reina de Reinas Dos and holder of the Queen of Queens Championship, Vi Malkov challenged GZWA Women’s Champion Susie Price in a winner takes all match. Susie Price fell to the White Hawk and Vi Malkov currently stands as both the reigning Queen of Queens and Women’s Champions. As winner of the Reina de Reinas Tres tournament, Fujiko Mine is guaranteed an one-on-one shot at the Queen of Queens Championship. If she wins the title and manages to retain until the next Reinas tournament, then she will be granted the same opportunity that Vi Malkov was offered at the last event.
I would have topped off Reinas Tres with this clash of powers, but I wanted to give both women the opportunity to rest and be at the top of their game with the championship on the line. As far as I’m concerned, there won’t be any excuses why the ladies won’t be able to perform at the best of their ability.
At this time, I would like to invite both the challenger, Fujiko Mine, and the champion, Vi Malkov, to join me in the ring and read over this document and agree to the terms specified.”
Two quick guitar riffs ring out through the arena, and the crowd cheers loudly. warm pink and gold lights swirl around the arena.
I’m calling you...from the future…to let you know we made a mistake...
The lights over the ring go out completely, giving the arena the appearance of a dance club.
And there’s a fog from the past that’s giving me such a headache…
The lights fade for a moment, and then kick back in as Patrick Stump’s vocals wash over the arena.
And I'm back with a madness
I'm a champion of the people who don't believe in champions
I got nothing but dreams inside, I got nothing but dreams
I'm just young enough to still believe, still believe
But young enough not to know what to believe in
Young enough not to know what to believe in, yeah
…
I'm a champion of the people who don't believe in champions
I got nothing but dreams inside, I got nothing but dreams
I'm just young enough to still believe, still believe
But young enough not to know what to believe in
Young enough not to know what to believe in, yeah
…
At the top of one of the crowd entrances, one Fujiko Mine appears.
The camera focuses on her as she looks out at the fans surrounding her. The imposing Xena stands behind her, looking stern. The nearest fans wave to catch her attention; Fujiko slaps some hands as she makes her way through the crowd and down to the ring.
If I can live through this
If I can live through this
If I can live through this…
If I can live through this
If I can live through this…
Fujiko stops where she is, and throws her hands straight up in the air. All the lights in the arena go bright, and she yells out along with the song and the crowd…
”I CAN DO ANYTHING!!”
She continues moving towards the ring, and as the lyric comes back around, she repeats the previous motion. Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful handspring onto and over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess.
Fujiko poses on the top turnbuckle, her hands outstretched over her head and her eyes closed. The lights return to normal. She removes herself from the top turnbuckle, and Xena climbs into the ring to stand behind Fujiko as she awaits the White Hawk.
Silence falls onto the arena. A loud pop sparks in the crowd as the lights dull down. “Never Enough” by Epica starts out, leading to an elegant array of soft blues and whites. As the symphonic sounds traverse the arena, Vi Malkov makes her appearance out. She wears a leather jacket, along with some black pants and her combat boots. The major point of interest is the two championships, the Reina de Reina belt - or rather the Queen of Queens Championship and the GZWA Women’s Championship. She wears them in a X over her chest as she makes her way down to the ring.
She eyes Fujiko and Xena from afar, letting an intrigued smirk cross her normally stoic lips. She walks up the steps, “zooming her view in” with her hand. Following the gesture, she enters and moves her way around to her preferred section. She looks around the arena, seeing the support from the GZWA faithful. She nods accordingly.
Fujiko Mine: It’s an honor to be out here. It’s even more of an honor to get to face off against the woman who has managed to be undefeated for so long. She’s an amazing wrestler, no doubt. It’s my aim to put on a show that these fans will not soon forget.
She nods towards Vi.
Fujiko Mine: I saw first hand how you dismantled Susie Price. I am not out here to repeat her mistakes. I know the kind of a threat you are, Vi. I know that in a match with you? I could very be considered the underdog.
She paces a little bit before she continues.
Fujiko Mine: That’s fine with me. I’m here for the fight with you; to test myself against a woman who has put together one of the most impressive streaks in recent memory. I’m here to try and make a greater name for myself by facing you. I’m here to show this GZWA audience that my victory in the Reinas Tres tournament was no fluke.
Finally, a smile.
Fujiko Mine: And I’m here to try and beat you.
She puts down her microphone, and signs her name on the open contract. Vi is busy humming to the rhythm of Fujiko’s theme song. When she stops, she looks down at the contract with an arched eyebrow. Before speaking, she signs the dotted line herself and flings the pen behind her without any fanfare.
Vi Malkov: That’s out the way.
Vi places both of her championship belts down on the table over the contract and stretches her shoulders.
Vi Malkov: 643 days. 494 days. Four people. These are some numbers for you to process. The first is how long I’ve been wrestling and thus undefeated. 494 days I’ve spent as champion. Four people have come to try to take my championship from me and have fallen. Fujiko Mine, the FGA Pride Champion, I know who you are. I know exactly what you do. I knew that you were going to win the tournament that I’ve created my legacy on. Now, I know why you’re here. You believe that it’s time for these statistics to go up in flames.
Vi lolls her tongue in her mouth.
Vi Malkov: You failing at defeating me won’t make your tournament win a fluke. You will still make a greater name for yourself. Just understand that it’ll be because you’ll be the best challenge I’ve overcome. You’ll live to make me stronger and to make more people quake in their wrestling boots. Because what happens if Fujiko Mine, the Apex Goddess, falls to the White Hawk?
The double champion giggles.
Vi Malkov: People will start questioning who will be able to beat me. The same courage that you have and the bravado that others have will fall to pieces and I’ll truly be able to say that I’m the World’s Greatest.
Mary concludes, “Vi, you will not defend the Women’s Championship on this event, BUT… I will have a hand in determining a #1 Contender to challenge you since Susie Price hasn’t been seen since Reinas Tres. She is still guaranteed a rematch opportunity whenever she decides to come back after nursing her injuries, but the show must go on and I will find you a new challenger in the meantime. GZWA’s women’s locker room is full of far too many hungry competitors for you to go unchallenged… Plus we don’t want feed that foolish assumption that you have a stranglehold on the division by not welcoming any and all challengers to that title."
Mary watches Vi sign the contract and hand the clipboard over.
“With that said and done, we’ll be seeing you two ladies at Riot Control on May 28th. May best woman be the victor.”
*** Queen of Queens Championship Match ***
Guaranteed Opportunity to the Winner of Reina de Reinas Tres' Tournament
Queen of Queens Champion & GZWA Women's Champion "The White Hawk" Vi Malkov vs. "Apex Goddess" Fujiko Mine
Note: ONLY the Queen of Queens Championship is up for grabs since Fujiko won the right to challenge Vi after winning the tournament in February.
After the footage recapping the events that lead to this match and hearing from both women, the cameras return to ringside with the commentary team.
Prof. X: Reina de Reinas Tres was back in February with Fujiko Mine coming out on top as the winner of that annual tournament, whereas the previous tournament winner of Reina de Reinas Dos, Vi Malkov, reigned supreme as she successfully retained the Queen of Queens Championship against Susie Price and won the GZWA Women’s Championship in one fell swoop. For well over a year, the White Hawk has been the woman to beat here in GZWA. Later tonight, we shall determine a new #1 contender to challenge for the Women’s Championship that she currently holds, but up next, we are going to witness Fujiko Mine challenge Vi Malkov for the Queen of Queens Championship.
Francine: That was the prize that she won after definitely 15 other women in the tournament, but it really a prize if Vi is able to sideline you like she did Susie Price? We haven’t seen her since Reina de Reinas Tres and I would hate to see what shape she was in after a match like that.
The Carter: I have bandages and plenty of kisses on standby if Fujiko needs ‘em.
Francine: I’m sure her bodyguard/manager Xena would kill you before you even get close enough to even entertain that thought.
The Carter: She can get it too. I don’t discriminate.
Francine: Professor, why do we even have him out here? Shouldn’t he be backstage tied down and wearing a muzzle?
The tensions high in the air as Vi Malkov raises the Queen of Queens Championship overhead during the in-ring introductions from Zoey Valentine with Vi and Fujiko staring eye to eye. After the introductions, the two women merely stood apart in silence. There was no handshake share out of respect; anyone standing in the arena could cut the pure ferocity felt between these two women with a knife. As soon as the bell rung to start match, Vi immediately struck first with a headbutt to the bridge of Fujiko’s nose. With the Apex Goddess stunned from the blow right off the bat, Vi wastes no time performing a Release Snap German Suplex, dropping Fujiko right into the back of her head into the corner. The White Hawk doesn't stop there. She drags the Apex Goddess’ body between the ropes and performs the Dante’s Descent (Release Sheer Drop Brainbuster) onto the ring apron. EMTs race down to ringside to check Fujiko’s condition to see if she’s able to continue after this brutality, but Vi’s not done. The White Hawk shows no remorse as she performs a Snap Powerbomb, sending Fujiko’s spine whiplashing against the ring apron to add to the trauma and agony her body is already going through from this vicious assault. Security races down now to keep both women separated as the damage has already been done. The White Hawk complies and returns back to the ring as the EMTs check on Fujiko.
Prof. X: I can’t condone this type of behavior. Vi Malkov rather shorten this woman’s career than have a honorable contest?
Francine: When one has been champion for this long, they get desperate. I remember that match at Reina de Reinas Tres - Vi almost lost that one and I don’t think that’s a feeling she wants to experience again. That doubt of feeling that she could lose everything that she’s worked for and obtained in her tenure as champion.
The Carter: But that doesn’t give her an excuse to put Fujiko down for good! She may have agreed to this match, but that doesn’t give Vi the right to end her career tonight.
Francine: I hate to be blunt, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes. A career could end when one wants it to happen or by some freak accident. For Fujiko’s sake, I hope it’s not the latter.
Prof. X: Agreed. I’d hate to see this match end like this but I rather see her challenge again at the best of her ability instead of being sidelined for good.
Vi confidently sits in the corner, confident that this match is over with another successful title defense added to her reign. What concerns her (at least not by reading the emotions written on her face) is what is going on at ringside. To the surprise of the GZWA Nation, Fujiko Mine refuses to get onto the stretcher that was wheeled down the entrance ramp by the EMTs.
The Carter: Does she have a death wish or something?
Francine: I applaud the woman for not wanting to give up, but when your physical well-being is on the line, you should know when to raise the white flag. Then again, it’s that craziness and reckless abandon that pushes you beyond your limits too.
Prof. X: True, adrenaline will make you do some crazy things, but what then after that wears off? She can’t be thinking about continuing!
Fujiko Mine ignores her manager Xena’s protests to reconsider and crawls back into the ring, where Vi sarcastically applauds. The White Hawk lended a helping hand, connecting with a series of Trapped Knee Strikes until Fujiko collapses back down to the mat. Vi Malkov laughs maniacally at the Apex Goddess’ efforts to get back up. Regardless, Fujiko doesn’t want to give up the ghost. Vi merely shrugs and decides to put her out of her misery with The Essence of Life (Flying Guillotine Choke) as Fujiko attempted to return to a vertical base.
Vi closed in for the kill, only to be thrown overhead as Fujiko snapped back to life with a Snap Overhead Suplex into the corner, dropping Vi into the Tree of Woe position. Fujiko shook off the cobwebs and positioned herself on the top rope. She then executed a diving variation of the Double Foot Stomp (Alberto Del Rio style) as the White Hawk attempted to pull herself up. The Apex Goddess wasn’t done with the White Hawk as she brought Vi back up to her feet and struck her back down with the Sealed With a Kick/SWAK (Ground arm pulled roundhouse kick). The crowd gets behind as the Apex Goddess repeats this pleasantry again and again with each successful kick. Unfortunately for Fujiko, Vi took control of the momentum as she caught Fujiko’s foot during the 5th kick and applied a Rolling Kneebar. Fujiko attempts to reach the ropes. Fujiko’s fingers inched closer and closer towards that nirvana, only for Vi to roll their bodies away from the ropes at the last instance to deny that salvation. Fujiko opts for a different strategy. She bell claps Vi’s ears repeatedly to break the hold. The hold may be broken, but the damage has been done as Fujiko limps back to her feet. She winces through the pain and executes a Standing Shooting Star Press on the grounded White Hawk. After the successful impact, Fujiko hooks her leg into into a pin.
ONE…
TWO…
T--WAIT!!!
The White Hawk may be down, but she’s not out. Vi rolls through back to her feet with Fujiko in tow on her shoulders in a Death Valley Driver. In an act of desperation, Fujiko elbows Vi repeatedly over the side of the head to release her. Once the White Hawk is forced to comply from the repeated blows threw her off balance, Fujiko slid down Vi’s spine and retaliates with Yount's 3000th hit (Double Wrist Lock knee to face). Vi’s head trauma didn’t end there as Fujiko followed with the Ecstasy (Reverse spike DDT into a Dragon sleeper with body scissors). Vi wasn’t going to allow herself to beaten. No, she’s sacrificed too much already. She slowly rose to her feet with Fujiko still wrapped around her body in cobra-like vise, with the hold firmly applied. The White Hawk clawed at Fujiko’s hair, opting for a Michinoku Driver over the top rope. The Apex Goddess wasn’t releasing the hold in the slightest as Vi found herself being teetered over the top rope. Eventually, both women tumbled over the top rope and down to the ringside floor.
Fujiko lost her grip during the fall, but no matter, she was the first competitor back to her feet. She approached the waking White Hawk and went for 360 Kick. Vi ducks underneath the blow at the last instant and hits Reverse STO to counter. The sound of Fujiko’s head bouncing off the steel steps upon impact echoes throughout the arena. Vi Malkov smirked as she rolled back into the ring as the official had no choice to begin the ring out count.
The Carter: You could count to 50 and I doubt she’s going to get up from that...
1…
2…
3…
4…
5…
6…
7…
8…
9...
Vi is growing weary with this and immediately goes back on offense. She elevates the Apex Goddess onto her shoulders and performs a Running Liger Bomb to finish Fujiko off. Somehow, Fujiko managed to throw her weight forward, which allowed her to counter with an Inverted Hurracanrana to spike the back of White Hawk’s head into the canvas. Fujiko took a moment to get her bearings after avoiding another close call before staggering back to her feet. She slowly climbed up the corner post and prepared for The Apex of Infinity (Spiral Tap | LIMIT BREAK). Even though she was jarred from the blow to the head, Vi stumbles to her feet but fell over onto the ropes. This causes Fujiko to lose her footing and collapse on the top buckle. Vi Malkov saw the golden opportunity to end this match right now, along with this annoyance - permanently. Her intentions were made painfully clear as she forcefully removed Fujiko from on top of the turnbuckle with a top rope variation of the Dante’s Descent (Release Sheer Drop Brainbuster).
ONE...
TWO…
THRE---NO!!!
Vi is in disbelief as Fujiko gets her shoulder up at the last instant. The White Hawk went straight back to business as she fished for the finishing touch in the form of a Shining Wizard on the waking Fujiko Mine. She responds by alley-ooping Vi behind her to counter. Vi land safely on the top rope and improvises with a Diving Senton Splash as Fujiko stood hunched over panting heavily. Once again, Fujiko was able to react in time after looking over her shoulder, this time she caught Vi right out of the air and into the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check).
Prof. X: I don’t understand what we are witnessing here. Where is the Apex Goddess drawing all of this strength to keep fighting from?
The Carter: Any other mere mortal would have given out by now…
Francine: I guess we could say that she’s definitely living up to her namesake or even some crazy divine intervention, but Vi Malkov isn’t having any of it.
Both women laid on the canvas, clearly out of it. It took everything Fujiko has to crawl over to Vi’s body to make the cover.
ONE…
TWO…
THRE---NO!!!
Both women remain flat on the mat, taking the opportunity to catch their breath. Fujiko Mine and Vi Malkov then sat up on their knees, glaring at each other. In their condition, they fell forward until they met head to head, holding each other up as they leaned onto the other for support.
Fujiko broke the silence between them with a forearm smash. Vi reeled back from the blow, but she retorts with Spinning Backfist at the same time which left Fujiko down on all-fours. Vi Malkov grasped her auburn hair and motioned for a Jumping Piledriver. Fujiko threw Vi overhead with a Back toss to counter. She then hobbled to her feet and performed a Handspring Rebound Ace Crusher, launch herself into the ropes in front of her before rebounding back with Handspring Cutter to the waking White Hawk. Vi stops this attack flat in its tracks with a Release Dragon Suplex.
After that attack, it was obvious that Fujiko was at the end of her lifeline. Vi then took off her gloves and threw them to the ground. She licked her lips in anticipation as she aimed for the kill with The Essence of Life (Flying Guillotine Choke). Vi wanted nothing more to leave this woman a shell of her former self, just like she left Susie Price three months ago.
The White Hawk closed in to apply the hold while Fujiko staggered back to her feet, seemingly ready to accept her fate. “It was a hard fought battle,” thought the Apex Goddess as she lowered her head, “...But I’m not ready to lose yet!” Her eyes snapped open as she reacts with the Lucky Shot (Backflip flash kick). She intercepts Vi at point-blank range, sending the White Hawk crashing back into the mat upon the impact. Fujiko played her trump card and threw herself over Vi’s body in a haphazard pin.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!!!
Zoey Valentine: Your winner and NEW Queen of Queens Champion, “The Apex Goddess” Fujiko Mine!
WINNER: “The Apex Goddess” Fujiko Mine.