Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Oct 23, 2018 7:11:19 GMT -8
The show opens in silence as an image of Vlad Blackheart, a beaming smile on his face and Lara Blackheart on the screen; depicting the man lifting his daughter onto his shoulders as part of the celebration in winning her debut match. Beneath it, the text reads:
~In Loving Memory Of Vlad Blackheart~
~Jan. 14, 1975 - May 5, 2016~
After the image fades away, the sound of Saliva's "Ladies And Gentlemen" is heard as the tournament logo explodes onto the screen and we hear the announcer's thunderous voice list the B Block competitors.
As the camera cuts to the ringside area, showing the amped up crowd, and panning around the interior of Madison Square Garden, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds welcome those in attendance, in addition to those watching via NFW's streaming network.
HANSON
"Here we are, folks! The last day of block matches for the inaugural Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament! Nick Hanson here, joined by James Reynolds. Jim, it has been one - HELL - of a ride and we're finally at the end of the road. After today, we will know what our finalist match will be. A Block's last day, yesterday, was mindblowing. We saw more shockers and upsets. Now, Chris Wolfe is anxiously waiting to see who he will step into the ring with next Monday, in Chicago."
REYNOLDS
"And he's really only got two possible opponents. We have two guys tied for the lead. Whether or not the tiebreaker comes into play, we won't know until later. But everyone else is mathmatically eliminated. We're looking at a fifty-fifty chance, depending on how things play out."
HANSON
"This tournameant means so much to so many involved. Not *everybody*, but a good majority. It would mean so much to Chris Wolfe if he could come out of this tournament with that trophy but he'll have to get through one more opponent. Who will that be? We'll find out later, tonight. But for now, it's time for some tag team action!"
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The opening tag match got off to one hell of an unofficial start. As Guns 'N Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle" signaled the arrival of Colt Shields' entrance to the ring, joined by Satoru Shade III as his tag team partner, the two began making their way down the ramp before the crowd began reacting to something the two hadn't seen yet...as it was coming up behind them.
REYNOLDS
"NICKY!! Watch out!!! LOOK!!"
HANSON
"What the hell?!?!?"
From the entrance curtain, Doomsday and Belphegor of Ultra-Violence came rushing down the ramp and jumped Shade and Colt from behind, beginning a savage beatdown at ringside. Belphegor lifted Shields up and dropped him hard onto the security barrier in a straddling position. Visibly in pain, Colt fell sideways, landing on the crowd's side as Doomsday irish whipped Satoru Shade into the steel steps so hard, one would have thought he was a small child. The impact was thunderous as Satoru Shade went careening over the bottom half of the steps, clutching his knee.
HANSON
"My GOD!!!! This is supposed to be a match, but it's just an unsolicited attack!"
Picking Satoru up, Doomsday threw him into the ring where Belphegor waited like a hulking predator. Despite the pre-emptive attack, Shade climbed to his feet and looked willing to go. As soon as the bell rang, Belphegor shot across the ring with a vicious Spear, nearly knocking Shade out of the ring. Doomsday was there, however, to walk across the apron and boot him back under the ropes as Belphegor roared to the crowd.
REYNOLDS
"Do you see why I hate the Dominion now, Nicky?! They're a bunch of goddamn animals!!"
Once Belphegor turned his attention back to the broken Satoru Shade, in the ring, he glanced over at Doomsday who drew his thumb across his neck and gave the thumbs down signal. Nodding, Belphegor pulled Satoru to his feet and lifted him into position...
REYNOLDS
"Oh for the love of god. Is this even necessary at this point?!"
...and brutally drove him back down to the mat.
HANSON
"NINTH CIRCLE!!!!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
REYNOLDS
"Well, thank god that's over!"
HANSON
"You said it, Jim. My match clock reads 1:25."
REYNOLDS
"You have a match clock?"
HANSON
"For these guys, I do."
As Calavera Conspiracy's "Ultra-Violent" filled the arena, Doomsday and Belphegor made their exit up the ramp.
REYNOLDS
"Nicky, I've never seen any tag team as goddamn savage as these two. These guys make the Knights of Narcosis look like altar boys!"
HANSON
"And they're in the ladder match for the Tag Team Championships at the finals, Jim. I'd be remiss to say this wasn't a message to the champions."
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The second tag match of the event saw Shelley Silver and Adrianna Salvatore work together, surprisingly well - despite their unfriendly history - bringing them a match victory over Candi Broduer and Serena Frost of The Renegades, at 14:22.
When Candi Broduer went for the Crippler Crossface on Adrianna Salvatore, Adrianna turned with her own momentum, managing to stay on her feet and position herself behind Candi where she locked her arms around the woman's neck again in a Rear Naked Choke.
HANSON
"There's the chokehold, Jim!! That same submission she locked onto Candi Broduer last time!"
REYNOLDS
"Last time, it won The Unwanted the match! WIll it do the same for her and Shelley Silver this time?!"
HANSON
"YES IT WILL!!! SHE'S TAPPING!!! CANDI'S TAPPING!!!"
REYNOLDS
"Alright, you can let her go now!"
Seconds into the hold, Candi began to feverishly tap on Adrianna's forearm while the Women's Champion, once again, rolled her eyes back and let her tongue hang out in an eerie, almost demonic fashion before finally releasing Broduer and shoving her away, towards her and Serena's corner. As Serena watched from the apron, Adrianna was quick to get to her feet and slowly step back towards her and Shelley's corner, motioning for Serena to go ahead and pick her partner up as the referee brought the Women's Championship to her. Adrianna stared coldly across the ring, belt dangling at her side before she exited the ring and joined Shelley Silver on the ramp, Disturbed's "The Vengeful One" booming throughout the arena.
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[10/22/2018 - DAY 17 - A BLOCK]
~In Loving Memory Of Vlad Blackheart~
~Jan. 14, 1975 - May 5, 2016~
After the image fades away, the sound of Saliva's "Ladies And Gentlemen" is heard as the tournament logo explodes onto the screen and we hear the announcer's thunderous voice list the B Block competitors.
As the camera cuts to the ringside area, showing the amped up crowd, and panning around the interior of Madison Square Garden, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds welcome those in attendance, in addition to those watching via NFW's streaming network.
HANSON
"Here we are, folks! The last day of block matches for the inaugural Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament! Nick Hanson here, joined by James Reynolds. Jim, it has been one - HELL - of a ride and we're finally at the end of the road. After today, we will know what our finalist match will be. A Block's last day, yesterday, was mindblowing. We saw more shockers and upsets. Now, Chris Wolfe is anxiously waiting to see who he will step into the ring with next Monday, in Chicago."
REYNOLDS
"And he's really only got two possible opponents. We have two guys tied for the lead. Whether or not the tiebreaker comes into play, we won't know until later. But everyone else is mathmatically eliminated. We're looking at a fifty-fifty chance, depending on how things play out."
HANSON
"This tournameant means so much to so many involved. Not *everybody*, but a good majority. It would mean so much to Chris Wolfe if he could come out of this tournament with that trophy but he'll have to get through one more opponent. Who will that be? We'll find out later, tonight. But for now, it's time for some tag team action!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The opening tag match got off to one hell of an unofficial start. As Guns 'N Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle" signaled the arrival of Colt Shields' entrance to the ring, joined by Satoru Shade III as his tag team partner, the two began making their way down the ramp before the crowd began reacting to something the two hadn't seen yet...as it was coming up behind them.
REYNOLDS
"NICKY!! Watch out!!! LOOK!!"
HANSON
"What the hell?!?!?"
From the entrance curtain, Doomsday and Belphegor of Ultra-Violence came rushing down the ramp and jumped Shade and Colt from behind, beginning a savage beatdown at ringside. Belphegor lifted Shields up and dropped him hard onto the security barrier in a straddling position. Visibly in pain, Colt fell sideways, landing on the crowd's side as Doomsday irish whipped Satoru Shade into the steel steps so hard, one would have thought he was a small child. The impact was thunderous as Satoru Shade went careening over the bottom half of the steps, clutching his knee.
HANSON
"My GOD!!!! This is supposed to be a match, but it's just an unsolicited attack!"
Picking Satoru up, Doomsday threw him into the ring where Belphegor waited like a hulking predator. Despite the pre-emptive attack, Shade climbed to his feet and looked willing to go. As soon as the bell rang, Belphegor shot across the ring with a vicious Spear, nearly knocking Shade out of the ring. Doomsday was there, however, to walk across the apron and boot him back under the ropes as Belphegor roared to the crowd.
REYNOLDS
"Do you see why I hate the Dominion now, Nicky?! They're a bunch of goddamn animals!!"
Once Belphegor turned his attention back to the broken Satoru Shade, in the ring, he glanced over at Doomsday who drew his thumb across his neck and gave the thumbs down signal. Nodding, Belphegor pulled Satoru to his feet and lifted him into position...
REYNOLDS
"Oh for the love of god. Is this even necessary at this point?!"
...and brutally drove him back down to the mat.
HANSON
"NINTH CIRCLE!!!!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
REYNOLDS
"Well, thank god that's over!"
HANSON
"You said it, Jim. My match clock reads 1:25."
REYNOLDS
"You have a match clock?"
HANSON
"For these guys, I do."
As Calavera Conspiracy's "Ultra-Violent" filled the arena, Doomsday and Belphegor made their exit up the ramp.
REYNOLDS
"Nicky, I've never seen any tag team as goddamn savage as these two. These guys make the Knights of Narcosis look like altar boys!"
HANSON
"And they're in the ladder match for the Tag Team Championships at the finals, Jim. I'd be remiss to say this wasn't a message to the champions."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The second tag match of the event saw Shelley Silver and Adrianna Salvatore work together, surprisingly well - despite their unfriendly history - bringing them a match victory over Candi Broduer and Serena Frost of The Renegades, at 14:22.
When Candi Broduer went for the Crippler Crossface on Adrianna Salvatore, Adrianna turned with her own momentum, managing to stay on her feet and position herself behind Candi where she locked her arms around the woman's neck again in a Rear Naked Choke.
HANSON
"There's the chokehold, Jim!! That same submission she locked onto Candi Broduer last time!"
REYNOLDS
"Last time, it won The Unwanted the match! WIll it do the same for her and Shelley Silver this time?!"
HANSON
"YES IT WILL!!! SHE'S TAPPING!!! CANDI'S TAPPING!!!"
REYNOLDS
"Alright, you can let her go now!"
Seconds into the hold, Candi began to feverishly tap on Adrianna's forearm while the Women's Champion, once again, rolled her eyes back and let her tongue hang out in an eerie, almost demonic fashion before finally releasing Broduer and shoving her away, towards her and Serena's corner. As Serena watched from the apron, Adrianna was quick to get to her feet and slowly step back towards her and Shelley's corner, motioning for Serena to go ahead and pick her partner up as the referee brought the Women's Championship to her. Adrianna stared coldly across the ring, belt dangling at her side before she exited the ring and joined Shelley Silver on the ramp, Disturbed's "The Vengeful One" booming throughout the arena.
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[10/22/2018 - DAY 17 - A BLOCK]
Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" could be heard out in the arena as the tag team of Kicks And Stones -- Erin Mercer and Vincent Stone -- stepped through the curtain and came to stand in front of the reporters.
"Whew...jeez...." Stone exclaims as he wipes the sweat from his face and begins unwrapping the tape from his fists.
"Hey, that was good." Erin panted, fist bumping her mixed tag team partner. "What now, one week?"
Stone nodded. "One week. One week until our first defense." He said, balling up the tape in one hand. "And you know what? I think we're ready. We're ready for whatever they have to throw at us. This is about two things...." He raises two fingers. "This lady right here gets her dream match of competing against her wrestling idol, and we get to show the world that us winning those Mixed Tag Belts wasn't just a fluke. We won titles in the indies and we've got them in the big leagues now."
Beside him, despite being out of breath, Erin smiled and laughed, shaking her head.
"What?" Stone looked confused at her. "What's so funny?"
Erin Mercer wagged a finger at him. "You called me a lady...."
This caused Vincent Stone to crack an exhausted grin, chuckling as he held up his hands in surrender. "I stand corrected, I guess."
Erin giggled, playfully shoving the man before pushing her hair out of her face. "He's right, though. We work hard wherever we go. We weren't even expecting to be able to bring you guys Kicks And Stones, but when they announced the Mixed Tag Team division, we knew we just had to. Next week, we have to live up to the hype. We're the ones that put our titles on the line. Our opponents didn't ask for it. All they offered was a match but with how important this whole event is? We felt it'd be wrong if the titles *didn't* go on the line. Are we gonna have to fight to keep them? Hell yeah. It's Crimson Sabre and LeeAnn Viskan. She's the greatest wrestler in women's wrestling in the world and I feel like a little girl on Christmas getting the chance to compete against her. It's not a one on one, no. She offered that, but like I said: what's a tribute to Easy V without putting everything you've got on the line? So here we are. Mixed Tag titles are going on the line, next week, in Chicago. Do I still want a singles match? You bet! Queen of the Ring's coming up. You guys may see it there. If not, maybe WrestleWar? Special singles match? I think that'd be something. I hope LeeAnn Viskan sees this and I hope she takes it into consideration. But one step at a time. Vin and I have a title defense to get ready." She looked beside her at her mixed tag partner and friend. "You good, bud?"
Stone clapped an arm and hand around her shoulder, nodding. "I'm gonna be sore in the morning, but when has that ever stopped me?" He said, as the two made their way off down the hallway.
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In the final tag match of the day, the Great White North defeated Killer Elite Squad, by pinfall in 17:01, when Rick Dickulous delivered the Misery Whip to Lance Archer.
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The camera focuses back on the ring as the ringside crew and security prepares for the final day of block matches. As attendants rush around to make sure everything is ready, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds begin the final breakdown of the tournament.
HANSON
"Well, Jim. It's about that time."
REYNOLDS
"It certainly is. So, we know Chris Wolfe is the winner of A Block. Talk about a shocking, unexpected turn of events, last night, huh?"
HANSON
"I guess you could put it that way, if you want to. Wolfe fought long and hard to get where he is and his work paid off."
REYNOLDS
"And now, here we are. Last day of B Block. Again, it's down to two guys, really. But the rest of the competitors still have a show to put on to prove their dedication. Maybe they'll be invited into next year's Memorial Tournament. But two guys at the top, still have a chance to beat the other out. Let's get that break down, Nicky."
HANSON
"Alright, well Jim, those two gentlemen are none other than Kenny Omega and Judas Lasher. They're tied in the lead with fourteen points, but Omega holds the tiebreaker. If Judas Lasher loses tonight, that's it. Omega goes to the finals, whether he wins or not. Judas Lasher NEEDS not only to win, but he needs Kenny Omega to lose if he wants to go to Chicago next week and take on Chris Wolfe for the main event spot at WrestleWar. As for the rest of the block points, we have William Mannheim with ten, Minoru Suzuki with eight, Scott Leroux, Big Daddy Payne, Tama Tonga, EVIL and Andrew Payne with six and Curry Man with four."
REYNOLDS
"Say, who's your pick, Nicky?"
HANSON
"You know I'm not gonna answer that. I know who yours *isn't* though."
REYNOLDS
"Damn right! Let's get this show on the road and see what happens!"
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In the first block match of the night, "The Punisher" Andrew Payne and Curry Man put on an absolute clinic against one another that lasted 13:00. Several minutes into the match, Andrew Payne went for the Art of Ruin but Curry Man shoved him into the ropes, waiting with a dropkick when he bounced back. He immediately approached the corner, going for the BME.
REYNOLDS
"Here it comes, Nicky!!! BEST---MOONSAULT--EV--NO!!!!"
But Andrew Payne got his knees up, causing Curry Man to come landing down on his ribs. Payne immediately rolled over and covered him for the pin.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR--NO!!
HANSON
"He kicks out!! Curry Man's still alive!!"
Climbing to his feet, Andrew pulled Curry Man up to his feet and went for the 11th Hour. Curry Man backrolled, over Payne's shoulder and hoisted him up over his shoulders for the Spicy Drop.
REYNOLDS
"SPICY DROP, NICKY!!"
But Payne slipped out of the setup and shoved Curry Man towards the ropes this time. As he came back towards him, Payne tossed him up for a pop-up powerbomb.
HANSON & REYNOLDS
"POWERBOMB!!!!!"
Andrew Payne lifted Curry Man up, driving him back down for a second powerbomb, and finally a third before he leaned forward to apply pressure onto his shoulders.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
HANSON
"AND THAT'S B BLOCK FOR THESE TWO SUPERSTARS!! WOW!!"
REYNOLDS
"That's was good old fashioned wrestling if I ever saw it, Nicky!"
As Lamb of God's "The Duke" played, Andrew Payne pulled himself to his feet and helped Curry Man up, embracing the man like another brother he shared a history with before both men raised their arms and parted ways with Curry Man giving Andrew Payne the ring to celebrate his victory.
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[10/22/2018 - DAY 17 - A BLOCK]
I Prevail's "Come And Get It" plays out in the arena as Max LeBrun comes staggering through the curtain, carrying the Heavyweight Championship and stumbling right passed the reporters, in obvious pain as he holds a hand to his jaw.
"Get the fuck out of my way, assholes!" He snaps, pushing passed them as he promptly makes his way towards the locker rooms.
The shot fades out to black.
**********************************************************
Seconds later, the camera fades back in from white as Nico Salvatore stands in front of the backdrop with an exhausted, cocky smirk on his face.
"So what did that f'nuc have to say?" He looks from reporter to reporter, waiting for an answer.
"Nothing, really." One answers.
"Nothin'?!" Nico responds with an amused grin on his face and laughs. "'Course he didn't! He never has shit to say when he gets his ass kicked! And he calls himself a fighting champion. YOU'RE A SORRY PIECE OF SHIT, MAX!!!" Nico yells down the hallway, hoping he can be heard by Max LeBrun. "I TOLD YOU I WAS GONNA BEAT YOUR FUCKIN' ASS!! THIS AIN'T OVER, EITHER!! YOU GOT ANOTHER ASSWHUPPIN' COMIN' AND WHEN IT DOES, I'M TAKING THE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ME, PAISANO!!"
Finally settling down, Nico turns back to the reporters and gives a half shrug of his shoulders. "That's all there is to it, huh? That one was for you, sorella." He winks with a click of his tongue and heads off down the hallway, beginning to unwrap the tape from his hands. As he does, we hear him shout, "MAYBE THOSE KNEES'LL TEACH YA TO SHUT YOUR FUCKIN' MOUTH, HOW ABOUT THAT, MAX, HUH?!"
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EVIL defeated Minoru Suzuki in their block match, by pinfall in 12:52, when Suzuki released him out of the sleeper hold in order to go for the Gotch Piledriver, but EVIL surprised him with Everything Is Evil out of nowhere and rolled him up for the pin.
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For 16:33, Kenny Omega and Big Daddy Payne clashed in the ring, dishing out everything they had at each other. V-Triggers from Omega and Bukakke Blasts from BDP, but neither able to score the pinfall until BDP went for another Bukakke Blast aaaaaaand--
*SMACK!*
Kenny Omega popped up, catching him with a surprise V-Trigger!!
HANSON
"V-TRIGGER!!"
REYNOLDS
"OUT-OF-NOWHERE!!"
As BDP staggered backwards, Kenny Omega caught him by the waistline of his jeans and pulled him back towards him, lifting him onto his shoulders for the finish.
REYNOLDS
"THIS IS IT, NICKY! HE'S GOING FOR IT!!"
HANSON
"ONE...WINGED...ANG--NO!!!"
REYNOLDS
"HE COUNTERED!!"
As Kenny moved to position one of BDP's legs behind his shoulder, the founder of the House of Payne somehow managed to get his bearings and bowl forward, holding onto Kenny as he went down and caught Omega in a roll up.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Madison Square Garden - went - NUTS as WASP's "Charisma" filled the arena, with the man falling back in exhaustion while Kenny shot up in disbelief; hysterically debating with the referee who reaffirmed that it was a three count before the man finally relented and fell back with his hands over his face.
REYNOLDS
"Kenny Omega will finish the Vlad Memorial with fourteen points!"
HANSON
"You know what that means, Jim! If Judas Lasher wins tonight, he beats Kenny Omega! Hell, if he so much as *draws* he beats Kenny Omega!"
REYNOLDS
"Oh man, this is gonna test my faith in God, Nicky."
As BDP's music continued on, both men climbed to their feet and found themselves in a silent stand off. Nobody could hear what they were saying, but it ended in a visibly distraught looking Kenny Omega shaking BDP's hand and giving daps before leaving to let him celebrate his victory.
HANSON
"I love the sportsmanship. Look at that. Well, Jim. That narrows things down. Our next match will decide the winner of B Block. Kenny Omega still has a chance but it got a lot slimmer."
REYNOLDS
"Yeah, a lot darker, too. You realize, Judas Lasher can beat him two different ways. He doesn't even have to pin or submit, William Mannheim. All he has to do is wrestle him to a draw. All Lasher has to do is last twenty minutes against his greatest career rival and he's going to Chicago to face Chris Wolfe in the finals."
HANSON
"Well, let's see, later tonight, if the King of Pain can do just that."
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Scott Leroux defeated Tama Tonga in their block match, by submission in 11:58 with the Anklelock.
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As the camera focused on the ring, Saliva's "Go Big Or Go Home" kicked on over the speakers, drawing an immediate pop from the crowd.
REYNOLDS
"Did you bring a tarp, Nicky?"
HANSON
"What? For what?"
REYNOLDS
"You heard William Mannheim. He called for 'crimson showers' on social media. When have these two ever met in the ring where it hasn't ended up looking like something out of a horror movie?"
HANSON
"You've got a point but remember, Judas Lasher never responded. He's been in a state of deep focus since this tournament started and you have to realize: he's wrestled clean matches the entire time. Sure, we've seen his brutal offense, but the King of Pain has defeated each and every one of his opponents cleanly. This tournament means more to him, I'd say, than it does anybody else."
REYNOLDS
"I understand that, Nicky, but if you're saying he *isn't* gonna go for blood, tonight, I may have to disagree. That man in the ring right there?"
The camera focuses on William Mannheim finishing up his entrance in the ring.
REYNOLDS
"He wants a fight from his greatest rival and you know damn well he's gonna do what he needs to do in order to get one out of him."
~AVE...SATANAS!!~
REYNOLDS
"Oh shit, and here comes that rival."
HANSON
"You stay right in that chair, Jim."
The camera got a good close up of Mannheim's focused expression as Lasher approached the ring, ready and waiting.
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The block match for William Mannheim and Judas Lasher was an absolute war that lasted 18:19. While the match was definitely brutal and exciting, it strayed from the telltale hardcore aspect that both men were known for when facing each other. The two men took things outside on more than one occasion and traded blows throughout the audience.
REYNOLDS
"Referee James Greer's gotta get these guys back in the ring, Nicky!"
HANSON
"I don't think he wants to get in between them!"
Moments later, during their last venture into the audience, as James Greer tried to corral the two back towards the ring, William Mannheim caught Judas Lasher by the throat.
REYNOLDS
"Ohhhhhhh, man! We're looking at a chokeslam--NO!!!"
Instead, Lasher kicked Mannheim in the knee, buckling him and leaped off of his feet, SNAPPING Mannheim down to the concrete floor.
HANSON
"LUCIFER'S HALO!!! LUCIFER'S HALO ON THE FLOOR!!! MY GOD!!!"
Both men laid on the floor -- Judas, writhing and fighting to get up while Mannheim laid out on his back, staring up at the ceiling of the arena. Getting to his feet first, Judas Lasher whipped his dreadlocked hair out of his face, revealing that patented look of dark rage as he looked all around him at the screaming fans. Finally, his eyes fell on one spot in particular.
REYNOLDS
"Nicky, what's he looking at?"
HANSON
"Your guess is as good as mine."
REYNOLDS
"What the hell is he doing?!"
The crowd grew louder as Judas Lasher began pushing passed fans and ascending the steps to an upper level. Meanwhile, William Mannheim began moving and climbing to his feet as Judas Lasher continued to hastily push fans aside to get where he needed to be. Finally, the King of Pain reappeared in a clear view, standing at the next level up -- about fifteen feet high.
HANSON
"No way...."
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In the first block match of the night, "The Punisher" Andrew Payne and Curry Man put on an absolute clinic against one another that lasted 13:00. Several minutes into the match, Andrew Payne went for the Art of Ruin but Curry Man shoved him into the ropes, waiting with a dropkick when he bounced back. He immediately approached the corner, going for the BME.
REYNOLDS
"Here it comes, Nicky!!! BEST---MOONSAULT--EV--NO!!!!"
But Andrew Payne got his knees up, causing Curry Man to come landing down on his ribs. Payne immediately rolled over and covered him for the pin.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR--NO!!
HANSON
"He kicks out!! Curry Man's still alive!!"
Climbing to his feet, Andrew pulled Curry Man up to his feet and went for the 11th Hour. Curry Man backrolled, over Payne's shoulder and hoisted him up over his shoulders for the Spicy Drop.
REYNOLDS
"SPICY DROP, NICKY!!"
But Payne slipped out of the setup and shoved Curry Man towards the ropes this time. As he came back towards him, Payne tossed him up for a pop-up powerbomb.
HANSON & REYNOLDS
"POWERBOMB!!!!!"
Andrew Payne lifted Curry Man up, driving him back down for a second powerbomb, and finally a third before he leaned forward to apply pressure onto his shoulders.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
HANSON
"AND THAT'S B BLOCK FOR THESE TWO SUPERSTARS!! WOW!!"
REYNOLDS
"That's was good old fashioned wrestling if I ever saw it, Nicky!"
As Lamb of God's "The Duke" played, Andrew Payne pulled himself to his feet and helped Curry Man up, embracing the man like another brother he shared a history with before both men raised their arms and parted ways with Curry Man giving Andrew Payne the ring to celebrate his victory.
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[10/22/2018 - DAY 17 - A BLOCK]
I Prevail's "Come And Get It" plays out in the arena as Max LeBrun comes staggering through the curtain, carrying the Heavyweight Championship and stumbling right passed the reporters, in obvious pain as he holds a hand to his jaw.
"Get the fuck out of my way, assholes!" He snaps, pushing passed them as he promptly makes his way towards the locker rooms.
The shot fades out to black.
**********************************************************
Seconds later, the camera fades back in from white as Nico Salvatore stands in front of the backdrop with an exhausted, cocky smirk on his face.
"So what did that f'nuc have to say?" He looks from reporter to reporter, waiting for an answer.
"Nothing, really." One answers.
"Nothin'?!" Nico responds with an amused grin on his face and laughs. "'Course he didn't! He never has shit to say when he gets his ass kicked! And he calls himself a fighting champion. YOU'RE A SORRY PIECE OF SHIT, MAX!!!" Nico yells down the hallway, hoping he can be heard by Max LeBrun. "I TOLD YOU I WAS GONNA BEAT YOUR FUCKIN' ASS!! THIS AIN'T OVER, EITHER!! YOU GOT ANOTHER ASSWHUPPIN' COMIN' AND WHEN IT DOES, I'M TAKING THE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ME, PAISANO!!"
Finally settling down, Nico turns back to the reporters and gives a half shrug of his shoulders. "That's all there is to it, huh? That one was for you, sorella." He winks with a click of his tongue and heads off down the hallway, beginning to unwrap the tape from his hands. As he does, we hear him shout, "MAYBE THOSE KNEES'LL TEACH YA TO SHUT YOUR FUCKIN' MOUTH, HOW ABOUT THAT, MAX, HUH?!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVIL defeated Minoru Suzuki in their block match, by pinfall in 12:52, when Suzuki released him out of the sleeper hold in order to go for the Gotch Piledriver, but EVIL surprised him with Everything Is Evil out of nowhere and rolled him up for the pin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For 16:33, Kenny Omega and Big Daddy Payne clashed in the ring, dishing out everything they had at each other. V-Triggers from Omega and Bukakke Blasts from BDP, but neither able to score the pinfall until BDP went for another Bukakke Blast aaaaaaand--
*SMACK!*
Kenny Omega popped up, catching him with a surprise V-Trigger!!
HANSON
"V-TRIGGER!!"
REYNOLDS
"OUT-OF-NOWHERE!!"
As BDP staggered backwards, Kenny Omega caught him by the waistline of his jeans and pulled him back towards him, lifting him onto his shoulders for the finish.
REYNOLDS
"THIS IS IT, NICKY! HE'S GOING FOR IT!!"
HANSON
"ONE...WINGED...ANG--NO!!!"
REYNOLDS
"HE COUNTERED!!"
As Kenny moved to position one of BDP's legs behind his shoulder, the founder of the House of Payne somehow managed to get his bearings and bowl forward, holding onto Kenny as he went down and caught Omega in a roll up.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
Madison Square Garden - went - NUTS as WASP's "Charisma" filled the arena, with the man falling back in exhaustion while Kenny shot up in disbelief; hysterically debating with the referee who reaffirmed that it was a three count before the man finally relented and fell back with his hands over his face.
REYNOLDS
"Kenny Omega will finish the Vlad Memorial with fourteen points!"
HANSON
"You know what that means, Jim! If Judas Lasher wins tonight, he beats Kenny Omega! Hell, if he so much as *draws* he beats Kenny Omega!"
REYNOLDS
"Oh man, this is gonna test my faith in God, Nicky."
As BDP's music continued on, both men climbed to their feet and found themselves in a silent stand off. Nobody could hear what they were saying, but it ended in a visibly distraught looking Kenny Omega shaking BDP's hand and giving daps before leaving to let him celebrate his victory.
HANSON
"I love the sportsmanship. Look at that. Well, Jim. That narrows things down. Our next match will decide the winner of B Block. Kenny Omega still has a chance but it got a lot slimmer."
REYNOLDS
"Yeah, a lot darker, too. You realize, Judas Lasher can beat him two different ways. He doesn't even have to pin or submit, William Mannheim. All he has to do is wrestle him to a draw. All Lasher has to do is last twenty minutes against his greatest career rival and he's going to Chicago to face Chris Wolfe in the finals."
HANSON
"Well, let's see, later tonight, if the King of Pain can do just that."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott Leroux defeated Tama Tonga in their block match, by submission in 11:58 with the Anklelock.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the camera focused on the ring, Saliva's "Go Big Or Go Home" kicked on over the speakers, drawing an immediate pop from the crowd.
REYNOLDS
"Did you bring a tarp, Nicky?"
HANSON
"What? For what?"
REYNOLDS
"You heard William Mannheim. He called for 'crimson showers' on social media. When have these two ever met in the ring where it hasn't ended up looking like something out of a horror movie?"
HANSON
"You've got a point but remember, Judas Lasher never responded. He's been in a state of deep focus since this tournament started and you have to realize: he's wrestled clean matches the entire time. Sure, we've seen his brutal offense, but the King of Pain has defeated each and every one of his opponents cleanly. This tournament means more to him, I'd say, than it does anybody else."
REYNOLDS
"I understand that, Nicky, but if you're saying he *isn't* gonna go for blood, tonight, I may have to disagree. That man in the ring right there?"
The camera focuses on William Mannheim finishing up his entrance in the ring.
REYNOLDS
"He wants a fight from his greatest rival and you know damn well he's gonna do what he needs to do in order to get one out of him."
~AVE...SATANAS!!~
REYNOLDS
"Oh shit, and here comes that rival."
HANSON
"You stay right in that chair, Jim."
The camera got a good close up of Mannheim's focused expression as Lasher approached the ring, ready and waiting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The block match for William Mannheim and Judas Lasher was an absolute war that lasted 18:19. While the match was definitely brutal and exciting, it strayed from the telltale hardcore aspect that both men were known for when facing each other. The two men took things outside on more than one occasion and traded blows throughout the audience.
REYNOLDS
"Referee James Greer's gotta get these guys back in the ring, Nicky!"
HANSON
"I don't think he wants to get in between them!"
Moments later, during their last venture into the audience, as James Greer tried to corral the two back towards the ring, William Mannheim caught Judas Lasher by the throat.
REYNOLDS
"Ohhhhhhh, man! We're looking at a chokeslam--NO!!!"
Instead, Lasher kicked Mannheim in the knee, buckling him and leaped off of his feet, SNAPPING Mannheim down to the concrete floor.
HANSON
"LUCIFER'S HALO!!! LUCIFER'S HALO ON THE FLOOR!!! MY GOD!!!"
Both men laid on the floor -- Judas, writhing and fighting to get up while Mannheim laid out on his back, staring up at the ceiling of the arena. Getting to his feet first, Judas Lasher whipped his dreadlocked hair out of his face, revealing that patented look of dark rage as he looked all around him at the screaming fans. Finally, his eyes fell on one spot in particular.
REYNOLDS
"Nicky, what's he looking at?"
HANSON
"Your guess is as good as mine."
REYNOLDS
"What the hell is he doing?!"
The crowd grew louder as Judas Lasher began pushing passed fans and ascending the steps to an upper level. Meanwhile, William Mannheim began moving and climbing to his feet as Judas Lasher continued to hastily push fans aside to get where he needed to be. Finally, the King of Pain reappeared in a clear view, standing at the next level up -- about fifteen feet high.
HANSON
"No way...."
REYNOLDS
"You gotta be kidding me!"
HANSON
"No way!"
REYNOLDS
"Is he nuts?!"
Judas climbed over the safety railing, putting himself on the thin edge of concrete, glaring down at Mannheim as the one half of the Army of Darkness found his footing and looked up at where Judas was waiting. The King of Pain threw his arms out to the side, roaring to Madison Square Garden--
"AVE -- SATANAAAAS!!!!"
And DOVE from the higher level, crashing down onto Mannheim with a heartstopping Cross Body Splash!!
REYNOLDS
"HOOOOOOLY CRAP!!!!"
HANSON
"YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!! JUDAS LASHER, THE KING OF PAIN -- SATANIC PRIEST -- JUST TOOK A LEAP OF FAITH INTO THE DEPTHS OF HELL!!!!"
CROWD
"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"
Moments later, once the referee was finally able to get them back into the ring, the two continued throwing everything they had at one another.
REYNOLDS
"How are these two even still standing, Nicky?!"
HANSON
"God only knows, Jim!"
REYNOLDS
"Lasher might beg to differ on that!"
Finally, William Mannheim came off of the ropes, clobbering Judas Lasher with a vicious clothesline that sent the Dominion of Pain's leader reeling head over heel through the air and landing face down.
HANSON
"CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!!!!! THAT'S GOTTA BE IT!!!!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR--
HANSON
"NOO!! LASHER KICKS OUT!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!"
REYNOLDS
"Look at Mannheim's eyes, Nicky! He can't believe it, either!"
HANSON
"I don't think Judas can believe it!"
REYNOLDS
"Man, I know I talk alot of trash on the Dominion of Pain. They creep me out. Judas Lasher fucking terrifies me. I knock the Great White North and the Army of Darkness. Rick, the apple, doesn't fall far from Willy, the tree, but god-DAMN are these two tearing it down! This may not be the main event fans of these two were hoping for, but they are still LOVING it!!"
HANSON
"Indeed they are, but the clock's ticking towards that twenty minute mark, Jim and you have to believe it's almost ov--Theeeeeeeere it iiiiiiiis!!!!"
Hanson remarked as William Mannheim pulled Judas Lasher up by his hair onto his knees and, sneering, called for the finish.
REYNOLDS
"Ohhh man, Nicky. If the Clothesline From Hell didn't put him away, this sure as hell will!"
William Mannheim lifted Judas Lasher up in a powerbomb hold, hoisting him up over behind his shoulders in a crucifix lift.
HANSON
"This is it, Jim!"
REYNOLDS
"William Mannheim is about to put away his long time rival! Lasher's dream of winning this tournament is about to go down the dr---"
As Mannheim popped Lasher up into the air and went for the catch into the sitdown powerbomb, Judas Lasher somehow managed to turn himself forward and caught him around the head, SNAPPING him down brutally, once more, in the center of the ring.
HANSON
"LUCIFER'S HALO!!!!! HOW THE HELL DID HE DO THAT?!"
REYNOLDS
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
HANSON
"WILLIAM MANNHEIM WAS READY TO SEND JUDAS LASHER BACK TO HELL!! LASHER JUST DRAGGED HIM DOWN WITH HIM!!!"
REYNOLDS
"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! THERE'S THE COVER!!!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
HANSON
"INCREDIBLE!!! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!! JUDAS LASHER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS YOUR B BLOCK WINNER!!! THE KING OF PAIN IS GOING TO THE FINALS!!!"
Venom Inc's "Ave Satanas" tore throughout the arena as Judas and Mannheim laid out in the center of the ring. Ringside attendants rushed into the ring with icepacks for both men as Roger Arden announced into the microphone.
ARDEN
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match -- with a total of eight wins and sixteen points, and therefore your B Block winner -- THE KING OF PAIN...JUUUUUUDAAAAAASSS LAAASHEEEEEEEER!!!!!!"
HANSON
"Say what you want about that man right there, Jim. I know you're not exactly unbiased, but that man -- Judas Lasher -- just went through hell and back to earn this victory! And that's not to take anything from William Mannheim!! Both of these men deserve this standing ovation! Look at this! The crowd is on their feet!! They're even SINGING!!"
CROWD
"AAAVE!!! AAAVE SATAAAANAS!!! AAAVE!! LUCIFERI EXCEEEELSI!!!"
REYNOLDS
"You know what? I'll give credit where it's due. That was one hell of a match, and it looks like he's got some company coming down to the ring."
As Lasher's music blared on, the rest of the Dominion of Pain made their way down the ramp, entering the ring to congratulate their leader and friend in his victory.
HANSON
"That's our show for this week, folks, and that is it for the Vlad Blackheart Memorial block matches! We will see you next week in Chicago, Illinois where that man -- Judas Lasher, the winner of B Block -- will take on Chris Wolfe, the winner of A Block, in the finals! Which of them will win the trophy?! Which of them will win the contract?! Who will go to WrestleWar in January for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship?! Find out next week!! Until then, so long folks!!"
The final shot of the show as it faded out, saw the Dominion of Pain posed in the ring. Buzzsaw and Crimson Sabre standing on either end with Lara Blackheart and LeeAnn Viskan on the insides while Belphegor towered in the back. In the front, Judas Lasher knelt on his knees with his arms out. Directly behind him, Doomsday stood hunched down with one hand clapped down onto the man's shoulder, glaring at the camera as he pointed at Judas, silently telling his opponent in the finals the threat that was coming for him.
"You gotta be kidding me!"
HANSON
"No way!"
REYNOLDS
"Is he nuts?!"
Judas climbed over the safety railing, putting himself on the thin edge of concrete, glaring down at Mannheim as the one half of the Army of Darkness found his footing and looked up at where Judas was waiting. The King of Pain threw his arms out to the side, roaring to Madison Square Garden--
"AVE -- SATANAAAAS!!!!"
And DOVE from the higher level, crashing down onto Mannheim with a heartstopping Cross Body Splash!!
REYNOLDS
"HOOOOOOLY CRAP!!!!"
HANSON
"YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!! JUDAS LASHER, THE KING OF PAIN -- SATANIC PRIEST -- JUST TOOK A LEAP OF FAITH INTO THE DEPTHS OF HELL!!!!"
CROWD
"HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!"
Moments later, once the referee was finally able to get them back into the ring, the two continued throwing everything they had at one another.
REYNOLDS
"How are these two even still standing, Nicky?!"
HANSON
"God only knows, Jim!"
REYNOLDS
"Lasher might beg to differ on that!"
Finally, William Mannheim came off of the ropes, clobbering Judas Lasher with a vicious clothesline that sent the Dominion of Pain's leader reeling head over heel through the air and landing face down.
HANSON
"CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!!!!! THAT'S GOTTA BE IT!!!!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR--
HANSON
"NOO!! LASHER KICKS OUT!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!"
REYNOLDS
"Look at Mannheim's eyes, Nicky! He can't believe it, either!"
HANSON
"I don't think Judas can believe it!"
REYNOLDS
"Man, I know I talk alot of trash on the Dominion of Pain. They creep me out. Judas Lasher fucking terrifies me. I knock the Great White North and the Army of Darkness. Rick, the apple, doesn't fall far from Willy, the tree, but god-DAMN are these two tearing it down! This may not be the main event fans of these two were hoping for, but they are still LOVING it!!"
HANSON
"Indeed they are, but the clock's ticking towards that twenty minute mark, Jim and you have to believe it's almost ov--Theeeeeeeere it iiiiiiiis!!!!"
Hanson remarked as William Mannheim pulled Judas Lasher up by his hair onto his knees and, sneering, called for the finish.
REYNOLDS
"Ohhh man, Nicky. If the Clothesline From Hell didn't put him away, this sure as hell will!"
William Mannheim lifted Judas Lasher up in a powerbomb hold, hoisting him up over behind his shoulders in a crucifix lift.
HANSON
"This is it, Jim!"
REYNOLDS
"William Mannheim is about to put away his long time rival! Lasher's dream of winning this tournament is about to go down the dr---"
As Mannheim popped Lasher up into the air and went for the catch into the sitdown powerbomb, Judas Lasher somehow managed to turn himself forward and caught him around the head, SNAPPING him down brutally, once more, in the center of the ring.
HANSON
"LUCIFER'S HALO!!!!! HOW THE HELL DID HE DO THAT?!"
REYNOLDS
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
HANSON
"WILLIAM MANNHEIM WAS READY TO SEND JUDAS LASHER BACK TO HELL!! LASHER JUST DRAGGED HIM DOWN WITH HIM!!!"
REYNOLDS
"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! THERE'S THE COVER!!!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
HANSON
"INCREDIBLE!!! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!! JUDAS LASHER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS YOUR B BLOCK WINNER!!! THE KING OF PAIN IS GOING TO THE FINALS!!!"
Venom Inc's "Ave Satanas" tore throughout the arena as Judas and Mannheim laid out in the center of the ring. Ringside attendants rushed into the ring with icepacks for both men as Roger Arden announced into the microphone.
ARDEN
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match -- with a total of eight wins and sixteen points, and therefore your B Block winner -- THE KING OF PAIN...JUUUUUUDAAAAAASSS LAAASHEEEEEEEER!!!!!!"
HANSON
"Say what you want about that man right there, Jim. I know you're not exactly unbiased, but that man -- Judas Lasher -- just went through hell and back to earn this victory! And that's not to take anything from William Mannheim!! Both of these men deserve this standing ovation! Look at this! The crowd is on their feet!! They're even SINGING!!"
CROWD
"AAAVE!!! AAAVE SATAAAANAS!!! AAAVE!! LUCIFERI EXCEEEELSI!!!"
REYNOLDS
"You know what? I'll give credit where it's due. That was one hell of a match, and it looks like he's got some company coming down to the ring."
As Lasher's music blared on, the rest of the Dominion of Pain made their way down the ramp, entering the ring to congratulate their leader and friend in his victory.
HANSON
"That's our show for this week, folks, and that is it for the Vlad Blackheart Memorial block matches! We will see you next week in Chicago, Illinois where that man -- Judas Lasher, the winner of B Block -- will take on Chris Wolfe, the winner of A Block, in the finals! Which of them will win the trophy?! Which of them will win the contract?! Who will go to WrestleWar in January for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship?! Find out next week!! Until then, so long folks!!"
The final shot of the show as it faded out, saw the Dominion of Pain posed in the ring. Buzzsaw and Crimson Sabre standing on either end with Lara Blackheart and LeeAnn Viskan on the insides while Belphegor towered in the back. In the front, Judas Lasher knelt on his knees with his arms out. Directly behind him, Doomsday stood hunched down with one hand clapped down onto the man's shoulder, glaring at the camera as he pointed at Judas, silently telling his opponent in the finals the threat that was coming for him.
