UWF Presents Resistance — Episode 1 (09/11/18)
Sept 12, 2018 1:10:49 GMT -6
Gone, Jye, and 3 more like this
Post by crann on Sept 12, 2018 1:10:49 GMT -6
The fans are buzzing as the show opens cold on the ring, a table set up with what is presumably a display, but is presently covered by draping. Suddenly, music begins booming over the arena soundsystem.
As his music plays, Resistance General Manager Drake Maverick emerges from the back, a smile on his face as he takes in the large crowd for the debut of his brand. Maverick seems genuinely proud as he walks down the ramp to the ring, jogs up the ring steps and enters between the ropes. Drake briefly glances at the table, then crosses the ring to collect a microphone and address the rowdy audience, who are cheering loudly for him.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to formally welcome all of you to the Resistance!
A huge pop, and Maverick lowers the microphone to grin widely, allowing the fans their moment. After about ten seconds, he lifts his hand to call for silence and he continues.
Tonight, you will all be part of history. The debut of a new brand is a major moment for any wrestling promotion, but Resistance represents something truly special. From the moment the draft was finished, the buzz began. And right here, right now… I have the rare opportunity to present to all of you something truly special. While Revolution has the UWF Championship, which proudly continued the lineage of all of the Ultimate Wrestling Federation’s world titles from the moment it was unified, tonight marks another branch in the story of a different world championship and that title is the UWF International Championship! So, tell me… would you all like to see the top prize that every man on the Resistance roster covets?
A huge “YES!” chant, a la Daniel Bryan, kicks up. Maverick chuckles off the microphone as he looks the crowd over, his eyes sweeping the thousands in the stand as they call for the unveiling of the International Championship. He crosses the ring, grapes the drape on the top of the display and pulls it up and off, revealing the title!
There is another massive pop from the fans as the belt glitters in the arena lighting. Drake indulges the hype for a moment, then begins to speak again.
This is the title that will shape the dreams of hundreds of men. Children the world over will dream of one day holding it over their heads. Men fighting on the independent circuit will aspire to hold it. And every single person in that locker room will stop at nothing to claim it as theirs. Which is why tonight, I’m also pleased to announce precisely how the first UWF International Champion will be crowned. Ladies and gentlemen, at UWF Genesis, six of the very best on Resistance will compete in one of the most brutal matches ever devised in the sport of professional wrestling:
ELIMINATION CHAMBER.
Another huge “YES” chant kicks up. Drake again indulges, pausing to allow the fans to revel in their excitement. Finally, he lifts his microphone back up to finish off his big, show-opening remarks.
And to determine who will qualify for the Elimination Chamber, I have decided to hold six qualifier match-ups, to be contested over the coming weeks and starting next week when we have none oth--
Suddenly, Drake’s speech is interrupted as the lights cut out and then a familiar song begins to play with the vocals starting at the same time as the music.
”I...am...your worst nightmare.
I’ll get inside your head,
You’ll see me before it ends.
I...am...your worst nightmare.
Don’t worry, don’t be scared.
I’m not going anywhere.”
At the conclusion of the word, ‘anywhere’ being sung, the vocalist begins to scream as the tempo of the song picks up with heavy guitar. Timed with the scream, the lights flicker to a dark blue as a fog shrouds the air and suddenly Vinny appears from below the ring with a red balloon in hand. As Drake is looking at the stage, Vinny enters the ring and sneaks up on him, popping the balloon next to his ear as Drake jumps startled and lands in the upstage corner, grasping his chest and trying to catch his breath as the lights come up and the music fades to silence.
Vinny Marseglia: You said the buzz began when the draft ended, but I would argue that the buzz began as soon as it was announced that Vinny Marseglia was making his way over to Resistance. Because everyone that’s been watching the product this year knows what I bring to the table but it’s not just the presentation, it’s the execution. I have netted together countless winning streaks, I am the holder of the longest Television Championship reign, I won the King of the Ring tournament. And I bring that up not just to let you know what a coup drafting me was, not just to show that this draft came along at the right time so that I would have fresh terrain to conquer, but to raise a grievance.
The man I faced at Heatwave, Triple H, has a number one contendership match on Revolution tomorrow. Meanwhile, I, the man that beat Triple H, was given his first night on Resistance off. So while everyone else is pleased to be competing here tonight and happy with the unveiling of the International Championship and the announcement of the Elimination Chamber qualifiers next week, that’s next week. Where’s something that I can sink my teeth into tonight?
Maverick looks nervously at Marseglia, unsure how to respond to the Horror King at first after having witnessed the full extent of the man's savagery at Summerslam. Still, the General Manager of Resistance eventually finds his backbone and stands tall as he offers up his reply.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Frankly, Mr. Marseglia, you should consider yourself fortunate enough to still be employed by the Ultimate Wrestling Federation. Though there was no love lost for Jimmy Jacobs, he was a promising future star of this company and at Summerslam you took actions which may have ended his career. Ethan was furious, the board was furious and frankly, I'm shocked you weren't terminated. Had the decision been in my hands you would have been fired for your actions, but you weren't and so here we stand today, with you arguably the most promising name on my roster. Now, having reinvented myself just a few short months ago, I am rather fond of second chances and that's why I wanted to give you one. But your chance, in the interest of fairness, can be no better than anyone else's. Resistance represents a blank slate for every single man who is on its roster, a rare opportunity in this business to revisit your past, see what was working and what was not and make improvements so that you can be more successful in the future. And I really, truly would love to see you succeed here on Resistance, Mr. Marseglia, but in order to do that you are going to have to wait your turn, the same way as everyone else. That's just how it goes in this busine--
Drake is interrupted as Vinny grabs him by the collar with the hand not holding the microphone and pulls him in so that there is little distance between them.
Vinny Marseglia: Unless you’re dealing with me. I will not stand idly by while men on the other show, losers as evidenced by our match, get rewarded while I get nothing. Unless I’m inflicting torture and watching the life leave someone’s body, I detest waiting. There is no argument, Drake, I am the most promising name on your roster and as such, I should not be relegated to the sidelines. To make this up to me, I suggest you bypass the qualifier for me, because I can guarantee I’d win it, and put me in the Elimination Chamber match. Because if you don’t, what I did to Jimmy Jacobs will seem like a walk in a meadow of flowers compared to what I do to you!
Vinny releases Drake and drops the microphone, pulling his axe from his jacket. Drake goes to speak but Vinny knocks the microphone out of his hands with the axe. Vinny backs Drake into the corner, the axe held to his throat, when suddenly...
BURN IT DOWN!!!
The fans all begin to get extremely antsy when a large amount of pyro goes off at the top of the stage shaking the entire arena. Seth Rollins soon emerges from behind a large cloud of smoke as the fans all begin to cheer and scream at the top of their voices. The ovation is ear splitting, earth rattling, and flat out deafening. Seth Rollins slowly steps out from the back, very slowly and methodically. Seth Rollins walking out down the Resistance ramp for the first time is a sight to behold. A slight grin emerges from the corners of his mouth as he recognizes the fans adoring love for him. Seth walks down the ramp as the love from the fans continue to pour down upon his shoulders. He makes contact with a few fans in the form of handshakes and hand claps and he makes his way into the ring. He stands on second turnbuckle and throws both of his fists in the air as the crowd continues to scream until their lungs collapse.
Seth enters the ring and gives a long, cold, hard stare to Vinny that lasts for several long moments. Seth then looks over at Drake and then back to Vinny. He is finally handed a mic and begins to address the UWF Universe.
Seth Rollins: Vinny I can empathize with you and I understand your feelings. You defeated Triple H at HeatWave and now you’re being forced to watch the same man that you defeated have an opportunity to compete for the UWF Championship on Revolution. In your eyes Triple H is a man that doesn’t deserve that opportunity. So imagine my frustrations with having to see a man who has failed on multiple occasions to win that same championships trying to bully his way for another chance that he flat out doesn’t deserve.
Vinny, you failed to obtain that same championship at Summer Slam. You became King of The Ring just to fall victim to the curse that has plagued three out of the last four tournament winners. They win a tournament and then go on to lose the title shot that they earned before they go on a downward spiral with their respective careers. It seems like all you’re doing is going down the same path that has already been carved out for you. Besides your obvious failure at Summer Slam, there’s your other failure at Backlash when you failed to once again win that same championship. It seems like championship opportunities are something that you’ve been quite adept at screwing up lately. Now you have the audacity to come out here and try to bully and demand things, but that’s not how things are going to be working on Resistance. Besides, with that track record, you should want to be as far from the title scene as possible.
Seth pauses to let the world and Vinny really sink in what he said. He once again stares a hole through Vinny before continuing.
The only good thing that you’ve done lately besides fumble up a precious King of The Ring opportunity, is finally ridding the company of that ominous dark stain: Jimmy Jacobs. But of course, you didn’t even do that by yourself. I am the one who defeated, destroyed, and humiliated Jimmy Jacobs in the middle of this ring. I went to the fiery depths of hell, in his playground, and I beat him at his own game. I threw Jimmy in his coffin, and you just came and put in the final nail. You picked up my scraps after I already vanquished the beast and now you run around claiming my glory and what I accomplished as if it’s your own. That’s literally the same exact thing that Jimmy Jacobs did after I beat Vampiro inside Hell in a Cell. Jimmy came after the match and set Vampiro’s carcass on fire and we haven’t seen him since. Anytime a make believe monster decides to mess with me, they end up missing in action. So I’d watch my words and my actions in the future if I were you. I have no problem making it 3 for 3.
Now Drake, as far as the Elimination Chamber goes and the qualifying matches and all the hoora, I say we save it. Let’s stop wasting time. Let’s give the people what they really want to see for once. They don’t want to wait to see me qualify for the Elimination Chamber. They just want to see a champion who stands for something great represent the show. If anyone deserves to be inside the Chamber match it’s me. And contrary to Vinny here, if anyone deserves to skip the qualifier match, it’s me. I’m the only one in the company besides UWF Champion Chris Jericho to pick up two wins at Summer Slam and at Heat Wave. I think it’s time to start treating me like the hot commodity that I am.
As Rollins finishes up his remarks, there's an awkward silence for a moment, the fans buzzing as they await whatever will happen next. Vinny turns to face Seth with a smirk curling his lips, and he turns the axe in his hand as he approaches the Architect. Rollins presses foreward and gets right in Vinny's face, fearless. The two exchange heated words off-mic before Drake Maverick places an arm between them and slowly separates them, then lifts his microphone and speaks.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Gentlemen, please! There's no need for such hostility. Having listened to both of your points, I agree... to an extent. You both clearly showed you are among the brightest stars in this company and on my brand, and right now, both of you are burning very brightly. You are both well within your rights to argue that you should be automatically included in the Elimination Chamber match. And, frankly, having heard you both out, I agree with both of your arguments that you shouldn't have to qualify. When I was given the keys to the Resistance kingdom, I resolved to do things fairly, and that means that everyone deserves the same chance to find success in his company. But the two of you come in to Resistance with a legacy of achievement behind each of you. And while Seth is right that you have missed the mark on some of your opportunities in the past, Vinny, you also had the longest Television Championship reign in the history of that title. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins has long been a staple of the highest echelons of wrestling in this company, and is riding the momentum of several key victories. So it's settled, then.
Drake takes a moment, allowing his reasoning to hang over the crowd and the two men with whom he shares the ring for a moment before adding:
The two of you will be participants in the Elimination Chamber match. I will give you both a pass, allow you both to skip the qualifying match. But this favor will not be without its consequences. You'll both be in action next week, and I expect both of you to bring your A game leading up to the Chamber. Don't make me regret my decision. You won't like it very much if you do.
With that, Maverick heads over to the table and collects the International Championship, placing it on his own shoulder before heading for the exit. The fans are buzzing as the feed moves along to the show's opening sequence.
The opening pyro for Resistance pops off all around the stage and along the ramp as the fans cheer wildly for the debut of the Ultimate Wrestling Federation's newest brand! The cameras sweep the crowd, showing cheering fans sporting merchandise belonging to various superstars and more than a few signs proclaiming one or the other of Resistance's many athletes to be its best. Finally, the scene comes to rest on the commentary table where Mauro Ranallo and Matt Striker are standing by.
Mauro Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mauro Ranallo with my broadcast partner Matt Striker and from both of us, welcome! Welcome! UWF Resistance is on the air and coming to you live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and boy do we have a show for you tonight! Already, you've heard General Manager Drake Maverick's plan for the International Championship and those Elimination Chamber qualifiers will start next week but this week, we're all about prime time!
Matt Striker: You've got that right, Mauro. Tonight we'll see what six of the talents on the Resistance Roster have to offer as they vie in a Beat the Clock tournament to be crowned the first-ever Prime Time Champion.
Mauro Ranallo: And that's not all, Matt! We'll also see the return of not one, not two, but THREE athletes as Juventud, Kenny Omega and Samoa Joe clash in a triple threat match-up! Mamma mia, that's bound to be a fight.
Matt Striker: Very true, Mauro! But to get things started this week, we've got a classic sibling squabble as Jeff Hardy tries to survive the Broken Brilliance of his brother, Matt.
Mauro Ranallo: But enough from us. Let's get this show on the road!
The titantron switches from the UWF Resistance graphic to a video feed - a hurricane of amorphous shades and shapes swirling until they take the form of Jeff Hardy's logo, which disappears seconds after. Clips or Hardy landing Swanton Bombs, Whisper in the Winds, Twist of Fates and some of his more daring, violent stunts from over the years are broadcast over the massive screen. The UWF Universe screams in approval, but the cheers die down when the aftermath of his devil may care offense is shown. The injries. The referees helping him to the back. The surgery prep. And after those, headlines of his numerous arrests and convictions. Everything, all the positive and negative, then begin to swil together just as the colours had before, a synthesized Shepard tone accompanying the strobe-like montage as the pace accelerates.
It all gives way to a shot of Jeff sitting in a dimly lit room that might be somewhere backstage in the building. He's slouched forward, his chin perched on folded hands. The Charismatic Enigma looks straight up into the camera.
Nobody is their worst moment. But nobody is their best, either. Our lives are roller coasters, mountains and valleys, staggered lines on a heart monitor. Maybe you came up hard, and life's never been easy for you and it's like no matter what you do, it's impossible to get ahead but there's still those times when you look around and can't hel but be amazed by the world in your place in it. Or maybe you were born rich, and you could just buy whatever you wanted whenever you wanted but somehow now that's not enough, and there's an emptiness inside you and even though you're life's been smooth sailing, you can't find the joy in it.
We're all imbalanced creatures trying to find something to hold on. We're ships at sea on choppy waves that are just never gonna calm down. We want something we can trust, something consistent... but the only certainty we have in this life is today. The here and now. Some of us ain't gonna make it to tomorrow, and who doesn't wish they could take back yesterday? But all we've got is our time right now.
Me? I've lived with head up in the clouds and buried in the dirt, too, worrying about tomorrow's troubles or yesterday's mistakes. Not anymore though. I can't change where I've been, and who knows where I'm going? All I know is I'm here tonight. I'm in the UWF tonight. I'm wrestling what could just be my last match ever tonight. I'm fighting my brother - the man I respect and love more than anyone else on this planet, tonight.
There's an energy to that. Can you feel it? I feel it. Hell, I can see it, touch it, taste it to. It's screamin in my ears. It's pounding in my head and I gotta let it out. So that's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to fight my brother and I'm going to pour every ounce of soul I've got into it cause that's the only honest thing I can do. Come whatever may, I promise you that tonight, you're getting one hundred percent, pure, unfiltered, nothing-held-back Jeff Hardy.
Hardy stands up and walks away from the scene. The titantron cuts out and the show continues elsewhere.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first and already in the ring with me, from Cameron, North Carolina and weighing 236 pounds... Matt HARDY!
The Broken One seems preoccupied by the floating drone Vanguard 1, which buzzes around his head several times before floating on off to the backstage. Hardy then turns to the fans with his arms outstretched and says, "Yeeeeeeeeeas!", prompting a "DELETE!" chant from the crowd. This chant continues until the music of Matt's opponent for the night cuts into it like a knife.
A dissonant, down-tuned hum buzzes through the PA, slowly taking sonic shape in harmony with a blur on titantron transforming into a highlight reel for wrestling's legendary daredevil...
Jeff Hardy runs out on to the ramp, waving his arms around as the fans scream and chant his name. Strobe lights haphazardly illuminate his illustrated face, a mask of war paint that serves to highlight the intensity and devil-may-care nature of the soul beneath it.
Buffer: Weighing in at 225 pounds... from Cameron, North Carolina... "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy!
Hardy slides under the bottom rope and quickly climbs to the turnbuckle, leaning precariously over the edge, arms spread as the Resistance fans cheer for him. Tool's rhythmic frenzy blares in the background as Jeff scans the arena, taking in the energy of the people as he prepares to wrestle the match as though it were his last.
-VERSUS-
DING DING!
As the ring bell sounds, the two brothers go to lock up in a test of strength but Jeff connects with a kick to the solar plexus and brings Matt up and over with a quick suplex. As Jeff turns around, Matt is getting up and applauding his sibling. Jeff goes for another kick but Matt grabs his foot and flips him, intending to put him on his back but Jeff tucks and rolls and ends up on his feet again. Jeff leaps up and connects with a drop kick that sends his brother into the ropes. As Matt comes off the ropes, Jeff gets to his feet and takes a swing at his face but Matt sidesteps and applies a sleeper hold. Jeff throws an elbow backward and connects with the ribs, effectively breaking the hold as Matt doubles over and Jeff connects with a leaping leg drop that drives Matt into the canvas with some authority. Jeff rolls Matt over and catches a throat thrust for his troubles as Matt gets to his feet while Jeff staggers away. As Jeff staggers back, Matt kicks him and looks to pull him in for the Twist of Fate, but the man he knows as Brother Nero scouts it and swats Matt’s arms away, grabbing the back of Matt’s head with both hands and connecting with a sit-down jawbreaker!
Matt Striker: Hell of a jawbreaker there from Jeff Hardy and you can already see how familiar these two men, as brothers, are with one another.
Mauro Ranallo: Everyone knows what a sibling rivalry is, but the on-again off-again relationship that Matt and Jeff Hardy have has been one of the definitive squabbles in the history of our business. This is a true blood feud.
The impact of the jawbreaker causes Matt to stagger into the corner as Jeff is up and takes off running, launching himself at Matt like a missile. Matt sidesteps, however, and guides Jeff head first into the post. ”Not today, spot monkey!” declares Matt as he leads Jeff out of the corner and connects with the Side Effect. The referee comes over to count as Matt covers for the pinfall.
1...
...NO!
As Jeff kicks out, Matt seems disappointed, but soon shakes that disappointment and starts applauding him again. Jeff gets to his feet and heads over to throw a punch, but Matt catches it and twists Jeff’s arm at the wrist, forcing downward as Jeff cries out in pain. Matt kicks Jeff over and over in the elbow as he continues to twist the arm before finally letting go and spiking Jeff head first into the mat with a quick DDT. Jeff is up and trying to shake the cobwebs as Matt goes for a big boot but Jeff grabs him up halfway in powerbomb position and takes off running forward, releasing Matt through the air and crotching him on the top rope as Matt bounces on it groin first and tumbles to the outside. A, “REBY’S PISSED NOW!” chant starts up as Jeff slides out of the ring and guides Matt to his feet, only to Irish whip him into the steel steps as they break apart and Matt now lies there in the wreckage. Jeff enters the ring and exits it to break the count as he stands Matt up, who shoves him and then rolls him back into the ring. As Matt slides into the ring, Jeff has scrambled to the top rope and when Matt gets to his feet Jeff comes off the top with a plancha! Matt, however, has it scouted and catches his brother, holding him in both arms! Jeff tries to squirm free, but Matt has him, lifting him up and bringing him down hard on the knee with a backbreaker! Matt shoves Jeff off his knee and then gets to his feet, pacing around the ring with a crazed look on his face. "Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaassss!" he hisses, drawing a pop from his fans in the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: Well Jeff Hardy can cancel his chiropractor's appointment after that backbreaker, his spine won't need another readjustment for weeks!
Matt Striker: It's really a brilliant move by the Broken One, that backbreaker. If he can hobble Jeff, he takes out a large portion of the Charismatic Enigma's offence.
Indeed that appears to be the plan as Hardy gets to his feet, smiling, and shouts "DELETE!" The shout draws a response from the crowd in kind. This makes Matt smile even wider as he heads out to the apron, then leapfrogs over the rope with a legdrop to the same area of the back he just hit with his backbreaker! As Matt rolls off, Jeff thrashes about, selling the leg drop hard. Matt gets back to his feet and heads right over to Jeff, pulling him to his feet before Irish whipping him into the corner! Matt follows right behind — unfortunately for the Broken One, as Jeff dashes up the turnbuckles and flips into a Whisper in the Wind! There's a huge pop from the crowd at the display of acrobatics as both men lie on the canvas, taking a moment to breathe while neither has the strength or wherewithal to capitalize. The official starts a count.
Mauro Ranallo: Whisper in the Wind! Jeff takes his brother to the canvas!
Matt Striker: But what did that cost Jeff Hardy? The Charismatic Enigma has made it no secret that he doesn't know how much his body can take. It has already endured so much punishment in this match.
1...
2...
3...
Jeff rolls toward the ropes and uses them to start getting to his feet. Matt still seems dazed on the canvas, but the movement from his brother is enough for the official to break off the count. Jeff, when he has his feet, stumbles away from the ropes to pull Matt to his feet, but as he does the Broken One grabs him and drops him with a Russian leg sweep! Just like that, Matt is back in control, and he uses it to once again parade around the ring before heading to a corner and shouting "DELETE!" repeatedly. The fans respond in turn, kicking up the chant as Matt heads over to the man he knows as Brother Nero and drags him to his feet. Matt sends Jeff off the ropes and goes for a dropkick, but Jeff grabs the ropes to stop his momentum and Matt lands with a thud! Jeff immediately springs to action, grabs Matt's ankles and pulls his legs up, then leaps up and connects with a double leg drop to the midsection! Jeff rolls away as Matt thrashes about, but the youngest Hardy isn't done. He pulls Matt up to the doubled-over powerbomb position, then lifts him up and over to connect with an ugly alley-oop facebuster! Matt lands hard on the canvas as Jeff scrambles to his feet, bracing his back from the earlier assault he endured. He takes a moment to breathe, then points to a corner for another huge pop!
Matt Striker: Is he calling for what I think he's calling for?
Mauro Ranallo: I can think of several reasons why Jeff Hardy would want to go up top, but this time definitely feels like a Swanton Bomb!
Indeed, that seems to be exactly what the Charismatic Enigma has planned as he heads out onto the apron and starts to climb to the top, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Jeff gets up there with some effort and starts to perform his signature taunt as he makes the finger guns and turns them toward himself, but when he does so Matt surges to life and dashes up the ropes, grabbing Jeff in a Side Effect clutch and throwing caution to the wind as he pushes both of them to the outside to land with a resounding crash on the ring steps!
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! Side Effect on the cold, hard steel!
The fans go dead silent, some children in the audience start to cry loudly, and then a "HOLY SHIT!" chant kicks up as both men twitch on the unrelenting ring steps. After checking to make sure both men still have a pulse, the official starts a count.
1...
2...
3...
Matt Striker: It looks as though Matt Hardy may have lived up to his nickname. Both of these men seem broken.
Striker's assessment may be correct as Matt rolls off the steps to land on his face on the floor. Both men are completely out of it and the Enigma may just be shattered as he half-hangs off the steps, his body like drapery.
4...
5...
6...
Matt drags himself to the apron and grabs it, slowly dragging himself to his vertical base. The official keeps the counting until he rolls into the ring and out of it, then resets it at one.
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Hardy resets the official's count and I don't know how that man is standing right now.
Matt Striker: It's sheer determination at this point. It has to be.
The Broken One pulls his brother to his feet and then rolls his still-limp body into the ring. Jeff's eyes are open but he's got the 1,000-mile stare as Matt slides into the ring and slowly hauls Jeff to his feet, then tucks him into the Twist of Fate clutch. Matt spins out for the big finish, but Jeff shoves him away before he can complete the maneuver! Matt comes back with a kick to the gut, but Jeff catches it, then performs a dragon screw takedown! The fans pop as Jeff finds his second wind, Matt lumbering back to his feet only to be grounded with a flying forearm. The Broken One gets back up again, but this time he's sent back down with another sitout facebuster! As Jeff finds his momentum, he again pulls Matt to his feet and sends him into a corner, before charging his way and hitting a running clothesline, then leading Matt out of the corner to hit a swinging neckbreaker! Finally, Jeff sits up, shoves his mussy hair back and rolls out onto the apron before going up top, performing his taunt and leaping off with the Swanton Bomb! Matt eats the full impact of the move and Jeff hooks the leg!
1...
2...
..3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
JEFF HARDY!
Mauro Ranallo: Jeff Hardy hung on, he fought through a tremendous onslaught from his brother Matt, and now the Charismatic Enigma has claimed his first UWF Resistance victory.
Matt Striker: That he did, Mauro, but you've got to hand it to Matt, who looked every bit as brilliant as he says he is.
While Jeff continues to celebrate his victory, Matt sits up, shaking his head. It seems the Broken One is having trouble accepting his defeat as he finds his feet. Jeff climbs down off the turnbuckles and turns around, and when he does he finds an angry Matt, who shouts, "DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!" before kicking him in the gut and hitting the Twist of Fate! The fans are torn by the assault and offer a decisively mixed reaction as Matt rolls out of the ring, leaving his brother laid out on the canvas as he heads to the back. The feed moves along.
The feed goes backstage where Renee Young is standing by.
Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome my guest at this time, Juventud.
Juventud comes into frame.
Renee Young: First of all welcome back to the UWF. Resistance is the hot new brand here in UWF and as arguably some of it's biggest stars, how do you feel-
Juventud: Wait, what do you mean arguably? What's to argue? Have you seen the roster? Los Mexicools are the biggest and most accomplished names on the roster.
Renee Young: Well Seth Rollins is a former International Champion as well as Jeff Hardy being a former World Heavyweight Champion.
Juventud: Do you know how long ago that was? Seth Rollins has done nothing but fail time and time again even when he gets big opportunities. And Jeff Hardy? His reign was like 5 years ago. We're this brand's sole stars. Vinny Marseglia may think he's the top dog after holding the Television Championship for so long but it pales in comparison to my historic Intercontinental Championship reign. I'm the reason that title means so much today. People see it as practically a Money in the Bank briefcase because only top tier people get it and that's because of me. The only thing is, I've never reached the top. I put my own career on hold because I was fighting for something greater. I could have easily beaten Rey Mysterio and claimed the International Championship. To this day, I've never gotten a World Title shot and that's the only reason I haven't been champion.
Renee Young: You've made your intentions pretty well known but I have to ask, what do you think about your opponents this week?
Juventud laughs at the mere thought of them.
Juventud: Right, Kenny and Joe. They're both indy darlings who think they've been overlooked for years. That they need to prove themselves on the main stage but let's just be frank, the reason they haven't gotten opportunities on the big stage is because they're not very good. Me on the other hand, I've been held down all my career. Whether it was in WCW all the way to UWF, people have been purposely trying to keep me down and yet I've succeeded despite them. Kenny and Joe don't know a thing about hardship but I'm going to show them. They need this win more than anything but I'm gonna take it right from under them and watch them panic as they try to find their footing here on Resistance.
Juventud walks off to get prepared for his match as the live feed goes elsewhere.
The feed cuts backstage as Joe is taping up his wrist preparing for his debut.
Samoa Joe:
History is written by the victors, and you see there are some considered Great Great people today that got to their place in history by doing things in a manner that would be considered not ideal. Champions have cheated, Owners have lied, Legends have crossed lines, but down the line time Heals all wounds. You start to only care about what they accomplished instead of looking into what they did to do it. It may not be fair but it is how things work out, which is why I'm not afraid of doing what I have to do to get ahead. I'm not going to take any shortcuts, but I am damn sure not going to wait patiently in line. When I'm in the ring people are going to get hurt, it's gonna look callous and destructive. Bones are going to break, and one by one I am going to put People to SLEEP! And when you see what I'm capable of, what I'm willing to do to another Human life in that ring. You're going to give me a lot of names, Monster, Savage, Destructive, but when it comes down to it the only name you need to remember is Joe.
Joe wipes his lower lip with his thumb, his pinky also sticking out his hand in the shakka signal he always holds up as he continues to speak.
Because Monsters and Savages are mindless forces that have no remorse but also have no...Direction. I'm not here to destroy Resistance, I'm here to stand atop it and that means taking out any and all that stand in my way. There is Good and there is Evil, and to a whole lot of people that is the picture they see of the world. Good, and Evil. Good people do Good things, bad people do bad things, but sometimes to get to your good you have to get your hands dirty and I aint afraid of getting my hands dirty. Some people are, and that's all fine and good for them. You keep your hands clean, you coast through life, you show up and do your job and get paid. But I'm not going to get comfortable, because when I'm not in the ring I'm looking at what is. I'm planning, I'm calculating and I am going to do whatever is necessary to get to the top.
Joe lifts his head up and closes his eyes for a second breathing in the moment.
I am Necessary Evil, some people lay claims to Greatness and Chaos, but what I lay claim to is the Inevitable. I am here to take people down, systematically, until everyone learns that their world up until now was just practice compared to what I'm bringing.Because I'm not a dreamer, I'm not a layer of claims, what I am is cold hard reality. Reality dictates that Limits are in everyone, that no matter how big your heart is or how fast your mind moves...when your legs can't carry you, when your blood stops flowing, when the air in your lungs starts to dwindle You stop. In this business, if you stop you die. You stay in one place too long, you refuse to adapt, You are left behind. And that is what Joe is here to do, not try his best or to make people suffer. Joe is here to Kill you.
Actions are louder than words, yes, but to some, that’s not everything that covers it. The expression itself fails in the world of professional wrestling, and no one knows that better than ace UWF Reporter, Renee Young, who UWF cameras caught up with earlier today.
Renee Young: “Ladies and Gentlemen of the UWF Universe, I’m Renee Young standing here in the parking lot of tonight’s venue for the very first episode of Resistance. It’s been a party thus far, with Fan Axxess, drinks, and all kinds of hype for this evenings affairs. However, we here as staff are always on duty, and we’re waiting for the arrival of one of Resistance’s latest signees.”
Of course, with the glitz and glamour, the camera turned slightly for a man carrying a suitcase behind him, wearing street casual clothes, and a “surprised” smile on his face, that man being Kenny Omega.
Kenny Omega: “Week number 2, huh Renee?”
Renee quickly followed side by side with Omega, microphone in hand, as they went through the lot, with the cameras rolling. UWF tech guys, parking lots, and the usual staff were there, most not batting an eye at Omega as they’re hard at work.
Renee Young: “I figured you’d be somewhat interested in the screen time, considering this is a new you.”
Kenny Omega: “I don’t mind if it’s with a fellow Canadian, eh? But of course, I’m all about getting the word out these days.”
Renee Young: “What word would that be?”
Kenny Omega: “That I’m a changed man. Things tend to get stale the longer and longer you talk about them. I said it before, I’m a man of the new guard. I welcome change with open arms, it is 2018 isn’t it?”
Renee Young: “It’s a bit funny you mention the new guard, as tonight, you’ve been omitted from the Beat The Clock Challenge to wrestle not one returning star, but two, in the form of Samoa Joe and Juventud Guerrera. Two men who you’ve said are apart of the old guard. What’re you feelings about the whole situation?”
Kenny Omega: “A title is a title; it’s a goal of sorts for a wrestler. To say it didn’t mean anything would be a lie, but I’m not kicking stones over it. See, I said it from the beginning; I’m starting at square one. I was ready to do the same on Revolution, but here at Resistance in this stage? It’s all about making the first big impact. Hey, congrats to the guy barely hanging on to his career that wins that belt, but I’m making my impact by knocking some mothafuckin’ skulls together. Ya dig?”
Renee Young: “I, do? Somewhat… first of the other two men is Samoa Joe, a man we haven’t seen compete in a UWF ring for quite some time.”
Omega and Renee had made their way through the lot and into the backstage area, while Omega visually thought about Joe, looking up in the air for some thoughts.
Kenny Omega: “Tch, honestly, I’ll give him the credit he thinks he deserves; I think Joe’s an intimidating guy. He can do what a lot of other big men can’t, problem is, he’s just that; a big man. Big men can’t move all that fast, so all of that power isn’t that much of a use to him, no matter how much he hyped himself out. It comes down to the stamina game with him. As for the strength, hell, I can pull off a lot of what he can. He’s a lump in the circle of stats for power, but all of that fluff he’s talking can’t be backed up.”
Renee Young: “For what Joe lacks in speed, how about Juventude?”
Kenny Omega: “A dude with a tude that lacks the power game, but is light on his feet. You can only dodge so much before a knee catches you on the chin, and it’s lights out for him. Heh, besides, I think I’m already getting some friends around here just for the fact alone I’m taking on one of the Mexicools. They’re so delusional, they’ll start making up these accusations, like I’ve been in Japan, or that I’ve been wrestling at other places. Long story short, Joe and Juvy? They’re just two pillars Drake’s putting in front of me to test my mettle. I’m the full package when it comes to looks, speed, strength, and mic skills.”
Renee’s eyes widen to hear the comment, as Omega chuckled to himself with the thought, before they reached the locker room door.
Renee Young: “A bold remark for a bold talent. Say you win the triple threat, what’s that entail for you here on Resistance?”
Kenny Omega: “The sky’s the limit. A contendership, a fancy title of my own; maybe nothin’. Either way, I’m ready for what’s coming my way, because whatever it is, I’m more than ready to take it on, and represent it and this brand to the fullest. If anyone’s got an objection to that; I say let ‘em try. Now if you’ll excuse me, I got a big nasty bastard and a couple of little shits to take care of. Goodnight, and buh-bye.”
Omega quickly kisses his finger, shoots his finger gun at the camera, and exits out to the room, leaving us to move on with the first episode of Resistance.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a triple threat match-up! Introducing first...
"Destroyer" starts to play through throughout the arena, the crowd cheers as the roar of the theme hits and you see the curtains fly open as Joe comes out on stage and starts to walk down the ramp with a swagger that matches each step with the beat of his music as he looks straight ahead with a serious face while the crowd chants in unison with the music "Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!". Joe turns towards the steps looks at the front row as the crowd are swaying back and forth to his theme shouting his name, he smirks before turning around and running up the steel steps.
Michael Buffer: From Huntington Beach, California, Weighing in at two hundred and eighty two pounds...He is the Samoan Submission Machine...Samoa Joe!
Joe steps into the ring and in time with the announcement of his name he spins around taking the towel off his neck and lifts up his hand in a Shaka hand gesture.
Joe lowers his hand and cracks his neck to one side stepping back into the corner, he hangs up his towel in the turnbuckle and bounces on his feet for a moment shadow boxing as he prepares for his opponent.
"-Forfeit the game / Before somebody else Takes you out of the frame / Puts your name to shame"
"Cover up your face / You can’t run the race The pace is too fast / You just won't last-"
Linkin Park's hit "Point of Authority" blasts through the PA system and the crowd go BERSERK for the meaning behind it. The hot bar dropped at the beginning passes, and as the theme kicks in, out walks in a cool swagger Canada's own Kenny Omega!
The sunglasses, the trench coat, all signs of "The Silver Bullet" are long gone. This is now just Kenny Omega, the man who fights not for money, not for himself; he fights for the people, and he's quick to show it, as he raises a single finger high overhead, before heading down the ramp as soon as his theme kicks in, slapping some fans' hands on the way down. The fans are enthralled with him, before he starts stepping up on to the apron and into the ring, cocking up a finger gun, syncing up his pose to the announcer's words.
Michael Buffer: "From Winnipeg, Canada, weighing in at 288 pounds, he is "The Cleaner", Kennyyyyyyy Oooooooomegaaaaaa!"
"BANG!"
Omega blows the imaginary smoke from his finger, before backing himself up in the corner, bouncing up and down and checking his wrists to get this thing to get started.
The engine of a lawnmower starting flow throughout the arena and the crowd is on their feet, booing the arrival of one of the nost hated factions in UWF history. It doesn't take long before the Mexicools make their way out on their custom Juan Deere's, driving down the ramp.
Michael Buffer: Making his way to the ring, being accompanied by Super Crazy and Psicosis, from Mexico City, Mexico, Juventud!
The Mexicools circle the ring in their Juan Deere's having fun and dancing along to their music until they park. They all slide into the ring with Psicosis and Super Crazy hyping up Juventud as he warms up in the corner.
-VS-
-VS-
DING DING DING!
The bell rings and immediately Kenny Omega takes a run at Juventud, the pair having no love lost between them. Juvi sees Omega coming and drops and rolls out of the ring, leaving Omega to brace himself on the ropes and shout out at the former Intercontinental Champion while the other Mexicools hype him up on the outside.
Mauro Ranallo: Kenny Omega looks to settle an old score and Juventud beats a hasty retreat to the outside.
Matt Striker: It's smart strategy on the Juice's part. In a triple threat match, he can't be counted out.
Omega glares icily at Juventud, but his expression changes to one of surprise as Samoa Joe spins him around and smacks him right in the face. "Your eyes should be on ME!" Joe shouts, then he whips Omega into the ropes and chases him, hitting him hard and grounding him with a reverse elbow. Omega rolls and gets back to his feet, but as he does Joe is right back on him with a combination of quick jabs and hard, chopping strikes that drive Omega back toward a corner. When he gets him there, Joe drives some hard shoulder thrusts into Omega's gut, then Irish whips him hard to the corner opposite. Omega hits those turnbuckles hard and stumbles out, straight into Joe's waiting grip for a snap scoop powerslam! Joe stays on top for the cover, but doesn't even get a one count before Juventud is on top of him with some hard stomps that force him to roll out of the ring. Juventud then turns on Samoa Joe's prey with a smirk and walks right up behind Omega, who is crawling for the ropes, then smacks him on the back of the head! There's a loud boo from the crowd as Juventud shows absolutely no sportsmanship, his mocking laughter emulated by the Mexicools on the outside, "jajajajajajaja!" Juvi then pulls Omega up to his feet with a grip around the Canadian's waist, and as soon as he gets him vertical the Juice goes for a German suplex, but Omega plants his feet! The Cleaner then throws an elbow into Juventud's gut that breaks his grip and immediately Omega heads for the ropes, leaping up onto the top and springboarding into a moonsault plancha! Omega takes Juventud to the canvas and stays on top for the pin!
1...
...NO! Samoa Joe breaks up the pin!
Joe reaches in and grabs Omega's ankle, then drags him out under the bottom ropes. As Omega lands on his feet, Joe tries to grab him but the Canadian creates some quick separation with a hard shove and then winds up and strikes Joe in the chest with both open palms in a Hadouken! Joe falls flat onto his back as the fans pop for the maneuver, and Omega grins widely as he turns back toward the ring only to be sent crashing into the barricade by a baseball-sliding Juventud! The Juice slips out of the ring at that point and goes on the offensive, grabbing Omega's hair with one hand and driving hard forearms from the other straight into his face. Omega is dazed a little bit more by each successive blow as the Juice tries to fully capitalize on the situation he has created for himself, but as he turns around Joe is right there and the big man catches him up and drops him with an inverted atomic drop! Juventud hops around clutching at his midsection as Joe grabs him and rolls him back into the ring. The Samoan Submission Machine then turns his gaze to Omega and props him up against the barricade before unloading a series of hard kicks to the chest! Omega is winded as each strike lands, and after the final one he falls slumped in a seated position against the barrier as Joe heads back into the ring. Joe moves up on Juventud, but as he does, the Juice rolls him up and grabs a fistful of his shorts!
Matt Striker: Roll-up!
Mauro Ranallo: Juventud's getting a little handsy there!
1...
2...
...NO!
Joe kicks out! Immediately Juvi heads for the corner, putting his back to it as he momentarily checks to see where Kenny Omega is. Omega's still seated against a barricade, so Juventud knows he has to press his opportunity. He takes off running at Joe as the big man gets to his feet and gets oriented, leaping up onto his shoulders for a frankensteiner! But no, Joe has it scouted and he brings Juventud down HARD with a powerbomb before rolling Juvi over and locking him into an STF! The fans pop at the display as Joe goes hard on the submission hold trying to force the tap out!
Mauro Ranallo: Hurricanrana countered into a powerbomb by Samoa Joe and now Juventud finds him in a tough spot!
Juventud is clawing first at the air and then at the canvas, trying to force himself toward the ropes as Joe wrenches on the submission hold. There's no escape for the Juice; Joe is a much larger man and he has Juventud well and truly trapped. That is, until Kenny Omega crashes down onto both of them, forcing Joe to release the hold! Omega is quick to his feet and so is Joe, and the Submission Machine glares at Omega, who simply smiles and shrugs. Joe takes off at Omega with a lariat attempt, but Omega ducks under and when Joe rebounds off the ropes he does so into a MASSIVE superkick that can be heard in the cheap seats! The pop from Joe's jaw is only half as loud as the pop of the crowd, however, as Joe collapses to the canvas and Omega dives on top!
1...
2...
...NO! The Mexicools drag the ref out of the ring!
As the referee lands on the floor, he's quick to rebuke Super Crazy and Psicosis, both of whom try to act menacing. Frustrated, the official tries to give them a verbal warning, but Super Crazy just slaps him in the face! There's a lot of heat for that, but then the referee points to both of them and orders them to the back! Super Crazy and Psicosis react with shock as the fans erupt in cheers, but the two men know the best thing they can do is follow the rules... for now. They start to head to the back as the official rolls back into the ring to find Omega lining Joe up for the V-Trigger. Omega takes the run at Joe, but as he does, Juventud sideswipes the Cleaner and sends him crashing into the ropes! Omega rebounds straight into a kick to the gut and Juventud lifts him up and over with a pumphandle sitout facebuster! More heat from the crowd as the Juice makes the cover.
Matt Striker: Juventud has been very clever with his timing in this match-up. He's trying to avoid any serious harm and showing a truly opportunistic streak here.
Mauro Ranallo: Maybe so, but this match would have been over if not for his friends Super Crazy and Psicosis, and they're no longer ringside!
1...
2...
...NO!
Omega kicks out and exits the ring, trying to collect himself on the outside. With the Cleaner no longer a real threat, Juventud turns toward Joe now, who has rolled out to the apron and is using the ropes to slowly get to his feet. The Juice heads over and toe-kicks Joe right on the bridge of the nose between the ropes, causing Joe's head to snap up as he clutches at his nose. Juventud shouts, "It's probably an improvement, jajaja!" There's more booing from the crowd as Juventud pulls Joe to his feet and then turns around to go for a rope-assisted stunner, but Joe shoves Juventud forward and right into a ready and primed Hadouken from Kenny Omega! Juventud is leveled by the impact and immediately rolls out of the ring gasping for air while Omega points to Joe and then motions for him to come and get some. Joe smirks at Omega and steps into the ring, nodding his head as he sets his eyes on what could be a worthy challenge. Joe moves in on Omega, Omega moves in on Joe and the pair tie up, but then Joe drops down and sweeps Omega's feet out from under him before locking in a single-leg crab! The fans buzz as the official watches for a tap-out from Omega, who immediately starts pulling for the ropes. When he's less than an inch away, Joe pulls Omega back to the middle of the ring and then sits back and really torques the submission hold! Omega screams in sheer agony, but the Cleaner refuses to tap as his lights start to fade.
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like it could be lights out for the cleaner here, Matt.
Omega's head falls flat on the canvas. His eyes are still open, but they're staring into nothingness. The official checks on him, looking for some response. It looks like he's about to call the match, but then Omega suddenly finds some second wind and starts clawing at the air again! The Canadian pushes up on both hands and uses them to drag himself and Joe to the ropes, then grabs the bottom one! The fans pop loudly as the referee orders Joe to break off the hold, and so the Submission Machine does... just long enough to get some space and a good running start for a senton! Joe hooks the leg.
1...
2...
...NO!
Somehow, Omega manages to find the fight to get a foot on the ropes, forcing the break.
Matt Striker: Look at the ring sense of Kenny Omega. You can certainly tell that this is a man who has been at this business for a long time.
Mauro Ranallo: Maybe so, but you almost get the sense he's just delaying the inevitable here, Matt.
As Joe stands up to loom over the downed Omega, he takes a moment to contemplate his next move. Unfortunately for the Samoan Submission Machine, his thoughts are interrupted as Juventud puts an arm through his legs and drags him into a schoolboy! With the official focused on the cover, Juvi puts his feet on the ropes for maximum leverage!
1...
2...
...NO!
Joe kicks out with an assist from Omega, who shoves Juvi's feet off the ropes! Juventud quickly scrambles back to a vertical base as Joe gets back to his own and Juvi runs, jumps and hits a Frankensteiner! Joe hits the canvas awkwardly as Juvi's back to his feet just in time to spot and catch an Omega superkick, which he converts into a dragon screw takedown! Omega rolls to the ropes but Juventud pursues and baseball slides him straight out onto the floor, which Omega hits with a thud. The Juice then gets to his feet on the apron and seeing Joe still on the canvas, he runs for the corner and climbs up top! Immediately, Juventud leaps off and hits the 450 splash! The fans are booing as the former Intercontinental Champion stays on top for the pin!
Mauro Ranallo: 450 SPLASH! Juventud is seconds away from victory!
Matt Striker: Holy moly!
1...
2...
...NO! Kenny Omega drags Juventud off of the cover to the outside!
Immediately, Kenny hits Juventud with a hard knee strike and smashes his face off of the apron, leaving the Juice leaning awkwardly as he backs up, then gets a running start and connects flush with the V Trigger! Juventud collapses on the floor, seemingly unconscious, as Omega slides into the ring. Kenny gets to his feet and prowls Joe, looking to connect with the same deadly move he just used on the Juice. The Samoan Submission Machine slowly lumbers onto hands and knees, then one knee using the ropes for support, and that's when Omega surges forward looking for the strike. But Joe has it scouted as he surges into motion, deflecting the blow and pushing Omega 180 degrees before locking him in the Coquina Clutch! Omega tries to fight against the hold, but Joe gets the legs up over his torso and cinches it in at full force, his arms constricting like pythons. It's just sheer body mass and brute strength at that point as Omega fights for as long as he is able, but eventually his body falls limp and the official is left with no choice as he calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
Samoa Joe!
Matt Striker: In a very evenly matched contest, all three of these men here tonight showed that they have what it takes to be here but the Samoan Submission Machine ultimately takes the W.
Mauro Ranallo: It's a huge victory for Samoa Joe, and that can't be understated. This was a triple threat loaded with world-class talent.
Joe is celebrating his victory in the ring, his music playing on the Titantron, as Kenny Omega comes to and uses the ropes to start getting to his feet. By this point Juventud has long since left the scene, but Joe turns and notices Omega standing, and heads over to him. Joe stares at Omega, who stares right back, and then offers him the hand for shaking. Omega is reluctant at first, turning to the fans who kick up a loud "YES!" chant, then he smiles and takes the hand, giving it a shake before holding Joe's arm up in victory to a huge pop from the fans. The feed moves along.
As his music plays, Resistance General Manager Drake Maverick emerges from the back, a smile on his face as he takes in the large crowd for the debut of his brand. Maverick seems genuinely proud as he walks down the ramp to the ring, jogs up the ring steps and enters between the ropes. Drake briefly glances at the table, then crosses the ring to collect a microphone and address the rowdy audience, who are cheering loudly for him.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to formally welcome all of you to the Resistance!
A huge pop, and Maverick lowers the microphone to grin widely, allowing the fans their moment. After about ten seconds, he lifts his hand to call for silence and he continues.
Tonight, you will all be part of history. The debut of a new brand is a major moment for any wrestling promotion, but Resistance represents something truly special. From the moment the draft was finished, the buzz began. And right here, right now… I have the rare opportunity to present to all of you something truly special. While Revolution has the UWF Championship, which proudly continued the lineage of all of the Ultimate Wrestling Federation’s world titles from the moment it was unified, tonight marks another branch in the story of a different world championship and that title is the UWF International Championship! So, tell me… would you all like to see the top prize that every man on the Resistance roster covets?
A huge “YES!” chant, a la Daniel Bryan, kicks up. Maverick chuckles off the microphone as he looks the crowd over, his eyes sweeping the thousands in the stand as they call for the unveiling of the International Championship. He crosses the ring, grapes the drape on the top of the display and pulls it up and off, revealing the title!
There is another massive pop from the fans as the belt glitters in the arena lighting. Drake indulges the hype for a moment, then begins to speak again.
This is the title that will shape the dreams of hundreds of men. Children the world over will dream of one day holding it over their heads. Men fighting on the independent circuit will aspire to hold it. And every single person in that locker room will stop at nothing to claim it as theirs. Which is why tonight, I’m also pleased to announce precisely how the first UWF International Champion will be crowned. Ladies and gentlemen, at UWF Genesis, six of the very best on Resistance will compete in one of the most brutal matches ever devised in the sport of professional wrestling:
ELIMINATION CHAMBER.
Another huge “YES” chant kicks up. Drake again indulges, pausing to allow the fans to revel in their excitement. Finally, he lifts his microphone back up to finish off his big, show-opening remarks.
And to determine who will qualify for the Elimination Chamber, I have decided to hold six qualifier match-ups, to be contested over the coming weeks and starting next week when we have none oth--
Suddenly, Drake’s speech is interrupted as the lights cut out and then a familiar song begins to play with the vocals starting at the same time as the music.
”I...am...your worst nightmare.
I’ll get inside your head,
You’ll see me before it ends.
I...am...your worst nightmare.
Don’t worry, don’t be scared.
I’m not going anywhere.”
At the conclusion of the word, ‘anywhere’ being sung, the vocalist begins to scream as the tempo of the song picks up with heavy guitar. Timed with the scream, the lights flicker to a dark blue as a fog shrouds the air and suddenly Vinny appears from below the ring with a red balloon in hand. As Drake is looking at the stage, Vinny enters the ring and sneaks up on him, popping the balloon next to his ear as Drake jumps startled and lands in the upstage corner, grasping his chest and trying to catch his breath as the lights come up and the music fades to silence.
Vinny Marseglia: You said the buzz began when the draft ended, but I would argue that the buzz began as soon as it was announced that Vinny Marseglia was making his way over to Resistance. Because everyone that’s been watching the product this year knows what I bring to the table but it’s not just the presentation, it’s the execution. I have netted together countless winning streaks, I am the holder of the longest Television Championship reign, I won the King of the Ring tournament. And I bring that up not just to let you know what a coup drafting me was, not just to show that this draft came along at the right time so that I would have fresh terrain to conquer, but to raise a grievance.
The man I faced at Heatwave, Triple H, has a number one contendership match on Revolution tomorrow. Meanwhile, I, the man that beat Triple H, was given his first night on Resistance off. So while everyone else is pleased to be competing here tonight and happy with the unveiling of the International Championship and the announcement of the Elimination Chamber qualifiers next week, that’s next week. Where’s something that I can sink my teeth into tonight?
Maverick looks nervously at Marseglia, unsure how to respond to the Horror King at first after having witnessed the full extent of the man's savagery at Summerslam. Still, the General Manager of Resistance eventually finds his backbone and stands tall as he offers up his reply.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Frankly, Mr. Marseglia, you should consider yourself fortunate enough to still be employed by the Ultimate Wrestling Federation. Though there was no love lost for Jimmy Jacobs, he was a promising future star of this company and at Summerslam you took actions which may have ended his career. Ethan was furious, the board was furious and frankly, I'm shocked you weren't terminated. Had the decision been in my hands you would have been fired for your actions, but you weren't and so here we stand today, with you arguably the most promising name on my roster. Now, having reinvented myself just a few short months ago, I am rather fond of second chances and that's why I wanted to give you one. But your chance, in the interest of fairness, can be no better than anyone else's. Resistance represents a blank slate for every single man who is on its roster, a rare opportunity in this business to revisit your past, see what was working and what was not and make improvements so that you can be more successful in the future. And I really, truly would love to see you succeed here on Resistance, Mr. Marseglia, but in order to do that you are going to have to wait your turn, the same way as everyone else. That's just how it goes in this busine--
Drake is interrupted as Vinny grabs him by the collar with the hand not holding the microphone and pulls him in so that there is little distance between them.
Vinny Marseglia: Unless you’re dealing with me. I will not stand idly by while men on the other show, losers as evidenced by our match, get rewarded while I get nothing. Unless I’m inflicting torture and watching the life leave someone’s body, I detest waiting. There is no argument, Drake, I am the most promising name on your roster and as such, I should not be relegated to the sidelines. To make this up to me, I suggest you bypass the qualifier for me, because I can guarantee I’d win it, and put me in the Elimination Chamber match. Because if you don’t, what I did to Jimmy Jacobs will seem like a walk in a meadow of flowers compared to what I do to you!
Vinny releases Drake and drops the microphone, pulling his axe from his jacket. Drake goes to speak but Vinny knocks the microphone out of his hands with the axe. Vinny backs Drake into the corner, the axe held to his throat, when suddenly...
BURN IT DOWN!!!
The fans all begin to get extremely antsy when a large amount of pyro goes off at the top of the stage shaking the entire arena. Seth Rollins soon emerges from behind a large cloud of smoke as the fans all begin to cheer and scream at the top of their voices. The ovation is ear splitting, earth rattling, and flat out deafening. Seth Rollins slowly steps out from the back, very slowly and methodically. Seth Rollins walking out down the Resistance ramp for the first time is a sight to behold. A slight grin emerges from the corners of his mouth as he recognizes the fans adoring love for him. Seth walks down the ramp as the love from the fans continue to pour down upon his shoulders. He makes contact with a few fans in the form of handshakes and hand claps and he makes his way into the ring. He stands on second turnbuckle and throws both of his fists in the air as the crowd continues to scream until their lungs collapse.
Seth enters the ring and gives a long, cold, hard stare to Vinny that lasts for several long moments. Seth then looks over at Drake and then back to Vinny. He is finally handed a mic and begins to address the UWF Universe.
Seth Rollins: Vinny I can empathize with you and I understand your feelings. You defeated Triple H at HeatWave and now you’re being forced to watch the same man that you defeated have an opportunity to compete for the UWF Championship on Revolution. In your eyes Triple H is a man that doesn’t deserve that opportunity. So imagine my frustrations with having to see a man who has failed on multiple occasions to win that same championships trying to bully his way for another chance that he flat out doesn’t deserve.
Vinny, you failed to obtain that same championship at Summer Slam. You became King of The Ring just to fall victim to the curse that has plagued three out of the last four tournament winners. They win a tournament and then go on to lose the title shot that they earned before they go on a downward spiral with their respective careers. It seems like all you’re doing is going down the same path that has already been carved out for you. Besides your obvious failure at Summer Slam, there’s your other failure at Backlash when you failed to once again win that same championship. It seems like championship opportunities are something that you’ve been quite adept at screwing up lately. Now you have the audacity to come out here and try to bully and demand things, but that’s not how things are going to be working on Resistance. Besides, with that track record, you should want to be as far from the title scene as possible.
Seth pauses to let the world and Vinny really sink in what he said. He once again stares a hole through Vinny before continuing.
The only good thing that you’ve done lately besides fumble up a precious King of The Ring opportunity, is finally ridding the company of that ominous dark stain: Jimmy Jacobs. But of course, you didn’t even do that by yourself. I am the one who defeated, destroyed, and humiliated Jimmy Jacobs in the middle of this ring. I went to the fiery depths of hell, in his playground, and I beat him at his own game. I threw Jimmy in his coffin, and you just came and put in the final nail. You picked up my scraps after I already vanquished the beast and now you run around claiming my glory and what I accomplished as if it’s your own. That’s literally the same exact thing that Jimmy Jacobs did after I beat Vampiro inside Hell in a Cell. Jimmy came after the match and set Vampiro’s carcass on fire and we haven’t seen him since. Anytime a make believe monster decides to mess with me, they end up missing in action. So I’d watch my words and my actions in the future if I were you. I have no problem making it 3 for 3.
Now Drake, as far as the Elimination Chamber goes and the qualifying matches and all the hoora, I say we save it. Let’s stop wasting time. Let’s give the people what they really want to see for once. They don’t want to wait to see me qualify for the Elimination Chamber. They just want to see a champion who stands for something great represent the show. If anyone deserves to be inside the Chamber match it’s me. And contrary to Vinny here, if anyone deserves to skip the qualifier match, it’s me. I’m the only one in the company besides UWF Champion Chris Jericho to pick up two wins at Summer Slam and at Heat Wave. I think it’s time to start treating me like the hot commodity that I am.
As Rollins finishes up his remarks, there's an awkward silence for a moment, the fans buzzing as they await whatever will happen next. Vinny turns to face Seth with a smirk curling his lips, and he turns the axe in his hand as he approaches the Architect. Rollins presses foreward and gets right in Vinny's face, fearless. The two exchange heated words off-mic before Drake Maverick places an arm between them and slowly separates them, then lifts his microphone and speaks.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Gentlemen, please! There's no need for such hostility. Having listened to both of your points, I agree... to an extent. You both clearly showed you are among the brightest stars in this company and on my brand, and right now, both of you are burning very brightly. You are both well within your rights to argue that you should be automatically included in the Elimination Chamber match. And, frankly, having heard you both out, I agree with both of your arguments that you shouldn't have to qualify. When I was given the keys to the Resistance kingdom, I resolved to do things fairly, and that means that everyone deserves the same chance to find success in his company. But the two of you come in to Resistance with a legacy of achievement behind each of you. And while Seth is right that you have missed the mark on some of your opportunities in the past, Vinny, you also had the longest Television Championship reign in the history of that title. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins has long been a staple of the highest echelons of wrestling in this company, and is riding the momentum of several key victories. So it's settled, then.
Drake takes a moment, allowing his reasoning to hang over the crowd and the two men with whom he shares the ring for a moment before adding:
The two of you will be participants in the Elimination Chamber match. I will give you both a pass, allow you both to skip the qualifying match. But this favor will not be without its consequences. You'll both be in action next week, and I expect both of you to bring your A game leading up to the Chamber. Don't make me regret my decision. You won't like it very much if you do.
With that, Maverick heads over to the table and collects the International Championship, placing it on his own shoulder before heading for the exit. The fans are buzzing as the feed moves along to the show's opening sequence.
The opening pyro for Resistance pops off all around the stage and along the ramp as the fans cheer wildly for the debut of the Ultimate Wrestling Federation's newest brand! The cameras sweep the crowd, showing cheering fans sporting merchandise belonging to various superstars and more than a few signs proclaiming one or the other of Resistance's many athletes to be its best. Finally, the scene comes to rest on the commentary table where Mauro Ranallo and Matt Striker are standing by.
Mauro Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mauro Ranallo with my broadcast partner Matt Striker and from both of us, welcome! Welcome! UWF Resistance is on the air and coming to you live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and boy do we have a show for you tonight! Already, you've heard General Manager Drake Maverick's plan for the International Championship and those Elimination Chamber qualifiers will start next week but this week, we're all about prime time!
Matt Striker: You've got that right, Mauro. Tonight we'll see what six of the talents on the Resistance Roster have to offer as they vie in a Beat the Clock tournament to be crowned the first-ever Prime Time Champion.
Mauro Ranallo: And that's not all, Matt! We'll also see the return of not one, not two, but THREE athletes as Juventud, Kenny Omega and Samoa Joe clash in a triple threat match-up! Mamma mia, that's bound to be a fight.
Matt Striker: Very true, Mauro! But to get things started this week, we've got a classic sibling squabble as Jeff Hardy tries to survive the Broken Brilliance of his brother, Matt.
Mauro Ranallo: But enough from us. Let's get this show on the road!
The titantron switches from the UWF Resistance graphic to a video feed - a hurricane of amorphous shades and shapes swirling until they take the form of Jeff Hardy's logo, which disappears seconds after. Clips or Hardy landing Swanton Bombs, Whisper in the Winds, Twist of Fates and some of his more daring, violent stunts from over the years are broadcast over the massive screen. The UWF Universe screams in approval, but the cheers die down when the aftermath of his devil may care offense is shown. The injries. The referees helping him to the back. The surgery prep. And after those, headlines of his numerous arrests and convictions. Everything, all the positive and negative, then begin to swil together just as the colours had before, a synthesized Shepard tone accompanying the strobe-like montage as the pace accelerates.
It all gives way to a shot of Jeff sitting in a dimly lit room that might be somewhere backstage in the building. He's slouched forward, his chin perched on folded hands. The Charismatic Enigma looks straight up into the camera.
Nobody is their worst moment. But nobody is their best, either. Our lives are roller coasters, mountains and valleys, staggered lines on a heart monitor. Maybe you came up hard, and life's never been easy for you and it's like no matter what you do, it's impossible to get ahead but there's still those times when you look around and can't hel but be amazed by the world in your place in it. Or maybe you were born rich, and you could just buy whatever you wanted whenever you wanted but somehow now that's not enough, and there's an emptiness inside you and even though you're life's been smooth sailing, you can't find the joy in it.
We're all imbalanced creatures trying to find something to hold on. We're ships at sea on choppy waves that are just never gonna calm down. We want something we can trust, something consistent... but the only certainty we have in this life is today. The here and now. Some of us ain't gonna make it to tomorrow, and who doesn't wish they could take back yesterday? But all we've got is our time right now.
Me? I've lived with head up in the clouds and buried in the dirt, too, worrying about tomorrow's troubles or yesterday's mistakes. Not anymore though. I can't change where I've been, and who knows where I'm going? All I know is I'm here tonight. I'm in the UWF tonight. I'm wrestling what could just be my last match ever tonight. I'm fighting my brother - the man I respect and love more than anyone else on this planet, tonight.
There's an energy to that. Can you feel it? I feel it. Hell, I can see it, touch it, taste it to. It's screamin in my ears. It's pounding in my head and I gotta let it out. So that's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to fight my brother and I'm going to pour every ounce of soul I've got into it cause that's the only honest thing I can do. Come whatever may, I promise you that tonight, you're getting one hundred percent, pure, unfiltered, nothing-held-back Jeff Hardy.
Hardy stands up and walks away from the scene. The titantron cuts out and the show continues elsewhere.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first and already in the ring with me, from Cameron, North Carolina and weighing 236 pounds... Matt HARDY!
The Broken One seems preoccupied by the floating drone Vanguard 1, which buzzes around his head several times before floating on off to the backstage. Hardy then turns to the fans with his arms outstretched and says, "Yeeeeeeeeeas!", prompting a "DELETE!" chant from the crowd. This chant continues until the music of Matt's opponent for the night cuts into it like a knife.
A dissonant, down-tuned hum buzzes through the PA, slowly taking sonic shape in harmony with a blur on titantron transforming into a highlight reel for wrestling's legendary daredevil...
Jeff Hardy runs out on to the ramp, waving his arms around as the fans scream and chant his name. Strobe lights haphazardly illuminate his illustrated face, a mask of war paint that serves to highlight the intensity and devil-may-care nature of the soul beneath it.
Buffer: Weighing in at 225 pounds... from Cameron, North Carolina... "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy!
Hardy slides under the bottom rope and quickly climbs to the turnbuckle, leaning precariously over the edge, arms spread as the Resistance fans cheer for him. Tool's rhythmic frenzy blares in the background as Jeff scans the arena, taking in the energy of the people as he prepares to wrestle the match as though it were his last.
-VERSUS-DING DING!
As the ring bell sounds, the two brothers go to lock up in a test of strength but Jeff connects with a kick to the solar plexus and brings Matt up and over with a quick suplex. As Jeff turns around, Matt is getting up and applauding his sibling. Jeff goes for another kick but Matt grabs his foot and flips him, intending to put him on his back but Jeff tucks and rolls and ends up on his feet again. Jeff leaps up and connects with a drop kick that sends his brother into the ropes. As Matt comes off the ropes, Jeff gets to his feet and takes a swing at his face but Matt sidesteps and applies a sleeper hold. Jeff throws an elbow backward and connects with the ribs, effectively breaking the hold as Matt doubles over and Jeff connects with a leaping leg drop that drives Matt into the canvas with some authority. Jeff rolls Matt over and catches a throat thrust for his troubles as Matt gets to his feet while Jeff staggers away. As Jeff staggers back, Matt kicks him and looks to pull him in for the Twist of Fate, but the man he knows as Brother Nero scouts it and swats Matt’s arms away, grabbing the back of Matt’s head with both hands and connecting with a sit-down jawbreaker!
Matt Striker: Hell of a jawbreaker there from Jeff Hardy and you can already see how familiar these two men, as brothers, are with one another.
Mauro Ranallo: Everyone knows what a sibling rivalry is, but the on-again off-again relationship that Matt and Jeff Hardy have has been one of the definitive squabbles in the history of our business. This is a true blood feud.
The impact of the jawbreaker causes Matt to stagger into the corner as Jeff is up and takes off running, launching himself at Matt like a missile. Matt sidesteps, however, and guides Jeff head first into the post. ”Not today, spot monkey!” declares Matt as he leads Jeff out of the corner and connects with the Side Effect. The referee comes over to count as Matt covers for the pinfall.
1...
...NO!
As Jeff kicks out, Matt seems disappointed, but soon shakes that disappointment and starts applauding him again. Jeff gets to his feet and heads over to throw a punch, but Matt catches it and twists Jeff’s arm at the wrist, forcing downward as Jeff cries out in pain. Matt kicks Jeff over and over in the elbow as he continues to twist the arm before finally letting go and spiking Jeff head first into the mat with a quick DDT. Jeff is up and trying to shake the cobwebs as Matt goes for a big boot but Jeff grabs him up halfway in powerbomb position and takes off running forward, releasing Matt through the air and crotching him on the top rope as Matt bounces on it groin first and tumbles to the outside. A, “REBY’S PISSED NOW!” chant starts up as Jeff slides out of the ring and guides Matt to his feet, only to Irish whip him into the steel steps as they break apart and Matt now lies there in the wreckage. Jeff enters the ring and exits it to break the count as he stands Matt up, who shoves him and then rolls him back into the ring. As Matt slides into the ring, Jeff has scrambled to the top rope and when Matt gets to his feet Jeff comes off the top with a plancha! Matt, however, has it scouted and catches his brother, holding him in both arms! Jeff tries to squirm free, but Matt has him, lifting him up and bringing him down hard on the knee with a backbreaker! Matt shoves Jeff off his knee and then gets to his feet, pacing around the ring with a crazed look on his face. "Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaassss!" he hisses, drawing a pop from his fans in the crowd.
Mauro Ranallo: Well Jeff Hardy can cancel his chiropractor's appointment after that backbreaker, his spine won't need another readjustment for weeks!
Matt Striker: It's really a brilliant move by the Broken One, that backbreaker. If he can hobble Jeff, he takes out a large portion of the Charismatic Enigma's offence.
Indeed that appears to be the plan as Hardy gets to his feet, smiling, and shouts "DELETE!" The shout draws a response from the crowd in kind. This makes Matt smile even wider as he heads out to the apron, then leapfrogs over the rope with a legdrop to the same area of the back he just hit with his backbreaker! As Matt rolls off, Jeff thrashes about, selling the leg drop hard. Matt gets back to his feet and heads right over to Jeff, pulling him to his feet before Irish whipping him into the corner! Matt follows right behind — unfortunately for the Broken One, as Jeff dashes up the turnbuckles and flips into a Whisper in the Wind! There's a huge pop from the crowd at the display of acrobatics as both men lie on the canvas, taking a moment to breathe while neither has the strength or wherewithal to capitalize. The official starts a count.
Mauro Ranallo: Whisper in the Wind! Jeff takes his brother to the canvas!
Matt Striker: But what did that cost Jeff Hardy? The Charismatic Enigma has made it no secret that he doesn't know how much his body can take. It has already endured so much punishment in this match.
1...
2...
3...
Jeff rolls toward the ropes and uses them to start getting to his feet. Matt still seems dazed on the canvas, but the movement from his brother is enough for the official to break off the count. Jeff, when he has his feet, stumbles away from the ropes to pull Matt to his feet, but as he does the Broken One grabs him and drops him with a Russian leg sweep! Just like that, Matt is back in control, and he uses it to once again parade around the ring before heading to a corner and shouting "DELETE!" repeatedly. The fans respond in turn, kicking up the chant as Matt heads over to the man he knows as Brother Nero and drags him to his feet. Matt sends Jeff off the ropes and goes for a dropkick, but Jeff grabs the ropes to stop his momentum and Matt lands with a thud! Jeff immediately springs to action, grabs Matt's ankles and pulls his legs up, then leaps up and connects with a double leg drop to the midsection! Jeff rolls away as Matt thrashes about, but the youngest Hardy isn't done. He pulls Matt up to the doubled-over powerbomb position, then lifts him up and over to connect with an ugly alley-oop facebuster! Matt lands hard on the canvas as Jeff scrambles to his feet, bracing his back from the earlier assault he endured. He takes a moment to breathe, then points to a corner for another huge pop!
Matt Striker: Is he calling for what I think he's calling for?
Mauro Ranallo: I can think of several reasons why Jeff Hardy would want to go up top, but this time definitely feels like a Swanton Bomb!
Indeed, that seems to be exactly what the Charismatic Enigma has planned as he heads out onto the apron and starts to climb to the top, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Jeff gets up there with some effort and starts to perform his signature taunt as he makes the finger guns and turns them toward himself, but when he does so Matt surges to life and dashes up the ropes, grabbing Jeff in a Side Effect clutch and throwing caution to the wind as he pushes both of them to the outside to land with a resounding crash on the ring steps!
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! Side Effect on the cold, hard steel!
The fans go dead silent, some children in the audience start to cry loudly, and then a "HOLY SHIT!" chant kicks up as both men twitch on the unrelenting ring steps. After checking to make sure both men still have a pulse, the official starts a count.
1...
2...
3...
Matt Striker: It looks as though Matt Hardy may have lived up to his nickname. Both of these men seem broken.
Striker's assessment may be correct as Matt rolls off the steps to land on his face on the floor. Both men are completely out of it and the Enigma may just be shattered as he half-hangs off the steps, his body like drapery.
4...
5...
6...
Matt drags himself to the apron and grabs it, slowly dragging himself to his vertical base. The official keeps the counting until he rolls into the ring and out of it, then resets it at one.
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Hardy resets the official's count and I don't know how that man is standing right now.
Matt Striker: It's sheer determination at this point. It has to be.
The Broken One pulls his brother to his feet and then rolls his still-limp body into the ring. Jeff's eyes are open but he's got the 1,000-mile stare as Matt slides into the ring and slowly hauls Jeff to his feet, then tucks him into the Twist of Fate clutch. Matt spins out for the big finish, but Jeff shoves him away before he can complete the maneuver! Matt comes back with a kick to the gut, but Jeff catches it, then performs a dragon screw takedown! The fans pop as Jeff finds his second wind, Matt lumbering back to his feet only to be grounded with a flying forearm. The Broken One gets back up again, but this time he's sent back down with another sitout facebuster! As Jeff finds his momentum, he again pulls Matt to his feet and sends him into a corner, before charging his way and hitting a running clothesline, then leading Matt out of the corner to hit a swinging neckbreaker! Finally, Jeff sits up, shoves his mussy hair back and rolls out onto the apron before going up top, performing his taunt and leaping off with the Swanton Bomb! Matt eats the full impact of the move and Jeff hooks the leg!
1...
2...
..3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
JEFF HARDY!
Mauro Ranallo: Jeff Hardy hung on, he fought through a tremendous onslaught from his brother Matt, and now the Charismatic Enigma has claimed his first UWF Resistance victory.
Matt Striker: That he did, Mauro, but you've got to hand it to Matt, who looked every bit as brilliant as he says he is.
While Jeff continues to celebrate his victory, Matt sits up, shaking his head. It seems the Broken One is having trouble accepting his defeat as he finds his feet. Jeff climbs down off the turnbuckles and turns around, and when he does he finds an angry Matt, who shouts, "DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!" before kicking him in the gut and hitting the Twist of Fate! The fans are torn by the assault and offer a decisively mixed reaction as Matt rolls out of the ring, leaving his brother laid out on the canvas as he heads to the back. The feed moves along.
The feed goes backstage where Renee Young is standing by.
Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome my guest at this time, Juventud.
Juventud comes into frame.
Renee Young: First of all welcome back to the UWF. Resistance is the hot new brand here in UWF and as arguably some of it's biggest stars, how do you feel-
Juventud: Wait, what do you mean arguably? What's to argue? Have you seen the roster? Los Mexicools are the biggest and most accomplished names on the roster.
Renee Young: Well Seth Rollins is a former International Champion as well as Jeff Hardy being a former World Heavyweight Champion.
Juventud: Do you know how long ago that was? Seth Rollins has done nothing but fail time and time again even when he gets big opportunities. And Jeff Hardy? His reign was like 5 years ago. We're this brand's sole stars. Vinny Marseglia may think he's the top dog after holding the Television Championship for so long but it pales in comparison to my historic Intercontinental Championship reign. I'm the reason that title means so much today. People see it as practically a Money in the Bank briefcase because only top tier people get it and that's because of me. The only thing is, I've never reached the top. I put my own career on hold because I was fighting for something greater. I could have easily beaten Rey Mysterio and claimed the International Championship. To this day, I've never gotten a World Title shot and that's the only reason I haven't been champion.
Renee Young: You've made your intentions pretty well known but I have to ask, what do you think about your opponents this week?
Juventud laughs at the mere thought of them.
Juventud: Right, Kenny and Joe. They're both indy darlings who think they've been overlooked for years. That they need to prove themselves on the main stage but let's just be frank, the reason they haven't gotten opportunities on the big stage is because they're not very good. Me on the other hand, I've been held down all my career. Whether it was in WCW all the way to UWF, people have been purposely trying to keep me down and yet I've succeeded despite them. Kenny and Joe don't know a thing about hardship but I'm going to show them. They need this win more than anything but I'm gonna take it right from under them and watch them panic as they try to find their footing here on Resistance.
Juventud walks off to get prepared for his match as the live feed goes elsewhere.
The feed cuts backstage as Joe is taping up his wrist preparing for his debut.
Samoa Joe:
History is written by the victors, and you see there are some considered Great Great people today that got to their place in history by doing things in a manner that would be considered not ideal. Champions have cheated, Owners have lied, Legends have crossed lines, but down the line time Heals all wounds. You start to only care about what they accomplished instead of looking into what they did to do it. It may not be fair but it is how things work out, which is why I'm not afraid of doing what I have to do to get ahead. I'm not going to take any shortcuts, but I am damn sure not going to wait patiently in line. When I'm in the ring people are going to get hurt, it's gonna look callous and destructive. Bones are going to break, and one by one I am going to put People to SLEEP! And when you see what I'm capable of, what I'm willing to do to another Human life in that ring. You're going to give me a lot of names, Monster, Savage, Destructive, but when it comes down to it the only name you need to remember is Joe.
Joe wipes his lower lip with his thumb, his pinky also sticking out his hand in the shakka signal he always holds up as he continues to speak.
Because Monsters and Savages are mindless forces that have no remorse but also have no...Direction. I'm not here to destroy Resistance, I'm here to stand atop it and that means taking out any and all that stand in my way. There is Good and there is Evil, and to a whole lot of people that is the picture they see of the world. Good, and Evil. Good people do Good things, bad people do bad things, but sometimes to get to your good you have to get your hands dirty and I aint afraid of getting my hands dirty. Some people are, and that's all fine and good for them. You keep your hands clean, you coast through life, you show up and do your job and get paid. But I'm not going to get comfortable, because when I'm not in the ring I'm looking at what is. I'm planning, I'm calculating and I am going to do whatever is necessary to get to the top.
Joe lifts his head up and closes his eyes for a second breathing in the moment.
I am Necessary Evil, some people lay claims to Greatness and Chaos, but what I lay claim to is the Inevitable. I am here to take people down, systematically, until everyone learns that their world up until now was just practice compared to what I'm bringing.Because I'm not a dreamer, I'm not a layer of claims, what I am is cold hard reality. Reality dictates that Limits are in everyone, that no matter how big your heart is or how fast your mind moves...when your legs can't carry you, when your blood stops flowing, when the air in your lungs starts to dwindle You stop. In this business, if you stop you die. You stay in one place too long, you refuse to adapt, You are left behind. And that is what Joe is here to do, not try his best or to make people suffer. Joe is here to Kill you.
Actions are louder than words, yes, but to some, that’s not everything that covers it. The expression itself fails in the world of professional wrestling, and no one knows that better than ace UWF Reporter, Renee Young, who UWF cameras caught up with earlier today.
Renee Young: “Ladies and Gentlemen of the UWF Universe, I’m Renee Young standing here in the parking lot of tonight’s venue for the very first episode of Resistance. It’s been a party thus far, with Fan Axxess, drinks, and all kinds of hype for this evenings affairs. However, we here as staff are always on duty, and we’re waiting for the arrival of one of Resistance’s latest signees.”
Of course, with the glitz and glamour, the camera turned slightly for a man carrying a suitcase behind him, wearing street casual clothes, and a “surprised” smile on his face, that man being Kenny Omega.
Kenny Omega: “Week number 2, huh Renee?”
Renee quickly followed side by side with Omega, microphone in hand, as they went through the lot, with the cameras rolling. UWF tech guys, parking lots, and the usual staff were there, most not batting an eye at Omega as they’re hard at work.
Renee Young: “I figured you’d be somewhat interested in the screen time, considering this is a new you.”
Kenny Omega: “I don’t mind if it’s with a fellow Canadian, eh? But of course, I’m all about getting the word out these days.”
Renee Young: “What word would that be?”
Kenny Omega: “That I’m a changed man. Things tend to get stale the longer and longer you talk about them. I said it before, I’m a man of the new guard. I welcome change with open arms, it is 2018 isn’t it?”
Renee Young: “It’s a bit funny you mention the new guard, as tonight, you’ve been omitted from the Beat The Clock Challenge to wrestle not one returning star, but two, in the form of Samoa Joe and Juventud Guerrera. Two men who you’ve said are apart of the old guard. What’re you feelings about the whole situation?”
Kenny Omega: “A title is a title; it’s a goal of sorts for a wrestler. To say it didn’t mean anything would be a lie, but I’m not kicking stones over it. See, I said it from the beginning; I’m starting at square one. I was ready to do the same on Revolution, but here at Resistance in this stage? It’s all about making the first big impact. Hey, congrats to the guy barely hanging on to his career that wins that belt, but I’m making my impact by knocking some mothafuckin’ skulls together. Ya dig?”
Renee Young: “I, do? Somewhat… first of the other two men is Samoa Joe, a man we haven’t seen compete in a UWF ring for quite some time.”
Omega and Renee had made their way through the lot and into the backstage area, while Omega visually thought about Joe, looking up in the air for some thoughts.
Kenny Omega: “Tch, honestly, I’ll give him the credit he thinks he deserves; I think Joe’s an intimidating guy. He can do what a lot of other big men can’t, problem is, he’s just that; a big man. Big men can’t move all that fast, so all of that power isn’t that much of a use to him, no matter how much he hyped himself out. It comes down to the stamina game with him. As for the strength, hell, I can pull off a lot of what he can. He’s a lump in the circle of stats for power, but all of that fluff he’s talking can’t be backed up.”
Renee Young: “For what Joe lacks in speed, how about Juventude?”
Kenny Omega: “A dude with a tude that lacks the power game, but is light on his feet. You can only dodge so much before a knee catches you on the chin, and it’s lights out for him. Heh, besides, I think I’m already getting some friends around here just for the fact alone I’m taking on one of the Mexicools. They’re so delusional, they’ll start making up these accusations, like I’ve been in Japan, or that I’ve been wrestling at other places. Long story short, Joe and Juvy? They’re just two pillars Drake’s putting in front of me to test my mettle. I’m the full package when it comes to looks, speed, strength, and mic skills.”
Renee’s eyes widen to hear the comment, as Omega chuckled to himself with the thought, before they reached the locker room door.
Renee Young: “A bold remark for a bold talent. Say you win the triple threat, what’s that entail for you here on Resistance?”
Kenny Omega: “The sky’s the limit. A contendership, a fancy title of my own; maybe nothin’. Either way, I’m ready for what’s coming my way, because whatever it is, I’m more than ready to take it on, and represent it and this brand to the fullest. If anyone’s got an objection to that; I say let ‘em try. Now if you’ll excuse me, I got a big nasty bastard and a couple of little shits to take care of. Goodnight, and buh-bye.”
Omega quickly kisses his finger, shoots his finger gun at the camera, and exits out to the room, leaving us to move on with the first episode of Resistance.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a triple threat match-up! Introducing first...
"Destroyer" starts to play through throughout the arena, the crowd cheers as the roar of the theme hits and you see the curtains fly open as Joe comes out on stage and starts to walk down the ramp with a swagger that matches each step with the beat of his music as he looks straight ahead with a serious face while the crowd chants in unison with the music "Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!". Joe turns towards the steps looks at the front row as the crowd are swaying back and forth to his theme shouting his name, he smirks before turning around and running up the steel steps.
Michael Buffer: From Huntington Beach, California, Weighing in at two hundred and eighty two pounds...He is the Samoan Submission Machine...Samoa Joe!
Joe steps into the ring and in time with the announcement of his name he spins around taking the towel off his neck and lifts up his hand in a Shaka hand gesture.
Joe lowers his hand and cracks his neck to one side stepping back into the corner, he hangs up his towel in the turnbuckle and bounces on his feet for a moment shadow boxing as he prepares for his opponent.
"-Forfeit the game / Before somebody else Takes you out of the frame / Puts your name to shame"
"Cover up your face / You can’t run the race The pace is too fast / You just won't last-"
Linkin Park's hit "Point of Authority" blasts through the PA system and the crowd go BERSERK for the meaning behind it. The hot bar dropped at the beginning passes, and as the theme kicks in, out walks in a cool swagger Canada's own Kenny Omega!
The sunglasses, the trench coat, all signs of "The Silver Bullet" are long gone. This is now just Kenny Omega, the man who fights not for money, not for himself; he fights for the people, and he's quick to show it, as he raises a single finger high overhead, before heading down the ramp as soon as his theme kicks in, slapping some fans' hands on the way down. The fans are enthralled with him, before he starts stepping up on to the apron and into the ring, cocking up a finger gun, syncing up his pose to the announcer's words.
Michael Buffer: "From Winnipeg, Canada, weighing in at 288 pounds, he is "The Cleaner", Kennyyyyyyy Oooooooomegaaaaaa!"
"BANG!"
Omega blows the imaginary smoke from his finger, before backing himself up in the corner, bouncing up and down and checking his wrists to get this thing to get started.
The engine of a lawnmower starting flow throughout the arena and the crowd is on their feet, booing the arrival of one of the nost hated factions in UWF history. It doesn't take long before the Mexicools make their way out on their custom Juan Deere's, driving down the ramp.
Michael Buffer: Making his way to the ring, being accompanied by Super Crazy and Psicosis, from Mexico City, Mexico, Juventud!
The Mexicools circle the ring in their Juan Deere's having fun and dancing along to their music until they park. They all slide into the ring with Psicosis and Super Crazy hyping up Juventud as he warms up in the corner.
-VS--VS-DING DING DING!
The bell rings and immediately Kenny Omega takes a run at Juventud, the pair having no love lost between them. Juvi sees Omega coming and drops and rolls out of the ring, leaving Omega to brace himself on the ropes and shout out at the former Intercontinental Champion while the other Mexicools hype him up on the outside.
Mauro Ranallo: Kenny Omega looks to settle an old score and Juventud beats a hasty retreat to the outside.
Matt Striker: It's smart strategy on the Juice's part. In a triple threat match, he can't be counted out.
Omega glares icily at Juventud, but his expression changes to one of surprise as Samoa Joe spins him around and smacks him right in the face. "Your eyes should be on ME!" Joe shouts, then he whips Omega into the ropes and chases him, hitting him hard and grounding him with a reverse elbow. Omega rolls and gets back to his feet, but as he does Joe is right back on him with a combination of quick jabs and hard, chopping strikes that drive Omega back toward a corner. When he gets him there, Joe drives some hard shoulder thrusts into Omega's gut, then Irish whips him hard to the corner opposite. Omega hits those turnbuckles hard and stumbles out, straight into Joe's waiting grip for a snap scoop powerslam! Joe stays on top for the cover, but doesn't even get a one count before Juventud is on top of him with some hard stomps that force him to roll out of the ring. Juventud then turns on Samoa Joe's prey with a smirk and walks right up behind Omega, who is crawling for the ropes, then smacks him on the back of the head! There's a loud boo from the crowd as Juventud shows absolutely no sportsmanship, his mocking laughter emulated by the Mexicools on the outside, "jajajajajajaja!" Juvi then pulls Omega up to his feet with a grip around the Canadian's waist, and as soon as he gets him vertical the Juice goes for a German suplex, but Omega plants his feet! The Cleaner then throws an elbow into Juventud's gut that breaks his grip and immediately Omega heads for the ropes, leaping up onto the top and springboarding into a moonsault plancha! Omega takes Juventud to the canvas and stays on top for the pin!
1...
...NO! Samoa Joe breaks up the pin!
Joe reaches in and grabs Omega's ankle, then drags him out under the bottom ropes. As Omega lands on his feet, Joe tries to grab him but the Canadian creates some quick separation with a hard shove and then winds up and strikes Joe in the chest with both open palms in a Hadouken! Joe falls flat onto his back as the fans pop for the maneuver, and Omega grins widely as he turns back toward the ring only to be sent crashing into the barricade by a baseball-sliding Juventud! The Juice slips out of the ring at that point and goes on the offensive, grabbing Omega's hair with one hand and driving hard forearms from the other straight into his face. Omega is dazed a little bit more by each successive blow as the Juice tries to fully capitalize on the situation he has created for himself, but as he turns around Joe is right there and the big man catches him up and drops him with an inverted atomic drop! Juventud hops around clutching at his midsection as Joe grabs him and rolls him back into the ring. The Samoan Submission Machine then turns his gaze to Omega and props him up against the barricade before unloading a series of hard kicks to the chest! Omega is winded as each strike lands, and after the final one he falls slumped in a seated position against the barrier as Joe heads back into the ring. Joe moves up on Juventud, but as he does, the Juice rolls him up and grabs a fistful of his shorts!
Matt Striker: Roll-up!
Mauro Ranallo: Juventud's getting a little handsy there!
1...
2...
...NO!
Joe kicks out! Immediately Juvi heads for the corner, putting his back to it as he momentarily checks to see where Kenny Omega is. Omega's still seated against a barricade, so Juventud knows he has to press his opportunity. He takes off running at Joe as the big man gets to his feet and gets oriented, leaping up onto his shoulders for a frankensteiner! But no, Joe has it scouted and he brings Juventud down HARD with a powerbomb before rolling Juvi over and locking him into an STF! The fans pop at the display as Joe goes hard on the submission hold trying to force the tap out!
Mauro Ranallo: Hurricanrana countered into a powerbomb by Samoa Joe and now Juventud finds him in a tough spot!
Juventud is clawing first at the air and then at the canvas, trying to force himself toward the ropes as Joe wrenches on the submission hold. There's no escape for the Juice; Joe is a much larger man and he has Juventud well and truly trapped. That is, until Kenny Omega crashes down onto both of them, forcing Joe to release the hold! Omega is quick to his feet and so is Joe, and the Submission Machine glares at Omega, who simply smiles and shrugs. Joe takes off at Omega with a lariat attempt, but Omega ducks under and when Joe rebounds off the ropes he does so into a MASSIVE superkick that can be heard in the cheap seats! The pop from Joe's jaw is only half as loud as the pop of the crowd, however, as Joe collapses to the canvas and Omega dives on top!
1...
2...
...NO! The Mexicools drag the ref out of the ring!
As the referee lands on the floor, he's quick to rebuke Super Crazy and Psicosis, both of whom try to act menacing. Frustrated, the official tries to give them a verbal warning, but Super Crazy just slaps him in the face! There's a lot of heat for that, but then the referee points to both of them and orders them to the back! Super Crazy and Psicosis react with shock as the fans erupt in cheers, but the two men know the best thing they can do is follow the rules... for now. They start to head to the back as the official rolls back into the ring to find Omega lining Joe up for the V-Trigger. Omega takes the run at Joe, but as he does, Juventud sideswipes the Cleaner and sends him crashing into the ropes! Omega rebounds straight into a kick to the gut and Juventud lifts him up and over with a pumphandle sitout facebuster! More heat from the crowd as the Juice makes the cover.
Matt Striker: Juventud has been very clever with his timing in this match-up. He's trying to avoid any serious harm and showing a truly opportunistic streak here.
Mauro Ranallo: Maybe so, but this match would have been over if not for his friends Super Crazy and Psicosis, and they're no longer ringside!
1...
2...
...NO!
Omega kicks out and exits the ring, trying to collect himself on the outside. With the Cleaner no longer a real threat, Juventud turns toward Joe now, who has rolled out to the apron and is using the ropes to slowly get to his feet. The Juice heads over and toe-kicks Joe right on the bridge of the nose between the ropes, causing Joe's head to snap up as he clutches at his nose. Juventud shouts, "It's probably an improvement, jajaja!" There's more booing from the crowd as Juventud pulls Joe to his feet and then turns around to go for a rope-assisted stunner, but Joe shoves Juventud forward and right into a ready and primed Hadouken from Kenny Omega! Juventud is leveled by the impact and immediately rolls out of the ring gasping for air while Omega points to Joe and then motions for him to come and get some. Joe smirks at Omega and steps into the ring, nodding his head as he sets his eyes on what could be a worthy challenge. Joe moves in on Omega, Omega moves in on Joe and the pair tie up, but then Joe drops down and sweeps Omega's feet out from under him before locking in a single-leg crab! The fans buzz as the official watches for a tap-out from Omega, who immediately starts pulling for the ropes. When he's less than an inch away, Joe pulls Omega back to the middle of the ring and then sits back and really torques the submission hold! Omega screams in sheer agony, but the Cleaner refuses to tap as his lights start to fade.
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like it could be lights out for the cleaner here, Matt.
Omega's head falls flat on the canvas. His eyes are still open, but they're staring into nothingness. The official checks on him, looking for some response. It looks like he's about to call the match, but then Omega suddenly finds some second wind and starts clawing at the air again! The Canadian pushes up on both hands and uses them to drag himself and Joe to the ropes, then grabs the bottom one! The fans pop loudly as the referee orders Joe to break off the hold, and so the Submission Machine does... just long enough to get some space and a good running start for a senton! Joe hooks the leg.
1...
2...
...NO!
Somehow, Omega manages to find the fight to get a foot on the ropes, forcing the break.
Matt Striker: Look at the ring sense of Kenny Omega. You can certainly tell that this is a man who has been at this business for a long time.
Mauro Ranallo: Maybe so, but you almost get the sense he's just delaying the inevitable here, Matt.
As Joe stands up to loom over the downed Omega, he takes a moment to contemplate his next move. Unfortunately for the Samoan Submission Machine, his thoughts are interrupted as Juventud puts an arm through his legs and drags him into a schoolboy! With the official focused on the cover, Juvi puts his feet on the ropes for maximum leverage!
1...
2...
...NO!
Joe kicks out with an assist from Omega, who shoves Juvi's feet off the ropes! Juventud quickly scrambles back to a vertical base as Joe gets back to his own and Juvi runs, jumps and hits a Frankensteiner! Joe hits the canvas awkwardly as Juvi's back to his feet just in time to spot and catch an Omega superkick, which he converts into a dragon screw takedown! Omega rolls to the ropes but Juventud pursues and baseball slides him straight out onto the floor, which Omega hits with a thud. The Juice then gets to his feet on the apron and seeing Joe still on the canvas, he runs for the corner and climbs up top! Immediately, Juventud leaps off and hits the 450 splash! The fans are booing as the former Intercontinental Champion stays on top for the pin!
Mauro Ranallo: 450 SPLASH! Juventud is seconds away from victory!
Matt Striker: Holy moly!
1...
2...
...NO! Kenny Omega drags Juventud off of the cover to the outside!
Immediately, Kenny hits Juventud with a hard knee strike and smashes his face off of the apron, leaving the Juice leaning awkwardly as he backs up, then gets a running start and connects flush with the V Trigger! Juventud collapses on the floor, seemingly unconscious, as Omega slides into the ring. Kenny gets to his feet and prowls Joe, looking to connect with the same deadly move he just used on the Juice. The Samoan Submission Machine slowly lumbers onto hands and knees, then one knee using the ropes for support, and that's when Omega surges forward looking for the strike. But Joe has it scouted as he surges into motion, deflecting the blow and pushing Omega 180 degrees before locking him in the Coquina Clutch! Omega tries to fight against the hold, but Joe gets the legs up over his torso and cinches it in at full force, his arms constricting like pythons. It's just sheer body mass and brute strength at that point as Omega fights for as long as he is able, but eventually his body falls limp and the official is left with no choice as he calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
Samoa Joe!
Matt Striker: In a very evenly matched contest, all three of these men here tonight showed that they have what it takes to be here but the Samoan Submission Machine ultimately takes the W.
Mauro Ranallo: It's a huge victory for Samoa Joe, and that can't be understated. This was a triple threat loaded with world-class talent.
Joe is celebrating his victory in the ring, his music playing on the Titantron, as Kenny Omega comes to and uses the ropes to start getting to his feet. By this point Juventud has long since left the scene, but Joe turns and notices Omega standing, and heads over to him. Joe stares at Omega, who stares right back, and then offers him the hand for shaking. Omega is reluctant at first, turning to the fans who kick up a loud "YES!" chant, then he smiles and takes the hand, giving it a shake before holding Joe's arm up in victory to a huge pop from the fans. The feed moves along.
-VERSUS- 
