Post by crann on Feb 12, 2019 19:42:44 GMT -6
BRRRRRRRING
BRRRRRRRING
Nigel McGuinness: “What do you want? I thought I told you to not call me agai-.”
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Look Nigel, watched over the show last week. One specific reason. My briefcase with my guaranteed staircase to stardom in, my World Title shot, someone nabbed it off me. And… I- I- I just thought you were a key suspect.”
Nigel McGuinness: “Marty- have you got more idiotic since I’ve left or something? I mean c’mon mate, why would I even bother doing something like that? I haven’t got time to be wasting on things I won’t even use. At the Rumble, I’ll try and succeed. I wouldn’t stoop low enough to steal an opportunity.”
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Well… are you sure it isn’t you? I mean you’ve got quite a case of re- you know what don’t worry. I believe you. It’s just- it means a lot to me. I’ve been working for a while to gain myself a world championship opportunity. I just wish I had it. I don’t know what’s happening anymore, I don’t really know who to trust.”
Nigel McGuinness: “I can see what you mean… I did watch Resistance anyway. Just a little room for thought, nobody had headed into the room for a good while. Dream has to be a key candidate right? The door didn’t open, not that I saw at least. You’ve got to be more aware of your surroundings Marty. He’s no good, greedy little shit. If he wasn’t so greedy I’d still be on the road with you two.”
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Understandable. Look, I’ve gotta go. I’ll take your advice and go ask him, don’t worry. I don’t feel any connection to you anymore, I hope you feel the same.”
The opening pyro for Resistance pops off all around the stage and along the ramp as the fans cheer wildly for the new episode 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, good evening and welcome to the Resistance, coming to you LIVE from the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama!
Matt Striker: We are in the Oak City here tonight and our card is as strong as one with exciting match-ups top to bottom, including a major championship match-up between Scott Steiner and Billy Gunn!
Mauro Ranallo: We also have what is the first and likely last women's singles match-up in Resistance history, between Becky Lynch and Naomi, as the blood feud between the Usos and the Cult of Personality continues.
Matt Striker: Meanwhile, we've got not one, but two tag team matches here — big news as the inception of the UWF's tag team division looms on the horizon.
Mauro Ranallo: And last but certainly not least, we're expecting a breakneck back-and-forth when Kaval returns to the ring to battle the surging Matt Sydal.
Matt Striker: Thanks for joining us, and let's get right down to the action!
The titantron cuts from the Resistance graphic to a live feed from backstage, where Renee Young is standing by.
Young: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time, Jeff Hardy and Juice Robinson.
The newly formed tandem walks into the shot on either side of Renee. Weird. But okay. Before Renee can pop off another question, Juice leans on in there.
Juice: Hey - first things first, I just want to let everyone know that we've finally come up with a team name. So no more of this "Hardy and Robinsion" or "H.R." or "J&J" or "Jeff's Hardy Juice Box" or -
Young: I don't think anybody are using those names -
Juice: Exactly. Because we came up with a better one!
Hardy: Aim For The Bushes.
Young: I beg your pardon?
Juice: That's it. That's the name. Aim For The Bushes.
Hardy: It encapsulates our never-say-die attitude in a way our last names beside each other never could.
Juice: Plus you can just hear the good people doing the A-F-T-B-CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCAP already!
The fans in the arena respond with that exact chant while the interview goes on.
Young: Alright then. Aim For The Bushes. I like it. Tonight, you're going to take on Jimmy Havoc and Jack Jester, who don't exactly share this light-hearted sort of approach to wrestling -
Juice: Yeah. That's an understatement.
Hardy: There's no history here. It's nothing personal. Not all of them are gonna be. But you're right, us and them have some significantly contrasting opinions about what it means to be a pro-wrestler, and how a member of the Resistance roster should represent themselves.
Juice: I wouldn't go so far as to call up the "morality police" of Resistance, but we're operating on a strict "shape up or ship out" code here. We've just got a precious few weeks of this show left, and we don't want it to be remember for a couple of demented wack-jobs playing out their creepy violent fantasties. We want everyone to look back at Resistance and know it was the home of REAL wrestling. We're gonna carry that mentality and that momentum over into Revolution, but in the mean time, we're damn sure gonna lay down the law right here at home. No hard feelings. It's just gotta be done.
Young: On that note, the Royal Rumble will essenstially kick off this brand-merger, and I have it on good authority that a single slot in that match has been offered to - well, to Aim For the Bushes. Have you two decided which of you will compete for the chance to main event Wrestlemania?
Juice and Jef look at each, almost surprised by the news. Juice scratches his head sheepishly. Jeff just shrugs.
Juice: Well gee....
Hardy: I'll flip ya for it?
Juice: Deal!
The boys search for their wallets, but as they're already in their gear, there's nothing to be found. Renee sighes, and grabs a coin from her own pocket. She turns to Juice.
Renee: Heads.
And to Jeff.
Renee: Tails.
They accept. Renee places the coin - a quarter, as it were - on her upturn thumbs and flips it into the air. She catches it her palm, performs the obligatory blind-flip to rest it on top of her other hand and then reveals the results to both parties...
Hardy: Well alright then.
Juice: Hey congrats! Good luck out there man!
They shake hands. It's all good. Jeff Hardy is headed to the Royal Rumble.
Renee: Well that was... casual...
Juice: I wouldn't have it any other way.
Hardy: But hey, the Rumble's week's away. We got a match tonight we need to worry about.
With all the grace of an SNL sketch finale, an awkward nod caps off the interview without another word spoken. Aim For The Bushes heads off towards Gorilla while Renee signs off. Resistance continues elsewhere.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...
"All My Life" hits the PA, the iconic riff pulsing like a heart rate monitor registering on someone who's just stoked as heck. In that vein, the fans go freakin' bonkers as Aim For The Bushes runs out on to the ramp. Jeff Hardy waves his arms around like he does, while Juice puts an eye to his brow and scans the arena, taking in every single face and every single mind that they're about to blow. The boys high-five their way down the ramp while their song rocks through the speakers.
Michael Buffer: And their opponents...
Out come the team of Jester and Havoc, seeming irritated with the crowd. Gone are them singing a chant for Havoc, and more so a large amount of boos for the two. They reach ringside and start chattering with one another before they both run into the ring and try blindsiding Hardy and Juice! They both counter their attack and both teams brawl with each other with strikes as the bell rings!
DING! DING! DING!
Mauro Ranallo: Woah-ho! Jeff and Juice aren’t taking it easy this week! They’re taking the fight right too the newer duo of Jester and Havoc!
Jester headbutts Jeff down into the corner while Juice chops Havoc hard into his corner. The two men meet each other and Jester gets his hands on the throat of the flamboyant one! He struggles coughing loudy, but it’s to no avail as Jester throws him with a biel toss. The crowd boo them, but they ignore them as Jester now goes to Jeff. Jeff is still a little out of it, but he has the wherewithal to push away Jester with a drop kick. Havoc comes in now trying for some offense, but Jeff runs at him with the momentum to hit a sleep hold slam that puts him down, leaving him to roll out of the ring. Jester is beyond irritated and goes at Jeff who’s still on his arms and knees, but Juice sidelines him with a shoulder block before running at Jeff and using him as a stool for a Poetry in Motion to the outside on Havoc!
Matt Striker: WOW! Look at that! These two have gotten use too swapping their positions! Havoc’s out now!
Jeff smiles seeing Juice’s on command team work, but it’s short lived as Jester throws him backwards by the shoulder. Jeff stands up but is taken down with a nasty big boot, leaving the bigger man to cover him.
...1!
...2!
...No!
Jeff kicks out and holds his mouth in pain as Jester breathes heavily, frustrated that they’ve been put down so quickly. He stands up and sees Juice just now get into his corner, as Havoc is still out on the corner. He eyes him as he takes Jeff up and chops him hard in the chest that brings him into the corner. He goes for another and connects as Jeff holds in chest in pain, but Jester isn’t finished as he runs across the ring and comes back with a rough lariat onto the throat of Jeff, leaving Jeff too fall face first into the ring, trying to rebalance himself. Jester cracks his neck before putting the boots too Jeff using the ropes. The ref gives him till the count of five, and Jester just nearly breaks it up before spreading his arms for the crowd to boo him.
Mauro Ranallo: Jester soaking in the hate from the crowd here tonight. You’ve gotta admit, picking off the team of Juice and Jeff on your first night as a team does wonders if you’re in the tag team division.
He tags in Havoc who readjusts his jaw in irritation at Hardy for helping Juice, taking Jeff by the hair and slamming him face first into the ground. Havoc picks him up in a front facelock and swings an arm over his own head before lifting him up and down with a suplex, rolling him over for a pin.
...1!
...2!
...No!
Jeff kicks out and Havoc mounts him before throwing elbows into his face. Jeff brings his arms up to block them, but one wild elbow strikes him good in the side of the head before the ref pulls Havoc off of him. The ref puts Havoc back a bit and focuses on telling him to follow the rules, but Jimmy gets into it with him. Jeff slowly gets up while Jester slides through the ropes and tries for a punch, but Jeff ducks it and hits a sitout jawbreaker on Jester before throwing himself over to the corner of Juice and tagging in the Flamboyant One! Juice is fired up and lariats Jester up and over the top rope, before getting John Woo drop kicked into the corner head first to the turnbuckle!
Mauro Ranallo: Oh God! Look at the impa- WAIT!
Juice shrugs it off and throws himself at Havoc with a lariat that knocks the UK star backwards! Juice smacks his chest and throws up the ol’ Stan Hansen Texan hand sign! He calls for Havoc too stand and he eventually does as Juice starts hitting him with Dusty Rhodes like strikes with the crowd popping for each hit. After a few of them, he stops with Havoc balancing himself, doing a quick shimmy before going for the last hit! Jester is in and pushes Havoc out of the way only to take the shot that sprawls him out to roll onto the apron! Juice tries to get at Havoc now but he’s blindsided by a wicked rolling elbow to the side of the head! Juice tries to find is bearing but Havoc takes his thumb and jabs it in Juice’s eye for awhile before the ref pulls his arm away! Juice falls back holding his eye socket in pain, kicking the mat while Havoc backs away for a moment, before running and hitting a curb stomp! He goes for a pin!
...1!
...2!
...No!
Just before the three, Hardy is in and breaks it up and daring Havoc to come get some. He obliges and kicks Hardy in the gut before sending him over into the ropes to run and ducks for a back body drop, but Hardy quickly takes this into a DDT position and throws himself under for a Twist of Fate Stunner! Havoc stumbles into the corner where Jester tags himself in and enters for some type of offense but Juice has recovered too have him and Jeff pick him up and down for a double flapjack! Havoc runs at them now but Jeff goes under his legs. Havoc turns around and is met with a double clothesline that takes him out of the ring! They both turn around too Jester who takes them by the throats! He swears a storm at the both of them and lifts them for a double chokeslam! They get their arms over his head though and use the momentum to land a double DDT!
Matt Striker: Look at the tag team work here! Fantastic!
Jester rolls over to the corner and tries to get into this, but suddenly Jeff gets on his arms and knees as Juice jumps off of his back, grabbing Jester’s head and falling down with their Poetry in Motion DDT! Jeff rolls under the rope and throws off his shirt and climbs up the top rope and eyes Havoc who slowly gets up, but the wild Juice runs at him on the outside and takes him out with a suicide dive! Hardy nods and throws himself off of the top rope with a Swanton Bomb! Juice quickly rolls into the ring since he’s the legal man and pins Jester!
...1!
...2!
...3!!!
Michael Buffer: Here are your winners, Jeff Hardy and Juice Robinson!!!
Jeff catches his breath as he stands, but the wily Juice jumps at him with a hug, WOOING louder then Ric Flair ever could in pure hype! The ref throws their arms up in victory as Havoc looks on on the outside in irritation as he pulls Jester out, trying to carry him out as the cameras move on.
The camera pans to the Velveteen Dream scrolling through his phone in the corridor, in full ring gear. He suddenly looks to his side to see his business partner, Marty Scurll approaching him. Marty taps him slightly on the shoulder to indicate for them to move from here.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Look Dream, we had a rough week last week. And in preparation of this I’ll need to ask you something. I- I-”
Velveteen Dream: Marty, not right now. We did have a rough week last week and frankly, the Dream is still pretty upset about it. You just couldn't been a second faster?
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Uh… yeah. About that. I honestly kinda forgotten about it. If I could get more time at a later date, I’ll make sure I make it up to you.”
Velveteen Dream: Marty, you gotta show why you're no longer all talk and now you're all action. As a team, you need to prove you can hold your own weight. Look, we have another tag match with that kid who somehow wandered onto the card with his buddies. This is our chance for redemption, so we shouldn't have a problem beating these guys in say...
The Dream looks down at his phone.
Velveteen Dream: Thirty seconds.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Pft, less than that mate. What I was trying to say was-”
Marty then opens the door to the outside area, inviting Dream to go forward with him following shortly after him.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “After our meeting last week, I lost something… quite important to me. That World Championship opportunity. I’ve not really had something like that before, and it’s kinda hurt me not having it by my side.”
Velveteen Dream: And that hurts the Dream as well. We are supposed to be champions together and rule UWF! Now how can we do that when the only chance of you getting a world title shot is by luck from a briefcase and now it's gone? You know what? It doesn't matter, cause in the end, how does the Dream say this nicely? Marty, you'd probably squander the opportunity anyways, like you have so many times before.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Hah, funny. I ain’t had a proper opportunity like this mate, it’s just kinda disheartening if you get me. But yeah, I wanted to ask you-”
Velveteen Dream: Ask me what, Marty?
The Dream says it with a bit of urgency.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “I called up Nigel earlier, he was the first suspect on my mind. He’s kinda brushed it off on you, and I was curious if you’d had took that from me. So, did you take my World Championship opportunity?”
The Dream's face is in disbelief as his supposed friend would accuse him of such a devilish crime. The Dream goes to answer, but leaves Marty hanging as he storms off in anger, but as he takes off he says:
Velveteen Dream: Just get ready for our match, Marty.
Camera is left on Marty's distraught face. He then walks off leaving the cameraman high and dry outside.
The camera cuts away to show a field, surrounded by trees and flowers. Birds sing their beautiful songs and rabbits can be seen prancing in the background. It’s a truly tranquil and peaceful setting. The camera pans left to reveal a beautiful big lake, the water calm and clear. It’s the type of picture you would see printed on a postcard. Just perfect.
What’s that we see? Bubbles appearing from under the surface of the crystal clear water? Is someone or something in danger, struggling to stay afloat? A dog? A cat? No, it’s neither. As the camera moves closer, almost by magic, an upside down rowing boat springs up front underneath the surface. The boat looks in really bad shape to be honest....’dilapidated’ if you will. There is a knocking from underneath the capsized boat! Before the camera can move to see what or who is making the noise, the silence is finally BROKEN....
Yeasssss! The lake of REINCARNATION has worked WONDERS again. I must make with GREAT HASTE to rejoin the Great War! UWF, are you ready......for DELETION!!! Yeassss!
Without another word the capsized boat, complete with what we assume to be Broken Matt Hardy underneath, flows slowly away across the other side of the lake with a slight hint of Hardy’s signature chant coming from underneath....DELETE DELETE DELETE!
Michael Buffer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...
The crowd pops for Becky Lynch as she emerges from the back, her name still carrying credibility with the fans. Then, Punk appears from the back with a smirk on his face as a huge wave of heat erupts, and Becky shakes out her wrists before marching down to the ring, Punk following behind her and taking his place at her corner on the outside.
Michael Buffer: From Limerick, Republic of Ireland and weighing 135 pounds, Becky Lynch!
Lynch climbs up onto a turnbuckle to work the crowd, who respond in a mixed way, then climbs down and removes her entrance gear as she prepares for the match.
Michael Buffer: And the opponent...
Amazing hits the soundsystem and Naomi comes from the back with the lights down low, dancing in her glow-in-the-dark outfit and swinging her braids wildly on the top of the chain while the fans cheer.
Michael Buffer: From San Francisco, California and weighing 125 pounds, Naomi!
Jimmy Uso steps out behind her and high-fives Naomi, who then takes off in a sprint down the ramp and slides into the ring, getting right into Becky's face and shoving her. The pair nearly come to blows, but the official separates them and demands they save if for after the bell. They don't wait long.
DING DING DING!
Naomi immediately rushes Becky Lynch and attempts a leg lariat, but Lynch ducks under. As Naomi lands, Lynch grabs her around the waist and connects with a German suplex! Naomi crawls for the ropes, but Lynch is on her, pummeling her with clubbing blows to the spine. Naomi manages to get to the ropes and leans on them, the official ordering Lynch off after a few seconds. Naomi uses the time to recover her vertical base, but almost immediately upon doing so, Lynch charges, looking for a lariat. Naomi scouts it and ducks, tossing Lynch up and over. But Lynch doesn't fall to the outside. She catches the rope and lands on the apron and Naomi, when she's done posing for the benefit of the crowd, turns around to a forearm to the face! Naomi stumbles away from the rope as Lynch leapfrogs over it, grabbing her long hair and smashing her face into the canvas with a bulldog! Lynch rolls Naomi over and hooks the leg.
1...
...NO!
Naomi gets a shoulder up, so Lynch immediately sits her up and locks her in a headlock. Punk shouts encouragement from the outside, while Jimmy simply watches as Naomi struggles against the hold. Her struggles avail her nothing; Lynch's grip is set and far too tight. As Naomi's light starts to fade, Jimmy starts smacking the apron and clapping, getting the crowd involved. Naomi's balled fist is falling, but then it surges upward and starts to shake as the energy of the fans pumps her up. Lynch shouts something largely inaudible as Naomi pushes to one knee, then to a doubled-over position, but before she can do anything, Lynch knees her in the chest and then throws her shoulder-first into a corner post. The fans boo as Lynch approaches Naomi and rakes her back, then pulls her out of the corner and hits yet another German suplex. Naomi arches her back on landing, but Lynch straightens her out with a hard stomp to the stomach, then goes to a full mount and starts striking her in the face, savagely. The official starts a count as the Irish Lass-Kicker goes to work pummeling Naomi, reaching four before she backs off. Naomi rolls toward her corner where Jimmy whispers some words of encouragement, trying to help her get back in the game.
Mauro Ranallo: We're a few minutes in here and this match has felt largely like a one-sided affair as Becky Lynch has just been pummeling Naomi.
Matt Striker: It certainly doesn't feel fair, sitting out here and watching. Lynch is unloading in a brutal fashion.
Becky Lynch heads right over to Naomi and grabs the top rope as she starts putting a boot to the side of her head, right in front of Jimmy. The stomps are every bit as vicious as the punches and draw heat from the crowd. Jimmy kisses his teeth, then climbs up onto the apron in a threatening manner. Lynch backs off, grinning, as she motions for the Uso to enter the ring and take a swing at her. "Bring it, ya nonce!" she shouts. Uso steps into the ring.
Matt Striker: Jimmy Uso being goaded into the ring here by Becky Lynch and if he lays one hand on Becky, he'll get Naomi disqualified!
Mauro Ranallo: I think Naomi has bigger things to worry about after those stomps to the head. Jimmy's trying to protect her health, not her record.
Lynch gets right in Jimmy's face, screaming at him repeatedly. Uso looks to the crowd, almost as if seeking their advice. He gets a hodgepodge of shouts, but it's clear he has no intention of attacking Lynch. As he looks back to Naomi, who is recovering slowly in the corner, Lynch rears back and when he turns to look at her again she punches him right on the jaw. The blow sends him reeling toward the apron, where Punk is waiting to hang him up on the top rope with a guillotine drop! Jimmy falls to the canvas clawing at his throat and choking for air as he thrashes; meanwhile, Becky drags Naomi to the middle of the ring and hooks the leg.
1...
2...
...NO!
Naomi kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: Naomi showing resilience, but she may only be setting herself up for more harm.
Lynch pulls Naomi to her knees by the hair, then cocks her fist and punches Naomi in the forehead repeatedly. Finally she hauls Naomi to her feet, but Naomi grabs her on either side of the head and knees her in the gut before sitting out into a jawbreaker! Lynch falls to her back, holding her jaw as she rolls onto her side and spits onto the canvas. Naomi drags herself to the ropes and uses them to start getting back to her feet, but as she does, CM Punk is shouting insults at her from the outside of the ring. She eyes him angrily as she holds one hand to the back of her head.
Matt Striker: CM Punk is displaying blatantly disgusting behavior here tonight. I'm surprised he hasn't been kicked from ringside.
Naomi gets to her feet as Lynch is about up to hers. Staring at Punk, she doesn't see the Lass-Kicker coming and Lynch gets a cheap shot to the back of the head, then leads Naomi away from the ropes. As she pulls her to the middle of the ring, however, Naomi connects with a quick kick to the side, then alternates to the other foot, and back and forth with repeated kicks to the torso before finally polishing Lynch off with a dropkick! The fans pop as Naomi gets back into the fight, heading for the ropes as Lynch recovers quickly and connecting with a leg lariat! Naomi kips up and roars to the crowd, who respond with a huge pop. Then she sends Lynch off the ropes and cartwheels into a back elbow, sending Lynch crashing into the corner, dazed. Naomi, fired up, runs at Lynch and connects with a spinning heel kick! Lynch flops out of the corner and falls flat on her face as Naomi seems fully pumped up now. Lynch slowly pushes to her feet, and as she does Naomi runs the ropes and leaps up onto the second, then springboards into an attempted crossbody. Lynch, however, catches her, adjusts to a clutch, and hits a Bexploder! Naomi hits the canvas hard as Becky throws an arm on top.
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
BECKY LYNCH!
Mauro Ranallo: Well there you have it! In what's sure to be both a first and a last for Resistance, Becky Lynch has won a womens' singles match against Naomi!
Matt Striker: Both of these women fought as furiously as any man would. What a powerful example they've set here tonight.
Lynch celebrates with Punk in the ring while Uso pulls Naomi from the ring and helps her regroup on the outside. With Punk and Becky laughing at them, Uso and Naomi make their exit, the fans booing. The feed moves along.
The camera fades into Kayla Braxton standing next to the Velveteen Dream. The Dream is a bit annoyed as he usually dislikes doing interviews, but has something to say.
Kayla Braxton: Hello everyone, I am pleased to introduce my guest, the Velveteen Dream. Now Dream, earlier today, you and Marty Scurll were caught having a bit of a figh-
The Dream puts his hand on her mic and lowers it to signal to her to stop talking.
Velveteen Dream: Friends fight, Kayla, that's all the Dream has to say to that. The Dream did this interview not to be asked questions about my tag partner/business associate, there's a more daunting situation at hand, but not for me… No, it's going to be very daunting for those men in that Royal Rumble match, cause tonight, right here, right now, the Velveteen Dream is officially declaring himself for the Royal Rumble.
The crowd boos and it can be heard all the way from backstage. The Dream just smiles and continues.
Velveteen Dream: Now the Prime Time championship was for me to get an opportunity to get back my European championship, unfortunately that great belt is once again being discontinued and the Dream knows exactly why, it's cause Billy Gunn has brought down all credibility to that belt, so now the Dream has to go for the Intercontinental championship after I rack up another two championship defenses with this belt and when the Dream does, I'm going to win that Intercontinental championship off of Gunn or Rude then the Dream is going to win that Rumble and the Velveteen Dream will go on to headline WRESTLEMANIA and the Dream will win the UWF championship.
The crowd once again boos.
Kayla Braxton: Well Dream, before you take off, I have one more question. After your first crushing defeat to Jeff Hardy, how do you plan to rebound?
Velveteen Dream: That's funny, Kayla, very very funny. Jeff did not defeat me, he did not beat me, he didn't get any sort of vengeance, the only reason he beat the Villainous Dreams was because he got his stud of a partner to carry him to a victory, so congrats Juice Robinson, you carried Jeff Hardy to a victory, good luck cause Jeff is a handful to carry. As for the “rebound” you'll see tonight when the Villainous Dreams destroy Leyton Buzzard and his friend.
DREAM OVER!
The Dream takes off leaving Kayla by herself.
Kayla Braxton: Well, you heard it there first, people. The Velveteen Dream has declared himself for the Royal Rumble coming up two weeks from Sunday only on the UWF Network.
The camera fades back to the commentary team.
Mauro Ranallo: Very bold statement from the Velveteen Dream, Striker. One day that ego of his may be his downfall.
Matt Striker: I don't see it as an ego, Mauro. I see it as confidence and pride in himself and look where it got him today. Former European champion, current Prime Time champion and he may be looking to add the UWF championship to his resume in that Rumble. He's going to be a huge threat in that match and he is no stranger to over the top rope matches.
Mauro Ranallo: Speaking of the UWF championship and the Royal Rumble, Larry Sweeney will be taking on Kenny Omega in a title unification match and that match should be a banger! If you sign up with the UWF Network today, you will get that match and the Royal Rumble free! That's right FREE! Now back to Resistance.
The camera fades onto the next scene.
The scene opens up being shot from a lower angle as Vinny stands there clothed in an outfit and mask not seen before, a red balloon in one hand and his axe at his side in the other.
Vinny Marseglia: Experiencing moments that take one’s breath away is usually considered a positive thing. In fact, there are some that romanticize their existence so much, they’ll tell you that those air sapping instances are what life is all about. Those people are rooted in optimism, their gaze constantly fixated on the silver lining in everything, they’re all about the upside and the bright side.
Men like Miz, like Nigel McGuinness, and I’m sure there’ll be others amongst the twenty-nine vomiting cheer. Well I’m here to remind you that what you’re clinging to for hope isn’t secured to anything that’s going to keep you grounded in the long run. I exist not as the yin to yang, but to tip the scales entirely so that disarray is all that gets sustained. So whatever balance you think you have, you’re about to lose it.
Vinny looks down into the camera.
I’m going to bury you so deeply in feelings of agony and removal from calm that you’re not going to remember where the upside is. With blood in your eyes and bruising on all that makes speech possible, you won’t be able to see or speak of the bright side, not just because of those impairments, but because it will cease to be.
The sky suddenly changes color with Vinny’s next words.
I will rob the sun from above your head and plunge the encouraging blue and white of the clouded skyline into a discouraging absence of light. Coupled with taking you apart nerve by nerve, muscle by muscle, bone by bone, I will take the outward things you deem worth living and breathing for. And then, when I decide your suffering can conclude, Redrum will claim you in a bold statement that the moments that take your breath away aren’t always pleasant.
Vinny releases the balloon as he turns to face the camera entirely.
Depending on who you are, it will either be a grim reminder or a jarring first impression. Either way, I’m buying my ticket to Wrestlemania with your blood. The question is...
Vinny holds up his axe and looks at it.
Who’s first?
We go back to the ring where Michael Buffer is standing by to call the next match.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...
Hipster Shakes by Black Pistol Fire blares over the P.A. System as Matt Sydal jogs out to the stage, he bows his head and clasps his hands in a praying taunt then raises his arms with twin peace sign hand gesture and jogs down the aisle high-fiving as many fans as possible on both sides, he does his signature slide through the bottom ring rope and gets in gesturing to his forehead to his third eye as he climbs up each turnbuckle corner.
Michael Buffer: From Saint Louis Missouri, residing in Clear Water Tampa Florida, weighing in at 185 pounds , he is reborn Matt Sydal.
Sydal moves to his corner to wait on his opponent's arrival.
Michael Buffer: And the opponent...
As Kaval's theme plays, he bounces out to the ring with Boar and Grado following behind. Smiling and nodding his head, he slides in under the ropes and tells Grado and Boar they can head to the back as he's got this one well in hand.
Michael Buffer: From Brooklyn, New York and weighing 174 pounds... Representing the World Warriors, Kaval!
Kaval kicks at the air a few times to show off his moves as the fans cheer, then throws his hands up and gets the crowd on their feet. Finally, he heads to his corner to wait for the bell.
DING DING DING!
The starting bell rings and Kaval and Sydal charge each other, the World Warrior sliding under with an attempt at a leg sweep while Sydal flips in midair and lands unaffected on his feet behind Kaval. Kaval turns around and Sydal attempts a kick, but Kaval catches it and spins Sydal 180 degrees before leaping up and dropkicking him right on the spine, sending Sydal into the ropes. As he rebounds, he stumbles backward into a monkey toss by Kaval and lands hard on his chest on the canvas. As Sydal quickly pushes up to one knee, Kaval's on him and hits him with a brutal knee strike to the side of the head that sends him sprawling to the canvas. Kaval immediately hooks the leg, but doesn't even get a one count before Sydal gets a shoulder up. Kaval goes to a squatting position as he eyes Sydal, but Sydal rolls to the outside of the ring as he tries to shake the cobwebs off. When he turns back around, Kaval comes under the bottom rope looking for a baseball slide, but Sydal sidesteps and Kaval slides right to the floor, landing on his feet just in time to catch an enzuigiri to the side of the head! Kaval flops to the floor and Sydal, sensing an opportunity, quickly connects with a standing moonsault before pulling Kaval to his feet and rolling him inside.
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Sydal was on the receiving end of some brutal striking attacks to start things off, but he's turned the momentum around now.
Matt Striker: This is a classic clash between two high-octane opponents, one who is all about those powerful kicks and the other who has a dazzling array of high-risk maneuvers at his disposal. This match is going to be fast and it's going to be furious.
Sydal climbs up onto the apron and steps into the ring, then pulls Kaval to his feet and leads him into a corner before unleashing with a number of high kicks to the chest. The kicks knock a lot of the wind out of Kaval's sail, and after Sydal has finished, he leads Kaval from the corner in a side headlock and then performs a basic hip toss to ground him. Sydal then goes for a cover, but doesn't even get the one count there, so he immediately pulls Kaval to his feet and sends him off the ropes before leapfrogging over him. On the rebound, Sydal hits a mule kick to the gut that doubles Kaval over, then rolls over the top with a sunset flip powerbomb! Sydal sits out for the cover once again.
Matt Striker: Matt Sydal is looking to close things out here.
1...
...NO!
Kaval kicks out. Sydal immediately pulls him to his feet again before hitting the ropes in front of him and coming back looking for a forearm smash, but Kaval ducks under. Sydal recovers and turns toward Kaval but as he does, he's met with a John Woo kick that sends him into the corner. As Sydal rebounds into a stumble out of the corner, Kaval hits the ropes behind him and springboards off of them into a spinning kick to the back, the Tidal Wave! Sydal falls flat on the canvas as Kaval springs right back to his feet and again runs for the springboard off the ropes, this time into a moonsault. He rolls Sydal over and hooks the leg as the fans buzz with excitement over the smashmouth offense.
1...
2...
...NO!
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Sydal kicking out from a springboard moonsault and sooner or later one of these men will run out of gas.
Kaval pulls Sydal to his feet only to be greeted by a shove. Sydal then tries to sweep the leg, but Kaval leaps over him and goes for a backwards kick to the head. Sydal lies flat, then comes up under Kaval's leg and performs a quick dragon screw takedown. Kaval pushes up to his vertical base quickly as Sydal now springboards off the ropes looking for a crossbody, but Kaval has it scouted as he leaps into the air and lashes out with both feet in a dropkick that connects clean with Sydal's face and sends him crashing to the canvas in an ugly landing. Sydal lies motionless on the matt as the fans chant "HOLY SHIT!" over the sheer brutality of the move. Kaval gets to his feet and looks around, taking in the chant with a wide grin on his face as the official checks on Sydal, who waves him off and insists he's still game to compete. Sydal pushes to one unsteady leg, and then both, and wipes some blood from his face, before squaring off with Kaval again. The pair tie up, Sydal rolls around behind, and attempts a German suplex but Kaval rolls forward, breaking loose. Kaval then dashes up the turnbuckles of the corner and flips off as Sydal charges him, landing behind the high flier. Sydal turns around and as he does, he catches a HUGE roundhouse kick to the side of the head that sends him into the corner. Kaval then leaps at him and monkey tosses him into the middle of the ring, where Sydal lands with a thump, before he scrambles to the top rope.
Matt Striker: Kaval going up high!
Mauro Ranallo: He's looking to end this!
Kaval leaps off the top looking for a Warrior's Way, but Sydal rolls out of the way and he connects with nothing but the canvas, then stumbles as Sydal quickly rolls him up!
1...
2...
...NO!
Kaval kicks out! Sydal gets to his feet as quickly as he can manage, but Kaval is already there and he launches himself into a cartwheel before attempting a high spinning kick. Sydal ducks and the kick hits nothing but air, Kaval landing awkwardly and stumbling toward the ropes. Sydal immediately charges and as Kaval turns around, he's hit with a headscissors takedown. Sydal heads for the ropes as Kaval recovers and again attempts the springboard crossbody, this time connecting soundly! Immediately, Sydal heads for the corner and climbs it, then attempts a Shooting Star Press! But Kaval has it scouted and rolls away, so Sydal crashes and burns. Sydal pushes up to one knee but he's clearly hurting; Kaval sees the sluggishness as an invitation and starts kicking him with brutal shoot strikes to the chest. After four such kicks, Kaval hypes the crowd with some theatrics and then hits Sydal with a boot to the side of the head.
Mauro Ranallo: Krush Combo! Sydal could be out cold.
Kaval has no intention of allowing the official to check on Sydal as he scrambles up top and leaps off, connecting with the Warrior's Way! He then falls in for the cover.
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
KAVAL
Matt Striker: Kaval brought his heavy-hitting offense back to the squared circle here on Resistance and took a win over Matt Sydal this week.
Mauro Ranallo: Sydal has taken his first loss, but he can hold his head high as he went toe-to-toe with a ring veteran.
As Kaval celebrates with the World Warriors, Sydal rolls out of the ring and makes his way to the back and the feed moves along.
BRRRRRRRING
Nigel McGuinness: “What do you want? I thought I told you to not call me agai-.”
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Look Nigel, watched over the show last week. One specific reason. My briefcase with my guaranteed staircase to stardom in, my World Title shot, someone nabbed it off me. And… I- I- I just thought you were a key suspect.”
Nigel McGuinness: “Marty- have you got more idiotic since I’ve left or something? I mean c’mon mate, why would I even bother doing something like that? I haven’t got time to be wasting on things I won’t even use. At the Rumble, I’ll try and succeed. I wouldn’t stoop low enough to steal an opportunity.”
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Well… are you sure it isn’t you? I mean you’ve got quite a case of re- you know what don’t worry. I believe you. It’s just- it means a lot to me. I’ve been working for a while to gain myself a world championship opportunity. I just wish I had it. I don’t know what’s happening anymore, I don’t really know who to trust.”
Nigel McGuinness: “I can see what you mean… I did watch Resistance anyway. Just a little room for thought, nobody had headed into the room for a good while. Dream has to be a key candidate right? The door didn’t open, not that I saw at least. You’ve got to be more aware of your surroundings Marty. He’s no good, greedy little shit. If he wasn’t so greedy I’d still be on the road with you two.”
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Understandable. Look, I’ve gotta go. I’ll take your advice and go ask him, don’t worry. I don’t feel any connection to you anymore, I hope you feel the same.”
The opening pyro for Resistance pops off all around the stage and along the ramp as the fans cheer wildly for the new episode 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, good evening and welcome to the Resistance, coming to you LIVE from the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama!
Matt Striker: We are in the Oak City here tonight and our card is as strong as one with exciting match-ups top to bottom, including a major championship match-up between Scott Steiner and Billy Gunn!
Mauro Ranallo: We also have what is the first and likely last women's singles match-up in Resistance history, between Becky Lynch and Naomi, as the blood feud between the Usos and the Cult of Personality continues.
Matt Striker: Meanwhile, we've got not one, but two tag team matches here — big news as the inception of the UWF's tag team division looms on the horizon.
Mauro Ranallo: And last but certainly not least, we're expecting a breakneck back-and-forth when Kaval returns to the ring to battle the surging Matt Sydal.
Matt Striker: Thanks for joining us, and let's get right down to the action!
The titantron cuts from the Resistance graphic to a live feed from backstage, where Renee Young is standing by.
Young: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time, Jeff Hardy and Juice Robinson.
The newly formed tandem walks into the shot on either side of Renee. Weird. But okay. Before Renee can pop off another question, Juice leans on in there.
Juice: Hey - first things first, I just want to let everyone know that we've finally come up with a team name. So no more of this "Hardy and Robinsion" or "H.R." or "J&J" or "Jeff's Hardy Juice Box" or -
Young: I don't think anybody are using those names -
Juice: Exactly. Because we came up with a better one!
Hardy: Aim For The Bushes.
Young: I beg your pardon?
Juice: That's it. That's the name. Aim For The Bushes.
Hardy: It encapsulates our never-say-die attitude in a way our last names beside each other never could.
Juice: Plus you can just hear the good people doing the A-F-T-B-CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCAP already!
The fans in the arena respond with that exact chant while the interview goes on.
Young: Alright then. Aim For The Bushes. I like it. Tonight, you're going to take on Jimmy Havoc and Jack Jester, who don't exactly share this light-hearted sort of approach to wrestling -
Juice: Yeah. That's an understatement.
Hardy: There's no history here. It's nothing personal. Not all of them are gonna be. But you're right, us and them have some significantly contrasting opinions about what it means to be a pro-wrestler, and how a member of the Resistance roster should represent themselves.
Juice: I wouldn't go so far as to call up the "morality police" of Resistance, but we're operating on a strict "shape up or ship out" code here. We've just got a precious few weeks of this show left, and we don't want it to be remember for a couple of demented wack-jobs playing out their creepy violent fantasties. We want everyone to look back at Resistance and know it was the home of REAL wrestling. We're gonna carry that mentality and that momentum over into Revolution, but in the mean time, we're damn sure gonna lay down the law right here at home. No hard feelings. It's just gotta be done.
Young: On that note, the Royal Rumble will essenstially kick off this brand-merger, and I have it on good authority that a single slot in that match has been offered to - well, to Aim For the Bushes. Have you two decided which of you will compete for the chance to main event Wrestlemania?
Juice and Jef look at each, almost surprised by the news. Juice scratches his head sheepishly. Jeff just shrugs.
Juice: Well gee....
Hardy: I'll flip ya for it?
Juice: Deal!
The boys search for their wallets, but as they're already in their gear, there's nothing to be found. Renee sighes, and grabs a coin from her own pocket. She turns to Juice.
Renee: Heads.
And to Jeff.
Renee: Tails.
They accept. Renee places the coin - a quarter, as it were - on her upturn thumbs and flips it into the air. She catches it her palm, performs the obligatory blind-flip to rest it on top of her other hand and then reveals the results to both parties...
Hardy: Well alright then.
Juice: Hey congrats! Good luck out there man!
They shake hands. It's all good. Jeff Hardy is headed to the Royal Rumble.
Renee: Well that was... casual...
Juice: I wouldn't have it any other way.
Hardy: But hey, the Rumble's week's away. We got a match tonight we need to worry about.
With all the grace of an SNL sketch finale, an awkward nod caps off the interview without another word spoken. Aim For The Bushes heads off towards Gorilla while Renee signs off. Resistance continues elsewhere.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...
"All My Life" hits the PA, the iconic riff pulsing like a heart rate monitor registering on someone who's just stoked as heck. In that vein, the fans go freakin' bonkers as Aim For The Bushes runs out on to the ramp. Jeff Hardy waves his arms around like he does, while Juice puts an eye to his brow and scans the arena, taking in every single face and every single mind that they're about to blow. The boys high-five their way down the ramp while their song rocks through the speakers.
Michael Buffer: And their opponents...
Out come the team of Jester and Havoc, seeming irritated with the crowd. Gone are them singing a chant for Havoc, and more so a large amount of boos for the two. They reach ringside and start chattering with one another before they both run into the ring and try blindsiding Hardy and Juice! They both counter their attack and both teams brawl with each other with strikes as the bell rings!
DING! DING! DING!
Mauro Ranallo: Woah-ho! Jeff and Juice aren’t taking it easy this week! They’re taking the fight right too the newer duo of Jester and Havoc!
Jester headbutts Jeff down into the corner while Juice chops Havoc hard into his corner. The two men meet each other and Jester gets his hands on the throat of the flamboyant one! He struggles coughing loudy, but it’s to no avail as Jester throws him with a biel toss. The crowd boo them, but they ignore them as Jester now goes to Jeff. Jeff is still a little out of it, but he has the wherewithal to push away Jester with a drop kick. Havoc comes in now trying for some offense, but Jeff runs at him with the momentum to hit a sleep hold slam that puts him down, leaving him to roll out of the ring. Jester is beyond irritated and goes at Jeff who’s still on his arms and knees, but Juice sidelines him with a shoulder block before running at Jeff and using him as a stool for a Poetry in Motion to the outside on Havoc!
Matt Striker: WOW! Look at that! These two have gotten use too swapping their positions! Havoc’s out now!
Jeff smiles seeing Juice’s on command team work, but it’s short lived as Jester throws him backwards by the shoulder. Jeff stands up but is taken down with a nasty big boot, leaving the bigger man to cover him.
...1!
...2!
...No!
Jeff kicks out and holds his mouth in pain as Jester breathes heavily, frustrated that they’ve been put down so quickly. He stands up and sees Juice just now get into his corner, as Havoc is still out on the corner. He eyes him as he takes Jeff up and chops him hard in the chest that brings him into the corner. He goes for another and connects as Jeff holds in chest in pain, but Jester isn’t finished as he runs across the ring and comes back with a rough lariat onto the throat of Jeff, leaving Jeff too fall face first into the ring, trying to rebalance himself. Jester cracks his neck before putting the boots too Jeff using the ropes. The ref gives him till the count of five, and Jester just nearly breaks it up before spreading his arms for the crowd to boo him.
Mauro Ranallo: Jester soaking in the hate from the crowd here tonight. You’ve gotta admit, picking off the team of Juice and Jeff on your first night as a team does wonders if you’re in the tag team division.
He tags in Havoc who readjusts his jaw in irritation at Hardy for helping Juice, taking Jeff by the hair and slamming him face first into the ground. Havoc picks him up in a front facelock and swings an arm over his own head before lifting him up and down with a suplex, rolling him over for a pin.
...1!
...2!
...No!
Jeff kicks out and Havoc mounts him before throwing elbows into his face. Jeff brings his arms up to block them, but one wild elbow strikes him good in the side of the head before the ref pulls Havoc off of him. The ref puts Havoc back a bit and focuses on telling him to follow the rules, but Jimmy gets into it with him. Jeff slowly gets up while Jester slides through the ropes and tries for a punch, but Jeff ducks it and hits a sitout jawbreaker on Jester before throwing himself over to the corner of Juice and tagging in the Flamboyant One! Juice is fired up and lariats Jester up and over the top rope, before getting John Woo drop kicked into the corner head first to the turnbuckle!
Mauro Ranallo: Oh God! Look at the impa- WAIT!
Juice shrugs it off and throws himself at Havoc with a lariat that knocks the UK star backwards! Juice smacks his chest and throws up the ol’ Stan Hansen Texan hand sign! He calls for Havoc too stand and he eventually does as Juice starts hitting him with Dusty Rhodes like strikes with the crowd popping for each hit. After a few of them, he stops with Havoc balancing himself, doing a quick shimmy before going for the last hit! Jester is in and pushes Havoc out of the way only to take the shot that sprawls him out to roll onto the apron! Juice tries to get at Havoc now but he’s blindsided by a wicked rolling elbow to the side of the head! Juice tries to find is bearing but Havoc takes his thumb and jabs it in Juice’s eye for awhile before the ref pulls his arm away! Juice falls back holding his eye socket in pain, kicking the mat while Havoc backs away for a moment, before running and hitting a curb stomp! He goes for a pin!
...1!
...2!
...No!
Just before the three, Hardy is in and breaks it up and daring Havoc to come get some. He obliges and kicks Hardy in the gut before sending him over into the ropes to run and ducks for a back body drop, but Hardy quickly takes this into a DDT position and throws himself under for a Twist of Fate Stunner! Havoc stumbles into the corner where Jester tags himself in and enters for some type of offense but Juice has recovered too have him and Jeff pick him up and down for a double flapjack! Havoc runs at them now but Jeff goes under his legs. Havoc turns around and is met with a double clothesline that takes him out of the ring! They both turn around too Jester who takes them by the throats! He swears a storm at the both of them and lifts them for a double chokeslam! They get their arms over his head though and use the momentum to land a double DDT!
Matt Striker: Look at the tag team work here! Fantastic!
Jester rolls over to the corner and tries to get into this, but suddenly Jeff gets on his arms and knees as Juice jumps off of his back, grabbing Jester’s head and falling down with their Poetry in Motion DDT! Jeff rolls under the rope and throws off his shirt and climbs up the top rope and eyes Havoc who slowly gets up, but the wild Juice runs at him on the outside and takes him out with a suicide dive! Hardy nods and throws himself off of the top rope with a Swanton Bomb! Juice quickly rolls into the ring since he’s the legal man and pins Jester!
...1!
...2!
...3!!!
Michael Buffer: Here are your winners, Jeff Hardy and Juice Robinson!!!
Jeff catches his breath as he stands, but the wily Juice jumps at him with a hug, WOOING louder then Ric Flair ever could in pure hype! The ref throws their arms up in victory as Havoc looks on on the outside in irritation as he pulls Jester out, trying to carry him out as the cameras move on.
The camera pans to the Velveteen Dream scrolling through his phone in the corridor, in full ring gear. He suddenly looks to his side to see his business partner, Marty Scurll approaching him. Marty taps him slightly on the shoulder to indicate for them to move from here.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Look Dream, we had a rough week last week. And in preparation of this I’ll need to ask you something. I- I-”
Velveteen Dream: Marty, not right now. We did have a rough week last week and frankly, the Dream is still pretty upset about it. You just couldn't been a second faster?
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Uh… yeah. About that. I honestly kinda forgotten about it. If I could get more time at a later date, I’ll make sure I make it up to you.”
Velveteen Dream: Marty, you gotta show why you're no longer all talk and now you're all action. As a team, you need to prove you can hold your own weight. Look, we have another tag match with that kid who somehow wandered onto the card with his buddies. This is our chance for redemption, so we shouldn't have a problem beating these guys in say...
The Dream looks down at his phone.
Velveteen Dream: Thirty seconds.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Pft, less than that mate. What I was trying to say was-”
Marty then opens the door to the outside area, inviting Dream to go forward with him following shortly after him.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “After our meeting last week, I lost something… quite important to me. That World Championship opportunity. I’ve not really had something like that before, and it’s kinda hurt me not having it by my side.”
Velveteen Dream: And that hurts the Dream as well. We are supposed to be champions together and rule UWF! Now how can we do that when the only chance of you getting a world title shot is by luck from a briefcase and now it's gone? You know what? It doesn't matter, cause in the end, how does the Dream say this nicely? Marty, you'd probably squander the opportunity anyways, like you have so many times before.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Hah, funny. I ain’t had a proper opportunity like this mate, it’s just kinda disheartening if you get me. But yeah, I wanted to ask you-”
Velveteen Dream: Ask me what, Marty?
The Dream says it with a bit of urgency.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “I called up Nigel earlier, he was the first suspect on my mind. He’s kinda brushed it off on you, and I was curious if you’d had took that from me. So, did you take my World Championship opportunity?”
The Dream's face is in disbelief as his supposed friend would accuse him of such a devilish crime. The Dream goes to answer, but leaves Marty hanging as he storms off in anger, but as he takes off he says:
Velveteen Dream: Just get ready for our match, Marty.
Camera is left on Marty's distraught face. He then walks off leaving the cameraman high and dry outside.
The camera cuts away to show a field, surrounded by trees and flowers. Birds sing their beautiful songs and rabbits can be seen prancing in the background. It’s a truly tranquil and peaceful setting. The camera pans left to reveal a beautiful big lake, the water calm and clear. It’s the type of picture you would see printed on a postcard. Just perfect.
What’s that we see? Bubbles appearing from under the surface of the crystal clear water? Is someone or something in danger, struggling to stay afloat? A dog? A cat? No, it’s neither. As the camera moves closer, almost by magic, an upside down rowing boat springs up front underneath the surface. The boat looks in really bad shape to be honest....’dilapidated’ if you will. There is a knocking from underneath the capsized boat! Before the camera can move to see what or who is making the noise, the silence is finally BROKEN....
Yeasssss! The lake of REINCARNATION has worked WONDERS again. I must make with GREAT HASTE to rejoin the Great War! UWF, are you ready......for DELETION!!! Yeassss!
Without another word the capsized boat, complete with what we assume to be Broken Matt Hardy underneath, flows slowly away across the other side of the lake with a slight hint of Hardy’s signature chant coming from underneath....DELETE DELETE DELETE!
Michael Buffer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...
The crowd pops for Becky Lynch as she emerges from the back, her name still carrying credibility with the fans. Then, Punk appears from the back with a smirk on his face as a huge wave of heat erupts, and Becky shakes out her wrists before marching down to the ring, Punk following behind her and taking his place at her corner on the outside.
Michael Buffer: From Limerick, Republic of Ireland and weighing 135 pounds, Becky Lynch!
Lynch climbs up onto a turnbuckle to work the crowd, who respond in a mixed way, then climbs down and removes her entrance gear as she prepares for the match.
Michael Buffer: And the opponent...
Amazing hits the soundsystem and Naomi comes from the back with the lights down low, dancing in her glow-in-the-dark outfit and swinging her braids wildly on the top of the chain while the fans cheer.
Michael Buffer: From San Francisco, California and weighing 125 pounds, Naomi!
Jimmy Uso steps out behind her and high-fives Naomi, who then takes off in a sprint down the ramp and slides into the ring, getting right into Becky's face and shoving her. The pair nearly come to blows, but the official separates them and demands they save if for after the bell. They don't wait long.
DING DING DING!
Naomi immediately rushes Becky Lynch and attempts a leg lariat, but Lynch ducks under. As Naomi lands, Lynch grabs her around the waist and connects with a German suplex! Naomi crawls for the ropes, but Lynch is on her, pummeling her with clubbing blows to the spine. Naomi manages to get to the ropes and leans on them, the official ordering Lynch off after a few seconds. Naomi uses the time to recover her vertical base, but almost immediately upon doing so, Lynch charges, looking for a lariat. Naomi scouts it and ducks, tossing Lynch up and over. But Lynch doesn't fall to the outside. She catches the rope and lands on the apron and Naomi, when she's done posing for the benefit of the crowd, turns around to a forearm to the face! Naomi stumbles away from the rope as Lynch leapfrogs over it, grabbing her long hair and smashing her face into the canvas with a bulldog! Lynch rolls Naomi over and hooks the leg.
1...
...NO!
Naomi gets a shoulder up, so Lynch immediately sits her up and locks her in a headlock. Punk shouts encouragement from the outside, while Jimmy simply watches as Naomi struggles against the hold. Her struggles avail her nothing; Lynch's grip is set and far too tight. As Naomi's light starts to fade, Jimmy starts smacking the apron and clapping, getting the crowd involved. Naomi's balled fist is falling, but then it surges upward and starts to shake as the energy of the fans pumps her up. Lynch shouts something largely inaudible as Naomi pushes to one knee, then to a doubled-over position, but before she can do anything, Lynch knees her in the chest and then throws her shoulder-first into a corner post. The fans boo as Lynch approaches Naomi and rakes her back, then pulls her out of the corner and hits yet another German suplex. Naomi arches her back on landing, but Lynch straightens her out with a hard stomp to the stomach, then goes to a full mount and starts striking her in the face, savagely. The official starts a count as the Irish Lass-Kicker goes to work pummeling Naomi, reaching four before she backs off. Naomi rolls toward her corner where Jimmy whispers some words of encouragement, trying to help her get back in the game.
Mauro Ranallo: We're a few minutes in here and this match has felt largely like a one-sided affair as Becky Lynch has just been pummeling Naomi.
Matt Striker: It certainly doesn't feel fair, sitting out here and watching. Lynch is unloading in a brutal fashion.
Becky Lynch heads right over to Naomi and grabs the top rope as she starts putting a boot to the side of her head, right in front of Jimmy. The stomps are every bit as vicious as the punches and draw heat from the crowd. Jimmy kisses his teeth, then climbs up onto the apron in a threatening manner. Lynch backs off, grinning, as she motions for the Uso to enter the ring and take a swing at her. "Bring it, ya nonce!" she shouts. Uso steps into the ring.
Matt Striker: Jimmy Uso being goaded into the ring here by Becky Lynch and if he lays one hand on Becky, he'll get Naomi disqualified!
Mauro Ranallo: I think Naomi has bigger things to worry about after those stomps to the head. Jimmy's trying to protect her health, not her record.
Lynch gets right in Jimmy's face, screaming at him repeatedly. Uso looks to the crowd, almost as if seeking their advice. He gets a hodgepodge of shouts, but it's clear he has no intention of attacking Lynch. As he looks back to Naomi, who is recovering slowly in the corner, Lynch rears back and when he turns to look at her again she punches him right on the jaw. The blow sends him reeling toward the apron, where Punk is waiting to hang him up on the top rope with a guillotine drop! Jimmy falls to the canvas clawing at his throat and choking for air as he thrashes; meanwhile, Becky drags Naomi to the middle of the ring and hooks the leg.
1...
2...
...NO!
Naomi kicks out!
Mauro Ranallo: Naomi showing resilience, but she may only be setting herself up for more harm.
Lynch pulls Naomi to her knees by the hair, then cocks her fist and punches Naomi in the forehead repeatedly. Finally she hauls Naomi to her feet, but Naomi grabs her on either side of the head and knees her in the gut before sitting out into a jawbreaker! Lynch falls to her back, holding her jaw as she rolls onto her side and spits onto the canvas. Naomi drags herself to the ropes and uses them to start getting back to her feet, but as she does, CM Punk is shouting insults at her from the outside of the ring. She eyes him angrily as she holds one hand to the back of her head.
Matt Striker: CM Punk is displaying blatantly disgusting behavior here tonight. I'm surprised he hasn't been kicked from ringside.
Naomi gets to her feet as Lynch is about up to hers. Staring at Punk, she doesn't see the Lass-Kicker coming and Lynch gets a cheap shot to the back of the head, then leads Naomi away from the ropes. As she pulls her to the middle of the ring, however, Naomi connects with a quick kick to the side, then alternates to the other foot, and back and forth with repeated kicks to the torso before finally polishing Lynch off with a dropkick! The fans pop as Naomi gets back into the fight, heading for the ropes as Lynch recovers quickly and connecting with a leg lariat! Naomi kips up and roars to the crowd, who respond with a huge pop. Then she sends Lynch off the ropes and cartwheels into a back elbow, sending Lynch crashing into the corner, dazed. Naomi, fired up, runs at Lynch and connects with a spinning heel kick! Lynch flops out of the corner and falls flat on her face as Naomi seems fully pumped up now. Lynch slowly pushes to her feet, and as she does Naomi runs the ropes and leaps up onto the second, then springboards into an attempted crossbody. Lynch, however, catches her, adjusts to a clutch, and hits a Bexploder! Naomi hits the canvas hard as Becky throws an arm on top.
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
BECKY LYNCH!
Mauro Ranallo: Well there you have it! In what's sure to be both a first and a last for Resistance, Becky Lynch has won a womens' singles match against Naomi!
Matt Striker: Both of these women fought as furiously as any man would. What a powerful example they've set here tonight.
Lynch celebrates with Punk in the ring while Uso pulls Naomi from the ring and helps her regroup on the outside. With Punk and Becky laughing at them, Uso and Naomi make their exit, the fans booing. The feed moves along.
The camera fades into Kayla Braxton standing next to the Velveteen Dream. The Dream is a bit annoyed as he usually dislikes doing interviews, but has something to say.
Kayla Braxton: Hello everyone, I am pleased to introduce my guest, the Velveteen Dream. Now Dream, earlier today, you and Marty Scurll were caught having a bit of a figh-
The Dream puts his hand on her mic and lowers it to signal to her to stop talking.
Velveteen Dream: Friends fight, Kayla, that's all the Dream has to say to that. The Dream did this interview not to be asked questions about my tag partner/business associate, there's a more daunting situation at hand, but not for me… No, it's going to be very daunting for those men in that Royal Rumble match, cause tonight, right here, right now, the Velveteen Dream is officially declaring himself for the Royal Rumble.
The crowd boos and it can be heard all the way from backstage. The Dream just smiles and continues.
Velveteen Dream: Now the Prime Time championship was for me to get an opportunity to get back my European championship, unfortunately that great belt is once again being discontinued and the Dream knows exactly why, it's cause Billy Gunn has brought down all credibility to that belt, so now the Dream has to go for the Intercontinental championship after I rack up another two championship defenses with this belt and when the Dream does, I'm going to win that Intercontinental championship off of Gunn or Rude then the Dream is going to win that Rumble and the Velveteen Dream will go on to headline WRESTLEMANIA and the Dream will win the UWF championship.
The crowd once again boos.
Kayla Braxton: Well Dream, before you take off, I have one more question. After your first crushing defeat to Jeff Hardy, how do you plan to rebound?
Velveteen Dream: That's funny, Kayla, very very funny. Jeff did not defeat me, he did not beat me, he didn't get any sort of vengeance, the only reason he beat the Villainous Dreams was because he got his stud of a partner to carry him to a victory, so congrats Juice Robinson, you carried Jeff Hardy to a victory, good luck cause Jeff is a handful to carry. As for the “rebound” you'll see tonight when the Villainous Dreams destroy Leyton Buzzard and his friend.
DREAM OVER!
The Dream takes off leaving Kayla by herself.
Kayla Braxton: Well, you heard it there first, people. The Velveteen Dream has declared himself for the Royal Rumble coming up two weeks from Sunday only on the UWF Network.
The camera fades back to the commentary team.
Mauro Ranallo: Very bold statement from the Velveteen Dream, Striker. One day that ego of his may be his downfall.
Matt Striker: I don't see it as an ego, Mauro. I see it as confidence and pride in himself and look where it got him today. Former European champion, current Prime Time champion and he may be looking to add the UWF championship to his resume in that Rumble. He's going to be a huge threat in that match and he is no stranger to over the top rope matches.
Mauro Ranallo: Speaking of the UWF championship and the Royal Rumble, Larry Sweeney will be taking on Kenny Omega in a title unification match and that match should be a banger! If you sign up with the UWF Network today, you will get that match and the Royal Rumble free! That's right FREE! Now back to Resistance.
The camera fades onto the next scene.
The scene opens up being shot from a lower angle as Vinny stands there clothed in an outfit and mask not seen before, a red balloon in one hand and his axe at his side in the other.
Vinny Marseglia: Experiencing moments that take one’s breath away is usually considered a positive thing. In fact, there are some that romanticize their existence so much, they’ll tell you that those air sapping instances are what life is all about. Those people are rooted in optimism, their gaze constantly fixated on the silver lining in everything, they’re all about the upside and the bright side.
Men like Miz, like Nigel McGuinness, and I’m sure there’ll be others amongst the twenty-nine vomiting cheer. Well I’m here to remind you that what you’re clinging to for hope isn’t secured to anything that’s going to keep you grounded in the long run. I exist not as the yin to yang, but to tip the scales entirely so that disarray is all that gets sustained. So whatever balance you think you have, you’re about to lose it.
Vinny looks down into the camera.
I’m going to bury you so deeply in feelings of agony and removal from calm that you’re not going to remember where the upside is. With blood in your eyes and bruising on all that makes speech possible, you won’t be able to see or speak of the bright side, not just because of those impairments, but because it will cease to be.
The sky suddenly changes color with Vinny’s next words.
I will rob the sun from above your head and plunge the encouraging blue and white of the clouded skyline into a discouraging absence of light. Coupled with taking you apart nerve by nerve, muscle by muscle, bone by bone, I will take the outward things you deem worth living and breathing for. And then, when I decide your suffering can conclude, Redrum will claim you in a bold statement that the moments that take your breath away aren’t always pleasant.
Vinny releases the balloon as he turns to face the camera entirely.
Depending on who you are, it will either be a grim reminder or a jarring first impression. Either way, I’m buying my ticket to Wrestlemania with your blood. The question is...
Vinny holds up his axe and looks at it.
Who’s first?
We go back to the ring where Michael Buffer is standing by to call the next match.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...
Hipster Shakes by Black Pistol Fire blares over the P.A. System as Matt Sydal jogs out to the stage, he bows his head and clasps his hands in a praying taunt then raises his arms with twin peace sign hand gesture and jogs down the aisle high-fiving as many fans as possible on both sides, he does his signature slide through the bottom ring rope and gets in gesturing to his forehead to his third eye as he climbs up each turnbuckle corner.
Michael Buffer: From Saint Louis Missouri, residing in Clear Water Tampa Florida, weighing in at 185 pounds , he is reborn Matt Sydal.
Sydal moves to his corner to wait on his opponent's arrival.
Michael Buffer: And the opponent...
As Kaval's theme plays, he bounces out to the ring with Boar and Grado following behind. Smiling and nodding his head, he slides in under the ropes and tells Grado and Boar they can head to the back as he's got this one well in hand.
Michael Buffer: From Brooklyn, New York and weighing 174 pounds... Representing the World Warriors, Kaval!
Kaval kicks at the air a few times to show off his moves as the fans cheer, then throws his hands up and gets the crowd on their feet. Finally, he heads to his corner to wait for the bell.
DING DING DING!
The starting bell rings and Kaval and Sydal charge each other, the World Warrior sliding under with an attempt at a leg sweep while Sydal flips in midair and lands unaffected on his feet behind Kaval. Kaval turns around and Sydal attempts a kick, but Kaval catches it and spins Sydal 180 degrees before leaping up and dropkicking him right on the spine, sending Sydal into the ropes. As he rebounds, he stumbles backward into a monkey toss by Kaval and lands hard on his chest on the canvas. As Sydal quickly pushes up to one knee, Kaval's on him and hits him with a brutal knee strike to the side of the head that sends him sprawling to the canvas. Kaval immediately hooks the leg, but doesn't even get a one count before Sydal gets a shoulder up. Kaval goes to a squatting position as he eyes Sydal, but Sydal rolls to the outside of the ring as he tries to shake the cobwebs off. When he turns back around, Kaval comes under the bottom rope looking for a baseball slide, but Sydal sidesteps and Kaval slides right to the floor, landing on his feet just in time to catch an enzuigiri to the side of the head! Kaval flops to the floor and Sydal, sensing an opportunity, quickly connects with a standing moonsault before pulling Kaval to his feet and rolling him inside.
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Sydal was on the receiving end of some brutal striking attacks to start things off, but he's turned the momentum around now.
Matt Striker: This is a classic clash between two high-octane opponents, one who is all about those powerful kicks and the other who has a dazzling array of high-risk maneuvers at his disposal. This match is going to be fast and it's going to be furious.
Sydal climbs up onto the apron and steps into the ring, then pulls Kaval to his feet and leads him into a corner before unleashing with a number of high kicks to the chest. The kicks knock a lot of the wind out of Kaval's sail, and after Sydal has finished, he leads Kaval from the corner in a side headlock and then performs a basic hip toss to ground him. Sydal then goes for a cover, but doesn't even get the one count there, so he immediately pulls Kaval to his feet and sends him off the ropes before leapfrogging over him. On the rebound, Sydal hits a mule kick to the gut that doubles Kaval over, then rolls over the top with a sunset flip powerbomb! Sydal sits out for the cover once again.
Matt Striker: Matt Sydal is looking to close things out here.
1...
...NO!
Kaval kicks out. Sydal immediately pulls him to his feet again before hitting the ropes in front of him and coming back looking for a forearm smash, but Kaval ducks under. Sydal recovers and turns toward Kaval but as he does, he's met with a John Woo kick that sends him into the corner. As Sydal rebounds into a stumble out of the corner, Kaval hits the ropes behind him and springboards off of them into a spinning kick to the back, the Tidal Wave! Sydal falls flat on the canvas as Kaval springs right back to his feet and again runs for the springboard off the ropes, this time into a moonsault. He rolls Sydal over and hooks the leg as the fans buzz with excitement over the smashmouth offense.
1...
2...
...NO!
Mauro Ranallo: Matt Sydal kicking out from a springboard moonsault and sooner or later one of these men will run out of gas.
Kaval pulls Sydal to his feet only to be greeted by a shove. Sydal then tries to sweep the leg, but Kaval leaps over him and goes for a backwards kick to the head. Sydal lies flat, then comes up under Kaval's leg and performs a quick dragon screw takedown. Kaval pushes up to his vertical base quickly as Sydal now springboards off the ropes looking for a crossbody, but Kaval has it scouted as he leaps into the air and lashes out with both feet in a dropkick that connects clean with Sydal's face and sends him crashing to the canvas in an ugly landing. Sydal lies motionless on the matt as the fans chant "HOLY SHIT!" over the sheer brutality of the move. Kaval gets to his feet and looks around, taking in the chant with a wide grin on his face as the official checks on Sydal, who waves him off and insists he's still game to compete. Sydal pushes to one unsteady leg, and then both, and wipes some blood from his face, before squaring off with Kaval again. The pair tie up, Sydal rolls around behind, and attempts a German suplex but Kaval rolls forward, breaking loose. Kaval then dashes up the turnbuckles of the corner and flips off as Sydal charges him, landing behind the high flier. Sydal turns around and as he does, he catches a HUGE roundhouse kick to the side of the head that sends him into the corner. Kaval then leaps at him and monkey tosses him into the middle of the ring, where Sydal lands with a thump, before he scrambles to the top rope.
Matt Striker: Kaval going up high!
Mauro Ranallo: He's looking to end this!
Kaval leaps off the top looking for a Warrior's Way, but Sydal rolls out of the way and he connects with nothing but the canvas, then stumbles as Sydal quickly rolls him up!
1...
2...
...NO!
Kaval kicks out! Sydal gets to his feet as quickly as he can manage, but Kaval is already there and he launches himself into a cartwheel before attempting a high spinning kick. Sydal ducks and the kick hits nothing but air, Kaval landing awkwardly and stumbling toward the ropes. Sydal immediately charges and as Kaval turns around, he's hit with a headscissors takedown. Sydal heads for the ropes as Kaval recovers and again attempts the springboard crossbody, this time connecting soundly! Immediately, Sydal heads for the corner and climbs it, then attempts a Shooting Star Press! But Kaval has it scouted and rolls away, so Sydal crashes and burns. Sydal pushes up to one knee but he's clearly hurting; Kaval sees the sluggishness as an invitation and starts kicking him with brutal shoot strikes to the chest. After four such kicks, Kaval hypes the crowd with some theatrics and then hits Sydal with a boot to the side of the head.
Mauro Ranallo: Krush Combo! Sydal could be out cold.
Kaval has no intention of allowing the official to check on Sydal as he scrambles up top and leaps off, connecting with the Warrior's Way! He then falls in for the cover.
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
KAVAL
Matt Striker: Kaval brought his heavy-hitting offense back to the squared circle here on Resistance and took a win over Matt Sydal this week.
Mauro Ranallo: Sydal has taken his first loss, but he can hold his head high as he went toe-to-toe with a ring veteran.
As Kaval celebrates with the World Warriors, Sydal rolls out of the ring and makes his way to the back and the feed moves along.
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