Post by crann on Feb 20, 2019 0:10:48 GMT -6
The feed opens on an arena in which fans are still milling about and trying to find their seats. With no warning, the arena's PA system fires up.
As the theme song of the Resistance General Manager plays, the fans in the arena who aren't already standing get to their feet and start to cheer and applaud. Amid the ovation, the General Manager steps out onto the stage, a mile-wide smile worn on his face as he stops at the top of the ramp and takes in the crowd, nodding and beaming proudly, then heads down the ramp to the ring.
Drake climbs up the ring steps on the show of his creation for perhaps the last time. He walks along the apron, turns toward the crowd and nods again as he surveys the applauding masses. Then, he collects a microphone offered to him from ringside and enters the squared circle, turning the stick on to address the UWF Universe.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Wow. Excuse me for a moment, but I just want to take one more minute to appreciate this warm reception from all of you here tonight to witness history. After all, this is the final episode of what I considered to be the premier program of the UWF: Resistance.
The fans pop, some even chanting "YES!" in agreement with Drake's sentiment. He smiles, then raises a hand to ask for silence, and they kindly oblige.
To begin, I'd like to thank a few key people for their contributions to this show, without whom it would not have been possible. For a start, the men who were here from the first episode and who are still here, competing, on the final one: Jeff Hardy. Vinny Marseglia. Jimmy Uso. Matt Hardy. Low Ki, or Kaval, as he now prefers to be known. Some of you have come and gone, some of you have been constants, but all of you — in your own ways — have contributed to the culture of this program and to its successes. There are other men deserving of my gratitude, as well: Marty Scurll and Velveteen Dream, neither of whom I have always seen eye to eye with. The Hired Gunns, both of whom no longer remain with the company. Drew McIntyre, who was the first to hold the Prime Time Championship and thus far is the only man to hold it successfully for three defenses. Scott Steiner. These are all men who have been integral to this program. And I would be remiss in my responsibilities if I didn't also acknowledge Kenny Omega's immense contributions to Resistance, even if he has chosen not to compete as planned here tonight.
The fans pop for most of the men, but boo Kenny's nonparticipation. Drake continues after a brief pause.
Resistance has had a roster, from the beginning almost, that has seemingly been in flux. We briefly witnessed the talents of men including Juventud, Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins, Baron Corbin, Dowie James, Bray Wyatt, Joe Hendry and many others. Though the comings and goings occasionally made my job more difficult, I accepted that responsibility when I took this responsibility on. After all, from the beginning, I set out to showcase the very best talents that the world of wrestling had to offer. For the most part, I feel that I achieved that goal. On Resistance, men found it within themselves to rise to greater heights than they ever had before. Men found new opportunities to build names and reputations for themselves in this highly competitive industry. And in all of this, I hope that you — as fans — were entertained.
Maverick again pauses, lowering the microphone as the fans pop once more. His face visibly takes on a more serious expression, his tone growing more sincere.
When I was first offered this opportunity to lead, I didn't know what to say. I never, in a million years, thought I would be capable of doing what I did here. Granted, I had a lot of help, every step of the way. But had you told me at this time last year that I would have my own brand, a brand that produced a sole survivor, a world-class elimination chamber contest, and five-star showcase after five-star showcase, I would have laughed. Yet here I stand, and I can say that this job has made me a better, stronger person. For that, and for your loyalty and continued support, UWF Universe — I thank you. Now, without further ado, let's get started with the final episode of UWF Resistance!
As soon as Drake finishes, the program cuts away to its opening sequence.
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: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 15th and final episode of UWF Resistance coming to you LIVE from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida!
Matt Striker: Here we are in the Magic City for what will be the Resistance series finale and there will be a lot of men up and down the card who are hoping they've got the right trick up their sleeve to get one step ahead as we roll into the Royal Rumble and amalgamation of UWF's two rosters.
Mauro Ranallo: A tag match has become the birthplace of some controversy as UWF International Champion Kenny Omega has apparently declared he will not compete and we have had no word from his tag partner. What trick will the General Manager work to make sure his paying fans are still entertained?
Matt Striker: Meanwhile, a handicap match promises plenty of entertainment — and bloodshed! — as the Horror King collides with Team BuzzKell. That is, assuming Leyton doesn't pull his usual disappearing act!
Mauro Ranallo: And the three men perhaps most relying on a trick or two tonight are competing for a shot at the Velveteen Dream and his UWF Prime Time Championship: Jey Uso, CM Punk, and Matt Sydal. All three are formidable competitors whose fates have been bound to each other in recent weeks and this may finally be the chance for closure.
Matt Striker: Not only will a contender to that title be crowned, but we will also have an action-packed main event in which the championship is defended as Velveteen Dream clashes with Kaval!
Mauro Ranallo: That's enough from us for now. Let's get right down to the action!
Before the feed can move ringside, the Titantron comes to life!
IF YOU SMELL...
[Electrifying theme song burst open when the Rock appears for the first time on Resistance when he walks down towards the ring and pose on the top rope and gets a Microphone to speak to the UWF universe}
Fans Rocky, Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky!
The|Rock: Finally.. The Rock. Has Come back Home.
(Crowd Cheers for Rock)
The|Rock: Now The Rock. is here to Discuss about what went wrong with my Flushing bloods I mean a couple weeks ago on Judgement Day that bad Mouth Cm Punk. Mention my name during his roleplay at Judgement Day and if that's the case then why did him and old Reddish Hair looking Becky Lynch. done attack my Cuz Jimmy and his Wife Naomi for outta nowhere in that is why the Rock is here to help them out for a change cause Last Sunday on resistance I saw Jey Uso. was fighting with Matt Sydal when that Loser in the World Punk done distract my Cousin Jey when he was facing Matt in is ring in that is why come Monday I will be at ringside to support my Jey Uso. to beat some sense into Matt and Cm Punk on the final Resistance.
The|Rock: And as for Jimmy. I heard he got himself into the Rumble match with Punk and the rest of the twenty nine Competitors to see who would win this years Rumble match at the Rumble PPV on UWF network.
The|Rock: but as long as I get to help my Family out for just once I mean I did get my name mention by both Worlds Cm Punk. and when he loses his match against Jey Uso in his triple threat then he will have no choice to be apart of the twenty nine men Rumble match at the Royal Rumble PPV.
The|Rock: And Millions.
Crowd Millions
The|Rock: of the Rock fans because sooner or later Punk will get his whenever he like to be distracted at the Rumble PPV when I make a huge special appearance at the Rumble PPV and make Jimmy Uso win the whole thing at the Royal Rumble match on UWF network.
The|Rock: if only that's up to our Revolution GM Drake Maverick to letting me a Special Appearance at the Rumble PPV on UWF network.
The|Rock: by the way Punk. if that Psycho Becky Lynch. attack my niece again on Resistance backstage area then she will beat your sorry ass again at the Rumble PPV unless you're to afraid to face her again in a last Woman Standing match at the Royal Rumble but that's not the Rock's choice to make that match but the only person who can make that happen is our new Revolution General Manager Drake Maverick. he can grant Naomi's wish to face Becky Lynch again but this time it will be at the Rumble PPV in a Last Woman standing match on UWF network.
The|Rock: If.. U. Smell.... What..The..Rock...is.. Cooking!
Electrifying hit's again
[when the Rock climbs on the top rope and exits out of the Resistance ring before Jey Uso match even begins with Punk and Matt Sydal on Monday]
We're taken backstage, where Resistance General Manager Drake Maverick is standing by with interviewer Dasha Fuentes.
DASHA FUENTES
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here with the General Manager of Resistance, Drake Maverick. Thanks for joining me, Mr. Maverick.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Thanks for having me.
Dasha smiles.
Drake, we all heard in your earlier address to the UWF Universe just what Resistance has meant to you, but now I have to ask the obvious follow-up question, and that is: how are you feeling about taking over the job of your one-time mentor EC3 as General Manager of Revolution?
Drake nods as Dasha finishes her question.
Really, there is only one logical response to that question, and I'm not going to try to pretend that I'm not intimidated. Ethan left big shoes to be filled and Stone Cold did an admirable job under difficult circumstances running that brand. I am fortunate in that the board has agreed to retain his services as Sheriff, but I believe wholeheartedly that my more nurturing approach will yield better results on Revolution than his confrontational manner did. There are problems on the program, not least of them the NWO, who the board are concerned will grow too big for their britches if not kept in check. But there are reasonable men among that group who have had a history of management experience and I am hoping I can talk to them plainly and in their own language about the harm they are doing and find some sort of reasonable compromise that helps them, and the UWF, achieve our goals simultaneously.
Fuentes' eyebrow is raised and there's an uproar from the crowd watching this interview on the 'tron that can be heard even where it is being recorded.
The group has been pretty hostile in its tactics on Revolution so far. Do you honestly believe appeasement is the best strategy?
Drake exhales deeply, shrugs, and then responds.
Who's to say if we don't at least try? One thing is clear: Stone Cold has been nothing but confrontational with the NWO and the menace has only grown. In fact, you could argue his methods are what brought Rude and his cohort and Sweeney and his group together, to create the mess that now exists. I am hoping it is not too late for me to de-escalate the situation. If I am, more drastic action will have to be taken, but I believe it's possible to work things out with just about anybody, including a group that is as blatantly anti-authority as the New World Order. Put more simply and in the words of a man I hold in the highest regard, "Everybody has a price."
These remarks also draw some heat from the crowd, but Drake is wearing a winning smile. Dasha seems kind of convinced. She pivots to another question.
Speaking of those bucking authority, earlier this week the International Champion stated plainly that he would not be competing in a match-up for which he was scheduled. What do you think about Kenny Omega's skipping out on the tag team contest and his justification for doing so?
Drake looks genuinely disappointed as he replies.
When Kenny Omega defeated Samoa Joe for his International Championship, I was ecstatic. For all intents and purposes, Omega represented what was great about Resistance and the very best of the UWF. He was a hard worker and a thrilling performer, the kind of man who refused to cut corners or take an easy out, unlike his fellow world champion on Revolution. Now, I can understand his frustration with being booked in multiple tag team matches when he is a world champion, however, with the reconciling of the championships at the Royal Rumble I wanted him to be in the finest shape possible to compete. I could have very easily booked him to fight Vinny Marseglia on the eve of the Royal Rumble, but there would be those who would have complained I was being biased against him in doing so, or setting him up to fail. And if not Vinny, who else? How do I fairly crown a number one contender in two weeks and then justify having my world champion defend his title twice in seven days? Kenny Omega may be up for the challenge. Perhaps I should have asked him. But I am a very busy man with a lot on my plate, so I didn't. As for consequences? There absolutely will be. As far as I can recall, no active competitor has ever refused to compete in a match for which he or she was booked, with the possible exception of someone like Leyton Buzzard. Certainly no legitimate wrestler has been delinquent on his duties, as stipulated in his contract. So we will see where things lie after the Royal Rumble, and make a decision from there. That will be all. Thank you.
Drake abruptly leaves the frame, the fans buzzing as Dasha signs off. The feed moves along.
DING DING!
Michael Buffer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the number one contendership to the Prime Time Championship! Introducing first...
Punk enters the arena to a huge mixed reaction, walking deliberately to the top of the stage before descending to one knee, tracing a circle and then standing with hands cupped around his mouth to shout, "BEST IN THE WORLD!" Some fans actually shout that with him, drowning out his music momentarily.
Michael Buffer: From Chicago, Illinois. Weighing in at two hundred and eighteen pounds. C.M. Punk!
Punk enters the ring and clasps his hands together, rotating at the wrists as he gets ready for the match ahead.
Michael Buffer: Introducing next...
As the theme music of The Usos begins to play, Jey makes his way out onto the stage and begins heading down the ramp.
Michael Buffer: From San Francisco, California. Weighing in at two hundred and twenty-eight pounds. Jey Uso!
Jey slides into the ring and stands up, heading over to the nearest corner and ascending it. He cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, “UUUUUSSSSSOOOOO!” as many fans say it along with him. Jey then steps down and prepares for the upcoming contest.
Michael Buffer: And lastly...
”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.
Michael Buffer: From St. Louis, Missouri. Weighing in at one hundred and eighty-five pounds. “Reborn” Matt Sydal!
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.
DING DING!
DING DING DING
The starting bell rings and Uso takes a run right at Punk, leaping and grounding him with a quick crossbody. As he gets to his feet, Sydal charges from his flank and Uso nimbly avoids an attempted high knee before sweeping the leg out from under the high flyer and hitting a standing moonsault. Sydal rolls out of the ring as Uso pulls Punk to his feet and sends him into the corner, then charges and connects with a running back elbow before swinging Punk to the canvas with a basic hip toss. Jey gets to his feet, thumps his chest and shouts "OOH!" and the crowd respond with "SOS!" in kind. As he turns, Sydal again charges him, but this time Jimmy counters by tossing him with a simple arm drag and then runs the ropes. As Sydal and Punk get to their feet, Uso springboards off the ropes and hits a double springboard crossbody, grounding both! He quickly rolls to his feet and as Punk tries to sit up, he spins into a heel kick that connects flush with the side of Punk's face, causing heavy impact that sends spittle flying. Uso then leaps over Sydal's prone body and runs the ropes, returning with a running senton! He stays on for the cover!
Mauro Ranallo: We're in the opening seconds of this triple threat match for the Prime Time Contendership and Jey Uso is DOMINATING here, Matt!
Matt Striker: I don't think I have ever seen him on this much of a roll, even when he was on his winning streak!
1...
2...
...NO!
Reborn Matt Sydal gets a shoulder up, but Jimmy quickly traps him in a headlock, wrenching on the hold to wear him down. As Sydal's lights look like they're fading, Uso is blindsided with a punch to the back from Punk, but the hit barely registers as he releases Sydal and spins around to sweep Punk's legs out from under him! The Second City Saint lands on his ass as Uso rolls backward and springs to his feet, then surges forward and plants a thrust kick right to the face! Punk snaps back to the canvas as the crowd pops, Jey fully fired up now. He turns just as Sydal leaps off the ropes and catches him in perfect position before dumping the high flyer to the canvas with a Samoan drop! The fans pop at that not-so-subtle nod to his heritage as Jey gets back to his feet and slams the mat with his foot, calling for the finish! Punk groggily stands, and as soon as he does, he turns into a superkick! Uso leaps on top for the cover!
Matt Striker: It's a good thing this company gives its employees a good dental plan because Punk probably just lost a tooth or two there.
1...
2...
...NO!
Punk kicks out! Jey is shocked and wide-eyed as he moves to one knee, but just as he does Sydal charges him and attempts an enzuigiri! Uso catches the foot, however, and rises to his own vertical base as Sydal hops on one foot, then pulls him in for a belly-to-belly suplex! Sydal hits the canvas hard as Jey turns to focus on him, but then Punk attempts another blindside so Uso ducks and throws him out of the ring with a back body drop! Punk lands back-first on the floor outside and braces his spine as he winces, Jey immediately scrambling up top and then coming off with the frog splash! He stays on for the cover!
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner, and the NEW
Number One Contender to the
Prime Time Championship:
JEY USO!
Mauro Ranallo: Well it wasn't long and it wasn't pretty, but Jey Uso has just successfully defeated two game competitors to claim an opportunity at the Prime Time Championship when that title moves to Revolution.
Matt Striker: If this is the kind of energy and fight he brings with him to the ring when he meets the Velveteen Dream, he stands a good chance of winning that title.
The fans are cheering as Jey celebrates in the ring, smiling widely and working the crowd from a turnbuckle while Punk heads to the back and Sydal remains prone. The feed moves along.
As the theme song of the Resistance General Manager plays, the fans in the arena who aren't already standing get to their feet and start to cheer and applaud. Amid the ovation, the General Manager steps out onto the stage, a mile-wide smile worn on his face as he stops at the top of the ramp and takes in the crowd, nodding and beaming proudly, then heads down the ramp to the ring.
Drake climbs up the ring steps on the show of his creation for perhaps the last time. He walks along the apron, turns toward the crowd and nods again as he surveys the applauding masses. Then, he collects a microphone offered to him from ringside and enters the squared circle, turning the stick on to address the UWF Universe.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Wow. Excuse me for a moment, but I just want to take one more minute to appreciate this warm reception from all of you here tonight to witness history. After all, this is the final episode of what I considered to be the premier program of the UWF: Resistance.
The fans pop, some even chanting "YES!" in agreement with Drake's sentiment. He smiles, then raises a hand to ask for silence, and they kindly oblige.
To begin, I'd like to thank a few key people for their contributions to this show, without whom it would not have been possible. For a start, the men who were here from the first episode and who are still here, competing, on the final one: Jeff Hardy. Vinny Marseglia. Jimmy Uso. Matt Hardy. Low Ki, or Kaval, as he now prefers to be known. Some of you have come and gone, some of you have been constants, but all of you — in your own ways — have contributed to the culture of this program and to its successes. There are other men deserving of my gratitude, as well: Marty Scurll and Velveteen Dream, neither of whom I have always seen eye to eye with. The Hired Gunns, both of whom no longer remain with the company. Drew McIntyre, who was the first to hold the Prime Time Championship and thus far is the only man to hold it successfully for three defenses. Scott Steiner. These are all men who have been integral to this program. And I would be remiss in my responsibilities if I didn't also acknowledge Kenny Omega's immense contributions to Resistance, even if he has chosen not to compete as planned here tonight.
The fans pop for most of the men, but boo Kenny's nonparticipation. Drake continues after a brief pause.
Resistance has had a roster, from the beginning almost, that has seemingly been in flux. We briefly witnessed the talents of men including Juventud, Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins, Baron Corbin, Dowie James, Bray Wyatt, Joe Hendry and many others. Though the comings and goings occasionally made my job more difficult, I accepted that responsibility when I took this responsibility on. After all, from the beginning, I set out to showcase the very best talents that the world of wrestling had to offer. For the most part, I feel that I achieved that goal. On Resistance, men found it within themselves to rise to greater heights than they ever had before. Men found new opportunities to build names and reputations for themselves in this highly competitive industry. And in all of this, I hope that you — as fans — were entertained.
Maverick again pauses, lowering the microphone as the fans pop once more. His face visibly takes on a more serious expression, his tone growing more sincere.
When I was first offered this opportunity to lead, I didn't know what to say. I never, in a million years, thought I would be capable of doing what I did here. Granted, I had a lot of help, every step of the way. But had you told me at this time last year that I would have my own brand, a brand that produced a sole survivor, a world-class elimination chamber contest, and five-star showcase after five-star showcase, I would have laughed. Yet here I stand, and I can say that this job has made me a better, stronger person. For that, and for your loyalty and continued support, UWF Universe — I thank you. Now, without further ado, let's get started with the final episode of UWF Resistance!
As soon as Drake finishes, the program cuts away to its opening sequence.
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: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 15th and final episode of UWF Resistance coming to you LIVE from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida!
Matt Striker: Here we are in the Magic City for what will be the Resistance series finale and there will be a lot of men up and down the card who are hoping they've got the right trick up their sleeve to get one step ahead as we roll into the Royal Rumble and amalgamation of UWF's two rosters.
Mauro Ranallo: A tag match has become the birthplace of some controversy as UWF International Champion Kenny Omega has apparently declared he will not compete and we have had no word from his tag partner. What trick will the General Manager work to make sure his paying fans are still entertained?
Matt Striker: Meanwhile, a handicap match promises plenty of entertainment — and bloodshed! — as the Horror King collides with Team BuzzKell. That is, assuming Leyton doesn't pull his usual disappearing act!
Mauro Ranallo: And the three men perhaps most relying on a trick or two tonight are competing for a shot at the Velveteen Dream and his UWF Prime Time Championship: Jey Uso, CM Punk, and Matt Sydal. All three are formidable competitors whose fates have been bound to each other in recent weeks and this may finally be the chance for closure.
Matt Striker: Not only will a contender to that title be crowned, but we will also have an action-packed main event in which the championship is defended as Velveteen Dream clashes with Kaval!
Mauro Ranallo: That's enough from us for now. Let's get right down to the action!
Before the feed can move ringside, the Titantron comes to life!
IF YOU SMELL...
[Electrifying theme song burst open when the Rock appears for the first time on Resistance when he walks down towards the ring and pose on the top rope and gets a Microphone to speak to the UWF universe}
Fans Rocky, Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky!
The|Rock: Finally.. The Rock. Has Come back Home.
(Crowd Cheers for Rock)
The|Rock: Now The Rock. is here to Discuss about what went wrong with my Flushing bloods I mean a couple weeks ago on Judgement Day that bad Mouth Cm Punk. Mention my name during his roleplay at Judgement Day and if that's the case then why did him and old Reddish Hair looking Becky Lynch. done attack my Cuz Jimmy and his Wife Naomi for outta nowhere in that is why the Rock is here to help them out for a change cause Last Sunday on resistance I saw Jey Uso. was fighting with Matt Sydal when that Loser in the World Punk done distract my Cousin Jey when he was facing Matt in is ring in that is why come Monday I will be at ringside to support my Jey Uso. to beat some sense into Matt and Cm Punk on the final Resistance.
The|Rock: And as for Jimmy. I heard he got himself into the Rumble match with Punk and the rest of the twenty nine Competitors to see who would win this years Rumble match at the Rumble PPV on UWF network.
The|Rock: but as long as I get to help my Family out for just once I mean I did get my name mention by both Worlds Cm Punk. and when he loses his match against Jey Uso in his triple threat then he will have no choice to be apart of the twenty nine men Rumble match at the Royal Rumble PPV.
The|Rock: And Millions.
Crowd Millions
The|Rock: of the Rock fans because sooner or later Punk will get his whenever he like to be distracted at the Rumble PPV when I make a huge special appearance at the Rumble PPV and make Jimmy Uso win the whole thing at the Royal Rumble match on UWF network.
The|Rock: if only that's up to our Revolution GM Drake Maverick to letting me a Special Appearance at the Rumble PPV on UWF network.
The|Rock: by the way Punk. if that Psycho Becky Lynch. attack my niece again on Resistance backstage area then she will beat your sorry ass again at the Rumble PPV unless you're to afraid to face her again in a last Woman Standing match at the Royal Rumble but that's not the Rock's choice to make that match but the only person who can make that happen is our new Revolution General Manager Drake Maverick. he can grant Naomi's wish to face Becky Lynch again but this time it will be at the Rumble PPV in a Last Woman standing match on UWF network.
The|Rock: If.. U. Smell.... What..The..Rock...is.. Cooking!
Electrifying hit's again
[when the Rock climbs on the top rope and exits out of the Resistance ring before Jey Uso match even begins with Punk and Matt Sydal on Monday]
We're taken backstage, where Resistance General Manager Drake Maverick is standing by with interviewer Dasha Fuentes.
DASHA FUENTES
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here with the General Manager of Resistance, Drake Maverick. Thanks for joining me, Mr. Maverick.
DRAKE MAVERICK
Thanks for having me.
Dasha smiles.
Drake, we all heard in your earlier address to the UWF Universe just what Resistance has meant to you, but now I have to ask the obvious follow-up question, and that is: how are you feeling about taking over the job of your one-time mentor EC3 as General Manager of Revolution?
Drake nods as Dasha finishes her question.
Really, there is only one logical response to that question, and I'm not going to try to pretend that I'm not intimidated. Ethan left big shoes to be filled and Stone Cold did an admirable job under difficult circumstances running that brand. I am fortunate in that the board has agreed to retain his services as Sheriff, but I believe wholeheartedly that my more nurturing approach will yield better results on Revolution than his confrontational manner did. There are problems on the program, not least of them the NWO, who the board are concerned will grow too big for their britches if not kept in check. But there are reasonable men among that group who have had a history of management experience and I am hoping I can talk to them plainly and in their own language about the harm they are doing and find some sort of reasonable compromise that helps them, and the UWF, achieve our goals simultaneously.
Fuentes' eyebrow is raised and there's an uproar from the crowd watching this interview on the 'tron that can be heard even where it is being recorded.
The group has been pretty hostile in its tactics on Revolution so far. Do you honestly believe appeasement is the best strategy?
Drake exhales deeply, shrugs, and then responds.
Who's to say if we don't at least try? One thing is clear: Stone Cold has been nothing but confrontational with the NWO and the menace has only grown. In fact, you could argue his methods are what brought Rude and his cohort and Sweeney and his group together, to create the mess that now exists. I am hoping it is not too late for me to de-escalate the situation. If I am, more drastic action will have to be taken, but I believe it's possible to work things out with just about anybody, including a group that is as blatantly anti-authority as the New World Order. Put more simply and in the words of a man I hold in the highest regard, "Everybody has a price."
These remarks also draw some heat from the crowd, but Drake is wearing a winning smile. Dasha seems kind of convinced. She pivots to another question.
Speaking of those bucking authority, earlier this week the International Champion stated plainly that he would not be competing in a match-up for which he was scheduled. What do you think about Kenny Omega's skipping out on the tag team contest and his justification for doing so?
Drake looks genuinely disappointed as he replies.
When Kenny Omega defeated Samoa Joe for his International Championship, I was ecstatic. For all intents and purposes, Omega represented what was great about Resistance and the very best of the UWF. He was a hard worker and a thrilling performer, the kind of man who refused to cut corners or take an easy out, unlike his fellow world champion on Revolution. Now, I can understand his frustration with being booked in multiple tag team matches when he is a world champion, however, with the reconciling of the championships at the Royal Rumble I wanted him to be in the finest shape possible to compete. I could have very easily booked him to fight Vinny Marseglia on the eve of the Royal Rumble, but there would be those who would have complained I was being biased against him in doing so, or setting him up to fail. And if not Vinny, who else? How do I fairly crown a number one contender in two weeks and then justify having my world champion defend his title twice in seven days? Kenny Omega may be up for the challenge. Perhaps I should have asked him. But I am a very busy man with a lot on my plate, so I didn't. As for consequences? There absolutely will be. As far as I can recall, no active competitor has ever refused to compete in a match for which he or she was booked, with the possible exception of someone like Leyton Buzzard. Certainly no legitimate wrestler has been delinquent on his duties, as stipulated in his contract. So we will see where things lie after the Royal Rumble, and make a decision from there. That will be all. Thank you.
Drake abruptly leaves the frame, the fans buzzing as Dasha signs off. The feed moves along.
DING DING!
Michael Buffer: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the number one contendership to the Prime Time Championship! Introducing first...
Punk enters the arena to a huge mixed reaction, walking deliberately to the top of the stage before descending to one knee, tracing a circle and then standing with hands cupped around his mouth to shout, "BEST IN THE WORLD!" Some fans actually shout that with him, drowning out his music momentarily.
Michael Buffer: From Chicago, Illinois. Weighing in at two hundred and eighteen pounds. C.M. Punk!
Punk enters the ring and clasps his hands together, rotating at the wrists as he gets ready for the match ahead.
Michael Buffer: Introducing next...
As the theme music of The Usos begins to play, Jey makes his way out onto the stage and begins heading down the ramp.
Michael Buffer: From San Francisco, California. Weighing in at two hundred and twenty-eight pounds. Jey Uso!
Jey slides into the ring and stands up, heading over to the nearest corner and ascending it. He cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, “UUUUUSSSSSOOOOO!” as many fans say it along with him. Jey then steps down and prepares for the upcoming contest.
Michael Buffer: And lastly...
”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.
Michael Buffer: From St. Louis, Missouri. Weighing in at one hundred and eighty-five pounds. “Reborn” Matt Sydal!
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.
DING DING!
DING DING DING
The starting bell rings and Uso takes a run right at Punk, leaping and grounding him with a quick crossbody. As he gets to his feet, Sydal charges from his flank and Uso nimbly avoids an attempted high knee before sweeping the leg out from under the high flyer and hitting a standing moonsault. Sydal rolls out of the ring as Uso pulls Punk to his feet and sends him into the corner, then charges and connects with a running back elbow before swinging Punk to the canvas with a basic hip toss. Jey gets to his feet, thumps his chest and shouts "OOH!" and the crowd respond with "SOS!" in kind. As he turns, Sydal again charges him, but this time Jimmy counters by tossing him with a simple arm drag and then runs the ropes. As Sydal and Punk get to their feet, Uso springboards off the ropes and hits a double springboard crossbody, grounding both! He quickly rolls to his feet and as Punk tries to sit up, he spins into a heel kick that connects flush with the side of Punk's face, causing heavy impact that sends spittle flying. Uso then leaps over Sydal's prone body and runs the ropes, returning with a running senton! He stays on for the cover!
Mauro Ranallo: We're in the opening seconds of this triple threat match for the Prime Time Contendership and Jey Uso is DOMINATING here, Matt!
Matt Striker: I don't think I have ever seen him on this much of a roll, even when he was on his winning streak!
1...
2...
...NO!
Reborn Matt Sydal gets a shoulder up, but Jimmy quickly traps him in a headlock, wrenching on the hold to wear him down. As Sydal's lights look like they're fading, Uso is blindsided with a punch to the back from Punk, but the hit barely registers as he releases Sydal and spins around to sweep Punk's legs out from under him! The Second City Saint lands on his ass as Uso rolls backward and springs to his feet, then surges forward and plants a thrust kick right to the face! Punk snaps back to the canvas as the crowd pops, Jey fully fired up now. He turns just as Sydal leaps off the ropes and catches him in perfect position before dumping the high flyer to the canvas with a Samoan drop! The fans pop at that not-so-subtle nod to his heritage as Jey gets back to his feet and slams the mat with his foot, calling for the finish! Punk groggily stands, and as soon as he does, he turns into a superkick! Uso leaps on top for the cover!
Matt Striker: It's a good thing this company gives its employees a good dental plan because Punk probably just lost a tooth or two there.
1...
2...
...NO!
Punk kicks out! Jey is shocked and wide-eyed as he moves to one knee, but just as he does Sydal charges him and attempts an enzuigiri! Uso catches the foot, however, and rises to his own vertical base as Sydal hops on one foot, then pulls him in for a belly-to-belly suplex! Sydal hits the canvas hard as Jey turns to focus on him, but then Punk attempts another blindside so Uso ducks and throws him out of the ring with a back body drop! Punk lands back-first on the floor outside and braces his spine as he winces, Jey immediately scrambling up top and then coming off with the frog splash! He stays on for the cover!
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner, and the NEW
Number One Contender to the
Prime Time Championship:
JEY USO!
Mauro Ranallo: Well it wasn't long and it wasn't pretty, but Jey Uso has just successfully defeated two game competitors to claim an opportunity at the Prime Time Championship when that title moves to Revolution.
Matt Striker: If this is the kind of energy and fight he brings with him to the ring when he meets the Velveteen Dream, he stands a good chance of winning that title.
The fans are cheering as Jey celebrates in the ring, smiling widely and working the crowd from a turnbuckle while Punk heads to the back and Sydal remains prone. The feed moves along.
The scene opens in black and white as Vinny Marseglia is in a graveyard sitting against one of the tombstones, looking into the camera with a group of balloons in his hand.
Vinny Marseglia: Am I supposed to mourn for you Resistance? Do you expect me to weep for the fact that you’ve gone so suddenly from good health to the grave? Well we both know that I’m not going to do that. I don’t feel sadness or any other pitiful emotion that makes me weep for your condition. It was always going to be finite, as all things are. Eventually the lights will dim on every man and woman one day, this is simply your number coming up.
In fact, there are some in this building tonight that are going to go down with the ship. Men that aren’t going to get to put their signature on a Revolution contract. To be more specific, there are two, and their names are Kieran Kelly and Leyton Buzzard.
The two of you in the face of this encounter have been silent, and that adds newness to the experience aside from having opponents I’ve never had before because to date, I haven’t had to bypass the war of words and get straight to the physical dissection. But I don’t mind at all.
Because I’m still going to have my fun. On the night that Resistance experiences a flatline, there’s going to be additional deaths at the funeral when I knock you down, stack you up, and commit Redrum.
And you might see a silver lining in that. Getting your career ended by a madman can’t be that bad if you still go down in history as being part of the final Resistance, right? Well no one’s going to remember tonight’s Resistance for long so expect your footnote in history to get buried underneath a more relevant event: my winning the Royal Rumble.
Vinny stands up as the camera pans out to keep him in view.
Coming in at number thirty gives me a vantage point to devastate like none of the other entries could’ve afforded me. Because while there will be disappointment regarding various eliminations throughout, nothing’s more effective than the finishing blow. And in delivering that finishing blow, hearts around the world will break simultaneously.
People will refuse to believe that what they’re looking at is reality. That Vinny Marseglia is the last man standing. That’s when you’ll see the mourning, that’s where the grief is going to take place. “It was supposed to be Miz, he was going to win the title for us!”. “I wanted Aleister to keep his winning streak going!” “I thought NWO was supposed to be for life!”
Anyone that’s doing anything to bring you a moment or feeling that you can enjoy deserves to fail. That means that boastful Satanist failing to keep his momentum going, that means that loudmouth optimist continuing to come out on the victimized side of a beating, and the supergroup getting taken out piece by piece. Because no one, and nothing, can be for life as long as Vinny Marseglia is here for death!
Vinny looks up as he releases the balloons skyward, the camera following their ascent. When it pans back, Vinny is gone and carved into the tombstone is the question, “Who’s First?”
The crowd is at a fever pitch as the room begins to dim down as a familiar sound pops throughout the aren, the vocals sounding at the same moment as the song itself.
”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.”
"I am not going anywhere" as the music begins to change, The lights within the arena begin to flicker, The lights a blue shade. Fog begins to encase the air around the entrance. The music plays on a little longer than usual as a scrawny looking Marseglia pops through the entrance as he drags the axe behind him. The crowd instantly recognise this is an imposter as they rain their dismay towards the ring.
The imposter lifts off the mask to reveal non other than Leyton Buzzard. Kieran Kelly follows out behind Leyton.the duo begin to laugh at the gag as Leyton drops the mask, as he tries to pull the axe further to no avail. IT'S STUCK. He gestures to Kieran to help him, The two attempt to move the axe as Leyton in frustation gestures to leave it behind.
The two make their way towards the ring as Leyton is followed by Kieran to the ring. They climb up the apron as Leyton waits for Kieran to sit on the ropes to allow him to step through the ropes. Leyton yells at Kieran to get him a microphone from the ring crew. Kieran rushes to get one as he hands it off to Leyton as soon as he can. The music around the arena comes to a closure as Leyton smirks to himself...
Leyton Buzzard
Marseglia I would say I am scared of you IF I hadn't got rid of the plague that was infecting the UWF, VAMPIRO. He got so scared of the ONE and ONLY Leyton Buzzard, That he realized I would be returning from the most deadly place in the world, The place where the men and boys are separated, AUSTRALIA. The results of last week mean nothing when you look at the mind games I played with the two fools from Villanous Dreams. Kieran WAS the weak link but since I am so generous I thought to give him a chance to redeem himself and he made it up to me. I need a moniker you can call me "King Of Mindgames" and Mindgames have nothing to do with being a King Of Horror. As I was thinking the other day when I heard of the next victim to my mind games was Marseglia, I laughed just a little. The respect I have for him to standing up to VAMPIRO would be there only if I didn't start the war on the terror. Simple fact is I did it first. Me not him.
Kieran Kelly
Leyton and I are here to win, Marseglia--
Kieran that's enough. Time for the mental war games to beg--
Leyton is interrupted by...
Anticipation is at an all time high as the lights go out and as they do, a familiar song begins to play, the vocals beginning at the same moment as the song itself.
”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 out walks Vinny Marseglia with one of his masks adorning his face and his trademark axe and red balloons in his grasp.
Michael Buffer: From Warwick, Rhode Island. Weighing in at one hundred and eighty-nine pounds. Vinny....Marseglia!
Vinny makes his way down the ramp to the ring. As Vinny climbs up onto the apron and steps through the ropes, he stops in the middle of the ring. As the lights return to their normal color and the fog fades, Vinny throws his arms upward and outward as he releases the balloons.
Following this, Vinny begins to remove his entrance gear as the referee hands the items off to a ringside official as Vinny gets ready for the match ahead.
Before the bell even rings, Vinny takes off full-tilt at the men in the opposite corner, laying out Buzzard who quickly rolls to the outside with a running forearm smash before throwing Kelly into the opposite corner and charging, hitting him with a clothesline. Kelly's feet lift off the canvas from the impact, but Vinny simply backs up and then starts to slam into him with repeated shoulder thrusts, Kelly being savaged by the Horror King. The official, having lost all control, doesn't even try to regain it as he just calls for the bell and treats Kelly as the legal man for his team.
DING DING DING!
Buzzard tries to climb up onto the apron but almost immediately Marseglia turns to him and glares with the look of a stone cold killer. This causes Leyton to balk and he throws his arms up in the universal sign of surrender. Marseglia then turns back to Kelly and starts hammering him with closed-fist blows to the face, each landing soundly and sickeningly with a meaty thud. Before long, Kelly's bleeding. Marseglia leads him out of the corner and sends him off the ropes, then hits the Jump Scare! Kelly's leg is twitching but he's otherwise motionless as Vinny heads up top and connects with the Redrum! He then hooks the leg.
1...
2...
3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner,
Vinny Marseglia!
Vinny pushes up to his feet and looks down at the mostly-lifeless Kelly with a sadistic grin on his face. He pulls Kelly up to his feet by the hair and braces him there, the latter clearly out of it: he wouldn't even be standing if not for the Horror King's assistance.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh come on! This match is over! You won!
Matt Striker: The Horror King is clearly determined to show what happens when he is disrespected.
Vinny pushes Kelly to the ropes, then tangles his arms up in the classic Jesus Christ pose before moving to his corner and collecting his axe. The crowd starts to boo, the official tries to intervene, and Marseglia simply grabs him by the collar and shoves him to the canvas. Marseglia then crosses the ring and lifts the axe, then roars and brings it down in a vicious arc that cuts a deep gash from Kelly's right shoulder to his left abdomen. The official immediately calls for the bell and starts gesturing for medical assistance from the back as blood rushes from the wound. Security come out with a medical team who are wheeling a stretcher as Buzzard watches on from the outside, joined by the audience in horrified silence. Vinny looks at the blood dripping from his axe and then flips it in his hand, catching it by the handle before again bringing it down from the opposite side, cutting a second gash from the left shoulder to the right corner of the abdomen and marking Kelly with a crimson "X"! Kelly doesn't make a sound this time; he's passed out from the pain (or perhaps from blood loss). Marseglia grabs him by the hair to prop his head up and shouts, "LOOK! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO THE JESTER IN MY KING'S COURT!" The declaration draws some booing as security operatives enter the ring, one of them rushing and tackling Marseglia. His axe flies and lands on the floor outside with a clatter as Vinny is hauled to his feet and dragged from the ring, laughing maniacally.
The medical officials immediately enter to tend to Kelly as Buzzard crowds in. He seems genuinely concerned for his friend, but then he grabs a baton from one of the security officers and lays out the two paramedics attending to him! The fans erupt with heat as Buzzard smashes the officer he just stole the nightstick from in the face, then turns and starts to lay into Kelly's gut with the foreign object.
Matt Striker: My God! Kieran Kelly's having a horrible night!
Mauro Ranallo: If Vinny Marseglia murdered Kieran Kelly, Leyton Buzzard has just made himself an accessory after the fact!
Rather suddenly, the lights cut out. Then:
There's actually a pop from the crowd as the Titantron flares to life and the theme kicks in. Though Drew McIntyre made few friends in his previous run with the company, his return on this final episode of Resistance is a welcome one. He emerges from the back as Buzzard falls back to a corner, seemingly shocked and pulling at his hair.
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! Drew McIntyre appears to be here to save his countryman Kieran Kelly!
McIntyre charges down the ramp and leaps up onto the apron, then enters the ring. He looks at Buzzard coldly as he approaches, Leyton shrinking back with every step as he gets closer. Then, when they are face to face, both men smile at one another and shake hands! The gesture immediately causes the crowd to turn on McIntyre, going nuclear.
Matt Striker: It looks like you might have been too quick to predict his intentions, because Drew's not here to help. He's here to cause more harm!
He turns, his hair flipping, as he stares at the comatose Kelly, still strung up. McIntyre crosses to him and grabs him by the jaw, pulling his face up so he can shout at him. Kelly's totally unresponsive. Drew then shoves his face down and backs up, chuckling to himself before he charges and connects with a positively BRUTAL Claymore that sends Kelly flipping and crashing to the outside, finally freed from his restraints as he lands like a ragdoll, limp on the outside. Drew then roars audibly enough to be heard through the crowd's very vocal contempt. The feed moves along.
A limo slowly pulls into the arena. The cameraman scurries over to the back. Suddenly an umbrella peers out of the back of the limo, and a man with circular glasses and a long sleeved t-shirt steps out and looks side to side to see who’s there, he lifts his case out of the limo. He notices the cameraman and gives him a slight wave and he takes his case, and begins to go into the arena.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “The last one, the last time I’ll be under the Resistance banner. It’s going to be a hectic ride, and honestly, I haven’t been told who I’ll be beating tonight. Which is usually… nobody. I think they’ll have a card up on the whiteboard, need to go check that quick.”
Marty continues to walk down the arena with his case dragging along side him and passes many UWF wrestlers preparing for their matches tonight. He then finally arrives at this whiteboard. He then scans up and down on the board.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Triple threat… not me. 2 on 1 handicap… not me. Tag team match… not me. Singles match for the UWF Prime Time Championship? Not me. Dammit, didn’t they know that people paid fine money to see me on this show tonight?! Not that I care, a night off for me I guess. Got more pressing matters to think about anyway.”
Marty walks away from the whiteboard with the case still held firmly. He walks down the hall and sees a UWF staff member. He then stops to speak.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Hey mate, any clue where the locker room is in this joint? I ain’t seen it anywhere, must be hiding from me, eh?”
The staff member signals down the hall and to a left. Marty then continues to walk straight down the hall and he sees the sign that reads “Men’s Locker Room.” He smiles and heads in. Each part has a name labeled down on it, and he scans the room, looking for one name in particular. He sees the name “Velveteen Dream” and heads over there.
His bags are already laid down beside the locker and Marty opens up his case looking for something in particular. He then pulls out an envelope and it has “Velveteen Dream” written on the front of this. He then looks down at his gear in the bag and sighs slightly.
"THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “The veterans always told me back on the scene to take my gear everywhere, hopefully that’ll actually do me some good one day. Feels like I only need this if I have a match, management seem to not want more than their daily dose of the Villain.”
Marty then grabs on tight to the letter looking down upon him, second guessing this decision to place this in his bag. He then reconciles.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “It’s only right to apologise for what happened last week, surely Dream must be a little mad at me from how that went down last week. He won that match… me accusing him of taking my briefcase didn’t help. An apology letter is only right.”
Marty opens up the locker to place in the apology letter but instantly gasps in shock. His World Championship Briefcase is sitting there for him to see. He then stumbles back as he can’t believe it, Nigel was right, Velveteen has taken his opportunity from him.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “What the fuck! Dream! You’re gonna fucking get it now!”
Marty yells almost a little too loud, and the rest of the people in the locker room almost look distraught at Marty’s aggression. Marty rips up the apology letter and throws it hard onto the ground and spits on it. He then snatches the briefcase out of the locker and storms out of the locker room.
Michael Buffer: Ladies and Gentlemen please Welcome at this time the NEW European Champion Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner!
HOLLA IF YOU HEAR ME!!
As the sirens blare Scott Steiner comes out with the belt around his waist and walks out to the ring to boos from the crowd. He gets into the ring and grabs the microphone from Buffer, then flexes for the benefit of the fans.
Scott Steiner: Well what I was going to say before I was rudely interrupted last week. You know it's just like I always say, you can't beat a Genetic Freak and Billy Gunn learn that the hard way. I told you that I was going to destroy you and now you might not even wrestle again. And now I have gold around my waist, the way that is should be. I was going to be going out with all the freaks out there and show them what the Genetic Freak is all about. But then I had a flash from the past before I was able to do that.
Steiner points to the titantron to the video from last week
Mauro Ranallo: MAMMA MIA! IT'S THE NWO! WHAT THE HELL?!?
Matt Striker: Scott Steiner once was a member of this organization, but he hardly looks happy to have his speech cut off by their arrival now.
Steiner is visibly pissed as he adjusts his sunglasses. Rick Rude comes out onto the stage with his Intercontinental Championship resting on one shoulder and a smirk on his face. He's flanked by Nash and Hall, who move to either side, and as he stands there and takes the measure of Steiner in the ring, the fans buzz uneasily. Steiner goes to speak but Rude holds a finger to his lips to gesture silence. Then, he holds his championship in the air! The fans boo loudly, suddenly getting behind Big Poppa Pump if only out of loyalty to the Resistance Brand, as Steiner is visibly irate. He exits the ring and starts heading straight up the ramp, but the NWO turn and leave before he's even halfway up there. Flummoxed that his big moment has been spoiled, Steiner kicks over a barricade and throws a ringside official into the front row in a rage as the feed draws to a close.
Scott Steiner: Now as we all probably know, I used to call these men my brothers. We all know that I wore the Black and White of the NWO for years. Me, Nash, Hall, Rude, and Biscoff have rode down hundreds of miles of road and to me we have become the best of friends. However you all left and then I went out on my own and made a name for myself all over the world. Winning titles all over the world and making the men jealous and making women scream my name. And now you want to get the gang back together from the nursing home and try to make it like it is like 1997. And you showing up last week made all of the memories come flooding back and almost wanted me to come back.
He grabs an NWO shirt from his back pocket. He tears it up and throws it into the crowd.
Scott Steiner: Then I remembered who the fuck I am. I am Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner and there is to group that is going to hold me back. I have become a bigger star than that group ever has or ever will be. And the fact you guys come out here and ruined my title victory. That is when you signed your own death wish and that point. The NWO was a thing of its time, and now it just a bunch of has beens who spent all there money trying to make a quick buck. Well gentleman here is what going to happen. Nash I will destroy you so bad and painful that you will wish that you tore both of your quads. Hall your spine will be broken by the Steiner Recliner that you will have time to hang out with DDP. Bischoff I will take that mop top off you head to expose you for the fraud you are. And Rude it seems you have a title and I have a title so at the Rumble, you will go one on one with the Genetic Freak. That will only lead to one thing. Big Poppa Pump unifying both belts and making your group more irrelevant than you are. Then I will win the Rumble and be a dual-champion and all my freaks will witness the greatest moment in this industry.
HOLLA IF YOU HEAR ME!!
Steiner starts to walks to the back as the feed cuts to something else.
==============================================================
UWF PRESENTS...
02/24/19
==============================================================
Michael Buffer: The following contest is 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.
Michael Buffer: From the Third Rock from the Sun. Weighing in at a combined weight of four hundred and forty-five pounds. They are the team of Jeff Hardy and Juice Robinson, A.I.T.B.!
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. As they emphatically enter the ring, they now ready themselves for the upcoming match. The fans are in a good place, excited to see the action that comes next, when instead of the theme of a wrestler, they're greeted with a familiar voice.
??
Ahem. Is this thing on?
The camera pans to commentary, where Matt Striker is seen removing his headset and rising to his feet, a microphone in his free hand. He nods to Juice and Jeff, who wear clear "What the fuck?" expressions. Striker smiles.
MATT STRIKER
I know you're probably confused about what is happening right now, but given the decision by the International Champion to sit this match out and the lack of appearance of the Broken One, the Resistance General Manager decided that a substitution would need to be made. And since I'm going to be out of my commentary job after tonight, I've decided that a career shift would be necessary, so I put in the request to solve both of our problems and it was granted. Effective this moment, I, Matt Striker, am returning to in-ring competition against either one of you. Which one will it be? That's your decision to make.
The fans don't know how to react. Most of them are booing. Some are wanting to see what Striker has to offer and so they cheer. Matt drops the microphone and removes his suit jacket, tie and dress shirt, then climbs up the ring steps and enters the ring. He's ready to go. Jeff and Juice just look to each other and shrug, then Jeff pulls a coin from his jean pocket and flips it, calling "Heads." It comes up tails. He hops out of the ring as Buffer calls in his opponent.
Michael Buffer: From New York City, weighing 216 pounds, Matt Striker!
Striker raises a fist in the air, then steps back into his corner as the official conducts some pre-match checks and then calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Striker and Juice circle one another, taking a measure of the man opposite. Then Striker calls for a test of strength. Juice grabs his hand, but as soon as the grip is clasped, Striker pulls him in for a short-arm clothesline! Juice goes down and Matt immediately traps him in a chinlock, working the hold as the fans boo him for poor sportsmanship.
Mauro Ranallo: For those of you just joining us, my former partner on commentary and one-time teacher Matt Striker has apparently transitioned into the role of active wrestler once again and he is facing off here against Juice Robinson.
Robinson pries free of the hold and surges to his feet as Striker goes true to his name and throws a jab. Juice dodges with a half-step backward and then leaps into a quick enzuigiri that catches Striker off guard and sends him to the canvas! Matt rolls to hands and knees, but by that point, Robinson's already rolling, baby. He runs the ropes and springboards off of them, dropping a leg on Striker's spine. The teacher hits the canvas with a thud and Juice rolls backward and back to his feet, then puts his hands up as the fans hit him with some cheers. Striker, meanwhile, slowly gets to his feet, only to be grabbed by Robinson and dropped back down with a belly-to-back suplex. Robinson hooks the leg.
1...
2...
...NO!
Mauro Ranallo: A kick-out by Striker there just after the two-count. The ring rust here is evident.
Juice pulls Striker to his feet but in response, Striker rakes the eyes! The fans boo loudly as Robinson stumbles away and Matt falls back to the ropes; as soon as Juice turns back around to face his foe, Striker grounds him with a lariat! Striker goes for the cover, but doesn't even get a one-count, so he sits Robinson up and once again traps him in a hold: a sleeper, this time. Matt's determined to choke Juice out and he wrenches on the hold, his biceps clearly flexing as he applies tremendous pressure. Robinson's fists are balled up and one is raised for a good long while, then they open and he claws at Striker's short hair, trying to find something to grab hold of, to press for some release. Finally, as his strength starts to fail him and his arms start to drift downward, Jeff calls from the outside, "C'mon, Juice! You got this!" The fans respond in kind with a chant, "YOU STILL GOT IT! YOU STILL GOT IT!" Striker seems to think this is about him, and he beams with pride as he nods his head in time with the chant. He doesn't even notice Juice's arm surge back up and the power return to him until it's too late and Robinson has battled up to his feet, doubled over and still trapped in what Striker has transitioned from a sleeper to a headlock.
Mauro Ranallo: Juice Robinson showing real heart as he has fought back to his vertical base.
Robinson gets to his feet with an arm around Striker's waist and breaks free, sending Striker into the ropes. Matt rebounds and has his arm out for the clothesline but Juice goes low to hit a spear! The fans pop as Robinson gets to his feet, pulling Matt up with him. As he does, Striker shoves free and smacks Juice in the face with an open-palmed slap! Juice rubs his cheek, then responds in kind with a HUGE haymaker that causes Striker to pivot a full 180 degrees and start to go down. Before he makes it to the canvas, though, Juice hooks under his arms, spins him out and hits the Pulp Friction to a huge pop from the crowd! He covers:
1...
2...
...3!
DING DING DING!
Here is your winner.
Juice Robinson!
Mauro Ranallo: It was certainly not the in-ring debut my broadcast partner desired, but tonight, Juice Robinson has proven himself the superior foe in defeating the clearly ill-prepared Matt Striker.
Jeff enters the ring to celebrate with Juice while Striker, defeated, rolls out of it and heads back to his place at the commentary table. There will be more time for competition in the future; for now, he has a job to finish as he puts his shirt back on and returns the headset to its proper place, then sits at the desk. Aim for the Bushes are still celebrating as the feed moves along.
The feed takes us to a prerecorded segment where the UWF's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Maroon, is seen sitting.
Dr. Joseph Maroon: Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I am here to give a medical update regarding now-former UWF European Champion Billy Gunn. As you all know, Mr. Gunn suffered a violent assault at the hands of Scott Steiner last week and had to be removed from the ring by medical personnel. After a number of tests, it has been determined that the former European Champion will have to retire from active competition. The UWF regrets this unfortunate news, and we wish Mr. Gunn and his family the best. We will, of course, make every resource available to him to help as he transitions into life after wrestling. That is all.
The feed moves along.
The camera fades into gorilla position. The Velveteen Dream is seen preparing for his upcoming matches with Kaval. As the Dream is about to finish hyping himself up for his match, Marty Scurll comes up.
“THE VILLAIN” Marty Scurll: “Look I’m going to keep this short. I know you took it, at the Rumble, I’ve got you. This is over.”
Marty walks off and the Dream is in utter shock. He throws his shades on the ground and grabs the nearest chair and throws it where Marty walked off. As he walks away, Dream speaks primarily to himself.
Velveteen Dream: You've made a big mistake, Marty. At the Royal Rumble, you're finished. Dream vs Scurll 3 and the story will always stay the same, the Velveteen Dream Experience will win. Make sure you're watching, cause what the Dream does to Kaval is what the Dream is doing to you at the Rumble!
The Dream storms out of the frame to head out for his match.
Michael Buffer: The following contest is your main event of the evening! and it is for the Primetime Championship! Introducing first...
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. Weighing in at one hundred and seventy-four pounds. 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.
Michael Buffer: And the opponent...
YOW!
Velveteen's theme starts, and Velveteen Dream comes out from Gorilla, looks at the crowd and poses. The crowd has mixed reactions to the Dream. They are impressed by his wrestling skills and promo work, but he can treat them with disrespect sometimes when he lets his ego inflate.
Michael Buffer: Making his way from Capitol City, Washington D.C, weighed in at 227 lbs, he is your Prime Time champion, "the Experience," the Velveteen Dream!
Velveteen then proceeds down the ramp in a very flamboyant, cocky, way. Completely sure he will beat his opponent and whoever tries to mess with him.
Velveteen Dream gets into the ring and spins around making sure everyone can experience the true experience of Velveteen Dream, showing off his beautiful and amazing body and attire. Once he finished spinning, he gets down and rolls on the ground
Making sure everyone can see him right in the middle of the ring doing what he does best, which is being better than everyone.
He then gets on his stomach, pushes himself backward, stares at the camera, and gets up. He then takes out his mouth guard and puts it on, ready for his match.
DING DING DING!
The bell rings but Dream doesn't seem to notice or care, he takes time to taunt the booing fans and generally just dismiss Kaval, but that turns out to be a mistake as instead of waiting Kaval charges Dream and drives him hard into the corner with a Shotgun dropkick! the move surprised Dream and the impact drops him, just in place for Kaval to climb up the top rope and drop his feet right onto Dream's lungs with the Ghetto Stomp!! he immediately goes for the pin and hooks both legs
1....
2...
t...
NO!
Dream raises his hand in the last second!
Matt Striker: HOLY SHIT!
Mauro Ranallo: Normally I would tell you to watch your language Matt, but I think we can let ourselves loose for this match, after all this is the last match we'll have on the Resistance brand! AND IT IS FUCKING CRAZY!
Kaval gets up to his feet, he doesn't want to give Dream even a second to catch his breath, he picks up the champ up and begins to light him up with strikes, which culminate with a kick to the midsection followed by a switch kick to the back of the head! Dream falls to the mat face first and Kaval sees his chance, he gets on top of Dream, hooks his arm across Dream's head and wrenches it back in a sickening way with the Dragon Sleeper!! Dream starts to scream in pain and tries to reach for the rope but Kaval's grip on him is too strong! after a few seconds in the hold Dream is able to gather the strength required to get up to his feet and ram himself back first into the corner so Kaval'll release the hold, but Kaval is too persistent! Dream takes a few steps forward and simply does it again, but Kaval won't let go, in the third time Dream jumps just before he reaches the corner to add to the impact and Kaval finally lets go! Dream stumbles out of there, coughing his lungs out and grabbing his throat as Kaval stays in the corner to gain his breath.
The dream turns around to face Kaval and he has the most furious look we've seen on Dream so far, he charges Kaval who attempts to counter with a kick to the face but Dream stops just before the corner and is able to grab Kaval's leg, he smiles and laughs as Kaval tries to escape with an enziguri but Dream ducks under just in time, he then lifts Kaval's leg and throws it back to the mat knee first! Kaval cries out in pain but Dream isn't even done yet, he elbow drops Kaval's knee and begins to furiously punch it! the punches are too many to count and the ref starts to get worried, he tells Dream to get off of Kaval and when he doesn't listen he begins to count for a DQ, and Dream only releases it at the 4th count.
Matt Striker: That's a very smart strategy by the Velveteen Dream here, target Kaval's leg so he won't be able to use it when striking and also have a harder time high flying.
Mauro Ranallo: There are a few reasons he was champion for such a long time, a smart gameplan is one of them.
Kaval now spins in place as he grabs and cries about his knee while Dream just chuckles, he picks up his opponent and slides beneath one of his arms, then lifts him up and drops his leg right onto his knee with the Shin Breaker! Dream doesn't let go and instead lifts Kaval up just to nail the move one more time! he again lifts up Kaval but this time he drops him right onto his head with a backdrop suplex!! Kaval clutches his neck without even making a sound and the Dream simply sits up and flexes his muscles, much to the disdain of the crowd but he just loves it, he sits back up and flexes even harder, making the fans boo even louder, he smiles and climbs to the second rope of the nearest corner where he flexes as hard as he can, prompting the fans to boo the hardest they can, but suddenly, some of the boos turn to cheers, the Velveteen Dream is confused and he turns around to see that Kaval is returning to his feet, almost ready to attack him, Dream thinks he got things figured out and jumps out of the second rope for a double ax handle but Kaval catches him mid-air with a STIFF superkick! he immediately goes for the pin
Mauro Ranallo: MAMA MIA, DREAM IS OUT!
Matt Striker: That superkick was a thing of fucking beauty.
Mauro Ranallo: I know I said we could curse but I just feel like you're forcing it now.
1.....
2.....
thr...
NO!
Dream is able to grab the rope!
Kaval gets up and goes over to the furthest corner where he stalks the champion, when Dream gets up to one knee Kaval slowly approaches and when he reaches him he explodes with two kicks to the chest, he's looking for a Krush Kombo! but Dream is able to block it and grab the leg! he looks at Kaval with a twisted smile and drops a hard punch on the knee! Kaval grabs his knee and his face tell a story of pain and agony, Dream doesn't care tho as he sees his chance to end it, he takes a few steps back and drops Kaval face first with the Famouser! he immediately rushes to the pin
1...
2...
NO!
Kaval raises his shoulder!
Dream is shocked and devasted, he punches the mat a few times and then goes over to argue with the ref, not letting him go until the latter threatens to DQ him, when he turns his attention back to Kaval he sees that the world warrior has managed to get up using the ropes which he now uses for support, he charges him hoping to throw him to ringside but Kaval drops down and lowers the top rope just in time so Dream crashes onto the concrete floor! Kaval sees his chance and charges the opposite ropes, rebounds, and flies over to Dream with a Tope Suicide! Dream hits the barricade hard but Kaval landed on his damaged knee, they both fall down and Boar and Grado rush over there to see if Dream tries anything fishy.
1!
2!
3!
Both men start to show signs of life with Dream getting up using the barricade and Kaval using the apron.
4!
5!
Dream recovers just a second faster than Kaval but that's all he needs as he charges Kaval and rams him into the apron! he then enters the ring and walks over to the nearest corner where he can rest.
6!
7!
The world warriors try their best to help Kaval up without actually touching him cause that's cheating and cheating's for cheaters, finally Kaval manages to gather enough strength to slide into the ring at the count of 9
Mauro Ranallo: Kaval remaining in this match by the skin of his teeth here, but he's holding up pretty well against someone many thought was way better than him
Dream seems to agree with Mauro's last statement as he arrogantly stomps Kaval's head and mock him and his friends, when the ref tells him to let it go he actually obliges and now moves to mock the crowd about how their favorite is getting beat up, he's also taking his sweet time in that, after a few moments of taunting the fans he finally returns to Kaval, who looks pretty done, he lifts him up by the jaw and screams at him that he's nothing he then slaps him and wraps his arm around his head, looking for some sort of a suplex but Kaval returns to life in an instance where he one of grabs Dream's legs and lifts him up, then drops him on his head with the Ki Krusher!! he doesn't let go of the leg as he pins Dream
Mauro Ranallo: HOLY FUCK WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!
Matt Striker: I don't know Mauro but I think it might be able to secure Kaval the win here!
1.....
2.....
thr...
NO!
Dream throws his shoulder up in the last millisecond!
Kaval is almost crying now, he threw his best at Dream but it wasn't enough to end him, he angrily punches the mat, like his opponent before him, but instead of arguing with the ref like him Kaval sees his buddies, the World Warriors at ringside who cheer on him and he nods, he moves Dream closer to a corner and goes on to climb that corner but due to his damaged leg it takes longer for him to get to the top, when he finally reaches that he points to Grado and Boar, and smiles before attempting yet another Ghetto Stomp but this time Dream moves out of the way! Kaval lands awkwardly on his knee and crumbles, Dream looks at Kaval, then at the top rope and realizes the opportunity he has, he rushes to the top rope and with no injury gets there pretty fast, and launches himself off it with the Purple Rainmaker! Dream lands right on Kaval's throat and the World Warrior thrashes about gasping for air, but Dream isn't going for the pin, instead, he picks up Kaval and bends him over his knee, he then grabs him by the jaw and yells with a mouth full of spit, THIS IS YOUR FAULT, SCURLL! He then grabs Kaval's head and spikes it with the Dreamcatcher, almost through the mat, he goes for the pin hooking one leg and staring the hard cam.
1....
2...
3!
DING DING DING!
Mauro Ranallo: He tries his best, even had us all believing there for a good moment there that he was gonna win, a very tough loss for Kaval but he's got nothing to be ashamed of, incredible match
Matt Striker: A suitable match to end Resistance with, I just wish the result was different
Dream is handed his championship and celebrates as the remainder of the World Warriors pull Kaval from the ring, helping him to the back. With Dream's theme playing, the Prime Time Champion stands tall as one of the faces of Resistance and the show comes to its close.
-=END OF SHOW=-
Credits:
Prime Time Championship (Dream v.s. Kaval): Bodor
TTs: Respective TTers
Everything Else: Crann
CONFIRMED FOR THE ROYAL RUMBLE
Intercontinental and European Championship Unification Match
Rick Rude (c) v.s. Scott Steiner (c)
Non-Title Grudge Match
Marty Scurll v.s. Velveteen Dream
OOC NOTE: Well, this is it. The show is done. The final episode in the books. I'd like to thank all of the TTers who have been with me, consistently, through this show's run. There are a lot of you and I had hoped this episode would shine a spotlight on most of you. Regrettably, I did overlook a few (Scurll the notable case here), and I'm sorry for that. But I feel I did the best with what I had. I'm also bummed to see that half of those I booked either no-showed or decided to take booking into their own hands. This many squash matches is not how I wanted to see Resistance go out, but it's good validation for the decision to bring it to a close. I won't belabor the point any further. Onward to the Rumble and what lies beyond.
