Phase Seventy-Four: The Fall of the House of Usher
UIC Pavilion
Marty Scurll vs Mitchell Knight
Knight has Marty in the headlock and quickly transitions to the legs for an ankle lock. Knight gets his leg over Marty’s back and gets the single leg submission. Scurll eventually gets to the ropes and slips out of the ring to escape. Knight attempts to go after him, but Scurll trips him up on the apron. Mitchel drops chest first to the apron and Marty drags him off to the floor. He proceeds to toss Mitchel into the barricade before tossing him into the steps.
Scurll was in complete control until Aleister makes his appearance. He comes halfway down the ramp with the briefcase. Marty stares him down, even taking a few steps towards the man in a threatening manner. “You stay back. You have no business here! Y—“ Knight was back to his feet and shoved Scurll into the ring post before tossing him in. Marty grabs into the referee to steady himself as he stands. While the referee was distracted, Black raced forward and clobbered Knight with the case multiple times before sending him back in.
Marty notices and quickly hooks the leg for the three count. He earns six points in his debut match. The man looks to Aleister with a raised brow, unsure of what to think. Black slips into the ring and stands face-to-face with him before striking Marty with the Fade to Black in an instant. Both men were down and Aleister stood tall with the case in hand, deciding now wasn’t the time to cash-in.
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Atwell with Natalya
“Natalya, Tyler attacked you as you tried to officiate his match against Taeler Hendrix. We know there’s history between them in UNITE, but things ended up going down between the two of you instead. What are your thoughts on what happened?”
“He attacked me after I tried to be fair. I don’t like either one of them, but I did what was right and kept him in line. Tyler doesn’t like to be put on a leash, to be reeled in, and do things the right way. His entire reign started because he had help. I will admit, though...he’s been able to keep it and I’ll give him props on that. Problem is, it’s boosted his ego far too much and I’m going to stomp it out.”
She doesn’t even let Hayley continue before pushing past her to get ready for her match tonight.
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Taeler Hendrix vs Arisa Hoshiki vs Frankie Valentine vs Priscilla Kelly
Arisa has Frankie in the wristlock, but the latter reverses and pulls Hoshiki into a belly-to-belly overhead toss. Frankie follows up with a clothesline as Arisa backs into the corner. She forces the smaller woman up and looks to capitalize on the top rope, but Arisa kicks her down. The joshi warrior goes up top and takes Frankie down with a dropkick to join the leg. She gets a one count.
Taeler has Kelly on the outside, trading blows back and forth. Kelly gets the headbutt and slings Hendrix into the ringpost. She looks to capitalize, but Paige comes racing out and takes out Kelly from behind. She drags the woman by the hair up the ramp and forces her up for a RamPaige onto the metal. Kelly is dazed, barely conscious as Paige laughs to herself. This allows Taeler to slide into the ring just as Arisa sends Frankie out of the ring.
She turns and catches a palm thrust to the throat before Taeler has her in the piledriver. She pins Hoshiki to win the match, but didn’t stop there. The redhead continues to beat down on Arisa, going as far as to toss the woman into the corner. Arisa cradles her shoulder as Taeler stomps her down. Frankie is back in the ring and yanks the woman by her hair. She slings Hendrix off of Arisa and chases her out of the ring. Frankie stares the champion down as Hendrix crawls up the ramp, demanding for her title.
Austin Theory vs Phil Jackal
Jackal gets the headlock, but Theory slips out and rolls him up for a two count. He knees Phil in the face and quickly pins him again. Two count. Austin forces him up and whips him into the corner. He races in and gets the clothesline. Theory dusts his shoulders off as he smiles, stomping Jackal in the chest. He tries for another stomp after showboating and Jackal grabs the foot before shoving him back.
He races in with a dropkick as Austin stands. The man rolls out of the ring and Jackal quickly steps up the corner and flips out onto Theory with a senton. Phil has the crowd behind him as he tosses Theory into the ring and hooks the leg. Theory kicks out at two. Austin tries to escape the ring again, but Jackal grabs the leg. Theory kicks him off and manages to sweep the leg. Austin gets to his feet and stomps the chest beforehand rebounding off the ropes for an elbow drop. Austin hooks the leg, but still a two count.
Austin goes for big boot as he rebounds off the ropes again, but Jackal ducks and rolls him up. Theory kicks out at two, but eats a superkick. Phil goes into the cover. One...two...—Theory gets his foot in the rope. Jackal yanks him up and sends Theory into the corner. He gets the dropkick, but doesn’t stop at one. He connects with two more and Theory drops to the mat. Phil goes up high, looking for the 450 splash. Theory gets the knees up.
He quickly forces Jackal up and plants him with the Unproven Cutter before getting the three count. Theory laughs as Jackal lies on the mat before yanking him up to drop him with another cutter, sending a message to the PCW roster.
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Son coeur est un luth suspendu...
On the smooth surface, an image appears. "Pavor said it was divine punishment well deserved. Look at that beast you used to think you loved." The image in question was Spike in a small cage that looked exactly like the one they had used on Somnium some time back. He definitely appeared to still have fight in him, but he also looked like he was complaining. A smooth, small hand came into view passing a plate of food before the image disappeared and he slid the device away again.
Backstage, Zara can be seen walking, head down looking not unlike a captive lion. When she stopped moving a footstep that wasn't hers could be heard clearly. The technician whipped around and grabbed for the front of the tailored shirt of her would-be stalker. "If you're going to follow someone, you should really be a little quieter."
Her voice sounded almost sweet but there was a loud and clear warning that whatever he said next had better be a good answer. With less panic than maybe he should have had, the doll raised both of his hands in surrender. "How could you blame me for wanting to be closer to you?"
He still had Spike's face and that little smile he'd given her hundreds of times before. An idea struck her and her grip loosened. She knew who crafted this doll and that he wasn't there for any good reason. That this was something that could absolutely be a threat. That this doll was almost definitely created to bring harm to her but the thing they were forgetting was that she was a threat too. She knew how to break a doll like this one but knew that first, she needed to get something from him. The Spike-alike was there on orders from Pavor to be there. He wasn't present but the shadows shifted unnaturally at the edges of the room.
"I'm sorry." She finally forced herself to say back in that sweet voice. "This probably isn't even your fault, is it? You're only doing what you're told, aren't you?" For a moment the doll considered and looked like he was going to respond but she continued when she saw him nod.
"The Spike I know always acts on his own. He isn't told what to do. I would think you're a little like that. Was I wrong about you?" That last question hit the doll wrong and a sneer overtook his porcelain features.
"All the things you loved about him are in Me now. I'm stronger, quicker, smarter. I can give you anything you want." Zara forced herself not to smile now that she knew she was getting to him.
"Then why don't you show me what happened to him? Show me how much better you are." She ran a hand down his face. It looked like the doll was warring with himself, like it was physically difficult and his golden gaze darted cautiously around the backstage area, lips twisting in concern before he pulled what looked like a pristine pane of glass from an inside pocket of his jacket.
On the smooth surface, an image appears. "Pavor said it was divine punishment well deserved. Look at that beast you used to think you loved." The image in question was Spike in a small cage that looked exactly like the one they had used on Somnium some time back. He definitely appeared to still have fight in him, but he also looked like he was complaining. A smooth, small hand came into view passing a plate of food before the image disappeared and he slid the device away again.
Suddenly the game she was playing didn't matter and she took the doll by the shoulders. "Can you take me to him? Please?" It looked for just a moment like he wanted to do as she asked but then he snorted derisively and gently pushed her away.
"Even after that? Do you still love him? After everything? Fine. I'll show you. Don't worry. We'll show you who the real Spike is." He walked backwards just a few steps to get a last look at her, then turns and rushes out, a strange shuffling sound like laughter following his departure.
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Scarlett Bordeaux vs Ivelisse Vélez (With Salina De La Renta)
Ivelisse takes Scarlett down with an armdrag and transitions into the armbar. Bordeaux quickly rolls up the legs for a two count. The blonde spears Velez to the ground as they stand, throwing punches to the face before Ivelisse flips them over to deliver her own set of strikes. They continue to brawl until rolling out of the ring under the ropes. The referee has to pull them apart. Velez grabs onto his shirt angrily, distracting him as Salina takes Bordeaux down from behind. She delivers strike after strike before backing off.
The referee checks on Bordeaux before warning Salina. Velez shoves Scarlett back in the ring and waits on the apron for her to stand before jumping through the ropes with a shoulder jawbreaker. She hooks the leg for a two count, but instantly transitions into a crossface. Scarlett refuses to tap out, dragging herself towards the ropes. Salina pulls them back out of her reach before the referee spots her and gives yet another warning.
The two women continue to double team the blonde, but Bordeaux remains standing, taking it to Velez after ducking a roundhouse. She takes her down with multiple clotheslines before getting the leg drop for the pin. Velez kicks out at two. She crawls into the corner and Scarlett gets the splash. She sends Ivelisse out to the mat and Salina grabs the leg. Velez is able to capitalize with a running big boot. She boasts in the ring with a cocky smile.
Her showboating doesn’t last long as familiar music plays and an even more familiar face in Allysin Kay comes marching down the ramp. Salina is quickly racing towards the woman, trying to get the advantage. Allysin easily ducks the shot and boots Salina to the floor. Velez is distracted and Bordeaux rolls her up for the three count. She looks to celebrate, but Velez immediately goes on to attack. Allysin slides into the ring as Ivelisse is looking for a destroyer. Scarlett manages to battle out of it and shoves her right into Kay’s awaiting Discus from Detroit lariat.
Ivelisse and Salina glare at the two women in the ring. Kay requests a mic and smiles before it settles into a frown. “Thought you were a bad bitch, Ivelisse. Not a bitter one. You talk a lot a crap about how big and bad you are, but you tote around a mutt to help you win your battles. I mean, I always knew you weren’t about it, but now so does everyone else. You don’t, because you can’t, succeed without someone carrying your scrawny ass all the way to the finish line. Did it in Valkyrie and you’re doing it now.”
Kay leans against the ropes and raises a brow. “And in both scenarios, you still took the L...so what is the reason at this point?” Allysin shrugs her shoulders and stares them both down with a cold glare. Scarlett snatches the mic from her.
“I didn’t ask for your help. I can handle a couple of fives. I’ve dealt with one already. The other clearly can’t compete, otherwise, she wouldn’t be asking Salina, of all people, for help. You can dismiss yourself.” Allysin’s focus was still on Ivelisse, but she finally looks back to Scarlett with raised brow and stepping forward to get near the mic.
“Sorry, Peach. I ain’t Mario. I don’t pop in and out of the pipes on command, so I’ll be seeing your friends next week and you can just...take notes?”
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... Sitot qu'on le touche il resonne
“You know what to do?” Corvus nods before looking around the corner. They were waiting patiently. They discussed their plan last week and he was nervous but determined to make Vipress proud.
She smiles and walks past him before leaning against the wall just beyond him. Both waited patiently until someone came around the corner. Indigo was heading this way and Vipress immediately perked up. Indigo was immediately on the defence.
“You’re the last person who should be happy to see me,” Kelly spits with venom. She takes a few steps forward and stops. “Where’s Corvus? He’s never far from you...”
“Running errands. He’s such a good boy. Harlow should’ve been more careful in how she used him.”
“Nobody should be using him.”
“Least I actually care, let him reap the benefits of his hard work. All he ever has to do is trust in me. Unlike Harlow, I live up to my word. Don’t you agree?”
“Whatever, Vipress. Just get out of my way!” Indigo pushes past her and walks past corner Corvus was stationed. He let out a hellish scream and knocks her out from behind with his championship. He slammed the belt down into her again and again before Vipress has to grab his arms to stop from potentially killing her.
“We only want to injure, not kill. Not yet...” Heavily breathing, he finally eases up and steps back from Indigo’s unconscious body. Vipress leans down and pulls out a small pocket knife. She wastes no time in slashing Indigo’s arms with superficial cuts before tearing open the lower end of her shirt. Corvus watches as the woman uses the knife to cut upon the woman’s abs. Thin trails of blood drips down as she works. The two then work together the string her up by the arms against the wall.
Vipress smiles as Corvus’s expression remains blank. Vipress looks to him and frowns. “Don’t be sad. She won’t be the only one...” He doesn’t respond as she rubs the top of his head before placing a hand against his cheek. “This is what you want, right? To take over? It’ll be a slow process and bodies will be left behind in our path, but it’ll be worth it. I promise.” He finally nods and they leave together as Indigo remains unconscious with “Damnation is imminent” cut into her body.
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Natalya vs Kevin Owens
Owens whips her into the ropes for the early finisher, but Natalya takes him down with a shoulder block. She runs the ropes and leaps over him. As she rebounds, he catches her arm as she goes for a clothesline and drops the back across the knee. Kevin hooks the leg for a one count. He forces the blonde up and flips her over onto her backside with a hip toss. Kevin rebounds off the ropes with a cannonball. He lands on her chest and hooks the legs. She kicks out. They both stand and Natalya eats a big boot.
The blonde rolls into the ropes and Kevin stomps down on the back multiple times. He forces her up against the ropes and tries to chop the chest. Natalya blocks the attack and elbows him back. She connects with multiple forearms and whips him into the ropes before following up with a spinebuster into a one count pin. Natalya looks to grab the legs, but Owens kicks her back into the ropes. She rebounds with a dropkick to the face. Kevin crawls into the corner and she races forward for a hip attack. She drags him out by the legs, looking for the sharpshooter. Kevin quickly rolls her up for the two count.
They both stand and Natalya gets the boot to the chest. He staggers, but remains on his feet before she takes him out with the Nattie by Nature discus lariat. Natalya wastes no time crossing the legs and locks in the Sharpshooter until Owens finally taps out. The blonde earns yet another point and requests a mic. “I hope you were watching Tyler because I’m steadily inching closer and closer to your title. By October 23rd? It’ll be me against you—winner takes all. You got a taste of what it’s like to piss me off and you’ll get the full course meal in just a few more weeks. I’m not the best that ever was or will be....but I’m damn sure better than you.”
Tyler Breeze vs Aleister Black
The bell rings and Black immediately goes for Fade to Black, narrowly missing the champion. Breeze stumbles back to the mat as Black grins before chasing the champion out of the ring. Tyler takes a moment to collect himself and slides back in by the count of three. He ducks and dodges Aleister before driving a knee into the gut. Breeze follows up with a snap suplex and floats over into the pin. Black kicks out at one. Tyler forces him up and whips Aleister into the corner before connecting with a clothesline. Aleister stumbles out of the ring and Tyler rebounds with a dropkick to the chest for another cover. Barely a two count.
Tyler has him up on all fours and tries for another dropkick to the face. Black rolls out the way and drives a soccer kick to the back. Breeze turns over in pain and Aleister double stomps the back. As the champion sits up, Aleister drives kick after kick to the chest before connecting with a superkick for the pin. Tyler kicks out at two and rolls away into the ropes. Black matches over and Tyler kicks him square in the crotch without the referee having full view of it. Breeze rolls him up, but only gets the two count. He stomps down on Black until the referee forces him back and rebounds for a baseball slide to send Black out. Tyler gets on the apron and tries for the hurricarana, but Aleister holds him up and drops Breeze on his back on the steel steps. Tyler slumps to the mat as Black looks to his briefcase.
He grabs it, contemplating if he should instead cash in on Breeze. The fans egg him on as Tyler is slowly starting to stand. Black thinks better of it, but Tyler catches him with a boot to the case that slams into his face. Breeze capitalizes by catching Black with a jumping neckbreaker from behind to the floor. He rolls back in, betting on a countout. By the time the referee reached four, Aleister is back to his feet. He stumbles into the ring and Breeze gets the snapmare. He follows up with a running boot to the face. He hooks the leg for the two count. Tyler’s frustration starts to show as he forces Aleister into the corner with multiple strikes to the face and abdomen. He drives a stiff elbow into the face before whipping him into the opposite corner.
Aleister ducks from a clothesline and kicks the jaw with the Fade to Black. He hooks the leg. One...two...thre—Tyler gets his foot on the bottom rope. Black drags him from the corner and Breeze rolls him up for the two count. They both stand and Tyler gets the superkick before getting the jumping DDT for yet another close count. Tyler kicks the ropes in anger and drags Black to his feet before eating a headbutt. Black tries for the kick again, but Tyler ducks and connects with a spin kick of his own. Breeze goes up high, looking for the moonsault and lands it, but somehow Black has the will to lock in an armbar. Tyler panics and drags himself to the ropes until he’s out of the ring.
He quickly grabs the briefcase and slams it against the face, the referee calling for a disqualification. Tyler waves off the boos as he retrieves his title and laughs. Black is dazed in the ring as Breeze grabs a mic. “Quack revised it.
“I heard...I heard what you said, Natalya,” he breathes heavily. “You say you’re better than me? Than the champ?! There’s a reason I’m in this position and you’re chasing after it.” Tyler smirks and shakes his head. “You are a subpar wrestler. The apple truly didn't fall far from the tree, like your father, you're destined to forever playing second fiddle to a true champion and he’s going to be rolling in his grave when he sees you couldn't get the championship he forever dreamed of, when he sees you're also JUST a tag team wrestler, when he sees you fail to beat me on October 23rd!”
Breeze exits the ring, heading up the ramp as Black looks on in disgust, but he doesn’t celebrate long. Natalya comes racing out and spears Breeze to the floor. Tyler tries to fight back, but his words sparked a rage in her, a fire PCW hasn’t seen before. Natalya yanks him up and sends Tyler’s back into the barricade. She strikes him in the gut with her knee repeatedly before forewarning him. The champion is dazed as Natalya lifts him up on her shoulder just to ram his back into the ring post. Security storms the arena as Neidhart remains on the attack. It takes two women and one man to pull her back and even then? She breaks away for one last punch that busts Tyler’s nose open. Blood races down his face and he covers his face as the potential challenger is taken from the arena.