Phase Fifty: The Two Towers
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O, statua gentilissima
[The titantron comes alive with the clattering of glasses and distant music. On the screen, there's an intricately painted ceiling, some waiters move around, and then the camera shuffles.]
Hello, PCW. Sorry, I couldn't be there today, I've some business to tend to, as you can see. [Spike Trivet moves the camera around, very obviously his cellphone camera, panning through a lavishly decorated restaurant full of people.]
So I decided to take this moment while I wait for my food to be brought to me, to address the topic of... The Doll. I've heard several comments from different directions on it. "Break it, don't hurt it, it's not to blame!"
Frankly... I don't care about your opinions. But I'll have you know that I care about ONE opinion, well, two. And that second opinion told me "well, keep it safe, keep it warm," which is what I'm doing. So fear not, Mr Nox. Your toy is safe with me.
And since it seems to be a business day, how about you and I strike a deal right here and now? Your doll returns to you unscathed, or almost, and you work for me. Not necessarily in that order. See, I've got a checklist to tick off and I'm running out of creative ways to torture my detractors.
[Just as he was finishing his word, the waiter approached him with a covered tray.]
We'll have to continue this another day, Mr Nox, give it some thought, get back to me soon, and remember I am a very impatient man. Ta ta for now~
[The camera shows the ceiling for a brief moment before everything goes black.]
UIC Pavilion
CM Punk vs Kyle O'Reilly (Submission Match)
CM Punk is the first to appear to a warm welcome from the crowd. The straightedge competitor makes his way to the ring with total confidence. He had no intention of losing his second match in PCW.
Kyle O’Reilly appears to have equal confidence as he makes his way to the ring for his debut match. He stares Punk down with a grin as he enters the ring.
The bell rings and both me circle the ring before locking up. They both attempt to go for submissions early on, escaping each hold before slapping on another, until they eventually distance themselves. Kyle makes a mockery of Punk, copying his GTS taunt. Punk was calm and collected, taking it to Kyle the whole way through.
He sendt Kyle to the outside and took a moment to recuperate. Kyle remains on the floor outside, the referee checking on him momentarily before starting the count. He slowly rises and Punk attempts to grab him through the ropes. O’Reilly swings his fist with...brass knuckles?! Punk drops to the mat and Kyle immediately slid the knuckles under the ring before slapping on the Guillotine Choke. CM Punk refuses to tap, but the blow to the head dazed him and he couldn’t escape before he eventually succumbed, passing out.
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Inner Demon
Hania was preparing for her match tonight with yet another masked figure. She thought Harlow only had three accomplices, but her influence reached further than she knew. Indigo, unable to compete still, kept watch in case Harlow showed up.
Harlow had initially said Hania was the target, but now she’s the victim. She always was. What exactly was she after? To kill Indigo? Wouldn’t she already be dead, if that were the case? Whatever Harlow had planned, they would be ready.
Indigo sighed softly before looking up at a mirror across the room from her. Her reflection looked back normally. She blinked at her eyes with red, a malicious grin smiling back at her as something bulged under the skin just below her left eye. Indigo screamed and stepped back until she bumped into the wall. Hania grabbed her by the shoulder to stable her and once she looked back, it was her normal reflection again.
“What the hell happened?”
“... Nothing. Nothing happened.”
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Phil Jackal vs Flash Morgan Webster (Non-Title Match)
Phil was first to appear and headed to the ring with a look of determination. Since the first day, he’s been underestimated and now was his time to prove his doubters wrong.
Morgan Webster made his appearance, the All-Weight Championship hanging over the back of his shoulder as he made his way to the ring. The fact that his title was not on the line did not ease him. He wanted to prove he could win every single time and be the kind of champion PCW needs.
The bell rings and both men stand still in their respective corners, waiting. Jackal makes the first move, charging to Flash. He side steps, but Jackal uses the corner to do a handstand. Morgan turns around and Jackal catches him with the legs for a huracanrana. Morgan’s speed is matched and that caught him off guard. Phil kept the control, connecting with a code breaker for a two-count.
Flash attempts to regain control, taking Phil to the limit with his own set of aerial moves. The two are so evenly matched that Flash almost could not catch him with a sudden forearm. That slows Jackal long enough for a backbreaker. He gets the two-count and goes high, looking for 450 Splash. Jackal gets the knees up and Morgan gets to his feet just in time for a superkick to put him away for the three-count.
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Shooting The Breeze
Tyler Breeze is in the ring, the ring is decked out with the set up for Tyler's talk show. Tyler is sitting in his chair, twirling a microphone around. "Welcome to the second edition of the critically acclaimed talk show that is sweeping the nation! Welcome to Shooting the Breeze and I'm your host, The Prince of Pretty, The Sultan of Selfie, Tyler Breeze!"
The crowd boos as Tyler holds his arm up, acting as if the crowd is they are showering him with love. "My guest tonight is the self-proclaimed King of Dong Style. Give a welcome to Joey Ryan!"
Joey Ryan's music starts to play and he makes his way out, still favouring his injured arm. Once he gets up on the ring apron, he opens up his shirt and pulls the bottle of baby oil out, pouring it on his chest and rubbing it in. Tyler looked on in disdain and disgust, shaking his head. Joey gets in the ring and offers a handshake but Tyler shoos him away, telling him not to touch him. Joey shrugged and grabbed the second microphone that was on the table.
"You're disgusting... Anyways... Welcome, I guess." Tyler looked at him, his nose still scrunched up. Joey took the seat next to Tyler and looked at him.
"Thank you, Tyler, for inviting me on the show. Once my arm is healed up, I would like to be in this ring with you again. But not for an interview."
Tyler sarcastically laughed and rolled his eyes. "What? Look, Breeze. You might see yourself as some beauty God. But once you get in the ring with me, that'll all change." Shaking his head, Tyler brought the mic to his mouth. "Settle down. Stick to rubbing yourself and doing crotch jokes. Now, Joey... Me, personally, I don't care... But I know some do, so I have to ask... How's the arm and, any update on how long you're out of action?"
"How long am I out for? Well, unfortunately, I tore it a lil bit more on my WSW tour in Australia so I will be out for longer. If I had to guess most likely April 2019." Tyler nodded, feigning sadness, putting a hand over his mouth.
"Too bad, so sad. Now let's get to the big question. How's it feel knowing that your legacy in wrestling will be known as 'The Penis Guy' and 'The Blow Pop Guy'?"
Joey would reach into his pocket, grabbing out a blowpop leaning it towards Tyler. "I'm glad you asked. Would you like one? Consider it a peace treaty until I'm healed up and back in the ring." Tyler smacked the blow pop out of his hand, disgusted by the gesture. Tyler stands up and Joey does the same.
"You're a joke. You know that, right? You have to stoop to high school humour, to stand out because you're not good enough. You-" At that moment, Joey's heard enough and he delivers a superkick to the jaw of Breeze, much to the total happiness of the crowd. Joey then reached down the front of his pants and pulled out a second blow pop, holding it up. The crowd cheered as Joey leaned down and stuck the blow pop in Tyler's mouth. The crowd cheered more as Joey stood over Tyler before getting out of the ring, going to high five some fans, leaving a fallen Tyler Breeze with a blow pop hanging out of his mouth.
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Natalya vs Will Ospreay
Will is the first to make his appearance. The young man has been a part of PCW for quite some time, but has yet to leave his mark. Tonight could be the start of success for him.
His opponent is no joke, however, and she came forth next with a confident smile. Natalya receives a warm welcome and enters the ring. Before the match starts, she shakes Will’s hand as a show of respect.
The two circle the ring before locking up with Will immediately going for the legs. He kicks it several times before slamming it against the mat. He continues to put several holds on the legs, attempting to take the stronger opponent down by eliminating her base. Natalya eventually kicks him off and begins to show her strength with a German suplex. She continues with a wave of fists and slams that kept Will grounded.
Natalya keeps control until Osprey manages to slip out of her grip. He yanks the leg out from under her and goes for a standing moonsault to get a count of one. The Hart gets to her feet quickly only for Will to take her down again with a corkscrew huracanrana. The two go back and forth, but Natalya manages to catch him with the Sharpshooter for the tap out victory.
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Drop Dead, Darling
Taeler stood in the center of the ring with her championship wrapped around her waist. She licks her lips, gently biting down on them before smiling.
“Sweet, delicious, innocent candy. She was quite the tasty treat was she not? And despite her best efforts, and her excuses, she found herself stunned by just a kiss.”
Hendrix pauses and sighs sweetly as she reminisces about the match. She shakes her head gently and her smile widens slightly.
“Truly I had hoped for so much more from the famous Candice LeRae, but if she will not offer me a challenge, perhaps someone new will. So come all that may. Whether you be heroes or just another criminal upon the streets of Gotham. I will take any, and all who are bold enough to step up. All Hail to The Goddess Incarnate, or unfortunately for you, drop dead darling.”
Taeler waits momentarily before looking to exit the ring. Before she can, a woman appears. She licks her lightly gloss-coated lips and raises the mic. The fans in attendance know exactly who she is, but Taeler looks on unamused. “Taeler Hendrix, is it?”
“Who’s asking?” Taeler glares at the tattooed figure and looks her up and down in disgust.
“Vicky Haskins. Cute getup. You almost look like the real deal, honey.” Vicky giggles and winks.
“So...you’re looking for a fight, huh? You know, I used to get down and dirty back in the day. It’s been a really long time since I laced up some boots.”
“If you’re challenging me, then step right on in and get comfortable.” Hendrix smiles and steps back from the ropes. “Let me get one, big bite out of you, Vicky. Let’s see what you taste like...”
“You know...I would, but I didn’t come out here to fight. Yet. You say you want a fight and I think I know who can give you one. Could be me...could be an acquaintance. I just wanted to let you know, Hendrix, that things are slowly changing in PCW. New predators are entering the food chain and you’re about to become prey.”
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Charlie Morgan vs Frankie Valentine vs Indi Hartwell
All three women circle the ring before Morgan makes the first move with a front dropkick to Frankie. The woman is tossed into the corner and Morgan connects with a low sliding clothesline. Hartwell capitalizes with a running knee into the corner and attempts to take the pin. Morgan pulls the leg from the outside and the two women have a standoff. Morgan takes the first forearm but strikes back viciously.
The two women brawl on the outside, Indi getting the advantage with a thrust kick to the gut. She connects with a snap suplex to the floor and looks to re-enter the ring before Frankie connects with a spear through the ropes. Frankie gets to her feet first and tosses Indi into the ring for the pin. Charlie breaks the pin just in time, but pays for it with a headbutt from Frankie. The woman lifts Morgan up high and forces her on top of the corner ropes before driving a knee into the abdomen. Morgan bounces off and drops to the mat.
Indi tries to take advantage with a roll-up pin, but Frankie kicks out and catches her with an uppercut. She follows up with a fireman’s carry into a gutbuster with the double knees. Instead of taking the pin, she used Indi’s body as a weapon and drops her down on Charlie hard. She shoves Hartwell to the outside before lifting Morgan again for a brainbuster to get the three count.
The camera bounced and twisted as our cameraman rushed to capture the scene as it unfolds. Rhea and Frankie were outside the building, fists flying and trash talking. Despite Rhea not being on the show, she was going to make sure PCW hasn’t forgotten her.
“This is all your fault! You got in MY way and cost me MY title!” Rhea spears Frankie into a nearby dumpster. The dumpster rolls out of place as Frankie slumps to the ground. Ripley drags the woman through dirt and small rocks across the gravel before lifting her up high and slamming her down.
Rhea looks over her handiwork with a grin and leaves Frankie barely conscious on the ground. “You’re gonna make up for this, Frankie. I’m gonna remind you of why you’ve always been second place, the runner-up, the runt of the bunch.”
Hania vs ???
Hania is first to the arena and makes her way down the ramp while looking over her shoulder. She was no fool. She knew to keep watch until she made it to the ring.
Her opponent came forth next. He was new to her. His mask covered his face completely, but she could tell he was smiling underneath it. He was never at the frontlines and she didn’t suspect Harlow to have a right-hand man, but there he was, slinking into the ring.
The bell rang and the man stood still. Hania made the first move and took him down with a spear. The man seemed at ease despite the takedown and Hania immediately went for the mask. Only then did he let out a hellish shout and headbutted Hania back. The two brawl on the mat, looking for an opening.
As they go, Indigo makes her way out slowly, hesitantly even. She approaches the ring to support Hania, but the man takes her down with a shoulder block. It’s enough to knock the wind out of Hania and he turns his attention to Indigo. He drops to the mat and crawls towards Indigo, eyes locked on hers through the mask. Her mouth drops open and she’s fixed in a trance.
Hania regained her footing and connected with a double foot stomp to the back of the head. Indigo remains enthralled as Hania works on the man, taking him out with a roundhouse kick to the temple for the three count. Indigo’s trance ends as Hania puts a hand on her shoulder. The man slowly rises, eyes fixed on both women.
“Time is running out.”
And then he vanished within the blink of an eye.
Sami Callihan vs Fire Ant (Non-Title Match)
Fire Ant is first to appear, but he doesn’t make it far before Callihan is on him. He takes Ant down from behind and mercilessly beats down on the smaller man. He drags Ant to the ring, slamming the face down onto the apron before following up with a shove into the steel steps. Sami grabs a chair from under the ring and attacks Fire Ant over and over again without remorse until the chair is dented.
Callihan isn’t finished and lifts Ant onto his shoulders in an Argentine hold. He races forehead and makes sure the torso collided with the ringpost before slamming Ant to the ground hard. Callihan seemed to want to continue, but Jenny Blake races to the ring and takes him down. She tries her best to keep the advantage, but Callihan overpowers her. He sends her back into the ring post and continues to beat down on Blake. He drags the woman into the ring and grabs her by the hair as he requests a mic. “You really thought you could do another FUCKING sneak attack on me and I not be prepared? You stupid, stupid bitch. Just like your little boyfriend, you can’t overpower me. You are fucking waste of my goddamn time and energy, but maybe if I make an example out of you, the rest of this sorry fucks will finally understand that nobody can beat me.”
Sami looked ready to finish her off, but Chris comes out and the two men brawl in the center of the ring. Cadwell gets the advantage with a superkick to the chin, dazing Sami. He grabs Jenny and pulls her to safety on the outside while Callihan stares down from the ring with gleeful malice.
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Torture Chamber
“She thinks I’m afraid,” Harlow says into the camera. She seemed to be within an old, church building. The first bench was still intact and Harlow sat comfortably upon it. She sighs with a malicious smile.
“Priscilla has no idea what she’s dealing with. She thinks she has it all figured out, but her daughter’s fate has already been decided.” Muffling can be heard as Harlow speaks. She ignores it and admires her nails with the same, twisted grin.
Her followers usher in with lit candles in their hands, humming softly. Muffled sounds could be heard ahead of her again. The camera focuses on the area ahead of Harlow upon the masked man earlier. He was tied to a torture rack. Shackled rattle around his wrists and ankles as he twists in his binds. Out of all the followers, one had a particular mask and led the way. She sat her candle down and proceeded towards the rack. She was one of the three who attacked Indigo. The woman hums aloud as she grabs one of the wheels above the man. His muffled screams increase. The masked gentlemen breathed heavily, panicking as he realizes his fate.
“I hate disappointments. He has been by my side for awhile, learning and adapting behind the scenes... Preparing to join the battle. He was too excited to see Indigo and distracted himself. He disappointed me tonight. Punishment must be exacted to correct failures.” Harlow nods and the woman ushers over two more followers to help stretch the man’s body by the legs with the bottom wheels. He yells, hellish shrieks sounding as he thrashes on the rack.
“He was aware that punishment would be brought down upon him. They all know what they signed up for. They are aware of what it means to follow my lead. He knew and still... He failed. Shame.”
The followers continue to stretch him out, his body slowly elongating. He begged her to stop and that only made them yank on the wheels, hurting him further. They continued until Harlow commands them to stop. The man continues cry in pain, no longer struggling, for it would worsen his condition. He manages to calm down moments later and sighs.
“I’m sorry, Harlow. It won’t happen again...”
“We’ll come back for you by dawn. Think about your failure tonight until then. And Priscilla? You’re next.”
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