Phase Forty-Nine: Wheel Of Misfortune
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Transformation Complete
“See Your Hands” introduces the current general manager to the stage. Everything the blonde does is over the top and this was no different as bright, strobe lights colors the entire arena in a rainbow of hues and confetti falls from the ceiling. Valkyrie enters the ring and the fans are far more welcoming now than they were weeks ago.
“You guys aren’t out here to see little ole me, so I’m gonna make this quick. This entire season was my own creation. My brain baby came to life and the reaction to it has only made me more determined to outdo myself in the next season. Of course, it was with the help of Mike Quackenbush, Griffin, the roster, and you guys that made the Transformation season a success, but it’s all over. Tonight is the end...and we’re going to finally see PCW evolve. Enjoy.”
UIC Pavilion
CM Punk vs Jack Sexsmith
Sexsmith was out to the stage first. It’s been a while since the competitor has been seen in PCW and his return couldn’t be any bigger as he faces off against the newest signee.
His opponent is next to make his appearance. The fans are roaring with cheers as Punk makes his way to the ring, determined to have a successful debut.
The two men go grapple for grapple, trying to gain the advantage. Jack quickly showcases that he’s a legitimate competitor as he takes control with a huracanrana. Jack continues to keep Punk down with manoeuvre after manoeuvre, going for the pin. He gets a two count and locks in the headscissors. Punk struggles, but eventually escapes and brings back equal vigor with quick jabs and kicks of his own. He catches Sexsmith with a backhand before going for the Anaconda Vice for the tap out victory.
Rachael Ellering vs Tyler Breeze
Rachael comes out first to a warm welcome. She wanted to make a big statement for the finale show and gain some revenge for Tyler’s treacherous ways last week. Before she can make it down the ramp, however, Breeze races up from behind and takes her down. He keeps control, beating down on Rachael from the outside, before tossing her into the ring for the pin. Rachael kicks out at one.
Tyler requests a mic as he steps on the back wing a grin. “Before this match gets underway. I just want to take a moment to make a special dedication. I'm dedicating this match to super fan, Lauren! And every other Rachael Ellering fan around the world, that has to endure the constant disappointment that comes with cheering on a loser like her." The fans boo Breeze heavily, calling him all sorts of names as he tosses the mic aside.
Breeze continues to wear down on Rachael, trying to break her spirit before going in for the kill. He sets up for the Beauty Shot, but Ellering sucks under it and takes him down with a back elbow. Breeze rolls to the outside to avoid another attack, but Rachael wastes no time in leaping through the ropes for a suicide dive. The two continue on the outside with Breeze’s back being slammed into the apron. Rachael gains control and tosses him back in for the two-count.
Back and forth they go, both parties gaining and losing the upperhand again and again. Rachael is showing she’s no walk in the park and Breeze does everything he can to win, including holding the tights for a pin. She kicks out and makes him pay with a vicious headbutt and looks to finish him with a TKO, but he gets the foot on the ropes. Rachael goes to the top for a splash, but Tyler rolls out of the way and rolls her up with a successful pin.
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Snap or Tap
CM Punk makes his way to the back, fresh off his victory. His intentions were to clean up and enjoy the rest of the night, however, a certain star blocked his path.
“Congratulations on your victory, Punk,” Kyle said with a malicious grin. “Clean victory with a submission, at that. Major props to you, man. That’s how you make a debut.”
“... Than—“
“But you would’ve never gotten that kind of victory over me. You’re okay, but you’re not Kyle O’Reilly. I’m a submission specialist, a man who can twist and turn your limbs in any way I like. You—“
“Spare me the bullshit, O’Reilly. You wanna make a name for yourself and the best way to do that is target the top talent. You already recognized me as your superior. That’s why you’re desperate to goad me into a match... Just so you have the opportunity to prove that you can beat the Best in the World. The only problem is that you can’t. You’re not even in the top five best competitors that PCW has to offer, but you wanna run your mouth to me about your technique? Do you want a match? Next time, just ask and spare me the half-hour long spiel about your second-rate wrestling skills.”
Punk left Kyle alone and somewhat stunned at his outburst. Then slowly a smirk formed once more, getting exactly what he wanted out of this confrontation.
Priscilla Kelly & Hania (with Indigo Kelly) vs ????
Hania and Priscilla already stood in the ring, awaiting the mysterious maiden who terrorized Indigo the week prior to this match. Hania was pacing back and forth, ready to go despite still being bandaged and bruised. She was less than 100% but she had Priscilla by her side, a sight you never thought would occur. Priscilla remained calm, eyes intently watching the stage.
The lights went out and the stage was lit by a row of candles on both sides. Low music begins to play, slowly rising to an amplified pitch. It sounded as if a choir was present as the candles revealed cloaked figures holding them. They all turned their heads to ring, masks covering their faces, before looking towards the stage. Two masked figures, the same ones who attacked Indigo and Hania, came forth first, followed by the woman. She slowly removed the cloak and Indigo tensed up on the outside.
The woman held a mic in her hand as Hania and Priscilla looked on, Hania stunned at the woman before her. Priscilla was less surprised and simply ready to tear her to shreds. “Harlow O’Hara—the exemplar of divinity, a higher power sent to this temple to spread a message. This world’s time is slowly ticking away. One by one, humanity will fall to the ever-growing darkness and only I, and my children will remain. Those who challenge me, the saviour of this wasteland, will be purged. Hania, you are the epitome of heathens that defy my will. Your faith in divinity is why you were chosen... To die.”
Harlow pauses momentarily and smiles. “As for Indigo? The poor thing was left at home... Defenceless... Vulnerable to any passing beast. You really think that boy could protect her? Indigo!” Indigo slowly steps out from the curtains with a blank expression. Her eyes were pure white, rolled completely back as her mouth drops open. Priscilla’s calm demeanor breaks and she races out of the ring towards O’Hara, but the cult followers block her path. “Silly girl. You wish to fight her battles in order to save her soul. She’s damned and you know it, for defying the prophecy. Consider me the consequence of her insolence. You may fight all you want, but in the end, your bastard child must make a choice—go to war with the Devil herself or watch as everyone she loves perishes at the snap of my finger. This is hers and Hania’s battle alone. Outsiders will be purged. You’ve been warned.”
The match that was supposed to happen was cancelled right before the fans’ eyes as Harlow makes her exit. The cloaked figures form a line and follow the two masked leaders to the back after Harlow. Priscilla still attempts to push through them to get to the priestess and Indigo, but suddenly the feminine masked leader that stood beside Harlow snapped her fingers and the ground began to quake before the lights go out. As they turn back on, they were all gone-vanished. Indigo remained on the stage and snaps back into her right mind as Hania and Priscilla races up the ramp to check on her.
Taeler Hendrix vs Candice LeRae (Women's Championship Match)
Despite being cleared to compete, the toll Taeler’s poison has had on Candice is evident. Even as the blonde makes her way to the ring, her movements are somewhat slower, as if she’s hesitating. A grimace appears every so often, as if she’s still in pain.
Hendrix walks out with confidence despite Priscilla being occupied with other things. She had Candice weakened and ripe for defeat. The title was held up high as she made her way down the ramp and slinks her way into the ring. Taeler kisses the belt before handing it over to the referee.
The match is a slow start for Candice as Taeler simply toys with her. The poison was definitely still affecting her movements, causing Candice to react slower than usual. Just when she escapes one move, Hendrix capitalizes with another, but could never get the pin on Candice. The redhead attacks from a different angle, trading strikes for submissions. The woman locks in the Muta Lock, looking to force Candice to tap out. Just as all seemed lost for Candice, she forced her way to the ropes. The sheer resilience saved her, but for how long?
Hendrix continues to wear down on her but as she tossed Candice into the corner, she began to boast. Candice used the hesitation to fight back with an exploding clothesline. She takes control over the match, constantly taking Taeler down. She goes high and succeeds with a crossbody for a two-count. The poison had not subsided, but LeRae was on fire. Her spirit took over and guided her through strike after strike to Hendrix. The two women battle back and forth, eventually going to the outside.
Hendrix uses the environment to her advantage, attempting to destroy LeRae’s very being. Taeler goes for such a harsh knee strike that blood slowly begins to trickle from the lip. Candice fights back, however, unbothered by the crimson fluid. She delivered her own vicious strikes. She forced Hendrix back into the ring to lock into the submission. Hendrix struggles for awhile, stuck in the center of the ring, but manages to roll Candice up for a two-count. Before LeRae can capitalize, Taeler blows Candice a kiss. The pheromones takes effect and dazes Candice long enough for the Kiss Goodnight to end the match.
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Contract Killing
The backstage area was busy with competitors preparing or cleaning up after their matches. Those who weren’t booked, watched the monitors with intensity, congratulating or comforting the stars as they returned to the back. For once, PCW didn’t seem like a mass of utter chaos and despair.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the roster, just below their feet say a familiar woman. Legs crossed over on the table in front of her, boots lightly clicking together as she fixed her laced crop top under a leather jacket. Brown and blonde locks fell over her shoulder as the removed the ponytail from her hair. “You’re watching the show, right?” She asks on the phone, black nails now tapping the side of the steel chair she sat it.
“No, no. Our target hasn’t even appeared yet. I’ll text you the details. Keep your eyes open.” Allysin hangs up the phone and her gaze rests on the camera, the widest grin forming slowly as it blacks out.
Flash Morgan Webster vs Frankie Valentine vs Rhea Ripley (All-Weight Championship Match)
Rhea is the first to step out to the stage. Arguably the strongest competitor in this match, Rhea has an advantage of size and power over her opponents and she knew it by the smirk on her face.
Frankie came out next and made her way to the ring with a stone-faced expression. She had power and some agility on her side, but will it be enough?
The champion was the last to grace the ring. Flash held tight to the All-Weight Championship as he entered the ring. The quickest of the bunch and the most technical. He’ll have to outsmart and out-grapple either woman to succeed tonight.
The bell ring and nobody moves for the longest time. Rhea suddenly sprints and takes Flash down with a big boot. She turns her attention on Frankie and the two explode. They try to overpower each other, going from hold to hold, until Frankie catches Rhea with a forearm and follows up with a spinebuster. She gets a one-count and continues to wear down Rhea. Flash re-emerges and takes on Frankie with no fear. His speed catches her off guard and sends the woman to the outside. He revs up for an outside dive, but Rhea takes him out with a clothesline.
Rhea leaves Flash and goes straight for Frankie, taking out all her frustration on the smaller woman. Frankie was no easy target and took the fight to Rhea. Both were unaware of Morgan climbing to the top and leaping off with a moonsault. He hooks Frankie’s leg for the two count. He attempts to spin Rhea, but she kicks out. Becoming desperate, Flash brings out a steel chair just as Rhea stands. He takes her out with a head shot and continues to wear her down. Frankie crawls away a grabs a nearby trash can. She tosses it in Flash’s direction, but it takes Rhea out instead.
Frankie is left defenceless as Morgan spears her to the floor. The two go back and forth with Frankie gaining the advantage for the pin. Flash kicks out at two. The woman lets out a rage-filled scream and lifts Flash high above her head, showing her strength, before tossing him into the ring post. Rhea attempts to attack from behind, but Frankie elbows her in the nose and takes her out. Frankie keeps control, looking to put Rhea away after an Alabama Slam to the apron.
Morgan breaks the pin and Frankie makes him pay with multiple chair shots. She drags him away and goes after Rhea again. It was a never ending battle to see which woman was better than the other, but this would cost them as Rhea takes Frankie down with a big boot. Morgan reaches under the ring for a kendo stick and caught Rhea in the gut. The stick broke along her back and Morgan finished her with a reverse hurricarana to retain.
Sami Callihan vs Chris Cadwell (PCW Championship Match)
Chris and Sami were already present in the ring, looking high above them at the championship. The minute the bell ring, they crashed into each other with fists flying. Sami overpowers Chris and sends him into the corner for gut punches. He takes over, making Chris pay for challenging him. The smaller man is tossed to the outside and Sami slowly follows after with a cocky grin on his face. He lifts Chris and powerbombs him onto the announce table, forcing Griffin to create some distance and leave the table. Chris remained still as Sami slid the ladder and made the climb.
It wasn’t long before Cadwell made his way off the table, crawling to Callihan as the man reached the top. He slides into the ring and runs into the ladder, despite excruciating pain to send Callihan down to the mat. Chris takes control, taking Callihan down with a double foot stomp. He searches under the ring for a table and sets it up on the outside. Sami has time to exit the ring and slams the head against the table. Cadwell fights back and the two men brawl on the outside.
Cadwell chops the chest and follows up with a roundhouse to gain the advantage. He sets up the previous ladder and looks to climb. Callihan was back in as Chris had his hand on the belt and yanks him down. Sami goes for a punch and hits the ladder as Chris ducks. He connects with a neckbreaker then keeps Sami grounded. He attempts to climb again, but Sami is relentless and shoves it while on all fours. Cadwell topples down and hits the ropes before falling to the outside. Sami goes under the ring for a sledgehammer and races towards Chris as he rises. He’s caught in the gut and Callihan proceeds to mercilessly beat him down.
Sami gives off a sick laugh as Chris lies still before going for the title. He climbs up high, hands on the latch. Chris is crawling up the steps, attempting to get in as Sami looks to finish this match. Chris climbs the top rope and leaps off, dropkicking the ladder hard. Sami topples over and crashes onto the table on the outside. The advantage is with Cadwell but he can hardly move. He wills himself to his feet and staggers towards the ladder. He’s taking time to set it up as Sami stirs. Chris struggles to climb, barely able to keep upright. Callihan uses the apron to stand and rolls into the ring. The two men climb and reach the top. Cadwell strikes first but Sami hangs on. They trade blows at the top until Callihan spits in his face. Chris is caught off guard and is stunned by a striking headbutt. Callihan slams the head onto the ladder multiple times before digging a knee into the neck to climb higher and snatch the title.
The match was over, but Sami wasn’t done. He shoves Chris off the ladder and down to the mat. He climbs down and proceeds to mercilessly beat down on Chris until he bleeds. The man can hardly see past the blood to defend himself as Sami looks to end his career. The crowd perks up, however, as Jenny dashed into the ring and takes Callihan off guard with multiple strikes and follows up with a Canadian Destroyer to send him out. Sami stares up at her in rage as Jenny stands tall, protecting her friend.
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A cenar teco m'invitasti.
A dramatic operatic tone fills the Pavilion after the lights have gone to normal but they soon dim to black then light again in only chilling, pale blue as Commendatore from Don Giovanni plays melodically, fading under the voice of Pavor Nox. "You're playing a dangerous game, Trivet..."
There was a pause before Pavor's dark face appeared on the titantron. He did not look as untouchable or unflappable as he usually does. If you looked very closely you could see a small tremor to him, but his piercing, unnaturally pale eyes stared unblinkingly forward.
"You have taken what is not yours." There was a small shuddering behind him and in the darkness at least a dozen eyes illuminated in varying tones of blue and green. The quiet clinking of porcelain could be heard barely against the sound of the hellish opera.
"You may have Somnium but you have no idea what to do with him. And I... Was not the only one with something to lose. And I can always make more dolls, Spike. And more I Will make. You are not safe. She is not safe. Your way of life is not safe."
His voice stayed mostly even but a current of rage marred it. "You will face me directly and you will do it next week. You will bring the doll unharmed or I will send my beauties to fetch all three of you myself. Prepare yourself. I will lay both your and your... Acquaintance bare before the world."
Black snow interfered with the fear and Pavor's uncomfortable laughter and the haunting childlike laughter of the new dolls played out the end of the music as the show came to its true end with that final threat.