Post by PARAMOUNT on Sept 24, 2017 22:48:57 GMT -6
WARNING: This live event contains strong coarse language (L), and intense violence (V) which may be unsuitable for younger viewers. None of the matches you are about to watch have been predetermined. Only some of the thematic story-lines have been discussed beforehand. Accordingly, EWC and it's producers must insist that no one attempt to recreate or re-enact any match or activity performed in this live event.
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation presents
Commentators: Dick Shelby and Franklin Wright
Announcer: Deneen McQueen
Backstage interviewer: Destiny Fairchild
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WELCOME TO FUTURE STARS OF WRESTLING!!
A slightly distorted "Undead" by Hollywood Undead blasts in the arena as the show starts off with video footage detailing historic events that have taken place on Future Stars, From past champions like Jason Hunter, Dixie Dubois, a picture of a skull wrapped in chains, & Amis Shelton before switching to the current years' happenings, Hatchet Gully, Creed and current FSW champion Otaki cheating to win.
The opening pyros hit and here we go.
The camera pans around showing the very confused looking crowd.
The arena is nearly completely silent with the only sound being "Undead" and and some questioning fans.
The music then gets increasingly more distorted. It slows and deepens then repeats. Then the song suddenly shuts off along with all the lights and the titantron.
Static suddenly appears on screen and lights up the arena.
It then cuts to a dark room with a hooded figure standing in the center on the shot
?: To all of you I am unknown.
The man then pulls off his hood, revealing himself to be James Larson
James Larson: I am the man who appears, fights, then disappears. Well, all that will be different very soon. I am on coarse to be the winner of this 'T.O.P' tournament. After that I will come for Otaki and claim the title. This ascent of the ranks started two weeks ago, and in my match tonight It will continue. I will be coming for all you in the back. And especially I will be coming for you, Otaki. Watch your back because I am the unknown. And humanities greatest fear is that of the unknown.
Wright: Well...that was an interesting opening...um...welcome to Future Stars 47! I'm Franklin Wright, this is Dick Shelby, and let's quickly get backstage!
We go backstage where A$hley Quid and Hatchet Gully are goofing around the catering hall. They sit there laughing and throwing food at a referee when Otaki enters the area and everything stops. She looks despondent, lost in the eyes and in the way she occasionally glances off to the sides as she tries to ignore them but when she passes by:
Hatchet Gully: Condolences.
Otaki stops in her tracks and with a tearful scream kicks a chair in front of her. It goes flying and Hatchet Gully is in her raging face before it hits the ground.
Hatchet Gully: Chill, girl. I just wanted to offer my sympathies about your situation. When I saw that goin' down I thought it was foul as hell. That Cheyenne chick is cray. So I just want to offer you my support.
Otaki glare at him and then at A$hley who is looking back nonchalantly eating a carrot shit. She smiles and Otaki screams.
Otaki: YOUR SUPPORT! IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU THAT SARAH IS MISSING IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Hatchet Gully: Don't get it twisted. I ain't got a goddamned thing to do with your girl getting taken. We but that money out on YOU. Ain't no prize out there for no kin. All we want is to hurt you.
Otaki: US GETTING IT TW-
The Emo Princess stops in her words to look away for a brief moment, taking a deep breath before looking back at the male.
Otaki: Us getting it twisted? Here is something pretty twisted. What were we doing the past two months? Dealing with this stupid bounty your broad put on us. And because we put too much of our attention on your bounty we couldn't defend our own child until it was too late. So, Mister Hatchet Gully, our little Sarah wouldn't have been kidnapped in the first place if you wasn't for your and your pathetic little game. So how about that for getting it 'twisted'?
Hatchet Gully: You know what screw it. I was tryin' to be nice but it just ain't worth it. I tried tellin' you the truth but I don't give a damn if you believe me. I don't really give a damn about the girl or Cheyenne either. But I do so love what it is doing to you. You are spiraling deeper and deeper into the hole, Otaki. I can't wait to beat you for that FSW title. This looks like it's gonna be my best chance yet. You don't got a million things on your mind and this must be the worst. It the beginning of your failures, girl. That's why in reality I'm so glad that girl got her dumb ass snatched.
Otaki loses it. She claws for Gully's face and Hatchet menages to push her away. They lunge at each other again and trade punches. A$hley stands on the table and shrieks obscenities at Otaki. Hatchet manages to throw Otaki on the table but when he goes after her she puts him in a triangle choke. He pulls her to the ground and she lets go and they go back to punching and kicking in a furious flurry. Officials rush to them and attempt to separate the two. When they do they throw chairs at each other until there is nothing to grab and they are being held back.
Hatchet Gully: See you Monday! Guess who won't!
Otaki: When we're finished with you, you'll never see again.
She shouts back her venomous threat as the officials start pulling the two away from each other.
The scene opens to Criss Cassidy walking into Bartow Arena with a handful of his wrestling gear. Criss walks into a locker room and hangs his stuff up before turning to the camera.
Criss Cassidy: "Birmingham, Alabama! Your Second Coming has arrived. Blessed from the heavens above. And brought to you by the Future Stars of Wrestling. I will..."
Criss turns his attention to the door where Magdalena Lockheart stands with a determined look on her face.
Cassidy: "I'm sorry, I didn't order room service."
Criss walks towards the door, placing his elbows on the frame high above Lockheart's head. Lockheart smirks at Criss's comment, turning her face away for just a moment before looking up at him.
Magdalena Lockheart: "No. You didn't."
Cassidy: "Then what brings you to my locker room little Miss?"
Lockheart: "Well, actually, you."
Criss stands before her confused at the comment. He lowers his arms, crossing them across his chest.
Cassidy: "I'm not quite following where you're going with this, Maggie, is it?"
Lockheart: "Magdalena."
She replies with a grin.
Lockheart: "And no. I suppose not. I guess you must've forgotten what you said about me last week... what you said that you're going to do with me."
Criss gently strokes the hairs of his goatee before his own smirk forms.
Cassidy: "Ahh... so that's what this is about."
Magdalena takes a step forward, meeting Criss at the threshold. Her chest presses tight against his, her eyes locked up into his.
Lockheart: "I just wanted to let you know, Mister Second Coming, that I'm not going anywhere. It's going to take a whole lot more than those sweet velvety lips to scare me. So how about next time we agree that if you've got something to say to me, you just.. get up realll close... like this... and say it to my pretty little face?"
Cassidy takes a step back and dusts off the front of his suit.
Cassidy: "Take it easy Miss Magdalena. We just met. You can put your hands on me, after my match. For now, let's be friends.
Criss extends his hand out to Maggie, who reluctantly engages in a handshake. Maggie pulls her hand away and walks away from the locker room. Criss peaks his head out the door, admiring Magadalena's figure. She stops and looks over her shoulder at Criss.
Lockheart: "Nice kicks, by the way. Good luck in the rest of the tournament."
This tag match paired up opposites and asked them to work together in a sense, and both teams had their issues at first, but eventually they worked some kinks out and got to the business of trying to win the match. Edison and Roberts traded blows towards the end while Lancer took to the skies to take out the big man Bane. As the match drew to a close, Lancer managed to surprise Tyler Roberts with a rollup and a pinfall before Bane could come break things up.
Marv Krieger and Hope Diamond stand close to each other, unaware of the errand camera that records their backstage encounter. Intimidate as the scene is it is not intimate enough for Krieger or so it seems. He leans in looking for a kiss but gets stopped by a knee that presses against his stomach.
Marv:
What´s wrong?
Hope:
Not now!
Marv:
You keep saying that.
Hope:
Yes. So what?
Marv:
Do I need to be a -redacted- as well to get kissed by you?
Hope:
Oh please, don´t be ridiculous.
Marv:
That is what it boils down to. The -redacted- gets lucky and I get put off.
Hope:
Look Marv. I´ve been hanging out with the village idiot Caleb for only one reason that being he means something to Lexie. She really cares for him. With his help I got under her skin real good. Now after I finished her tonight I´m gonna dumb the little headcase as my final blow to her. And then…
Marv:
And then what?
Hope:
We´ll see.
Hope shoves Marv away at arm’s length and walks away into the off with Krieger following close behind. The camera is unable to follow them without getting noticed.
As it sweeps around one more time whe see Caleb turner appearing from behind a pallet of EWC Rumble In The Bronx posters. His face is ashen-grey and he just stands there totally petrified and frozen except for his barely supressed sobs.
The first ToP match of the show got off to a rising start as both Matt and Criss were looking for their first points in the tourney. Matt came out very aggressively, going after Criss with his quick attacks with some middle rope aerial moves thrown in. Matt kept Criss off balance in the early going, but got caught with a superkick as he was going for a spinning back elbow. Cassidy truned the tables at that point, showing off his athleticism, and eventually taking advantage of one more mistake by Matt to hit the Crucifixion for the win.
As Cassidy celebrates his victory, the feed cuts to static for a few seconds, then to a standard black background. After a few seconds, footsteps are heard, and Ace King steps into the shot.
Ace King: I’m so sorry to interrupt your show, and I promise I won’t take up too much time, but… This couldn’t wait.
He bows his head quietly for a few seconds, then takes a deep breath before raising his head again, his eyes showing plenty of intensity, though also showing plenty of empathy.
Ace King: Otaki… I know you’re dealing with some things right now, and I know you’re not competing tonight, but I’m sure you’re in a place where you can hear what I’m saying.
As he speaks, a highlight reel of Otaki’s greatest moments comes up on the screen, including her Rumble in the Bronx victory and winning the FSW Championship.
Ace King: You’ve accomplished a lot in your young career, and it’s something to be admired.
As he finishes the sentence, the video flips to a highlight reel of Ace’s career, most recently his triumph in Rampage’s Devil’s Playground match.
Ace King: Me? I’ve had good times and bad times, and while I’ve bounced back before, it can take time.
The footage transitions to footage of Otaki and Ace facing off in NJFC’s Global Takeover event back in May, a match won convincingly by Otaki.
Ace King: For four months, I’ve had to think about that night in Osaka. I had a shot to make something of myself there, and I blew it. It’s become a bit of a recurring theme for me ever since, and I need it to stop.
Ace does his best to not get too worked up, taking a breath before narrowing his eyes.
Ace King: See, I don’t need bounties, kidnapping, or anything so petty to get my point across… At the end of the day, I just need my pride.
The camera slowly starts to zoom in on Ace, getting tight to his face.
Ace King: You robbed me of that in Osaka, Otaki, and you only drilled deeper when you showed up in Boston. So tonight, I’m not addressing you to get back… I’m addressing you because I want a shot at getting even. I’ll see you in New York.
With that, the feed returns to static as we go to…
These two ladies had no love lost between each other, and boy...did it show in this match. THis was main event worthy and then some. Hope started off in control, working over the arm and leg of Lexie after a quick flurry. Hope wrenched down on Lexie's arm, trying to rip it out of the socket once again, but Lexie manages to fight back to even board, so to speak. Lexie quickly gets back on the offensive, knife edge chops in succession to Hope's chest several times, bringing a few “woo!”s from the crowd each time. After about five chops, Hope latches onto her arm, bringing her down to the mat for an arm drag. She then attaches her body to that of Sugay’s, snapping her arm disgustingly backwards into an arm bar! She screams out in pain, trying to use her only free hand to attack her way out of the hold. Finally Lexie is able to squirm her way over to the ropes, getting free. Hope approaches to finish her off, but she surprises her with Shattered Glass! 1….2….3? No! Hope out at the last second. Lexie is stunned, thinking she hit that with all she had. This leaves Hope enough time to get to herfeet, rolling her up from behind before she can even gain her wits. 1….2...Kickout! Both competitors are quickly back up to their feet, neither one happy to let the other take the offensive. Hope ducks under a lariat attempt by Lexie, and as both turn back towards each other flips over for a rolling senton kick. Hope scoops Lexie between her legs and hooks both of her arms, but Lexie flips Hope over and goes for the Glass Cutter, but Hope reverses out, coming up behind Lexie and locking her into the Curse of the Diamond. Lexie fights hard, forcing Hope to cinch the hold in tighter. Hope thinks she has lexie going....but Lexie manages to reverse herself and break free! Lexie is still the worse for wear, but she tries in vain to attack Hope, but Hope, sensing that is the last gasp, quickly moves and locks in the Curse again. Lexie fights hard, refusing to give in, but the pain becomes too much to bear, and Lexie passes out...and the official calls for the bell.
(After the match has ended, Caleb Turner is escorted down to the ring by security. Caleb enters the ring and walks up to Hope Diamond and they embrace one another to the surprise of the crowd.)
Dick Shelby: I don't get it. After learning earlier this evening that Hope was only using him, Caleb still wants to be friends with her?
(Caleb then whispers something to Hope before he shoves her down onto the mat as the crowd has gone crazy. Cheers and airhorns are heard in the background, followed by chants of Caleb.)
Dick Shelby: There you go, Caleb. Way to go.
Franklin Wright: I would normally say that is a bit much, but she had it coming.
Dick Shelby: You're damn she had it coming. After pretending to be his friend all this time only to come to find out that she only used him to get under Lexie's skin. Wait a minute. Hope has gotten up and has walked towards Caleb. Oh no, this poor guy looks scared.
(Hope walks over to him. Caleb looks petrified as Hope has an angry look on his face and looks like that she is about to slap him across the face.)
Dick Shelby: Don't you dare, Hope. You better not touch him.
(Then the crowd cheers as Lexie Glass has come to and grabs Hope's arm and twists it. She then proceeds to toss her out of the ring.)
Dick Shelby: Lexie has come to Caleb's aid. Way to go, Lexie.
(Lexie's music plays as Hope is now beside herself. She gets up and notices a preteen girl heckling her in the front row. It is Lexie's younger sister, Erin, who is seated at the front with their father, Dr. Benton Hurst. Hope then gets into Erin's face while Dr. Hurst is trying to get Hope to leave. Then Erin throws a cup on soda in Hope's face as the crowd cheers. Humiliated, Hope lets out a loud scream before she storms to the back.)
Dick Shelby: Hope is humiliated. This has become one of the worst nights of her life.
Franklin Wright: You know Dick, a cold drink is supposed to help cool you off. But it seems like that it has burned her up instead.
Dick Shelby: Hope Diamond, after all she has put Lexie Glass through this past Summer, after using this poor kid, Caleb Turner, and all of her other misdeeds, she has finally gotten what was coming to her.
Franklin Wright: I agree there. Wait a minute. Lexie is about to say something.
Lexie Glass: Please cut the music. Caleb, there is something that I want to say to you.
Caleb Turner: Lexie, please. There is something I want to say first.
Lexie Glass: Go ahead.
Caleb Turner: Lexie, you were right. Hope was only using me like you said. She never really was my friend. You were this whole time. I am sorry. Can you ever forgive me?
Lexie Glass: No, I can't.
(A huge frown comes across the face of Caleb as it looks like he is about to cry as the crowd starts to get angry.)
Franklin Wright: What?
Dick Shelby: Come on, Lexie. This poor kid has been through enough.
Lexie Glass: No, no, no. Don't cry, Caleb. Let me finish. I can't forgive you as there is nothing for me to forgive you for. You have nothing to be sorry about, Caleb. You done nothing wrong. Hope has lied to you and used you this whole time. You were the victim. If any one is owed an apology, it is use. Hope Diamond owes you an apology.
(Crowd cheers)
Dick Shelby: You're damn right she does.
Franklin Wright: Agreed, but I doubt that he will ever get one from her.
Dick Shelby: You make a good point there, partner.
Lexie Glass: All you did, Caleb, was see in Hope what you thought was the good in her.
Caleb Turner: I know. I am so stupid. Stupid, stupid.
Lexie Glass: No, don't say that. Don't you ever say that again. You are not stupid, Caleb Turner. You are far from it. You are very smart and bright.
Caleb Turner: I am?
Lexie Glass: Yes, you are. And you always seeing the good in everybody is one of the things I like about you.
Caleb Turner: You like me?
Lexie Glass: Like you? Of course I do, Caleb. I love you.
Caleb Turner: You love me?
(Lexie walks over to Caleb as she puts her arms around his neck.)
Lexie Glass: Yes I do. And I always have.
(Lexie then kisses Caleb passionately to the delight of the crowd. A red faced Caleb has a huge smile come across his face. The crowd starts to cheer as instead of Lexie's theme music, Extordinary by Liz Phair, Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship plays on the PA as Lexie then tells Caleb again that she loves him. Lexie and Caleb then go to each side of the ring and hold up each others arms for the crowd as they continue to cheer and go into a Lexie and Caleb chant.)
Dick Shelby: This is so awesome. This story has a gotten a happy ending and this crowd in Birmingham, Alabama is loving it. And so am I.
(Lexie and Caleb exiting the ring together as they walk over to her father and sister. Lexie introduces Caleb to them. Her father and sister smile and shake Caleb's hand. Then they both give Lexie a big hug as the two of them walk to the back together holding hands.)
Franklin Wright: I agree, partner. This has got to be the greatest night of Caleb Turner's life, and it is not over yet.
Dick Shelby: Let's not go any further, okay. But what a night it has become for these two. I wish Lexie and Caleb nothing but the best. Well folks, stay tuned as there is more action to come.
Welcome back Jeremy Warren, who came out looking to shake off the rust from a 3 month layoff due to injury, and Stephen Kingston was looking to get a bit of a reset win after a bit of a skid. Both men came out ready to battle, throwing dueling blows in the beginning. Kingston got a bit of the upper hand, but quickly turned by the firefighter, who took control. However, the lack of ring comp showed on Warren, as his timing just wasn't up to par, and Kingston took advantage. Just as he was getting set to go for his finisher, A$hley Quid appears out of nowhere, having gotten onto the apron, getting everyone's attention just long enough for Hatchet Gully to come in an hit both men with a steel chair, this match being thrown out, as refs and security come out to stop any further damage done by Hatchet, whom escapes with A$hley into the crowd and out of sight.
The cameras Cut to the back showing a very angry and confused looking Otaki. Then you hear it loud and creepy, a voice.
Chey: Ohhhhhh Takkkkk eeeeeeeee. Ohhhhhh Takkkkk eeeeeeeee. Ohhhhhh Takkkkk eeeeeeeee. Come on Oh tak eee Sarah wants to say hi, mummy.
The purple haired dynamo hastily walks around another corner backstage and frantically looks around as Cheyenne’s voice continues to taunt her.
Sarah: Mommy help! Help Mommy! Mommy I’m scared, don't let the crazy bug lady hurt me mommy!
The little girl's voice rings out now as Otaki frantically searches the backstage rooms, closets, and anywhere else the psycho could have her daughter. She turns down another corridor and the sounds start becoming louder and clearer. Otaki begins running down the hallway,
Cheyenne: I said don't call me Cruh...crazy! I hate that word!
Rage is in the voice of the captor, but subsides and quickly goes back to a mocking voice.
Cheyenne: Ohhh takk eeee, you're not much of a hero are you! You let your precious little darling down, shame mommy dearest.
Otaki finally pinpoints where it's coming from, the boiler room. She looks through the tiny window on the door and see an old rickety chair facing away and can hear Sarah’s pleas for help. Her eyes flash in anger as her hands ball up and beat on the seemingly locked door. She pounds and pulls, trying everything to get to her helpless offspring. Finally the door pops open like it never was locked and Otaki rushes to the chair turning it around about to throw her arms around her daughter, but instead reveals a tape recorder. The champ slams her fist into the device in anger. Suddenly from the sky fall millions of earwigs covering the FSW champion and pinching her all over.
Cheyenne’s voice: Tag Oh takkk eeee. Maybe next time.
Cheyenne's new creepy theme plays as the door suddenly slams shut, and a clicking noise can be heard, before the camera returns to the ring.
Cheyenne and Maggie came out looking to pick up those points by any means, and both ladies took the fight to the mat, on the floor, up and down the ramp, and back into the ring. Cheyenne went for early pinfalls after big slams, while Maggie tried to stick and move. Maggie managed to stay on the outside, not getting caught up in Cheyenne's web for a while, but then Cheyenne managed to catch her, and then dropped Maggie with the Ladies...then went for it again, but Maggie somehow slipped out of the second set, leaping up and stunning Cheyenne with Lacrimosa to get the win.
Shelby: Episode 47 of Future Stars of Wrestling is almost in the books! ...but we've still got our main event for you lined up right here, so let's just get on right down to business. It's two men with three points in the tournament of power, and each of them willing to scratch, claw, kick, and pin – do whatever it takes basically – to add to that point total here tonight. Take it away Frank.
Wright: Let's go back to two weeks ago at Atlanta, Dick. James Larson locks in the Muta Lock on Matt Angel and earns three tournament points by submission. On the other hand, Xavier Reid has words with almost half of the roster and finishes his night with an X-ecution and a pin for three points as well. Now both men have gotten themselves out to that all-important lead... but winning here tonight just may all-but guarantee a spot in the semis.
Shelby: If you can walk out of Birmingham with 6 power points, then yes, I agree. Your chances of making the semi-finals are not only extremely high at this point, but you've also got that all-important momentum on your side as well.
Wright: Power points, hmm? I like that. I just hope we don't get sued for copyright infringement on the phrase...
Shelby: We shouldn't. I mean, isn't it all about the presentation?
Wright: (Laughing.) I see what you did there, Shelb. You really are feeling spry tonight, aren't you?
Shelby: The night before Rumble in the Bronx, are you kidding me? If you're in the Bartow tonight or watching at home on the EWCTV Network and you're not excited for the Rumble tomorrow night, then brother, you must not be breathing!
Wright: Speaking of which. Do you think that Xavier Reid's inclusion into the big 30 person, over-the-top-rope battle royal main event may impact his focus or, or, his, uhhh... rhythm... going into the match tonight?
Shelby: It's really hard to tell. But my gut says yes, and I'll tell you why. It's one thing to be asked to participate in this tournament of power match... but we've seen it earlier this evening in other future stars that also need to make the trip up to the Bronx tonight or early tomorrow. If you win this tournament, sure, you get a chance to face the FSW Champion at WrestleFest. But two things. One is, if you happen to win the Rumble... you're in the main event of WrestleFest... the biggest match of your life. And two, you can literally afford to lose or draw out in one of these round-robin style matches... and you should still be okay with an otherwise flawless record to make the semis. So losing tonight wouldn't put Xavier Reid OR James Larson completely out of it... should that end up being the case.
Wright: Alright, well, Deneen McQueen is inside the ring now. We're going to take you down to her.
Deneen McQueen: The following contest is your MAIN EVENT and it is a TOURNAMENT OF POWER MATCH scheduled for...
Crowd: One fall!!!
Deneen McQueen: ...one fall! Introducing first:
The lights go out with just a dim spotlight to illuminate the stage. The first sound heard is that of chains, before Sweet Dreams are Made of This starts playing through the speakers. James then walks out of a thick layer of smoke, he is wearing his old leather jacket over a black shirt and he has the jacket's hood on his head. He is clutching a two feet long chain in his right hand. With his left hand he removes his hood while holding up his right hand with the chain dangling from it. Then he snaps the chain into his pocket and wanders to the ring as the spotlight follows him.
Deneen McQueen: He stands in at 5 foot 10, and weighs in at 227 pounds. Hailing from 'the streets', he is “The Man of Chains”, JAMES LARSON!
Wright: James Larson is about as passionate of a performer as I've ever seen in this industry. You'll also notice right away that the man of chains is always carrying a chain out to the ring, though you'd rarely see him use it in a non-extreme situation. Larson likes to fight for the thrill and he likes to inflict pain on his opponents; but he draws the line at earning victories through underhanded means. Normally there's something to be said that Larson is perhaps holding himself back a little, but I suppose Matt Angel would be compelled to disagree.
Shelby: I'm not really sure if Larson bringing the chain to the ring is some sort of mind game. Did you happen to catch his promo on the Network earlier this week? He talked about 'the domino effect' and pitched this contest as perhaps a predetermined point of destiny... fate having more to do with this than luck.
Wright: Hey now, we don't play that way in the EWC. Everything in the ring is one-hundred percent real fighting-
Shelby: I didn't say that. All I meant to say was that Larson perhaps sees his rise in FSW's ranks as something that, perhaps, has already been written in stone.
Wright: Oh, I see. So when he said that he wasn't sure if he was going to win tonight, or if it was going to be Reid, or whatever ends up happening... that it was probably bound to happen that way anyway?
Shelby: I think so. But hey, James Larson is also called 'the intelligent madman' for a reason. I'm not sure if I understand his methodology but he's got three power points so he must be doing something right.
Deneen McQueen: ...and his opponent:
The lights inside the arena go out as Cochise starts up. A single strobe light flashes in the direction of the stage. As the lyrics come in Xavier walks out from behind the curtain and onto the stage. He paces back and forth across the stage before walking to the edge of the ramp and raising his arms into the air, crossing his forearms into a X over his head. He walks down to the ring, eyes glued on the ring and ignores the fans he passes. Xavier marches up the steps and jumps into the ring. He heads right to the corner and climbs up to the middle rope and once again raises his arms into the air and crossed his forearms into a X.
Deneen McQueen: He stands at 5 foot 11, and weighs in at 220 pounds. Hailing from New York City, he is XAVIER Reid!
Wright: You know that he's got a nickname that I've heard about that I'm not really sure if I'm allowed to say or not, so I'm just gonna call him Xavier Reid. With that being said, Reid always looks focused, which is important considering his focus is somewhat in question tonight due to his involvement in the Rumble tomorrow night.
Shelby: Well, I wouldn't say that his focus is in question. Just questioning whether or not anyone would be able to focus under these circumstances. But I'm sure if anyone could, it's Reid. Reid has literally grown up in this business and he understands the nuances of opportunities... how rarely they're given and how easily they're taken away. Reid's looking at tonight as a chance for six power points, Frankie. He's got James Larson squarely in his sights.
Wright: Yeah. I agree. Now I will mention that unlike episode 46's main event, we've got no real size and or weight advantages here. These two competitors are as close as we're going to get to being the exact same height and weight. The only advantage here might be, as you said earlier, focusing on tonight's main event or something like sheer experience from someone like Reid.
Shelby: Experience could play a factor; or it could just end up being a wash. Who knows? We could even see neither of these guys winning, which would mean that they both get one power point and would remain tied at four a piece.
Wright: You're really selling that power point thing, aren't you?
Shelby: Am I being too obvious about it?
Wright: Haha, yeah. So anyway, Senior Referee Jacob Waters has checked over both Reid and Larson, and he's getting ready to signal for the opening bell... so lets get this match underway!
The two men meet in the center of the ring with Xavier Reid staying low on bent knees for even balance. Reid comes at Larson with one hand up high as if he's looking for the early test of strength or at least wants to lock up with Larson. James closes the gap and places one hand up with Reids, locking fingers with him, but the moment he does Reid kicks Larson in the gut with a cheap shot. Larson doubles over and Reid goes right away working over his opponent with vicious right hands. He backs Larson up to the ropes. Irish whip across the ring and a clothesline attempt by Reid gets ducked. Larson carries his momentum through to the far ropes and comes back hard charging for a second time. Larson ducks again and Reid leaps over him with a split. Larson applies the brakes and turns himself around before Reid can barely land. Xavier Reid spins around but is scooped right up and slammed down to the mat by Larson. The crowd cheers as Larson goes to drop an elbow but Xavier Reid wisely rolls himself right out of the ring before Larson can capitalize.
Wright: Xavier Reid is always thinking. Always moving. He's got a stamina that is simply unmatched. This affords him to really 'go after it' in the early going of these contests. He doesn't have to worry too much about burning himself out too quickly.
Shelby: Yeah, well if he keeps taking scoop slams like that, this match won't come down to who is in the better cardiovascular condition.
Wright: That's quite true, Dick. It's interesting to see the styles difference that is posed by these two incredible athletes. If he can, James Larson would like to keep this a ground and pound game, with catch-as-catch-can pure wrestling; on the other hand, you know Reid loves to fly.
Reid is on the outside being warned by Referee Waters to get back in the ring. He's not too thrilled with being slammed by Larson and makes that pretty apparent to the Alabama crowd. After a few moments, Reid slides himself under the bottom rope and back into the ring; Larson giving Reid all of the distance needed to ensure his safe return. Once standing, the two men square off together, this time locking up in the old collar-and-elbow tie-up. James Larson transitions right into a standing side headlock, with a frustrated Reid throwing forearm shivs into the kidney area. The shivs work to loosen Larson's hands, Reid shoves Larson off and towards the ropes. Larson keeps his momentum again, choosing to bounce off of the ropes instead of grabbing them. Reid leaps and drops his body in front of Larson with a body block, but Larson steps over him and continues his momentum over towards the far ropes. Larson bouncing again, he comes at Reid with a full head of steam. Reid still laying on the mat, but he quickly kips up and drills Larson under the chin with a European uppercut!
Shelby: Oh my- what a Euro-cut by Reid!
Wright: Now that was, definitionally speaking, out of nowhere!
Shelby: You can tell by the way that James Larsons head snapped back that he wasn't expecting that!
Larson stumbles back towards the ropes, lands against them back first, and stumbles back towards the center of the ring where Xavier Reid is waiting with a picture perfect drop kick. The man of chains now down. Reid goes to work stomping on his opponent, taking full advantage of the opportunity. Reid drops down on top of Larson and orders the referee to start counting-
One!
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James Larson kicks out after only one.
Shelby: Reid may have gotten the better of that exchange, but perhaps went for a pin too soon?
Wright: In my opinion it's never too soon to let your opponent know that you were able to pin their shoulders to the mat. Sure, at this stage you're probably not expecting them to stay down, but now you're inside their head because they were down... if that makes any sense.
Shelby: I never really thought about it like that, but you're right. Reid is also forcing Larson to expend energy just to kick out. Perhaps Reid is bringing Larson's conditioning into question?
Wright: I wouldn't question James Larson too much there, Xavier Reid!
Reid tries to keep the upper-hand, he grabs Larson by the head and twists him around to pull him to his feet. But Larson throws a forearm and then a fist into the midsection of Reid. Larson comes up swinging with an uppercut of his own, and it connects, snapping Reid's head back and sending him staggering over towards the ropes. Larson following, Reid comes up with a big back elbow to catch Larson in the face. Reid moves away from the ropes, looks back, and leaps with a pele kick that misses when James Larson wisely steps to the side. Reid on the mat, Larson snatches him up and pulls him back to his feet. One knee to the gut later and it's followed up with a James Larson signature DDT.
Shelby: What a DDT there by Larson!
Wright: It's an older wrestling move for sure... but sometimes there just ain't nothing more effective than drilling your competitions head down into the mat.
Shelby: You can say that again, Franklin.
Wright: You know that it's an old wrestling move, Dick, for sure... haha I'm just messin' with ya!
Larson wastes little time in his pursuit of Reid. He grabs Reid by the head but Reid counters with a swift kick to the side of Larson's head even though he remains on his back. Larson backpedals towards the corner giving Reid time to stagger himself back up. With one big shake of the old noggin Reid clears himself of the cobwebs and sees Larson still perched in the corner. Reid charges hard at the corner but Larson turns at the last second and throws up a back/side elbow to the dome. Reid makes hard contact with the elbow and the shot rings out throughout the stands here at the Bartow Arena.
Reid does all that he can to stay up on his feet. Larson comes driving out of the corner and nearly takes Reid's head off with a clean roundhouse kick! Reid down, Larson drops and hooks the near leg for the cover-
One!
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Two!
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Xavier Reid kicks out just after the count of two.
Wright: Roundhouse by Larson! Could this be all? Cover!
Shelby: One... Two, kickout by Xavier Reid at the moment of two. Say Frankie, what do you think this win would mean for somebody like James Larson?
Wright: Going back into the old books there, Dick. You know James Larson debuted here back in June on episode number 40. And unlike Reid, Larson isn't scheduled to be in the Rumble tomorrow night, so this main event really is Larson's time to shine so to speak.
Shelby: So you're saying that for him, it's like, tonight is the night... go out there and get the job done?
Wright: Precisely, Dick. And I'd even say that the odds of him doing so are looking pretty darn good right now...
Shelby: Of course you'd say that after that roundhouse kick!
Larson refrains from arguing with the referee and instead wisely chooses to stay on Reid. Larson pulls Reid back to his feet and brings him over to the corner. Waters warns Larson of having his competitor trapped against the ropes but Larson has plans of moving Reid anyway. Larson with a hard irish whip, he sends Reid over to the far corner with authority. Reid hits the turnbuckles hard back first and winces in pain. Larsons coming charging hard, looking for the corner clothesline, but Reid ducks and moves out of the corner at the last second. Larson hits the turnbuckle pads hard chest first. He spins in the corner – but he takes a massive pele kick to the face from Xavier Reid! Larson drops down into a seated position in the corner, and this is all that Reid needed to see. Reid shoots up and bounds himself hard against the ropes, and comes back at the seated Larson with as much momentum as he could muster. He throws one foot out – running facewash to Larson! Reid hits him so hard that Larson rolls out towards the center of the ring clutching the top of his head. Reid jumps up onto the ropes, turning as he does so, and comes flying through the air, landing on top of Larson's chest cavity with a diving double-foot stomp! Larson's clutching his chest now with the wind clearly driven right out of him... Reid gobbles him up and hooks both legs for the cover!
One!
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Two!
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James Larson rolls his shoulder up!
Shelby: Running facewash, followed up with a double-stomp by Xavier Reid!
Wright: This is what we were looking for out of Reid. The man likes to take his two-twenty something pounds to the air; he likes to use quickness, agility, and flat out speed.
Shelby: Now aren't those three things kind of the same thing? Oh- cover! Kickout by Larson! That was so close!
Wright: Oh yes definitely it was. But back to that- yes, they all do go hand-in-hand but they most definitely are not the same thing. Quickness is that burst... agility is the ability to stay in control and stay balanced through it all... and when all else fails Reid can always rely on his speed to keep distance or to close distance...
Shelby: Are you implying that Xavier Reid should run away?
Wright: Hey- I'm not implying anything!
Reid is clearly frustrated that Larson was able to power through the last combination. He pulls James Larson back up to his feet and smacks him across the face with an open handed slap. The crowd boos when they see this tactic being employed here. The slap seemed to have woken up Larson, who comes back with a vicious knee lift that pulls Reid's feet up off of the ground. James Larson grabs up Xavier Reid and twists him before dropping him down across his back with an inverted headlock back-breaker! Reid writing around on the ground in pain, Larson pops back up only to leap into the air to come down across the chest of his opponent with an empire-sized elbow drop. Larson rolls and hooks the inside leg for the cover-
One!
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Two!
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Xavier Reid shoves James Larson off, getting his shoulder up before the count of three.
Larson isn't done by a long-shot. He transitions right over into a mounted punching attack, and rains down on Reid until Referee Waters forces him to stop or risk being disqualified. Larson rolls off of Reid, and once more Reid is looking to roll towards the ropes to make an exit from the ring. Larson catches Reid by the ankle, pretty much saying 'not this time' to the man who is known for playing advantages. He tries to slide Reid out away from the ropes but Reid holds onto the bottom rope tight with both hands. Larson drops the ankle pick and moves for a grip on Reid's waistline, perhaps to transition him right into a suplex. Referee Waters steps forward and calls for the rope break... when Reid sees him close he reaches up for the belt of the ref and yanks him in, meanwhile drilling Larson between the legs with a shifty, well-hidden low blow. The Alabama crowd lets their voices and their opinions be heard when they rain down on the generational superstar with boos. Even Senior Refere Waters knows that something wrong happened, but he can only issue a stern warning having not physically seen the low blow itself. Reid shakes off whatever it was that Waters had to say. He slides on his knees right over to Larson and hooks the leg for the cover-
Wright: Awh, comeon! Not like this... let's not have Xavier Reid move higher in this tournament due to a low blow!
One!
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Two!
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Thr- NO! James Larson kicks out and the crowd cheers wildly!
Shelby: One, Two, Thr- No! Larson kicks out!
Wright: You can tell by the look in Xavier Reid's eyes that he thought that he might've stolen one right here! But this match continues!
Xavier Reid grabs at his own hair when he sees that two-count symbol being waived around by the Senior Referee. He turns his anger at his opponent, and now it's Reid with a flurry of mounted punches and forearms that rain down wildly on the intelligent madman. Referee Waters counts... 1..2..3..4..5.. but he's got to physically pull Reid off of Larson for Reid to make the break like he was supposed to. Reid tries to turn his attention back towards Larson as quickly as possible but Waters grabs Reid around the waist and pulls him away from Larson. The crowd cheers as Waters enforces the break the way that he sees fit; and when Reid responds with fury Waters doesn't back down. Waters delivers a warning that any further, even minor infraction, will cost him the match and three tournament points! Reid shakes his head furiously and pleads his case, telling Waters what he can and cannot do.
Wright: I don't know about all of this. Perhaps Jacob Waters is going too far here.
Shelby: Too far? No. If anything he's been too lenient considering Reid's history of past infractions.
Wright: Alright, if you say so. But does Waters think that he's doing Larson a favor here, or something?
Shelby: No, man. I think that this is just the Main Event of FSW 47; and it's a Tournament of Power match to boot. The fans paid good money to see a clean winner here, so I think Waters is doing everything in his power to give that to them!
Wright: Yeah, that's true. And besides, if I got kicked in the groin area, I guess I'd be needing the break, too.
In the meantime James Larson works his way back up to his hands and knees. A now furious Xavier Reid comes charging over and delivers a punt kick to the rib cage that sends Larson back over onto the canvas. Reid pulls Larson back up to his feet and yanks him down into the standing headscissors followed up by hoisting him up into the powerbomb position. Reid turns himself towards a nearby corner and charges it. He throws Larson off at the last second with an 'X-ploder' turnbuckle powerbomb! Larson hits back first and crumples down to the mat.
Wright: But all of that might be for nothing as Xavier Reid continues to bring the pain to James Larson!
Shelby: Yeah, I'm not sure if that business with referee Waters didn't just wake up Xavier Reid after all!
Xavier sees Larson down on the mat and he decides to go for it all. He turns and leaps up onto the turnbuckle again, and this time he's got Larson down and squarely in his sights. He stands on the top turnbuckle giving himself a moment to allow the flashbulbs in the arena to go off. He leaps into the air, twisting his body with an impressive corkscrew 450 splash – 'X' marks the spot! But Larson gets his knees up! Xavier Reid comes crashing down on top of James Larson's knees and rolls around on the mat in pain.
Wright: You were saying, Dick?
Shelby: Oh, my! Big time counter there by Larson! Can he back it up and perhaps seal the victory here?
Larson's back to his feet, but he's feeling the effects of the match himself. He has to shake off a bit of pain before he can pull Xavier up to his feet as well, but he does so in complete control. Larson reaches for his hood and pulls the cloth up over his head, which can only mean one thing. Larson shoves Reid away to give himself just enough distance to come running towards him. He leaps into the air looking for the Chain Breaker! -but Xavier Reid side steps him and delivers a shuffle-side kick to the small of Larson's back! Larson hits the ropes chest first and bounces back towards Reid in the process. Reid is waiting. He leaps into the air himself and clutches Larson by the back of the head- X-ecution! No! Larson grabs onto the top rope and Reid gets nothing but a back full of canvas!Reid hits the mat hard but pops right back up to his feet, James Larson charges leaps with the Chain Breaker!!! But Xavier Reid catches him in mid-air and drills him with an X-ecution instead!!!
Shelby: Oh my god! Xavier Reid just caught Larson with that X-ecution! Just when I thought Larson was going to hit the Chain Breaker!
Wright: Codebreaker after codebreaker after codebreaker... and finally one of these men hit it!
Shelby: That's got to be all! Cover!
One!
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Two!
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Three!!!
Shelby: My god, what a match! Xavier Reid wins!
Wright: Hahaha, and who would have thunk it? A codebreaker ends the night. Man! I should have bet money that one of these two men would have won the match with their version of that very same move.
Shelby: Yeah, well, it's a devastating finishing maneuver, isn't it?
Wright: Oh I've never been hit with a 'Chain Breaker', or an 'X-ecution' before. So I thankfully wouldn't know!
As Reid gets back to his feet, the Referee holds his hand high in the air. The fans here in the Bartow Arena are booing and Reid can't wait to yank his hand away from Jacob Waters, not entirely pleased with the job that the referee has performed here this evening.
Deneen McQueen: The winner of the match and receiving 3 Tournament Points – XAVIER REID!!!!
Shelby: You know, that was one hell of a main event.
Wright: Oh I agree. The fans aren't happy tonight but I think I might know who is. And he's standing right there in the middle of the ring. He's also sitting pretty at the top of the standings with 6 'power points' as you call them, Dick, and now we're already almost penciling Xavier Reid's name into the semi-final round that supposed to happen at a later date.
Shelby: That's true. And thankfully, if you are James Larson right now, you're not nearly at the end of the line with 'only' three points. You come back strong, win the next match, and perhaps you're facing Xavier Reid again in the semis with a little bit of retribution in mind perhaps...
Wright: I don't like to count my chickens before they hatch, but I'd say that at this point it's looking pretty safe to say. But if we're just going to focus on tonight, then our winner here in the Main Event is Xavier Reid, and despite his sometimes underhanded tactics the man deserves all of the kudos and congratulations that go along with this huge victory here tonight.
Shelby: Right. Well, that about does it for episode 47 of Future Stars of Wrestling. I'm telling you, with the way that things have been going as of late, can we just skip ahead two weeks and get right to filming 48?
Wright: That would be awesome, Shelb, but naw. We've got a Rumble in the Bronx to go see! Let's not forget about that!
QUICK RECAP
MATCH 1 - Lancer/Edison d. Bane/Roberts
MATCH 2 - Criss Cassidy d. Matt Angel
MATCH 3 - Hope Diamond d. Lexie Glass
MATCH 4 - No Contest
MATCH 5 - Maggie Lockheart d. Cheyenne
MAIN EVENT - Xavier Reid d. James Larson
MVP: Hope/Lexie
ToP Standings
The Extreme Wrestling Corporation presents
EPISODE #47
SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2017LIVE! from the Bartow Arena - Birmingham, Alabama
Commentators: Dick Shelby and Franklin Wright
Announcer: Deneen McQueen
Backstage interviewer: Destiny Fairchild
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WELCOME TO FUTURE STARS OF WRESTLING!!
A slightly distorted "Undead" by Hollywood Undead blasts in the arena as the show starts off with video footage detailing historic events that have taken place on Future Stars, From past champions like Jason Hunter, Dixie Dubois, a picture of a skull wrapped in chains, & Amis Shelton before switching to the current years' happenings, Hatchet Gully, Creed and current FSW champion Otaki cheating to win.
The opening pyros hit and here we go.
The camera pans around showing the very confused looking crowd.
The arena is nearly completely silent with the only sound being "Undead" and and some questioning fans.
The music then gets increasingly more distorted. It slows and deepens then repeats. Then the song suddenly shuts off along with all the lights and the titantron.
Static suddenly appears on screen and lights up the arena.It then cuts to a dark room with a hooded figure standing in the center on the shot
?: To all of you I am unknown.
The man then pulls off his hood, revealing himself to be James Larson
James Larson: I am the man who appears, fights, then disappears. Well, all that will be different very soon. I am on coarse to be the winner of this 'T.O.P' tournament. After that I will come for Otaki and claim the title. This ascent of the ranks started two weeks ago, and in my match tonight It will continue. I will be coming for all you in the back. And especially I will be coming for you, Otaki. Watch your back because I am the unknown. And humanities greatest fear is that of the unknown.
Wright: Well...that was an interesting opening...um...welcome to Future Stars 47! I'm Franklin Wright, this is Dick Shelby, and let's quickly get backstage!
We go backstage where A$hley Quid and Hatchet Gully are goofing around the catering hall. They sit there laughing and throwing food at a referee when Otaki enters the area and everything stops. She looks despondent, lost in the eyes and in the way she occasionally glances off to the sides as she tries to ignore them but when she passes by:
Hatchet Gully: Condolences.
Otaki stops in her tracks and with a tearful scream kicks a chair in front of her. It goes flying and Hatchet Gully is in her raging face before it hits the ground.
Hatchet Gully: Chill, girl. I just wanted to offer my sympathies about your situation. When I saw that goin' down I thought it was foul as hell. That Cheyenne chick is cray. So I just want to offer you my support.
Otaki glare at him and then at A$hley who is looking back nonchalantly eating a carrot shit. She smiles and Otaki screams.
Otaki: YOUR SUPPORT! IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU THAT SARAH IS MISSING IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Hatchet Gully: Don't get it twisted. I ain't got a goddamned thing to do with your girl getting taken. We but that money out on YOU. Ain't no prize out there for no kin. All we want is to hurt you.
Otaki: US GETTING IT TW-
The Emo Princess stops in her words to look away for a brief moment, taking a deep breath before looking back at the male.
Otaki: Us getting it twisted? Here is something pretty twisted. What were we doing the past two months? Dealing with this stupid bounty your broad put on us. And because we put too much of our attention on your bounty we couldn't defend our own child until it was too late. So, Mister Hatchet Gully, our little Sarah wouldn't have been kidnapped in the first place if you wasn't for your and your pathetic little game. So how about that for getting it 'twisted'?
Hatchet Gully: You know what screw it. I was tryin' to be nice but it just ain't worth it. I tried tellin' you the truth but I don't give a damn if you believe me. I don't really give a damn about the girl or Cheyenne either. But I do so love what it is doing to you. You are spiraling deeper and deeper into the hole, Otaki. I can't wait to beat you for that FSW title. This looks like it's gonna be my best chance yet. You don't got a million things on your mind and this must be the worst. It the beginning of your failures, girl. That's why in reality I'm so glad that girl got her dumb ass snatched.
Otaki loses it. She claws for Gully's face and Hatchet menages to push her away. They lunge at each other again and trade punches. A$hley stands on the table and shrieks obscenities at Otaki. Hatchet manages to throw Otaki on the table but when he goes after her she puts him in a triangle choke. He pulls her to the ground and she lets go and they go back to punching and kicking in a furious flurry. Officials rush to them and attempt to separate the two. When they do they throw chairs at each other until there is nothing to grab and they are being held back.
Hatchet Gully: See you Monday! Guess who won't!
Otaki: When we're finished with you, you'll never see again.
She shouts back her venomous threat as the officials start pulling the two away from each other.
The scene opens to Criss Cassidy walking into Bartow Arena with a handful of his wrestling gear. Criss walks into a locker room and hangs his stuff up before turning to the camera.
Criss Cassidy: "Birmingham, Alabama! Your Second Coming has arrived. Blessed from the heavens above. And brought to you by the Future Stars of Wrestling. I will..."
Criss turns his attention to the door where Magdalena Lockheart stands with a determined look on her face.
Cassidy: "I'm sorry, I didn't order room service."
Criss walks towards the door, placing his elbows on the frame high above Lockheart's head. Lockheart smirks at Criss's comment, turning her face away for just a moment before looking up at him.
Magdalena Lockheart: "No. You didn't."
Cassidy: "Then what brings you to my locker room little Miss?"
Lockheart: "Well, actually, you."
Criss stands before her confused at the comment. He lowers his arms, crossing them across his chest.
Cassidy: "I'm not quite following where you're going with this, Maggie, is it?"
Lockheart: "Magdalena."
She replies with a grin.
Lockheart: "And no. I suppose not. I guess you must've forgotten what you said about me last week... what you said that you're going to do with me."
Criss gently strokes the hairs of his goatee before his own smirk forms.
Cassidy: "Ahh... so that's what this is about."
Magdalena takes a step forward, meeting Criss at the threshold. Her chest presses tight against his, her eyes locked up into his.
Lockheart: "I just wanted to let you know, Mister Second Coming, that I'm not going anywhere. It's going to take a whole lot more than those sweet velvety lips to scare me. So how about next time we agree that if you've got something to say to me, you just.. get up realll close... like this... and say it to my pretty little face?"
Cassidy takes a step back and dusts off the front of his suit.
Cassidy: "Take it easy Miss Magdalena. We just met. You can put your hands on me, after my match. For now, let's be friends.
Criss extends his hand out to Maggie, who reluctantly engages in a handshake. Maggie pulls her hand away and walks away from the locker room. Criss peaks his head out the door, admiring Magadalena's figure. She stops and looks over her shoulder at Criss.
Lockheart: "Nice kicks, by the way. Good luck in the rest of the tournament."
OPENER
LANCER/ZACK EDISON Vs KRISTIAN BANE/TYLER ROBERTS
This tag match paired up opposites and asked them to work together in a sense, and both teams had their issues at first, but eventually they worked some kinks out and got to the business of trying to win the match. Edison and Roberts traded blows towards the end while Lancer took to the skies to take out the big man Bane. As the match drew to a close, Lancer managed to surprise Tyler Roberts with a rollup and a pinfall before Bane could come break things up.
Marv Krieger and Hope Diamond stand close to each other, unaware of the errand camera that records their backstage encounter. Intimidate as the scene is it is not intimate enough for Krieger or so it seems. He leans in looking for a kiss but gets stopped by a knee that presses against his stomach.
Marv:
What´s wrong?
Hope:
Not now!
Marv:
You keep saying that.
Hope:
Yes. So what?
Marv:
Do I need to be a -redacted- as well to get kissed by you?
Hope:
Oh please, don´t be ridiculous.
Marv:
That is what it boils down to. The -redacted- gets lucky and I get put off.
Hope:
Look Marv. I´ve been hanging out with the village idiot Caleb for only one reason that being he means something to Lexie. She really cares for him. With his help I got under her skin real good. Now after I finished her tonight I´m gonna dumb the little headcase as my final blow to her. And then…
Marv:
And then what?
Hope:
We´ll see.
Hope shoves Marv away at arm’s length and walks away into the off with Krieger following close behind. The camera is unable to follow them without getting noticed.
As it sweeps around one more time whe see Caleb turner appearing from behind a pallet of EWC Rumble In The Bronx posters. His face is ashen-grey and he just stands there totally petrified and frozen except for his barely supressed sobs.
MATCH 2
CRISS CASSIDY Vs MATT ANGEL
The first ToP match of the show got off to a rising start as both Matt and Criss were looking for their first points in the tourney. Matt came out very aggressively, going after Criss with his quick attacks with some middle rope aerial moves thrown in. Matt kept Criss off balance in the early going, but got caught with a superkick as he was going for a spinning back elbow. Cassidy truned the tables at that point, showing off his athleticism, and eventually taking advantage of one more mistake by Matt to hit the Crucifixion for the win.
As Cassidy celebrates his victory, the feed cuts to static for a few seconds, then to a standard black background. After a few seconds, footsteps are heard, and Ace King steps into the shot.
Ace King: I’m so sorry to interrupt your show, and I promise I won’t take up too much time, but… This couldn’t wait.
He bows his head quietly for a few seconds, then takes a deep breath before raising his head again, his eyes showing plenty of intensity, though also showing plenty of empathy.
Ace King: Otaki… I know you’re dealing with some things right now, and I know you’re not competing tonight, but I’m sure you’re in a place where you can hear what I’m saying.
As he speaks, a highlight reel of Otaki’s greatest moments comes up on the screen, including her Rumble in the Bronx victory and winning the FSW Championship.
Ace King: You’ve accomplished a lot in your young career, and it’s something to be admired.
As he finishes the sentence, the video flips to a highlight reel of Ace’s career, most recently his triumph in Rampage’s Devil’s Playground match.
Ace King: Me? I’ve had good times and bad times, and while I’ve bounced back before, it can take time.
The footage transitions to footage of Otaki and Ace facing off in NJFC’s Global Takeover event back in May, a match won convincingly by Otaki.
Ace King: For four months, I’ve had to think about that night in Osaka. I had a shot to make something of myself there, and I blew it. It’s become a bit of a recurring theme for me ever since, and I need it to stop.
Ace does his best to not get too worked up, taking a breath before narrowing his eyes.
Ace King: See, I don’t need bounties, kidnapping, or anything so petty to get my point across… At the end of the day, I just need my pride.
The camera slowly starts to zoom in on Ace, getting tight to his face.
Ace King: You robbed me of that in Osaka, Otaki, and you only drilled deeper when you showed up in Boston. So tonight, I’m not addressing you to get back… I’m addressing you because I want a shot at getting even. I’ll see you in New York.
With that, the feed returns to static as we go to…
MATCH 3
LEXIE GLASS Vs HOPE DIAMOND
These two ladies had no love lost between each other, and boy...did it show in this match. THis was main event worthy and then some. Hope started off in control, working over the arm and leg of Lexie after a quick flurry. Hope wrenched down on Lexie's arm, trying to rip it out of the socket once again, but Lexie manages to fight back to even board, so to speak. Lexie quickly gets back on the offensive, knife edge chops in succession to Hope's chest several times, bringing a few “woo!”s from the crowd each time. After about five chops, Hope latches onto her arm, bringing her down to the mat for an arm drag. She then attaches her body to that of Sugay’s, snapping her arm disgustingly backwards into an arm bar! She screams out in pain, trying to use her only free hand to attack her way out of the hold. Finally Lexie is able to squirm her way over to the ropes, getting free. Hope approaches to finish her off, but she surprises her with Shattered Glass! 1….2….3? No! Hope out at the last second. Lexie is stunned, thinking she hit that with all she had. This leaves Hope enough time to get to herfeet, rolling her up from behind before she can even gain her wits. 1….2...Kickout! Both competitors are quickly back up to their feet, neither one happy to let the other take the offensive. Hope ducks under a lariat attempt by Lexie, and as both turn back towards each other flips over for a rolling senton kick. Hope scoops Lexie between her legs and hooks both of her arms, but Lexie flips Hope over and goes for the Glass Cutter, but Hope reverses out, coming up behind Lexie and locking her into the Curse of the Diamond. Lexie fights hard, forcing Hope to cinch the hold in tighter. Hope thinks she has lexie going....but Lexie manages to reverse herself and break free! Lexie is still the worse for wear, but she tries in vain to attack Hope, but Hope, sensing that is the last gasp, quickly moves and locks in the Curse again. Lexie fights hard, refusing to give in, but the pain becomes too much to bear, and Lexie passes out...and the official calls for the bell.
(After the match has ended, Caleb Turner is escorted down to the ring by security. Caleb enters the ring and walks up to Hope Diamond and they embrace one another to the surprise of the crowd.)
Dick Shelby: I don't get it. After learning earlier this evening that Hope was only using him, Caleb still wants to be friends with her?
(Caleb then whispers something to Hope before he shoves her down onto the mat as the crowd has gone crazy. Cheers and airhorns are heard in the background, followed by chants of Caleb.)
Dick Shelby: There you go, Caleb. Way to go.
Franklin Wright: I would normally say that is a bit much, but she had it coming.
Dick Shelby: You're damn she had it coming. After pretending to be his friend all this time only to come to find out that she only used him to get under Lexie's skin. Wait a minute. Hope has gotten up and has walked towards Caleb. Oh no, this poor guy looks scared.
(Hope walks over to him. Caleb looks petrified as Hope has an angry look on his face and looks like that she is about to slap him across the face.)
Dick Shelby: Don't you dare, Hope. You better not touch him.
(Then the crowd cheers as Lexie Glass has come to and grabs Hope's arm and twists it. She then proceeds to toss her out of the ring.)
Dick Shelby: Lexie has come to Caleb's aid. Way to go, Lexie.
(Lexie's music plays as Hope is now beside herself. She gets up and notices a preteen girl heckling her in the front row. It is Lexie's younger sister, Erin, who is seated at the front with their father, Dr. Benton Hurst. Hope then gets into Erin's face while Dr. Hurst is trying to get Hope to leave. Then Erin throws a cup on soda in Hope's face as the crowd cheers. Humiliated, Hope lets out a loud scream before she storms to the back.)
Dick Shelby: Hope is humiliated. This has become one of the worst nights of her life.
Franklin Wright: You know Dick, a cold drink is supposed to help cool you off. But it seems like that it has burned her up instead.
Dick Shelby: Hope Diamond, after all she has put Lexie Glass through this past Summer, after using this poor kid, Caleb Turner, and all of her other misdeeds, she has finally gotten what was coming to her.
Franklin Wright: I agree there. Wait a minute. Lexie is about to say something.
Lexie Glass: Please cut the music. Caleb, there is something that I want to say to you.
Caleb Turner: Lexie, please. There is something I want to say first.
Lexie Glass: Go ahead.
Caleb Turner: Lexie, you were right. Hope was only using me like you said. She never really was my friend. You were this whole time. I am sorry. Can you ever forgive me?
Lexie Glass: No, I can't.
(A huge frown comes across the face of Caleb as it looks like he is about to cry as the crowd starts to get angry.)
Franklin Wright: What?
Dick Shelby: Come on, Lexie. This poor kid has been through enough.
Lexie Glass: No, no, no. Don't cry, Caleb. Let me finish. I can't forgive you as there is nothing for me to forgive you for. You have nothing to be sorry about, Caleb. You done nothing wrong. Hope has lied to you and used you this whole time. You were the victim. If any one is owed an apology, it is use. Hope Diamond owes you an apology.
(Crowd cheers)
Dick Shelby: You're damn right she does.
Franklin Wright: Agreed, but I doubt that he will ever get one from her.
Dick Shelby: You make a good point there, partner.
Lexie Glass: All you did, Caleb, was see in Hope what you thought was the good in her.
Caleb Turner: I know. I am so stupid. Stupid, stupid.
Lexie Glass: No, don't say that. Don't you ever say that again. You are not stupid, Caleb Turner. You are far from it. You are very smart and bright.
Caleb Turner: I am?
Lexie Glass: Yes, you are. And you always seeing the good in everybody is one of the things I like about you.
Caleb Turner: You like me?
Lexie Glass: Like you? Of course I do, Caleb. I love you.
Caleb Turner: You love me?
(Lexie walks over to Caleb as she puts her arms around his neck.)
Lexie Glass: Yes I do. And I always have.
(Lexie then kisses Caleb passionately to the delight of the crowd. A red faced Caleb has a huge smile come across his face. The crowd starts to cheer as instead of Lexie's theme music, Extordinary by Liz Phair, Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship plays on the PA as Lexie then tells Caleb again that she loves him. Lexie and Caleb then go to each side of the ring and hold up each others arms for the crowd as they continue to cheer and go into a Lexie and Caleb chant.)
Dick Shelby: This is so awesome. This story has a gotten a happy ending and this crowd in Birmingham, Alabama is loving it. And so am I.
(Lexie and Caleb exiting the ring together as they walk over to her father and sister. Lexie introduces Caleb to them. Her father and sister smile and shake Caleb's hand. Then they both give Lexie a big hug as the two of them walk to the back together holding hands.)
Franklin Wright: I agree, partner. This has got to be the greatest night of Caleb Turner's life, and it is not over yet.
Dick Shelby: Let's not go any further, okay. But what a night it has become for these two. I wish Lexie and Caleb nothing but the best. Well folks, stay tuned as there is more action to come.
MATCH 4
JEREMY WARREN VS STEPHEN KINGSTON
Welcome back Jeremy Warren, who came out looking to shake off the rust from a 3 month layoff due to injury, and Stephen Kingston was looking to get a bit of a reset win after a bit of a skid. Both men came out ready to battle, throwing dueling blows in the beginning. Kingston got a bit of the upper hand, but quickly turned by the firefighter, who took control. However, the lack of ring comp showed on Warren, as his timing just wasn't up to par, and Kingston took advantage. Just as he was getting set to go for his finisher, A$hley Quid appears out of nowhere, having gotten onto the apron, getting everyone's attention just long enough for Hatchet Gully to come in an hit both men with a steel chair, this match being thrown out, as refs and security come out to stop any further damage done by Hatchet, whom escapes with A$hley into the crowd and out of sight.
The cameras Cut to the back showing a very angry and confused looking Otaki. Then you hear it loud and creepy, a voice.
Chey: Ohhhhhh Takkkkk eeeeeeeee. Ohhhhhh Takkkkk eeeeeeeee. Ohhhhhh Takkkkk eeeeeeeee. Come on Oh tak eee Sarah wants to say hi, mummy.
The purple haired dynamo hastily walks around another corner backstage and frantically looks around as Cheyenne’s voice continues to taunt her.
Sarah: Mommy help! Help Mommy! Mommy I’m scared, don't let the crazy bug lady hurt me mommy!
The little girl's voice rings out now as Otaki frantically searches the backstage rooms, closets, and anywhere else the psycho could have her daughter. She turns down another corridor and the sounds start becoming louder and clearer. Otaki begins running down the hallway,
Cheyenne: I said don't call me Cruh...crazy! I hate that word!
Rage is in the voice of the captor, but subsides and quickly goes back to a mocking voice.
Cheyenne: Ohhh takk eeee, you're not much of a hero are you! You let your precious little darling down, shame mommy dearest.
Otaki finally pinpoints where it's coming from, the boiler room. She looks through the tiny window on the door and see an old rickety chair facing away and can hear Sarah’s pleas for help. Her eyes flash in anger as her hands ball up and beat on the seemingly locked door. She pounds and pulls, trying everything to get to her helpless offspring. Finally the door pops open like it never was locked and Otaki rushes to the chair turning it around about to throw her arms around her daughter, but instead reveals a tape recorder. The champ slams her fist into the device in anger. Suddenly from the sky fall millions of earwigs covering the FSW champion and pinching her all over.
Cheyenne’s voice: Tag Oh takkk eeee. Maybe next time.
Cheyenne's new creepy theme plays as the door suddenly slams shut, and a clicking noise can be heard, before the camera returns to the ring.
MATCH 5
CHEYENNE VS MAGGIE LOCKHEART
Cheyenne and Maggie came out looking to pick up those points by any means, and both ladies took the fight to the mat, on the floor, up and down the ramp, and back into the ring. Cheyenne went for early pinfalls after big slams, while Maggie tried to stick and move. Maggie managed to stay on the outside, not getting caught up in Cheyenne's web for a while, but then Cheyenne managed to catch her, and then dropped Maggie with the Ladies...then went for it again, but Maggie somehow slipped out of the second set, leaping up and stunning Cheyenne with Lacrimosa to get the win.
MAIN EVENT
XAVIER REID Vs JAMES LARSON
Shelby: Episode 47 of Future Stars of Wrestling is almost in the books! ...but we've still got our main event for you lined up right here, so let's just get on right down to business. It's two men with three points in the tournament of power, and each of them willing to scratch, claw, kick, and pin – do whatever it takes basically – to add to that point total here tonight. Take it away Frank.
Wright: Let's go back to two weeks ago at Atlanta, Dick. James Larson locks in the Muta Lock on Matt Angel and earns three tournament points by submission. On the other hand, Xavier Reid has words with almost half of the roster and finishes his night with an X-ecution and a pin for three points as well. Now both men have gotten themselves out to that all-important lead... but winning here tonight just may all-but guarantee a spot in the semis.
Shelby: If you can walk out of Birmingham with 6 power points, then yes, I agree. Your chances of making the semi-finals are not only extremely high at this point, but you've also got that all-important momentum on your side as well.
Wright: Power points, hmm? I like that. I just hope we don't get sued for copyright infringement on the phrase...
Shelby: We shouldn't. I mean, isn't it all about the presentation?
Wright: (Laughing.) I see what you did there, Shelb. You really are feeling spry tonight, aren't you?
Shelby: The night before Rumble in the Bronx, are you kidding me? If you're in the Bartow tonight or watching at home on the EWCTV Network and you're not excited for the Rumble tomorrow night, then brother, you must not be breathing!
Wright: Speaking of which. Do you think that Xavier Reid's inclusion into the big 30 person, over-the-top-rope battle royal main event may impact his focus or, or, his, uhhh... rhythm... going into the match tonight?
Shelby: It's really hard to tell. But my gut says yes, and I'll tell you why. It's one thing to be asked to participate in this tournament of power match... but we've seen it earlier this evening in other future stars that also need to make the trip up to the Bronx tonight or early tomorrow. If you win this tournament, sure, you get a chance to face the FSW Champion at WrestleFest. But two things. One is, if you happen to win the Rumble... you're in the main event of WrestleFest... the biggest match of your life. And two, you can literally afford to lose or draw out in one of these round-robin style matches... and you should still be okay with an otherwise flawless record to make the semis. So losing tonight wouldn't put Xavier Reid OR James Larson completely out of it... should that end up being the case.
Wright: Alright, well, Deneen McQueen is inside the ring now. We're going to take you down to her.
Deneen McQueen: The following contest is your MAIN EVENT and it is a TOURNAMENT OF POWER MATCH scheduled for...
Crowd: One fall!!!
Deneen McQueen: ...one fall! Introducing first:
The lights go out with just a dim spotlight to illuminate the stage. The first sound heard is that of chains, before Sweet Dreams are Made of This starts playing through the speakers. James then walks out of a thick layer of smoke, he is wearing his old leather jacket over a black shirt and he has the jacket's hood on his head. He is clutching a two feet long chain in his right hand. With his left hand he removes his hood while holding up his right hand with the chain dangling from it. Then he snaps the chain into his pocket and wanders to the ring as the spotlight follows him.
Deneen McQueen: He stands in at 5 foot 10, and weighs in at 227 pounds. Hailing from 'the streets', he is “The Man of Chains”, JAMES LARSON!
Wright: James Larson is about as passionate of a performer as I've ever seen in this industry. You'll also notice right away that the man of chains is always carrying a chain out to the ring, though you'd rarely see him use it in a non-extreme situation. Larson likes to fight for the thrill and he likes to inflict pain on his opponents; but he draws the line at earning victories through underhanded means. Normally there's something to be said that Larson is perhaps holding himself back a little, but I suppose Matt Angel would be compelled to disagree.
Shelby: I'm not really sure if Larson bringing the chain to the ring is some sort of mind game. Did you happen to catch his promo on the Network earlier this week? He talked about 'the domino effect' and pitched this contest as perhaps a predetermined point of destiny... fate having more to do with this than luck.
Wright: Hey now, we don't play that way in the EWC. Everything in the ring is one-hundred percent real fighting-
Shelby: I didn't say that. All I meant to say was that Larson perhaps sees his rise in FSW's ranks as something that, perhaps, has already been written in stone.
Wright: Oh, I see. So when he said that he wasn't sure if he was going to win tonight, or if it was going to be Reid, or whatever ends up happening... that it was probably bound to happen that way anyway?
Shelby: I think so. But hey, James Larson is also called 'the intelligent madman' for a reason. I'm not sure if I understand his methodology but he's got three power points so he must be doing something right.
Deneen McQueen: ...and his opponent:
The lights inside the arena go out as Cochise starts up. A single strobe light flashes in the direction of the stage. As the lyrics come in Xavier walks out from behind the curtain and onto the stage. He paces back and forth across the stage before walking to the edge of the ramp and raising his arms into the air, crossing his forearms into a X over his head. He walks down to the ring, eyes glued on the ring and ignores the fans he passes. Xavier marches up the steps and jumps into the ring. He heads right to the corner and climbs up to the middle rope and once again raises his arms into the air and crossed his forearms into a X.
Deneen McQueen: He stands at 5 foot 11, and weighs in at 220 pounds. Hailing from New York City, he is XAVIER Reid!
Wright: You know that he's got a nickname that I've heard about that I'm not really sure if I'm allowed to say or not, so I'm just gonna call him Xavier Reid. With that being said, Reid always looks focused, which is important considering his focus is somewhat in question tonight due to his involvement in the Rumble tomorrow night.
Shelby: Well, I wouldn't say that his focus is in question. Just questioning whether or not anyone would be able to focus under these circumstances. But I'm sure if anyone could, it's Reid. Reid has literally grown up in this business and he understands the nuances of opportunities... how rarely they're given and how easily they're taken away. Reid's looking at tonight as a chance for six power points, Frankie. He's got James Larson squarely in his sights.
Wright: Yeah. I agree. Now I will mention that unlike episode 46's main event, we've got no real size and or weight advantages here. These two competitors are as close as we're going to get to being the exact same height and weight. The only advantage here might be, as you said earlier, focusing on tonight's main event or something like sheer experience from someone like Reid.
Shelby: Experience could play a factor; or it could just end up being a wash. Who knows? We could even see neither of these guys winning, which would mean that they both get one power point and would remain tied at four a piece.
Wright: You're really selling that power point thing, aren't you?
Shelby: Am I being too obvious about it?
Wright: Haha, yeah. So anyway, Senior Referee Jacob Waters has checked over both Reid and Larson, and he's getting ready to signal for the opening bell... so lets get this match underway!
DING DING DING
The two men meet in the center of the ring with Xavier Reid staying low on bent knees for even balance. Reid comes at Larson with one hand up high as if he's looking for the early test of strength or at least wants to lock up with Larson. James closes the gap and places one hand up with Reids, locking fingers with him, but the moment he does Reid kicks Larson in the gut with a cheap shot. Larson doubles over and Reid goes right away working over his opponent with vicious right hands. He backs Larson up to the ropes. Irish whip across the ring and a clothesline attempt by Reid gets ducked. Larson carries his momentum through to the far ropes and comes back hard charging for a second time. Larson ducks again and Reid leaps over him with a split. Larson applies the brakes and turns himself around before Reid can barely land. Xavier Reid spins around but is scooped right up and slammed down to the mat by Larson. The crowd cheers as Larson goes to drop an elbow but Xavier Reid wisely rolls himself right out of the ring before Larson can capitalize.
Wright: Xavier Reid is always thinking. Always moving. He's got a stamina that is simply unmatched. This affords him to really 'go after it' in the early going of these contests. He doesn't have to worry too much about burning himself out too quickly.
Shelby: Yeah, well if he keeps taking scoop slams like that, this match won't come down to who is in the better cardiovascular condition.
Wright: That's quite true, Dick. It's interesting to see the styles difference that is posed by these two incredible athletes. If he can, James Larson would like to keep this a ground and pound game, with catch-as-catch-can pure wrestling; on the other hand, you know Reid loves to fly.
Reid is on the outside being warned by Referee Waters to get back in the ring. He's not too thrilled with being slammed by Larson and makes that pretty apparent to the Alabama crowd. After a few moments, Reid slides himself under the bottom rope and back into the ring; Larson giving Reid all of the distance needed to ensure his safe return. Once standing, the two men square off together, this time locking up in the old collar-and-elbow tie-up. James Larson transitions right into a standing side headlock, with a frustrated Reid throwing forearm shivs into the kidney area. The shivs work to loosen Larson's hands, Reid shoves Larson off and towards the ropes. Larson keeps his momentum again, choosing to bounce off of the ropes instead of grabbing them. Reid leaps and drops his body in front of Larson with a body block, but Larson steps over him and continues his momentum over towards the far ropes. Larson bouncing again, he comes at Reid with a full head of steam. Reid still laying on the mat, but he quickly kips up and drills Larson under the chin with a European uppercut!
Shelby: Oh my- what a Euro-cut by Reid!
Wright: Now that was, definitionally speaking, out of nowhere!
Shelby: You can tell by the way that James Larsons head snapped back that he wasn't expecting that!
Larson stumbles back towards the ropes, lands against them back first, and stumbles back towards the center of the ring where Xavier Reid is waiting with a picture perfect drop kick. The man of chains now down. Reid goes to work stomping on his opponent, taking full advantage of the opportunity. Reid drops down on top of Larson and orders the referee to start counting-
One!
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James Larson kicks out after only one.
Shelby: Reid may have gotten the better of that exchange, but perhaps went for a pin too soon?
Wright: In my opinion it's never too soon to let your opponent know that you were able to pin their shoulders to the mat. Sure, at this stage you're probably not expecting them to stay down, but now you're inside their head because they were down... if that makes any sense.
Shelby: I never really thought about it like that, but you're right. Reid is also forcing Larson to expend energy just to kick out. Perhaps Reid is bringing Larson's conditioning into question?
Wright: I wouldn't question James Larson too much there, Xavier Reid!
Reid tries to keep the upper-hand, he grabs Larson by the head and twists him around to pull him to his feet. But Larson throws a forearm and then a fist into the midsection of Reid. Larson comes up swinging with an uppercut of his own, and it connects, snapping Reid's head back and sending him staggering over towards the ropes. Larson following, Reid comes up with a big back elbow to catch Larson in the face. Reid moves away from the ropes, looks back, and leaps with a pele kick that misses when James Larson wisely steps to the side. Reid on the mat, Larson snatches him up and pulls him back to his feet. One knee to the gut later and it's followed up with a James Larson signature DDT.
Shelby: What a DDT there by Larson!
Wright: It's an older wrestling move for sure... but sometimes there just ain't nothing more effective than drilling your competitions head down into the mat.
Shelby: You can say that again, Franklin.
Wright: You know that it's an old wrestling move, Dick, for sure... haha I'm just messin' with ya!
Larson wastes little time in his pursuit of Reid. He grabs Reid by the head but Reid counters with a swift kick to the side of Larson's head even though he remains on his back. Larson backpedals towards the corner giving Reid time to stagger himself back up. With one big shake of the old noggin Reid clears himself of the cobwebs and sees Larson still perched in the corner. Reid charges hard at the corner but Larson turns at the last second and throws up a back/side elbow to the dome. Reid makes hard contact with the elbow and the shot rings out throughout the stands here at the Bartow Arena.
Reid does all that he can to stay up on his feet. Larson comes driving out of the corner and nearly takes Reid's head off with a clean roundhouse kick! Reid down, Larson drops and hooks the near leg for the cover-
One!
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Two!
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Xavier Reid kicks out just after the count of two.
Wright: Roundhouse by Larson! Could this be all? Cover!
Shelby: One... Two, kickout by Xavier Reid at the moment of two. Say Frankie, what do you think this win would mean for somebody like James Larson?
Wright: Going back into the old books there, Dick. You know James Larson debuted here back in June on episode number 40. And unlike Reid, Larson isn't scheduled to be in the Rumble tomorrow night, so this main event really is Larson's time to shine so to speak.
Shelby: So you're saying that for him, it's like, tonight is the night... go out there and get the job done?
Wright: Precisely, Dick. And I'd even say that the odds of him doing so are looking pretty darn good right now...
Shelby: Of course you'd say that after that roundhouse kick!
Larson refrains from arguing with the referee and instead wisely chooses to stay on Reid. Larson pulls Reid back to his feet and brings him over to the corner. Waters warns Larson of having his competitor trapped against the ropes but Larson has plans of moving Reid anyway. Larson with a hard irish whip, he sends Reid over to the far corner with authority. Reid hits the turnbuckles hard back first and winces in pain. Larsons coming charging hard, looking for the corner clothesline, but Reid ducks and moves out of the corner at the last second. Larson hits the turnbuckle pads hard chest first. He spins in the corner – but he takes a massive pele kick to the face from Xavier Reid! Larson drops down into a seated position in the corner, and this is all that Reid needed to see. Reid shoots up and bounds himself hard against the ropes, and comes back at the seated Larson with as much momentum as he could muster. He throws one foot out – running facewash to Larson! Reid hits him so hard that Larson rolls out towards the center of the ring clutching the top of his head. Reid jumps up onto the ropes, turning as he does so, and comes flying through the air, landing on top of Larson's chest cavity with a diving double-foot stomp! Larson's clutching his chest now with the wind clearly driven right out of him... Reid gobbles him up and hooks both legs for the cover!
One!
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Two!
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James Larson rolls his shoulder up!
Shelby: Running facewash, followed up with a double-stomp by Xavier Reid!
Wright: This is what we were looking for out of Reid. The man likes to take his two-twenty something pounds to the air; he likes to use quickness, agility, and flat out speed.
Shelby: Now aren't those three things kind of the same thing? Oh- cover! Kickout by Larson! That was so close!
Wright: Oh yes definitely it was. But back to that- yes, they all do go hand-in-hand but they most definitely are not the same thing. Quickness is that burst... agility is the ability to stay in control and stay balanced through it all... and when all else fails Reid can always rely on his speed to keep distance or to close distance...
Shelby: Are you implying that Xavier Reid should run away?
Wright: Hey- I'm not implying anything!
Reid is clearly frustrated that Larson was able to power through the last combination. He pulls James Larson back up to his feet and smacks him across the face with an open handed slap. The crowd boos when they see this tactic being employed here. The slap seemed to have woken up Larson, who comes back with a vicious knee lift that pulls Reid's feet up off of the ground. James Larson grabs up Xavier Reid and twists him before dropping him down across his back with an inverted headlock back-breaker! Reid writing around on the ground in pain, Larson pops back up only to leap into the air to come down across the chest of his opponent with an empire-sized elbow drop. Larson rolls and hooks the inside leg for the cover-
One!
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Two!
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Xavier Reid shoves James Larson off, getting his shoulder up before the count of three.
Larson isn't done by a long-shot. He transitions right over into a mounted punching attack, and rains down on Reid until Referee Waters forces him to stop or risk being disqualified. Larson rolls off of Reid, and once more Reid is looking to roll towards the ropes to make an exit from the ring. Larson catches Reid by the ankle, pretty much saying 'not this time' to the man who is known for playing advantages. He tries to slide Reid out away from the ropes but Reid holds onto the bottom rope tight with both hands. Larson drops the ankle pick and moves for a grip on Reid's waistline, perhaps to transition him right into a suplex. Referee Waters steps forward and calls for the rope break... when Reid sees him close he reaches up for the belt of the ref and yanks him in, meanwhile drilling Larson between the legs with a shifty, well-hidden low blow. The Alabama crowd lets their voices and their opinions be heard when they rain down on the generational superstar with boos. Even Senior Refere Waters knows that something wrong happened, but he can only issue a stern warning having not physically seen the low blow itself. Reid shakes off whatever it was that Waters had to say. He slides on his knees right over to Larson and hooks the leg for the cover-
Wright: Awh, comeon! Not like this... let's not have Xavier Reid move higher in this tournament due to a low blow!
One!
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Two!
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Thr- NO! James Larson kicks out and the crowd cheers wildly!
Shelby: One, Two, Thr- No! Larson kicks out!
Wright: You can tell by the look in Xavier Reid's eyes that he thought that he might've stolen one right here! But this match continues!
Xavier Reid grabs at his own hair when he sees that two-count symbol being waived around by the Senior Referee. He turns his anger at his opponent, and now it's Reid with a flurry of mounted punches and forearms that rain down wildly on the intelligent madman. Referee Waters counts... 1..2..3..4..5.. but he's got to physically pull Reid off of Larson for Reid to make the break like he was supposed to. Reid tries to turn his attention back towards Larson as quickly as possible but Waters grabs Reid around the waist and pulls him away from Larson. The crowd cheers as Waters enforces the break the way that he sees fit; and when Reid responds with fury Waters doesn't back down. Waters delivers a warning that any further, even minor infraction, will cost him the match and three tournament points! Reid shakes his head furiously and pleads his case, telling Waters what he can and cannot do.
Wright: I don't know about all of this. Perhaps Jacob Waters is going too far here.
Shelby: Too far? No. If anything he's been too lenient considering Reid's history of past infractions.
Wright: Alright, if you say so. But does Waters think that he's doing Larson a favor here, or something?
Shelby: No, man. I think that this is just the Main Event of FSW 47; and it's a Tournament of Power match to boot. The fans paid good money to see a clean winner here, so I think Waters is doing everything in his power to give that to them!
Wright: Yeah, that's true. And besides, if I got kicked in the groin area, I guess I'd be needing the break, too.
In the meantime James Larson works his way back up to his hands and knees. A now furious Xavier Reid comes charging over and delivers a punt kick to the rib cage that sends Larson back over onto the canvas. Reid pulls Larson back up to his feet and yanks him down into the standing headscissors followed up by hoisting him up into the powerbomb position. Reid turns himself towards a nearby corner and charges it. He throws Larson off at the last second with an 'X-ploder' turnbuckle powerbomb! Larson hits back first and crumples down to the mat.
Wright: But all of that might be for nothing as Xavier Reid continues to bring the pain to James Larson!
Shelby: Yeah, I'm not sure if that business with referee Waters didn't just wake up Xavier Reid after all!
Xavier sees Larson down on the mat and he decides to go for it all. He turns and leaps up onto the turnbuckle again, and this time he's got Larson down and squarely in his sights. He stands on the top turnbuckle giving himself a moment to allow the flashbulbs in the arena to go off. He leaps into the air, twisting his body with an impressive corkscrew 450 splash – 'X' marks the spot! But Larson gets his knees up! Xavier Reid comes crashing down on top of James Larson's knees and rolls around on the mat in pain.
Wright: You were saying, Dick?
Shelby: Oh, my! Big time counter there by Larson! Can he back it up and perhaps seal the victory here?
Larson's back to his feet, but he's feeling the effects of the match himself. He has to shake off a bit of pain before he can pull Xavier up to his feet as well, but he does so in complete control. Larson reaches for his hood and pulls the cloth up over his head, which can only mean one thing. Larson shoves Reid away to give himself just enough distance to come running towards him. He leaps into the air looking for the Chain Breaker! -but Xavier Reid side steps him and delivers a shuffle-side kick to the small of Larson's back! Larson hits the ropes chest first and bounces back towards Reid in the process. Reid is waiting. He leaps into the air himself and clutches Larson by the back of the head- X-ecution! No! Larson grabs onto the top rope and Reid gets nothing but a back full of canvas!Reid hits the mat hard but pops right back up to his feet, James Larson charges leaps with the Chain Breaker!!! But Xavier Reid catches him in mid-air and drills him with an X-ecution instead!!!
Shelby: Oh my god! Xavier Reid just caught Larson with that X-ecution! Just when I thought Larson was going to hit the Chain Breaker!
Wright: Codebreaker after codebreaker after codebreaker... and finally one of these men hit it!
Shelby: That's got to be all! Cover!
One!
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Two!
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Three!!!
DING DING DING
Shelby: My god, what a match! Xavier Reid wins!
Wright: Hahaha, and who would have thunk it? A codebreaker ends the night. Man! I should have bet money that one of these two men would have won the match with their version of that very same move.
Shelby: Yeah, well, it's a devastating finishing maneuver, isn't it?
Wright: Oh I've never been hit with a 'Chain Breaker', or an 'X-ecution' before. So I thankfully wouldn't know!
As Reid gets back to his feet, the Referee holds his hand high in the air. The fans here in the Bartow Arena are booing and Reid can't wait to yank his hand away from Jacob Waters, not entirely pleased with the job that the referee has performed here this evening.
Deneen McQueen: The winner of the match and receiving 3 Tournament Points – XAVIER REID!!!!
Shelby: You know, that was one hell of a main event.
Wright: Oh I agree. The fans aren't happy tonight but I think I might know who is. And he's standing right there in the middle of the ring. He's also sitting pretty at the top of the standings with 6 'power points' as you call them, Dick, and now we're already almost penciling Xavier Reid's name into the semi-final round that supposed to happen at a later date.
Shelby: That's true. And thankfully, if you are James Larson right now, you're not nearly at the end of the line with 'only' three points. You come back strong, win the next match, and perhaps you're facing Xavier Reid again in the semis with a little bit of retribution in mind perhaps...
Wright: I don't like to count my chickens before they hatch, but I'd say that at this point it's looking pretty safe to say. But if we're just going to focus on tonight, then our winner here in the Main Event is Xavier Reid, and despite his sometimes underhanded tactics the man deserves all of the kudos and congratulations that go along with this huge victory here tonight.
Shelby: Right. Well, that about does it for episode 47 of Future Stars of Wrestling. I'm telling you, with the way that things have been going as of late, can we just skip ahead two weeks and get right to filming 48?
Wright: That would be awesome, Shelb, but naw. We've got a Rumble in the Bronx to go see! Let's not forget about that!
QUICK RECAP
MATCH 1 - Lancer/Edison d. Bane/Roberts
MATCH 2 - Criss Cassidy d. Matt Angel
MATCH 3 - Hope Diamond d. Lexie Glass
MATCH 4 - No Contest
MATCH 5 - Maggie Lockheart d. Cheyenne
MAIN EVENT - Xavier Reid d. James Larson
MVP: Hope/Lexie
ToP Standings
Xavier Reid - 6 Hope Diamond - 6
James Larson - 3 Maggie Lockheart - 6
Criss Cassidy - 3 Cheyenne - 0
Matt Angel - 0 Lexie Glass - 0
WRITERS : JT, Maggie, Criss, Otaki, Gully, Ace, Larson, Cheyenne
James Larson - 3 Maggie Lockheart - 6
Criss Cassidy - 3 Cheyenne - 0
Matt Angel - 0 Lexie Glass - 0
WRITERS : JT, Maggie, Criss, Otaki, Gully, Ace, Larson, Cheyenne
© THE EXTREME WRESTLING CORPORATION 2017
