Intergalactic Fighting League: Survival of the Fittest!

Zeel1 · January 15, 2019

.1 The Beginning of the End

The crowd was raucous… no, ravenous. A more bloodthirsty audience, you will never see. Diverse, indeed… but not exactly what you would call ‘progressive’. You’d find more civility from spectators in the age of the gladiators. And indeed, the old roman coliseum wars are the closest thing we have to compare it to...

Oh no, this isn’t wrestling. This is far, far from what we know as professional wrestling. Although indeed, some would call it both ‘sport’ and ‘entertainment’... but it’s something far more barbaric than those of us on Earth have ever had to worry about.

Tens of thousands of various species of alien line the marble seating, hollering in all sorts of languages. Below, in the center of a wide expanse arena of dirt, empty aside from various rock formations, and the two beings doing visceral combat in the middle. A red centaur-like creature with four legs that looked like that of a crab was grappling with a being that resembled a bipedal blue crocodile with squid tendrils in place of a mouth. Each of them were covered in each other’s blood.

They were doing battle... to the death.

In contrast with the savage nature of the event, at the top of either side of the arena were huge monitors, making the action all the easier to follow, and they seemed to actually be suspended in mid-air by an unseen force, hinting at an advanced technology.

The competition had been long and grueling for the two warriors. They had each killed many in that arena, and in doing so, they had become heroes to the public. And they loved them, truly… but they were also eager to see one of them die, happily calling for the heads of their would-be champions. They roared deafeningly as the centaur threw his opponent to the ground, wrapped his four legs around him to subdue him and began to strangle him with his bare hands. The reptilian beast struggled and squirmed but was too drained from several battles that night already… the centaur had the clear advantage. Slowly but surely the life faded from the yellow eyes of the scaly creature…

As his opponent died within his hands, the centaur showed no remorse… he rose, took a breath and then took in the rapturous applause from a crowd that simply couldn’t be happier to see the demise. Meanwhile, from their equivalent of a skybox, a hulking humanoid figure in a purple hood watched… the only skin showing was his pale white face. His eyes were a piercing purple, a proud smirk growing.

Mere minutes later, that same creature was down there himself, a microphone in his hand.

“Tell me...” he spoke in his native tongue, his voice booming and authoritative. “...is there anywhere else in this or any galaxy, where you can be witness to such carnage without any worry of repercussion? Is there anyone else who would show you such beautiful destruction and bloodshed…? No. No, this wonderful competition that you’ve just witnessed is something you will ONLY find here, in the IFL!”

The crowd was even louder, cheering thunderously… they truly loved the man responsible for all of this. He soaked in the adulation for quite some time… he tried to speak again but he gave up, knowing that he’d be drowned out by his adoring audience. Finally, he was able to wave them down enough to continue. “...Unfortunately, this was billed as the grand climax for a reason… it signals the end of what has been a truly remarkable series.”

Immediately, the cheers turn to boos, the audience unhappy with the idea of the violence ending. But he was quick to wave this off. “No, no, I know… it’s sad, but don’t fret. For with this end, comes a new beginning...” he assures them. “I know the long layoff between this series and the last was torture for you all, a pain worse than any of our champions had to experience. But this time shall be different… the next roster has already been decided. I truly believe that this crop of warriors shall be even greater than the last… and you will see them in our new series in this very arena… starting NEXT WEEK!”

As he finished this grand declaration, the audience was absolutely apoplectic. Celebratory fights started breaking out in the stands, as per standard tradition. The boss had to speak over them at this point, “As for who they are… you’ll just have to show up or tune in to find out! But they’ll be nothing like you’ve ever seen before, a surprise for the ages!”

He lowered his microphone with a smile, and chuckled under his breath. “And it’ll be quite the surprise for them, as well...”

-----

Kevin Owens lounged in his lawn chair, letting out a yawn as he chuckled at the sight of Rocky, one of his little dogs running around chasing his young son Owen. The two of them circled the resting wrestler, racing around without a care in the world. It was a rare peaceful day for Kevin… he’d just all but finished up the rehabilitation process from his knee surgery months prior, and was feeling good as he got to rest at his home for the weekend, still waiting for the last stages of being cleared by the WWE doctors. Compared to everywhere else a wrestler could ply their trade, this process really seemed to take forever.

That could get annoying to most, but with someone who put as much into raising a family as Kevin did, he had to appreciate the extra time with them it gave him. And it didn’t exactly come at a bad time, as it meant he could give his best friend some company whilst he was also on the shelf, in pretty much the same situation.

“Hey, uh, buddy…?” Sami Zayn spoke up, poking his head out of the screen door to the backyard. “Just wanted to let you know, you are officially out of fig newtons...”

“Dammit, Sami!” Kevin laughed, sitting up abruptly like he was about to come rushing after him.

“Wasn’tmebutalsosorry!” Sami yelled quickly as he closed the door, ducking away in fear for his life.

Owens chuckled and continued watching his son play around… he needed this. After all that physical therapy, it was a stark reminder of the fact that he truly had it all. Good family, good friends, adorable pets and of course, the career of his dreams… he was truly a lucky man. That thought rang through his head as he stared at his son, his eyes becoming weary from just how relaxed he was… he was so close to slumber that he almost didn’t notice the bright light enveloping him.

Inside, Sami was oblivious. “Ooh damn, is that pudding?!” he ecstatically asked no one in particular, being alone in the room. He glanced around to confirm this, grinning mischievously as he took up the ladle and raised it to his lips to sample the sweetness.

A split second later, the ladle dropped to the floor with a series of clangs, noisily bouncing off the kitchen tiles.

“...Sami?” a woman called out from another room. Kevin’s wife Karina poked her head into the room inquisitively, confused to see no one present. Before she could do anything else, she heard a frantic but feeble pounding on the screen door.

Rushing over, she opened it to find her son darting in, wrapping his little arms around her legs, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Wha…? Owen?! What’s wrong, honey? What happened?” she asked, kneeling down to hold him.

“I-It’s dad, he… he...” the confused boy began, unable to finish his sentence as he truly had no idea what just went down before his very eyes.

“What’s the matter, sweetie? Daddy’s right…” she began, but trailed off as she looked outside. The husband and father that seemed ready to pass out on the lounge chair moments ago was nowhere to be found.

Without even the slightest warning, Kevin and Sami had disappeared without a trace.

-----

Kevin opened his eyes into a brand new world. He could only see a few feet in front of him, as he was in a dark expanse room… a thick case of glass was just before him. It took him a few moments to realize that he was standing inside some kind of pod. Thanks to the state he was in during his last waking moments, it was easy to assume he was dreaming… but the vague ache in the center of his back dissuaded him from that thought. He slowly reached back to tend to it, but was confused by the cold steel he felt…

“What…? What’s happening…?” he asked.

As if on cue, the lights came on in the huge, empty room, revealing white walls and floors made of what looked like marble. And Kevin’s pod opened. Warily, he stepped outside of it to see that his was but one in a lengthy line of pods, and out of each one, stepped a different wrestler. Wrestlers from all reaches of the industry, all of whom he recognized, most of which he knew personally… now, he was again certain that he must’ve been dreaming.

“Kevin…?”

He turned to see his friend Sami Zayn standing beside him, scanning around the room. “Where… where are we?”

He looked frightened. Kevin quickly realized he should be too. “I… have no idea, how did we get here…? We were just at my house, what the hell...?”

Nobody was there to explain the situation to them, so the workers began to spread out and converse amongst themselves. The Canadian duo spoke to the man among the group who they’d probably shared a roster with for the longest time collectively, Seth Rollins, and also took the time to reunite with former fellow ROH stalwarts The Briscoe Brothers, Mark and Jay. But slowly they questioned everyone else… nobody seemed to have any memory of how they arrived here, as they were all doing something different at the time.

John Hennigan, better known by… various names, was actually in the middle of a jog. Old Terry Funk was finishing up an autograph signing. Zack Sabre Jr. was just gearing up for a match in his home country. Star free agent Kenny Omega was on a plane, flying to another in what seemed like an endless line of contract negotiations.

Many did recount a white light filling their vision, but aside from that, nobody had any details. All of them were in the midst of regular day-to-day activities only to be… seemingly just flashed out of their existence without warning.

They also noticed the odd trait that they all now shared… metal devices that were now jutting out of their backs, as though they’d been surgically implanted.

“Oh my God, are they…? Are those probes?” young Colby Corino asked to the room, starting to get frantic. “Have… have we been abducted by aliens?!”

A handful of the workers began to laugh, trailing off when they saw the serious faces others donned at the idea. It was, frankly, as reasonable an explanation as any for the uncanny scenario.

“Hmhmhm… you’re half right...”

The room as a whole was startled by the unfamiliar voice, and they all turned to see the robed figure walk in, a proud smirk on his face.

An angry Penta El Zero M, better known to some as Pentagon Jr., was the first to speak up. “Are you the son of a bitch who brought us here?!”

“Is… is that… a mask or…?” Madison Rayne nervously asked, staring at the alien's pale white face.

“You better explain yourself before we all jump your ass...” Alberto El Patron declared.

“Oh believe me… that would be a very, very poor idea.” he chuckled, as with a snap of his porcelain white fingers, a few dozen figures stormed in; aliens of various races, all atleast human-sized if not a bit larger, all dressed in armor and wielding what looked like futuristic spears.

Just like that, there was little denying the possibility of abduction…

“Wh-what the hell?!” Madison squeaked. Gasps and screams like that were common as they were faced with this shocking scenario.

“This officially isn’t funny...” Baron Corbin grumbled, the only one who was visibly skeptical. “Did we seriously get kidnapped by a buncha damn Comic Con geeks?”

In response, one of them twirled their spear around and jabbed Baron in the stomach with the blunt end, enough to stagger him back. This signaled many members of the group to don a fighting stance, and to that, the guards flipped a switch on their spears, causing them to light up visibly with electricity. Suddenly, nobody particularly felt like charging in…

“Hmhmhm...” the clear leader of the bunch chuckled. “Your resistance is… not recommended, but I do very much appreciate the tenacity. Showing fighting spirit already… you’d do well to harness that. Since you’re all so curious, allow me to explain to you the situation you’ve been placed in.”

He began to pace, despite his calm demeanor… personally eyeing all thirty of his chosen abductees as he told them, “First of all, I should probably confirm for you that you are no longer on Earth. Each one of you have been taken to… well, not a world per se, but we’ll say we’re in the Gralais Galaxy at the moment. I'm sure you're not familiar with it... it's far beyond the quaint little solar system your race has charted. Hmhm.. I see many of you are in disbelief, but that’s okay… you’ll have to face that fact sooner or later. Either way, you know now where you are! So the next logical question is probably, ‘why am I here?’... and that, to me, is a much more fascinating question...”

The colorless man paused as he looked piercingly into the eyes of Tommy Dreamer, then Kota Ibushi, then James Storm... they all tried to put on a brave face and act as though their minds weren’t breaking as he spoke.

“...You see… we here in this galaxy, have a thirst, a hunger… for violence and bloodshed. An innate, carnal pleasure that I’m sure your race would understand.” he explained, with a widening grin. “To finally quench this desire, a league was formed… a league that I head up, these days. It takes warriors from all reaches of the galaxy, and thus is called the Intergalactic Fighting League… but it’s not like your ‘wrestling’... these fights are very real. In fact… they’re fights to the death.”

He paused, letting that sit, trying not to laugh at the dropped jaws as most seemed to understand where this was going. “...A number of warriors begin, and the series goes on until only one remains. The last man or woman standing is given the greatest prize of all… life! Understand now, that only one of you will survive. Only one of you will go home. And if you wish to be that one, you are expected to kill any number of the people standing beside you right now in front of the adoring fans that pack my own special little arena.”

“...Oh my God...” Hennigan mumbled, his eyes racing as he reached up to hold his temples, trying to keep his head from spinning. “O-Oh, oh my God, oh my God...”

“As for the devices you were speaking of before...” the alien went on, ignoring Hennigan’s growing freakout. “...those are unique indeed. You see, a funny thing about the Gralais Galaxy… it’s a region of space with absolutely no gravity to speak of. The only thing holding you to the ground right now are those plugs in your back. For most, they’re impossible to pull out. For you... well, hmhm, they’re a little looser. For the record, the arena you will be fighting in has no ceiling… the sky goes into space, beyond where our oxygen machines can grant you air. You likely see where I’m going with this. Pulling those plugs should be the easiest way for any of you to… eliminate the competition.”

The group again looks to one another's plugs. Some of them reach back to consciously, perhaps protectively touch their own.

“I know it might seem strange to recruit playfighters for an organization like this, no offense, but it’s always frustrated me, the lack of star power our greatest warriors have really had. So many of them barely ever wish to speak or appeal to the crowd at all, it seems so limiting for our growth.” he calmly explained, although at that point everyone was struggling to hear him over their own internal screaming. “Our official will actually provide microphones to anyone who might want them before or after a match, so by all means, show off those verbal chops! Most of the audience won’t understand human languages but our mics come equipped with autotranslators to our common tongue, so they’ll easily be able to follow you. What’s more, I see such great wasted athleticism and resilience in all of you, and I truly do see great potential in this roster… I do hope you’ll do me proud.”

With his speech seemingly finished, there was a long, tense pause as this load of devastating information sank in. Finally, someone stepped up, and the guards before him braced in response. But the amused alien overlord waved them off with a smirk, signalling them to clear the way, allowing the man to step forward, though they went back into place afterwards, creating a wall of flesh between the two of them and the others.

“I’ll do a hell of a lot more than do you proud...” John Cena declared. “...I’ll put a stop to this right now. If you think for one second any of us are going along with this madness, you don’t know a damn thing about us… you don’t know a damn thing about humanity.”

Cena had seemingly accepted this all as legitimate before anyone else, yet remained calm and staunch in the face of it. He walked right over to the alien, having to look up a little bit to look him in the eye. In truth, he was petrified on the inside, but he refused to show it…

“I’m going to let you know… I’m not even going to consider going along with this, I’m never giving you what you want. And I know everyone else here feels the same damn way.” he boldly declares. “If I’m gonna fight anybody… it’s you. Whatever your name is, you’re going down.”

“Hm… hmhmhmhm...” the boss chuckled in response… before breaking out into full-blown, maniacal laughter, which is not what the more nervous amongst the group needed to hear. “...Ohhh I do so love you heroic types. Always good for a laugh. So you wish to face me instead, do you…? In that case… I have no choice but to make an example out of you. And what a beautiful example you’ll be... but first... you just reminded me of my poor manners. Allow me to introduce myself...”

With that, he tore off his robe, revealing his enormous, chiseled physique underneath, plated in body armor. He donned a fighting stance as he yelled, “My name is Malell! And I may head the league these days, but before that… I won it myself! Let me show you now, what you’re up against!”

Cena hesitated just a bit, but ripped off his shirt and rushed into battle, getting a few cheers from his compatriots, though most seemed more worried for him than anything. He tried to tackle the alien to the floor, only to see his shocking speed on display as he seemed to sidestep him with ease, letting him fall to his knees.

“Ah good, so you’ve learned your place that quickly, then?” he mocked.

Undeterred, Cena scrambled up to his feet and reared back his fist as far as he could, launching his fist right into the alien’s face. He just stood there and took it, barely even registering the blow. He just smiled his sharp, toothy grin… Cena gasped, but grit his teeth and swung again. This time, the alien caught him by the wrist, painfully twisting it, Cena’s groans failing to drown out the sickening crunch of bone.

Still fighting, Cena swiveled his hips and reached between the alien being’s thick legs… and managed to hoist him up onto his shoulders with one arm! Unfortunately, this attempt at an old favorite was cut off quickly when Malell slashed across his face, his lengthy sharp nails scraping like claws into Cena’s eyes. This allowed him to easily slip away from his opponent as Cena howled in pain, bringing his hands to his face, a trickle of blood dripping from his fingers…

Malell followed up with a vicious uppercut to his stomach, burying his fist in his abs, quite literally as his hand sank to the wrist, disappearing into Cena’s gut. He then stepped back, allowing him to collapse to the floor, coughing uncontrollably as he tended to the gaping hole left behind, trying to contain the blood as it fell all too quickly from him.

The others began to rush in to help, only to be quickly reminded of the electrically charged blades that were currently being shoved into their faces. They were helpless to do anything but watch as Malell grabbed Cena by the back of the neck, showing off some incredible strength as he picked him up like this from the floor, hoisting him into the air. The ground shook as he slammed him facefirst into it with frightening power.

As the others looked on in horror, Malell gazed up at the ceiling. With a snap of his fingers, the ceiling opened up, revealing itself to be like a repurposed launch bay of sorts. They looked up at the impossibly black night sky above them… clearly no respite waiting for them out there.

“Let this serve as a lesson to you. A lesson to never try and challenge me...” Malell boasted. “...and… a lesson on technique, as there’s a certain trick to this. Do watch closely…”

He knelt down and reached towards Cena. The brave man was wounded and nearly rendered unconscious from the last slam, unable to resist as Malell effortlessly yanked out the plug from his back. By the time he realized what was happening, all he could do was scream… scream as he drifted off into the abyss. Before long, he had disappeared into the darkness… the only evidence of his existence being the little pool of blood he’d left on the floor.

Once his scream faded, there was utter silence. What could anyone possibly say in the face of the grim reality they were forced to accept…? They’d been abducted by aliens… aliens who had now murdered John Cena, right before their very eyes. His life ended so abruptly, so callously… status meant nothing, bravery meant nothing… if he could die like that, they knew then that any of them could. There was no room for denial about their situation… they were seriously going to be forced to fight to the death, or face an execution just like John did.

“Ah… a pity. 30 seemed like such a nice number…” Malell lamented. “But I suppose 29 warriors to start with will suffice. Well then… you all have quite a lot to think about. I’ll leave you to it… my guards shall escort you to your lodgings. The first show is in three days… do try and mentally prepare yourselves until then. And remember… we aim to entertain.”

With his villainous smile ever-present, Malell turned and walked away, a guard picking up his robe and following after him as he left the warriors to stew in the nightmare he’d just created for them.

They turned their heads, looking at each other. They saw friends, colleagues, even family in some cases… and they were really expected... to…? They couldn't even formulate the idea. The very notion seemed incomprehensible.

Naturally, they were all frightened… but for Kevin Owens, and, he suspected, many others, the truly most terrifying thing was the thought running through his head in that moment.

The thought that he would do anything to get back to his family...

Zeel1 · January 15, 2019

(This post will be updated throughout the diary. For the sake of avoiding spoilers for new readers, details are hidden behind this forum's apparent equivalent for spoiler tags. Click the arrows below to see who currently still lives, and who has already died...)

Chapter List

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330641&postcount=1" rel="external nofollow">.1 The Beginning Of The End</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330660&postcount=4" rel="external nofollow">.2 Trust No One</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330749&postcount=5" rel="external nofollow">.3 Bloodsport</a> - (IFL Bloodsport I)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2331233&postcount=10" rel="external nofollow">.4 I Want Blood</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2331937&postcount=11" rel="external nofollow">.5 True Warriors</a> - (IFL Bloodsport II)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332120&postcount=12" rel="external nofollow">.6 I Could Do It</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332335&postcount=13" rel="external nofollow">.7 Entry I</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332602&postcount=14" rel="external nofollow">.8 A Real Monster</a> - (IFL Bloodsport III)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2334403&postcount=17" rel="external nofollow">.11 Immunity</a> - (IFL Bloodsport IV)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335003&postcount=19" rel="external nofollow">.12 Just A Brave Face</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335662&postcount=22" rel="external nofollow">.13 He Won't Hurt Me</a> - (IFL Killer Instinct)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2337688&postcount=24" rel="external nofollow">.14 The Storm</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2337936&postcount=30" rel="external nofollow">.15 Entry II</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2339895&postcount=34" rel="external nofollow">.16 Vicarious</a> - (IFL Bloodsport V)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2347611&postcount=47" rel="external nofollow">.17 The Honest Few</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2348010&postcount=50" rel="external nofollow">.18 My Reason</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2348475&postcount=52" rel="external nofollow">.19 Written In The Stars</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2348738&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow">.20 Sorry 'Bout Your Damn Luck</a> - (IFL Bloodsport VI)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2371886&postcount=64" rel="external nofollow">.22 Do Or Die</a> - (IFL Bloodsport VII)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2373069&postcount=68" rel="external nofollow">.23 It Should've Been You</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2373350&postcount=70" rel="external nofollow">.24 Entry III</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2374801&postcount=76" rel="external nofollow">.25 Unmasked</a> - (IFL Bloodsport VIII)

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2374808&postcount=80" rel="external nofollow">.26 Entry IV</a>

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2375495&postcount=81" rel="external nofollow">.27 Battlelines</a>

(Spoilers below)

<div style="text-align:center;"><table border="0" bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td align="center" width = "60"> <details><summary><img alt="DT9aLKc.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DT9aLKc.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></summary>

<img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Alberto El Patron

<img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Bobby Roode

<img alt="Z5hv7Bw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z5hv7Bw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Braun Strowman

<img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Charlotte Flair

<img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Colby Corino

<img alt="evhIhfq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/evhIhfq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jay Briscoe

<img alt="NjAxbZU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NjAxbZU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jay Lethal

<img alt="sY9zM1c.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sY9zM1c.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Johnny Galaxy

<img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kenny Omega

<img alt="FIJbDfk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FIJbDfk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kevin Owens

<img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kota Ibushi

<img alt="E7L4i6U.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E7L4i6U.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Mark Briscoe

<img alt="0K4vhmf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0K4vhmf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Marty Scurll

<img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Penta el Zero M

<img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rey Fenix

<img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Sami Callihan

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Seth Rollins

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Terry Funk

<img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Tetsuya Naito

<img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Tomohiro Ishii

<img alt="bObB0Uy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bObB0Uy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Tyler Bate

<img alt="qI99sk8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qI99sk8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Zack Sabre Jr.</details></details></td></tr></table></summary>

<table border="0" bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td align="center" width = "60"> <details><summary><img alt="lNHRpdH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lNHRpdH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></summary>

<img alt="sFZNGJ7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sFZNGJ7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

John Cena

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330641&postcount=1" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Malell after challenging him during the initial gathering)</a>

<img alt="9OJaXQk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9OJaXQk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Tommy Dreamer

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335662&postcount=22" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Sami Callihan at the end of a hardcore match during IFL Killer Instinct)</a>

<img alt="YqwjlpA.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YqwjlpA.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Sami Zayn

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335662&postcount=22" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Kevin Owens after Penta, Fenix, Alberto and Callihan emerged to gang up on him after their match at IFL Killer Instinct)</a>

<img alt="bWCH5td.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bWCH5td.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Fabian Aichner

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2348738&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Braun Strowman at IFL Bloodsport VI)</a>

<img alt="t04pFth.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/t04pFth.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

James Storm

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2348738&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Bobby Roode after he turned on him during a match with the Lucha Brothers at IFL Bloodsport VI)</a>

<img alt="PpUWfGa.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PpUWfGa.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Baron Corbin

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2348738&postcount=53" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Bobby Roode after he interfered in his match with Tetsuya Naito at IFL Bloodsport VI)</a>

<img alt="et38QSm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/et38QSm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Madison Rayne

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2371886&postcount=64" rel="external nofollow">(Eliminated by Charlotte Flair at the end of a Do Or Die match at IFL Bloodsport VII)</a>

<img alt="ay1ooD6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ay1ooD6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Frightmare

<a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2374808&postcount=80" rel="external nofollow">(Hung himself after being forced to unmask)</a>

</details></details></td></tr></table></summary></details>

Factions

<table border="0" bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td align="center" width = "60"> <details><summary><img alt="x9L91Ji.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/x9L91Ji.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></summary>

<img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kenny Omega - Kota Ibushi

<img alt="NjAxbZU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NjAxbZU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bObB0Uy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bObB0Uy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jay Lethal - Tyler Bate

<img alt="evhIhfq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/evhIhfq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="E7L4i6U.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E7L4i6U.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jay Briscoe - Mark Briscoe

<img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Colby Corino

</details></details></td></tr></table></summary></details>

<table border="0" bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td align="center" width = "60"> <details><summary><img alt="bOD9pA6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bOD9pA6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></summary>

<img alt="FIJbDfk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FIJbDfk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kevin Owens - Sami Callihan

<img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Penta el Zero M - Rey Fenix

<img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Alberto El Patron - Bobby Roode

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<table border="0" bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td align="center" width = "60"> <details><summary><img alt="E2fDLHN.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E2fDLHN.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></summary>

<img alt="4N92MpZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4N92MpZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Seth Rollins - Tomohiro Ishii

<img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qI99sk8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qI99sk8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Tetsuya Naito - Zack Sabre Jr.

<img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0K4vhmf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0K4vhmf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Charlotte Flair - Marty Scurll

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Zeel1 · January 15, 2019

So yeah. In case the intro doesn't get this across: this diary is to be a unique one. Though, not a totally original one... actually, it's meant as a spiritual successor (read: total ripoff) of a very old - as in, around fifteen years old at the time of writing this - EWB diary that I really enjoyed way, way back in the day. It was known as the Intergalactic Wrestling Federation, made by someone named Plankton. In the highy unlikely event that he sees this... hope you don't mind me nicking the concept! It's done out of love I swear!

And I should give the same kinda disclaimer he used to use as well. It's using wrestlers who, obviously are real people and to a large extent it is portraying them in their real lives, and I realize that's a bit off considering the content of this. But I want to state that nothing in this is done out of malice, I consider myself a fan of basically every wrestler used here. Honestly, I have a lot of respect for pretty much any wrestler by default, but, the point is... it's all for the sake of drama and telling a story, nothing beyond that. So please don't read anything into what you see.

This is only my second wrestling diary, with my first being around a decade ago now... which, feels crazy to say. I was a teenager back then and a rookie writer; literally, it was among the very first things that made me realize that I wanted to write for a living in the first place. Nowadays I basically do just that, but I'm kinda boxed into what I have to write, rarely getting to do anything truly dramatic, or tell lengthy narratives and I want to get back into the swing of that. By chance, I stumbled upon the IWF thread again and gave myself a nostalgia kick reading through it again, and it made me think of doing my own version.

The inspiration is also partly to do with Danganronpa, a game series with a vaguely similar premise; in Discord chats of mine, a common idea was putting various characters into a Danganronpa scenario, one of them being a crop of wrestlers... the sorta interchangability of this, the "what if you put THESE people into this premise" combined with the IWF itself having multiple series helped give me the thought of picking my own wrestlers and seeing what came to mind.

A lot of the setup is more or less identical, but I've had a lot of fun plotting this story out and I believe that I've got enough little twists, and a different enough writing style to set it apart. The original story was also actually very adverse to genuinely killing anyone... this story shall be uh, less so! So that's a pretty major difference there.

This WILL be done with TEW2016... the story could honestly easily be told without the aid of any booking sim to speak of, but... I don't think I'd be allowed to post it here if so, and the original was done through EWR so it's only right. Grades will be posted, even though they honestly don't mean anything for these purposes, more or less just because again, it's how it was in the original so I'm just trying to be a faithful successor... and also some assurance that I do indeed run these shows through the game. For the sheer hell of it I actually ran Malell vs. Cena, if for nothing else than to justify actually putting Cena on the roster despite knowing he wouldn't make it past the intro. It got a B!

Those presumably few who may remember me from my first diary, TCW: Total Control, might recall that I liked to write out matches in-depth. I am still a pretty wordy sumbitch when it comes to writing so I won't promise none of that, but as the focus of this diary is entirely different than the norm, that definitely won't be the case at first. It's actually entirely likely that the first couple of shows will be shorter than the story posts that precede them. That miiight just change with time though...

One last thing. Every worker has an image assigned to them... I wanted to have one for the head honcho alien Malell as well but, I'm super picky when it comes to this and it seems unlikely that I'm just gonna find a good representation by chance. So unless something happens there, he'll go unpictured... let's say it's for the sake of keeping him mysterious. Your monitor may well be unable to grasp his true form...

Zeel1 · January 15, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330641&postcount=1" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .2 Trust No One <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330749&postcount=5" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div>

It had been a few hours since they’d awoken in those pods… God knows how long they were in there, being fitted with the plugs that they now depended on to live. Their living arrangements were large but dereft of personality. Nothing but white stone everywhere they looked. It did nothing to quell the discomfort of the situation…

There were six rooms arranged for them to sleep in, with five apiece becoming roommates with whomever they chose. This made it all the more impossible to ignore the fact that before anything had even begun, before any of them could even get their bearings or come to terms with the truth of it all, they were already down one man… meaning one room only had four.

Other then the bedrooms and the bathrooms, there was a larger room that seemed to more or less be a lounge of sorts. They were all gathered in it, some finding seats, some standing, too anxious to rest.

For the longest time, no one said a word. No one made any attempt to break the awkward silence, heavy though it weighed on them. It was as though an unspoken understanding had arisen… the kind you might see between death row inmates all being shoved out together. They were taken off guard, given no time to come up with fitting last words.

Finally, someone felt the need to cut through the unbearable quiet. Dreamer spoke up, “...We… need to figure out what we’re gonna do here.”

“Die.” Frightmare mumbled. “We’re all going to die here...”

“Dammit, why would you say something like that?!” Marty Scurll shouted.

“S-Sorry…” Frightmare quietly replied, looking away. He had no clue how to deal with it… Marty didn’t follow up, as he certainly didn’t either.

“We can’t just assume we’re not gonna make it, alright?” Jay Lethal replied, looking Frightmare in the eye… as best he could with the mask, anyway. “You’re getting out of here. We’re ALL getting out of here.”

“He said only one of us was making it out...” Alberto deadpanned.

“Well to hell with what he said!” Mark Briscoe shouted. “I’m not gonna just lay down and die for no man OR alien!”

“Is that your way of saying you’ll be the first to take us out…?” Fabian Aichner plainly asked.

“What…? Naw that ain’t what I meant...” Mark replied. “I’m not doing what that sumbitch wants me to do!”

“That sounds a lot like what… he said...” Madison groaned. She wasn’t able to bring herself to actually namedrop Cena. That made it easier to be in denial about his death, after all.

“Guys… I know it’s rough, I’m in the same boat...” Dreamer sighed. “But we need to focus, here. We have to come up with a plan…”

Tetsuya Naito shook his head. “No plan… no help. We’re trapped...”

“Oh thanks Naito, got any more good news?!” Kevin snapped at him, leaping out of his chair. “I don’t know about you but I have people back home, people that need me! Being trapped here is NOT an option, I need to get out of here!”

“Ohhhhhh God...” Hennigan groaned, his demeanor not exactly improving much since the beginning. He was rocking back and forth, trying to keep it together… and failing. “Ohhh God we’re ****ed… we’re entirely ****ed! We’re all going to die here! Th-there’s nothing we can do, we’re a million miles away from anyone that could help us and they could kill us so easily if we don’t do what they say and WE HAVE NO IDEA WHERE WE ARE OR IF THERE’S EVEN A DAMN PLANET NEAR HERE I’M FREAKING OUT!”

Funk, who was sitting nearby, slapped him across the face as he seemed to be on the verge of hyperventilating. “Hey! Get ahold of yourself! Panicking isn’t gonna get anybody anywhere!”

“How is he supposed to stay calm…?” Colby asked, a shudder to his voice. “Any of you could be conspiring to kill right now!”

“Don’t even start!” Dreamer shouted. “No one! Is killing! ANYBODY!”

“Don’t try and speak for everybody.” Baron muttered. “You got no idea what everyone else is thinking.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rey Fenix asked.

Baron shrugged. “It means what it means… listen, I’m not out to get anybody, and I’m not gonna hurt anyone unless they make me. But I want to make one thing clear… in a situation like this? I can’t trust you guys. Not a one.”

“Oh, that’s nice...” Charlotte Flair shook her head. “C’mon Baron, we work with a lot of these people, see them everyday… you really think any of us are capable of...”

She held her forehead as she trailed off. Baron stood up, commanding a bit more attention.

“What I think doesn’t matter… what matters is what I know.” Baron matter-of-factly declared. “And what I know is if someone’s life is on the line… they’ll surprise you. All I’m saying is, if you’re just sitting there assuming nobody will hurt you, you’re already in trouble.”

He sat right back down, finishing, “Trust no one... that’s my advice. Take it or leave it.”

Another tense silence emerged… the only noise being Hennigan’s frantic groans. Unable to deal with that for too long, Kenny decided to end that quickly, sharing what he’d been thinking about.

“Everyone… listen for a moment, alright?” he spoke up loudly as he stood. Everyone atleast knew him by rep enough to take notice of him. Kota stood up next to him, to give him some support. Kenny smiled a little at that, but had to hide it. “...We are all going to make it out of here just fine. Let’s just think about this, okay? I don’t claim to know intergalactic law but... there’s no way what’s happening here is legal. They’re forcing us to fight against our will and, apparently broadcasting it on television…? We make it clear that we don’t wanna be here hurting each other, someone will come to put a stop to this. Someone will save us...”

He was shockingly calm… he knew he wouldn’t be if Kota weren’t here, but he was able to speak reasonably enough for everyone to understand. They seemed to slowly nod along with him.

“All we have to do is stall for time until then… we work this next show like it’s any other. We just, wrestle… we don’t have to hurt each other at all.” he explained. “Give it two weeks, tops, they’ll have people swarming in here to get us out, and get us back home.”

“Malell won’t like it...” Tyler Bate noted. “What if… he punishes us for not playing along?”

“Once we’re out there the first time, his hands will be tied.” Kenny reasoned. “The people will expect to see us again… he can’t just get rid of us all if none of us play ball with him.”

“So it depends on nobody going against the grain, then… absolutely nobody...” Baron grumbled. Kenny slit his eyes at him and he just shrugged. “Hey, I’ll go with it.”

Kenny looked across the room… some seemed less convinced by his logic than others, but they couldn’t necessarily poke holes in the idea either. Even Hennigan finally managed to quiet down a little.

The conversation finally got a little more casual after that, as friends paired up and everyone tried to assure each other everything would be okay. But noticeably, one man didn’t speak the entire time… though everyone was frazzled to the point of not exactly judging him, or even really noticing… throughout it all, Sami Callihan sat in the corner, just watching.

It was already fairly late when they were brought in, so night came quickly. They made their ways to the rooms they were shown and got into bed… everyone except Baron, who chose to take a pillow and blanket out into the hall rather than share a room with anyone, just out of precaution.

The few days leading up to the next show were sure to be a lot longer...

Zeel1 · January 15, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330660&postcount=4" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .3 Bloodsport <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2331233&postcount=10" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;">IFL Bloodsport I</div> The screen fades in, as always, to the deafening roar of a crowd thirsting for blood. They were still on a high from the end of the last series and the new one started up had them even more impossibly rowdy than usual. As some kind of twisted alien metal blared in the background, our two... unique commentators usher in the audience. One was a disturbingly rail-thin, gray skinned alien with enormous pure black eyes, an elderly woman named Sivian. The other was the exact opposite, an eight foot tall, thousand pound bulbous, green-skinned middle-aged alien man known as Hazazz. Hazazz: It's time!!! YES! Sivian honey I feel like this was the longest week of my life! How can I be expected to live without the IFL?! Sivian: I know, I know... and it seems as though these people felt the same. But none of us have to wait any longer... the carnage begins anew tonight. Fresh new wounds to open, beautiful new heroes to watch crumble... Hazazz: Ugggh you know the way to my heart... I'm so ready for the killing to start! But the only question is... who's doing the killing?! Sivian: Malell has been unusually tight-lipped about who will be involved in this series... rumors have abounded that it's an alien race we've never seen before. That would seem to promise brand new murder methods... Hazazz: Arrrgggh how long do we have to vamp?! I neeeeeeed th- wait... wait, WAIT, THERE HE IS! YES! THERE'S MALELL! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Indeed, out walks Malell into the coliseum, waving to his adoring fans who just can not get enough of him. He smirked as he peered out from under his purple hood, reaching over and grabbing a microphone from the anthropomorphic fish who was serving as referee. "Welcome, one and all to Series 9 of our beloved bastion of brutality... ladies and gentleman this is the IFL!" he proudly announced, to another thunderous applause. After a brief wait to let it die down ever so slightly, he continued, "You've all been so very saintly in your patience... tonight, I am finally ready to unveil the new roster! They all come from a planet called Earth... they call themselves humans. And while most of them may not look like much, I assure you, they will surprise you... I have 29 warriors ready for you, and most of them shall be making their debuts tonight, as we have eight matches in store!" The crowd knew incredibly little about the details of what he was speaking of, and yet they couldn't help but roar their approval of his every word. "Our marquee matches will see two of our largest, Baron Corbin and the behemoth Braun Strowman teaming up against two fighters who I've ascertained hail from a similar region, Tyler Bate and Zack Sabre Jr.! Two of the brightest stars of Earth face off as Charlotte Flair goes one-on-one with Bobby Roode! And our main event will see two of our very hardest hitters pit against each other in a brutal brawl... when Kenny Omega squares off with Tomohiro Ishii!" They continue to applaud his announcements, especially pleased with the sound of that last one... "All of this and more tonight, on IFL Bloodsport! As always with us, you can expect nothing but the very, very worst..." he finished with a chuckle. The cheering continued even after he sauntered away. <img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: What a lovely man. Hazazz: He's my favorite person! ...What the hell is a human?! Sivian: Can't say... but I'm going to love finding out. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iFovXoD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iFovXoD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="4N92MpZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4N92MpZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> John Hennigan vs. Seth Rollins ------- Rollins came out, mystified by the sight of the bizarre arena, stunned as he scanned the crowd... to him they appeared like a moshpit, one that happened to be filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes. He was so caught up in the sights and sounds of it all that he barely noticed his opponent meekly entering from the other side. Hennigan was clearly not looking for a fight, or even a typical wrestling match. Rollins tried to lock up with him and call spots, but Hennigan's mind was clearly elsewhere and he was struggling to cooperate. Rollins reared his fist back for what was clearly a telegraphed working punch, and Hennigan just seized up, staggering backwards... the crowd was confused by his antics. Seth tried to reason with him, only to get him whimpering, "I don't want to be here, I don't want to be here..." like a self-mantra. Rollins sighed, but couldn't exactly blame him for not being in the right headspace for this. So he told him to simply lay down. Hennigan acquiesced and his opponent pinned him. After some explaining to the puzzled referee, he eventually went down for a three count. As Rollins stood, and was declared the winner, the crowd's befuddlement turned to outrage, as they loudly booed this. Hennigan was quick to rush back out of the arena and Seth wasn't exactly lingering either. Winner: Seth Rollins by pinfall, after Hennigan laid down for him, at the 1:01 mark <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: What... what was that? Sivian: Hrm. Humans have... a curious fighting style. Hazazz: Curious?! It was non-existent! Did those guys even want to fight?! Sivian: Well... one can only assume they were opening because Malell knew it would be the worst of the bunch. Surely the next match will be far and away better then that. Hazazz: It sure as hell can't be worse! That match was a disgrace to violence itself! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="W6oSkBK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W6oSkBK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TTfjpPd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TTfjpPd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="FIJbDfk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FIJbDfk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RRUiOub.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RRUiOub.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Terry Funk & Tommy Dreamer vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn ------- This match was much closer to a regular contest, albeit with some awkwardness in the beginning, with everyone being rather confused as to why only Dreamer and Sami were squaring off. Eventually after taking Tommy down with an arm drag, Sami tried to tag in Owens, only to see no acknowledgement from the ref. Kevin tentatively came in and stomped Tommy, to no resistance. Eventually it became clear; there were no such thing as 'tags' in IFL... every tag match would have to be done tornado style. Awkwardly, the four came together and threw punches... but after quietly taking this in, the boos slowly came in again as they could clearly tell they were worked. The sluggish offense from the 74-year-old Terry Funk was particularly unpopular. Catching onto this, the planned finish was changed on the fly a couple minutes later, as Funk signaled for Zayn to catch him with a Helluva kick as he leaned against the wall, giving him the pin as Owens clotheslined Dreamer out of the picture. Getting the fall over the least convincing of the bunch helped the match a little, but people still weren't particularly happy. Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn by pinfall, after a Helluva Kick to Terry Funk, at the 6:14 mark <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Ugh... that was, better but I really don't understand what these humans are doing... Sivian: Perhaps they're simply... still acclimating to the atmosphere? They seem hindered in some way. Hazazz: Maybe... if that's the case, I hope they get over it quick. I've never been so damned bored during an IFL show! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="3DyjrKD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DyjrKD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tetsuya Naito vs. James Storm ------- Naito had an odd smirk on his face as he looked out at the curmudgeonly crowd, restless after the first two matches. Unlike the others, he seemed to have enough pep to do his usual poses, spreading his eyelid as he scanned around. Storm clobbered him in the back and he went down, and James did his best to get on their good side with some southern brawling. It was enough to stop the boos but they didn't seem too impressed as he wasn't exactly stiffing him. Naito wrestled his way out of a chinlock and acted like he was about to clobber James... only to lackadaisically slap his chest and back away, again turning to pose for the crowd, who didn't seem to remotely appreciate it. James was confused, as this wasn't meant to go on beyond the opening moments. Naito turned to him and signaled for a hard clothesline. James followed suit, going for a stiff lariat... which Naito proceeded to duck with a roll forward, ending up on his side, again spreading his eyelid with his fist to the sky. He was playing Tranquilo to a very UnTranquilo crowd. They were starting to throw trash out into the arena. Agitated, Storm waited for him to stand and snuck up behind him, pulling him into a shoot headlock. He grumbled into his ear, "What are you doing?! Stop dicking around, they're ready to lynch us!" "We're not making it out anyway..." Naito replied. "Why give them anything?" James wasn't having that, and transitioned into a back suplex. Naito no sold this, quickly getting back up, inviting a clothesline... and another and another as he just kept getting up, pissing Storm off all the more. The hatred only got worse at this display... Storm kept trying to throw offense at Naito and get him to return it, but he simply wasn't cooperating. James even had to forcibly pull Naito up during pin attempts, making it look as though he kicked out of them, which didn't fool much of the audience. Progressively irritated, eventually he gave up and went down to get him into a roll-up. Naito shrugged as he was being pinned, whilst making sure his shoulders didn't leave the ground. The booing only intensified as he made it so blatant that he couldn't have cared less about fighting. Storm was absolutely pissed as he stomped away, and Naito remained on the ground, delaying the next match for a time just to piss off the audience that much more. Winner: James Storm by pinfall, after a roll-up, at the 9:21 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: What is that guy's problem...? He's even worse than Hennigan. Hazazz: Disgraceful... ugh, I'm actually losing my bloodlust over here. Sivian: Now that's a sad state of affairs... I'm begging someone to save my friend. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="qI99sk8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qI99sk8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bObB0Uy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bObB0Uy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="IifjMjV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IifjMjV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Z5hv7Bw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z5hv7Bw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Zack Sabre Jr. & Tyler Bate vs. Baron Corbin & Braun Strowman ------- This match began with Braun shoving Bate, sending him sprawling several feet backwards and this gets the first real pop of the night. Noticing this, him and Baron keep it going, keeping ZSJ down as the two bruisers basically tossed Bate back and forth. It was easy for the little guy to bump for them and make them look like beasts, especially Braun. ZSJ's attempt at a comeback was not as well received, so Baron quickly stifled him with a headlock as Braun took Bate down with a Powerslam for a decisive pin. They weren't as accustomed to seeing slams, so it was harder to tell they were faked. Winners: Braun Strowman & Baron Corbin by pinfall, after Braun hit a Powerslam on Bate, at the 6:41 mark <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Finally! That's more like it! Wow, that Braun guy is something else... are you sure he's the same species as the others?! Sivian: I believe so, but he certainly stands out. He seems as though he could've devoured that Bate child whole... Hazazz: Awww man, that'd have been awesome! Hah, maybe next time... hopefully! Sivian: Still, it's odd he didn't eliminate either of his opponents... it seems as though it'd be so easy for him. Hazazz: That's true, usually we'd have definitely seen an elimination by now... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0K4vhmf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0K4vhmf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Marty Scurll vs. Alberto El Patron ------- This match began with some fluid chain wrestling as the two exchanged holds. They were crisp and well-executed, but the crowd was quiet for them, clearly not seeing much appeal in old school wrestling. A hammerlock from Alberto was reversed by Scurll who teased breaking his fingers, only to have El Patron yank his arm down and flip him into a Cross Armbreaker attempt, struggling to try and pry his hands apart to get the pressure on. Slowly a few boos started to trickle in... but they continued with the plan, where Marty again grabbed his hand, quickly 'snapping his fingers' as a counter, with the usual loud, vicious sound to boot. This woke up the crowd, earning some cheers as they were more than happy to see a finger being broken. Recognizing this love for pain, as Alberto rolled away selling his finger, he waited for Marty to come in and tackled him to the ground, legit taking him off-guard. Wary of being booed again by such a hostile audience, Alberto waited for Scurll to scramble up, then nailed him with a thrust kick that actually caught him hard in the chest. Marty legitimately shot to his back, startled by the pain as the cheers rose. He was stunned and Alberto donned an intense look on his face as he marched towards him, not offering an explanation. He reached down, and Marty caught him with an inside cradle counter. Alberto actually ended up on top of him but he didn't care, holding him down and forcing a pin to put an end to the match. The cheers turned right back to jeers as an incensed Marty rushed away. Winner: Alberto El Patron by pinfall, after Marty forced him to pin him with an inside cradle, at the 7:22 mark <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Hm, a nice flurry towards the end there, but... Hazazz: This is ridiculous... where is all the blood?! Where are my damn eliminations?! Sivian: I'm sure they're coming, Hazazz. Maybe these warriors just feel the need to soften their opponents up first... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="wSnUGvD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wSnUGvD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="evhIhfq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/evhIhfq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="E7L4i6U.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E7L4i6U.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Frightmare & The Lucha Brothers vs. Colby Corino & The Briscoe Brothers ------- The three masked wrestlers had been paired up against young Colby and two men he had to know fairly well from being brought up in the ROH system. Having watched the earlier matches, they knew slow and methodical wrestling wasn't going to get them anywhere in front of that audience and, not particularly wanting a riot, they tried for a more high flying match. That quickly became awkward when they went out there and remembered there were no ropes to use though... instead they found themselves repeatedly charging at each other for leaping ranas and dropkicks and the like. It was still flashy, but with each maneuver like this, it became harder and harder to sell as legit as they weren't used to setting these up over and over. Sensing that they were losing the audience, Frightmare actually took note of the odd rock formations that littered the arena, one of which being quite tall. At his behest, the six men all brawled their way over to it, in which Penta's chop to the tiny Colby's chest earned a nice pop. After some quiet discussion, Fenix broke away from the pack as they continued to fight, and actually scaled the stone, getting up to about ten feet high. He performed a lovely corkscrew off of it as he fell onto the others, and this was a first for a crowd that had seen just about everything, earning some applause. Soon after, Penta would nail Mark with a (very careful!) Package Piledriver onto the flat ground for the pin. Winners: Frightmare & The Lucha Brothers by pinfall, after Penta hit a Package Piledriver on Mark Briscoe, at the 8:31 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Huh... that was an interesting one! Sivian: Maybe there's something to the unique fighting styles they have after all... Hazazz: I mean it wasn't an elimination... but it sure was something! I also kinda like that Penta guy... not sure what Colby's even doing here, though. Sivian: Yes, he looks like the weakest of the entire bunch so far... I can only assume he'll be the first to go. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Having been promoted as one of the marquee matches of the night and seeing the rough time some of the workers had getting the crowd on their side thus far, Bobby and Charlotte opted to do something special for theirs. So Bobby came out first and demanded a microphone, putting on his best smug heel look, trying to put the bizareness of the situation out of his mind. "So let me get this straight. Tonight... in the one and only glorious debut of Bobby Roode in the IFL... they have me facing... Charlotte Flair." he noted. "Let me repeat that. They have me... BOBBY ROODE... against Charlotte Flair?! I'm supposed to fight some woman?!" He shook his head and laughed. "I didn't realize this whole thing was a sideshow... this girl has no business being in a place like this... she's going to get torn apart!" To his surprise, this was met with uproarious applause. He figured something might've gotten lost in translation there, so he decided to make it more obvious what he was getting at. "It's not her fault women are naturally weaker, but it's just a fact of life... so stop delaying the inevitable. Why don't you come out here Charlotte, and come get your mercy killing?" Once again this actually got some cheers. <img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Charlotte trotted out, wearing a brave face as she took up the mic. "Really, Bobby? That's what you think...? Well I'm... sure some of these creatures out here are female." she began, a little rattled by the hostile reception she was getting. It made it harder to ignore the alien atmosphere. "And I'm... going to prove that they can do anything they set their minds to!" She dropped the mic, but her empowerment talk was lost on the crowd who just found it cheesy and began to boo. This didn't go as the two intended at all. <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Ugh, what shlock! Sivian: "Some of them must be female"... can she truly not tell? Hazazz: Ridiculous... are you saying she can't recognize my beautiful co-host as a woman?! Sivian: What a fool. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Bobby Roode vs. Charlotte Flair ------- The two of them nonetheless stuck to the plan of their match, hoping in vain that they would come around to rooting for Charlotte to overcome the sexist Roode. The truth was that intergender matches were nothing new for the crowd, giving it little actual novelty and they weren't exactly the most moral people around; they certainly didn't give a damn about civil rights and they enjoyed any promise of destruction. The match itself was actually quite beautifully worked as it turned out that the two showboaters had natural chemistry, even if it was quite lost on the audience. After weathering an early storm from the angry Charlotte, Roode was able to use her fury against her, sidestepping a spear attempt and turning it into a German Suplex. He proceeded to kneel down and smack her head, which actually got some applause, much to his perplexion. They'd both been in front of plenty of "heel crowds" before but nothing quite like this; it seemed they ONLY enjoyed dirty tactics. Sensing this, Bobby's continued disrespect was eventually met with a low blow, Ric Flair-style from his daughter... though this was of course the gentlest move of the match as well, which many saw through. Still it got a golf clap. She followed up with a double leg trip on the stunned Roode into a jackknife cover, for the pin. What was meant to be a heroic comeback was met with sheer apathy. Winner: Charlotte, by pinfall after a Low Blow and Jacknife Cover, at the 10:45 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Geeze, what was that...? I mean I like the idea but she could've hit him WAY harder than that, how did he go down to it? Sivian: It's definitely been too long since we've seen a good old fashioned castration. Hazazz: Humans must have some really weak nuts... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kenny Omega came out first before his match with Ishii and took up a microphone, a dead serious look on his face. No posing or theatrics, he clearly wasn't playing any sort of character. "Allow me to make myself perfectly clear... we are not here by choice. Not a single one of us. We were taken from our homes and families and forced to fight in this arena!" he declared. "They expect us to kill each other! None of us wanted this, send help!" This confession received a mountain of jeers as they immediately started throwing trash again. "We are fighting tonight under protest! We were taken from Earth and we want to go back! Somebody, anybody, if you can hear this, help us!" Kenny yelled. He was speaking quickly as he was certain his mic would be cut off at any time. To his surprise, this never happened though... eventually his opponent came out and he threw the mic aside, his point made. <img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: I don't know what to say... what a disgusting creature that Kenny Omega is. Hazazz: I sure as hell hope he's not really speaking for everybody! C'mon Ishii, prove him wrong! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega ------- This was by far the most well received match of the night as they went ape on each other, with Kenny immediately starting up with hard running knee lifts. It was worked of course, but the pure Japanese style match went over well with the audience as for once it looked convincingly hard hitting enough to please them. Ishii's devastating headbutt went over huge, and noticing that, they moved over to have Kenny stand upon a small rock and act like he was going to jump off it, only for Ishii to catch him with his leaping variation right under the jaw, sending him sprawling off the stone for the pop of the night. The crowd quickly got behind the no-nonsense, constant forward motion style of Ishii, and his classic German no sell followed by a stiff lariat nearfall actually got them going like a good old fashioned wrestling crowd. Kenny was planned to win this match but he opted to give it to Ishii instead, and he put him down with a Brainbuster, which hurt quite a bit as he hit the dirt. They actually managed to send the crowd home reasonably happy with this, maybe the only thing preventing a lynch mob from forming from this first show. Winner: Tomohiri Ishii by pinfall, after a Brainbuster at the 15:31 mark <img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Alright, that's more like it! This Ishii guy is great, it's like he feels no pain at all! Sivian: Omega seems like a terrible person, but atleast he hits hard... and can take some punishment as well. Hazazz: Yeah but Ishii's easily the most impressive so far on night one. The only problem is... why the hell isn't he going for an elimination?! Kenny looks to be knocked out and Ishii's just leaving! Sivian: With any luck, it's so he can punish him some more next week! Hazazz: Ah, you always help me look on the brightside... well, that's all for the first episode of Bloodsport. I think I speak for everyone when I say; pick up the pace next week, slackers! Sivian: I'm certain you can expect a lot more carnage as these warriors get acclimated to the environment, everyone! Please stay tuned! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Zeel1 · January 15, 2019

Heh, I tried to give the promotion a realistic product for this, so everything's set to be super intense and violent as I could manage with vocal, rowdy crowds... I forgot to up the violent content of the matches, which hurt the entire card as a result. I actually kinda like that though, as it simulates what actually went down pretty nicely.

CuckstableCorbin · January 15, 2019

>danganronpa

wow way to give away that evil big dog alien here is john cena's evil twin brother

Martel123 · January 17, 2019

Keep these up. You got me hooked in now.

Zeel1 · January 17, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Martel123" data-cite="Martel123" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Keep these up. You got me hooked in now.</div></blockquote> Much appreciated! Next entry should be up in around an hour or so~

Zeel1 · January 17, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2330749&postcount=5" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .4 I Want Blood <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2331937&postcount=11" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div>

The night of their first show, the workers came back in, joining the few who ended up left off the initial card. As Kenny Omega and Tomohiro Ishii made their way to the living room, some were already conversing.

"Hey, sorry if I was a little rough out there... I mean, with asking you to bump like that on the ground and all..." Braun Strowman stated, scratching the back of his head. "They seemed to like it, and... I don't know, it seemed like a good idea to appease them."

"No, no, it wasn't a problem at all." Bate replied. "I mean yeah, it's pretty solid compared to a ring canvas, but I think we've all been slammed on worse. And you're right, rabid as that crowd seems, it seems best not to get on their bad side..."

"Tell that to him..." Storm grunted, gesturing over towards Naito's general direction. Naito just smiled, waving at James as he glanced his way. The cowboy was less than amused.

"What was that about, Naito...?" Jay Briscoe asked. "I mean even if you're not afraid of what the crowd might do, why risk it...?"

"Fear won't help me." Naito replied, lying back and looking at up the ceiling, not bothering to actually address anyone in particular. "Might as well get a laugh out of them before I die."

"Hey... hey, come on now there's.. no need for that talk..." Kenny stated, still trying to catch his breath. "All we gotta do is work together and we'll be fine. As long as everybody's going along with the plan, there won't be any issues..."

"Yeah, well that's the problem..." Zack replied.

"What is...?" Kenny asked.

After being quiet for a bit, Scurll stood up. "Somebody didn't seem to want to go along with the plan..." he claimed as he glared over at Alberto. He seemed surprised to be called out like that. "I don't know if any of the rest of you noticed, but this guy attacked me for real out there, out of nowhere."

"What...? Is that true?" Rollins asked, looking defensively at Alberto.

The others followed suit... it felt like the entire room was staring at him. He stood up, his hands in the air. "Whoa, whoa, hold on, let me explain... you all heard them out there. It's the same conversation the others were just having, it's best to keep them happy. And it's pretty obvious they're looking for brutality, so I figured I should show it to them. And it worked!"

"Hey man, we all agreed to work these matches like we always do..." Zayn piped up.

"I'm not saying I want to actually go out there and fight... I'm just saying, I think it's for the best if I work a little stiff." Alberto reasoned. "Frankly, I think I'd suggest the rest of you try it out too. If we're going to be going through with this, we need to make sure it looks legit... it's pretty clear they have a discerning eye for violence, we have to lay it in a little if we want this to work. You all saw that main event, right...? We just have to take that as an example."

After a brief pause, affirming grumblings started to emerge, as there wasn't exactly much arguing these points. Especially if they were under the assumption they wouldn't be here long enough for the wear and tear to affect them too much.

"...Fine, I guess." Marty sighed. "But you really should've told me what you were doing if that's what you were thinking."

"I know, sorry about that... but I was worried about them seeing through it if I tried to communicate it to you on the fly." Alberto shrugged.

"I get that. It's just, for a second there, I thought..." Marty began, only to trail off.

"You thought what?" Alberto pressed.

"Nevermind. It's not that big a deal." Marty murmured.

It was hard to say what he was thinking out-loud. Most people in the group, atleast publicly anyway, had outright dismissed the possibility that any member of the roster could actually turn on them... and try to eliminate them. To attempt to pull a plug, knowing it would lead to the victim's certain demise...

But in that moment out there, when Alberto attacked him for real, and then slowly advanced on him with that intensity in his eyes... for just a moment, it felt all too possible. For just that second, he felt that pang of betrayal... he tried to make sure the others didn't see him shudder, for that feeling chilled him to the bone.

Just as things were starting to calm down backstage, the door slid open... and in the frame, an unwelcome figure stood.

"...'Working stiff'...?" Malell hissed. "Oh, I think you're going to need to do a LOT more than that..."

"What do you want?" Baron growled.

"Oh, how kind of you to ask... I want warriors. I want genuine battle. I want blood." he stated, plain as day. "What I DON'T want are a bunch of pretenders that have somehow mistaken my stadium for their quaint little wrestling rings!" he yelled.

He turned to Hennigan, who shirked away, hiding in the corner as he grumbled, "...I don't want cowards too afraid to even lift a hand to their opponent..."

He turned to Naito. "...I don't want little nihilists, too apathetic about their own future to put a hint of effort into their survival." he continued, as Naito continued smiling, and actually winked at him.

"...And I CERTAINLY don't want my genuine, real life monster acting like a FAKE monster!" he finished, turning to Braun, who gave him a stonefaced stare in return.

"So go ahead... continue your charade for as long as you can manage, see if you can fool the audience... but know that you will never fool me." he warned. "I brought you here to be warriors and if you don't start playing the part soon enough... you will be punished."

"Say whatever you like..." Kenny stated, keeping his cool in spite of locking eyes with an alien a couple heads taller than himself. "...but you are not our boss, no matter how much you want to be. We don't follow your orders... and we will never betray our own ethics for you."

"Damn right. This whole thing is an affront to everything I believe in." Lethal added. "If you seriously expect us to kill for you, to betray friends and family... then you're even crazier than you look."

Malell just smirked at this, shaking his head. "Ah, what beautiful naivety. You assume your morals are the same as everyone else's in the room, eh...? You know, you don't all have to agree with the mentality. Actually... very few of you do... to force everyone else into a fight for their lives. And it'll happen... because I DO know humanity, I know human nature... and I know basic survival instinct. It'll happen, and once the first traitor emerges... then we'll see how long your precious pacifism lasts in the face of it all."

He turned and walked away, letting everyone relax just a sliver more... it was impossible not to be tense in his presence. Kevin Owens stood up and walked away quite hurriedly, earning himself some odd looks. Zayn stood up and followed, letting the others know he'd talk to him.

"Right... so uh, keeping the crowd from rushing down and tearing us apart. It's a good thing to shoot for." Fabian noted. "Does anyone have any other tips for how to get on their good side? ...Uh, aside from the obvious."

"Well... they seem to like hearing threats." Roode replied. "And, well, villains... they appreciate heels."

"And they certainly don't appreciate stands against oppression." Charlotte sighed, blowing some hair out of her face.

"Don't lose heart, everybody." Kenny assured them. "We'll adapt... and we'll make it. I got the word out there about what was happening... I'm sure somebody heard me. We won't have to deal with this for much longer."

Kota nodded with a smile. The others had less enthusiasm, but certainly hoped he was correct. They continued to talk for a while, coming up with certain ways they could implement what they'd learned. Everyone there chipped in, except for Callihan, who just watched... he'd yet to say a word to anyone since being brought in.

Eventually the crowd dispersed and as everyone was going over to their rooms, James Storm caught up to Bobby Roode. "Hey, Bobby, got a second...?"

"Sure. What's up?" Roode replied.

"Uh, listen... off the record here." Storm mumbled. "Do you... I mean, you don't think there's a chance... someone might turn on us, do you?"

"Oh..." Bobby groaned. "Well, uh... man, I'd sure like to think there isn't, but I can't say for sure. You heard Baron the other day, I mean, I'm not sure if anyone's 100% on him now..."

"Yeah, but... I kinda get what he said too. I'm not really sure I disagree... much as I'd like to." Storm explained. "Hell, we're one show in and people seem to be losing it. I sure hope Kenny's right about us not being here much longer 'cause I mean, Jesus, I don't know if some of us can handle it."

"I know what you mean. Poor Johnny broke right away... and some others are definitely not far from a freakout at any time themselves. Not that I blame them, it's all I can do to keep my cool too..." Bobby replied. "So... what do we do about it?"

"Well, nothing, right now. I don't wanna start up a lynch mob or anything." James answered. "But, you and me go way back. And... and hey, nothing's gonna happen, but if anything does... I just wanted to tell you that I've got your back out there."

Bobby smiled and nodded. "Thanks man. I'll be looking out for you too."

Meanwhile, Zayn was lying next to Kevin on his bed, a hand on his shoulder as his friend stared at a family photo on his phone; the charge of which, he had to be rather careful with...

"Hey... I know, it's hard. I miss them and everyone I left back home too, man." Sami consoled him. "But that's all the more reason to try and keep your chin up, okay? Don't give up, Kevin."

"I'm not." he quietly replied. "Believe me, I'm not. I just... they have to be so worried. More worried about me than I am about them..."

"That'd be an accomplishment..." Sami snidely remarked, only to find that little could make Kevin laugh at the moment. "...Hey. Listen to me. You're gonna see them again. Soon, this will all feel like a distant nightmare to us all. You'll be back home before you know it... I promise. Okay? I swear to you."

Kevin nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, Sami. I'll be okay, I just... I need some time alone, if that's alright."

"That's perfectly fine, I'll just go bug someone else!" he chirped as he stood up, trying to stay in high spirits. He was forcing it. He hoped nobody noticed. He started to walk off, but turned his head. "Kevin... if you need anybody to talk to, about anything... if you ever need a friend, remember, I'm still here. Alright?"

He nodded again and managed a weak smile. Sami returned it and walked off. The moment he was gone, Kevin turned back to his phone... all emotion leaving his face, a blank stare as he gazed at what he needed to go back to, more than anything.

Zeel1 · January 20, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2331233&postcount=10" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .5 True Warriors <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332120&postcount=12" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;">IFL Bloodsport II</div> The screen comes in, and despite the disappointment last week, the crowd is all the more voracious, blood-starved after two full weeks of not being witness to a slaughter; a very long time for them... it seems clear they won't put up with another show like the last one. Hazazz: Finally! YES! We're back, live on the air this week! And in spite of the start we got off to, I'm sure this night will be a thousand times more violent! Sivian: I believe the same, my partner. We did speculate that perhaps the warriors simply weren't acclimated to their environment yet. With any luck, that has been rectified by now. Hazazz: Uggggh I really do hope so... I'm on a brutality withdrawal over here! The IFL literally keeps me alive! I need that carnage to keep my blood pumping or else I'll rot away! Sivian: Indeed, I have noticed you have been significantly less energetic than usual this past week. Hazazz: I KNOW!!! IT'S RIDICULOUS!!! Sivian: But this show will assuredly be your cure. Like before, we have eight matches lined up... the few roster members who were not unveiled last week shall be in action. Terry Funk and Tommy Dreamer have requested to face each other in what they call a 'hardcore match', which means our customary weapons will be on display for them! And in the main event will see the hard hitting Tomohiro Ishii take on the scrappy Sami Zayn. Hazazz: Nnnggh let's get started! Let's get started! Before I fall asleep over here! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EZJT81V.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EZJT81V.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kota Ibushi and Fabian Aichner made their way out and Fabian requested a mic from the living tree that served as the official for the evening. Aichner raised the mic and began to scream. "Are you ready for some violence?!" The crowd answered with a resounding yes. "That's right, that's right, tonight will be very, very different from last week! I will NOT tolerate anyone going soft, not when they're in the ring with me!" They were so pleased with his tone that they overlooked his little gaffe... he wasn't in a ring of any sort, that line was just instinct. He didn't even notice as he turned and pointed at Kota. "You come from a land of hard hitters, isn't that right?! Well I don't know if you can understand me... but you better live up to that rep tonight, because I will tear you apart if you don't!" He tossed the mic into the vague direction of Ibushi and he had to sidestep it, giving him a dead serious look, unamused at this promo. <img alt="JBMHHGF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBMHHGF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Well, that's certainly a good start. Hazazz: Hope he lives up to the hype... he sure sounds ready to fight to me! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="EZJT81V.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EZJT81V.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kota Ibushi vs. Fabian Aichner ------- This began the first match under the new Stiffness Policy, as Fabian brought the rugged British style in full force against Kota's legendary strong style. In truth they were both more high flying, devastating-suplex kinda guys, but they had no trouble bringing a vicious brawl, as Kota ate several wicked uppercuts and returned with spinning roundhouse kicks. The crowd was quickly getting into it, and to take things to another level, they eventually slugged their way over to one of the rock formations. Taking example from the flying action last week, Kota chop blocked Fabian to his knees before climbing up to them, and nailing a modified Golden Triangle Moonsault to a narrow kickout! Kota pulled Fabian up to his feet, giving him a wicked slap before turning and attempting a Pele Kick, but Aichner managed to shove his feet away and countered with a ruthless double foot stomp to the chest! The audience was adoring the action as Fabian scaled the stone himself, and waited for Kota to rise. His attempt at a flying rana was countered into a brutal Golden Star Bomb, for the pin! Winner: Kota Ibushi, after countering a flying rana into a Golden Star Bomb, at the 10:20 mark <img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Hey-hey, that was hot stuff! Sivian: Indeed, we've topped most of last week's matches already. Hazazz: Yeah, and... whoa, they're not done! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EZJT81V.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EZJT81V.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> After the match, a bitter Aichner jumped the celebrating Ibushi, knocking him to the ground and laying in stomps. He pulled him up by his hair and caught him with some vicious knife edge chops, as the arena erupted into applause. Ibushi managed to duck one, then catch him in the gut with a spinning back kick that doubled him over. He proceeded to go for an axe kick to the back of the neck, which Aichner managed to avoid. Fabian proceeded to tackle Ibushi and the two of them brawled, rolling on the ground, conveniently all the way to the exit... the two managed to fight their way out of the arena. <img alt="gGQm0Nt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gGQm0Nt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Me oh my, not a hint of sportsmanship between those two... how divine! Hazazz: You said it, baby! Maybe these humans have got some fighting spirit after all! No elimination there, but I can let that slide for now... Sivian: It'd be preferable to see one of the lesser warriors from last week go out first. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="NjAxbZU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NjAxbZU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="D0Ufe0i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D0Ufe0i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Jay Lethal vs. Madison Rayne ------- Most of the workers had agreed to go a little stiffer than usual. But Madison Rayne wasn't particularly looking forward to that and Lethal was understanding enough to find a way around it; they had also agreed that they would basically all work heel, if at all possible, as a means of getting fan support. So when the two of them squared up, Lethal immediately met her with a smack to the face, loud enough to be convincing. This brought her to her knees, where she looked up at Lethal, terrified. She was putting on her best acting chops, although in the situation she was in, she was always pretty close to crying anyway so the method route was pretty effective. Lethal scowled bitterly at her, refusing to show any mercy as he instead gave a few stomps to her torso, until she was laid out on her back. "Stay down if you don't want me to snap your neck!" he barked, to a loud approval from the audience. She just laid there, petrified from fear as he put a foot on her chest, for an easy three count. Winner: Jay Lethal by pinfall, after yelling at Madison to stay down for it, at the 1:46 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: A disappointingly quick one, but I must say, I do admire the ruthlessness from Jay Lethal. Hazazz: With a name like 'Lethal', you gotta think he's a lock for some eliminations! Sivian: One can only hope. It's just a shame that Madison lacked the same... oh wait, wait, keep your eyes on her! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="D0Ufe0i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D0Ufe0i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NjAxbZU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NjAxbZU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> As Lethal proudly posed above Rayne's prone, petrified form, she abruptly dropped the act and raised up to one knee, just behind him. She brought up her arm up between his legs up into the classic low blow, making sure to put a bit more emphasis on it than Charlotte had last week. The cheering crowd only got louder as Lethal doubled over and Rayne shot up to her feet, taunting him as she circled to his front, "What do you think of that, tough guy?! I've got waaay more balls than you!" With that, she added a full force kick to his crotch, forcing him to collapse in a heap. The crowd was all too happy to witness this, none-the-wiser to the fact that Lethal had scoped out the arena prior, checking the weapons they had provided for the hardcore match later... and he ended up finding a small shield to use as a makeshift cup. Rayne rained down some moderately hard stomps to Lethal's back and raised her arms triumphantly as she walked off. <img alt="JBMHHGF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBMHHGF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: HAH!!! Beautiful, she was just suckering him in! Sivian: What a wondrous bit of a deviousness... and I can't help but appreciate how hard she goes when she goes low. A woman after my own heart... Hazazz: Mmm, don't get me too excited now, we've got a whole lotta show left to do! Sivian: You're right... including the professed 'hardcore' match, which is coming up next. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="W6oSkBK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W6oSkBK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Terry Funk came out first, and was quick to go for a microphone. His expression looked hollow as he raised the mic to his lips. "I understand that you people like violence..." he muttered, to a sudden roar of affirmation. "Good... good, because I love to inflict it." he declared, getting another easy pop. He scanned around at the weapons provided to them, laced around the wall. He paused when he saw how deadly the majority of them were, as most of them were some form of blade. He found a solid wooden staff and grabbed it, proudly hoisting it above his head to a big pop. "This...? THIS style of fighting is something that I damn near invented back where I came from. I've been through bloody wars for longer than most people have been alive. And Dreamer's an old hand with it as well... tonight we're gonna show you true brutality, I swear to you on that." The crowd was worked up into a frenzy by the time Dreamer came out. <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="W6oSkBK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W6oSkBK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="TTfjpPd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TTfjpPd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> --- Hardcore Match --- Terry Funk vs. Tommy Dreamer ------- This didn't quite live up to the hype, as the two of them seemed to imagine being provided with much more survivable weaponry. They weren't exactly given steel chairs and kendo sticks here. Dreamer nontheless rushed him to start the match and the two played a little tug-of-war, until Tommy managed to jam it into his stomach, allowing him to pull it away and whack him over the back with it. They went into a fist fight from there, which was stiff, but they were made to expect more. Sensing this, Terry shoved Dreamer into the wall and went over to retrieve one of the more deadly weapons, basically wielding a scythe, much to the crowd's joy. However, Tommy ducked his would-be (highly telegraphed) killshot, and countered with a punch to the gut, aided by a pair of alien brass knuckles so to speak, seemingly carved out of granite. This was enough to make him drop the scythe, and Dreamer followed up with a punch to the face with the stone knux that laid him out. As Dreamer paraded around a bit, Funk turned over to reveal blood pouring down his face. Taking Malell's advice from a few days ago literally, they opted for some color in this match... luckily, Funk never went anywhere without his hidden blades. A portion of the audience cheered, but many seemed a little suspicious of how this went down. Dreamer tried for a pin but Funk kicked out, and again and again after he continued to batter him, trying to get him over as a tough old legend. Eventually Terry ducked another knux shot and drove Dreamer into some of the nearby rock formations, though noticeably gently as he wasn't certain how hard they actually were. This got some boos, only quelled when Funk grabbed something off the nearby wall, having spotted a weapon that actually was familiar... essentially a huge sheet of barbed wire. He put Dreamer into a barbed-wire assisted camel clutch, tearing into his forehead in the process, much to a pop. Afterwards he rolled it up and, after his opponent stood, swung it like a bat towards his head. But Dreamer ducked this, got him with a gut kick to get him to drop it, and then nailed a DDT that sent him facefirst into the barbed wire, for the weary finish. The bloodied Dreamer rose up to significantly less cheers than he expected... Winner: Tommy Dreamer by pinfall, after a DDT into alien barbed wire, at the 10:43 mark <img alt="JBMHHGF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBMHHGF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Hmmm... well, what did you think of that, Hazazz? Hazazz: Uh... I mean, it wasn't bad. Blood's always nice! But they did kinda get me expecting more... Sivian: I got the feeling they didn't know what they were getting into there. It's difficult to play the 'extreme' card in front of a crowd that's been witness to impalement... Hazazz: Ooh, and disembowelings! Those are my favorite! Sivian: I know partner, I know... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3DyjrKD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DyjrKD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> James Storm and Bobby Roode, the reunited Beer Money Inc. came out first and demanded a microphone. "Last week... you all had to bear witness to the very worst of our roster, when I went up against Naito." Storm began, and the crowd began booing at the very sound of his name. "I know... I know... I was disgusted too, so much so that I was too stunned to do much about it, and for that I apologize. I should not have let that man walk out of here under his own power. That's why I've enlisted the help of my good friend Bobby Roode... together, we are not going to let him get out of here without a fight. If he turns his back on me again, he's getting a knife right through it!" Simply bringing up the idea of Naito being stabbed immediately made Storm into a hero to the people. James smiled and nodded as he handed the mic over to his partner. "You all know that last week... that weak little woman Charlotte got lucky! And if we met in a hundred matches, I'd have ripped her head off 99 times!" Roode yelled, to an uproarious reaction, as 99 beheadings sounded wonderful to them right now. "The two of you both have to pay... this time, you will be shown no mercy! It's time for you see to what true warriors look like!" As he tossed the mic aside, the crowd was again in a frenzy, entirely behind Roode and Storm. <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Oh-hoooo, this is sounding good! These boys are speaking my language now! Sivian: Well, not literally... but indeed, this sounds promising. We may well have two eliminations in store. Hazazz: Hoooh, be still my heart...! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3DyjrKD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DyjrKD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gpb9lAq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gpb9lAq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Beer Money Inc. vs. Testuya Naito & Charlotte ------- Roode and Storm immediately went to corner Naito, but he proved quite slippery, evading them as Charlotte came to attack Bobby with solid forearms. They got her with a quick double team, a solid elbow to the temple from Roode and a stiff clothesline from James. They looked up to find Naito... lounging directly in front of the audience some several yards away. The crowd jeered and started throwing trash at him, and still he didn't blink. "Damn it, he's going against the plan again..." James grumbled. Roode and Storm went over to corner him, as Charlotte watched from the ground, none too pleased with his antics either. He stood in time to see them approach from different angles... and comically, he rolled forward in time to avoid their arms like some kinda cartoon character. Naito grinned, backing up to avoid the incensed Beer Money Inc... when he got hit from behind with a shoot forearm to the back of the head from Charlotte that took him to the ground! This got a huge ovation as she started laying the boots to him, and Roode and Storm quickly joined in. They forced him to his feet, where Storm got him with a few stiff punches and Roode met him with a mean dropkick to the chest that staggered him backwards. Charlotte got a running start, and nailed him with a solid spear that took him to the ground. They continued laying it in, pulling their punches but only slightly, to try and get a message across to him. Storm went to pin him and hissed, "Stay down, asshole..." but Naito opted to kick out at two, just to laugh in his face. An outraged Storm pinned him again, and this time Roode and Charlotte helped hold him down for the three! Roode, Storm and Charlotte celebrated together as Naito quickly scrambled up and ran away, proving faster then they anticipated as he was already gone by the time they turned around. Winners: Beer Money Inc by pinfall, after Charlotte turned on Naito at the 8:20 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Hah, that was awesome! He never saw THAT one coming! That Charlotte's alright... Sivian: Indeed, and this crowd loves a good backstab. Especially when it comes at the expense of someone like Naito. Hazazz: Eh, just a shame they couldn't eliminate him... he's pretty fast when he wants to be. Sivian: It is unfortunate. But on the plus side, it might mean we can get to see him get beaten even worse next week. Hazazz: Hey, you're right! Silver lining! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Z5hv7Bw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z5hv7Bw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="wSnUGvD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wSnUGvD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Braun Strowman vs. Frightmare ------- After the success of his debut tossing around Tyler Bate last week, Malell opted to put him against another drastically undersized competitor. As Braun walked out, he got the best reception of anyone in their entrance thus far. He nodded, content that Malell's scolding of him was unfounded; he was more than enough monster for this crowd. Frightmare, for his part, was more than happy to bump for the big man, flying all over the place at the slightest touch, much to the joy of the audience. Per his own request, the luchador was dragged over to the barrier and slammed down right in front of some particularly loud, gruesome looking spectators. He raised up his arms and roared like always, and the crowd roared right back. Braun picked Frightmare up off the ground as the 170lber laughed, "This is great, you've got 'em in the palm of your hands!" Braun nodded as he stood up the 'dazed' luchador with a smile... until he began to actually make out what the crowd was saying, as some of the ones near him were actually speaking English. "Kill that bitch!" one cried. "Crush his skull!" "Rip out his spine!" "EAT HIM. EATHIMEATHIMEATHIM!" Suddenly the light left his face as he froze in place. Frightmare was confused. "What's the matter...? Go on, big finish, let's do it!" Braun hesitated... before putting a hand to his chest and shoving him to the ground, before forcibly but painlessly holding his shoulders down for the three count. The cheers turned to jeers as Braun stood and hurriedly walked out, leaving his opponent befuddled. Winner: Braun Strowman by pinfall, after simply holding his opponent down at the 3:23 mark <img alt="gGQm0Nt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gGQm0Nt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: What?! What was that?! Come on now Braun, with all the progress everyone else is making, how can you take a step back like that?! Sivian: Well... perhaps he had so much fun tossing him around that he wants to keep him around for another week to keep playing with. Hazazz: Maybe... I guess that's fine... nngh... RRAAAGH no, that's a terrible excuse! I wanted to see him rip that boy in half, dammit! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Colby Corino vs. Rey Fenix ------- The two of them attempted to continue the Stiffness Policy and it actually worked out surprisingly well for a time, as Colby came off as quite the scrappy underdog against his more athletically gifted opponent, summoning some of his father's fire out there. But this backfired heavily when Fenix clearly whiffed a kick and the inexperienced Colby sold it anyway, going down in a heap over nothing. The fakeness clicked immediately and the crowd went nuclear, booing them both profusely. Nervous, Fenix yanked Colby up and they ended the match early with a roll-up, Fenix getting the fall before the both of them rushed out to differing exits. Winner: Rey Fenix by pinfall, after a roll-up, at the 6:13 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Oh no... I thought we were past this.. Hazazz: Th-those cons! Those filthy degenerate cons! They tricked us into thinking they were having a real fight?! Sivian: This doesn't speak well of the rest of these matches... Hazazz: What...? What are you saying? D-Don't tell me... you think they were all like that?! Sivian: I certainly hope not. But it's been thrown into doubt now, don't you think? Hazazz: Damn... damn!! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4N92MpZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4N92MpZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0K4vhmf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0K4vhmf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Alberto El Patron & Seth Rollins vs. Sami Callihan & Marty Scurll ------- These four were all too ready to go to (worked) war with each other with the perfect kinda match for the audience, with Alberto throwing vicious kicks all the over the place, Rollins sending out brutal high knee after high knee, Marty meeting them both with vicious chops and 'snapping their fingers'... Sami even got a character moment in where, after Marty got them both, he volunteered his own finger for a breaking as well, which fit the room perfectly... But sadly, the last two matches left them so suspicious and doubtful that it was a struggle for much (aside from the last spot) to earn their admiration. Alberto caught Sami into his cross armbreaker whilst Rollins continued to pound on Marty. Callihan survived in the particularly snug hold for a while, turning and putting down punches for a while, before Alberto took it up a notch by grasping his "injured" hand and yanking back all the harder, finally forcing him to tap out. Alberto rose to a cheer, but a lot less than he expected... he seemed in a foul mood as he left. Winners: Alberto El Patron & Seth Rollins by submission, after Alberto caught Callihan into a cross armbreaker, at the 15:28 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Heck of a match... or atleast, it sure looked like one. Sivian: It's unfortunate what a cloud that last one cast on this show... Hazazz: Well, atleast we know we're about to be saved... Ishii's up next! That's a real warrior, no doubt about it! Sivian: I am inclined to agree. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="RRUiOub.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RRUiOub.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tomohiro Ishii vs. Sami Zayn ------- Just like the commentators, the crowd seemed behind Ishii after the brutal main event last week. They didn't expect much of little Sami, but he brought some shockingly hard punches and forearms to the head of Ishii who seemed to feel no pain... atleast, he refused to show any. This match quickly degraded into a slug fest, trading punches and elbows... eventually Ishii got the upper hand and stepped back to get a running start, only to rush into a single leg dropkick to the teeth. After battering him for a bit, Sami hooked his arms for a wicked release Tiger Suplex, tossing him onto the back of his neck... but then, in a classic strong style move, he popped right back up like it was nothing, to the roar of the crowd! Sami was so stunned, he was able to easily whip around him for a brutal German Suplex. Zayn moved up to a seated position as he backed away, before coming in with a stiff sliding clothesline, for the most well received nearfall of the night! It turned into another slug fest from there, and when Ishii came in with a dizzying headbutt, Sami responded in kind... and again and again and again, risking his own brain cells to put on a dazzling show! Sami went to get a running start, only for Ishii to lower his head and explode into him with a headbutt hard enough to shatter his nose! Sami went down like a light, and Ishii collapsed in a heap himself, wearily getting the pin to a massive ovation. Winner: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall, after a finishing headbutt, at the 15:18 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Ahhh, absolute magnificence... Hazazz: YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! Sivian: Partner, do sit down. Hazazz: Sorry! But that was amazing! What a vicious war that was! Sivian: Indeed. It's nice to know we atleast have Ishii to rely on to bring main events like that. Well, that's all for tonight... we'll see you next week. For Hazazz, I'm Sivian and- Hazazz: SOMEBODY PULL A PLUG! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Zeel1 · January 21, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2331937&postcount=11" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .6 I Could Do It <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332335&postcount=13" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div>

By comparison to the past week, there was hope coming out of the last show. Sure, Alberto was steamed at Fenix and Colby for the blunder, and Braun had to explain himself briefly to Frightmare, but Ishii and Zayn proved that bringing the crowd back wasn't as hard as they might've thought, and frankly they were just happy to get out of there without a riot. Kenny's constant speeches were starting to take effect, atleast it seemed that way... they truly believed that they could all go back home soon. Surely Kenny's words got to someone, surely somebody was on the way...

But days passed. And each morning they awoke, still living in this alien galaxy, unfathomably far from their homes. And each day the hope in them depleted just that little bit more.

As the third show drew ever closer, tensions began to mount. Zack Sabre Jr. found himself pacing, his hands behind his back... he didn't look nervous per say, more just trying to keep from going stir crazy as he found himself with preciously little to do in the time between shows. Tyler Bate was in the lounge room as well, among nearly everyone else, and he watched him for a while, slowly growing agitated.

"...Stop it." he demanded.

ZSJ seemed to act like he didn't hear him, continuing to pace back and forth, thoughts swirling.

"I said stop it." Bate repeated, and ZSJ just kept on going. Frustrated, the youngster stood from his chair and shouted, "Stop pacing, Zack! You're making me anxious!"

"Oh yes, that's me." he curtly replied. "It's me, Tyler, I'm what's making you anxious. Being trapped out here on a goddamn space station in the middle of Bum****-Galaxy has nothing to do with it, it's me."

"Calm down, Zack. Don't take it out on him." Kenny calmly spoke. "We're all scared, and we have every right to be. But we won't have to deal with this for much longer..."

"Yeah?" Baron piped up, from the back of the room. "How long you gonna keep saying that?"

"Kenny just wants to help." Kota passively replied, not even looking at Baron.

Kenny looked back and answered as well. "Look, I know it's taking a lot longer than we thought... and I don't know what's holding them up. God knows the red tape in this galaxy... but it'll get sorted out. We will be freed and we will make it out of here, I'm certain of that."

"Wish you'd share that certainty with the rest of us..." Owens muttered.

"What do you think he's trying to do?" Tyler answered. "He's giving us peptalks everyday to try and keep us from losing it in here... I'm glad somebodies' staying optimistic among all this."

"Well that optimism isn't getting us out any faster from what I can see." Alberto hissed. "You tell me this... if there are really people out there that can help us, why wasn't your mic shut off when you started pleading for it? Why didn't Malell say anything to you about it after the show? Why wouldn't he strike you down and make an example out of you, like he did with Cena?"

"I..." Kenny murmered, a bit taken aback. That was the first time anyone mentioned Cena by name since his death, they'd all tried to block it out... there was an unspoken agreement to focus on escaping and only mourn him once they'd gotten back home. But that didn't make it any less a raw nerve...

"I'll tell you why..." Rollins spoke up as he stood. "Because he's arrogant. Just look at what he thinks he can force us to do. The power he thinks he has... he's so in his own head that he doesn't realize what a threat to him we really are. We're gonna be the ones to shut his game down for good."

"Oh, now you wanna play the hero card too, huh?" Kevin exclaimed, as he shot to his feet. "Well if you're gonna save us all, how about you get a ****ing move on already?"

"Hey, what are you screaming at me for?" Seth asked, taken off-guard.

"I'm screaming because I don't know if I'll ever see my family again!" he shouted. This had clearly been boiling in him for a while. "You and Kenny and everyone else think we can get by on empty platitudes! You're all too damned scared to face the reality here! We're trapped! And the more you preach peace, the more certain I am that we're all going to die out here!"

The already tense expressions on the faces of those in the room darkened considerably with that remark.

"Oh God... oh God, he's right..." Hennigan muttered, rocking back and forth in the corner.

"Don't you say that... don't you ever say that!" Mark Briscoe spoke up, pointing at Kevin. "Nobody is going to die here!"

"How can so many grown-ass men be so naive?!" Kevin barked, throwing up his hands.

"Kevin, please..." Zayn began, but Kevin waved him off.

"No, they need to hear this!" he shouted. "You all need to understand that we can't just stall forever! Malell WILL get sick of this... and if none of us have done anything by then, we'll ALL pay for it! What the hell is the point of all of us dying here?!"

"Well what are you suggesting we do?" James spoke up.

"I... I don't know." Kevin confessed. "But neither does anyone else. All I'm saying is, stop pretending you know a better way out because that's the last thing I need right now, okay?!"

"Guys... come on now." Tommy chimed in, standing up and walking to the middle of the room, symbolically taking the floor. "The plan CAN still work. All we need to do is work together more - Naito - and shore up our work to make it as believable as possible. If we get good enough at it, even Malell can be fooled, no matter what he says. And we can do it for as long as we have to..."

"Tommy's right." Funk added. "You all saw our hardcore match... it takes some adapting, but we can make this work. We can trick 'em into thinking they're seeing exactly what they're used to..."

"You're wrong..." came a voice that, up until now, nobody had heard. Funk and Dreamer turned to see Sami Callihan walking into the center of the room. His voice was a low gravel as he hissed, "...that match was a sham. It was the most brutal either of you have gotten in years, and they could still see right through it..."

"You finally find your tongue and that's what you say, son?" Funk indignantly asked. "Don't gimme lip right now... I know we didn't convince them all, but-"

"You couldn't convince anyone. You got a golf clap for a little blood. That's nothing to those people..." Callihan declared. "Maybe a couple of decades ago you could've given them something like what they're used to, but today... you have no business pretending to be 'extreme' in front of them."

"Oh, and I suppose you think you could do better?" Tommy asked.

"I know that I can..." he growled back.

"Are... are you putting on a voice, right now?" Dreamer inquired, befuddled. "Are you cutting a promo on us?"

"Call it what you like! But what they're looking for is a depravity you old men don't have the stomachs for these days..." he explained. "Maybe the rest of you aren't ready to give it to them, but if it's what keeps me alive... I'm more than willing."

"I... don't like the sound of that." Charlotte noted. "You make it sound like you're just about ready to eliminate somebody."

"Hey, whoa, none of that talk!" Lethal demanded. "We don't even have to consider that a possibility. There's no way anyone here is ever gonna eliminate anyone... none of us could go through with that!"

"I could do it."

Everyone in the room dropped silent, slowly turning to the source of that statement. To everyone's surprise, it was Rey Fenix who had spoken up, with Penta standing behind him to give him encouragement. The mask made it easy to disguise his expression, adding to his poker face.

"What... what did you just say?" Madison worriedly croaked.

"If it came down to it... if it was my life against someone else's... if it's what I had to do survive..." he explained, measured. "...then yeah. I'd do it. I'd pull a plug... I'd eliminate someone."

You could hear a pindrop in that room... some had taken defensive stances, stated varying levels of trust and suspicion... but nobody had outright stated they'd go for an elimination if pressed until that moment. He was seemingly the first to seriously consider it an option.

Rey and Penta swiftly made their leave after that statement, but even then, people suddenly didn't feel like talking much. So they slowly dispersed, back to their rooms, where they hoped to wake up to a team of heroic aliens ready to bring them back home... or, to any good news at all, really.

Zeel1 · January 22, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332120&postcount=12" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .7 Entry I <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332602&postcount=14" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div>

Dear diary,

So. Uh... hi. I guess.

When I kept a journal back home I remember starting it by greeting it like that. It feels a little weird now, since I'm uh, writing in an alien journal and all. Man, the beginnings of these are always the most awkward part...

It's really by pure luck that I managed to get my hands on this. They don't really like to provide us with, comfort... but when the crowd was throwing trash at Naito the other night, one of them just so happened to toss a journal down at him. And during my match later, when we went over to the barricade, I just kinda happened to spot it... took it back with me. Even then, it'd be useless if not for Terry. Since he happened to be in the middle of an autograph signing when he was taken, he had a spare pen on him that ended up being brought over. Not like he had much use for it these days, so he let me borrow it.

Despite everything... it's really, really cool to talk to a legend like him! He's so nice, too. Even though he doesn't speak to me much. None of them do, actually... don't really begrudge them though. I mean they all pretty much know each other, being from the big leagues... WWE, New Japan, AAA, ROH... and here I am, just some dude from Chikara. Not quite the same. I guess I can get not wanting to deal with a stranger in a setting like this...

But yeah, Terry's great. I... worry about him though. I mean, I worry about everybody. But they're making him wrestle way more often than he usually does these days, and... just normal style matches are a lot for him at this stage. I can tell just by watching him, it's already taken a toll, moreso than with the others. If anything ever happened...

No. Nobody would target him, everyone respects him way too much. I don't have to worry about that, I'm sure...

I guess, I should recount what's been going on just to... make it seem less like madness to me. Maybe if I see it in writing I won't feel like the whole thing is one long fever dream, even if I do really hope it turns out to be one.

Me, and a buncha other wrestlers were taken from our lives... abducted by aliens. It's, still hard to wrap my head around that. How can I write something like that down, knowing that it's true...? It warps me. But it happened. And not only that, but they told us that if we wanted to survive, we had to kill each other. That only the last one of us standing would be allowed to go home. Oh God... my vision just faded a bit, the mere thought made me a little dizzy.

The mastermind behind all this calls himself Malell. His guards visit us constantly. They've kept us alive... they've fed us three square meals and they give us fresh clothes to wear; although they only ever let us wear duplicates of our usual ring gear... so we never forget that we're supposed to be warriors, I guess. It very much feels like we're in a prison... only allowed to wander this bizarre building that doesn't seem to have an exit, as they give us enough to survive but nothing to make us feel remotely at home. I actually asked one for a journal like this on one of my first days here... they just laughed at me.

Malell seems to enjoy not telling us what we're gonna be doing on these shows until very shortly beforehand, most of the time anyway. I guess it's so we have less time to plan things out, so things will more likely break down and lead to conflict. We've sadly seen that come into play a couple of times. Of course a good wrestler is one that can call on the fly, but to try and do that in this circumstance, it's a big ask.

The guards do occasionally drop vague hints about stuff we'll be doing, though... and they can kinda act as a buffer between us and Malell. Funk and Dreamer were able to request that hardcore match through them, though they didn't know it was official until the show started. Just earlier today, they also mentioned something kinda bizarre..

Apparently there's this concept called Immunity that people have fought for in the past... some kinda device that apparently keeps your plug from coming out? And the right to have this is something that's won and defended like our championships back home. Sounds strange... and, hopefully, pointless. After all, nobody has even attempted to pull a plug yet, and... and they never will. I hope.

Ugh, the plugs... I'm still not used to having this damn plug in my back. I don't think I ever will be. Atleast, I sure hope I'm not here long enough to get used to it. If any of these are pulled while we're out there in that arena, we'll go up into the void... just, up into space without any oxygen. Certain, painful, cold death. And I'd love to say it's a lie, but we already saw it happen to

Oh God, Cena... all you wanted to do was stand up for us and...

I can't. Not even in writing, I can't...

It's surreal. This whole thing is surreal. For two weeks now, they've pushed us out there in front of a crowd that wants to see us tear each other limb from limb, expecting us to fight to the death. It's barbaric, it's savage... but you know, it's the damnedest thing... it's out there that I feel the most calm about all this.

When I'm backstage, I'm just in a slow spiral, dreading my existence, certain that we'll never make it. But both times when I went out there, somehow... I was able to forget where we were and just, have fun. I guess it makes sense. Some people, when they're overcome with stress, they'll just throw themselves into their hobbies, surround themselves with what they love to try and forget. Others will throw themselves into their work, focus on their duty to keep their mind from wandering into darkness. Me... I kinda get to do both. Wrestling was always that escape for me... I could put on a mask and just be someone else for a night, someone that people wanted to watch do his thing...

It really shouldn't translate here. For most, I know it definitely doesn't. We go by instinct but no one really wants to put on a show the way they usually would. They hit each other harder but they certainly aren't working as hard. Of course, these crowds wouldn't like most of their regular acts anyway, but... I dunno. I'm different, in how I go about it. Everybody has a way of coping and I guess this is mine.

My first night, I was teaming with Fenix and Penta against Colby and the Briscoes and... I mean my God, being on the same side as those guys, working against Mark and Jay? That was awesome! Certainly never had that match back on Earth. I only ever met Fenix once a few years ago, when we were both part of a King of Trios tournament... but he's incredible! One of my favs for sure!

Heh... never too old to be a fanboy, huh? I think we're actually the same age, which is a little embarrassing... but whatever, it was fun. It was a challenge at first, since we wanted to fly, but our dumbasses seemed to miss the fact that they weren't any ropes out there, or a ring of any kind. I was so proud when I noticed the rock formations and suggested jumping off there... and they actually listened! They were so frazzled, they actually let someone like ME take the lead! Ridiculous... and the fans liked my idea too. It was something else.

I mean, to hell with those fans... but it does kinda feel like you've achieved something when you get them to cheer anything you do. Some of the best have struggled with that.

And then, this past week... I was up against Braun Strowman?! I mean, are you kidding me? Amazing. Never in a million years did I think I'd be sharing a ring with him. Being thrown around by him is the best... the only thing about Chikara is that it so rarely has the big beasts like that to work with. Bumping on that dirt kinda sucks but, it could be worse. And he was following along with me in that match too! Wild...

Telling him to go over towards the crowd was a bad move though. They kept telling him to do all these horrible things to me... I was so in the moment I barely even heard them, but it made him wanna call quits on the match. I was so confused when he forced it to an end. But he explained to me backstage that he's actually kinda afraid of what he might become if he feeds into the audience too much. He doesn't wanna get carried away...

He has to know... I mean, it has to have come into his mind at one point... if HE ever turned on us? We'd be in a ton of trouble. I don't know that anyone could actually stop him, one-on-one. He's such a sweet guy though, I can't see that ever being an issue.

I'd like to say I can't see anyone turning, period. I really would. But... it's rough. A lot of people are on edge, a lot of people have said a lot of hateful stuff... and of all people, Fenix actually said that he'd do it. That he'd... pull a plug, if pushed. That was a couple of days ago... nobody other than Penta has really wanted to spend time with him after that.

I don't... think he meant it, honestly. I really don't think it's true. Call it a gut feeling but I think he was just trying to put up a tough front. Little guys like us... we're in trouble if stuff goes down. I've thought about that a lot. We have to look so vulnerable next to some of these guys. I think Fenix has had that thought too... so he says that, to try and let people know he's not one to be messed with, regardless of his size. Warn them that if they go after him, he'll return in kind...

Then again, there I go again, trying to act like I know anything about him. He doesn't really seem to want to talk to me either. Our first real exchange here was a bit awkward... I was confused as to who he was at first. When he told me, I apologized, noting that I'd never seen him outside of his mask... he took it off not long after being brought in, and usually doesn't wear it unless he's about to go on. We had a pretty casual conversation after that, but he occasionally gave me this weird look... I think... I think it's because I still had my mask on.

Yeah, I've... I uh, haven't taken it off in front of anyone since I got here. I guess that's weird. I mean it's tradition, among luchadors... never show your face or reveal your real name in public, so I got into the habit. But, I guess it's out of place to folks here...

Like I said though, he usually doesn't wear his mask until he wrestles, but when he stepped forward to say that to everybody, he had it on then for some reason. I think it was to help hide his true feelings, just... to put forth a tougher face than he could manage without it. Yeah... he's, he's not a bad guy. Can't be...

The next show is tomorrow. I think I'm the only one that actually hopes he'll be on the card... though, I don't get the sense that they think much of me, so I wouldn't be surprised if I was left off. Honestly, I have no idea why Malell even picked someone like me, out of every wrestler he could've chosen to bring here. Actually... I think I'd rather not know. I have a feeling I wouldn't like the answer.

Writing all this down has calmed me a little. It's everything I can do to keep calm... honestly, I don't know how some of these guys do it. Guys like Omega and Rollins somehow find the courage to stand up and speak... and they have enough left over to try and share it with everyone else. Leader types like those guys... I'm nothing like them. I just have my little oddities to use, to try and keep it together.

I sure hope I get to go home soon... I wonder what I'll say to everyone back there. About this. Heh... that's optimistic. Once I get back, I don't know that I'll ever be able to talk about any of this. I'll probably just try and block it out of my memory. It's not like they'd believe it anyway. If I tried to explain it, they'd think I'd gone crazy.

...

No. They'd... they'd know that I've gone crazy.

<div style="text-align:right;">Signed,

Frightmare</div>

Zeel1 · January 23, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2332335&postcount=13" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .8 A Real Monster <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2333739&postcount=15" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;">IFL Bloodsport III</div> The audience seemed to be getting more and more restless by the week, a growing ferocity in the collective roar that ushered in every single episode of Bloodsport. The stands of gladiator-esque coliseum seemed to be moving from their constant stomping and of course from the intense, concentrated noise. Hazazz: Welcome everyone to another grand celebration of violence!!! Sivian: Indeed. While the current crop of warriors have been hideously slow to bloodshed, it certainly ramped up last week. And one could reasonably expect it to go that much further this week. Should it keep going... we'll have the deaths we crave soon enough. Hazazz: It might even happen tonight... the first death could happen tonight! Nnnnggh, please let it happen tonight...! BEFORE I'M COMPLETELY ZAPPED OF ALL EMOTION! Sivian: The stage is certainly set... rumblings of an opportunity are beginning to rise. Impressing now is of the utmost importance... and what could possibly impress more than an elimination? Hazazz: Yes, yes, YES!!! Hoo, tonight's main event is a combustible three-on-three match... Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins vs. Jay Lethal and the Briscoe Brothers! We saw hard-hitting action from Zayn and Rollins last week, and Lethal showed us his ruthless side! You've gotta think they can will their teams onto some beautiful brutality! Sivian: Mmm, and speaking of which... we're having another "hardcore" match tonight, and if you can believe it, Braun Strowman will be facing Sami Callihan inside an arena laced with weaponry. Callihan might have a twisted side, but against that beast, with the weapons we have on-hand... there's only one thing I can truly picture... Hazazz: Sami Callihan was 31 Earth years old... nyehahahahah! I can't wait!!! Sivian: But perhaps our most puzzling match is the one opening the show now. That contemptible Kenny Omega teams up with the sizzling Kota Ibushi versus the crowd favorite Tomohiro Ishii and... John Hennigan. Why on Earth would he be paired up with him of all people? Hazazz: Heh, I think Malell expects the same thing that happened to Naito last week... Ishii will turn on him! He'll mutilate all three of them! GO ISHII! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="iFovXoD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iFovXoD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Golden Lovers vs. Tomohiro Ishii & John Hennigan ------- Hennigan of course made absolutely no attempt to join the fray, not even meeting in the center with the other three. He hid in the corner, until a thrown battery barely missed his head. That spooked him into rushing to a different remote part of the arena, but still far away from the action. For the other three's part, they expected as much from him, and had already agreed to work it out more like a handicap match. Kenny and Kota swiftly went after Ishii, nailing him with brutal, stiff shots. He received a V Trigger knee from Omega, staggering him towards a vicious spinning back kick to the head from Ibushi... but he didn't go down. The two backed away and got some steam to charge, only to be caught by a double lariat that flipped them both. The match was littered with spots like that and Ishii would only ever stop to sell when his opponents were down, unwilling to show them his pain. This was a trademark of his and the crowd bought it big. The Golden Lovers were accustomed with Ishii and he was wrestling closer to his usual style than anyone else. The only difference was that he absolutely never left his feet, playing up to being the fighting machine the audience believed he was. The usual moment where the hard hits finally took their toll and his body just collapsed as if everything stopped functioning for a moment never happened. After winning a wicked slugfest spot with Omega and downing him for good with an elbow, Ishii turned to a weary Ibushi, so worn out from his strikes and throws that his attempt at offense was but a few meager, tired slaps. Ishii grabbed the drained Ibushi by the hair and pulled him over to the nearest rock formation, trying to slam him facefirst onto it. But Ibushi countered, wriggled free and kicked him away. He slowly climbed the stone, preparing for an aerial assault... but Ishii managed to leap up high enough to catch him flush in the jaw with a launching headbutt! He was out on his feet as Ishii climbed up the rock, and nailed him with a hideous Super Brainbuster that took him all the way to the ground! As usual, Ibushi was adept at convincing an audience that they'd just witnessed his neck being snapped and that was exactly what they came to see, in a frenzy after an extremely convincing match. Winners: Tomohiro Ishii & John Hennigan, after Ishii caught Ibushi with a Super Brainbuster at the 14:42 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Yowza, what a blazing hot match!! I guess Ishii had too much warrior honor to betray Hennigan... man, if he had a better partner he'd definitely have the energy to eliminate them both! Sivian: Indeed, but after seeing him perform like that, it's hard to feel too... oh no. Hazazz: Aw crap, they're giving that bastard a mic again... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Indeed, as Ishii calmly stomped off, not acknowledging the uproarious cheers, and as Kota gently escorted Hennigan back to a differing exit, Kenny Omega got a microphone from the giant disembodied floating eye that was somehow serving as referee for the evening. "Hey... hey! You might boo Hennigan, but he's just... showing on the outside, what we all feel on the inside!" Omega croaked, trying his best to catch his breath. "We're all scared! None of us wanna be here! What I said before is still true, it wasn't an act! It's not part of the show, you gotta believe me! We don't want to kill! None of us want to be in real death matches, we are NOT warriors!" Unsurprisingly, the crowd was absolutely nuclear at this, you could feel the hatred in the air, growing with Kenny's every word. He was a bit shifty-eyed, looking over to the guards, and then the referee, expecting them to try and stop him at any time. But the guards didn't make a move, and the ref simply blinked and stared. "I... s-somebody come and save us!" he yelled, a little flustered by the sheer lack of expected resistance. Once again, his mic was still working just fine. As the jeers, against all odds, again rose in volume, the thought occurred to Kenny that all he was really doing was making himself more of a heel to this audience. Glumly he handed the mic back and walked off. <img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Disgusting... why do we let him say anything?! Sivian: Poor boy. He has no idea what situation he's in... no one could save him, even if they tried. Hazazz: Yeah... that does make it kinda funny I guess. Hmph... still wish someone would rip his tongue out though! Sivian: Ooh, that would be lovely, it's been a while... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami Callihan seemingly took Omega's place, taking up the mic himself after he left, ignoring the radioactive response from the audience. "...How interesting." he began, in a grim voice just like the one he put on backstage. "Just days ago I was talking about how much more suited for a hardcore match I would be than those old men you saw last week. It would seem... that somebody heard me. It would seem that they want to test me. Because I'm in fact having a hardcore match now... against Braun Strowman." That was an easy way to get a cheap pop from the crowd, who actually weren't informed of the match themselves yet. The thought of seeing the monster impale someone on a stake was a great picker-upper. Sami grinned maliciously. "...You all expect me to die, huh?" he asked, to another pop. "...We'll see. We'll see who the real monster is... Braun. I hope you don't hold back. Because I won't..." Calmly he lowered the mic, and actually pocketed it in the leather jacket he was wearing, for safe keeping... <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Hrm, well he certainly talks a big game, but... Hazazz: Haha, talking's a looot easier than fighting, especially when you're up against a monster like Braun! He's gonna get obliterated out there, I can't wait! Sivian: Indeed, and his words may have only angered the beast... Hazazz: Ooh yeah... this might finally be the night he just ends somebody! I bet... I bet he'll rip his spine out and choke him to death with it! Remember?! Remember when I did that, Sivian?! Remember?! Sivian: Of course, how could I forget? I was on commentary for that. Always found myself wishing you'd use that as a regular finish... Hazazz: Ahh I'd have loved to, but the hides tended to be really tough in that series... scaled warriors were really popular that year. I'm almost positive Braun could do it to any of these other humans, though! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="Z5hv7Bw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z5hv7Bw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> --- Hardcore Match --- Sami Callihan vs. Braun Strowman ------- Braun wanted to handle this like an ordinary match, ignoring the stip, but Sami wasn't entertaining that notion at all. He immediately went for the huge staff that Dreamer and Funk used and started swinging it at him. He caught him hard in the gut with it, enough to let Braun know Sami was being dead serious about what he was talking about. On the next swing, Braun managed to grab it and yank it away with his full might. Callihan started goading him on, telling him to hit him with it, but instead Braun opted to send a message by holding it up and breaking the thick wooden weapon over his knee! This got a big pop from the crowd, assuming that was signalling that he'd do much the same to Sami, but it just got a scowl from the hardcore wrestler who knew it meant much the opposite. Callihan played along for a brief bit, rushing in after this to get shoved around and slammed. But eventually he tired of this, and as he was in Braun's arms for the finishing powerslam, a (legit) thumb to the eye stopped the assault. He whisked away and obtained a bizarre weapon from the wall. It was like a huge pair of nunchucks, but each with a sharped edge, like wooden blades. Sami could only lift one with both hands, and used it to swing the other half towards the still staggered Braun... he was still struggling to see, so he was caught off guard by it, and ended up being whacked right in the face with it, leaving a nasty gash in his cheek! The crowd went wild at the most grotesque form of violence they'd seen yet in this series. Braun stared, stunned as Sami reared back and went for another. He was able to jerk backwards just enough to only be grazed by the weapon this time as it slid across his chest, a thin incision's worth of blood trickling down his massive torso. Callihan reared back yet again, only for the enraged giant to reach forward and grab him by the neck, raising him up into the air. He was actually choking him, and it was enough to make him drop the weapon... "Do it... Braun..." he choked out. "Show them what a real monster looks like..." Hearing his choked voice, Braun lightened his grip, using his other hand to keep him supported in the air, as if setting him up for a chokeslam. Hesitating on his next move, Sami made him pay, pulling the microphone out from his jacket and bashing the top of it right across Braun's cranium. The mic was still on, so the impact echoed throughout the arena. This was a hard shot and the giant was a little woozy from the blood rushing out of him, so he let him go. Sami jumped up to a nearby rock and leapt off, blasting him even harder with the mic, enough to bring him down to a knee. Sami rushed back over to the weapon wall and found what was effectively a whip with a diamond stud at the tip. As the crowd was ecstatic, having found a new hero, Braun was mortified. He bellowed, "Enough!" before going down to his back. The cheers turned to jeers, and Callihan seemed quite disgusted himself. "If you want this win so bad, you can have it!" Braun yelled, gesturing for him to pin him. Sami shook his head and started raining down shots with the whip, lashing the monster over and over and over, until he had welts up and down his massive torso. Yet Braun made no attempt to fight back. Finally, Callihan bundled the whip up around his fist and sent it down in a fist drop that genuinely managed to bust open Braun's forehead. Only with this did he finally decide to pin him. Needless to say, this was not the planned finish... Winner: Sami Callihan by pinfall, after a vicious assault from a diamond studded whip, at the 10:23 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Wh-what... the... Sivian: Wow... that... that match... Hazazz: That match was AWESOME! Damn, that Callihan is amazing! Braun didn't seem to have any idea what to do with him! He was just that taken aback by the onslaught, huh?! Sivian: ...Indeed. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IifjMjV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IifjMjV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Baron Corbin vs. Colby Corino ------- This was a short one, as Colby gladly let Baron look like a beast, as if to make up for what just happened to Braun. He began the match with a simple pieface that took the scrawny young man to the ground, and the rest of it followed suit. He continued his scrappy underdog shtick, never once did he stop throwing stiff punches, but they had no visible effect on Baron and he only ever needed one good punch to drop him in return. After a few moments of mockery and bullying shoves, Baron finished him with the End of Days. Winner: Baron Corbin by pinfall, after an End of Days at the 2:12 mark <img alt="gGQm0Nt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gGQm0Nt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Well, Corbin certainly made quick work of Colby. Hazazz: Heh, wonder if he's got some place to be... Sivian: I think we both know he does not. Hazazz: Heh, well... oh hey, he's not done with him! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IifjMjV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IifjMjV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Shortly after getting the pin, Baron dove onto Colby and started raining punches down onto his face. He yanked him up by the hair and planted him with a second End of Days, just for the hell of it. As he lorded above his fallen opponent, this entirely unnecessary and uncalled for assault on what might well as have been a small child proved a solid means of gaining fan support. <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Well! That's always welcome! Sivian: Indeed, it's nice to know some brutes don't feel the need to hold back... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EZJT81V.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EZJT81V.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Fabian Aichner vs. Charlotte Flair ------- Charlotte came in like a house of fire in this one, all too ready to brawl with Fabian... but Aichner was noticeably less so. They went into a slugfest and it couldn't have been more apparent that Charlotte was hitting significantly harder than Fabian, who seemed to be trying to get by with worked punches. This irked the crowd, and seemed to irk Charlotte as well. She tried to up the ante and get him into the swing of it, but no matter how many solid forearms and piercing chops he received, he seemed to refuse to stiff her back. After a few minutes of this, the frustrated Charlotte changed her game up as she went for a chop block to take him down and, after targeting his right leg for a bit, she locked in the figure four, before transitioning into the figure eight. This hold came in significantly sooner than anticipated, but he didn't question it. Fabian held on for a while to try and save some face before ultimately tapping out. After breaking the hold, Charlotte reached down and slapped Aichner in the face, leaving him a little taken aback as she exited. Winner: Charlotte Flair by submission, after a Figure Eight Leglock at the 7:23 mark <img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Hrm, strange... Aichner sure seemed to have more fight last week. Hazazz: Yeah, his heart didn't seem to be in this one at all... maybe he's sick or something. I dunno, but Charlotte's still as wicked as ever! Heh, she's great! Sivian: I agree. Do watch out for that one... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Lucha Brothers made their way out for their upcoming match. Penta demanded a mic, aggressively ripping it away from the official, who was wide-eyed at his sudden fury. Assuming that Malell wasn't lying when he said the mics translated human languages into a common speech for the aliens, he spoke in Spanish, more comfortable cutting promos in his native tongue. "Up next! Me and Fenix... shall be taking on two other teams..." he hissed. "They both believe that they've made statements... that they've made an impact. But they've done nothing... they've done nothing because they have not faced us. Fenix and I... we are bonded by blood. And what runs through our veins... is violence!" This got quite the reaction. Fenix simply nodded as Penta went on, "What you're going to find out tonight... is what everyone who saw us on our home planet found out. Tonight, you learn the meaning of Cero Miedo, ZERO FEAR!" The crowd was quite on his side as he tossed the mic away. They seemed happy to ignore the fact that from their perspective he just said 'zero fear' twice in a row. <img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: We did some fine flashes from Penta before... and he seems all the more motivated tonight. Hazazz: With as many opponents as he's about to have, he'll have the opportunity to show out... but don't discount these warriors either! They were all big parts of last week's show! Sivian: Indeed, this should certainly be some chaos. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3DyjrKD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DyjrKD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="W6oSkBK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W6oSkBK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TTfjpPd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TTfjpPd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Lucha Brothers vs. Beer Money Inc. vs. Terry Funk & Tommy Dreamer ------- With no tags and no ropes this was pure carnage, all six men happy to go along with the Stiffness Policy. Penta in particular looked vicious, handing out overhead chops that echoed throughout the arena and bone-crunching maneuvers like an Inverted Gory Special Bomb, which actually sent James Storm careening onto his partner. Even Funk was happy to take the abuse, although after suffering a wicked kick to the head from Fenix, who seemed determined not to repeat his mistake last week, he had to stagger away for a breather. As the other two teams brawled, Tommy pulled Terry aside and asked him to sit the rest of the match out. But he told him he was fine to go on with the planned finish, and limped his way into a hobbled run as he rushed Penta. Penta caught him with a kick and pulled him in for a Package Piledriver as Fenix whizzed by to try and take out Dreamer. But Tommy went against the plan, ducking the clothesline and running in, actually grabbing Funk and pulling him away from a confused Penta. After barking a few quick orders to him, Penta followed along, kicking him and setting him up instead, planting him with his Package Piledriver. He pinned him as Terry laid nearby, just shaking his head. Winners: Lucha Brothers by pinfall, after Penta caught Dreamer with a Package Piledriver at the 7:41 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Wow, that's a first in this arena... Tommy took that piledriver on Funk's behalf to try and protect him. Hazazz: Man... that kind of selflessness... that kind of loyalty and friendship... makes me absolutely sick! It has no place in this arena! Get that scum out of here! Sivian: Shame... I had hoped he'd perhaps broken his neck with that maneuver, but it seems Tommy is walking out on his own power. Hazazz: He'll get his... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0K4vhmf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0K4vhmf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="qI99sk8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qI99sk8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Marty Scurll vs. Zack Sabre Jr. ------- This was a technical wrestling masterclass, a rarity in IFL, and not something people were particularly happy to see in the early going. As the crisp hammerlock switches and reversals were met with a growing chorus of boos, Marty suggested they switch things up, but Zack assured him this would be just fine. Eventually he turned a top wrist lock into a trip and forced him into a double chickenwing... before transitioning ever so fluidly to a more elaborate hold, a double chickenwing inverted facelock... and then he got his legs involved, making it a double leg-trap chickenwing inverted facelock, the move he liked to call the Young Boy Killer. Slowly but surely he moved from hold to hold, as somehow Marty's predicament looked all the more torturous by the moment. And the crowd's boos faded, as they were gradually won over by how incredibly painful the torque and manipulation of Scurll's limbs really looked. This eventually ended with one of ZSJ's favorite finishers, the double wrist-clutch octopus hold a.k.a Hurrah! Another Year, Surely This One Will Be Better Than the Last; The Inexorable March of Progress Will Lead Us All to Happiness. The move started like a typical octopus stretch, but then he hooked the arms up high, forcing them above his own head as he pushed Marty's head down steadily with his boot, twisting his body like a pretzel until finally he had to submit. As he released Scurll, letting him collapse to the floor, the crowd seemed to have yet another new champion. Winner: Zack Sabre Jr by submission, after locking Scurll into a Hurrah! Another Year, Surely This One Will Be Better Than the Last; The Inexorable March of Progress Will Lead Us All to Happiness at the 14:33 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: WOW! Hahaha awesome! I had no idea humans could bend like that! And somehow I don't think they're supposed to!! Sivian: This Zack Sabre Jr. is a unique one... brutalizing his opponents not through strikes but by simply taking them apart with submission holds. I've seen many try, but previous few that could go from hold to complicated hold like that... Hazazz: That Marty kid's tough, too. I mean most guys would've submitted halfway through that madness! He held out for a long while. Sivian: True enough. He's got resilience. But ZSJ is the story here, he's a dangerous one... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tetsuya Naito arrived for his match, and the crowd's jolly mood immediately evaporated as they were quick to shower him with hatred. He just smiled and posed, as though he were the most popular man around. Unable to resist egging them on, he opted to go for a microphone tonight, much to the dismay of the crowd and commentary alike. "Tonight... I face Alberto El Patron. A fighter to be certain... but he's not quite up to my caliber." he began, to a chorus of jeers. "I shall make short work of him, enroute to a true challenge. A true battle. For there is only one warrior here that is capable of matching up to me... only one warrior who can give you all the brutality that you crave..." The crowd actually began to quiet down a bit, as some were actually listening, curious as to what he was going on about. "Yes... if you really want to see a war, then I'll tell you what match you should be demanding to see." he went on. "You need to see... Tetsuya Naito... versus..." He reached up to spread his eyelids, his iconic gesture, as he finished, "...John Hennigan!" The crowd again erupted in boos at the very notion, as Naito dropped the mic and gave himself a quick chest pound, clearly proud of himself for that one. <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: UGGGGGGGGHHHNNNYYGGGAAAHHH!!! Sivian: Well said, partner. Hazazz: Ohhhhh man I can't... I can't deal with that... the very thought of those two... in a 'match'? In the IFL?! Ugh... I've, I've sunk my head through a gaping chest wound before and I've never felt this nauseous... Sivian: Well, don't fret, we'd never see a match like that. Malell's made some unique booking choices before but he'd certainly never go for something like that. Hazazz: Dammit, now I'm picturing it... it's just, it's just an hour of nothing! It never stops! Raugh, Alberto, get out here quick and kick his head off for me! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tetsuya Naito vs. Alberto El Patron ------- Alberto came out looking all too ready to fulfill that request, but after a brief moment of pretending he would stand his ground and fight, Naito backed away from a thrust kick and retreated, turning to taunt the crowd. Alberto chased him, but found that he was just a little too quick. Every time he thought he was close enough to grab him, Naito would simply duck under his arms and rush away. The crowd was incensed as Naito was clearly going out of his way to give them as little as possible, and after what happened last week, Alberto was quickly put into a foul mood by this as well. Eventually he managed to grab Naito by the wrist, kick his leg out from under him to force him to a knee, then strike him with a brutal kick to the head that brought him to the ground. From there he wasted no time and put no flash into locking in his Cross Armbreaker. "Just tap out and get out of here!" he yelled through grit teeth. Naito held up his hand as though he was about to comply... only to suddenly roll over, putting Alberto in a pinning predicament! Naito completed the roll, and his whole body weight was now pushing down on Alberto's raised legs, giving him way too much leverage to overcome... and Naito got the pin! The boos were deafening as Naito ran, his fist raised high in the air, as Alberto was absolutely apoplectic. Winner: Tetsuya Naito by pinfall, after countering a Cross Armbreaker into a roll-up at the 9:31 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Blast. He escaped once again. Hazazz: That Naito... he's even worse than Omega. Please, please, let him be the first to be taken out! I can't stand this! Sivian: Alberto looks even more furious than you are. Hopefully he'll manage to get some revenge soon... Hazazz: I don't care who does it! SOMEBODY take this guy down a peg! And preferably, take out his plug while you're at it! Sivian: Naito's appearance aside, please try and enjoy this main event... Hazazz: Ugggh, yeah, I'll make an attempt... better be good, though... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="4N92MpZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4N92MpZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RRUiOub.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RRUiOub.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FIJbDfk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FIJbDfk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="NjAxbZU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NjAxbZU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="evhIhfq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/evhIhfq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="E7L4i6U.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E7L4i6U.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs. Jay Lethal & The Briscoe Brothers ------- This was a gritty, remarkably hard to follow war from the outset. They brought the stiff strikes, peppered with leaps off the stone, particularly with Sami trying out the tried and true fall-onto-everyone-else-in-the-match spot on for size, and somewhat surprisingly the crowd was all for it. It took a while, but this lengthy back and forth slugfest brought everyone back after having just suffered through Naito. Everyone was worn down by the time the finishing sequence began. Rollins nailed the curbstomp on Mark, but before he could stand he was blasted with a Cannonball Senton from Jay Briscoe. He popped right up to be met with a Helluva Kick from Sami, but before he could pin, Lethal - unable to use the ropes - simply backflipped into the Lethal Injection cutter! But before he could even stand, Owens was there to pull him to his feet and toss him into the air, before planting him with his patented Pop-Up Powerbomb! He was meant to pin him then and there... but by chance, when Lethal bounced off the ground, he opted to roll onto his side to sell the attack... giving Owens a glimpse of the steel that protruded from his back, the same that was stuck in each of them. Owens froze... eyeing it intently. As if fighting against himself, his hand shook as he reached down... slowly but surely, his fingers started going towards the plug... and Lethal, with his eyes shut, pretending to be knocked out, was none-the-wiser... Luckily, Jay Briscoe was watching and rushed up to tackle Owens, pulling him away from Lethal. "What the **** do you think you're doing?!" Owens fought his way back up, and the two of them began to trade shoot fists until Sami grabbed his friend from behind and pulled him out of the fray. "Kevin! Kevin, what are you thinking?!" he asked, but Kevin seemed entirely unresponsive, like he was in a trance... As he continued to try and question him, Lethal and the Briscoes worked an improvised finish with Rollins, hitting him with a triple dropkick, dazing him enough to be caught in an inside cradle by Lethal. The Briscoes stood watch, keeping their eyes locked onto Owens as the ref made the count. All the while, just the tease of an elimination was driving the crowd wild, salivating with delight in the hopes of seeing someone meet their end... Winners: Jay Lethal & The Briscoe Brothers by pinfall, after Lethal's inside cradle on Rollins following Owens' attempted elimination of Lethal at the 20:22 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Aw man!!! Ahh! I-I just about had a heart attack! Do you feel that?! Do you feel that?! Electricity coursing through my veins! We came that close, that close to our first elimination!!! Sivian: It was a wonderful sight to see, partner. It seems even Zayn was shocked, he must not have shared his plans with his partners. In fact, it almost looked as though he didn't have a plan... Hazazz: All instinct! A natural born killer! Yes! Kevin Owens is the best! Hey, k-keep the camera on them! It could still happen! Sivian: Hrrmmmm... no, no they seem to be dispersing. Unfortunate... Hazazz: Gaaaah... heh, wow, I'm just about out of breath... those few weeks without an elimination really made me realize just how much I need them! And now I KNOW it's going to happen soon... b-but how soon?! The anticipation is driving me mad! Sivian: We'll just have to wait and see, but one things for sure, this is the ONLY place you will see this kind of carnage! For Hazazz, I'm Sivian and... Hazazz: PULLITPULLITPULLITPULLITPULLITPULLITPULLITPULLIT- <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Zeel1 · January 26, 2019

<< .9 They Need Me >>

Moments after his match, the bloodied and battered Braun Strowman walked through the lengthy tunnel from the arena exit to the lounge... he made it halfway to his room before collapsing onto a knee, getting the attention of the others.

"What...? Whoa! Braun?!" Marty exclaimed, having been in the middle of warming up for his own match. "What the hell happened to you?!"

"I saw what happened..." Dreamer grumbled as he stepped in. "Are you gonna be alright, Braun...?"

"I'll live..." the monster sighed.

Tommy shook his head. "You need your rest... somebody help him to his room, I need to... deal with this."

Lethal, Marty and Frightmare all converged around Braun, helping him to his feet and slowly walking him to the back as Tommy stood near the doorway... until he came in.

Sami Callihan hadn't taken two steps into the lounge before Tommy grabbed him by the jacket he chose to work in and pin him to the wall.

"What the hell was that?!" he snapped. "You think you're a tough guy?! Taking liberties with someone who won't fight back, you think that proves anything?!"

"Monster like that, he can take some lumps..." Callihan deadpanned, barely reacting at all in the face of Dreamer's seething anger.

"I don't give a damn who it is! That was completely uncalled for! He did NOTHING to you!" Dreamer shouted. "You think you're scary, kid? You think you can intimidate us with shit like that?! Try that with me, I ****ing dare you..."

Callihan scoffed, glancing up at the ceiling. "...You wouldn't be worth the time."

"Hey! LOOK AT ME!" Dreamer yelled, getting all the more pissed by the minute. "You better learn some respect real quick or I swear to God I will..."

Tommy trailed off, realizing that damn near the whole roster had filed out to watch the commotion. Callihan just smirked. "...Go ahead, finish that sentence. What will you do to me...?"

Begrudgingly, biting his bottom lip, Dreamer released Callihan and mumbled, "I need to go get ready for my match..." as he stomped off. Callihan followed suit... nobody wanted to make eye contact with him as he made his way to his room, and that didn't seem to bother him at all.

-----

Charlotte seemed quite steamed as she marched in after her match, not saying a word to anyone as she came in and quickly sat down in a huff on some type of couch. She was quiet, but didn't exactly seem to be trying to avoid confrontation seeing as she didn't head straight to her room... and that was further confirmed the moment Aichner walked in, as she shot him a dirty look and he of course immediately noticed.

"What was that all about back there?" Fabian inquired, puzzled.

"You're asking me?!" Charlotte replied, indignant. She stood and got right up in his face. "Why don't you explain first... I saw you last week. You were all too happy to go along with working stiff against Kota, you two beat the hell out of each other. But you're up against me and suddenly you change your tune... why?"

"I... I don't know what you're talking about." he replied, sheepishly looking away.

"Bullcrap, you weren't laying it in at all!" she shouted, as though she wanted everyone in the building to hear. "And I wanna know why."

"Alright, look, I... ugh." he stammered. "I just... don't want to hurt you, okay? I mean I think... I think it's really ****ed up, honestly, that Malell brought you and Madison here."

"What?! What's that supposed to mean?!" she answered, playing up the anger. "You think women aren't tough enough for a game like this, is that what you're saying?!"

"Wha... no! No, that's not what I meant at all!" he replied, taking a step back, his hands up defensively. "I just- I was always taught... look, it's just instinct, honestly. I'm fine with wrestling a woman but I'm... gonna be holding back with you two."

"Um, for what it's worth..." Madison spoke up. "...I actually appreciate that. I'm not really looking to get into any actual fights."

Charlotte whipped her back quickly, sneering at Madison. "It's worth nothing! Nobody asked you!"

And she quickly whipped back around to Fabian, a finger to his chest now. "And as for you, you can drop that with me right now. Don't you dare think for a second I need kid gloves, I can take your best shot any day! If we go out there again, I want you to bring it!"

He gave an exasperated shrug. "...I dunno what to tell you. I'm just not comfortable with that. It's not like it hurts your perception, you look like a total badass no selling everything out there, and it makes everything you do look stiffer by comparison. I mean no disrespect, I just can't bring myself to do it."

His words seemed reasonable and he had such an earnest look on his face... in truth, she felt kinda bad about what she planned to do. Part of her wanted to just end the argument there, but a quick scan of the room showed that they had everyone's full attention. The only way to go was forward...

"Well, I guess there's nothing that can be done..." she began with a sigh, before gritting her teeth. "...I guess you just don't have the manhood for it."

With that, she grabbed him by the shoulders and, to his complete shock, drove her knee right up into his crotch with a resounding thud! No work, and no cup with this low blow, and Aichner swiftly collapsed to the floor, tending to himself.

Swiftly, a number of people rushed in to grab Charlotte and pull her back, to prevent any further attacks whilst some others went to help Fabian.

"Charlotte, what the hell?!" asked a bewildered Rollins as he gripped her by the arms.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Madison exclaimed as she aided Aicher to his feet.

She had no responses to anyone's inquiries, simply smiling, content that she'd gotten everyone's attention. Charlotte held up her arms to show no resistance as she was led back towards the board rooms, but she made sure to get a peek at Fabian's pained face before she went. Naturally, he was absolutely livid...

-----

A couple minutes after their match had concluded, Dreamer and Funk were walking through the tunnel to the lounge. The other two teams had made their way back much quicker than they, partly for selling reasons and partly because... well, they just weren't quite as mobile.

As they made the trek, Tommy found himself instinctively trying to pull the legend's arm over his shoulder to help support him, but Terry pulled away.

"What are you doing? I'm fine." Terry curtly replied.

"S-Sorry." Dreamer murmured. They took a few more steps forward and then, he spoke up again, "Listen... about what happened back there, uh..."

He stopped and turned to him.

"You don't have to explain. I get. I do." Funk replied. "You're worried, and I appreciate that. But by now, you should know... I'm a helluva lot tougher than I look. Never gonna retire, yannow?"

"I know. Believe me, I know. But... making you wrestle on that dirt three weeks in a row, and... I mean..." he began. "It's... it's not right, that-"

"Tommy." he cut him off. "I can handle it. Trust me. Ain't no one ever been able to slow me down. Father time can't do it, these aliens don't stand a chance."

Funker gave Tommy a smirk and he couldn't help but return it. Funk finished, "Now come on, let's get our rest, huh?"

Tommy held onto his forehead. "Yeah, you go on ahead, I just... need to cool off, it's been a stressful one."

Terry nodded and turned to leave. Dreamer's smile diminished as he glumly watched his old friend limp away. He'd seen that limp plenty of times of course, but in this context, it seemed particularly hard to ignore.

His fists clenched tightly, his teeth gritting as his mind began to race...

'Goddamn you, Malell. What were you thinking, bringing him here?' he thought to himself. 'It's twisted that you brought any of us, but Terry? A man in his 70s? A man whose body has had to endure fifty years of being in the wrestling business? You want to put him in actual deathmatches?!'

Dreamer's fist shook... and then, without even thinking, he found himself punching the marble wall with all his might. He froze for a moment, slowly realizing that he was out of breath. He pulled his fist away to see that his knuckles were bleeding...

-----

After having quite literally stolen a win from Alberto and rushing away from the arena as usual, Naito was still mid-sprint as he burst into the lounge, seemingly one of the few to come back in with a smile. He dove right for a couch, quite unnecessarily flipping onto it, into his most common tranquilo pose. Nobody seemed near as amused as he was by this, but he wasn't paying any attention to them anyway.

Shortly after, Alberto stormed in and was quick to rush up to Naito, a finger in his face. "What is your problem, perro?!"

Naito's eyes went wide here, as though he was genuinely shocked by this question. He put a finger to his chin, contemplating this deeply for a few moments, before replying, "...I was abducted by aliens."

"Don't give me your bullshit right now!" Alberto hissed. "All you ever do is rile up the crowd... you don't cooperate with anybody, and with a few more showings like that, you might even turn them against me!"

"Ohh now that would be tragic..." Naito glumly responded. "Bad enough we'll all die here, but you mean to say the aliens might stop cheering you...?"

With a groan, Alberto reached down and flipped the couch Naito was lying on, sending him sprawling onto the floor. The others leaped to their feet, prepared to break up yet another fight as Alberto lorded over him.

"Hey, back off!" ZSJ yelled. "God, is there something in the air tonight?!"

Alberto ignored them, glaring holes through Naito as he put just an inch of distance between his thumb and forefinger. "I am this close to stomping your ****ing face in!" he seethed. "If you've given up... if you just want to lay down and die out here, then fine! But don't you dare make a fool out of me! In a situation like this, people like you are the last thing we need and I think we've been patient with you for long enough!"

ZSJ got between Alberto and the still prone Naito, pushing him away. "I said back off..."

Alberto acquiesced, his hands raised as he backed away, and he turned to head off to his room. But as he did so, he yelled back, "Better hope we don't get matched up again! I will beat some sense into your ass!"

As he listened to this, Naito simply grinned...

-----

The tension had been particularly thick in the lounge throughout the night. But only after the show finished did it finally reach it's fever pitch.

Zayn had managed to drag a nigh on unresponsive Owens just about the whole way through the tunnel, before Lethal and the Briscoes dove on him. A brawl commenced and they ended up fighting their way into the lounge, as Lethal tackled him right through the door and rained down punches.

"Jesus, again?!" Bate croaked. "Lethal, what are you doing?!"

A group of workers swarmed in, despite Mark trying to wave them off. "Let him do it! He has it coming!"

Despite his protest, they went ahead and pulled them apart. Zayn had Owens hooked and was desperately backing him up with the help of some others, and Omega had Lethal in a full nelson as he kept him in the opposite side of the room.

"What's going on?! Hey, talk to me!" Kenny cried out to an enraged Lethal. Seemingly no one was watching the main event. "What happened out there?!"

"I'll tell you what happened..." came the voice of a dead serious Rollins as he stepped through the door way. "Owens... just tried to pull his plug."

Slowly everyone's eyes shifted to Owens, gazing at him in various states of shock and disgust. Storm, one of the men holding him back, was the first to ask, "Is... is that true?"

"Yeah it's true..." Lethal growled, trying his best not to fly off the handle again. "...that son of a bitch just tried to kill me."

This started a humongous uproar as many of the room started yelling over each other, all directed at Owens.

"Were you seriously going to go through with it?!" Marty shouted.

"My God, you've lost your mind!" Colby exclaimed.

"St-stay away... keep him away from me!" a petrified Hennigan screamed.

"I know you want to get home, but this is not the answer!" Kota implored.

"I knew we couldn't trust anyone!" Baron howled.

"Guys! GUYS! STOP!" Zayn shouted, louder than any of them. He got in front of Owens, gesturing for the circling crowd to back away. "Everyone just give him space! G-Give him a chance to explain himself, alright?!"

The room went quiet as Sami turned around, looking into the blank eyes of his best friend. "T-Tell them what really happened, okay...? It's just a misunderstanding, right? They... thought you were going for a plug, but that's not actually what you were doing at all, yeah? G-Go on, tell 'em..."

Owens silently met Zayn's gaze. For several deathly seconds, the room was quiet.

"...C-C'mon, it's okay. Just go ahead and... and say it... say that you weren't really trying to... to do that." Zayn continued, his expression growing increasingly desperate. "A-Anything... say anything. I'll believe it, whatever it is, just please, say something..."

Kevin's bottom lip quivered a bit as he looked down, unable to face his friend at that point in time.

"The least you could do is talk..." Lethal declared.

Owens slowly stepped past Zayn, towards Lethal. Everyone was on guard, but he was walking deliberately enough to convince them he'd calmed down. Omega allowed Lethal to step up as well, the two having a tense staredown.

Finally, Owens began to speak. "...I was taken from my home. I just, disappeared... right in front of my son. And there's no way in hell they have any idea where I am. They can't possibly know what happened, and they certainly don't know for a fact that I'm still alive. I... I'm willing to bet that they miss me almost as much as I miss them..."

A tear slowly fell down his cheek. "And... and they're scared, because why wouldn't they be? And they're hurt because for all they know I just... revealed my true colors as a deadbeat dad and walked out on them one day. And it's been... it's been three weeks and I haven't been able to say a single word to them. I can't check on them to know that they're okay. I can't tell them that I'm okay. And they're suffering because... because they need me, they needed me to support them and I can't do that right now. My kids, they... they need me. They need me and... a-and..."

He tearfully trailed off, going quiet again, his head bowed for a moment. But slowly it rose again, and he looked coldly into Lethal's eyes. His voice contained nothing but pure malice as he finished.

"...and they don't even know you."

Zeel1 · January 27, 2019

When morning came, it seemed as though nobody was too eager to speak about what had gone down the night prior.

They'd been witness to the first elimination attempt, and with it, went all their optimism. No longer could any of them simply assume that a plug would never be pulled. The shockwave had been sent through the roster that being betrayed by one of their own was very much a possibility...

Few slept well that night.

The dread was thick in the air as most of them gathered like usual in the lounge, with some noted exceptions...

"Where is he?" Lethal mumbled, still fuming from his attempted murder.

Sami Zayn, his eyes still red and swollen, looked up glumly. "...He's uh... locked in our room. Has been ever since I got up..."

"Yeah, seems like he's kicked out all his bunkmates." Marty spoke up. "I know he did me, and Frightmare said the same..."

"I think he just... needs to be alone." Sami replied.

"Heh, he sure does..." Baron chuckled bitterly. "He decided to make himself the first and got everyone's attention. He's a marked man now."

"D-Don't... don't say that." Sami muttered weakly, folding his arms... almost wrapping them around himself, as if hit by a sudden coldness.

"Wh-what are we gonna do, what are we gonna do..." Hennigan muttered, rocking back and forth wildly. He was able to somewhat calm himself backstage after a while, but Owens' actions quickly forced him to devolve to a constant state of panic. "H-He's gonna go after me next, I just know it... I'm an easy target...!"

"Either be useful or be quiet!" Storm snapped. "How many times do we have to tell you, it just makes it worse when you act that way! Do you want to make the rest of us lose it like that?!"

"S-Sorry, sorry, sorry...!" he croaked, trying to back away even as he was already sitting in the corner.

"I'm... not gonna attack you, I just want you to calm down..." Storm sighed.

Once again, Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi stood. But this time, they weren't putting forth the same bright smile as before.

"Guys... Kota and I have come to a decision. In light of what's happened, we need to make this clear... and we need everyone to pitch in." Kenny declared, as he and Ibushi each raised a fist into the air. "We're making a pact here. To never, ever so much as even THINK about eliminating someone... and whenever we see one about to happen, we will intervene. And I implore the rest of you to join in with us. The Pact will see that none of us have to fall on our way back home..."

"Sounds good to me. I don't want anyone to have to feel like I do right now..." Lethal mumbled, as he stood up and raised his fist with them. "I can make that pact with you."

"I sure don't wanna hurt anybody." Bate spoke up. "So... I'm with you too."

"Same here, I'm NEVER pulling a plug!" Frightmare agreed.

Dreamer raised his fist, as did Funk, in quiet solidarity. Kota began to smile, seeing how many takers they were getting already. Baron of course just rolled his eyes at this... whilst the Briscoe Brothers whispered amongst themselves for a moment. The two of them then stood.

"If we went along with what Malell wanted us to do, eventually we'd have no choice but to eliminate each other." Jay noted. "And we're never going to let it come to that... we will NOT fight each other, not like that..."

"So yeah. We're in." Mark declared. "We'll be on anyone who goes for a plug before they can blink."

Braun Strowman stood up, getting everyone's attention immediately. "I sure don't wanna pull a plug either. And I can agree to help protect against elimination... bet I can do a fine job of it too."

Everyone was quick to agree on that one.

"Well... that changes things." Madison remarks. "I mean if Braun's in, there's no way I'd be at risk, right...? Yeah, yeah I can get with this."

"P-Please keep an eye on me..." Hennigan mumbled, slowly raising a quivering fist.

"This is great! What is that, ten, twelve of us...?" Frightmare inquired. "No way will there ever be an elimination at this rate!"

Kenny turned to Rollins, who sat quietly in the back of the room. "What about you, Seth? I know I can count you on-board, right?"

Seth lowered his head, contemplatively for a while, before standing up. "...Sorry. But I don't think I can go for it."

"What...? Wh-why not?" Hennigan asked, nervous.

"Well... don't get me wrong, the last thing I want to see is anyone getting... taken out. And I will absolutely never be the one to pull someone's plug for no reason." he explained. "But... the precedent's already been set. Someone could go for me at any time... that's just a fact. And you guys might be on guard watching from the tunnel or whatever, but this can happen way too quickly for anyone to stop from there, and there's no way Malell's gonna just let you wait in the arena for it. If you want to stay alive, you've gotta do what it takes to defend yourself, and... and there's really only one appropriate means of self-defense..."

"You mean... you'd... you'd do it?" Bate stammered.

"I don't want to... but when the chips are down... I can't promise that I won't." Rollins sighed. "And that being the case... I don't think I can make that pact."

Some affirming murmurs arose from those listening, whilst others chose to stay quiet on the matter.

Kenny solemnly nodded his head. "I understand... and I respect that. But with us around, I'd like to think that you'll never be in that situation to begin with."

"I can only hope." Rollins agreed. "I can't join in myself but I'm certainly rooting for you to make good on what you're talking about. Godspeed to you all."

Zeel1 · January 28, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2334053&postcount=16" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .11 Immunity <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335003&postcount=19" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;">IFL Bloodsport IV</div> Hazazz: Finally, finally, finally!!! This has been yet another loooong week, but we're finally back for another Bloodsport! Sivian: Last week was certainly a monumental one... still no eliminations yet, but the first attempt was made at the show's closing. Kevin Owens was perilously close to taking out Jay Lethal... Hazazz: The very thought of it... the very thought just gives me LIFE! Death is my life! Death is my life! Sivian: Now now partner, that's a popular chant among fans, but you're meant to be a professional... Hazazz: Aw c'mon baby we're both still fans at heart! Sivian: True enough... oh my... we're undoubtedly both fans of this man! Hazazz: It-IT'S MALELL! YES! MALELL! OVER HERE!! MALELL! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"> Indeed, the boss himself is opening the show to an uproarious ovation. He's all smiles as he waves at the audience and is swiftly handed a microphone by the green-skinned court jester - whose outfit was hard to distinguish from his body - who was of course the referee for the evening. "Welcome one and all to another edition of IFL Bloodsport!" he declared, to a tremendous pop. "I know this series has had an uncharacteristically slow start... usually we'd be down two or three warriors already by this point. One year we'd lost six... that was a wonderful one. But as you all saw last week... it's coming. The fights to the death are coming... slowly but surely it's setting in to these warriors that it is kill or be killed. And I assure you, the first casualty will be very, very soon... it may even be as soon as tonight!" That of course got an even louder reaction, not even an ounce of energy going into hiding their bloodlust, leaving it plain for the whole galaxy to see. "And why do I say that...? Because tonight shall be a very unique episode. Because you see... the rumors are true. In just a few days we will see this series' first mega event... known as IFL Killer Instinct!" he proudly declared, and everyone seemed to love the sound of that. "And on that show, we will crown this series' first holder of Immunity! That's right... the lifesaving championship itself!" As he explained this, the official pulled out the Immunity Title, a bizarre belt made up of several platinum plates held together by some of velcro-like material, with two metallic loops on either end. It was styled as such that it was small enough by itself to fit the tiniest of aliens, but could be greatly stretched if need be. As a demonstration, the official helped put it around Malell's chest. The two loops came together around his plug, and when they were hooked on, they formed some kind of forcefield around it... "As long as you wear this, no one will be able to pull your plug... which means that the wielder, and the wielder alone, is safe from elimination." Malell continued with an evil grin. "And so it goes without saying that this is a key tool in one's survival. But it's far from a free pass... this right to survive will be fought for and defended regularly. And I have a feeling it's inclusion will up the stakes, and the competition, considerably..." He chuckled to himself as he paused to soak in a little more adulation. "...With that in mind, I think the field should be quite open for such a prize. And so tonight, 16 warriors, some of the most impressive thus far... and a few clear victims will compete in a series of four-way brawls! And the winners of those matches will go on to a mini-tournament at Killer Instinct! Win that... and you win yourself Immunity. With that being said... do enjoy the show!" He handed the mic over to the official as the crowd went absolutely wild over this announcement. <img alt="j39JK2W.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j39JK2W.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Wow! WOW! The Immunity Title has returned! I know it might not seem like it, 'cause it'll keep someone from dying and all, but this is a great thing!!! Sivian: It's true. The Immunity Championship has sparked some of the most bloody wars we've ever seen. It's so coveted that people will do absolutely anything for it... Hazazz: 16 warriors... if my math is right, and it usually isn't... that means we have FOUR four way brawls tonight?! This will be insane! Sivian: That actually is correct, Hazazz, well done. But the question is, who has been chosen for these matches? Hazazz: I don't know but I can't wait to find out! NNNNGAAAAH! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0K4vhmf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0K4vhmf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="EZJT81V.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EZJT81V.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="evhIhfq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/evhIhfq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="E7L4i6U.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E7L4i6U.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Marty Scurll & Fabian Aichner vs. The Briscoe Brothers ------- As Scurll and Aichner made their way to the arena, commentary noted that whilst they've both had impressive showings in select matches, both of them have yet to win one, two of the more prominent losing streaks going. As the match progressed, it became clear that the four men were well aware of this, as while the veteran tandem of the Briscoes continually rushed in to throw stiff haymakers, their opponents were the ones getting all the glory, as Scurll let loose with running european uppercuts and Aichner showed off a litany of brutal throws, including a crunching Pop-Up Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker to Mark, and a German Suplex to Jay that landed him right on his neck! The already excited crowd was quite into this by the time Marty played to them by 'snapping' not one, but two of Jay's fingers, capping off with his patented "Just Kidding!" superkick, a feint to the head followed by a kick to the shins that clipped him to his knees, and finally a running knee smash to the head. Meanwhile, Fabian hoisted Mark up with ease for a Spinning Sit-Out Powerbomb, folding him up big time for the cover. Winners: Marty Scurll & Fabian Aichner by pinfall, after Aichner nailed Mark with a Spinning Sitout Powerbomb at the 9:56 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Wow! Just when we start talking up Aichner and Scurll as losers, they win and win BIG! Sivian: Indeed, that was quite a showing against a tandem that were on the winning side of last week's main event. I believe the announcement of the Immunity title has already lit a spark under this roster... Hazazz: Ohh-hoho, this is a wonderful sign of things to come...! Sivian: And now, our first of the four Immunity qualifiers! Let's see who's getting this golden opportunity... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="RRUiOub.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RRUiOub.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kota Ibushi vs. Sami Zayn vs. Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega ------- People were of course booing Omega but otherwise this was a popular field, as it was impossible not to notice the collective speed of the four. And they noticed as well, putting it to great use, flying all over the arena as they went to war. Fenix and Ibushi took turns leaping off of rock formations onto their three opponents. When Sami tried to follow suit however, Omega caught him out of the air with a vicious leaping knee lift to the head, for the biggest nearfall of the match, needing Fenix to jump in for the save. Strategically they brawled towards a barrier, and Kota reversed a Zayn exploder suplex attempt with a German that sent him flying into the marble wall. He went for the pin but Fenix was there again, grabbing him by the hair to pull him off. After a vicious striking exchange which Kota seemed to win with a reverse roundhouse kick, he went for the kill with a Golden Bomb, only for Fenix to slip behind him and introduce the bloodthirsty alien crowd to reverse ranas, spiking Kota wickedly into the dirt! Before he could capitalize though, Kenny was right on him, planting him with the One-Winged Angel! Weary from a nonstop match, Kenny leaned on the wall for just a split second... and that was enough time for Zayn to rush in with a Helluva Kick! Still barely conscious from the German, Sami collapsed onto the fallen Omega, for the win! Unbeknownst to the fans, when the 16 in question were hastily informed of their situation during the opener, they drew straws (which Frightmare just happened to have on his person for some reason) to determine who would win, refusing to give in to the temptation to fight it out for real. Sami won the drawing fair and square, and thus got the victory. Winner: Sami Zayn by pinfall after a Helluva Kick to Omega at the 10:02 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: My my, Sami is significantly tougher than he looks... Hazazz: Hell yeah he is! Damn, I thought he was out so many times there... gotta love it, he won't stop fighting for anything! Sivian: That will prove invaluable at Killer Instinct. He's the first to qualify... two wins away from Immunity. Hazazz: This show has already been so awesome!! Grrrrraaaagh!! Sivian: And as if that match wasn't great enough, it seems as though Omega is sparing us another one of his speeches this week. Hazazz: Oh hey, you're right! What a blessing! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="D0Ufe0i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D0Ufe0i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Madison Rayne made her way out for her match to a lukewarm response. Many appreciated her sneak attack on Lethal but she's still extremely unproven as a warrior. As such it was suggested that she go out and ask for the microphone. She did so but looked a little nervous as she held it up to her lips. "I... just want to say..." she spoke quietly, trying her damnedest not to stutter. She DID have an idea, but she wasn't sure how well it would go down. With a little gulp, she went on, "...that this... is the UGLIEST crowd I've ever seen!" Her relief was evident on her face as this actually got a pretty positive response, the horde of aliens taking the insult in good humor. "Y-Yeah that's right! Buncha monsters, all of you! Gross on the outside as you are on the inside!" she shouted, to a louder response from a crowd that was proud to be brutal. She taunted them, shielding her eyes from the sight of the hodgepodge of bizarre beings. "Ugh... but it's fine, because I am about to show you all something beautiful!" The cheers seemed to quiet down with this. Madison was quick to backpedal, "B-Beautiful DESTRUCTION!" This got them back swiftly, and as she breathed a sigh of relief, she opted to quit while she was ahead there, tossing the mic aside. <img alt="to4jzdJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/to4jzdJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Ahh, you gotta love being a grotesque monster... Sivian: It's the one good thing about aging... I used to be considered much too pretty for the arena. Hazazz: Heh, you were always horrifying at heart, love! Sivian: Don't make me blush now... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="D0Ufe0i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D0Ufe0i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="wSnUGvD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wSnUGvD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Madison Rayne vs. Frightmare ------- Like before, Rayne wasn't looking to get busted up, so Frightmare went pretty easy on her, letting her have all the matches' stiff shots. Instead he opted for playing up a character, continually urging her to attack him, showing through body language how much he seemed to like the pain. Not even trying to win the match by the end, he actually made a show of putting himself in position for her Reverse STO, taking him facefirst into the stone! Winner: Madison Rayne by pinfall, after a Reverse STO at the 7:42 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Well! Looks like Madison can hold her own in there after all! Sivian: Indeed, that sneak attack was nice, but she's proven she can actually fight straight-up as well. Hazazz: Not as sure about Frightmare but I do appreciate someone looking for pain... eh, looks like he hasn't had enough! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="D0Ufe0i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D0Ufe0i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wSnUGvD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wSnUGvD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> After the match, Madison tried to leave but Frightmare got her attention, excitedly demanding more. She was genuinely confused, but opted to give him another solid punch to the jaw, much to his delight as he frantically hopped up and down. He proceeded to spread his legs and gestured towards his unmentionables, as if making a target around them. A perplexed Madison looked out to a roaring crowd and shrugged, before hauling off and kicking him in the groin, which he sold by leaping up along with it and actually taking a bump, as if sent flying by it. He pumped his fists as he writhed around on the ground, and the audience seemed to enjoy it. <img alt="gGQm0Nt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gGQm0Nt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Ahhhh, lovely... Hazazz: Heheheheh I'll say! Masochism is a wonderful trait in a game like this, and Madison seems all too happy to inflict pain! Sivian: I had my doubts about the both of them, but they look to fit in just fine for now. Hazazz: Ahhhh but now another qualifier! I can't believe it, I can't believe it! Every other match will be one of these, this is so exciting!!! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="NjAxbZU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NjAxbZU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="bObB0Uy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bObB0Uy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Jay Lethal vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Bobby Roode vs. Tyler Bate ------- Bate was undoubtedly among who Malell was thinking of when he mentioned "clear victims" in the selected 16, as he was probably the least proven of the bunch. But ironically, he drew the short straw for this match and was thus the planned winner. To help justify this, Roode and Lethal took turns getting battered around by him, the 'ol Bop and Bang proving effective. Charlotte tried to join in, only to catch incredibly weaker shots... much to her annoyance. She started going against plans a bit, spearing Bate solidly and sending vicious forearms and thrust kicks to Lethal and Roode. She found they were going easy on her too which further burned her, hitting them harder and harder as she yelled at them to stop holding back. After this went on for another minute or so, as the others tried to reason with her, clearly someone was watching backstage... as Fabian Aichner walked out from the tunnel! Not noticing him, Charlotte ended up getting nailed with a wicked right hand to the back of the head that laid her smooth out! "Is that what you wanted?!" he yelled, before turning and walking back, getting quite an ovation in the process. With Charlotte unconscious from the sucker punch, the other three scrambled for a finish. As if taking inspiration, Lethal sold another Bop 'N Bang as if it was a knock out shot as well. Roode tried to come in from behind and set him up for a glorious DDT but a wristlock counter saw him pulled in for a Tyler Driver '97, folding him up roughly for the pin! Winner: Tyler Bate by pinfall, after hitting the Tyler Driver '97 on Bobby Roode at the 14:38 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Me oh my, what an upset... Hazazz: Yeah, Bate was the last guy I was expecting to win! He did look pretty good out there, but I don't think the crowd's too thrilled about it... scrawny kid like him is just a hard sell for 'em! Sivian: It's true, he's definitely going to be an underdog yet again at Killer Instinct... Hazazz: Honestly, the story of that match for me was Fabian Aichner! That was AWESOME! Nobody wanted to bring it to Charlotte, so he came in and did it himself! We need a lot more of that if you ask me! Sivian: That brings us to our next match... and this is wonderfully cruel even by Malell's usual standards. Braun Strowman vs. John Hennigan! Hazazz: Hah! Hilarious! I'm not sure what's been bugging Braun lately, but I'm sure he's just as pissed at Hennigan's lack of fire as we are! He's gonna rip him limb from limb! I mean you know he will, 'cause it's not like he's gonna fight back! Sivian: I think I speak for us all when I say I truly can't wait to see the end of him. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Z5hv7Bw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Z5hv7Bw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="iFovXoD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iFovXoD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Braun Strowman vs. John Hennigan ------- Hennigan meekly stepped out into the arena with Braun, looking up trepidatiously at the hulking giant. He was so wracked with fear and paranoia that just going into a totally worked match with someone was too much for him. Braun couldn't make the slightest movement without earning a shriek. Strowman looked pain to see him react that way, as a fearsome monster was the last thing he wanted to be. So instead he gently told him, "It's okay... it's okay." and laid down on the ground. It took a bit of coaxing, but Hennigan went down and covered the beast. The official hesitated, clearly, unhappy, but eventually made the three count, to perhaps the largest cacophony of boos yet. Winner: John Hennigan by pinfall, after Braun laid down for him at the 0:48 mark <img alt="gGQm0Nt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gGQm0Nt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: ... Sivian: ...That was the worst thing I've ever seen. Hazazz: ...That match just ruined my life. Sivian: I've never seen such an affront to violence... that was even worse than Hennigan's 'outing' against Rollins. I'd really like to forget that ever happened. Hazazz: I used to believe in you, Braun... you're no monster... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="4N92MpZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4N92MpZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Rollins made his way out and was quick to grab a microphone, an intense look in his eye. "...So last week, we had our first elimination attempt." He began, to a cheap pop. "Yeah... yeah I guess y'all are big fans of that. Well let me make this perfectly clear, just in case anybody back there didn't hear this before. If anyone, and I do mean anyone tries that with me... I swear to you I will retaliate in kind. I'm no murderer, but in the name of self preservation, I'll do what I have to do. And I'm a firm believer in an eye for an eye." This got quite a nice reaction, but Rollins didn't care. He had opted not to put on any sort of character for this. "...Mark my words, if it comes down to it... I won't hesitate. That's all." He tossed the mic aside and prepared for his qualifier. <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Ahhh, that sounds promising to me... Hazazz: Yeah-heh! I mean he didn't say anything about initiating an elimination himself, but it sounds like going for his plug is a fine way to get yourself killed! Nnnggh now I really hope someone puts that to the test... that's a win-win as far as I'm concerned! Sivian: Well with three top opponents in this match, we should see no shortage of opportunity... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="4N92MpZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4N92MpZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="qI99sk8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qI99sk8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tomohiro Ishii vs. Penta El Zero M vs. Seth Rollins vs. Zack Sabre Jr. ------- This was easily the most wild match yet as these four fan favorites went to war, though there was no doubting that Ishii was everyone's hero. Zack Sabre Jr. had actually won the drawing for this match but he elected to allow Ishii the win instead, fearing how the crowd might respond if their beloved Ishii wasn't in the running at Killer Instinct. Everyone agreed with that, and the match was mostly built around everyone hitting Ishii with their hardest stuff as he absolutely refused to go down. One went undeniably harder than the others though, as Penta's open palm chops to Ishii's chest actually broke the skin, and his Package Piledriver, which was a called audible, dropped Ishii on his head hard enough to momentarily knock him out! The three of them continued to fight for a while, but after a minute or so, Ishii stirred. Noticing this, a sequence saw Rollins nail a curbstomp on Penta, only to get swiftly taken out by a Discus Elbow Smash from ZSJ! Zack proceeded to go over to Ishii, help him up and, using his dazed as part of the story of the match, leaped up and locked in an Inverted Dragon Sleeper, his legs coiled around his waist as he tried to choke him out. Per his instruction, Ishii stayed in this for a few moments, fading but refusing to go out... before eventually powering him up into the air, and bringing him down with a vicious Brainbuster, for the cover and the finish! Winner: Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall, after reversing an Inverted Dragon Sleeper with a Brainbuster at the 14:42 mark <img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: YES! YESYESYES!! What an amazing match, what an electric finish! Gaaah I love Ishii so much!!! Sivian: You're not the only one, this crowd is going wild... that is to say, wilder than usual! Hazazz: Ooooh I hope he ends up against that tiny little Bate... he could concave that kid's skull with a good headbutt, I just know it! Sivian: We could also see him against Sami Zayn in a rematch from their stirring battle two weeks ago... or he might be paired against whoever wins our final qualifier! The details are up to Malell, but one thing is for sure, Ishii creates many lovely possibilities for this mini-tournament! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g8tL1Fo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g8tL1Fo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="W6oSkBK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W6oSkBK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TTfjpPd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TTfjpPd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami Callihan & Colby Corino vs. Terry Funk & Tommy Dreamer ------- Dreamer worked noticeably stiff even by the standards of the Stiffness Policy, making it very clear how little he liked Callihan, not that Sami seemed to mind. Funk and Colby going at it quickly proved to be a terrible idea as the crowd wasn't particularly of watching either of them, especially ripping into the diminutive, impossibly nonthreatening Corino. This was otherwise quite by the numbers until a haymaker from Funk momentarily dropped Callihan. As he and Dreamer worked over young Corino, giving him a whipping much to the crowd's delight, Callihan reached into his jacket... revealing that he had hidden a foreign object in there, seemingly having swiped it during his hardcore match in the week prior. It was reminiscent of an aluminum baseball bat, just a hair smaller than most. The others didn't see it, by design. Sami subtly signaled for Funk to come over to him, and he obliged. He pulled Sami up by the hair and set him up for a DDT, as per the call... but abruptly, Callihan pulled away and swung the weapon... it sailed brutally into Funk's ribs with a horrifying crunch. The legend went down in a heap, clutching himself in agony as Tommy and Colby looked on, stunned. Dreamer was of course quick to get into Sami's face. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he yelled. Colby asked much the same, as Sami just stared coldly at Tommy. Without warning, he proceeded to turn and swing the bat right at his own partner, and he was aiming for his head! Colby barely managed to duck this, and saw his short life flash before his eyes as he fell to his backside in a panicked state. Dreamer had seen more than enough, tackling Sami to the ground and busting him open with stiff right hands as a terrified Colby meekly and gently covered Funk, merely putting his hand to his chest for the three count. The youngster proceeded to gingerly help Funk to his feet and escort him to the back, but the crowd was preoccupied as Dreamer and Sami continued to brawl until Omega, Kota, the Briscoes and several other members of The Pact spilled out to break the two apart, wary of a potential elimination occurring the slugfest. Winners: Sami Callihan & Colby Corino by pinfall, after Corino pinned Funk following a shot with a foreign object at the 7:43 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Whoa-hoho! That was intense! I knew Callihan was dangerous but I didn't expect that at all, what a wonderful twist! Sivian: The crowd loved it as well. It seems Sami doesn't have mercy for anyone, even his own partners... he seems a truly perfect warrior. Hazazz: Now if he could just get an elimination in, he'd truly earn my love! Sivian: And everybody wants Hazazz's love. Ahh what a wonderful lead-in to our main event... by my count, we've actually seen every one of our warriors in action tonight, save for five. And considering Naito is one of those five, it's truly more like four warriors... so if I had to guess, those four are the ones facing off. Hazazz: Ooh, sweet deduction! Clever girl! Ahh let's see, that'd be... James Storm, Alberto El Patron... Kevin Owens aaand Baron Corbin, right? Hahah, that sounds great to me! Who gets the last spot?! Who gets the last spot?! I can't wait, I can't- oh God no... Sivian: I shouldn't have said his name... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ziOrRQo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ziOrRQo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Much to the crowd's contempt, Naito made his way out into the arena and asked the official for a microphone. The referee actually seemed quite hesitant, so Naito ripped the mic from his hands, and reared back as if to punch him... only to give him a gentle pat on the shoulder. After all, hitting a defenseless referee would probably gain him some admiration from this audience... "So next up is the main event... the last four way match to determine who will get a shot at Immunity. And I know you're all clamoring for me to win it, so that I can stay here, entertaining you forever and ever and ever and ever..." he droned on, as the booing intensified. He didn't even pause to let it go, speaking over them. "...but unfortunately I cannot do that, because I am not in that match! I have not booked for tonight at all... and I know that disappoints you all. I don't understand why this would be... why the two top warriors, Tetsuya Naito and John Hennigan are not being given this opportunity, why you have been screwed out of seeing us clash with everything at stake..." As per tradition, the fans had moved on to throwing garbage in Naito's general direction and chanting for his beheading. Still he just went on without a break, as if nothing was happening around him. "I know you're all clamoring for it as much as I am. I easily, definitively defeated that pretender Alberto last week, and still I am not given what I deserve! In fact, that no-hoper is in this match instead of me! I know you all hate this... so let your voice be heard. Tell the world that you want Naito... you want-" <img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> He was finally cut off, as Alberto had rushed out of the tunnel and attacked him from behind, knocking the mic from his hand to an ovation. Evidently not happy with hearing his name mentioned by his new mortal enemy, Alberto went for a thrust kick to his face, but Naito managed to combat roll away from it and, showing off how fleet of foot he was, he raced off to the exit before he could take any more damage. Alberto looked on, quite furious as his three opponents made their way out. <img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Uggggh I can't stand him, why won't someone kill him already?! Sivian: It's a travesty that he's still alive, for certain, but let's get that out of our minds for now. Judging by the other qualifiers, this main event is sure to be a sight to see! Hazazz: You're right... who will be the last of the final four?! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rvHNlOf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvHNlOf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="FIJbDfk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FIJbDfk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="IifjMjV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IifjMjV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="3DyjrKD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DyjrKD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Alberto El Patron vs. Kevin Owens vs. Baron Corbin vs. James Storm ------- Baron Corbin was the selected winner of this one, but as he'd already had some impressive performances, this was one of the more open of the qualifiers as everyone went at it in a lengthy brawl, everyone getting a turn in control. The planned finishing sequence came when James Storm nailed his Last Call superkick to Alberto, ducked a clothesline from Owens and hit a Last Call on him as well, only to find an attempted trifecta on Corbin whiffing. He spun around just in time to get taken up into the End of Days, for the cover... but Alberto rushed in at the last second to break it up. Everyone was confused by this, but Alberto yelled, "We have to top that last four way! We have to give them more!" and the others opted to go along with it. The next few minutes of the match were thereby called on the fly as the physicality continued. The new planned finish they devised together called for Baron to catch Owens with a roll-up as Alberto held Storm in a lengthy Cross Armbreaker spot, looking for max drama as Storm would be depicted as seconds away from tapping whilst the pin was happening, unbeknownst to them both. To that end, Alberto held Storm in his signature hold several yards away, and Owens rushed in on Baron, signalling a clothesline. Baron ducked it, preparing to counter with a roll-up... but at the last second, Owens grabbed his head and hoisted him up for a stiff powerbomb! Before Baron had any idea what was going on, Owens had stacked him so high that he had no leverage, and couldn't kick out! Alberto released Storm and looked absolutely baffled, as did the other two as Owens rushed out, having stolen a very significant victory. Winner: Kevin Owens by pinfall, after a Powerbomb to Baron Corbin at the 19:31 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: What a war... what an incredible series of matches. Sami Zayn, Tyler Bate, Tomohiro Ishii and Kevin Owens... those four will be competing to become this series' first holder of Immunity! Hazazz: Wild, wild stuff! Look how shocked everyone else, they all expected to win that one, you could just feel it! And lookit Baron getting up so soon after that brutal powerbomb... what a tough guy. They're all tough guys! Sivian: We may have had our doubts about this roster at first, and indeed there are unquestionably some undesirables among it... but I think they've proven their worth at this point. Hazazz: Yeah, this series is heating up by the week! Still no elimination... but I'm actually feeling alright. I got a reeeeaaal good feeling about Killer Instinct... nyeheheheh... AAAHAHAHAHAH! It's gonna ROCK! Sivian: Killer Instinct promises to crown our first Immunity champion and much more... for Hazazz, I'm Sivian, and we beg you not to miss the upcoming carnage that shall ensue. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

CuckstableCorbin · January 28, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hazzaz" data-cite="Hazzaz" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>And lookit Baron getting up so soon after that brutal powerbomb... what a tough guy.</div></blockquote> damn right I like this commentator, he knows what's up around here.

Zeel1 · January 30, 2019

<< .12 Just A Brave Face >>

Moments after her match, Bate, Roode and Lethal all helped the unconscious Charlotte backstage and were able to wake her as she laid out on the couch. Soon after she came to, a sheepish Aichner stepped into the lounge.

"Uh... hey, listen, I'm... really sorry about what just happened out there." he replied, scratching the back of his head. "I was so mad after last week, and seeing that match just got me heated and... I shouldn't have done that. I'm uh... I'm glad you're okay."

For a moment she actually looked annoyed at this, but then she chuckled. "Oh, no problem at all... hell after what I did, I'm just glad to see you've still got some balls!"

He winced a bit at that, his voice growing low as he tried to contain himself. "I am trying to apologize..."

"For what? I attacked you when you weren't expecting it and you did the same. I'd hope anybody would have it in them to retaliate." she replied. She stood up, shakily as she was clearly a bit woozy from the knock out blow, but nonetheless she stepped up to him. "Ugh, don't... don't cheapen that by apologizing, 'cause that's not what I need. I need you boys to start treating me like an equal. You know damn well there's no way you'd be talking to me like this if I were a guy. You'd be happy to have gotten me back."

"That's..." he started, though he wasn't exactly sure how he was gonna finish that sentence. Not that she was looking to give him a chance to, cutting him off quickly.

"You better understand something quick, little man. When you're looking at me, you're looking at a fighter... more than that, you're looking at an enemy in this game." she informed him, a finger prodding his chest. "You don't know that I'm not gonna snap on you any more than you do anyone else. So you'd best watch your back around me. I promise you, if you try going easy on me one more time, you're gonna regret it..."

He found his fists involuntarily balling as she berated him. He was just trying to be a good guy, why was she making that so damn hard...?

With a curt shake of his head, he mumbled, "You're impossible..." and turned to walk away.

"That's right, stay out of my way, little man." she taunted, before looking out at everyone else that had gathered in the lounge, having again demanded their attention. "And that goes for the rest of you, too. Put all your cute little chivalrous bullshit aside, 'cause it has no place here. If you don't wanna get hurt out there with me, you damn sure better bring it."

As she went back to sit down, she got plenty of sideway glances and perplexed looks, but none more striking than from Madison, who watched in utter disgust.

-----

Dreamer and Callihan brawled their way through the tunnel, still throwing hands as they made it into the lounge. This time, the wrestlers gathered there were much more prepared to break it up, swiftly coming between them. Callihan quickly calmed down, but Dreamer was absolutely furious, having to be held back as he repeatedly tried to leap out of the hands of Bate and Aichner.

"You son of a bitch! You vile son of a bitch!" he hissed. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Have you no ****ing shame?! Have you no decency?! Hitting a 74-year-old with a baseball bat?! You think that proves something you goddamn coward?!"

Most weren't watching what happened, but they'd already heard it from Colby, who'd escorted Funk to the couch to rest moments earlier. The room was less full of panic and more a grim quiet for the most part, a lot of fierce glares directed at Callihan, who stared unflinchingly yet emotionlessly at Dreamer.

Lethal did feel the need to step up, however. "Hey! Tommy, you have every right to be pissed, but hold it together-"

"No! I'm sick of holding it together!" he shouted, pointing at Callihan. "I'm sick of being under the same roof as this guy! Sami, I swear to God, you are never doing anything like this again! Some day, Sami, we're gonna square up out there and I promise you... I promise you, I...!"

He began to peter out, like last time. A wicked grin crossed Callihan's face as he quietly waited for him to finish the sentence this time. Dreamer was incensed, clearly on the edge of his rope...

"...I'm gonna beat the shit out of you!" he roared. Callihan frowned, obviously not hearing what he was looking for. Without a word, he skulked back to his room, as the others continued to restrain Tommy.

-----

Finally, the main event had concluded, and once again, all eyes were on Kevin Owens as he walked through the door. After the last week, they were watching his match very closely, and needless to say, everybody took notice of him taking the match into his own hands at the end.

Sami Zayn stood up and made a point to go over to Kevin before anyone else could. "Uh, hey Kev...? I can't... help but notice that match out there didn't end the way it was planned to." he began, his tone much more gentle than anyone else's would be. "Do you... wanna talk about... why you did that?"

Kevin stared at him silently for a few moments, before replying, "I wanna go home... and I want... that Immunity."

"B-But Kev..." Sami began, only to see him step past him and swiftly walk off to his room, where he would assuredly lock himself in for the remainder of the night.

"He's getting less responsive all the time." Jay Briscoe spoke up. "There's no telling what's going through that head of his..."

"Nothing good." Storm added. "Sami, I'm sorry, I know you guys are tight, but... he's become a real liability. We have to do something about him."

"J-Just give him time, okay...?" he pleaded. "He's... he's not a bad guy. He's not a bad guy at all, he's just not taking this well... none of us are! W-We're all beyond stressed here and... he lashes out to vent, that's all. He's not... he's not gonna hurt anyone, I know he's not."

"Well now that's disappointing news..." came a familiar, chilling voice. Everyone turned to see Malell making his presence known in the lounge, as every single worker there immediately went on-guard. Aside from Hennigan, who simply stood and ran off to his room. "...Here I was, so excited to see what he'd do next... but I suppose you know him far better than I, hmhmhm..."

"What the hell do you want?" Omega quickly asked.

"I just wanted to congratulate you all on a fine show! I asked you to step up weeks ago and slowly but surely you have been ever since!" he declared. "It's funny, usually the IFL hits the ground running, so to speak, with warriors being eliminated before you even get a grasp of what kind of fighter they are... and at first everyone was so angry the first show came and went without so much as a tease of it. But the way things have progressed have actually done beautifully for our ratings... excitement is building for the first elimination as it gets slowly closer and closer... we've never really had time to build anticipation like this. It's a marvelous thing..."

"You think we care about this stupid show's ratings?!" Scurll yelled.

"You'd best..." Malell hissed. "...I also came to make sure you all understood the significance of our next show. Of course, where you all come from, I'm sure it's natural that some events are to be more major than others... Killer Instinct will be held in the same coliseum as every other show, but the expectations for these events are much, much higher. And as the first one of this series, it's extremely important that it be a landmark night. It will be the night that sets a tone for everything that follows..."

"You want something big...?" Alberto asked. He turned his head to glare at Naito, who was the only one in the room completely ignoring the boss from the moment he walked in. "...Give me another shot at him. And if you can manage it... I'd like him in a cage, so he can't run away from me."

"Mmm... a fine idea... the people are certainly clamoring to see his blood." he replied, speaking plainly about Naito's destruction as though he wasn't there. "I think we can produce a nice equivalent to your cage match as well, so consider it done..."

"You hear that, perro?!" Alberto snapped, his attention squarely on Naito. "No more of this avoiding me, no more talking shit! No more putting up with your tranquilo nonsense..."

Naito raised his pointer finger. "Just one moment, I'm in the middle of a phone call." he blatantly lied, as he gazed up at the ceiling, nodding and mumbling the occasional "Yeah, mmhm... ohh..."

"Hmph. Here's hoping Killer Instinct will be the last we see of you." Malell frankly declared. "Of course, the most major thing about the show will easily be the crowning of Immunity... and with that in mind, I've settled on the match-ups in the mini-tournament, to make the best show possible. Sami Zayn, Tyler Bate, you two will be squaring off in a match of speed and technique. That leaves the beloved Ishii versus the dangerous Kevin Owens, hard-hitting bruisers squaring off... leaving us with a tantalizing mix of styles in the main event!"

"Enough about your damn show." Dreamer grumbled as he stood up. "I wanna know why the hell there wasn't a disqualification out there after Callihan went at Terry with that bat!"

"A... disqualification...? Now what in the world is that?" Malell asked, a perplexed look on his face. "...Hmhmhm, I kid... though I could imagine many of our fans having that kind of reaction. There's no such thing as a DQ in the IFL..."

"But... there weren't supposed to be any weapons in that match!" Tommy argued. "Not a one was provided to us, it wasn't supposed to be a hardcore match!"

"Indeed... but just because they're not given to you doesn't mean they're not allowed." Malell matter-of-factly replied. "We have some matches where participants are expected to maul each other with weapons and some where they're expected to beat each to death with their bare hands. The audience loves both... so we make sure to provide both. But there's ultimately no rule stating you have to fight with or without them in any given match..."

Dreamer again found himself shaking with anger as he forced him to sit back down, gritting his teeth as it became clear that there would be repercussions towards Callihan whatsoever. Atleast, not from management...

"With all that being said, I must say you have all grown considerably in these few weeks, with some... notable exceptions. Unfortunately, one of you... have regressed." he noted, his tone darkening, as he looked directly at Braun Strowman. "You... I'd like to speak to you in private. Come with me..."

He stepped out through the hallway... Braun clearly wasn't looking forward to it, but he followed him along, leaving the others in a tense mood. Not fond of the atmosphere now that none of the tension was directed at her anymore, Charlotte opted to go back to her room and try and sleep off the remainder of the minor concussion she'd suffered. Madison stood up and followed.

"So... uh..." Zayn mumbled. "The four winners, or uh, planned winners, were all the ones who got the shortest straws, of those in the match who drew them. Who uh, got the very shortest again?"

"That was Bate." Roode confirmed.

"Then... I guess you're the one who should be winning Immunity." Sami muttered to him.

"Oh... uh, great." Bate replied, obviously a little nervous about that.

"...So Ishii gets Owens, then." Rollins noted, as he glanced over to Ishii. "You know what that means, yeah? ...I don't think letting him be involved in that main event is a good idea... and at this point, we shouldn't be expecting him to work with us anymore. You're... probably gonna be in a real fight out there."

Ishii solemnly nodded, unphased by the prospect. Sami just bowed his head. He wanted to argue this point, but he knew he couldn't...

-----

Just before Charlotte made it to her door, she heard Madison's voice cry out, "Hey... wait up a second."

She turned to see her trotting up to her. She didn't seem pleased. "What do you want?"

"I'm just... trying to understand what you're doing, here." Madison replied. "Why are you trying to make a target out of yourself? What do you gain by antagonizing Fabian so much?"

"It's none of your concern." she curtly responded.

"Hell yes it is!" Madison snapped. "You're telling the guys not to go easy on women... that affects me, too! And I for one welcome that treatment! This is about survival, yannow? I wanna make it out of here in one piece, and if people want to make that easier for me, I don't give a damn if it's just because I'm a girl. Hell, I don't care if they just wanna get in my pants, I'll accept any help I can get! This hardly seems like the time to cry sexism..."

"That's not what this is about!" Charlotte snapped back. "Everything I do is about survival!"

Rayne was perplexed, clearly not understanding how that followed. Charlotte sighed and scanned around to make sure no one was in earshot, before quietly explaining, "Listen. This isn't some moral stand at all, you're right, that couldn't mean less in a place like this. And people going easy on me isn't a big deal, not by itself... but what about the guys who won't do that?"

"...You mean... guys like Kevin or Callihan...?" Madison asked.

Charlotte nodded. "And there's plenty more like them here, I just... I just know it. The peace around here is fading fast, more and more people are gonna lose it like this. They're going to start... looking for eliminations. And when that begins, who do you think they're gonna go for? They're gonna target the weak... the vulnerable. And if we go around making ourselves look like we need to be coddled, that's going to make us the perfect prey. Understand?"

"...You've put a lot of thought into this." Madison marveled.

"What else is there to think about?" Charlotte grimly inquired.

"I... try to will away thoughts like that." Madison explained, shaking her head. "It's so much easier to just assume it'll never start up, that nobody will try to kill anyone... and certainly not me..."

"Well, we have no choice but to face that possibility." Charlotte replied. "So... there you go, that's why I'm acting like that. I want to make it clear to everybody that I'm not here to be a victim... that I'll come after you if you try it with me. I make sure everyone sees that, and nothing else. If they see weakness in me... it's all over."

"Wow... I see." Madison quietly noted, contemplating all this.

"Anyway, I... really need to get some sleep. Talk to you about it some other time..." Charlotte finished as she slid open the door to her room, a little relieved to find nobody else in there yet.

But as she stepped inside, Madison chirped, "So it's just a brave face, huh? It's... just an act, to stay alive."

Charlotte stopped on a dime as Rayne continued, "Because... you think if people DID target you, you probably wouldn't make it, huh? ...I mean if you thought you could just do this straight-up, there wouldn't be any need for going out of you way like this, taking the risk of making enemies and all. You've gotta be... pretty scared if you're pulling that."

Charlotte bowed her head for a moment, before turning to her with a groan. "Dammit, I said too much..." she hissed, as she grabbed Madison by the shoulder and pulled her in close. "Listen here, you tell anybody about this and I swear-"

"It's okay." Madison cut her off, putting a friendly hand to her shoulder. "...I'm scared too. I'm... I'm barely holding it together, honestly."

For the first time in that conversation, the two of them locked eyes. Begrudgingly Charlotte let her guard down and invited her into her room, and the two of them confided in each other until the bunkmates came.

-----

Strowman didn't say a word as he followed Malell to the very end of the hallway. Malell opened the last door, unlocked by his fingerprints, and escorted him inside. It looked the same as the others, barren... save for an odd device hung up on the wall. It was made of solid steel. Long, slender, shaped a bit like a whip but both ends were symmetrical, coming to points.

"Braun... the last time I spoke to you, I told you to act like a real monster." Malell pointed out, his voice weary as the giant looked him in the eye. Braun was the only one who just about matched him in height. "...But it seems like my words only served to discourage you, as you've gotten progressively worse ever since. And for that, I apologize... clearly I used the wrong approach."

"I don't care what you say." Braun told him. "I'm not... I'm not going to be what you want me to be. I refuse."

"It's far more than just what I want, Braun... it's the will of the people." he pointed out. "They saw a flash of your potential, just a hint of it, and it was enough to get them hooked... but for you to hold back so much ever since, to go so low as refusing to lift a hand to that pathetic wretch Hennigan... it's disappointing, Braun. A level of disappointment that I simply can't stand for. You're a monster, Braun, and anyone can see that... I just wish-"

Braun cut him off, raising his voice. "I am NOT a monster! I don't give a damn what you want, what those sadists in the stands want... I'm not about to turn on my friends! It's never gonna happen, okay?!"

"Oh, you'll turn on them." Malell quickly refuted. "You'll turn on them and there isn't anything they can do to stop you..."

"You don't know me!" Braun shouted. "You don't know a damn thing about me!"

"I don't have to." the enormous alien smirked. "I know the game. And you're all pawns in it, even you... no, especially you. You don't have a choice in the matter, Braun. You're going to do everything I tell you to do... you will hurt whoever the hell I want you to hurt. You will kill whoever I see fit to have you kill. And there's nothing-"

Braun looked to take him off-guard with a hard right hand, punching him in the jaw mid-sentence. This rocked his head back from the force... but didn't even remotely stagger him, as the rest of his body stayed planted. Malell flashed his vile sharp teeth with a wicked smile as Braun reared back for another. With incredible quickness, Malell reached out and grabbed him by the throat.

The next second, Braun found himself pinned to the wall. Even he was finding himself hopelessly overpowered by the menacing being. Braun clutched his wrist as he was effortlessly choking him out. With all his might, Braun struggled... and managed to slowly force him to release his grip, pushing his hand back... but just when he seemed to be gaining an edge, Malell used his opposite hand to power an uppercut into Braun's stomach that took every last bit of the wind in him.

This doubled over the giant, and a swift double axehandle blow took him to the floor, knocking him out on the spot.

"Hmhmhm... should've listened..." Malell hissed. "You will be my monster... and you truly don't have a say in the matter..."

He chuckled as he glanced over at the peculiar device on the wall... slowly, he reached towards it...

Zeel1 · January 30, 2019

(Initially doing predictions for this seemed a little weird considering it's so unlike regular diaries and most shows are meant to come off as though booked last-second with much going on unannounced, but the mega events (PPV) will mostly be matches that have been built in some way and are a lot more akin to a regular card, atleast in comparison to Bloodsport shows, so I think it's appropriate. And it could be really fun to guess as to how things are going to go in something like this.

I plan on posting Killer Instinct on the 31st, trying to get as much in as I can for this month for a hopeful Rookie DOTM look in all honestly... finishing with the first PPV sounds like a solid plan to me. But yeah that said, leaves only a day or two for predictions, so keep that in mind.)

IFL Killer Instinct Card

Immunity Championship Mini-Tournament Semifinal: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kevin Owens

Immunity Championship Mini-Tournament Semifinal: Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Bate

Braun Strowman vs. John Hennigan

Fabian Aichner vs. Charlotte Flair

Steel Cage Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Alberto El Patron

Seth Rollins vs. Kota Ibushi

Hardcore Match: Sami Callihan vs. Tommy Dreamer

Beer Money Inc. vs. The Briscoe Brothers

Immunity Championship Mini-Tournament Final: Tomohiro Ishii/Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn/Tyler Bate

Bonus: Will there be an elimination? If so, how many? And who will go first?

CuckstableCorbin · January 30, 2019

Why the hell not. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Immunity Championship Mini-Tournament Semifinal: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kevin Owens Given Kevin's motivations and Ishii's orders this is probably turning into a shoot. A shoot I want to say I see Ishii winning, but... I'm giving this one to Owens, actually. Immunity Championship Mini-Tournament Semifinal: Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Bate Hah, you almost caught me. Normally Sami would be willing to play by the rules and put Bate over. If he sees Kevin do something dirty to go over, he might have a very different perspective on this issue, and decide he needs to deal with the situation himself. Good of a reason to set up Owens vs Zayn as any, isn't it? Braun Strowman vs. John Hennigan Whatever Damien De- I mean, Malell just did to Braun, it'll see to it nothing like what happened last show happens again, or at least, it won't be happening for quite some time. Strowman. And you know what? I bet it's the last we see of Johnny Hennigan Morrison Mundo Nitro Impact Blaze. Perfect way to send a message, right? Fabian Aichner vs. Charlotte Flair Nice guys finish last, Aichner. Stop being one. Steel Cage Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Alberto El Patron I can't help but notice the exact wording given here: EQUIVALENT to a cage match. Not a cage match, per se. The equivalent of one. The laws of karma dictate that what differences this has from your average cage match is something Naito can use to go over here. Don't ask me what the catch could possibly be here, but I expect at least one surprising take on this stipulation. Seth Rollins vs. Kota Ibushi Iunno. I'll just bet on Rollins for saving the rumble and note that he won't be needing to act on his self defense clauses yet. Hardcore Match: Sami Callihan vs. Tommy Dreamer You know what? I'm betting on a swerve here. You'd expect Callihan to be the most dangerous person in the "promotion", as it were. But due to how pissed off Tommy keeps getting, I expect Dreamer to not only beat the odds-on favorite here, I expect Callihan to be eliminated out of sheer hatred for the man. I DID say I don't expect Callihan to actually kill anyone, after all. It's too obvious. Beer Money Inc. vs. The Briscoe Brothers It's a Roode tag match I can get behind for a change, but I'm still betting on Briscoes. Immunity Championship Mini-Tournament Final: Tomohiro Ishii/Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn/Tyler Bate I initially had Zayn down to win the final, but I now expect things to take a turn for the darker and for Owens to murder his BFF Zayn in cold blood and take the title for himself.</div></blockquote> Also, I can't believe you didn't book Constable Corbin on this show. You better rectify this in IFL: Mortal Kombat.

Zeel1 · February 1, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335003&postcount=19" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .13 He Won't Hurt Me <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2337688&postcount=24" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;">IFL Killer Instinct</div> "Death is my life! Death is my life! Death is my life! Death is my life!" The chant was absolutely deafening as the screen faded in... it was the same coliseum as always, but it was even more rabid than usual. Fights had already broken out amongst the stands, friendly, brutal slugfests that nobody made any attempt to break up. Just as Malell said, the lack of elimination thus far simply made them all the more hungry to see it... the anticipation had only grown. Hazazz: I can't-! I can't breath! Auggh... augh... Sivian: Welcome everyone to Killer Instinct, where my partner has been leading this chant ever since he got here! Hazazz: I started it... on the shuttle over! Hooo... death... is my life...! Sivian: I think you can take a breath and leave it to the audience now, my friend. The night has finally arrived... the first mega event of this series of IFL. Somehow, for the first time in so very, very long, we've gotten to this part of our season without a single elimination... and that's a travesty beyond all measure, but our audience clearly hasn't given up hope for it yet! Hazazz: Never...! The IFL's bloodshed is... the one thing that never dies! Hahah... ahahahaha, tonight is the night! I-I can feel it... in my bones...! Sivian: You don't have bones, partner. Hazazz: I know! That's how intense the feeling is! Sivian: Well we're closely losing it already up here... for our sakes and everyone else's, I think it's time to kick this landmark show off, and we're starting big here folks. Hazazz: Yes...! O-one of the biggest dream match-ups of this roster in the early going... and it's happening already! The brutal, beloved Tomohiro Ishii takes on the marvelous, devious Kevin Owens! And the winner... the winner advances to the main event... in a fight for Immunity! AAAUGH IT'S TOO MUCH! Sivian: Your voice isn't gonna make it to the end at this rate... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="EGLglZe.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EGLglZe.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="rcbuLWf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rcbuLWf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kevin Owens ------- Owens and Ishii each made their way out to enormous reactions, as Owens has become much more popular since his first attempt at elimination and Ishii had been beloved since the beginning. They both showed extremely little emotion... though it was clear from looking in their eyes that something far different laid beneath them. Owens was willing to do anything to win, and Ishii knew it was up to him to stop him. After all Kev had quickly made himself into the biggest threat on the roster, and him of all people getting that Immunity made for a frightening prospect. The two wasted no time rushing each other and exchanging strikes. Ishii's stone fists were extremely solid, but Owens hit quicker and thus got a lot more shots in, his every blow seething with aggression and malice. Neither backed down an inch, refusing to show a hint of the remarkable damage they were doing to each other. Looking to surprise him, Ishii took a few extra shots for the chance to nail him with a headbutt. He'd done plenty since coming to IFL, but this time he didn't pull back at all, he was going for an instant concussion, and it rocked Owens to his core. His legs shaking, he knew he couldn't just stand and bang for long after that, so he backed away. Ishii wasn't exactly feeling great after the headbutt either but he continued to advance. With a combat roll, Owens ducked the lariat attempt and managed to evade his further attacks long enough to get his bearings back. This made one thing fairly evident, despite being so much heavier, Owens had an edge in athleticism... he knew his best bet was to try to make use of that. As Ishii continued to advance, the backpedaling Owens switched gears and approached him instead. Making sure to stay too close for an effective shot, Owens made out like he was going to grapple him. Just by instinct, Ishii countered this and whipped behind him, attempting a snap German Suplex. He managed to have enough leverage to hoist Owens above him... but Owens completed the rotation and managed to land behind him! Ishii never expected that from someone Owens' size, and didn't realize it until he was halfway up to his feet. Owens managed to take him off-guard, hoisting him up in powerbomb position. He rushed forward a yard or so and tossed him right into a particularly rock formation, a huge collision for Ishii's spine as well as the back of his head... But as always, he refused to be affected by pain, and he sprang forward like nothing had happened, again throwing hands! While in truth he was wracked with agony, by all rights he appeared invincible! Panicking a bit, Owens charged in and tackled him, again sending him into the stone, and this time Ishii's legs gave way as he ended up sitting against the solid rock. Before he could scramble up, Owens dove into one of his old favorites, a cannonball senton, driving Ishii further into the stone! He stood up and saw Ishii finally looking dazed. Owens shook his head, knowing he still needed to do more... he backed up a few strides and got a running start, leading to a much more devastating Cannonball Senton, that hit with so much force that the rock beneath Ishii gave way! Amidst the rubble of stone, Owens was lying on top of Ishii, and stayed there long enough for the three count. But amazingly, it was Ishii who stood first afterwards, already gone by the time the battered Owens made it to his feet. Winner: Kevin Owens by pinfall, after a Cannonball Senton sent Ishii through a rock formation, at the 10:27 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Hot DAYAM what a war!! Hahahah the crowd is buzzing and so am I! WOO! Sivian: Yes, finally, a battle that truly belonged in the IFL... now we're seeing some of the true potential of these warriors. Hazazz: It's a sign of things to come, I just know it! Everything changes tonight! The IFL is returning to form, baby! Sivian: Ishii is a true machine, no doubt, but Owens seemed to want it far, far more tonight, and for his efforts, he will advance to our main event. Hazazz: A battle for Immunity! We know one spot now... who's getting the other one?! Who's Owens facing?! We're about to find out! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kmS7I1D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kmS7I1D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="7AIIrbm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AIIrbm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Bate ------- Sami Zayn rushed out to the arena, whereas Bate was noticeably slower to get to the middle. Sami ran up and tried to start-up a punch flurry, but found he was the only one swinging. Sensing an issue, he hurriedly caught Bate into a headlock takedown, coming in close to whisper, "What's wrong? I thought we agreed we'd come out fast for this one." "Sami, I don't... I don't know if I can do this." Bate replied. "I don't know if I can go out there with Owens right now..." "It... it'll be fine... he's not gonna do anything... too rash..." Sami tried to reassure him, but he struggled to even reassure of himself of that. "I'm... I'm scared, Sami." Bate admitted, struggling to even convincingly squirm amidst growing boos from a restless crowd. "I really have no idea what he's gonna do out there, especially after watching him in that last match. I'm not... as resilient as Ishii is..." "...Hey, listen don't worry about it. If you're that concerned, I'll... I'll take your place." Sami told him. "I'll go against him instead." Sami pulled him to his feet, keeping him in a tight headlock as Bate sent weak jabs to his stomach to try and further stall. "Are... are you sure? I-I don't wanna put you in danger either..." "It's fine... he won't hurt me. If you can be sure of one thing, you can be sure of that." Sami replied, forcing a smile, as he'd gotten used to doing recently. "Now c'mon, we gotta give them some kinda show here." "Okay... th-thanks... thanks, Sami." Bate replied, breathing a sigh of relief. With that, Bate countered the headlock into a high angle back suplex that just about landed Zayn on his head, quickly getting the crowd's attention. Bate dove onto Sami's body and tried raining down punches, only for him to perform something of a monkey flip to push him off of him. They both scrambled up and Sami nailed a single leg dropkick that just barely stopped short of knocking his head off. From here it was the quick-paced slugfest fans expected, that culminated with the two of them climbing a rock formation together. Bate doubled him over with a rough knee lift to the gut, then pulled him in to attempt a Tyler Driver '97, but a mid-air back kick allowed him to slip away and land next to him. Sami hooked him quickly and hoisted him straight up into the air, before leaping off the stone with an abrupt brainbuster that landed the crown of Bate's head right onto the stone! It was carefully worked, but far too chaotic for the fans to notice and they went ballistic for it as Sami covered Bate. Winner: Sami Zayn by pinfall, after a Brainbustaaaaaaa! at the 8:24 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Well that one took a bit to get going, but my did it ever get going... Hazazz: Top tier finish for sure! Great action and we look set to have a great match! Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens for the Immunity Championship! Sivian: It's quite interesting. The two of them seem to have quite a history as partners and rivals from what I've been able to gleam. Hazazz: Mmmmmmmmmm, girl there are few things I love more than watching friends destroy each other! Sivian: In this desperate struggle for survival, it's a precious rarity that any friendship persists... Hazazz: And the only reason any of them lasted was because someone else killed one of them before the backstab could happen! Nyeheheh! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Charlotte emerged hurriedly and wasted no time demanding a microphone. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear... I'm not someone you want to **** with. I'm not some helpless little girl just waiting to become a victim... my name is Charlotte Flair, and I am a warrior!" she yelled, to uproarious applause. "Man, woman or beast... I don't care! I will not hold back! I'll fight any of them! I'll fight any of YOU! That's right, you people! I'll take you on, I don't care!" The pop only rose for this, and in fact she got some takers. For once the guards in the arena did feel the need to do something, and many aliens got quite the electric shock as they tried to jump the barrier. This grizzly sight gave her slight pause, but she managed to turn away and continue, "There... is no one back there that has the fight I have. I don't give a damn if they're bigger and stronger than me, win or lose, I promise you this... you will taste your own blood!" Charlotte had made herself an utter champion to the people as she threw away the mic, watching with contempt as a very unhappy Fabian Aichner made his way out. <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Ahh, that Charlotte's my kinda girl! Shame humans are so damn repugnant lookin'... Sivian: Believe me, not all of our fans think so on that one... some of the feedback we get on what people wish to do to our warriors is a different kind of brutal entirely. Hazazz: Well, they're still violent in their own way and that's all that matters! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="6Ii4Oh7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ii4Oh7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="iB6V15r.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iB6V15r.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Charlotte Flair vs. Fabian Aichner ------- Charlotte and Aichner met at the middle, both with quite serious expressions, though it was plain to see Charlotte was quite a bit more intense. She blew off his attempts to talk the match over beforehand, letting him know she wanted this to be a genuine fight. And in going with that, she gestured for him to bring it, wanting him to take the first punch, but he was quick to decline. "I still... don't really want to do this." She shook her head, quickly steaming... and even moreso when he went down to a knee, plainly offering to just take the fall! She wanted none of this, rearing back and giving him a ruthless slap across the face that had him standing at attention in a hurry. He was pissed, and she smirked at that, daring him to hit her. He seemed to be considering it... but he dismissed this, instead just turning and walking away. Outraged, Charlotte walked up to him... and knelt down, to blast him between the legs with the classic low blow, her forearm crashing into his crotch. He fell to his knees, clutching himself as she walked around to face him. "How's that feel? Familiar?! Huh?!" she asked, as she piefaced him, shoving him around and adding a few mocking kicks to his chest. "Do you even have anything down there?! 'Cause you don't act like it!" Officially fed up, Aichner forced his way to his feet and finally answered, a solid punch to her face that absolutely rocked her, for a moment it seemed like it was going to be another knockout blow as she staggered back... but eventually she looked back towards him with a smile. And Fabian decided to follow up, a quick one-two, capped off by a stiff european uppercut that dropped her. He looked for the easy pinfall, but she kicked out before there was even a one count, sending a message that it'd take a lot more than that. The two went at it in brutal fashion from here, trading solid elbows and forearms and alike. Charlotte took a beating but seemed all too happy about it, helping to further her cause. Eventually she started targeting his legs, clipping them and at one point slamming one into a rock formation. She left it draped on a smaller stone as she went to climb one nearby... she tried for a moonsault that would've landed her on that leg, but Fabian managed to get out of the way and let her crash and burn on the ground. He climbed the stone himself as she rose, and came off with an explosive flying dropkick that caught her right in the chest. The pin was again unsuccessful. He pulled her up by the hair and looked to set up his Spinning Sit-Out Powerbomb. But she managed to slip out of this and, making use of her positioning, went for another low blow, but this time he caught her by the wrist! He forced her up into a stiff Short-Arm Clothesline, and proceeded to yank her prone figure up, this time planting her with the Powerbomb, a truly crunching manuever! He went for the cover feeling confident... but to his surprise, she still kicked out! He dove onto her to unleash some stiff punches, showing no restraint as he'd come to understand exactly what he was dealing with. He backed off, waiting for her to stand... she struggled to her feet, continually demanding that he bring the fight to her. Looking to do just that, he rushed towards her, building up a huge head of steam... but she was suckering him in, as at the last second she unleashed a ruthless kick to the groin, devastating his already sore privates. He collapsed, putting himself in easy position for her to lock on the Figure Four, and swiftly transition into the Figure Eight! Aichner struggled, as he discovered that when put on legit, this hold offered very little leverage to escape with, and did a number on his previously weakened legs. But here Charlotte found that he had quite a bit of fighting spirit as well, as she kept the hold on for a full minute without a hint of submission! After a lengthy struggle, Aichner managed to position himself and, with the last of the strength in his legs, he was able to pull her down into a more common figure four position. Desperately sitting up he started throwing punches, but couldn't quite reach her. The desire to prove herself perhaps got the better of her as she sat up herself just to trade bombs! The two slugged it out brutally, and Fabian saw she was right, he really did taste some blood... but he made sure he wasn't the only one, as he eventually managed to win out the slugfest with three furious shots to her nose that might've shattered it! This finally staggered her enough that he managed to free himself from her hold. He forced himself to his wobbly feet as she tried to do the same, and he managed to her with a soccer style kick to the face just as she was bent over trying to stand, slinging her head back! She collapsed to her knees, and he was quick to pounce, pulling her in for another Spinning Sit-Out Powerbomb, this time for the finish! The crowd was delighted at the spectacle of a match that they didn't go into expecting much from. As the two slowly made their way to their feet, Charlotte put up a fist and for a moment Fabian thought she was going to continue the fight. But after some hesitance, he realized the true intent, and met her fistbump, a quiet show of understanding... Winner: Fabian Aicher by pinfall, after a second Spinning Sit-Out Powerbomb at the 9:57 mark <img alt="XOXFuwL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XOXFuwL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Damn, what a contest! ...Dragged down a little bit by that weird bit at the end, though... Sivian: Hm, a bit of respect between warriors... not necessarily an issue, as long as it doesn't prevent them from ripping each other apart like that next time. Hazazz: Uhh, sorry, what? "Respect"? What is that...? I don't think that's translating right... Sivian: I believe that means you don't have a word for it in your language, partner. Don't fret, it's nothing important... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="qseeO4O.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qseeO4O.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Alberto El Patron looked quite intense as he marched up to the mess of writhing vines that served as the referee for the evening and took up a microphone. "Look at this, Naito... I've stolen your thunder. I've made sure to come out here first, just so I won't have to hear your damn voice." he began, quickly getting the crowd on his side by pointing that out. "And I'm not gonna let you run away and stall your way to the finish line tonight either... because this is gonna be a steel cage match! And I'm not sure what they're like around here, but in that kinda confinement, you'll have no choice but to face me like a man. And everyone will know... I'm a million times the warrior you are!" The audience could easily agree to that, pretty much no matter who said it. "I'm putting an end to your bullshit once and for all!" he shouted. "For once in your miserable life, you better be willing to fight, perro! You're going to have to, if you wanna get out of that cage alive!" The people were in quite the frenzy as he threw the mic down. To Alberto's surprise, he turned to see that Naito was there all along, having quietly come out mid-way during his promo. <img alt="vSimaHn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vSimaHn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> He didn't say a word or make a move... he just smiled and waved. <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: I hate him so much! Rip his head off, Alberto! You'll never have a better chance than this! Sivian: Many are expecting an elimination here... though it may be more accurate to say many are desperately hoping for one. Hazazz: Damn right we are! I mean, I'm desperate for an elimination anywhere, but a disgrace like Naito shouldn't have made it past Night 1! I'm sick of having to refer to him as an IFL Warrior! He should've never stepped foot into that arena in the first place! Sivian: Now now, let's not question Malell's scouting prowess. He was brought here for a reason... Hazazz: Sorry... I know. And that reason was so he could choke to death on his own blood!! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="qseeO4O.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qseeO4O.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="vSimaHn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vSimaHn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> --- Steel Cage Match --- Alberto El Patron vs. Tetsuya Naito ------- Naito as always wasn't quick to get close to his opponent, but on this occasion the guards intervened, 'escorting' him to the middle of the arena where Alberto waited, dancing on his toes, all too ready to get his hands on the apathetic puro star. As soon as the two were both in position, an odd chime rang out, and suddenly from the ground emerged the cage around them. Lengthy steel bars seemingly came out of nowhere from the ground, revealing the arena wasn't quite as basic as it seemed. As it rose up to form a cage, more metal protruded around the top of the mechanism, until it looked like one long square-shaped bar. It didn't really resemble the steel fence-style cages used in pro wrestling to say the least, looking more like one big jail cell, but it seemed fit to fill the same purpose. Naito gazed confusingly at this structure, obviously not familiar with the environment. Alberto attempted to take advantage of this and rush in on him, but he quickly showed that he was playing it up, evading his attack and slipping behind him. Naito clobbered him in the back of the head with a hard forearm strike that took his opponent... and proceeded to turn tail and run to the opposite end of the cage. He clearly intended to try and climb out, but there wasn't exactly a means of getting a foothold in this kind of structure. He grabbed onto the bars and, after a couple of attempts managed to start pulling himself up, but before he made any real headway, Alberto had pulled him down to the ground, and started pelting him with hard rights and lefts. Naito as always was begrudging to fight back, but seemed to have no choice on this occasion, so he returned hands. Alberto quickly switched gears and took him by surprise with a thrust kick to the gut. Doubled over, he was in prime position for Alberto to float over and roll him into his patented Crossarmbreaker, looking to force a submission in what was very much another shoot match. Showing some of the instinct wrestling had born into him, Naito locked hands to try and avoid this, knowing legit pressure from a hold was not gonna be an easy thing to resist. He rolled him up like last time, though Alberto was much more prepared to keep his shoulders off the dirt, so instead Naito tried to make use of the position to free one hand and rain down fists. Eventually Alberto got sick of taking these and let him go, making sure to catch him in the face with an upkick to stagger him and give himself enough time to scramble to his feet. Alberto rushed in, but a clothesline attempt was ducked and when he turned to face him again, he was just in time to see Naito back flipping towards him for the surprise Destino! That drove him right onto the back of his head and El Patron seemed entirely out of it. Naito saw he could easily make the pin... but his urge to troll the crowd got the better of him, so he instead laid down next to Alberto and did his tranquilo pose. As the boos started to cascade onto him, he reached slowly towards his opponent... before instead smacking the ground three times, imitating a three count. He then jumped up to his feet, celebrating as though he'd officially won, and the jeers just intensified. Waving them off, he began to climb up once again, looking to simply bail on the match. But again he struggled to climb the odd cage, and by the time he got the hang of it and was nearing the top, Alberto was stirring. Seeing an opportunity to have a bit more fun with the crowd, Naito opted to just sit casually on top of the cage as Alberto frantically tried to climb himself. When he was at about the halfway point, Naito suddenly leaped down past him, landing on his feet. Alberto turned his head to see him waving... and was all too pissed. Alberto leaped off the cage and gave Naito quite a shock as he landed on his shoulders, with a rare spinning headscissors. Not coordinated like usual, this sent Naito careening shoulder first into the solid steel bars, and Alberto quickly followed up with a thrust kick that compounded his right arm against the bars further. Naito rolled away holding his shoulder, but Alberto was right on him, looking to pounce on that arm. Naito turned and with his one good arm delivered a low blow that stopped him in his tracks. He turned to once again climb the cage, and by this point he had the technique down, but now he was going with one arm, which hobbled him quite a bit. This gave Alberto enough time to catch up and before they knew it, the two of them were both sitting there on top of the cage. They started trading stiff punches up there, threatening to send each other to the ground. Suddenly, Alberto opted to take an extra shot just to reach in close, and he managed to grab Naito's bad arm. With a desperate lunge, he managed to roll himself into a cross armbreaker, as he was up on top of the cage! He was suspended in mid-air, held up only by Naito, forcing him to hold all of his weight with that arm! Naito tried to squirm and avoid the pressure, but there was no real point of leverage from that angle, as rolling to stave it off would've meant careening to the ground! And Alberto was able to nail him with a few heel kicks that pushed him backwards... This is when it truly got brutal. Naito found himself falling off the opposite side, with his shoulder pushed against the top bar, and Alberto pulling with all his weight on that injured arm! The pain was absolutely indescribable and it couldn't have been clear that the arm was about to rip right out of socket if Naito didn't tap. He had no choice but to swiftly submit, desperately slapping Alberto's thigh. He released him and managed to flip onto his feet inside the cage, whilst Naito fell into a heap outside it. Alberto celebrated as Naito struggled to rise, and staggered off. However Alberto whipped around and seemed a bit upset to realize he was blocked off from following up with any damage post-match thanks to them being on separate sides. The cage did swiftly disappear in the inverse of how it rose, but by that point, Naito was already running through the tunnel. Winner: Alberto El Patron by submission, after locking in a Cross Armbreaker atop the steel cage, at the 14:33 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Quite the gritty war, there. Hazazz: Hoohoo, it does my heart good to see Naito get taken to like that! I really thought his arm was just gonna snap in two there... but it's probably broken all the same! Sivian: It is a shame he didn't die, but certainly not through lack of trying. Hazazz: It's fine... he's not a real warrior anyway, and now that he's been injured there's no way he's lasting! Besides, I think we've seen the last of his nonsense now that he's been put through that! Sivian: You may be right, partner. If a match like that doesn't teach him to get serious, I don't know what will... though I would certainly enjoy finding out. Hazazz: Ugh, but now we move onto this match... Braun Strowman vs. John Hennigan... of all things, why in Galais did this need a rematch? Sivian: Now, I can't question Malell... but to be frank, I really have no choice on this occasion. Hennigan and Strowman put forth the very worst 'match' we've ever seen, what could we possibly gain from seeing it again...? Well, I implore you all to continue watching in spite of this... Hazazz: Yeah, I'm... just gonna look away, I can't stand to have my heart broken again this soon. The wound is too fresh... I'm too raw...! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5Rj2bn9.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5Rj2bn9.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="Hy5NIYQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Hy5NIYQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Braun Strowman vs. John Hennigan ------- The crowd was, to say the very least, not particularly excited for this match. The little noise that could be heard was nothing but boos as Hennigan and Strowman slowly made their way to the center. As always, Hennigan was nervous to be out their, but after their last 'match', he trusted Braun. For once, he wasn't particularly afraid as he stepped up to him, sheepishly looking up at his enormous frame. "So... do you want me to lay down this time or...?" he asked, trailing off when he realized that the look Braun was giving him was very, very different... in fact, there seemed to be something different about him in general. Something... in his eyes...? "Braun? Are... you okay...?" Hennigan nervously asked. The giant said nothing... he simply reached out to grab him by the neck. Hennigan was shocked, finding himself desperately clutching the monster's wrist as he raised him up into the air. He tried to scream out, but he couldn't manage it, his voice choked out by the incredible strength of the behemoth, as his legs dangled and kicked desperately. Terror and betrayal filled his expression, as Braun returned nothing. With a swift turn, he brought him down with a ruthless chokeslam that bounced him off the ground with the impact. Suffice to say he got Hazazz's attention in a hurry... and the attention of the audience as well. Before Hennigan could even react, Braun reached down, grabbed him by the hair and again lifted him up by it. He let him struggle in pain for a bit, until the hair he'd grasped tore under his weight and he slammed down again. Hennigan tried to scramble away, but Strowman moved towards him with remarkable speed, even for someone of his deceptive agility. No sooner than Hennigan stood did he get caught with a huge running dropkick. The beast reached down, hooking his head and legs to lift him effortlessly and raise him high above his head. <div style="text-align:right;">"What... is this? Why is this... happening?!"</div>He brought the helpless, screaming man down onto his knee in a crushing, legit backbreaker that seemed to just barely stop short of snapping his spine. With a grasp of his hair, Braun pulled him off his knee, forcing him to stand just long enough to catch a clothesline filled with power and malice. In less than a minute, he'd clearly defeated him... but still he persisted. Still, he felt the need... the unholy desire to inflict yet more needless carnage...<div style="text-align:right;">"Why... am I... doing this?! No..."</div> The reaction was overwhelmingly positive as Strowman pulled Hennigan up again. For once, the would-be warrior found himself throwing punches and kicks, though he lacked much strength at that point, already drained. With ease, Strowman dragged him over towards the barricade and simply threw him headfirst into the marble. He raised his arms in triumph to a crowd that adored him again. Hennigan tried to struggle up to a knee, but Braun again got him early, forcing him up. He grabbed him by the hair and with a wicked yank, sent his body spinning through the air, crashing into - and through - a nearby rock formation. <div style="text-align:right;">"Please... please no more... please stop... somebody stop me!"</div> Even this was still not enough. He grabbed him by the throat, forcing his limp frame up. He held him up into position and brought him down with a crunching Running Powerslam, not holding back in the slightest. Hennigan wasn't moving... and yet, he felt the need to pull him again, for a second, equally devastating Running Powerslam. He stood with his arms raised high and a loud, almost unnatural bellow emitting from his mouth as he put a foot on Hennigan's chest, pinning him without a hint of effort. The audience was euphoric to finally see the monster come out. Luckily for his image, from that distance, they couldn't quite see the tear forming in his eye... Winner: Braun Strowman, after two Running Powerslams at the 4:46 mark <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: YES! YES! YES!!! Amazing! Simply amazing, holy shit! That was incredible... that was hideous, that was beautiful! Sivian: Ah, an elegant masterclass of destruction... what an unstoppable warrior... where was this Strowman all along? Hazazz: I don't know but I can't tell you how happy I am to see him! The monster finally lives up to his potential!! YES! Sivian: He is leaving without going for an elimination... but it might not matter. After that destruction, we have almost certainly seen the end of John Hennigan. I can't imagine he'll ever be able to fight again. Hazazz: Well he sure wasn't able to fight before! Nyahahahaaaah! <div style="text-align:center;">-----</div> Away from the cameras backstage, Sami Zayn was sitting alone at the far end of the hallway - Owens having again locked all his bunkmates out of his room the moment he got back in - trying to clear his head and prepare himself for the match he still had left. Internally, he was chanting to himself about how Owens would not betray him, how he'd never harm him... eventually he was able to come to an understanding of how he wanted to go about it. Just then, he heard footsteps approaching him. He looked up to see one of the few left off IFL's first mega event, Baron Corbin walking towards him. "...Sami. I need to talk to you." he quietly muttered, making sure no one could overhear. That got him curious in a hurry. It seemed unlike Baron to ask anyone for a one-on-one conversation, atleast ever since being forced to play this game. "Uh, sure, but I'm trying to work out what I'm gonna do in the main event right now. Can it... wait until after my match?" he asked. "No... no, it really can't." he gruffly replied. "Listen. I know you and Kevin go back a long, long ways. I know you're close... I know that you trust him, more than just about anybody here trusts anybody. You want to believe in him no matter what, and I get that..." "...But?" Sami continued for him, sensing where this might be going. "...But you're wrong. He's becoming more unhinged everyday. I think the man you knew is already gone, and if not, he's sure as hell on his way out." Baron informed him. "You don't know that!" Sami snapped as he rushed to his feet. "You don't know him like I do!" "No, I don't. And I'm not saying this to piss you off." Baron calmly explained. "I'm just letting you know, for your own good... you're a lot better off not trusting him. And as for tonight, I think it's for the best if you made absolute certain that he is no shape to take you out..." With that, Baron revealed a short bat, reminiscent of the same one Callihan liked to wield. "Wh-what?!" Zayn blurted as Baron handed the bat over to him. "Are you... are you suggesting I...?" "I'm not saying you need to kill him." Baron cut him off. "Just... rough him up... so he's too hurt to pull anything tonight. Survive from here and you can explain later. And who knows... might knock some sense into him. He's not actually holed up in his room right now, for some reason he's over in Room 4 by himself... door's not locked. You can do whatever you want..." "I... I can't... I couldn't..." Sami stuttered. "...Might be the only way you can survive the night." Baron shrugged. "Do what you will. It's not my place to do it for you... I just wanted to give you the option." Baron walked away, aloof, leaving Sami to gaze down at the bat in pained contemplation. <div style="text-align:center;">-----</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="S0KdvAU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S0KdvAU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="fJ38bie.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fJ38bie.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Seth Rollins vs. Kota Ibushi ------- This was one of only two matches on the night that had no real connection to the events of the first month, beyond being a match between two very impressive performers. Nonetheless it was looked at as high stakes as far as positioning goes, and the two of them went out there and acted like it. Rollins did warn Ibushi briefly not to try anything funny but he ultimately knew it was unlikely he had anything to worry about there. The two of them were able to put on a match hellacious enough that nobody could tell it was worked, even after the series of shoot matches that just came before it. It began fast, with the two immediately going over towards a rock formation. Rollins caught him with a leaping knee lift, and hopped up on the stone, looking to catch him as he stood with a flying variation of that same knee. But Ibushi managed to avoid this, and caught him with a fierce roundhouse kick as he landed on his feet. Ibushi then climbed up, trying for a version of his Golden Star Moonsault, only to land in a heap as Rollins rolled out of the way, and quickly ascended again. This time he came off with a Phoenix Splash that finally hit, for a very narrow nearfall. The whole match was full of sequences like that, as it went on for much longer than most IFL bouts. Somehow, amidst everything, the two of them actually managed to have some fun in a wild wrestling match together. Rollins had no idea how it happened, figuring it must just be a skill of Ibushi's. That might be why he opted to let him win. The closing sequence saw Ibushi with his head laid up on a stone, and Rollins leaped up for a truly ruthless curbstomp. But Ibushi was able to slip away at the last second, and managed to leap up onto Rollins' shoulders for a violent Reverse Rana that sent him headfirst onto the stone! It was an easy sell for him to act like he was knocked out from that, for the three count. Winner: Kota Ibushi by pinfall, after a Reverse Rana onto a stone at the 20:05 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Ahh, a truly scintillating contest... it warms my heart to see battles like we've seen tonight. I missed this as well in previous weeks... Hazazz: I knew it! I knew you were suffering too! But it's okay baby, we are back in action tonight! That match rocked the house, no question about it! Sivian: Killer Instinct has been a return to form for IFL, with just one small exception... still no elimination... Hazazz: Yannow what, this may sound crazy... but as long as the action's like this, I could alllllllmost live with that... Sivian: Wow, you truly were starved of violence if you're willing to make a concession like that... Hazazz: Hey now, I said 'almost'! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami Callihan got a healthy response as he made his way out, slow but with great intent as he scanned around at the weapons that littered the wall... he demanded a microphone and was very deliberate as he brought it to his lips. "...I've shown you violence... I've shown you pain." he began in his usual put-on gravel. "...But tonight, tonight you will see another level entirely. Tonight we go to another stage of depravity. We left our decency behind when we came here... we left the light back home. The light is behind us... so trying to follow it only takes us backwards. That's why tonight we will sink all that much deeper into darkness... because it is the only path forward. And so... this next match will bring us blood like you've never seen from us." The crowd seemed somewhat confused by his psychological analogies, but roared their approval at the end of that remark. "Rest assured... only one man stands from a battle like this. And it can only be me. Because unfortunately, no matter what I do, my opponent fails to find the warrior within him..." he muttered. "Tommy Dreamer, for all that you could be... you choose to be weak. And as you are... you will never defeat me." He looked ready to go on for a while, until he spotted the arrival in the arena in the corner of his eye... <img alt="X51YnMo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/X51YnMo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Dreamer had clearly heard enough as he stormed to the center, demanding a mic of his own. He stared at his opponent for a while, before turning his attention towards the screaming aliens that surrounded them. "...You think this is okay?" He asked them. He pointed to Sami, "You think this is okay? You think any of this is okay?!" This negativity earned some boos, as he shook his head and continued, refusing to break eye contact with Sami now. "I don't know what you think you are right now, Sami, but you're a human being, whether you act like one or not. You're not some angel of darkness or whatever crap you wanna spin. This is no place for bullshit gimmicks. You are only what you are... and what you are is a coward. You go out of your way to destroy people who aren't fighting back, you go out of your way to injure people when their guard is down... and you don't care who you hurt, as long as it helps you convince yourself that you're something you're not." "I know exactly what I am." Callihan replied. "I'm what I was brought here to be. I'm a warrior... I just accepted that before anyone else, that's all..." "No. You're a fraud... but I get it. I understand, I really do." Dreamer explained. "You're afraid... you're terrified, Sami, I know you are. From the moment you were brought here you were afraid. So you've, retreated into this... playing up your gimmick like it's the real you. You fall into a character... just to make it easier. Just so you can pretend... because you know that character could deal with this situation better than you can." "You don't know what you're talking about..." Sami hissed. "You can say what you want... it's all just a defense mechanism. It's a veil... and that's fine but that veil won't last forever." he warned. "One day... it'll break. And it'll break you, if you let it... I promise you, it'll happen. You think I don't get you...? You think I don't have it in me to stop you...?" "I know you don't." Sami replied. "Believe me, I wish you had it in you to do what you need to do tonight..." "Try me." Dreamer coldly answered. "In your blindness, you've made a horrendous mistake. Because everything you project... every word you say, every expression you wear... it's fake. But when you hit Terry... when you swung a ****ing bat at a senior citizen, at one of my best friends... what I felt then, it was real, Sami. And you're about to feel it now..." The two of them threw down their microphones, to an uproarious crowd, all too ready to witness the bloodshed this seemed to promise. <img alt="Sxbljqc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sxbljqc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Ahhhh I'm ready! So ready! EXTREMELY READY! Sivian: It goes without saying that there's more animosity here than any other match tonight, it would seem. To put these two into a hardcore match is quite the combustible combination, to be sure... Hazazz: I'm sure as **** ready to explode myself! Let's get this one going! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="X51YnMo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/X51YnMo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> --- Hardcore Match --- Tommy Dreamer vs. Sami Callihan ------- Dreamer and Callihan unsurprisingly wasted no time going after each other, trading venomous shots, neither holding back at all. Dreamer was just barely holding in his anger during his promo and now he was fully unleashing it. He asked for no help tonight in spite of his friends in the newly made Pact offering their aid. The relatively level-headed Callihan managed to duck a shot and reach into his jacket... in a swift maneuver he swiped out towards Dreamer with the same short bat he used before, but Tommy managed to back away from it at the last second, just narrowly avoiding the same cracked ribs that Funk suffered. This reminder of course only made him more furious and he was quick to tackle him to the ground, sending punch after punch into his face. This made Callihan drop the bat. Dreamer reached for it and stood up, ready to swing it down upon him... but Callihan caught him with an upkick to the groin that forced his collapse. Sami picked the bat back up and began to pelt the fallen Dreamer with it, ruthless shots to his legs, his stomach, his back... finally he went for a finishing blow to his head, but Dreamer just managed to roll away from this. Sami tried to pursue him, but from a three point stance position Tommy sprang up for a hard clothesline, buying himself some time for a breather, actually turning his back to his opponent as he tried to shake off the shots he just took. This time Sami held onto the bat, refusing to drop it as he pulled himself up. He was so keen on raising his bat up to crack him for the last time, he didn't notice Dreamer reaching into his pocket... Tommy turned and whipped out a club, the blunt end slamming into Sami's ribs, as if karma for his strike on Funk! Sami somehow remained standing from this, but the wind was immediately knocked out of him. Desperate to try and keep him from capitalizing, Callihan hastily dove in on Dreamer as if going for a double leg takedown, driving him backwards until he neared the arena wall, the both of them losing their weapons in the process. But with his core shot, he didn't quite have the strength to finish this, not without Dreamer managing to overpower him and slam him into the barrier instead. Tommy looked up at the wall and saw the same staff he that Funk first took off the wall before their match. As if trying to bring his spirit with him, Dreamer went for it, and raised the staff up as Sami used the wall to pull himself up. Dreamer went for a downward strike, looking to bring it down on his head, but he managed to evade this and Tommy ended the wall with so much force that the staff broke in two, leaving jagged edges on either piece. Sami quickly grabbed the fallen piece and the two had a short standstill... Eventually Tommy went for the first swing, but Sami was waiting for it. He ducked this, and then jabbed him in the gut with the blunt end of the staff piece. This doubled Tommy over... Sami proceeded to grab him by the hair, yank his head back, and ram the jagged edge of the weapon right into his forehead, repeatedly stabbing his face and head with it, causing several cuts and in seconds the blood had was gushing from Tommy, already dripping down onto his shirt... Sami finished with one last particularly solid slug from the staff's blunt end that dropped his opponent limp. Callihan probably could've went for the pin, if he cared about that, but he showed no interest, instead taking the time to scream at him, "You want to try and fight for Funk, huh?! You want to make this all about him?!" before roughly tossing the staff at his prone body. Sami grabbed Dreamer's arms and dragged him through the sand to another part of the arena. Having already scouted the wall, he brought him to where the huge, bizarre sheet of barbed wire hung, the other most notable weapon used in the Funk/Dreamer match. Just to send the message home, Sami grabbed the barbed wire and took his time setting up a finishing maneuver. He carefully lifted some stones that were in a stack and used them to pin down the sheet. Eventually he'd gotten it to stay a few feet off the ground, wedged between two rock formations. Sami pulled the still prone Dreamer over to the barbed wire, and with a stiff punch to the face, dropped him onto it, his body painfully draped across it, though his clothes prevented much puncture. Sami climbed up onto the rock formation, and actually tried to splash Dreamer deeper into the barbed wire sheet... but this is when Tommy finally revealed he was playing possum. He rolled over, letting Sami drive himself into the barbed wire, and seemingly damn near rip through the sheet in the process. Tentatively, Dreamer stood up on the sheet and pulled Sami up by the hair. "Here's a message from Terry..." Dreamer grunted, before pulling Callihan up and nailing him with an unreal piledriver, driving him headfirst through the barbed wire, tearing through the sheet as the both of them ended up on the ground below, with Sami's face basically torn to shreds in the process. As the two of them laid in a growing pool of their blood, Dreamer stood up, looking down at the prone Callihan. He was struggling to get up, but seemed to lack the strength. Tommy stared at his plug, remembering what he's done so far and what he seems to have promised to do going forward. Tommy had taken up a Pact but... could they really let someone like stick around? Wouldn't he be saving lives by taking him out of the game early? With that thought he mind, he started to reach for it... "Do it..." Sami hissed, sputtering out blood as he looked back at Tommy. "Do it, prove me wrong, do it... show the world what you're really... m-made of..." Dreamer grit his teeth as he reached closer... but eventually it got through to him that it's exactly what Sami wanted. Glumly, he lowered his arm... and Callihan frowned. Tommy instead knelt down and grabbed him by the hair, trying to push him over to simply pin him. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to spot what he had pulled from his sleeve... with a swift thrust, Sami had stabbed a small knife right into Dreamer's left eye. This shocked him and had him screaming as he staggered back, the blade lodged in his socket... Sami picked up some of the fallen barbed wire and slipped behind him, strangling him with it until he fell down to his knees. "It's a shame..." he growled. "For a moment... I thought you could've been... one of us..." With that, he reached down to grab the plug and, after trying out a few different twists, he managed to pull it... between one eye being stabbed and the other covered with blood, Dreamer could barely see. But he could feel it... he could feel the plug being yanked and he could feel his body starting to become weightless as he slowly floated from the ground. Sami stood and stared as Tommy rose, desperately trying to reach towards a ground he couldn't see. He kicked and screamed, but was helpless to do anything to stop himself from raising up into the abyss. Callihan left as he saw Funk rush out into the arena, hobbled by his broken ribs but still desperately trying to do anything... but he was too late, collapsing to his knees in sheer distraught. He came out just to see the last hint of Dreamer in the distance before he was swallowed by the darkness. Just like Cena before him, he left nothing but his blood behind... Winner: Sami Callihan via elimination, after Dreamer refused to eliminate him and was then stabbed in the eye and strangled with barbed wire at the 12:50 mark <img alt="Jqu425k.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Jqu425k.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: YES! YES! YES! YES! LOOK AT HIM GO! LOOK AT HIM GOOO HE'S DEAD! NYAHAHAHAHA HE'S DEAD! Sivian: Ooooooohhh, it's been too long, far, far too long... what a glorious day... Hazazz: I can barely hear myself think in here!! THIS IS INCREDIBLE! AHHHH DEATH IS MY LIFE! DEATH IS MY LIFE! Sivian: Finally, it's begun... mmm, and now that it's begun, there's no stopping it... Hazazz: Sami Callihan, you are officially my hero! What a guy! Hahaha, Dreamer had his chance to take him out and he couldn't do it! And to repay him, Sami kills him dead! Oohhhh I'm so happy I could cry...! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3DyjrKD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DyjrKD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IgIRL7m.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgIRL7m.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="grvGfzP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/grvGfzP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UWKAlTV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UWKAlTV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Beer Money Inc. vs. The Briscoe Brothers ------- These two teams clearly saw what just transpired and were both utterly devastated as they made their way out. They were slow to even touch other... but the crowd didn't even notice. They were buzzing after the first elimination, voicing their uproariously loud elation all through the duration of this match. The four men clearly did not have the heart for this at the moment, as they went through the motions lifelessly in front of an audience that barely seemed aware of their existence, far too caught up in their celebration. Eventually they made the obvious call of just getting the hell out of there. Roode fell to a Leghook Brainbuster from Mark, who then climbed up a stone as Jay set Storm up for the planned finish, a Spike Jay-Driller that got the three count. Winners: The Briscoe Brothers by pinfall, after a Spike J-Driller at the 8:36 mark <img alt="EQPvKAQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EQPvKAQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Hazazz: Ahhh I can't stop smiling... nyeheheh, I saw a man die today, it rocks! Sivian: The Briscoes won that match for the record, not that I think anyone is sparing a thought to it at the moment. Hazazz: I was making sure to look in case there was another elimination but I could tell they weren't planning on it... I mean honestly, it's rough to follow that! Hahah, that was incredible...! <div style="text-align:center;">-----</div> As that last match was still going on, Sami stood up with a sigh. The deliberation had been lengthy but he knew he had no time left to contemplate it, as their match was to go on in mere minutes. He wanted more than anything to trust Kevin... but, it seemed like Owens was going out of his way to make sure he had no reason to. If there's one thing he knew about it, it's that he would do anything for his family... and as much as he didn't want to admit, anything truly meant anything. But... Sami was part of that family. Or atleast, he thought of himself that way. But Owens' coldness spread to even him. Even as he did everything he could to defend him, Owens shut him out like he did all the others. So maybe... he saw him the same way. Maybe... it was in his best interests, to listen to Baron... His heart sank as he realized he'd run out of logical reasons not to go through with it. Sami took a deep breath and tightly gripped the bat, before walking over to Room 4. Slowly, quietly, he slid the door open... ...and to his surprise, he heard a familiar voice. "Daddy! I can't believe it! You really did it!" Sami peeked in to see Owens sitting on the bed, his back to him as he held up his cellphone. The voice of his son Owen rang through it, "My dad, Universal Champion! Hahaha that's awesome! I'm gonna tell everyone at school about this... I love you so much!" An old voicemail... the only way he could hear his voice at this point. The phone's battery had been carefully protected since it couldn't be charged and it's pictures served as the only way he could see them... but when the voicemail ended, he found himself restarting it... he'd likely been at this for some time, even knowing it was killing the battery. He just... couldn't help himself... Sami lowered the bat, and walked away with his shoulders slumped. Suddenly, all the fight had left him... <div style="text-align:center;">-----</div> Sivian: And now... the match we've all been waiting for, the most important one in this series to date. Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens... the winner gets Immunity. Hazazz: What else do we have to say?! This great night is about to get even greater! Let's go! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kmS7I1D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kmS7I1D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />---<img alt="rcbuLWf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rcbuLWf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens ---- Immunity Championship ---- ------- Sami and Kevin met in the center, quietly staring each other down for a few moments. Eventually Sami broke the silence. "Hey, Kevin, listen... I don't, I don't want the title. I don't think it's existence means anything good for us, I'd rather never have it around at all... and we don't need it because... the eliminations are never gonna start anyway." he explained, showing that he was too caught up in his own preparations to see what had transpired earlier. "But if you want it... if it'll make you feel safer, if you... think you'll need it... by all means, beat me and take it. I just... I just want you to be okay. I want all of this to stop... and for us to be okay, when we get home, yannow? So until we find our way back, you can... you can have it, and as long as you have it, you won't... feel any need to, uh..." Sami trailed off, his voice gradually weakening. The emotion of it all was getting him. He tried to force a smile like he always did, but he finally lacked the ability. Owens simply muttered, "...Come on." and gestured for him to go after him. The particular way he did it, Zayn recognized it as a signal to go into one of the many sequences they had downpat from their many, many matches together. Sami found himself breathing a sigh of relief as they locked up. They grabbed each other by the back of the head as they laid in simultaneous punches... Owens tried for a quick Pop-Up Powerbomb only to be dropkicked out of the air... classic sequence after classic sequence unfolded between these two who knew each other so well, these two who could sleepwalk their way into a match of the night on most given nights... and for a brief 20 minutes, Sami was able to convince himself that everything was okay, that nothing had changed between them. That they were still both the same men they always were... Sure, Owens was hitting him harder than ever, but everyone did that in the IFL. It's simply how they had to work if they didn't want to be eaten alive. But aside from that... it was a match just like back home. It was as comforting as it was painful. Sami even managed to sneak in a variant of his through-the-ropes tornado DDT, instead leaping over a rock formation that Owens happened to be standing behind for it... it was picture-perfect and had everyone on their feet. Just like usual... Finally, they had reached the last of their stamina... Sami nailed a Helluva Kick as Owens was leaned against the marble wall, but found himself too worn out to go for the cover... a work, of course, but one the audience could easily believe after how much they'd just put each other through. So instead Sami slowly crawled over to the stones and climbed upon them... a little too slowly, as Owens managed to crawl along with him. They slugged it out up there for a bit, until Sami hooked him and went for the second Brainbustaaaaaa of the night... but Owens managed to counter it, hoisting Sami up, and the two both plummeted off the rock as he nailed his Avalanche Spinning Fisherman's Buster. Owens slowly fought to his feet as Sami struggled to pull himself to his knees. Owens hooked him by the head and yanked him up. He finished with an equivalent of his patented Apronbomb, powerbombing Zayn backfirst into the stone, a truly brutal maneuver. The audience was absolutely delighted when he hooked both legs, pinning him on the stone itself for the victory. Winner: Kevin Owens by pinfall, after Powerbombing Sami onto a rock formation at the 20:37 mark <img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Sivian: Marvelous! What a marvelous match to cap off a marvelous night! Killer Instinct truly lived up to the hype! Hazazz: Hell yeah, that was insane! It warms my heart to know a dangerous man like Owens holds that Immunity title! He's sticking around for a while, nyeheheh... and who knows about the rest?! Sivian: It's quite a showing considering what a brutal war he had with Ishii... Zayn didn't have an easy time himself but when you compare the two, it's clear who had the harder struggle to get here. To overcome all the same proves quite a lot. Hazazz: Damn straight! Ahhh... only one elimination tonight. Kind of a downer but I'm not even mad... 'cause we KNOW there are more on the way now! No doubt about it! Sivian: Indeed, the precedent has been set. We're almost ready to sign off now... all that's left is to make it official with the new champion's coronation. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46275" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kmS7I1D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kmS7I1D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rcbuLWf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rcbuLWf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sami stayed there on the stone for some time, selling his injuries as much as possible as Owens stood, motionless as the crowd showered him with adulation. Meanwhile, the official walked over to him, producing the uniquely designed Immunity Championship. The referee went behind him, and Owens didn't move a muscle as he pulled it around his chest, locking it's ends around his plug. The protective forcefield formed... he officially had immunity. With that, commentary signed off, the show seemingly over. Eventually Sami pulled himself up... he gave Owens a weak standing ovation before turning to limp away... He had begun to leave a little too late. At that moment, he saw them emerge from different exits... four men slowly coming in to surround Kevin and Sami. <img alt="qseeO4O.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qseeO4O.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kHLQjve.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kHLQjve.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LpdTYqd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LpdTYqd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mbMWDPH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mbMWDPH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Alberto El Patron, Penta El Zero M, Fenix and Sami Callihan all approached, dead serious glares on each of their faces. "What... what's going on?" Zayn asked, taking a defensive stance. "What are you doing?!" "...I'm sorry." Kevin quietly muttered. Zayn turned to face him, only to get immediately waylayed with a vicious lariat. The other four men quickly swarmed in, Fenix and Alberto laying in stomps and kicks, Penta pinning him down to wrack his face with punches, Callihan taking out his bat to lay into his stomach. "Flip him!" Owens cried out, and they did just that, laying him onto his stomach. Fenix and Penta held down his arms and legs respectively, his plug all too exposed... <img alt="ThgYX6C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ThgYX6C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yfE0tpn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yfE0tpn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi stormed out there to try and put a stop to this. Alberto and Callihan ran up to intercept... but both of them were injured from their previous matches, whereas Ibushi's match was worked and Omega didn't wrestle at all, giving them an edge. This allowed Kenny to slip by... just in time to see Owens yank out the plug of his best friend. "...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Owens stated blankly, emotionally dead as Penta and Fenix let go of Zayn and his body began to float into the abyss. Kenny ran towards them, but Zayn was several yards up in the air by that point. He shut his eyes tight, not wanting to face this reality to the end, tears flowing down his cheeks as he floated up into the ether. Everyone down there in the arena froze as they watched this, aside from Owens who quickly turned away from the sight. Slowly, Omega tilted his head down to stare, gobsmacked at Owens, who refused to make eye contact with anyone. The disbelief was overwhelming, stunned silence ruling over them, as a deafeningly loud crowd serenaded the show to a close... <img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3HvW0Ja.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3HvW0Ja.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

CuckstableCorbin · February 1, 2019

Let it be known that none of this ever had to happen if Zayn just listened to Baron Corbin.

Just in case you guys didn't figure out who the real OG was around here yet.

Zeel1 · February 11, 2019

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2335662&postcount=22" rel="external nofollow"><<</a> .14 The Storm <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2337936&postcount=30" rel="external nofollow">>></a></div>

As evidenced by the match between the Briscoes and Beer Money, the locker room was spiritually destroyed to have watched Dreamer's demise.

They all heard the threats, they all shared the uneasy feeling from watching Callihan's swift descent into apparent madness, the tension of having to listen to his grim tirades. And so you could perhaps say they should've seen it coming. But it's easier said than done, to convince yourself that someone you know, someone you've worked with, a friend of yours, might actually go so far as to murder another. It's the kind of thought that brings on the cold darkness in the back of your head, the kind of thought the mind just rejects. It's a possibility that they forced themselves not to think about, for the sake of their own sanity.

And now, it was reality. None of them were remotely prepared. To continue watching after that was a struggle... many weren't paying attention at all after Dreamer's death. Terry Funk refused to leave the arena for the longest time after the match, swearing that there had to be some way to bring him back. When he was finally forced to depart, he made a beeline for Callihan, only to find he had locked himself away. In spite of their best efforts, there was no calming him down... not after that.

They all just wanted the night to be over.

Little did they know, the worst was yet to come... few were even watching during Owens and Zayn's match, drained of their motivation. This sadly fed into the delayed response... Kenny and Kota tried to make good on the Pact and prevent it, but there was no stopping what transpired. There was no way any of them could've guessed that an unholy alliance had formed behind the scenes.

Those sharing a room with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn happened to be Frightmare, Marty Scurll... and Sami Callihan. Kevin had recently been locking everyone out and they all assumed he was all by himself in there. They didn't put it together in time... that he was in actuality putting on secret meetings between himself and the four men that would aid him in his unthinkable betrayal. Owens, Callihan, Penta, Fenix and Alberto El Patron, ganging up and allowing Owens to eliminate... no, to kill his best friend.

As it unfolded, the world they all unwillingly left behind couldn't have felt further away. They thought they were already in hell... but as it turns out, the weeks leading up to this event... were the calm.

Now... they were all living in the storm.

The room was dead silent as Kenny and Kota trekked into the lounge, the very picture of stunned dejection. They'd left the perpetrators of the heinous act behind, the five of them taking the time to soak in the adulation of the bloodthirsty mob they'd so eagerly appeased. Or maybe... they were just hesitant to face everyone after what they'd done.

The others were speechless... the few making noise were simply in tears. Only a handful had the strength to raise their heads to the two men who'd just walked back in.

"...Why'd you two go running off like that?" Lethal asked, nervously. "...What... happened out there?"

Kenny and Kota stared at each other for a moment, then back down at the ground. Ibushi stepped forward and weakly replied, "Sami... is gone."

A handful of gasps were the only immediate response. It took little explaining for them to know what that meant, though they did quietly let them know the specifics. They didn't just have one or two select betrayals to worry about, a collective had emerged right under their noses.

And no sooner had they let them know about this, then did they watch those very five come into the room. They all no doubt felt the eyes stabbing into them before they actually saw them...

James Storm was the first to stand. "What the **** is wrong with you people? Have you all lost your goddamn minds?!"

"Is... it true?" Colby asked, his eyes still a little swollen from tears, having been crying for a while now. "Did you really...?"

"...How long?" Rollins spoke up. "How long were you planning on doing this?"

"We have nothing to say to any of you." Penta declared.

"That's too ****ing bad! 'Cause you've got a hell of a lot to answer for!" Mark Briscoe snapped. "You sons of bitches just killed two of our friends!"

"It's... the only way." Fenix added. "The only way to survive... it's kill or be killed."

"We didn't do anything that the rest of you won't be doing soon enough." Alberto replied. "You'll all turn too, or die resisting it. We're just ahead of the game. So don't look at us like we're-"

As they offered their curt explanations, one man could no longer contain themselves... Terry Funk leapt up from his chair and charged fearlessly into the group of five, ending the tense discussion. He tried to tackle Callihan to the floor but he stood his ground. Funk was quick to throw short punches, peppering Sami's already bleeding face.

This of course spurred the rest into action, as they rushed in to pull Funk away, knowing he'd get himself annihilated by charging in on them. Funk wouldn't back up an inch though, refusing to stop throwing hands at Sami... until Callihan fired back, with one single decisive punch to his injured, practically untreated ribs. The grizzled veteran howled in anguish, his body recoiling as he was finally pulled away. He could barely stay on his feet as Bate and Charlotte aided him to the back of the room.

"...Worthless." Callihan spat. "You're all worthless... hypocrites or cowards. I've no need for any of you."

The whole time, the apparent mastermind Kevin Owens didn't say a word, or even make much of a move. He stood there, until his cohorts walked past the sea of judging faces to their room backstage. Funk in particular gave Callihan an evil eye as he watched on, not letting up until he was out of sight.

"Dammit, wh-why..." he wheezed, struggling to get oxygen into his lungs. "...why are we... letting them go?! Why don't we all just... gang up and lynch the bastards?! We just saw they'd... they'd do it to us...!"

"We're not... we're not stooping to thier level." Omega declared. "We can't let this turn into the bloodbath Mallel wants. If we go after them for revenge, there's no telling when the killing will stop..."

"But... if we don't do something they'll just kill us first." Aichner replied, a far away look in his eye.

"That's why we need to double down on the Pact, more than ever. If this turns into a war, none of us are making it back home... we don't kill, period." Kenny explained, stopping to shudder at the thought that he even had to make such a statement. "...We... need to be vigilant. We could've prevented what happened here tonight... we didn't need to lose either of those two. We need to stop just assuming nothing will happen and... make damn sure it doesn't going forward."

"I agree." Lethal affirmed. "I think we need to keep close watch during every match from here on out. There's just five of them and so many more of us... as long as we're ready to swoop in whenever things look dicey, there's no reason anybody has to get hurt."

"Tch..." came a dismissal, from an unsurprising source.

Jay Briscoe narrowed his eyes. "You got something to say, Baron?"

"...I just think it's funny how you guys are all acting like those five are the only threats here." Baron answered, not bothering to look at Jay as he spoke. He glanced over to the corner. "Or am I the only one who saw him try to break a man in half tonight?"

Braun Strowman sat in a chair in the corner, ironically in a similar spot that Hennigan usually holed himself up in. He was just staring at his hands, seemingly unaware of what was going on around him.

"We... do need to talk about that." Scurll spoke up. "What the hell was going on with you? He wasn't even fighting back, what would possess you to go after him like that?"

Braun winced, as if pained by his choice of words.

"I... don't know. I honestly... have no idea." he muttered. "I... could see. I could hear, I could even feel but I couldn't... talk, I couldn't... I don't know how to explain it. I don't know how to say it in a way that you'd believe... I can't even believe it myself."

"Try us." Rollins goaded.

"...My hands... they moved on their own." he answered, meekly looking up at them. Speaking as if recalling a nightmare, he explained, "It was like... it was like I was trapped in my own body. I couldn't stop myself... no matter how much I wanted to. I don't... know what happened. But I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. I'm sure he... doesn't want to see me, but when he wakes up, please tell him I'm sorry..."

"If he wakes up." Baron corrected.

"Hey, don't ****ing say shit like that!" Mark snapped.

Indeed, Hennigan still hadn't regained consciousness last they'd seen him. They all had to witness the surreal sight of him being dragged through the lounge by the guards, after having been peeled from the arena. And rather than take him anywhere for treatment, they'd seemingly just brought him to his own bed in the assigned boardroom, the bare minimum of care... all any of them could really do was hope he'd be okay.

"So you... weren't in control of yourself. Is that what you're saying?" Roode inquired.

Braun simply nodded. Nobody was particularly quick to reply after that. Scratching the back of his head, Kenny blurted, "Well... look, out here in an alien atmosphere, who really knows what could be going on with us. With our heads and our health... I don't know but, try to keep a hold of yourself next time you go out there, okay? I know you're better than that, Braun."

"...Yeah. Yeah, I'll try..." Braun glumly replied. Slowly the big man rose. "I think, it's for the best if I have some time alone..."

He walked off, leaving the rest to figure out amongst themselves what they'd be doing about the new threats that had arose...

The five of them quickly made their way into the hall, and would've rushed into the room they'd had their meetings in, if not for Callihan's stumbling; he had lost quite a bit of blood, his crude tourniquets made from the leather of his jacket not holding up particularly well.

Fenix stopped his stagger, "Whoa... you okay, man?"

"Never felt better." Callihan muttered, a vile smirk on his crimson face. "Did you see them in there...? The fear... it's intense. It's wonderful. I've been... looking forward to this day... heheh... heheheh..."

Alberto shook his head and smirked. "You're messed up, man... I love it."

As they were stopped by this, they all gave pause to the approaching footsteps. When they turned, to their surprise, they saw one of Malell's alien guards.

"Where did you come from...?" Penta asked, scanning around. It didn't seem like he came through the lounge, it was as though he appeared out of nowhere.

The scaly creature pointed towards Sami. "You... Malell has deemed that you must be treated. Come with me..."

The piledriver through barbed wire had disfigured Callihan's face, and he was becoming dizzy from the blood loss so he opted to go along with this. The other four remained there in the hall. Taking Sami's lead, wicked smiles began to form.

With a deep exhale, Fenix began, "...Well, I think it's fair to say our first night out there together was a success."

"For the most part." Alberto agreed. "I just wish we could've made it three off the bat instead. I really wanted to take out that little worm Naito... I was going to go after him, but I never would've pictured we'd be on opposite sides of the cage in the end. Damn thing took way too long to go down..."

"Don't stress too much about that. He doesn't even want to raise a finger to fight, he won't be much of a threat. I'm sure he'll be out without too much effort." Penta declared. "Of the three we were going after, Dreamer was definitely the one with the most potential to be dangerous. He wasn't willing to kill but, I think he could've been pushed far enough... getting him first was a great move."

The others nodded at this... aside from Kevin, who continued to have very little reaction to anything around him. Fenix turned to him, "So... what's our next move, boss? Where do we go from here? Who do you think the top threat is...?"

"Yeah, what are you thinking about, Kevin?" Alberto inquired.

Owens' voice was so low they had to strain to listen. "...I'm thinking about what I'm going to tell my kids now that I've killed their godfather."

That response brought the jovial, if twisted mood in the hall to a screeching halt. The smiles disappeared in a hurry as he'd swiftly reminded them of just what it was they'd agreed to do.

"Hey... it had to be done." Alberto explained. "I mean... it was your idea. This was the night to strike. It's too late to second guess it now."

"You should be proud!" Penta exclaimed. "You found the will to survive before anyone else! And it was strong enough that you didn't hold back, even against your best friend! Because you're getting out of here no matter what... that's the cause we all believe in."

"I know." Kevin quietly replied. "I... I'll be fine. I'll come up with a plan soon. I just need some time to process this. You guys go ahead into the room, I'll... be there in a minute."

With a few nods, Kevin's three cohorts stepped inside, closing the sliding door shut behind them. He stepped up to the door himself, taking a deep breath with a lengthy exhale as he pressed his forehead up against the door.

His eyes were clenched shut, his teeth gritting, his voice turning into a growl as he muttered to himself.

"It was supposed to be Bate..."

Rhyme1234 · February 12, 2019

This diary is really great! Awesome work here.

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