Post by C. Connolly on Mar 30, 2011 17:36:24 GMT -5
Roshan Nocturne vs. El Mexicano
Nocturne defeats the overmatched El Mexicano with a serious head kick that knocked him out cold, for the pinfall.
Winner: Roshan Nocturne
Masaharu Tanabashi vs. Jennifer Nicole Shaw
Shaw came into the match full of fire, and it showed as she took the fight straight to Tanabashi. She sent him through the ropes with a spear, landing hard on the outside. Shaw had the match well in hand and she went for it all. She ran towards the ropes and went for a beautiful shooting star press.
Problem was, Tanabashi saw it coming, and moved out the way.. leaving Shaw to land right on her face. There was nothing she can do but hit the ground. Hard. As she rolled around in agony, Tanabashi took advantage and hit his own springboard frog splash from the apron. He rolled her in the ring, and instead of just going for the win, he decided to teach her a lesson. He picked her up
and drove her down with a Tanabashi Driver. He went for the pin, but pulled her head up at two.
Tanabashi uncharacteristically played towards the crowd, feeling he had the match all but won. What he didn't expect was Angelica James to crash the party, coming onto the stage. With a sly smirk,
Tanabashi looks less than pleased as she saunters down the aisle. Tanabashi takes his eyes off Shaw to focus on James. After making a few comments, he turned his attention back to Shaw, and picked her up for what looked to be another Tanabashi Driver. But Shaw had regained herself, and caught MT off guard, rolling him up in a small package, getting the three count.
The crowd went crazy as Shaw quickly rolled out the ring in victory, and Tanabashi sat shocked on the mat in defeat. And Angelica James stood outside the ring, clapping her hands mockingly at
Tanabashi, as she chuckled at her future opponent.
Winner: Jennifer Nicole Shaw
Erik Josten's Open Invitational Challenge
"Requiem Of A Dream" by Clint Mansell.
Ken: And that can mean only one thing; our Universal Champion is here!
Chris: And he's got a lucky zebra with him.
Emerging from the smoke onto the stage, the giant raises his championship belt aloft and glares out at the crowd while referee Tommy Giles follows close behind.
CP: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! Introducing, hailing from Gothametropolis and weighing in at two-hundred-ninety pounds he is the PWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIOOOOOOOON...... ERRRRIIIKK
JOSSSSSSTENNNNNNNNNNN!
Ken: Sounds like Josten has put on a little weight since he last competed.
Chris: I wouldn't be surprised, I've heard he's been abusing the mantle of Universal Champion somewhat.
Ken: Nonsense, he's been a great champion so far, that's why he's put out this challenge for tonight. Anyone can get a shot at the Universal Champion.
Chris: This has nothing to do with that. He's preparing for the unexpected and unless Gold or Cage accept this, he'll be wasting time here.
Ken: However you look at it this is a smart move on the part of the champ.
Motioning for Giles to enter the ring, Josten steps up and over the top rope, joining him in the middle of the ring before accepting the microphone from Colin Peterson and waiting as the music and cheers fade out.
EJ: It's been one week since I issued an open challenge to anyone in the back who wanted a shot at the champ. I heard through the grapevine that a certain Saint wants a piece of me. Well, that won't
happen tonight as this match is for someone who actually deserves to be in the ring with me. I've got one title matches scheduled from now until All Star Weekend, against one of the best in the business. So whoever decides to take that walk down to this ring... just keep that in mind.
The champion drops the microphone and waits for his opponent to appear while the crowd throw out various names and small chants for their favourite wrestler to answer the call.
Chris: We're hearing a lot of Tsukino Meious and Roshan Nocturnes. Who's going to step up against the best in PWE?
Ken: If I could wish for anyone to walk through that curtain right now it'd be Shawn Christopher. That'd wipe the smug look off Josten's face.
The crowd don't have to wait long, but their reaction is about as stale as the generic rock track that begins playing through the PA.
Chris: Good God almighty Ken, who the hell has music like that?
Ken: I can't even identify that song. It sounds like an in-house production.
Chris: At least we know now it's not Gold or Cage.
Even CP has to wait for Josten's opponent to show up on the EVO*View before he recognizes who it is and makes the announcement.
CP: Introducing the opponent...hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and weighing in at two-hundred-thirty-six pounds... BRIIIIIAAAAAAAAN SAAAAAVVVAAGGGGGE!
Ken: Brian Savage? The newest addition to PWE's roster? HE wants a shot at Josten?
Chris: You gotta be kidding me. Of all the talent in this place it's the new kid that wants the match?
Ken: Gotta hand it to the guy, if you want to make a name for yourself, what better way than a match against the Universal Champion on your first night.
Chris: Well sorry, but K-Money he ain't. The only thing Josten's going to learn tonight is remorse after he kills this kid with one punch.
Savage gestures to the crowd, smiling confidently as he climbs the steel stairs and steps between the ropes, popping up in the middle of the ring with two fists in the air and a bold spring in his step.
Chris: The champion does not look impressed here at all. I think he was expecting someone with a bit more of a reputation. Told you it'd be a waste of time.
Ken: He's new on the scene Chris, but we know that Savage has a strong amateur background and a penchant for street fighting. Let's see if his brawling ability can get him through this match.
Referee Tommy Giles pats both men down in their respective corners before signalling for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Josten doesn't bother moving from his corner, opting instead to lean back onto the turnbuckle with his arms stretched across the top rope while Brian Savage immediately hunches forward with his
arms out in an offensive stance, creeping towards Josten cautiously.
Ken: Josten looking disinterested all of a sudden. He doesn't look like he wants to give Savage the time of day.
Savage motions for Josten to bring it, but the giant simply relaxes watching as his opponent makes quick steps left and right, eyes wide in anticipation of the first strike. Glancing away, Josten sighs and shrugs his shoulders. Tommy Giles simply watches and waits.
Savage's strange dancing suddenly turns into a lunge that sees a fist smack Josten in the jaw. The giant is as surprised as everyone else when Brian jumps back and cracks his neck left and right
before beckoning the champion to get some. Lips pursed in anger, Josten regards his opponent before stepping out of the corner and sauntering over to the challenger, pointing his finger into his
chest and reminding him exactly who he's in the ring with.
Ken: Josten trying to assert his authority here, but Brian Savage looks like-OH! Another hard right!
Chris: Damn, Savage isn't a wallflower that's for sure.
The giant rubs his jaw and stares at the mat while Brian darts around behind him. Turning to face his opponent Josten looks for an explanation, holding his arms out and smiling. Looking out to the crowd, Savage leans back and fires a straight kick into Josten's gut, doubling the giant over. Wasting no time, Brian whips the giant off the ropes and on the rebound-
Ken: CLOTHESLINE! Jesus, it looked like Josten turned Brian Savage inside out with that one!
Chris: It'll do a better job of convincing the kid than talking to him.
Instead of capitalizing, Josten ambles over to the opposite side of the ring and leans against the turnbuckle again.
Ken: Okay come on, just pin him and get it over with, why drag this out?
Chris: Perhaps he's expecting Brian to just get up and walk out.
Getting up doesn't seem to be on the agenda as Brian Savage rolls onto his back and clutches his chest. Reaching up for the middle rope he pulls himself back to his feet and faces the giant, taking
but a moment to acknowledge him before sprinting across the ring and leaping up onto Josten's torso.
Ken: Monkey Toss-
BOOM!
Chris: Nope! Spinebuster by the champ. I see a theme developing here.
Ken: Give the guy his due he isn't shy of a challenge.
Chris: Challenge? This is about as challenging as a twelve point buck racing down the tracks towards a freight train with the intention of derailing it.
Ken: Touché.
Savage writhes around like a squashed bug while Josten watches from the corner, irritated to see his opponent clamber back to his feet, holding his back and staggering before he charges forward again. Straight into a big boot from the champion.
Ken: He ran straight into that one, and now Josten goes for the cover.
Walking over to Savage's body, the giant places a 19-sized boot down onto his chest and looks at Giles for the count.
ONE!
KICKOUT!
Pulling a shoulder up, Brian checks his face for bleeding as Josten raises the boot and with a roar brings it crashing down again. Rolling out of the way Brian Savage narrowly avoids his head being
crushed underfoot, and as the champion's knee jars painfully, gets up and starts pummeling Josten's skull with lefts and rights.
To everyone's surprise, the punches send Josten reeling back into the corner, where he ignores the pain in his knee and throws up both arms to block the shots from his opponent. Unable to break
through the thick forearms of the giant, he opts for body shots instead, slamming fist after fist into the champion's gut until landing the final shot dead centre and winding Josten.
Ken: Headlock applied by the challenger and now Josten's being dragged to the mat. Savage gives up almost a foot in height and one hundred pounds to the champ, but if he keeps his posture stiff on the ground Josten will struggle to get out of that hold.
Chris: Josten should have ended this match after the first clothesline. He's being lazy.
Ken: Only excuse I can think of that explains why he's face down in a headlock right now.
Savage wrenches the hold and keeps his full body straight as a board for leverage. Josten gurgles face down on the mat, but it isn't long before he grasps Brian with both arms and death rolls around the ring, using the momentum to get to his knees and forcing Brian to his, where his arms are thrown back and a giant-sized headbutt finds its way to the bridge of Savage's nose.
Ken: Headbutt! Get in there ref!
Tommy Giles takes one look at the angered giant and opts to simply give him a verbal, to which the champion swats him away like a fly and turns back to his opponent to find him suddenly barrelling
towards him before shoulder barging the giant in the knee sending him crashing to the mat.
Ken: Brian Savage is a big guy, but he's got some speed to him! One minute he's on the mat the next he's launching forward with the next attack, he took Josten by surprise there.
Chris: Showing some smarts too now that he's figured out how to chop down the giant redwood that is our Universal Champion.
With the champion down, Brian Savage regards him for a moment, deciding what course of action to take. Submission? Aerial? Power? He motions to the crowd and bolts into the ropes, jumping onto the
second and with great athleticism springboarding back into Josten and connecting with a big elbow drop.
Ken: Savage Elbow from the challenger! And a cover!
ONE!
T-KICKOUTWITHAUTHORITY!
Tommy Giles doesn't have time to identify the shadows speeding towards him, only to press himself against the canvas as the body of Brian Savage soars over him and hits the mat with a thud.
Slamming a fist into the mat, Josten gets to his feet and makes a beeline for his opponent, wrapping a massive paw around Brian's head and pulling him to his feet with a great strength the people have come to know and fear.
Ken: That pin attempt might have been enough to rile the giant up for a fight right there.
Chris: Quite content to mock the new guy by not putting up a fight, it's not that when he gets pinned.
Glaring into the face of Brian Savage, Josten whips him across the ring with ferocity and on the rebound coils and unloads like a great spring, propelling Savage a clean fourteen feet into the air and
stepping out of the way, watching every pair of eyeballs in the arena focused on Brian's flailing body as it crashes into the mat with a great boom, followed by a resounding
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH!
from the fans.
Ken: Josten nearly sent Savage into orbit with that one!
Chris: Christ, can we get a spatula out here to peel him off the mat? Or a stretcher?
Ken: His chances aren't looking good here Chris; Josten's a six year veteran and multi-time champion-
Ken: Whereas Savage didn't even make the cut for Canada's Olympic wrestling squad.
Chris: Exactly. This isn't the way you want to make a debut.
Brian Savage lies flat out on the mat looking jet-lagged while Josten gives a yawn and mutters something under his breath before swiping at the air with a hand and making a move to leave the ring.
Ken: I think Josten is going to walk out of this match. Aside from that tremendous drop, he hasn't shown the slightest interest in wrestling Brian Savage.
Chris: Well, again Ken it's a waste of time for the Universal Champion to be wrestling a rookie. I think Josten was expecting a battle tonight and he's been disappointed by everyone in the back.
Tommy Giles is the man that convinces Josten to just pin Savage and end the match appropriately.
Halfway over the top rope, the giant argues his case loudly and abrasively, poking the referee in the chest, and then at Brian Savage.
Ken: I can hear Josten yelling something about not being worthy. He definitely doesn't think he belongs in the ring with this kid, ironic considering in times gone by he would have relished the opportunity to break a new guy in with barbaric force. It looks like Giles has at least convinced Josten to finish the match with a three count.
Walking over to Brian, Josten kicks him in the ribs forcing him onto his back and lowers himself to the canvas taking care not to bang his knee before making a lateral pin.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Brian doesn't so much kick out as strike out like a cobra, locking in a front facelock and scissoring his legs around Josten's gut, squeezing with all his might while the champion kneels on all fours in shock.
Ken: Brian Savage showing a penchant for submissions here. I guess he figures he can choke Josten out instead of working the legs like most would.
Chris: He looks like a little chimp hanging off his momma Ken, and you know what they say...
Ken: ...About chimps?
Chris: Yeah, they get dealt with!
As if to clarify on Chris' behalf, Josten crawls across to the ropes and uses them to pull himself up to his feet with Savage still hanging on for dear life. With his face reddening, Josten staggers and Brian begins squeezing even harder to knock the giant out.
Ken: Savage must have some great grip strength if Josten is turning red like that.
Showing some initiative, Brian tightens his grip to the max as Josten grabs him and throws him up into the air for a rudimentary reverse suplex, but Savage manages to use the momentum to kick his legs out and bring Josten crashing to the mat with a massive DDT.
RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!
Ken: What incredible offence from Brian Savage! Josten got spiked with that monstrous DDT!
Chris: That was like a version of Savage's Package Drop, except he was being suplexed there instead of executing the move himself.
Ken: Whatever it was it looks like enough for the challenger to go for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-KICKOUT!
This time Josten just manages to get a shoulder up, and its this lack of effort and the crowd reaction that finally shakes Brian Savage out of his nervous busted-hymen attitude and puts a competitive edge into the adrenaline flowing through his body. Quickly getting on his opponent with repeated kicks to the head, Savage hits the ropes and connects with a dropkick to the temple that sends Josten rolling out of the ring.
Ken: Brian Savage beginning to get ahead of steam here. I think that DDT knocked some sense into him.
Chris: And knocked the hell out of Josten!
Chants begin to filter through the crowd applause, but none seem to feature Savage's name given that this is his first match and the foreign fans have about as much clue who he is as the yanks.
Pumping his fist excitedly, Brian heads over to the ropes and looks down to see Josten on all fours, shaking. Seeing his chance, the challenger backs up to the other side of the ring and gets to a
crouching position, ready to launch himself across the ring at a moment's notice.
ONE!
Tommy Giles begins the ten count as Josten leans into the apron while the fans roar at him to get up.
TWO!
Ken: It didn't look too promising for Brian for a while there but it seems he's found his rhythm and now he's going to top it off with something big right now.
THREE!
Suddenly realizing Tommy Giles is in his flight path, Savage shouts at him to move aside, frantically gesturing the zebra to step out of the way. As Giles obliges, Brian spots the giant rising up to his feet
and feels himself explode with energy, charging across the ring at full speed and launching himself at the champion.
Chris: Look out!
Josten spots Postal fly over the top rope and manages to catch him in mid-plancha, staggering back slightly but maintaining a firm hold of the newcomer.
Ken: That's what the front row would call a seven-hundred pound close call.
Shaking his head and adjusting his hold on Postal, Josten lifts him high overhead and tosses him over the top rope and back into the ring.
Ken: Brian Savage quickly back to his feet and Josten hasn't seen it as he slides back into the ring favouring that sore knee.
Chris: Savage heading to the top-
The rookie readies himself on the top as Josten gets to his feet and turns to find his opponent flying off the top rope ready to connect with the double ax handle. Stabbing an arm out at him, Josten
catches Brian around the throat stopping the momentum of the move dead and, as his feet hit the mat, hoists him up and executes a huge chokeslam planting him in the middle of the ring before
collapsing down on top of his opponent for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Vince Howard: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! YOUR WINNER... ERRRRRRIKKKK JOSSSSSTEENNNNNNN!
The champion grabs his belt and rolls out of the ring, staring at it as he makes his way out of the ring and denies the fans the chance to celebrate a victory with him.
Ken: Josten couldn't be more eager to leave.
Chris: The finish was sloppy, I think Josten was lucky to land all of his weight on top of Brian Savage to get the three count, otherwise the kid would still be in trouble right now.
As he hits the stage, Josten looks up at the EVO*View to see Brian Savage already on all fours, though looking a little worse for wear.
Ken: I'd say you're right Chris, the kid looks like he could go a bit longer.
Seeing his opponent's apparent good health, Josten begins jaw-jacking and does a 180 back towards the ring. Ignoring the dull pain in his knee the giant moves around the ringside area to the announce desks and takes the steel chair out from underneath the time keeper's backside. As Brian Savage gets to his feet and bows his head on hearing Clint Mansell playing, Josten slides in the ring behind him and quickly hides the chair behind his back and taps Savage on the shoulder with his free hand before offering it respectfully.
Chris: Now that's the spirit of a good Universal Champion, he's showing good sportsmanship to his opponent.
Ken: You ARE kidding, right? You CAN see the steel chair he's holding can't you?
Chris: Sure, but he's got a sore knee, maybe he needs a seat.
Seeing the extended hand, Brian Savage's disappointed look becomes a smile of optimism once more. Shaking hands with the champion Josten then takes his wrist and raises his arm, standing side by side with the newcomer and giving the fans a chance to cheer him...
...and then with an ear-splitting roar swings the steel chair overhead with all the force he can muster
and splits it clean over Savage's head. Splits. A. Steel. Chair. Over his head.
Ken & Chris: HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Ken: He doesn't deserve that goddamnit! Josten just BROKE that steel chair over Brian Savage's head and ended his damn career on the same night it began!!
Chris: Don't be such a sourpuss, it's just a flesh wound. He'll survive; if he's cut out for PWE he will survive.
Ken: That was absolutely uncalled for Chris, I don't care who you are. He's wearing that damn chair like a dickie!
The image on the EVO*View shows the limp lifeless body of Brian Savage being attended to by Tommy Giles and now the troop of EMTs that have rushed down the ramp.
Ken: Savage receiving medical attention now after that horrifying chair shot from the champion. That was the worst in poor sportsmanship I have ever seen. Josten was lazy throughout that contest until it looked like Savage posed a threat to him, and then he ended it as quickly as possible.
Chris: Ended it is right. Kid just got a steel chair broken over his head! I've NEVER seen that before in my life!
The EMTs carefully remove the chair and quickly apply a neck brace before placing Savage on the stretcher and wheeling him out of the arena. The fans cheer him on his way out while Josten holds his title high above his head and roars out to Savage about who the hell he's messing with.
Ken: It's hard to say what we've learned here moving forward to Josten's first title defence. He didn't have enough interest in Savage to finish the match properly or even to put up a decent fight. To say he will do whatever it takes to get the job done would be a fitting moral to this little story we have just witnessed.
"Requiem Of A Dream" plays the Universal Champion out as he stalks after Savage's stretcher showing off the title to the fans and thumping his chest dominantly.
Ken: Go to the back. Just... Go. Somewhere else. Please.
Blake Gold vs. Ric Tatum
Gold and Tatum are no strangers to each other. Once again, Tatum gave Gold everything he could handle, and came within a millisecond of pulling of the win after catching Gold with a Action Replay. But when Gold went for another, Gold this time ducked and upon the return, he nailed Tatum with the Money Shot. Tatum once again, couldn't kick out and Blake Gold continues his winning ways.
Angelica James vs. Trent Taylor
On paper, it was a ridiculous mismatch. Trent Taylor is 6'3" and weighs nearly two hundred forty pounds. Angie James is 5'5" and weighs a little more than a half of that. All it would take, the pundits will tell you, is a single moment. One solid shot and the Dark Angel would be looking at the lights, if
not seeing stars. Her only chance at avoiding a loss – hell, at avoiding the hospital – was to play an extended game of keep away, and even then, the rope-a-dope isn't really a viable long-term strategy.
She didn't get the memo, as she went right at Taylor from the opening bell with kicks and punches. But he weathered the storm and used his strength to shove James away. He looked to gain the upper hand, but Angelica reversed and kept on the attack. It didn't stop until Taylor ducked a superkick attempt, and drove Angie down with a chokeslam. He stayed on the attack with a couple of suplexes and slams, then he hooked Angie in a painful looking single leg crab.
Taylor breaks the hold only when Angie makes the ropes. Trent looks to end it as he goes for the powerbomb, but Angie fights the headscissors, hooking her forearm into his left leg almost like a
European uppercut. It takes three to get him tinker her go, and she still falls to a knee for a moment. The second she stands, Taylor's big boot sends Angie careening into the corner – which is where
Bernie Roberts happens to be. The result is her elbow and his face meeting in what you have to imagine is an accident (well, unless your name is Chris Carter, in which case you demand a disqualification).
Taylor smiled as he called for the lariat. James was able to pull herself onto the top rope at the last, springing into a cartwheel to avoid an unpleasant fate. The Enforcer staggered out of a corner – and right into a picture perfect superkick from the Dark Angel, catching him right on the point of the chin.
Taylor still. Didn't. Go. Down.
He stumbled backward and Angie took the opportunity to improvise, spewing green mist in the eyes of Taylor. The crowd gasps, Chris hollered about injustice. Even blinded, Taylor still managed to catch her coming in, both hands around her throat. James reacted first, leaping into a double-footed dropkick at Trent's kneecap. Pushing off, Angie swings backwards, toes pointed, her hands clasped behind the unbalanced big man's neck. When she whips back like a pendulum, her knees come up between them.
Repentance.
It's the only thing that took Taylor down and it got her the three count.
Winner: Angelica James
Nocturne defeats the overmatched El Mexicano with a serious head kick that knocked him out cold, for the pinfall.
Winner: Roshan Nocturne
Masaharu Tanabashi vs. Jennifer Nicole Shaw
Shaw came into the match full of fire, and it showed as she took the fight straight to Tanabashi. She sent him through the ropes with a spear, landing hard on the outside. Shaw had the match well in hand and she went for it all. She ran towards the ropes and went for a beautiful shooting star press.
Problem was, Tanabashi saw it coming, and moved out the way.. leaving Shaw to land right on her face. There was nothing she can do but hit the ground. Hard. As she rolled around in agony, Tanabashi took advantage and hit his own springboard frog splash from the apron. He rolled her in the ring, and instead of just going for the win, he decided to teach her a lesson. He picked her up
and drove her down with a Tanabashi Driver. He went for the pin, but pulled her head up at two.
Tanabashi uncharacteristically played towards the crowd, feeling he had the match all but won. What he didn't expect was Angelica James to crash the party, coming onto the stage. With a sly smirk,
Tanabashi looks less than pleased as she saunters down the aisle. Tanabashi takes his eyes off Shaw to focus on James. After making a few comments, he turned his attention back to Shaw, and picked her up for what looked to be another Tanabashi Driver. But Shaw had regained herself, and caught MT off guard, rolling him up in a small package, getting the three count.
The crowd went crazy as Shaw quickly rolled out the ring in victory, and Tanabashi sat shocked on the mat in defeat. And Angelica James stood outside the ring, clapping her hands mockingly at
Tanabashi, as she chuckled at her future opponent.
Winner: Jennifer Nicole Shaw
Erik Josten's Open Invitational Challenge
"Requiem Of A Dream" by Clint Mansell.
Ken: And that can mean only one thing; our Universal Champion is here!
Chris: And he's got a lucky zebra with him.
Emerging from the smoke onto the stage, the giant raises his championship belt aloft and glares out at the crowd while referee Tommy Giles follows close behind.
CP: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! Introducing, hailing from Gothametropolis and weighing in at two-hundred-ninety pounds he is the PWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIOOOOOOOON...... ERRRRIIIKK
JOSSSSSSTENNNNNNNNNNN!
Ken: Sounds like Josten has put on a little weight since he last competed.
Chris: I wouldn't be surprised, I've heard he's been abusing the mantle of Universal Champion somewhat.
Ken: Nonsense, he's been a great champion so far, that's why he's put out this challenge for tonight. Anyone can get a shot at the Universal Champion.
Chris: This has nothing to do with that. He's preparing for the unexpected and unless Gold or Cage accept this, he'll be wasting time here.
Ken: However you look at it this is a smart move on the part of the champ.
Motioning for Giles to enter the ring, Josten steps up and over the top rope, joining him in the middle of the ring before accepting the microphone from Colin Peterson and waiting as the music and cheers fade out.
EJ: It's been one week since I issued an open challenge to anyone in the back who wanted a shot at the champ. I heard through the grapevine that a certain Saint wants a piece of me. Well, that won't
happen tonight as this match is for someone who actually deserves to be in the ring with me. I've got one title matches scheduled from now until All Star Weekend, against one of the best in the business. So whoever decides to take that walk down to this ring... just keep that in mind.
The champion drops the microphone and waits for his opponent to appear while the crowd throw out various names and small chants for their favourite wrestler to answer the call.
Chris: We're hearing a lot of Tsukino Meious and Roshan Nocturnes. Who's going to step up against the best in PWE?
Ken: If I could wish for anyone to walk through that curtain right now it'd be Shawn Christopher. That'd wipe the smug look off Josten's face.
The crowd don't have to wait long, but their reaction is about as stale as the generic rock track that begins playing through the PA.
Chris: Good God almighty Ken, who the hell has music like that?
Ken: I can't even identify that song. It sounds like an in-house production.
Chris: At least we know now it's not Gold or Cage.
Even CP has to wait for Josten's opponent to show up on the EVO*View before he recognizes who it is and makes the announcement.
CP: Introducing the opponent...hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and weighing in at two-hundred-thirty-six pounds... BRIIIIIAAAAAAAAN SAAAAAVVVAAGGGGGE!
Ken: Brian Savage? The newest addition to PWE's roster? HE wants a shot at Josten?
Chris: You gotta be kidding me. Of all the talent in this place it's the new kid that wants the match?
Ken: Gotta hand it to the guy, if you want to make a name for yourself, what better way than a match against the Universal Champion on your first night.
Chris: Well sorry, but K-Money he ain't. The only thing Josten's going to learn tonight is remorse after he kills this kid with one punch.
Savage gestures to the crowd, smiling confidently as he climbs the steel stairs and steps between the ropes, popping up in the middle of the ring with two fists in the air and a bold spring in his step.
Chris: The champion does not look impressed here at all. I think he was expecting someone with a bit more of a reputation. Told you it'd be a waste of time.
Ken: He's new on the scene Chris, but we know that Savage has a strong amateur background and a penchant for street fighting. Let's see if his brawling ability can get him through this match.
Referee Tommy Giles pats both men down in their respective corners before signalling for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Josten doesn't bother moving from his corner, opting instead to lean back onto the turnbuckle with his arms stretched across the top rope while Brian Savage immediately hunches forward with his
arms out in an offensive stance, creeping towards Josten cautiously.
Ken: Josten looking disinterested all of a sudden. He doesn't look like he wants to give Savage the time of day.
Savage motions for Josten to bring it, but the giant simply relaxes watching as his opponent makes quick steps left and right, eyes wide in anticipation of the first strike. Glancing away, Josten sighs and shrugs his shoulders. Tommy Giles simply watches and waits.
Savage's strange dancing suddenly turns into a lunge that sees a fist smack Josten in the jaw. The giant is as surprised as everyone else when Brian jumps back and cracks his neck left and right
before beckoning the champion to get some. Lips pursed in anger, Josten regards his opponent before stepping out of the corner and sauntering over to the challenger, pointing his finger into his
chest and reminding him exactly who he's in the ring with.
Ken: Josten trying to assert his authority here, but Brian Savage looks like-OH! Another hard right!
Chris: Damn, Savage isn't a wallflower that's for sure.
The giant rubs his jaw and stares at the mat while Brian darts around behind him. Turning to face his opponent Josten looks for an explanation, holding his arms out and smiling. Looking out to the crowd, Savage leans back and fires a straight kick into Josten's gut, doubling the giant over. Wasting no time, Brian whips the giant off the ropes and on the rebound-
Ken: CLOTHESLINE! Jesus, it looked like Josten turned Brian Savage inside out with that one!
Chris: It'll do a better job of convincing the kid than talking to him.
Instead of capitalizing, Josten ambles over to the opposite side of the ring and leans against the turnbuckle again.
Ken: Okay come on, just pin him and get it over with, why drag this out?
Chris: Perhaps he's expecting Brian to just get up and walk out.
Getting up doesn't seem to be on the agenda as Brian Savage rolls onto his back and clutches his chest. Reaching up for the middle rope he pulls himself back to his feet and faces the giant, taking
but a moment to acknowledge him before sprinting across the ring and leaping up onto Josten's torso.
Ken: Monkey Toss-
BOOM!
Chris: Nope! Spinebuster by the champ. I see a theme developing here.
Ken: Give the guy his due he isn't shy of a challenge.
Chris: Challenge? This is about as challenging as a twelve point buck racing down the tracks towards a freight train with the intention of derailing it.
Ken: Touché.
Savage writhes around like a squashed bug while Josten watches from the corner, irritated to see his opponent clamber back to his feet, holding his back and staggering before he charges forward again. Straight into a big boot from the champion.
Ken: He ran straight into that one, and now Josten goes for the cover.
Walking over to Savage's body, the giant places a 19-sized boot down onto his chest and looks at Giles for the count.
ONE!
KICKOUT!
Pulling a shoulder up, Brian checks his face for bleeding as Josten raises the boot and with a roar brings it crashing down again. Rolling out of the way Brian Savage narrowly avoids his head being
crushed underfoot, and as the champion's knee jars painfully, gets up and starts pummeling Josten's skull with lefts and rights.
To everyone's surprise, the punches send Josten reeling back into the corner, where he ignores the pain in his knee and throws up both arms to block the shots from his opponent. Unable to break
through the thick forearms of the giant, he opts for body shots instead, slamming fist after fist into the champion's gut until landing the final shot dead centre and winding Josten.
Ken: Headlock applied by the challenger and now Josten's being dragged to the mat. Savage gives up almost a foot in height and one hundred pounds to the champ, but if he keeps his posture stiff on the ground Josten will struggle to get out of that hold.
Chris: Josten should have ended this match after the first clothesline. He's being lazy.
Ken: Only excuse I can think of that explains why he's face down in a headlock right now.
Savage wrenches the hold and keeps his full body straight as a board for leverage. Josten gurgles face down on the mat, but it isn't long before he grasps Brian with both arms and death rolls around the ring, using the momentum to get to his knees and forcing Brian to his, where his arms are thrown back and a giant-sized headbutt finds its way to the bridge of Savage's nose.
Ken: Headbutt! Get in there ref!
Tommy Giles takes one look at the angered giant and opts to simply give him a verbal, to which the champion swats him away like a fly and turns back to his opponent to find him suddenly barrelling
towards him before shoulder barging the giant in the knee sending him crashing to the mat.
Ken: Brian Savage is a big guy, but he's got some speed to him! One minute he's on the mat the next he's launching forward with the next attack, he took Josten by surprise there.
Chris: Showing some smarts too now that he's figured out how to chop down the giant redwood that is our Universal Champion.
With the champion down, Brian Savage regards him for a moment, deciding what course of action to take. Submission? Aerial? Power? He motions to the crowd and bolts into the ropes, jumping onto the
second and with great athleticism springboarding back into Josten and connecting with a big elbow drop.
Ken: Savage Elbow from the challenger! And a cover!
ONE!
T-KICKOUTWITHAUTHORITY!
Tommy Giles doesn't have time to identify the shadows speeding towards him, only to press himself against the canvas as the body of Brian Savage soars over him and hits the mat with a thud.
Slamming a fist into the mat, Josten gets to his feet and makes a beeline for his opponent, wrapping a massive paw around Brian's head and pulling him to his feet with a great strength the people have come to know and fear.
Ken: That pin attempt might have been enough to rile the giant up for a fight right there.
Chris: Quite content to mock the new guy by not putting up a fight, it's not that when he gets pinned.
Glaring into the face of Brian Savage, Josten whips him across the ring with ferocity and on the rebound coils and unloads like a great spring, propelling Savage a clean fourteen feet into the air and
stepping out of the way, watching every pair of eyeballs in the arena focused on Brian's flailing body as it crashes into the mat with a great boom, followed by a resounding
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH!
from the fans.
Ken: Josten nearly sent Savage into orbit with that one!
Chris: Christ, can we get a spatula out here to peel him off the mat? Or a stretcher?
Ken: His chances aren't looking good here Chris; Josten's a six year veteran and multi-time champion-
Ken: Whereas Savage didn't even make the cut for Canada's Olympic wrestling squad.
Chris: Exactly. This isn't the way you want to make a debut.
Brian Savage lies flat out on the mat looking jet-lagged while Josten gives a yawn and mutters something under his breath before swiping at the air with a hand and making a move to leave the ring.
Ken: I think Josten is going to walk out of this match. Aside from that tremendous drop, he hasn't shown the slightest interest in wrestling Brian Savage.
Chris: Well, again Ken it's a waste of time for the Universal Champion to be wrestling a rookie. I think Josten was expecting a battle tonight and he's been disappointed by everyone in the back.
Tommy Giles is the man that convinces Josten to just pin Savage and end the match appropriately.
Halfway over the top rope, the giant argues his case loudly and abrasively, poking the referee in the chest, and then at Brian Savage.
Ken: I can hear Josten yelling something about not being worthy. He definitely doesn't think he belongs in the ring with this kid, ironic considering in times gone by he would have relished the opportunity to break a new guy in with barbaric force. It looks like Giles has at least convinced Josten to finish the match with a three count.
Walking over to Brian, Josten kicks him in the ribs forcing him onto his back and lowers himself to the canvas taking care not to bang his knee before making a lateral pin.
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Brian doesn't so much kick out as strike out like a cobra, locking in a front facelock and scissoring his legs around Josten's gut, squeezing with all his might while the champion kneels on all fours in shock.
Ken: Brian Savage showing a penchant for submissions here. I guess he figures he can choke Josten out instead of working the legs like most would.
Chris: He looks like a little chimp hanging off his momma Ken, and you know what they say...
Ken: ...About chimps?
Chris: Yeah, they get dealt with!
As if to clarify on Chris' behalf, Josten crawls across to the ropes and uses them to pull himself up to his feet with Savage still hanging on for dear life. With his face reddening, Josten staggers and Brian begins squeezing even harder to knock the giant out.
Ken: Savage must have some great grip strength if Josten is turning red like that.
Showing some initiative, Brian tightens his grip to the max as Josten grabs him and throws him up into the air for a rudimentary reverse suplex, but Savage manages to use the momentum to kick his legs out and bring Josten crashing to the mat with a massive DDT.
RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!
Ken: What incredible offence from Brian Savage! Josten got spiked with that monstrous DDT!
Chris: That was like a version of Savage's Package Drop, except he was being suplexed there instead of executing the move himself.
Ken: Whatever it was it looks like enough for the challenger to go for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-KICKOUT!
This time Josten just manages to get a shoulder up, and its this lack of effort and the crowd reaction that finally shakes Brian Savage out of his nervous busted-hymen attitude and puts a competitive edge into the adrenaline flowing through his body. Quickly getting on his opponent with repeated kicks to the head, Savage hits the ropes and connects with a dropkick to the temple that sends Josten rolling out of the ring.
Ken: Brian Savage beginning to get ahead of steam here. I think that DDT knocked some sense into him.
Chris: And knocked the hell out of Josten!
Chants begin to filter through the crowd applause, but none seem to feature Savage's name given that this is his first match and the foreign fans have about as much clue who he is as the yanks.
Pumping his fist excitedly, Brian heads over to the ropes and looks down to see Josten on all fours, shaking. Seeing his chance, the challenger backs up to the other side of the ring and gets to a
crouching position, ready to launch himself across the ring at a moment's notice.
ONE!
Tommy Giles begins the ten count as Josten leans into the apron while the fans roar at him to get up.
TWO!
Ken: It didn't look too promising for Brian for a while there but it seems he's found his rhythm and now he's going to top it off with something big right now.
THREE!
Suddenly realizing Tommy Giles is in his flight path, Savage shouts at him to move aside, frantically gesturing the zebra to step out of the way. As Giles obliges, Brian spots the giant rising up to his feet
and feels himself explode with energy, charging across the ring at full speed and launching himself at the champion.
Chris: Look out!
Josten spots Postal fly over the top rope and manages to catch him in mid-plancha, staggering back slightly but maintaining a firm hold of the newcomer.
Ken: That's what the front row would call a seven-hundred pound close call.
Shaking his head and adjusting his hold on Postal, Josten lifts him high overhead and tosses him over the top rope and back into the ring.
Ken: Brian Savage quickly back to his feet and Josten hasn't seen it as he slides back into the ring favouring that sore knee.
Chris: Savage heading to the top-
The rookie readies himself on the top as Josten gets to his feet and turns to find his opponent flying off the top rope ready to connect with the double ax handle. Stabbing an arm out at him, Josten
catches Brian around the throat stopping the momentum of the move dead and, as his feet hit the mat, hoists him up and executes a huge chokeslam planting him in the middle of the ring before
collapsing down on top of his opponent for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
Vince Howard: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! YOUR WINNER... ERRRRRRIKKKK JOSSSSSTEENNNNNNN!
The champion grabs his belt and rolls out of the ring, staring at it as he makes his way out of the ring and denies the fans the chance to celebrate a victory with him.
Ken: Josten couldn't be more eager to leave.
Chris: The finish was sloppy, I think Josten was lucky to land all of his weight on top of Brian Savage to get the three count, otherwise the kid would still be in trouble right now.
As he hits the stage, Josten looks up at the EVO*View to see Brian Savage already on all fours, though looking a little worse for wear.
Ken: I'd say you're right Chris, the kid looks like he could go a bit longer.
Seeing his opponent's apparent good health, Josten begins jaw-jacking and does a 180 back towards the ring. Ignoring the dull pain in his knee the giant moves around the ringside area to the announce desks and takes the steel chair out from underneath the time keeper's backside. As Brian Savage gets to his feet and bows his head on hearing Clint Mansell playing, Josten slides in the ring behind him and quickly hides the chair behind his back and taps Savage on the shoulder with his free hand before offering it respectfully.
Chris: Now that's the spirit of a good Universal Champion, he's showing good sportsmanship to his opponent.
Ken: You ARE kidding, right? You CAN see the steel chair he's holding can't you?
Chris: Sure, but he's got a sore knee, maybe he needs a seat.
Seeing the extended hand, Brian Savage's disappointed look becomes a smile of optimism once more. Shaking hands with the champion Josten then takes his wrist and raises his arm, standing side by side with the newcomer and giving the fans a chance to cheer him...
...and then with an ear-splitting roar swings the steel chair overhead with all the force he can muster
and splits it clean over Savage's head. Splits. A. Steel. Chair. Over his head.
Ken & Chris: HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
Ken: He doesn't deserve that goddamnit! Josten just BROKE that steel chair over Brian Savage's head and ended his damn career on the same night it began!!
Chris: Don't be such a sourpuss, it's just a flesh wound. He'll survive; if he's cut out for PWE he will survive.
Ken: That was absolutely uncalled for Chris, I don't care who you are. He's wearing that damn chair like a dickie!
The image on the EVO*View shows the limp lifeless body of Brian Savage being attended to by Tommy Giles and now the troop of EMTs that have rushed down the ramp.
Ken: Savage receiving medical attention now after that horrifying chair shot from the champion. That was the worst in poor sportsmanship I have ever seen. Josten was lazy throughout that contest until it looked like Savage posed a threat to him, and then he ended it as quickly as possible.
Chris: Ended it is right. Kid just got a steel chair broken over his head! I've NEVER seen that before in my life!
The EMTs carefully remove the chair and quickly apply a neck brace before placing Savage on the stretcher and wheeling him out of the arena. The fans cheer him on his way out while Josten holds his title high above his head and roars out to Savage about who the hell he's messing with.
Ken: It's hard to say what we've learned here moving forward to Josten's first title defence. He didn't have enough interest in Savage to finish the match properly or even to put up a decent fight. To say he will do whatever it takes to get the job done would be a fitting moral to this little story we have just witnessed.
"Requiem Of A Dream" plays the Universal Champion out as he stalks after Savage's stretcher showing off the title to the fans and thumping his chest dominantly.
Ken: Go to the back. Just... Go. Somewhere else. Please.
Blake Gold vs. Ric Tatum
Gold and Tatum are no strangers to each other. Once again, Tatum gave Gold everything he could handle, and came within a millisecond of pulling of the win after catching Gold with a Action Replay. But when Gold went for another, Gold this time ducked and upon the return, he nailed Tatum with the Money Shot. Tatum once again, couldn't kick out and Blake Gold continues his winning ways.
Angelica James vs. Trent Taylor
On paper, it was a ridiculous mismatch. Trent Taylor is 6'3" and weighs nearly two hundred forty pounds. Angie James is 5'5" and weighs a little more than a half of that. All it would take, the pundits will tell you, is a single moment. One solid shot and the Dark Angel would be looking at the lights, if
not seeing stars. Her only chance at avoiding a loss – hell, at avoiding the hospital – was to play an extended game of keep away, and even then, the rope-a-dope isn't really a viable long-term strategy.
She didn't get the memo, as she went right at Taylor from the opening bell with kicks and punches. But he weathered the storm and used his strength to shove James away. He looked to gain the upper hand, but Angelica reversed and kept on the attack. It didn't stop until Taylor ducked a superkick attempt, and drove Angie down with a chokeslam. He stayed on the attack with a couple of suplexes and slams, then he hooked Angie in a painful looking single leg crab.
Taylor breaks the hold only when Angie makes the ropes. Trent looks to end it as he goes for the powerbomb, but Angie fights the headscissors, hooking her forearm into his left leg almost like a
European uppercut. It takes three to get him tinker her go, and she still falls to a knee for a moment. The second she stands, Taylor's big boot sends Angie careening into the corner – which is where
Bernie Roberts happens to be. The result is her elbow and his face meeting in what you have to imagine is an accident (well, unless your name is Chris Carter, in which case you demand a disqualification).
Taylor smiled as he called for the lariat. James was able to pull herself onto the top rope at the last, springing into a cartwheel to avoid an unpleasant fate. The Enforcer staggered out of a corner – and right into a picture perfect superkick from the Dark Angel, catching him right on the point of the chin.
Taylor still. Didn't. Go. Down.
He stumbled backward and Angie took the opportunity to improvise, spewing green mist in the eyes of Taylor. The crowd gasps, Chris hollered about injustice. Even blinded, Taylor still managed to catch her coming in, both hands around her throat. James reacted first, leaping into a double-footed dropkick at Trent's kneecap. Pushing off, Angie swings backwards, toes pointed, her hands clasped behind the unbalanced big man's neck. When she whips back like a pendulum, her knees come up between them.
Repentance.
It's the only thing that took Taylor down and it got her the three count.
Winner: Angelica James