LIVE! February 26th 2023
FROM ANTARCTICA
INSIDE THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS
~Our view cuts to Chamber 2. Pixie continues to size Corey up. Corey remains on his toes, ready for anything...he’s wrestled enough to know someone that size exists at this level in the business for a reason. Pixie takes a seat on the top buckle. Corey looks up...he waits. Pixie sizes him up...she then drops down to the mat, on her feet. Corey coils, ready. Pixie approaches...Corey fires off a kick...but Pixie ducks and hits the ropes. Corey spins around, Pixie shoots off and Corey throws a high knee...but Pixie slides underneath. She pops up to her feet behind him. He takes off, hitting the ropes...Pixie waits...he bounces off...she drops to the mat, he hops over her...he hits the ropes again...she pops back to her feet and puts her head down!! Corey throws a kick at her head...but she moves!! Corey stumbles forward, off balance...Pixie takes him over with a roll up...but Corey rolls all the way through, onto one knee...Pixie pops to her feet. She throws a kick at his head...but he dodges it...he pops to his feet and reaches for a waist lock from behind...but Pixie drops to the mat and slides underneath his legs. Corey spins around and backs up...Pixie is on her knees, staring up at him, smiling. Corey takes a break, on the ropes, shaking his head as Pixie slowly returns to her feet~
Smith: Blink and you’ll miss...well, everything.
Hood: Corey is TRYING to put his fast paced, quick strike offense together. But I think Pixie might be quicker and faster.
Smith: Even though it’s a bit out of his wheelhouse...Corey MIGHT want to lean into a more power based game. That’s the advantage he has in this match.
Hood: Not sure he packed for that, Smith.
Smith: Well, he’s going to have to adapt. Which, I’m sure he’s capable of doing.
~Corey smiles...he shakes his head...he points at Pixie as if to say, “you’re good.” Pixie shrugs, as if to say, “Yea, I know.” Corey paces the ropes. Pixie remains on one knee, watching him. Corey leans into the ropes like he’s taking a moment to think...but he shoots off as fast as he can! He throws a kick at Pixie’s head...but she rolls forward, under his leg. She pops to her feet and jumps onto the middle rope! She springboards off and spins around in midair...Corey turns...Pixie catches him by the head, hooking it and spinning around for a Tornado DDT...but Corey solidifies his base and refuses to go down. Instead, he gets his arms underneath her body and he tosses her up in the air!! She flips over his head with a back body drop but sticks the landing!! Corey spins around...he sees she’s still on her feet. He remains determined. He shoves her from behind, into a corner...but she jumps up onto the middle buckle...Corey charges in, she back flips over him, sticking the landing in the center of the ring...Corey finds nothing but turnbuckle padding...he spins around and Pixie jumps up and smacks him in the face with a dropkick!!! He stumbles into the corner! The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG pop!!! Corey is shaken!! Pixie hops back to her feet~
Smith: Wow...she’s unbelievably quick!
Hood: No shit, man. Corey’s got to land some type of heavy blow...if he keeps playing this cat and mouse game with her, she’s gonna wear him out, out maneuver him...and eliminated him.
Smith: I’m afraid so.
~Pixie charges in on Corey! Corey jumps up and over Pixie...he dives at the mat, tumbling over and to his feet. He quickly turns around...as he does, Pixie is already in the air, springboarding off the middle buckle with a moonsault!!! She connects!!! She takes Corey down and hooks the leg!! Gruff drops in for the pin~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: Corey kicks out...but, man, that was an early scare!
Hood: No shit!
~Corey rolls out of the ring, under the bottom rope and onto the apron. He sits up and back slides away from the ring, onto the ice cold concrete, staring back into the ring at Pixie, who is back to one knee, staring his way. Corey, breathing heavily, nods...okay, okay, he’s got to regroup. Pixie is content waiting...she’s got all the leverage and momentum. Chasing him could lead to disaster...with the two at something of a stalemate, we hover back over into Chamber 1~
Smith: I think Corey is about to switch up the gameplan.
Hood: About fucking time. Wait much longer and he’ll be getting dragged out of there by those creepy owl people.
Smith: Indeed.
~TIO and Stan continue to brawl! Neither man giving an inch...right hand after right hand. Until, eventually, Stan slows and TIO gains an advantage! TIO’s thinner, tighter physique seems to have gifted him stamina he lacked during his earlier OCW runs. He keeps throwing fists with unrestricted fury. Stan stumbles back. He staggers into a corner. TIO pummels and pummels...he climbs onto the second buckle and punches and punches! The PROUD AND STRONG count along...all the way up to 10! But TIO keeps going...eleven, twelve...and, LUCKY NUMBER THIRTEEN!! He blasts Stan in th face with the ultimate punch before hopping down! Stan stumbles out of the corner, about to collapse when TIO slings him over and onto the mat with a hiptoss! The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG go crazy~
Smith: TIO, man, he looks in TREMENDOUS shape!
Hood: Some might even say...incredible?
Smith: Sure. The Punning Man might say that.
~Stan doesn’t stay down...he struggles to his feet, stumbling around...he looks for TIO...but he doesn’t find him...TIO stalks Stan from behind...TIO leans into the ropes...Stan turns around to face him and TIO rushes forward, taking him down with Slingblade!!!! Stan hits the mat, hard! But, he rushes back to his feet, still off base...he gets to his feet and TIO leaps into the air with a tremendous dropkick!! He nails Stan right on the chin!!! Stan staggers toward the ropes, through them and onto the apron. He grabs the ropes, again, struggling to get back to his feet, knowing he has to retain a standing base or it could be a short night. He gets to his feet but stumbles back….TIO takes off, charging at him...he jumps up, springboards off the middle rope and somersaults over the top rope and onto Stan, taking him down atop the ice cold concrete!!! He pops to his feet, standing beneath two flame lit torches...he extends his arms and lets out a guttural yell! The man seems fired up to be back~
Smith: Wow! It’s a new TIO!
Hood: I guess living on that island for, like, a year did wonders. Why didn’t you come back in INCREDIBLE shape?
Smith: I’d rather not talk about it.
~The fire seems to ignite that feral nature he relied upon to survive these past twelve months. TIO looks down...his grizzly beard showing far more salt than pepper these days. He pulls Stan off the concrete and whips him into the ropes…Stan rushes over the apron, hits the ropes, bounces off and TIO ducks...he goes for a back body drop onto the concrete!!! But Stan flips over TIO’s back and lands on his feet...he stops short of running front first into the wall. He turns around to surprise TIO from behind...but TIO has already turned around and sends a knee crashing into Stan’s gut! Stan doubles over. TIO cracks a knee lift into Stan’s chest!! Stan raises up and leans against the cold, unforgiving wall. TIO palms Stan’s chin and shoves him up against the wall...he gets up close, staring into Stan’s eyes...staring to see what’s beneath the facade~
Smith: Spending an entire year isolated on an island…
Hood: Whoa, whoa now...he had a side chick. Or a main chick? What do you call a chick you’re banging while stranded on an island?
Smith: That term does not exist within my personal lexicon.
Hood: Lexi? Lexi Gold? Is that what you call them?
Smith: No!
~A smile makes its way across TIO’s face. He sees something within Stan that he recognizes. He takes his second hand, bringing it to Stan’s head...he grips Stan by the head, appearing like he’s set to bash his skull into the cement...but Stan throws a kick into TIO’s knee! TIO stumbles...Stan kicks him again...TIO stumbles once more...this time releasing Stan. Stan kicks TIO in the gut...TIO doubles over...Stan smacks him with a kick into the face!! TIO reels back against the ropes...Stan charges in with a CLAYMORE kick! But TIO ducks!!! Stan’s leg goes over the top rope...he gets caught, top rope between his legs. TIO backs up against the cement wall before charging forward and lunging at Stan with a flying clothesline! He connects!! Both men tumble down into the ring! TIO landing on top of Stan~
Smith: TIO throwing his body around like Curt Canon!
Hood: Well the guy is fuckin shredded, man. Looks like he’s lost about 50lbs!
Smith: All that fish.
Hood: And island love.
~TIO is already back on his feet, continuing to look fuckin amazing...fuckin INCREDIBLE. Stan is down, holding the back of his head. TIO reaches down, grabbing Stan by the arm and locking it up in an armbar...knee wedged tightly into Stan’s body. TIO twists and turns on the arm, deciding to slow things down a bit, work on some of Stan’s joints, limbs...see if he can’t wear the man down. As he does, we slowly float back over into Chamber 2. Corey remains outside the ring, looking at Pixie...she’s still on one knee, watching him, ready to strike. Corey approaches the ropes...he starts to enter, but Pixie pops to her feet and is heading his way in a flash. Corey backs up...again, he smiles, shaking his head~
Smith: The wheels in Corey’s head are churning, Hood. He’s seeking out a plan of attack.
Hood: Well, they’d better churn faster.
Smith: He knows what he’s doing.
~Corey ducks in between the middle and top rope...Pixie charges forward. She throws a kick at his head...Corey rears back, out of the ropes...prepared for the kick...he dives over the top rope and Pixie, grabbing onto her waist and taking her down with a Sunset Flip!! But Pixie rolls through, getting to her knees and promptly to her feet...Corey dives at her waist, hooking his arms around her body! Pixie tries to get free, but Corey holds on tight, going limp, aside from his arms. Pixie tries to move...but to do so, she’s got to drag Corey around. She tries to break his grip, but it’s too tight...he’s locked around her waist, dragging her down and he won’t let go~
Smith: And he’s found something!
Hood: Use that weight...that height, that size. Use it, wear her down!
Smith: I told you he’d figure something out. He’s a natural.
~Pixie reaches down, trying to break his hands free...but she can’t. So, she brings her hands together and drives an axe handle into Corey’s back...but he won’t let go. She drives the axe handle into his traps...but he fights on, holds on, despite a wince or two indicating the blows are hurting. Pixie grows frustrated, breaking her hands apart and going full on RAPID FIRE with forearms and fists into Corey’s back and head...Corey ducks his head into her, to shield his skull, allowing the back to take most of the beating~
Smith: Pixie’s trapped and she’s having trouble figuring out a way to break free.
Hood: She’s going to tire herself out, man. Corey’s a genius.
Smith: Yep, just hold on and let her fight until exhaustion sets in. Then her superior speed will be negated.
~The rapid fire hits aren’t doing anything, either. Pixie starts to move...she tries to drag Corey along, but she’s having trouble. He’s too heavy, throwing too much resistance at her. And, each step she attempts to take, he works to eliminate her base, pulling her to the mat. Pixie starts to sweat, the immense energy she’s using to get this extra, added weight off of her taking its toll. She looks around, the ropes are close...she reaches for them, to maybe gain some leverage...but they are JUST out of reach. She leans and reaches...she lifts her foot up to lean closer...but, as she does, Corey takes her to the mat!!! She’s down and Corey has his arms gripped around her waist, his legs controlling hers...like a python, he’s smothering her with his vice grip~
Smith: Uh oh, Pixie’s in trouble now.
Hood: No shit, he’s going for a full mount...he gets that and there’s no where to run. Just fists and elbows...fists and elbows.
Smith: Yea and she can’t reach the ropes to break it, either. Corey’s close to winning this and advancing into Tier 4.
~Pixie’s on her back. Corey inches up, continuing to make his way into a full mount. She struggles to keep him back. As she does, we pull up and slowly float back over into Chamber 1. TIO twists and turns Stan’s arm. Stan’s on his side, staring at the mat...this isn’t going to plan, at all. He tries to wiggle free...he reaches up, trying to rip at TIO’s face...he tries everything, but TIO, the veteran, knows the tricks. Stan can’t force a break. He looks to the ropes but, as previously referenced, those aren’t going to do any good. So, he reaches a decision...could be a fatal one, as far as the match goes, but he’s ready to pull the trigger. TIO leans back on Stan’s arms...Stan then rolls forward!! The arm bends and pops! But Stan is free!! TIO looks down like, “Did he seriously?” Stan rolls out of the ring and gets to one knee, the ropes in between him and TIO. He’s holding his left arm...TIO slowly rises, staring at Stan, in disbelief. Stan smiles...slowly starting to laugh~
Smith: OMG
Hood: Dude, he just sacrificed that left arm so he could roll through and get away. That thing popped like crazy!
Smith: At the very least, it’s separated and needs to be popped back into place.
Hood: THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS is wild, man. These wrestlers willing to do whatever it takes to advance.
~TIO sees Stan’s proud and borderline psychotic expression. He nods and wears one of his own that says, “Well, I don’t know what I expected. This IS OCW.” He gets back to his feet and motions for Stan to get back in the ring. Stan gets to his and shakes his head ‘no’. He motions for TIO to get out of the ring and face him. TIO’s eyes narrow...he looks for traps. Some opportunity Stan might have...but he can’t really see any. So, he heads toward the ropes perpendicular to where Stan’s at...he leaps over the top rope and to the outside...he turns and heads Stan’s way. Stan is prepared...his left arm dangling at his side...his right hand ready. TIO approaches...Stan throws a right hand at him, but TIO blocks it and begins hitting Stan with right hands of his own!! Stan stumbles back...up against the post. TIO hits him and hits him...but he notices that Stan seems to be impervious...like the punches aren’t doing much. TIO pauses...Stan’s face wears the punishment, but his spirit is unharmed. Stan then leans in with a headbutt! Right into TIO’s bearded chin!! TIO staggers...Stan takes his right hand and he starts to pummel TIO with it! Unlike Stan, TIO is heavily impacted by the punches...he stumbles and staggers back, across the ring, until he’s up against a ringpost. Stan hits him and hits him and hits him...only able to use his right arm~
Smith: A switch has flipped inside Stan’s brain. This might be the moment where he takes his game to that next level.
Hood: I don’t think TIO faced any people on that island nearly as sadistic and fucking intense as The Standard.
Smith: He most certainly did not.
~TIO can feel things fading...the lights shutting down. He’s got to do something before Standard knocks him out. He snares Stan’s right hand...knowing the left arm is useless. He holds onto it with both of his...TIO’s face red and battered...looking up, does he have the brute strength he once possessed to keep Stan at bay! Apparently he does! Holding onto Stan’s hand, TIO starts to force him back...he pushes him up against the cement wall. Stan stares at TIO...he then pins his left shoulder into the wall and while staring TIO in the face he jerks his body. POP! He just popped his left shoulder back into socket!! TIO is like ‘wtf’...Stan then SLUGS TIO with a left hand!!! TIO stumbles back against the post...Stan delivers a left hook right into TIO’s face! The back of TIO’s head PINGS against the ring post, causing him to fall to his knees...Stan grips TIO’s beard and slings him down, onto the apron~
Smith: He just popped his shoulder back into place! Gross!
Hood: Dude’s an animal. Holy shit.
Smith: And now TIO is down...he might be knocked out.
Hood: Stan’s already defeated one legend in Grenier. This would make it TWO...and not just any two...but two CANADIANS
Smith: Not sure what THAT has to do with it.
Hood: Only everything.
~With TIO down and Stan taking a second to, ya know, make sure his body isn’t about to completely fall apart...we pull out and zoom back over into Chamber 2. Corey’s close to a full mount. Pixie has her hands on his shoulders, trying to push him back down...but he keeps inching closer and closer. Until, with one final push via his legs, he gets the full mount!! Pixie is in trouble and she knows it. She brings her arms up, shielding her face. Corey throws a few measures strikes...she does a good job at blocking them...so, Corey is like ‘fuck it’ and he begins to throw elbows down at her head. BAM! He narrowly misses, his elbow slamming into the canvas. BAM! Once again he just barely misses~
Smith: Holy smokes...if one of those lands.
Hood: There won’t be any amount of Pixie Dust to bring her back from Neverland.
~Corey drives ANOTHER elbow down...this one catches the side of her head!! Not full on impact, but enough. Pixie is stunned. Her eyes widening as her hands get lowered. Corey sees the opening and goes for the knockout blow...but Pixie quickly twists over, giving up her back! Maybe not the best idea, but at this stage, it’s all she can do. Corey hooks his legs around her waist and reaches in, trying to locker Pixie in a Rear Naked Choke. Pixie keeps her body curled and tight, creating as much leverage as she can~
Smith: Corey’s got her back, now. If he locks in that choke it could be curtains for Pixie.
Hood: I don’t really see how he WON’T lock it in. She has very little leverage.
Smith: Well, she’s pretty savvy in there. I wouldn’t count her out until, well, she’s legitimately out.
~Corey works his arms in, he fights to get them around her neck! He tries twisting to the right, to the left, trying to get on his back so he can fully leverage Pixie. But she stays curled. He unhooks his legs around her waist and kneels...he continues working his arms around her neck. He steps up, to one knee...he then rises and pulls Pixie up!! He’s got her off the mat, his arms around her neck, almost locked into a hanging sleeper. Her feet dangle...they can’t reach the mat! Corey finally gets his arms locked around her throat and he clamps down...Pixie’s legs kick, but they can’t find anything to kick into or against~
Smith: He’s hanging her out with that sleeper! She’s going to lose consciousness!
Hood: Gotta give the guy credit, he worked his ass off to get that choke locked.
Smith: Yea, but he doesn’t have the leverage he’d have if he’d rolled her over.
Hood: Blah, like that matters.
~Pixie’s movements start to slow. Gruff looks in...is she out? Corey bends over a bit, letting her feet touch the mat...as soon as they do, she springs up, grabs the back of Corey’s head and drops to the mat on her ass with a jawbreaker!!! Corey stumbles back into a corner, holding his jaw in pain! Pixie gasps for air, rolling to her side. The PROUD AND STRONG cheer her moxie~
Smith: Great plotting by Pixie! She tricked Corey into lowering his guard so she could pop him with that jawbreaker!
Hood: Yea, but she’s still pretty fucked up.
Smith: I mean, it’s not gonna be easy. But, at least she’s free.
~Corey shakes off the momentary daze, rubbing his jaw. He goes back after Pixie...he can’t let her recover. He bends down and tries grabbing her arm...but she pulls it away...so he grabs her hair with both his hands...she tries to pull away, but he has a strong grip...he yanks her to her feet...she bends over, looking up at him via a side eye, angered and annoyed at the position he’s got her in. He holds onto the hair, trying to bring his hands around to the back of her head so he can secure a clinch. But Pixie kicks him in the leg a few times! He stumbles...she then sits out with a dropkick into his knee!! He lets her go, dropping to one knee. She pops to her feet..she hits the ropes, bounces off and BOOM! She nearly gets her head taken off with a clothesline from Corey!! Pixie turns inside out, landing on her back, atop the mat! Corey drops to his knees where he rests, for the moment. We then float back over into Chamber 1~
Smith: Corey finally caught her with a high impact move.
Hood: Boy, did he ever. She’s probably seeing stars...or fairies...or whatever a pixie is.
Smith: In this context? A Pixie is a person. A fighter. A fighter with a shot to win THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
one
~Stan grabs TIO by the beard...he steps into the ring and drags TIO behind him...gotta give that beard credit, it’s pretty PROUD AND STRONG. Stan drags TIO into the center of the ring. He slings him down, back of the head first, into the mat!! TIO groans, slowly moving...Stan stomps on him...and again and again, keeping the Hall of Famer down...looking very pissed that TIO fucked up his left shoulder. The stomping ceases after Stan jumps up and delivers a final stomp into TIO’s chest! TIO goes flat on the mat, staring up into the dark ceiling...his eyes with a faraway, unfocused gaze. Stan turns and heads for a corner~
Smith: He’s got TIO down...maybe even concussed!
Hood: Guy spent too much time laying out on the beach like a fuckin bitch on vacation. He forgot what it’s like to go to war with these killers.
Smith: Maybe. His lean, mean physique might only be skin deep. We’ll see if he’s got that same fire he once had...the fire to overcome.
~Stan ascends...he reaches the top...standing tall, the chamber suddenly looks very tight. He leaps off and performs a high altitude, perfectly executed frog splash right on top of TIO!!! The ring shakes with impact!! Stan gets to his feet...TIO holds his guts, kicking his feet, coughing in pain. Stan returns to his feet...he steps over the former OCW Champion, heading for the opposite corner. Much like the first, he scales it with ease. At the very top, he looks down at TIO...TIO stops moving...on his back...Stan then leaps off, extends his arm, bends it and drives an elbow down into TIO’s chest!! Another huge impact!!! TIO tries to roll away but Stan corrals him and hooks the leg! Scruff slides in with the count~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: There it is! There’s that fire!
Hood: Hold up, it’s just a kick out. That’s merely surviving...pretty fucking far from thriving.
Smith: Yea...I think he’s starting to remember, Hood. Starting to get that feeling back. Stan had better put him away before TIO remembers who he is inside that ring.
~Stan looks up and shakes his head, stifling a sardonic chuckle. TIO rolls over...he tries to crawl away, but he’s moving too slowly. Stan gets back to his feet, snaring TIO by the amazing MAN BUN he’s got pinned up over the back of his head...Stan pulls him up and slings him into a corner! TIO hits hard...Stan charges in with a big boot into TIO’s face! TIO falls to the mat, seated against the bottom buckle. Stan looks at him...he backs up, preparing for something...but, before we can see it, we float up and over into Chamber 2~
Smith: Stan’s got TIO down in the corner...I think he might be going for a broncobuster!
Hood: A male wrestler’s opinion of a broncobuster varies a great deal.
Smith: Depending upon?
Hood: Whether they are receiving it from a male or a female.
Smith: Oh, right, sure.
Hood: I’m gonna guess TIO isn’t looking forward to the broncobuster heading his way.
~Pixie is struggling...that clothesline almost did her in. Corey gets to his feet, watching her. Pixie slowly gets to one knee, she starts to rise to her feet...Corey coils and then he unleashes Face Pain De-Lux!!!! But Pixie ducks!! Corey spins around...Pixie takes him over with a roll up~
1!
2!
3!!!
NO!
Smith: Corey kicks out! Barely!
Hood: Whoa, he went for the knockout blow but, in doing so, nearly got knocked out.
Smith: That’s the move he just beat Lux with. Whew.
~Corey’s kick out sends Pixie spinning, through the air, landing on all fours in the center of the ring. Corey swivels his hips, getting to one knee...he goes after Pixie. He reaches out to grab her, but she rolls out of the way and returns to her feet. She hits the ropes, bounces off and charges at Corey...he’s all turned around...he finally faces her and she grabs him...she’s looking for PIXIE DUST!! But Corey elbows her in the side of the head a few times before lifting her up for a Rock Bottom. Pixie, however, breaks free and hooks him from behind in a Crucifix...she tries to take him over...but Corey jumps up and back, onto the mat, trying to squash Pixie...but she rolls out of the way! Corey’s back slams into the mat! Pixie rolls out of the ring, onto the apron~
Smith: Pixie’s gearing up once more!
Hood: Corey had his chance, man. He might be doomed to chase after this chick for the rest of the match.
Smith: A very disadvantageous position, if you’re Corey.
~Pixie reaches her feet on the apron...she jumps up and springboards off toward Corey. Corey is back on his feet and he sees her coming...he throws FACE PAIN DE LUX at Pixie! But Pixie lands on her feet, catching his leg...Corey looks at Pixie, shocked, concerned. Pixie spins him around and jumps up, dropkicking him in the back!!! He staggers into the ropes, falling across the middle rope. Pixie runs forward, grabs the top rope and swings her legs into his face!!! 619!! Corey stands up, stumbling back. Pixie leaps up again and springboards off the top once more...but this time Corey catches her with a roundhouse kick!!! Pixie crashes to the mat...as does Corey! They’re both down and the fans are on their feet, cheering both amazing competitors on~
Smith: They are laying it all out there, Hood! Both are down...who will prevail?
Hood: Whoever didn’t have to fight a thirty minute war in Tier 3.
Smith: Well, yea, that’s probably true.
~With Corey and Pixie down we float back over into Chamber 1. Stan rushes in for a broncobuster...but TIO pops up!!! He grabs Stan and hoists him up for a blast from the past...his L’Argentine Powerbomb! TIO stumbles forward and BAM!!! He hits it! THAT’S INCREDIBLE!! Stan is down!! The fans go wild!!! TIO is on his knees...and he falls...next to Stan! He doesn’t cover him...not having the wherewithal to do it~
Smith: He’s lost his ring awareness, Hood! He didn’t fall on Stan after that!
Hood: Well, it’s official, he’s still on island time.
Smith: He has it, if he can just make the cover!
~TIO is face down...he just doesn’t sense it. He doesn’t FEEL it. He’s been gone too long. He finally pushes himself up and looks over at Scruff...he sees Scruff ready to count…he looks over at Stan and it hits him ‘oh shit, pin!’ But, Stan rolls over and away from TIO. TIO pounds the mat with his fist...looking like that signature anger and rage might take over...but he takes in a few breaths, remaining calm. He gets to his feet...Stan pulls himself up with the ropes. TIO charges in...but Stan ducks him...TIO grabs the ropes, stopping…he turns around...Stan throws a CLAYMORE kick...but TIO blocks it! He then smacks Stan in the face...he backs up and SUPERKICKS Stan!!! Stan is staggering...TIO then takes him off his feet with a Bicycle Kick!! The fans go wild!! TIO dives on top of Stan!! Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
3...NO!
Smith: Shoulder up! Stan got the shoulder up!
Hood: Fuck!
Smith: That’s a new move TIO calls Triple Combo! Or, well, a series of movies.
Hood: Sounds like he REALLY misses fast food, being on that island so long.
~TIO stays focused...his stamina holding up amazingly well. He returns to his feet and he waits for Stan...he leans into a corner, watching, waiting. Stan slowly gets to his feet...stumbling...TIO charges...but Stan catches him with a heel kick!!!! TIO falls into the ropes...the bounce him back to his feet...Stan follows his heel kick up by jumping onto TIO and taking him down, on his head with a spinning DDT!!! TIO is down!! Stan hurries to roll him over...he does! Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
3!!
NO!
Smith: And TIO gets the shoulder up! Both of these warriors are throwing haymakers...one’s gotta land!
Hood: Oh, one will, soon.
~Stan groans with frustration. On his knees, he shakes his head, staring at the mat. TIO keeps coming...the man crawls away from Stan before getting to one knee. Stan has to stay at it...he gets to his feet and approaches TIO from behind. He grabs at TIO’s back...but TIO fires off a back elbow into Stan’s jaw!!! Stan stumbles to the center of the ring. TIO hits the ropes...he bounces off and leaps at Stan with a crossbody!! But Stan catches him!! Stan then walks TIO to the ropes and he throws him up and across the top rope...TIO’s throat slamming into it! Stan takes a few steps back, waiting for TIO~
Smith: TIO is stunned...Stan’s in position!
Hood: For everything TIO has thrown at Stan, Stan’s had a response.
Smith: Indeed!
~TIO turns, holding his throat...Stan jumps up and hits a CLAYMORE kick!!! TIO falls into the ropes...he then staggers toward Stan...Stan turns around and goes to hook a stunner to finish TIO off with Never the Same!!! But TIO grabs Stan’s left arm and he wrenches back on it really hard, fucking the already wounded joint up!! Stan stumbles forward, grasping at his left shoulder!! TIO leans against the ropes, smiling. He lowers his eyes for a moment~
Smith: Don’t take your eyes off him, TIO!
Hood: Dude, seriously! Wake the fuck up!
~TIO looks back up and SMACK! CLAYMORE KICK right in the face!!! TIO flips over the top rope...Stan doubles over, holding his arm...he then rises back up to finish TIO off...but TIO is on his feet atop the apron...he flips back into the ring and levels Stan with A BUCKSHOT LARIAT!!! Stan turns inside out! He’s down!! TIO crawls over for the pin! The fans count along~
1!
2!
3!!!!
Smith: He did it! TIO vanquished The Standard!
Hood: Fuck. Took everything he had.
Smith: And that NEW finisher is called...Simply Incredible!
Hood: Well, it worked.
Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, The Standard has been eliminated. Moving up into Tier 4 will be...The Incredible One!!!
~The fans pop! TIO crawls away from The Standard...he knows he needs to stay out of harm’s way. And, as we’ve seen far too often, the creepy owl people enter the ring and they quickly and quietly remove him from THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS. TIO gasps for air, in the corner, seated. We then zoom back over into Chamber 2...the final battle to see who ascends into Tier 4~
two
Smith: And it’s down to Corey Smith and Pixie Sloane. One will move into Tier 4 and the other will, sadly, suffer a bitter defeat.
Hood: Well, let’s get on with it.
Smith: Indeed, lets!
~Corey gets to his feet...Pixie remains down. She’s been hit HARD a few times, already. It’s taking its toll on her. Corey doesn’t wait, this time. Instead, he takes the fight to Pixie. He pulls her up and instantly locks in a clinch. Pixie suddenly realizes what’s going on and she tries to break free...but she can’t, Corey’s hands are locked tight around the back of her head. He then proceeds to throw knees at Pixie’s head~
Smith: Corey already grazed her head with an elbow earlier in the match which, surprisingly, didn’t open her up.
Hood: Nope...but it kinda fucked her up.
Smith: Now he’s looking to send a knee into her face...which, would be devastating.
~Corey throws a knee and another...but neither hitting its mark. They all seem to be lacking that extra oomph. So, he rears back and lifts a devastating knee...but Pixie catches it!! She then tosses Corey over with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip!!! Together, they tumble over before popping back to their feet where Corey smacks her with an enziguri!!! Pixie falls to the mat...Corey holds his knee, leaning into the ropes for support~
Smith: Wow! Great leg whip by Pixie but Corey managed to turn the roll through into an enziguri!
Hood: Ever the opportunist. Dude’s as smart as he is skilled.
Smith: Indeed!
~Pixie, holding the side of her head, gets to her feet...she’s unaware, dazed. Corey gets up behind her and he slaps a sleeper around her head...he’s got it locked in, tight. Pixie knows she’s in trouble...she staggers around, reaching for something, anything...she throws a few mule kicks into Corey’s knee, the one she just twisted, keeping him malleable. She then walks toward a corner...she reaches for it, but Corey’s really yanks down on the hold...Pixie bends her knees and jumps up! She kicks off the top rope and falls back on top of Corey!! She’s got him pinned!! Gruff drops down~
1!
2!
3!!!
NO!
Smith: Corey kicked out! Wow!
Hood: Holy shit, that looked like the end.
Smith: He had to release the hold before he could kick out. Tremendous attempt by Pixie and an even more impressive job by Corey to avert disaster.
~Both wrestlers get to their feet at the same time. Corey throws a lariat...but Pixie catches his arm and she goes for Pixie Dust!! But Corey refuses to be taken over, holding his base...he then elbows her in the side of the head. She staggers away. Corey charges at her, grabs her and whips her off the ropes...she sprints across the ring, hitting the opposite ropes. Corey leans into his ropes and fires off...they charge at each other, center of the ring. Pixie grabs onto him and flips him over for PIXIE DUST!! But they land on their feet!! Too much momentum! Corey quickly hoists her up on his shoulders before dropping her on her head with a Death Valley Driver!! She’s down!! Corey pops back to his feet and he heads for the nearest corner~
Smith: Corey just ‘borrowed’ Lux’s finisher to put Pixie down!
Hood: And the top! He’s going to the top!
Smith: He’s going for Corey Special Number 4!
Hood: Damn, what are the previous three?
Smith: I don’t know, but apparently they sucked.
~Corey reaches the top...he waits on Pixie. She gets to her feet...she’s out, stumbling. Corey leaps off for a top rope jawbreaker!! But Pixie does a backflip!!! She lands on her feet! Corey lands on his feet...he’s staggered...but he tries to stay in it, he throws Face Pain De Lux at Pixie!! But she ducks it, hits the ropes, bounces off...Corey turns around and she catches him with PIXIE DUST!!! The ring shakes with impact!! Pixie makes the cover~
1!
2!
3!!!!!
Smith: She did it!
Hood: I can’t fuckin believe it!
Smith: What a shocker!
Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, Corey Smith has been eliminated. Pixie Sloane will ascend into Tier 4.
~The fans are a mixture of disappointed and pleased. Disappointed for Corey...pleased for Pixie. Pixie is on her back, gasping for air. Gruff helps her up...she thanks him. She then sees the creepy owl people entering~
Smith: Oh, come on. Not Corey!
Hood: Hey, that’s how it goes.
~But, Pixie gets in their way...she stares them down, keeping them off Corey. A kindness Corey did for Lux. Corey comes to and he sees...he sits up, bringing his knees in, crossing his arms around them, staring at the mat, shaking his head. Pixie’s hand enters his view...he looks at it and then at her. He takes a second~
Smith: A major competitor, like Corey, takes these losses hard. He really had a shot to win the entire thing.
Hood: Yea, I mean he didn’t enter this just to have fun. He was here to win.
Smith: But, unfortunately, that won’t come to fruition.
~Corey sighs and he takes Pixie’s hand...she pulls him up. He hears the walls opening. He knows competitors are about to ascend. He also, sadly, knows his time is up. He extends a fist and tells Pixie to win the whole fuckin thing. She bumps fists with him and Corey turns to exit, refusing to let the owl people touch him. And, with that, Pixie looks over to Gruff...he nods and motions for her to follow him~
Smith: And now, these competitors will ascend into the Fourth Tier.
Hood: Pixie getting NO rest.
Smith: Nope. It pays to get your match over with as soon as possible.
~Pixie and Gruff disappear into the darkness. We float over into Chamber 1 where TIO looks like he’s near fully recovered. He steps through the ropes and follows Scruff into the darkness, ready for Tier 4. We float back into the new empty Chamber 2 and then into Chamber 3. Vhodka looks very refreshed...save for the blood still covering her mouth. Puff tries to hold the ropes open for her..but she just leaps over the top rope and marches into the darkness. Puff hustles, sloppily, behind her. And then we float into Chamber 4 where Claudia exits the ring...Tuff checks on her, asking about her neck. But she says it’s fine...she’s fine. So, together, they enter into the darkness. The doors all close and the flames slowly flicker out on Tier 3...we then begin a slow crawl upward into Tier 4~
Smith: Pixie Sloane, TIO, Claudia Frost, and Vhodka Black have all earned a spot in Tier 4.
Hood: Who would have thought you’d get THOSE four names at this stage in the match.
Smith: Not me, that’s for sure. Tier 4 will feature three matches. One match between two surviving contestants. And, two matches between two survivors and TWO NEW entrants.
Hood: Man, a bye all the way into the 4th Tier. They must be a couple of ‘holy shit’ badasses.
Smith: I can only imagine. These are the final two ‘unknown’ wrestlers left to enter. Once they do, we will know ALL the names within THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
Hood: Well, aside from the one who is, apparently, just running free inside the damn pyramid.
Smith: I still have yet to receive an update on what’s going on with that. But it sounded frantic. Like this person is creating chaos within THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
Hood: What’s the point in breaking free? I mean, they may never show up in the actual match?
Smith: I really don’t know...but, maybe by the end of it all, we’ll find out. Alright fans, let’s take you all up into Tier 4...it’s that time...time to find out who will be facing WHOM inside Tier 4 of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
three
~Back inside THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS our camera shot continues to ascend upward, through the floor before emerging inside Tier 4. Chamber 1. The sight where the next level of competition will commence. Scruff is chilling, probably thinking about what seal he might club and butcher for his meal later that evening. An owl person steps from the shadows and a door starts to slide open. OCW’s head ref gets focused...the door finishes and out, into the light steps the bearded, man-bun wearing TIO! The fans pop~
Smith: And there’s the Hall of Famer! The Incredible One will be competing, once again, inside Chamber 1.
Hood: Looks like he just stepped in there. Despite a brutal match with The Standard.
Smith: Amazing cardio, for sure.
~TIO enters the ring...he hits the ropes a few times, staying loose...we then float over into Chamber 2. Gruff pops what looks like some heart medication as he’s been in there awhile, needs to MED up. He waits...an owl person enters...the door slides open and...out walks Claudia Frost!! She enters the ring and finds a corner, leaning back...she’s still favoring her neck, but nearly as much as before~
Smith: Claudia competing inside Chamber 2.
Hood: Yea, she’s trying to act like that neck isn’t all fucked to hell. But, we know...I know.
Smith: I guess you know everything.
Hood: I mean, pretty close.
~And then, we scoot on over into Chamber 3. Puff waits for an owl person...but none shows up. That’s, kinda odd. But, whatever, we’ve got shit to take care of...so a door starts to slide open. Puff looks on...the door is opened and the wild haired, former TransAtlantic Champion...Vhodka Black enters into Chamber 3. She’s still got blood covering her mouth. She smiles at Puff. Puff is like “Oh, hey Vhodka...long time no see.” Vhodka enters the ring and slaps Puff’s belly real hard before finding a corner to park her ass in. Puff takes it in stride~
Smith: She’s got quite the attitude. Such a character.
Hood: Technically they’re ALL characters.
Smith: You know what I mean.
~Without an owl person present to indicate the NEW door opening. Vhodka and Puff just kinda wait until it does...and, here we go. The door opens and Vhodka turns, waiting. It slides slowly, opening bit by bit until it reaches its end. Everybody waits...who is behind that door? “Ugh, shit, here we go again” emerges from the darkness as a muscular, bald figure starts to step into the light. The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG go wild~
Smith: It can’t be!
Hood: He’s back!
Smith: The man with the most leniently severe prison sentence ever...it’s OCW Hall of Famer and former Champion...Mack O’Connor!!
Hood: Mack is back, baby! And he looks as bald as ever!
Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, entering THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS at Tier 4 is...OCW Hall of Famer and former OCW Champion...Mack O’Connor!!!
four
~Mack reaches the ropes. Vhodka hops out of the corner, ready to go. His eyes slowly narrow, once they find his opponent. He emits a low growl...we then float on over into Chamber 2. Claudia can feel the energy inside her chamber...the energy that radiates from Mack’s return. She paces the ropes, focused, ready. The owl person inside her chamber points and a wall starts to open. We cut to a shot above, looking down through the flame at the entrance...the door opens and...Pixie Sloane steps into the Chamber!~
Smith: Pixie Sloane is back in Chamber 2! She’s going to face Claudia Frost!
Hood: Well, let’s fuckin go. Once she figures out about that neck, it shouldn’t be too hard.
Smith: Yea, UNLESS Claudia gets that, ya know, look in her eyes.
Hood: The look she gets when there’s cake?
Smith: No! NOT THAT LOOK
~Pixie scales the nearest corner and takes a seat on the top buckle, staring back down into the ring at her opponent. Claudia isn’t too quick to rush into another fight...so she takes a minute to see what Pixie will do. As the two wrestlers ease into things, we float over into Chamber 1 where TIO slaps his hands together, pacing. ‘Let’s go! I’m ready! Bring him to me!’ he yells. The man wants a fight, he doesn’t care who it is~
Smith: TIO is ready for anyone!
Hood: Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Incredible.
~And then the door starts to open. TIO leans forward, hands on his knees, eyes locked forward, over his brow. He spits into the mat, ready to pounce on whatever emerges. The door finishes opening...and we all wait. And wait. And wait. Boy, this person has a flair for the dramatic...until, that all too famous (and soul crushing) opening line hits~
~OHHHHH SHITTTTT~
Smith: No!
Hood: He’s back! THE CHAMP IS BACK!
Smith: It’s LIME TIME
~Indeed, he is BACK. The entire Chamber turns LIME GREEN as former OCW Champion and Hall of Famer, ‘The Marvel’ Matt Meyhu enters into the chamber!!! We get an exterior shot of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS...the one chamber on Tier 4 all light up in a bright lime light. The fans board the PROUD AND STRONG are high fiving each other! Some of the hardcore gamblers rip up their tickets. THE GAME HAS CHANGED~
Belvedere: Entering THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS in Tier 4...he is a former OCW Champion, the current Hall of Fame Champion, and is an OCW Hall of Famer...he is… “The Marvel” Matt Meyhu!!!
five
~TIO looks on...he stands up, shaking his head. Meyhu hops around, arms extended, soaking it in. He easily leaps over the ropes and into the ring, showing the same athleticism that made him a terror during his previous run. He pauses and looks across the ring, “Ian.” TIO looks back, “Matt.”~
Smith: The two leading members of Aptitude, arguably the greatest stable in OCW history!
Hood: They formed Aptitude. It broke apart. They fought...they traded the OCW Title a few times. Had a grueling Iron Man Match. Easily one of the best rivalries in OCW history.
Smith: And tonight, it continues. One of these legendary competitors will ascend into Tier 5. The other? Will have their night cut woefully short.
Hood: Let’s stop talking and let’s start fucking!
Smith: Um, okay.
Hood: Sorry, I’m just really excited.
~Matt looks at TIO, ‘You ready?’ TIO holds up a hand and calls out, “Can we, please?” He motions toward the intense LIME light that’s filling the Chamber. Someone in the production truck is like, ‘Oh, yea, my bad.’ And the cut off the LIME...the color returns to normal. TIO throws his arms in the air, “Thank you.” He then refocuses...he circles Meyhu. Meyhu circles TIO. The legends pause...and then lock up to a huge ovation!!! As they do...we float back over into Chamber 2~
Smith: That’s gonna be a great one.
Hood: Imagine getting Meyhu versus TIO. And then imagine that being ONLY the 4th step of a 7 step match.
Smith: It’s THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS
~Claudia stands in the center of the ring, watching Pixie. Pixie seems to notice something...just in the way that Claudia is carrying herself, standing. A look of confidence hits and she drops down from the corner and heads Claudia’s way. Frost throws a clothesline, foolishly thinking it’ll hit...Pixie ducks and hits the ropes. Claudia turns around and sees Pixie coming...she throws another clothesline...Pixie ducks again! The second miss creates a bit of whiplash in Claudia’s neck...she reaches for it, wincing. Pixie hits the ropes...jumps up onto the top rope, springboards off with a moonsault and takes down Claudia as she turns around!! Down to the mat they go!! The fans pop! Claudia quickly rolls out of the ring, holding her neck as Pixie pops up and stares at her opponent...she’s discovered what we all knew. Claudia is injured. And, with that, we float over into Chamber 3~
Smith: And, speaking of rematches! Vhodka Black and Mack O’Connor had a few wars back in 2021 for the TransAtlantic Title!
Hood: Mack’s baby.
~Mack glares at Vhodka. It’s clear he has some vague recollection of this woman. I mean, how could you not? He sighs and looks over at Puff. “What’s the prize?” Puff leans forward, ‘excuse me?’ “WHAT’S THE PRIZE?! Fuck.” Puff, “Oh, umm...Belve?”~
Belvedere: That’s right! If anybody would like to opt out right now they will receive a shot at the Craze Title!
Smith: A little late on that one, Belvedere.
Hood: Weak ass booking!
~We get a brief shot of TIO and Meyhu locked up. Pixie stalking Claudia...they seem set and ready. So, the focus is on Mack and Vhodka. Vhodka is not taking the bribe. She motions for Mack to get into the ring. Mack chews on it for a bit, leaning over the top rope, surveying the setting...the situation~
Smith: Oh, you can’t be serious. Is he really thinking this over?
Hood: Of course he is, Smith. If he wins the Craze Title he’ll have completed the GRAND SLAM in OCW. He’ll have won EVERY title.
Smith: Yea, but, still...I mean.
Hood: You mean, what? He should go in there and fight the woman that, from the looks of things, drinks people’s blood? No way. He knows how Welsh works. The fix is in. Welsh probably has plans for Vhodka to go all the way. He’s seen this movie before.
~Mack make a click sound with his mouth and says, “Nah, I’m good.” He stands up and moves to exit, “I’ll take the Craze Title shot.” Vhodka heads for the corner, she climbs to middle rope and extends her arms as if to say, “Are you serious?” Mack looks up at her and he does the ‘grand slam’ gesture, like he’s hitting one out of the park. He then smiles, winks, and gives a very sarcastic salute before exiting THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS to a huge chorus of BOOS from the PROUD and STRONG! Vhodka throws out, “I didn’t EAT the bread sticks, ya know.” But Mack’s gone and, again, she’s alone~
Belvedere: Mack O’Connor has chosen to opt out so that he may receive a Craze Title shot in the very near future. Which means...Vhodka Black will ascend into Tier 5!
Smith: Well, I mean that’s good news for Vhodka...but it didn’t happen the way we all wanted.
Hood: Two straight byes? Who’s booking this crap!
~They dead pan the camera. Hey, don’t look at me~
Smith: Well, more rest for Vhodka as, well, she’s gonna need it. I assume, at some point, she’ll have to fight again.
Hood: Maybe the fix really is in...maybe Welsh has paid everyone off so Vhodka can win this thing. I mean, he does seem enamored with her...just HANDED her a TransAtlantic Title shot back in 2021.
Smith: Nah, it’s just the luck of the draw inside THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
~Vhodka walks up to Puff, “I didn’t eat those bread sticks. Seriously.” Puff believes her...but, there’s not much to do...so he takes a seat. As does Vhodka. They will not impatiently await the end of Tier 4. But...something suddenly shakes her entire chamber! Vhodka pops to her feet...’what the fuck was that?’ Puff’s fat body rolls over from the shock...he struggles to get up, but does...he, too looks around...it sounded like something massive just ran into the wall...they wait, nervously~
Smith: What was THAT?
Hood: Did somebody just BOMB the outside of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS?
Smith: I don’t think so...but something MASSIVE just impacted the exterior of the wall lining their chamber.
six
~The imminent threat seems to have passed. Vhodka relaxes...she checks on Puff’s fat smothered heart, make sure he doesn’t die on her. But, he assures her he’s fine, before requesting somebody bring him a fresh Coca Cola. And, with that...we pan back over into Chamber 2. Claudia is on the apron...she gets to her feet, trying not to favor her neck too much, but the secret is out. Pixie rushes forward and leaps over the top rope...she grabs onto Claudia’s neck with her arm for a DDT!!! But Claudia holds on...she can’t take this DDT...and definitely not on the apron. Pixie kicks her legs, trying to take Claudia over...but Claudia shoves Pixie off!! Pixie lands on the mat and charges forward, nailing Claudia in the head with a forearm! Claudia stumbles back against the ring post. Pixie takes a step back and delivers a SUPERKICK! But Claudia ducks!!! Pixie’s leg shoots through the gap between the post and the buckles...it gets stuck. Claudia pops up behind her...hooks Pixie and tosses her over with a Half Nelson Suplex!!! Pixie flips all the way over, landing front first on the apron! Huge THUD!!! She’s down, kicking her foot against the mat! Claudia leans into the ropes, wincing, holding her neck~
Smith: Whoa! Tremendous suplex by Claudia! Just what she needed to try and equalize the disadvantage she entered this match with.
Hood: And she hasn’t even ‘turned’ yet.
Smith: True...if that happens, Pixie had better turn on the jets. Can’t let ‘evil’ Claudia get her hands on ya.
~With Pixie down and Claudia working through her neck pain, we float back over into Chamber 1 where two OCW legends continue to lock horns. Meyhu, always enjoying a size advantage over his former partner, backs TIO into a corner. TIO leans back...slowly, the two men break their lock up. Meyhu fires off a chop...but TIO ducks it and takes off, hitting the ropes. Taking his time, and with great confidence, Meyhu turns around...but as he does, TIO runs him over with a clothesline! Meyhu hits the mat! Meyhu scrambles to his feet only to get hit with a dropkick!!! Again, Meyhu hits the ground...again he scurries to his feet only to get taken over via an arm drag!! TIO holds onto the arm, twisting it much like he did Stan’s arm in Tier 3. The fans pop huge for TIO’s offense~
Smith: Meyhu KNOWS TIO...or, at least, TIO from the Aptitude era. This is a leaner, faster TIO.
Hood: Yea, he definitely wasn’t expecting TIO to take off like a fuckin cruiserweight.
Smith: Nope. Something he’ll have to adjust to if he wants to keep TIO for ruining his return.
~Meyhu looks frustrated, his arm locked up by TIO. He slaps at his arm a few times, making sure the feeling is still there before firing up and getting to his feet. TIO holds onto the arm...Meyhu extends his hand, shoving it into TIO’s chin and backing his former stablemate into the ropes. Meyhu whips TIO off the ropes...TIO springs across the ring. Meyhu turns around and ducks...but TIO leaps over Meyhu...he hits the ropes again...Meyhu frantically stands upright and turns around only to get cut in half with a SPEAR!!! TIO gets to his knees and begins pummeling Meyhu in the head~
Smith: Wow! TIO looks great!
Hood: Papa’s got a brand new bag.
Smith: Meyhu is reeling early on!
~Meyhu scrambles back, reaching overhead and snaring the bottom rope, pulling himself under the bottom rope and into the apron. TIO grabs his legs, trying to pull him back into the ring...but Meyhu kicks his legs out as hard as he can, sending TIO flying back, flipping over his head, to his knees. Meyhu gets fully out of the ring and hurries to his feet, stumbling back against the cold, cement wall. He looks at TIO...Meyhu’s expression is shocked, hurried...frantic to catch up. TIO slowly rises and smiles at Meyhu, motioning for him to get back in the ring~
Smith: Yea, I think Meyhu needs a time out. He thought he was facing TIO...turns out, he’s facing Curt Canon.
Hood: Oh man, you think Curt’s the one loose inside THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS?
Smith: Would not surprise me.
~Meyhu smiles and holds up his finger saying, “One sec, pal. One sec.” TIO smiles back and bounces around the ring, eager for Meyhu to return. With the two legends immersed in mind games, we float back over into Chamber 2. Claudia goes back after Pixie, who remains face down on the apron. Her movements are stiff and cautious, the neck giving her a great deal of pain. She snares Pixie by the hair and pulls her up. She quickly hooks Pixie from behind...the two women are facing the ring. Claudia looks over her shoulder...she’s going to try a German Suplex into the concrete wall! The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG rise up~
Smith: Oh no. This might severely injure Pixie Sloane!
Hood: There’s been a lot happen to Pixie that MIGHT severely injure her. She seems to be just fine.
Smith: She’s one tough customer, no doubt.
Hood: Thought you were gonna call her a tough cookie.
Smith: Sorry, but I’ve given up sweets for the next couple of months. It’s a sensitive subject.
Hood: Then I guess you won’t mind this package of Birthday Cake Oreos I’ve got right here.
Smith: Ah!
~Claudia lifts Pixie up! But Pixie throws her legs back, trying to keep Claudia from getting her over! Claudia struggles! Pixie struggles! Pixie reaches out for the ropes...she grabs the middle rope! Claudia is losing her grip. With a loud grunt, Claudia yanks back...Pixie lets go, but readjusts, grabs Claudia by the head and hits a stunner!!! Claudia falters back against the concrete wall, holding her neck! Instantly, she drops to one knee, her body shaking with pain. Pixie pulls herself up and turns, facing her injured opponent~
Smith: Great save by Pixie. And now the attention turns to Claudia’s neck. How long can she sustain?
Hood: I mean, she should’ve taken the Craze Title shot. Faced Delia at the ppv. Influence vs Influence...WHO’S THE BEST INFLUENCER
Smith: I think she’s trying to maybe one up her partner? Either way, she’s in dire shape right now. And, she’s competing against a supremely talented wrestler.
~Pixie charges at Claudia! Claudia rises and catches her!! Claudia has Pixie draped over her shoulder and marches for the ring...Pixie beats on Claudia’s back, trying to get free...she throws a downward elbow strike into the back of Claudia’s neck!! Frost stumbles into the ropes...dropping Pixie between the top and middle rope, into the ring...Pixie is on her feet, she grabs Claudia’s head and pulls her across the middle rope!! Claudia is horizontal...perpendicular to the mat! Pixie has her head! Gruff looks on like, ‘Oh shit.’ Pixie then drops her with a swift draping DDT!!! The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG go ‘ooohhhhh!!!’ Claudia is face down, motionless...Pixie rolls her over and hooks the leg...Gruff drops down~
1!
2!
3!!!
NO!
Smith: Claudia with the shoulder up! Although, I don’t know how!
Hood: Easy, she lifted her shoulder off the mat.
Smith: I mean fighting through the pain! It’s got to be crippling, Hood.
Hood: Oh, well, you should speak more clearly next time.
~Pixie shakes her head...SO CLOSE. But, it’s hard to get too upset given the condition Claudia is in. Inevitability seems to be the case in this one. Pixie pulls Claudia to her feet, giving one half of The Influence zero respite. And BOOM! She delivers a staggering forearm uppercut right beneath Claudia’s chin!! Claudia staggers into a corner, her entire body seizing up due to her neck trauma. Pixie pursues...Claudia kicks at her, throws a few punches, trying to salvage some recovery...but Pixie fights through it all and nails Claudia with another seismic forearm uppercut! Claudia leans forward...Pixie jumps up, wraps her legs around Frost’s head and tosses her down right onto her forehead with a spike hurricanrana!!! Claudia’s body goes vertical...it stiffens up and it falls over onto its back. Pixie dives on top of her for the cover~
1!
2!
3!!!
Smith: NO! SHOULDER UP, AGAIN!
Hood: Okay, somebody get Wrigley or Delia in there. Let’s remove Claudia before she becomes a permanent resident of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
Smith: You cannot deny the heart. That’s for sure.
~Pixie is a little more bothered by this kickout than the last. Even Gruff seems shocked. Meanwhile, we get a close look at Claudia...her eyes open up and the dark look starts to consume them. Pixie is unaware, on her knees, calculating her next move. As this develops, we zoom out and float back over into Chamber 1. Meyhu approaches the ring, hanging out, leaning against the top rope...he motions around his chin, “Nice beard.” TIO chuckles, “Oh yea? You able to grow one?” Meyhu leans back, smiling, “Sure, but mine doesn’t come with all those gray hairs.” The PROUD AND STRONG go ‘oohhhhh!!!’ TIO laughs and motions, “Why don’t you get your ass back in here, CHAMP?’ Heavy on the sarcasm. Meyhu is like, ‘careful what you wish for.’ And he leaps over the top rope and back inside the ring. TIO charges at him...but Meyhu leap frogs TIO with ease...TIO hits the ropes...Meyhu’s back is to him...TIO charges at Meyhu...but Meyhu instantly reaches back, grabs TIO and tosses him over with an armdrag of his own!!! He locks the arm and keeps TIO down. That confident smile returns to Meyhu’s face...he’s back in control~
Smith: Meyhu goaded TIO into rushing in...I guess Meyhu tried the mental aspect of this, to see if TIO still has a short fuse.
Hood: Well, he still does.
Smith: These two know each other as if they were brothers.
Hood: Hell, they pretty much once were.
~Meyhu thinks he’s got TIO down and under control...but TIO suddenly rolls over...he then kips up, spins around and reverses, snagging Meyhu’s arm!!! Meyhu stumbles toward the ropes, his arm twisted and turned by TIO...he throws a swift side kick at TIO’s gut, doubling him over. Meyhu unleashes a strike with his free hand, right across TIO’s face!!! TIO falters to one knee, releasing Meyhu’s arm. Meyhu moves aggressively, grabbing TIO by the head and bringing it under his arm...he hooks TIO, hoists him up for a Vertical Suplex...and holds...and holds...and holds...TIO’s feet appear close to touching the ceiling. Meyhu reaches up with his off hand, slapping TIO in the abs a bit, showing off...he then falls back, slamming TIO down with the vertical suplex!! The ring shakes with impact!! TIO grimaces, holding his back as Meyhu stands, looks into the camera and brags, “I still got it!”~
Smith: Meyhu turning it up that necessary notch to compete with TIO.
Hood: Both men coming off the shelf for this one. TIO had a warm up...so, yea, that makes sense.
Smith: Plus, TIO’s new wrestling style...caught Meyhu off guard. He seems to be adjusting nicely, though.
~Meyhu pops back to his feet...The Marvel didn’t get to the top of the profession by cutting his opponents any slack. He stomps on TIO, keeping him down. He stomps on him again. TIO rolls onto his front side, wincing in pain. Meyhu grabs TIO’s arms and pulls him up off the mat...he’s got TIO’s arms locked behind him, like a straight jacket. He hoists TIO up off the ground...TIO shakes his head, trying to break free, but Meyhu’s grip is too strong. Meyhu then tosses TIO forward right into the corner!! TIO’s body SLAMS into the buckles!! He stumbles back, into Meyhu’s arms...Meyhu reapplies the straight jacket and tosses TIO back with a straight jacket suplex into a pin!!! Scruff slides in with the count~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: Kick out by TIO...but, man, if you’re a TIO fan you cannot like the way this match is trending.
Hood: Dude, it’s Meyhu. Have we all FORGOTTEN how dominant this guy is?
Smith: He certainly looks headed down the path of refreshing our collective memory.
seven
~TIO’s kickout sends him flipping over his head, onto his stomach. Meyhu sits up...he looks over and sees TIO’s head near him, face down...he sees the man bun. Meyhu slaps at the man bun a bit, rolling his eyes. He then grabs TIO’s head and locks it under his arm with a headlock! TIO yells out in pain as Meyhu tosses a casual look at the camera, shrugging. We nod at THE CHAMP and then float away and back over into Chamber 2. Pixie stands over Claudia, unaware of what’s transpiring. She pulls Claudia to her feet and promptly hooks her for PIXIE DUST! But Claudia grabs Pixie, hoists her up and SLAMS her into the mat with a Rock Bottom that shakes the entire ILLUMINATUS!! Pixie holds her chest, rolling around, in serious pain. Claudia stares down at her. Gruff is like, “oh geezus, not again!”~
Smith: And Claudia has turned!
Hood: RIP Pixie Sloane
Smith: If she stays in this mindset...she might win the whole thing, Hood!
Hood: It’s the end of the world as we know it.
~Claudia grabs a handful of Pixie’s hair, pulling her up to her feet from behind...Pixie throws a mule kick right into Claudia’s lower abdomen, sending Frost stumbling back...but only temporarily. Pixie runs into the corner...she runs up the buckles and leaps off with a reverse cross body...but Claudia catches her! Frost tosses her over her shoulder and runs for the corner, throwing Pixie up and bringing her down with Snake Eyes!! The side of Pixie’s head hits the buckle...the same side Corey grazed with a vicious elbow earlier...she falters back to the ring, holding her head. Claudia turns, seeing Pixie nurse the wound~
Smith: I think Pixie hurt her head.
Hood: Well, I mean she did kinda get dropped face first on the top buckle.
Smith: Yea, but she might’ve caught some metal instead of all buckle. Remember, Corey hit her pretty good with an elbow back down in Tier 3.
~Gruff drops down to look and he pulls her hand back to see that Pixie’s been busted open on the side of her head. Before he can do anything, Claudia throws him out of the way...she snares Pixie by the head, pulling her up...she drags Pixie into the previous corner and begins slamming the wounded side of Pixie’s head into the top buckle...over and over and over...Pixie does the only thing she can think up, reaching up and thumbing Claudia in the eye!! Frost staggers away...Pixie falls to one knee, holding her head...in serious pain~
Smith: Pixie getting desperate.
Hood: Maybe by sticking her finger in that eye she might inherit some of that BEAST that’s within Claudia.
Smith: I’m not sure that’s how that works.
Hood: Oh, I forgot, you’re the dark magic expert around here.
Smith: I’ve said too much.
~Frost shakes the eye gouge off and pursues Pixie once more, coming at her like a mindless predator. Pixie dips through the middle and bottom rope. Claudia lunges for her, but just misses. Pixie runs around the ring post, to the other side of the ring...she hops onto the top rope...Claudia turns around...Pixie springboards off the top rope, throwing her body into Claudia! But Claudia catches her, jumps up and drives Pixie’s head into the mat with a spike piledriver!!! Pixie is down!!! Claudia makes the cover...Gruff drops down, from several feet away, and makes the count~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: Pixie kicked out...but barely!
Hood: Somebody get that woman a Bible. A Crucifix. A copy of Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.
Smith: Huh?
Hood: That movie kicks all kinds of ass, even demon ass, I’d suspect.
~Pixie rolls away, leaving a nice spot of blood where her head hit the mat. Claudia turns toward Gruff...Gruff backs up, “Oh no, not again.” She stalks him into a corner, giving Pixie some time to recover. We then hover back over into Chamber 1. Meyhu continues to grind out the side headlock...TIO pounds his fists into the mat and pushes himself up. He gets to all fours...then to his knees...he finally makes his feet and buries several elbows into Meyhu’s midsection! Meyhu breaks the hold, stumbling back. TIO rushes forward, drilling a knee into Meyhu’s gut. He then hooks Meyhu and takes him over with a Gut Wrench Suplex!! Meyhu lands hard! TIO pops back to his feet and heads for the nearest corner...he climbs with ease. Meyhu remains down...TIO leaps off and comes crashing down with a Diving Headbutt!!! A direct hit!!! Meyhu flops around on the mat, writhing with pain. TIO goes for the cover, but Meyhu is already rolling away~
Smith: He might be down, but the Marvel knows the score. Gonna have to really hurt him or catch him if you want to try and pin him.
Hood: Meyhu’s been pinned by two men in OCW, right?
Smith: I believe so. One is Paul Paras.
Hood: And the other is in the ring with him, right now.
Smith: Indeed.
~TIO crawls after him...but Meyhu makes it to the apron. TIO gets to his feet, the ropes between he and Meyhu. He reaches through them, pulling Meyhu up...but Meyhu drives a shoulder into TIO’s midsection! TIO stumbles back. Meyhu rises up and decides to take a page out of TIO’s brand, new playbook. He springboards off the top rope at TIO, awkwardly...TIO responds by smacking him in the face on the way down!! Meyhu is staggered! TIO backs up and delivers a SUPERKICK right into Meyhu’s face!!! Meyhu is on dream street! TIO then leaps up with a bicycle kick, capping off his new move TRIPLE COMBO...but Meyhu bends down, catches TIO in the air, hoists him up and ALABAMA SLAM!!!! Some fan named Jasper leaps out of his chair with excitement!!! TIO is down!!! Meyhu is down! THE PROUD AND STRONG go wild~
Smith: Alabama Slam!
Hood: You can say that again!
Smith: Alabama Slam!
Hood: Okay, stop.
~With both Meyhu and TIO down we hover back over into Chamber 2. Claudia continues to stalk and threaten Gruff. Dude’s about to walk out on the job. She grabs his arm and leans in to take a chunk out of it when Pixie jumps on her from behind!!! Pixie claws at her face!! Frost stumbles back, a wild Pixie mauling her from behind. Claudia reaches back, grabbing Pixie and she slings her over...but Pixie holds on, looking to hit a stunner...but Claudia maintains her grip, keeping Pixie from hitting the ground...in a tremendous show of strength she stops Pixie’s momentum, reverses it and hoists her up before bringing her down across her knee with an Atomic Drop!!! Pixie jumps up into the air and lands in the corner, her knees atop the middle buckle and her upper body leaning over the top buckle~
Smith: Now THAT’s an Atomic drop.
Hood: Damn near a NUCLEAR drop.
Smith: Something has got to change, and FAST if Pixie wants any shot at advancing into Tier 5.
~Frost marches forward, again, with that emotionless, predator like intensity. She gets to Pixie and ducks underneath...she hoists Pixie out of the corner, atop her shoulders in the Electric Chair position!! Pixie’s eyes are half open...she looks around, trying to figure out what’s going on...it suddenly hits her...she’s in big fuckin trouble. She crosses her legs, tightens them and falls back!! She takes Claudia over with a reverse hurricanrana!!! Claudia flips over, lands on her head and tumbles down, front facing on the mat!! The fans go wild!!! Frost is down!!! Pixie sits up for a second before falling over to her side!! Gruff walks around, surveying the scene~
Smith: What a move!! Pixie just took Claudia over and...well, maybe scrambled her brain back into acting normal!
Hood: What is Wrigley feeding these woman. Sheesh.
Smith: Well, we’ve already established cake is off the menu.
Hood: Fuck, put that woman back on cake.
~Pixie is down, Claudia is down. Gruff’s flesh is intact. We float back over into Chamber 1. Meyhu gets to his feet, staggering. TIO is on his knees...Meyhu grabs him by the man-bun...but TIO fires up, spins around and starts chopping Meyhu in the chest!! Meyhu stumbles...TIO backs up and BICYCLE KICK! Right into Meyhu’s face!!! Meyhu falls back into a corner. TIO marches forward...he grabs Meyhu and lifts him up, placing The Marvel on the top rope. TIO climbs up there with his former stablemate and tag partner. He then hooks him for a SUPERPLEX!! TIO has him hooked...he pushes off and pulls him over!!! Meyhu’s feet scrape against the top of the Chamber as TIO brings him all the way down with a THUNDEROUS superplex!!! The ring shakes from the impact!!! Upon landing, TIO release his grip and flips over on top of Matt! Scruff slides in with the count...the fans chant along~
1!
2!
3...NO!
Smith: Shoulder up!! The Marvel is alive!
Hood: Okay, I just about had to cancel my subscription to OCW 24/7. I can’t live in a world where Meyhu is one-and-done in a multi match event.
Smith: I wouldn’t relax just yet. TIO is rolling!
~Meyhu sits up and then rolls over, the look on his face is one of shock and angst. TIO leans back on his elbows, shaking his head. Can he beat this man? Meyhu crawls for the ropes. TIO sees The Marvel rising once more, as he always does...so TIO greets him. TIO punches him in the head...Meyhu is reeling against the ropes. TIO whips him off the ropes...but Meyhu reverses! TIO hits the ropes and bounces off and Meyhu hits him with HUBRIS!!!! TIO falls backwards, through the ropes and onto the apron~
Smith: Hubris!! TIO is rocked!
Hood: Oh shit!
~Meyhu doubles over, catching his breath. TIO pulls himself up on the apron...Meyhu stands upright...TIO flips over the top rope and throws SIMPLY INCREDIBLE at Meyhu!!! Meyhu ducks!!! TIO hits the ropes...Meyhu spins around, TIO jumps onto the middle rope, springboards off, turns around, grabs Meyhu’s head and hits him with a DDT!!! Meyhu stands upright, leaning back...he’s about to fall!! TIO scrambles for the ropes, crawling through them~
Smith: Meyhu is out on his feet!
Hood: No way.
~TIO gets to his feet outside...he grabs the top rope and flips back inside with SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!!!! But, no!!! Meyhu grabs him and uses his momentum to hit EGO TRIP!!!! TIO is down!! Meyhu rolls him over and makes the cover!! Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
3!!!!!
Smith: Oh man!
Hood: He did it! He fucking did it!
Smith: The Marvel prevails!
Hood: He’s still got it, Smith!
Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, The Incredible One has been eliminated. Moving on to Tier 5 is...Matt Meyhu!!!!
eight
~Meyhu crawls back into a corner and relaxes...he shakes his head, ‘whew’. The owl people...two of them, step in and they grab TIO and, together, they remove him from THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS. Meyhu watches like, “Well, that’s odd.” But he goes back to resting...waiting for what his next challenge might be. And, speaking of...we float back over into Chamber 2. Pixie gets to her feet...she looks down and sees Claudia selling her neck~
Smith: I think that reverse rana knocked Claudia back into ‘human’ mode.
Hood: Yea, her neck seems to be fucked again. Well, this isn’t good, if you’re Wrigley.
Smith: Well, I mean, it’s kinda good knowing that you’re client is no longer possessed by some dark entity.
Hood: For the time being.
~Pixie grabs Claudia by the hair, pulling her to her feet...Claudia yells out in pain. Pixie walks her into a corner and slams her face first into the buckle a couple of times. Claudia crumbles to the mat, holding her neck. Pixie lifts her leg to kick her but Claudia begs her off...she can’t take anymore punishment. Her neck is too fucked. Pixie lowers her leg...showing some compassion~
Smith: A nice show of sportsmanship here by Pixie Sloane.
Hood: Yea, I don’t think I’d be so kind if I were her.
Smith: It pays to be a good person, Hood.
Hood: Not around here it doesn’t.
~Claudia suddenly reaches up, grabbing Pixie by the waistband of her pants and yanking forward! Pixie crashes down, face first into the top buckle!! Claudia gets behind her and rolls her up!! Gruff drops down with the count~
1!
2!
3!!
NO!
Smith: She kicked out, barely!
Hood: I told you it doesn’t fuckin pay to be nice.
Smith: Okay, Pixie. Do what you gotta do.
~Pixie kicks out, sending Claudia tumbling into the corner. Pixie is back on her feet in a hurry...she looks down at Claudia and sees that ‘look’ is back in her eyes. With a sigh and a shake of the head, Pixie goes back after WHATEVER is inside this woman. She charges forward with a SUPERMAN punch!! BOOM! Right on Claudia’s jaw!! Frost is ROCKED. Pixie drags her out of the corner...Claudia tries to bite her...claw at her, but Pixie avoids it by quickly hooking her head and delier a Twist of Fate!! Pixie pops back to her feet and heads for a corner~
Smith: And it looks like she’s turned once more.
Hood: Man, these ‘turns’ are coming quicker and quicker...you don’t think that means she’s about to give birth to a baby demon?
Smith: I...I really hope not.
~Pixie reaches the top rope...she looks down and leaps off with a Swanton Bomb!!! She connects!!! The PROUD AND STRONG go wild!! She crawls over to pin Claudia...but Claudia shoves her off, instantly! Pixie is shocked! He looks down at Claudia in disbelief. Claudia rises and crawls at her...she grabs Pixie’s arm and tries to bite it...Pixie pulls it away and hits Claudia with a punch. Claudia punches back...both women trade punches from their knees~
Smith: Not sure Pixie has seen anything like this. Claudia completely no-sold the Twist of Fate AND Swanton!
Hood: Pixie’s running out of options.
Smith: Indeed...both women brawling it out from their knees.
~The brawling escalates as both women reach their feet. Pixie rears back with a massive right hook...but Claudia catches it and tries to eat her fist...Pixie spins around with a backfist!! CRACK! Right into Claudia’s head! She’s rocked!!! Pixie leans back into the ropes...she charges forward and hooks Claudia for PIXIE DUST!! But Claudia leans in and tries to bite the wound in Pixie’s head!! Pixie immediately recoils...like, wtf! Claudia heads for her~
Smith: I thought she had her!
Hood: Yea and Claudia thought she had a snack.
Smith: Pixie’s going to have to be quick about it.
Hood: Good thing she’s the quickest person in this match, then.
~Pixie remembers...she thinks back. She’s got a plan. She turns to the corner, giving her back to Claudia. Claudia approaches...Pixie jumps up onto Claudia’s shoulders...back in the Electric Chair!! Claudia walks around for a moment...Pixie then locks her legs and she takes Claudia over with a reverse hurricanrana!!! Claudia flips on her head but flips back onto her feet! Pixie pops back to her feet...she sees Claudia standing but heads forward anyway. She rushes in, hooking Frost for Pixie Dust!!!! They flip over...but land on their feet!! Pixie looks up at Claudia, shocked...Claudia knees her in the gut, hooks her and drops Pixie on her head with OFF WITH HER HEAD!! Pixie is out! Claudia’s eyes return to their normal color...she looks around, shocked...she then hurries to make the cover, while holding her neck! Gruff drops in with the count~
1!
2!
3!!!!
Smith: Unbelievable! Claudia Frost does it...Again!
Hood: Wow...what a night for that woman.
Smith: She’s eliminated Pixie Sloane!
Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen...Pixie Sloane has been Eliminated. Advancing into Tier 5 will be...Claudia Frost!!!
~Frost falls to the mat, holding her neck. She can’t celebrate...her body is wrecked with too much pain. While she’s nursing her neck, the owl people enter the ring...they grab the body of Pixie Sloane and calmly remove her from THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS~
Smith: Heck of an effort by Pixie Sloane.
Hood: No lie...that woman is a fuckin warrior.
Smith: Indeed.
~Gruff looks down at Claudia like, “Hey, I ain’t helping you anymore.” The door to Chamber 2 starts to slide open. Gruff marches out of the ring and through the opening. Claudia, on the mat, watches Gruff leave. Should she follow? If she doesn’t, her night is over. She fights off the pain and finds whatever it is inside that keeps her going...she crawls out of the ring, across the ice cold concrete and into the passage that leads to Tier 5~
Smith: Claudia continues to ascend.
Hood: Those girls that Wrigley has...man. What a month.
Smith: No kidding. They’ve gone from a fun tag team to two women who could challenge for some serious hardware...tag AND singles.
~We float over into Chamber 1 where Meyhu sees the new opening. He waits for Scruff to hold the ropes open for him so he can exit...but Scruff just leaves, heading into the ascending abyss. Meyhu shakes his head, ‘Place has really gone downhill.’ THE DISRESPECT. He marches into the dark opening, heading up to Tier 5~
Smith: And there goes Meyhu. Still assuming this place will cater to his every need.
Hood: I mean, we should. He’s the greatest wrestler that’s ever lived.
Smith: Debatable.
~And, finally, we hover on over to Chamber 3 where Vhodka sees the new opening. She heads that way...pausing to ask why Puff isn’t following. Puff let’s her know that he’s done for the night. Vhodka sighs and says, “Alright, well, hopefully I get to actually fight upstairs. See ya later.” Puff, enchanted by her charm, blushes while watching her exit...and then, the lights in Tier 4 begin to dim as our view slowly floats upward~
Smith: And then there were three. Claudia, Meyhu, and Vhodka. Who would’ve thought?
Hood: Yea, not me.
Smith: One of those three will meet PIC at the top of all this for the OCW Title.
Hood: Hey! Don’t forget about the person who is LOOSE in the GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
Smith: Honestly, whoever that is, they should be disqualified. If they’re even found.
Hood: Something tells me they’ll be heard from before this is all over with.
Smith: Okay fans...I’m told the wrestlers have reached Tier 5...so let’s take you guys on in there and find out who advances to Tier 6.
Hood: How do we do this with only three?
Smith: Well, one of the three will get a bye.
Hood: Wow, this late in the game? WEAK ASS BOOKING.
Smith: The way things are going, it’ll probably be Vhodka.
Hood: Haha, okay, since you said that...it’s definitely NOT Vhodka.
nine
~And we nestle in on Chamber 1. A door slowly starts to open and out walks...Vhodka! The PROUD AND STRONG go wild! She looks around and sees Scruff...entering into the ring, extending a fist to Scruff. “Good to see ya!” she greets him. Scruff keeps his distance. Vhodka sighs, “Seriously. I didn’t eat the breadsticks.” Scruff looks relieved..he walks up and bumps fists with Vhodka. We then pan over into Chamber 2~
Smith: Vhodka wants everybody to know that she did not eat the breadsticks that were stuck up that woman’s ass.
Hood: I think that’s a very important thing you’d want people to know about you.
Smith: I don’t even know why you’d be at a dinner where bread is shoved up someone’s butthole but...here we are.
~Inside Chamber 2...Gruff looks over it all. Guy just wants to go home. A door slowly opens and in walks Meyhu! The Marvel hops over the top rope and he slaps Gruff on the back, nearly knocking him to the mat. Meyhu does a few jumping jacks, showing that he’s fine and ready to go~
Smith: Okay, so Meyhu is in Chamber 2...what we know is that Vhodka and Meyhu will NOT be facing each other in Tier 5.
Hood: But one of them gets crazy Claudia.
Smith: That they do. Who will it be?
~We get our first split screen of the night. Chamber 1 and Chamber 2. Vhodka and Meyhu both center of the ring, ready to see what’s behind Door #2. An owl person appears in Chamber 1...there is no owl person in Chamber 2. It appears we’re losing owl people. The owl person points to the wall...a door opens in Chamber 1. A door also opens in Chamber 2, albeit without the direction of an owl person. Both doors open simultaneously. Vhodka and Meyhu are ready...ready for whatever is coming their way. The doors finish opening and...CLAUDIA FROST steps out of the door in Chamber 1! The fans go wild~
Smith: We’re going to get Claudia Frost taking on Vhodka Black!
Hood: That means Meyhu gets a bye?
Smith: Yes, Meyhu is getting a bye into Tier 6.
Hood: WOOHOO!!!
~We zero in on Chamber 2. Meyhu looks around, “Is that it?” Gruff nods. Meyhu, “Well, alright then.” He hops up onto the top of a corner and lays out, relaxing. Gruff just takes a seat, looking at his watch...but then, suddenly, the entire Chamber shakes! Meyhu hops off his corner and looks up...dust and cement particles fall down as it shakes again~
Smith: What...what is that?
Hood: Something is above them.
Smith: It’s like a giant wrecking ball just hit the floor above them.
Hood: Similar to what Vhodka experienced in Tier 4.
~Meyhu braces for something...anything. Gruff gets near him, maybe hoping Meyhu will protect him if danger comes their way...guess he has no idea who this Meyhu guy really is. It goes quiet. It goes still. Nothing...more nothing...and finally, they ease up. The danger seems to have passed. Meyhu smiles and pats Gruff on the back. “Lucky them,” Meyhu says, even though we’re all pretty sure he was more than a little anxious over what was creating that noise. Regardless, he resumes his confident, relaxed posture in the corner. Gruff takes a seat...and we zoom on over to Chamber 1~
Belvedere: It is my job to ask if any competitor would like to opt out right now and receive a Tag Title shot?
~That’s an easy ‘no’ for Vhodka. And, we can assume Meyhu isn’t taking that offer. So, that leaves Claudia. This one, she considers. I mean, she came into this place as a tag team with Delia. Vhodka looks on, recognizing that the wheels are turning in Claudia’s head. Vhodka becomes frustrated~
Smith: If Claudia opts out...that’s the third straight tier where Vhodka had someone opt out on her.
Hood: Dude, I’m telling you...word about those breadsticks spread...nobody wants to fight that woman.
ten
~Frost feels around her neck. She’s injured. There’s a tag title shot at stake. She envisions her and Delia winning the tag titles...a goal of theirs since they joined all those months ago. She continues to paint pictures in her mind when SMACK!! A right hand from Vhodka slaps the frosting flavored taste right out of her mouth~
Smith: Vhodka taking the initiative here.
Hood: She wants to FIGHT
~Claudia’s head is turned to the side. Her hair shielding her face...slowly, she turns toward Vhodka, removing her hair and revealing that dark look in her eyes. Vhodka steps back like, “Oh...oh shit, my bad.” Claudia enters the ring...Scruff motions for the door to shut...the decision is made. The fans go wild~
Smith: And Claudia is going to compete in Tier 5 against Vhodka Black!
Hood: Careful what you wish form, Vhodka. This woman is insane.
~Vhodka wears a puzzled expression, trying to figure out what’s wrong with this woman. Claudia reaches out, grabbing at Vhodka’s blood stained face. Vhodka fights her off, shoving Claudia back before delivering a spinning heel kick to Claudia’s face!! Frost takes a step back but doesn’t fall...instead, she looks down at Vhodka. Vhodka looks up at Claudia...surprised at how little that kick impacted her~
Smith: Vhodka starting to slowly discover what every opponent of Claudia’s already knows...when that entity takes over, she’s impossible to overcome.
Hood: Should’ve just let her take that tag title shot. Only fools rush in, Smith.
Smith: That’s what some say.
~Vhodka gets to one knee, keeping her eyes on Claudia. Claudia pursues without any hesitation, reaching down and snaring Vhodka by the hair. Vhodka tries to fight her off but is overcome by how strong Claudia is. Claudia shoves Vhodka back against the ropes and keeps on shoving...Vhodka’s back is almost bent a ninety degree angle...she finally jumps up and flips over the top rope, landing on her knees atop the apron. Claudia looks at her hands as if to say, ‘where did she go?’ She looks down and sees Vhodka outside the ring Vhodka pops up and takes a few steps back...she paces...around the ring post…she keeps pacing, looking at Claudia. Claudia follows her, still inside the ring~
Smith: And, like Meyhu in Tier 4...Vhodka has run into something completely unexpected. She’s got to figure out a new plan of action.
Hood: Yea, you can’t really ‘wing’ it at this point. You need a strategy.
Smith: Indeed.
~Vhodka hustles, picking up some speed. Claudia maintains her calm walk. Vhodka reaches a corner and she scurries up it...perched at the top, she crouches down, looking at Claudia. Claudia looks back up at her. Claudia then heads her way, reaching up...Vhodka jumps off and drives both knees into Claudia’s chest!! Meteora!! Claudia hits the mat, hard! Vhodka rolls through, popping to her feet in the corner...she seems pretty proud of herself. She turns around and...uh oh. Claudia is already back on her feet. Vhodka leans back in her corner, her shock turning into concern~
Smith: And that did basically NOTHING to Claudia.
Hood: Yep, maybe Vhodka should’ve taken the tag title shot and brought her husband, Vincent in here. Won the tag titles, earned a little extra money. They might could use it.
Smith: Let’s not dig up people’s personal issues, Hood.
Hood: Alright, fine. GOSH
~Frost heads her way. Vhodka puts her head down and charges forward with a SPEAR!! But she can’t take Claudia down...so she just charges forward, bullying her back into a corner. Vhodka rises up with a european uppercut! She then grabs Claudia’s head, kicks off the ropes, spins around and drops her with Harvey Wallbanger (Tornado DDT)!!! Claudia hits her head and lands on her back...Vhodka goes for the cover...but Claudia immediately kicks out...with power! She pushes Vhodka so hard that Vhodka pops back to her feet~
Smith: Unbelievable.
Hood: Sheeeeeesh
~Vhodka looks down at Claudia...eyes wide. Claudia sits up and turns toward her. Vhodka scrambles, mentally...what the hell does she do next? Fight or Flight? Obviously, she’s gonna choose FIGHT. She backs up into a corner and hops onto the middle buckle...she leaps off at a pursuing Claudia...wrapping her legs around her head for a hurricanrana...but Claudia holds on and DRILLS Vhodka into the mat with a powerbomb!! She pins both legs back to Vhodka’s head with a pinfall attempt...Scruff slides in with the count~
1!
2!
3!!
NO!!
Smith: It took everything Vhodka had to squirm out of that pin!
Hood: Wow. Vhodka, man, you have got to do something. This is about to get ugly.
Smith: Indeed.
~Vhodka immediately rolls out of the ring. Time to choose FLIGHT. She crawls as far away from Claudia as she can, sitting up against the cold, hard concrete and staring into the ring at the menace staring right back at her. Vhodka shakes her head...the hell has she gotten herself into? Claudia moves, toward the ropes. She’s coming for Vhodka. Vhodka looks around for something, anything...but as dangerous as this place may be, it sure does lack in the weapons department. An idea hits her...she gets near the ring where Claudia is exiting and she goads Claudia toward her. Claudia takes the bait. Vhodka stands up against the ring post...waiting...waiting...Claudia lunges at her, but Vhodka ducks! Claudia’s head PINGS against the ring post...she stumbles back! Vhodka leaps up and drops Claudia from behind with a Backstabber!!! Big impact!! Vhodka isn’t spared, reaching for her back and rolling around atop the apron~
Smith: Alright, progress. Making progress.
Hood: She’s not gonna make any significant progress until she gets good ole normal Claudia back.
Smith: Sadly, I think you’re right. And, unfortunately for Vhodka, there doesn’t appear to be any SET recipe on how to do that. Pixie thought she had it figured out...until, well…
Hood: She didn’t.
~Black is on all fours, holding her back. She reaches for the ropes to get to her feet...as she does, something catches her eye...she looks over and sees feet...feet belonging to a wrestler...she looks up and Claudia is staring down at her with that cold, dead stare. Vhodka reaches up to try and get her away, but Claudia snares Vhodka and pulls her to her feet, shoving her back against the ring post. Vhodka hits hard enough to shake her. Claudia then wraps her hands around Vhodka’s throat~
Smith: Frost might choke her out! A one way ticket to Tier 6!
Hood: I mean, something’s coming. She’s basically the mother fuckin Terminator right now.
Smith: It seems she’s getting stronger the higher she ascends within THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
Hood: These fuckin pyramids are whack, man. Fuckin haunted or some shit.
~Claudia lifts Vhodka up by the throat, choking the life out of the former TransAtlantic Champion. Vhodka coughs...she tries to eye gouge Claudia, but can’t reach. She tries to kick her...but nothing doing. She finally lifts her legs up, wrapping them around Claudia’s head...she thrusts her hips, trying to move her, take her down...Frost takes a step back...she turns toward the cement wall, marching methodically before slamming Vhodka’s back up against the cold cement. Vhodka groans from the impact~
Smith: Well, we appreciate Vhodka signing up for this match. Unfortunately, it might turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes she’s ever made.
Hood: THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS
~We get a shot through one of the flames at Vhodka, struggling. Claudia choking. Vhodka looks up and notices the flame near her...she reaches up, getting her hand around the torch...she yanks it free! She then points it down at Claudia, the flame right in her face!! Claudia lets her go and backs up, shaken. Vhodka looks at the lit torch in her hand and she goes after Claudia with it~
Smith: Wait a minute1
Hood: Okay, the flames are going to be used in this tier. Nice.
Smith: Is the fire going to eradicate what lies behind those eyes?
~Claudia stands her ground...until Vhodka swings the torch at her...then she steps back, upon feeling the heat. Vhodka rushes forward, trying to ram the flame into Claudia’s midsection...but Claudia leaps back, avoiding the burn. The two women are at a standstill. Vhodka holding the flame as her lone source of protection. Claudia hitting the pause button...unwilling to go near that heat. Our view suddenly shifts...not to Chamber 2...nope, we cut up...up...wayyyy up into Tier 7. The top of the pyramid...the top of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS. PIC is seated in his throne, holding his OCW Title...waiting~
Smith: Oh, hey, there’s PIC!
Hood: Wow, happy to see he’s still with us.
Smith: He looks every bit the champ since the last time we saw him, doesn’t he?
Hood: Okay let’s not get carried away and act like we haven’t seen this guy for months. We did just see him at the start of the match.
Smith: I know, I know, it just feels...wait a minute...did you hear that?
~PIC, previously bored out of his mind, sits forward. He heard it, too. And then, BOOM! He looks around. He slowly gets out of his throne. BOOM! He steps back...clutching his OCW Title with one hand and raising a fist with the other. BOOM!~
Smith: Something is beating on one of the walls to Tier 7!
Hood: Something...or SOMEONE?
Smith: We’ve been hearing strange noises ever since being notified a wrestler was ‘on the loose’. Is this it? Have they found their way to Tier 7?
Hood: Sure as fuck sounds like SOMEBODY has.
~BOOM!!! PIC looks around, isolated...alone. He focuses on one wall. The wall being impacted. BOOM!!! PIC’s fist tightens. He slowly places his OCW Title down atop the cushioned seat of his throne, located in the back corner of the final chamber. BOOM!!! PIC gets ready. BOOM!!! Like the terrifying heartbeat of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS itself...this impact, this noise keeps coming. BOOM!!!! PIC waits...waits...waits some more. The impact has paused. But this is no safe silence. No, this is the momentary calm before the horrible storm. PIC can sense it...here it comes...and he finally says the name that’s been on the edge of everyone’s tongue, “Bifford.” BOOOOOOM!!!! The wall comes crashing in and behind it stands...~
Smith: IT’S HIM!
Hood: POWER OF THE WIND!!
~Behind a destroyed, demolished concrete wall stands...not Bifford…but his deadly alter ego. It’s the return. The return of PLETHORA THE PERILOUS~
Smith: Plethora! The murderous Plethora!
Hood: Oh no...and does he?
~Plethora reveals his MIGHTY SCYTHE~
Hood: Yep, he’s got the scythe.
Smith: And, apparently a pile of bodies.
~Beneath Plethora is a stack of owl people. We can’t tell if they’re dead or not...just that they aren’t moving~
Smith: So that’s why we’ve been coming up short on creepy owl people.
Hood: I’ll be honest. Wasn’t really bothered by the shortage.
~Stepping into the chamber, fully...Plethora, under the lit torch, slowly raises his arm, pointing at PIC. PIC nods...while not ENTIRELY sure what’s going on, he’s pretty sure Plethora is in there illegally. But, he says fuck it and heads toward the ring which rests in the middle of the two pro wrestling legends. The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG are anxious, nervous. This does not portend great things for the champ...but, he’s not gonna back down. And, with that...we cut back to Tier 5 where Vhodka and Claudia continue their standoff~
Smith: PIC is going after him!
Hood: Dude has NO idea what’s beneath him. Vhodka. A possessed Claudia. And, oh yea, THE MARVEL MATT MEYHU.
Smith: I don’t think he has a choice, Hood. Plethora isn’t exactly the ‘negotiating’ type.
Hood: Nope, he’s more the ‘killing’ type.
eleven
~Tired of the standoff, Vhodka says ‘fuck it’ and throws the torch at Claudia!! Frost stumbles back, narrowly avoiding being hit. Vhodka runs forward, picking it up...the flame’s out. So, she decides to use it as a weapon...she swings it, hitting Claudia in the shoulder. She swings it again and again and again...hit Claudia over and over! Claudia staggers back against the cement wall. Vhodka drives the extinguished end of the torch into her gut...Claudia yells out, it’s still really fucking hot. Vhodka then breaks the torch across Frost’s back!!! Claudia staggers backward. Vhodka stays after her~
Smith: Well, here we go...Vhodka with a ‘prison rules’ fighting style.
Hood: Fight...fire with fire? Right? Is that how that goes?
Smith: The saying. I wouldn’t recommend ACTUALLY fighting fire with fire.
~Vhodka chops Claudia across the chest...she then punches her in the face. She chops her again and punches her again. She repeats the process over and over and over with the PROUD AND STRONG fans going wild~
Smith: Look at her go!
Hood: She’s beating the demons out of that woman!
~Frost leans into Vhodka...Vhodka grabs her by the head, looks down into her eyes and BAM! A huge headbutt!! Frost drops to the apron, dead weight. Vhodka stumbles back, holding her head...headbutt was so vicious it damn near knocked her out. Claudia rolls back into the ring. Vhodka regains her whereabouts and spots Claudia...Claudia gets to one knee and looks up at Vhodka...her eyes are different. It appears the old Claudia has returned~
Smith: And the switch has been flipped!
Hood: Window of opportunity for Vhodka.
Smith: Yep, but for how long? She’d better hurry.
~Vhodka steps back into the ring...she looks down at Claudia. But Claudia grabs her neck and winces, throwing her hand in the air, asking Vhodka to give her some space. Begging for some time to let her neck heal. The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG urge Vhodka not to do it. But, she can’t hear them~
Smith: This is what got Pixie! Don’t do it, Vhodka!
Hood: But look at her, Smith. She’s injured. She looks so helpless.
Smith: Yea, right.
~Vhodka slaps Claudia’s hand away! The fans go wild!! She knees Frost in the face, sending her flat on her back!! Vhodka runs into the ropes...she jumps up, springboards off the middle rope and hits a lionsault on Claudia!! Vhodka pops back to her feet, fired up!! Frost rolls over, holding her neck. Vhodka reaches down, pulling Claudia up...she then drops her with a Snap DDT!!! It compresses the neck, really jarring the already injured joint. Vhodka rolls Claudia over and makes the cover...Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
3….NO!
Smith: Shoulder up! Claudia fought through it by getting the shoulder up!
Hood: Wow! Okay, even as a normal human she’s got guts. Here we go.
Smith: Vhodka needs to finish her! If that ‘demon’ entity comes back, Vhodka won’t have a chance.
~Unlike before, Vhodka can sense she’s got Claudia on the ropes. She springs back to her feet, pulling Claudia with her...but Claudia fires up!!! She punches Vhodka in the face, knees her in the gut and then lifts a knee into her face!! Vhodka stumbles into a corner. She looks up, nervous...looks to see if Claudia has changed back...but, nope. It’s normal ole Claudia. Which, brings a smile to Vhodka’s face~
Smith: Claudia is doing this all on her own, Hood.
Hood: Yea, and I think Vhodka respects that.
Smith: Apparently...I think a star is being made tonight, Hood.
Hood: Yep, Vhodka spent all those years as a nobody, joins OCW, and becomes famous.
Smith: I’m talking about Claudia Frost!
~It must hurt like hell, but Frost is fighting through it. She’s SO CLOSE. She delivers a double axe handle into Vhodka’s head. She knees her in the gut. Vhodka doubles over. Frost hooks Vhodka for a suplex...but spins around and drops her with a Falcon Arrow!!!!! She holds onto the leg for the pin...Scruff slides in for the count~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: Vhodka kicks out! Wow!
Hood: Now we got ourselves a wrestling match...without all those theatrics. Well, ya know, if you ignore the fact they are inside a giant ice pyramid.
Smith: I know what you’re saying.
~Frost holds her neck...but she doesn’t sell it much, getting back to her feet. The time is now! Put Vhodka down! She gets to her feet and stomps on Vhodka, keeping her subdued. She then pulls Black to her feet and measures her up...Claudia kicks her in the gut, Vhodka doubles over and Claudia tries to hit OFF WITH HER HEAD!! But Vhodka fights out of it and stands up...she throws a huge right hand at Claudia...Claudia ducks and gets Vhodka on her shoulders!!! Fireman’s carry!!! But Vhodka wiggles and turns it into a Crucifix. She then throws an elbow into Claudia’s neck, stunning her and then takes her over with Bent Fork Bullet (Crucifix Sunset Flip)!!! Scruff slides in with the count~
1!
2!
3!!!
NO!!!
Smith: She kicked out! Claudia kicked out!
Hood: Unreal, man. Un-fucking-real.
~Claudia rolls over onto her knees, reaching for her neck. Vhodka slaps the mat, frustrated...but she struggles to her feet. She sees a kneeling Claudia and runs at her with a knee strike!! Claudia ducks and rolls forward, popping to her feet. Vhodka runs into the corner, kicks off the middle turnbuckle and turns around, charging at Claudia...Claudia hurries to turn around and BLAST!! She gets SMASHED in the face with a flying knee!! Claudia crumbles to the mat...Vhodka hurries for the corner~
Smith: She’s got Claudia down and she’s going for the top!
Hood: Trying to end it here!
~Vhodka reaches the top and looks down at Claudia...she wastes no time. She leaps off with ON THE ROCKS!!! She soars through the air, coming down on Claudia...BUT CLAUDIA MOVES!! Vhodka hits the mat hard. Claudia fights through EVERYTHING to get to her feet. Vhodka is shaken, rattled, in pain...she gets to her feet, off balance. Claudia boots her in the gut and brings her in, hooking both arms for OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!! But Vhodka yells out and stands up, flipping Claudia over!!! Claudia lands on her feet, Vhodka hits the ropes...Claudia turns around, Vhodka dives through the air, grabs Claudia’s head and hits her with SCREWDRIVER (Diving, corkscrew stunner)!!!! Claudia crumbles! Vhodka dives on top, hooking both legs...Scruff slides in, the fans count along~
1!
2!
…
3!!!!!
Smith: She did it! Vhodka prevailed!
Hood: Holy shit. Mother fucker.
Smith: Got any others?
Hood: Yes, but I should probably save those for what’s yet to come.
Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, Claudia Frost has been Eliminated. Ascending into Tier 6 will be...Vhodka Black!!!
~HUGE OVATION! Over in Chamber 2, we see Meyhu rise up...he hears the commotion taking place in the chamber beside him. He knows something big just went down~
Smith: Hood. We’re going to get Matt Meyhu against Vhodka Black.
Hood: And people think this place has actual ‘competition’ within the profession. That’s about the most marquee match you could make!
Smith: And...the winner still has to get through PIC...or Plethora. Speaking of…
Hood: Yea, what the fuck is going on up there, anyway?
~We get a split shot of Meyhu confidently exiting his chamber, ascending into Tier 6. Vhodka drops to one knee, checking on Claudia. Claudia rolls over, selling her neck. There are no more owl people, apparently. So, Vhodka pats her on the back, passing on some words of respect and, perhaps, wisdom...before rising and leaving Claudia behind. Vhodka enters into the ascending abyss, heading onward and upward toward Tier 6...and our split screen slowly disintegrates, fading into one single shot of Tier 7. And, it’s a sight we don’t really want to see~
Smith: Oh no.
Hood: Shit.
twelve
~Plethora has PIC down in a corner, stomping on him. The champ looks to be in bad shape. Thankfully, the MIGHTY SCYTHE is just outside the ring, not being used...it’s laying next to the possibly dead owl people. It appears, based on what we can tell...PIC and Plethora had a massive brawl where Plethora entered...a brawl that Plethora, apparently won~
Smith: This is a travesty! I mean, what happens if he puts PIC out of commission? What then?
Hood: Then HE faces whoever survives between Meyhu and Vhodka?
Smith: But he didn’t even EARN that spot. He stole it!
Hood: I dunno, man, he killed like 7 owl people and broke through a thick cement wall. I’d say he worked hard for this spot.
Smith: It sickens me. SICKENS ME.
~We cut away from the horror that’s taking place in the ultimate tier...sliding down into the penultimate tier. A safe and cozy chamber compared to the one above. A door slides open and Scruff enters. He’s followed by Vhodka. Together they enter the ring, businesslike. Scruff leans back in a corner...Vhodka doubles over for a second, nursing some wounds, wincing...getting whatever negative or compromising energy she might have carried over from Tier 5 out of her body. She then stands up, ready for what’s to come~
Smith: She has no idea, Hood.
Hood: No clue on what she’s in for.
~The possibilities run through her head. Veronica Strader? Alice Knight? TLS? Crash Rodriguez? Who could it be? And then, the door starts to slide open. She’s ready...and then, he enters...the man himself, Matt Meyhu! Matt steps in, arms extended, like a conquering hero. Vhodka takes a step back...she’s looking at him like a modern basketball star would glance at Michael Jordan. She knows him...she’s heard of him...but she didn’t think he was still around~
Smith: She was NOT expecting that.
Hood: A living legend just stepped into the chamber. Welcome to THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS, Vhodka. Welcome to OCW.
~Meyhu, meanwhile, gives her a look as if to say ‘who are you?’ Is he being serious? Or is he big leaguing her, trying to get her rattled. He slowly enters the ring. With great confidence he approaches Vhodka. She regains herself and steps to him, staring up at the man himself, The Marvel. The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG are chanting “HOLY SHIT!”~
Belvedere: And, at this time, if either competitor wishes to opt out so that they may...ya know what, nevermind. Nobody is gonna opt out at this stage.
~Belvedere throws his script into the air and quits asking. Meyhu and Vhodka exchange some words...competitive quips. Both giving as good as they get. Scruff is in the background watching, waiting. He then gets a notification via his ear piece, listening in. His eyes pop. Vhodka and Meyhu look ready to beat the hell out of each other when Scruff darts in, separating the two~
Smith: What’s he doing?
Hood: He must love both competitors so much he can’t bear to watch them hurt each other.
~Scruff promptly informs them of the situation developing overhead. Vhodka and Meyhu both look up...and, as they do, the roof shakes. Something’s going on up there and it sounds like it involves a lot of mass. Dust and cement debris falls down onto them as another BOOM! Sounds overhead~
Smith: Okay, I’m being relayed information that Scruff has just told Meyhu and Vhodka that Plethora broke into the 7th Tier and he’s attacking PIC.
Hood: And…?
Smith: I think he’s given them the option to go straight up there to help ‘normalize’ the situation.
Hood: Does ‘normalize’ mean beat up Plethora?
Smith: Uh, yes, I think that’s what that means.
~Vhodka mulls the offer. Meyhu looks down at Scruff, “Do we both have to agree?” Scruff nods that, yes, both Meyhu and Vhodka have to go up there together, if that option is to be taken. Meyhu smiles, “Well, then I object.”~
Smith: Meyhu objects?
~Vhodka shakes her head, stifling a laugh. “Why go up there and fight three people? I’ll beat this woman real quick and then head up there and pick off what’s left of those two.” The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG booooo!!!~
Smith: Well, that’s pompous.
Hood: Hey, that’s Meyhu. It’s his nature. He thinks he’s better than everyone else because, well, he is.
thirteen
~He turns and smiles, winking at Vhodka. She fires off with a massive right hand across his face!!! Meyhu is ROCKED! He stumbles into a corner. Vhodka leaps onto him and rains down a fury of right hands into his face! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! The fans go wild! Meyhu shoves her off of him. He gets out of the corner...but only a few feet as Vhodka comes charging back, leaping up and taking Meyhu down with a CODEBREAKER!!!
Smith: There ya go, Vhodka! Don’t take that disrespect from him...I don’t care how big a legend he is!
Hood: Lay off him, witchy woman! He’s royalty!
~Meyhu is on all fours...shaken. Vhodka hits the ropes...she bounces off and flies toward Meyhu with a knee into the side of his head!! He flips over, holding his ear...his head ringing! Vhodka pops back to her feet...she runs into the ropes, leaps up and springboards off the middle rope with a lionsault!! BOOM! Right on top of Meyhu. She pops back to her feet and leaps into the air with a standing Shooting Star Press! She connects!! She kips back up and snares Meyhu’s legs...she jumps forward, holding and hooking Meyhu for a pin!!! The crowd is on their feet...Scruff slides in with the count~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: Meyhu kicks out!
Hood: Is this thing on some kinda advanced speed or is she really moving this fast?
Smith: That’s real time, Hood.
Hood: My god, somebody get some vodka in that woman to slow her down a bit.
~Vhodka is on her knees, shaking her head. Meyhu rolls away and scurries into a corner where he takes a seat, gasping for air, shocked. Vhodka pops to her feet and heads his way. He looks up...he puts his hand up, asking her to hold off. She stops for a second. Meyhu, in between gasps of oxygen, “Okay, I thought it over, and sure, we can go up there together and take out Plethora.” He extends his hand for her to take it...she kicks it away and starts stomping a mudhole in Meyhu!! The OCW PROUD AND STRONG go wild~
Smith: You already had that chance, Meyhu! Too late!
Hood: Oh come on, when THE CHAMP offers you his hand, you take it!
Smith: He only wants to do it now because she’s kicking his butt!
Hood: Yea because, well, she’s proven herself. He just wanted to make sure he wasn’t taking Melinda fuckin Rhodes up there.
~Vhodka finishes...Meyhu is down...barely moving! She’s fired up! But, her momentum gets halted when she hears a loud BOOM! overhead. She looks up to find more dust and cement particles falling down...the flames inside her chamber tremble. Another BOOM! We cut up to Tier 7...PIC is down in the center of the ring. Plethora stomps around the fallen OCW Champion. He then backs into the ropes, leans off them and dives at PIC...but PIC moves!! Plethora lands HARD on the mat! We cut back down to Tier 6...Vhodka ducks as some more debris falls from the ceiling, down toward her~
Smith: Nice evasion by PIC there but, for all Vhodka knows, the champ might be getting crushed.
Hood: It certainly sounds that way. I mean, you know that’s not PIC’s body causing all that havoc above.
Smith: Indeed.
~Vhodka kicks what fell out of the ring only to get run over from behind by Meyhu!!! The PROUD AND STRONG boo, disgruntled. Meyhu stomps on Vhodka...a little quid pro quo. You stomp me? I’ll stomp you! He then pulls her off the mat and tosses her over his shoulder, driving her down into the canvas with a Powerslam!!! Vhodka is down, aching in pain. Meyhu pops back to his feet...he winces, limps a bit, still feeling the impact from Vhodka’s earlier assault~
Smith: Oh come on! This foolishness with Plethora threw Vhodka off her game! That’s not fair!
Hood: Hey, it’s not like Meyhu isn’t down there risking the most valuable life in the history of the world along with her. If we lose Meyhu...we lose our future, Smith.
Smith: I don’t want anybody to lose their life in there...but that’s an exaggeration. I’m sorry.
Hood: Wow...so if something tragic ever happens to Meyhu we know where to begin the search.
~Vhodka rolls over, trying to get to her feet...but Meyhu grabs her around the waist, deadlifting her off the mat...he then falls back, slamming Vhodka on her head with a German suplex!! He lets go and kips up, just as easily as Vhodka did moments before. He spins around, looking down at Vhodka...she’s slow to get up. He grabs her by the arm, pulls her up and in tight...he then tosses her over with a Release Belly to Belly Suplex!!! Vhodka hits the mat hard and slides across the canvas into a corner...her legs sliding under the bottom rope...she sits up, hugging the bottom buckle. Meyhu charges in, leaps up and drives both knees into her back!! HUGE impact!!! He returns to his feet and drags her back into the center of the ring~
Smith: Well, this doesn’t look good for Vhodka.
Hood: Finally. Whew...thought she might actually beat THE CHAMP for a second there.
Smith: If this keeps up, Meyhu will be entering Tier 7 with PIC and Plethora staring him down.
~Meyhu bends down to grab Vhodka...but BOOM! Another major impact above. He stumbles back, feeling bits of cement fall and hit him in the neck. The flames inside Tier 6 tremble. We scroll up to find PIC on the wrong end of a bodyslam!! He’s on the mat, wincing in pain as Plethora slowly rises...the menace in full force~
Smith: Looks like Plethora halted PIC’s comeback.
Hood: What if Plethora just TAKES the title? Ya know, gets an unofficial win on PIC and leaves before Meyhu or Vhodka can get up there?
Smith: I...well, I mean. I guess that could happen.
Hood: Plethora plus THE POWER OF THE WIND is unstoppable!
~Plethora yanks PIC off the mat and holds him HIGH above his head...he press slams PIC into the mat!! Plethora then jumps up and drives an elbow into PIC’s sternum! We cut back to Tier 6 where Meyhu hears the accompanied BOOM! and stumbles back! As he does, Vhodka grabs him and takes him over with a roll up! Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
KICK OUT!
Smith: Whoa!
Hood: Champ! NO!
Smith: This is just way too distracting...for both competitors!
~Meyhu hurries to his feet...Vhodka rushes to hers. Vhodka throws a lariat at Meyhu...but he blocks it, grabs her arm and whips her into a corner...Vhodka runs front first into the buckles. Meyhu gets a head of steam and charges in...but Vhodka leaps up and throws a double mule kick back into Meyhu’s face, knocking him to the mat!!! She then leaps onto the top rope and turns around, facing the legend~
Smith: On the Rocks!
Hood: NO
~Vhodka leaps off with ON THE ROCKS!!! But Meyhu rolls out of the way!!! Vhodka hits the mat hard and gets to her feet, holding her midsection. Meyhu pops up and he grabs her~
Smith: Oh no...Ego Trip!
Hood: YES!
~But Vhodka elbows Meyhu in the head...both wrestlers stumble back, falling to a knee. As they do...BOOM!!! More impact from overhead...more debris falling to the mat. They gasp for air, chests heaving...they look at each other and then at Scruff~
Smith: We’re at a stale mate here, Hood.
Hood: Yes, it’s time for Vhodka to take her cash. It’s been a nice payday. Go back to wherever it is you compete and let Meyhu ascend to his throne.
Smith: Oh no, Hood. She’s in this to win this.
~Another loud BOOM! Meyhu rises. Vhodka rises. Scruff gets another update via his earpiece. He relays the message to both Meyhu and Vhodka. The PROUD AND STRONG are yelling, urging them to head up into Tier 7 to save PIC~
Smith: It sounds dire, Hood. Like PIC is done for if help doesn’t arrive.
Hood: Okay, Meyhu...agree to go up there with her and then on the way up, slam her head into the wall and leave her behind.
Smith: Absolutely not!
~Meyhu looks down at Vhodka...she’s made it VERY easy she’s a legit threat to beat him. She looks up at Meyhu, annoyed at his resistance to do the smart thing. Scruff says, “There’s nobody else up there. If Bifford pins PIC and takes the title...I don’t know what we can do about it.” Meyhu laughs, “Security is top notch, as always.” Vhodka eyes the OCW legend...she extends a fist. Meyhu looks down at it. The fans chant, ‘YES! YES! YES!’~
Smith: Do it, Meyhu! Work with her...work with her to help prevent that plague from returning to the top of OCW!
Hood: Kick her in the ovaries, Meyhu! Slap the tattoos right off her body!
Smith: That’d be one heck of a slap.
Hood: Oh, trust me, if anybody can slap that hard, it’d be Meyhu.
~Another BOOM! overhead. Meyhu extends his arm and he bumps fists with Vhodka!! The fans go wild!!! Scruff is like, “Alright, let’s go!” He leads the two world class competitors out of Tier 6 and into an opening which leads up into Tier 7~
Smith: They’re gonna do it! Vhodka and Meyhu are going to team together to help PIC vanquish Plethora!
Hood: What the fuck even is this? How did we come to this point?
Smith: Blame Bifford. Blame Plethora. He’s screwing it all up!
fourteen
~And, with that, we zoom on up to Tier 7 where PIC remains down. Plethora paces around the body of the OCW Champion. He’s got him right where he wants him. PIC rolls onto all fours...the champion is fighting, valiantly against a man three times his size and with approximately 1500 more murders to his name. Plethora kicks PIC in the ribs, sending him flipping onto his back, holding his insides and coughing. Plethora looks down, staring with those cold, dead eyes at the champ~
Smith: He put the cloak back on and, well, he appears more dangerous than ever.
Hood: That’s an understatement. PIC wasn’t prepared for this.
Smith: Nobody was. And folks, just so you know…we have officially move on to Tier 7. Once Meyhu and Vhodka get up there...it’ll be four competitors, all fighting to walk out OCW Champion.
Hood: Sudden death?
Smith: Sudden death.
Hood: Yikes.
~Plethora bends down, wrapping his giant hands around PIC’s throat. He starts to pick him up off the mat when, out of nowhere, Vhodka comes flying in with a Superman punch into Plethora’s head!!! Plethora stumbles, dropping PIC!!! He then gets kicked in the face with a big boot from Meyhu!!! Plethora staggers into the ropes, falling through them, onto the apron!!! The fans go wild!!!~
Smith: And help has arrived!
Hood: …
Smith: You okay?
Hood: Yea, just trying to figure out how Meyhu can quickly pin somebody here.
Smith: Stop!
~Vhodka checks on PIC. PIC looks up and sees the world famous face looking down at him and he sits up, shocked. He backs into a corner. Vhodka calmly follows. Meyhu keeps an eye on Plethora before turning around and heading toward PIC and Vhodka. PIC looks up and sees Meyhu...shock, at first, before he exclaims, “I knew it!” Vhodka extends a hand to help PIC up...Meyhu keeps his on his hips, looking down at the champ. PIC gets to his feet and leans back against the corner~
Smith: Now this is the trio I’ve wanted to see my whole life. What a team!
Hood: Oh, that’s no team. They’re just getting along for the moment so they can walk out with the OCW Title. They’ll sell each other out as soon as opportunity strikes.
~Meyhu chides, “Big guy a little rough on ya?” PIC just glares at the living, breathing piece of OCW royalty. “Don’t worry, the champ is here.” PIC steps to Meyhu, “Yea, I’ve been here.” Meyhu looks confused, “I think you’re confused. I’m the champ.” PIC pushes Meyhu back, “No, I’M the CHAMP!” Meyhu steps in but Vhodka gets in between the two, “Guys. The, uh, 600 lb monster across the ring?” She throws her head in that direction...Plethora is back in the ring, staring them down~
Smith: You might be right. Can PIC and Meyhu co-exist?
Hood: Not if PIC keeps insisting he be called the CHAMP. Who does he think he is?
Smith: The literal champion.
Hood: Bah!
Smith: Luckily, Vhodka is in there serving as the voice of reason.
~Meyhu holds PIC and Vhodka back. He’s got this. He rushes in on Plethora and throws lefts and rights at the giant, menacing murderer. But, Plethora grabs onto Meyhu and tosses him to the mat! Meyhu struggles back to his feet...Plethora grabs him and he slings Meyhu out of the ring...through the ropes and crashing into the cement wall!!! Meyhu hits hard! He’s down~
Smith: Wow.
Hood: Geezus, he just manhandled Meyhu.
~PIC advises Vhodka to stay back. Stay safe. Let the man handle this. He rushes in and flies through the air with a forearm!! He hits Plethora in the face!! Plethora stumbles back into a corner. PIC climbs onto the middle rope and starts beating on Plethora’s head...but Plethora wraps his arms around PIC...he charges forward and DRIVES PIC into the mat with a spinebuster!!! Plethora returns to his feet...he picks PIC up, hoists him over head and throws him out of the ring, into the cement wall! PIC hits HARD! He falls next to Meyhu~
Smith: …
Hood: Umm, yea, maybe we should just give the title to Plethora.
Smith: Vhodka, be careful, my dear.
~Plethora turns and stares Vhodka down...a face foreign to his menacing mayhem. She charges in...he throws a heavy clothesline...but she ducks and leaps onto the second buckle. Plethora spins around and Vhodka jumps off, spinning around with a shining wizard into Plethora’s head!!! Plethora staggers! The fans go wild!! Vhodka is back on her feet...she hits the ropes, bounces off and flies through the air with a knee into Plethora’s face!!! He drops to one knee!!! She leans back into the ropes, bounces off and jumps onto Plethora, grabbing his head for a DDT!!! But he rises...he hoists her up and he throws her out of the ring right on top of Meyhu and PIC!! The fans BOOOOOO!!! Plethora stands tall and dangerous inside the final ring of THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS~
Smith: Wow...she gave it her all but he still managed to toss her from the ring.
Hood: Meyhu. PIC. Vhodka woman. They don’t stand a chance, man. Something about this place. Something about THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS. It nurtures the wicked.
Smith: There’s a dangerous magic in there, no doubt. A magic that nearly carried Claudia to the top. A magic that now sees Plethora dominating four legendary competitors.
~Vhodka, Meyhu, and PIC gather themselves outside the ring. All huddled, kneeling on the concrete. It may be cold, but the temperature seems a distant threat to what’s waiting for them in the ring. “Okay, so I’ll get him into the ropes...and then we’ll get his arms locked up and he won’t be able to move anywhere,” Meyhu pitches this pretty smart idea. PIC, points toward the ring, “Yea, that might work...if he hadn’t just cut all the ropes loose.” Vhodka and Meyhu turn, staring at the ring. Plethora has retrieved his MIGHTY SCYTHE and sliced all three ropes loose...eliminating any usage of them moving forward. Vhodka blinks a few times, hardly able to digest what just took place, “And WHY does he have a scythe?” Meyhu and PIC look at one another, speaking a common language, they then answer her simultaneously, “Classic OCW, baby.” Vhodka nods, “Fair.”~
Smith: He’s got his scythe!
Hood: I guess he got tired of these smaller wrestlers jumping on and off those ropes to increase the impact of their offense. That AND he’s also aware of the possibility his fatass could get locked in the stupid things. It’s happened before.
Smith: In last year’s GREAT ILLUMINATUS, I believe.
fifteen
~Vhodka slaps both men in the chest, “Okay, look. Let’s just get in there, kick his ass and then...when he’s out of the match, every person for themselves.” PIC nods, liking that idea. They both look toward Meyhu. He hesitates. The other two are like, “Are you serious right now?” Meyhu finally acquiesces and says, ‘Fine.’ The trio bump fists and rise, heading back toward the ring where Plethora stands, holding his MIGHTY SCYTHE in one hand, and the body of an owl person in the other~
Smith: Best of luck to you three. Walking right into the clutches of death.
Hood: It’s like that scene in Armageddon when they are walking to the shuttle. Only with less Affleck.
Smith: Definitely less Affleck.
~The trio surround a corner. Vhodka hops onto the top buckle, perching herself atop, looking down at Plethora. PIC and Meyhu take each side. Plethora slings the body of the owl person at Vhodka...she leaps into the ring to dodge it. He reaches for her...but Meyhu and PIC lunge at him, jumping on Plethora and nailing him with fists! Vhodka attacks him, too, kicking and punching him from the front...all three are assaulting PLETHORA THE PERILOUS...until the beast within rages and he throws his arms up, sending all three tumbling back! They look up, stunned...he heads toward them, swinging his MIGHTY SCYTHE~
Smith: Watch out for the scythe!
Hood: Yea, no shit, captain obvious.
~Vhodka stumbles, trying to get to her feet. Plethora swings the SCYTHE at her...but Meyhu gets in the way, grabbing the SCYTHE with both hands, pushing back on Plethora, saving Vhodka. She looks up, surprised, pleasantly so. PIC jumps Plethora from behind, wrapping his arms around his head with a sleeper. Plethora staggers. Meyhu yanks and pulls the MIGHTY SCYTHE from Plethora’s arms and he tosses it backward...it sticks inside the back of the throne...it’s blade dug into the cushion and wood. Meyhu looks over and sees Vhodka at his side...she doesn’t have to say it, but it’s clear she’s grateful. Together, they rush at Plethora, punching him in the head while PIC continues to try and choke him out~
Smith: What is THIS? Matt Meyhu SAVING someone else?
Hood: He must’ve thought that was Bradley Carrington. It’s dark in there.
Smith: I think the man has changed, Hood.
Hood: ...if he wants positive commentary from me moving forward, he’d better not.
~Plethora shoves Meyhu and Vhodka down. He reaches back, trying to grab hold of PIC...but PIC knees Plethora in the kidneys...over and over...Plethora stumbles, dropping to one knee. His movements slow...he’s about to fall...when he suddenly reaches back, grabs PIC and tosses him over!! PIC lands on the mat, hard! Plethora gets to his feet...he looks down at PIC and is about to jump on him with Meyhu charges in with HUBRIS! A kick right into Plethora’s head!!! Plethora spins around! Vhodka dives in with a huge dropkick into Plethora’s head!!! He falls back to one knee! The PROUD AND STRONG faithful are going wild~
Smith: They’ve almost got him down!
Hood: It’s taking everything they’ve got!
Smith: C’mon, get him out of there! Save OCW from his wrath!
~Meyhu and Vhodka stay after him...but Plethora reaches up, grabbing them by their necks...he lifts them up and SLAMS them down onto the mat!!! Thunderous impact!! Before he can go back after them, PIC flies in with another flying forearm!!! Plethora staggers back, out of the ring! PIC kicks him and punches...he chops!! He drills Plethora in the gut with a straight kick and then lifts a knee into Plethora’s face...Plethora staggers into the wall, near the hole he made when he BURST on the scene. PIC grabs Plethora by his hood and he delivers right hand after right hand after right hand...Plethora falls to one knee, his head taking a beating~
Smith: Let’s go, PIC! Yes!
Hood: I’ll give it to the OTHER champ. He looks pretty fuckin good.
Smith: These two have a bunch of unfinished business, Hood. Plethora still isn’t over what happened back in December.
Hood: Yea? Well he should direct that anger at Strader. Or, even better, Zybala.
~Plethora shoves PIC back with such force, the OCW Champion stumbles all way into the ring, nearly tripping over the fallen ropes. He regains his balance and heads back toward Plethora...but Plethora rises with another owl person body in his arms...he starts swinging it at PIC like a bat! PIC jumps back, narrowly avoiding impact! He stumbles back toward the center of the ring...Vhodka and Meyhu get to their feet, alongside him. Plethora launches the owl person at them...they catch it in their arms, look at it and then toss it away...Plethora then charges at them, PIC goes flying back! His shoulder knocks Vhodka to the mat, she rolls away. But, he retains a hold of Matt Meyhu~
Smith: Can we at least get all the bodies of those owl people out of there? I’m sure they’ve got families.
Hood: Sure, you can just cross all that snow and deadly winds...break INTO the GREAT ILLUMINATUS...climb ALL THE WAY UP THERE and then FIGHT Plethora for them.
Smith: Well, I didn’t mean ME. I was thinking, maybe The Knife Man.
~A knife comes flying at Smith, sticking into the announce desk right next to him. Smith looks over, seeing The Knife Man staring at him~
Smith: Nevermind. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
~Meyhu punches and kicks at Plethora to fight him off...but Plethora headbutts Meyhu!! Meyhu stumbles into a corner. Plethora runs in and SQUASHES Meyhu against the buckles. He then grabs Meyhu and launches him across the ring, damn near to the other corner with a hip toss! Meyhu lands hard, arching his back in pain. Plethora rumbles toward Meyhu, running as fast as he can...he leaps up and drops a leg across Meyhu’s head~
Smith: Plethora implementing his heavy offense on the greatest wrestler that ever lived...according to some.
Hood: According to ALL
Smith: What if Plethora pins Meyhu to win THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS.
Hood: You should be tar and feathered for such heresy.
~Plethora snares Meyhu by the head...rising back to his feet, he brings Meyhu along. Meyhu struggles, trying to get free...but he’s pretty worn down. TIO and a brief match with Vhodka...plus Plethora’s attack. The Marvel isn’t looking good. Plethora hooks a sleeper...he ragdolls Meyhu around a bit before lifting him up and SLAMMING him into the mat. Plethora backs up...he runs forward and he this a HUGE splash!! He makes the cover!! Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
SHOULDER UP!!
Smith: Okay, Meyhu survives...but he nearly lost the OCW Title.
Hood: He won’t be the fall guy. He can’t be!
Smith: He’s looking like it right now!
~Plethora’s dead eyes stare at Scruff. He backs up and keeps his distance. Plethora snares Meyhu and pulls him off the mat. Matt tries to fight back but one clubbering forearm from Plethora stops all of that. He brings Meyhu in and hooks him. THE PLETH END!! He brings Meyhu up...he jumps in the air and comes CRASHING down with the Pleth End!!!!!! Meyhu goes limp! Plethora makes the cover!! Scruff slides in with the count~
1!
2!
3!!
NO!
~PIC dives in, breaking up the pin!! Plethora rolls off Meyhu. PIC stomps and stomps on Plethora...Meyhu slowly crawls into a corner. PIC leaps up and drives his foot into Plethora’s face!!! Plethora rolls over, holding his face in pain. PIC then heads over and checks on Meyhu. He helps Meyhu get out of the ring and harm’s way before turning back to face Plethora. Slowly, Plethora rises, returning to his feet~
Smith: PIC with the save.
Hood: Saved his OCW Title and Meyhu’s ass.
Smith: Yep. I’m sure Meyhu would do the same for PIC.
Hood: Oh yea, save the OCW Title. But I don’t think he gives a crap about PIC.
~PIC rushes forward, leaping into the air! Plethora catches him!! He’s got him in position for a bodyslam...but PIC rakes Plethora across the eyes! Plethora loses his grip. PIC hits the mat...Plethora slaps him in the face! PIC spins around and leaps up, smacking Plethora with a Pele Kick!! Plethora is stunned! PIC rushes for the nearest corner...he runs up the buckles and he leaps off with a moonsault...but Plethora catches him and drives him down with a shoulder breaker across his knee! He brings him back up, spins around and BAM!!! Another BIG powerslam!!! PIC is down, his arms and legs sprawled out. Plethora covers him...Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
Shoulder Up!!!
Smith: So close!
Hood: Plethora is fucking people up, man. He’s like Thanos if, ya know, Thanos collected fried chicken instead of infinity stones.
~Plethora returns to his feet, snaring PIC by the legs. But PIC kicks his legs up at Plethora...he nails him in the face!! Plethora stumbles around. PIC pops to his feet, he jumps up, wraps both legs around Pleth’s head!! But Plethora hoists PIC up for a powerbomb!! PIC fights, he tries to get free...his legs get loose! Plethora just tosses him forward, catches him and brings him down with THE PLETH END!!!!! The EARTH shakes! Plethora makes the cover!!!! Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
3!!!
Smith: I can’t believe it!
NO!
~Vhodka dives in, making the save!~
Smith: Vhodka with the save!
Hood: You sound like my ex wife whenever I was ‘in the mood’
Smith: Wow, kind of an overshare.
~She drags PIC’s body into a corner. He’s too heavy and it’s taking too much time to go any further. Plethora is back on his feet, his focus now entirely on Vhodka...the foreign member of his attackers. She doesn’t hesitate, going straight into war. She kicks him in the knee. And then the other knee. She repeats the process...Plethora drops to one knee. Vhodka re-positions herself and she starts throwing kick after kick into his face! The fans count along, going wild aboard the PROUD AND STRONG~
Smith: Look at her kick!
Hood: Yes, I have eyes, Smith.
~Plethora is reeling! Vhodka might have him! She steps back and throws a wicked roundhouse kick!! But Plethora ducks and pops up, grabbing Vhodka from behind and tossing her over his shoulders!!! He gets her into a Fireman’s Carry before falling back with a SAMOAN DROP!!! All his weight on top of Vhodka! Plethora isn’t finished...he holds onto Vhodka...he returns to his feet...he drops back onto the mat with ANOTHER Samoan Drop!!! This time he lays on her for the pin!!! We can barely see her under his extreme mass...Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
SHOULDER UP!
Smith: Wow. He’s nearly pinned all three legendary wrestlers, Hood.
Hood: Fuckin beast.
~Plethora turns, staring at Scruff. That’s FIVE nearfalls. This is getting kinda ridiculous. Scruff maintains it’s just a two count. Plethora is back on his feet...he pulls Vhodka off the mat and drapes her over his shoulder...he’s got her inverted, facing the ceiling...he brings her down and runs her into the corner once, twice, three times...FOUR TIME...and, a fifth and final time before spinning around and dropping her with THE PLETH END!!!! He holds on, Scruff slides in with the count...the fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG hold their breath~
1!
2!
…
3!!!!!
NO!
~PIC dives in, making the save! Scruff leaps up, holding two fingers! Plethora pops up, staring at Scruff...he then turns and sees PIC tending to Vhodka. The big man is angry~
Smith: PIC with the save...but, yea, I think Plethora has had enough of this.
Hood: He’s going from god mode to super god mode.
~Plethora stomps on the back of PIC’s head!! The champ falls to the mat! He stomps on Vhodka, kicking her out of the way. He grabs PIC and drags him into a corner...he rams his head into the top buckle over and over and over and over and over...he then drags him around the buckles and slams his face into the steel ring post!!! PIC’s legs wobble...he nearly falls...blood starts to run from his nose. Plethora drags him back to the corner where he shoves him down. PIC is seated against the buckles...Plethora takes a few steps back and he charges in, throwing his hip into PIC’s face!!! PIC’s neck is severely impacted! The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG all cringe! Plethora is back on his feet...he eyes PIC~
Smith: No, not again!
Hood: He’s going to straight murder three legends in one match. If that happens, just shut the place down. End it with Plethora as champ.
~Plethora charges forward and ANOTHER massive hip into PIC’s head!! Vhodka’s down. PIC is in terrible shape. Plethora is firing on all cylinders. He takes a few steps back, he’s looking for a third running, 600lb hip into PIC’s face. He charges forward...closer and closer...when SMACK!!!! He gets sideswiped! Bashed in the head with the OCW Title!!!! Plethora stumbles around. He slowly looks over to find Meyhu holding the OCW Title. Meyhu measures Plethora up and he runs forward and BAM!!!! Another belt shot!!! Plethora falls to the mat! Meyhu stands over him, holding the OCW title...a few fans yell out “PIN HIM!” Meyhu thinks about it~
Smith: Boy, if there were ever a chance for Meyhu…
Hood: Do it, Champ! DO IT!
~Behind Meyhu we see Vhodka looking up, watching him. She, like so many others, is expecting him to do what he’s always done...what’s in his nature. And, she’s prepared to strike if he does. Meyhu brings the title up and he looks into it...a two time OCW Champion. He rebuilt the image of that belt..a belt that played hop scotch for so long until Meyhu took it and refused to give it up~
Smith: One of the greatest champs in history, Hood.
Hood: THE greatest.
~Meyhu looks over, seeing PIC struggling to get up...blood running down his nose, over his mouth. Meyhu grips the title and he heads toward PIC. Behind him, Vhodka crawls closer...keeping a reachable distance from Meyhu, should he turn~
Smith: Oh no, don’t tell me he’s gonna hit PIC with his own belt!
Hood: Yes, end it the right way, Champ!
sixteen
~Meyhu stands over PIC...PIC looks up and...Meyhu reaches down, helping PIC up to his feet!! The PROUD AND STRONG go wild!!! Meyhu folds the title and hands it to PIC, “I believe this belongs to you, Champ.” PIC takes the title and looks up at Meyhu, thrown. A smile crosses his face as he tosses his title over his shoulder, “Ya know,” he coughs, struggling to breathe after Plethora’s assault, “contrary to popular belief, you’re not so bad...champ.” Meyhu chuckles and pats PIC on the shoulder. Vhodka enters, “You guys done sucking each other’s dicks?” Both men look at her, nonplussed. “What do you say we finish the big man off?” They look at her, nonplussed once again. “Yes, I know, phrasing...came out wrong. But, lets finish this, yea?” They nod and all three head over to finish Plethora to a HUGE ovation from the PROUD AND STRONG~
Smith: And it’s official...Meyhu is a changed man! He can be trusted!
Hood: Kinda makes me sick, to be honest. Really makes me pine for Syren...a man who, no matter how old, no matter how much shit he goes through, is still willing to harm the innocent and prey on the weak. I love him.
~Plethora slowly rises, seeing all three heading his way...he wobbles a bit. The PERILOUS ONE is beginning to fade. The three of them unload on Plethora with punches...Plethora stumbles back...he stumbles out of the ring, across the apron and onto the concrete. He shoves PIC back...the shoves Vhodka back...he grabs Meyhu and slings him forward, into the wall! Meyhu hits hard, falling to the ground. PIC tosses his title near Meyhu for safe keeping so he can attack Plethora unencumbered...the title lands near Meyhu...but he looks out...his head hitting the cement wall. PIC rushes forward with a superman punch into Plethora’s head!! Vhodka jumps up, smacking Plethora in the face with a knee! The two take turns punching him in the head~
Smith: Tremendous unity here by PIC and Vhodka!
Hood: Get up, Meyhu! Come on!
Smith: He’s falling behind, Hood. I’m not sure he can keep up with these three. He’s been out too long.
~Plethora yells out, grabbing both Vhodka and PIC and charging back toward the ring, shoving them against their will. They reach the ring and he slings them both to the mat, on their backs. But, they both kip up! The fans go wild!!! Meyhu looks up, watching...still groggy...he sees the dual kip up. PIC and Vhodka stay on Plethora. PIC hits Plethora with a dropkick!! Vhodka runs into a corner, she climbs and leaps off with a flying knee!!! Plethora staggers. PIC unleashes a SUPERKICK into Plethora’s face! The big man staggers and staggers and staggers~
Smith: The big man is about to fall!
Hood: Okay, PIC and Vhodka look real fucking impressive.
Smith: Right?
~Meyhu continues to watch PIC and Vhodka unleash their fast paced, hard hitting, precise arsenal on Plethora. They look every bit the part of what it takes to be an OCW Champion. PIC jumps up and hits Plethora with an enziguri! Vhodka smacks him in the face with a Bicycle Kick! PIC spins around and clobbers Plethora with a roundhouse kick!!! Vhodka backs up into the corner...she hops up on the middle rope and leaps off with SCREWDRIVER!!!! Plethora leans back...he waves his arms and BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!! He falls to the mat!!!! The fans go WILD!!!! “YES! YES! YES!” PIC heads for the corner, Vhodka backs up, pointing at him. PIC gets to the top...he looks down at Plethora and he leaps off with THE END RESULT!!!! BAM!! Right on top of Plethora!!! The beast is down! He’s not moving!! PIC pops up to his feet...he looks around...Vhodka looks around...they spot the open passage way...they each grab a leg and start to drag Plethora’s giant carcass...they look up and see Meyhu. They urge him to come help~
Smith: They’ve taken Plethora out!
Hood: Simply unbelievable. Those two...wow.
Smith: I can’t wait to see who prevails between Vhodka and PIC. And Meyhu.
~Meyhu hurries over, tossing the OCW title ahead of them. He grabs Plethora’s arms and the trio drag him out of the ring, across the apron and onto the concrete...they all get to one side and grunt and yell as they roll all 600lbs of this monster through the opening. They take a moment to catch their breath...Vhodka snaps her fingers, pointing at the giant cement door. The trio get behind the door and they push with all their might, slowly it starts to slide~
Smith: They’re going to seal him away in that chamber, ensuring he’s DONE for the night!
Hood: Smart. You can’t beat him, so just trap him. Nullify his existence.
Smith: Indeed.
~They push and push...Meyhu, PIC and Vhodka...and...SLAM!! The door is shut!! The fans go wild!!! Plethora is sealed away...unable to compete any further inside THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS. Vhodka and PIC smile, both leaning over to catch their breath~
seventeen
~Vhodka turns around to thank Meyhu when...BAM!!!!~
Smith: WHAT?!
Hood: ohhhhh man...fuck YES
~Meyhu drops her with a belt shot!!! Vhodka is down! PIC looks up, unaware of what’s happened. As soon as he looks up, SMASH!!! Meyhu drops him with a belt shot!!! The fans aboard the PROUD AND STRONG booooo!!!!!! Meyhu drags the title...he grabs PIC by the arm and drags him into the ring. He stops in the center of the ring, laying the title down on the mat, face up. He looks into the camera...the man is very conflicted~
Smith: No, Matt, no. You’re better than this!
Hood: I knew it! I knew you still had it in you, CHAMP!
~Meyhu pulls PIC up...he hooks him. The fans continue to boo!!! But, he can’t hear them...and, even if he could, I don’t think it’d matter. He swiftly drops PIC face first onto the OCW Title with EGO TRIP!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Meyhu rolls PIC over and he makes the cover, hooking the leg. Scruff slides in~
1!
2!
….
3!!!!!!!!!!
Smith: NO!!!
Hood: He did it! He fucking did it!
Belvedere: Here is your winner...AND NEW OCW CHAMPION...“THE MARVEL” MATT MEYHU!!!!!
~Meyhu sits up and snags the OCW Title out from under PIC. He gets to his feet and slings it over his shoulder. He looks into the camera and sighs...he shrugs and says, “That’s why I’m the CHAMP.” Looking over at Vhodka. Then down at PIC. It might be said the man appears to feel remorse...and, well, I’d be inclined to believe it. Yet, victory trumps all. Meyhu takes his tired, beat up body out of the ring and through another exit, freshly opened. He pauses before entering the darkness...taking one final look at what he’s done...at PIC and Vhodka...before turning back ahead and leaving THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS~
Smith: I can’t believe it! He earned their trust, Hood. THEIR TRUST...and then he goes and does that!
Hood: It’s THE GREAT ILLUMINATUS, Smith. Trust no one.
Smith: He just USED them until Plethora was out of the way. He hasn’t changed one bit!
Hood: Oh, no, I think he fully intended on helping them out and holding up his end of the bargain...until, well, until he saw how badass they were. He’s rusty, man. It’s been three years. He did the math...he wasn’t beating PIC and Vhodka after Plethora was gone. He just wasn’t.
Smith: So, why not try, like a true competitor?
Hood: Because he’s NOT a competitor, Smith. He’s a fucking winner.
~Scruff drops down to check on PIC, his nose bloodied and his head battered from the belt shots. He then heads over to look at Vhodka...she’s starting to come to, but obviously still reeling from the OCW Title shot to the head~
Smith: Meyhu might have been able to escape tonight via...means. But the word will be out, Smith. Nobody is going to trust him moving forward.
Hood: So? He’s the king. He’s the CHAMP. What does he care?
Smith: And he’s got Harmon Egan in four weeks. They don’t come any more dangerous...in any better shape...any more prepared for main event war than ‘Harmony’. And you know Egan saw this...he won’t be cutting Meyhu ANY slack.
Hood: Bah, that’s then. This is now! I’m going to go party VIP style with Meyhu and...well, who cares who else! It’s 2018 all over again, baby! LONG LIVE THE MARVEL!
Smith: Well folks, I don’t know where this all leads. But I do know PIC won’t be satisfied. His first pinfall due to crap like that. Plethora is back on the prowl which means we’re all in danger. And Vhodka...so close to winning the OCW Title. I’d like to think we’ll see her again.
Hood: Yea yea, lots of nice participation trophies. But the night belongs to Meyhu. LONG LIVE THE MARVEL!
Smith: You already said that. Anyway, fans...we hope you enjoyed this year’s GREAT ILLUMINATUS. Matches. Returns! Debuts! Shocks! Surprises! And a new OCW Champion! That does it for us here in Antarctica...we’re all gonna go and get some rest. But, when we return, we’ll return to you LIVE from back home in Key West for Massacre in 8 days!
Hood: Party time!
Smith: For Hood, I’m Smith saying so long everybody!
~We get one final shot of PIC on his knees in the ring, shaking his head. Should have never trusted Meyhu. Vhodka sits up against the wall, holding her head...she, too, is frustrated. PIC slams his fist into the mat, furious. He leans his forehead against it, his arms flexed, his muscles locked...he wants to tear this structure down with his hands...we freeze on the angered, brooding former Champion as we slowly fade out~