Hallowed Ground - November 19th, 2017 [Results]

The Elysium signature plays and then we cut to a shot of a battlefield, the scene is painted with a blue hue. The camera shows one side of the desolate area and we see a pair of boots step onto the dirt. The camera pans up to show SHIDO with a smirk on his face.

Voiceover: Opportunity does not care about your plans.

The camera speeds to the opposite end of the area and we see Vitoly Volkov walk into frame, smoking a cigar. Volkov drops it at his feet and crushes it under his foot. The we see the reflection of SHIDO in Volkov’s sunglasses.

Voiceover: Opportunity does not care about readiness.

In the middle of the field we see a silhouette walk forward. In one hand he has a flag that is adorned with the Badd Breed logo. On the opposite shoulder he holds the Elysium World Championship. This is Erik Holland. Holland looks across the field to SHIDO and then over to Volkov. Those two men then advance towards him.

Voiceover: Seize your opportunity. Ready or not.

SHIDO and Volkov come to the middle of the field and they stand on either side of Holland. Holland scoffs and plants the flag into the dirt. With that we get the Hallowed Ground logo and we cut to the inside of the STAPLES Centre in Los Angeles.



The cameras scan the crowd and we are sold out. The fans are hype, the fans are rowdy and they are showing it like only Los Angeles can. After all of the pyro and ballyhoo we don’t go to ringside, we are cut off by “Half Lit” by Single Mothers hitting the p.a. Los Angeles pops as the tron comes to life with a familiar “F” logo.

The song plays for a few bars and then “The Buffalo Butcher” Finale steps out onto the stage. Finale is dressed casually, wearing a black henley longsleeve shirt and blue jeans. Finale walks to the ring without his usual theatrics. As Finale enters the ring a graphic takes over the screen.



Finale enters the ring and Robin O’Ryan hands him a microphone from ringside. The music dies down and Finale moves to the center of the ring.

Finale: What the fuck is up L.A.?

Los Angeles pops, naturally.

Finale: I’m not gonna take up too much time out here but I felt that it was necessary to start off our second i-pay per view with a little explanation. Some of you may now that my brother, The Founder of Elysium Kelly Godless went missing almost two weeks ago. He still has not been found...

A small “WHERE IS GODLESS?” chant starts up but dies when Finale goes to speak again.

Finale: Unfortunately, that matter is in the hands of the police now. Whether I like it or not there is nothing more I can do to help him. But what I have done to help is I have taken control of Elysium in his absence. This company does not disappear just because my brother did.

A big cheer and ovation from the audience.

Finale: That being said, I do things a little differently. I try not to be cryptic, I don't hold back. I believe in making every event as big as possible. Tonight starts a new chapter in Elysium’s legacy. Before we get to the amazing card that we have for you tonight I have two announcements.

The audience buzzes with speculation, Finale milks it because that’s what he does.

Finale: Starting on Frontline Episode Five we will begin a tournament. That tournament will see eight teams compete to crown the first ever Elysium Tag Team Champions. Starting on Frontline Episode Five we will see the first qualifying matches in the Elysium Tag Team Grand Prix.

The audience pops huge for that announcement and Finale looks more than pleased with himself.

Finale: Yeah I figured you would like that one so this next announcement may be a little underwhelming...maybe even disappointing. I don’t fucking know, you people are fickle. Anyway, with my new duties as President of Elysium I will not be able to do color commentary with Thad Balk. So allow me to introduce to you the new color commentator for Elysium Pro Wrestling...Filth Murphy!

“Molly’s Lips” by Nirvana cues up and the Seattle native Filth Murphy walks down the ramp carrying a dossier. He is wearing a tie but aside from that he is wearing an Alice In Chains t-shirt and ripped jeans. Guy looks like an off brand version of Raven. Murphy takes his seat at the announce table.

Finale: Alright kiddos that’s it for me. Let’s get to the god damn show...naptime is ooooover!

“Half Lit” cues up again and Finale exits the ring, we cut to ringside with the new broadcast team of Thad Balk and Filth Murphy.

Thad Balk: Ladies and gentlemen my name is Thaddeus Balk and I am here beside my new broadcast partner Filth Murphy. Welcome aboard Filth.

Filth Murphy: Thanks man. I’m super happy to be here. I was about to be evicted from my apartment but Godless went missing and Finale had an opening! The lord works in mysterious ways.

Thad Balk: Well I’m going to pretend that you are not insinuating that Godless going missing is a good thing. Normally we would run down the card at this point but we have been waiting for this show for weeks. I say that we just get to it, does that work for you Filth?

Filth Murphy: I’m just happy to be in a building with heat. Let’s get to it!

Cut backstage to everyone's favorite interviewer, Yuki Kita. She is holding a microphone in her left hand as she stares directly into the camera. She smiles briefly before beginning to speak.

Yuki Kita: Yuki here. I'm backstage at the massive Staples Center, covering Hallowed Ground all night on twitter and Elysium.com. Joining me now is current SKYFIRE Champion and the man they call "The Infinity Warrior"....Kevin Moss!

Moss walks into the shot and stands next to Yuki. He's dressed in his ring gear and wearing his SKYFIRE Championship with a towel wrapped around his neck. He smiles at Yuki, who returns the expression. She continues.

Yuki Kita: Kevin, everyone is anxiously awaiting your match tonight as you look for revenge against F.M. Young. We all want to know, what is going through your mind right now?

Kevin shakes his head and scratches his chin for a moment before answering the quesiton.

Kevin Moss: I have been waiting for this match for a few weeks now and finally the night is here. But before I continue, let me give a huge shout out to Los Angeles. I have a lot of friends, family, and fans here tonight and I couldn't be more excited to compete in front of them. Now, moving on to my opponent. F.M. Young made a bunch of ridiculous comments about me and my character. I think she is struggling to grasp reality at this point. She is so upset about the state of her career that she's not even making sense anymore. If I'm being honest, I'm starting to feel bad for her.

Yuki Kita: Care to elaborate on that?

Kevin Moss: She has fallen into the trap that so many before her have struggled with. Everyone wants to accuse me of being "fake," but I have been nothing but consistent since I started in this business. Sooner or later they all realize that I'm not pretending at all. I approach every situation the same way and I think a lot of people are jealous of my success. Most want to find a short cut in this business, but that's not the right approach. Who is the one that has changed? F.M. Young was a completely different person when she was training with me. If she wants to find someone who is fake or inconsistent, she should look into a mirror. Because at the end of the day, I don't need her approval. I don't need to change her. All I can say is that if she keeps going down this path, she will continue to struggle in her career.

Yuki Kita: So how do you see your match playing out tonight?

Kevin Moss: I think we will stand across the ring from one another and once the bell sounds, we are both going to give everything we have. If she tries to take a short cut against me or find the easy way out, I'll shut her down immediately. Like all my matches, I'm walking in with tremendous confidence. I trust my game plan and preparation. Anyone who has trained with me knows that my work ethic is second to none. If F.M. Young didn't notice that, then she wasn't paying attention at all. When it is all said and done I will still be the same guy. If Young suffers another loss, she will probably snap and lose her mind completely. Either way, this ends tonight.

Yuki Kita: Well you have certainly been impressive since arriving in Elysium. Where do you go after tonight? What can we expect from Kevin Moss going forward?

"The Infinity Warrior" rubs his hands together as a smile comes across his face.

Kevin Moss: It's funny you should ask. I was waiting for tonight to share my upcoming plans. It was recently announced that there will be a World Tag Team Grand Prix starting soon. Along with my success as a singles wrestler, I have also done very well in a tag setting. I made a list of potential partners and after careful consideration, I have found the perfect person. Not only did I find myself a partner, but I have found someone to join me in what I like to call "The Infinity Revolution." So, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my partner. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you..."The Heart of Infinity" Alyssa Daniels!

Alyssa walks into the shot with a smile on her face. She is still a bit winded from her match that just took place. She uses her hand to brush her hair away from her face. Kevin steps aside and allows Alyssa to stand next to Yuki. "The Heart of Infinity" switches her attention to the camera before speaking.

Alyssa Daniels: When I went to train with Kevin this past week, we trained physically and mentally. As we trained, we realized that we share a vision as it relates to the wrestling world. We see that ring as a chessboard. We move and counter-move with our opponents not only to put on a show for these great fans but to create a technical masterpiece. It's sort of an old school line of thought at this point, but I'm an old school kind of girl! I've watched wrestling from before I was even born. I remember when... For example, two cruiserweights would move around the ring at breakneck speed, flipping and twisting, dodging incoming blows while preparing blows of their own. I remember when two submission artists would twist each other up like pretzels and really work the ground game to perfection, maneuvering to gain leverage and position. And there are so many fun combinations you can make from that! But today's wrestling seems more about cheap shots, dirty tricks, and merciless beatings. We want to go back to the purity wrestling once had, where two competitors shook hands after a hard fought match and went back to the drawing board to get better. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe we can change everyone but to change the world, you must first be that change. We are that change. We are "The Infinity Revolution" and we will return the artistry to that ring starting with this Tag Team Grand Prix Tournament!

Yuki Kita: Those are lofty goals! Do you really think you can achieve that?

Alyssa Daniels: I can't get caught up in whether or not I fail or I'm guaranteed to fail. All I can say is that we'll do our best!

Yuki Kita: What about you, Kevin? Do you think you can change the wrestling world as we know it today?

Kevin Moss: Like Alyssa said, there are no guarantees when it comes to this. All we can do is work toward our goals and try to make as much positive change as we can. Just listen to my partner when she speaks. This is a person who has their head in the right place. If we continue to train like we have been, there is no doubt in my mind that we will be serious contenders for the Tag Team Championships. We all saw what Alyssa can do inside the ring and later tonight, it will be my turn to showcase my skills. Consider this a warning to anyone who wants to play dirty. "The Infinity Revolution" is alive in Elysium and with the support of the fans, there is nothing we can't achieve.

Helena Handbasket is walking the halls backstage, her trusty golf club over her shoulder long loose leather jacket hanging off her frame, obscuring her ring gear. After a couple of moment, she's flanked by K-Remix from out of frame.

Helena Handbasket: Yo, Mix! Good to see my boy, and thanks for doing me this solid. The two of us, we oughta stick together...Though if you think this means I won't be back to kicking your ass in Overwatch tomorrow. You's has another thing coming, we've gotta celebrate right after this, after all.

K-Remix: You only beat me that one time because my controller messed up. I told you that the remains of a Frito got wedged in there and severely decreased my controller's responsiveness. It happens, it's science. Look it up. And then that other time was because of lag.

Helena Handbasket: Sounds to me like somebody is going through the 5 stages of video game grief. It'll be a lot better for everybody if you just accept that I've got a level of finger prowess that you could never hope to achieve.

K-Remix: I can totally pull of button combinations and react faster than you can.

Helena Handbasket: Mix, ya know, it's not always about speed. Let's just up up down down left right left right B A start. Our way until you get to the acceptance stage shall we? Just say I'm better than you at Overwatch one time. You'll feel better, I promise.

K-Remix looks on in silence.

Helena Handbasket: C'mon.

K-Remix: Fine you're better than me at Overwatch.

Helena Handbasket: I can't believe you actually said it!

Helena pulls her phone out of her pocket and plays back K-Remix saying that she was better than him at Overwatch.

Helena Handbasket: That's going online as soon as I get home. I might even hook that up to my doorbell.

K-Remix: I do not feel better.

Helena Handbasket: Well, I do so we should chalk that up as a win and move on. As for what we have going on right now. Look, Job's simple, just wait by the curtain and if you see Taimi....Tiami?.....Tammy?....One of these day's I'mma learn to say that properly.

Helena breaks out into a peal of laughter, steadying herself against K-Remix's shoulder. She lifts her goggles up, tucking them away in her coat after a moment

Helena Handbasket: We both know I won't. Look, just make sure if she tries to rush the ring, she has an accident....Like falling down a flight of punches, much with the kicking and such. Thanks, B-T-W. The 'Breed's' only dangerous in number and I've got a plan for that. I'll stand ringside or curtain side and keep anything Maddison Fitzpatrick or Liza Capa-Minnelli shaped from giving the future former Hybrid Champion any expensive hooker heel tipped legs up in the beating you department. You've got this on Lit Lock dude.

K-Remix: Wait? Did you just combine The Badd Breed and The Uprising? Don't do that, that's probably on the same level of evil as feeding a Mogwai after midnight. The next thing you know we're going to have Breed Risings and Up Badds running around all over the place.

While K-Remix is speaking and pacing back and forth being very animated. Helena falls out of the frame.

K-Remix: It'll be utter chaos I tell you, UTTER CHAOS!

As the camera focuses on the suddenly solo Remix he runs directly into Helena from the other side of the frame. This time, she seems to lack her golf club and her jacket is sitting on a pallet behind her. Silently she picks it up and hands it to Remix, then boosts herself up on a chair with one casual leg up. Helena winks at K and leans in at face height with him, she reaches behind him and pulls her golf club out of the back of his jacket. Handbasket leans in and kisses his cheek, hopping her off her perch she gives him a two fingered salute. Helena walks over to the entrance ramp curtain leaving Remix a little confused.

K-Remix: What just happened?

K-Remix shakes his head and pulls a Nintendo 3DS from his pocket as he mutters to himself.

K-Remix: Ah well, that's just Helena being Helena I guess. Anyway, it's time for look out duty.... And a little bit of Pokemon Ultra Sun!

We cut to the backstage area as Uprising is just entering the building. Liza and Madison are side by side as Ryleigh Mathis is standing front and center. Her right shoulder displays the Hybrid Championship as she snarls at the backstage agents.

Ryleigh Mathis: Tonight, I will retain this belt. K-Remix will realize that you don’t shake a hornet’s nest.

Uprising continues walking down the hall when one of the reporters stop them.

Liza Capernick: Do you have a death wish?

Liza asks the reporter as Ryleigh shakes her head.

Ryleigh Mathis: Don’t answer. We already know the answer. Tonight, an Uprising begins. K-Remix will be the first victim.

Madison takes over the microphone.

Madison Fitzpatrick: Consider yourselves warned.

Ryleigh snaps her fingers as the trio leave the area.

The course of the show wears on, and we now arrive at the camp of the Badd Breed, specifically the Heavyweight Champion of the World, Erik Holland, with the belt in one hand and Tiami Erickson in the other. He's looking at her, specifically, though, and doesn't really give much of a shit about the camera. Not sure if he ever has.

Erik Holland: Here we are. Here we are, Ti, here we are. Where I've wanted to be since the match was signed. Since it was CHANGED.

I'm done with the Twitter shit, I'm done with getting in front of cameras and doing everything except fighting. Know why?

Because the Badd Breed have gotten our hooks in here. Godless threw his dice with US, and it's paid dividends for his division. Not only with me being the World Champion, but you, Ti..You taking the Iron Champion to task, Gile making moves...

Tiami Erickson: You saw potential in me Erik and you have let me showcase exactly what I can do. Godless sees potential in The Breed and he lets us showcase it any way he sees fit to.

Ti places a soft kiss on Erik's lips, smiling softly.

Tiami Erickson: We have dominated the industry and this show is no different. We will continue to do what we set out to do.

Erik unwinds himself from Ti, the only reason really being he's fired up now.

Erik Holland: When I go out there tonight I carry you two with me. I carry The Badd Breed with me. I carry every kid who bought a t-shirt, flag, bandana, whatever else. I carry everything and everyone that BELIEVES in this movement and this vision!

Erik smiles, walking towards Seth Gile with the belt on his arm.

Erik Holland: We will cement FOREVER, tonight, the Badd Breed and Elysium Pro Wrestling. SHIDO is going to try, he's going to make a great attempt and he'll be defiant in the doing of it. But he will FAIL. Volkov will employ every bit of his power and his ferocity but HE WILL FAIL. I've put my body and mind on the line for this championship, and all they're asking of me, all they DEMAND of me is to do it again. Simple as that.

The Sergeant at Arms smiles confidently.

Seth Gile: And you'll do it for us, and for all of those people looking towards you as the future!

Gile puts a hand on Holland's shoulder.

Seth Gile: So go out and do it.

Erik turns to Ti.

Erik Holland: I'm going to remind you now, Ti. No matter WHAT happens out there. We have this, and I will love you always.

Ti brushes her hair back, grabbing both of his shoulders and looking him square in the eyes.

Tiami Erickson: Okay, we'll do mushy later. So for now I just gotta' say that I love you so much, that my head's going to fly off. But in the meantime; Game on, boyfriend! Let's go!

Erik doesn't respond with words, merely with...not so much a smile but an intense gritting of teeth. He slaps Ti on the behind and adjusts the belt on his shoulder one more time, then stomps out the door. Ti, taken aback by Erik's intensity looks at Gile who is smiling as he sidles up next to her.

Tiami Erickson: He's ready.

Back to ringside we go.

Cut to the backstage area of the Staples Center, as we can see Anthony Xavier talking to some members of the road crew.

Anthony Xavier: Good job out there guys. You're excellent.

He looks around and sees the cameraman.

Anthony Xavier: Oh, can you... Alright, I guess I do have something to say!

He's still wearing his gear, and he's carrying the Iron Championship on his shoulder.

Anthony Xavier: Man, I'm really proud of myself, you know? Third defense, and all that. This is a great day for me, if you must know. I've fought in so many places around the world, from Chile to China and back to Chattanooga, wrestling is my life, and I couldn't be more happy to be here, tonight, as a winner and as a champion.

There's a big smile on his face as he is talking.

Anthony Xavier: I've made it so far, you know? A lil' kid from Birmingham, Alabama, who was eight years ago just helping out to clean a wrestling ring after a show, that kid is the Elysium Iron Champion. The guy who goes out there every week to fight some of the best of the best, all for the right of holding this belt. It's just, incredible. But this isn't just my accolade, this belongs to everyone who's decided to give me a chance by supporting me and what I do.

Anthony puts his hand over his heart.

Anthony Xavier: So, from the bottom of my heart, I can only thank the fans sooo much for sticking with me. I might not be the coolest dude in the roster, might not have the most... interesting character, but golly, I don't think anyone can say I don't work hard. And that's 24/7, brother.

He smiles and looks at the title once again.

Anthony Xavier: And I guess this is what this title represents, right? That hard work and being constant always pays off. I've been doing this for so long, this is all I know how to do. My life is wrestling, in more ways than just one. So, for me, to be here, in the Staples Center, seeing thousands and thousands of people cheering me and supporting me? Oh man, that's just the best thing in the world. Can't thank you enough.

Xavier looks up and puts his hand on his chin.

Anthony Xavier: So, what's next for this old dog? Who knows who's next? We'll just have to wait and see. But I'll definitely be doing some of that waitin', and I'm gonna keep on defending this title for as long as I can. See you guys soon!

With the match over and Ryleigh Mathis gone from ringside K-Remix remains in the ring. With the Hybrid Championship draped over his shoulder. He calls for a mic and one is tossed to him by the ring crew.

K-Remix: You know, ever since I was booked in my match with Ryleigh Mathis I've kinda had tunnel vision. However that's really what you have to do. If you want to give yourself the best chance to succeed then you have to try to block out everything else. Well, now that it's over and I'm your new Hybrid Champion. There are a couple of things I want to get off of my chest. 

K-Remix looks out into the crowd for a moment. He seems to be collecting his thoughts before speaking. 

K-Remix: First of all, Sarah Lacklan. We had a hate, hate relationship. It was a fun hate relationship though. Plus, she was totally crushing on me. So, to find out what happened to her was completely jarring. The woman was one of the top talents in Elysium and she was taken from us in the blink of eye. By some coward outside of a football game no less. That's beyond sad. The last I had heard, her condition wasn't the greatest. However she's a fighter, I've had bruises to prove that. Hopefully she pulls through all of this and is one day able to make it back here. I'll be waiting for my rematch Sarah, that's for damn sure. 

The crowd cheers and starts up a Sarah Lacklan chant. Remix allows it to go on for a moment and die down before continuing. 

K-Remix: Oh and one more thing for Sarah. Even if you had competed here tonight I'd have been a champion in Elysium before you so... BOOYAH! Then there is the other blow that the Elysium family took. The disappearance of Kelly Godless. Some people hate the man. Usually ones who threw tantrums because they didn't get their way. There were decisions he made that I agreed with. Then there were decisions he made that I didn't agree with. Regardless, my level of respect for Kelly Godless is through the roof. More so than that of any owner that I've ever worked for. He saw something in me and he set out to cultivate it. The man booked me against every person he thought would be a tough a opponent for me. And because of that I was able to put everything I learned together. In order to capture the Hybrid Championship. So Godless, if you're somehow seeing this. Thank you, and I hope you make it back soon. 

The crowd now breaks into a "Give us Godless" chant. Remix once again waits for the chant to die down before continuing on. 

K-Remix: Now with all that sentimental stuff off of my chest. Helena Handbasket is waiting for me in the back and we're going to go celebrate. So, and I'm going to enjoy saying this. HYBRID CHAMPION OUT! 

Undeniable by Seckond Chaynce begins blaring throughout the arena as K-Remix makes his way to the backstage area.

Robin O’Ryan: The following contest is your Hallowed Ground main event and it is for the Elysium Pro Wrestling World Championship.


"The Crown of Evermore" by Valor cues up and Vitoly Volkov stomps out on to the stage. Volkov surveys the crowd with a cold glare before he marches to the ring.

Robin O’Ryan: Introducing first from Moscow, Russia, weighing in at 245lbs., “The God Tier” Vitoly Volkov!

Once within the confines of the ropes Volkov stomps around the ring and then beats his chest, letting out a loud growl in process.

Robin O’Ryan: Introducing second…

A hum spans out among the arena; the lights start to die down to a somber fixture.

"Honeythief" by Halou, the song that beckons the arrival of the confusing entity known as SHIDO greets the audience. The softly spoken lyrics accompany SHIDO as he strolls onto the stage, lackadaisical in presence and body language. He presents himself onto the stage, standing at the edge with his head titled to the side. A single floodlight shines underneath, helping shadows crawl up his body and shroud pieces of his body. It illuminates the shining white jacket, also showing the bits of black paint that display the controlled chaos that is his mind. He starts down the ramp, rocking his head to the side. The lyrics' intensity explode, the instrumentals pick up, but not does SHIDO’s external energy. An awkward grin looms on his face, offsetting the lack of vision on his eyes. The lighting starts to cycle through dark purples and soft whites until he makes it down to the end of the ramp.

Robin O’Ryan: ...from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, weighing in at 232lbs., “The Edge of Reality” SHIDO!

SHIDO drags himself onto the ring apron, relaxing on it. He lowers his body down, hanging by his arm on the rope. When he hits the apron, he stretches all the way out and slides into the ring. As he lies there, he contemplates getting up. When he does, he establishes an eerie pace until he's upright. The lights flash brighter to show SHIDO in all of his glory. He times his final stance in the ring with his arms out. SHIDO brings his arms upward, stretched out as a spotlight casts onto him. His arms continues to rise upward to the now dying spotlight until he's completely immersed in darkness. When the lights come back up, Shido has positioned himself on the bottom rope, using it as a seat.

Robin O’Ryan: And now…

The lights vanish. The crowd is on their feet, wondering what is going on.

THE NEXT STEP IN EVOLUTION IS A MACHINE

A MACHINE THAT CAN THINK [AND] FEEL

SURVIVING...IS [ALL] THAT WILL MATTER

After a few long moments, a pulsating and punishing salvo of Fear Factory's guitars and drums assault every one of our senses, with strobe lights blazing in time in red and white. We can see the silhouette of Erik Holland on the top of the stage, pacing back and forth, shaking his head, arguing with himself, tugging at his hair, generally just working himself and the crowd into a frenzy before he stomps toward the ring at an accelerated pace.

Sever mortality from existence

Disconnect the chains of fate

Disrupt and disobey

Disobey

The strobes stop and explode into a cacophony of red and white searchlights as Erik Holland is seen fully now, yelling about what violent things he's going to do as he bounces from one side of the entrance ramp to the other, pinging off the crowd like a pinball.

Disconnect and circuit break

Impulse to eliminate

ELIMINATE

He arrives at ringside and circles the ring one and a half times before jumping on the apron facing the hard camera, staring out to the vast expanse in a crouch before he ducks through the ropes into the ring. Heading to one turnbuckle, he hops up on the second rope and throws his arms out to welcome the roars of the crowd.

AM

A 

WEAPON

OF 

HUMAN

DESIGN

Erik is now seen slumping in the corner, back against the second pad and ass on the mat, glowering up at the camera from behind his entrance mask.

Robin O’Ryan: ... from Silent Hill, representing The Badd Breed, weighing in at 265lbs., he is the Elysium Pro Wrestling World Champion, “The Weapon of Human Design” Erik Holland!

Holland reaches up and peels the mask off, yelling something we can't hear over the music and cheering at the cameraman before he slings the mask into the crowd and pulls himself up onto his feet with help from the ropes, ready to begin the match.


The bell sounds and Holland almost immediately goes for SHIDO but the latter decides to see what is going on outside the ring. SHIDO walks around ringside with his back to Holland and this gives Volkov the opportunity to charge like a bull and smash Holland with a forearm shot to the back of the head. Holland stumbles forward but then turns and catches Volkov with an uppercut that staggers The God Tier backward. Holland rushes Volkov and smashes him with a lariat.

Filth Murphy: Look Todd, SHIDO is coming to see us.

Thad Balk: My name is not Todd, Murphy.

Filth Murphy: Yeah I know!

Outside the ring SHIDO has approached the commentary table. SHIDO leans on the announce table and whispers something to Filth Murphy. SHIDO then casually watches the action, yawning. In the ring Holland has Volkov mounted and Holland is keeping Volkov grounded with some forearm smashes. Holland gets Volkov up and then plants him with a swinging neckbreaker.

Thad Balk: I can not say that this is not a good strategy on the part of SHIDO.

Filth Murphy: He just told me that he is going to win. Fuck, wait I shouldn’t have spoiled that. My bad.

Thad Balk: He will have to earn it.

Both men in the ring are back up and Volkov tries to halt Holland’s momentum with a hard shot to the mid-section. Volkov hits the rope and comes charging back at Holland but Holland duck underneath a clothesline attempt, hits the opposing ropes and goes for a pump kick but Volkov sidesteps it and blasts Holland with a big lariat.

Thad Balk: These two may be two of the most powerful men in Elysium. Two bulls going at it.

Filth Murphy: I saw that once once on my uncle’s farm.

Thad Balk: I think that you mean a bull and a cow.

Filth Murphy: No I mean two bulls. They were originally from San Francisco.

With Volkov focussed on Holland, SHIDO sees his opportunity. SHIDO quickly gets up onto the apron and makes sure that he isn’t in Volkov’s peripheral vision. SHIDO then looks for a springboard into the ring, in Volkov’s direction. Volkov turns at the last second and catches SHIDO, who is attempting a cross body. Volkov hoist SHIDO up over his shoulder, charges and nearly puts SHIDO through the mat with a running powerslam.

Filth Murphy: I think SHIDO may have lied to me about winning!

Volkov moves over to Holland and stomps on his head a few times to keep him down. Volkov then gets SHIDO up, puts his head between his legs and hoists SHIDO up for a powerbomb. Volkov takes a couple of steps forward and it appears that he is going to try and powerbomb SHIDO onto Holland but at the last moment SHIDO shifts his weight backward and sets Volkov flying forward with a headscissors. Volkov lands with his neck and arms draped over the middle rope, facing the crowd.

Thad Balk: SHIDO narrowly avoided potentially match ending move there.

Filth Murphy: Why would he avoid that! He wants this match to end.

Thad Balk: Yes but he does not want to lose.

Filth Murphy: Ahhh of course.

SHIDO slides forward on the mat like a snake and is face to face with SHIDO. SHIDO whispers something to the Russian Dreadnought and then smacks him in the back of the head. SHIDO stands and turns to go after Holland but the World Champion comes flying through the air and he cracks SHIDO right in the jaw with his Plan 9 From Outer Space superman punch! SHIDO drops and Holland covers.

1..

2!

SHIDO kicks out and quickly slithers under the bottom rope. SHIDO stands up on the apron and Holland goes for a running pump kick but SHIDO low bridges the top rope and Holland nearly crotches himself. SHIDO takes a few steps backward and then he runs and hits Holland with a Misfit Love sling blade that drops Holland hard onto the apron. Holland falls off of the apron to the outside. SHIDO is kneeling on the apron, smiling like the fucking weirdo that he is.

Filth Murphy: I am beginning to think that this guy is a little off, Tom!

Thad Balk: Please stop calling me that. I am serious.

Filth Murphy: I wish I could control it friend.

Volkov has made his way outside the ring but SHIDO doesn’t see him. SHIDO turns his back to Holland and looks as if he is about to attempt an Asai moonsault but Volkov runs and clubs him in the small of the back. Holland is back up and Volkov signals something to him. The two men then take hold of SHIDO and double powerbomb him off of the apron onto the floor. The back of SHIDO’s head bounces off the mat and the audience collectively gasps.

Thad Balk: Double powerbomb! SHIDO could be knocked out cold Murphy.

Filth Murphy: That happened to me one time. I was out for a solid two hours.

Thad Balk: That explains a great deal.

Filth Murphy: Aw thanks man.

Volkov and Holland both drop to a knee to recover but Holland is up first. Holland grabs Volkov by the back of the head and tries to send him head first into the ring steps but Volkov reverses it and sends Holland careening towards the steps. Holland stops his momentum with his boot and then turns just as Volkov charges and nails him with the Celestial Smite flipping spear hard into the ring steps. Volkov stumbles backward and lands on his ass, we see that his head hit the ring steps and he is bleeding from the crown.

Filth Murphy: I don’t want to be rude but that was kind of dumb!

Thad Balk: Volkov took a risk and it paid off but also hurt him. Sometimes you have to take those chances.

The God Tier stands and wobbles his way over to SHIDO. Volkov grabs SHIDO by the back of the neck and looks to set him up for the Nostrovia piledriver. SHIDO wriggles out at the last second and then reaches up and catches Volkov with a throat punch. Volkov gasps for breath and SHIDO nails him with a big knee strike. Volkov drops and SHIDO grabs his arm by the wrist, SHIDO moves Volkov’s head against the guard rail and then begins relentlessly stomping Volkov’s head against the guardrail.

Thad Balk: Oh my God this is sickening.

Filth Murphy: [wretches]

Thad Balk: Did you just vomit Murphy?

Filth Murphy: ...no.

SHIDO drops down beside Volkov and starts dropping repeating sharp elbows onto the top of Volkov’s head, opening up the cut even wider. Blood begins pouring from the top of Volkov’s head, running down his face and giving him a brutal looking crimson mask. SHIDO then stands, winds up and kicks Volkov run in the face. Blood paints the side of the barricade and SHIDO turns his attention to Holland.

Thad Balk: We are seeing a very sadistic side of SHIDO right now. He is brutalizing Vitoly Volkov.

Holland is back in the ring, trying to recover but his ribs have taken a beating. SHIDO slides into the ring and immediately moves to a turnbuckle. SHIDO starts removing the top turnbuckle pad and tosses it into the audience. SHIDO hits Holland with a knee to the side of the head and then sends him into the exposed turnbuckle. SHIDO turns to the crowd, not waiting for Holland’s body to connect. SHIDO bows but Holland had jumped up to the top rope. Holland leaps off with a flying bulldog, planting SHIDO into the mat with The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Thad Balk: Arrogance just cost SHIDO big time!

Filth Murphy: This guy is a showman, you have to suffer for your art sometimes!

The World Champion stands and calls out to Los Angeles. They are firmly on his side and he is ready to try and end this thing. Holland stands SHIDO up and holds him by the hair. Holland yells “NOTHING ELSE MATTERS” before he boots SHIDO in the mid-section and then attempts Project: GABRIEL. At this time the bloodied Volkov enters the ring behind Holland. Volkov shoots across the ring and hits the opposing ropes. Holland does not have time to react, Volkov flattens the champion with a lariat.

Thad Balk: Vitoly Volkov may have just prevented the end of this contest.

Filth Murphy: Should have waited. Let Holland hit the move and then dump him to the outside.

Thad Balk: That...that is actually great insight.

Filth Murphy: What is?

SHIDO crumples to the mat and Volkov quickly grabs Holland. Volkov applies the Banshee Muzzle submission and screams out in Russian, blood flowing down his face. Volkov is screaming for Holland to quit but the champion refuses. SHIDO pulls himself up using the ropes and then charges and breaks the hold by putting Volkov down with the Misfit Love sling blade! SHIDO covers Volkov.

1..

2..

..!

Thad Balk: Near fall from The Edge of Reality!

Volkov kicks out at the last moment but SHIDO quickly transitions and applies his patented Era Vulgaris submission! Volkov’s face is being ground into the mat leaving a giant blood stain the longer the hold is applied. SHIDO wrenches on it as much as he can but the referee isn’t getting a submission from Volkov. At this time Holland has hoisted himself up to the second rope. Holland leaps off and lands on SHIDO with a senton, breaking the hold. Holland covers SHIDO.

Filth Murphy: That wasn’t very nice at all. I’m sorry, I had to say it.

1..

2..

..!

SHIDO kicks out and Los Angeles can’t believe it. Holland grabs SHIDO and sends him hard into the corner. Holland follows that up with a hard knee to SHIDO’s med-section. Holland then starts laying into SHIDO with some huge strikes but SHIDO puts a stop to it by spitting in Holland’s face! SHIDO headbutts Holland insanely hard in the forehead. SHIDO grabs the back of Holland’s head, licks the champ’s cheek and then smashes Holland with a short arm lariat. SHIDO covers Holland.

Filth Murphy: A show of friendship! He’s letting him know that this is nothing personal. How sweet.

Thad Balk: That could not be any further from correct.

1..

2..

..!

Volkov is up and he nails SHIDO with a running boot to the head which breaks up the count. Volkov then returns the favor from earlier, he begins relentlessly stomping on the side of SHIDO’s head. SHIDO quickly gets up and hits a throat thrust to Volkov. SHIDO falls through the ropes onto the apron but Volkov is a man possessed. Volkov gets out onto the apron with SHIDO but SHIDO hits him with another throat thrust which subdues the Russian Dreadnought.

Thad Balk: SHIDO has brutalized Volkov in this match. He seems to have The God Tier’s number at every turn.

SHIDO takes hold of Volkov and tries to set him up for the Bloodstained Love Story but Volkov elbows SHIDO in the side of the head and breaks his grip. Volkov then hits SHIDO with a knee to the midsection, positions SHIDO’s head and then Volkov drops SHIDO with a Nostrovia piledriver onto the apron! SHIDO’s head is driven right into the apron and he falls to the outside. Volkov, a bloody mess, turns his attention back to the champion in the ring.

Filth Murphy: Can I tell you a secret Tom?

Thad Balk: ...what Murphy?

Filth Murphy: I find this man frightening.

Thad Balk: You are not alone.

Filth Murphy: Aw.

Volkov steps through the ropes and has his sights set on Holland. We see that SHIDO’s headbutt has busted Holland’s forehead open. Volkov grabs Holland by the hair and it’s almost as if Volkov his holding Holland up on his feet. Volkov grabs Holland by the throat but Holland breaks Volkov’s grip, slides behind The God Tier and then spins Volkov around and treats him to a discus lariat. Volkov drops and Holland covers.

1..

2..

..!

Thad Balk: Not quite!

SHIDO barely makes it into the ring to break up the fall. SHIDO is favoring his neck but he starts stomping on Holland’s injured ribs. SHIDO then mounts Holland and starts digging his fingernails into Holland’s forehead wound, opening it up as wide as he can! Volkov comes out of nowhere and nails SHIDO with a bicycle kick. Volkov gets SHIDO up over his shoulder again and lawn darts The Edge of Reality face first into the exposed turnbuckle.

Thad Balk: That has come back to bite SHIDO!

Filth Murphy: I think HE actually just bit IT.

Thad Balk: Very true.

Volkov can’t capitalize, he drops to a knee and it appears that he can barely see. Volkov turns to see Holland an Volkov tries to boot Holland in the mid-section but Holland blocks it, grabs Volkov’s arm, applies a reverse waist lock and then spins Volkov around. Holland quickly smashes Volkov with a discus forearm to the face and then transitions right into Project: GABRIEL. Holland covers.

1..

SHIDO is up, his bottom lip busted open.

2..

SHIDO sprints across the ring and dives.

..3!

SHIDO lands on Holland but it’s too late.


Robin O’Ryan: Here is your winner and still Elysium Pro Wrestling World Champion, “The Weapon of Human Design” Erik Holland!

“Autonomous Combat System” by Fear Factory hits the speakers and Holland is handed the World Championship title. SHIDO lays on the mat face down in complete disbelief. Holland raises the championship high and Los Angeles is on their feet. Holland climbs to the top rope and raises the title in the air. The final shot is that of Volkov bloodied on, laying on his back and SHIDO on his knees staring at the champion in the distance.