Debased - June 21, 2019
Jun 25, 2019 0:43:14 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on Jun 25, 2019 0:43:14 GMT -5
"Debasement" Tour – Show 2
Original Taping: June 21, 2019
Broadcast Date: June 25, 2019
Location: “The Prestigio” (building formerly known as "Peter Venkman Memorial Arena") in Westchester, New York.
*Bonnie Tyler’s “I need a hero” song plays, confounding most of the live audience as it’s likely the first time it has ever been played at a professional wrestling event. However, everyone kind of nods in understanding and smiles when Luke Kisiera and Jean Carter come out a few seconds later. Jean raises Luke’s hand, points to him, and mouths: “I held out for a hero!” to applause. They walk down to the ring and are handed microphones. Luke has an awkward expression.*
[Luke:] “I love the sentiment, but I don’t know if this particular song works for the vibe tonight-“
[Jean:] “The crowd loves it! And it’s so fun to dance to, Luke! Let’s go out dancing after the show!”
[Luke:] “I’d love to, let's just hope tonight ends better than the last time he wrestled.”
*Jean looks sad but Luke hugs her and places a kiss on her cheek which immediately perks her up*
[Luke:] “Sorry.”
[Jean:] “It’s okay, I have confidence in Corey. But let’s talk about why we’re out here!”
[Luke:] “A lot of people have recently asked where we are right now.”
[Jean:] “Wherever you go, there you are! That’s what I always tell’em, I do!”
*Luke smiles and the crowd laughs.*
[Luke:] “Correct in every sense, although Barton keeps talking to me about quantum superposition.”
[Jean:] “That sounds dirty. And Robin already told me a dirty joke in May. One a year is my limit.”
[Luke:] “Right, but to clarify, what people are confused about is the actual name of this arena.”
[Jean:] “Ahhh, I see! That is confusing. Ubble’s been back here since Lunar Eclipse, but the Mills Tribune company has still owned the place ever since they bought it from Geese in 2011.”
[Luke:] “And then they named it the Prestigio.”
[Jean:] “It's not that I don’t like that name, it's just really hard to rhyme with it.”
[Luke:] “So for that reason and others, I've decided that we’re not gonna call it the Prestigio anymore!”
[Jean:] “Really? It’s that simple?”
[Luke:] “Well, it’s pretty simple but it was also really expensive. See…”
*All of a sudden, cloth UBL banners are unfurled across the arena and the digital “Prestigio” banner on the VideoTron is erased and then replaced by the old “UBL BattleTron” banner.*
[Luke:] “Wherever you own, that’s your home.”
*Jean’s eyes light up and the fans begin to cheer wildly.*
[Luke:] “Both the Battle Chamber and the Peter Venkman Memorial Arena officially exist again!!”
*Upon confirmation, the fans roar in approval and chant "U-B-L" and "ubble".*
[Jean:] “You bought it for us!? With WrestleQuest monies?”
[Luke:] “I now own the entire building and renaming it the 'Peter Venkman Memorial Arena.' Also, I am donating the Battle Chamber portion back to the UBL for full event, training, and office usage with no cost. Jean, this is where you and I first met. This is where my Quest truly started. And this is the true home of UBL once again.”
*Jean gives him a huge hug and kiss and leads the fans in a “Heart of a Hero” chant which then causes the music to come back on. Luke, who looked like he may have had more to say, turns sheepish again with the loud and dramatic music and takes the cue to go backstage with Jean in a moment of triumph.*
*A commercial for The Senatorial Office airs.*
*When we come back from commercial, Sirius Mask is standing in the Battle Chamber (!!) ring. As the fans continue to chant “Pe-ter Venk-man,” *clapclap clapclapclap* Sirius actually seems to appreciate the chants, joining in on one of the claps. This is the most emotion and crowd interaction that Sirius has shown so far and the fans react with more even applause and clapping. Before this interaction spirals into some kind of infinite regression of revelry, "Ghost of the Navigator" by Iron Maiden plays and Brandr Hoff walks out to ringside. The fans begin chanting “HOFF! HOFF! HOFF! HOFF!” and he nods with a smile then marches to the ring to their applause. This is the largest, most powerful, and most accomplished opponent that Sirius has faced so far. Furthermore, Brandr has had the honor of being the last man to compete for the NEXUS Championship, twice, before Geese’s recent attempt at Lunar Eclipse. Although Brandr lost each time, he came very close to defeating Matt Rivers. Sirius is the quickest opponent that Brandr has ever faced in a one-on-one match since arriving in the UBL a few years ago. The two size each other up but neither offers an initial handshake. Instead, Brandr grunts and nods which Sirius responds to with a “come on” motion with both hands.*
Match 1: Sirius Mask vs. Brandr Hoff
Eiji Yoshida is the referee for tonight and signals the timekeeper to ring the bell. Sirius does not have time to engage in the same "feeling out" striking as he did in previous matches because Brandr takes Sirius up on that "come on" invitation and immediately charges into him with a shoulder. This knocks Sirius backward head over heels and he lands in the seated position with his back resting against the bottom and middle rope. Brandr runs forward with an attempted boot, but Sirius shocks the crowd with what appears to be a martial arts technique. He is able to use his right forearm to quickly parry and completely deflect the kick of the bigger, stronger, and charging Brandr. Sirius then kicks the planted foot out, causing Brandr to fall down onto the mat and between the still outstretched waiting legs of Sirius.
Sirius immediately applies a rear naked choke to the seated Brandr. Eiji admonishes Sirius for applying a hold while still touching the ropes and starts counting. But before Eiji can get to three, it's Brandr who powers himself up on his feet with Sirius still holding onto his neck! Sirius desperately hangs on as Brandr flails his upper body around and starts swinging his fists like axes, hoping to catch Sirius with a glancing blow. However, all of this flailing and the continued rear naked choke is taking its toll on the spirited viking. Brandr falls down to one knee but his arm is still up signaling to the crowd and referee that he is still in this. Brandr yells and puts more of his strength into picking Sirius up, then sends them both hurdling backward into one of the corner posts. However, Sirius has this scouted and jumps at the last second, landing on the apron. Sirius drops down to the floor and uses his forearm to sweep Brandr's feet, sending him face down. Then Sirius jumps from the apron over the ropes into a legdrop, before immediately reapplying the rear naked choke.
Brandr is quickly fading but his spirit and frustration at this cat and mouse game is keeping his fire burning. He refuses Eiji's offer to submit and keeps his arm up. Sirius grapevines it: converting the rear naked choke into a cobra clutch variation. Brandr still does his best to shake Sirius off, seemingly willing to expel his own energy to make this harder for Sirius. Brandr is shouting "I won't give up!" which rallies the fans. This finally causes a change in strategy for Sirius.
He decides to relinquish the hold as its clear Brandr isn't giving up and it's still too early in the match to make him pass out. With Brandr on both knees, Sirius lets go and runs the ropes. It is unclear what Sirius is attempting but Brandr lets out a mighty yell and throws everything that he has left into a Valha-lariat attempt. It soon becomes clear that the reason Sirius didn't commit to a running attack is because he was baiting Brandr. Sirius deftly rolls under the Valha-lariat, then applies what looks to be the start of yet another rear naked choke on the vulnerable and turned-around Brandr. However, this time Sirius transitions from the likely futile choke into a lightning fast japanese leg roll clutch! Eiji hits the mat and the fans count along for the 1-2-3. Sirius Mask has beaten and outmaneuvered a stunned and winded Brandr Hoff!
Sirius Mask (O) [Japanese Leg Roll Clutch - 5:30] (X) Brandr Hoff
*After the match, Sirius extends his hand but Brandr does not take it. Instead, Hoff walks backstage in a huff. Sirius shrugs and walks backstage as the fans appear quietly shocked at how this match played out.*
*A commercial for ZIP Japan airs.*
*A remix of ”Big Bridge Battle” plays as the “TOUKON” stable of Matsuki-Gun comes down to the ring. Tetsu Gushiken and RYOMA quickly but genuinely bow to the fans and then walk down to the ring with a purpose. “Cool to Hate” by the Offspring plays as Kurt Sanders and Jasper Woodruff walk to the ramp. Of immediate note is that Kurt is not carrying the Universal Circuit Title belt that he stole from Tetsu. Instead, he’s carrying a modest sized gold nugget which he is motivating Jasper with. You can see Jasper mouthing: “I get it? You gon give it to me? I gots it soon?” And Kurt nodding yes but then pointing to their opponents. Jasper isn’t the first person to wrestle with a profit motive (the less said about a certain ‘Fowl of Finance’ the better, am I rite?), but it’s unusual to see actual (or fools?) gold used as the 'carrot' before a match. However, it seems to be working and this “Two of a Kind” is on the same page going into their match with two highly respected fan favorites that want to avenge what occurred at “Lunar Eclipse of the Heart.” Kurt sees RYOMA intensely staring at him and pretends to fall down in response, mocking the stoic gaze of the former Universal Battalion Champion. Jasper does not seem to understand sarcasm and helps Kurt up with concern. This gets a laugh from the audience, which actually seems to annoy Kurt. Looks like everyone is fired up for this match so let’s get to it!”*
Match 2: TOUKON vs. Two of a Kind
Tetsu Gushiken/RYOMA vs. Kurt Sanders/Jasper Woodruff
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
(CLICK ON SPOILER BOX BELOW)
With less than 20 seconds left to go in the match, a bloodied Tetsu is forced to tap out from the cross armbreaker after being taken in by the shenanigans of Kurt Sanders. The crowd boos Kurt for his underhanded technique (despite him using a traditional sidehanded grip for the initial handshake) but he easily laughs them off.
RYOMA/Tetsu (X) [Cross Armbreaker – 29:42] (O) Kurt/Jasper
However, despite his laughing, he doesn’t appear to be in a jovial mood nor satiated by this victory over his Championed rival. Kurt begins putting the boots to Tetsu’s weakened arm. RYOMA attempts to come to Tetsu's aid but is shoved back (think “DA POUNCE!” but about 17%...eh 12% less botchy) by a smiling and frothing Jasper Woodruff. Kurt continues stomping Tetsu as Jasper mounts RYOMA and begins raining down headbutts with no regard for their mutual safety.
The fans suddenly erupt in applause as a livid Kazuo “Chrome” Saji runs down the ramp (sans entrance music for that flavor of immediacy the smarks love so much), slides in to the ring, and hits a 'Kazu Cutter' on a confused Sanders who didn’t have time to figure out why the fans suddenly cheered. Jasper begins getting up but gets clocked in the face with a Shining Impact knee from Saji. The knee may have broken Jasper's nose and he bails out of the ring.
Saji looks at the downed Sanders with a look of pure anger that we’ve never seen on his face before. RYOMA and Tetsu struggle to get up on their own but scream at Kazuo not to do anything he’ll regret. Saji approaches Kurt and picks him up. Kurt takes a wild haymaker swing, which Saji anticipates and ducks, then spins Kurt around…and… pulls his pants down!! 😲 Kurt tries to cover up his frontside but his backside is completely exposed. Saji takes advantage and kicks him in the ass, sending him careening out of the ring and potentially causing some rope burn. We immediately cut to a commercial for UBL Towels (…couldn’t be better timing) but not quickly enough to see that Kurt isn’t uh….”cut” himself.”
*UBBLE Towels – Housewives love them! (Apparently they love Saji too!)*
*It is time for the main event and the crowd (and their freshly-washed eyes) is ready for it. “Testament of NESTS” plays as Joachim comes out first. He appears to be at peace with the mixture of boos, cheers, and silence directed at him. He walks to the middle of the ring and sits down to pray. "T2 Theme" by Austrian Death Machine plays as World Heavyweight Champion Corey O’Brian marches down to the ring. He feeds on the energy of the fans but the look in his eyes clearly show that he has all the internal motivation in the world. He gets into the ring and observes a seated, praying Joachim. Corey keeps an eye on him but turns his attention to the stage. After a ten second wait. “Save the Universe” plays as NEXUS Champion Matthew Rivers comes down to the ring. Despite this being the theme song of Ruby Moreno, she is nowhere to be found. Matthew robotically walks toward the ring with only a loose perception of what his two opponents are doing. However, Corey and Joachim are both very aware of his presence and get into ready positions. As soon as Matthew enters the ring, he immediately looks more focused at the task at hand. The bell rings.*
Match 3: Joachim vs. Corey O’Brian (c) vs. Matthew Rivers (c)
Eiji gets a microphone and tells everyone that the two separate Titles will be defended in two separate falls in this three-way dance. A Title can only change hands by pin, submission, or knockout. There is no time limit for either fall.
Corey's World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line first.
World Heavyweight Championship
Corey begins the match by feinting a running elbow at Matt but stops as Matt whiffs a dropkick counter. Joachim uses the opportunity to apply a camel clutch. Corey smacks Matt in the face with a shotei for good measure. Joachim lets go of the hold and rolls Matt out of the ring. He points at Matt then offers his hand to Corey in an attempt at an alliance. Corey smacks Joachim with a shotei even harder than he did Matt, sending him over the top rope! Corey then launches himself at both Matt and Joachim with a plancha, sending them down to the hard floor and the crowd up to their feet!!
Corey rolls back into the ring and throws his arms up as the crowd applauds his taking out two members of Destiny at once. Matt then offers a handshake to Joachim but Joachim hits him with his own shotei just as hard as Corey hit each of them before. It's clear that Matt is the odd man out here and he takes the time to walk around the ring to regroup as Joachim rolls back inside. Joachim and Corey lock up and Joachim is able to ground Corey with a single leg takedown but doesn't realize that Corey has furtively grabbed onto his arm and applies a triangle choke! Joachim is in trouble early.
However, Matt immediately returns to the ring, seeing this near fall scenario, and clips Joachim's legs from behind. This breaks the hold but, thankfully, not his arm. Corey attempts a lariat on Matt who ducks and grabs him in a sleeper hold. However, Corey lifts Matt up, secures his head, and falls to the mat with a chinbreaker. He follows up with a stump puller, which he seems to really enjoy as Matt winces in pain, but is knocked out of it by a Joachim flying lariat.
All three men briefly walk to their own corner to regroup. It's Corey that is ready first and targets Matt in his corner. Matt is trapped and is unable to evade a flurry of Corey punches to the midsection followed by an elbow to the head that knocks Matt out on his feet for a few seconds. Joachim observes this and doesn't interfere. As Corey lets Matt stagger to the mat, Joachim grabs him as he's falling and hits a DDT! He steals a 2 count before Corey throws him off and tosses him through the ropes to the outside. Corey smiles at the stunned Matt and puts him in powerbomb position for the Core Meltdown. Matt attempts to grab Corey's leg but Corey stomps on Matt's free hand, lifts him up onto his shoulder, and sends him careening to the mat on his head and neck! Corey is about to defend his own title with a quick pinfall victory but Joachim maneuvers Corey off Matt and seamlessly into the Dragon Sleeper that he calls "Dreams."
Corey's height advantage comes into play here as he's able to naturally counter some of the move's leverage but Joachim has it on tight and is in the superior position to stop Corey from breaking the hold. However, Corey starts to elbow the knee of Joachim, which makes him loosen his grip. In a maneuver that was apparently planned, Corey quickly rotates his body 180 degrees, puts his arm around Joachim's neck, and lifts him onto his shoulders. It's the dreaded Kinniku Buster and Corey has just dropped Joachim with it!! Both Matt and Joachim are on the mat and Corey is deciding which one to pin. The crowd is chanting "F*ck them up Corey, f*ck them up!" as they are on the edge of their seats.
Corey attempts a pin on Matt first but the time that has elapsed since the Core Meltdown has allowed Matt to faintly kick out. Then Corey attempts a pin on Joachim but he was fresher before the Kinniku Buster and had enough time to recover as well. Corey smirks, apparently enjoying the show of resistance here and the challenge that it presents.
But in just one second, the smirk is wiped off of his face as the BattleTron turns on. The video is focused on a suited man in the front row. He highly resembles the man known as Agent 1 who used to work for Genji Security in the UBL. It is rumored that he is now with Gauntlet and Destiny. Corey looks at the barely conscious bodies of both Matt and Joachim, thinks for a second, then screams out an audible expletive as he decides to leave the ring despite his opportunity to win.
Eiji Yoshida begins counting to twenty as Corey heads over to the section where Agent 1 was seen to be. However, just because he is no longer in sight doesn't mean that he isn't there. Holding a fluorescent light tube, Agent 1 sneaks up on his planned prey. But Corey suddenly realizes what is going on and braces himself for the impact!
Upon seeing Corey's maniacal resiliency, and getting a taste of what Matt and Joachim just suffered, Agent 1 flees from the arena and Corey gives chase! He has completely left the arena floor by the time Eiji counts to 20. Corey O'Brian has suffered a count-out loss at the 9 minute mark but does not lose the World Heavyweight Championship as a result.
Corey O'Brian (X) [Count-Out - 9 Minutes] (-) Joachim (-) Matt Rivers
NEXUS Championship
The ringing of the bell signals that Joachim and Matt Rivers are now left to battle 1 on 1 for the NEXUS Championship. However, they are each still recovering on the mat after Corey's previous demolition of them. Eiji starts a standing 10 count for both men to see if they can continue the match. Although it was Corey who sent them both down, the fall will end right here if one of them can get up and the other can't. At the count of eight, Joachim reaches the ropes and pulls himself up. It looks like Matt isn't going to make it but he suddenly rolls over to Joachim and overtakes him with a shoulder block to the knee. That is three shots to the knee that Joachim has taken and he begins noticeably limping.
Matt takes the initiative and throws Joachim down with a headlock. Joachim can't get to the ropes due to his leg and Matt transitions into an arm-hold necklock: one of his specialties. It appears that Matt is sticking to his usual strategy of targeting the arm and neck and only attacking Joachim's leg to keep him off balance. This strict adherence to a pre-match strategy suggests Ruby Moreno's influence rather than his "flow like water" mentality. Joachim is able to maneuver his body enough to free his outer hand and hit Matt in the face with a few shoteis. However, they don't have that much power behind them due to his lack of leverage and are getting progressively weaker as Matt's necklock does its job.
Joachim then starts apparently chanting which, at the very least, confuses (and unsettles?) Matt. It actually appears to be working as Matt gives up on the hold and looks momentarily confused. For a second, Joachim looks as surprised as Matt that this worked but then immediately follows up with a stepping shotei, sending Matt down. Joachim takes a second to catch his breath and then hits a rapidly fast standing moonsault. Although the crowd reacted with awe, the move only got a 2 count. Joachim picks Matt up and places his good leg behind Matt's knee, positioning him into a favorable angle to apply a dragon sleeper. Joachim looks to be having trouble balancing on his hurt leg and this is affecting the utility of the maneuver. Matt takes advantage of this and punches Joachim's leg, which causes him to loosen the hold. Joachim realizes its better to start fresh than work from a weakened position and releases the hold. He takes a step back then attempts a running lariat. However, Matt ducks then uses his own 360 lariat to knock Joachim out of the ring!
Matt looks like he's about to build momentum for a plancha but smiles and waves his hand no to the anticipating fans who boo him. He waits for Joachim to get up and hits a sliding dropkick through the rope to Joachim's head, sending him careening into the metal barrier separating the ring area from the fans. Matt leaves the ring then charges after Joachim to shoulder tackle him into the barrier again but Joachim knees him in the stomach, turns Matt into the dragon sleeper position again, then hits "Twisting Path" (rolling facebuster) into the ring barrier to a loud metal thud! The fans let out a collective gasp and both men are down. Joachim gets up, picks Matt up, and throws him into the ring. Joachim doesn't want to win by count-out, he wants Matt's NEXUS Championship. Matt appears to be knocked out.
As Joachim enters the ring and seeks a pinfall, Ruby Moreno runs out to ringside to a chorus of boos. She grabs Joachim's leg but he kicks her off and she gets knocked on her behind. Joachim picks up Matt who immediately hits a low blow on Joachim as Eiji's attention was on Ruby! Matt goes for the pin but only gets a 2 count. He picks Joachim up into a new version of his "Chancery of Pain" finisher - the same variant that he used on Geese Walker after their match at "Lunar Eclipse of the Heart." Joachim fights him on it but Matt is still able to drop him on the back of his upper back and neck. The crowd gasps as Ruby screams at Eiji to get ready to count the pin. However, Matt can't quite get up himself, still feeling the lingering effects of the rolling facebuster into the barrier as well as the other punishment he has endured.
Eiji is about to start the standing 10 count again but Ruby Moreno grabs his leg this time. While she has Eiji’s attention, Matt is able to get up. He attempts a pin on Joachim, who grabs him into a small package! Eiji pulls away from Ruby and counts but Joachim only gets a 2 count. However, Joachim still has the initiative and picks Matt up for the "Destiny Driver" (Samurai Driver '84)! Matt isn't able to fight out of it. Before Eiji can count to 3, Ruby drags him out of his position and onto the floor! Joachim is exasperated and confronts Ruby who is on the apron. This gives Matt time to recover. He rushes Joachim who moves aside at the last second, allowing Matt to collide with Ruby. However, as Joachim attempts to roll-up Matt after the collision, two men jump the crowd barrier, rush into the ring, and break up the pin!
Eiji has had it at this point and disqualifies Matt Rivers!
Joachim has won the match but not the NEXUS Championship. Ruby's scheme has saved it.
Joachim [O] [Disqualification: Interference - 18 minutes] (X) Matt Rivers
However, the collective gasp by the fans isn't a result of Ruby's chicanery and Matt's unfair title retention. Rather, they are hit with the realization of the identity of the two men who broke up the pin and are now the ones putting the boots in mechanical fashion to Joachim. No one expected Jeff and Jack Monroe to even wrestle again, let alone come back to the ring within 6 months of being eviscerated by El Exilio at "Lunar Eclipse at the Heart." They do not appear to be any worse for the wear either. The fans are silent as these two men, who they watched get destroyed, are moving as well as they ever did. And they appear ready to do the same thing to Joachim as Palida Fantasma and Yoshirozuna did to them. Ruby directs traffic while screaming at Joachim how he is a filthy apostate and has been excommunicated from Destiny.
Suddenly the fans cheer as Jang Bae runs down to ringside. UBL hasn't seen him in years and his sudden return is welcomed by just about everyone watching. And if the Monroe Brothers attack could be seen as mechanical, his dismantling of them is almost robotic in its tactical efficiency. However, even he of Tae Kwon Do black belt expertise can not stand up to this 4 on 2 attack. Eventually he begins to suffer the same fate as the fallen Joachim. Rivers goes outside to get a chair as both Monroe Brothers prop up Jang and Joachim and hold them from behind.
And that's when the arena lights go out and a giant five-sided star appears on the Battle Tron. When the lights turn back on five seconds later, Sirius Mask is in the ring and helps Jang Bae fight off Destiny! Sirius kicks the chair into Matt's face with a huge leaping dropkick, sending him careening backwards and over the top rope out of the ring! Jang is able to free himself from Jack's clutches, spins and kicks Jack in the face with a crushing roundhouse kick. You can actually hear Jack's right cheek bone shatter from the impact. Jang frees Joachim by hitting an axe kick on Jeff's arm, breaking it as well. Ruby has her troops bail out of the ring right as UBL security comes out (late) to fend off any further aggression.
Jang checks on Joachim's condition as Sirius checks on Jang's. He appears in good health but very confused as to who Sirius is and why he is getting so much attention from him. However, he does appear grateful. Ruby Moreno is staring bullets into Sirius Mask, equal parts angry and confused as to who he is. She directs the Monroe Brothers to follow her backstage and signals around her waist to Matt. He calmly goes to collect his NEXUS Title Belt from the timekeeper's table and walks backstage with an expression of mild annoyance. Ruby's expression is far more frustrated but she still makes sure to point to the NEXUS Title belt and pantomime that its still hers. The medical staff attends to Joachim, who is eventually able to stand up on his own. He also thanks Sirius Mask and Jang helps him backstage.
The show ends with Sirius Mask standing in the middle of the ring as the star comes back on the Battletron.
Original Taping: June 21, 2019
Broadcast Date: June 25, 2019
Location: “The Prestigio” (building formerly known as "Peter Venkman Memorial Arena") in Westchester, New York.
*Bonnie Tyler’s “I need a hero” song plays, confounding most of the live audience as it’s likely the first time it has ever been played at a professional wrestling event. However, everyone kind of nods in understanding and smiles when Luke Kisiera and Jean Carter come out a few seconds later. Jean raises Luke’s hand, points to him, and mouths: “I held out for a hero!” to applause. They walk down to the ring and are handed microphones. Luke has an awkward expression.*
[Luke:] “I love the sentiment, but I don’t know if this particular song works for the vibe tonight-“
[Jean:] “The crowd loves it! And it’s so fun to dance to, Luke! Let’s go out dancing after the show!”
[Luke:] “I’d love to, let's just hope tonight ends better than the last time he wrestled.”
*Jean looks sad but Luke hugs her and places a kiss on her cheek which immediately perks her up*
[Luke:] “Sorry.”
[Jean:] “It’s okay, I have confidence in Corey. But let’s talk about why we’re out here!”
[Luke:] “A lot of people have recently asked where we are right now.”
[Jean:] “Wherever you go, there you are! That’s what I always tell’em, I do!”
*Luke smiles and the crowd laughs.*
[Luke:] “Correct in every sense, although Barton keeps talking to me about quantum superposition.”
[Jean:] “That sounds dirty. And Robin already told me a dirty joke in May. One a year is my limit.”
[Luke:] “Right, but to clarify, what people are confused about is the actual name of this arena.”
[Jean:] “Ahhh, I see! That is confusing. Ubble’s been back here since Lunar Eclipse, but the Mills Tribune company has still owned the place ever since they bought it from Geese in 2011.”
[Luke:] “And then they named it the Prestigio.”
[Jean:] “It's not that I don’t like that name, it's just really hard to rhyme with it.”
[Luke:] “So for that reason and others, I've decided that we’re not gonna call it the Prestigio anymore!”
[Jean:] “Really? It’s that simple?”
[Luke:] “Well, it’s pretty simple but it was also really expensive. See…”
*All of a sudden, cloth UBL banners are unfurled across the arena and the digital “Prestigio” banner on the VideoTron is erased and then replaced by the old “UBL BattleTron” banner.*
[Luke:] “Wherever you own, that’s your home.”
*Jean’s eyes light up and the fans begin to cheer wildly.*
[Luke:] “Both the Battle Chamber and the Peter Venkman Memorial Arena officially exist again!!”
*Upon confirmation, the fans roar in approval and chant "U-B-L" and "ubble".*
[Jean:] “You bought it for us!? With WrestleQuest monies?”
[Luke:] “I now own the entire building and renaming it the 'Peter Venkman Memorial Arena.' Also, I am donating the Battle Chamber portion back to the UBL for full event, training, and office usage with no cost. Jean, this is where you and I first met. This is where my Quest truly started. And this is the true home of UBL once again.”
*Jean gives him a huge hug and kiss and leads the fans in a “Heart of a Hero” chant which then causes the music to come back on. Luke, who looked like he may have had more to say, turns sheepish again with the loud and dramatic music and takes the cue to go backstage with Jean in a moment of triumph.*
*A commercial for The Senatorial Office airs.*
*When we come back from commercial, Sirius Mask is standing in the Battle Chamber (!!) ring. As the fans continue to chant “Pe-ter Venk-man,” *clapclap clapclapclap* Sirius actually seems to appreciate the chants, joining in on one of the claps. This is the most emotion and crowd interaction that Sirius has shown so far and the fans react with more even applause and clapping. Before this interaction spirals into some kind of infinite regression of revelry, "Ghost of the Navigator" by Iron Maiden plays and Brandr Hoff walks out to ringside. The fans begin chanting “HOFF! HOFF! HOFF! HOFF!” and he nods with a smile then marches to the ring to their applause. This is the largest, most powerful, and most accomplished opponent that Sirius has faced so far. Furthermore, Brandr has had the honor of being the last man to compete for the NEXUS Championship, twice, before Geese’s recent attempt at Lunar Eclipse. Although Brandr lost each time, he came very close to defeating Matt Rivers. Sirius is the quickest opponent that Brandr has ever faced in a one-on-one match since arriving in the UBL a few years ago. The two size each other up but neither offers an initial handshake. Instead, Brandr grunts and nods which Sirius responds to with a “come on” motion with both hands.*
Match 1: Sirius Mask vs. Brandr Hoff
Eiji Yoshida is the referee for tonight and signals the timekeeper to ring the bell. Sirius does not have time to engage in the same "feeling out" striking as he did in previous matches because Brandr takes Sirius up on that "come on" invitation and immediately charges into him with a shoulder. This knocks Sirius backward head over heels and he lands in the seated position with his back resting against the bottom and middle rope. Brandr runs forward with an attempted boot, but Sirius shocks the crowd with what appears to be a martial arts technique. He is able to use his right forearm to quickly parry and completely deflect the kick of the bigger, stronger, and charging Brandr. Sirius then kicks the planted foot out, causing Brandr to fall down onto the mat and between the still outstretched waiting legs of Sirius.
Sirius immediately applies a rear naked choke to the seated Brandr. Eiji admonishes Sirius for applying a hold while still touching the ropes and starts counting. But before Eiji can get to three, it's Brandr who powers himself up on his feet with Sirius still holding onto his neck! Sirius desperately hangs on as Brandr flails his upper body around and starts swinging his fists like axes, hoping to catch Sirius with a glancing blow. However, all of this flailing and the continued rear naked choke is taking its toll on the spirited viking. Brandr falls down to one knee but his arm is still up signaling to the crowd and referee that he is still in this. Brandr yells and puts more of his strength into picking Sirius up, then sends them both hurdling backward into one of the corner posts. However, Sirius has this scouted and jumps at the last second, landing on the apron. Sirius drops down to the floor and uses his forearm to sweep Brandr's feet, sending him face down. Then Sirius jumps from the apron over the ropes into a legdrop, before immediately reapplying the rear naked choke.
Brandr is quickly fading but his spirit and frustration at this cat and mouse game is keeping his fire burning. He refuses Eiji's offer to submit and keeps his arm up. Sirius grapevines it: converting the rear naked choke into a cobra clutch variation. Brandr still does his best to shake Sirius off, seemingly willing to expel his own energy to make this harder for Sirius. Brandr is shouting "I won't give up!" which rallies the fans. This finally causes a change in strategy for Sirius.
He decides to relinquish the hold as its clear Brandr isn't giving up and it's still too early in the match to make him pass out. With Brandr on both knees, Sirius lets go and runs the ropes. It is unclear what Sirius is attempting but Brandr lets out a mighty yell and throws everything that he has left into a Valha-lariat attempt. It soon becomes clear that the reason Sirius didn't commit to a running attack is because he was baiting Brandr. Sirius deftly rolls under the Valha-lariat, then applies what looks to be the start of yet another rear naked choke on the vulnerable and turned-around Brandr. However, this time Sirius transitions from the likely futile choke into a lightning fast japanese leg roll clutch! Eiji hits the mat and the fans count along for the 1-2-3. Sirius Mask has beaten and outmaneuvered a stunned and winded Brandr Hoff!
Sirius Mask (O) [Japanese Leg Roll Clutch - 5:30] (X) Brandr Hoff
*After the match, Sirius extends his hand but Brandr does not take it. Instead, Hoff walks backstage in a huff. Sirius shrugs and walks backstage as the fans appear quietly shocked at how this match played out.*
*A commercial for ZIP Japan airs.*
*A remix of ”Big Bridge Battle” plays as the “TOUKON” stable of Matsuki-Gun comes down to the ring. Tetsu Gushiken and RYOMA quickly but genuinely bow to the fans and then walk down to the ring with a purpose. “Cool to Hate” by the Offspring plays as Kurt Sanders and Jasper Woodruff walk to the ramp. Of immediate note is that Kurt is not carrying the Universal Circuit Title belt that he stole from Tetsu. Instead, he’s carrying a modest sized gold nugget which he is motivating Jasper with. You can see Jasper mouthing: “I get it? You gon give it to me? I gots it soon?” And Kurt nodding yes but then pointing to their opponents. Jasper isn’t the first person to wrestle with a profit motive (the less said about a certain ‘Fowl of Finance’ the better, am I rite?), but it’s unusual to see actual (or fools?) gold used as the 'carrot' before a match. However, it seems to be working and this “Two of a Kind” is on the same page going into their match with two highly respected fan favorites that want to avenge what occurred at “Lunar Eclipse of the Heart.” Kurt sees RYOMA intensely staring at him and pretends to fall down in response, mocking the stoic gaze of the former Universal Battalion Champion. Jasper does not seem to understand sarcasm and helps Kurt up with concern. This gets a laugh from the audience, which actually seems to annoy Kurt. Looks like everyone is fired up for this match so let’s get to it!”*
Match 2: TOUKON vs. Two of a Kind
Tetsu Gushiken/RYOMA vs. Kurt Sanders/Jasper Woodruff
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
*POST MATCH SPOILERS*
(CLICK ON SPOILER BOX BELOW)
With less than 20 seconds left to go in the match, a bloodied Tetsu is forced to tap out from the cross armbreaker after being taken in by the shenanigans of Kurt Sanders. The crowd boos Kurt for his underhanded technique (despite him using a traditional sidehanded grip for the initial handshake) but he easily laughs them off.
RYOMA/Tetsu (X) [Cross Armbreaker – 29:42] (O) Kurt/Jasper
However, despite his laughing, he doesn’t appear to be in a jovial mood nor satiated by this victory over his Championed rival. Kurt begins putting the boots to Tetsu’s weakened arm. RYOMA attempts to come to Tetsu's aid but is shoved back (think “DA POUNCE!” but about 17%...eh 12% less botchy) by a smiling and frothing Jasper Woodruff. Kurt continues stomping Tetsu as Jasper mounts RYOMA and begins raining down headbutts with no regard for their mutual safety.
The fans suddenly erupt in applause as a livid Kazuo “Chrome” Saji runs down the ramp (sans entrance music for that flavor of immediacy the smarks love so much), slides in to the ring, and hits a 'Kazu Cutter' on a confused Sanders who didn’t have time to figure out why the fans suddenly cheered. Jasper begins getting up but gets clocked in the face with a Shining Impact knee from Saji. The knee may have broken Jasper's nose and he bails out of the ring.
Saji looks at the downed Sanders with a look of pure anger that we’ve never seen on his face before. RYOMA and Tetsu struggle to get up on their own but scream at Kazuo not to do anything he’ll regret. Saji approaches Kurt and picks him up. Kurt takes a wild haymaker swing, which Saji anticipates and ducks, then spins Kurt around…and… pulls his pants down!! 😲 Kurt tries to cover up his frontside but his backside is completely exposed. Saji takes advantage and kicks him in the ass, sending him careening out of the ring and potentially causing some rope burn. We immediately cut to a commercial for UBL Towels (…couldn’t be better timing) but not quickly enough to see that Kurt isn’t uh….”cut” himself.”
*UBBLE Towels – Housewives love them! (Apparently they love Saji too!)*
*It is time for the main event and the crowd (and their freshly-washed eyes) is ready for it. “Testament of NESTS” plays as Joachim comes out first. He appears to be at peace with the mixture of boos, cheers, and silence directed at him. He walks to the middle of the ring and sits down to pray. "T2 Theme" by Austrian Death Machine plays as World Heavyweight Champion Corey O’Brian marches down to the ring. He feeds on the energy of the fans but the look in his eyes clearly show that he has all the internal motivation in the world. He gets into the ring and observes a seated, praying Joachim. Corey keeps an eye on him but turns his attention to the stage. After a ten second wait. “Save the Universe” plays as NEXUS Champion Matthew Rivers comes down to the ring. Despite this being the theme song of Ruby Moreno, she is nowhere to be found. Matthew robotically walks toward the ring with only a loose perception of what his two opponents are doing. However, Corey and Joachim are both very aware of his presence and get into ready positions. As soon as Matthew enters the ring, he immediately looks more focused at the task at hand. The bell rings.*
Match 3: Joachim vs. Corey O’Brian (c) vs. Matthew Rivers (c)
Eiji gets a microphone and tells everyone that the two separate Titles will be defended in two separate falls in this three-way dance. A Title can only change hands by pin, submission, or knockout. There is no time limit for either fall.
Corey's World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line first.
World Heavyweight Championship
Corey begins the match by feinting a running elbow at Matt but stops as Matt whiffs a dropkick counter. Joachim uses the opportunity to apply a camel clutch. Corey smacks Matt in the face with a shotei for good measure. Joachim lets go of the hold and rolls Matt out of the ring. He points at Matt then offers his hand to Corey in an attempt at an alliance. Corey smacks Joachim with a shotei even harder than he did Matt, sending him over the top rope! Corey then launches himself at both Matt and Joachim with a plancha, sending them down to the hard floor and the crowd up to their feet!!
Corey rolls back into the ring and throws his arms up as the crowd applauds his taking out two members of Destiny at once. Matt then offers a handshake to Joachim but Joachim hits him with his own shotei just as hard as Corey hit each of them before. It's clear that Matt is the odd man out here and he takes the time to walk around the ring to regroup as Joachim rolls back inside. Joachim and Corey lock up and Joachim is able to ground Corey with a single leg takedown but doesn't realize that Corey has furtively grabbed onto his arm and applies a triangle choke! Joachim is in trouble early.
However, Matt immediately returns to the ring, seeing this near fall scenario, and clips Joachim's legs from behind. This breaks the hold but, thankfully, not his arm. Corey attempts a lariat on Matt who ducks and grabs him in a sleeper hold. However, Corey lifts Matt up, secures his head, and falls to the mat with a chinbreaker. He follows up with a stump puller, which he seems to really enjoy as Matt winces in pain, but is knocked out of it by a Joachim flying lariat.
All three men briefly walk to their own corner to regroup. It's Corey that is ready first and targets Matt in his corner. Matt is trapped and is unable to evade a flurry of Corey punches to the midsection followed by an elbow to the head that knocks Matt out on his feet for a few seconds. Joachim observes this and doesn't interfere. As Corey lets Matt stagger to the mat, Joachim grabs him as he's falling and hits a DDT! He steals a 2 count before Corey throws him off and tosses him through the ropes to the outside. Corey smiles at the stunned Matt and puts him in powerbomb position for the Core Meltdown. Matt attempts to grab Corey's leg but Corey stomps on Matt's free hand, lifts him up onto his shoulder, and sends him careening to the mat on his head and neck! Corey is about to defend his own title with a quick pinfall victory but Joachim maneuvers Corey off Matt and seamlessly into the Dragon Sleeper that he calls "Dreams."
Corey's height advantage comes into play here as he's able to naturally counter some of the move's leverage but Joachim has it on tight and is in the superior position to stop Corey from breaking the hold. However, Corey starts to elbow the knee of Joachim, which makes him loosen his grip. In a maneuver that was apparently planned, Corey quickly rotates his body 180 degrees, puts his arm around Joachim's neck, and lifts him onto his shoulders. It's the dreaded Kinniku Buster and Corey has just dropped Joachim with it!! Both Matt and Joachim are on the mat and Corey is deciding which one to pin. The crowd is chanting "F*ck them up Corey, f*ck them up!" as they are on the edge of their seats.
Corey attempts a pin on Matt first but the time that has elapsed since the Core Meltdown has allowed Matt to faintly kick out. Then Corey attempts a pin on Joachim but he was fresher before the Kinniku Buster and had enough time to recover as well. Corey smirks, apparently enjoying the show of resistance here and the challenge that it presents.
But in just one second, the smirk is wiped off of his face as the BattleTron turns on. The video is focused on a suited man in the front row. He highly resembles the man known as Agent 1 who used to work for Genji Security in the UBL. It is rumored that he is now with Gauntlet and Destiny. Corey looks at the barely conscious bodies of both Matt and Joachim, thinks for a second, then screams out an audible expletive as he decides to leave the ring despite his opportunity to win.
Eiji Yoshida begins counting to twenty as Corey heads over to the section where Agent 1 was seen to be. However, just because he is no longer in sight doesn't mean that he isn't there. Holding a fluorescent light tube, Agent 1 sneaks up on his planned prey. But Corey suddenly realizes what is going on and braces himself for the impact!
Upon seeing Corey's maniacal resiliency, and getting a taste of what Matt and Joachim just suffered, Agent 1 flees from the arena and Corey gives chase! He has completely left the arena floor by the time Eiji counts to 20. Corey O'Brian has suffered a count-out loss at the 9 minute mark but does not lose the World Heavyweight Championship as a result.
Corey O'Brian (X) [Count-Out - 9 Minutes] (-) Joachim (-) Matt Rivers
NEXUS Championship
The ringing of the bell signals that Joachim and Matt Rivers are now left to battle 1 on 1 for the NEXUS Championship. However, they are each still recovering on the mat after Corey's previous demolition of them. Eiji starts a standing 10 count for both men to see if they can continue the match. Although it was Corey who sent them both down, the fall will end right here if one of them can get up and the other can't. At the count of eight, Joachim reaches the ropes and pulls himself up. It looks like Matt isn't going to make it but he suddenly rolls over to Joachim and overtakes him with a shoulder block to the knee. That is three shots to the knee that Joachim has taken and he begins noticeably limping.
Matt takes the initiative and throws Joachim down with a headlock. Joachim can't get to the ropes due to his leg and Matt transitions into an arm-hold necklock: one of his specialties. It appears that Matt is sticking to his usual strategy of targeting the arm and neck and only attacking Joachim's leg to keep him off balance. This strict adherence to a pre-match strategy suggests Ruby Moreno's influence rather than his "flow like water" mentality. Joachim is able to maneuver his body enough to free his outer hand and hit Matt in the face with a few shoteis. However, they don't have that much power behind them due to his lack of leverage and are getting progressively weaker as Matt's necklock does its job.
Joachim then starts apparently chanting which, at the very least, confuses (and unsettles?) Matt. It actually appears to be working as Matt gives up on the hold and looks momentarily confused. For a second, Joachim looks as surprised as Matt that this worked but then immediately follows up with a stepping shotei, sending Matt down. Joachim takes a second to catch his breath and then hits a rapidly fast standing moonsault. Although the crowd reacted with awe, the move only got a 2 count. Joachim picks Matt up and places his good leg behind Matt's knee, positioning him into a favorable angle to apply a dragon sleeper. Joachim looks to be having trouble balancing on his hurt leg and this is affecting the utility of the maneuver. Matt takes advantage of this and punches Joachim's leg, which causes him to loosen the hold. Joachim realizes its better to start fresh than work from a weakened position and releases the hold. He takes a step back then attempts a running lariat. However, Matt ducks then uses his own 360 lariat to knock Joachim out of the ring!
Matt looks like he's about to build momentum for a plancha but smiles and waves his hand no to the anticipating fans who boo him. He waits for Joachim to get up and hits a sliding dropkick through the rope to Joachim's head, sending him careening into the metal barrier separating the ring area from the fans. Matt leaves the ring then charges after Joachim to shoulder tackle him into the barrier again but Joachim knees him in the stomach, turns Matt into the dragon sleeper position again, then hits "Twisting Path" (rolling facebuster) into the ring barrier to a loud metal thud! The fans let out a collective gasp and both men are down. Joachim gets up, picks Matt up, and throws him into the ring. Joachim doesn't want to win by count-out, he wants Matt's NEXUS Championship. Matt appears to be knocked out.
As Joachim enters the ring and seeks a pinfall, Ruby Moreno runs out to ringside to a chorus of boos. She grabs Joachim's leg but he kicks her off and she gets knocked on her behind. Joachim picks up Matt who immediately hits a low blow on Joachim as Eiji's attention was on Ruby! Matt goes for the pin but only gets a 2 count. He picks Joachim up into a new version of his "Chancery of Pain" finisher - the same variant that he used on Geese Walker after their match at "Lunar Eclipse of the Heart." Joachim fights him on it but Matt is still able to drop him on the back of his upper back and neck. The crowd gasps as Ruby screams at Eiji to get ready to count the pin. However, Matt can't quite get up himself, still feeling the lingering effects of the rolling facebuster into the barrier as well as the other punishment he has endured.
Eiji is about to start the standing 10 count again but Ruby Moreno grabs his leg this time. While she has Eiji’s attention, Matt is able to get up. He attempts a pin on Joachim, who grabs him into a small package! Eiji pulls away from Ruby and counts but Joachim only gets a 2 count. However, Joachim still has the initiative and picks Matt up for the "Destiny Driver" (Samurai Driver '84)! Matt isn't able to fight out of it. Before Eiji can count to 3, Ruby drags him out of his position and onto the floor! Joachim is exasperated and confronts Ruby who is on the apron. This gives Matt time to recover. He rushes Joachim who moves aside at the last second, allowing Matt to collide with Ruby. However, as Joachim attempts to roll-up Matt after the collision, two men jump the crowd barrier, rush into the ring, and break up the pin!
Eiji has had it at this point and disqualifies Matt Rivers!
Joachim has won the match but not the NEXUS Championship. Ruby's scheme has saved it.
Joachim [O] [Disqualification: Interference - 18 minutes] (X) Matt Rivers
However, the collective gasp by the fans isn't a result of Ruby's chicanery and Matt's unfair title retention. Rather, they are hit with the realization of the identity of the two men who broke up the pin and are now the ones putting the boots in mechanical fashion to Joachim. No one expected Jeff and Jack Monroe to even wrestle again, let alone come back to the ring within 6 months of being eviscerated by El Exilio at "Lunar Eclipse at the Heart." They do not appear to be any worse for the wear either. The fans are silent as these two men, who they watched get destroyed, are moving as well as they ever did. And they appear ready to do the same thing to Joachim as Palida Fantasma and Yoshirozuna did to them. Ruby directs traffic while screaming at Joachim how he is a filthy apostate and has been excommunicated from Destiny.
Suddenly the fans cheer as Jang Bae runs down to ringside. UBL hasn't seen him in years and his sudden return is welcomed by just about everyone watching. And if the Monroe Brothers attack could be seen as mechanical, his dismantling of them is almost robotic in its tactical efficiency. However, even he of Tae Kwon Do black belt expertise can not stand up to this 4 on 2 attack. Eventually he begins to suffer the same fate as the fallen Joachim. Rivers goes outside to get a chair as both Monroe Brothers prop up Jang and Joachim and hold them from behind.
And that's when the arena lights go out and a giant five-sided star appears on the Battle Tron. When the lights turn back on five seconds later, Sirius Mask is in the ring and helps Jang Bae fight off Destiny! Sirius kicks the chair into Matt's face with a huge leaping dropkick, sending him careening backwards and over the top rope out of the ring! Jang is able to free himself from Jack's clutches, spins and kicks Jack in the face with a crushing roundhouse kick. You can actually hear Jack's right cheek bone shatter from the impact. Jang frees Joachim by hitting an axe kick on Jeff's arm, breaking it as well. Ruby has her troops bail out of the ring right as UBL security comes out (late) to fend off any further aggression.
Jang checks on Joachim's condition as Sirius checks on Jang's. He appears in good health but very confused as to who Sirius is and why he is getting so much attention from him. However, he does appear grateful. Ruby Moreno is staring bullets into Sirius Mask, equal parts angry and confused as to who he is. She directs the Monroe Brothers to follow her backstage and signals around her waist to Matt. He calmly goes to collect his NEXUS Title Belt from the timekeeper's table and walks backstage with an expression of mild annoyance. Ruby's expression is far more frustrated but she still makes sure to point to the NEXUS Title belt and pantomime that its still hers. The medical staff attends to Joachim, who is eventually able to stand up on his own. He also thanks Sirius Mask and Jang helps him backstage.
The show ends with Sirius Mask standing in the middle of the ring as the star comes back on the Battletron.