Chapter V: Not Dead Yet!

[GAIA]

Cold Open. The dim technicolor lights of a 2019 dystopian metropolis Los Angeles opens the broadcast, the city night-life below anything but quiet with the sounds of car horns from our birds-eye perspective of the ground below. We softly transition to a wide shot of a single building complex, a sky-scrapper that almost touches the clouds above from our floor perspective before another soft transition gives us a shot of a particular room inside.

The room is dimly lit, but an overhanging light above the large round table gives us all the details we need of what’s transpiring. Vernon Tressler sits at one end of the table, along with several other bodies with their faces mascareded in a veil of shadow from the light, the camera angle giving no indication to who the other people at the table are as of yet. There is almost a quiet tension in the atmosphere in the opening seconds, soon cut as Vernon Tressler begins to speak.

Vernon Tressler: Thank you all for joining me on such short notice. We, as the council for Project: VANGUARD, have to make some business decisions to make. Thus we are opening this public platform to discuss our respective ideas for the promotion going forward, big ideas and small. Before we get underway, I want to remind you all on how this meeting is going to work.

With the click of a remote in his hand, a holographic projection of the GAIA logo displays in the center of the table, statically transitioning to a picture of an empty pie-chart.

Vernon Tressler: Each of you are aware of your shares in the company. If anything on tonight's agenda leads to a vote, the percentage of your share will translate to the percentage of your vote yay or nay towards the topic for discussion. At a 50/50 tie, the item will be suspended until our next meeting. Of course, the majority percentage will win the debate and the motion will either carry or close depending on which side has the majority. I ask that everyone here respects the verdict, regardless of the outcome.

There is a silent agreement among the people around the table.

Vernon Tressler: Very good. Now, just a reminder of the percentages you each have.

With another click of the remote control, the hologram pie fills with various different colors taking up various percentages of the chart.

Vernon Tressler: As you can see, as the majority shareholder, Tressler Insurance holds 40% of the company shares. Novacaine Designs holds 15%. SYSTM Media LLC holds 20%. FightingARTS Sporting Brand holds 10%. And finally, the PARAGON Financial Group holds the remaining 15%.

A somewhat shrill voice from the shadows from a figure in one of the chairs around the table firmly asserts.

?: I would like to object for just a moment. Vernon, it is very clear that your vote will heavily tip the scales one way or the other. I would like to remind you that the PARAGON Financial Group are funneling this promotion quite a lot of money to keep GAIA not only protected but also operational. I would like to request that the ramifications of abuses your percentage to kneecap progressive ideas for the company be taken strongly into consideration.

Vernon Tressler: Noted. Will there be anything else before we get to the proceedings?

?: … That is all for now. Proceed.

Vernon Tressler: Then we shall get to the first item on the agenda. In regards to VANGUARD Pro’s expansion, it has been rather slow. We’ve kept shows at the Globe Theatre to maintain a cult-like fan base. Attendance has been full house every time, but financially we are losing more than what we put in due to issues on our production line. Prime example being the 2-for-1 sale we did for Chapters 3 and 4. Our expansion show in Portland a few days ago saw a full house turnout for a three-match card for a small ticket price. Merchandise sales maintained all costs for the production to break even on costs despite difficulties with the shows editing and release onto our network. Thus, we are opening the floor for possible ideas to not only put out shows at a faster rate but also a possible future of expanding our influence across the country, if not internationally.

There is a quiet pause before one of the shadowed figures speaks up.

?: I believe it would be beneficial if we look into a more efficient production schedule. Perhaps less matches with more frequent events. We’re currently running once a month, during a majority of that month hype around shows begin to die down. If we break shows down to 3 or 4 per show on a bi-weekly basis, I believe fans would be getting their money’s worth on the network, and live attendances would maintain a steady number if we advertised captivating main events. It should meet supply and demand, as well as boost productivity despite the additional venue hire and production costs.

There is a brief discussion around the table before Vernon asserts.

Vernon Tressler: It will be put to the vote. Everyone, you have you panel in front of you. Yay or Nay are your only options.

After some silence, sounds of each panel confirms interaction with the vote before GAIA displays the results.

100% Yay. 0% Nay.

Vernon Tressler: Motion passed with unanimous decision. Starting Chapter 6 we will be running Bi-Weekly with less matches on each card to boost productivity. Any more items for the agenda?

Another voice raises from the shadowed figures, a more deep voice.

?: I would like to address the lacking of a singles title on the male side of the roster. As of yet, despite promises males and females would be held on equal footing, the Bellatrix Championship was introduced on Chapter 4 while there has been no mention of the males receiving their own title.

The shrill voice from before raises his concerns.

?: I too am interested in the reasoning behind that, Vernon. Would you care to enlighten us all about the status of said championship?

Vernon clears his throat, hesitating before responding.

Vernon Tressler: Many of you will know that the company had a major shift in male talent following our inaugural show. Many male talent were injured and have not yet returned to VANGUARD Pro. Since then, we’ve been slowly rebuilding the division to make it stronger before making a championship active for the roster.

The shrill voice lets out a loud “ha!” of faint amusement before pursuing.

?: I think the REAL reason you haven’t introduced the championship is due to Enon demolishing your male roster. I think it is not because of their well-being and safety or, “building the division” as you claim. I think you’re just avoiding giving him any chance at him getting the belt or opportunities at the belt through GAIA.

Vernon doesn’t respond, but another voice does.

?: I will agree the roster isn’t strong enough to introduce said title yet. Enon thinning the numbers around doesn’t help. I feel Vernon is right to hold the creation of said title for the time being. Instead, focusing on the Bellatrix and Tag Team Championships seems to be the best idea in terms of rewarding our talent.

There is another pause before the same voice speaks up again.

?: Speaking of which, since the title situation I believe is best held on stand-by until we have such a roster built, I would like to ask you Vernon the condition of your son. He won his guaranteed contract with VANGUARD Pro at the event in Portland and, as agreed, it will be extended to him. However, he hasn’t come into the office to sign the contract. I think we would all like an update on his condition.

Vernon hesitates his response, a sense of quiver in his voice.

Vernon Tressler: Jason's condition in terms of his future in wrestling is uncertain. Due to the post-match assault by Enon and the other damages he took during said match, he has suffered multiple injuries to the ribs and spine. He has undergone disk fusion surgery, however, has trouble operating his hands and fingers, as well as trouble walking. He will be attending rehabilitation until doctors can clear him, if they can clear him at all. While he does have a contract waiting for him, he is not going to be able to sign it in good faith until his condition has improved.

After a momentary pause, a female voice is raised from around the table.

?: And what about Enon? He broke a verbal agreement with you, Vernon. I’m sure you are going to hold up your end of the agreement and have him face repercussions for those actions.

Vernon is interrupted before speaking by the shrill voice.

?: Actually, I feel repercussions are best left for Mr Erik Holland. A former talent hiding in the crowd and attacking a wrestler? I think we should place a restraining order on him from our venues and have him face charg--

Vernon Tressler: I authorized it.

A hush falls momentarily before the shrill voice questions.

?: I beg your pardon?

Vernon Tressler: I authorized Erik Holland to be in attendance. I also authorized him to handle Enon.

?: How!? Better yet, why?!

Vernon Tressler: Holland had made it clear following his match with Jason that he found no serious competition on the VANGUARD Pro roster following Chapter 2 and all the injuries were announced. It discouraged him and he departed in search of higher stakes. He left before Enon did what he did to Wiland, an oversight that he soon didn’t ignore. He tried making reconnections with the company, but as he had left disgruntled we weren’t willing to make negotiations. He started finding other means to get our attention, including hacking our social media leaving vague gifs calling out Enon. We didn’t take these seriously and upped our social media security. However, he found a small gateway in GAIA to play during the program. I took immediate action and contacted him.

?: Without the knowledge of anyone else?

Vernon Tressler: Correct. I wanted to act fast about this so that I could prevent him finding another gateway into GAIA’s programming. He had a simple request; he wanted to fight Enon. He took exception with him walking around as the most dangerous man in VANGUARD and made his demands known. So I made him a proposition. I would grant him a match with Enon at a later date if he interfered and handled Enon should he step out of line with our verbal agreement.

?: I don’t believe I am hearing this. What a gutless move, even for you Ver--

Vernon Tressler: Shut your mouth, Percival. I did what had to be done. Someone who could prevent that mad man from paralyzing my son and the rest of the roster, who could actually give us a fighting chance of being rid of him? You are a fool if you believe authorizing Erik Holland to do what he did so far was gutless. I would do it again without a moment's hesitation every time.

Vernon takes a deep breath to collect himself before the females voice raises again.

?: Then, is there anything else you have yet to tell us, Vernon?

Vernon Tressler: Just the terms of the match Holland requested.

A USB drive in hand, Vernon plugs it into a jack by his panel. It is off-camera, but the green hue of the hologram shifts the light in the room, displaying an image the cameras don’t see as discussion immediately breaks out among the table before the voice belonging to Percival speaks up.

Percival: Vernon, you did not agree to have that be the terms!

Vernon Tressler: I did.

Percival: That is barbaric! I will not allow a match like this to be green-lit and I am demanding it to be put to a vote right here and now.

Discussion around the table gets loud before Vernon speaks up.

Vernon Tressler: Fine. Let the voting commence.

All panels on the table make the sound of activity as each member of the council cast their vote, the hologram projection showing the pie chart results.

55% Yay. 45% Nay.

Percival’s voice chimes in upon seeing the results, a tone of malice in his voice.

Percival: How am I not surprised you would condone such barbaric behavior, Ms Nova?

Identified, Tarah Nova is shown on camera as she leans in on the table, elbows up and fingers locked with her chin resting on them.

Tarah Nova: It’d be hypocritical if I didn’t side with Vernon on this matter. I am a parent too, after all. Besides, matches of this caliber is how I earned a reputation in the business in the first place.

Percival’s shadow stands up, hands firmly on the table.

Percival: Then I would like to elect the motion to remove Vernon Tressler from the VANGUARD Council!

One of the remaining two unidentified voices speaks up.

?: I hardly think that’s necessary, Percival.

Percival: It is very necessary. Vernon, you have been abusing your power since the very beginning. You gave your own son multiple opportunities to be apart of VANGUARD Pro despite being under-trained and under-experienced for the job. You have made decisions of your own out of spite towards Enon without our knowledge and now you’re making matches such as this? I think you’ve allowed your ego to drive this company in a bad direction and I feel it is fit to see you removed from this council and no longer apart of the promotion.

Vernon Tressler stands up, trying to keep his composure.

Vernon Tressler: I agree that what I have done was not right to keep hidden from the council. I also agree in hindsight that I should not have allowed my son so many opportunities when he was clearly not ready for the responsibilities. However, I have invested a lot into this company and want to see it thrive so no, I will not be stepping down from my position willingly. So I am dismissing this motion from discussion.

Percival: What gives you the right to say that? If there is conflict it would be left to a vote, remember? So I believe you have no say in that matter. And because I feel you’re on trial here, you should not be allowed to vote in the matter. Give each party here an extra 10% from your 40% absence in their vote and that should round up to a nice 100%. So, I think we should let the council decide.

Vernon Tressler: … Fine, then proceed…

Votes are cast around the table before the holographic pie chart shows the results.

25% Yay. 25% Nay. 50% Abstain.

Percival: What is the meaning of this?!

One of the unidentified voices speaks up, leaning into the spotlight, an aged face with white hair clears his throat.

?: Apologies Percival, but I along with Mr Brookes have abstained from voting. As we have the majority, I believe the topic will be left open for our next meeting. We feel it is too soon to reach a verdict on Vernon Tressler and his place in our council. While he has made some questionable decisions, he is also our leading benefactor and possibly the only reason this company does stay afloat.

Percival groans as this figure turns to Vernon.

?: We don’t condone this match you have allowed, Vernon, nor your reasons to green light it. But there is a market for such stipulations. Our concern is the audience will not like it, find it too violent. Plus, the state athletics commission would shut down this essential human cockfighting match. So I pitch to you that we host the event somewhere they can not shut down the show.

Tampering with the keyboard in front of him, the holographic projector displays a map, zoomed in to a specific area.

?: My company owns a hanger on the edge of the pear. It should be big enough for such a match to take place and should be anonymous enough for the State Athletic Commission to not intervene. My only request is that you prolong the match until the Chapter 7 show. Get all the paperwork and other essentials sorted beforehand.

Vernon stands up and extends a hand to the figure. He reciprocates but says something before letting go.

?: Don’t mistake this favor as an act of kindness, Vernon. Step out of line again, I will personally take no issue in voting you off this council. Whatever happens with this match you’ve allowed, it’s on your hands.

Vernon doesn’t change in expression and this figure and the one beside him stands up and leaves the room, the meeting adjourned as Percival makes his departure too, seemingly unhappy. Vernon sits back down in his seat and lets out a deep sigh, turning to Tarah Nova.

Vernon Tressler: Have I made the right decision?

Tarah shrugs.

Tarah Nova: Who’s to say? But you better call Finny back for the next meeting. Beck left the company to your decisions, so you'll need as much support as you can get.

Vernon nods solemnly. Elbows on the table with his fingers locked in front of his face.

Vernon Tressler: Something tells me I will need it. Thank you, Ms Nova.

The scene slowly fades to black.

[GAIA]

[ Kavinsky’s “ProtoVision” fills the arena, the chants of “WE ARE VAN-GUARD! *clap clap clap clap clap* WE ARE VAN-GUARD! *clap clap clap clap clap*” filling the listener's ears as the camera pans across the excited Los Angeles crowd are on their feet around the ring before the familiar voice of play-by-play commentator Mark Stephens welcomes us to the program. ]

Mark Stephens: Five shows later and VANGUARD Pro is Not Dead Yet! Hello everyone, my name is Mark Stephens, the voice in your ear for tonights program joined as ever with, as he asked me to introduce him, “Mr. VANGUARD Pro” Chet Kensington. Tonight, we are choc-full of action from top to bottom as we will see a Triple Threat Tag Team match as a precursor for the Tag Team Championship gauntlet happening at Chapter 6 as well as Raena Ripley’s first defense of the VANGUARD Pro Bellatrix Championship against Izzy Van Doren.

Chet Kensington: There is quite a lot on the line tonight, that’s for sure. Izzy Van Doren accepting Raena’s open-door policy when it comes to her challengers and tonight we’re going to see Raena put it on the line against one of the most reckless competitors in wrestling today. We’ll know one thing for sure, be it Raena being a paper champion or Izzy being a reckless idiot that doesn’t hold a candle to the best in the industry, we will know the answer to either of those by the end of the night.

Mark Stephens: We have a lot of action to get through tonight so let’s not waste anytime, let’s send it over to Rhett Sweeney for the introductions for the opening bout!

[ We head to the ring where Rhett Sweeney is standing in the center, the fans chanting loudly as “Protovision” begins to fade in the background. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Ladies and Gentlemen, the opening contest of this evening is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Rhett Sweeney: With a 10-minute time limit!

[ “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin is in the midst of playing as Kai Terblanche is in the ring, body through the middle ropes as he looks out to the crowd with a vile look on his face. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Already in the ring! From Johannesburg, South Africa, weighing in tonight at 226 pounds! HE IS THE RAZORBLADE! KAAAAAAI!!! TEEEERBLANCHEEE!!!

Mark Stephens: Following a defeat to Trey Cole at Chapter 4, Kai Terblanche has left a little bit lost in the shuffle and has been feeling quite agitated by it. As you can see by his expression, he’s none too happy with the VANGUARD Pro faithful and how little they seem to be taking him seriously.

Chet Kensington: It was one loss, that’s all. People bounce back from losses like it’s nothing. Kai Terblanche is out here tonight to bounce back from that loss and remind people that he is a threat to be reckoned with.

[ Kai scowls at Howie Dewitt as he gets into his corner, crouching and staring at the entrance way with a look of absolute menace. ]

[ “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top plays over the P.A. System as Shane walks out on the stage, popping the collar of his black jacket while looking out at the fans with a huge grin on his face. Toothpick in his teeth and shades over his eyes, Holiday makes his way down the ramp slapping hands with the fans in attendance as he does so. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing his opponent! From Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 230 pounds! The California Catch King! SHAAAAANEEEEE!!! HOOOLLIIIDAAAAAY!!!

Mark Stephens: The ever smug Shane Holliday making his way to the ring, coming off an impressive victory against MARVELOUS RED at Chapter III, has been itching to get back in a VANGUARD Pro ring and continue to build his resume in the wrestling world.

Chet Kensington: He believes he has all the tools to be one of the best professional wrestlers going in the industry today and isn’t afraid to let you know about it. Defeating an honorable yet mysterious MARVELOUS RED seemed to be no easy task but an impressive result nonetheless. Looking to take one step closer to being the best male competitor in VANGUARD Pro.

[ Holliday hops up on the apron by his knee, then hoists himself up to a standing position. Holliday enters through the middle rope, taking an opportunity to playfully taunt to each section of the audience before removing his jacket and focusing on his opponent before Dewitt calls for the opening bell. ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

Both competitors close the gap between each other, Kai looking on high alert for Shanes credible catch wrestling game as they go for the opening lock up. Kai makes it very apparent that any sake of honor for the sport is nonexistent as he immediate starts clawing at Shane Hollidays eyes, driving him back into the corner as Howie Dewitt makes the five count for Kai to stop, breaking at four with a vicious rake at the eyes. Holliday is seemingly blinded as Kai takes his verbal lambasting from Howie Dewitt, taking desperate swings at Kai with his eyes clothed from the pain, only to receive a kick in the midsection, backing up into the ropes and returning with a knee lift that knocks Holliday onto the canvas. The fans are booing Kai heavily as he starts repeatedly dropping his knee into Shane Hollidays head, ending with one to the upper back, holding his knee on the back of his neck as he verbally abuses a fan at ringside.

Terblanche pulls Holliday towards the corner, throwing him into it and locking his arms over the ropes. Following a series of short-ranged shoulder thrusts to the midsection of Holliday, Kai spits in his face with a disgusting loogie trailing down his face and into his beard! The crowd find that disgusting, Kai giving a second one to the fans as he makes his way to the opposite side of the ring, mouthing off to them once again before turning back around and charging towards Holliday.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING! KAI RAN RIGHT INTO THAT VICIOUS ELBOW STRIKE TO THE JAW BY HOLLIDAY, WHO IS FUMING AS HE WIPES THE SPIT OFF HIS FACE AND BEARD! And what a shot too! Kai is flat on the canvas with glassy eyes! Shane Holliday is peeved as he flips Kai onto his stomach and hooks his arm over, applying the crossface! Baywatch Blues is locked in tight and Kai’s back and neck are being arched back in a way they’re not supposed to be! You can see the expression on Shane’s face and gritted teeth he’s applying a lot of pressure into the hold as Kai is beginning to fade, having no choice but to tap out!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

[ “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top hits as Shane releases the hold, having his arm raised by Howie Dewitt. ]

Rhett Sweeney: The winner of this match! SHAAAAANEEEEE!!! HOOOLLIIIDAAAAAY!!!

Mark Stephens: Not being paid by the hour, Shane Holliday with a dominating performance against Kai Terblanche. The blatant disrespect and despicable actions taken out of spite came back in the form of one of the most devastatingly sick elbow strikes I have ever seen in my career, the deal sealed with the Baywatch Blues.

Chet Kensington: Kai’s frustrations got the better of him, and those actions came back to bite him. Shane Holliday making quick work of his opponent tonight and made a bold statement; Shane Holliday isn’t someone to sleep on.

[ The lights in the arena dim, slow, methodical laughter playing over the speakers as the video screen displays an eerie message, MARVELOUS RED’s likeness but in all black. Holliday stands in the ring confused as the lights return to normal, seemingly no one in the arena comprehends what exactly the message means. ]

[GAIA]

[ The cameras cut back to inside the arena, fans ready for the second contest of the evening as Rhett Sweeney steps into the ring with the microphone in hand. ]

Rhett Sweeney: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

Rhett Sweeney: With a 20-minute time limit!

[ “Radio Gaga” by Queen plays through the arena, the crowd sing along to the lyrics as Azurine Vebbins pirouettes onto the entrance, a solitary spotlight provides an ethereal glow as she begins to descend down the ramp like an automaton practising aerobics. She performs various other dance steps while making her way to the eastern ring apron. Along the way, she waves, high-fives and hugs certain chanters she comes into contact with. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing first! From San Angeles, California, weighing in tonight at 115 pounds! SHE IS THE ADORKABLE ANGEL! AZUUUUUURIIIIIIINE!!! VEEEEEEBBIIIIIIINS!!!

Mark Stephens: Coming off potentially one of the biggest underdog stories in wrestling this year, Azurine Vebbins has had a very noteworthy career in VANGUARD Pro, beating Stacy DeVille, the now-departed Chloe Leuthard and competing of the inaugural VANGUARD Bellatrix Championship at Chapter 4. It’s there that she suffered her first loss, taking the fall that crowned Raena Ripley as Bellatrix Champion.

Chet Kensington: At face value, yeah she doesn’t look like or sound like someone who would be able to compete at a top-tier level but time and time again she has proven people like me wrong. Fair fucks to her. It was a big loss for her at Chapter IV and now she’s looking to bounce back from that loss and, as she stated, prove her career isn’t dead yet.

[ Azurine glides between the bottom and middle ropes, performing another pirouette as the spotlight remains on her, smiling as the room lights return to normal. She backs into her respective corner, awaiting her opponent. ]

[ The lights dim to a low level. “Dominion” by Benea Reach begins to play. Scarlet slowly walks out from behind the curtains after about twenty seconds has elapsed. She glances around the arena, taking everything in. Cue that patented smirk of hers; it’s wicked in nature. And so begins her slow descent down to the ring. Upon reaching the ring, Scarlet wipes her boots and then hops onto the ring apron. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing her opponents! From New York City, New York, weighing in tonight at 120 pounds! SHE IS YOUR LITTLE NIGHTMARE! SCARLEEEEET!!! FLIIIIIIINT!!!

Chet Kensington: Now we HAVE to talk about Ms Scarlet Flint. For whatever reason, tonight she is not facing Raena Ripley for the Bellatrix Championship. She has been vocal that she believes she is due a title shot and every time it seems to go completely ignored. Why? Who knows. But I can tell you one thing for sure -- she is absolutely sick of waiting to get the credit that she is due.

Mark Stephens: Scarlett has racked up an impressive set of wins, that much can not be disputed. First against Sakuya Goto on Chapter 2 and then Kylie Drafthouse not too long after at Chapter 4, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most technically savage competitors in the wrestling world today. However, Raena offered the first shot to Izzy Van Doren, perhaps because she feels she deserved it more.

Chet Kensington: Pfft, what a mark. There is no doubt in my mind that if she beats Azurine right here, right now, Raena will realise that Scarlet was the more worthy of the two contenders.

[ Upon reaching the ring, Scarlet wipes her boots and then hops onto the ring apron. She steps through the ropes and heads towards the adjacent corner. She takes a seat on the mat and rests her back against the turnbuckle as she stares a hole through Azurine Vebbins as Larry Blackwell moderates the two before calling for the bell. ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

Azurine Vebbins approaches her opponent, looking for a lock-up to start the bout only to be pie-faced down onto the canvas as a visibly annoyed Scarlet Flint stands above her, verbally berating her opponent. The camera’s can only pick up small fragments of her tirade over the uproar of boos towards Scarlet’s disrespectful actions towards an otherwise fan favorite in Vebbins, though managing to pick up “I should be fighting for the title tonight, not you!” And with that, you can see the usual jovial Azurines mood shift into one more serious as she stands back to her feet, standing chest to chest with Scarlet, almost defiantly standing up to her. Scarlet swings for a forearm strike, but Azurine ducks under it and rains a flurry of forearm shivers into Scarlet, overwhelming her with quick and ferocious strikes, backing up for a palm strike only to be caught in the gut with a sole-butt kick, reeled over as Scarlet runs off the ropes and catches the Adorkable Angel on the side of her skull with a single leg dropkick. Scarlet doesn’t seem concerned with putting on a long, dramatic performance, rather quickly assert her dominance to drive a point home with her actions, forgoing any and all methodical approaches.

Staying on the offense, Azurine is sent off the ropes with an Irish Whip and is sent tumbling over Scarlet’s knee following an aggressive kitchen sink, double-tapped as Scarlet’s kick pad collides with her spine with a nasty sounding Soccer Kick, concluding the sequence with another run off the ropes and driving both her boots into the chest of Vebbins with a basement dropkick. Scarlet presses her forearm against Vebbins jaw as she hooks the leg for the cover.

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! --

Azurine kicks out at two, not an early night for Scarlet. Her temper seems to flare up as she grinds her forearm into Azurines chin before getting to her feet, made more apparent when Vebbins tries catching her breath seated in the corner only for Scarlet to grind the bottom of her boot multiple times across the side of her face. Off the ropes she goes, a brutal facewash coming but calculated by Vebbins who intercepts and delivers a drop toe hold that sees Flints’ face collide with the middle turnbuckle pad! Vebbins wraps her arms around Scarlet’s waist and sends her to the center of the ring with a nice release German Suplex, Flint rolling back onto her knees to be met with a hesitation dropkick by Vebbins to finish the sequence, Vebbins nipping up to her feet as the crowd rally behind her early comeback. Scarlet pulls herself up in the corner, Vebbins having her scouted as she charges in and connects with a jumping corner clothesline, sending her legs through the middle rope and slips to the apron as Scarlet stumbles out of the corner, Vebbins stomping a beat onto the apron as the fans clap along before she springboards in, connecting with a double axe handle that knocks the tiny giant down. Having the momentary upper hand, she tries to see if her house-of-fire momentum was enough to stun Scarlet as she hooks the legs deep for a cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! --

A two-count but nothing more as Scarlet kicks out with authority, though the crowd are still firmly behind the Adorkable Angel. Azurine pulls Scarlet up and onto her shoulders, looking for the rolling Samoan drop, but Scarlet comes to and slips off Azurines shoulders but, in a surprising showing, an ace crusher attempt by Scarlet is countered into a sleeper hold with body scissors as Azurine drops to the canvas with Scarlet, trying to get the little nightmare to go to sleep. For a good amount of time, the crowd believe Azurine might have her fading, but Scarlet shows much stronger resolve as she slowly rises to her feet, Azurine still holding onto her back as Scarlet rams her into the corner hard as she charges backwards into them. Azurine doesn’t let go initially, but a second shock to the spine is able to get her to break the hold as lifted and left in pain on the top rope, BEFORE BEING STRUCK WITH A VICIOUS PALM STRIKE THAT HAS AZURINE FALL TO THE OUTSIDE AND ONTO THE FLOOR! The real savageness behind Scarlet Flint has surfaced now, done playing games with the likes of Azurine Vebbins who took a hard landing first onto the apron then the floor.

Azurine is on the floor clutching her lower back where it collided with the apron frame, a big red mark showing early signs of a very nasty bruise forming. Ringside crew are checking her while Scarlet catches her breath, ice packs being applied to Vebbins back trying to prevent any swelling. The jeers ensued as Scarlet leaves to the outside, shoving away the ringside crew to get to Azurine, pulling her back into the ring so she can finish the job once and for all. Scarlet follows her back into the ring but Azurine is able to land a dropkick to the head of Scarlet as she climbs in, but evident in her slowness to follow up, it took a lot of strain to get the move off. She pulls Scarlet into the center and is able to deliver a Northern Light Suplex, bridging for the pin.

Larry Blackwell: ONE! T--

Azurine isn’t able to maintain the bridge as her back seems to be giving her some serious trouble. Having a large target quite literally on her back, Azurine has one last resort she go to as she pulls Scarlet up, driving her knees twice into her sternum, making some distance and connecting with a superkick to the jaw, fans expecting the climax of the contest as Azurine grabs Scarlet’s wrist for the culmination of the Sweetheart Sock Hop. But her limit is reaches as she tries pulling her in for the DDT, her back seemingly giving out and landing her in a tough spot as Scarlet pulls Azurine instead and knocks her jaw skywards with a vicious open palm and driving her down to the canvas with a powerful STO! Scarlet has Azurine at the end of her sights, the Adorkable Angel trying to get one last rally out of herself, but is a fruitless effort as Scarlet puts the final nail in the coffin with a vicious Last Exile (Curb Stomp). Leg hooked, Blackwell making the cover.

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!!!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

[ “Dominion” by Benea Reach plays as Scarlet gets to her feet, dead-eyeing the camera as she rejects a hand-raise by Larry Blackwell mouthing the words “You’re next, champ” as boos drown out her voice. ]

Rhett Sweeney: HERE IS YOUR WINNER! SCAAAAARLEEEEET!!! FLIIIIINT!!!

Chet Kensington: Azurine had here moments, up until now she’s had her moment in the sun, but with this victory much like this match, Scarlet is stating a claim to hers. And she isn’t wasting any time letting the world know exactly what she is after; the VANGUARD Bellatrix Championship. After that display, who doubts her now?

Mark Stephens: Defeating someone who pretty much put the division on the map, yeah, I can’t deny that the rest of the division and especially whoever the champion turns out to be later tonight have every right to be put on notice.

[ Scarlet Flint ignores any contact with fans as she makes her way up the ramp, Azurine catching her breath in the ring, looking defeated. ]

[GAIA]

[ We return to the commentary desk with Mark Stephens & Chet Kensington. ]

Chet Kensington: Before we get into the next match of the evening we do have to make two major announcements regarding the Tag Team Championships at Chapter VI. The first being a notable absence from the lineup. Due to personal reasons, Brooklyn Kingsley has requested time away from the ring to focus on some personal issues we will not disclose on this program. Due to this, her husband Adam O'Bannon has also requested time away to be with his wife during this matter and Garrett Manning has opted to take time away also until the entire P.O.P. faction is ready to return to VANGUARD. On behalf of the VANGUARD family, we wish them a speedy return when they are ready.

Mark Stephens: That being said, all the other teams in VANGUARD will be entered into a gauntlet match to crown our inaugural champions. Each team will be issued a number and will enter that number. Rules for the match itself will be explained later. However, tonight the three teams competing will not only be competing for bragging rights but will also be competing for a slight advantage in the gauntlet match. The team that wins will be guaranteed a higher number than the other two. The team not pinned or submitted will receive the second-highest number and the team that is pinned or submitted? The lowest number still available. High stakes in this one, Chet.

[ We return to ringside, Rhett Sweeney with the microphone in hand. ]

Rhett Sweeney: The following three-way tag team contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Rhett Sweeney: With a 30-minute time limit!

[ “I’m Always Here” by Jimi Johnson play as the lights circle the arena, almost as if trying to find a specific point. As the drums kick in, the lights shine onto the stage, where The Lifeguards come out with wide smiles on their faces. Cadet Allen and Thomas come out high fiving fans, making sure to get them involved as much as possible. Cadet Holliday brings up the rear, wearing a life ring around his neck and holding a lifeguard rescue can in hand. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing their opponents! Accompanied by Cadet Jacob Holliday at a combined weight of 340 pounds! Cadet Barry Allen! Cadet Andrew Thomas! BAAAAAEWAAAAAATCH!!!

Mark Stephens: Here we are seeing one of the most, for the want of a better word, unique teams in VANGUARDs growing tag team division, the frat boy-equse triad of Holliday, Allen and Thomas who unsuccessfully made their debuts a few chapters ago against P.O.P. who we announced earlier have been excluded from the upcoming gauntlet match. Despite their shortcomings, they look confident going towards the gauntlet and this match tonight.

Chet Kensington: Of the three teams in this match, Baewatch has the most experience in a VANGUARD ring and their performance against P.O.P despite the result was nothing to sneeze at for these three. Despite being the goofy guys walking around with lifeguard gear, they proved they might be something special with the right focus and dedication. Tonight, we see what they’ve learned from their previous outing against two debuting teams.

[ Allen and Thomas enter the ring, climbing the turnbuckles as Holliday slides into the ring, taking the middle as all three pose for the crowd. ]

[ "BURN IT" by FEVER 333 hits as Otto and Lance Kingsley emerge from the curtain, showing some fire as they look out over the VANGUARD Pro crowd followed soon after by Videl Rose who is all smiles as she accompanies the Kingsley brothers down the aisle. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing their opponents! First, accompanied by Videl Rose! From Brooklyn, New York at a combined weight of 398 pounds! Lance and Otto Kingsley! THEEEEEE!!! HIGH SCOOOOOORE!!! KIIIIIINGS!!!

Chet Kensington: Two brothers looking to cut their teeth in VANGUARD Pro, the bearded one on the right there is Otto, the shorter one on the right is Lance, husband of the young lady following them down to the ring in Videl Rose. Videl made a huge first impression when she faced Stacy DeVille a few chapters ago despite the loss, earned the respect of the veteran and now for husband and his brother, they’re looking to make a big impact on the division.

Mark Stephens: And what an impact it would be for them to not only win a Triple Threat Tag Team match but also earn a slight advantage in the gauntlet match at Chapter 6? All they have to do is not be the team pinned and they earn the second-highest number still on the board. But a win? You can only assume that number will give them a significant edge in leaving as the inaugural VANGUARD Tag Team Champions.

[ Otto and Lance stand beside each other as they climb the turnbuckle, showing brotherly unity as Videl rallies the crowd behind them. BURN IT slowly dies down as both the Kingsley Brothers stand across from the Baewatch team.]

[ “Sweatpants” by Childish Gambino begins to play as Trey Cole strides out onto the stage, turning back to the curtain and pointing as Spectre and Harley Torres emerge, exploding out with equal confidence to Cole. All three exchange an elaborate handshake before making their way to the ring. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Finally, accompanied by Trey Cole! Respectively from Reno, Nevada and San Diego, California, at a combined weight of 310 pounds! “THE SWOLTERGEIST” SPECTRE! HARLEY TORRES! THEEEEEE HOOOOOOLIGUUUUUUUNNZ!!!

Chet Kensington: Possibly the most hyped and anticipated arrivals to the VANGUARD Tag Team division; we’ve been hearing the rumors that Trey Cole only associates with those who rival his athletic prowess and talent. If that rumor is true, I can only assume we are about to see mind-blowing action centered around the team of Harley Torres and Spectre here. Cole opting out of this match to show what his Hooligunnz brothers got.

Mark Stephens: Both men respected singles stars in their own right but have united to be one of the most talked-about tag teams in the world right now. When Cole arrived he teased these two eventually joining him here in VANGUARD Pro. When the Tag Team Championship belts were revealed, it didn’t take long for these two to join Cole in their hunt for tag team gold.

[ All three members of the Hooligunnz pose for the crowd who are giving them a warm reaction to the debutants Spectre and Torres. Following a quick huddle in their corner, Cole steps out, Torres exiting to the apron to join Otto and Barry as Spectre, Lance and Andrew look to start the contest off as Howie Dewitt calls for the opening bell. ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

Cautious approach from the starting competitors, slowly circling the ring as they switch attention left and right from one opponent to another. The circle begins to tighten, both Lance and Andrew seem to come to a conclusion as both turn their attention to Spectre and swing with double hand chops, only for Spectre to drop to the canvas, all four hands missing as he kips up on the other side, pointing to his head and gesturing that he outsmarted the other two. The evasion seemingly doesn’t stop the collusion as Spectre turns back to two feet in the stomach from Lance and Andrew, backing him into the ropes and both sending him off and catch him with a double team arm drag. OH! But Spectre lands on his feet with no difficulty at all, and the confidence oozes from him as he turns around and mockingly waves at both Kingsley and Thomas who are dumbfounded. Thomas seems to be the most hot-headed of the two as he tries to charge Spectre, who evades and has Thomas crash back-first into the Hooligunnz corner, Lance charging next but a well-timed kick sweep of Lance’s legs cause him to dropkick Andrew Thomas instead, forcing him to be seated as he clutches his ribs. Spectre makes a tag to Torres, who springboards into the ring with a beautiful dropkick to the seated Thomas, combat rolls backwards and handsprings off the mat onto Lance’s shoulder, switching around into a beautiful spike DDT!

The fans are ecstatic from the impressive offence from the Hooligunnz team, more than living up to their hype in the early goings of the bout. Thomas and Lance are pulled to the outside by Videl and Jacob respectively, lucha rules come into play as Otto and Barry enter the fray and club down Torres and Spectre as they were soaking in the applause. Otto taking Spectre in one corner and Barry taking Harley into the opposing one, they club away at the two before turning to the other, another silent agreement between members of both teams as they Irish Whip the two Hooligunnz members into the center of the ring. Avoiding the collision, The Hooligunnz link arms and ring-around-the-rosie back towards their aggressors, rolling under oncoming clothesline attempts from Barry and Otto who almost collide themselves before stopping themselves. Turning back around, they are met with Spectre and Torres who the catch and slam down to the canvas with let-go spinebusters, holding onto their legs as both men fall back and cause both Hooligunnz to collide, clashing foreheads as they fall backwards into the awaiting knees of Allen and Kingsley as they are popped up into their lower backs. Just in time for Andrew Thomas and Lance Kingsley to get their licks in as they both springboard in with Tope Senton Atomicos onto the Hooligunnz with their partners knees in their backs! Both Spectre and Harley roll to the floor holding their backs as it seems the collaborative efforts of the High Score Kings and Baewatch is coming to an end, the crowd still red hot with the fast-paced action.

Forearm exchanges in the center of the ring between the teams, Otto and Lance seemingly getting the advantage before they back into the ropes and come back for a big hit, both members of Baewatch jumping up and hitting Otto with a pair of Dropkicks, electing to momentarily neutralize the bigger Kingsley brother as Lance picks up more momentum from a second lap, seeing a pair of back elbows coming, switches behind Thomas with a waistlock to avoid the impact. Allen grabs Thomas’ hand and pulls him out of the waist lock, delivering a spinning solebut kick into Lance’s midsection, followed by a Thomas thrust kick, concluded with an Enzugiri and Superkick combination from the two, Just for Kicks connecting and knocking down Lance Kingsley. They are given no time to celebrate as Otto Kingsley puts both of them onto the canvas with a double clothesline! Lance rocked and getting to his feet in one corner, Otto tosses Allen into the other, beckoning his partner to do something as he drops to his hands and knees. Lance obliges as he charges and leaps off his brothers back, colliding with a high knee into Barry’s face, shoving him towards Otto who drives Allen down with a snap DDT! Otto makes the first cover of the contest as Lance tries standing guard.

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! --

Three men prove too much for only one pair of eyes as Torres gets in the ring and breaks up the cover. Lance jumps onto him but Torres starts firing forearm shivers into Otto and Lances necks, rendering them groggy as he runs into the ropes, looking for a meteora but doesn’t notice Lance shadowing him as he runs past and behind him, distracting him enough for Otto to pop-up Torres into the air for a powerbomb, Lance leaping up and delivering a lungblower combination! High Score Kings on a roll as Otto drops into the cover again, Lance on his toes goes on guard again.

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! --

Andrew Thomas jumps in to break up the cover, Lance letting him slip by as he kept an eye on both Spectre and Allen. Otto calls Lance over as he tosses Thomas to the outside, looking to finish off Torres as Otto hooks his arms, looking for a Gory Bomb with Lance waiting in the wings for the catch cutter. Allen and Thomas grab Lance by the feet, tripping him over and pulling him out of the ring, Lance stunned as Barry and Andrew connect with a High Tide (Total Elimination)! Meanwhile, Otto is unaware that Lance isn’t there to catch him and is instead met with a springboard dropkick by Spectre, the momentum causing Torres to deliver a Yoshi-Tonic and pin Otto’s shoulders to the mat!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! --

A pair of superkicks by Thomas and Allen breaks up the cover, both meeting the face of Torres. Spectre tries to come to his partners aid, Allen catching him on his shoulders for a fireman's carry, Spectre trying to free himself but Thomas is there after picking up momentum and delivering the single-leg dropkick before Allen delivers the flapjack -- Wipe Out connects! Thomas goes for the cover, Allen pinning down Torres so he can’t break up the cover!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! TH--!!

Otto in to break up the count! Allen tries to throw him to the outside but Otto shifts momentum and sends him over the ropes instead. Allen lands on his feet, but Lance is in the ring and using Otto as an assist, is back body dropped over the top for a Tope Con Hilo onto Allen! Otto doesn’t get any time to celebrate as Andrew Thomas dropkicks him in the back, sending him sprawling through the middle rope, picking up momentum before delivering a spaceman plancha onto both Kingsleys. Holliday makes his way over, checking on both his Baewatch partners as they’re all starting to get to their feet. The crowd anticipate something big as Trey Cole joins Spectre and Harley Torres in the ring, hyping up as the pick up some momentum and -- beautifully synchronized -- all three perform magnificent Sasuke Specials onto the five men on the outside! Rightful “That was awesome” chants break out as the Hooligunnz are fired up!

Trey tosses in Otto Kingsley while Spectre looks for a big finishing blow. Grabbing Kingsley around the waist, delivers a nice snap German Suplex, rolling onto his knees to be met with a tandem superkick by both Spectre and Torres, finishing off the sequence with the Click, Click, BOOM! (Shining Punch) by Spectre and a pop-up assist Jump the Shark (Meteora) by Torres! Legs are hooked, Spectre on guard!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! T -- !!

Both Andrew Thomas and Lance Kingsley charge through Spectre into the cover to break it up! The crowd are white hot, unable to contain themselves as the three teams just keep going! Torres seemingly hurt from the pile on, Lance and Andrew focus fire on Spectre, tossing him off the ropes, but Spectre jumps onto the middle rope and springs back with the Archer Approved (Springboard Cutter)! Lance gets out of dodge but Andrew isn’t so lucky as he is spiked with the cutter. Spectre looks for Lance but is met with his Dragonblade (Sling Blade)! Barry Allen jumps in before Lance can attempt a cover, pulling Lance backwards into a Blue Thunder Bomb! He stands over, folding Lance in for a deep pin, but doesn’t even get a one count before Torres leaps over him, rolling him up for a School Boy, letting go as Barry rolls onto his knees and eats a superkick! Harley turns around and is met with a Flashbang (High knee) by Otto Kingsley, who then gets met with a diving middle rope DDT by Thomas! All six men in the match are down and the crowd are going ballistic!

Thomas helping Barry Allen to his feet, calling for the end as they target Otto Kingsley. Thomas composes himself before leaping into the air, Allen pushing him mid-jump to deliver the Tidal Wave (Standing assisted Moonsault)! HOLY SHIIIT! SPECTRE FROM OUT OF NOWHERE CATCHES ANDREW THOMAS WITH A CUTTER ONTO OTTO KINGLSEY! Allen attempts to take Spectre’s head off with a lariat, but Spectre ducks under and Allen turns around into a Kick Stand (Pele Kick) from Torres! Lance Kingsley the only other man left standing, pulls Spectre back for the Shattered Wings (Back suplex double knee backbreaker), but Spectre rolls behind and shoves him towards Torres, catching him in a headlock and uses an assist from Spectre to deliver the Cycle City (Tornado DDT)! Everyone else on the outside, Torres pulls Lance into a good position as Spectre looks to deliver the killing blow, Harley not taking any chances as he climbs to the top rope on the other side and dives with a Moonsault Plancha to take out Baewatch and Otto Kingsley! Spectre jumps up to the second rope, then the first and delivers the Die Fly (Phoenix Splash)! Leg is hooked, no one in sight!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! THREEE!!!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

[ The crowd erupts as “March of the dead things” by The Herbaliser plays, Spectre getting up slowly as Harley and Trey join him in the ring to raise both their hands in victory. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Here are your winners! Spectre! Harley Torres! THHEEEEEE HOOOOOOLIGUUUUUUNNZ!!!

Mark Stephens: Wow! What a display we just witnessed, Chet! All three teams were gunning it out for that higher spot in the gauntlet, all of them pulled out all the stops it was incredibly hard to call all the action. At the end of the day, The Hooligunnz managed to live up to the hype and picked up a momentous victory!

Chet Kensington: I am speechless, Mark. Absolutely speechless. Three teams just put on a clinic of Tag Team wrestling, non-stop action that showcased just how deep this division goes. Hooligunnz picked up the win tonight, but no team left this match without showing why they have a great chance at winning the VANGUARD Tag Team Championships. Bravo to all these te-- hey hey, wait a second!

[ Two female figures in hoodies jump the barricade, looking into the ring at the Hooligunnz who notice them immediately and think better of the situation and back out of the ring on the opposite end. With the mass of people recovering on the outside, one of the hooded figures delivers a Yakuza Kick into the chest of Barry Allen! Jacob Holliday attempts to intervene but is intercepted with a Discus Big Boot from the other figure, knocking back her hoodie. ]

Chet Kensington: I recognize her, Mark! That’s Lena Sky!

[ Andrew Thomas finds himself between Lena and the other hooded female, trying to retreat into the ring but both of them follow him in, trying to plead his way out of further damage but it seems Lena isn’t having any of it as she applies a choke to Thomas while the other figure removes her own hood. ]

Mark Stephens: The Goddamazon! Zoey Lukas! She’s here too?!

[ Thomas is losing conscious before Lena locks her arms around his waist, Zoey backing up and delivering a decapitating big boot before Lena tosses him on his neck with a devastating German Suplex! ]

Chet Kensington: Two of the most hard-hitting female wrestlers -- scratch that -- wrestlers in general walking the planet have just laid out every member of Baewatch! They have arrived in VANGUARD Pro!

[ Lena and Zoey look directly at the hard-cam and motion to their waists. ]

Mark Stephens: And I think their intentions have been made crystal-clear. They’re gunning for the VANGUARD Pro Tag Team Championships, and are demanding a spot in the gauntlet!

[ Zoey and Lana look up the ramp at the Hooligunnz who have retreated to the stage, both the Kingsleys up the ramp on their asses, and all three members of Baewatch out on the floor before we cut to commercial. ]

[GAIA]

[ We return to the arena and up to the commentary station in the balcony area with Chet Kensington and Mark Stephens. ]

Mark Stephens: Ladies and gentlemen, we're about to go into our main event of Not Dead Yet in a matter of moments. The VANGUARD Bellatrix Champion Raena Ripley puts the title on the line against Izzy Van Doren in her first championship defence. Of course, just a brief explanation as to how this match will go down. Pinfalls and Submissions is the only way the title can change hands. In the event of a double count-out or double disqualification, the championship will be vacated with a decision match made down the line. Outside interference is strictly prohibited. Weapon usage is strictly prohibited. It is one fall to a finish.

Chet Kensington: Just to summerize how this all came about, at our VANGUARD San Frontier show in Portland, Raena Ripley made it clear she will be a fighting Bellatrix Champion for the belt and essentially opened the floodgates to anyone who wanted a shot. Although Scarlet Flint should be the rightful contender, Izzy got to Raena first and accepted the challenge made by the Iz-Fit.

Mark Stephens: Izzy has been one of the most talked-about female competitors in VANGUARD since she made her debut at the Chapter 1 event, it has garnered jealousy and animosity from some of the competitors but unquestionable love from the fans. This match will be between two of VANGUARD's most respected female competitors.

Chet Kensington: Raena having bested Stacy DeVille, currently absent from VANGUARD as she is focused on other matters, and Azurine Vebbins who we saw earlier tonight be on the losing end against Scarlet Flint, claimed the Bellatrix Championship in yet another classic in the Bellatrix Division -- a staple of VANGUARD Pro. Tonight, she faces an entirely different challenge in the form of Izzy Van Doren.

Mark Stephens: The VANGUARD Faithful are looking forward to this one and so am I. So, without further ado --

Chet Kensington: Rhett Sweeney, the honor is yours!

[ The camera cuts back to the ring, a spotlight shining down on Rhett Sweeney as he stands in the center of the ring. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Ladies and Gentlemen the following Triple Threat match scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Rhett Sweeney: Is your Main Event of the evening! And is for the VANGUARD Pro! BELLAAAATRIIIIIIX!!! CHAAAAAAMPIONSHIIIIP!!!

[ Izzy comes out of the curtain bumping to “Coral Fang” by the Distillers, sporting a special occasion face paint in the style of the American punk rock band The Misfits. She rips open her vest, throws her head back and poses at the top of the ramp. She smiles and smirks with the fans chanting "Izzy, Izzy, Izzy". Upon reaching the threshold where the ramp meets the ring mat, Izzy bites her lip, winks to the camera and slides into the ring. ]

Chet Kensington: I am just going to let it all out now, Mark. Izzy is an exceptional attraction, no one is ever going to discredit that. She has made solid impacts with her devil-may-care attitude and reckless abandon for her own health and safety. But she is jumping the line over many more qualified wrestlers for this shot. Stacy DeVille? Back of the line. Azurine, quirky, but proved she can hang, also back of the line. God knows how long Scarlet Flint is going to have to wait for her shot just because Raena accepted Izzy’s challenge first.

Mark Stephens: Be that as it may, you have to accept the fact that Izzy Van Doren has made a name of herself over the wrestling world and here in VANGUARD she is considered to be one of the most fan-approved contenders for the title. Raena recognized that and wanted to have a barn-burner with one of the best. Izzy has gone to great lengths to show she's not your typical wrestler, she'll go to even greater lengths to prove she is still one of the best going today. I don't see your issue with her, but you have to recognize she's one of the best.

Chet Kensington: One of the best, probably. Thee best though? I don't think so. But you know me, I am willing to be proven wrong. If Izzy doesn't kill herself trying to take the title from Raena and puts on an exceptional contest, I'll eat my paycheck.

[ “Fire, Fire” by Heaven’s Basement blasts through the arena before Raena Ripley, dawning a custom made attire inspired by comic book character Quicksilver, emerges from behind the curtain, championship around her waist, looking incredibly prideful in her accolade as she rests her hands on it before removing it from around her waist and raising it high above her head, holding it out as she makes her way down the aisle, allowing fans to touch the belt as she makes her way down. ]

Mark Stephens: Perhaps the dark horse going into this match, Raena Ripley is coming into this contest with the worse win-loss-draw record of the three competitors in this match at 0 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, albeit a third party loss in a tag team match, she finds herself on equal footing to the competitors in this match despite being the least experienced.

Chet Kensington: According to a recent poll, she is also considered to be the fan-favourite of this match to become champion. That speaks a lot to the potential of this young lady, if being among these two women who defined the quality of this division wasn’t already a statement enough.

Mark Stephens: Full of determination, tonight she’ll only need one victory on her record to become the Bellatrix Champion, although it will be a very steep mountain to climb, she doesn’t look afraid in the slightest.

[ Raena slides into the ring, climbing a turnbuckle and giving the crowd some fanfare, taking off her leather jacket and tossing it to a ringside attendant, standing in her corner as she awaits both her opponents.]

[ With both competitors now in the ring, the house lights die down with a single spotlight on the ring. Both competitors stand in their respective corners, psyching themselves up for the upcoming battle as Rhett Sweeney and Larry Blackwell stand in the center of the ring, Sweeney raising the microphone to his lips as a hush falls onto the crowd. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing first, the challenger!

[ The spotlight shifts onto Izzy Van Doren, somewhat relaxed in her corner with her arms draped onto the top ropes, rolling her neck on her shoulders. ]

Rhett Sweeney: From Chicago, Illinois, weighing in tonight at 146 pounds! SHE IS THE IZ-FIT! IZZZZY!!! VAAAAAAAN!!! DOOOOOREEEEENN!!!

[ There is a loud ovation as Izzy approaches the center of the ring with a sinister, yet playful, smile on her face as she throws up the horns in the direction of Raena Ripley. She doesn’t back away from the center, Larry instructing her to despite falling on deaf ears. ]

Rhett Sweeney: And now, introducing the champion!

[ The spotlight moves from on top of Izzy to on top of Raena as she removes the championship belt from around her waist and bouncing on alternating toes. ]

Rhett Sweeney: From Black Rock City, Nevada, weighing in tonight at 135 pounds! SHE IS THE REIGNING AAAAAND DEFENDING VANGUARD PRO BELLATRIX CHAAAAAMPIOOOOOON!!! THE MID-MORNING INFERNO!!! RAAAAAAEEEEENAAAAA!!! RIIIIIIPLEEEEEEEYYYYY!!!

[ There is a loud ovation, similar to the first as Raena marches up towards a smirking Izzy, raising the championship in the air, almost sharing the same expression as her opponent as Larry has his arms between the two to prevent a pre-match exchanging of blows despite neither of the two seem to have any real animosity between each other. They both make it back to their corners, Raena handing the title to Larry who stands in the center of the ring, raising the championship above his head and turning to have it face all sides of the ring before handing it to Rhett Sweeney as he exits the ring. ]

Chet Kensington: Here we go folks, the main event is mere seconds away. Both competitors look confident, collected and anticipating this bout. 60-Minutes are on the clock, pinfall or submission to determine the champion walking out of this one. Disqualifications considered a forfeit, count outs lenient. Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re in for a treat.

Mark Stephens: Izzy’s first outing in a VANGUARD Pro main event, she’s looking as determined as one could. Raena, holding herself to a high standard as champion, doesn’t have a sign of doubt in her expression that her reign will end here tonight. But only one is going to leave this ring the VANGUARD Pro Bellatrix Champion.

[ Larry asks both competitors if they’re ready to go. Both nod their approval to start the contest as Blackwell calls for the opening bell! ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

Duelling chants of “Let’s Go Izzy! Let’s Go Raena!” seemingly split the crowd into two equally opposing forces -- the atmosphere inside the Globe Theatre is nothing short of electric. Neither opponents throw themselves into the contest immediately, going at a slow and calculation pace as they encompass the far reaches of the ring, on their toes as they slowly close the gap. The initial lock-up of the contest seems to be a struggle for the upper hand, quick and smooth chain wrestling between the two sees multiple transitions between the two, culminating when Izzy’s wrist lock on Raena is countered with a forward roll on the canvas, kip-up and crossed-arm arm drag to create separation between the two, Izzy quickly side-stepping and pushing off Raena into the ropes, running past and behind her with a misdirection, Raena turning around to be met with a beautiful running arm drag by Izzy. Izzy kips up, Raena quickly scurrying to her feet and the two come face to face in a stand-off, some heat gets drawn towards Izzy as she ruffles the bright orange hair of Raena with a smirk on her face, having Raena tongue-in-cheek following the exchange. A hard reset on the contest see’s Raena take Izzy to the canvas with a side headlock takedown, which Izzy struggles with momentarily before being able to scissor her legs around the neck of Raena, applying torque as Raena looks for an escape, which she does as she gets to gets to her feet despite her neck locked in the leg scissors, standing on her hands in a masterful way to escape the hold as she springs to her feet and teases a strike towards Izzy while in a seated position, a flinch to block the feinted shot is met with an equally playful pat on the head in receipt by Raena, allowing Izzy to get up to her feet cleanly, though a sense of playtime being just about overfills the arena as their third hard reset to the contest nears.

A third lock up attempt confirms the contest shifting to a more serious route as Izzy catches Raena in the stomach with a well-placed knee lift, reeling the champion over and giving advantage momentarily to Izzy as she tries sending Raena off the ropes, who keeps hold of Izzy’s wrist and sends her off instead with the Irish Whip, Izzy ducking under a back elbow attempt, continuing to pick up momentum as she bounces off the ropes again and is able to catch Raena with a step-up Hurricanrana that sends Raena rolling beneath the bottom rope to the floor! Raena seems a little stunned by the move as Izzy starts an arena clap, suggesting she’s going for a dive as she measures Raena before running off the ropes! Raena sees it coming and is able to walk out of dodge, but doesn’t see that Izzy caught herself on the apron by holding the ropes, scouting Raena before she turns around and met with an incoming Cannonball Senton off the apron! Big move early on in the contest as both women hit the thin mats outside, Izzy getting up first and pushing Raena into the ring under the ropes. Izzy turns her attention to the crowd, throwing up the horns to get them firmly behind her, but she’s completely unaware of Raena who used the momentum of being thrown in to get to her feet, running off the ropes as Izzy turns around into a Somersault Plancha! The champ throws Izzy into the ring this time, following her in and hooking the leg for the first cover of the contest!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO--

Far too early to count the challenger out as she kicks out quickly at two. The pace of the bout turning up the dial as Raena pulls Izzy to her feet, taking shots at Raena’s ribs with a few clubbing shots before being shut down with a knee to the midsection, pulling Izzy into the corner and firing a high roundhouse kick into the chest with a loud impact, followed by another, and another, a blistering series of ten blunt kicks to the chest that knocks the wind out of Izzy’s sails temporarily. Raena feels all kinds of fired up as she breaks away from Izzy, getting to the center of the ring and rallying the fans before turning back and charging towards Izzy, leaping for a high elbow attack only for Izzy to move out of harms way, Raena colliding ribs first into the turnbuckle. Izzy capitalizes quickly as she pulls Raena’s head back, shooting a kick upwards into her back before synching in a Dragon Sleeper, choking some life out of the champion before hoisting her heels onto the middle rope and dropping her down with an elevated Reverse DDT! Raena clutches the back of her head, rolling under the rope in pain from the nasty landing, Izzy seemingly done some major damage to the champion she looks to take advantage of. Pulling Raena into the center of the ring, Izzy hooks the arm over her shoulder and lifts Raena into the air, slamming her down onto the canvas with a snap suplex, floating over into a cover with a forearm pressed against the jaw!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! --

This time too early to consider the champion defeated with a kick out of her own. Izzy doesn’t seem discouraged, however, pulling Raena up and hooking her for the Macaria Driver (Back Drop Driver), only to have 12-to-6 elbow strikes driven into the back of her neck to let go of the Midmorning Inferno. Raena runs off the ropes, looking to return for a high-impact momentum shift, but Izzy once again slips beside Raena as she runs off the ropes for a shadow clothesline! NO! RAENA CATCHES IZZY WITH A COUNTER SPANISH FLY! SHE DOESN’T LET GO AS SHE PULLS IZZY UP AND LAUNCHES HER ACROSS THE RING WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX! A fantastic sequence by the champion that astounds the fans, however, capitalizing proves difficult as the ring awareness Izzy has her roll under the ropes and onto the apron to try and recuperate. Neither competitor is taking it easy on the other, the title showing it’s importance to the two as Raena gets out of the ring and onto the apron with a recuperating Izzy, slapping her palm against Izzy’s chest as she is barely holding herself up on the ropes. Izzy fires back with an open hand chop to the chest, responded in kind by Raena, a spit-covered one in response by Izzy! The aggression begins to build as the chops are substituted for forearm shivers between them now, ferocious and coming at a much faster rate! Izzy makes some separation with a short-range headbutt to the top of Raena’s head, tilting her back momentarily. Izzy looks to deliver a decisive blow but Raena is able to shove her away, using the ropes to elevate herself and put force behind a springboard push kick that drives Izzy’s back into the ring post! Clutching her back, she is at the champions mercy now as she looks at the floor below before pulling Izzy toward her, hooking the arm over her shoulder, leg hooked and lifting into the air as the crowd dread what may happen next before Raena falls off the apron, DRIVING IZZY ONTO THE THINLY PADDED FLOOR WITH THE RAGING RIPLEY SLAM (Leg hook sitout suplex slam) ! Chants of “Holy shit! Holy Shit! Holy Shit!” echo on the Globe Theatre walls as Izzy is clutching her back, writhing in pain while Raena is not much better, having landed rather hard on her tailbone. Larry Blackwell comes out to ringside to check that both women aren’t seriously injured, following his inspection he gets back into the ring, leaning out as he starts to make the count.

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Both competitors have to use the apron skirt to pull themselves to their knees, clearly a lot of damage maintained by both bodies from the impact, even to the aggressor.

Larry Blackwell: FIVE! SI --

Raena is able to roll herself under the bottom rope, but rolls back out to break the count, refusing to let a count outplay a factor in her first defence of the Bellatrix Championship. Making use of the leeway before the count can be made again, Raena pulls a hurt Izzy to her feet, showing some malicious intention as she hooks her arm over her shoulder, crowd anticipating a decisive blow as Raena lifts her up for a Brainbuster! Izzy is able to drive her knee down on the top of Raena’s skull, falling back to her feet and quickly manages to lift Raena up in a suplex of her own and GOURDBUSTERS HER ONTO THE STEEL GUARDRAIL! All the wind is knocked out of Raena’s sails as her stomach is driven onto the steel bar, draped over and hurt as security has to back fans away from Raena as she hangs over the rails. Izzy could roll her into the ring and try her luck on ending the match then and there, but seems to have something else in mind as she rolls back into the ring, still limping a little from the damage sustained to her back as she slowly climbs to the top rope. Raena tries pulling herself off the guardrail, all of her strength seemingly sapped as she is able to get to a horizontal base over the rail, unaware of Izzy standing on the top rope eyes closed as if in silent prayer to herself. What could she be thinking? OH GOD NO! IZZY!!!

IZZY VAN DOREN DIVES FROM THE TOP AND DELIVERS A LEG DROP TO THE BACK OF RAENA’S HEAD! JESUS CHRIST, RAENA IS GUILLOTINED OVER THE GUARDRAIL AND ONTO THE THINLY-PADDED FLOOR! “Holy Shit” chants once again comes from the crowd who are out of their seats and hands on their heads as Raena is looking up at the lights, Izzy holding her back in agony from the dive. Neither woman is quick to their feet, once again Blackwell having to check on both women who are having a lot of trouble pushing but the respective shocks to their spine. Having no alternatives in mind, he gets back in the ring and starts making the count.

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Izzy is using the guardrail to slowly pull herself to her feet, able to hobble to the apron as she tries to pull herself into the ring using the ropes as an aid.

Larry Blackwell: FOUR! FIVE!

Izzy makes it into the ring, able to pull herself under the ropes as she lays on her back trying to get past the pain shooting through her back, Raena is only just now starting to move as she tries pushing herself up under her own will-power but having very little luck.

Larry Blackwell: SIX! SEVEN!

Izzy pulls herself into a corner, seated and trying to endure the spinal damage, coming to the realisation that she can’t win the championship by count-out, she tries yelling at Blackwell to stop his count, but he has to do his job.

Larry Blackwell: EIGHT!

Izzy gets onto her stomach, crawling to the ropes where Raena is using the apron skirt to pull herself up! The crowd are holding their breath, not wanting this to end via count-out!

Larry Blackwell: NINE!

Izzy has a hand outstretched, either to grab Raena’s hand to pull her in or trying to reach for her hair to pull her in but is fingertips away as Blackwell gets ready to call the match!

Larry Blackwell: TE--!!

RAENA MAKES IT JUST IN TIME! She throws her weight into getting under the ropes, she and Izzy with sighs of relief knowing this contest will continue and title not retained via count-out. The fans are appreciative that this one hasn’t ended in a disputable finish but now, they’re expecting the clock to strike midnight on the contest as the two competitors raise to their knees in front of each other, Izzy’s paint almost completely peeled off her face from the sweat and impacts. Raena strikes with a heavy forearm shiver, taking a lot out of to even connect. Izzy fires back with a forearm shiver, seemingly just as spent. The crowd don’t know who to root for as the forearms trade back and forth slowly, neither woman seemingly backing down. Defiantly, Izzy slaps Raena across the face, and we can hear her scream something at the Bellatrix Champion.

Izzy Van Doren: That all you got Red, you bitch?!

The crowd sense the fighting spirit between the two rising as Raena strikes Izzy stiffly in the jaw, who takes it through gritted teeth before raising to a knee, Raena doing the same as another stiff forearm finds the jaw of Izzy, both up to their feet as Raena drives a series of forearms into the Izzys jaw! Izzy screams in Raena’s face before delivering her own series of ferocious forearms into Raena, seemingly knocking the champion out on her feet! Kick to the midsection, we know what comes next as Izzy drives her sole into the back of Raena’s head with an axe kick -- roaring elboOOOOH! BLIND FURY SUCKERPUNCH BY RAENA! BOTH WOMEN CONNECT WITH HEAVY IMPACT STRIKES! RAENA FIRES UP, SPINNING AROUND! WILL-O-WISP DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! FUUUUUCK! IZZY WITH A SICKENING HEADBUTT TO THE SKULL OF RAENA! RAENA’S OUT ON HER FEET AND IZZY HAS A PLAN FOR IT AS SHE GRABS AROUND RAENA’S WAIST! MACARIA DRIVAAAAH!!! RAENA LANDING ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD! IZZY HAS IT, SHE CRAWLS ONTO RAENA! COVER!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREEE!!!

NO! RAENA GETS HER SHOULDER UP! The fans are in a frenzy as the contest starts reaching its boiling point, Izzy signalling for the climax as she pulls Raena towards the corner and lifts her with all her strength to the top rope, legs draped inside and on the middle ropes! Izzy’s back might not be able to do this again, so she is looking to make the most of it as she follows her up to the middle rope, head locked! Dear God, we might see an ¡Adios Amigos! coming from the middle rope! Izzy raises the horns, ready to become the Bellatrix champion! Wait! HOLY SHIIIIIT!!! RAENA COMES TO LIFE AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT AND SWINGS IZZY OUT FOR AN AVALANCHE RIPLEY BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!! BOTH WOMEN ARE OUT ON THE CANVAS, RAENA HAVING THE DRAG HERSELF LIMPLY INTO A COVER! THIS ONE IS OVER, THE CROWD COUNT ALONG!

Larry Blackwell & Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREEEE!!!

GASP AND APPLAUSE BREAK OUT AS IZZY LIFTS HER SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND! RAENA CAN’T BELIEVE IT, BUT SHE KNOWS SHE HAS TO ACT FAST AS SHE FORCES HERSELF TO THE TOP ROPE, IZZY SPRAWLED OUT ON THE CANVAS! RAENA IS UP, GETTING HER BALANCE AS SHE STANDS TALL OVER THE RING! BLAAAACK MEEETEORITEEEEE!!!! SHOOTING STAR ELBOW DROP CONNECTS WITH THE HEART OF IZZY VAN DOREN AS RAENA LAYS SPRAWLED ONTO HER CHALLENGER, COMPLETELY SPENT AS BLACKWELL MAKES THE COUNT!

Larry Blackwell & Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREEEE!!!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

The fans erupt as the bell rings, “Fire Fire” by Heaven’s Basement plays as Raena is exhaustedly sprawled over an unconscious Izzy Van Doren. Every fan around the ring is on their feet applauding both competitors efforts as Raena starts to sluggishly get to her feet.

Rhett Sweeney: Your winner of this match… and STIIIIIIILL! VANGUARD Pro Bellatrix Champioooooon! RAAAAAEEEEENAAAAA!!! RIIIIIPLEEEEEY!!!

Chet Kensington: What a fucking match! Like, balls to the wall from the get-go! I don’t think I spent a majority of that contest in my seat!

Mark Stephens: A captivating contest between these two competitors, throwing everything they had and more at the other! Izzy Van Doren, say what you will about her, she gave the Bellatrix Champion hell in this contest, pushed her to her absolute limit! Raena pushed back so much, having to resort to fighting in Izzy’s element, only getting enough to beat her after catching Izzy’s Adios Amigos into an avalanche Ripley Bomb, not enough to keep her down, but used her last burst of strength to deliver the Black Meteorite! You can not deny that Izzy Van Doren has cemented herself as a staple of the Bellatrix Division, Chet.

Chet Kensington: She got herself over with some really stupid shit, but I’ll never deny after this night that she isn’t one of the best around. And that goes double for the Bellatrix Champion Raena Ripley. The heart and soul of VANGUARD right now, in my opinion, fought to an absolute barn-burner of a contest to defend the title. Stacy DeVille, Azurine Vebbins and now Izzy Van Doren, she has an impressive resume of people she has bested for the gold, and there is no denying she is a worthy Bellatrix Champion!

[ Raena is presented the title by Larry Blackwell, though she doesn’t accept her arm being raised as a messily face painted Izzy is on her knees, bashing her fist into the canvas out of frustration at the realisation the contest is over. Raena approaches her, laying the title down between them as Raena drops to her knees. There is an exchanging of words from Raena to Izzy before extending a fist to her, a showing of respect from the Bellatrix Champion to her challenger. Izzy takes a moment to reflect before bumping her fist with Raena, rolling out of the ring to be checked out by the ringside doctors. ]

Mark Stephens: A showing of respect exchanged by Ripley and Van Doren, that is what I love to see about this championship. Integrity and sportsmanship upheld by these competit-- oh no! Raena!

[ Before Raena can get to her own two feet, a hoodie-garbed Scarlet Flint slides into the ring and drills her knee into the back of the Bellatrix Champions head! Boos rain from all corners of the arena as Scarlet stands over the fallen champion! ]

Mark Stephens: This couldn’t have waited for another time?!

Chet Kensington: Scarlet Flint is sick of waiting, Mark. She had to watch as Raena awarded the title shot to Izzy Van Doren and I think it is apropos that Scarlet just sent the champion a warning shot that she isn’t going to be waiting much longer for hers!

Scarlet scoops up the Bellatrix Championship, looking out over the VANGUARD Faithful who are very vocal about their disapproval of what had just transpired, only to plant her foot into the lower back of Raena Ripley and raise the championship in the air as the program comes to an end.