Chapter VI: LEVEL UP!

[GAIA]

[ The traditional “WE ARE VAN-GUARD! *clap clap clap clap clap* WE ARE VAN-GUARD! *clap clap clap clap clap*” chants fill the Globe Theatre to welcome the viewer to yet another chapter of VANGUARD Pro. “Protovision” by Kavinsky plays faintly behind the ever-loud crowd before we’re welcomed to the program with Mark Stephens’ familiar voice. ]

Mark Stephens: On a night where we crown the first VANGUARD Pro Tag Team Champions, we go a level up live from The Globe Theatre in Los Angeles, California! Mark Stephens as always here to call the action alongside my trusted colleague, the ever-impressionable, Chet Kensington. What a night for you, after the month plus long delay due to renovations, we’re finally live and finally going to see some great in-ring action!

Chet Kensington: You said it, Mark. We have, as you mentioned, a match to crown the first ever VANGUARD Pro Tag Team Champions as every eager team across the world has come to this venue for a shot at the gold. Teams we’ve seen before, teams we haven’t, teams we know will be here and teams we’re probably not expecting. It is going to be chaos in the Globe Theatre tonight.

Mark Stephens: We’ll also be seeing the debut of “Blind Fury” Lucie Taylor as she goes one-on-one with one of the most beloved stars in VANGUARD Pro right now in Velvet Twinkle. PLUS! A double debut match as Maverick takes on Carlos Cruz!

Chet Kensington: What are we waiting for?! LET’S GET IT ON!

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

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Rhett Sweeney: With a 15-minute time limit!

[ “Inception (Junkie XL Remix)” by Hanz Zimmer hits as Maverick walks out from behind the curtain, the lights flashing rapidly down on him. With a skull half-mask covering his mouth and nose, the vibe is more sinister. He makes his way to the ring, the crowd with mixed reception to the debutant even if he's not too keen on them. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing first! From Wexford Town, Co. Wexford, Ireland weighing in at 192 pounds! THE ICONIC! MAAAAAVEEEEERIIIIIICK!!!

Mark Stephens: The man self-proclaimed to be VANGUARD’s Best Kept Secret makes his official VANGUARD Pro debut, a prospect that some of the scouts of VANGUARD have described as one of the most cunning competitors in the world. Not afraid to take the low-road, Maverick looks to make a name for himself by any means necessary.

Chet Kensington: I like the cut of the guys jib, Mark. He’s not afraid to get to the top without fans approval. Devilishly handsome and equally as cunning, this Maverick may just be VANGUARD’s Best Kept Secret right now, but if he gets his way I think he will be the name on everyones lips after tonight.

[ Upon getting to ringside, he climbs to the ring apron and raises his hand up high as he normally would, turning to the ring and then slingshotting himself over the ropes. He stands centre of the ring, pulling away the face cover off his head and stands there waiting for his opponent's music to hit. ]

[ "I am a Jesus Freak" by CJAY hits as Carlos Cruz makes his way onto the stage, the Bronx native soaks in the praise from the ruckus crowd hoisting the True Warriors' hand sign. Making his way down the ramp, The Jesus Freak high fives the standing crowd, fist-bumping few kids along the way. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing his opponent! From Bronx, New York, weighing in at 177 pounds! THE JESUS FREAK! CAAAARLOS!!! CRUUUUUUZ!!!

Mark Stephens: The man who refers to himself as the Jesus Freak; Carlos Cruz is a competitor who has been around the world and honed his craft. With news about this upcoming match, we were given these pre-match comments from the man himself.

---

Carlos Cruz: The Lord says in His word to delight in Him, and He will give you your heart’s desires.

[ Throughout reciting the Bible verses, Carlos Cruz was tapping his wrists in an undisclosed area. ]

Carlos Cruz: Psalm chapter thirty-seven verse five. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.

[ Seated comfortably in his steel chair, The Thirteenth Apostle ripped off the tape to focus on his elbow and knee pads. ]

Carlos Cruz: Psalm chapter one hundred twenty-one verse two says, ‘My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth!’ Maverick, you’re going to have to send some light on who you are to me. The fans already know the identity of God’s gift to professional wrestling. The Jesus Freak Carlos Cruz. The entire globe knows what I’m capable of once the bell rings. You sure you want to do this?

[ Facing the camera for the first time, Carlos narrowed his eyes. ]

Carlos Cruz: The Lord, the fans. Each one is on their way to march down to the ring with me. And you Maverick? Who’s going to be out there for you?

[ Rising from his seat, Carlos bared his teeth as he readied himself to deliver the final word. ]

Carlos Cruz: I’ll tell you who. The EMT after I kick your head to the moon.

---

Chet Kensington: Now this guy I don’t know what to feel about, Mark. The guy has this kind of arrogance I don’t really like. God-fueled arrogance. I do have to admit though, from the sound of it, he is firm with his convictions and if he can back them up, Maverick might have an uphill battle with this 21st Century Gideon.

[ Cruz leaps onto the apron with the greatest of ease, and flips over to the top landing in the middle of the ring on one knee. After saying a quick prayer, Carlos gets on the middle rope, and once again hoists his hand sign. Before focusing on the awaiting Maverick, Howie Dewitt calling for the opening bell. ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

From the opening bell we see the different approaches from the two competitors. While Carlos approaches with a stern demeanor and shooting with various low kicks to the legs, Maverick keeps his distance and gloats Carlos to close the gap while retreating ever so slightly to keep the gap wide. Carlos is getting a little frustrated and corners Maverick, who puts himself between the ropes and tells Howie Dewitt to back Carlos up. Dewitt obliges, all the while Maverick flips him off to keep him riled up. Maverick reenters the ring, Carlos closes the gap again only for Maverick to repeat the process, only this time sneaking in a slap to the bald head of Carlos, making him more annoyed and a harder task for Dewitt to restrain while Maverick is retreated into the ropes. This distraction proves fruitful for Maverick as he charges Carlos while he’s telling Dewitt what’s going on and dropkick him in the knee to the disapproval of the crowd at the cheapshot. It’s apparent at this point the mission plan for the Best Kept Secret is to make the stoic christian made to throw him off, locking his foot under the bottom rope, irish whipping him just so he can fall flat on his face as the rope trips him. Maverick is visibly under his skin as he lays down in front of him, a shit-eating grin on his face, though Carlos’ visible annoyance causes him to be on the retreat as he crawls backwards with Carlos crawling after him under the bottom rope to the floor, only to meet a European uppercut. Another cheapshot by Maverick, this one packing a punch. Rolling back into the ring, he drops a jumping knee into the head of Carlos, putting his knee on the side of his face and holding it down for a very lacking cover.

Howie Dewitt: ONE! --

No one is surprised at the kickout, not even Maverick who proceeds to drive a foot into the chest of Carlos as the result of an aggressive stomp. The early game plan of Maverick almost seems fool-proof as he keeps on the attack, but Carlos eventually manages to evade a leaping leg lariat and hits a Side Heel Kick, chaining together the fancy footwork before knocking Maverick down with a rope-assisted Gammengiri, the Best Kept Secret seeing stars as he stumbles out of the corner and falls to the mat. With some mustered up energy, Carlos Cruz rolls the distance, leaps up and connects with a somersault senton that connects with the breadbasket of Maverick, knocking the wind out of his sails! He goes in for the cover, leg hooked!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO!--

Stunned by the flurry of attacks, but Maverick is not to be counted out just yet! Maverick finds his feet, only to receive a kick to the midsection instead, bouncing off the ropes, Carlos looks for the Amen (Scissors Kick)! But his head is thrown back with an unbelievable force as Maverick leaps up and nails a picture-perfect dropkick that almost decapitates the Jesus Freak! Carlos falls backwards to the canvas, his legs beneath his body in a display of both Mavericks sheer impact from the dropkick and Carlos’ flexibility. But Maverick doesn’t have time to admire his work, pulling Carlos up to his feet only to be met with a point-blank Iconkick (Hook Kick)! Carlos falls limp to the canvas, Maverick going in for a much more efficient pin fall this time!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO!--

Two count only! Carlos manages to hold on a little longer in this one! Maverick looking now for a more decisive match ender as he makes a picture-frame with his index fingers and thumbs, scouting Carlos out as he slowly gets back up, hunched over! Maverick goes for Down To Earth (Curb Stomp)! But Carlos manages to evade at the last second, Maverick slamming his foot down on the canvas hard, but not as hard as the foot that makes impact with his face as a Divine Super Kick lands the mark! Groggy but not down, perhaps not even knowing where he currently is, Maverick seems to be out on his feet as Carlos springboards off the ropes, leaping backwards and connecting with The Ultimate Sacrifice (Springboard Cutter)! Maverick is spiked onto the canvas as Carlos rolls over him for the cover!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO!--

Maverick manages to hook his foot onto the bottom rope! Some great ring awareness on his part to stay alive in this contest! Carlos is only getting short bursts of offense in, but those bursts seem to be effective. Carlos now looks to put the final stamp on this contest, ascending to the top rope and zeroing in on the Solemn Truth (Double Foot Stomp)! BUT WHAT IS THIS?! Maverick pushes Howie Dewitt into the ropes and crotches Carlos on the turnbuckle much to the dismay of the Los Angeles crowd! A desperate move perhaps, but one that gives him a big enough opening to climb to the top rope with Carlos Cruz, and connects with a beautiful top-rope Hurricanrana! But that isn’t it! He uses the momentum to seamlessly lock in a Maverick Arm Lock (Cross Armbreaker)! Carlos is looking to be in a bit of trouble here! There is a lot of torque on his shoulder, but manages to roll himself inwards towards Maverick, folding him up for a cover!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO!--

Maverick pushes back and puts Carlos back onto the canvas and into the M.A.L. to excruciating effect, the Jesus Freak having no place to go, dead-center of the ring! Carlos manages to force himself to his feet, dragging the dead-weight of Maverick as he approaches and eventually hooks his arm around the middle rope to force the break, Maverick taking liberties with the five-count before letting go of the hold. The damage having been done, it seems Maverick is ready to call his first night a success as he hoists Carlos up for Storm of The Prince (The Storm Breaker)! Carlos over-rotates, landing behind Maverick who is surprised and stunned with a second Divine Super Kick that catches his again in the chin, this time knocking him down to the canvas! Out on the canvas, Carlos has only one recourse in finishing this bout as he ascends to the top rope, taking a leap of faith as he goes for the Celestial Dive (Five Star Frog Splash)! And he connects with all his weight across the sternum of Maverick! Legs are hooked!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! THREE!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

[ The end to the explosive opening contest garners a round of applause as “Jesus Freak” begins to play, Carlos ascending to his feet to have his arm raised by Howie Dewitt, the other limp at his side while Maverick is sucking in air on the canvas. ]

Rhett Sweeney: YOUR WINNER OF THIS CONTEST! CAAAARLOS!!! CRUUUUUUZ!!!

Mark Stephens: An impressive showing by both competitors in this bout! Maverick, albeit through despicable means, was able to play Carlos like a fiddle when he wanted to, able to make openings for himself where he could take advantage and get a few licks in on the Jesus Freak. In the end though, Carlos Cruz was able to get in the Superkick and the Splash to put a seal on this one.

Chet Kensington: Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe in divine intervention by any stretch of the imagination. But if it did exist, Carlos Cruz won this bout by it. Maverick had him dead to rights, especially in that armbar that almost saw Cruz submit but through sheer will-power he persevered and was able to, by chance, slip through Mavericks grasp to land the superkick that spelt the end. I don’t think Maverick will be happy about this one. Until then, the “Jesus Freak” escapes Level Up with the victory.

[GAIA]

[ Suddenly, we hear the sharp sounds of guitars whirring and tuning and transition into Coral Fang by Patient Zero. From behind the curtain emerges Izzy Van Doren with some fire and ready to pump the crowd up. She flashes her usual manic smile as she swaggers down to the ring. She’s unfortunately not dressed for competition, but seems to have something on her mind. ]

Chet Kensington: I can not say that I am surprised to see Izzy Van Doren coming out here. She must think this is her show to do as she pleases. I bet she is only out here to peddle excuses as to how she lost at Chapter Five against Raena Ripley like the attention whor--.

Mark Stephens: Chet, she put up a valiant effort against the champion. You said so yourself, she earned your respect and I am sure many others respect with her performance regardless of the result. Something is clearly on the IzFit’s mind, and I don’t think it’s just going to be excuses. Can you at least give her the benefit of the doubt?

Chet Kensington: I promise nothing.

[ Izzy enters the ring and asks for a mic. The music slowly dies down as the fans chant “Izzy! Izzy! Izzy!” and stomp their feet in unison. She smiles as she paces around the ring, her hands dips into her leather jacket pocket. ]

Izzy Van Doren: It’s been a minute LA. Last time, I was in this ring I tore the damn house down with Raena Ripley for the Bellatrix Championship!

[ The crowd erupts with a 50/50 split dueling “Let’s go Raena!”/”Let’s go Izzy!” chant. Izzy’s quite surprised by the response. She motions her hand for the audience to settle down. ]

Chet Kensington: Sucking up to the crowd. Classic.

Mark Stephens: Will you stop?

Izzy Van Doren: As you all can see, I didn’t WIN that match, BUT I am here to address a lot of things. A lot of things like how you can see Izzy Van Doren’s Pro Wrestling LIVE ON IPPV COMING SOON… Things like me not having a match tonight.

Chet Kensington: Cheap Plug.

Mark Stephens: Shut up.

Izzy Van Doren: But I wanna address certain VANGUARD officials not liking… how I do things. Some people, I don’t wanna name names, seem to think that I have to follow the rules around here. People were pretty upset with how I “jumped the line” to face Raena… Y’see I don’t wait in a line for my opportunity. No, I’ve learned that in this business, you call your own shots. Y’see I didn’t get to this point in my career by being lucky, by being the right person at the right time!

[ Izzy’s words spew like venom from her mouth. Her brow furrows as she speaks from the heart. ]

Izzy Van Doren: You make a name for yourself off the blood, the sweat, the tears, and the hard work you put into this business! I fight to win. To get what I deserve. I fight for each and everyone of those people that have kicked down by society and told they’d be nothing. So if you have a problem with me...

[ Izzy looks into the hard cam with her dark eyes. ]

Izzy Van Doren: ...come say it to my face.

Mark Stephens: I think she’s talking about you, Chet. Why don’t you go down there and say what you have to say to her face?

Chet Kensington: It is a very long walk down there. I don’t wanna take away the airtime from other competitors.

Mark Stephens: Riiiight.

[ Izzy stands in the ring, looking up the aisle waiting for someone to accept her invitation to the ring. The arena's lights go completely black. The only sounds that can be heard is the chirping of the fans that sit around the arena till suddenly a woman whistling a tune can be heard from the speakers. ]

[ “Boss's Daughter” by POP Evil would begin to echo throughout the arena, curiosity on whose theme it is lasts but a brief moment until the tron displays the name of Tarah Nova, who emerges dressed in a smart casual affair, a sly smile on her face as she overlooks the reaction from the crowd to her arrival in a VANGUARD Pro arena. ]

Mark Stephens: Now this is a surprise! Tarah Nova, known in some circles to be the first lady of Deathmatch Wrestling, current head of the Novacaine Designs studio that has assisted with the identity of VANGUARD Pro is making her way to the ring and, more importantly, to answer the invitation by Izzy Van Doren.

Chet Kensington: You can spout all the accolades this woman has accomplished over her 12+ year career but, as sweet as she looks on the surface, don’t be fooled. She has KILLED the careers of 23 competitors in that time. And I can only hope to god she’s out here to make Izzy number 24, my favorite number.

Mark Stephens: Surely, you can’t dislike Izzy that much.

Chet Kensington: With her cheap plug earlier? I’m disappointed Tarah didn’t bring her baseball bat with her.

[ Tarah climbs onto the apron and into the ring, all the while Izzy looks both confused and interested in what brings the previously unseen VANGUARD Pro official down to the ring as “Boss’ Daughter” slowly dies down. Tarah asks for a microphone and receives one from an attendee, patting the top to check it is on and working before addressing the crowd. ]

Tarah Nova: You know, I have been watching from the back for six shows now but I don’t think I have ever heard a reaction that loud in my entire career. Almosts makes me want to add another year to my career so I can spill blood for this ring.

[ The crowd approve of the sentiment, but Tarah tries to quiet them down so she can continue. ]

Tarah Nova: That is not why I am out here though. I am out here right now to address you, Izzy.

[ The crowd are anticipating something, Izzy raises an eyebrow as her interest is peaked. ]

Tarah Nova: You said if anyone back there had an issue with you to come out here and say it to your face. Sweets, I have an issue with you.

[ “Oooo” echoes from all around the room as every person waits for something to break out here. ]

Tarah Nova: Now, I think you’re one of the best Izzy. You’ve thrown your body at every obstacle that has stood in your way and you have knocked them all down. That was until Chapter V with Raena. Every VANGUARD faithful saw that night you had a limit, an obstacle you couldn’t break through. And I sympathize with that. Hell, I have been there. And when I look at you, I see a younger me looking back. And I mean that in the nicest way I possibly can.

[ A small applause grows into a bigger one at the sentiment, Izzy doesn’t seem to understand where this is going however. ]

Tarah Nova: In saying that though, you are just that. A younger me. You’ve done the same things I have done. From spilling blood in wrestling rings, to being this punk small girl that stands against authority, you even design stuff just like me. And I can tell you, it comes with its highs and its lows, but the truth is you’re not me. Your career is not going to be like mine just because you are like me.

[ Izzy sees where this is going and doesn’t seem to like it as Tarah gets a little closer to her. ]

Tarah Nova: Your career is going to end early and uneventful if you keep being like me. This deathmatch stuff, it’s good for a moment. But if that defines you, that’s all you are. You don’t see the top, at least not for long. You’ll just collect scars and find trouble sleeping at night with the memories of hot blood and cold bone. And I have kids now, Izzy. That’s not what I want my kids to be doing. And I don’t think you should either.

[ She puts her hand on Izzy’s shoulder, speaking directly to her as Izzy looks back with a blank expression. ]

Tarah Nova: I say this as someone who has been where you have been and done what you have done. Be smarter. Give this deathmatch stuff up. Give yourself a career to be proud of. Because you do not want to walk the same road as me. Because you will not be as fortunate as me to see the end of it.

[ Tarah pats Izzy on the shoulder before walking past her, not giving her a second glance as “Boss’ Daughter” begins to play again while she exits the ring. Izzy taking a moment to reflect on the words that were said to her before turning to see Tarah walking back up the aisle. ]

Mark Stephens: I… I don’t know what to say about what we just heard here, Chet.

Chet Kensington: Me neither, Mark. I don’t think Izzy knows either. She was at a loss for words too. I don’t even think the fans know how to register what was just said.

[GAIA]

[ As we return to the venue, we see Rhett Sweeney in the ring as the crowd anticipate the next contest. ]

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

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

Rhett Sweeney: With a 15-minute time limit!

[ “Perfect [Exeeder]” by Mason vs. Princess Superstar gears up, Lucie comes out from behind the curtain. She poses on the entrance ramp, bringing her hands together. After a few seconds she makes her way down the ring ramp, slapping hands and hugging some of the fans. While also hyping them up as a well, getting up on the apron. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing first! From Portugal, Porto, weighing in tonight at 119 pounds! SHE IS BLIND FURY! LUUUUUCIEEEEE!!! TAAAAAYLOOOOOR!!!

Mark Stephens: Practitioner of Karate and Muay Tai at a young age, winning national championships, Lucie Taylor here may be making her VANGUARD Pro debut here tonight but she is not fledgeling by any stretch of the imagination. Well equipped as a competitor, tough as nails, a prominent striker and a quick one at that, she is a prospect with a sky-high upside.

Chet Kensington: She is here to make a name for herself. The Bellatrix division has garnered the attention of female combatants from around the world and Portugal's Blind Fury has taken the leap in making it to this stage to showcase her talents. I like her confidence and I look forward to see what exactly she can do inside our ring.

[ She poses for a second, before getting on the top rope and pointing to the fans. She drops down and makes her way to the middle of the ring. Before dropping down to her knees, arms extends out looking up at the light. As the camera gives a closes look, she gives the peace sign. Which is close to the side of her face with a smile. ]

[ "Heavy Rotation" by Nogizaka46 begins to play as a cheerful Velvet Twinkle emerges from behind the curtain, exuberant as she makes her way to the ring, slapping outstretched hands with a skip in her step. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing first! From Bournemouth, England by way of Tokyo, Japan, weighing in tonight at 110 pounds! SHE IS THE GAIJIN IDOL! VEEEEELVEEEET!!! TWIIIIINKLEEEEE!!!

Mark Stephens: The young lady we see making her way to the ring has had a handful of matches to mixed results. Happy-go-lucky, Velvet Twinkle is a ray of sunshine that the VANGUARD Pro faithful have become very invested in. Especially since her win in Portland at VANGUARD Sans Frontières where she managed to win a Fatal 4-Way bout against three other hungry competitors.

Chet Kensington: Lucky might be the most accurate word to describe her, Mark. It may have just been a fluke that she managed to walk away the victor of that match. I’ve been impressed with the young girl, don’t get me wrong. But she looks a little out of her depth in the VANGUARD Pro ring and this match might just make that evident. Or, maybe, she’ll pull off another miracle.

[ Twinkle enters the ring, blowing kisses to the fans before turning her attention to her opponent as she stands in her corner, limbering up as Larry Blackwell calls for the bell. ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

An opening showing of sportsmanship from the two ladies is well received as they shake hands before circling each other. The lock up sees Lucie at an advantage as she demonstrates superiority in the mat game with a side headlock, but a masterful old british style escape from the young Twinkle as she uses a handstand to free her head from the hold, backing up and springing to her feet. Once again Lucie gets an upper hand with a lockup, backing Velvet into the ropes, grabbing her wrist to send her off the ropes, but the Gaijin Idol holds on and with a cartwheel switches the positions and the momentum as Lucie is sent off the ropes instead. Back elbow is countered with a nice headscissors takedown from Blind Fury, Twinkle scurrying back to her feet but a standing Hurricanrana awaits her, Lucie cinching in a deep pin with both legs hooked!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

That could have been it right there but Twinkle manages to free herself. A soccer ball kick finds Taylor’s kick pad into her back, a heavy thud that almost echoes on the walls. A second kick finds her chest next, laying Velvet on the canvas, only to have all 119 pounds of Lucie driven into her abdomen with a jumping senton. Perhaps getting a little overzealous with victory, Lucie pulls Velvet to her feet and chickenwings the arms for a Tiger Suplex, but Velvet frees one of the arms and is able to armdrag Lucie to the mat, who scurries back to her feet to be met only with a dropkick that forces Blind Fury out underneath the ropes. Twinkle wastes no time picking up momentum, running fast and striking true with a suicide dive that sandwhiches the Portugese athlete against the steel barricade! Not even giving Blackwell a chance to count them out, Twinkle throws Taylor back into the ring as she perches the top rope, waiting for Taylor to turn around as she delivers a beautiful missile dropkick that finds the mark! Twinkle gets into the cover, leg hooked!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

No, the more experienced Lucie withstands the attack with a 2 count. Twinkles keeps riding the wave of momentum as she whips Lucie into the corner, charging in with a clothesline but it seems the striker within Taylor awakens, pushing Twinkle back with both boots into her chest, a series of muay tai flavored kicks, a small flurry of forearms and a spinning backfist to round it off. The latter strike doesn’t find the mark as Twinkle manages to backstep, catching Taylor in the chin with a superkick, looking to follow up with a spinning heel kick that is swatted away by Taylor, rotating around at the same time as Twinkle and drives her shoulders into the mat with a discus clothesline! Lucie started to get a following from the crowd who were loyal to the longer-tenured Twinkle as she mounts her comeback, ascending to the top rope as Twinkle is finding her feet and catching her with all her weight behind a diving crossbody, not wasting a second to hook a leg!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Twinkle manages to kick out just in time! Lucie wasting little time to pick up the Gaijin Idol and plant her shoulders to the canvas with a nice bridging Tiger Suplex, folded up for the cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Again, persistence on display as Twinkle kicks out again! Taylor signals for the end as she looks for her finishing maneuver, climbing the turnbuckle yet again for the Portugal's Sweet Song (Diving Complete Shot). It’s much to her surprise that she doesn’t even get the chance to attempt it as Velvet seemingly springs to life to thwart the idea, using the ropes to assist her as she lands flush with a jumping thrust kick that knocks Lucie off her balance. Twinkle trying to rally the crowd behind her, ascending the ropes behind Lucie and performs a surprising Astro Scissors from the top rope that sends her damn near three-quarters of the way across the ring! A creative alternative variation of her Shonichi signature move, but evidently effective as Lucie looks groggy as she tries to find her feet. This is Velvet’s moment to seal the deal, grabbing Lucie around the head and uses the ropes to assist her in planting her into the canvas with the Senshuraku (Spinning Tornado DDT)! Cover in deep, Blackwell in position!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

[ "Heavy Rotation" by Nogizaka46 plays to ovation as Velvet Twinkle is overjoyed as scoring the victory, hand raised by Larry Blackwell as Lucie is trying to shake off the cobwebs. ]

Rhett Sweeney: YOUR WINNER OF THIS MATCH! VEEEEELVEEEET!!! TWIIIIINKLEEEEE!!!

Mark Stephens: It seems the miracle kid of VANGUARD Pro has struck again, Chet. A second win for young miss Twinkle and it did not come easy. Lucie had a superior striking game and seemed that Twinkle had to throw herself into every move to get something to truly work. A second wind after the Tiger Suplex prevented potentially taking the finishing blow, but gave three big impact moves to walk out tonight the victor.

Chet Kensington: And neither combatant has anything to be ashamed of in this one. Lucie showed what she’s made of, I can see a bright future for her in VANGUARD if she sticks it out. Velvet Twinkle, we’ve had some doubts about her, but she’s got something going for her with this second victory now, and time will tell where this will take her and her young career.

Mark Stephens: What do you mean by “we’ve”?

Chet Kensington: The royal “we’ve”

[ Velvet Twinkle offers a hand to Lucie, getting back to her feet albeit slowly. Though she rejects the assistance, she swallows her pride to extend her hand and show sportsmanship to Twinkle who graciously accept the offer. A show of respect in combat between the two before Lucie leaves to give Twinkle her stage to celebrate her victory before we fade to commercial. ]

[GAIA]

[ Returning from the break, we can hear “Welcome to the Real World” by Gun playing as Vernon Tressler stands in the middle of the ring, a table in front of him with a chair on either side. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome at this time the Benefactor of VANGUARD Pro! VERNON! TRESSLEEEEER!!!

Mark Stephens: Well, rumors about this have been steering for quite some time about this situation between Tressler and Enon. It seems like we’re about to hear what the conclusion to this madness is going to be.


Chet Kensington: It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? Tressler has essentially got a hitman in Erik Holland to take him out of the equation and he’s justifying it by throwing his power around. I don’t condone what Enon has done, but even I think Tressler is stepping out of line.

[ Vernon hushes down the crowd as he takes the microphone ]

Vernon Tressler: For quite some time now we at VANGUARD Pro have been dealing with an epidemic. We’ve had careers threatened and even ended at the hands of Lord Enon. He has stepped out of line too many times for it to just be given a slap on the wrist or let it go idly by anymore. I have taken this situation to the figureheads back there and we’ve come to a unanimous decision to do something about it. And so, at our next Chapter show that we will now be dubbing “Viewer Discretion Is Advised” we are going to have a match. And not just any match, but a match that we’re most likely going to have to change locations for. A match that will need to be rendered unsanctioned by VANGUARD Pro so that we can’t be held legally liable for the acts that will be committed.

[ The fans are roaring with approval at the sounds of this. ]

Vernon Tressler: So what I have in front of me right now is a contract. This contract states that the competitors agree to and will attend the match without excuses. Failure to do so will be met with a heavy, heavy fine and as a businessman, I know it’s enough to shut a whole company down, muchless bankrupt an individual. It also states that VANGUARD Pro will not stop the fight for any reason, we do not condone any acts of violence committed and that competitors forfeit any right to attest gross negligence on our half. This means that anything will go between the competitors and it’ll only end when one of them chooses to end the match.

[ Vernon loosens his tie as he clears his throat. ]

Vernon Tressler: With that, I would like to call both competitors to the ring please to sign the contract.

[ There is a hush for a few seconds. ]

[ The lights go dark as “Solway Filth” by Slipknot begins to play, changing to red as the song picks up as Erik Holland emerges, not exactly dressed fancy but a backwards cap, jeans and jacket make up the ensemble. In his hand, he’s carrying what remains of the baseball bat he broke on Enon’s back, the splintered wood raised high above his head. ]

Mark Stephens: Left VANGUARD not finding a strong enough pool of competition, Holland came back after hearing the proclamation that Enon was the most dangerous man in VANGUARD Pro. Tressler had to pull some strings, but got the Destroyer to come to the aid of his son following the post-match attack by Enon.


Chet Kensington: Again, Holland is just being Tresslers personal hitman. I don’t blame Tressler for wanting him to take on Enon, perhaps he’s the only man that could take him on and win. But it’s clear this isn’t about Holland and Enon. This is about Tressler and Enon with Holland being the de facto pawn for Tressler.

[ Holland enters the ring, blowing off a handshake from Tressler as he takes a seat at one side of the table, legs kicked up as “Solway Filth” dies down. ]

[ “Ironman” by Black Sabbath plays now and a chorus of boos rain down as Lord Enon steps out, not dressed for a formal event either, but flanked by someone who is. ]

Mark Stephens: It doesn’t look like Enon is coming alone to this, he’s bringing someone down to the ring with him. I don’t recognize him from anywhere, a notary perhaps? A lawyer?

Chet Kensington: Whoever he is, he’s brave as hell to take on a client like Enon, much less getting into the ring with Holland in there.

[ Enon and his associate enter the ring, Holland not even getting up from his seat as Holland stands there, a smirk on his face as his associate takes the seat instead. Tressler looks confused by this as “Ironman” dies down. ]

Vernon Tressler: Do you mind explaining why you’re out here?

[ The associate takes a microphone from the desk, fixing his glasses. ]

?: Mr Tressler, I am here on behalf of Lord Enon and the agency that deals with his professional affairs. And my client has stated with us that he feels that you’ve been targeting him since day one.

[ The crowd begins to boo which doesn’t deter the man any. ]

?: As such, my client has decided to come to us to represent him here and now and officially state that you, Mr Tressler, are about to get what you want. My client Lord Enon has decided he wants no part in this failing promotion VANGUARD Pro and--


[ He is interrupted by a loud chorus of boos but tries to talk through it. ]

?: And especially is forgoing whatever plans you have with this contract signing with Erik Holland. There will be no match and you’ll get what you want from this, Mr Tressler so, if you don’t mind, we’ll be taking our le --

[ Vernon places his hand over the associates mic, stopping him from talking as he raises his own microphone. ]

Vernon Tressler: What I want? I’ll be getting what I want with Enon hear running away like a scalded dog with his tail between his legs? After everything he has done to my employees? To my son?

[ The associate has a smirk on his face that quickly turns into worry as Vernon smacks the microphone out of his hand and grabs him by the tie. ]

Vernon Tressler: What I want is Lord Enon to pay back what he has done with his fucking blood!

[ The crowd cheers momentarily before Enon interjects, wrapping his hand around Tresslers throat, making him release the associate as he starts to choke him. Before anything escalates further, Holland slams the broken remains of the baseball bat he was carrying into Enon’s arm, breaking his grip before picking up his chair and tossing at Enons head which rattles him big time, a superman punch knocks Enon on his ass and under the ropes, walking around on the floor in both anger and possible ringing in his ears. ]

Chet Kensington: Enon might be getting out of this match by refusing to sign it, but Holland is getting the last word in this altercation as he just rocked Enon and sent him into retreat!

[ The associate tries to leave the ring after his client but Holland grabs him by the back of his shirt and pulls him back in. We immediately see him begging Holland to not hurt him, but Holland doesn’t seem to be hostile as he starts adjusting the mans glasses, tie and dusting him off, reassuring him nothing bad is going to happen. This is, however, before he takes a pen out of his jacket pocket, puts it into his hand and slams his face into the table, pressing it against it and yelling “SIGN IT!” over and over again as he tries to wriggle free. He resists for a good while but eventually, realising things will only get worse if he doesn’t signs the paper on the table; the contract Tressler had placed there. ]

Mark Stephens: Holland has forced Enon’s associate to sign the contract!

Chet Kensington: This can not be considered official, surely!

[ Holland, satisfied he gave into demand, lets the associate free. As he turns away to escape Holland, he is met with a crooked arm lariat! Vernon Tressler just struck the man to a big pop for the retired old man! Holland starts writing onto the contract before shoving it into the chest of Vernon, staring out at Enon while Vernon picks up a microphone, loosening his tie as he is clearly heated. ]

Vernon Tressler: I’ll make this real simple for you, Enon! You’re competing in this match next chapter, and I have your agents name on this contract to make it official. If you don’t show, I’ll make sure you’re eating sand for the rest of your life and your agency joins you! But there is one thing I forgot to mention! Holland picked the stipulation, I got it greenlit and it’s going to happen!

[ Vernon takes an aggressive stance against the ropes. ]

Vernon Tressler: Like my son made you in Portland, you’ll be paying for your sins in blood, Enon! Because I was able to sanction a match type that has been locked up for quite some time. A match that has scared men for the rest of their lives! I have sanctioned… CAGE OF DEATH!!!

[ A huge pop as Enon starts yelling down the aisle way as Holland marches the ring, Tressler pointing at the contract in his hand and the associate laid out on the floor. Holland decides to send one final message to Enon as he lifts the associate up onto his shoulders and drives him through the table with a Death Valley Driver! “Solway Filth” plays as we go to commercial, Holland looking excited to get his hands on Enon inside Cage of Death. ]

[GAIA]

[ “Dominion” by Benea Reach begins to play as Scarlet Flint emerges from the back, dressed in a casual affair, looking rather smug as she makes her way down the aisle. ]

Mark Stephens: And here comes a woman with one of the worlds largest chips on her shoulder; Scarlet Flint. Disgruntled over the past few shows, feeling overlooked and not taken seriously, took matters into her own hands after Raena Ripley's championship defense against Izzy Van Doren, attacking her and laying her out. She even posed with the Bellatrix Championship held above her head.

Chet Kensington: And who are you to say that was a bad thing? Scarlet HAS been overlooked and undervalued. She has been on the sidelines watching other competitors get the shot she feels she is owed and made sure Raena Ripley understood that, as long as she has the belt, Scarlet is after it. And if Raena was smart, she'd give Scarlet what she wants before things get worse for her.

[ The music dies down as Scarlet stands in the center of the ring with a microphone in hand. ]

Scarlet Flint: Ya’ know what? Sometimes I think signing to VANGUARD was a fuckin’ mistake.

[ The fans don’t boo immediately; they’re waiting for more words before to form a true opinion. Though, it’s quite clear that most of them are taken aback a bit. ]

Scarlet Flint: I aint sign up to this promotion to get disrespected. And yet, it seems to happen day after day. But it’s all cool because it’s happening to me, yeah? If it was happening to Stacy, Azurine, or some other bimbo of the week, everybody would be up in arms. It happens to my ass? Nothing. Crickets and silence.

[ She paces for a second. ]

Scarlet Flint: If you win the matches your supposed to and you work your ass off, you’re supposed to succeed, yea’? You’re supposed to get somewhere. I’ve done all that shit here in VANGUARD, and what has it gotten me? Hmm? Ignored. Passed over. Looked over. AKA, disrespected to the highest degree.

[ She pauses for a second. ]

Scarlet Flint: Let me ask yall a serious question. And I want you all to think before y'all answer ― What did Stacy and Azurine to do get put in that initial Bellatrix Championship match that I didn’t? Hmm? In that same vein, what did Izzy do to deserve a title shot before me?

[ A good portion of the crowd starts to boo, knowing their favorites are about to be talked bad about. But a small portion remains quiet. ]

Scarlet Flint: Why is Raena Ripley even the champion? Hmm? Why did she get a spot in that inaugural three-way match, as opposed to anyone else?

[ She snaps her fingers. ]

Scarlet Flint: Ya’ see, none of y'all can give me an answer to those questions. Why? Because there is no logical answer. None of the other workers in the back can’t give me a good reason either. I beat all the dusty ass bitches that were put in my path; and I did it with violence and grace. And after months and months and MONTHS of sitting around, I’m just now getting my due? Get the fuck out of here.

[ Scarlet shifts the microphone to her left hand. ]

Scarlet Flint: This aint about me bitchin’ and complaining. It’s about me standing up for what’s mine. Based on performance, I should have been put in that championship match from the fuckin’ start!

[ The fans continue to boo her as she shifts the microphone back to her right hand. ]

Scarlet Flint: But it’s gonna’ be all gravy. Because now? NOW I get to beat the ever-lovin' shit out of the woman that you all love and revere. I get to brutalize her. And, I get to take the one thing that gives her a modicum of credibility in VANGUARD―

[ The crowd come alive as "Fire, Fire" by Heaven's Basement plays, Scarlet turning to face the entrance way as Raena Ripley, dawning a leather jacket and jeans, makes her way to the ring with the Bellatrix Championship around her waist. ]

Mark Stephens: Well, it was only a matter of time until Raena Ripley got fed up with listening to Scarlet's protesting. And we're not seeing the all-smiles Raena, she doesn't look too happy at all as she makes her way to the ring.

Chet Kensington: I like Raena, don't get me wrong, but the truth hurts and she's looking hurt right now. Let's just hope for her sake she keeps her words short and sweet; Scarlet might make her eat them.

[ "Fire, Fire" dies down as Raena is in the ring, mic in hand as she faces Scarlet who is standing in a corner, seemingly interested in what Raena has to say. ]

Raena Ripley: You know, I am getting reeeeal sick of listening to you complain about not being treated fairly. On this mic, on Twitter, it's getting old very quick. Because I agreed; you should have a shot at this, and I was more than happy to give you the shot. All you had to do was wait for me to face someone I respect so much in Izzy Van Doren. I burned the house down with her.

[ The crowd cheer. Scarlet doesn't seem impressed. ]

Raena Ripley: But you couldn't help it, could you? Couldn't just wait to get your shot. You had to attack me from behind and pose with this championship.

[ Booing this time, Scarlet is tongue-in-cheek as she rolls her eyes. ]

Raena Ripley: You asked why I am the champion? I can give you an easy answer for that; I don't whine and complain. I don't attack people from behind like a cowardly bitch to make a statement.

[ This seems to touch a nerve as Scarlet gets right in the face of Raena, Raena not lowering her mic for a second. ]

Raena Ripley: And when we get back in this ring, for this title, I'll show you another reason I am champion when I kick your ass!

[ Things get heated as both women drop their microphones to the canvas, ready to throw punches until security and road agents get into the ring and try to defuse the mounting tension. It looks like there won't be any physical altercations ... until Scarlet takes a cheap shot at Raena that knocks her on her ass before rolling to the floor, walking up the aisle as Raena rubs her cheek, staring a hole through her soon to be challenger as she gestures to her waist. ]

[GAIA]

[ Returning from the adverts, we are taken to the commentary station in the balconies of the Globe Theatre with Mark Stephens & Chet Kensington. ]

Mark Stephens: As we approach our main event of the evening, I would like to remind everyone that the following bout is going to be nothing short of a spectacle. A large number of teams, perhaps more than any other company currently operating, are set to do battle for the right to be called VANGUARD Pro’s first-ever Tag Team Champions. I can only say that ring is going to fill up and fill up fast, it’s going to be a tough match to call but we’ll try to cover as much as we can.

Chet Kensington: There could be up to 20 people in that ring at the same time, a mass of humanity will be in that ring trying to become the tag team champions and none of them will leave satisfied if they leave without them. But, by the end of the night, there will be one team and one team only that survive the carnage and have possession of the titles.

Mark Stephens: There are heavy favorites to win like the Hooliguunz who earned a later entry into the match due to their match result last chapter. There are heavy unfavorites like the High Score Kings who we know have an earlier entry number due to the same match. You have underdogs that have our hearts like the Gal Pals Deluxe. We have dangerous favorites like the Suplex Parents.

Chet Kensington: But we also have a complete x-factor in the amount of unknown entries are in this match. Literally any team from across the globe could be in this match and we are none the wiser. None of the competitors know the other entries. This could be utter chaos not knowing when the end of the bout is coming, especially for the teams entered early on.

Mark Stephens: We’re going to see a lot of teams pouring their heart out here tonight. They’re all going to be gunning for the title, scoring eliminations and proving why they deserve to be the champions. My suggestion? Eliminate teams as frequently as possible so the numbers are thinner when new teams come out. None of them are going to save you from being eliminated, the less factors the better.

Chet Kensington: Fight smarter, not harder. Fuck looking a sake of integrity. Stay low, eliminate teams and then get out of dodge as quick as possible. You can get one elimination and win the whole match, so conserve your energy and just let the others do the work.

Mark Stephens: Better said than done, especially for the first two entrants of this match who will have massive targets on their back. This will be a test of endurance, stamina and cooperation. We have no time to waste. No time limit. One team must win the championships.

Chet Kensington: Let’s go down to Rhett Sweeney to make the official championship proclamation!

[ The camera’s pan to the ring where Rhett Sweeney and both Howie Dewitt and Larry Blackwell are at his sides, both holding one of the VANGUARD Pro Tag Team Championships. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Ladies aaaaaand Gentlemen! Our main event of the evening is the VANGUARD PRO TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP GAUNTLET MATCH!

[ Both Blackwell and Dewitt raise their titles into the air, turning to face all sides of the ring before Howie is given both title belts and makes his leave from the ring. ]

Rhett Sweeney: The match will work as follows. Each team has been dealt a number. The teams that drew numbers 1 and 2 will start the bout with a new team entering the match every 3 minutes. A team is eliminated from the match by Pinfall. Submission. Or Disqualification. Each team is only allowed two official members of the match, designated by whichever two members enter the ring first. When all other teams are eliminated, the last team standing will leave as the VANGUARD Pro Tag Team Champions!

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team that drew number 1!

[ “Sabotage” by The Beastie Boys hits as both Ferris and Marissa Ortiz emerge from behind the curtain to a loud ovation, both smiling as they do their signature Fusion Dance gesture before making their way to the ring, slapping outreached hands from the crowd. ]

Rhett Sweeney: From Austin, Texas at a combined weight of 240 pounds! Marissa & Ferris Ortiz! GAL! PAL! DEEEEEELUUUUXEEEEE!!!

Mark Stephens: Well this sure strikes me as a surprise, Chet. The team that had to go through the most trouble to even be apart of this match, having to earn their sport as well as a spot for any female team to contend for the titles, has to overcome the greatest odds to become the champions! Farris and Marissa Ortiz have to outlast every single other team in this match if they want to achieve their dream tonight!

Chet Kensington: No one said this match was going to be easy. Gal Pals have established themselves as possibly the biggest underdogs in this contest and this placement has only confirmed that they’re going to have to earn every single inch they can get. I wouldn’t count them out mind you, but they aren’t in an enviable position to say the least. The only team that has it just as bad is the team that is about to join them.

[ Ferris and Marissa enter the ring, taking off their ring jackets with a serious demeanor as “Sabotage” begins to die down. The Ortiz sisters huddle in a corner, trying to talk out some kind of game plan before the next team comes out. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team that drew number 2!

[ "So On It" by MIYAVI feat. Seann Browne & Meron Ryan blares through the arena as Takaaki and Ryuki Asano emerge from the curtain, a red strobe light filling frantically flashing as Ryuji looks over the crowd with a stoic expression while Takaaki is mouthing off to the crowd in his native Japanese tongue. ]

Rhett Sweeney: From Tokyo, Japan at a combined weight of 370 pounds! The team of Takaaki and Ryuki Asano! THE TOOOOOOKYOOOOOO!!! RIIIIIIIOOOOOOT!!!

Mark Stephens: We haven’t seen the Tokyo Riot since Chapter 4 when they were defeated by the Rogues Gallery, albeit by devious means following a black mist from Lycan. Since then we haven’t heard from these two and they’ve come back to try their hands at capturing the VANGUARD Tag Team Championships with the only team with the knowledge that the only team that has beaten them out of the picture.

Chet Kensington: And how fitting is it that they’re starting this one out with the Gal Pals; the team that ejected the Rogues Gallery from this match. It seems like fate itself has put these two teams together and, for the Tokyo Riot, this is the perfect opportunity to redeem themselves for that loss, albeit having 3 minutes to do so. They both have a chip on their shoulder, making the Gal Pals spot all the less enviable.

[ Taakaki takes a seat on the top turnbuckle, chin-checking himself as Ryuki stands beside his brother, arms over the rope and looking up the aisle as “So On It” dies down. The siblings tandems are keen and ready to go as they stand across from each other, but also a sense of concern as they know they are both at distinct disadvantages. The Gal Pals are talking in their corner, perhaps strategy or trying to tell themselves they can go the distance. The Asano’s are both pretty calm but seem to be talking game plan. With both members of each team active at one time, they look on their toes as Blackwell calls for the bell! ]

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

The Gal Pals start with a very bold strategy of charging their opponents, presumably to wear them down quickly and eliminate them before the next team enters as they charge and throw forearm shivers at the Asano’s from the opening bell. They get their licks in but the Asano’s and their exposure to Strong Style make it difficult for them to get their desired effect as they shove the Gal Pals back and away from them, but they persist in their strikes as they try and rattle the Japanese brothers. It seems they’ve made a little progress, running off the ropes to put momentum behind stereo arm drags only for the bigger brothers to hold through, Ryuji powering Marrisa over his head with a powerful Ipponzeoi (Rolling over the shoulder arm drag). Farris doesn’t fair much better as Takaaki tosses her back into the ropes, ducking a clothesline from Takaaki and picks up more speed on the comeback, only to be popped-up into the air by Ryuji’s strength and a superkick by Takaaki on the comedown! From the get-go, it is evident these teams are putting very little in reserve to try and keep the numbers at a manageable rate with the Tokyo Riot having the advantage over their smaller counterparts.

Farris effectively out of the picture for the moment, focused fire is all on Marrisa as she tries fending off both the Riots with desperate chops but is shut down by the brutal combination of a Urajigoku (Belly-to-Back Sitout Facebuster) from Ryuji followed by a Sliding European Uppercut by Takaaki who quickly hooks the leg of Marissa.

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Marrisa manages to hold out with a kick out at two! Tokyo Riots were not expecting a kick out by the young Marissa Ortiz. They don’t seem to be wasting much time however as Takaaki gets out onto the apron while Ryuji lifts her up for the powerbomb, looking for that buckle bomb/enzuigiri combination early! Marissa rolls through with a hurricanrana that causes some miscommunication between the Asano brothers as Takaaki kicks Ryuji right in the head! The countdown has already dwindled down on the video screen to 10 as Marissa rolls out of the ring to check on Farris.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ "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 the team who drew number 3! Accompanied by Videl Rose! From Brooklyn, New York at a combined weight of 398 pounds! Lance and Otto Kingsley! THEEEEEE!!! HIGH SCOOOOOORE!!! KIIIIIINGS!!!

Mark Stephens: We knew this team was going to get a significant disadvantage following their loss at Chapter Five but the High Score Kings are looking focused as they make their way to the ring with Lance’s wife Videl in toe.

Chet Kensington: The Kingsley’s put on an impressive performance in the triple threat, looking to leave with the gold tonight they’re going to have to one-up their last performance and learn from their previous mistakes.

Mark Stephens: One-up? Is that a video game reference?

Chet Kensington: Not intentionally…

Otto and Lance waste no time getting into the ring, Ryuji shaking off the cobwebs from the miscommunicated kick but is overwhelmed with a double dropkick by the Kingsley’s. Takaaki springboards in but meets a similar fate as both Otto and Lance dropkick him from out of the sky! They turn their attention to Ryuji who is lumped against the corner, Otto dropping down to hands and knees as Lance uses his back to hit high with a corner shining wizard, feeding him into Otto who catches him with a snap DDT. All the while, Lance charges Takaaki who is in the opposite corner with a running yakuza kick, washing the face of the youngest Asano with his sole before tossing him towards Otto who tosses him up for a pop-up powerbomb right into Lance’s lungblower on the way down! Quick and effective teamwork by the High Score Kings as Lance hooks Takaaki’s leg for the cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Takaaki kicks out at two! Meanwhile, The Gal Pals are back in the fray, charging Otto Kingsley and screaming out “KAME! HAME! HAAAA!!!” as they both strike him in the chest with double palm strikes! But the burly girth of Otto is completely unwavered by the attack! Otto doesn’t seem phased in the slightest as he ties clotheslining both girls to the mat, both duck beneath and try again with the palm strikes, hitting him flush in the chin this time seeing their desired effect as he’s rocked albeit briefly. Lance sees what’s happening and looks to intervene but both the Gal Pals kick him in the midsection, tossing him towards Otto Kingsley who instinctively catches him as both Ortiz sisters jump up and connect with a double team neckbreaker that not only drive Otto down but forcibly makes him spike his brother down too with a DDT! Marissa and Farris target Otto, looking for a combination attack as Marissa a standing flip senton on Otto’s upper half while Farris hits a standing moonsault on his lower half! Both hold him down hoping that to be enough!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

The strength of Otto Kingsley makes it look easy as he kicks out at two! They don’t have much time to do much else as the countdown shows on the screen again!

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ The opening chords slowly and steadily lead into "We are the Truth" by Mushroomhead as Sabin Richards steps out onto the entranceway first followed close behind by David Gibson as the two men make their way to the ring, Sabin at a fast pace, the team's loose cannon apparently more than ready for a fight while David moves down towards the ring-a little bit more focused than his partner. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team who drew number 4! From Metro City, Hawaii and Forks, Washington respectively! At a combined weight of 462 pounds! David Gibson! Sabin Richards! THEEEEEE!!! SHIIIIINIIIIIGAMIIII!!! FOUNDATION!!!

Mark Stephens: One of the newer VANGUARD Pro tag teams making their debut in this match and an imposingly statured team to say the least! Almost dwarfing the Kingsley’s by 100 pounds! Sabin with the long hair, David with the short, a combination of technically powerful and explosive athletic could make this a deadly alliance.

Chet Kensington: A team of former rivals turn tag team partners, former training partners too prior, they’ve bonded over beating the hell out of each other which could put them up their with the sibling tandems in this match in terms of cohesive units. Right now, if I were any of the teams in there, I’d get out of dodge and quick!

Shinigami Foundation doesn’t even make it into the ring before they’re met with their competition as both the Gal Pals dive through the ropes with stereo suicide dives. However, the much bigger tandem is able to not only catch them, but hold them as they kick their legs trying to escape. David Gibson disposes of Farris as he beils her onto the floor with a hard smack onto the thin padding outside. Marissa is in for a much worse fate as Sabin lifts her onto Gibson’s shoulders and climbs onto the apron, delivering a roundhouse kick to her as Gibson falls backwards and Electric Chair drops her onto the mats. Sabin, like a house of fire, springboards into the ring with a crossbody that wipes out both the Kingsley brothers. The Asano’s, however, are ready as Takaaki fires a Murder Superkick as Sabin, Ryuji following up with a Kesagiri Chop that further wobbles the Warwolf. Takaaki looks for the Running Canadian Destroyer as Ryuji bends him down but Sabin is able to hold Takaaki before he does a full rotation! Before Ryuji can intervene, Gibson is in and is able to drop Ryuji with a Dead End Irony (Lifting hammerlock cradle hold dropped into a sitout side powerslam) before Sabin Richards drives Takaaki into his own brother with a Water Wheel Slam!

Carnage at their feet, The Foundation seem to be unrivalled at the moment. The High Score Kings reenter the mix with a Halfway Point (Double superkick) to Sabin, Isolating Gibson momentarily as they club blows into his back to try and wind the Enforcer. Trying their luck here, they look for their signature Project: Titan Fall (Legsweep (Lance) / High knee (Otto) combination) but Sabin demolishes Lance with a boot that sprawls him to the outside while Gibson catches Otto on his shoulders in a firemans carry! Sabin gets the cue and runs off the ropes and they connect with Surtur’s Bootprint Fireman's carry flapjack / Running single leg front dropkick combination). Otto seems out of it as Gibson has the cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Otto only JUST powers out at the count of two as the Shinigami Foundation still seem dominate. The other competitors are out of it but the counter on the video screen dwindles down to the final seconds before the new entrants enter, the Foundation stand ready and waiting for their next victims.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ “Turn Down For What” by DJ Snake & Lil Jon hits as Elijah Dynamite and Steve Maximum come out rocking to the beat of the song. Steven acting a fool, dancing in different styles and throwing up weird hand signs. Meanwhile, Eli has his gaze locked on the ring, flexing his muscles along the way. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team who drew number 5! From Bronx, New York at a combined weight of 428 pounds! Steven Maximum! Elijah Dynamite! MAAAAXIMUUUUM!!! DYYYYNAAAAAMIIIIITE!!!

Mark Stephens: It looks like the VANGUARD Pro faithful are in for a party in here, Chet! All about feeling good and fighting good, Maximum Dynamite have arrived and look to try their luck at getting some gold around their waists by the end of the night!

Chet Kensington: Great, more dancing clowns…

Gibson rushes at the two as they slide into the ring, both low-bridge and send Gibson out to the floor. Maximum picks up some speed, ducking a clothesline by Sabin, ducking another on the way back as Dynamite -- with a hip toss assist -- tosses Steven over the top rope for an assisted Tope Con Hilo that lands flush on Gibson! Elijah turns around and catches an oncoming Sabin in the stomach, picking him up and running him into the corner and drives his shoulder into his midsection while Steven reenters the ring. Elijah drops on all fours as Steven uses him as a ramp to connect with a leaping forearm shiver, tossing him to Elijah who plants him with a spinebuster and followed up with a springboard moonsault by Steven! Leg hooked!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

No, Sabin stays alive! Ryuji jumps into the mix now and tries blind-sighted either member of Maximum Dynamite but Elijah sees him coming and nails a nice bicycle kick that knocks him down, gesturing for Steven to head up top. He does so quickly and dives even quicker with a pointed elbow to the heart of Ryuji! Another cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Elijah took his eyes off the prize and Takaaki managed to sneak in to break up the cover, that could have been it for the Tokyo Riots right there and then. The duo look to get an elimination here as Elijah clobbers Takaaki, lifting him for a spinebuster as Steven starts mocking him as he ascends to the middle rope, they call this TNT (Diving European Uppercut and Spinebuster combination)! Ryuji somehow interjects as he jumps in with a Gamengiri that rocks Steven on the ropes. Elijah tries holding onto Takaaki, not knowing what is happening behind him as Takaaki keeps clubbing at his back before Ryuji chop blocks Elijah into letting go. Elijah tries saving his brother, but a Shotgun Knee (Running Knee Strike) from Ryuji sends the big man outside while a Superkick knocks Steven Maximum’s head back on the middle rope. Ryuji and Takaaki see an opportunity and capitalise with Takaaki going up as Ryuji puts Steven on his shoulders. Steven has no idea where he is as The Asano brothers hit the MAXIMUM (Buckle Bomb / Corner Enzuigiri combination)! Ryuji covers the smaller brother!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Not enough! Steven Maximum rolls to the outside in pain and Riots don’t have much time to better their situation as Shinigami Foundation are back in the ring and drop the Riots. The countdown begins yet again while the Foundation stomp away at the Riot.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ “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 the team who drew number 6! Accompanied by Cadet Barry Allen at a combined weight of 370 pounds! Cadet Jacob Holliday! Cadet Andrew Thomas! BAAAAAEWAAAAAATCH!!!

Mark Stephens: Well here comes the team that scored the middle slot of the three teams that competed last chapter for the advantage and it seems they have designated Holliday and Thomas as the legal participants. A smart strategy perhaps as they are probably the best two conditioned and Barry playing strategical support might be their best odds on walking out with the gold.

Chet Kensington: Both times we’ve seen these guys they’ve surprised us with their progress. Are they silly? Absolutely. Entertaining? Of course. But they’ve yet to get the one thing that matters; the results. Tonight, of all nights, would be the perfect time to get that result.

Thomas slides into the ring with haste, standing up to, much to the surprise of the crowd, to both members of the Shinigami Foundation. Thomas is not backing down either, but his verbal proclamation surprises people more.

Cadet Andrew Thomas: I don’t want either of you. I want… YOU!

Thomas points between them, both turning around to see Farris & Marissa who had snuck back into the ring, their cover now blown by Thomas, who is pointing more towards Marissa who seems taken aback by this. Thomas tries to push past the Shinigami Foundation, but Gibson puts a hand on his chest and stops him from approaching and shoves him back. Thomas seems perplexed and high-tails it out of the ring as Gibson tries pursuing him. They do a half-lap of the ring until Holliday comes from nowhere with a running diving shoulder block from the apron that knocks Gibson to the floor. Thomas slides into the ring, ducks a boot attempt by Sabin Richard who ducks for a back body drop, only to be taken over with a running blockbuster by Thomas. Thomas has hands out-stretched, Allen and Holliday starting a chant on the outside that the crowd gets in on.

Crowd: Get LYT! *clap clap* Get LYT! *clap clap*

Thomas’ showboating comes back to bite him as he turns to face Marissa, who snapmares him down to the canvas and setting him up for Farris to connect with a penalty kick, followed by a double stomp by Marissa. In comes High Score Kings, first Lance who ducks a tandem clothesline from the Gal Pals before planting Marissa on the canvas with a Dragonblade (Sling Blade), followed by Otto Kingsley’s Flashbang (High knee) to Farris. Sensing a possible elimination here, they set Farris up into a Gory Bomb by Otto, dropping her into a cutter by Lance! We could be seeing the first elimination here!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Farris kicks out! Gal Pals still alive in this contest! Jacob Holliday in now, Short-arm clothesline puts Lance down for the moment, Inverted facelock backbreaker for Otto does the same for him. The four corners are now occupied. Marissa, Farris, Sabin and Lance. Holliday in the middle, seeing a big opportunity to deal some damage as he charges towards Sabin first and drives his shoulder into this midsection, then to Lance, then to Marissa, then to Farris. Holliday is feeling it, Gibson sneaking up behind him but Thomas has his leg. Gibson is able to free himself, but Holliday is right there for him with a running double axe handle. Gibson could be in trouble as Holliday and Thomas look for some signature Baewatch offence, Holliday suplexing Thomas who over rotates into a 450 Splash! Cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

Gibson stays alive with a shoulder up. Things are getting chaotic as Maximum Dynamite return, blasting Holliday with a double forearm smash, focusing then on Thomas, kicking him in the midsection as Elijah looks for something while Steven again tries for the top rope. This looks to be an assisted piledriver! Thomas is too fresh however, tripping up Elijah and catapulting him into his partner who is crotched onto the turnbuckle! Holliday shakes off the cobwebs and helps Thomas as he trips up Elijah, looking for something as Holliday looks to assist! Tidal Wave (Push assist Moonsault)! Holliday holds onto Steven as Thomas has the cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: Maximum Dynamite have been eliminated!

One team is down but plenty more to go, the crowd seem happy that Baewatch have scored an elimination, perhaps hope for them to see this through to the end. They might be about to eliminate another, as Takaaki comes in but the Baewatch already see him, Spinning sole kick by Thomas followed by a superkick from Holliday and then finished with a simultaneous jumping enzuigiri by Thomas / superkick by Holliday combination. Takaaki stumbles backwards into a seated position in the corner, Holliday making distance for what we all know is coming! Cannonball Run (Cannonball in the corner)! Takaaki flattened as Holliday pulls Takaaki away from the ropes, looking for a second team out as Thomas poses in pre-victory!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO!

What?! Ryuji pulled Larry Blackwell out of the ring! Blackwell hit the mats hard as Ryuji saved his partner from having the team eliminated. The countdown shows on the video screen as Thomas and Holliday double team Ryuji.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ “All Hail to the Chief” by Prophets of Rage hits as Nick and Kyle Moretti make their way to the ring in haste, wearing jeans with knee pads, elbow pads and taped fists as they bring out garbage cans filled to the brim with weaponry. Nick with a lit cigarette in his mouth and Kyle with a trash can lid in his free hand. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team who drew number 7! From Everett, Washington at a combined weight of 362 pounds! “Sick” Nick! “Vyle” Kyle! BLOODLINE: MOOOOOREEEETIIII!!!

Chet Kensington: Great! More fucking deathmatch wrestlers!

Mark Stephens: Nick Moretti infamous around U.S. Deathmatch circles, his brother Kyle famous for stints in Australia circles. And it looks like they’re going to take advantage of Ryuji taking out Blackwell momentarily as they have plunder to spare!

Both Moretti’s throw the trash cans into the ring, an assortment of items falling out of them as they slide into the ring. Jacob Holliday attempts to disarm Kyle who is the first to slide in with a clothesline, but Kyle has no interested in the bigger member of Baewatch as he dives right to the outside with his trash can lid onto both members of Tokyo Riot with a suicide dive! Holliday turns around to Nick, being pulled into a headlock as “Sick” Nick starts using Jacobs forehead like an ashtray, rubbing the lit cigarette into his forehead with screams of pain! No referee in sight, the Moretti boys wreak havoc at ringside, clocking every participant in the match with whatever they have. Both members of the Gal Pals receive kendo stick shots to the back from Kyle Moretti whilst Nick is running around with a staple gun and dollar bills! Ryuji, Takaaki, Andrew, Sabin, David, Otto and Lance receive undesirable tips from Nick Moretti as dollar bills are stapled to their backs, foreheads, arms, all the sort off-camera as Kyle is working on Jacob Holliday in the ring. Barry Allen jumps onto the apron, knowing the referee is down so he can give Jacob some recovery time, but this attempt to aid his partner only ends up with him having a dollar bill stapled to his bare ass by Nick Moretti, who pulls down the back of his trunks while Kyle holds his head in the ropes! Nick passes Kyle the staple gun while he starts rummaging around beneath the ring, Kyle turned around to meet the Gal Pals, both wielding Kendo Sticks that had both been used by Kyle and fell out of the trash can. They both swing for the fences but Kyle keeps dodging shots in a panic attempt to avoid them, able to catch Farris’ and toss it aside before putting the staple gun to her head! Before he can pull the trigger Marissa swats it away with a kendo stick shot to the arm, giving Farris time to pick it up while Marrisa holds the Kendo stick around Kyle’s neck, choking him while Farris starts putting staples into the top of Kyles head! Farris showing some real frustration here as Kyle drops to the canvas trying to pull the staples out!

On the outside, Nick has pulled out a table from beneath the ring, putting it up against the ropes on the apron on its side. He turns around to be met with a pissed Shinigami Foundation who have pulled the dollar bills stapled to their forehead. Nick doesn’t want to be where he is right now and opts to retreat under the ring. David and Sabin look to follow him, but the Gal Pals with a double baseball slide send the table into the faces of both Foundation members, perhaps not seeing Moretti wasn’t there. They quickly find out he wasn’t as he emerges from the other side of the ring, Steel Chair in his hand as he slides into the ring behind them, holding it high above his head for a downward swing! Farris, the initial target is pushed out of the way by Marissa who manages to see him from the corner of her eye, the chair hitting the ropes and coming back to hit Moretti in the face! Marissa and Farris quickly collect themselves and drive the steel chair back into his face with a double superkick! Farris drops into the cover… but Blackwell isn’t conscious yet. Kyle pulls Farris off and drags her out of the ring, Marissa trying to prevent it by Kyle proves stronger in the situation as he pulls her beneath the bottom rope, tossing her back into the steel barricade with a sick thud and rattling of the structure. Kyle runs back in with Marissa, backing her up into the chest of Nick who is bleeding from his forehead, the crowd yelling obscenities at the brothers as they grab Marrisa by the hair. From seemingly out of nowhere, David Gibson comes in and makes the save for her, throwing fists into the foreheads of both Moretti’s while Marissa retreats to the outside to check on her sister. Gibson looks for a double chokeslam onto the brothers, who both kick him right in the balls, grab his head and with a double team DDT drive his head into the trash can that breaks apart with the impact, seemingly slicing the forehead of David as well as the back of Kyle Moretti.

Evil intentions now, Kyle slithers to the outside and once again grabs Marissa, pushing her back into the ring and in a horrible position as both Moretti brothers are holding a weapon, a wooden hockey stick in Nicks hand while Kyle has the staple gun. Marissa doesn’t have anywhere to go, nor anyone to come to her aid until the countdown on the video screen begins again.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ “Flying Whales” by Gojira begins to play as the house lights go dim and the crowd get on their feet as the song marks the return of Stacy DeVille and the debut of Lena Skye! Both women emerge and quickly drop their jackets on the rampway as they march to the ring in haste. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team who drew number 8! From The Heavens Above Portland, Oregon, at a combined weight of 274 pounds! “Lena "Colossal" Skye! “Suplex Queen” Stacy DeVille! SUUUUUPLEEEEEEX!!! PAAAAREEEENTS!!!

Mark Stephens: Things are about to get really interesting now! The return of one of the greatest competitors in VANGUARD Pro Stacy DeVille as well as the in-ring debut of one of the most intense female wrestlers in the world Lena Skye! A tandem that may only be in this match due to circumstance but a team that has every possibility to walk out with the championships tonight!

Chet Kensington: Stacy is substituting for the injured Zoey Lukas who was slated to be Lena’s partner for this match, being a partner down Lena looked for a partner and Stacy answered the call, reforming the Suplex Parents and oh boy, if I had to find a partner in a pinch, Stacy might be the best go-to in the business. Lena is no slouch either; they are a dangerous combination -- men or women, anyone in their way are in for a rough night.

Lena and Stacy slide into the ring, both Moretti’s turning their attention from Marissa Ortiz. Nick tries blocking a boot from Lena with his hockey stick but the thing breaks in half at the impact, Nick looking like he shit his pants as Lena smiles an evil smile towards him. Kyle tries to staple gun her but Stacy intercepts, trapping the arm of Kyle who emotes just like his brother before Stacy locks the other arm too and sends him over the top rope with a powerful belly-to-belly suplex into the High Score Kings and Tokyo Riot where were recovering there. Moretti fires forearm shivers into both women to make an opening for himself, but they seemingly have no effect on either of them. Stacy grabs Moretti by the shirt and rips it off his torso with ease, Nick stunned but not as stunned as he was after a thunderous chop connects with his chest from DeVille! Lena kicks out his legs from under him, dropping him to his knees before they both drive their hips into both sides of his head! Nick seemingly out of the equation, both members of the Tokyo Riot get the drop on the Suplex Parents with shots to the back, look to try and eliminate them as quick as possible as they send Lena off for the pop-up superkick combination, but Lena surprises Ryuji with a Snap! (Running Spear)! Takaaki dumbfounded but not as much as he would be as Stacy wraps her arms around him, tossing him up in a back suplex and caught by Lena on the fall with a German! TAKAAKI JUST GOT GROUNDED AS SHE BRIDGES FOR THE PIN! BLACKWELL IS BACK IN AND CONSCIOUS!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: Tokyo Riot have been eliminated!

Just like that, Suplex Parents score an elimination! Two now officially out, six still in the current field of competitors with an undetermined amount still waiting in the wings. Suplex Parents are in the ring looking like a force to be reckoned with as all the other teams slowly get into the ring. All six teams are on their toes, shooting looks back and forth from one another. The Moretti Brothers, however, sneak into the mix from the outside, Kendo sticks in hand swinging shots at everyone in sight until the Shinigami Foundation put a stop to it, grabbing the sticks and tossing them aside. Gibson lays out Kyle with a vicious clothesline as Nick tries swinging at Sabin who catches him in a full nelson, lifting him up into an assisted powerbomb with David Gibson; Geostigma! Not satisfied, they turn to Kyle Moretti now, lifting him up and connecting with Gran Ray Cero (Aided snap swinging neckbreaker)! Cover!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: Bloodline Moretti have been eliminated!

And with that, another team bites the dust! High Score Kings, Baewatch, Suplex Parents, Gal Pals Deluxe and Shinigami Foundation make up the current field The bigger Shinigami Foundation find themselves in the dead center of the ring, all other teams seeing their destruction of the Moretti Brothers and it looks like they’ve all set their sights on them, all eight competitors jumping at them and hammering them down for the sake of the championships. Stacy and Lena taking the fight solely with David Gibson, chops and kicks to his chest in a corner while the other six competitors have their sights set on Sabin Richards. Looking between each other, Sabin getting onto his knees recovering from the ambushed shots, is met with six, that’s right, six feet to the head with all three teams delivering superkicks! Farris falls into the cover while the alliance between HSK and Baewatch falls apart, Marissa holding Farris down into the pin for extra leverage!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: Shinigami Foundation have been eliminated!

And now there are four! High Score Kings and Baewatch on the floor, throwing each other from barricade to barricade in their own little brawl while the Gal Pals turn their attention to the awaiting Suplex Parents. Crowd are in a bit of anticipation with this one as, without Gal Pals victory that ultimately allowed female competitors and teams in the division, Suplex Parents wouldn’t be in this match either. Looks like there is a word exchange out there while the countdown begins again on the video screen.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ “The Great Destroyer (Dark Star Mix)” by Nine Inch Nails plays to great confusion, especially for the Gal Pals who turn to face the entranceway as Kyle Radcliffe and Lycan emerge from the back, dressed to compete and all and staring straight at Farris and Marissa. ]

Mark Stephens: Now hold on just a minute! These two can’t be out here! They lost their spot to the Gal Pals in Portland, now they’re coming out near the very end?! What kind of trickery have these two pulled to get into this match and this late?!

Chet Kensington: Looks like Howie Dewitt has come out to stop them, but Kyle has something in his hand… is that an official number ticket?! Number 9?! The Rogues Gallery are entered in this match at number 9 legally?!

There is bickering on the outside between Kyle Radcliffe and Howie Dewitt, Larry Blackwell distracted by this confrontation meanwhile in the ring two different competitors slide into the ring and cheapshot the Suplex Parents! They’re stalking the Gal Pals, Farris turning around into a flapjack/lungblower combination by the mystery tandem! Marrisa turns around, seeing the aftermath of what had just transpired and gets hoisted up by the bigger of the two men in a fireman's carry, planting her into the canvas with a Samoan drop as smaller one hits a running somersault neckbreaker! Kyle Radcliffe and Lycan are in the aisle way as Howie has whispered something to Larry Blackwell who passes the message on to Rhett Sweeney as the two men remove their jackets.

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team who drew number 9! McKinley Finch! Tristan Cross! Members of the Rogues Gallery!

Mark Stephens: I don’t believe what I am hearing. The Rogues Gallery has expanded with these two new members and THEY have been granted entry in this match? How can that be legal since the Rogues were exiled from the gauntlet?!

Chet Kensington: Maybe a loophole in the agreement, perhaps stating that only Kyle and Lycan couldn’t be in the match, not any other extended members of the Rogues. No idea myself, but it seems they’re allowed to be in this match.

These new additions to the Rogues clear house really quick, keeping all other teams out of the ring as they target mainly the Gal Pals, perhaps due to the Rogues’ grudge with the team that defeated them for a spot in the match. Marissa, in particular, gets a lot of the punishment dealt to her, being tossed around by the bigger McKinley Finch and struck by the smaller Tristan Cross. Farris makes recurring attempts to even the odds, but the fatigue makes it hard for her to effectively damage the fresher team, getting tossed aside. The odds are made even as the Suplex Parents come to their aid, trading strikes with them, a discus elbow smash by Lena wobbles Tristan, a Tornado Warning (Discus Boot) does the same for McKinley, a knee from DeVille drops Tristan and they focus fire on McKinley who is withstanding the strikes. Lena wraps her arms around the wide waist of McKinley, but even groggy the bigger man isn’t going over for the German Suplex. DeVille assists in a big way, wrapping her arms around Lena’s waist and, with their strengths combined, DeVille suplexes Lena into a German Suplex to McKinley! The Kingsleys get in the ring now, seeing an opportunity to thin the herd, first taking Lena down with shots to the back, connecting with a bicycle knee/superkick combination to render DeVille groggy as they set up for Project Titanfall! The crowd pop as DeVille jumps back, avoiding the sweep and high knee, kipping back up from the canvas to the surprise of the Kingsley’s but not as surprised as Lance is to be met with a hard forehead from Lena! Lance is out cold, Otto between the two tenacious women, but is quickly put to the canvas as Lena jumps on his back and applies the Rear Naked Choke, struggling to free himself! Stacy grabs one of his tree-trunk like legs and applies the Stretch Muffler, turning him onto his stomach with Lena still wrenching on his windpipe and the collective pressure is enough for Otto to surrender through the pain!

Rhett Sweeney: The High Score Kings have been eliminated!

Baewatch, Rogues Gallery, Suplex Parents and the Gal Pals remain, but the countdown is dwindling down one more time, the fans having a good guess as to who the next team could be.

Crowd: FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!

[ BUUUUZZZ!!! ]

[ “Sweatpants” by Childish Gambino begins to play as Trey Cole strides out onto the stage, followed in toe by both Spectre and Harley Torres who are full of energy, running across the stageway as the crowd are hyped. All three of them gather at the center of the stage, the three men play rock, paper, scissors with their back to the camera, Spectre seemingly annoyed at the result as Harley and Trey share a high-five before leading the charge to the ring. ]

Rhett Sweeney: Introducing the team who drew number 10! Accompanied by Spectre! From the Clubhouse at a combined weight of 315 pounds! Trey Cole! Harley Torres! THE HOOOLIIIIGUUUUNNZ!

Mark Stephens: I am getting word that this was the last team in waiting, Chet. Meaning that the win the Hooliguunz scored last chapter was very optimal to the teams chances giving them the last possible spot in the match amongst the confusion. There were originally only meant to be nine teams but Rogues had somehow gathered an official number.

Chet Kensington: Five teams left of ten, half the field gone before they even got into the match. Gal Pals in the longest at number one. The last in there right now are teams that drew nine, eight and six. While not all of the teams are completely spent, the collective stamina these men have will prove to be their greatest weapon to hold out and perhaps leave with the gold.

Both the legal Hooliguunz members slide into the ring among the chaos, ducking clotheslines from the Rogues and bouncing off the ropes for stereo lucha springboard arm drags that send the two sprawling to the outside. They are on their feet, but not for long as the Suplex Parents attempting to spear the Hooliguunz are sidestepped and are instead crashing into the Rogues with a pair of Suicide Dives! The Hooliguunz look smug, Farris charging in alone against them next, but she meets a similar fate as they hip toss the hotheaded Ortiz sister over the ropes and onto the pile outside with a tope con hilo! A smart strategy to thin the numbers in the ring, Marrisa alone against the Hooliguunz momentarily is met with a Tilt a Whirl Backbreaker(Cole)/Jumping Foot stomp(Harley) combination. They are fired up and riding high on adrenaline early, looking for the next move but Holliday and Thomas stop them, gesturing at Marissa and Thomas signalling with his hands about the moonsault. Torres and Cole shrug and give them the room they need for their signature Tidal Wave pushing Moonsault. However, this turns out to be a ruse as Cole and Torres intercept the mid-air push and throw Thomas out of the ring and onto the amassing pile on the outside! They drive thrust kicks into Holliday’s midsection, tossing him through the ropes towards the mass of humanity outside, Marrisa rolling out too, the pile now far too tempting for the Hooliguunz to not do what they aim to do next; running off the ropes and connecting with beautiful stereo Sasuke Specials onto everyone! Radcliffe and Allen even caught in the mix!

Hold on a second, Lycan is climbing to the top rope! Lycan trying to get into the action illegally as he looks to dive into the pile! Before he gets the chance, Spectre blind-sighted him with a rope-assisted gammengiri, looking over to the mass pile and HOLY FUUUUCK! JUMPS TO THE TOP ROPE FROM THE APRON, WITH A SLINGSHOT SPANISH FLY ONTO THE RECOVERING MASS! EVERYONE IS DOWN AND CHANTS OF “HOLY SHIT” FILLS THE ENTIRE VENUE!

Hooliguunz recovers first, Trey and Harley tossing the larger McKinley Finch into the ring alone with the both of them. Chopping down the big man with kicks to his chest from the kneeling position. Grabbing each of his arms, looking for a killing blow but a surge of power comes from Finch as he pulls Cole and Torres in and over with an Irish whip towards the corner, both men stopping themselves from colliding with it as Finch gets to his feet and charges towards them. Torres sidesteps him and, in a big showing of strength, Cole tells him to Sit Ya Ass Down, Boy! With a powerful Corner STO! Tristan comes in to aid his partner with a big corner dropkick, however, both Hooliguunz members catch him and put him into the corner with a tree of woe, sitting up Finch to sit in front of him. Harley runs to the other side of the ring, Cole driving some stomps into the Rogues before turning to his partner, Harley charges in towards Cole who intercepts with a monkey flip to launch Torres into a powerful looking cannonball!

Hooliguunz look on top of the situation completely, Suplex Parents back in the action as Lena is side-stepped by Harley perhaps to lead into another Sit Your Ass Down, (Girl?) but Lena raises her boot to knock Trey’s head back, Harley taken by surprise as Stacy grabs him for a German Suplex, getting the Tornado Warning assists before being launched across the ring and violently dropped on the back of his head! Lena and Stacy zero in on another elimination attempt, but Holliday and Thomas are in the mix, stalking Lena as she turns around to both mens hands around her throat! Hang Ten Chokeslam?! NO! The choke attempt just seems to piss Skye off as she bats away the hands of both men, shooting kicks into their chest, running off the ropes for something but she’s double drop toe held into the middle rope, hitting her windpipe as Stacy finally see’s what has been happening, joining Lena on the rope with a toe hold of her own. Baewatch stomp the mat, picking up speed before they both connect with stereo Tiger Feint Kicks. Holliday on the aprons sees a recovering Hooligunz and launches himself off with a cannonball into all three members as Thomas ascends to the top rope! DeVille is open, Thomas leaps for the Dive Star Frog Splash (Turning Frog Splash)! But no water in the pool as Stacy is pulled out of the way by Lena, just in time for the Gal Pals to capitalize and pull Thomas up! Nap Time (Farris holds them up in a wheelbarrow and Marissa hits a scissor kick)!

Cover?!

NO! McKinley with a vicious right hand to the face of Farris! The crowd have not boo’d any louder all night, Marrisa distracted from her pin attempt is given a superkick by Tristan Cross! Tristan feeds Marrisa to McKinley, lifting her up in an inverted Crucifix Powerbomb and launches her into a cutter by Cross! Cross in for the cover as McKinley pushes the Suplex Parents out of the ring!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: Gal Pals Deluxe have been eliminated!

Mark Stephens: Damn it, the Gal Pals went so far in this match!

Chet Kensington: Fatigue and all the punishment piled up. It seemed like the Rogues specifically had them targeted too.

Four teams left. Less than half the competition gone and the action is starting to hit a desperate measure. While the Rogues are shoving out a hurt Marrisa to the outside to join her sister, Holliday is back in the ring and trying to cut down both members of the Rogues. Having no luck with the attacks, the Rogues render him groggy with a superkick and lariat combination, leaving him prone for defeat. Finch turns his back on the action as Cross sets up for a sliding single leg dropkick to the kneeling Holliday, but Holliday springs to life to launch Cross in the air for a spear! Finch, keeping the Suplex Parents out of the ring, see’s this too late as Holliday spears him through the ropes and out of the ring! The crowd cheer as both men clash onto the mats outside, the Suplex Parents sliding into the ring and look to put away Cross! DeVille pulls him up for a Mama Bears Mauling (Piledriver) and Lena, with a vicious sounding punt to his head, double taps Cross before the piledriver! DeVille in for the cover, no one around for the break!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: The Rogues Gallery have been eliminated!

Kyle Radcliffe looks furious on the outside as the Suplex Parents eliminates his team from the match! But with that elimination, we have the final three! Suplex Parents stand in one corner, Hooliguunz in the opposite. Thomas alone in a third as Holliday is still on the floor holding his shoulder. It seems however they’re paying the singular Baewatch member no mind as the tandems start clashing. An astounding display as Harley Torres and Trey Cole evade vicious kicks and lariats from Skye and DeVille with agile displays, caught with German Suplexes but manage to land on their feet with backflips from the release! Skye and DeVille eat dropkicks that send them rolling to the floor. Suicide Dives coming? DENIED! COLE MIGHT NOT HAVE ANY TEETH AFTER EATING A BOOT FROM SKYE MID-DIVE, LEAVING HIM LIMP ON THE ROPES! Harley, however, caught by DeVille and Belly-to-Belly Suplexed onto Holliday, who was recovering against the guardrail that almost comes undone at the collective impact! Thomas finds a chance to strike, dialling up for a Tiger Feint Kick onto the out of it Cole! But DeVille denies Thomas of taking the fruits of the Suplex Parents’ labor, catching his legs and pulling him between the ropes and onto the apron! GERMAN SUPLEX ONTO BARRY ALLEN AND SPECTRE ON THE FLOOR! They were attending to their respective teammates and didn’t see it coming! Suplex Parents dominate, Skye and DeVille have Cole to themselves as DeVille sets him up and drops him down with a Mama Bear’s Mauling Piledriver! Cole is out on his feet as Stacy kicks him up, feeding him to Skye who is about to give Cole a second helping of piledriver, lifting him and dropping him on his head with Skye Destroyer (Sit-Out Tombstone Puledriver)! Skye makes the cover, Stacy looking over the pile of downed tandems on the outside making sure none of them breaks up the count!

Larry Blackwell: ONE! TWO! TH--WH--

Someone just yanked Larry Blackwell out of the ring and hitting the floor outside! IT’S THOSE FUCKING ROGUES! They have been eliminated and they’ve taken Blackwell out of the equation as Suplex Parents were looking to get another team out! Laying the boots to Blackwell before turning their attention on the women in the ring who have only just noticed what has transpired. They are on their toes, ready to jump as they see all four members of the Rogues circle the ring, climbing onto the apron, completely surrounding them. The Rogues get in but Skye and DeVille aren’t going down without a fight, kicking and hitting whoever they can reach, fending them off before a donkey punch to the back of DeVille’s head from McKinley knocks her down, leaving Skye to try and fend them off, being grabbed and pulled out of the ring by Lycan and Radcliffe. Skye can’t seem to break them off as McKinley Finch and Tristan Cross, the team they had eliminated, exact their revenge as they drive Stacy into the canvas with their inverted crucifix powerbomb/cutter combination! This disgusting act of poor sportsmanship is getting rained on with boos from the crowd, Lycan sliding into the ring as Radcliffe is holding back Skye who is irate and trying to break free, Finch and Cross coming to help him restrain her as Lycan drags an unconscious Trey Cole over the chest of DeVille! Howie Dewitt runs from the back to officiate, and the crowd are pleading that it doesn’t end this way for DeVille and Skye!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Rhett Sweeney: Suplex Parents have been eliminated!

There isn’t a single person in the arena that isn’t frustrated and verbally displaying their annoyance as the Suplex Parents were just screwed out of the Tag Team Championships. But it only looks to get worse and Finch and Cross have Skye restrained, Kyle in her face and holding her chin while she has her teeth grit in anger, they don’t look done just yet! BUT HE DOESN’T GET THE CHANCE! MARISSA AND FARRIS COME BACK TO EVEN THE ODDS AS THEY JUMP KYLE AND START TAKING SHOTS AT CROSS AND FINCH! LYCAN COMES TO FIGHT BUT SKYE, FARRIS AND MARISSA ARE FIGHTING THE ODDS! DeVille, despite being eliminated, fights through her pain to make the odds completely even as all 8 competitors start fighting their way up the aisle way! Security trying to separate them by the time they get to the stage but there is just too much animosity between them to hold them back!

Back in the ring, there are only two teams left. Holliday and Thomas of Baewatch. Cole and Torres of Hooliguunz. One of these teams will claim the titles, all four men having trouble getting to their feet with the amount they have endured. Standing across the ring from each other, they realise they have only one hurdle left between them and glory. And the brawl commences without a second of hesitation. Essentially a hockey fight breaks loose with the Baewatch tandem suffering from greater fatigue. Holliday gets stunned with a Superkick from Harley but Thomas is able to avoid one from Trey, running off the ropes and catching him with a running blockbuster! Baewatch find strength no one thought possible as Holliday grabs Harley, pulling himself into position to pick him up with an Alabama Slam, eating an Enzugiri from Thomas first to dead-lift him up and a superkick to the back of the head before Holliday charges and drives him into the corner with the slam! Harley looks absolutely out of it! Baewatch may have the titles in their grasps! Cole is on his own, both Baewatch members send him off the ropes, avoiding a double clothesline and sling blades Thomas to the canvas! Holliday tries to take him out but Cole school boys him to the canvas, letting go on the momentum and springing up to drive an enzugiri into the side of Hollidays head! Cole turns the tide but needs to act quick, looking for one of his bigger moves as he leaps once, leaps twice, leaps three times for Cole-lateral Damage (Double Jump 450 Splash)! THOMAS GETS THE KNEES UP! THE WIND TAKEN OUT OF COLES SAILS! HOLLIDAY UP TO HIS FEET, THOMAS STILL ON THE GROUND AS HOLLIDAY PERFORMS A BACKDROP RELEASE! CPR! COLES STOMACH DRIVEN INTO THOMAS’ KNEES A SECOND TIME! THOMAS CRADLES FOR THE COVER! HARLEY NOWHERE IN SIGHT!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! THR---!

NO! COLE GETS HIS SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND! Holliday tells Thomas to go up top, looking to conclude this contest as he picks Cole up onto his shoulders! Rolling Fireman's Carry Senton puts Cole in perfect position for the Dive-Star Frog Splash! ZAP! POW! HARLEY FROM NOWHERE SPRINGBOARDS IN AND CONNECTS WITH THE FOREARM RIGHT INTO THOMAS BEFORE HE COULD LEAP! HOLLIDAY NOTICES TOO LATE AS HARLEY SPRINGBOARDS AGAIN WITH CYCLE CITY (Rope-assisted Tornado DDT)! THOMAS FALLS OFF THE TURNBUCKLE, NO IDEA WHERE HE IS AS BARRY ALLEN’S RALLY SEEMS TO BE FALLING ON DEATH EARS AS A GROGGY TREY COLE CLIMBS TO THE TOP! THOMAS IS TRYING TO MOVE BUT HIS MOTOR FUNCTIONS SEEM SHOT AS COLE IS PERCHED! BIG BANG ATTACK! 630 SPLASH LANDS FLUSH ON THOMAS! A TIRED COLE LAYS ON TOP OF THOMAS! THIS COULD BE IT! HOLLIDAY IS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN!

Howie Dewitt: ONE! TWO! THREE!

[ DING! DING! DING! ]

[ The crowd are unglued as “Sweatpants” by Childish Gambino begins to play, Harley Torres and Spectre rush into the ring to embrace one another in victory! ]

Rhett Sweeney: The winners of this contest! AND THE INAUGURAL VANGUARD PRO TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! THEEEEEEE HOOOOOOLIGUUUUUUNZ!!!!

Mark Stephens: The dust has settled on one of the most chaotic matches in VANGUARD Pro’s short history and we have new VANGUARD Pro Tag Team Champions! The Hooliguunz manage to make a big statement that they’re some of the best athletes in the game and now have the hardware to prove it!

Chet Kensington: There are still a lot of open-ended questions left after that contest though. Like what the turnout would have been if the Rogues didn’t cheat their way into the match somehow and, better yet, assist in the elimination of the Suplex Parents ! Or how the Hooliguunz would have faired with a lower number! They had a huge advantage and had to face an exhausted Baewatch by the end, and hats off to the lifeguards; they showed incredible resilience!

Mark Stephens: That they did. I’m sure this victory doesn’t ironclad Hooliguunz as the best team in VANGUARD Pro, but they’ve got a claim for it with this victory and have the belts to prove it. It’s only the start because, if nothing else, this proves the tag team division will gun for those belts and bring hell on the champions!

[ Harley Torres and Trey Cole stand in the middle of the ring, raising one of the tag team championships each as Spectre stands in the middle of the two, raising both their hands before group-huddling as confetti begins to fall to close the program. ]