DEFIANCE Uncut 117

DDK:
Welcome to UNCUT and coming up next, we’ve got one third of Los Tres Titanes in singles action taking on BRAZEN star Cristiano Caballero. 

Lance:
Caballero is always half a step away from a win. Minute, the former two-time Unified Tag and Favoured Saints Champion is looking to rebound from a loss at DEFCON! We’ll see who gets the duke tonight next!

Darren Quimbey:
The following contest is set for one fall! Introducing first, from Barcelona, Spain, weighing in at 228 pounds… CRISTIANO CABALLERO!

♫ "Prefiero Ser Su Amante" by Maria Jose and Cartel de Santa ♫

The music of his opponent plays and out comes the long-time BRAZEN star, Cristiano Caballero. And as he approaches the ring, he teases handing over a rose to a fan before he pulls it back and mouths an obscenity before climbing into the ring. He struts down the aisleway, climbs inside, and then poses with the flower in his mouth before waiting for his opponent. 

And to ringside we go as a voice echoes loudly over the PA. Two spotlights swirl on stage. 

HE HAS PULLED MORE TAIL IN ONE DAY THAN CABALLERO HAS IN A LIFETIME…

HE MAY BE ONLY FIVE-FOOT FIVE AND CRISTIANO CABALLERO IS SIX-TWO… BUT THIS MAN IS STILL BIGGER THAN CABALLERO…

YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN. 

HE IS THE MOST INTERESTING HIGH FLYER IN THE WORLD! 

HE IS…

♫ “Chase Me” by Danger Mouse feat. Run The Jewels and Big Boi ♫

The music plays and the two spotlights finally come together as Minute stands on the stage, arm raised and ready to fight! 

Darren Quimbey:
And his opponent, from Tijuana, Mexico, weighing in at 163 pounds… He is “The Most Interesting High Flyer In The World”:... MINUTE!

Wearing a special sleeveless black body suit with white trim down the side with his mask built into the suit, Minute raises a hand and then runs toward the ring. When he gets there, he climbs to the apron and then leap up to the top rope, then to the adjacent corner, then backflips into the ring to a loud cheer! Minute pumps a fist and then turns to face Caballero. 

DDK:
This one should be good. Minute looking to rebound after DEFCON along with Titaness, later tonight! She’s taking up Oscar Burns on his Dig Down Deep Challenge later! 

DING DING

Both the pretty boy and the luchador start to circle one another before the taller Caballero paintbrushes Minute and knocks him back a step, to loud booing from the crowd. 

Cristiano Caballero:
You’re ugly under that mask! Admit it! 

He starts cursing in Spanish while Minute turns around, only The TJ Tornado to spin out and pick the leg of Caballero, tripping him up when he doesn’t expect it! The crowd cheers when Minute rolls up to ihs feet in front of a grounded Caballero and blows a kiss. Minute does a backflip just to show off while Caballero angrily gets up to his knees. 

DDK:
Minute trying to get under the skin of the pretty boy tonight and it looks like it’s working! 

Lance:
And now Minute off the ropes!

Minute comes back, but when Caballero readies himself, Minute shifts direction and darts to the ropes on his left! Caballero gets dazed and confused when he swings, Minute ducks underneath and then comes from the right. Off the ropes again, but Cristiano doubles him over with a boot to the gut. He whips Minute to the corner and then runs at him, but Minute twists and leaps back over Caballero, rolling into not one… not two, but THREE front flips to the other side of the ring! Caballero rushes at Minute but when he gets there, Minute leaps to the side ropes, sending Caballero into the corner to hit nothing! Minute spins from one adjacent corner to the other, then leaps with a big front dropkick from the middle rope, knocking Caballero off his feet!

DDK:
I could barely call all that! Minute is an athletic freak of nature. Period! Full stop! 

Minute rolls to his stomach and then front flips up to his feet while Cristiano is still holding his chest. Minute measures him up and then cracks him in the chest with a trio of sharp kicks! Caballero is still doubled over when Minute lands an enzuigiri to the side of Caballero’s head! He backs up and freaks out to protect his face so he rolls out to the floor. 

Lance:
Minute can attack from all angles. He’s established himself firmly as both a singles and a tag team specialist in that regard. 

Caballero checks to make sure his face is intact and is still holding his chest in pain, but when turns around, he sees a speeding bullet coming right at him in the form of Minute DARTING through the first and second rope with a tope suicida! The crowd goes nuts! 

DDK:
EXPLOSIVE tope suicida through the bottom two ropes by Minute! You aren’t kidding, Lance! He can get you from almost anywhere. 

Minute is back on his feet on the outside, reaching out to high-five some of the fans at ringside. He scrambles to see Cristiano Caballero trying to get underneath the bottom rope before Minute pushes him the rest of the way in. He leaps up to land on the top rope on his shins, then rolls forward into a big delayed slingshot senton before going for a cover!

ONE… TWO… NO!

The kickout happens and Minute gets pushed away. Caballero tries to roll away, but Minute lays into him with more kicks to the chest!

DDK:
Minute didn’t come here to play today! He’s staying on his opponent tonight! 

Lance:
He’s laying in those kicks! I’ve heard of Minute working on those kicks for more damage with one of our trainers in striking! 

Minute continues to lay into him, but Caballero finally blocks a kick. He throws the leg up, but Minute backflips into a landing, but the second that he does so gives Caballero a chance to shove him back into the ropes… then NAILS him with a dropkick on the way back! Caballero hits the mat and still holds his chest, but the crowd jeers the pretty boy as he takes a moment to talk more trash in Spanish. 

DDK:
Caballero with a great counter in that dropkick! Can he make the best of this opening?

Caballero gets back up and the pretty boy stands behind Minute as he tries to stand, only to floor him with a modified inverted sling blade from behind, planting his face into the canvas all fancy-like. As he’s down, Caballero hits the ropes and hits a big running knee drop from off the ropes to the head of Minute! He rolls out of the landing and then gets back on his feet to take a bow for the jeering audience. 

Lance:
If Caballero would just apply himself and take this seriously, he might have been promoted from BRAZEN long ago! Not to be blunt, but surprised that BRAZEN brass haven’t cut bait with this guy. 

DDK:
Blunt, but truthful. He needs to start producing. Caballero with the cover on Minute! 

ONE… TWO… KICKOUT!

Minute’s shoulder comes up and then Caballero looks shocked with the count! He yells at Rex Knox to count faster, but Rex tells him it was only two. The Titan of the Sky is starting to get back up, so Caballero waits and then measures him up. When he tries to fire off a kick, Minute gets up and rolls underneath the leaping kick. He hits the ropes and comes back with a STIFF Handspring enzuigiri, dropping Caballero quickly!

DDK:
Caballero wasted too much time there! Minute nails that handspring enzuigiri! I can’t believe how fast he is with his moves! 

Lance:
For sure, he’s so hard to stop once he gets going! 

Caballero tries to get away from Minute as the young luchador tries to get back into the game, psyching himself up a bit. When The TJ Tornado tries to strike, Caballero rolls out again. Minute starts to rush at him again, but Caballero learns and then moves to the adjacent side of the ring… but he’s not clued in on the fact that Minute backflipped his way out of the fake dive. When Caballero thinks that he’s escaped, The TJ Tornado runs off the other side and then FLIES over the ropes with a tornillo dive… LANDING ON HIS FEET!

Lance:
LORD! AMAZING! 

DDK:
That tornillo dive to the outside was amazing! Caballero saw the first move coming, but Minute adjusted and hit him from the other side! 

Caballero is still out while Minute once again is fired up by the crowd. The Most Interesting High Flyer in the World gets back on while Caballero tries to get inside the ring. Minute then measures him up and then leaps to the top rope… MINUTE DETAIL!

DDK:
Minute Detail! The springboard 450 connects! Cover! 

Minute sits on the chest of Caballero with a hook of the leg, counting with Knox!

ONE… TWO… THREE!

DING DING DING

♫ “Chase Me” by Danger Mouse feat. Run The Jewels and Big Boi ♫

After securing the pinfall, Minute rolls back to his feet and then gets his arm raised by Rex Knox in victory!

Darren Quimbey:
Here is your winner of the match… MINUTE!

DDK:
A great win by Minute to kick off tonight’s show! We’ll see if Los Tres Titanes can make it 2-0 later tonight. Titaness with arguably the biggest match of her young career tonight against the former two-time FIST of DEFIANCE, Oscar Burns! 

Lance:
Stay tuned, folks!

Minute raises his hands for the crowd and then leaves the ring to celebrate the victory for tonight’s opener.

Backstage. DEFIANCE banner. Christie Zane, mic in hand.

Christie Zane:
My guests at this time… the DEFIANCE Unified Tag Team Champions… The Saturday Night Specials.

From the left of Christie, Brock Newbludd moves into frame. From the right, Pat Cassidy. Both dressed in street clothes, and both brandishing the ever-so-shiny tag belts over a shoulder. 

Christie Zane:
Brock, Pat. You’re coming off a brutal war of a successful championship defense at DEFCON, but there seems to be no rest for the champs. DEFIANCE has named a team with which you have some intense history, The Lucky Sevens, as the number one contenders for your championship. On Uncut 116, The Sevens claimed they did not want to wait for Maximum DEFIANCE - they wanted their shot at the upcoming DEFtv 169. They also claimed they… how to put this? Have your number. Your response?

Brock Newbludd:
Of course they have our number, Christie. Every team has our number, and the lines are always open for anyone who wants a crack at the champs. That’s what being fighting champions is all about, and nobody fights harder than The Saturday Night Specials. Our response is simple. Book it. We beat the Sevens before, and we’ll beat them again. Not only will we beat em’, we’re gonna deliver a little payback for the shit they pulled the last time we tangled. This time when we pin their asses to the mat, we’ll make sure they stay down. That’s a promise.

Christie Zane moves the mic away from Brock, turning her attention to Pat Cassidy.

Christie Zane:
We also have to address the element in the room. Pat, the rumor mill has been absolutely abuzz since the recent incident involving you and Ophelia Sykes. Here’s a chance to set the record straight: is there something going on between you, and as she is the manager of your rivals, will it impact the upcoming title match?

The mic moves in front of Pat’s face, and he shakes his head in annoyance.

Pat Cassidy:
Look, maybe I’m out of touch with the youth today, but I have no time for this Days of Our Lives bullcrap. The fact is this: it don’t matter who I am or am not sleeping with. When the bell rings, it’s about business - and I swear to God, Christie, it could be sweet ol’ Nana Cassidy in The Sevens corner, knitting away, smoking her cigarettes, and chewing her hard candy- and it wouldn’t matter worth a damn to me. I’m not thinking about family - I’m focused on shutting both those meatheads up once and for all and proving that nobody can touch us in that ring when these are on the line. What I do in my free time after the match is nobody’s  business, but what I do in the middle of that ring at DEFtv 169 is going to be everyone’s business -  especially The Lucky Sevens. Understand?

Brock moves back into position in front of the mic.

Brock Newbludd:
Max, Mason, last time we met, you left us laying. We've been thinking about that for a long time - and I promise, you two sure as hell ain’t ready for what’s going down at 169. 

Pat Cassidy:
See ya in Texas, boys.

With one final menacing look into the camera, The Specials move out of frame - leaving Christie alone.

Christie Zane:
There you have it, folks. We’ve got a title match booked for DEFtv 169!

Graphic appears, displaying both teams:

DEFIANCE Unified Tag Team Championship, DEFtv 169
The Saturday Night Specials (c) vs. The Lucky Sevens

…interestingly enough, Ophelia Sykes is not featured.

Fade.

May 4, backstage at the post-DEFCON Interview Edition. 

A Plague Doctor brushes by with a closed treasure chest, followed by Henry Keyes, who has just completed his media obligations. He grins as his closest friend and ally comes into view.

Henry Keyes:
What did you think? Did it feel like I rushed the bit at the end? I feel like I rushed it a little.

The Queen of the Ring is leaning with one shoulder against the wall, lazily blowing and popping bubble gum. She gives Henry a smile as he approaches.

Lindsay Troy:
No, it was good. I liked it.

Henry Keyes:
Thanks. Long time to spend without saying anything, you know. And there’s LOTS more to say.

Lindsay Troy:
Well, you’ve always been a chatty Cathy. Now you get to be one of the Mean Girls. Don’t forget: on Wednesdays, we wear pink.

Henry lets out a single HA~!

Henry Keyes:
This is what I get for getting this nice clean button-down for my interview. Has anyone called dibs on making “fetch” happen? Or are we, too, incapable of this feat?

Lindsay Troy:
I think if anyone can make “fetch” happen, it’s us.

Henry Keyes:
It’s settled, then. Glen Coco better WATCH his ass.

Lindsay Troy:
He’s not the only one.

Henry Keyes:
This is fair. The entire DEFIANCE roster’s ass, as far as I’m concerned, is soon-to-be-mowed grass. The DEFIASS? I’m workshopping it. It’s not there yet.

Lindsay Troy: [smirking]
You’ve got time. Speaking of, you got time to grab a bite? I’m meeting Dan.

Henry Keyes:
That’s perfect, I’m in. We can talk to him about Movie Night!

Lindsay scoffs, rolls her eyes, and pushes herself away from the wall.

Lindsay Troy:
Good luck. If it’s not Game of Thrones, he doesn’t care.

Henry Keyes:
Unfortunate choice by him.

Keyes and Troy head out in pursuit of grub. Black.

The shot opens backstage, where Chris Trutt is standing by with a mic in hand. The scene around them is busier than normal: numerous members of the ring crew are loading and moving toting heavy bags and road cases full of cables, devices, and other production equipment.

Chris Trutt:
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this Uncut exclusive! The WrestlePlex has been abuzz as of late since the announcement that DEFIANCE is set to take the action abroad with their first road tour in some years! Around me, as you can see, our dedicated crew is busy--

“TRUTT!!”

The junior reporter cringes slightly as his name is shouted off camera, but he relaxes slightly when “The Escape Artist” Rezin slides into the frame

Chris Trutt:
Oh… hello, Rezin.

Rezin looks around at the many production employees busy moving about.

Rezin:
What the heck is goin’ on ‘round here!? What’s with all this hustle and bustle? Are we gettin’ strapped in for hurricane season already?

Chris Trutt:
No, not quite, but as I was just telling the fans at home, the crew is packing up all the essentials we need to take DEFtv on the road.

Rezin’s attention perks, and his wild stare finds Trutt.

Rezin:
Hold the phone, Malone… you’re tellin’ me that DEFIANCE is goin’ on the ROAD!?

Chris Trutt:
That’s the plan, Stan. Next week, we’ll be in Houston!

The Goat Bastard’s face contorts into a salad of expressions worthy of a Picasso painting before settling on half-crazed delight.

Rezin:
GOIN’ ON TOUR, FUGG YEAH! DEFIANCE straight up FISTing America! Now THAT is PUNK ROCK, Trutt! Next week, Houston is GONNA. HAVE. A. PROBLEM! I may just go full Ozzy Osbourne and PISS on the Alamo!

Chris Trutt:
Please don’t. Besides, the Alamo in San Antonio, Rezin…

Rezin:
Whatever… it’s TEXAS! It’s all the same! What matters is that this idea of taking the RELENTLESS and UNCOMPROMISING SPIRIT of this company out there into an unsuspecting WORLD is the most DEFIANT thing I can think of, and it’s got me FIRED UP, Trutt!

Chris Trutt:
Well, that’s good to hear, Rezin. Just… promise us you tamper down on your pyromaniacal tendencies while we’re outside of New Orleans, okay?

Rezin:
NO PROMISES, Trutt! I got a LOTTA pent up PUNK ROCK RAGE right now! You know, I came into this year as the BREAKOUT DEFIANT! Momentum was running HIGH, and so was EYE! DEFCON was meant to be MY moment to rise up to the level of one of the true heavy-hitters of DEFIANCE! The chance to carry that Southern Heritage Title would have been a watershed moment in my career, after years of busting my ass and getting nothing out of it but a reputation for being a disposable clown! I was poised to change everything… but then some half-assed spooky-boy straight up SPAT IN MY FACE and ruined it all!

He sneers with a sharp shake of the head, but daring redirects his eyes to the camera.

Rezin:
…but ya know what? FUCK IT! I don’t need any title to prove I’m the pure, relentless PUNK ROCK sum’bish those fans know me for! Scrow? Holding that title is literally the only thing he’ll be known for in this company. So forget him! And forget the Kabal, for that matter! Hell, are they even a group anymore?

Trutt shrugs. Even he doesn't know.

Rezin:
Whatever… the point is, it’s HIGH time I turned this shit around and got back to the PUNK ROCK basics! I got BIGGER and BADDER ambitions to make the heads TURN and hearts BURN!

Chris Trutt:
Really? What sort of "ambitions" are we talking about, Rezin?

The Goat Bastard's grin and eyes grow even wider.

Rezin:
How's THIS fill your britches, Trutt? I hereby challenge CORVO ALPHA to a WRASSLIN' MATCH! NEXT WEEK in HOUSTON!

Chris Trutt:
That’s… quite a challenge you’re putting on yourself, Rezin! The former Masked Violator has been nothing short of a force of dread and destruction since returning to DEFIANCE! Are you sure you can handle a beast like Corvo Alpha?

Rezin:
My whole EXISTENCE has been dread and destruction, Trutt! But sometimes in life, BOLD ambitions require BOLD actions! And regardless of the consequences, one way or the other, I will prove that I ain't afraid to step up to ANY challenge, no matter how big and nasty!

Chris Trutt:
Well, the best of luck to you in that battle, Rezin… and here's to hoping you're not biting off a bit more than you can chew!

Rezin:
You've seen me eat a doomburger, Trutt! I can chew through ANYTHING!

The Escape Artist cackles as he walks out of the frame, leaving Trutt to stand there on his own with a doubtful look on his face.

After a beat, one of the sound guys taps him on the shoulder and expectantly holds out his hand.

Chris Trutt:
Oh! Right…

He hands over the mic, which gets unplugged, packed into another box, and hauled off. Without much else to do, the junior reporter awkwardly wanders away.

Martin Evans-Everett VI always wondered what it would be like to be the star of his own show. Always a castaway member of whatever sports team he played on or group he took part in growing up, Martin often felt left on the sidelines. He has felt no different in DEFIANCE. Until now.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Rubbish.

He toils to himself in a random basement bunker, surrounded by old sonar technology. Wires, cords and duct tape are everywhere.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
You need to show yourself. I know you’re out there.

Martin’s eyes are glazed over but both that and the time of day don’t prevent him from continuing the search as he speaks to the machines which surround him.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
You helped Malak in his time of need and I’m convinced I can find you and bring you back to us. You’ll be a big get for us. You’ll be a big get for me and then I will no longer be the co-star of the show. I will get my own series.

The !ranker extraordinaire continues to fumble around the dials, turn knobs and buttons on the panels in front of him. Weird white noise sounds emanate from the sonar devices. Martin even breaks out in song.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Oh where, oh where has my little Bates gone. Oh where, oh where indeed? Oh where, oh where has my little Bates gone, looking for him is a tease.

He might be on the edge of insanity, who truly knows, but just as he ties two combobulators together, the bulb shaped radar screen echoes a beep. His eyes dart up quickly in hopes of seeing it appear on the screen again. Instead, he sits in silence.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Dammit. I missed it. Batesy, was that you Batesy? I need to !rank you! Come back. I need you. We need to go on missions again. I know you’re hurting but I have Dr. Wellington-Cumberbatch at Shimmering Reflections on speed dial! We have lots of unfinished business there!

MEEVI tinkers with the wires some more until a blip crosses the radar!

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Eeeek-gad! I see it! I see you! But how are you ten million liters under the sea!? More importantly, why did we put sonar receptors there?

While he quanders about the questionable search party tactics employed in the past, Martin lets time get away from him and so too does the radar signal.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Shit on sugar gums! The blip on the radar is gone.

And just like that, it wasn’t coming back.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
I swear on my life that I will find you, Cyrus! If it’s the last thing I do! You will not just be diminished to a blip on the radar that shows up for a mere moment, oh no. You will be celebrated. There will be brass statues of you outside the DEFplex one day. Mark my words!

Discouraged but not deterred, Evans-Everett unplugs his signal finding machine.

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Until another day. !ranker out.

♫ “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” by Belinda Carlisle ♫

The music plays for the DEFIANCE Wrestling Faithful with three members of The Midcard Experiment coming out to the ring. 

Darren Quimbey:
This next match is a three-on-two handicap match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, already in the ring at a combined weight of 625 pounds… the team of CAGE! El Hijo De Fishman Deluxe and “Birdman” Walter Levy… MIDCARD EXXPPEERRRRRIIIIMMMEEENNNTTTT!

The crowd gives cheer to Levy as he raises a hand. Fishman Deluxe is getting pats on the back from the masked Nicolas Cage-inspired wrestler called CAGE! The trio look ready to fight. 

DDK:
We’ve got big matches coming up on our next DEF TV! The Saturday Night Specials have accepted the challenge of the Lucky Sevens for next week … but to get ready for that match we have the Lucky Sevens in action up next against the Midcard Experiment. 

Lance:
This is a handicap match with all three members of the Midcard Experiment and they will need everything at their disposal to stop the Lucky Sevens! We … 

The lights go and three numbers appear on the screen.

Lance:
Uh-oh … if I’m Midcard Experiment, I would be running. The Lucky Sevens aren’t even waiting for their queue. 

♫ “Money” by Of Mice and Men ♫

7 7 7

The lights come back on and the twins stand at their full height with the “Winning Hand” claw taunt out … but that is all they do. They both start walking to the ring at perhaps the fastest pace that a pair of seven foot twins could do. 

Darren Quimbey:
Their opponents weighing in at six-hundred and fifteen pounds …  they are Max and Mason Luck, … THE LUUUUCCCKKKYYYY SSSSSEEEEVVVVEEENNNSSS!!!!

Mason and Max Luck both head to the ring in lock step to the ring. Mason makes it first, followed by Max but that is when they get greeted from drop kicks by both CAGE as well as by Walter Levy! The twin giants get knocked off the apron but they remain on their feet. 

DDK:
I think the referee is going to let this go! He is calling for the match to get underway! 

DING DING

When the bell rings, both CAGE and Walter Levy use double slingshot planchas on their intended targets … but the problem is those targets both manage to get plucked right out of the sky by the big men they are about to dive on!!!

DDK:
Oh no! The Midcard Experiment thought they were going to get the drop on the Lucky Sevens … 

Lance:
And it’s about to backfire!

Or it would appear that way but the last of the three members, Hijo Del Fishman Deluxe, comes flying through the ropes using a tope to help knock Max Luck over! Mason Luck still has CAGE in his arms and puts him up on his shoulders but when he tries to go for a snake eyes into the ringpost it is CAGE making a last minute save to grab his leg and pull him out! Mason collides with unforgiving steel! 

Lance:
Even as big as they are, ring posts will beat even a seven foot monster! 

Mason Luck gets pissed from missing his chance to dish out damage and gets into the ring with both CAGE and Fishman Deluxe entering the ring. Both of the men attack him with one drop kick from CAGE followed by another one from Fishman Deluxe that knocks him into the corner. With the big man cornered by him, they pull him out of the corner when Walter Levy climbs to the top rope. He comes off the top rope using a missile drop kick that takes him off his feet! 

DDK:
No way! We could be seeing a big upset! 

Walter Levy makes a cover and then Hijo adds onto the pile! 

One …

But Max Luck is back up and he throws CAGE right onto the other members of Midcard Experiment in order to break up the cover!

Lance:
I don’t remember seeing a cover being broken up by someone being thrown at their own partner! 

DDK:
And they only got a one count! 

Mason Luck sits up from off the mat while the Midcard Experiment try to pick themselves up. Walter Levy is the first person up but he get the Winning Hand latched onto his face! Mason reaches his full height and then he drops Walter Levy using a big Winning Hand Slam! 

DDK:
Winning Hand Slam on Walter Levy!!! He bounced off the mat! 

Lance:
CAGE and Fishman Deluxe are left! 

CAGE gets up and he tries to gang up on Mason Luck with Fishman Deluxe. They both hit Mason with strikes, but Mason hits an elbow into CAGE’s face and then Max Luck returns to the ring. He spins Deluxe around and then he gets a knee. He hits a knee strike and then throws him into Mason Luck who hits an uppercut. Max then levels him with a clothesline. 

Max and Mason Luck:
KA-CHING!!!

After they hit one of their signature moves they focus solely on CAGE. The wrestler influenced by Nicolas Cage gets a lucky punch on Mason that does not even faze him. CAGE gets picked up by Mason and Max at the same time and then dropped with a slam. Mason grabs the arms and then Max grabs the legs … then the fans get the shock of a lifetime when they both elevate him like hot sauce and then plant him in the mat from over seven feet in the air! 

DDK:
That brief offensive from the Midcard Experiment is all they’ve got. 

The brothers don’t even care who is legal. Mason grabs Walter Levy and does a military press on the Birdman … THEN MAKES HIM FLY OUT OF THE RING STRAIGHT DOWN ON THE FLOOR!!!

Lance:
Someone stop these two!!! Come on!!!

Mason turns back on the only member of Midcard Experiment left. He grabs Fishman Deluxe in a power bomb and then pulls him up. Max Luck grabs the face of Fishman with the Winning Hand and then they bring him down with a power bomb and Winning Hand Slam combo! 

DDK:
SEVEN STARS!!! 

Lance:
They debuted this move against Los Tres Titanes at DEFCON! 

Max holds the Winning Hand claw on Fishman and that serves as the cover. 

One …
Two …
Three!!!

DING DING DING

The twins have barely broken a sweat when the bell rings. Mason walks over to Darren Quimbey and steals the microphone out of Darren Quimbey’s hands. 

DDK:
Wow … they are not even waiting for Darren Quimbey to announce them as the winners.

Mason Luck gets into the ring. He points at the bodies of CAGE and Walter Levy outside of the ring and then the body of Fishman Deluxe left at their feet. 

Mason Luck:
Brock Newbludd!!! Pat Cassidy!!!

The crowd noise gets high when Mason Luck speaks. 

Mason Luck:
Max and I wanted this match tonight to show you the Five Star Beatdown that you two have coming, courtesy of the Main Event Monsters! Look at the bodies! Look at them! And those aren't the only bodies we've been stacking since DEFCON. 

Mason counts them all with Max Luck now in charge of the microphone. Mason counts to four ... but there is only three of the Midcard Experiment. 

Max Luck:
We wanted to show you what you have waiting for you at DEF TV! We wanted to show you both what the Main Event Monsters can do. The Main Event Monsters that both of you created! And these hands … these claws …

Max puts up the Winning Hand symbol along with Mason. 

Max Luck:
These claws are going to be holding all the gold next week! We don’t care if Ophelia Sykes is at our side or not. You are done holding our Unified Tag Team titles! 

Mason and Max Luck leave the ring with their music playing them out. 

DDK:
Look how dangerous they are. The Lucky Sevens have been so destructive since the last time they fought Saturday Night Specials. They haven’t forgotten about that loss and they’re making sure the SNS know too!

Lance:
The Saturday Night Specials have been been racking up win after win after win in the division … but I truly think that we’re possibly looking at new champions. 

Mason and Max leave the arena.

Previously on UNCUT: UpClose…
The MV Story, pt.I ← click

As the scene shifts to that of a professional “news magazine” program set decked out in bright, bold reds and dark, deep blacks. Seated comfortably and dressed smartly in a red canvas lounge chair, Lance Warner smiles warmly.

Lance:
Welcome back to another edition of UNCUT: UpClose! I’m Lance Warner.

Turning 90 degrees to face a different camera, Lance’s welcoming demeanor quickly changes to something a little more serious.

Lance:
In our last feature, we profiled the underground, unconventional, and uncompromising rise of the Masked Violators on the independent scene, watched them break into the mainstream, and saw them perched on the very precipice of their next big break. 

Lance turns back to the original close-up, a scholarly expression on his - let’s say it - smug face.

Lance:
In 2017, MV1 & MV2 put themselves in the right place, at the right time - over-achieved - and walked away with a DEFIANCE Wrestling contract. But, as we learned at DEFCON 2022 just a few short weeks ago, it all ultimately came at great cost.

In his best newscaster cadence and with a curt nod, he follows that up with:

Lance:
Let’s take a look.

We cut to a prepared video package.

Lance (narration):
In late 2016, the tag team scene in DEFIANCE was nowhere near as robust and deep as the current DEF tag division. 

Shots of The D and Elise Ares dominating an assortment of contenders intercut with images of them each raising their championship belts over their heads in victory.

Lance (narration):
The Pop Culture Phenoms were enjoying the longest tag team championship reign in DEFIANCE history, dispatching every pair of challengers with such dominance to the point where the division itself had become somewhat depleted. 

One after another, the shots come. Same story, same outcome. Truly majestic, really.

Lance (narration):
It was then that DEF management began an initiative to bring new blood into the division. Over the course of several months, several combinations were brought in to continue to test the PCP. One of the tandem promoted was a little known team from Japan known as… The STORM. And as that storm loomed, one man warned us of their arrival. 

We cut to a shot of Lord Nigel falsely rowing across a false, heaving sea in his debut promo. We have seen the scene before. We are likely to see it again.

Lance:
One of the most dangerous and notorious tag teams in all of Japan was coming to DEFIANCE.

Kazushi hits a superkick. Hiroshi Zo with a suplex. More high impact moves that have you all like “whoa”. 

Lance (narration):
Together, Hiroshi Zo and Kazushi were known as the STORM… and in late 2016/early 2017, an eccentric manager named Lord Nigel Trickelbush looked to bring them to DEFIANCE. For weeks, promos aired on DEFtvs and UNCUTS hyping their debut at ACTS of DEFIANCE 2017. The internet was abuzz in the weeks and days ahead of the event… However, the team surprised us all by being denied visas to enter the country.

A red “X” crosses out the STORM on our screen.

Lance (narration):
At the last possible, worst possible moment, the STORM were out…  but DEFIANCE still had a pay-per-view match to deliver. Our Masked Violators were in the right place… at the right time… and were able to step into the match and overcome the Barrio Boys in the DEFIANCE debut, live on pay per view! 

Images of the Masked Violator's DEF debut flash across the screen, culminating in the two man, cross ring double spear known as the “Moving Violation” delivered by the MVs. The two colorful masked men celebrate, each in their own way, in the ring. MV1 stands atop the mid-turnbuckle, arm raised in proud victory. MV2 snarls under his mask at the fallen Barrio Boys.

Lance (narration):
Victorious in their surprise debut, the Masked Violators instantly caused a buzz. The mask-wearing odd couple racked up a handful of other wins before being brutally assaulted by the longtime DEF team known as Thugs 4 Hire. The attacks continued over the course of several weeks, prompting the question of who had been bankrolling the Thugs in their effort to derail the MVs rise?

Images of the Thugs laying waste to the MVs shutter across the screen. Finally ending with an appearance of a familiar face: Lord Nigel Trickelbush.

Lance (narration):
It was at DEFtv 78 in February 2017 when Lord Nigel Trickelbush, the manager of the team that the MVs replaced at ACTS of DEFIANCE, revealed himself to be behind the Thugs attacks. 

Another vicious assault dealt to the Masked Violators, this time at the hands of Kazushi & Hiroshi Zo; the STORM.

Lance (narration):
Lord Nigel brought the STORM down upon the Masked Violators in such a vicious onslaught that MV2, the man who we now presume to be currently active on the DEF roster as former Favored Saints Champion, “Corvo Alpha”, was put on the shelf for months leaving the masked tandem out of the ASCENSION 2017 PPV in their scheduled 3-way tag match against the Barrio Boys and Thugs 4 Hire.

We see scenes from ASCENSION 2017; Lord Nigel on commentary with DDK & Angus. Kazushi dominating Villalobos. Zo viciously clotheslining Hurtlocker Holt out of the ring. And the surprise appearance of MV1, holding Lord Nigel hostage to issue a warning.

MV1 (highlight clip):
I’m going to MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HECK!

Lance (narration):
And for 3 months, he did! MV1 carried the banner for his fallen comrade and waged a one man war against the STORM and Lord Trickelbush.

Cut to a still shot: MV1 leveling a pointed finger towards a glaring Lord Nigel. Another shot: this one showcases the returning MV2.

Lance (narration):
When MV2 was ultimately physically able to return, the feud went to a whole other level. In the meantime, the tag team scene was on the upswing in DEFIANCE and it all culminated in a 4 team LADDER WAR match at DEFIANCE Road 2017 when the Bastard Sons of Wrestling, The STORM, and The Masked Violators ALL challenged the Pop Culture Phenoms in one of the most memorable multi-team matches in DEFIANCE pay-per-view history! 

The insane chaos of the 8 person contest envelopes your screen. The MVs ziplining to the ring. The D delivering a german suplex on MV1. Elise Ares falling from an in-ring ladder and crashing through a ringside table. MV1 ziplining again and this time unlatching at the last possible moment and coming down 12 feet straight down onto the STORM! 

Lance (narration):
Although history of course remembers this match best as the match where both Elise Ares of the Pop Culture Phenoms and Skidd Row of the Bastard Sons BOTH came down with the championship belt and the match was awarded for the first and only time to members of two different teams… that wasn’t the only noteworthy moment.

We cut to footage from earlier in that fateful match: the MVs and the STORM brawling in the crowd. Brawling with security. And ultimately brawling into the backstage area and out of the contest.

Lance (narration):
Following their chaotic brawl with security, both the STORM and the Masked Violators contracts with DEFIANCE Wrestling were terminated. It was widely believed we would never see the team on DEF programming ever again. The end to a brief but undoubtedly colorful chapter.

Cut to a shot of a sneering Lord Nigel Trickelbush.

Lance (narration):
In two weeks… on our next UNCUT: UpClose, with the Masked Violators out of DEFIANCE and the STORM ousted with them… only Lord Nigel Trickelbush remained. What was his plan and was he ultimately successful? Tune in in two weeks when I take you… UpClose.

Another warm smile and nod from Lance as we fade out.

Wednesday, May 6th
Boiler Room, Wrestleplex

Somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of the DEFIANCE Wrestleplex, a wheelchair is slowly creaking. 

In said wheelchair?

For the first time being seen since DEFCON when he was given an unadulterated ass-whooping from the likes of one Jack Mace…

“Brighter” Tom Morrow.

In a wheelchair and wrapped in a neck brace over a flashy-looking dark red business suit, Morrow quietly (then not so quietly) curses as his motorized wheelchair comes to a stop. 

Tom Morrow:
Goddamn it, I hate this thing! Damn it! I gotta get out of this thing. 

He looks around the room and calls out to… someone. 

Tom Morrow:
Hey! I’m here! Tom Morrow! The greatest wrestling managers in DEFIANCE! I got money if you got the goods!

Morrow continues to wait with baited breath as he continues to check his surroundings. 

???:
You’ve come… to the right place… 

He spins his wheelchair around and then turns to face the voice in the darkness. 

Tom Morrow:
You got what I want? 

Loud, harsh breathing is heard from the darkness where a shadow starts to emerge. The face cannot be seen, but the shadow appears to be that of a man with a beak mask. 

???:
I do. 

Morrow smirks. 

Tom Morrow:
I gotta say… little surprised that one of you guys would even take my offer after what my guy did to your guy. But I saw what you guys did for your guy! I want you to do that for me! I gotta get out of this thing! Do you know how hard a number two is right now? 

The masked man in the darkness says nothing.

Tom Morrow:
But, all right. If you got one of them cocoons, we got the money. Al!

Coming in the door behind him is the crown jewel of Better Future Talent Agency, Alvaro de Vargas. Donning a white button-up shirt, white slacks, sneakers and a white straw fedora - clothes all kissed with flame designs - El Sol Dorado walks into the boiler room with briefcase in hand and disgusted look on his face. 

Alvaro de Vargas:
Ugh… Qué tipo de mierda es esta? Senor Morrow, usted está siendo engañado. This is bullshit. No way this works. 

Morrow pauses and tilts his head up at de Vargas. 

Tom Morrow:
You saw what one of Plague Doctor cocoon things did to Henry Keyes, right? You lobbed a fireball at this face. Then Corvo dropped him out of a window into production equipment. Then three months later, he’s back and did what he did? Pay the man, Al! I spent two weeks in the hospital, but I ain’t spending another damn minute in this chair… 

Alvaro de Vargas:
You’re not even…

Tom Morrow:
Can you give him the money, please?

Alvaro looks up at the shadowy figure. 

Alvaro de Vargas:
Sure… soon as the pendejo with the duck beak comes out here and takes this money from me himself. Muéstrate a ti mismo!

He holds out the briefcase in dramatic fashion and waits for the presumed plague doctor to come out and take it. 

???:
Uh… um… Okay… I will do as such! Oooooooooh!

Alvaro and Tom Morrow both watch as a man steps out from the darkness… 

Wearing a Scream Ghostface mask. 

…And what appears to be a cardboard cutout of a Toucan Sam-colored beak taped to the front. 

Plague Doctor(?):
Uh… drop the briefcase and walk away… then I will have a healy cocoon thing to you in 7-10 business days! Please allow 4 to 6 weeks after that to make sure it works… cause… AHHH!

Having heard enough, Alvaro steps forward and he BOOTS the masked man square in the chest, knocking his beak and mask off his head in the process as he falls to the ground. 

Plague Doctor(?):
AAHHH! SHIT! MY CLAVICLE!

Alvaro stands over him and puts a boot in his chest, pressing down hard on it! 

Alvaro de Vargas:
Quién coño eres, pendejo?

Plague Doctor(?):
OW! OW! SHIT! SHIT! OW!

Tom Morrow looks down at the now unmasked man… 

Everyone’s favorite get-rich-quick piece of shit, Kyle Shields! 

Kyle Shields:
OW! OW! SORRY, SORRY, I WAS JUST TRYING TO MAKE SOME MONEY! THIS WRESTLING THING IS THE SHITS! AHHH!

Alvaro de Vargas:
I hope this was worth it, gilipollas. You’re about to be another burn vic… 

Tom Morrow:
Al, wait… 

Alvaro looks at Tom Morrow, while still grinding his big boot on the chest of the wrestling member of the Shields family. Kyle groans while Tom Morrow looks at him. 

Tom Morrow:
About that one problem… I got a plan… and Kyle, either you help or I’m gonna let Al here turn you into a fucking barbeque. 

Kyle Shields:
AHH! OKAY, OKAY!

Alvaro looks over at Morrow. 

Alvaro de Vargas:
Qué dices?

DDK:
Welcome back to UNCUT and we are on to our main event tonight! Earlier tonight, we saw Los Tres Titanes member Minute score a win over Cristiano Caballero. Tonight, Titaness steps up to take on the former two-time FIST of DEFIANCE, Oscar Burns!

Lance:
This is the first time that we’re seeing Oscar Burns since he suffered a loss to “The Biggest Boy” Dex Joy at DEFCON. Burns was sure he was going to walk in, but Dex proved him wrong. Tonight, he’s looking to rebound in his Oscar Burns Dig Down Deep Challenge. 

DDK:
Truthfully, Titaness might not care that much for Burns’ Golden Shovel being on the line, however, a win over a man of Burns’ calibur? That’s going to make your career. And what better way for Titaness to do so tonight? 

Lance:
Indeed! Let’s get to our main event! Oscar Burns versus Titaness, first-time match! Now! 

And to the ring with Darren Quimbey we go. 

Darren Quimbey:
The following match is the sixth edition of the Oscar Burns Dig Down Deep Challenge! The singles match will be set under a ten-minute time limit! If the challenger can either defeat or make it to the time limit, they will win the Oscar Burns Golden Shovel! Introducing first…

A set of words appears on the DEFIAtron in silver as the Faithful start to buzz

THE SHOW OF FORCE
TITANESS 

♫ “Giants" by True Damage ♫

Darren Quimbey:
…From The Bronx, weighing in at 200 pounds… she is “THE SHOW OF FORCE” and One Tall Glass of Kick-Ass, as noted by Uriel Cortez… she is TITANESS!

The Faithful show love for the powerhouse as a single violet spotlight shines on the female powerhouse of Los Tres Titanes, flexing her arms, back to the stage. She pops The Faithful with a standing backflip on the ramp, sending a quick shower of gold and silver pyro on either side of the stage! Titaness has a special look for the evening! Purple top, silver vest, boots and tights, and her hair tied up in a series of short tails in a mohawk style! She heads to the ring, slapping hands with the ringside Faithful. Her arms are raised as she climbs the middle rope in the corner, and finally hops down to the mat. The Tall Glass of Kick-Ass enters the ring and sheds her vest and flexes one more time, sending four sparks of purple-colored pyro from the buckles! After her entrance is completed, the music fades. 

♫ “Ultimate Battle” by Fredriech Habetler ♫

The opening montage plays some of Burns’ greatest hits over the opening intro to the theme… Burns with his two previous FIST and WrestleUTA World Title wins.  Burns with his DEFy wins. Burns with his record fiftieth win in DEFIANCE! After the highlights… 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Out comes the New Zealander, in his ring gear with the golden shovel raised high over his head! He points it at the ring and talks to the camera in front of him. 

Oscar Burns:
MAN OR WOMAN DOESN’T MATTER, GCs! THE SHOVEL STAYS WITH ME! 

He heads down to the ring and soaks in what he feels is adulation, but is jeered for his sanctimonious attitude. Oscar gets to the ring and traipses up the steel steps. He poses mid-apron, wipes his feet and then climbs into the ring. He hands the golden shovel over to Benny Doyle, then stares across from Titaness while Doyle holds up the coveted shovel like a championship. 

DDK:
The relationship issues between Titaness and her fiance, Uriel Cortez, seem to have been worsening since DEFCON, interesting since she is coming out alone. 

Lance:
Hopefully, she can shut that out. There can NOT be any distractions against a wrestler of Oscar Burns’ calibur. The most matches wrestled and most wins in DEFIANCE history. Former two-time FIST. That says all you need to know about him. 

DING DING

Oscar Burns carefully measures up Titaness and then the two lock up with a collar and elbow tie-up! The two lock around the ring with The Show of Force holding her own for a moment. Burns is the first person to take advantage with a quick sidestep followed by rear waistlock takedown into a rolling hammerlock. He doesn’t take her lightly and keeps her grounded on the mat. 

DDK:
Burns trying to work an armbar now! 

He switches up to an armbar, but Titaness rolls forward to escape! And when Burns starts to shoot up, Titaness uses a double leg of all things to take him down to the mat! The Faithful cheer when she rolls over and grabs a headlock (brother). 

Lance:
WOW! Titaness takes Burns to the mat! 

DDK:
Titaness did amateur wrestling her entire high school and college years. She’s more capable than her unique power game lets on! 

The crowd is firmly on the side of Titaness as The Show of Force holds the headlock. Burns doesn’t let her hold for long then rolls her back into a cover. 

ONE…

Titaness shoots forward, but Burns rolls her back into another cover!

ONE… TWO…

But Titaness shifts her weight. Burns then fights to his feet and then pushes off the ropes to shoot her off. When she comes back, The Man Called DEFIANCE whips her with a floating armbar takedown back into another armbar, taking control. He tries to cinch in a cross armbar, but before he can fully lock in, her foot makes the bottom rope. Burns takes an extra moment to crank down before he lets go. 

DDK:
Impressive showing so far. Burns isn’t showboating too much since this started. 

Lance:
That loss to Dex Joy has him a little more focused. 

Oscar Burns inches to the mat on one knee and then extends a hand, almost mocking Titaness. She slaps his hand away and then Burns frowns before she locks up with him again. He tries to twist the arm, but she fights her way out with a counter of her own and SNAPS Burns over with a big hip toss! The crowd pops at her strength as she runs the ropes and KNOCKS him down a second time, with a big running shoulder tackle off the ropes! 

DDK:
Burns has a bit of size on Titaness, but that strength! Twice, she takes Burns down! 

The wrestler formerly known as Twists and Turns tries to find safety in the corner, but Titaness nails him right there with a running back elbow! After knocking the wind out of him, she tries to whip Burns, but the former two-time FIST reverses then sends her to the corner. Burns charges, but Titaness shows her athleticism and leaps up and over Burns out of the corner behind him. She runs and then comes back to flip Burns over with a big running headscissors! 

DDK:
Titaness scoring with a big flying headscissors, courtesy of her teammate, Minute! 

The Show of Force gets back up and then runs to the corner, nailing Burns with a big corner pump kick! The blow rocks him then she takes him out of the corner on her shoulder… into a big waterwheel suplex! The crowd cheers as he rolls and then hooks a leg!

ONE… TWO… KICKOUT!

Burns shoves his way out of the cover, but Titaness is looking confident. 

DDK:
Titaness with a two-count! She’s got to keep her foot on the gas, though. 

Lance:
She can’t afford to give Burns any leg room. 

The former two-time FIST gets up when Titaness tries another suplex in the form of a German. She tries to throw Burns up and inches him off the ground, but he kicks his legs to keep on his feet. Titaness clubs his back with a big clubbing forearm, then another shot, then one from the back. She measures Burns up and runs off the ropes for another pump kick, but Oscar sidesteps, then catches her on the return… into a STIFF belly to back backbreaker across the knee! 

DDK:
Just like that! Just like that, Oscar turns the tables! 

The Faithful jeer the man once considered as The Guy, Brother for DEFIANCE, only for him to take in the jeers. Titaness is down holding her back in pain when Burns smirks. 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Oscar Burns:
…URNS!

The jeers get louder, but Burns kicks Titaness outside the ring. The Faithful jeers him some more when Burns climbs through the ropes to follow her on the outside. 

Lance:
Where’s Burns taking her? 

Burns looks out as Titaness tries to get up… BODY SLAM ON THE FLOOR! Titaness gets the wind knocked out of her with a gasp as a thud echoes in the Wrestleplex. 

DDK:
OOH! Good strategy by Burns! Take away Titaness’ power and attacking the back! 

Oscar takes a breather on the ring apron with four minutes passing into the match. Titaness tries to get back up while Burns is giving words of wisdom. 

Oscar Burns:
You got this, GC! Dig! Down! Deep! 

Titaness fights to her feet when Burns grabs her with a headlock and drags her back into the ring. When she’s in the ring, Burns picks her up and then slams her down with a big belly-to-back suplex! Titaness is howling in pain and trying to cradle her lower back with her left hand as Burns gets up, egging the crowd on for cheers. 

Oscar Burns:
LET’S GO, BURNSIE! (stomping the back of Titaness) LET’S GO, BURNSIE! (stomping the back of Titaness) LET’S GO, BURNSIE! (stomping the back of Titaness) 

Benny Doyle reprimands him, but Oscar continues to punish the back of Titaness with more stomps! 

DDK:
Ugh… I’ve never missed the old Oscar Burns as much as I do lately. He’s become so insufferable with his attitude. He’s working over Titaness’ back which is great strategy, but he’s such a jackass about it. 

Lance:
There is no question he’s busted his ass to get where he is on the card. He earned that spot. He EARNED it… but his entitlement on staying in that spot these past few months has been garbage!

Burns then goes for a grounded Cobra Twist to work the back and midsection of Titaness! He locks the arms around Titaness’ neck while grinding her down just after six minutes in the match! Benny Doyle asks if Titaness gives up…

Titaness:
No!

The Faithful cheer her on as she keeps fighting, but Burns continues to crank back on the hold. 

DDK:
Oscar Burns has under four minutes left! If he can’t get the submission, he may have to try and pin her! 

Lance:
This is easily the biggest test since he’s started these Dig Down Deep Challenges. Oscar has put together some wins over both BRAZEN and DEFIANCE talent, but his highest ranked opponent so far!

Burns then lets the hold go, but when he tries to pick Titaness up, she drags him down with an inside cradle!

ONE… TWO…

Hurriedly, Oscar kicks out and then boots her in the gut before firing off a huge exploder suplex! Titaness hits the mat viciously, but Burns then pulls her up by the hair and body… second exploder suplex!

DDK:
He’s dropped Titaness with two suplexes… no! Three! 

After the third consecutive exploder suplex, a confident Burns rolls over and hooks the leg. 

ONE… TWO… TH-NO!

The Faithful cheer when Titaness throws up a shoulder! Burns is less than thrilled with the count of Benny Doyle, but brushes it off and then looks to finish things up. 

DDK:
Titaness with another kickout! Burns believes the end is in sight, though! 

He pulls up Titaness, then tries another exploder, but she throws a volley of elbows quickly and then frees himself. He fires back with a big elbow smash that rattles Titaness on her feet. When she’s stunned, he rushes off the ropes only to get caught with a big spinebuster on the return! 

DDK:
SPINEBUSTER! SPINEBUSTER BY TITANESS! 

Lance:
But she can’t follow up, though! Look! The back is giving her issues!

Sure as shooting, Titaness cradles her back in pain but starts to see the clock get to close to eight minutes with Burns still down on the ground. She wills herself up and with help from the Faithful, she gets back to her feet as Burns is trying to recover. Burns tries to use the ropes and when Titaness tries to pull him away, he fires off a big European uppercut! She wobbles back, but she fires back with a big boot to his face, then stuns him. She measures him up and runs the ropes to knock him down with a big spear! Titaness bulldozes Burns as she gets to her knees and lets out a loud roar! 

DDK:
Titaness might be close to pulling off a major upset! She’s done well in singles competition, but this would be bar none the biggest win of her career!

Lance:
What’s she going for?

She grabs Burns and picks him up in a fireman’s carry… but Burns slips out and catches her with a modified schoolboy pin!

ONE… TWO… KICKOUT!

Titaness fights out, but when Burns swings for another elbow, she moves and gets him on the shoulder… and the crowd EXPLODES!

DDK:
CLASH OF THE TITANESS! THAT’S IT! THAT’S IT!

After hitting the impressive Death Valley Bomb, she hooks the leg! 

ONE… TWO… TH-KICKOUT!

The crowd goes from bonkers to breathless when Oscar’s shoulder comes off off the mat right before three! 

Lance:
Oscar kicks out! But she’s not done! 

She tries to grab the arm of Burns and looks to lock in the Titanic Struggle submission - the same one she used against Burns’ former pupil Jack Mace once - but Burns rolls away and heads out of the ring! 

DDK:
No! He’s rolling… and… what’s he doing? 

Burns goes to grab his Golden Shovel while holding the back of his head and then takes his leave of the ring!

Lance:
Is Oscar Burns… really walking away? 

DDK:
He is! He’d lose the Golden Shovel if the time runs out, but if he gets disqualified or counted out, then the Shovel doesn’t change hands just like a title! 

Burns starts to back up… but the crowd cheers when a mammoth form appears on the ramp. One that Titaness doesn't look happy to see!  Burns turns to see him as well and starts to back up…

DDK:
URIEL CORTEZ! WHAT’S HE DOING HERE? 

Lance:
I think he was trying to do the honorable thing here and keep Burns from leaving! 

Burns drops the Golden Shovel and then heads back to the ring where Titaness ROCKS him with a big pump kick! But when Uriel tries to shout words of encouragement… he’s met with Titaness giving him the riot act!

Titaness:
No! You need to go! Now!

Uriel Cortez pleads his case and backs off… but the second that she takes her eyes off the issue, Oscar grabs her in a standing cobra twist and then rolls backwards into a cobra twist pin!

DDK:
OSCAR CATCHES HER BY SURPRISE!

ONE… TWO…. THREE!

DING DING DING

The Faithful are completely up in arms, as is Uriel Cortez when he fully realizes his folly. Burns relinquishes his grip and then leaves the ring to pick up the shovel! 

Darren Quimbey:
Here is your winner… OSCAR BURNS!

Lance:
No! No! Burns takes advantage of the conflict at hand and rolls up Titaness to steal the match! He outwrestled the Show of Force here tonight! 

DDK:
And now look at him! And Uriel, he can’t believe it!

Oscar Burns nods at Uriel and picks up the Golden Shovel he dropped moments earlier before smiling and raising it over his head, completing another successful defense! He crows all the way up the ramp while Uriel Cortez watches in shock. 

DDK:
Uriel meant well… he definitely did… but if there’s one man in DEFIANCE who can exploit an opportunity, it’s Oscar Burns. 

The victory music of Oscar Burns fades while Uriel climbs into the ring. A visibly upset Titaness is still stunned with the outcome of the match. Uriel tries to plead his case and though they aren’t on microphones, the camera close by picks up what the two are saying. 

Uriel Cortez:
Damn it… T, I’m sorry. That was my fault, I… 

Titaness:
I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM ME! I DON’T NEED YOU PROTECTING ME! 

Uriel puts his hands up… 

Uriel Cortez:
He was trying to leave and I was trying to stop him! I… 

SLAP!

Titaness winds up and slaps Uriel across the face! 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

As the crowd reaction comes to a swell, Minute rushes to ringside and then slides into the ring trying to broker peace between the two. 

Minute:
Basta! Deténgalo ahora! Stop! 

Titanes looks at Uriel holding his cheek, then Minute trying to talk her down… but she’s not hearing any of it. She simply mouths two words. 

Titaness:
I’m done… 

She climbs through the ropes and then storms off and up the ramp. 

DDK:
What… what did we just see out here?

Lance:
I… I don’t know. Things haven’t been good with Los Tres Titanes since just before DEFCON and it looks like it’s just gotten worse… 

Titaness starts to storm off while Uriel stands in the ring, sighing. Minute looks up at his BFF, but has no words. 

Lance:
Is Titaness walking away from Los Tres Titanes… and Uriel?

DDK:
Folks… we have to wrap up our show, but please join us for the first DEFtv after DEFCON next week as we start our first trip on the road in several years! For Lance Warner, I’m “Downtown” Darren Keebler. Thank you and good night!

Titaness stops and looks back once before disappearing from sight, leaving Uriel and Minute by their lonesome.

A security camera catches Gage Blackwood leaving the Lakefront Arena after the second night of DEFCON has long since come to a close. He wears a black windbreaker, black jeans and black boots while carrying a black duffle bag as he power walks through the last hallway turn and finds the exit doors to the talent and staff parking lot. The arena is quiet, there’s the potential Gage may be the last one left inside the building. While no one can be sure what Blackwood was doing at the arena on the night he wasn’t booked, The Noble Raider pushes the exit doors and steps outside into the dark night.

The scene switches seamlessly to a security camera in the parking lot, hanging at least twenty feet above the entrance. It finds Blackwood scurrying on to his car, only to stop and find rain hammering down upon him.

As the former FIST of DEFIANCE swears under his breath, he finds his car in the far distance, residing in one of the last parking spots. Although the entire lot isn’t visible by this security camera, there aren’t any other cars in this video’s field of vision.

Blackwood tries to cover his head from the pouring rain but it’s no use, he’s already soaked from head to toe. Finally arriving at his vehicle, he digs into his jacket pocket, looking for his car keys.

Blackwood stops. Unable to find what he’s looking for, Gage searches his other jacket pocket.

Now he checks his front jean pockets.

And his back jean pockets.

???:
Looking for these?

A set of keys dingling from behind Gage Blackwood is heard as two large, LOOMING shadows emerge from beside the Lakefront Arena entrance doors. Were both these figures there the entire time? One can’t be too sure because they did appear from the shadows.

Already soaked all the way through, The Scot has no time for games.

Gage Blackwood:
Aye, where did you find them?

The massive figures walk methodically towards Blackwood.

???:
Oh, you didn’t leave them anywhere…

The one man turns to the other. The second unknown individual speaks, although his voice is reasonably muffled through the security camera audio.

???:
We took them from you.

Blackwood shakes his head.

Gage Blackwood:
Okay.

Gage places his duffle bag on the ground and rolls up his wet jacket sleeves.

Gage Blackwood:
Then I guess you aren’t here to simply hand them back to me, either.

??? and ??? turn to each other again and then size Blackwood up.

???:
You catch on quickly.

Blackwood spits in their general direction as the two men enclose.

Gage Blackwood:
Aye.

Blackwood puts up his dukes and decides to be the aggressor. Gage charges at the man on his left and ducks a right fist, popping up and clubbing the man under the jaw. The man staggers back as Blackwood turns his attention to the second ???, pumping the giant with a knee under his jaw. It’s still too tough to make anything out other than Blackwood trying to survive the dual looming shadows.

The first ??? replies with a swift right forearm across Blackwood’s shoulder. Gage is the one who stumbles backwards this time.

Gage Blackwood:
Don’t know what… [attempted left hand fails to meet its mark] issue you blokes… [this time he catches one of the men with an elbow strike] have with me… [Gage eats a shot to the face but hammers a couple left hands of his own against both men] but you can go… [by now it’s just an all out war, shots-for-shots from Gage to both men and both men to Gage] to fucking hell… [Blackwood knees one of the shadows in the face] ya filthy baw jugg-

CRACK!

The second ??? runs into Gage Blackwood with FULL FORCE, sending Gage flying and crashing into the hood of his car! The unknown men circle the former FIST. One grabs Blackwood by the head and throws The Noble Raider’s skull into the trunk, creating a loud echoing sound into the night. The second ??? peels Blackwood off the car and gorilla press tosses Blackwood into a passenger window! It cracks and soon blood is everywhere.

Blackwood falls to his knees… he’s breathing heavily.

Gage Blackwood: [trying to get the words out]
I’ve got… a lot of enemies…

The two ??? enclose on the Edinburgh native.

Gage Blackwood:
Never thought you two… would come after me…

The two shadows don’t flinch.

???:
We have no problem with you.

???:
Nope. We were hired and for the money we were paid, we weren’t going to say no. 

One of the shadows leans down to take hold of Gage Blackwood but the man is surprised with a hard left elbow to the nose! IMMEDIATELY after he’s hit, the second man boots Blackwood in the face! Saliva flies from Gage’s mouth for a second time but instead, it’s in the opposite direction of the two giants. The one who was hit with an elbow cranks Blackwood with a hard knee upon collecting himself. Finally, the two men prop Blackwood up and lay into the Scot with double clotheslines.

Blackwood crumples to the cement. He’s barely able to do anything.

Finally, the men deadlift Blackwood and hurl him into and THROUGH Gage’s own windshield.

CRASH!

The unknown hitmen dust their hands off and slowly walk away as if nothing happened.

One of them tosses Blackwood’s keys through the window without looking.

???:
You can drive home now.

And they vanish from sight.

THIS.

IS.

DEFIANCE.