DEFIANCE HOME for the HOLIDAYS 2025

2025 DEFY AWARDS FINALISTS

DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Brock Newbludd (bio)
-Corvo Alpha (bio)
-Henry Keyes (bio)
-Erik Black (bio)

DEFIANTS of the YEAR
-Lucky Sevens (bio)
-M4NTRA (bio)
-Rain City Ronin (bio)

FACTION of the YEAR
-Honor Society
-Titanes Familia
-Vae Victis

BREAKOUT DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Lonnie Luck (bio)
-TA Cole (bio)
-Uriel Cortez (bio)

ROOKIE DEFIANTS of the YEAR
-Heirs to the Throne (bio)
-Kill or Be Killed (bio)
-Money Talks (bio)

MANAGERIAL DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Lord Nigel Trickelbush
-Tom Morrow
-Siofra

MATCH of the YEAR
-FIST of DEFIANCE, RUMINATION CHAMBER: MALAK FUSE (C) vs. TYLER FUSE vs. CONOR FUSE vs. ED WHITE vs. DAN RYAN vs. CORVO ALPHA vs. MP1 vs. TA BLACK (DEFIANCE ROAD 2025)
-NO DISQUALIFICATION: CORVO ALPHA vs. MP1 (DEFCON)
-FIST of DEFIANCE, BATTLE of the BROTHERS: MALAK FUSE (C) vs. CONOR FUSE -- vs. HENRY KEYES -- (DEFCON)
-ACE of DEFIANCE, BROCK NEWBLUDD vs. PAT CASSIDY (DEFIANCE RISING)
-TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, I QUIT: RAIN CITY RONIN (C) vs. TRIPLE 7s (DEFIANCE RISING)

SEGMENT of the YEAR
-THE TAKING TREE, PART 2 (Henry Keyes addresses The Faithful after stunning DEFIANCE and winning the FIST at DEFCON - DEFtv 218)
-NO (TA Black takes over the Honor Society - MAXDEF)
-THE... *GOOD* DOCTOR!? (Dr. Ned Reform speaks to the endearing Faithful after his comeback - DEFtv 226)
-SO-US (Birth of the SO-US Championship - DEFtv 226)
-AND THEY BURIED THE HATCHET ONCE AND FOR ALL (Tyler Fuse, Conor Fuse and the rest of The Comments Section stab Malak Garland in the back - DEFtv 226)

SHOCK of the YEAR
-Henry Keyes wins the FIST of DEFIANCE as a surprise addition to the match at DEFCON
-Bronson Box ends Gage Blackwood’s career
-Rezin is rehabilitated
-Tyler & Conor Fuse reunite and take out Malak Garland
-MV2 is unmasked as Ryan Batts
-Brock Newbludd stabs Pat Cassidy in the back

ONGOING STORYLINE of the YEAR
-Corvo vs. MV1 & MV2
-Ned Reform, Rezin & the Honor Society
-Dissolving friendship of Brock Newbludd and Pat Cassidy
-Malak’s ever-changing last name and continued identity crisis
-Uriel and Titaness SO-US Title

BRAZEN of the YEAR
-Aiden Harlow
-Mrs. Massacre
-Rowzilla

DEF RADIO MOMENT of the YEAR
-Born Over Premier
-Rev Black debut @ DEF Row prison episode
-Trial of Scotty Flash

We open to a dim lit room with two chairs across from one another, with one larger, more padded chair in the middle and an oak desk in front. There’s a black backdrop reading DEFIANCE-PRIME IMMORTALS and up to three cameras in various positions, already rolling. This is followed by a moment of nothingness before Conor Fuse walks into the setting. Fuse wears navy blue dress pants and a more faded blue button-up shirt, with the shirt’s last three buttons undone at the top. His typical messy blonde hair has been slicked back and he completes the look with sleek silver and gold cufflinks. Conor walks into the scene looking rather determined and serious. He finds the seat to the far left and takes it. The former iteration of Fuse would swing his legs back and forth, carefree as he waits. However, it has been mentioned many times before (and brace yourself, many times forthcoming), he's all grown-up now.

Jamie Sawyers, DEFIANCE interviewer, comes into play next. He wears his typical DEFIANCE interview uniform, a black suit with a white shirt and red FIST tie. Jamie finds the middle seat, a collection of papers in his hands as he shuffles through. Meanwhile, Conor barely acknowledges the man, Fuse’s eyes are off-set.

From the opposite side of the room strides Sutler Reynolds-Kael, his long black and hair hair pulled back into a ponytail. He’s wearing a black suit with no tie, an unusually professional look all around for the usually very emo sad-lad. Cold eyes fall on his long time rival, Conor Fuse, while he wears something that IS common place for Sutler; a dour frown. The Son of Scions takes his seat without a word. Meanwhile, Conor continues to stare a hole straight through Reynolds-Kael’s head, while Sutler remains indifferent, almost sullen, to be there. SRK’s eyes glance around the room, and not through another person’s forehead.

Needless to say, Conor eventually leans back and finally notices Jamie.

Jamie Sawyers:
Conor. Sutler. I never thought I’d see the day. Now I know those who aren’t our Hardcore Faithful may not be familiar with different organizations. So, I am here to fill them in. The two of you have… quiet the history-

Conor raises his hand in the direction of Jamie’s face, until he realizes that might not be too ADULT of him, so he lowers it just as fast. Conor leans forward, elbows resting on his knees, never once taking his eyes of Sutler, not even when he raised his hand a moment ago.

Fuse looks the emo man over, from head-to-toe, toe-to-head, and then some. He scowls. He sucks in his bottom lip, almost like he’s trying not to vomit. This isn’t a “childish act” for the cameras, either. This is pure, 100% emotion trying to spill out of the former gamer.

ADULT Conor Fuse: [stoically at first]
You.

Fuse looks him over for what might be the fifth time already.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
I have waited years for you.

Remembering there is company in their presence, Fuse acknowledges Jamie but only by voice.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Let me fill you in, James. Let me tell you just why I hate this man so much. Ya see… for a while there, I never actually did hate him. In DEFIANCE my rivals consist of Malak Garland, Henry Keyes and a drunken Pat Cassidy. But before all of this, when I was a real “kid” growing up in this sport, the man I am currently staring a hole through. He was the first.

Conor scowls once again at the sight of Sutler Reynolds-Keal. Meanwhile, Sutler continues his appearance like he really doesn’t want to be there.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Him and I, we were supposed to be the next big things. Same age, same trajectory. Fought for a World Title a couple times, too. This man was my sworn enemy, my rival. The Joker to my Batman, the Lex Luthor to my Last Son of Krypton.

Conor slowly starts to raise his shoulders and arms in the air. He holds the pose.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
But where’d ya go? Why did you vanish? You. Left. Me. You left me high and dry. And dude, I get it, that place was a shithole. We don’t gotta talk about it.

Conor shakes his head with pain inside it.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
But you could’ve come here; you could’ve gone there. Naaa. Your schmuck-ass father revives himself from the dead but you continue to be MIA [starting to talk fast without taking breaks in-between sentences] until for some reason daddy pulls you out from the sad rock you’re crying under, helps you reapply your black eyeliner and says “lets do the news together” so make no mistake Sutler I’ve been waiting for this moment for FIVE YEARS I had people in every corner of this industry waiting to report to me the very MILLISECOND of your resurgence.

He finally takes a breath.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Don’t look at me like that, you should be fucking THRILLED bud that I brought you back into relevance. Don’t you wanna fight forever? Don’t you wanna feel alive? Don’t you wanna MAKE. DADDY. PROUD?

Conor never looks at Jamie, but acknowledges him once again.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
James. This man was the first. Before the Garlands and Keyes, this was the guy. The original sand throwing, pencil dick, mamma’s boy.

A final scowl before sitting back in his chair.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Welcome back.

SRK blinks slowly, turning his head to look at Jamie Sawyer with a look of bewilderment. He lets out a deep sigh before turning back to Conor, shaking his head. The dour expression on his face is replaced with pity. 

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
Well. I guess he’s not wrong? You know I hadn’t thought about you since I left that other place. Hadn’t even thought about our matches or our attempted murders. And yet here I find myself, seated across from you in another company I could give two shits about getting ready to face you again in the ring. 

Arching his eyebrows up in a faux show of sympathy, Sutler leans forward, resting his chin on his hand. Unlike Conor, Sutler is low energy, perhaps even a little bored.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
Aren’t you tired, man? Don’t you have better things to do then chase me out of retirement? Is your future so bleak that you’ve got to live in the past? No, I don’t want to fight you forever. No, I don’t need to fight you to feel alive. And no. I don’t give a fuck about making daddy proud. But.

Whatever pretend sympathy Sutler is wearing drops away, the Son of Scions sitting up straight. His lips peal back into a sneer as his contempt for Fuse burns through the veneer of apathy.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
… But. When the chance to break you’re fucking face comes up, you can bet the Gold Cartridge Legend of Zelda you sleep with under your pillow at night that I’ll come a-callin’. Not for immortality. Not for a pay day. Not to feel alive! Not even because it’s the morally imperative thing to do! No! NO!

Slamming one hand down on the table with a loud crack, Sutler stands, jutting his finger out at Fuse as he spits his hate filled words at his rival's face. 

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
I’ll do it because I’m Sulter Reynolds-Kael, the Son of SCIONS! Lifting your ass ten feet is what I was born to do, fucko!

At first, Conor is just sitting there. His eyes remain on Sutler but all expression is void. There’s probably a solid ten seconds of this, to the point Jamie Sawyers is going to intervene. But Jamie isn’t really needed here. He got dressed up for nothing.

Conor rolls his eyes and lets out a huff.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Jesus tap dancing Christ, Sut. That was a lot of bullshit. [Finally looking at Jamie] Can I swear here? We’re on pay-per-view, right? [Back at Sutler] Okay so first of all, what’s with this retirement shit? You were like nineteen when you walked away from the only career your family has ever known. That’s silly, you can’t retire. You are a child and cannot legally even drink yet. And then like second off, I dunno if you know this or not but…

Conor alludes to himself and what he is wearing.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
I’m an adult now, I’m kinda like all grown-up and shit. I’m not really into video games and stuff anymore, so nice try but the Legend of Zelda zinger doesn’t really fire me up like it used to. Cute, though. Real cute. It’s like you’re obsessed with me or something.

You’d think he’s done, but he’s just getting started.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Shouldn’t you want to impress your father? I want to impress the family in my life. Speaking of family, you haven’t met my brother Tyler yet, have you? Oh you will. Oh you so fucking will. Because for the first time in FIVE years, him and I are teaming up. My brother isn’t like me, oh no. He’s kinda more like your dear old dad. He’s a scary man. A serious guy. One wrong move and he might crush your skull. And for years I’ve been telling him about you. He wants to mangle your f’n face in!

Fuse grins at the thought.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
You should care about family, Sutty. You should care about a lotta things. Like the sport that puts fucking food on your table. God, you’re like so god damn ungrateful. If you were my son, you’d have learned some manners real fast.

Conor shakes his head.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
So ungrateful. Here we had a blood rivalry that could’ve gone on forever. But then it didn’t. But buddy, oh buddy, it’s gonna be ReVived. I’m gonna make sure this will never end. Jamie, the thing is… I don’t actually wanna kill Sutler. I definitely won’t, and also can’t, kill his old man. That was proven to be impossible years ago. But what I can do is create something even stronger than death. See, as I am now an ADULT, I wanna do ADULT things. I wanna leave a legacy. Leave something behind to inspire those future generations. And at IMMORTALS… Fuse Bros. vs. Kael Fam. [lean in towards Jamie Sawyers] that’s my tagline for the match by the way [and lean back out] I am gonna inspire a WHOLE NEW WORLD.

Fuse points at SRK.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Because this motherfucker gonna eat my sneakers.

The index pointer soon becomes a middle finger.

Fuse smirks.

He enjoyed that.

He leans back and the floor is open once again.

Sutler blinks again, reaching into the pocket of his coat retrieving a piece of paper.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
Sorry, I zoned out there for a minute. Anyway, I’m sure what you said was riveting. My dad wanted me to share this with you.

Clearing his throat Sutler narrows his eyes at the paper.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
The only thing Adult about Conor Fuse are the Adult sized diapers he wears.

Nodding to himself, Sutler tucks the note away and looks back to Jamie.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael: 
Are we done here or is Conor Fuse gonna give another soliloquy?

Conor starts to furiously rub his temples. Then he grabs the bridge of his nose.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
For fuck sakes dude, did you not listen to anything I said? I am a grown-ass man, trying to have an ADULT conversation but I can see I’m the only one in the room who is one.

Sawyers looks slightly offended but realizes Conor likely forgot he was there.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
I tried, lord have mercy I tried to do it the big boy way. If I was an adolescent like you, I’d jump over there and beat the piss outta you right now. But that will wait until next week, because I am truly a grown-up.

Fuse adjusts his shirt and undoes the fourth button before standing from his chair and moving towards the exit.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Oh, the headlines will talk about Cecilworth and Malak for the Universal Championship, Cancer and Keyes for the FIST. Hell, they might even write about Stanislav and Ryan. But this right here is a BLOODBATH waiting to happen. This is a match FIVE YEARS in the making and it is gonna be everything anyone can dream about. Sutler, if your fucking father won’t beat some sense into ya, then dammit, I will.

Fuse marches off set, leaving SRK and Jamie Sawyers just sitting there.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
You know what, Jamie?

The Son of Scions stands, smoothing out his suit.

Sutler Reynolds-Kael:
Fuck that guy.

He marches off in the opposite direction of Conor, leaving Sawyer alone.

With that, HOME for the HOLIDAYS opens to pyro, fans and the DEFPlex...

SIGNS, SIGNS everywhere!

I'M EXCITED FOR A NICE MELLOW AWARDS SHOW WITH NO SHENANIGANS
THE BLUE CARPET EVENT OF THE YEAR
CONGRATS TO ALL THE AWARDS WINNERS. EVEN YOU. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
I'D TRADE ANY AWARD TO GET ELISE ARES BACK
I MISS THE D. I SAID WHAT I SAID.
KLEIN MISSES THE D TOO

We go to the interview stage where Jamie Sawyers stands in REAL time!

Jamie Sawyers is near the awards podium ready to deliver the first of many awards to be handed out through tonight. 

Jamie Sawyers:
Ladies and gentlemen … first up at HOME for the HOLIDAYS, we give out awards for the BRAZEN of the YEAR! The nominees for the BRAZEN Star of the Year…

The first name. 

Jamie Sawyers:
The former BRAZEN Champion … ROWZILLA!!!

Cheers for the former BRAZEN Champ who dominated 2025!

Jamie Sawyers:
The current BRAZEN Onslaught Champion … AIDEN HARLOW!!!

Cheers to the current champ!

Jamie Sawyers:
Former BRAZEN Women’s champion … MRS. MASSACRE!!!

Jeers to the former champ and current ally of LET! Jamie Sawyers rips open the awards envelope. 

Jamie Sawyers:
The winner is…

Drum roll.

Jamie Sawyers:
ROWZILLA!!!

Rowzilla’s theme plays and he’s dressed to the nines tonight in a big and tall grey suit. The fans immediately take notice of the giant’s size. He reaches a huge hand out to Jamie Sawyers to shake it and then collects the award. He raises the award up and gets ready to leave…

Tom Morrow:
Congrats, young blood! Congrats on winning BRAZEN Star of the Year!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Tom The Bomb is out to greet the giant. 

Tom Morrow:
I am so sorry. This is your time and me, being the greatest Super Agent in DEFIANCE Wrestling history, knows how important the correlation between time and money is. So I’ll keep this brief. You’re huge!!! You know my clients are the new Unified Tag Team Champions of the World! You won Tag Party Six with Max Luck!

He hands a business card out to Rowzilla.

Tom Morrow:
You don’t have to answer now … just keep in touch okay?

Rowzilla looks at the card. He looks at his award…

And he leaves!

DDK:
I’d walk away from Tom Morrow, too.

Lance:
We have to know that Rowzilla is going to be a major prospect to follow going forward now that he’s a member of the main roster effective tonight and looks like he’s garnering a lot of interest already. We’ll see Rowzilla in action later tonight in a handicap match, but congrats to him on his achievement tonight!

Tom Morrow stays on the stage for a big match is about to begin!

DDK:
We’ve got a high-stakes match-up for both men coming up, Lance! Either Lonnie Luck goes or Mark Luck goes! Lonnie Luck laid out the challenge at DEFIANCE Rising to Mark Luck. The winner stays on the main roster and the loser of this match will be sent down to our BRAZEN brand! 

Lance:
Ever since the Lucky Sevens became the Triple 7s with Mark Luck joining the group, they have looked unstoppable. They have been nearly unstoppable! The 7s won the Unified Tag Team titles from the seemingly unbeatable Rain City Ronin who have suffered their own fractures. 

DDK:
Lonnie has claimed Mark Luck and Tom Morrow were both heavily influencing the recent decision making from his cousins, Max and Mason. We have seen Lonnie Luck go after Mark Luck at every opportunity he can. Mark took out Lonnie Luck at DEFIANCE Rising and played a big part in the 7s winning the titles. If Lonnie can overcome the size difference and beat Mark tonight, that would take a lot of the Triple 7s power away! 

Lance:
Both men have had great years! Lonnie Luck became the longest reigning Favoured Saints champion and defended that title more than required to, only to be cheated by Jack Harmen thanks to Mark Luck! Mark Luck was the man who helped the 7s win the Ace of Tag Teams and played a part in Max and Mason beating RCR! It’s a toss-up! 

Darren Quimbey starts introductions. 

Darren Quimbey:
This next match is scheduled for one fall and is a Loser Leaves DEFIANCE match! Whoever loses … their main roster contract with DEFIANCE will become null and void! 

♫ “Desperado” by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes ♫

The crowd starts chewing Rocking white tights with black and red playing card suits, Lonnie points to the ring with a white coat on. With a laser focused look on his face Lonnie hastily sprints to the ring like his life depends on it! He slides right on inside the squared circle and when he gets up to his feet, he greets the crowd by taking his coat off.

Darren Quimbey:
Introducing first … from Sin City, weighing in at one-hundred and seventy-five pounds! He is “The Son of Sin City” … he is LONNNIEEEEEEEEEEEE LUCCCCCCCKKKK!!!

Grit and determination. Lonnie looks like he is full of both tonight. 

DDK:
This match-up has been building for months. It was Mark Luck who helped Jack Harmen win the Favoured Saints title! Since that time, Lonnie Luck has been trying to even the odds for RCR against the Triple 7s at the cost of his own health but tonight, he wants to get rid of Mark Luck once and for all. 

Lance:
Lonnie is so full of heart but the facts are the facts: he is giving up a lot of size to the seven-foot, three-hundred and five-pound Mark Luck tonight. Lonnie will need every tool in his arsenal if he wants to save his job tonight. 

Lonnie takes a few deep breaths. He won’t have long to wait … 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Lonnie is almost taken aback by the booing from the New Orleans Faithful. They do not waste any time jeering Tom Morrow when he walks out. 

Tom Morrow:
Oooooooohhhhhhh … Lonnie, Lonnie, Lonnie. Stupid, stupid Lonnie. You have no idea the world of deeeeeeeeeeeeeep fecal matter, you little dwarf. Your career is in our hands now! 

Tom Morrow cradles out a hand like he’s got a bug in it … then he smashes the imaginary bug with his other hand! 

Morrow stands aside and points at the stage. 

Tom Morrow:
My next man is one-third of your NEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW Unified Tag Team champions! He stands at an immaculate seven feet tall!! He weighed in this morning at a perfect three-hundred and five Lonnie Luck-stomping pounds! MARK THE SPARK … A  … K … A … MAARRRRRRRKKKKKKK LUCCCCCCCCCKKKKKK!!!

♫ “Gasoline” by I Prevail ♫

The arena is quickly washed over with orange flame lighting all over …One spotlight appears on the stage with a man holding up the Winning Hand! Dressed in a black vest and black pants with orange flame designs all across and orange hued glasses, Mark Luck tilts them down, winks to the camera and then inches them back on his face. Behind Tom Morrow, Mason and Mark Luck are both wearing their dark green and dark red suits and rich designer shades and of course now have the Unified Tag Team title belts!

DDK:
As Tom Morrow suggested, unfortunately for whoever contends with the Triple 7s, all three men are going to be recognized as the champions. 

Lance:
It’s only fair! RCR might have beaten Max and Mason, had Mark Luck not interfered. 

Mark Luck is in the ring and Lonnie Luck isn’t wasting time by going right for a big running drop kick to the chest! 

DING DING

The surprise attack from Lonnie Luck has Mark Luck stumbling to stay on his feet. The Son of Sin City goes right after the leg of Mark and kicks him several times. 

DDK:
This will have to be how Lonnie Luck goes for broke tonight! He’s gotta go after the legs of this monster and find an opening! 

Lance:
If he can hit that Pocket Ace cutter out of the corner then he’s got a chance! 

Lonnie kicks at the leg of Mark Luck and the DEFIANCE Wrestling Faithful want to see him succeed! His own blood cousins at ringside watch emotionless while Tom Morrow is yelling at Mark Luck to get his head in the game. Lonnie charges right for the ropes. He comes back and hits a flying forearm to the side of the Blond God’s head! 

Lance:
Keep it going Lonnie! 

The Lon Dart flies like the nickname just used to describe him. He hits another flying forearm off the ropes and it only knocks Mark back. He runs a third time, but it is anything but a charm! Mark readjusts himself and scoops Lonnie up in his arms! 

DDK:
Not good! 

Mark holds the struggling Lonnie in place and then pitches him across the ring with a big fall away slam! The entire arena is in awe with how easy Mark Luck made the slam. He sits up and then looks back at his handiwork, then reaches through the ropes to dab up Tom Morrow as well as Max and Mason. 

Lance:
That is insane scary strength! Mark Luck made that look easy. 

DDK:
And Mark Luck looks like he’s just getting started!

Mark Luck is upright and positions himself across from Lonnie who is trying to stand in the opposing corner. The Blond God charges and crushes Lonnie with all his body weight hitting a running corner splash. Lonnie is left gasping for air after the first shot but before he can even get a chance to defend himself, Mark is already on the attack. He picks Lonnie Luck up again. He holds Lonnie up with only one hand and points his thumb backwards to tell the people he’s going the other way … 

DDK:
And there’s another fall away slam from Mark Luck! We have seen Lonnie Luck take some tremendous punishment! He’s come back from the brink and even won on occasion, but tonight things are looking good! 

Lance:
He had a tremendous title run with the Favoured Saints title but Lonnie is all alone and outnumbered at ringside here!

Max is laughing at the misery being inflicted upon his cousin. Mason Luck is less amused and just wants to be done with Lonnie. Tom Morrow calls for Mark to pin Lonnie. Mark drags Lonnie from the ropes at Tom’s instructions and then makes a cover. 

One … 

Two … 

No!!!

Lonnie somehow gets a shoulder up under the big monster and Mark looks irritated. 

Lance:
That was our first official pin attempt in this match and that was a close one! Lonnie Luck isn’t looking good right now, is he? 

DDK:
Back to the punishment though. Mark has him up. 

He goes for a fireman carry and has Lonnie across the shoulders … but Lonnie tries to give him a slip! The New Orleans Faithful react when Lonnie slips down his back and tries to execute a sunset flip attempt on Mark, but he’s too big. Mark counters by throwing a punch downwards but comes up empty when Lonnie slides across the canvas and punches nothing but mat! Mark Luck is hurt and the Faithful cheer Lonnie on! He goes back to the leg and kicks Mark’s leg once again. 

Lance:
He has to chop this redwood down somehow, but Mark hasn’t even left his feet yet! 

Lonnie Luck grabs at the neck of Mark and then attempts to run toward the corner.

DDK:
Lonnie tries the Pocket Ace … NO!!!

He tries to run up the corner but all he gets is chucked across the ring like a small toy! The Blond God counters the cutter off the corner with sheer power alone. 

Lance:
Lonnie Luck tried to hit the Pocket Ace and Mark just dispatched him that quick! 

Lonnie is struggling to get up again and finds himself in an even worse position then when he started. Mark runs and kicks him right in the head with a big boot! Lonnie is sent flying out to the floor and he lands right at ringside to Max and Mason Luck!

DDK:
Oh, no. Mark kicked him out of that ring and now Lonnie Luck is in enemy territory! 

The fans came to see a wrestling-themed awards show, but tonight may resume something closer to a funeral if your name is Lonnie Luck right now. Max and Mason both take one step back. Tom Morrow stands over Lonnie and he’s gloating over the Son of Sin City. 

Tom Morrow:
This allllllllll could have been so much easier. This allllllll could have just gone away if you had just listened! You can still carry our bags!

As Tom Morrow talks his smack, Lonnie grabs him by the tie! Mason is about to jump on Lonnie, but Max holds him back!

DDK:
LONNIE HAS TOM MORROW!!! AND IF EITHER MASON OR MAX TOUCH LONNIE LUCK, THEN MARK GETS DISQUALIFIED!!!

Lonnie Luck cold-cocks Tom Morrow to a big chorus of cheers from the DEFIANCE Wrestling Faithful and he goes down to his knees!

Lance:
That’s what Tom Morrow gets for running his mouth! 

The Son of Sin City doesn’t get much time to enjoy what he just did. When he spins around, Mark Luck checks the former FS champion with a flying shoulder tackle at ringside! Lonnie goes smacking right into the barrier nearby and crashes near it! 

Lance:
Where in the heck did Mark Luck even come from? I didn’t see him leave the ring!

Mark Luck towers over Lonnie Luck.

Mark Luck:
Take that you little shit! 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Max checks on Morrow and holds onto his left eye! He yells at Mark Luck to get Lonnie back into the ring unless they both get counted out and possibly both men get sent to BRAZEN! Lonnie Luck gets picked up in a gorilla press and gets chucked back over the ropes back into the ring. Mark Luck makes sure that Tom is okay, and the fact that he’s screaming and telling him to finish the job is all the answer he needs. Mark smugly enters the ring. Lonnie is on the ground when he is picked up by Mark and slammed with a fireman carry into a falling powerslam! 

DDK:
There’s the Bad Beat! And he could be one heartbeat away from being sent to BRAZEN! 

Mark for the win!

One … 

Two … 

No!!!

Lonnie escapes with a shoulder! 

DDK:
He just squeezed that shoulder up, but Mark Luck has been so dominant. Lonnie Luck hasn’t had much chance to really string together an attack!

Lance:
He really hasn’t and I fear if he doesn’t soon, his career as we know it in DEFIANCE is over!

The DEFIANCE Wrestling Faithful start cheering on Li’l Lon as he crawls around the mat trying to get himself together, but a big knee from Mark Luck cuts him off. 

Mark Luck:
Sure you don’t wanna be a part of the Luck Dynasty, bud? We need someone to wheel around our beer cooler. 

Lonnie tries to say something in return but he’s just out of earshot. Lonnie lowers himself down … 

AND GETS SLAPPED!!!

DDK:
That wasn’t smart, was it! 

Mark is red in the face! He makes Lonnie pay with a kick to the stomach to double him over and then elevates Lonnie for a power bomb!

Lance:
No!!! Lonnie is going for the ride! If this power bomb hits, he’s as good as done! 

But Lonnie fights! He fights and fights … and then bites Mark on the forehead! Mark is screaming and Lonnie continues to bite down until he’s forced to let go of the power bomb attempt! Lonnie lands on his feet!

DDK:
He’s more of a Luck than Mark is, who had to marry into the family name! Especially fighting like that!

Lonnie spits and tries to get the taste of bad hair gel out of his mouth. Mark is checking on his forehead where he got bit! A drop kick goes low and he catches Mark Luck directly on the knee cap and he’s brought down. Mark is taken down to a knee and that allows the former FS champion to hit a second drop kick square in the chest! Mark is down on both knees and then Lonnie manages to finally chop the tree down with a third drop kick at the chest!

DDK:
Triple Barrel drop kicks! He normally likes to use those when an opponent is in the corner but beggars can’t be choosers here especially when his career is on the line! 

LONNIE!!! LONNIE!!! LONNIE!!! LONNIE!!! LONNIE!!!

Lance:
Listen to these people! Performances like this are how Lonnie Luck has done so well this year to be nominated for Breakout star of the year! 

The underdog of the match is pumped up by the reaction of the DEFIANCE Wrestling Faithful. When he sees a chance to strike once again Lonnie goes to the ring apron with Mark Luck positioned where the underdog needs him to be. He goes up top with a springboard and comes down with a fling sit-down facebuster in the middle of the ring! 

DDK:
That was an innovative move! He’s got Mark down! Mark is down and he’s near that corner! 

Lonnie Luck gets upwards and hits a double foot stomp into the chest of Mark for extra measure and then climbs near the buckles. He goes all the way to the top and hits a high arching moonsault off the top rope! 

Lance:
That was an incredible moonsault! 

DDK:
Super Satellite! It’s a poker term, but he could have touched an actual satellite at that height!

The Son of Sin City has landed right on the chest of Mark Luck and the people count along with him! 

One … 

Two … 

Thr … NO!!!

It’s not just a kick-out but a powerful push that sends Lonnie Luck flying under the ropes. He catches himself on the apron just before falling on the floor but he realizes that could have been his best shot! 

DDK:
Can Lonnie even follow up with anything? Mark Luck took all that damage for a kickout! 

Lonnie climbs up to the ropes again. He leaps off in hopes of catching Mark by surprise with a Bluff Catcher but before he can land the modified diamond dust off his shoulders, Mark has him locked in place! Before Lonnie can even get the chance to slip away Mark runs the entire length of the ring and drops the Son of Sin City with a running lawn dart right into the corner! Tom Morrow and the other 7s are in relief that Lonnie Luck is down! 

Lance:
Did you see Lonnie Luck fly? Mark Luck is a monster here! 

Mark is feeling embarrassed by Lonnie Luck being able to fight back like this and grabs onto his neck. Lonnie is forced into a corner and gets slugged by some back elbows straight out of Oz. Lonnie gets launched across the ring with a powerful biel that has him flying high through the air! 

DDK:
Mark is taking apart Lonnie now! He feels like he should have won this match already! And I think he’s about to! 

Mark forcefully pulls Lonnie’s arm. He gets him up to his feet and he pulls him up for a chokeslam! He gets Lonnie up but Lonnie gets both legs around his neck and rolls him forward into a hurracanrana counter pin! 

Lance:
THERE GOES LONNIE LUCK!

One … 

 

Two … 

 

THRE … NO!!!

Mark kicks out with his legs and Lonnie is sent flying backwards at the ropes. The referee’s eyes are on Mark when out of nowhere, Lonnie gets a kick square in the face from Mason Luck! 

DDK:
No! Referee! Look out! Mason just kicked Lonnie in the face! Mark should be disqualified and sent back to BRAZEN for that! 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The referee turns around to see what’s happening and while they don’t see Mason Luck hit the kick, the Spidey-Sense is going off! They start protesting with Mason. Mason responds … 

BY DECKING THE OFFICIAL!!!

DDK:
HEY! WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS ANYWAY?!?!

Lance:
THE REFEREE IS OUT!!!

Tom Morrow is shocked at what Mason has done, but the man called Mase the Headcase has just lost it! He goes right after Lonnie Luck! Seeing that the referee is down, all three of the Lucks jump in!

Lance:
What does this mean for this match?! Somebody was supposed to go to BRAZEN, but the second the referee argued with Mason Luck, he put his hands on him! 

DDK:
And now it’s a three-on-one … 

♫ “Betty (Get Money)’ by Yung Gravy ♫

The music hits and the people are jumping up to their feet! Nathan Eye and Declan Alexander both come to the ring with chairs and are shockingly here to even the odds!

Lance:
M4NTRA!!! WHAT ARE M4NTRA DOING HERE?!?!

Tom Morrow sees the two coming with weapons and while they have the advantage, Tom Morrow points at them and tells the Triple 7s to beat it! Max follows Tom Morrow’s lead and Mark leaves the ring, but Mason Luck stands his ground! 

DDK:
THANK GOODNESS SOMEBODY WAS HERE FOR LONNIE LUCK LIKE THIS!!!

Lance:
THE HISTORY BETWEEN THESE TEAMS IS LONG AND BITTER, THAT’S FOR SURE!!!

Mason Luck tries to kick Nathan in the face, but he ducks and hits Mason with a chair across the back! Declan hits Mason in the back as well and the blow knocks him from the ring!

Lance:
And there goes our Unified Tag Team champions! 

DDK:
What’s up with Mason though?! He just went off the deep end! 

Max and Mark both have to hold Mase back with Tom Morrow collecting their belts and leaving! Nathan Eye and DEC4L both look at Lonnie in the ring and they offer him a hand. They pull Lonnie to his feet. Tom yells at Max and Mark to get a hold of Mason and get him under control as he leaves the ring!

Lance:
I’m being told this match has officially been declared a no contest! Nobody is going to BRAZEN at least for tonight! But this issue doesn’t appear to be done at all between M4NTRA!

Lonnie is helped to his feet and he and M4NTRA watch the trio leave with the titles!

The first ever inter-promotional event for one night only!

January 9th from Miami!

PRIME'S UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
CECILWORTH FARTHINGTON (C) w/ HANK (PRIME) vs. MALAK GARLAND (DEFIANCE)

HENRY KEYES (DEFIANCE) w/ LINDSAY TROY vs. CANCER JILES w/ VICKIE HALL (PRIME)

IVAN STANISLAV w/ ALEXEI RUSLAN (PRIME) vs. DAN RYAN w/ LINDSAY TROY (DEFIANCE)

KAEL FAM. (PRIME) vs. FUSE BROS. (DEFIANCE)

CORAL AVALON (PRIME) vs. oscar burns w/ sonny silver (DEFIANCE)

BRONSON BOX (DEFIANCE) vs. HAYES HANLON (PRIME)

DEFIANCE'S SOHER OPEN CHALLENGE
URIEL CORTEZ (C) vs. ??? (???)

SCOTT HUNTER & RIA (PRIME) vs. DOCTOR NED REFORM & LEVI COLE (DEFIANCE)

KERRY KUROYAMA w/ AMI TROY (PRIME) vs. DABNEY DOUBLEDAY w/ DOUGLAS DOUBLEDAY (DEFIANCE)

FLYNN CUP CHAMPIONS SHOWCASE
RAIN CITY RONIN (DEFIANCE) (2025) vs. NEW WORLD TRASH w/ AMI TROY (PRIME) (2022)

REVEREND ERIK BLACK (DEFIANCE) vs. BLAZE CLAYMORE (PRIME)

MASTERS OF THE MOSCOWVERSE (PRIME) vs. THE ATOMIC PUNKS w/ DOCTOR AYUMI SATO (DEFIANCE)

JACK HARMEN (DEFIANCE) vs. THE ANGLO LUCHADOR (PRIME)

BAFFROOM FIGHTS
FOR THE COVETED SKETTI BUCKET
FRED DICK (C) (PRIME) vs. JUSTIN SANE (DEFIANCE)

THE DASHERS (BRAZEN) vs. THE AMAZING AMARETTOS (BRAZEN / DEFIANCE) vs. POP CULTURE PHENOMS (PRIME) vs. MYSTERY TEAM~! (???)

LUC LABELLE (PRIME) vs. DECLAN ALEXANDER (DEFIANCE)

Back from commercial, the crane-camera sweeps over the crowd towards the awards stage. The podium stands empty.

Jamie Sawyers:
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our next guest presenter! He is a longtime producer and co-host for DEFIANCE’s longest-running audio program… please welcome, JOE STATS!

Stats waddles up the stage steps, smiling from ear to ear. Dressed in a long sleeve cotton shirt with a black and white tuxedo printed on it and black jeans, Stats finds the podium and takes in the raucous crowd, visibly nervous.

Joe Stats:
Thank you! Thank you very much. You know, DEF Radio has always been about evolution. For almost five years – can you believe that?! – I have been proud to have been a part of a show that is constantly shifting gears and changing ahead of the times. Constantly challenging and rewriting the rules of broadcasting, and sometimes the rules of decency and common sense. I am proud of our whole team, everyone who contributes, who puts themselves out there to connect with the Faithful and deliver a more rounded product that serves the greatest audience in the world.

The crowd cheers for themselves and Joe smiles wider.

Joe Stats:
2025 was a big, challenging year for DEF Radio. We said goodbye to old friends, hello to new ideas, and made a lot of great memories. Tonight, we honor the one, singular moment from 2025 that DEF Radio listeners will carry with them forever. This is the award for “BEST DEF RADIO MOMENT of 2025!”

RAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!

The video package rolls, showing still photos of the performer/moment superimposed inside an olde-timey radio.

Jamie Sawyers:
The nominees are… THE TRIAL OF SCOTTY FLASH… THE DEBUT OF REVEREND BLACK… the BORN OVER MOVIE PREMIERE…

Back to Stats who is already tearing into the envelope. The card trembles in his hands.

Joe Stats:
And the winner is… BROCK NEWBLUDD & the BORN OVER PREMIERE from HOLLYWOOD!!!

BAAAAAALLLLYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

♫ “Metal Health (Bally-Bang Your Head)” by Quiet Riot ♫

As is routine, the music cuts out to give The Faithful their chance to finish Newbludd’s trademark rallying cry. It becomes immediately apparent that a good portion of the people aren’t rallying for Brock tonight after his actions at DEFIANCE Rising. 

The Faithful:
HOOOOBOOOOOHOOOOOBOOOOO!!

Sporting a stylish black pair of slacks, snakeskin dress shoes, and a matching black suit jacket with a Born Over t-shirt underneath it, Brock appears on the stage. Holding a lowball glass in one hand, Newbludd takes in the crowd’s mixed reaction and smirks at them. He shakes his head and takes a sip of his drink before continuing to the podium. 

Joe Stats:
From everyone at DEFRADIO, let me be the first to say congratulations, Brock!

Stats offers the trophy to Newbludd, and Brock takes off his sunglasses. With Stats' arm still extended towards him, the star of Born Over takes his time in folding them and sticking them in the collar of his shirt. With a grin, he takes the trophy from Stats and thrusts it above his head with one hand to incite another conflicted response from the crowd. Placing the trophy on the podium, Brock takes another sip of his drink and rolls his eyes dismissively at the jeering.

Brock Newbludd:
Thank you, Joe. I appreciate all the support DEFRADIO has given Born Over and me this past year. Unlike some people in my life, you and Scotty can recognize greatness when it’s standing right in front of you. Not only did you recognize it, but you also embraced it. Instead of trying to drag me down with personal bullshit, you encouraged me to chase my dreams. And chased them I did, all the way to the top of the box office! That’s why I’m dedicating this award right here to Scotty Flash, a true friend and patriot! 

Brock raises his glass to toast Scotty, and The Faithful’s response leaves no question about how they feel about it as they rain boos down on Newbludd. Draining the entire drink in two gulps, Milwaukee’s Beast wipes his mouth and blindly tosses Stats the empty glass. As Stats fumbles with trying to secure the glass so it doesn’t shatter on the stage, Brock smirks arrogantly and grabs the sides of the podium with both hands.

Brock Newbludd:
You people booing me right now are a bigger disappointment than Pat Cassidy. The fact is, you all should be ashamed of yourselves! For one-third of my life, I have done nothing but give all of you everything! EVERYTHING!

Sneering in anger, Brock slams a fist into the podium as the DEFPLEX fills with boos again.

Brock Newbludd:
But, you people don’t care about that, do you? No, you don’t. You care about Pat Cassidy, that scrappy fighter with the heart of gold! Mr. Family Man! Gimme a break. That sonuvabitch is only in business for himself, and he always has been! He proved that at DEFIANCE Rising, and I made him pay the price for it! That was MY moment, and he RUINED it!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Newbludd shakes his head in disdain. Picking up the trophy, he looks at it for a long second and chuckles.

Brock Newbludd:
You wanna hate on me, go right ahead. Don’t care. And as I stand here holding this award, I can’t help but be reminded of how similar GVP and Pat Cassidy really are. Before Brock Newbludd entered their lives, they were nothin’. Van Patton was a walking meme, and Cassidy was singing karaoke with a guy named Trashcan Tim in a pathetic attempt to win your favor. The fact is, without me, there would be no Pat Cassidy! Without me, he wouldn’t have anything! 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Brock Newbludd:

The truth hurts, people! I showed Cassidy the path to greatness, and he was too weak to walk it.

Newbludd grins.

Brock Newbludd:
And I also showed him at DEFIANCE Rising that, as easily as I made him, I can just as easily break him! 

He raises the trophy.

Brock Newbludd:
But who gives a shit about Pat Cassidy, this ain’t about him! It’s about me, BVP! Thank you very much! Free Scotty Flash 2026!

Sawyers stands ready on stage and, as the overhead crane-camera sweeps overhead and into place, he offers it a curt nod of the head.

Jamie Sawyers:
In this business, championships get remembered. Moments go viral and get replayed. But behind every great competitor who reaches the top, there is usually someone else pulling strings, calling shots, and shaping outcomes when nobody is watching. A great manager does more than JUST talk. They scout, scheme, and protect their investment. They position their stars for greatness. When they are good, they can change the trajectory of careers. When they are great, they can change the ENTIRE landscape of professional wrestling as we know it.

Cutting to a tighter shot of the presenter.

Jamie Sawyers:
This award recognizes the individual who outthought everyone else this year. The one who maximized every opportunity, guided their talent to success, and left a visible mark on every major outcome. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Manager of the Year award.

Shifting to a pre-taped package, a booming voice calls out.

VOICE-OVER:
The nominees are…

It cycles through stills and stock-live-action footage of each. To be honest, the crowd boos all of them.

VOICE-OVER:
TOM MORROW… LORD NIGEL TRICKELBUSH… SIOFRA…

As the package wraps, we shift back to Sawyers on stage.

Jamie Sawyers:
And the winner is…

He opens an envelope and forces a smile when seeing the victor.

Jamie Sawyers:
Lord Nigel Trickelbush!

BOOOOO!!!

Nigel sweeps onto the stage with confidence and swagger. Los Caidos pace menacingly behind him. Sawyers hands Trickelbush the award as the old man takes the podium. He beams sickeningly and straightens the bowler cap atop his head.

Lord Nigel Trickelbush:
This is truly an honor. Auspicious. An auspicious honor. I have, of course, appeared on this stage in acceptance of awards in years past… but never before has the recognition of my efforts, of my contributions, of my SACRIFICES been so pointedly called out, highlighted, or held aloft for public adoration. Never before have my peers and brethren ever deigned me worthy of the reverence and homage I am being bestowed with on this evening.

The smile sours, his demeanor darkens.

Lord Nigel Trickelbush:
And it is LONG overdue.

Nigel regards the trophy in his frail hands with bemused interest.

Lord Nigel Trickelbush:
2025 was, in many ways, MY year… despite its disappointing conclusion, in nearly every way I overacheived. I exceeded the meager expectation of the masses. I MADE men. And I BROKE them. And, my friends…

The right side of his mouth twitches up into an odd half-grin.

Lord Nigel Trickelbush:
In 2026… I will continue that work. I will expand upon it.

He waves a bony hand towards the prowling masked men behind him.

Lord Nigel Trickelbush:
I will continue to raise an army. I will forge my CROWN, one stone at a time. One that will shake the world to its very foundations. One that, in 2026, will reshape DEFIANCE irrevocably.

He holds the trophy up, a prize to behold trembling from the weight and his weakness. He beams.

Lord Nigel Trickelbush:
It’s going to be a LOVELY year, my friends. Simply… Lovely.

The music plays him off and he drifts away on cue and we cut back to the ring.

♫ “Run It" by DJ Snake ♫

The music plays and the members of the crowd familiar with BRAZEN cheer on the trio. The Korean-American Kenny Yi, blonde tatted-up pretty boy Lee Laz, the brown-haired Liz Icarus posing on the ramp while Asi Orochi clicks and takes pictures from her phone. 

Darren Quimbey:
The following is a two on one handicap match scheduled for one fall! Accompanied to the ring by Liz Icarus and Asi Orochi … at a combined weight of 420 pounds … the team of Kenny Yi and Lee Laz … ONLYFLIPS!!!

The cocky quartet head to the ring. Asi Orochi continues taking pictures as the three pose on the apron, then both Laz and Yi backflip in tandem to land inside the ring. 

DDK:
We’ve got a look at OnlyFlips tonight and the numbers are on their side! Tonight Lee Laz and Kenny Yi have been issued a special challenge for a handicap match! They have a very special opponent who demanded this match! 

Lance:
Oh … no. They’re speaking. 

Kenny Yi and Lee Laz have the microphones. 

Kenny Yi:
Tonight, DEFIANCE Wrestling finally gets to get a good long look behind the paywall! Tonight, DEFIANCE Wrestling finally gets a look at some premium content! Your boys Kenny Yi and Lee Laz …

Arm out dramatically. 

Lee Laz:
Are that content! So to whoever asked for a handicap match tonight just know that tonight …  you don’t reach half the numbers that Kenny and I do! Losers, hit Like and Subscribe … 

Kenny Yi and Lee Laz:
TO ONLYFLIPS!!!

Asi films on her phone and Liz is clapping for the guys in the ring. The lights are suddenly pitch black. Kenny Yi starts screaming in the darkness!

Kenny Yi:
Hey! We weren’t done filming! 

Lee Laz:
Yeah, get serious, bruh! 

The camera is now turned to the entrance … 

A loud guitar riff fills the air. 

Godzilla! Mosura! Sore! Sore! Sore! Sore!

The entire stage is bathed in a teal light and three teal stars shine across the DEFIAtron! 

♫ “Godzilla” by Bear McCreary feat. Serj Tankian ♫

Teal lasers fire off on all sides of the arena from the stage. Two pillars of fire erupt on either side of the stage as a very tall monster that stands over all! With a teal headband holding his long brown hair back, he steps into the light and the monster appears. Rocking a teal and white singlet, he taps each of the three stars on his chest and then throws his arms out to roar at the sky! 

Darren Quimbey:
Their opponent … he hails from West Memphis, Arkansas! He stands at seven-foot-three!!! He weighs in at three-hundred and seventy-three pounds!!! He is the “Super Giant” … Oh, no … they say he’s got to go … ROWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! ZILLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Every member of OnlyFlips looks like they’ve stepped in something deep. Rowzilla marches in the direction of the ring and has a snarl on his face that shows that he’s about to enjoy whatever he’s about to do when he gets to the ring.

DDK:
LOOK AT THIS MAN!!! HE’S MASSIVE!!! AND WHEN WE SAW HIM EARLIER TONIGHT, HE WON THE BRAZEN STAR OF THE YEAR AWARD!!!

Lance:
Check the stats, Darren! Seven feet, three inches tall! Almost four hundred pounds! Only twenty one years old! The sky is literally the limit for one of the biggest success stories in BRAZEN history! He’s a former BRAZEN champion and a former Tag Party winner!!! And if I’m OnlyFlips, I’d be heading to the exit! 

Rowzilla scans the cheering arena. He tugs the top rope to pull himself onto the apron. He looks around and then shows off by jumping over the ropes to make it into the ring!

DDK:
That is making an entrance, Lance!

Lance:
A third generation giant of the squared circle and he is right here in DEFIANCE Wrestling now as a full-time member of our main roster!! 

The bell rings … 

DING DING

And Rowzilla feels a drop kick hit him from behind from Kenny Yi! Yi kips up to his feet after landing the drop kick and thinking that he’s embarrassed the giant! Yi turns around and trips backwards. The Super Giant looks back at Kenny … 

With a smile. 

YOU FUCKED UP!!! YOU FUCKED UP!!! YOU FUCKED UP!!! YOU FUCKED UP!!!

Lance:
Oooooh, the network’s gonna be mad at you guys! 

Rowzilla looks at Kenny Yi and Lee Laz … and he dares them to do it again! The Super Giant beats on his chest like an animal. 

DDK:
Is he daring both members of OnlyFlips to attack him at once?! 

Lance:
He sure is! 

Both of the OnlyFlippers bumrush him at the same time as he so nicely requested. They both fire off kicks and punches in a bid to try and get Rowzilla off his feet. Yi tries to kick at Rowzilla’s legs but he shoves him off his feet. Lee Laz goes high but he gets a kick to the stomach to stop himself and then gets hit with a coconut crush facebreaker against Rowzilla’s knee! 

DDK:
Rowzilla was given the nickname of The Super Giant in BRAZEN for not just a meteoric rise in just over a year, but also for how he gets around the ring for someone of his frame. 

Lance:
Not to mention he was born into this business. That’s a potent combination for success! 

OnlyFlips regroup together on the opposite end of the 20x20 and Rowzilla starts smacking his own face.

Even Yi and Laz look shocked by the Knowing their girls are at ringside waiting to be impressed, Lee Laz and Kenny Yi both have the same idea. They both look like they are going to swing on Rowzilla only to fake throw the punches to step on his feet at the same time. Rowzilla is surprised by this and they hit dual standing drop kicks that knock Rowzilla back into the ropes. They both kip up again … 

ROWZILLA HITS THEM WITH A DOUBLE DROP KICK OF HIS OWN!!!

RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

He kicks them both out of the ring entirely! Rowzilla sits right up and throw his palms upwards to a rousing ovation from the awestruck Wrestle-plex fans! 

Lance:
DID I KNOCK BACK A FEW BEFORE THE SHOW AND FORGET IT OR DID A SEVEN FOOT THREE INDIVIDUAL JUST DROP KICK ONLYFLIPS?!?!

DDK:
Both can be true Lance! We hit the eggnog early but my eyes saw that, too!!!

Rowzilla is back to his feet and then he climbs outside the ring to go after Laz and Yi. They are both crawling across the floor with Asi Orochi stands in between them to be a human shield! The DEFIANCE Wrestling Faithful are booing while Rowzilla has a combined bemused and amused expression. 

Lance:
He wouldn’t lay his hands on a woman not in the same match as him would he? 

The question is answered when he grabs Asi by the waist! She screams bloody murder but stop when Rowzilla only lifts her up to put her on the apron out of his way and then pats her on the head to laughter from the Faithful. 

DDK:
That’s one way of removing an obstacle!

Rowzilla has removed Asi Orochi but feels kicks on his legs from Liz Icarus. He looks at her and and then does the same to her by picking her up off her feet. She starts screaming as well only to be put on the apron right next to Asi. When he starts climbing back in the ring, Lee Laz hits a sliding drop kick through the ropes that stuns Rowzilla. Kenny Yi gets ready to fly and show why they are called OnlyFlips. He jumps over the ropes for a vaulting plancha 

Lance:
The flight of OnlyFlips just got cancelled!!!

Because Rowzila has caught Kenny Yi in mid flip over his shoulder! Kenny Yi has a panic attack when the Super Giant flips him around over his shoulder and then hits a snake eyes on the ring apron to take care of him!

DDK:
There goes Kenny Yi! Lee Laz is all alone! 

The last member standing of OnlyFlips sees Rowzilla climb into the ring and charges, but Rowzilla just swats him out of the sky with a shove. Laz is grabbed by the back of his neck. He gets picked up high into the sky and hit with a reverse choke slam!

Lance:
That had to be almost eight feet in the air with that reverse choke slam! I think OnlyFlips might have to start a GoFundMe for their medical bills! 

Once he is kicked over, Rowzilla grabs onto Laz and tips him over. He points the corner and then has an idea. 

DDK:
What is he about to do? 

Rowzilla takes position in the corner. He climbs up the bottom and then the middle rope. He holds out both arms at the same time and then Lee Laz’s life flashes before his eyes when he takes a falling splash off the middle rope from Rowzilla to the shock of all! 

DDK:
You can count to a thousand! That splash is called The Folly of Man! 

A confident Rowzilla throws up fingers to count with the people. 

One … 

Two … 

Three!!!

DING DING DING

♫ “Godzilla” by Bear McCreary feat. Serj Tankian ♫

Rowzilla stands up and the referee can’t grab his arm for a win on account of being way too tall so he stands next to the Super Giant and points!

DDK:
Here’s your winner … ROWZILLAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

The Third Generation Giant hears the people and enjoys the moment. He taps the three stars on his chest and then leans over the rope, puts a hand on the apron and does a quick handstand out of the ring to exit in style! 

Lance:
Grand debut by Rowzilla! He rips right through OnlyFlips in an impressive fashion! 

DDK:
That size! That athletic ability? Say it with me, Lance! Game! Changer! 

The former BRAZEN champion leaves the building and heads behind the curtains with the first win of what could be many in his DEFIANCE career in the books!

A closer look at the professional careers of YOUR favorite DEFIANTS!

The camera cuts back to Jamie Sawyers on stage ready to present his next award. 

Jamie Sawyers:
Ladies and gentlemen, we have seen amazing things happen in DEFIANCE’s tag team division! We crowned the first-ever Ace of Tag Teams! We have seen new blood make their mark! We have seen the Unified Tag Team Titles spotlighted in the main event of Night One of DEFIANCE Rising! The reason we call attention to this is for the first time ever in the history of the DEFy Awards, we have THREE tag teams nominated for our Rookies of the Year! 

He points to the screen above him displaying “ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!”

Jamie Sawyers:
And the nominees are… Felton Bigsby and Adrian Payne… MONEY TALKS!

Rapid-fire clips play featuring the path of destruction caused by the students of Bronson Box!

Jamie Sawyers:
Kilgore, Killjoy and Siofra… KILL OR BE KILLED!

More rapid-fire clips flash showing what the two monsters of Titanes Familia have done!

Jamie Sawyers:
Kaz Troy, Cecilia Ryan and Ami Troy… THE HEIRS TO THE THRONE!

The multi-generational young talents are also seen in quick clips of their rise against the likes of LET! 

Back to Jamie Sawyers in real time with the envelope in hand. 

Jamie Sawyers:
And your award for Rookies of the Year goes to… 

He opens the envelope… 

Jamie Sawyers:
Killjoy, Kilgore and Siofra… KILL OR BE KILLED!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

♫ "War (Viking Chant) by Peyton Perrish ♫

The DEFIANCE Wrestle-Plex is filled with jeering as Siofra approaches the stage first, wearing a black and red form-fitting dress for the occasion. Behind The Fury of the Familia, “The Good Son” Killjoy and the “Familia’s Attack Dog” Kilgore approach the stage. Both men are dressed in their wrestling gear of black leather pants, a black torn shirt and red and black mask for Killjoy, black tights, black fur-covered boots fand red and black facepaint for Kilgore. Both have their signature black vests with gold shoulder spikes… but because this is awards season and the Familia are classy, Kilgore and Killjoy also have small black bowties right beneath their necks. 

Siofra:
Thank you, Jamie. You can leave now. 

Killjoy starts inching towards Jamie and the presenter takes the hint, leaving the DEFy award golden fists at the podium for each member to take. Kilgore looks at his DEFy with a snarl as if the award means little to him while Killjoy is a little more accepting, holding it close. 

Siofra:
It was just one year ago! It was actually one year ago at the 2024 DEFIANCE Year End Awards where Kilgore debuted with me at his side! I promised that he was a force of nature. I promised he would be my right hand of vengeance. He would be the way that I’d right all the wrongs committed against me! But little did I know… little did WE know… not only would we have that vengeance… 

She also looks up towards Killjoy. 

Siofra:
...That we’d find an entire family… no… a FAMILIA!

Recalling her life story, there’s sadness etched on her face. 

Siofra:
I was lost. My own family abandoned me. A husband that promised to love me used me for his own ends. I would be treated badly. I’d be treated like some kind of harlot… but I’ve become so much MORE in this past year! I found my sister in Titaness… shoutout to my sis, Titaness… I found a brother-in-law like YOUR Dad, Uriel Cortez… friends like Mil Vueltas… Brooklynn, even The Big Boss Dan… I have a REAL family that would never hurt me… and not only that, but a Familia who will hurt others who WRONGED me! Who wronged US!

Any sign of sadness? Gone. Replaced by a mixed grin made of up equal parts sinister-and-sadistic. 

Siofra:
And Kilgore found his equal. A monster that was once shunned by his fellow man. A monster that has honed that anger, that rage, that bitterness into something that can’t be stopped in this ring! A monster that has claimed his share of victims including Corvo Alpha, Kendrix and my no-good dirtbag ex, Brock Newbludd! A monster that has served this Familia more than any other… you, Killjoy. 

Killjoy nods once. 

Siofra:
You earned that award. Kilgore. You earned that award, Killjoy. What you’ve seen from Kill or Be Killed is just the START of something wonderful! What you’ve seen from us is just the START of what we’re going to do to this tag team division! 

Siofra points out towards the ring. 

Siofra:
And let me address one last thing before I go… M4NTRA…

RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Siofra:
Ugh. Them. Earlier this week, they challenged Kill or Be Killed to one more match! They wanted a tornado tag team match with ME in there with these monsters! Let me be clear… you WON’T  be getting that match tonight! 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Siofra:
Tonight is a night for celebration… plus, after what we did to you… AND Makayla Namaste, no way you’re at 100%, Nate. No way you’re at 100%, Declan. But we’ll give you a few weeks and we’ll return here to the DEFIANCE Wrestle-Plex. January 21st. Uncut. Bring whoever you want. Do we care? 

Killjoy shakes his head. When Siofra turns to Kilgore…

Kilgore:
If M4NTRA wish to be hunted… I will oblige. 

Siofra:
There you have it, boys. Get well soon. Get someone on your side… because M4NTRA, on Jaunary 21st, you and whoever aligns with you will learn that professional wrestling is a cutthroat business… and in OUR business… it’s either Kill or Be Killed. 

Siofra holds out her award, along with Kilgore and Killjoy. The bowties come right off and get chucked off the stage before they take their leave!

DDK:
Ladies and gentleman, as our award show carries on, I’m told we have a request from the current Favoured Saints Champion to make his presence known.

Lance:
Jack Harmen, the 29 year old wily veteran, defended his title with assistance from Victor Vacio and the Crown against Scott Hunter and Kerry. Now, what’s next for the Neighborhood Lunatic?

DDK:
Looks like we’re about to find out…

♫ “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osborne ♫

As the light fog rises, a light shines through like the headlights of a locomotive. Emerging out from the back is Jack Harmen, throwing his devil horn taunt high to the jeers of the Faithful. Trailing him, is the crusty Lord Nigel, who holds the FS title over his shoulder and cheers on his charge. Harmen gives Nigel a look, and the two quickly storm to ringside.

DDK:
Lord Nigel certainly has gotten a get with the Legendary High Flyer here, hasn’t he?

Lance:
The jewel in the top of the Crown if you will Darren. A legacy that’s unmatched.

DDK:
Lord Nigel recently won Manager of the Year for 2025. I imagine he’s got big plans in 2026…

Harmen climbs to the top turnbuckle as Nigel hands him the FS title. Harmen raises the belt skyward to further jeers. He hops off the buckle, and takes a microphone from Nigel who’s standing on the apron. Harmen helps him into the ring, and then taps the microphone twice.

Jack Harmen:
ALLLLRIGHT DEFIANCE! We are just DAYS away from Immortals, where I get to face off against the Angelo Luchador. But that’s not why I’m out here tonight. Good luck TAL, you’re gonna need it!

DDK:
Indeed, it’s Lucha vs Flyer at Immortals!

Lance:
A match that hasn’t happened in both men’s long careers. It’ll be quite the exhibition!

Jack Harmen:
See, Nigel and I are here tonight for what comes NEXT, what comes AFTER Immortals. And after Immortals, it’s going to be myself, defending this Favoured Saints Championship against each and every DEFIANT who wants their crack at the greatest 29 year old superstar this sport has ever seen!

Nigel claps in the background as Harmen continues to pace.

Jack Harmen:
So I’m out here right now to put the entire locker room on notice. You want to become a champion? You want to be the Favoured Saints Champ? Here’s your shot. I’m laying it out on the line. You wanna be TRULY IMMORTAL?! COME AND SEE, TRY YOUR HAND, drop your quarter in the pond, pray to your heavens and your Gods… and then get to the back of the line when you LOSE.

Silence fills the WrestlePlex as all eyes focus on the entrance. Nothing. Harmen checks his imaginary watch. He taps his wrist to make sure it’s working before putting the mic back up to his mouth.

Jack Harmen:
That’s what I thou-

Lights Out.

The OG Faithful begin to murmur storm clouds appear on the DEFIAtron and thunder rolls through the WrestlePlex. Matching smoke fills the entrance way as flashes of lightning reflect off of Jack Harmen’s face as he narrows his eyes. Flashing lights show the silhouette of a man kneeling in the smoke. He rises to his feet as a large lightning flash shakes the WrestlePlex.

♫ “I Am The Lightning” by Des Rocs ♫

The New Orleans Faithful explode as the hometown boy Matt LaCroix steps out from the smoke. Wearing his signature patched black denim vest, his sobriety coin around his neck replaced by a cross, Southern Strong Style’s hair is just a little longer than it was last time he was seen on DEFIANCE television. Taking in this moment, he looks around the WrestlePlex nodding as Harmen’s eyes go wide.

DDK:
Wow. Just wow. 

Lance:
It’s been almost 3 and a half years since the last time we’ve seen Matthew LaCroix on DEFIANCE television, Keebs. A brachial plexus injury suffered at the hands of Scrow left LaCroix without feeling or strength in his right arm that was thought to be career ending. He showed up to fight Henry Keyes afterwards anyway in a violent match that left the first Favoured Saints champion in worse shape than he entered.

DDK:
As excited as we all are, you have to wonder what kind of condition LaCroix is in, Lance. I know he’s been one of the lead trainers down in BRAZEN rolling around with the kids but last time we saw him he was far from 100%.

Runesansu gets about halfway down the ramp before the current Favoured Saints champion begins waving his arms and doing everything he can to end the fanfare. The music cuts off and the lighting returns to normal as Harmen interrupts the return.

Jack Harmen:
Now, I’m a fighting champion… but I never said I was fighting TONIGHT.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The New Orleans Faithful let Harmen have it as LaCroix paces halfway down the aisle. Now holding a microphone of his own, Matt silences the crowd with his free arm before he speaks.

Matt LaCroix:
Ça va, Jack? I’m not sure if ya know, mais dis be a bit of a homecomin fo me and I heard you were a fightin champ, no? Da kinda man dat takes on all comers… or am I confusin you wit Ti-Flyer? If I am, I can jus go back an wait for him before we laissez les bons temps rouler!

Southern Strong Style scratches the scruff on his chin before he nods in enlightenment.

Matt LaCroix:
Nah… that can’t be right. I see ma cher on ya shoulder. I made dat Favoured Saints Championship famous, no? I say me an you, a couple of old guys, have a fais do-do in dat ring right now an give Orlins a show. Whatcha think, Orlins?

The Faithful give a massive ovation as LaCroix holds the mic into the air, as if it’s giving Harmen an easier time hearing the giant green wave of approval.

Jack Harmen:
Now, I’m not entirely sure all the words you just spewed cause your accent needs closed captioning… but I gather you want a shot at ol’ goldie? 

Harmen taps his FS title on his shoulder. Matt nods.

Jack Harmen:
THEN let’s do it!

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Jack smiles.

Jack Harmen:
Next DEFtv.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Jack Harmen:
JACK HARMEN, versus MATTY L, and when you get that fat L, you can go back to the unemployment line and nurse the wounds you have that’ll NEVER heal!

The 29 year-old Favoured Saints Champion drops the microphone and waves goodbye to the returned DEFIANT as “Crazy Train” plays over the speakers to the disappointment of the OG Faithful. LaCroix snaps his fingers in dissatisfaction as he backs up the aisle, but makes sure to make a belt motion around his waist as if he’s putting the champion on notice that his time is running out.

DDK:
A disappointment for those here at the WrestlePlex but a huge development nonetheless. “The First Favoured Saint” Matt LaCroix is back in DEFIANCE and he’s going to face Jack Harmen at DEFtv 230.

Lance:
What a match that’s going to be, Keebs. Two of the greatest wrestlers of all time mixing it up for the Favoured Saints Championship. Here’s to hoping Matt LaCroix coming back isn’t putting himself in even more danger for his future.

The camera cuts back to Jamie Sawyers on stage ready to present the Breakout DEFIANT of the Year!

Jamie Sawyers:
DEFIANTs, this next award goes out to the Breakout DEFIANT of the Year! Someone that made people stand up, take notice and grab the attention of our Faithful. Whether you loved them, hated them or respected them, you couldn’t take your eyes off of them as they cemented their status in 2025. And now, the nominees… 

He points to the screen above him displaying “Breakout DEFIANT of the Year”!

Jamie Sawyers:
And the nominees are… Lonnie Luck… 

Rapid-fire clips play featuring the unlikely rise of the former Favoured Saints Champion… that is, before his unfortunate fate earlier this evening. 

Jamie Sawyers:
Levi Cole aka TA Cole! 

Rapid-fire clips of what Levi Cole has accomplished against the likes of Rezin and his reformed Honor Society!

Jamie Sawyers:
Your current Southern Heritage aka the SOHER… excuse me, the SO-US… “The Man of the House” Uriel Cortez!

Clips of the rise of “The Man of The House” play through what many have also called a career-defining year!

Back to Jamie Sawyers in real time with the envelope in hand. 

Jamie Sawyers:
And your award for Breakout DEFIANT of the Year goes to… 

He opens the envelope… 

Jamie Sawyers:
"THE MAN OF THE HOUSE" URIEL CORTEZ!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

♫  "Familia" by Anuel AA and Nicky Minaj feat. Bantu ♫

Walking out onto the stage in the extra-expensive black and gold pinstriped suit, a black turtleneck underneath, his signature gold-tinted round sunglasses, the giant takes the stage and gets booed out of the building as he holds the SO-HIS championship belt in hand. He pauses and then points behind him… 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

…and the jeering continues! Titaness also takes the stage, muscular figure and all! Wearing a glamorous golden dress with her SO-HERS championship belt fastened tightly around her waist and matching sunglasses to that of her husband’s. The insufferable power couple of DEFIANCE walk arm in arm towards the podium. Jamie Sawyers steps aside to hand The Man of the House his DEFy award, but Uriel looks at it. 

Uriel Cortez:
Cut the music, cut the music.

He points towards Titaness. 

Uriel Cortez:
Where the hell is hers? 

Jamie Sawyers:
Er… Uriel, this is a single award. This award is for you. 

Titaness ain’t trying to hear that. Uriel sees this and calmly takes one exaggeratedly large step back allowing Titaness to take the mic off the podium. 

Titaness:
No, no, no, no, no… we’re not doing this, Jamie. You aren’t going to pull some of this crap with DEFIANCE’s parental figures. He’s the SO-HIS! 

Cortez inches towards the mic in her hand.

Uriel Cortez:
She’s the SO-HERS. 

Titaness:
And you know who you BETTER cough up an extra DEFy for, Lance?

They look at each other and both scream into the microphone. 

Uriel Cortez and Titaness:
SO-US!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Realizing his back is up against the wall, Jamie looks at the nearby table and grabs an extra DEFy before presenting it to Titaness. 

Titaness: [in a sweetheart voice]
THANK YOU, JAMIE! YOU’RE SO NICE!

She glowers towards him. 

Titaness: [Not so nice]
Now kick rocks, Small. 

Lance leaves the stage with the quickness, leaving Uriel and Titaness standing on the stage. 

Uriel Cortez: [sarcastically]
Me? Breakout star, huh? Well, who’d have guessed? 

He looks at his DEFy. 

Uriel Cortez:
Look at the competition… Somebody took out TA Cole and rumors are he ain’t gonna be back for a while. Shame, I always liked that dude. Lonnie Luck had a great run this year, but you saw the first match of the show… that little shit-pellet got whooped by his cousins. So who’d that leave… huh… 

Titaness:
That guy that beat the caps outta OSCAR BURNS? 

Uriel Cortez:
Me. 

Titaness:
The guy that took the Southern Heritage Championship from Brock Newbludd and tried to help fix a friendship before Pat Cassidy messed it all up? 

Uriel Cortez:
Me… although you beat Pat that same night when you tried to help, too. That was pretty dope. 

Titaness:
Call me the REAL ACE of DEFIANCE! 

Uriel Cortez:
Then when everyone thought Vae Victis’ shit didn’t stink and Lindsay Troy tried to come in between OUR SO-US Championship, who beat her despite HER husband trying to jump us?

Titaness:
We did! 

Uriel and Titaness both tap their championships together.

Uriel Cortez:
Damn right. 

He addresses the jeering crowd. 

Uriel Cortez:
Ain’t NOBODY done what we’ve done this year! The names I’ve beaten for us to earn a shot at this title? The names I’ve beaten to win this title? And the names I’ve beaten to KEEP this title? The first co-champions in the history of this title! Who did it better? NOBODY! And not just here! I defended this title in a PRISON! We defended this title in FRANCE! And on January 9th, we’re the first-ever champion defending this title outside DEFIANCE borders! Next up, at PRIME x DEFIANCE: Immortals.. I’m issuing an Open Challenge for OUR SO-US Championship! Against ANYONE from either promotion! But if you accept, know this… 

The Man of the House gestures to the title. 

Uriel Cortez:
I’m DEFIANCE’s Daddy! Me beating Lindsay Troy makes me PRIME’s Daddy, too. And if ANYONE from either promotion has the balls to try and take this from us, then I’m gonna be YOUR Daddy, too! 

Cortez grins. 

Uriel Cortez:
2025 was great and 2026 is going to be even greater… for the Talls. 

Titaness:
Not so much for you, Smalls. 

Their music plays the SO-US Champion off the podium, fortunately for everyone else including Lance, who is just trying to do his job. 

DDK:
What a match that we have for you next! OSCAR BURNS has been waiting for his revenge ever since “The GLOAT” Mil Vueltas put him out of action for almost three months with rib injuries! Tonight, here at Home for the Holidays… OSCAR will have the chance to do just that! 

Lance:
We saw OSCAR BURNS make an emphatic return at DEFIANCE Rising by attacking Mil Vueltas and keeping him from running away from his match with “Sub Pop” Scott Douglas! OSCAR would then chase Mil clear out of the arena! 

DDK:
OSCAR BURNS would also attack DEFSec to get at Mil, and he was given a severe undisclosed fine. From what I understand, Sonny Silver paid that fine out of his own pocket. Once it was paid, this match was made! Tonight, The All-Caps Grappler looks to get his revenge on Mil Vueltas!

Lance:
But nobody said it was going to be easy. Mil Vueltas has really displayed cunning on his part. He’s baited OSCAR into traps,, he’s injured him and has largely remained one step ahead since Mil turned his back on him and helped disband the GC Universe. Tonight, will that continue to be the case or will OSCAR make the self-proclaimed DEFIANCE’s Biggest Hero pay for his crimes?!

The camera cuts to ringside. 

Darren Quimbey:
This next match is set for one fall! Introducing first… 

♫ “Hero” by Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott ♫

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The Home Base Faithful are already at a fever pitch of hate! A white spotlight shines up in the arena. Standing in said white spotlight, being taken to task by The Faithful that shows his recent victories in the ring: is none other than the man who took OSCAR BURNS out of action at Acts of DEFIANCE and followed that up with a win over “The Biggest Boy” Dex Joy (via countout…) and a stolen win over Scott Douglas in tag team action! (omitted is the result of DEFIANCE Rising)

Darren Quimbey:
Representing Titanes Familia! From Tijuana, Mexico and currently residing in… your hearts… weighing in at 180 pounds… He is The man who rid DEFIANCE of OSCAR BURNS… He is The Man of a Thousand Flips! He is The GLOAT! And he is DEFIANCE’s Biggest Hero… 

Pause. 

Darren Quimbey:
MILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL… VUELTASSSSSSSS!

Yelling to The Faithful like they were cheering him on (hint: They aren’t. At all.), the GLOAT
walks down the steps heading down towards the ring, dressed in all-white mask, baggy pants-length tights and boots all decorated with gold and silver rhinestones, along with a pristine white fur coat! As he steps over the ropes, DEFIANCE’s Biggest Hero waves and blows kisses to The Faithful. He then heads up into the ring as Chad Kroeger and Josey Scott’s musical stylings serenade the arena! He stands with a foot leaning on the top turnbuckle and points to the heavens with a single white spotlight illuminating his appearance! 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Sparkling pyro erupts from the other three turnbuckles before Mil leaps into the ring and sheds his cape. 

Lance:
For a man that ran as far away from OSCAR BURNS as he possibly could, The GLOAT is not lacking for confidence. 

The music cuts as Mil holds a hand to his heart and listens to the fans booing! 

Mil Vueltas:
Si! Si! Boo OSCAR BURNS! Boo that CABRON! And I’m saying that in all caps! 

Suddenly the lights go dark.

The DEFIAtron lights up…

Two words flash across the screen in all-gold… 

OSCAR BURNS

RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHH!

The screen continues to display the name and Mil looks sickened by its presence. He watches the words, along with everyone else… 

The words transform. Still all-gold… but a noticeable difference. 

Oscar. Burns.
No All Caps.
Just. Graps.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

♫ “Teardrop” by Like A Storm ♫

A lone figure walks out from the back wearing a dark green wrestling robe with a hood covering his face. The twisted, but melodic sounds of didgeridoo of the New Zealand-based band mixed with hard rock play him down the ramp as he makes a steady motion. He turns around to show the message on the back of the robe…

Back 2 The Graps!

Darren Quimbey:
And his opponent… from Wellington, New Zealand, but he calls home… RIGHT HERE IN NEW ORLEANS… [cheap pop]... weighing in at 240 pounds… he has told us he’s back to normal Oscar Burns!”TWISTS AND TURNS”... OSCAR BURNS!

DDK:
He’s back! He’s back to regular case Oscar Burns!

Lance:
But there is NOTHING regular about this man! Former Favoured Saints Champion. Former two-time FIST of DEFIANCE! One of the biggest names in our sport is here tonight to get the head of the man who betrayed him earlier this year! 

Oscar removes the wrestling robe and he’s back to the classics! Dark green wrestling trunks, kneepads and dark green wrestling shoes with golden-colored laces! He looks to be made out of granite tonight and has been keeping up on his time off!

DDK:
This might be the best shape we’ve ever seen Oscar Burns in! He looks jacked! 

Lance:
He’s got a clean bill of health and he looks ready for tonight!

Benny Doyle calls for the bell… 

DING DING

Mil Vueltas is a very fast wrestler… but even HE can’t stop Oscar from coming at him like a rocket when he gets LEVELED by a running elbow smash that knocks him clear off his feet to a huge cheer from The NOLA Faithful!

Lance:
Oh, my God! 

DDK:
Did you see how fast Oscar jumped on top of Mil Vueltas? He says he’s all about the graps, but tonight, he’s gonna be all about trying to earn some revenge!

He picks up Mil and a swift European uppercut sends The GLOAT flying into the buckle! Oscar points towards across the ring. He charges from one corner and then heads back to the other side before CRASHING into Mil with a running European uppercut in the corner! Mil convulses, but Burnsie stops him before he goes down! Oscar grabs the arm and then whips him cross-corner and Oscar immediately follows with another running European uppercut against the jaw!

DDK:
LOOK AT OSCAR GO! UPPERCUTS EVERYWHERE!

He does it again and whips Mil across the ring… THIRD UPPERCUT!

Then again to the other side… FOURTH UPPERCUT!

After four nasty running uppercuts, Oscar trips Mil up in the corner and then starts putting the boots to him! The crowd knows what to do!

LET’S GO, BURNSIE!

STOMP STOMP STOMP-STOMP-STOMP!

LET’S GO, BURNSIE!

STOMP STOMP STOMP-STOMP-STOMP!

LET’S GO, BURNSIE!

STOMP STOMP STOMP-STOMP-STOMP!

Oscar jumps out of the corner and climbs to the middle buckle to a HUGE ovation from The Faithful as Mil remains slumped over in the corner, too hurt to do anything! 

DDK:
The Let’s Go, Burnsie stomps ring out! He used to do that in his earlier days when the crowd reactions used to be negative. But listen to these people! They’ve rejuvenated him! 

Lance:
And a motivated Oscar Burns at his best is the worst news that Mil Vueltas can here tonight! 

The Man of a Thousand Flips is picked up out of the corner as Oscar grabs him again. He slowly twists the arm before whipping him to the other side of the ring. Burns charges for what could be a fifth consecutive uppercut, but somehow Mil slides past the ring post and ends up on the floor. He tries to catch his breath and starts walking away from the ring… 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Lance:
We say it time and time again, Darren, but… some hero that Mil Vueltas is!

DDK:
Some fans have branded him… as nicely as I can put this… “chicken feces.”

Lance:
Ew.

Mil heads back up the ramp, but Oscar isn’t waiting. He runs and climbs out of the ring. Mil turns, then ZIPS right past him to end back up in the ring himself! Oscar twists and turns his way back towards the ring, only for Mil to catch him with a handspring kick that knocks him off the apron! The booing is LOUD as Mil gets up to a knee and laughs before he regains his bearings. 

DDK:
He’s got Oscar stunned! 

Taking flight, Mil uses his superior speed and runs off the ropes before trying to zip through the bottom rope with a Super Rapido tope… 

COUNTERED WITH AN ELBOW SMASH! 

RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!

Lance:
Incredible! Mil Vueltas thought he suckered in Oscar, only for Burnsie to turn it right around!

DDK:
What a twist! And now where’s he gonna go with Mil?

Mil is slumped through the ropes when Oscar drags him out to the floor in a front facelock. The Master Grapster scans the arena… 

ROLLING RELEASE SUPLEX ON THE APRON!

The impact is great! Vueltas’ body hits the ring apron with a tremendous impact and cries out in pain!

DDK:
Burns just dumped Mil back-first onto the apron! He calls that rolling release suplex “The Chocka-Block!”

Mil Vueltas is pushed back under the ropes and Oscar follows him in. He heads to the corner and measures himself up from the second rope… 

Oscar Burns: [and The Faithful]
SWEET AS!

Nodding back to an oldie but a goodie, he takes flight and drops a diving knee drop from the second rope right into the chest of The GLOAT!

DDK:
This has been such a one-sided beating! Oscar with the first cover of the match! 

He goes for the hook of the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Mil gets a shoulder up, but Oscar grabs the left arm and starts to slam it into the canvas! Mil is reeling, but it goes from bad to worse when Oscar starts to pull the arm back! Mil tries to protest, but Oscar gets a foot up and STOMPS on the crook of the elbow! Mil cries out in pain again and he is reeling! Oscar Burns yells out to The Faithful. 

Oscar Burns:
WHO WANTS AN ARM AS A SOUVENIR?!

Lance:
The funny part is I don’t even think Oscar is kidding here! He’s dissecting Mil Vueltas!

Mil is holding onto his arm near the ropes. He tries to sit up on the apron, but Oscar grabs him by his mask! DEFIANCE’s Biggest Hero frantically flails his arm around! Oscar tries to pull him over but Mil grabs Benny Doyle’s shirt to try and save himself. When Doyle pulls himself away, Mil throws a desperation rear kick and nails Oscar with a low blow! Burns immediately hunches over in pain and The Faithful are reading Mil the riot act! 

MIL, YOU SUCK!
MIL, YOU SUCK!
MIL, YOU SUCK!
MIL, YOU SUCK!

Lance:
HEY! THAT LITTLE WORM! 

When Doyle turns around, Mil is also hunched over so as to hide what actually happened. But Mil finds a chance to save himself when he hits a shotgun dropkick to the back of Oscar, sending him stumbling forwards into the nearby middle rope! The Man of a Thousand Flips takes a moment or two to collect himself and then lands up to his feet with a no-hands kip-up! 

DDK:
That low blow went undetected by Benny Doyle! And now Mil has the advantage! 

Burns is near the ropes when Mil sees Oscar. He makes like a rocket towards the ropes and gains speed before DRIVING a double knee strike to the back of Oscar as he’s leaned against the middle rope! Oscar falls back to the canvas while Mil rolls through the impact back to his feet. He shakes some feeling back into the left arm that Oscar tried to work earlier and then waits on Twists and Turns to get back to a knee, only to SMACK him upside the head with a bicycle knee strike to the jaw!

DDK:
Oscar is finally down! For the first time, Mil Vueltas might have a sustained advantage! 

Mil Vueltas stands with Oscar’s fallen body behind him and poses before hitting a very impressive standing corkscrew moonsault! The 180-pound Mil gets back to his feet, then hits the nearby middle rope, then springboards off with a springboard corkscrew senton this time around!

Lance:
I’m not giving Mil Vueltas any credit, but he’s seemingly weathered the storm and now has the advantage over Oscar! 

DDK:
Indeed. The athletically irritating Mil Vueltas hit a pair of corkscrew senton variations! Can Mil get the win?! 

Vueltas leans back and hooks a far leg with his good arm! 

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Oscar gets the shoulder up, much to Mil’s annoyance!

Lance:
I can only imagine what Oscar has gone through at the hands of this little cockroach the past six months. Oscar was no saint, but Mil Vueltas and Dan Leo James both sold out his GC Universe to go back to Titanes Familia. 

DDK:
Yeah. They injured Oscar when he came back for revenge and it’s been a tough 2025 for this man. Maybe his toughest career year yet, but Oscar is looking for a turnaround. 

But Mil isn’t making it easy. As Oscar tries to fight back to his feet, Mil plants a stiff shoot kick to the chest. He fires off one behind him to the back, then to the chest. Back. Chest. Back. He opens up the kicks, then charges off the ropes looking for a penalty kick… 

BUT OSCAR CATCHES THE BOOT! 

DDK:
Oh, no! Spoke too soon! 

The Regular-Caps Grappler has Mil by the leg and slowly steps up to his feet! He grabs Mil’s leg, but The Man of a Thousand Flips has a backflip just for Burnsie when he lands on his feet! Oscar approaches him, but catches an eye poke from Mil! 

Lance:
Oh, come on! 

Doyle reprimands Mil Vueltas for what he’s just done, but Mil brushes him off and hooks Oscar’s head before kicking off the ropes to connect with a huge step-up tornado DDT!

DDK:
No! Oscar thought he had it, but Mil Vueltas counters once again and lands that huge DDT! 

After Burnsie is planted again, Mil looks down at Oscar and then puts the L up to his forehead and stars hitting the “Take the L” dance from Fortnite! Mil hits a handspring off the ropes right into a HUGE backflip elbow drop right into the heart of Oscar!

DDK:
Mil Vueltas scores Take This L-Bow! But that’s not enough! 

Knowing that Oscar isn’t going to be done, Mil hits the nearby ropes again. He looks behind him to make sure that the former two-time FIST stays down and then LEAPS off the middle rope for a second-rope phoenix splash! 

Lance:
Mil Vueltas is hitting every single flip that he possibly can! 

DDK:
Will the second-rope phoenix splash be enough! 

Mil hooks the legs again!

ONE!

TWO!

THR… KICKOUT! 

RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Mil Vueltas:
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! YOU NO HERO! I AM! 

Mil slaps the canvas multiple times, frustrated he hasn’t been able to put Oscar away just yet! He starts jabbing his boot into the face of Oscar. 

Mil Vueltas:
YOU! YOU TRAITOR! YOU’RE NOT DEFIANCE! YOU’RE TRASH! 

Oscar’s retort? 

ELBOW TO THE FACE!

Lance:
Ooooh! That elbow was NASTY! 

Mil looks glassy-eyed and has to shake the cobwebs out, but he comes back as Oscar tries to fight back up. He lands another elbow! 

DDK:
Oscar Burns is fighting back! He’s clearly been working on those elbow strikes on his time off! 

Mil ducks under a third one and clips the knee of Oscar with a superkick before he throws one upwards onto the jaw of Oscar! Oscar is stunned when Mil comes at him with a tilt-a-whirl into an armbar takedown right into a NASTY fujiwara armbar on Oscar!

DDK:
I can’t believe it! Mil has managed to stay one step ahead of Oscar in the past few minutes and now he’s turned the tables on Twists and Turns! He calls this La Flipstica! 

The Faithful are YELLING for Oscar not to tap out as Mil has the fujiwara armbar locked in and cranks back on the arm!

Mil Vueltas:
¡ENVIAR! ¡RÍNDETE! ¡RÍNDETE Y VETE! 

Mil cranks back on the arm as Oscar fights towards the ropes! 

Lance:
Oscar is trying to make it towards the ropes! Can he make it there?! 

BURNSIE!
BURNSIE!
BURNSIE!
BURNSIE!

Hearing the people cheering him emphatically for the first time in several years, Oscar crawls towards the ropes! Mil goes wide-eyed, but Oscar is close… 

AND GETS HIS FREE FOOT ON THE ROPES!

Lance:
HE MAKES THE ROPES! HE MADE IT! MIL HAS TO RELEASE THE SUBMISSION!

Rage now festering over, Mil Vueltas SCREAMS as he has no choice but to let go of the hold! 

DDK:
Nothing that Mil Vueltas has tried has worked! He’s tried to keep Oscar down with every dirty trick and every spectacular flip, but Burns isn’t going away! 

Oscar is still near the ropes, but Mil fires off a penalty kick to the arm he just worked over! Now Oscar gets a taste of his own medicine as Mil takes to the ring apron. He waits on Oscar to get back up. 

Lance:
What’s he going for here?

DDK:
I don’t know! I don’t know, but if he hits whatever he’s got in mind, I don’t think Oscar’s in a position to take too much more damage here! 

Mil waits on Oscar. Nursing one arm, The Master Grapster is positioning himself steadily to try and get back up. He looks right at Mil with a look of hatred reserved only for his worst enemies. Mil gets ready… 

Mil takes flight… 

 

SMACK!

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

HE GETS SUPERKICKED OUT OF MID-AIR BY OSCAR BLOODY BURNS!

Lance:
WHAT IN THE HELL?! OSCAR! OSCAR JUST KNOCKED MIL OUT OF THE SKY!

DDK:
DID… DID WE JUST SEE OSCAR BURNS OF ALL PEOPLE UNLEASH A SUPERKICK?!?!

The replays catch it all! Oscar lands the kick PERFECTLY! No dancing. No tuning up anything. Just pure precision and execution as he KICKS Mil right out of the sky mid-springboard to a TREMENDOUS ovation from the people! 

DDK:
THAT WAS INCREDIBLE! WHAT A COUNTER!

Mil Vueltas looks like he may be out cold, but Oscar Burns slowly picks himself up! He’s not done! He looks out to The Faithful and then cries out before he picks Mil up slowly and then gets him across the shoulders with a fireman’s carry! 

Lance:
Now what?!

Oscar looks out, then from the fireman’s carry, he pops Mil up right into a STIFF European Uppercut on the way down!

DDK:
HE CALLS THAT GO NITE-NITE! MIL MIGHT BE DONE! 

Mil might be done, but Oscar isn’t! He grabs the leg of Mil and then pulls him to the center of the ring! He interlocks the leg and then applies a modified STF, but CRANKS on a sleeper hold around the neck of The Man of A Thousand Flips! 

DDK:
AND ANOTHER NEW MOVE BY OSCAR, WHOSE GOT SEVERAL! NEK MINNIT! HE’S GOT THE SLEEPER HOLD STF LOCKED IN!

He CRANKS back on the neck of Mil, who can’t take too much more! Mil gets a hand up… 

TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP!

RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

DING DING DING

♫ “Teardrop” by Like A Storm ♫

Oscar lets go of the submission after the bell rings and slowly inches up to a knee, still favoring the left arm Mil worked earlier. He takes a deep breath and can’t help but hide a smile right now as he looks all around to the cheering people!

Darren Quimbey:
Here is your winner by submission… ”TWISTS AND TURNS” OSCAR BURNS!

With Mil Vueltas laid out on the canvas, Oscar crawls up towards the middle turnbuckle!

DDK:
How sweet it is?! How sweet is this?! Oscar Burns gets some major revenge and defeats Mil Vueltas tonight! An achievement as personal to him as any DEFy Award can be tonight! 

Lance:
That it is! For months, he’s had to listen to this little turncoat talk smack about him on TV. Every week, bragging about how he got rid of Oscar Burns! That he was a hero Oscar Burns stopped being years ago! But now tonight, one-on-one, Oscar Burns has submitted Mil Vueltas to end his year on a high note and seemingly has the support of The Faithful once again! 

Mil Vueltas is leaning against the steel steps outside the ring, battered and beaten after this grueling match. And not to mention, nursing a sore jaw from an Oscar Burns superkick of all things! Meanwhile in the ring. 

Thump thump thump. 

Oscar Burns. Mic in hand. 

The music cuts. It takes a moment for Oscar to catch his breath. 

He looks out to the people. 

BURNSIE!
BURNSIE!
BURNSIE!
BURNSIE!

The chants cut him off for a moment as even he can’t fight back a smile. 

DDK:
We haven’t heard the Burnsie chants this loud in years!

The Master Grapster waits for the chants to fade a bit. 

Oscar Burns:
Come on, GCs, we’ve still got like half a show left and a buncha DEFys to hand out! 

Some laughter erupts as Oscar tries to move things along. 

Oscar Burns:
Yeah nah, I’m keeping this short and sweet, GCs. It’s real simple. I’ve had time off to reflect on the things I’ve done… the people I’ve hurt… my peers AND the people I’ve let down. I got humbled. I got humiliated. I got betrayed. And my actions of four years caught up to me… I gotta make up for all of it. I do. I really do. Cause this time off… 

Now they’re hanging on every word. 

Oscar Burns:
And all that time, I’ve come to one realization, my friends… Oscar Burns? 

He looks up. 

Oscar Burns:
All-caps, lowercase, no caps, however you say my name… Oscar Burns… Is NOT DEFIANCE. 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Oscar Burns:
Whoa, whoa, whoa, don’t pack a sad, don’t pack a sad. It’s true… I spent FOUR YEARS telling you all that. And it took me FOUR YEARS to see that wasn’t true. Only one can call themselves DEFIANCE… 

Pause. 

Oscar Burns:
And that’s all of you. 

RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Oscar Burns:
You decide your favorites. You decide our fate. You can cheer me if you want. You can boo me if you want. Hell, I deserve it if you want to boo me… but I’m done with capes. I’m done with golden bloody shovels. I’m done with ALL CAPS. I’m done screaming to the high heavens about being something I’m not… but what I CAN do? Better than anyone else back there in that locker room? 

He taps on the canvas with his foot.

Oscar Burns:
…Is get back to what matters HERE! This twenty-by-twenty ring I’m in! These four corners! These three ropes! Two competitors! And one winner! What this sport SHOULD be about. GCs… we’re going BACK… 

Oscar huffs. 

Oscar Burns:
TO THE GRAPS! 

He throws the microphone down and throws his good arm up to loud applause! Taking one more moment, he soaks in the adulation and leaves the ring, heading to the back. 

DDK:
Wow… a humbled Oscar Burns. Did you ever think we’d live through four years of what he did and come out the other side?

Lance:
There were times it looked bleak! But for 2026 onwards, it looks like we’ve got some version of the old Oscar Burns back! And these people are so happy to see it, Darren! 

Burns heads back up the ramp and nods to the people one more time before disappearing behind the curtains. 

The Original DEFIANT

Back on the stage, Sawyers steps under the lights and grips either side of the awards podium.

Jamie Sawyers:
They unfold piece by piece, month by month, sometimes right in front of us, sometimes just out of view. They reward patience and punish assumptions. They evolve as the people inside them change, break, adapt, or double down.

The camera tightens on Sawyers.

Jamie Sawyers:
This award honors the story that never stopped moving. The narrative that shaped events all year, demanded attention, and made every chapter feel necessary, VITAL. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Ongoing Story of the Year award.

Cutting to a video package, the narrator cuts in once more. The highlight reel, set to some kind of techno bullshit, pulses to the beat – featuring highlights and low spots of all the entrants long threads.

VOICE-OVER:
The nominees are… NED REFORM, REVEREND REZIN & THE HONOR SOCIETY… THE ROCKY FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN PAT CASSIDY & BROCK NEWBLUDD… CORVO ALPHA VS THE MASKED VIOLATORS… URIEL AND TITANESS’ CO-SOHER SO-US RUN… MALAK’S IDENTITY CRISIS…

The crowd roars as the scene cuts back to the awards stage.

Jamie Sawyers:
And the winner is…

Fighting with the envelope, Sawyers bites his lower lip as it finally gives in. He opens the card carefully and clears his throat.

Jamie Sawyers:
It’s CORVO ALPHA and MV1 & 2!

Sawyers looks towards the massive screen – and then so do we. A pre-taped video rolls:
A dark and gritty inner city street at night. The air hums under the harsh halide bulb overhead. A crumpled page from a newspaper blows by. A car alarm, somewhere in the distance wails.

The camera settles slowly, lower to the ground. It rests when it finds the raised fist of a year end award trophy resting on the blacktop. It is smudged with thick clumps of yellow, red, and blue.

A shadow falls across the ground, passing over the trophy, halting, then back again. And so it goes. The monster paces, uneasy.

Voice:
Keep your trophy.

Like steel on stone, the man’s voice is low but animated.

Voice:
I like belts. Keep your trophy.

Somewhere in the distance, a police siren approaches the car alarm. Their tones and competing rhythms dance. The animal’s pacing is undeterred.

Voice:
When I FIGHT… I don’t FIGHT for trophies. I ain’t gonna wear a TUX. Not going to your gala. I fight for belts. I FIGHT for who I AM, BECAUSE of who I am! Who I’ve always been! So go on, you KEEP your trophy. 

The shadow snorts. Spits. Mercifully, it “lands” off camera.

Voice:
Same trophy, two years running. It’s a “story” to you. It’s a “game” to you. It’s a “show” to you. I don’t tell stories. I don’t play games. And I’m not here for SHOW. I’M the guy who’s been to hell and back. I’M the guy who lost his mind just long enough to find himself. I’M the guy who DOESN’T NEED A TROPHY to remind him WHO HE IS. So you can KEEP it.

Thirty yards behind the trophy, a skittish black cat scampers across the alley.

Voice:
The story's OVER. It wasn’t the ending you wanted. Wasn’t the ending *I* wanted. But it’s done. I want to be sure the old man knows that. That he remembers it. I want him to know I OWN those masks. I OWN these colors. My name. All of it.

The pacing shadow halts, leering over the paint-splattered trophy. 

Voice:
I like BELTS. 

The shadow lurches and a heavy boot kicks the trophy, sending it skittering across the pavement.

Voice:
…keep the trophy. Give it to the old man. I want him to remember who ended it. Who won. I want him to remember. Give it to him. But be sure he knows *I’m* the man who won it.

After a moment, the shadow skulks off, feet on pavement with it. The camera turns up to the night sky as it fades out.

Backstage! 

Chris Trutt!

UNCUT.

DEFIANCE Year End Awards!

Chris Trutt:
Ladies! Gentlemen! Thanks for joining us for awards season! And with me tonight… a special guest! Here with me in the year 2026…

He moves to the side. 

Chris Trutt:
BUTCH VIC!

RRRRRRAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Cheers break out for the former Favoured Saints and BRAZEN Star Cup Champion! In a very… unique get-up for the occasion, even for him! Blue jeans, yellow sneakers and a blue and yellow sparkling vest with what looks to be built-in speakers on the shoulders! 

Butcher Victorious:
BUTCH VIC… HAS THE STICK! 

The fans chant along as he taps his skull.

Butcher Victorious:
BUTCH VIC… HAS THE SKULL THAT’S THICK!

Then he gestures to a poster nearby for the Year End Awards. 

Butcher Victorious:
AND LIKE TRUTT JUST SAID… WE’RE WALKING RIGHT THROUGH THE DOORS INTO 2026!

Cheering fills the Wrestle-Plex as Chris Trutt continues. 

Chris Trutt:
I heard the scuttlebutt backstage. You have an announcement you wanted to make tonight? 

Butcher Victorious:
Yeah, I did… 2025… I got to do a lot in that time! I got to re-up my first sponsorship deal with Mic Dropz Energy… speaking of… one sec, gotta pay a few extra bills, man… 

Butcher holds up a can of Mic Dropz Energy Amplitude!

Butcher Victorious:
Feeling low on energy? Feeling quiet? Not for long! Say it loud and say it proud! The new Mic Dropz Energy: Amplitude! Just one drink is all you need to feel that AMPLITUDE! That Cherry Cola taste will fuel you right up! Get it at ALL your concession stands now! 

He turns back to Chris Trutt!

Butcher Victorious:
And we gotta move back from side business to WRASSLIN’ business! I’ve had a great 2025! I’ve been part of The Lads and found something I never had with the likes of Vae Victis and Oscar Burns… and that’s FRIENDS! 

Loud cheers!

Butcher Victorious:
I got to kick the heck out of The Honor Society! I shared the ring with the FIST of DEFIANCE and a future Hall of Famer Dan Ryan! I got to go back to where it all began for me… BRAZEN! I juggled my time between the main roster and for BRAZEN in the past few months! That reign really taught me some new things in this ring! Things I want to bring up here! Things that I want to show everyone! But as much fun as it’s all been… I talked it over with Dex, Punchy and Janna earlier this week…

Butcher Victorious:
BUTCH VIC! SINGLES GLORY! 2026!

A rousing cheer!

Butcher Victorious:
And it’s gonna start in a few weeks when DEFtv hits Mexico City! That’s why I’m calling out anyone who wants to scrap! I speak loud and this year, I’m looking to hit HARDER! I don’t care what stable you rep, what promotion you rep, I don’t care! I need to get back to proving what I can do in that ring! BUTCH VIC WILL BUILD THIS PENTHOUSE TO THE TOP… BRICK BY BRICK! 

Hearing the cheers of The Faithful, Butch Vic puts in his earbuds, then turns on his shoulder speakers! They start blasting “Microphone Fiend” which makes Trutt almost go deaf. 

Butcher Victorious: [screaming over the music]
HAPPY NEW YEAR, TRUTT-YOUR-STUFF! 

Chris Trutt: [probably deaf]
WHAT?!

Butcher takes his leaves and Chris Trutt starts to walk off the set. 

Chris Trutt:
Ow… 

The camera continues to follow Trutt not far down the hallway… 

Chris Trutt:
Hey… hey? Can I get a word?

He rubs a finger in his ear and tries to undo the damage done from Butcher’s speakers. He comes up upon a man who recently unmasked himself…

Chris Trutt:
RYAN BATTS!

Wearing only a gray muscle shirt and black track pants, the broad form of Batts turns to Trutt. 

Chris Trutt:
Ryan Batts! Can I get a word with you?! 

Ryan stares at Trutt as he fires off his question. 

Chris Trutt:
For those that may not have seen your interview earlier on DEFonDemand, you’re now a member of the main roster. We just heard from Butcher Victorious about his goals for 2026! Do you have any goals in mind you want to name tonight? 

Ryan Batts takes a moment to think about what’s been asked of him. 

Ryan Batts:
Goals… hmm… goals… what do I want?  What do I want... 

After a careful moment, a spark seems to go off in his head. 

Ryan Batts:
Just one… 

He starts to leave. 

Ryan Batts:
I’m going to expose a fucking liar. 

With that, Batts shoulder-checks Trutt and knocks him over on his ass! Trutt clutches his chest and Batts steps right over him. 

Ryan Batts: [dryly]
Oops. 

He leaves and walks right over Trutt, who looks like he's in pain between a possibly dulled eardrum and a hurt chest! 

Chris Trutt:
Ow... 

Back on the interview stage, at the podium.

Jamie Sawyers:
Well ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to present yet another award - 2025’s SHOCK of the YEAR! DEFIANCE has a history of absolutely wild and unpredictable moments, and this year was no different. The nominees are: Henry Keyes wins the FIST of DEFIANCE as a surprise addition to the DEFCON main event; Bronson Box ends Gage Blackwood’s career; Rezin is rehabilitated; Tyler and Conor Fuse reunite against Malak Garland; MV2 is unmasked as Ryan Batts; and Brock Newbludd stabbing Pat Cassidy in the back.

Jamie opens the envelope and reads the card within.

Jamie Sawyers:
And the winner…could there be any other? It’s Henry Keyes, winning the FIST of DEFIANCE as a surprise addition to the DEFCON main event!

♫ ”Ride the Tiger” by Jefferson Starship ♫

Henry Keyes steps onto the stage looking absolutely resplendent, wearing a bright blue admiral’s jacket with tails and gold accessories. He’s wearing a pink silk button-down that tastefully shows a little Zaddy cleave, and Big Blue is strapped tightly around his waist. He grabs his DEFy and approaches the podium.

Henry Keyes:
Well, well, well…WELLLLLLL well well. You know me - I love a trophy, I love a prize, something treasure-like…and this now marks two Shocks of the Year out of the last three! I suppose that’s because in the world of professional wrestling, there are boot-lickers, and there are ground-breakers, and it’s always up to the second group to drag the first ones kicking and screaming into the future. You can all continue to boo me week in and week out all you want, whether it’s because I broke poor little old Conor Fuse’s heart, or whether it’s because I got rid of Elise Ares once and for all, but it can NEVER BE SAID THAT HENRY KEYES IS A COWARD. And you know what? To that end…why don’t I go ahead and lock up the 2026 Shock of the Year right now?

Keyes reaches inside his coat and pulls out what appears to be a rolled up scroll.

Henry Keyes:
The Faithful demand more of their professional wrestling experience, and Henry Keyes is the man who will deliver it! And so, I am proud to announce that this summer, LIVE FROM THE AIRSHIP, I will be hosting an event the likes of which you have never seen before. Every rule will be broken, every boundary will be pushed, and the lives and careers of wrestling’s most larger-than-life figures may be forever changed. It’s going to be a PIRATE WRESTLING SHOW, and only one match could feature as the main event…

He unfurls the scroll and turns it towards the camera - it looks like a treasure map, but instead of seas and islands, it features clouds and sky. There’s a blue X marking the spot on the deck of a wooden ship that seems to be carried aloft by a huge balloon. And, in big electric blue letters, are the words:

KEYES/SANE II

Henry Keyes:
This summer…don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Keyes grabs his DEFy and exits the stage as we move on.

DDK:
We’ve already seen an amazing night and we still have more action to come, including a grudge match between two men who have been battling tooth and nail for months. Kaz Troy of Heirs to the Throne looks to finish off his longstanding issues with Archer Silver of Les Enfants Terribles once and for all tonight!

Lance:
This goes back almost six months! Archer Silver and High Flyer attempted to hijack one of our earlier DEFtv broadcasts following an unsuccessful bid for the Favoured Saints Title… out came The Heirs to the Throne! LET have taken every shortcut they can to get under the skin of the Troys and Cecilia Ryan and for the most part, they’ve done that! 

DDK:
Indeed, but the Heirs were able to even the score at DEFIANCE Rising in a six-person tag team match! Tonight, one final match takes place! Archer Silver and Kaz Troy have been at the heart of these issues and tonight, only one is walking away with the win to end 2025! 

♫ “Majesty” by Apashe feat. Waisu ♫

♫ I’m the shit, use your throne as my toilet seat ♫
♫ I demand the king’s ransom for royalties ♫
♫ I deserve a mansion, I’m royalty ♫
♫ Address me your majesty ♫

♫ To form a new dynasty ♫
♫ The old one was dying, see? ♫
♫ I am your highness, please ♫
♫ Address me your majesty ♫

From the bridge, we hit the drop, and pyro booms from either side of the stage. Kaz Troy walks out from the curtain and breezes down the ramp, his sister and cousin following behind. No posing. No fan service. Just sick of LET in general and ready to put his issues with Archer Silver to bed! 

Darren Quimbey:
The following grudge match is set for one fall! Introducing first… from Tampa, Florida. Weighing in at 240 pounds…he is the HEIR APPARENT…KAZUHIRO TROY!!!

Kaz rolls under the bottom rope, rips off his leather jacket, and flings it out of the ring. 

Lance:
I don’t think I’ve seen Kaz Troy look this serious. 

DDK:
Tonight, someone’s walking away the winner and someone’s walking away disappointed. Kaz Troy does not want to be the latter! 

♫ "Good L_ck, Yo_’re F_cked” by Celldweller ♫

The opening trumpets to the arrogant start to blast throughout the arena. Stepping out on stage, a tall man under a silver coat with gold trim! Basking in the jeers of the NOLA Faithful, arms wide open, he then starts a slow walk towards the ring with some shadowboxing thrown in. 

Darren Quimbey:
And his opponent, representing Les Enfants Terribles… being accompanied to the ring by High Flyer and Ms. Massacre, from Seattle, Washington weighing in at 243 pounds… he is the self-proclaimed “PRINCE OF PRICKS”... ARCHER SILVER!

A sadistic smile can be seen from under the hood, but his eyes aren’t visible to The Faithful. In what has become the signature LET “I BOO YOU!” shirt, High Flyer walks alongside Archer hyping him up and the sinister Ms. Massacre on the other side, looking ready to hurt someone at a moment’s notice. Archer climbs up the steps, through the ropes, then sits on the top rope facing the backstage area. Silver unzips his jacket and tosses it down to the floor for High Flyer to catch. Despite all that Archer and LET have put the Heirs through in the past few months, Kaz keeps his composure. 

Archer Silver:
YOU’RE IN THE DIRT TONIGHT! 

Kaz Troy:
Shut up and bring it, asshole. 

Sensing the tension growing, Carla Ferrari steps back and calls for the bell…

DING DING

What follows is one of the STIFFEST lock-ups between the two young men! Both struggle quickly before Archer goes low with a quick kick and then forcefully pushes him back into the corner! The Faithful jeer Archer as he throws up his hands. 

Archer Silver:
You ain’t shit! I beat your sister! I beat your cousin! Then I’m gonna beat your ass tonight, too! 

The Heir Apparent delivers a very eloquent and well thought-out retort… catching Silver off-guard with a strong muay thai kick square to the chest, sending him flying back towards the corner! Both Ami and CeCe are cheering on Kaz as he unleashes some nasty forearms with some extra heat behind them as he tees off on the taller Silver!

Lance:
No BS tonight! Both men came to win and Kaz has had it up to his neck with Silver’s endless trash talk! 

DDK:
Both men are exceptional strikers in their own ways! 

Troy continues to let the forearms fly to the point where Carla Ferrari has to get in and remind him to keep it out of the corner. Kaz heeds the warning for exactly .8 seconds and CRACKS Silver with a charging forearm to the face in the corner! With Silver rocked, Kaz grabs his arm and whips Silver cross-corner. The Heir Apparent gives The Prince of Pricks absolutely no room to dodge when he flies at him with a huge gamengiri in the corner! Archer looks stunned as he falls to a knee!

DDK:
Wild gamengiri kick from Troy! He’s outkicking Archer, which is not a feat that many can do here in DEFIANCE these days! 

Lance:
I think Silver might be out already! 

Silver is trying to uncross his eyes, but Kaz tackles him to the ground with a single leg and continues to rain down the elbow smashes! Silver tries desperately to get his guard up, but Kaz won’t give him any breathing room. The NOLA Faithful are firmly behind Ms. Troy’s Baby Boy, letting the shots come down from all angles! Silver has to get his guard up and desperately blocks a shot to push Kaz away! Flyer and Ms. Massacre watch from ringside as he tries to get into the safety of the ropes. 

DDK:
Kaz Troy isn’t stopping tonight! Remember all that Archer’s done! He’s defeated Cecilia Ryan by cheating! He’s defeated Ami Troy by DQ by goading Kaz into attacking him in front of the ref! He stole a win from Kaz back at Acts of DEFIANCE using Ami as a shield! 

Lance:
He’s got months of this whooping coming! 

When Kaz goes after Silver near the corner, Archer get desperate and grabs him by the trunks to send him face-first into the corner! 

Lance:
And Kaz goes spilling into the corner! Silver has a chance to get back into this! 

Silver still has to take a moment to collect himself after the opening onslaught from his former stablemate. When he’s fully back on his feet, he gets up and CRACKS Kaz in the chest with a round kick! Kaz gets the wind knocked out of him before a second kick lands in his chest. Silver then follows up with a series of stiff body shots to the midsection. 

DDK:
And now Archer’s in control! Whip to the ropes!

When Kaz goes for the ride, Silver swings for a high roundhouse, but Kaz hits the ropes and keeps going, only to take down The Prince of Pricks with a huge sling blade neckbreaker!

DDK:
Kaz with the comeback off the sling blade! Cover!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Silver not only gets the shoulder up, but he rolls out of the ring before Kaz can dish out any more damage… 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

High Flyer helps out Archer by taking off his “I BOO YOU!” shirt and starts fanning him with it, but Kaz isn’t in a playing mood! Flyer and Ms. Massacre both step aside, but Archer gets wiped out with a huge corkscrew plancha over the ropes! After the dive, Kaz gets back to his feet and he pumps a fist in the sky for the wild NOLA Faithful who have sold out DEFIANCE HQ aka The Wrestle-Plex! 

DDK:
No matter where Archer Silver goes, Kaz isn’t far behind him! He’s not giving him ANY room to breathe! 

Lance:
He’s really impressive tonight! Kaz has seen all of Archer’s tricks and he’s staying one step ahead of him almost throughout the entirety of this bout!

The fired-up Heir Apparent grabs onto Silver and then pushes him back into the ring as quickly as possible. He goes over quickly and gives a quick dab to both Cecilia Ryan and Ami Troy before he starts to roll into the ring… 

High Flyer:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The Greatest of high flyers points towards Kaz Troy, who gets ready to kick him in the face. He runs towards him with a penalty kick in mind, but Flyer just BARELY slips out of harm’s way and backs up. He points behind him…

Lance:
OH, NO! LOOK OUT! 

Before Kaz can catch on to what High Flyer was really doing, Kaz takes the bottom end of Silver’s boot with a nasty Teep Kick to the chest, sending him crashing to the floor! Silver leans over the ropes to catch his breath and starts dusting off his shoe. 

Archer Silver:
PAY ATTENTION! 

DDK:
There we go again! LET helping each other out when the going gets tough! High Flyer didn’t have to lay a finger on Kaz to get his eye off the ball! 

Ms. Massacre watches while High Flyer claps like a seal and laughs at Kaz’s misery. CeCe and Ami both watch while Archer Silver gets some ideas of his own. Archer rushes across the ring…

VAULTING PLANCHA TO KAZ ON THE FLOOR!

DDK:
WHOA! WHERE THE HECK DID SILVER LEARN THAT?!

Both Kaz and Archer are down, but Silver sits up first with a wide-eyed expression on his face. He snarls towards Kaz and slowly picks himself up before he grabs hold of Kaz. Before he sends him back into the ring, Kaz gets SMASHED back-first into the steel steps and knocks them out of place!

Lance:
Good grief! These two are trying to take one another apart by any means tonight! 

DDK:
Both men wanted the chance to settle this issue once and for all! 

The Heir Apparent is in a heap when he’s picked up again and then finally sent back into the ring. Silver climbs right in after him and then ROCKS Kaz with a soccer kick to the back as he tries to sit up! Kaz is reeling from the first kick when Archer hits the ropes in front of him and SMACKS the former BRAZEN Champion between the chest using a second soccer kick! Finally satisfied with the damage he’s done, Silver kneels over for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

DDK:
Kickout by Kaz, but Silver almost looks like he’s enjoying this now! 

Kaz kicks out and rolls onto his stomach to prevent a second cover, but Silver catches a quick glimpse of a huge red welt across the back from being tossed into the steps! Silver himself has a busted lip and notices this when he wipes it on his silver MMA glove, laughing. 

DDK:
Ever since he was left off of last year’s DEFCON…Archer just gave into this pit of anger, resentment, whatever you want to call it… he’s been more dangerous than ever but knows how to channel it. 

When Kaz makes an attempt to push himself up off the canvas, he unfortunately leaves himself wide open. Silver charges for another soccer kick off the ropes. Kaz gets a hand up to block, but Silver suddenly stops himself… and SMACKS Kaz across the face! The Heir Apparent is reeling and Archer picks him up before shoving him at the corner. He follows up with a running corner elbow smash! 

Lance:
But he’s also a masterclass troll doing things like THAT! 

DDK:
And then follows up with brutality! There’s nothing pretty about how Archer fights… case in point! 

After he stuns Kaz off the elbow, he sweeps the leg in the corner. He looks out to The Faithful and then jumps up before hitting a slingshot corner double stomp to the chest! The wind gets knocked out of Kaz, but Archer continues putting all his weight with both feet on!

DDK:
Standing on Business by Archer! He’s got the pressure on! 

Silver is frothing at the mouth, screaming and shouting at Kaz as he tries to get out from under the pressure of the 243-pound former kickboxer trying to take the wind out of his chest! Carla Ferrari finally steps in and counts to five. Silver milks the count expertly before he leaps off and then turns down to face the slumping Kaz in the corner trying to pick himself back up. 

Archer Silver:
That’s where YOU belong! Under my boots! 

He follows with a nasty headbutt and Kaz is hurt! 

DDK:
Archer has just closed the gap here between the two men! We saw Troy kicking Silver all around this ring like he owed him money, but the second High Flyer gave him that opening, it’s been almost all Archer! 

Taking in the jeers, Archer looks down at Ami and Cecilia at ringside. 

Archer Silver:
Come on! Get in here and save your boy! Save him before I finish him!

Ryan doesn’t take the bait and Ami goes near Kaz in the corner to cheer him on to get back up. Archer scoffs at this and tries to pull Kaz up… only to get nailed with a LOUD chop to the chest in retaliation from Kaz! Kaz fires back and the NOLA Faithful cheer him on as he fires off another chop and then lays in a third consecutive chop! 

DDK:
Listen to those chops! He’s throwing something extra into those shots! 

Lance:
Can he keep it up, though?

Kaz tries to kick Archer and goes for a double underhook, but Silver twists his way free and counters with a quick thrust kick to the stomach to double him over, followed by an upward kick to the chest! Kaz has the wind kicked out of him when Archer speeds forward and DRIVES him into the canvas!

DDK:
Running STO! Is that gonna be all?!

Archer kneels down and hooks the leg for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR… KICKOUT! 

Kaz gets the shoulder up!

Lance:
Good grief! Archer just shut him down, but Kaz continues to fight! He’s not going to let Archer walk out of 2025 with the last word! 

DDK:
I don’t think that Archer’s going to give him much choice! Look! 

Stalking like an animal, Archer crawls backwards, but keeps his eyes laser-focused on The Heir Apparent. He grabs onto his kneepad and starts to pull the knee down slowly. The Faithful start booing! 

DDK:
The kneepad’s down! He’s going for that Arrow In Flight! He’s knocked out Kaz with this move on multiple occasions and even pinned him with it! 

Silver charges full speed ahead… 

Lance:
KAZ MOVES!

Kaz ducks under the oncoming knee! Silver lands on his feet to save himself from crashing, but EATS a stiff corkscrew roundhouse kick from Kaz upside the head! And both men are down! 

DDK:
NO WAY! LIKE YOU SAID, LANCE, HE’S ON TO ARCHER’S TRICKS! HE DODGED THE ARROW IN FLIGHT!

Both Troy and Silver are looking up at the lights trying to get their bearings. On one side of the ring, Flyer and Ms. Massacre are watching on. From the other side, both Ami Troy and Cecilia Ryan cheer on their fellow Heir as he tries to get back up and beat Archer to the punch! 

Lance:
This is a great collection of talent in this ring AND around ringside tonight that we’re seeing! 

DDK:
This one’s gonna come down to who wants it more! 

Kaz is the first one who gets upright, but Silver is not far behind him. He swings for a jab but Kaz blocks and counters with a palm strike to the jaw! He fires off two more from alternating sides and when he’s got Archer rocked, he comes off the ropes and swings for the fences with a HUGE clothesline! Silver goes down, but tries to get back up. The Heir Apparent is ready for him as he comes off the opposite side and CRACKS him with a rolling koppu kick upside the dome! The blow knocks Archer completely off his feet while Kaz takes a moment, then lunges back to his feet to cheers from the NOLA Faithful!

DDK:
We know the striking game of Archer Silver, but Kaz can more than match it like he is right now! Kaz back up! 

He takes Archer Silver upright and holds him in place before he PLANTS him center of the ring with his signature corkscrew neckbreaker drop! 

DDK:
Kaz drops Archer! Will that corkscrew neckbreaker be enough to end this once and for all?

Troy hooks the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

THR… NO!

The shoulder fires off the canvas, but Troy remains undeterred to finally end this issue tonight! He looks up to the top rope and clearly has something in mind! 

Lance:
Where’s Troy going here? 

When he hits the apron, Ami Troy leads the cheers from the NOLA Faithful as Kaz starts to climb to the top turnbuckle. He positions himself and then take flight with a diving double foot stomp, only for Archer to roll out of the way at the last minute! Troy rolls through the missed stomp and makes it back!

DDK:
Double stomp misses… OOHHHHH ROUNDHOUSE KICK DOES NOT!

Archer catches Kaz with a blindside roundhouse kick upside the head! Kaz looks out on his feet, but Archer doesn’t let him fall. The Prince of Pricks grabs onto the arm of Kaz and doesn’t let go. He pulls Kaz right to his feet and into a high and tight standing ura-nage slam! 

DDK:
Gold Fever by Archer Silver following that brutal roundhouse kick! Could that be the killshot Archer needed!

ONE!

TWO!

THRE… NO!

Kaz gets the shoulder up last minute… but Silver goes right into a grounded arm triangle choke!

Lance:
GREAT THINKING! Troy kicked out at the last second, so Archer went right into the submission!

DDK:
Is this gonna be all? 

Troy has a hand up with Carla Ferrari asking if he gives up! He holds his hand up and frantically waves as he tries to inch closer to the nearest rope he can find! Ms. Massacre watches and High Flyer is yelling for Kaz to tap out. On the other side, Ami and CeCe are both yelling support to their family member as The Heir Apparent tries to fight the situation he’s in!

Lance:
Archer Silver has won matches with this arm triangle choke! If Kaz can’t get a break, he’s gonna go under quick! 

Kaz fights up! He struggles and manages to get a leg over with the last of his strength…

He makes it to the ropes!

RRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

DDK:
Kaz did it! Kaz did it and Silver has to let go!

Growling in frustration, Silver lets go and lets out few swears that luckily aren’t caught by the mic, but any good lip reader would tell you Archer is in a mood! Flyer jumps up on the apron again near Carla Ferrari while Silver turns over and starts to fiddle with the top turnbuckle padding. 

Lance:
Carla! Come on! Turn around! 

DDK:
Archer’s taking off that padding! He’s exposing the metal underneath! 

But since Carla isn’t seeing it, Cecilia Ryan reaches over and grabs High Flyer to pull him off the apron, sending him smacking face-first! 

DDK:
They’ve had more than enough of this!

Ms. Massacre jumps in and she and Cecilia Ryan start scrapping ringside! The two exchange blows while inside the ring, Archer grabs Kaz by the hair, but as he pulls him upright, Kaz fires back with a HARD palm strike! 

Lance:
He’s not out of the woods yet! 

Kaz hasn’t noticed the padding and swings for another strike! He cracks Archer with another palm strike and then hooks him up and over the shoulder. Before he can land the move, Archer lands body shots to the side of Kaz’s midsection to free himself! Kaz stumbles back towards the exposed corner, giving Silver an opening for a step-up knee strike… 

Kaz moves!

Lance:
NO! ARCHER’S PLAN BACKFIRED! HIS KNEE HIT THAT EXPOSED BUCKLE! 

Archer SCREAMS out in pain as his left knee goes into the exposed metal! Kaz spins him around and plants him with a boot to the gut before he picks him a second time and SPIKES him into the canvas! 

DDK:
KAZ DROPS HIM! HE CALLS THAT OVER THE SHOULDER DRIVER LA CANTARELLA! THAT’S IT!

Kaz rolls over and hooks the leg with the people counting along!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING

♫ “Majesty” by Apashe feat. Waisu ♫

Darren Quimbey:
Here is your winner… KAZ TROY!

Finally, Kaz sits up and looks back at the fallen body of Archer with one last glance. Silver rolls out of the ring with both a throbbing neck and hurt knee while Troy sits up and has his arm raised by Carla Ferrari!

DDK:
What a match we just saw! Archer tried everything he could do to keep Kaz Troy down, but in the end, The Heir Apparent was on to his dirty tricks and overcame all of it to come up big tonight with the victory! 

Silver and Flyer regroup outside with Ms. Massacre while Ami Troy and Cecilia Ryan join Kaz in celebration! 

The longest reigning FIST of all time - 730 days!

♫ “Blood” by The Dropkick Murphys ♫

The Faithful, surprised by the song that has begun to play over the PA system, rise to their feet and look toward the entrance. But that’s not where they should be directing their attention, as the source of the theme appears in an arena entranceway several steps up: dressed in jeans, black t-shirt, and Boston Red Sox baseball cap.

DDK:
And it appears we’re about to be joined by a man who has had one heck of a few weeks!

Lance:
Pat Cassidy has gotten his job back as a member of the DEFIANCE locker room, becoming the ACE of DEFIANCE and securing himself a chance at the FIST. But at the cost of his closest friend.

Cassidy acknowledges the response from the fans as he begins to walk down the steps toward the ring area. Many reach out to try to get a touch.

DDK:
The Saturday Night Specials were the longest reigning Unified Tag Team Champions of all time. The Faithful loved them. Their antics are, dare I say, legendary.

Lance:
And yet at DEFIANCE Rising, after what we thought was just a spirited contest between friends, Brock Newbludd savagely and brutally attacked a man we thought was his best friend. The Saturday Night Specials, it would seem, are over.

Cassidy leaps over the barricade to ringside and then rolls into the ring. He doesn’t jump up to the top of the turnbuckle or acknowledge the crowd beyond some nods and smiles. As his theme begins to die out, hes handed a mic by a ringside attendant. After a sigh, he brings the mic to his mouth. He takes a brief pause to let the crowd die down a bit before he speaks…

Pat Cassidy:
My brothah Donnie is an alcoholic. 

THAT for sure quiets down any persistent ruckus in the crowd. 

Pat Cassidy:
I’m not betraying anything by telling you that. He said it was okay. But for a long time, he made a shit ton of mistakes. Here’s a guy who had a good job, nice family, kid was living the [BLEEP]ing American dream, guy. He nearly [BLEEP]ed it all up because he liked gettin’ cocked. He finally got his act togethah and got some help. And the first thing he had to do on that road to recovery was apologize to everyone he had hurt. 

Cassidy is usually pretty animated while cutting promos, marching all around the ring. But for this one his feet are firmly planted - and a keen observer might notice his mic-holding hand is shaking.

Pat Cassidy:
Now, it might not be a surprise that ya boy heah can quite the fan of the drink himself.

The crowd pops a little and Cassidy allows himself a small - if uneasy - smile.

Pat Cassidy:
I nevah let it control me, so I nevah had to go on an apology tour. But I had a vice of my own: I let my own brain take me down. You all saw - it happened on live TV. Real public, am I right? And when I finally got my head on straight, I thought I might borrow that idea and make the rounds to say sorry, too. Cause in my dumbassness, I hurt people - and I needed to squah that up. The first person I apologized to was my daughtah Erin. In my panic ovah not being a good fatha, and I turned myself in a shit fatha. I told her it wouldn’t happen again and that Dad would be working the rest of his life to make sure she knew she was loved. Then she threw up on me, but I think that was her way of accepting.

Another laugh.

Pat Cassidy:
Then I had to say sorry to Ophelia. Yeah, you guys know her as the firecrackah manager turned wrestler with the killah behind, but I’ve gotten to see her in a different light: now she’s Mom. And she’s a damn good one. Three yeahs ago, The Lucky Sevens sent their smokeshow of a managah on a mission to get in the head of their rivals. She did a damn good job, too. Led me right into an ambush that broke my arm and gave me my secret weapon heah.

Cassidy holds up and pats his left forearm.

DDK:
That arm was broken by The Lucky Sevens… and the metal plate inside it has bailed Pat out of more than one sticky situation.

Pat Cassidy:
But ol’ girl didn’t count on something - the Pat Cassidy charm. Turns out, her secret mission became her real mission, and she’s been by my side evah sense. And I did something [BLEEP]ing unforgivable: I made her regret having my child. She thought she was on her own because I was spiraling. So we talked. A lot. And she accepted. We know we’ve got a lot of shit to work through, but we’re in a good place. My family is. It feels good, you know?

A pop for wholesomeness. 

Pat Cassidy:
And the third person I had to say sorry to was… Brock Newbludd.

A round of boos. Cassidy’s face tries desperately to hold back any emotion.

Pat Cassidy:
With Newbludd, I broke a golden rule: I was [BLEEP]ing jealous of my best friend. While I was spending sleepless nights holding a crying baby and looking into bloodshot eyes in the mirror while I wondered if I was good enough, Newbludd was living it up. He was hitting the town, getting some tail… man, he was still a Saturday Night Special. 

Again, Cassidy’s hand begins to shake.

Pat Cassidy:
While I sat at home nursing an injury because again I flew too close to the sun, Newbludd was having the yeah of his careeah as SOHER. When I felt myself mentally falling apaht and wondering if life was even worth livin’ anymoah, Brock was becoming a legit god damn MOVIE STAH. So yeah - I was jealous as shit. And the worse my life got, the worse I got at hiding it. And for all that - plus my screw up that led to him dropping the belt - meant I owed him one whopper of an apology.

The fans begin to boo, but Cassidy holds up a hand to say, “hold on, stay with me.”

Pat Cassidy:
And I did. And you know what he said? Watah undah the bridge. We’re brothers, he said. It’s always good. He was just happy to see me getting my shit togethah, he said. 

A beat. Cassidy’s fair Irish skin begins to turn a shade of pink. 

 

Finally, he EXPLODES. He begins to march around the ring as he bellows his promo with a fiery passion that’s borderline scary.

Pat Cassidy:
WHAT THE [BLEEP]!? Guess what, dumbass: if you had a problem with me, you coulda said it right then. Right there. You coulda told me to go [BLEEP] myself. You coulda punched me in the face. I woulda taken it! I deserved it! You coulda told me we weren’t good and I said home work to do. I was ready for any of that! But instead, I get a bunch of bullshit. “NAH, IT’S GOOD BROTHA.” 

Cassidy gets right up in the camera, filling the frame as his lips spot venom.

Pat Cassidy:
YOU TWO-FACED PIECE OF SHIT!

BIG POP for that!

Pat Cassidy:
YOU came to me. It was YOUR ideah for the ACE match. I made peace with my firing - I’d be on the phone with PRIME. YOU figured out how to bring me back to DEFIANCE. You told me I deserved a second chance. And then only when I beat yah… beat yah clean, middle of the ring… did you show your true [BLEEP]ing colahs, right!? I don’t care how jealous I ever got of yah, Brock, but we were still BROTHERS. I wasn’t evah gonna lay a fingah on yah. And you? One [BLEEP]ing loss is all it takes to try to take my [BLEEPING] head off. [BLEEP] off. [BLEEP] you.

He backs away from the camera, slightly (but only slightly) composing himself.

Pat Cassidy:
But you [BLEEP]ed up, kid. You shoulda known - it takes more than an ass kickin’ to put Pat Cassidy down. You left me breahtin’. And you pissed me off. 

Cassidy motions toward the entrance.

Pat Cassidy:
I’ve agreed to be on my best behaviah during my second run in DEFIANCE. Play by the rules. So instead of marchin’ back theah and just taking off your head, I’m doing this is the legit way: I want your ass in the ring. And hell, I’d do it right heah and right now but I know that a prima donna mothah [BLEEP]ah like yourself is gonna want the spotlight. Ain’t no light brighter than DEFCON, you sniveling [BLEEP]ing coward.

DDK:
Pat Cassidy is challenging Brock Newbludd for DEFCON! Right here in New Orleans!

The crowd POPS because they’ll be here to see it!

Pat Cassidy:
Not just any ol’ match. Let’s quit [BLEEP]ing around. Anything goes. No DQ. No ref stoppage. We used to call it a Saturday Night Street fight, didn’t we? But I’m just gonna call it Pat Cassidy beating your [BLEEP]ing ass.

Pat leans onto the top rope, facing out toward the entrance.

Pat Cassidy:
So I know youah back theah. I know you can heah me. So why waste time? Just come out heah right now and… 

♫ “Fur Elise” by Cole Rolland ♫

Cassidy’s sentence is interrupted by the opening piano chords of Beethoven’s classic transition into a rock remix. The house lights turn purple as Cassidy rolls his eyes and shakes his head in annoyance. From the entrance appears Ned Reform, dressed in purple sweater and purple bowtie. Reform pauses at the top of the ramp to acknowledge the positive reaction before pointing a finger at Cassidy in the ring and beginning to walk down the ramp toward him, all the while talking out loud (although we can’t hear what he’s saying).

DDK:
Of all the unexpected interruptions…

Lance:
I saw Reform backstage - he is armed with his ambulance and still seeking out Reverend Black, seemingly committed to his mission of returning his old persona.

DDK:
He is also set to represent DEFIANCE at Immortals - or he was before the recent to Levi Cole, his tag team partner for the event.

Reform enters the ring and before addressing Cassidy, he turns and walks toward the turnbuckle. Resting his arms on the top rope, he looks and smirks at the cheering faithful as his music fades out. When Cassidy speaks, it's heavy with sarcasm.

Pat Cassidy:
Ned Reform.

On cue, The Faithful are primed and ready.

THAT’S DOCTOR NED REFORM

Cassidy looks to the people as if to say “really?” before resuming.

Pat Cassidy:
What the [BLEEP] could you want? If you’re looking for an apology, keepi lookin’, kid. I don’t owe you…

Reform has procured a mic of his own.

Ned Reform:
Come come come come now, Mr. Cassidy. How little do you think of me? Of course I’m not seeking anything like that from you. Our issues run a bit deeper than that, don’t they? However… I will confess. I have come to ask a favor.

Cassidy barks out a laugh, but he doesn’t interrupt Reform when he goes to continue. 

Ned Reform:
Despite what you might think, I am glad that you’re turning things around. Call me a big softie, but The Good Doctor always has a soft spot for a triumph of the spirit. And while you appear to be on a redemption trajectory, I must also share that so am I. Yes, like a Dickinson protagonist on Christmas morning, I seek to atone for some of the more… colorful… things I’ve done.

Pat Cassidy:
Yeah, but the difference between you and me is you’ve always been a prick.

A laugh from the crowd. Reform appears to take that one on the chin with 25% annoyance and 75% acceptance. 

Ned Reform:
Be that as it may, I find myself in an hour of need. You see, as a part of my atonement, I don the colors of DEFIANCE at the Immortal PPV. I take the fight to RIA and Scott Hunter of PRIME, I represent the DEFIANCE Faithful which I've had a complicated relationship with, and I secure victory! 

Pat Cassidy:
Great.

Ned Reform:
Yes… if not for one rather important fact. They got to Levi.

Reform’s demeanor turns cold. 

Ned Reform:
He was attacked by scoundrels from PRIME. While I have no proof of who was behind the assault, it was undoubtedly my future opponents. I have, naturally, sworn revenge. And revenge I shall have! And so….

Reform points to himself.

Ned Reform:
I find myself sans a partner.

He points to Cassidy.

Ned Reform:
You find yourself with a desire to prove yourself to the owners of this company. Unless years of wanton alcohol abuse have completely fried your synapses, I presume you’re, as they say in the schoolyard, “picking up what I am putting down?” 

Pat Cassidy:
You wanna team with me? Are you for real?

Ned Reform:
Very much. Together, we accomplish our individual goals: you show yourself as a DEFIANCE team player, and I avenge Mr. Cole.

Cassidy stops. Thinks. He looks to the Faithful as if asking their opinion. They seem into the idea. Finally, he makes up his mind.

Pat Cassidy:
I must be [BLEEP]ing crazy… but you got yourself a deal.

Reform grins and they shake hands.

Pat Cassidy:
But you gotta know, guy, that this…

Ned Reform:
Yes, yes. We’re not friends, this is only for one match, blah blah blah. We understand. Let’s just skip the formalities and get right to the winning, yes?

Cassidy shakes his head, but nods. Reform gives what one might consider a patronizing tap on the shoulder before exiting the ring.

DDK:
BIG news, ladies and gentlemen! A match for Immortals has just been changed: it will now feature PRIME’s RIA and Scott Hunter against Ned Reform and… “Black Out” Pat Cassidy!

Back on the stage.

Jamie Sawyers:
Faithful, our next award is SEGMENT of the YEAR. Let’s look at the DEFI-A-TRON for the nominations.

Henry Keyes stands in the ring, mic in hand and FIST across shoulder.

Jamie Sawyers:
“The Taking Tree, Part 2”. Henry Keyes addresses The Faithful after stunning DEFIANCE and winning the FIST at DEFCON.

TA Black, Ned Reform and the Honor Society.

Jamie Sawyers:
What is being titled as “No”, TA Black’s takeover of the Honor Society at MAXIMUM DEFIANCE.

Ned Reform is in the middle of the squared circle, surrounded by SUPPORTIVE Faithful.

Jamie Sawyers:
THE... *GOOD* DOCTOR!? Dr. Ned Reform comes back to DEFIANCE and tells The Faithful they are like family.

Conor Fuse standing on the apron, looking away as Tyler Fuse pummels Malak Garland… until Conor looks up, no longer crying, but smiling.

Jamie Sawyers:
Ironically being dubbed “They Buried the Hatchet Once and For All”, the Fuse’s reunite and stab Malak Garland in the back, kicking him out of The Comments Section.

There is a short drum roll.

Jamie Sawyers:
And the winner is…

Jamie pauses. He raises an eyebrow.

Jamie Sawyers:
I believe we have a DRAW. The winners of the SEGMENT of the YEAR… “NO” - the end of Ned’s Honor Society as he knows it… and “They Buried the Hatchet Once and For All” - the end of Malak’s Comments Section as he knows it!

The Faithful quibble amongst themselves.

Jamie Sawyers:
I guess first up, accepting the award [Sawyers reveals two DEFY trophies from under the podium]... “NO!”

“YYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!!!”

♫ “Ode to Joy” by Marcin Jakubek ♫

Reverend Erik Black comes streaking across the stage, pumping a fist over his head while bellowing into a microphone.

Rev. Erik Black:
YYYEEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!

He runs by Jamie Sawyers standing at the podium, continuing to shake his fist at an audience that is doing everything in its power to withstand his nasally voice booming through the PA.

Rev. Erik Black:
YYYEEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!

The Sacred Lamb runs up to Sawyers, snatching the DEFy Award in one hand and drawing him into a rowdy hug.

Rev. Erik Black:
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Jamie shoves him off and quickly clears off the stage while the Reverend stands at the podium.

Rev. Erik Black:
BROTHERS and SISTERS and GAWD-FEARING CHILDREN of DEFIANCE! I am PROUD and GRATEFUL that you said “YYYEEEEEEAAAHHH” to NOOOOOO!!

The audience reacts with overwhelming jeers.

Rev. Erik Black:
LOARD HALLELUJAH!! It’s only NATURAL that the FAITHFUL FLOCK remember that night as the MOST IMPORTANT in DEFIANCE HISTORY! The night that EYE -- the SACRED LAMB -- through the DIVINE WISDOM of JAYZUS -- USURPED the poison-minded Honor Society in the name of HEAVEN!

Somewhere far in the distance, a strange wailing noise can be heard. Audience members look around in confusion.

Enraptured with the holy spirit, the Reverend Black doesn’t seem to notice.

Rev. Erik Black:
YES, my children, I believe it was JEBURIAH HEEP, book NINETEEN, verse SEVENTY, wherein it is WRITTEN… “ALL the intellectual knowledge written in the KNOWN WORLD does not amount to a TESTICULAR HAIR to the FOUNT of WISDOM of the LOARD GAWD UP HIGH!”

Behind the ranting and raving Reverend Black, the curtain lining the stage ripples…

…and takes upon the large and blocky shape of something BIG pushing its way through!

Rev. Erik Black:
And with THIS distinguished award, you ALL now KNOW IT to be TRUE! The WILL of GAWD is AB-SO-LUTE, I tell you! Even the SKY is NO LIMIT to where his LIGHT and WORD can TAKE this GAWDLY wrasslin’ company of DEFIANCE! And I PROMISE you, my FAITHFUL FLOCK -- I GUARAN-GWARSH-DARNED-TEE IT -- that the year of TWENTY TWENTY-FIVE ANNO DOMINO’S will be looked back upon as the FIRST STEP in OUR HOLEY CRUSADE!

The audience begins murmuring in excitement and anticipation. Black grins wide, thinking he’s got them in the palm of his hands.

Unbeknownst to him, they’re reacting to the large PURPLE AMBULANCE that’s just quietly rolling out onto the stage!

Rev. Erik Black:
TWENTY TWENTY-SIX will be the YEAR of RAPTURE, my children! I will REBUILD the Heavenly Society! Together, we will VANQUISH Vae Victis! We will DISMANTLE Titanes Familia! We will LIQUIDATE the Blood Diamonds! BUH GAWD, I’M FIXING TO DRAG THAT OL’ DUSTY DEACON OUT OF RETIREMENT AND HAVE US A LOARD-OFF!!!

LA AMBULANCE rolls to a stop right behind the oblivious Reverend. Black’s grin turns toward a snarl as he directs his HOLEY WRATH on the camera ahead of.

Rev. Erik Black:
But ALL THAT must WAIT… until I FINALLY and COMPLETELY RID this company of the VILE… VAIN… VULGAR… VENOMOUS… VOCIFEROUS… un-GAWD-ly, un-LOARD-ly, and DOWN RIGHT NO GOOD… NNNYEEDD RRREEEEFOOOOORRRRRMMM!!

In the cab of La Ambulance, Reform barks into the receiver, projecting his booming voice through the emergency vehicles loudspeaker.

Ned Reform:
THAT’S DOCTOR NED REFORM!!

Rev. Erik Black:
D’YAAOOSHUCKS!!!

Reverend Black JUMPS nearly three feet in the air in surprise, limbs briefly flailing through the air before he flops down hard onto the stage. He scrambles back up in a panic as the Good Doctor hits the lights and siren.

EEE-ooo-EEE-ooo-EEE-ooo-EEE-ooo-EEE-ooo-EEE-ooo!!

Rev. Erik Black:
AAAHH!! AAAHH!! LOARD JAYSUS HELP ME!! SAVE ME, O LOARD!! The DEVIL has COME with his SATANIC WACKY-TOBACKY WAGON!!

Black scampers off the stage. Reform kills the siren as he hops out of cab of the ambulance, scoops up the DEFy Award that was left behind, strides to the podium to pick up where his nemesis left off. The Good Doctor looks to Black - who appears to be scrambling to find a way out of the arena - and then to the podium. After a quick burst of mental gymnastics, he opts to step up to the mic.

Ned Reform:
Yes. Hello. I suppose this accolade is half mine, yes? Although it behooves me to mention the rather paradoxically bittersweet feeling of accepting an award for a moment in time in which I was beaten senseless… I humbly accept nonetheless. 

As Reform speaks, Erik Black desperately pulls at an exit.

Rev. Erik Black: [from offstage]
Good GAWD, who CHAINED these EMERGENCY EXIT DOORS!? This is a TOTAL SAFETY HAZARD!! Where’s that GOOD-FOR-NOTHING SERGEANT!? The FIRE MARSHALL will hear of this, I tell you!

Ned Reform:
I suppose I owe Mr. Black a thanks in some strange way. If not for his treachery, I would not have had the many weeks of quiet reflection that caused me to seriously reassess my relationship with professional wrestling and its fans. So… perhaps this is a moment worth celebrating, after all. Now, if you’ll excuse me… I must repay Mr. Black by clearing his mind.

As Black scampers past the podium - looking to exit the vehicle entrance - Ned leaps back into LA AMBULANCE. Just as Black disappears behind the curtain, Reform fires up the lights and backs up as quickly as possible in hot pursuit.

…Leaving Jamie Sawyers standing awkwardly at the podium.

Jamie Sawyers:
And now the other half of the winners… for The Comments Section-

Sawyers is cut off, as Conor Fuse marches out of the back and across the stage. He sports blue dress pants and a faded blue dress shirt. His blonde hair is slicked back. He does not look happy.

Jamie sees Conor frantically pacing towards him, so he holds out the trophy as Fuse takes it and repositions himself in front of the podium.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Well. Between myself, Tyler and the group formerly known as The Comments Section, Erik Black and his Honor Society, I gotta say…

Conor grins and gives a cheesy thumbs up.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
I guess exile is in these days.

The smirk vanishes from his face just as quickly. Thumb put back on the podium.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
See, there’s a lesson in this. As an ADULT, I’ve learned there can be lessons in so many things. Ned is the teacher? Bitch please, he wishes. Learn from Conor and company.

Fuse throws on a sour face.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Ned and Malak ran failed systems. Immature groups. Juvenile teams. It madesense because Ned and Malak themselves are self-serving, pathetic, prepubescent children. The original Comments Section and Honor Society were cliques you’d find in a schoolyard. However, here in DEFIANCE we are now an esteemed, coming-of-age organization, perhaps the best and DEFinitely the most longstanding organization of all time. Fifteen-years of DEFIANCE. ONE-FIVE. DEFIANCE in and of itself is moving towards that ADULT range. So. Tyler, Erik and I did what any good ADULT should. We punished the man-child behaviour and washed the slate clean from those two toddlers temper tantruming around this fine, fine company. I can see the powers that be who VOTED for the awards feel the same, too. This validates our actions!

There are boos, but Conor drowns them out. After all, The Faithful voted for this.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
…Then again, some people just won’t understand. They’ll say the visions of Erik and I are out of touch.

Fuse raises his arms.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Are we so out of touch?

Conor profusely shakes his head no.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
No. It’s Ned and Malak who are wrong. Thank you.

Fuse raises the trophy in the air, so very proud of exiling the adolescent behaviour from the DEFIANCE community, and the awards show moves on.

Another call to the podium.

Jamie Sawyers:
And now... MATCH of the YEAR! The nominations are...

Sawyers takes a pause between all nominations as highlights play behind him.

Jamie Sawyers:
For the FIST of DEFIANCE in the RUMINATION CHAMBER, DEFIANCE Road 2025 saw Malak Fuse vs. Tyler Fuse vs. Conor Fuse vs. Ed White vs. Dan Ryan vs. Corvo Alpha vs. MP1 vs. TA Black.

Malak pins Ryan in the end, thanks to help from a pissed off Tyler Fuse who was eliminated much earlier.

Jamie Sawyers:
No disqualification, Corvo Alpha vs. MP1 at DEFCON!

Corvo and MP/V’s checkered history plays throughout their hellacious battle.

Jamie Sawyers:
FIST of DEFIANCE, dubbed BATTLE of the BROTHERS, Malak Fuse defends against Conor Fuse... with a surprise entry of Henry Keyes!

Conor “wins” the FIST, only to realize he never won it, eats some COINS and PINK wins the day. Henry Keyes is champion.

Jamie Sawyers:
ACE of DEFIANCE, Brock Newbludd vs. Pat Cassidy at DEFIANCE RISING.

Newbludd and Cassidy wage another war in their continuous battle over the calendar year.

Jamie Sawyers:
And the Tag Team Championship I Quit Match, Rain City Ronin defend against the Triple Sevens.

Sevens make RCR SHOCKINGLY say “I Quit”.

Jamie Sawyers:
And the winner is…

Drum roll. Sawyers opens the envelope.

Jamie Sawyers:
FIST of DEFIANCE, BATTLE of the BROTHERS, Malak vs. Conor... vs. Keyes!

Almost immediately after, Conor Fuse marches out from behind the back. He makes a straight line to Jamie and snatches the award from the interviewer. Fuse leans into the mic.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Considering I was just here, I’ll pick this one up, too.

Conor peers into the crowd. Some would say there’s no doubt this match was the start of his “downfall”, but Conor would say this dagger - winning the FIST only to actually not win it mere moments later when Keyes was revealed as the 3rd man - helped him grow up.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Now, why am I accepting this award? After all, I wasn’t the surprise entrant. I’m not the one everyone is gonna remember. No one cares that I dislocated my left shoulder and popped it back into place. No one will remember I wrestled Malak, my “brother”, for forty-five minutes before pinning him, when it only took Henry a mere two minutes to make quick work of me after. Conor shouldn’t be here. Henry should.

Fuse shakes his head no.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
A good ADULT knows when to bury a grudge. This award is a reflection of all three DEFIANTS, me, Henry and even Malak. I am proud to have taken part in such a terrific main event, on the most prestigious show.

Seriously? The fans seem a little stunned.

Regardless, Conor holds the award in the air.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
However, I am going to withhold this award from being shared with the other two participants, because they both broke cardinal ADULT rules. Malak, for his ruthless treatment of myself during and definitely prior to our match. And the Keyes debacle goes without saying. The day those two men grow up, I’ll be waiting.

Conor shakes his head no.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
​But I wouldn’t hold my breath.

The former gamer walks off with his second “award” in as many chances.

♫ “The Entertainer” by turn of the century ragtime pianist Scott Joplin ♫ 

DDK:
Something tells me we’re about to find out the fate of the Socialite, partner.

The arena lights dim, replaced by a single spotlight cutting through the smoky air of the arena.

From the shadows of the entrance tunnel, Bronson Box emerges, the giant frame unmistakable even in the muted glow. His three-piece suit, black with gray pinstripes, a dark red tie perfectly knotted, clings tightly to his wide frame like armor that doesn’t quite fit. 

The drooping handlebar mustache is immaculately combed, his scarred up bald head gleaming under the light, but there’s something in his posture that’s off: shoulders slightly slumped, fists already clenched loosely around a microphone.

Usually, this is where the Bronson Box roar would command the room, but tonight there’s no roar… just the quiet, almost brittle hum of tension. His eyes, normally sharp and imposing, flick across the faces in the first few rows of DEFIANCE Faithful, betraying something rare: irritation, maybe, but also… a sort of sadness.

Lance:
He’s definitely not reveling in whatever this is, Darren. He looks down right morose.

He reaches the ring and slowly makes his way up the steps. He takes a moment to wipe his dress shoes on the apron before hoisting a leg over the ropes and into the squared circle.

He raises the mic to his lips, then pauses, and the crowd leans forward, unsure of what to expect. 

The silence stretches as though the arena itself is holding its breath. There’s no pomp, no pyrotechnics… just the weight of Bronson Box, his aura of authority momentarily fractured by a strange, rare human moment. Whatever grudge, disappointment, or private issue he carries, it’s written in every line of his face.

Bronson Box:
Life is a complicated thing. This life, doing this job… complicates things even further. Anonymity can swallow a performer whole if they’re not careful. A career in the fight game is an exercise in constantly sharpenin’ your God given weapons… the second you let your senses, your spirit go dull you’re as good as dead. You’ll end up, AT BEST, one of those poor forgotten sots sittin’ behind a foldin’ table signin’ headshots and cheap replica title belts for fat ungrateful superfans until the day you stop breathin’... 

A slight boo from the crowd.

Bronson Box:
Feelin’ attacked are you? Good. All I’m bringin’ tonight is my God’s honest truth. I’m layin’ things bare. My whole career I’ve kept my shite sharp. I’ve done unspeakable things, vile things just to keep myself from slippin’ down that dangerous road towards insignificance. I crippled my first tag team partner, the man who brought me into DEFIANCE. Launched my career, that. I’ve made a veritable who's who of DEFIANCE stars lives miserable for well over a DECADE. I’ve stabbed and scarred and crippled so many backs I’ve lost count, honestly… all of it, ALL OF IT in service to MY legend. MY story, etched into the bedrock of this company whether the ownership or the current favorites like it or not. My work don’t produce funny haha memes, I don’t tippy type on the bloody DEFcom, I’m NOBODIES FAVORITE… BUT I’ve made myself an inevitability for anyone lookin’ to make their mark here. StarMAKER. StarKILLER. My my hand ye' be judged, DEFIANCE Wrestling... MINE.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Only here in NOLA, only at the Wrestleplex would a diatribe from this BEAST of a human being get a pop this big.

But see, this is holy ground. This is where the “Faithful” were born. The first time that phrase "Faithful" was uttered in refrence to the DEF fans was in this very building from that man's mouth.

His eyes finally look back up the ramp towards the entrance tunnel.

Bronson Box:
Edward White, please join me down here in the ring. Please.

The collective “OOOOOH” from the crowd and the serious, speculative murmuring between Keebler and Warner over commentary all speak to the tension now growing in the air.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! 

A few moments pass and Edward White emerges musicless from the entrance tunnel, microphone already in his hand. Dressed in his usual all-white professionally tailored suit with mind bogglingly expensive accents of gold. It’s clear as the beard on his face Edward is worried.

DDK:
Every ounce of bravado has been slowly draining from this man's body the second he was forced to tap out to Dabney Doubleday the other night in Paris, ladies and gentleman.

Lance:
This whole scene is giving me big time Old Yeller vibes, Keebs.

Eventually, clearly reluctantly, The Socialite reaches the ring and makes his way inside. He shakes his tag and business partner… his friend's… hand at an arms length.

Edward White:
Bronson.

Ed nods. Doing his best not to look like a kid getting called to the teachers desk.

Bronson Box:
My story is tied quite closely to yours, Edward. Between then and now we’ve been both adversaries OR partners for most of DEFIANCE’s history. You and I. See… I know there would be no DEFIANCE without the contributions of Edward White. Brother, you built this very building, the Wrestleplex, DEFIANCE’s home when it so desperately needed one, with your very own money. You funded BRAZEN, helped the whole idea get it off the ground. There're countless stars here and elsewhere that can credit you for giving them a platform to start their careers. Just those two facts alone, that’s quite a fine legacy, my friend. Quite fine indeed. Just part of a long list of things Edward White gave to this brand, gave of himself... even if just capital.

The Socialite looks chuffed at the recounting of some his contributions to the company, but he’s still guarded. Clearly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Bronson Box:
When I came back here after my… sabbatical… I needed a friend. You stepped up and gave me my footin’ again. Helped me permanently dispose of that wretch Gage Blackwood in the most brutal way possible. Erasing at least one blight on our precious DEFIANCE. A business arrangement, balanced. You watch my back, I watch yours but we stay out of one another's way. With one proviso. Don’t disappoint the other. You stay sharp and execute the plan to be the whetstone with which this place sharpens itself. That’s it. All I ever asked was please, please don’t end up makin’ a fool of yourself… and, well…

The Original DEFIANT’s eyes have meandered this way and that up to this point… but on the word “fool” he looks directly into Edward’s face. Bronson’s terrifying bloodshot brown peepers are unflinching, unblinking as he stares down White with a look of furious anger, deep sadness and clearly painful disappointment.

Edward White:
Fool?! Now listen here boy, I aint no damn FOOL, now… 

Bronson Box:
NO. Just stop, Edward. Just... stop.

His words teetering on the cusp of full on shouting but not quite.

The Wargod slowly places one of his enormous, scarred up hands on Edward’s shoulder.

The Socialite is definitely at this point fully on guard. His head looking this way and that for potential dangers emerging from the crowd. Bronson actually manages a smile at that.

Bronson Box:
Don’t you worry. Nobody’s comin’. You’re probably leavin’ this arena under your own power, lad. I ain' t layin’ a hand on ya’... I swear on my life I aint. But that don’t mean I’m not angry with ya’ Ed. I think ya’ realize this after the last couple months, dontcha? You’ve let your end of our bargain down time after time after time. You let those Doubleday boys stroll into your life and just right and proper get your goat. They cooked that bloody goat for dinner, pal. That Dabney, Ed, he saw you as a steppin’ stone the minute he walked through our door and signed his contract. And try as you might, that's all you ended up bein’... a steppin’ stone for a younger, smarter wrestler.

Boxer’s grip on Ed’s shoulder visibly tightens. 

There’s no masking the rising levels of disgust in Bronson’s voice.

Bronson Box:
Makin' yourself look a fool is one thing, but Felton andf Adrian? At bloody DEFcon? And as if THAT'S not bad enough, you dragged ME into their “cheeky shenanigans” and they took somethin’ from me, Edward, somethin’ precious and they destroyed it. What did I ask you to do after that particular incident, boy’o? What were my exact words? My singular, simple wish?

The Socialite gulps and clears his throat.

Edward White:
Ya’ asked me to ruin the kid, I KNOW I know but listen… he got the better of me, indeed he did, by God. He’s such a milktoast little fella I underestimated that bastard and his SHITTY little brother. Right you are. I let you down. Bigly. But if I can have ONE last crack at him I can break the little twerp! I’ll buy the funeral home his daddy works at, close the bastard down! Hell, I’ll buy up that entire squirrelly little town he hails from down in Florida and develop the whole bastard into one of them GIANT-ass gas stations all the poors love so much, the one with the beaver. WHY… why I’ll…

Bronson Box:
ENOUGH… enough, Edward. Christ, enough.

Edward stops his diatribe in its tracks. Too little, far too late.

The Scottish Strongman sighs.

Bronson Box:
Come on out, lass. If you would. Let’s get this painful process over with.

Edward spins around and looks up at the stage, confused. But once she walks out his eyes widen, his mouth hangs open absolutely agog.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

Jane Katze, Edward’s very recently fired, long time executive assistant. Dressed not in her classic pencil skirt and glasses but in normal everyday street clothes. A blouse and jeans.

DDK:
I don’t think we’ve ever seen Jane in anything but that secretary’s get-up. 

Lance:
Right? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear pants.

Her eyes never leave Edward as she makes her way down the ramp and into the ring where she takes a place far apart from the two men.

She stands in the corner, silent, watching. Edward clearly asks her “what’s goin’ on here, Janey” which Jane completely no-sells.

Bronson Box:
Ms. Katze here was the most competent thing about you, Ed. Through all your many ineptitudes she kept your head above water. Her brilliant mind dragged you several times over from the poor house to the penthouse. Like a focusin’ lens, she’d take your cockamamie ideas and turn them into cold hard cash. Turn them into reality. But you let her go… didn’t you, Edward?

Ed turns towards Jane with a look of desperation but the icy cold stare from Katze silences the Socialite before he even opens his mouth.

Bronson Box:
Fired her. Her and probably the most loyal bodyguard I’ve ever seen. You could have told Nicky Corozzo to go drown himself in the nearest lake and he’d have probably obliged with a “yes boss” and just amble off, happy as a clam. Three nails, Edward. Three nails for your bloody coffin. Their names are Jane… Nicky… and goddamn Dabney Doubleday.

Edward White:
Coffin?! Jesus Hollis, listen I can’t tell you how SORR…

WHAP

The Wargod straight up backhands Edward right across his bearded face. Not so hard as to send him flying or anything, but hard enough to silence him and leave him reeling a few steps.

The Socialite’s eyes are as wide as dinner plates.

Bronson Box:
You use my shoot name again whilst in my presence I’ll absolutely refund that promise not to leave you LAYIN’… do you understand me? 

White stands back to his full height with a deep breath and faces Boxer again, chest bowed slightly after the strike. Bronson’s jaw unclenches and he carries on.

Bronson Box:
Ya’ see. Jane’s been a busy bee, Edward. The second she and Nicky walked through the curtain after you hastily shitcanned them both on live TV I snagged Ms. Katze’s ear and we had ourselves a nice loooong chat. A chat about YOU… you and your usefulness. Or, well, your lack thereof, lately. See Jane here, as you may know, is the architect of not only your fortune but she was the one that helped shorten your considerable prison sentence before your triumphant return. Returned you not only to a life of untold luxury but returned you here, to DEFIANCE.

Edward hears the word prison and visibly shivers. A creeping realization clearly starts weaving its way through his brain and it shows plain as day on his face.

Bronson Box:
She knows all your secrets, Edward. Every indiscretion, every legal “shortcut”, every dime every dollar accounted for by her and her alone. Whilst you waste, she accumulates. Whilst you swill scotch and huff down cigars, she watched and recorded everything. You were to keep your nose clean, those were the judges words… were they not? “Go wrestle, Mr. White, do what you will… just keep your nose clean.”  Tell me Edward… have you done that? Have you kept that nose of yours there CLEAN? Because Ms. Katze? She’s cut herself a DEAL.

DDK:
Oh, wow! I think I see where this is going!

Lance:
Ed might regret wearing white pants tonight… YEP! Here we go Darren!

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

The Faithful come unglued.

Suddenly a small phalanx of state police and US Marshals start slowly filing out onto the stage and down the ramp. The nervous look on Edward’s face melts into one of absolute, abject horror. He turns back to Bronson and BEGS off mic for mercy…

Edward White: [still audible]
Please, Hol… Bronson, PLEASE don’t do this I’m beggin’ ya’ brother! THIS AINT RIGHT, GOTDAMN YOU!

He then looks desperately over to Jane, who stone walls her former employer with a cold narrowing of her eyes.

Edward White:
Janey, Jesus CHRIST, come on you know I didn’t mean all that hokem I was spewin’ girl, PLEASE! I was mad! We can FIX this. We ALWAYS can fi…

He reaches for her hand but she jerks it away and snarls in just, SAD disgust.

Jane Katze: [off mic, but mouthed clearly]
Fuck you, Edward. Just... fuck you.

A chorus of Faithful back up Jane’s sentiment.

FUCK YOU ED-WARD!
FUCK YOU ED-WARD!
FUCK YOU ED-WARD!

Once the last police officer passes through the curtain, they’re followed by a small handful of federal agents. All with blue wind breakers on with fun letters printed on the back in big block white and yellow letters. 

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Letters like IRS and FBI.

Edward White:
Jesus, no…

The Socialite drops to his knees and watches the federal agents march down and silently join the legion of peace officers. He’s absolutely aghast at what’s happening. He keeps looking back desperately at Jane Katze, still standing stoically in a far corner… cold as ice.

Bronson Box:
You’ve been a bad boy, Edward. It’s like you can’t help yourself. Enough is never enough for you, is it boy’o? See, that’s where we differ, lad. I’ve saved every bloody dime I’ve made in this business. My focus is singular. Yours just… isn’t. You’re enamored with yer’ lifestyle, with bein’ seen. Your name value, your history with DEFIANCE, your penchant for making those around you comfortable. It makes you a convenient ally backstage in that regard. As much as I’ve always appreciated yer’ humor and enjoyed your taste in fine scotch, that all only goes so far. Even friendship, Edward. Even friendship only goes so far in this business, boy’o.

A look of defiance washes over Edward’s face as he stands suddenly to full height.

He takes a few bold steps into Boxer’s personal space.

His jaw set, his eyes narrowed.

Edward White:
Now listen here Bronson, damn you…

A few tense moments pass as the two Blood Diamonds stand silently eye to eye.

...

Edward then suddenly collapses back to his knees clutching desperately at the tailored hem of Boxer’s suit jacket.

Edward White:
I CAN’T GO BACK TO PRISON! PLEASE! PLEEEEEEASE, BY GOD! MERCY!

Literal laughter from the Faithful.

Jane shakes her head in disgust then nods silently at the lead agent at ringside. The man sends several of the state police officers into the ring to retrieve Edward White.

Bronson Box:
See Edward, as you know, Jane there is a damned genius when it comes to finances. She works for ME now, ya’ see. I’m not, however, going to insist she pop out here and perform for these wretched people in a damnable mini-skirt. No, you selfishly burned ANY eagerness to perform right out of her. She never wants to see the inside of a wrestling ring ever again after tonight, thanks to you. She does however have a new job managin’ MY money. Helping to keep MY nose clean, as it were.

The Wargod gets eye to eye again with his... well, FORMER partner, clearly.

Bronson Box:
All she had to do was hand over her exhaustively kept files of your finances… the ACTUAL ones, not the doctored ones, mind you. It took about a work week after you shitcanned her and Nicky to get this ball rollin’ Ed. Less than a week to ruin your whole fookin’ life… again. I take not one ounce of pleasure from this. If’n I kicked your ass bloody and broken, THAT’D be me takin’ pleasure out of endin’ our partnership. This here? This pains me. It troubles me deeply…

Edward White: [off mic, still audible]
TROUBLES YOU? YOU ROTTEN RAT BASTARD I’LL GOTDAMN KILL YOU… 

Just as Edward lunges towards Bronson four police officers grab the Socialite’s arms and legs and start dragging him forcibly from the ring. His short lived bravado once again melts away as he’s dragged awkwardly though the ropes and into the hands of the federal agents.

He’s dragged up the ramp, literally kicking and screaming. The entire time Edward begs anyone and nobody in particular to help him.

There is zero bravado left in his body. The Socialite just died in that ring. All that’s left is a desperate, scared Ed White looking towards probabgly the only REAL friend he ever had in his entire life... 

He once again looks in the direction of Jane Katze.

Edward White:
JANEY! PLEASE GIRL DON’T DO THIS JANE! JANE PLEASE I BEG YA’ PLEASE!

Back in the ring, Edward’s desperate cries cause Jane Katze to close her eyes. Real tears stain her cheeks now as she watched White dragged away.

The Original DEFIANT sighs and shakes his head in one final display of disgust and sadness for his now very former associate.

As Edward is dragged out of sight the NOLA Faithful serenade the Socialite.

NA NA NAAAA NAAAA!
NA NA NAAAA NAAAA!
HEEEEY HEEEEY HEEEY!
GOOOODBYYYYE!

NA NA NAAAA NAAAA!
NA NA NAAAA NAAAA!
HEEEEY HEEEEY HEEEY!
GOOOODBYYYYE!

The whole arena is singing and laughing. The Faithful revel in the sight of long time DEFIANCE shithead Edward White finally getting what’s coming to him. For them it's just a show. Once again Bronson Box has delivered entertainment beyond their wildest dreams when they bought their ticket. He always does.

Up on the screen we see a camera has followed the cadre of police officers and federal agents backstage. A big black sedan with government plates sits idling in the arena's parking and drop off area. The officers have White by all four limbs, the FORMER millionaire wriggling and shrieking at the top of his lungs like a pig caught in a trap.

Edward White:
YOU CAN’T DO THIS! IT’S A SET-UP, CAN’T YOU FEDERAL NINCOMPOOPS SEE THAT? That rat bastard Bronson Box SET ME UP! AINT THAT RIGHT HOLLIS! He poisoned my dear Jane’s mind! She would NEVER do this to me, you hear me! GOT DAMN YOU, LET ME GO! LET! ME! GO! This is a travesty of justice! This is a MOCKERY! This is all POINTLESS, I SAY POINTLESS! I have friends! POWERFUL friends! I’m sure I’ll get a DAMN pardon from my dear close personal friend Dona…

He stops mid sentence.

The Socialite’s face drops when he sees exactly who’s holding the back door of the sedan open for the police officers and agents. Douglas and Dabney Doubleday with two of the most sincere shit eating grins plastered across both of their young faces.

Especially Little Dougie.

Dabney Doubleday:
I’m not so sure about that, Edward. I watch the news. THAT guy seems to have bigger concerns lately than gettin’ some washed up old pro wrestler out of his SECOND stint in the clink.

Douglas Doubleday:
Yeah. Since you mention that doddering, orange mound of bullshit and lies. Gotta say Eddy… seeing at least ONE fat, rich, greedy dickhead gettin’ slapped in the mush with some FILES and actually gettin’ sent off to prison for it is serious chicken soup for the soul, big man. This country is such BS right now, this just all feels SO good.

White fights even more furiously against the officer's grips.

Edward White:
NO! NO NO NO NO NO! Those two GOTdamn CHILDREN don’t get the last word on Edward White in DEFIANCE Wrestling… NO! NO! THAT IS NOT THE LAST DAMN PAGE IN MY BOOK!

The police officers just HUCK Edward head first into the backseat of the car.

Douglas immediately SLAMS the door with a little gusto, a fun little jig. 

Edward scrambles around in the backseat and presses his face against the window.

Edward White:
JANE! JANEY IF YOU CAN HEAR ME… PLEASE! DON’T… please don’t do this to me.

That humanizing look in his eyes again as the car starts and begins pulling away.

If he weren’t who he is it’d be almost heartbreaking.

Dabney Doubleday:
BON VOYAGE EDWARD! We’ll watch over the place for ya’!

Douglas Doubleday:
ENJOY LIFE IN PRISON AGAIN! YOU DEAD BROKE-ASS HOBO!

The camera pulls back. Douglas and Dabney stand and wave at the head of a shocking, HUGE coalesced group of DEFIANCE superstars and backstage staff. 

Essentially the entire roster have seemingly ALL gathered to watch as “The Socialite” Edward White is once again carted away from their lives. This time possibly for good. Overwhelmingly as the camera pans over the huge group of DEFIANCE superstars and backstage staff there’s far more smiles and looks of satisfaction than not.

A few more shouted shrieks from The Socialite, some muffled words we can’t pick up as the sedan rounds the corner and disappears out of sight.

The camera lingers for just the right amount of time before we cut back to Darren Keebler and Lance Warner out at the commentation station.

DDK:
Putting his snazzy white suit on this morning, this can’t be how Edward thought this evening would play out, certainly.

Lance:
OOOOOOH LORDY, that felt good. Chicken soup for the soul indeed, young Douglas. Well said. Bet that “hobo” line stung.

DDK:
Ladies and gentleman, on the surface, that legitimately might have been the last we all ever see of Edward White. Depending on what he’s going to be prosecuted for, he might be going away for a VERY long time when you factor in past wrongdoing.

Lance:
Something tells me Dabney and Dougie might need to keep their heads on a swivel from here on out. From the sound of it, Bronson hasn’t forgotten what they did with his original Spike.

DDK:
Our team will obviously keep the Faithful fully informed if there is any new information on this developing situation as we get it. Keep a close eye on DEF dot com for more.

DEFIANCE goes to commercial.

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Once more back to Jamie Sawyers on the podium! This time as we near the end… Faction of the Year!

Jamie Sawyers:
Up next, we have the Faction of the Year! It seemed to be a year for the bad guys! Which group on DEFIANCE did you, The Faithful, love to hate the most in 2025? 

He points to the screen above him displaying “DEFIANCE Faction of the Year”!

Jamie Sawyers:
And the nominees are… The Honor Society! 

Rapid-fire clips play featuring Dr. Ned Reform and TA Cole, Rezin becoming TA Black, then Headmaster Black as he takes control of the group from Ned Reform! TAs Horrigan and Roosevelt help out, as well as the fine folks of DOPE!

Jamie Sawyers:
Titanes Familia! 

Rapid-fire clips of the 2024 DEFIANCE Faction of the Year! Current members, Uriel Cortez, Titaness, Brooklynn Rivera and Killjoy! New members Kilgore and Siofra, and Titanes Familia OGs Mil Vueltas and Dan Leo James aka The Big Boss Dan! 

Jamie Sawyers:
And Vae Victis! 

One last round of rapid-fire clips of YOUR FIST of DEFIANCE “The Kraken” Henry Keyes, Lindsay Troy, Dan Ryan, Kerry Kuroyama and Scott Hunter aka The VVingmen! 

And now back to Jamie Sawyers, flaunting the envelope. 

Jamie Sawyers:
And the award for DEFIANCE Faction of the Year goes… 

He opens the envelope… 

Jamie Sawyers:
TITANES FAMILIA!

♫  "Familia" by Anuel AA and Nicky Minaj feat. Bantu ♫

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Jamie Sawyers has apparently learned his lesson from earlier and pushes a table full of DEFy Awards towards the table. One by one, the members of the Familia take the stage. 

YOUR SO-US Champion “The Man of The House” Uriel Cortez and “The Motherly Saint” Titaness! 

Mil Vueltas, limping up the stage still in his ring gear after his match with Oscar Burns earlier in the night. 

The Big Boss Dan in dark shades, black sleeveless turtleneck, black trenchcoat and burgundy cargo pants. 

“La Angelita” Brooklynn Rivera, wearing a black dress jacket with a Puerto Rico flag patch and black dress pants. 

Finally, The Rookie DEFIANTs of The Year 2025, Kill or Be Killed and Siofra with their earlier awards!

With a very full dais, Jamie Sawyers hands off trophies one at a time. Uriel Cortez and Titaness each grab a second DEFy, as do Siofra, Kilgore and Killjoy to help take the sting off a bitter loss. Mil Vueltas RIPS one from Jamie Sawyers while Brooklynn Rivera and The Big Boss Dan both hold theirs and pose for the cameras. 

Mil Vueltas:
¡Yo primero! ¡Yo primero! ¡Dámelo! Gimme that mic! 

DEFIANCE’s Biggest Hero is hopping mad as he pulls the microphone off the podium. 

Mil Vueltas:
OSCAR BURNS! ¡ERES UN MALDITO MENTIROSO! YOU CHEATED! YOU’RE NO HERO! YOU CAN’T PRETEND LAST FOUR YEARS OF YOU BEING HORRIBLE TO THESE PEOPLE DIDN’T EXIST! THAT’S WHY BEFORE I ACCEPT THIS DEFY I TOTALLY DESERVE, LET ME REMIND YOU I BEAT YOU AT ACTS OF DEFIANCE! TONIGHT, ¡TUVISTE SUERTE! YOU GOT LUCKY! WE’RE ONE AND ONE! I’M NOT GOING TO LET LOS NINOS THINK YOU’RE JUST AS GOOD AS ME!

The GLOAT points upwards. 

Mil Vueltas:
YOU AND ME… ONE ON ONE IN MY HOME COUNTRY OF MEXICO, IN MEXICO CITY! DEFtv 230! I AM BETTER THAN YOU, CABRON! 

He hands off the microphone to The Big Boss Dan, who is still reeling from his first-ever DEFy. 

The Big Boss Dan:
OH, MAN, OH, MAN, OH, MAN! I GOT MY FIRST DEFy! GUYS, I GOT MY FIRST DEFy!

On the verge of hyperventilating, Dan has to calm himself down. Brooklynn Rivera slaps him on the arm. 

The Big Boss Dan:
You’re right, you’re right… um… okay, so many people I gotta thank! Papa Tez, Momma T, our SO-US Champion! Tio Mil, who has helped show me the way! My new Sissy, Brooklynn… 

Wide-eyed Brooklynn SMACKS Dan on the arm even harder! Dan winces as Brooklynn runs a thumb across her throat. 

Brooklynn Rivera:
¡LLÁMAME ASÍ OTRA VEZ Y MUERES! 

She spits at his feet. The Shield of the Familia is confused, then remembers this show is live. 

The Big Boss Dan:
That means she likes me! My new bro, Killjoy! And our Attack Dog-Man Kilgore! Auntie Siofra! Man… Familia rules! And it’s my honor to protect them all! Thank you to the esteemed judges for my first-ever DEFy! ALSO… SHOUT-OUT TO ANOTHER TALL, ROWZILLA! GREAT WORK TONIGHT! WE’LL TALK SOON! 

He moves from the podium so Uriel Cortez and Titaness can take a place on the podium. Still wearing their SO-HIS and SO-HERS title belts, the power couple leading Titanes Familia both hold a DEFy in hand! 

Uriel Cortez:
TWO TIME TWO TIME! Vae Victis can keep their stupid seats because at the end of the day, I already proved they can’t STAND alongside Titans! The Honor Society might have had the brains at one point, but they don’t even have THAT anymore, let alone OUR firepower. No matter what the result was tonight… TITANES FAMILIA! I told you last year, didn’t I…? I fucking TOLD all of you Smalls that the Familia would expand and grow and now everyone’s talking about US! They’re talking about what WE do. Across the board, there is not a group here in DEFIANCE that measures up to what we can do! My kids have accomplished more than YOUR kids! 

He points to Mil and Dan. 

Uriel Cortez:
Familia may fight, but eventually, we come together again because we are stronger TOGETHER! Bring it in, guys! Familia hug! 

The four Familia OGs gather in the middle of the stage and embrace in a hug… 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

After their hug, they break and it’s Titaness’ turn at the podium. 

Titaness:
We also have to thank our Tall Familia Lawyer, “Big Mad” Mads Larsen! Killing it in BRAZEN, but also argued the deal that made the SO-US Championship even possible! Without a doubt, 2025 was our year and going into 2026, we’ll do more of the same because sooner or later, you’ll all find out. What’s our family motto, guys?

Everyone gets close to the microphone, save Killjoy (not a public speaker).

Everyone:
ALL FOR THE TALLS AND NONE FOR THE SMALLS!

All of Titanes Familia pose on stage with their DEFys as their music plays! One DEFy each for Mil, The Big Boss Dan and Brooklynn Rivera! Two each for Siofra, Killjoy and Kilgore, along with Uriel and Titaness, proudly wearing their SO-US Championships! They pose one last time and finally, clear the stage!

To the stage.

Jamie Sawyers:
The last two awards. Faithful, it's the big ones. First, DEFIANTS of the YEAR. The nominations are...

Scenes of the teams over the 2025 season air, starting with Max and Mason making Rain City Ronin quit.

Jamie Sawyers:
The Triple Sevens.

M4NTRA show of their Tag Team Championships.

Jamie Sawyers:
M4NTRA.

And a final shot of Rain City Ronin winning the gold from M4NTRA at DEFCON.

Jamie Sawyers:
And Rain City Ronin.

There's a pause and a drum roll.

Jamie Sawyers:
The DEFIANTS of the Year...

He opens the envelope.

Jamie Sawyers:
Rain City Ronin!

♫ “Nobody Speak” by DJ Shadow feat. Run the Jewels ♫

The audience applauds the announcement as the music hits. But after a few moments, it’s only a lone, stone-faced Leo Burnett that walks out onto the stage.

Burnett still bears a bandage on his forehead as a symbol of the still unhealed trauma suffered from DEFIANCE Rising. It appears in stark contrast to his formal attire. He is emotionless as he shakes Jamie’s hand and accepts the award.

Sawyers gestures to the microphone for the customary acceptance speech. Leo mulls it over for a few seconds, and ultimately chooses to approach the pulpit to speak.

Leo Burnett:
I’d like to say a few things…

Burnett clears his throat.

Leo Burnett:
Let me start by saying… thank you. Though my partner could not be here tonight, I can confidently say that the both of us greatly appreciate this honor. 

The audience applauds again, as Leo takes a moment to nod respectfully.

Leo Burnett:
It’s hard to believe that a little over two years ago, the Rain City Ronin were at a point of crisis. From a record-breaking reign as tag champs of BRAZEN, to being on the verge of slipping through the cracks on the main roster. Wearing Reaper masks just to get time in the ring.

He chuckles and shakes his head.

Leo Burnett:
But one day, Zack and I made a commitment to each other. We agreed to push this team harder than ever. That we wouldn’t stop, until we had reached the top of all wrestling. And, most important of all, that we’d complete that journey without ever speaking a word on camera. Our only message would be the one we left in the ring. 

Burnett stares into the podium as he takes a moment to collect his thoughts.

Leo Burnett:
For two years, we committed ourselves to this stance, to stand apart from the trash talk. To be above the over-indulgent overtures. To avoid the culture of empty claims and hollow statements, made out of vanity and pride. We wanted to prove that a team could become the undisputed best in this business without the need to push a narrative or inflate our egos. Because while true words can always be twisted into lies, our actions can never be disputed.

He holds up the DEFy Award, and nods to the crowd.

Leo Burnett:
This distinction… I consider this to be the culmination of those two years of commitment. An era that, sadly, came to an end at this last event…

His fingers absentmindedly graze the bandage on his forehead.

Leo Burnett:
If I’m being honest, I don’t know what the future holds for the Rain City Ronin. Zack and I haven’t spoken since DEFIANCE Rising. I am hopeful that this year, we will be able to rehabilitate from this loss, reshape our vision of this team, and return to the field of competition. Until then, speaking on behalf of my absent partner, I feel the two of us need a break from DEFIANCE until we get a better view of our future together.

Once more, he holds up the DEFy, and again nods with reverence. 

Leo Burnett:
But for tonight… we are eternally grateful that you, the Faithful, have recognized our efforts this past year. Once again, thank you.

The music hits as Burnett walks off the stage to a round of applause.

We are at the interview stage.

Jamie Sawyers:
Faithful, it's our last award. DEFIANT of the YEAR. The nominations are...

Their faces appear on the DEFI-A-TRON along with clips of their highest moments this calendar year.

Jamie Sawyers:
Brock Newbludd.

Loud boos.

Jamie Sawyers:
Corvo Alpha.

Lots of support.

Jamie Sawyers:
Henry Keyes.

Back to heavy boos.

Jamie Sawyers:
And Erik Black.

The entire transformation of Rezin to TA to Headmaster and so on rolls through.

Jamie Sawyers:
In one of our closest races in the history of the DEFY Awards... the winner is...

Pause. Look into the crowd.

Jamie Sawyers:
Brock Newbludd!

Shock. And Awe.

BAAAAAALLLLYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

♫ “Metal Health (Bally-Bang Your Head)” by Quiet Riot ♫

For the second time tonight, Quiet Riot suddenly disappears from the arena’s speakers for The Faithful to chime in. Unlike earlier, their reaction leaves no doubt about how they’re feeling.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Walking out on the stage with his DEFRADIO trophy raised high above his head and a shit-eating grin spread across his face, Brock Newbludd BASKS in the crowd’s reaction. Looking a lot more inebriated than early in the night, Brock breaks out into a little celebratory jig that ends in a mediocre moonwalk. Spreading his arms wide, Milwaukee’s Beast throws his head back and laughs as the boos continue to rain down. One more drunken moonwalk later, and the grinning Newbludd finds himself next to Sawyers. Jamie hands Newbludd the trophy and offers up a handshake with his other hand. Brock greedily takes the trophy and completely ignores the handshake as he moves in front of the podium. 

Brock Newbludd:
BVP 2025 for the WIN! The Year of the Beast, baby! 

Brock pumps the DEFIANT of the Year trophy above his head and laughs loudly again.

Brock Newbludd:
All you f*ckin’ haters can shove it! You keep booing! Go ahead! I can’t hear you from the top of the mountain!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Brock Newbludd:
I LOVE IT! Look at what happens when you cut the dead weight from your life! You go straight to the top!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Brock Newbludd:
You know, a month or two ago I probably would have come out here and thanked all you people for your support and claimed I couldn’t done it without all the Ballyhooligans. But the truth is, I’m pretty sure I would have. 

Some more jeers hit Brock, and he gives an innocent shoulder shrug.

Brock Newbludd:
What? It’s true. I busted my ass for a night like tonight. I bled. I sweat. I read the scripts. I did my own stunts. All you guys have done, and have ever done, is have the pleasure of enjoying the results of all my hard work. Whether it’s tearing down the house in a match or kickin’ commie ass on the big screen, I did my job, and that was entertain you people. Why wouldn’t you cheer for me? I’m a goddamn winner, and I achieved this ALL BY MYSELF! Not only am I a “Milwaukee Made Man,” I’m a goddamn self-made man!

Brock raises both trophies high and laughs.

Brock Newbludd:
And these right here prove it! 

He kisses one trophy and then the other.

Brock Newbludd:
Now, before I get out of here and head back to L.A. to celebrate with some class, I’d like to address my former best friend’s little challenge he laid out for me a little earlier.

His face sobers up suddenly, and he turns his head to look directly into the camera.

Brock Newbludd:
Pat, those were some bold [BLEEP]ing words you said earlier, calling me a coward. Some excellent gaslighting work, too, trying to pin this situation between us entirely on me. You’re a goddamn ungrateful sonuvabitch who’s gotten too big for his britches. You said some pretty dumb shit earlier, but you did get one thing right. I am THE Saturday Night Special. I live the life, brother. 24/7/365. And if you want me to remind you of that the hard way at DEFCON in a damn street fight, then YOU’RE ON!

The Faithful explode in cheers at the news!

DDK:
It appears the match is on! This Spring - right here in DEFIANCE’s home!

♫ “Va Va Voom” by Nicki Minaj ♫

Cutting into the crowd excitement at the announcement of the match comes a song the Faithful haven’t heard in a while - but their cheering grows when through the entrance walks Ophelia Sykes!

Lance:
It’s former BRAZEN Women’s Champ Ophelia Sykes! We haven’t seen here since the birth of her child nearly a year ago!

Looking stylish as ever, Ophelia does wave and blow a few kisses to the crowd by way of appreciation for their welcoming her back. Then she turns and marches up the steps to the interview stage. Jamie Sawyer moves to question her intentions, but she simply snatches a mic out of his hand and pushes him to the side. The small firecracker gets right up in Brock’s face - the size difference almost comical.

Ophelia Sykes:
Who the [BLEEP] do you think you are?

Brock matches Ophelias glare with a wide-eyed one of his own.

Brock Newbludd:
I’M THE GODDAMN DEFIANT OF THE YE–!

Sykes puts a hand up to Brock’s face. The boldness of the move causes Brock to stutter in surprise, and Ophelia immediately jumps in.

Ophelia Sykes:
Nah, let me tell you who you are. I see a sniveling, stupid, braindead meathead who got a little success and let it go right to his head. That man LOVED you, you selfish asshole. If you had a problem with him, you decided to be too much of a little bitch to just come out and say it, because I know deep down you KNOW you’re a piece of shit.

Again, Brock can’t get a word in edge-wise.

Ophelia Sykes:
Oh yeah, little Brocky. I can see through this Hollywood bullshit. This is just an act. And act because deep down, you’re quivering in your boots. You’ve been doing this a long time, hotshot, and you know your time is almost up. Milk this shit for all it’s worth. Enjoy being Defiant of the Year, cause how many more years you really got in ya, huh?

Brock Newbludd:
Oh, you sure got it all figured out don’t ya, lady? Walkin' out here to your little Nicki Minaj Turning Point USA theme, looking like a bargain bin Erika Kirk! BAH! What great insight, thank you! You sure did see right through my layer of Hollywood bullshit to discover the truth of the matter, that it's all been a big act.

Newbludd shakes his head and laughs arrogantly.

Brock Newbludd:
And you’d be a hundred percent right, because I’m an actor, dumdum. And as far as your question goes, I bet I have more years left in the tank than you do total braincells. You make less sense than your husband does, toots.

Ophelia Sykes:
I can tell you one thing. I’ve seen Pat Cassidy angry. I’ve seen Pat Cassidy pissed. I’ve seen him furious. But I’ve never seen the look in his eyes when he talks about facing off with you in a Street Fight at DEFCON. I can’t promise much in this world, but I can [BLEEP]ing promise you this: the father of my child is going to beat your ass.

Brock Newbludd:
Your word means shit to me, so keep your promise. I know firsthand how useless promises are comin’ from a Cassidy. Your hubby’s gonna be a part of a beating at DEFCON, you’re right about that. Except he’s gonna be the one takin’ it like a—-

WHAM!

DDK:
From behind!! Cassidy from behind!! He’s lighting Newbludd up with big rights!

Lance:
Where did he come from??

Cassidy and Brock’s brawl knocks into the podium, causing it to topple forward and smash into the floor below. Ophelia steps back but continues to cheer Pat on even as Jamie Sawyers tries to move her out of harm's way. DEFSec has rushed the interview stage which has become a chaotic mass of humanity!

DDK:
Our little award show seems to have exploded!

Lance:
That’s right, Darren!

We can barely see Brock and Pat among the bodies trying to separate them, but we can see that they’re still exchanging stiff shots!

Finally, some order is able to be restored, as a small army of DEFsec manages to pry Brock off of Cassidy. Brock is held back as he tries to charge at his former friend, while Cassidy is similarly pulled in the opposite direction. Both men continue to try to get at each other, but they’re successfully (albeit barely) held at bay.

Lance:
I’m not sure how smart this was on Pat Cassidy’s part - wasn't he supposed to be on his best behavior?

DDK:
He’s always been a “ready, shoot, aim” kinda guy.

Brock is still putting all his effort into getting free and charging, but Cassidy has begun to cooperate with DEFsec and they let him go as he holds his hands up in an “okay, okay” motion. Without warning, Cassidy reaches down and snatches the Defiant of the Year trophy!! He holds it high in the air as Brock Newbludd’s eyes nearly bug out of his skull!

Brock Newbludd:
DON’T YOU FUCKIN’ DARE YOU…

SMASH!!!

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

DDK:
Cassidy destroys the Defiant of the Year trophy!!! 

This wanton disrespect gives Brock the strength he needs to break free of DEFsec! He hurls himself at Cassidy, and they crash into a mass of punching humanity as the security again leaps on them to put a stop to it!

LET THEM FIGHT
LET THEM FIGHT
LET THEM FIGHT!

DDK:
This has broken down, ladies and gentlemen… and we’re not done! As we try to restore some order here, we’ll be right back with a huge main event! Don’t go away!

Last shot before the commercial is the former Saturday Night Specials, throwing bombs as they’re desperately pulled away from each other.

Your bi-weekly source for all things DEFIANCE! Tune in, for the UNCUT, NO HOLDS BARRED DEFIANCE!

2025 DEFY AWARDS FINALISTS

DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Brock Newbludd (bio)

DEFIANTS of the YEAR
-Rain City Ronin (bio)

FACTION of the YEAR
-Titanes Familia

BREAKOUT DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Uriel Cortez (bio)

ROOKIE DEFIANTS of the YEAR
-Kill or Be Killed (bio)

MANAGERIAL DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Lord Nigel Trickelbush

MATCH of the YEAR
-FIST of DEFIANCE, BATTLE of the BROTHERS: MALAK FUSE (C) vs. CONOR FUSE -- vs. HENRY KEYES -- (DEFCON)

SEGMENT of the YEAR
-NO (TA Black takes over the Honor Society - MAXDEF)
-AND THEY BURIED THE HATCHET ONCE AND FOR ALL (Tyler Fuse, Conor Fuse and the rest of The Comments Section stab Malak Garland in the back - DEFtv 226)

SHOCK of the YEAR
-Henry Keyes wins the FIST of DEFIANCE as a surprise addition to the match at DEFCON

ONGOING STORYLINE of the YEAR
-Corvo vs. MV1 & MV2

BRAZEN of the YEAR
-Rowzilla

DEF RADIO MOMENT of the YEAR
-Born Over Premier

Ominous music plays because, of course, why wouldn’t it? The SAFE SPACE (hell in a cell) is being lowered. It’s a steel cage, with a roof on top, and no, it’s not coloured red for DEFIANCE or anything like that. Just your generic looking SAFE SPACE, still scary in its own right.

DDK:
Faithful, it’s time.

Lance:
But first, a history lesson! We’ve only seen this structure ONE other time. Malak Garland beat Conor Fuse, forcing Conor to join The Comments Section against his will. When DEFCON rolled around, Malak demanded Conor be his teammate, in an attempt to reacquire Malak’s lost Tag Team Championship belts from Brock Newbludd and Pat Cassidy. Malak wanted the match to take part in his newly dubbed special contest, a SAFE SPACE. Well… here we are now, about five years later, and Tyler is going to use it against Malak’s own will.

DDK:
How times have changed. Brock and Pat, we know where that friendship is now. Conor is technically still part of The Comments Section, under the new name of Outer Heaven. And they were the ones who booted Malak from the group!

Lance:
Guess that’s one way to escape The Comments Section. Make it your own.

DDK:
The cage is lowered. Let’s go to ringside!

Darren Quimbey stands inside the SAFE SPACE.

Darren Quimbey:
This is the MAIN EVENT and it is a SAFE SPACE match!

The fans cheer, awaiting blood. No doubt blood.

Darren Quimbey:
Introducing first… from Toronto, Ontario, Canada… weighing two-hundred-ten pounds… he is TYLER FUSE.

♫ “300 Violin Orchestra” by Jorge Quintero ♫

The former gamer strolls out, wearing black trunks and black boots. He takes off his generic black shirt halfway down the ramp and drops it on the ground.

DDK:
A usual, no frills entrance.

Lance:
Look at Tyler’s eyes. He is ready to kill tonight.

DDK:
Oh, Malak has his work cut out for him. And yet I’d like to remind everyone that Malak defeated Tyler CLEAN over five months ago. In fact, Tyler has never beaten Garland!

It doesn’t even matter to Tyler Fuse, steel cage or not, he walks through the cage door and rolls under the bottom rope as if this was an UNCUT contest vs. No Fun Dean.

Tyler’s theme fades while the crowd’s cheers get louder.

Lance:
You wanna talk about things changing? What about this? We are in the WRESTLEPLEX and MALAK GARLAND is being waited for… with positive anticipation!

DDK:
I know. Wild.

Darren Quimbey:
And his opponent… from Cheyenne, Wyoming… also weighing two-hundred-ten pounds… he is The Snowflake Superstar… MALAK GARLAND!

♫ “Big Dawgs” by Humankind ♫

Malak comes out wearing his OG attire. A thunderous ovation follows!

DDK:
There are only four-thousand fans inside the DEFPlex but let me tell you, it sounds like we’re back in Paris in front of forty!

Garland cranks his arms around to loosen them up. In a stunning display, there is no over-the-top entrance here, either. Malak is stoic, almost Tyler Fuse-like in his descent towards the ring.

The announcers can barely get a word out when Malak is already down there. Unlike Tyler, however, Garland does stop at the entrance door, looking up at his dubbed SAFE SPACE. He coddles himself, for just a mere second, before raising his right hand and pumping up the crowd before he enters.

Tyler, meanwhile, leans on the ropes at the far end of the ring, staring daggers into the man he hates so much.

DDK:
It has become so very personal here.

Lance:
There was a time when Malak and Conor was the blood feud. I really gotta say… I think Tyler is now the true nemesis of Malak Garland.

DDK:
I can’t argue.

Benny Doyle is the ref on the outside, who locks the SAFE SPACE door, puts the key in his pocket and exits under the rampway. Inside the ring… well, we have Tyler and Malak on opposite sides.

DDK:
Our referee is… Mark Shields.

Lance:
Do I groan here?

DDK:
Look, we all read the dirt sheets. Apparently Mark is under surveillance for his poor reffing. I would say, it’s about time. He also used to be Malak’s “personal referee”. That has since changed. The Fuse’s have spoken to Shields a lot more lately, and Malak has missed a lot of this year due to injuries.

Lance:
Injuries, thanks to Tyler Fuse attacks.

DDK:
Yes. But let’s not go down that beaten path, pun intended. Mark is the ref and I would expect him to be on better behaviour right now. Is he aligned with anyone in particular? I doubt it. Is he likely to lean towards Tyler’s side more than Malak? He might. Tyler has been hell bent on taking EVERYTHING away from Garland.

The Faithful within the DEFPlex stand as referee Mark Shields wanders into the center of the ring. Tyler remains on one side, Malak on the other. Both of them are very locked in.

Shields actually does his job. He looks at both men, agrees they are ready to go…

And calls for the bell!

DING DING

The right amount of DING DINGS hit, but it could’ve been messed up, too. It doesn’t matter. Tyler and Malak immediately race to the center of the squared circle and start unloading on each other to a massive cheer!

Tyler is delivering HARD, STIFF left forearms into the side of Malak’s face. Meanwhile, Garland is pumping Fuse in the opposite side of his head with right fists into the jawline.

Neither is backing down, but both of their heads crank back numerous times in the process. Even Mark Shields, who is standing close by, remains locked into the action.

Finally, Tyler delivers a knee straight into Malak’s stomach to a chorus of boos!

DDK:
There isn’t going to be any gentleman’s agreement here, Malak has to know if he’s going to get into a haymaker battle, he’s gotta keep his guard up.

The OG Player places both hands around Garland’s head and slings the snowflake’s skull into the canvas. Tyler follows with a well played elbow straight into Garland’s chest before picking his nemesis up and hurling him into the ropes.

Tyler follows RIGHT behind the throw, kneeing Garland in the back the second the former FIST hits the ropes. Fuse leans down, snatches Garland by the legs and then shoots Malak over the ropes and out of the ring entirely.

Fuse sarcastically dusts his hands off, while that stoic demeanor never leaves his face.

Lance:
The Sentinel. I think that’s one of the “newer” nicknames swirling around online regarding Tyler Fuse. As focused and intense as ever…

DDK:
Look, Tyler has his setbacks, too. He’s lost quite a few matches recently. His focussedness can get the better of him!

Tyler measures Malak from the apron and drops an axe handle on the small of his back.

DDK:
Malak has a WARCHAMBER victory against Bronson Box of all people. He’s won a RUMINATION CHAMBER against seven other men! Yes, those victories aren’t without “help”, but as they say, there’s no picture on the scorecards. No explanation in the victory column.

Tyler methodically stalks his prey as he’s now down on the outside of the ring, watching Malak Garland crawl around on his hands and knees, trying to find some breathing room. Fuse approaches Garland…

WHAM!

And boots him right in the chest!

The air rushes out of Garland’s lungs, as his hands and legs give way from underneath him. Tyler merely leans over, with that no fucks given expression before hoisting Malak to his feet…

And ramming Garland’s head straight into the cage mesh!

CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!

DDK:
Tyler is literally BEATING Malak’s head against the cage!

CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!

Only for a brief moment does Tyler’s expression change, a millisecond or less of him clenching his teeth together before giving each slam of Malak’s head everything he has.

CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!

After three more riccochets of Garland’s head against the steel, Tyler now pins Malak’s face against the mesh and starts grinding his right cheek into it. The nearby Faithful grimace upon seeing Malak’s skin start to break, slowly slicing up through the metal.

Mark Shields, on the other hand, does seem concerned. He even hops to the outside and asks Tyler to bring the match back in.

Fuse sneers, as if insinuating who’s pocket the referee eats out of now. Needless to say, Shields hops back into the ring and waits for the action to get back inside.

Fuse continues dragging Garland’s face across the mesh… he’s bringing the former FIST from one side of the cage all the way to the end of the other, before showing mercy. Fuse pulls Garland’s head back…

WHAM!

And chucks it up against the nearby steel steps!

DDK:
Oh my god. What’s he doing now!?

Lance:
I think Tyler is going to decapitate him!

DDK:
What?

Lance:
I- I wish I was kidding.

Lance Warner might be right. Fuse places Garland’s head in-between the steel steps and the ring post. With Malak firmly stuck in position, The Sentinel wanders a few steps back.

Then a few more.

Then to the opposite end of the floor.

Tyler looks at the cage. He can see red smear marks all the way from one side of the mesh to the other, where Malak Garland stays stuck in-between a rock and a hard place, almost technically speaking.

Fuse bites his bottom lip and sprints FULL SPEED AHEAD. He’s not nearly as quick as his brother, but for a moment there the family resemblance comes out because Tyler is giving it his all.

Dropkick.

BANG!

HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!

The steps go RIGHT into Garland’s neck and you can see his head whack off the steps and into the ring post! Malak’s body goes limp, as Tyler dusts himself off, reaches out and pushes the steel steps back to collect the limp, DOA body.

Garland doesn’t flinch. The announcers express their concern as Tyler rolls Malak under the bottom rope and then looks back at the steps. With a shit eating smirk crossing his face, Tyler drags the steel steps back into place and methodically walks up them and onto the apron. A chorus of boos follow.

DDK:
Adding insult to injury, no doubt about that! Just horrible!

Lance:
Ah, I see it as gamesmanship, Keebler. Listen, I’d like to support Malak, but let’s not forget Garland has done terrible things in this feud as well.

Fuse finally slips in-between the top and middle rope, collects Malak Garland and hoists him in the air.

Sheerdrop brainbuster.

DDK:
This is over!

Shields slides over to count the cover, as Tyler even hooks a leg for good measure.

ONE.

TWO.

KICKOUT!

The Faithful come alive as Tyler looks down at his opponent with a crinkly faced expression. More of a “are you serious?” than anything else.

DDK:
Maybe Tyler shouldn’t have been a dick and rolled under the bottom rope. He didn’t need to take the stairs. If you’re serious about “ending” Malak Garland, then there’s a time and a place where that “gamesmanship” you mentioned Lance… well, it should just end.

Lance:
A fair point.

Fuse whips Garland into an upright position and lands a second sheerdrop brainbuster. Garland remains limp - the only sign of life he showed was on the kickout. Tyler, however, doesn’t pin Garland. Instead, he drags Malak to his feet once again and throws him into a corner.

Fuse sprints in with a full blown elbow to the jaw, snapping Garland’s head back in the process. Then it’s another elbow. Another. Another. A LOT of elbows.

Lance:
Tyler is going to make Malak PAY for kicking out. Lots of times you’ll see a wrestler go to a singular move and then another pinfall attempt, but it’s a psychological game just as much as physical. Torment the guy!

Tyler is delivering so many elbows and Garland’s head is snapping back with each one. Malak’s lifeless. Meanwhile, Mark Shields IS actually doing his job because there’s no job to do, the rules are out the window.

Fuse with a nasty hip toss to Malak, sending him from the corner to the center of the mat. Garland lands in a seated position, so Tyler runs towards him and delivers a flying elbow to the back of Garland’s head.

DDK:
Another cover?

No. Fuse peels Garland off the mat and connects with a snap suplex. Tyler holds on and tosses Garland in the air and lands a third sheerdrop brainbuster.

Now the cover.

ONE.

TWO.

SHOULDER UP!

There’s a slight cheer of the crowd, but it’s hard to get behind anything since it’s been 100% Tyler Fuse since the knee-to-the-chest scrum. The OG Player slithers around the floor, eyes locked on Malak as he contemplates what to do next.

Tyler slides out of the ring, throws back the apron and grabs a steel chair.

He bursts right back into the scene, when Garland shows the first signs of life since his head was destroyed from the steel steps and ringpost. It’s not much life, mind you, he’s simply trying to crawl around the floor on his hands and knees.

Tyler positions the chair in front of his forearm and makes a play towards Garland.

WHAM!

A leaping, slamming, forearm smash with the chair used as the first point of contact, square into Garland’s back. Malak screams and falls down like he’s shot. Tyler moves the chair to the side, grabs Garland in a suplex position again and walks over to the chair.

Another sheerdrop brainbuster. The chair is right below.

WHAM-

NO!

Garland breaks free by delivering a knee into Tyler’s head! The crowd goes wild as Malak stumbles back a few steps, still unsure of his whereabouts. Tyler locates his opponent rather quickly and comes sprinting in with a clothesline…

Garland BARELY ducks but ducks nonetheless. Tyler shoots off the next set of ropes, leaps in the air and snatches Malak’s head-

The Snowflake Superstar pushes Fuse to the mat! But since Malak’s head remains swirling, he stumbles backwards and into the ropes, ultimately falling out of the ring.

Fuse is on his feet. He runs towards the edge of the ring where Malak resides. Tyler arrives at the ropes and slingshots himself up and over them-

WHAM!

Right into a desperation knee from Malak Garland!

RRRRAAAAAHHHHH!!

DDK:
Tyler got overzealous. He was wrestling methodically… composed. But then the couple of times he failed to get his hands on Malak, he did something out of character. When is the last time you’ve ever seen Tyler sling himself over the ropes like that? He’s not a high flyer. Outside of the running bulldog finisher he has, he doesn’t leave his feet too often.

Garland has a moment, a lifeline, a breather. He continues to prove he’s not stable on his feet, as the second he tries standing upright, he wobbles backwards. Thankfully, the steel steps are there to save him, the same ones his head bounced through a few minutes ago.

Garland looks down at the steel steps. He marches forward -tries to at least- en route to his sworn enemy. He grabs Tyler by the air and Irish whips him towards the ropes…

It’s reversed!

Somehow, someway, Garland gains proper balance when he arrives at the steps and jumps ON them, not through them. Tyler runs towards Malak again, and Malak leaps off the steps, clearing Tyler’s head in the process and landing behind him.

Shotgun dropkick, Malak to the back to Tyler Fuse. This finally knocks the former gamer off his feet and shoulder first into the steps. It’s not a hard collision, but it’s one to buy Garland a little time. The previous FIST of DEFIANCE looks to his left, then to his right and grabs the ring apron.

Malak drags out a steel chair.

Lance:
You can tell Garland’s still nowhere near one-hundred-percent, the guy can barely stand. He might be concussed.

Garland swings the chair wildly…

SMACK!

But only finds the steel steps as Tyler rolls to the side.

Garland tries to hit Tyler again…

SMACK!

Instead Malak hits the ground below.

The Keyboard Warrior won’t give up. He’s got Fuse right at his feet. He throws the chair back-

Low blow by Tyler!

Malak drops the chair, doubles over, and then Tyler lands a DDT, putting Malak’s head through the chair in the process!

BBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

DDK:
Malak is trying. Man, I will give him that. But he's been fighting from behind since the start.

Fuse collects himself, it only takes a moment. The former Favored Saints Champion snatches Malak’s face and starts dragging his forehead across the steel mesh once again… from one side to the other.

Lance:
Soon enough the entire cage is going to be painted red!

DDK:
Who would ever do such a thing?

Obviously, Lance is exaggerating, but in fairness there are now two big, long red streaks across two sides of the cage, both courtesy of Malak Garland’s plasma.

At the end of the line, Tyler drops Malak’s head…

…Until he realizes he could paint the other two sides.

Commence even louder than normal boos, as Fuse walks Garland and himself to the third side of the steel cage. Tyler begins dragging Malak’s forehead into the mesh aaaaallllllllllllll the way down.

Lance:
Garland’s forehead is about to become swiss cheese.

DDK:
If it’s not already.

The third side of the cage has been completed, a nice little red streak through the center.

Tyler smirks.

Tyler Fuse: [looking down at Malak Garland]
One more to go, buddy.

And now the fourth side of the SAFE SPACE is christened in Malak Garland’s blood, as Tyler has a break in that generic deadpan look. He seems blissful. Happy.

…concerned?

About halfway through the dragging, Tyler comes to a stop. So he tries to restart things all over again, but he can’t seem to move any further.

One more try…

Nadda.

Fuse looks over to Garland. Somehow, someway, Garland has both feet FIRMLY planted in the ground and has pushed his crimson head off the steel cage. Only his pure white eyes and blue pupils are seen through the blood absolutely gushing down his forehead.

Malak is furious.

Tyler delivers a left hand-but it’s blocked. He tries again- blocked.

Malak with a headbutt.

Another headbutt.

A SCREAMING, bloodthirsty headbutt!

The fans are worked up.

DDK:
MALAK HAS A SECOND WIND!

Garland is headbutting the living piss outta Tyler Fuse. Then he takes Fuse by the skull and starts wildly slamming it against the steel cage!

LET’S GO GARLAND! MORE, MORE, MORE!
LET’S GO GARLAND! MORE, MORE, MORE!
LET’S GO GARLAND! MORE, MORE, MORE!

Garland takes a couple steps back and looks into the bleachers.

Malak Garland:
MOAR, you say!?

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!

Garland screams along with them as this time he presses Tyler’s head against the mesh…

And finishes off the red streak line to the end of the cage!

Garland lets go of Tyler, as he looks around all four corners of the SAFE SPACE, now outlined one complete red line streak. Approximately 90% his own blood, 10% Tyler’s.

Garland reaches out and collects the Fuse Bro. before hurling him into the steel steps.

WHAM!

Tyler meets them knees first as he flips up and over, to the side below!

Garland peers into the bleachers again.

Malak Garland:
I NEED… YOU!

Big cheer.

Malak Garland:
I’M INSECURE! I AM NEEDY! I. NEED. YOU!

Another cheer.

DDK:
I have no doubt in my mind that Malak Garland is concussed.

Lance:
Does it matter? I mean, in the context of his HEALTH it absolutely matters but he is feeding off this crowd right now! What a recovery!

The Snowflake Superstar pushes Tyler Fuse into the ring and rolls under the bottom rope. He collects Tyler as quickly as possible and looks to land his own sheerdrop brainbuster…

NO!

Tyler wiggles free, but maybe also due to the fact Garland hardly had good balance to begin with. Tyler shoots off the ropes, leaps in the air and screams “WEAPON GET” in the process.

I TRIGGER.

DDK:
DAMMIT!

The air is knocked out of the arena as Tyler falls on top of Malak and Mark Shields makes the count.

ONE.

TWO.

SOLID KICKOUT!

Tyler’s neck twitches. He slams the mat with everything he has and stares Mark Shields in-between the eyes.

Tyler Fuse:
You’re in MY back pocket now, remember!?

Shields shakes his head yes, but Tyler’s already thrown Garland into a corner. Fuse shouts before racing in-

SLAM!

Spit flies out of Tyler’s mouth as Malak hits him with a running elbow! Now Garland has Fuse’s head tucked underneath his right armpit…

Malak Garland:
WEAPON GET!

Garland runs up the ringpads, pushes off and lands Tyler’s finisher, the running bulldog!

DDK:
Oh my god! COVER!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Lance:
Both men have kicked out of each other’s moves, Keebs.

To the shock of the crowd, Garland is on his feet first. He’s delivering knee after knee after knee, working Tyler into the ropes. A bloody Malak Garland whips Tyler into the ropes across the way. Garland charges towards the center of the ring and looks for a leaping knee but Tyler stumbles to the side at the last possible second and attempts an Olympic slam… to which Malak Garland lands on his feet and pushes Tyler into the opposite side of the ropes. Malak once again runs towards Fuse and the second the elder brother bounces off the ropes-

YAKUZA KICK!

DDK:
A callback to Tyler’s feud with Jack Harmen!?

Fuse goes down like he’s SHOT. Malak falls on top for the cover.

ONE.

TWO.

KICKOUT!

Lance:
And now it’s Malak who can’t quite seem to put his opponent away!

Garland shakes his head, not out of frustration, more trying to regain actual composure because he’s no doubt concussed. He finds a vertical base and brings Tyler along with him, before Fuse lands a couple of quick elbows into the side of Garland’s neck. Tyler stumbles back, then races forward once again-

RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!

DDK:
A swinging powerslam! A hook of the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Lance:
Was that the Dex Drive!? Or was that a coincidence!?

DDK:
Garland took a page out of Tyler’s playbook with the bulldog and Harmen’s book with the yakuza kick. It makes sense he would take a page out of one of his own enemies, too. After all, he beat Dex Joy for the FIST!

Both men are trying to stand, while blood continues to soar from their foreheads. It’s mainly Malak who’s still bleeding but Tyler’s also had his fair share of blood loss since. Both men arrive on their feet at the same time and both men stumble into each other at the same time, too.

Tyler with a kick to the gut, followed by a HIGH, HIGH impact DDT.

DDK:
Stalker’s EvenFlow!?

But Fuse is spent. He can’t seem to roll Malak onto his back.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Cue at the entranceway, a very pissed off looking ADULT Conor Fuse, directing traffic in front of him by way of Game Face Cyrus, GFC.

DDK:
Here they come.

Conor is yelling at Cyrus to get down there as quickly as possible and “OPEN THE DOOR”. Bates arrives at the door and realizes it’s locked, to Conor’s response of “no kidding, dipshit.”

DDK:
Conor wants Bates to break into the SAFE SPACE. But that wouldn’t make it SAFE anymore!?

Lance:
Umm, partner, was it ever “safe”? Look at the men inside the ring!

Cyrus is pulling and pulling on the door, but he’s clearly not strong enough. By now, Conor has arrived at ringside beside GFC. Fuse meets eyes with Mark Shields who’s in the middle of the ring.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Mark, god dammit, man! Get down here and open this!

Shields raises a rather confused eyebrow.

Mark Shields:
Shit, guy. I don’t have the key. Benny does! They won’t let me hold onto it!

Conor is disgusted. He’s trying sssssooooooo hard not to throw a temper tantrum.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
DEFIANCE is run like a fucking circus!

Shields looks down at Malak Garland and then over to Conor Fuse. Conflict floods his face… but he does have to go back to calling the action since rumours have been swirling on social media regarding the ref and his job status. Shields is clearly feeling the heat… he sees Malak and Tyler are stirring on the mat. He has to stay with the action!

Conor continues to DEMAND results from GFC, who’s tugging away at the door.

ADULT Conor Fuse: [rubbing his temples]
Jesus, Cyrus. If you don’t get your GAME FACE on, Imma knock you down your moniker to No Pressure Cyrus and you can sit in the back forever!

DDK:
GFC to… NPC?

Meanwhile, inside the ring both DEFIANTS are once again on their feet, slugging it out. Tyler was initially getting the upperhand, but Garland is fierce. Fearless. And frothing at the mouth. Right. Right! RIIIGHT hands to Tyler’s mouth! Tyler is on rollerskates as Garland takes three steps back, spins around in the process before absolutely CLUBBING Fuse to the canvas with a discus clothesline.

Garland pounds his chest. He looks over at Conor and his former friend Cyrus Bates before bouncing off the ropes and leaping in the air.

DDK:
HEAD STOMP!

No! Tyler shoots up and out of nowhere with a flying forearm under Malak’s chin! The Snowflake Superstar goes down like he’s shot! The Faithful boo, as Tyler falls onto a knee and glances over at the doorway.

Still unable to break in, by now The ADULT is pinching the bridge of his nose in embarrassment while Cyrus keeps ripping at the doorframe.

Tyler slides out of the ring. He marches over to the locked entrance door and tries to grab Bates’ attention by staring straight at him.

Tyler Fuse:
Cyrus, look at me.

Bates raises his eyes from the door and towards the elder brother.

Tyler Fuse: [pointing behind him]
I need you to focus and use all of your strength. This isn’t so much about winning than it is about sending a message to that man. Malak has nobody, Cyrus. Not even you anymore. He has alienated and exhausted every single person in that locker room.

Tyler practically seems remorseful at his next realization.

Tyler Fuse:
I may never be able to physically end him. Fucker keeps getting up and getting up… so be it. This is the final nail in the mental destruction of the most insecure man on the planet.

Tyler leans towards Bates’ direction.

Tyler Fuse:
Open it.

Tyler moves his gaze towards Conor. A faint smirk crosses The Sentinel’s face.

Tyler Fuse:
Because it ends TONIGH-

DDK:
LOOK OUT!

RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Lance:
Tyler took too long! That’s Garland- Garland with a suicide dive!

Indeed. Garland’s body connects with Tyler’s, ramming Fuse into the mesh door right in front of Cyrus and his younger brother! For the newly dubbed ADULT Conor Fuse, he certainly isn’t showing emotional composure right now, he’s having a hairy conniption watching this bullshit transpire!

The Faithful are worked into a frenzy as Garland glances down at Tyler and then acknowledges Conor.

Malak Garland:
I’m… needy?

Garland growls.

Malak Garland:
I’m… insecure?

Garland pouts.

…Malak throws back his head, wipes the crusted blood away from his face and screams into the bleachers.

Malak Garland:
YOU GOD DAMN RIGHT I AM!

Garland pounds his chest, continuing to look into the crowd.

Malak Garland:
I need YOU!

RRRAAAAHHHH!!

Malak looks to another location in the bleachers.

Malak Garland:
I’m insecure, I need YOU!

He marches over to the edge of the SAFE SPACE and stares at a fan in the front row. Middle aged guy, salt and pepper hair. Garland points to him directly.

Malak Garland:
I NEED YOU!

The fan is going haywire trying to pump the insecure snowflake up.

Middle Aged Guy:
YEAH LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOO RRRAAAAHHHHHH!!!

Malak stomps back over to the locked cage door. Garland looks directly into Bates’ eyes. By now, GFC has stopped trying to break in entirely.

Malak Garland:
And I. Need. … … …

…

…

…

Malak Garland:
You.

RRRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

There is a VERY brief moment of silence between Garland and Bates, until Malak snatches Tyler by the neck and HURLS Fuse into the steel steps! Garland pounds on his chest some more, shouting into the crowd how triggered and scared he is. But he’s getting it done! He’s living in his SAFE SPACE!

Garland throws Tyler into the ring. One final look back at Bates and Conor before he rolls into the ring and measures Tyler for a potential, final blow.

Lance:
I can barely hear myself think! I never, ever, EVER thought we’d see something like this! The DEFPlex, our HOME BASE, fully in support of the man they once despised!

Tyler is slowly getting on his feet but Garland’s already in the ropes.

HEAD STOMP.

DDK:
COVER!!!

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

 

LAST MILLISECOND KICKOUT!

Conor pushes Cyrus aside and starts yanking at the door himself. The only issue is Conor’s a lot weaker than Bates ever could be.

A fuming ADULT comes to his senses. Conor digs into his pocket and pulls out his cellphone. He makes a call.

ADULT Conor Fuse: [pleading]
Okay, you win. Do it. Send ‘em out!

Inside the ring, Garland continues pounding his chest while telling the crowd how anxious and uncertain he is. How unaligned his chakras are. Until now. Until right now. Until he lowers his knee pad and measures Tyler Fuse for I Trigger.

Garland charges.

WHAM!

I Trigger!

But Malak isn’t done. The Keyboard King slides out of the ring, throws back the apron and takes a steel chair.

DDK:
What is Malak doing?

Lance:
Oh boy…

Garland, chair along for the ride, is climbing the inside of the SAFE SPACE with the chair neatly tucked between his legs. Malak climbs all the way to the top, while Conor Fuse merely watches helplessly on the outside. Malak ensures he stares at Conor the entire time he now monkey bars his way to the middle of the ring, chair still wedged in-between his feet. Once in the correct position - the spot DIRECTLY under Tyler Fuse - Garland uses one hand to retrieve the steel chair.

The snowflake starts laughing hysterically.

DDK:
Good lord.

Malak says a quick prayer before letting go of the cage and falling down towards Tyler, chair coming in HOT.

WHITE HOT LIKE SNOW.

WHAM!

HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!
HOLY SHIT!

DDK:
Malak drives the chair into Tyler with his forearm! My god how that didn’t destroy both of them…

Lance:
Tyler is DEAD, Keebs. And we have a cover!

The crowd counts along.

ONE.

 

 

 

TWO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BARELY A SHOULDER UP.

The DEFPlex is in shock as Malak rolls away from Tyler, checking on his own forearm in the process. It seems like Garland survived the fall.

Fine. So be it. Malak has one final trick up his sleeve. The Snowflake Superstar pushes the chair to the side and goes right back to the same spot outside the ring, under the apron.

Malak returns with a small black bag.

He pours the contents out.

YYYYYYYEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Thumbtacks galore.

The Faithful are rabid, an exact callback to Malak vs. Tyler from one year ago to the date for the FIST of DEFIANCE, when Malak sent Tyler through a plethora of tacks via a double underhook facebuster (pedigree).

Garland lifts Tyler into position while anticipation is at an all-time high.

DDK:
HOLD ON JUST A SECOND!

Out of NOWHERE, a man appears in front of Cyrus Bates! He places both hands on the SAFE SPACE entrance. It only takes one honest tug and then a little bit more…

R-
RRR-
RRRIIIIIPPPP!

The door snaps off its hinges!

DDK:
Is that…!?

Lance:
It’s HANK!

DDK:
Wait a second, who’s Hank?

Lance:
Cecilworth Farthington’s friend!

With the door now open, Hank enters the cage in a fury. Malak sees the man coming but it’s a moment too late as Hank steps over the ropes and DRILLS Garland square in the jaw before he can let go of Tyler. Malak crashes to the floor as he lays beside the thumbtacks, TKO’ed.

Hank exits the ring and cage entirely, walking past Cyrus Bates and Conor Fuse. For a moment, Conor leans into his lackey with a very serious tone.

ADULT Conor Fuse:
Now that’s a real NPC.

Conor merely brings his attention back to inside the SAFE SPACE. A space where he, nor Cyrus, seems no longer needed.

The crowd jeers as Tyler Fuse is wobbly but he’s found a vertical base. He looks down at the fallen Malak Garland and sees the bed of thumbtacks waiting in their glory, glistening under the lights.

The Sentinel snatches Garland by the head and sets him into position for the same double underhook facebuster move. Tacks below.

Tyler hooks one of Garland’s arms up to the crowd’s dismay. The second arm follows.

He sneers. He jumps.

Malak’s face and chest CRASH into oblivion!

There’s a sick, SPLAT-like sound as Garland eats the tacks. His body starts convulsing mere milliseconds afterwards. But like the sociopath Tyler is, he carelessly flips Garland onto his back and hooks a leg for shits and giggles.

Mark Shields makes the academic count.

ONE.

TWO.

THREE.

DING DING DING

Darren Quimbey: [solemnly]
The winner of this match… Tyler Fuse.

ADULT Conor Fuse claps profusely in pride as Tyler’s theme song plays, but the OG Player can barely do anything after the pinfall. Conor tells Cyrus to collect his brother, as GFC carefully rolls the elder Fuse away from the tacks.

DDK:
Dammit.

Conor leads the way as Bates helps walk Tyler up the ramp and to the back.

Lance:
Keebs, this is a tough one. Listen, Malak Garland attacked Cecilworth in PRIME. He had a receipt pending.

DDK:
I- I understand. I don’t agree with it, I don’t like it, but I have to accept what I just saw.

Tyler and Cyrus vanish from the top of the rampway, but not Conor Fuse. Not yet, anyway. The ADULT in the Room stands there, pleased with the destruction he sees inside the SAFE SPACE.

ADULT Conor Fuse: [mumbling to himself]
Feels so good to be all grown-up.

♫ “Choke” by I Don’t Know How But They Found Me ♫

Tyler’s theme is interrupted as the pro DEFIANCE crowd boos the shocking sight they are about to see and already hear.

PRIME’s Universal Champion has arrived.

Cecilworth walks onto the top of the stage, him and Conor Fuse briefly eyeing each other before Farthington descends the ramp, eyes now focused on his next challenger at IMMORTALS. Keebler and Warner remain on radio silence, not exactly sure what to make of the recent events. Meanwhile, Malak Garland hasn’t moved since the facebuster. He remains face-down, in a pool of his own blood, surrounded by additional thumbtacks, the lucky ones to have not entered Garland’s body.

Cecilworth arrives at the front of the cage, the broken door discarded to the right. The champ drags his hand across the mesh of the door before casually entering the structure.

He walks up the steel steps.

He slips between the ropes.

And then Cecilworth Farthington stands, undoing the Universal Championship, holding it high in the air to a chorus of boos, right above Garland.

The DEFIANCE signature appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen, as the last image of 2025 FADES. TO. BLACK.

DEFIANCE’s new hero, at the feet of wrestling’s most fierce competitor.

DDK:
My god, what did our insecure snowflake get himself into?

THIS.

IS.

DEFIANCE.