The HCW
Shockwave opening package hits before the broadcast cuts live inside the
Columbia Coliseum. Blue light washes across the crowd as the camera sweeps
through the building and settles on the Shockwave commentary desk.
J.R.
Holland:
"Welcome to HCW Shockwave! I'm J.R. Holland alongside C.K., and we are
only three days removed from Reign of Champions—and HCW may never be the same
after what happened Sunday night."
C.K.:
"That's what happens when championships change hands and people finally
stop pretending everything is going to stay nice and comfortable forever."
J.R.
Holland:
"We have a huge night ahead, including Kai Zenith against Caesar King in
our main event. We will also see Korbi Kong compete for the first time since
losing the Heritage Women's Championship, and Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega
will be in tag team action against Steel Justice."
C.K.:
"And before you get too far, J.R., we've got an announcement to
make."
J.R.
Holland:
"We certainly do. Beginning tonight, HCW Shockwave officially expands to five
matches every week."
The crowd
responds with a cheer.
C.K.:
"Five matches. Every Other Wednesday. Management finally figured out that
when you've got a show called Shockwave, four matches isn't enough."
J.R.
Holland:
"And we're starting that new era with a loaded lineup tonight. But there's
only one place we can begin."
The camera
cuts toward the entrance stage.
J.R.
Holland:
"Sunday night, Aurora Storm walked into Reign of Champions as the
challenger to Luciana Albano. She walked out as the new HCW World Ladies
Champion."
C.K.:
"And then, twenty-four hours later on Voltage, Nyx Evermore made sure
Aurora understood that winning the championship doesn't mean she gets to enjoy
it."
J.R.
Holland:
"Nyx Evermore confronted the new champion and made her intentions very
clear. Tonight, Aurora Storm has asked for the opportunity to respond."
Aurora
Storm's entrance music hits.
The
Columbia Coliseum comes alive as the new HCW World Ladies Champion emerges onto
the stage with the championship around her waist. Aurora stops beneath the
Shockwave lighting for a moment, looking out across the crowd before making her
way toward the ring. The fans pop loudly for her.
There is
satisfaction in her expression, but not celebration. Whatever opportunity there
might have been to simply enjoy becoming champion disappeared when Nyx Evermore
confronted her on Voltage.
Aurora
enters the ring, removes the World Ladies Championship from around her waist,
and raises it above her head to another strong reaction. She then lowers the
belt onto her shoulder and takes a microphone.
Aurora
Storm:
"Three nights ago, I finally did what I said I was going to do."
The crowd
cheers.
Aurora
Storm:
"I beat Luciana Albano, and I became the HCW World Ladies Champion."
Aurora
looks down briefly at the championship.
Aurora
Storm:
"Luciana
Albano made me fight for every inch of this championship, and I know she isn't
going to disappear just because I beat her Sunday night. I know what this
championship means, and I know how many women in that locker room want it. I
knew the second I won it that somebody else would be waiting to step
forward."
She looks
toward the entrance.
Aurora
Storm:
"I just didn't expect Nyx Evermore to wait less than twenty-four
hours."
The crowd
boos at the mention of Nyx.
Aurora
Storm:
"Nyx, you came out on Voltage and you wanted my attention."
Aurora
taps the faceplate of the championship.
Aurora
Storm:
"You have it."
The crowd
reacts.
Aurora
Storm:
"But there's something you need to understand. You didn't confront
somebody who is afraid of losing this championship. You confronted somebody who
spent a long time fighting to earn it."
Aurora's
expression hardens.
Aurora
Storm:
"And if you think becoming part of the Null Order means I'm supposed to be
intimidated by you, Lazarus Blackstar, or anybody else standing behind you,
then you picked the wrong champion."
Aurora
moves toward the ropes facing the entrance.
Aurora
Storm:
"You want the World Ladies Championship?"
She raises
the title.
Aurora
Storm:
"Then don't stand in the shadows talking about it."
Aurora
lowers the championship back onto her shoulder.
Aurora
Storm:
"Come earn it."
Aurora
drops the microphone as her music hits again. She climbs onto the middle rope
and raises the World Ladies Championship while the crowd cheers.
J.R.
Holland:
"That's an answer."
C.K.:
"It's an answer, but Aurora had better understand what she just did. Nyx
Evermore isn't looking for attention. She's part of the Null Order. Those
people have made a habit out of turning warnings into problems."
J.R.
Holland:
"Aurora Storm isn't backing away from anyone. If Nyx Evermore wants the
World Ladies Championship, our new champion just told her exactly what she'll
have to do."
Aurora
steps down from the ropes as Shockwave prepares to move toward its first match.
Back
inside the Columbia Coliseum, the opening notes of Evan Stockwell's entrance
music bring an immediate chorus of boos.
Stockwell
emerges in his suit with Ruth Heartless a few steps behind him. The Financial
Maverick carries himself as though Shockwave's newly expanded format exists
primarily to provide him with another opportunity to conduct business. Ruth
looks considerably less interested in the reaction from the crowd as the pair
make their way toward the ring.
J.R.
Holland:
"Evan Stockwell hasn't competed in an HCW ring since the beginning of
August, but there certainly doesn't appear to be any shortage of
confidence."
C.K.:
"Why should there be? Time away doesn't make a good investment worthless,
J.R. Sometimes you hold onto it until the market is right."
J.R.
Holland:
"Somehow I knew you'd find a way to make this about investing."
Stockwell
enters the ring while Ruth takes her position at ringside.
Rafael
“Rafa” Sandoval's music hits next, drawing a much warmer response. Sandoval
emerges onto the stage and acknowledges the crowd before heading toward the
ring. Unlike Stockwell, Sandoval keeps his attention squarely on his opponent
as he enters.
“Honest”
Abe checks both competitors and calls for the bell.
Stockwell
immediately tries to impose himself on Sandoval, catching him with a
Liquidation Leg Sweep and following with a hard Bankroll Punch. Rafa quickly
demonstrates that the layoff hasn't dulled his explosiveness, answering with a
running shooting star press before driving Stockwell down with a Skull Slam.
The
opening minutes become a battle over who can dictate the pace. Stockwell wants
Rafa grounded where his size and strength matter most. Sandoval continually
looks for opportunities to accelerate, using an enzuigiri and Poison Rana
whenever Stockwell gives him enough space.
J.R.
Holland:
"Sandoval cannot allow Stockwell to turn this into a grinding fight. Rafa
is at his best when he's moving."
C.K.:
"Then perhaps he should pay attention to everybody at ringside."
That
warning proves timely.
As
Sandoval begins building momentum, Ruth Heartless draws his attention from
ringside. The momentary distraction is enough for Stockwell to regain control.
He forces Rafa against the ropes and uses every bit of “Honest” Abe's count
before breaking a choke.
J.R.
Holland:
"Come on! Abe needs to get Stockwell off those ropes!"
C.K.:
"He did. Before five. That's why they have a count."
Stockwell
follows with a Short Squeeze Slam and keeps Sandoval grounded, repeatedly
cutting off attempts to increase the tempo. Rafa finally creates separation
with another enzuigiri and responds with a second Skull Slam that shifts
momentum back in his favor.
Stockwell
answers with another Liquidation Leg Sweep, but the match has become
increasingly even. Each time Stockwell appears ready to establish control,
Sandoval finds another opening.
Then Ruth
gets involved again.
With
“Honest” Abe occupied with Stockwell, Ruth reaches in and rakes Sandoval across
the eyes. Rafa recoils, temporarily blinded.
J.R.
Holland:
"Ruth Heartless just went after Sandoval's eyes!"
C.K.:
"I didn't see anything."
J.R.
Holland:
"Of course you didn't."
Stockwell
tries to capitalize with a Dividend Dropkick, but Sandoval recovers quickly
enough to neutralize it. Stockwell instead sweeps his legs out from underneath
him and tries to regain control.
Sandoval
refuses to stay there.
At fifteen
minutes, Rafa catches Stockwell with another Skull Slam and hooks the leg.
J.R.
Holland:
"Sandoval has him!"
One!
Two!
Stockwell
kicks out.
Rafa stays
on him. A rolling elbow rocks Stockwell, and moments later Sandoval plants him
again, this time hooking both legs.
One!
Stockwell
gets out early.
C.K.:
"That's twice Sandoval thought he had him, and twice Stockwell told him
no."
J.R.
Holland:
"But Rafa is controlling this match right now."
Sandoval
continues pressing forward and launches Stockwell into the turnbuckles with a
Buckle Bomb. Stockwell staggers away from the corner as Rafa closes in, sensing
that another opening may finally finish him.
Instead,
Stockwell catches him.
Rafa's
momentum carries him directly into Stockwell's grasp. The Financial Maverick
twists him down and immediately transitions into the Hostile Takeover.
Sandoval
fights.
He reaches
toward the ropes, but Stockwell has him positioned too far away. Rafa tries to
turn his body and create enough leverage to escape, only for Stockwell to cinch
the hold tighter.
J.R.
Holland:
"Hostile Takeover! Sandoval is trapped!"
C.K.:
"Now close the deal!"
With
nowhere to go, Sandoval finally taps.
“Honest”
Abe immediately calls for the bell.
Winner:
Evan Stockwell via submission — 19:00 via the Hostile Takeover
Stockwell
releases the hold and rises as Ruth Heartless enters the ring. Ruth raises
Stockwell's arm while Rafa rolls toward the ropes, frustrated after coming
close several times.
J.R.
Holland:
"Rafael Sandoval had Evan Stockwell in trouble, but when Stockwell finally
found the opening he needed, the Hostile Takeover ended it."
C.K.:
"That's what separates successful people from everybody else, J.R. Rafa
had opportunities. Stockwell converted his."
J.R.
Holland:
"And Ruth Heartless certainly helped create a couple of those
opportunities."
C.K.:
"That's called having good management."
Stockwell
and Ruth leave together while Sandoval remains in the ring, watching them head
up the aisle.
Shockwave
returns backstage, where Ryan Mercer is standing in the interview area. Beside
her are the new HCW World Tag Team Champions, Ambrose Chapel and Dorian Vire.
Both men have their newly won championships prominently displayed, while
Lazarus Blackstar stands behind them.
Ryan
Mercer:
"Ambrose Chapel, Dorian Vire—three nights ago at Reign of Champions, you
defeated the Samoan Bloodline and became the new HCW World Tag Team Champions.
Tonight marks your first appearance on Shockwave with those championships. What
does this victory mean for the Null Order?"
Ambrose
looks down at the championship before slowly raising his eyes toward Ryan.
Ambrose
Chapel:
"It means exactly what Lazarus told everyone it would mean."
Ambrose
places a hand across the faceplate of the title.
Ambrose
Chapel:
"People heard his words. They saw us standing together. And they convinced
themselves that the Null Order was something they could contain."
Dorian
gives a faint smile.
Dorian
Vire:
"Then Reign of Champions happened."
Dorian
lifts his championship slightly.
Dorian
Vire:
"Raku and Tumu were supposed to be the wall we couldn't get through. The
Samoan Bloodline had the strength. They had the championships. They had
everybody convinced that when the bell rang, reality would finally catch up
with us."
Dorian
glances toward Ambrose.
Dorian
Vire:
"Reality caught up with them instead."
Ryan
Mercer:
"You defeated the Samoan Bloodline, but there are plenty of teams in HCW
who are going to see those championships and come looking for you. The Iron
Syndicate, the Brothers Grimmstone, Steel Justice—"
Ambrose
Chapel:
"Good."
Ryan
pauses.
Ambrose
Chapel:
"Let them come."
Ambrose
steps slightly closer to the microphone.
Ambrose
Chapel:
"We didn't take these championships so we could protect them from
challengers. We took them because every team that comes after us becomes
another opportunity to prove what the Null Order already knows."
Dorian
Vire:
"This isn't the end of something, Ryan."
Dorian
looks directly into the camera.
Dorian
Vire:
"It's expansion."
Ryan turns
toward Lazarus.
Ryan
Mercer:
"Lazarus, you've watched two members of the Null Order become World Tag
Team Champions. On Voltage, Nyx Evermore made it clear that she's now looking
toward Aurora Storm and the World Ladies Championship. How much further does
this go?"
Lazarus
studies Ryan for a moment.
Lazarus
Blackstar:
"Look at what you're holding."
Ryan
instinctively glances at her microphone.
Lazarus
Blackstar:
"You came here looking for an explanation because you still believe this
requires one."
Lazarus
looks toward Ambrose and Dorian.
Lazarus
Blackstar:
"Those championships are the explanation."
Ambrose
and Dorian raise the World Tag Team Championships.
Lazarus
Blackstar:
"And we have only begun."
Lazarus
turns away. Ambrose and Dorian follow him out of the interview area, leaving
Ryan watching them depart.
Ryan
Mercer:
"Ambrose Chapel and Dorian Vire—the new HCW World Tag Team Champions—and
judging from what we just heard, the Null Order certainly doesn't believe Reign
of Champions was its destination."
The
broadcast cuts away.
The camera
returns to the arena as Kellyn “The Raven Archer” Chrisari and Alex “Skyhawk”
Justice make their entrance. Steel Justice receive a strong response from the
Columbia Coliseum crowd as they head toward the ring together.
J.R.
Holland:
“Steel
Justice are back in tag team competition tonight, and this is going to be a
very different kind of challenge for Kellyn Chrisari and Alex Justice.”
C.K.:
“Different?
I'll tell you what it is. Painful. Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega aren't
interested in making friends, J.R. They're interested in hurting people.”
Rick
Rourke emerges next, followed by Salvador Vega. Neither man acknowledges the
crowd as they march toward the ring. There is no playing to the audience and
very little discussion between them. They simply climb into the ring and stare
across at Steel Justice.
J.R.
Holland:
“And there
may not be a lot of warmth between Rourke and Vega, but they've discovered that
they have something in common.”
C.K.:
“They're
sick of everybody else's nonsense.”
“Honest”
Abe checks both teams before calling for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Rourke
immediately tries to turn the match into a fight.
He and
Vega attempt to overwhelm Chrisari together in the opening moments, but The
Raven Archer refuses to be trapped. Kellyn fights his way free and forces
Rourke to engage him one-on-one.
That's
where Rourke begins imposing himself.
Rapid
strikes batter Kellyn backward before a backbreaker folds him across Rourke's
knee. Chrisari answers with the Quiver Dropkick, but every time Steel Justice
creates some breathing room, Rourke uses his size and power to close it again.
J.R.
Holland:
“Kellyn
Chrisari is having to work for absolutely everything right now. Rick Rourke is
giving him no room whatsoever.”
C.K.:
“That's
because Rourke understands something Steel Justice doesn't. You don't get
rewarded for being noble. You get rewarded for being effective.”
Alex
Justice gets his first opportunity, only to discover more of the same. Rourke
drives him down with another backbreaker before Kellyn quickly returns.
Then
Rourke brings in Salvador Vega.
Vega
immediately changes the texture of the match. A Double Pumphandle Orange Crush
sends Chrisari crashing to the canvas, and Vega follows with a Three Quarter
Nelson Suplex that earns the first serious pin attempt of the match.
One!
Kellyn
kicks out.
Steel
Justice are being forced to survive rather than dictate.
When Alex
returns, Vega keeps the pressure on until Rourke tags back in—and that's when
the structure finally begins breaking down.
All four
men spill into the action.
Justice
catches Rourke with the Winged Uppercut. Chrisari comes flying with the Raven's
Flight Body Press. Vega answers with a Three Quarter Nelson Suplex, while
Rourke plants Justice with a DDT.
“Honest”
Abe desperately tries to restore order.
J.R.
Holland:
“Now we've
got all four men involved!”
C.K.:
“Forget
restoring order! Let them settle it!”
Steel
Justice begin finding another gear.
Justice
launches himself with the Wing's Embrace Flying Crossbody while Chrisari blasts
Rourke with the Arrow Storm Kick. Rourke fires back with the Pipe Dream, but
Steel Justice refuse to surrender their momentum.
The
Skyhawk Soar Moonsault follows.
Then the
Winged Uppercut.
Then
Raven's Retribution.
Rourke
continues fighting through all of it, answering with raw power whenever he can,
but for the first time tonight, Steel Justice are forcing Rourke and Vega to
react to them.
J.R.
Holland:
“Look at
Steel Justice! They've weathered everything Rourke and Vega threw at them, and
now they're taking control!”
C.K.:
“Don't
celebrate yet.”
Rourke
catches Alex with a Full Nelson Slam and temporarily stops the surge, but
Chrisari comes back into the match and turns another attempted Powerbomb
against him. The Raven's Wing Chop connects flush.
Kellyn
immediately tags Justice.
Rourke
staggers toward the ropes.
Justice
sees him.
Alex
charges—
JUSTICE
DIVE TO THE OUTSIDE!
Both men
crash hard onto the floor.
The
Columbia Coliseum erupts.
J.R.
Holland:
“JUSTICE
DIVE! ROURKE IS DOWN!”
Justice
pulls himself upright against the apron.
Rourke
does the same several feet away.
“Honest”
Abe begins counting.
One!
Two!
Three!
Justice
rolls underneath the bottom rope.
Four!
Rourke
reaches his feet.
Five!
He looks
toward the ring.
Six!
Then
Rourke stops.
His eyes
move away from the ring.
Seven!
Salvador
Vega drops from the apron.
J.R.
Holland:
“Wait a
minute. What's Vega doing?”
Eight!
Vega
reaches underneath the ring.
And pulls
out a steel chair.
C.K.:
“Oh, now
we're getting somewhere.”
Rourke
doesn't even attempt to beat the count.
Instead,
he takes the chair from Vega.
Kellyn
realizes what's happening and shouts a warning.
Rourke
slides into the ring.
Justice
turns—
CRACK!
The chair
crashes across Alex Justice's back.
DING!
DING! DING!
J.R.
Holland:
“Come on!
Rourke just threw this match away!”
“Honest”
Abe immediately calls for the disqualification.
WINNERS
BY DISQUALIFICATION: STEEL JUSTICE — 20:00
Kellyn
charges Rourke—
But Vega
has another chair.
CRACK!
Chrisari
goes down.
The boos
rain down as Rourke and Vega stand over Steel Justice.
J.R.
Holland:
“This is
disgusting! Steel Justice had survived everything these two men threw at them,
and when Rourke realized this match was getting away from him, he decided he'd
rather hurt somebody than lose!”
C.K.:
“Then
don't call him a loser. Steel Justice may have won the match, but take a look
at who's standing.”
Rourke
looks down at Alex.
Vega looks
down at Kellyn.
Neither
man appears remotely concerned about the decision.
Then—
Zack
Brown's music hits.
The
reaction changes instantly.
J.R.
Holland:
“Wait a
minute.”
Zack Brown
walks onto the stage.
He doesn't
rush.
He doesn't
look surprised by what he's seeing.
Zack
slowly makes his way toward the ring as Rourke and Vega watch him approach.
C.K.:
“Well,
this just got interesting.”
Zack
enters the ring.
He looks
down at Steel Justice.
Then at
the chair in Rourke's hand.
Then at
Vega.
For
several seconds, nobody says anything.
Rourke and
Vega kick Chrisari and Justice from the ring.
Zack asks
for a microphone.
Zack
Brown:
“You know
what I learned Sunday night?”
The crowd
boos.
Zack
Brown:
“I learned
that doing things the right way gets you exactly what I got at Reign of
Champions.”
He pauses.
Zack
Brown:
“Nothing.”
Zack looks
toward Rourke.
Zack
Brown:
“I fought
for that World Championship. I gave Dominic Marconi everything I had. And when
it was over, everybody expected Zack Brown to shake his hand, smile for the
cameras and be grateful for the opportunity.”
He shakes
his head.
Zack
Brown:
“I'm done
being grateful.”
More boos.
Zack turns
toward Vega.
Zack
Brown:
“And
apparently I'm not the only one around here who's gotten tired of playing by
everybody else's rules.”
Rourke
lowers the chair slightly.
Vega says
nothing.
Zack
Brown:
“Rick
Rourke doesn't want your approval.”
He looks
toward Vega.
Zack
Brown:
“Salvador
Vega doesn't want your approval.”
Then Zack
looks directly into the hard camera.
Zack
Brown:
“And after
Sunday night... neither do I.”
The crowd
gets louder.
J.R.
Holland:
“I don't
like where this is going.”
C.K.:
“I do.”
Zack drops
the microphone.
There is
no handshake.
No
celebration.
Rourke
drops his chair.
Vega drops
his.
And the
three men leave the ring together.
Moments
later, the camera cuts backstage.
Ryan
Mercer is waiting near the entrance to the backstage area as Zack Brown
approaches, with Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega several steps behind him.
Ryan
Mercer:
“Zack!
Zack, can you tell us what we just saw out there? Are you now aligned with Rick
Rourke and Salvador Vega?”
Zack
doesn't stop.
Ryan turns
and walks several steps alongside him.
Ryan
Mercer:
“Zack,
what does this mean?”
Brown
briefly looks toward her.
He says
nothing.
Zack
continues down the hallway.
Rourke
passes Ryan next without acknowledging her.
Vega
follows.
Ryan stops
and watches all three men disappear around the corner.
Ryan
Mercer:
“J.R.,
C.K.... I think we're going to have to wait for an answer.”
The camera
lingers on the empty hallway before returning to the arena.
The
broadcast returns to ringside, where J.R. Holland and C.K. Kentus sit behind
the Shockwave commentary desk.
J.R.
Holland:
"Ryan
Mercer tried to get some answers from Zack Brown, but I think what we learned
had less to do with what Zack said and more to do with who was standing beside
him."
C.K.:
"Rick
Rourke and Salvador Vega. That's not exactly subtle, J.R. Zack Brown isn't
looking for friends. He's surrounding himself with men who see the world the
same way he does."
J.R.
Holland:
"And
after what we saw earlier tonight from Rourke and Vega, that's not a
particularly comforting thought."
C.K.:
"Comfort
is overrated. Dominic Marconi beat Zack Brown at Reign of Champions, and Zack
apparently learned something from it. You don't keep throwing yourself at the
same wall. You bring a bigger hammer."
J.R.
Holland:
"Whether
this is an alliance or something more, I think we're going to be hearing plenty
from those three in the weeks ahead. But right now, it's time to get back to
action."
The camera
pulls away from the commentary desk as the crowd begins to stir and attention
turns toward the entrance.
Felix
Fable's music hits, bringing a noticeably warmer reaction from the crowd as he
steps onto the stage.
Fable
makes his way toward the ring with his usual showman's confidence,
acknowledging the fans along the aisle before sliding underneath the bottom
rope. He pops back to his feet and heads toward the corner, ready for the
opportunity in front of him.
J.R.
Holland:
"Felix
Fable hasn't had nearly as many opportunities as some members of the HCW roster
this year, so nights like this matter."
C.K.:
"Then
he'd better make it matter. Opportunities don't mean anything if you don't do
something with them."
Fable
settles into his corner as his music fades.
Then the
mood changes.
Col.
Flagg's entrance music hits.
J.R.
Holland:
"And
here comes a man who probably believes tonight's match is part of an
international conspiracy."
C.K.:
"Probably?
J.R., Col. Flagg could find a conspiracy in an empty parking lot."
Flagg
emerges onto the stage wearing his sunglasses, immediately surveying the arena
with suspicion. His attention shifts from the audience to the ring, then toward
ringside, as though checking for threats that only he knows exist.
He marches
down the aisle toward Fable.
J.R.
Holland:
"Whatever
goes through the mind of Col. Flagg, he is still an experienced competitor.
Felix Fable cannot afford to treat him like a joke."
C.K.:
"That's
the problem with Flagg. You're laughing right up until he does something
completely insane."
Flagg
enters the ring and removes his sunglasses, never taking his eyes off Fable.
Fable gives him a grin from across the ring.
The
referee checks both competitors and calls for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
From the
opening bell, Felix Fable proves to be a frustrating matchup for Col. Flagg.
Fable is quicker, more fluid, and—perhaps most aggravating to Flagg—completely
unintimidated by him. A Superkick establishes the tone early, and Fable spends
much of the opening stretch keeping Flagg from settling into the kind of match
he wants.
Flagg has
moments where his experience and physicality allow him to slow Fable down,
including a particularly nasty Patriotic Inverted Slam, but he never maintains
control for long. Fable repeatedly finds his way back into the match, and a
series of Bridging Northern Lights Suplexes leaves Flagg increasingly
frustrated.
J.R.
Holland:
"Felix
Fable came into tonight looking for an opportunity, and he's making the most of
it. Col. Flagg has spent most of this match trying to figure out how to slow
him down."
C.K.:
"That's
what reconnaissance is for, J.R. You gather information before launching the
counteroffensive."
J.R.
Holland:
"He's
wrestling a match, C.K., not invading a country."
C.K.:
"That's
what you think."
An
Enzuigiri puts Flagg in trouble again, and Fable follows by taking him over
with another Bridging Northern Lights Suplex. Flagg escapes, but by now his
demeanor has changed. The bravado is disappearing. He's being outwrestled, he
knows it, and simply continuing the match on Felix's terms isn't working.
So Flagg
changes the terms.
He
retreats into the corner as Fable follows. When Felix reaches for him, Flagg
grabs a handful of his trunks and uses them to yank Fable forward, sending him
face-first into the turnbuckle while “Honest” Abe is out of position.
J.R.
Holland:
"Oh,
come on! Flagg just used the trunks!"
C.K.:
"I
saw Felix lose his balance."
J.R.
Holland:
"Of
course you did."
It's the
opening Flagg has been looking for.
With Fable
stunned, Flagg pulls Fable out of the ring and slams him back first against the
steel post three times before rolling him back in. He immediately attacks the back and takes
away the speed that had caused him so much trouble. He drives Felix across his
knee with a Backbreaker—but instead of releasing him, Flagg keeps him there,
wrenching backward and turning the move into a brutal submission.
Felix
tries to fight his way free. He reaches toward the ropes, but they're beyond
his grasp. With Flagg continuing to increase the pressure on his back, Fable
has no choice.
He taps.
DING!
DING! DING!
WINNER:
COL. SAMUEL FLAGG VIA SUBMISSION — 8:00 via BACKBREAKER
Flagg
releases the hold and immediately gets to his feet, allowing “Honest” Abe to
raise his arm while Felix rolls toward the ropes clutching his back.
J.R.
Holland:
"Felix
Fable had Col. Flagg in trouble for most of that match, but Flagg found a
shortcut when he needed one."
C.K.:
"And
the official didn't see anything illegal. What he did see was Felix Fable
submit."
Flagg
retrieves his sunglasses and puts them back on. He gives a sharp salute before
starting toward the ropes, seemingly completely satisfied with the operation.
J.R.
Holland:
"However
he wants to justify it, Col. Flagg steals one tonight on Shockwave."
C.K.:
"Steals?
I believe the proper terminology is mission accomplished."
Flagg
heads up the aisle while Fable remains frustrated in the ring, knowing how
close he had been before one illegal opening changed everything.
As Col.
Flagg disappears through the curtain, the broadcast returns to J.R. Holland and
C.K. at ringside.
J.R.
Holland:
"Still
to come tonight, former Heritage Women's Champion Korbi Kong returns to action
against LeePurty Belle, and Kai Zenith meets Caesar King in our main event. But
right now, we've been told HCW General Manager Max McGillicutty has an
announcement concerning the future of HCW."
Max
McGillicutty's music hits.
The crowd
welcomes the HCW General Manager as Max walks onto the stage with a microphone
in hand. He acknowledges the reaction before making his way to the ring.
Max steps
through the ropes, waits for his music to fade, and looks out across the
Columbia Coliseum.
Max
McGillicutty:
"Over
the past year, HCW has continued to grow. We've seen new wrestlers arrive,
we've seen new stars emerge, and we've seen people take an opportunity and turn
it into something much bigger."
Max
pauses.
Max
McGillicutty:
"And
this Saturday, we're going to start looking for the next ones."
The crowd
reacts.
Max
McGillicutty:
"I'm
pleased to officially announce that this Saturday, September 5, HCW Proving
Grounds returns for Season Two."
Another
cheer rises through the Coliseum.
Max
McGillicutty:
"Proving
Grounds is about opportunity. It's about giving wrestlers the chance to show
us—and all of you—whether they have what it takes to earn a place in HCW."
C.K.:
"Or
showing us very quickly that they don't."
J.R.
Holland:
"Everybody
has to start somewhere, C.K."
Max
McGillicutty:
"Some
of them will succeed. Some of them won't. But beginning Saturday, they'll all
get their chance to prove that they belong."
Max looks
directly toward the hard camera.
Max
McGillicutty:
"September
5. Proving Grounds Season Two. Let's find out who's ready."
Max lowers
the microphone as his music begins again. He acknowledges the crowd before
leaving the ring.
J.R.
Holland:
"Proving
Grounds returns this Saturday, and you never know which future HCW star might
be waiting for that first opportunity."
C.K.:
"I
just hope they understand what they're getting themselves into."
J.R.
Holland:
"We'll
find out beginning September 5. We'll be right back with more Shockwave."
The
broadcast fades to commercial.
Shockwave
returns from commercial to a sweeping shot of the Columbia Coliseum before the
camera settles on J.R. Holland and C.K. at ringside.
J.R.
Holland:
"Welcome
back to Shockwave. Before the break, Max McGillicutty made it official: Proving
Grounds Season Two begins this Saturday, September 5."
C.K.:
"And
now we're about to see someone who doesn't need to prove she belongs
anywhere."
J.R.
Holland:
"Korbi
Kong went into Reign of Champions as the Heritage Women's Champion. She left
without that championship after Ashley Summers pinned Veronica Flame in the
Fatal Four-Way. Korbi wasn't involved in the decision, but the result remains
the same. Tonight is Korbi's first match since losing the title."
LeePurty
Belle's music hits.
LeePurty
emerges onto the stage with Ainsley America alongside her. The Iron Maiden Tag
Team Champions make their way toward the ring together, Ainsley carrying her
championship while accompanying her partner to ringside.
J.R.
Holland:
"LeePurty
Belle has backup tonight in the form of her tag team partner, Ainsley
America."
C.K.:
"Backup?
She's supporting her partner. That's what champions do."
LeePurty
enters the ring while Ainsley remains on the floor.
Korbi
Kong's music hits next, bringing the crowd to its feet.
Korbi
steps onto the stage without the Heritage Women's Championship for the first
time in months. She pauses briefly before heading toward the ring, her
attention fixed on LeePurty. Ainsley watches carefully as Korbi passes her at
ringside.
J.R.
Holland:
"That's
a very different sight. Korbi Kong held the Heritage Women's Championship for
months, but tonight she begins the climb again."
C.K.:
"That's
assuming there is a climb. Losing a championship doesn't guarantee you another
opportunity."
Korbi
enters the ring and takes her corner. “Honest” Abe checks both women before
calling for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Korbi
comes into the match with something to prove. Three nights removed from losing
the Heritage Women's Championship without being involved in the decision, she
takes control almost immediately. LeePurty finds herself dealing with Korbi's
combination of power and aggression, spending much of the opening stretch
trying to keep the former champion from overwhelming her.
An early
Arm Triangle Lock nearly ends the match before LeePurty can establish herself,
but she refuses to submit. Korbi continues applying pressure and eventually
sends LeePurty over the top rope, leaving Ainsley America to encourage her
partner as “Honest” Abe begins counting. LeePurty makes it back inside at
eight, but Korbi is waiting for her.
J.R.
Holland:
"Korbi
Kong looks like a woman who has spent the last three days thinking about what
happened at Reign of Champions."
C.K.:
"Then
she should remember that Ashley Summers left with her championship. Beating
LeePurty Belle isn't going to change that."
J.R.
Holland:
"No,
but this is where Korbi begins deciding what happens next."
LeePurty
finally finds her opening and catches Korbi with the Glam Slam Murica. It
doesn't keep Korbi down, but it changes the match. LeePurty begins finding
enough success to prevent Korbi from simply running through her, forcing the
former Heritage Women's Champion into a more competitive fight than the opening
minutes suggested.
Korbi
still holds the advantage, but LeePurty keeps answering. Even when Korbi takes
her back to the mat with another Arm Triangle Lock, LeePurty finds a way to
turn the situation against her. She reverses Korbi into a pinning combination.
One!
Two!
Korbi
kicks out.
J.R.
Holland:
"LeePurty
almost caught her!"
C.K.:
"And
Korbi Kong just found out that losing her championship doesn't mean everybody
else suddenly becomes easier to beat."
The near
fall gives LeePurty renewed confidence. She catches Korbi with another Glam
Slam Murica and continues making her work, while Ainsley becomes increasingly
vocal from ringside. What began with Korbi firmly in command has turned into a
physical battle, with LeePurty refusing to go away.
But as the
match approaches fourteen minutes, Korbi begins taking over again.
She
absorbs LeePurty's resistance and drives through her with a hard Running
Shoulder Block. LeePurty hits the canvas, and Korbi turns toward the ropes to
build momentum.
Ainsley
sees her coming.
The Iron
Maiden Tag Team Champion jumps onto the apron and reaches toward Korbi.
J.R.
Holland:
"Watch
Ainsley!"
Korbi sees
her at the last moment.
Instead of
allowing Ainsley to interfere, Korbi drives her shoulder into her and sends
Ainsley crashing from the apron to the floor.
C.K.:
"Korbi
just knocked Ainsley down!"
J.R.
Holland:
"Ainsley
had no business being on the apron!"
LeePurty
immediately tries to take advantage.
She rushes
Korbi from behind, but Korbi turns with her, catches her coming in, and rolls
LeePurty tightly to the canvas.
One!
Two!
Three!
DING!
DING! DING!
WINNER:
KORBI KONG — 14:00 via Small Package Rollup
Korbi
barely has time to get back to her feet before Ainsley slides into the ring.
LeePurty
gets up as well, and suddenly the Iron Maiden Tag Team Champions are closing in
on Korbi from opposite sides.
J.R.
Holland:
"Now
it's two-on-one!"
Korbi
recognizes the trap before they can spring it. She slips through the ropes and
drops to the floor just as Ainsley and LeePurty converge.
The
champions shout after her, but Korbi doesn't go far. She backs up the aisle
while staring into the ring, daring either woman to come after her without the
other.
Neither
does.
J.R.
Holland:
"Korbi
Kong gets the victory, and the Iron Maiden Tag Team Champions aren't happy
about it!"
C.K.:
"Korbi
should be happy she got out of there when she did."
J.R.
Holland:
"She
was smart enough not to let Ainsley and LeePurty turn this into a two-on-one
attack. Korbi Kong is back in the win column tonight on Shockwave."
Korbi
raises an arm from the aisle before turning toward the back. Inside the ring,
LeePurty and Ainsley remain furious as they watch her leave.
As Korbi
Kong disappears through the curtain, the camera returns to J.R. Holland and
C.K. at ringside.
J.R.
Holland:
"Korbi
Kong gets herself back in the win column, but right now it's time for our main
event."
C.K.:
"And
this one has been coming. Kai Zenith and Caesar King were two of the standouts
in the Breakthrough Match on August 22, and neither man is interested in
waiting around while somebody else moves ahead of him."
J.R.
Holland:
"Kai
Zenith eliminated five men that night and earned himself a future opportunity
at the United States Championship. Caesar King eliminated four and was among
the final three before Harrison Marks eventually won the match."
C.K.:
"Which
is exactly why tonight matters. Kai got his reward. Caesar didn't. You think
Caesar King has forgotten that?"
J.R.
Holland:
"I
don't think Caesar King forgets anything that he believes should have belonged
to him."
C.K.:
"And
Kai Zenith is standing where Caesar believes he should be."
J.R.
Holland:
"Two
men who made major statements in the Breakthrough Match. Two men trying to move
closer to the top of HCW. Only one of them gets to leave Shockwave with the
victory tonight."
The camera
turns toward the entrance stage.
J.R.
Holland:
"Kai
Zenith. Caesar King. Our main event is next."
The camera
remains focused on the entrance stage as the Columbia Coliseum crowd rises for
the final match of the night.
Caesar
King's music hits first.
The
reaction quickly turns hostile as Caesar emerges onto the stage. He pauses
beneath the Shockwave lights, surveying the crowd with the expression of a man
who considers their disapproval beneath his concern.
J.R.
Holland:
"Caesar
King came within two eliminations of winning the Breakthrough Match, and you
can be certain he hasn't forgotten it."
C.K.:
"Why
should he? Caesar eliminated four men that night. Harrison Marks may have won,
but Caesar King proved that he belongs in the conversation."
Caesar
begins his walk toward the ring, never taking his eyes from it.
J.R.
Holland:
"And
a victory over Kai Zenith tonight would give him a very strong argument."
C.K.:
"Not
an argument. Evidence."
Caesar
climbs onto the apron and enters the ring. He moves to his corner and waits.
His music
fades.
Then Kai
Zenith's music hits.
The
Columbia Coliseum erupts.
Kai steps
onto the stage and takes in the reaction before starting toward the ring.
Unlike Caesar, Kai acknowledges the fans lining the aisle, but his focus
quickly shifts toward the opponent waiting for him.
J.R.
Holland:
"Kai
Zenith eliminated five competitors from the Breakthrough Match and earned
himself a future United States Championship opportunity. With Mr. X now holding
that championship, Kai knows there's a title match somewhere in his
future."
C.K.:
"Future
opportunities don't win tonight's match. If Kai starts looking ahead to Mr. X,
Caesar King will make sure he regrets it."
Kai
reaches ringside and looks across at Caesar before climbing onto the apron. He
steps through the ropes and moves to his corner.
The crowd
remains on its feet as both men stare across the ring at one another.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur stands in the center of the ring.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
"Ladies
and gentlemen, the following contest is your Shockwave MAIN EVENT,
scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!"
The crowd
cheers.
Tony
gestures toward Caesar.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
"Introducing
first, from Rome, Georgia, weighing 240 pounds... CAESAR KING!"
Caesar
raises his arms as boos fill the arena.
Tony turns
toward the opposite corner.
Tony
“Echo” Calibur:
"And
his opponent, from Los Angeles, California, weighing 215 pounds... KAI
ZENITH!"
Kai raises
an arm to another strong reaction.
Tony exits
the ring as the referee checks both competitors one final time.
Caesar
steps away from his corner.
Kai does
the same.
The
referee calls for the bell.
DING!
DING! DING!
Kai comes
out with the urgency of someone who knows exactly what is at stake. His future
United States Championship opportunity may already be secured, but against
Caesar King, he wrestles as though he has something else to prove. Kai's
striking keeps Caesar under pressure throughout the opening stretch, and twice
in the first six minutes he tests whether he can put the self-proclaimed king
away.
Caesar
survives both attempts, but for much of the early going he is reacting to Kai
rather than dictating the match.
J.R.
Holland:
"Kai
Zenith has taken the fight straight to Caesar King tonight. He's not wrestling
like somebody who's satisfied just because he already has a United States
Championship opportunity."
C.K.:
"And
that's smart. Kai has something Caesar wants—the momentum coming out of the
Breakthrough Match. Caesar isn't going to politely wait his turn behind
him."
Caesar
eventually finds the opening he needs and drives Kai down with a Sheerdrop
Brainbuster. It changes the complexion of the match. Kai remains dangerous
whenever he creates space, but Caesar has finally established that he can match
Kai's explosiveness with considerably more punishment when he catches him.
From
there, the main event becomes increasingly competitive. Kai's speed and
striking continue creating openings, while Caesar answers by forcing Kai into
exchanges where one mistake can erase everything he has built.
That
nearly happens when Caesar looks for the Prince's Throne, only for Kai to
reverse it and catch him with a Roundhouse Kick. Kai covers.
One!
Caesar
kicks out.
J.R.
Holland:
"Caesar
King was looking to take control, and Kai turned it right back around on
him!"
C.K.:
"But
he didn't beat him. That's the problem. Kai keeps getting Caesar down, but
Caesar keeps getting back up."
Neither
man is willing to give the other much ground as the match crosses the halfway
point. Kai lands some of his hardest offense of the night, including a Flamingo
Driver, while Caesar answers with the Coup de Grace. Both men absorb punishment
that might have ended a lesser match, and each time one appears ready to
establish control, the other responds.
At fifteen
minutes, Kai catches Caesar cleanly with another Roundhouse Kick.
One!
Two!
Caesar
kicks out.
This time,
Kai takes a moment before getting back to his feet.
J.R.
Holland:
"That
was close. Kai Zenith has given Caesar King everything tonight, but he still
hasn't found the shot that keeps him down."
C.K.:
"And
every time Caesar survives, Kai has to wonder what it's going to take."
The
question becomes increasingly important as the match moves deeper into its
closing stretch.
Caesar
begins meeting Kai almost strike for strike. Kai connects with a Superkick, but
Caesar answers with the 1916 Lifting Reverse DDT. Kai lands another Roundhouse
Kick, only for Caesar to respond with another Coup de Grace. A Spinning Heel
Kick finds its mark, but once again Caesar has an answer.
The early
advantage Kai enjoyed is gone.
Now
they're simply trying to outlast one another.
J.R.
Holland:
"This
has become a battle of attrition. Neither man has been able to keep the other
down, and we're past twenty minutes."
C.K.:
"This
is exactly what Caesar wanted. Kai was faster early. He was fresher. Now let's
see how fast he is after Caesar has spent twenty minutes beating on him."
Kai still
refuses to give ground. He catches Caesar with another Roundhouse Kick, but
Caesar responds by driving him down with the 1916 Lifting Reverse DDT.
Both men
get back to their feet.
Kai fires
first.
A Pump
Kick catches Caesar.
Caesar
staggers.
Kai moves
in, looking to follow—
But Caesar
catches him.
He creates
just enough separation, gets himself into position and comes down with the Coup
de Grace.
Kai
collapses.
Caesar
hooks the leg.
J.R.
Holland:
"Coup
de Grace! Caesar has him!"
One!
Two!
Three!
DING!
DING! DING!
WINNER:
CAESAR KING — 21:00 via COUP DE GRACE
Caesar
rolls away from Kai and pushes himself to his knees. For a moment, exhaustion
replaces the arrogance that normally defines him.
Then
“Honest” Abe raises his arm.
The
arrogance returns.
Caesar
gets to his feet and looks down at Kai before raising both arms over his head.
J.R.
Holland:
"Caesar
King has done it! Twenty-one minutes, and after a tremendous main event, Caesar
King has defeated Kai Zenith!"
C.K.:
"And
now what are you going to tell him, J.R.? Kai Zenith has a future United States
Championship opportunity because of the Breakthrough Match. Caesar King just
beat him."
Kai sits
up against the ropes, clearly disappointed as the reality of the loss settles
in.
Across the
ring, Caesar watches him.
He points
at Kai.
Then
Caesar points at himself.
C.K.:
"Exactly."
J.R.
Holland:
"Caesar
King didn't win the Breakthrough Match. Kai Zenith earned that United States
Championship opportunity."
C.K.:
"And
tonight Caesar King earned the right to ask why Kai should be ahead of
him."
Caesar
climbs onto the middle rope and raises his arms as the crowd showers him with
boos. He doesn't care. He has the result he wanted.
Kai
eventually gets back to his feet. He looks toward Caesar, then gives a
frustrated shake of his head before leaving the ring.
Caesar
remains on the middle rope, arms raised as boos continue raining down around
him. He looks across the Columbia Coliseum with complete satisfaction before
stepping back to the canvas.
At
ringside, Kai Zenith has stopped halfway up the aisle.
He turns.
For
several seconds, Kai and Caesar stare at one another from opposite ends of the
arena.
J.R.
Holland:
"Kai
Zenith earned his future opportunity at the United States Championship, and
nothing that happened tonight changes that. But Caesar King has made sure
nobody can ignore what he accomplished here."
C.K.:
"Nobody
should ignore it. Caesar King just beat the man who eliminated five wrestlers
in the Breakthrough Match. Kai has the opportunity, but tonight Caesar has the
victory."
Kai
finally turns and heads through the curtain.
Caesar
demands that “Honest” Abe raise his arm once more.
J.R.
Holland:
"And
that brings an eventful night on Shockwave to a close. We began tonight with
our new World Ladies Champion Aurora Storm making it clear that if Nyx Evermore
wants her championship, she'll have to earn the opportunity."
C.K.:
"And
the Null Order already has gold, J.R. Ambrose Chapel and Dorian Vire walked in
here as the new World Tag Team Champions, and they don't sound satisfied with
stopping there."
J.R.
Holland:
"Then
there's Zack Brown. Three nights after his loss to Dominic Marconi at Reign of
Champions, Zack stood beside Rick Rourke and Salvador Vega tonight—and while he
wouldn't tell Ryan Mercer exactly what we're looking at, the three of them
certainly left us with plenty of questions."
The camera
briefly shows Caesar again as he climbs through the ropes and drops to the
floor.
C.K.:
"I
don't have a question about this. Caesar King wanted everybody's attention, and
he's got it."
J.R.
Holland:
"Korbi
Kong returned to the win column, Col. Samuel Flagg found a way past Felix
Fable, Evan Stockwell returned with a victory, and we learned tonight that
Proving Grounds Season Two begins this Saturday, September 5."
Caesar
reaches the entrance aisle and turns toward the ring one final time, raising an
arm.
J.R.
Holland:
"But
tonight belongs to Caesar King. Twenty-one minutes with Kai Zenith, and Caesar
leaves Shockwave with one of the biggest victories of his HCW career."
C.K.:
"Kai
has a United States Championship opportunity. Caesar King just pinned Kai.
Somebody better start paying attention to what that means."
J.R.
Holland:
"For
C.K., I'm J.R. Holland. Thank you for joining us for Shockwave. We'll see you
next time!"
The final
shot of the night is Caesar King standing beneath the Shockwave lights at the
top of the aisle, looking back toward the ring with his arm raised.
The HCW
logo appears as Shockwave fades to black.
No comments:
Post a Comment