Ultimate Online Wrestling: Tournament of Fortune [Chapter -02]

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The scene opens in a hotel room in the Luxor hotel early in the morning. It’s the day of Ultimate Wrestling’s second round for the Tournament of Fortune. In the room tied to a chair sits Abbigail Dresden, young protégé of the veteran wrestler Valora Salinas. She has been gaged and her arms securely tied to the back of a wooden chair. She seems frightened but has been there for so long that she is no longer hysterical and is just angry now more than anything. Her abductor Pelagius sits across from her reading a GQ magazine with his legs crossed relaxing. The muscular brute is dressed in an expensive-looking Italian suit. He is listening to classical music that is playing from an iPod docked on a speaker system on the small table next to him. Suddenly his smartphone on the desk begins to ring and he puts down the magazine to answer the phone. Just before swiping the touch screen to answer the call, he lets out a sigh of frustration.

Pelagius: Mr. M, good to hear from you. You do understand that babysitting was never part of the agreement? How long am I going to have to sit here with this girl?

Rupert Mudcock: Just long enough so that Salinas is distracted for her match tonight. Then you can let her go and leave town to crawl back into whatever shit hole you call a home Pelagius!

Pelagius: That’s at least another 12 hours sir… I’m afraid it’s going to cost you.

Rupert Mudcock: You greedy bastard… Fine! I’ll wire another $50’000 at the end of the night. You’ve made sure that Salinas hasn’t seen you anywhere in the hotel right?

Pelagius: I haven’t left the room as requested sir.

Rupert Mudcock: Good! Salinas has been lurking around the entire building looking for you. She suspects you haven’t really left yet, even though I made sure that the hotel computers listed you as checked out. Who knows what would happen if she found you or was able to trace this little ploy of mine back to me.

Pelagius: I’m a professional sir, one of the best… that’s why you hired me remember? Just try to relax and attend to the things that really need your attention. Valora Salinas will never find…

Suddenly without warning a minor blast turns Pelagius’s attention from his phone to the door which now has a blast hole in place of where the door handle used to be. Pelagius gets up out of his chair just as the door is kicked in by Valora. She is holding a 9-millimeter biretta pistol with a silencer attached to it and attempts to take aim at Pelagius, but he is on her, slamming her arms against the wall just outside the room. The impact causes her to drop the gun, but she is able to knee her attacker in the groin. Pelagius screams in pain and then braces for impact as Valora tackles him back into the room and down onto the floor. As they struggle, Mozart’s Overture from “The Marriage of Figaro” begins to play from the speaker dock, turning the whole melee into something like a scene from a blockbuster movie trailer.

Valora, filled with rage, pins Pelagius down to the ground. She unleashes a series of brutal punches to his nose and jaw, busting his lip open, and breaking his nose in the process. Abigail's muffled cries catch Valora’s attention for a split second allowing Pelagius to use his brute strength to throw Valora off of him. He gets back to his feet just as she turns around to face him and the two make eye contact for a moment. Pelagius comes at her swinging, but Valora ducks both of his punches, and trips him with a drop toe hold which causes the big man to fall straight into a small wooden dining table. His face smacks the wood hard and then he falls over onto the floor.

Valora uses this opening to rush back toward the hallway for her firearm, but Pelagius is quickly back on his feet, and wrestles her down from behind just inches from the weapon. Pelagius turns Valora over onto her back and tries to punch her as hard as he possibly can in order to knock her out. Valora squirms away and he instead ends up punching floor so hard he brakes his hand instantly on impact. The big man shrieks in pain holding his right wrist as Valora gets to her feet and picks up her gun before pointing it directly at the side of Pelagius’s cranium. She breaths heavy from the altercation in order to catch her breath and flips her hair back in order to clear her field of vision as she tightens her grip on the handgun.

Valora Salinas: I ought to blow your fucking brains out right here all over their nice hallway carpet pendejo!

Pelagius surrenders putting his hands up in the air, but before he can even utter a word in response Valora kick’s him straight in the head knocking him onto the carpeted floor staining it with blood. She then puts the firearm up against his head again shoving it against his skull more aggressively.

Valora Salinas: Who the fuck put you up to this huh? Tell me or so help me God I will pull this mother fucking trigger asshole! Tell me!

Pelagius: IT WAS MUDCOCK! MUDCOCK! Oh, GOD! Please don’t fucking kill me! PLEASE! I was just trying to make some quick money! Please! You got to understand! I didn’t fucking touch her! I swear it!

The traumatic experience causes Pelagius to soil his pants before Valora uses the butt end of the handgun to knock the weeping brute unconscious. Valora takes a deep breath before getting to her feet and wiping the sweat off her brow. Despite all the noise from the scuffle no one had ventured out of their rooms to see what’s transpired out in the hallway. She hastily runs back into the room, and cuts Abbigail loose from the ropes, and takes the gag out of her mouth. Abbigail hugs her immediately thanking her mentor for rescuing her.

Valora: Listen to me, listen! Did he fucking touch you? Did he hurt you? Cause I will put a bullet in his brain right now!

Abbigail: No, he just tied me up and kept me here. Someone named Mr. M is trying to throw you off your game V.

Valora: It’s Mudock, he’s got it out for me because I’m the favorite for Franchise title now. I don’t fit his All American image that he want’s for his first champion. The fat, rich, piece of mierda is going to pay for this! Come on, let’s go before the police get here! I don’t feel like explaining all of this to them and spending the whole day at the LVPD.

Valora and Abbigail rush out of the room and down the hallway to the nearest elevator. The scene fades to black with them getting inside and the doors closing behind them.

Presents...

The scene opens to a large crowd inside the Luxor Hotel Arena as vacationers and local wrestling fans have packed inside once again to see the second round of the Tournament of Fortune. It’s clear from the attendance figures that Ultimate Online Wrestling has interested more sporting enthusiasts as there is clearly a good five thousand more people in attendance for tonight’s show. Pyrotechnics commence and burst all over the arena firing up the crowd. The cameras go live inside the arena as they pan around the supporters before focusing in on the ring where five-time Grammy award winner Britney Spikes stands in the middle of the ring. The lights dim in the arena and a spotlight is placed directly on the scantily dressed blonde pop star singer.

Britney Spikes: Everyone please remove your caps and put your hearts of your chest to pledge allegiance to our magnificent commander chief, the man who is truly making America great again! Your 45th president! Ronald McStrump!

A spotlight is placed high up above on the luxury box seating area where Rupert Mudcock and Ronald McStrump stand waving to the crowd. Most of the attendees seem shocked to see the President at the show while others look on confused by the strange request at pledging allegiance directly to the president and not the flag. Most of them do as they are told but a few clear non-supporters of the controversial new President boo him in response to the request. The negative responses from some fans causes a few scuffles and hotel security has to intervene and escort the guilty parties from the arena.

Britney Spikes: Altogether now! I pledge to observe the law, promise to consciously full fill my duties at home and as a citizen of this great nation, and swear my allegiance to my commander and chief Ronald McStrump!

The clear McStrump supporters repeat the strange pledge like senseless zombies. When finished, Brittney Spikes sings a greatly dramatized rendition of “America the Beautiful” struggling to hit the notes while over singing the high points of the song. When she finishes another series of pyrotechnics’ ignite behind her in a series of explosions set seconds apart in the colors of America’s flag.

The camera’s switches focus from the fans standing on their seats “Chanting start the show” to the announcer team of the youthful move by move commentator Scott Slade and elderly and geriatric color commentator Chris Rodgers.

Scott Slade: Hello from Las Vegas and welcome to round 2 of The Tournament of Fortune! We are coming to you streaming live on Squawker, MeTube.com, and broadcasting from America’s number one watched cable news and entertainment television channel in America, M.O.X! As always I am here with my co-host Chris Rodgers! Chris are you ready for one hell of a show?

Chris Rodgers: “sniffle” sorry Scott, but that might have been the most patriotic and beautiful moment of my entire life.

Scott Slade: Ah… umm..yeah… that was really something Chris.

Chris Rodgers: Alright time to pull it together, I am a professional after all! I’m being told that our opening matchup tonight will be an exhibition match between All American Johnny Melange and some foreigner, I think he’s from Germany and his name is Kronin Riegnfart!

Scott Slade: Jeeze oh Petes Chris! Are you not wearing your damn glasses again? It’s Reinhardt, not Reignfart! What is a matter with you?

Chris Rodgers: Oh what difference does it make? Melange is going cripple this nobody!

Ring announcer Rich Relando enters the ring too with a microphone in his hand ready to introduce the two combatants for tonight’s opening fight. He is dressed in a stunning white tuxedo and matching white fedora hat. As the fans quiet down he begins to speak into the microphone with his majestically masculine voice.

Rich Relando: Making his way to the ring as our first contestant of the night, hailing from Hometon, Middle America! Standing at five feet, ten inches, and weighing in at 238 pounds! A true American hero! JOHNNY MELANGE!

“Losing My Religion” by R.E.M starts to play and everyone’s attention turns to the stage as Johnny walks out onto it wearing his traditional black and pink tights. A series of high-end pyrotechnics go off and purple sparkle showers fall from the rafters. The fans chant “USA” as he makes his way down the ramp, up the steel steps, and into the ring.

Rich Relando: His opponent! Traveling here all the way from Berlin, Germany. Weighing in an impressive 275 pounds, and standing tall at six feet, six inches! KRONIN REINHARD!

As “Ich Will” by Rammstein starts to play, Kronin walks out onto the stage to a chorus of hysterical boos and curses from tourists attending the Vegas wrestling show. The reaction from the crowd catches the big German somewhat off guard as he makes his way down the ramp, up the steel steps, and high steps up over the top rope and into the ring. Referee Jim Hopkin’s has a few words with both competitors and then signals to the timekeeper to ring the bell.

Scott Slade: Finally! It’s time for fight night in Las Vegas!

The two fighters lock up in the center of the ring before the bell can even finish reverberating. Kronin gains the advantage and locks Melange into a headlock and then pulls the All American athlete down to the canvas turning the hold into a straightjacket crossface. Melange screams in agony and looks like he is going to tap and end the match early but reaches down deep and fights back his knees. Kronin flips up over Melange onto his feet never letting go of his head and then turns the hold into a swinging neck breaker.

Scotts Slade: What a show of athletic and technical prowess from Kronin!

Chris Rodgers: Looks like we’re in store for a good old-fashioned wrestling match!

The fans let out a negative guttural response to Melange’s poor start as both wrestlers get back to their feet and lock up almost immediately once again. Kronin yet again gains the advantage and overpowers Melange pushing him up into the top left corner turnbuckle of the wrestling ring. The big German then delivers a few hip checks to the midsections before grabbing Melange around the waist and belly to belly suplexing him with major authority into the center of the ring canvas. The crowd reacts instantly from the impact as Kronin doesn’t skip a beat and pounces on Johnny locking in a Koji clutch hooking his legs across and around the neck of Melange. He then wraps his hands around his head pulling backward with all his might.

Scott Slade: Oh no! A Koji clutch! This doesn’t look good for Melange!

Chris Rodgers: Come on John! The whole country's behind you! Get your head in the game boy!

Melange screams horrifically in pain and only slips out of the hold after using all of his strength to roll over forcing Kronin to break the hold due to it no longer being very effective. As both men get to their feet, Melange breaks from the traditional Greco Roman style of wrestling and rebounds off the ropes coming at Kronin with a clothesline. The decision is a poor one and it backfires as Kronin blocks his arm away and grabs his midsection picking him up and slamming him hard to the canvas with a black hole slam.

Chris Rodgers: Dammit!

Scotts Slade: This could be it! Kronin with a cover! ONE! TWO! KICK OUT MELANGE! He just barely kicked out in time!

Chris Rodgers: I don’t know what the hell is going on with Melange! He hasn’t mounted one successful offensive attack during this whole darn match.

Scott Slade: He’s got to get something going or else this match is over!

Kronin gets to his feet first and agonizingly picks up Melange by his blond hair letting out an aggressive alpha male scream toward the fans. He then throws Melange’s arm up over his shoulder and hits an impressive rolling German suplexe wrapping Melange up in the process.

Scott Slade: Rolling Suplex into a pin! ONE! TWO! THREE! IT’S OVER! Kronin wins his first official Ultimate Wrestling match!

Chris Rodgers: This is a disaster!

Ich Will” by Rammstein starts to play as the referee holds Kronin’s arm up and points toward him with his other hand signifying him as the official winner of the match. The referee then attends to Melange still breathing heavily on the canvas as Kronin exits the ring satisfied with his performance. The fans boo him heavily and begin throwing drinks and food at him as he makes his way up the aisle way and behind the curtain.

While the broadcast cameras stay focused on Melange receiving medical attention, important secret events are transpiring backstage. Jeremiah Vastrix sits at a desk in the men’s locker room with his broken cybernetic eye on the table along with a set of very small tools, and a bunch of tiny parts that are scattered all over the table around it. He is clearly frustrated with his inability to fix the high-tech experimental stolen Warhammer hardware. As he continues to tinker with it, there is a sudden flash of blue electrical current that sends a wicked shock up his arm making all of the hair on his head stand up. The burst of energy knocks him back and he crashes to the floor hard.

Jeremiah Vastrix: Ahhhh!!! Goddammit, that fucking hurt!

Vastrix roll’s around on the floor screaming in pain until loud laughter is heard within the walls of the locker room. Vastrix pauses when he hears the laughter and gets to his feet holding his arm. Baron Vendredi sits on a bench staring at him with a smile on his face.

Baron Vendredi: I think you're relying a little too heavily on technology there Mr. Vastrix…Hah! Heh ho! Haha! Oh man, I really crack myself up sometimes…

Jeremiah Vastrix: What are you even doing here Vendredi? You’re not even booked tonight.

Baron Vendredi: Let’s just say the Baron is looking to speak with someone.

Jeremiah Vastrix: Well keep your mouth shut alright? If I don’t get this cybernetic eye working I have no chance of beating Sato tonight with only one human eye.

Baron Vendredi: You are a strange man… where did you even get an artificial eye like that?

Jeremiah Vastrix: That’s none of your business! Now leave me alone!

Suddenly there is a knock at the open locker room door which interrupts the two wrestlers bickering at one another. When Vastrix turn’s around, he is surprised to see the owner of Ultimate Wrestling, Rupert Mudcock standing in the doorway holding a white box in his left hand.

Rupert Mudock: Gentleman… I hope I am not interrupting something important. Mr. Vastrix, I believe you are in a bit of a jam from what I can see.

Jeremiah Vastrix: Yeah so… what’s it to you old man?

Rupert Mudcock: You’ll learn to address me in a respectful tone you little pervert! I’ll have you know the only reason you’re not dead yet is that your father happens to owe me a favor! Did you really think after performing on live television last week that he wouldn’t be able to find you?

Jeremiah Vastrix: I…the mask…

**Rupert Mudcock: ** Shutup and listen to me you fool! I cannot have Valora Salinas as my champion! I won’t have it! I need an American! Someone this country can idolize! I need you to beat Sato tonight and Valora next week for the title!

Jeremiah Vastrix: Alright well, I don’t see myself being able to beat Sato tonight. Even though he’s young, he’s a highly-skilled fighter and with my depth perception off like this, there is no way I stand a chance against him! Plus Sato is American what is the big deal is if he wins?

Rupert Mudcock: let’s just say Sato doesn’t have the right “look”. As far as your depth perception is concerned I’m afraid I have a gift for you. This right here is War Hammer’s latest model of that Cybernetic eye you’ve been using. Consider it a considerable upgrade free of charge. Your father has assured me that you’ll know how to use it in order to gain the advantage you need to win.

Mudcock waddles his fat old body over to the table Vastrix was working at and places the white box on the table. As he turns around and begins to waddle back over toward the exit of the locker room he stops and utters one more sentence to Jeremiah.

Rupert Mudcock: Oh and if you lose, consider yourself a dead man Mr. Vastrix…

Vastrix just stares at Mudcock as he waddles away satisfied with the encounter.

Baron Vendredi: Damn dude… who’s your dad?

Jeremiah Vastrix: Shut the fuck up Vendredi!

After a short commercial break, Rich Relando is already back in the ring ready to introduce the first match for the official second round of the Tournament of Fortune. The fans intensity is kicked up a notch in anticipation for the big matches start.

Rich Relando: Ladies and Gentlemen in attendance! Tonight’s following two matches will decide who will fight for the Ultimate Wrestling Franchise Championship! SO LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!

“Bring IT” by Trapt hits the sound system and Valora Salinas walks out onto the stage with a confident stride. There is an unexpected mixed reaction from the crowd, however, with many of the fans offensively chanting “Build the Wall” attempting to drown out Valora’s hardcore fans.

Rich Relando: Making her way out onto the stage now! Hailing from Los Angeles California! Weighing in at 155 pounds and standing at five feet, nine inches! SHE IS THE HARDCORE ICON! VALORA SALINAS!

Scott Slade: Well Ultimate Wrestling fans, Valora scored an impressive victory last week against Melange, and tonight she takes on Dwight Couch for a chance at glory!

Chris Rodgers: I still can’t believe she beat John! There is no way she beats Couch tonight!

Scott Slade: Well we will have to see Chris, there are a lot of rumors that D.C. is suffering from a mild shoulder injury. It could affect him in this match and really give the advantage to Valora.

Chris Rodgers: If I know that woman, and I think I do! She’ll do anything to win! D.C. needs to keep her away from that shoulder.

Valora enters the ring and her music cut’s off. The cameras cut back to the stage as “Come With Me Now” by the Kongo’s starts to play over the speaker system. The fans let out a roar as D.C. walks out onto the stage with his hands held high in the air.

Rich Relando: Her opponent! Making his way down to the ring all the way from the great state of Kentucky! Weighing in at 225 pounds, and standing at a height of six feet, three inches! The Legend! DWIGHT COUCH!*

D.C. slaps high fives with many of the fans on his way down the ramp and then slides into the ring. The two fighters come to the center of the ring and the referee gives them a few words about what he expects during the match. He then signals for the timekeeper to ring the bell and as soon as the bell sounds, the two opponents begin to circle around the ring sizing one another up.

Scott Slade: Alright! Finally! Let’s get this show on the road! Two of our top athletes on our roster battling it out and only one will come out the winner!

The two finally lock up in the center of the ring and D.C. out powers Salinas straight away and locks her into a headlock. She quickly twists out of it, however, takes Dwight’s injured right arm, and spiral’s it into a standing armbar with impressive torque. Couch screams out in pain holding his shoulder with his free arm much to some of the dismay of the fans.

Chris Rodgers: Look at that cheater! She’s already attacking that injured shoulder!

Scott Slade: You look at it as cheating, I look at it as a good strategy my friend!

Chris Rodgers: You would Slade! You’ve got the moral values of a telemarketer!

Valora clubs D.C’s right arm landing her fist right on top of his injured shoulder and the painful blow drops Couch to his knees. Valora then sprints towards the ropes recoils off of them, and Savat kick’s him straight in the chest and injured shoulder. Couch falls to the canvas still reeling from the effects of the immense blow. The Luxor arena is the rowdiest it’s been since the start of the Tournament and the more conservative fans continue to boo Salinas and chant “Go back to Mexico” which clearly irritates Valora. She stops her attack on D.C. and takes the time to scream back at some of the fans cursing at her and gives them all the middle finger with both her hands.

Scott Slade: We apologize to our family viewers for that behavior by Ms. Salinas. It looks like some of these…um… McStrump supporters seem to be getting to her.

Chris Rodgers: Well I don’t blame them! Has anyone checked her legal status? How do we even know she’s here legitimately? I want to see her green card Slade!

Scott Slade: You’re not serious right? Valora has been an American citizen for years.

Due to Salinas being distracted, D.C. is able to get to his feet and attacks Salinas from behind with an elbow smash to the back of her head. The attack sends Valora over the top rope and out onto the floor with a thud. Dwight favors his shoulder and takes a moment to pop it back into place as Salinas gets back to her feet. She tries to enter back into the ring, but Dwight sprints at her, and baseball slides nailing the Hispanic wrestler straight in the face. This sends Valora back to the floor on her hands and knees much to the dismay of her supporters.

Scott Slade: Oh! Baseball slide! D.C. is not going to back down! He might be hurt but he wants that shot at the Franchise Championship bad!

Chris Rodgers: Valora looks like she’s looking for her teeth on the floor! Hah haha!

D.C. rolls out of the ring and onto the floor as the referee starts a count for both wrestlers. D.C. picks Valora up and tries to throw her into the steel steps, but she reverses it by hanging onto his bad arm and slings him into them instead head first. Couch crashes into them with his injured shoulder first and dislodges the steel steps from the ring corner on impact. The fans let out an “oh!” as D.C. screams in pain on the floor.

Chris Rodgers: You’ve got the momentum on your side and you take the fight outside the ring? What the hell is Couch thinking? Salinas is like a deadly virus outside of the squared circle!

Scott Slade: That shoulder has got to be a mess right now! How much longer can Couch hang on?

Salinas though, as always, is unrelenting and she picks him up straight away. She then tosses him back into the ring before jumping up onto the canvas and climbing up to the top rope from the corner turnbuckle. She springboards off of the top rope attempting a splash, but Couch sees it coming, and puts his knees up causing a very agonizingly painful setback, as the impact is solely absorbed by Valora’s rib-cage. The fans again voice their feelings over the violence, letting out another “Ho-waooh” much to the glee of Mr. Mudcock up in the Presidential Suite. She rolls off of Dwight’s knee’s clutching her midsection in terrible discomfort.

Scott Slade: Valora with a high-risk maneuver from the top rope and she comes up empty-handed!

Chris Rodgers: I got too handed to D.C. because he is really keeping his awareness up despite the pain he’s in!

*The fans begin a stomp and clap rally as both wrestlers lay on the canvas struggling to get to their feet. Both fighters dig down deep and they both get up at about the same time. Valora attacks first with a kick, but D.C. catches her foot with both his hands. Dwight thinks he has Valora in a bad spot, but she counters the hold with an Enzuigiri chop kick to the back of Couch’s head. The attack drops both combatants to the canvas and Valora is quick to cover D.C. and hook his leg for a pin.

Scott Slade: Valora with a pin! ONE! TWO! KICK OUT D.C.!*

Chris Rodgers: Couch had to dig down WAY deep to kick out of that one! Come on Couch show these people why you’re called “The Legend”!

Valora flips her head up and blows some hot air out from her lungs, it’s clear she’s starting to slow down a bit. As she gets to her feet she pulls Dwight up by his hair, but before she can mount an attack Couch hits her with a series of punches to the midsection, followed with a sharp uppercut that sends her backpedaling into the turnbuckles. Dwight now back on his feet, charges at Salinas, and tries to go for a stinger splash, but is chopped almost in half by Salinas who nails him with a diving spear when he's in midair and then covers him again.

Scott Slade: Massive spear! That’s the second time in two weeks Couch has been hit with that move! Salinas with the cover! ONE! TWO! NO! KICK OUT AGAIN BY COUCH! Unbelievable!

Chris Rodgers: Good God almighty that has to be the manliest beast of a woman I’ve ever seen. She must be taking testosterone pills or something! I think we need a drug test her!

Scott Slade: That’s is incredibly stupid! This is a cross-gender match! What difference does it even make? You better watch it, Chris, you’re getting real close to crossing the red line.

Chris Rodgers: Just call the match and stop trying to censor me!

Valora is first back up to her feet again. She pulls Dwight Couch up and tosses his injured arm over her shoulder. She then lifts D.C. up with all of her womanly strength and then jack hammer’s Couch hard into the canvas. The move is shaky, but the veteran Latina still manages to crush her opponent into the sweat-soaked ring mat. She then jumps to her feet instantly pointing up to the rafters of the hotel arena before sprinting to the turnbuckle. She leaps up onto the top rope and gets ready for a big move. Couch has no time to recover or react as Valora springboard’s off of the top rope and rotates midair landing a massive Aztec corkscrew Moonsault crushing D.C. underneath her.

Scott Slade: Aztec Moonsault! AZTEC MOONSAULT FROM THE TOP ROPE! Valora hooks the leg! ONE! TWO! THREE! It’s over!

Chris Rodgers: No dammit!

The referee helps Valora up and raises her hand high in the air before pointing at her with his other hand signifying her as the winner of the match. “Bring It” by Trapt begins to play over the speaker system as she stumbles holding her rib-cage while exiting the ring.

Scott Slade: Valora Salinas is moving on to the Main Event set for next week! Valora Salinas may very well become our first Franchise Champion!

Chris Rodgers: God help us all… there has to be a real man on this roster somewhere…

Scott Slade: Fans we have to cut for a commercial break but when we come back our main event between Takuma Sato and Jeremiah Vastrix will take place! Don’t move a muscle were coming right back!

During the commercial break while the medical team attends too Dwight Couch and the official U.O.W crew gets ready for the final match of the evening, events outside of the public view are taking place backstage. Inside the locker room manager, Ivan Stricker and Takuma Sato are getting ready to head out to the stage for his match against Vastrix when they are stopped by the strange and odd Baron Vendredi.

Baron Vendredi: Hello my friends! I uh, it is a pleasure to meet both of you.

The Baron extends his hand in friendship to Takuma Sato who looks right at him and then walks right past him without speaking a word. Vendredi’s smile turns into a frown, not happy about being ignored by the young martial artist. The other Baron’s had told him that this would be one of his greatest friends and a powerful ally in the fight between good and evil. Could they’ve been wrong?

Baron Vendredi: Hey man! What the hell is you’re problem? I’m just trying to make a few friends is all! Never hurts to have friends in this business.

Sato walks out of the locker room not even acknowledging the Baron’s words. Ivan Stricker pulls up aside the Baron and puts his arm around him before handing him a business card.

Ivan Sticker: Sorry Baron, The future champ’s going through a hard time right now. His father recently passed away and he is really focused on winning this match. Give me a call and will talk huh? I’m sure we can work something out. I think you could use a manger kid, I mean look at you! You’re not even booked this week!

Stricker gives Vendredi a big pat on the back and as he is walking away makes two pistols with his hands and pretends to shoot the baron while winking at him in a very sleazy managerial way.

Vendredi stares at him bewildered and shakes his head in disbelief.

Baron Vendredi: This is going to be harder than I thought…

As the feed comes back live inside the arena, Rich Relando stands in the ring ready announce the next match. “Down Low” by R Kelly starts to play on the sound system as Jeremiah Vastrix walks out onto the stage. The fans give him a decent pop as he walks down the ramp in his black leather jacket, white t-shirt, and black leather wrestling pants.

Rich Relando: Making his way to the ring! Standing at six feet, two inches, and weighing in at 245 pounds! He is the self-proclaimed God-given gift to women all around the world! JEREMIAH VASTRIX!

Vastrix makes his way to the steel steps, climbs up them, and step’s into the ring before taking off his leather coat and then turning around to face the stage. His new cybernetic eye is a lot more noticeable than the old one. “Something to Believe In” by The Offspring starts to play on the sound system. The camera’s cut away from Vastrix and his scary-looking face to focus in on the stage. Ivan Stricker and Takuma Sato walk out together. Sato is dressed in a traditional white Karategi and black belt. He raises his fist into the air and the fans in the arena give him a nice burst of cheers.

Rich Relando: His challenger! The master of the heart punch! Being accompanied to the ring by his manager Ivan Stricker! Hailing from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at 195 pounds, and standing at height of five feet, nine inches! TAKUMA SATO!

Sato climbs up the steel steps and enters the ring. He then walks over to the center of the squared circle where Vastrix is waiting for him. Sato bows in a display of respect for his opponent and Vastrix hesitantly does the same. The referee signals to the timekeeper to ring the bell. As soon as it is rung Sato begins dancing and moving around the ring with fantastic footwork never standing still for a moment. Vastrix studies him for a few minutes and then moves in for an attack, but its cut off and quickly intercepted by Sato who launches off of the wrestling mat and connects with a jumping Tobi Geri kick nailing Vastrix directly in the head sending back into the ropes of the ring in the process.

Scott Slade: Oh my!

Chris Rodgers: It is on my friends!

The fans let out a roar as Sato lands back on his feet and continues to dance around never standing stationary. As Vastrix shakes off the cobwebs, Sato taunts him by extending his hand and motioning for Vastrix to come at him. Jeremiah put’s his hands up in a military close combat style and closes in on Sato with his shining cybernetic eye radiating brighter than usual. As he moves in for an attack Sato attempts another flying kick, however, this time Vastrix, with almost precognitive precision, backs away just enough to avoid the kick and then catches Sato’s leg to his disbelief. Vastrix then uses his leverage to scoop up underneath Sato and then punches him hard down to the canvas. Sato rolls quickly away from his opponent and kick’s up onto his feet to the delight of the crowd.

Chris Rodgers: Well, would you look at that! I think we got a fight on our hands. Sato looks surprised by Vastrix athletic ability!

Scott Slade: Vastrix managed to catch the flying kick and took Sato down. Remember Sato defeated his first opponent in a record 10 seconds! It looks as if Vastrix isn’t going to allow him to have a repeat of fortune tonight!

Sato starts to move around again and Vastrix commences to adapt to Sato’s fighting style and the two begin to circle once again. Sato comes at Vastrix first this time with a straight lead not waiting for him to attack like before. He moves in lightning quick with a series of powerful rapid sidekicks and finishes the combo with a spinning heel kick. Vastrix astoundingly reads Sato’s lightning-quick movements and then retaliates with a reverse roundhouse kick that cracks Sato on the jaw and busts his lip opens. The shot rocks Sato sending him stumbling backward a bit. As he wipes the blood from his mouth, his eyes widen, clearly expressing to Vastrix how extremely cross he is.

Scott Slade: What a comeback from Vastrix! I feel like I’m watching Return of the Dragon!

Chris Rodgers: These two look extremely well condition and evenly skilled Scott!

Scott Slade: The craziest part is I have no records here of Vastrix ever being trained in any sort martial art. It’s as if he is picking it up as this match goes on!

Chris Rodgers: He’s a survivor Slade! He’ll do anything to win!

Vastrix grows confident and moves in with a combo of his own, starting with a sidekick which Sato blocks, and a right cross which Takuma also follows’s up with a block. The blocked punch leaves Vastrix open for an attack and Sato delivers a devastating short punch to the sternum of Vastrix. The blow forces Jeremiah to dip forward, allowing Sato to plot an earth-shattering non-telegraphed punch to his Jaw, followed by another brutal punch to his sternum, a left cross, a right elbow, and then finishes by Ipponseoi slamming him hard onto his backside on the ring canvas. The fans go insane from the tremendously fast combo as Sato cocks back his fist for his finishing maneuver the deadly heart punch. Vastrix somehow rolls out of the way milliseconds before getting hit. Sato misses and his fist goes through the wrestling ring canvas all the way up to his elbow. As Vastrix finally comes to a halt he begins violently coughing up blood onto the wrestling mat staining it. Sato struggles to get his arm unstuck from ring mat and the fans roar and recite a U! O! W! chant.

Scott Slade: I can’t believe it! Sato with an insane combo, tries to finish Vastrix off with the Heart punch like he did Kickstand last week, and Jeremiah moves out the way just in time!

Chris Rodgers: Scott, his whole arm went through the ring canvas! What hell does Stricker feed this kid?

Scott Slade: Vastrix is getting to his feet and Sato is still stuck! He can’t get his arm out! Sato is in real trouble here!

Vastrix sees his window of opportunity and runs up and bicycle kick’s Sato across the neck and head dropping him flat on his face straight onto the ring mat. He then begins stomping on him like a wild man possessed. With a blood-stained chin and blood-stained teeth, most of the children sitting in the front rows start to get scared and cry. Sato is unable to get his arm loose and absorbs the punishment until he stops moving.

Chris Rodgers: That’s more like it! Show this Karate kid how to Wrestle Vastrix!

Scott Slade: That’s wrestling? Seems more like a street fight execution!

Vastrix spits blood on Sato and then flips the martial artist onto his back causing his arm to bend awkwardly in the process. He then pins him for a cover hooking the leg methodically.

Scott Slade: Vastrix with a cover! ONE! TWO! KICK OUT SATO!

Vastrix can’t believe that Sato kicked out, but doesn’t waste any time while he has the advantage. He gets to his feet, springs off of the ropes and delivers a leg drop on Sato, and then attempts to cover him up again for the win.

Scott Slade: Leg drop and cover! ONE! TWO! SATO KICK’S OUT AGAIN!

Chris Rodgers: This kid just won’t quit Scott!

Vastrix gets to his feet and start’s arguing with the referee, screaming at him for a slow count, convinced that he had Sato for a three count. This allows Sato to rip his arm out of the hole he created when he attempted to finish Vastrix off earlier the match. As Vastrix turns around, he is caught completely off guard when Sato hit’s him with a series of three snap crescent kicks straight to his head. Sato then spins down low for a reverse roundhouse wheel kick that sweeps Jeremiah’s legs out from under him dislodging his footing from the canvas. Vastrix falls flat on his back. Sato then dives onto the mat and covers Vastrix for a pin.

Scott Slade: Vastrix is rocked with a multitude of kicks! Takuma with the pin! ONE! TWO! NO! Vastrix gets his foot on the bottom ring rope just in time and the referee is forced to break the pin!

Chris Rodgers: Great awareness! Now if he can stay focused maybe he can get back into this fight!

Sato picks Vastrix up by his long black hair and leans him up onto the ropes. Jeremiah is clearly stunned and can barely stand when Sato Axe kick’s Vastrix straight on the bridge of his nose shattering his white metallic phantom of the opera-like mask and sends him over the top rope and onto the floor outside of the ring. The fans erupt as Vastrix rolls around on the floor holding his face thrashing about in pain. Sato does not pursue Vastrix out onto the floor however and waits inside the ring as the referee starts his count.

Chris Rodgers: I can’t believe Sato’s been able to come back after getting his arm caught in the ring like that!

Scott Slade: That Axe kick did a number on Vastrix! His mask is broken and he’s gushing blood from his nose! Things have really taken a turn for the worse here for Vastrix!

Jeremiah barely gets back into the ring in time before a count-out. Sato allows him to get back to his feet and then gives a little grin before darting towards him with another combo. The first punch lands, but the next three Vastrix is able to block with a little help from his secret weapon in the eye hole of his skull. He then retaliates with a kick to Sato midsection and then grabs Sato by the head and delivers a swift swinging neck breaker.

Scott Slade: Oh my! The DOWN LOW! THE SHIMMY SHAKING! DOG ON NASTY DOWN LOW! SATO IS ON HIS BACK!

Chris Rodgers: Vastrix is going to the top rope! This is a gutsy move!

Scott Slade: This is for all the marbles!

Jeremiah wanting to make double sure to put this one away, goes to the turnbuckle and climbs up to the top rope. He then leaps up off of it and lands a massive diving elbow drop directly on the chest of Takuma Sato. The impact is devastating and the fans explode as Vastrix covers Takuma Sato.

Scott Slade: Flying elbow drop! The cover! ONE! TWO! THREE! It’s over! Jeremiah Vastrix is advancing to the final to face Valora Salinas!

Chris Rodgers: What a crazy match! What a victory for this man! Look at the expression on Ivan Stricker's face! He looks like he’s going to cry! He can’t believe his prized fighter just lost!

Scott Slade: Without a doubt the best match we’ve seen in Ultimate Wrestling! An instant classic if there ever was one!

“Down Low” by R Kelly starts to play over the speakers inside the Arena as the Referee helps the beaten, bruised, and bloody Jeremiah up onto his feet. He then raises his hand up in the air before pointing at him and declaring him the winner of the match.

Scott Slade: Ladies and gentlemen! We are out of time! Join us next week when we crown our first Franchise champion!

The live feed cuts out with a close up of Ivan Stricker with his hands in his face completely distraught beyond belief. As the wrestling fans in attendance begin to file out of the arena it becomes clear that both men need medical attention.

Later that night inside the Presidential suit, we see the 45th president of America Ronald McStrump sitting down enjoying his dinner. Multiple bags of Fat Burger and sandwich boxes litter the room’s fancy dining table. Across from the President who is currently stuffing his face with a triple cheeseburger smothered in ketchup, is the owner of Ultimate Wrestling. Rupert looks on at his Commander in chief as he disgustingly chews his food without closing his mouth.

President McStrump: I’ll tell you, Rupert, this country is a mess…mmmhhh I love these pickles… mmm so good! Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah! My predecessor practically ruined this country! The nation is $19,844,955,149,782 in debt, the stock markets in a massive bubble that could pop at any moment, we’ve got drugs pouring across our southern border, and were allowing tons of immigrants to come into our country that could be terrorists!

Rupert Mudcock: You don’t have to tell me Mr. President! M.O.X News has never wavered away from telling American people the truth.

President McStrump: That’s why I like you Rupert! You’re not fake news like ANN or MSANC…oooh goodness, gracious I just love it when the burgers are just dripping with animal lard, you know what I’m talking about Rupert?

Rupert Mudcock: I uh… of course Mr. President who doesn’t like a good burger. Nothing more American!

President McStrump: Anyway, I want to thank you for all the BIGLY coverage your morning show M.O.X and Buddies has been giving us every morning. That’s why I am here, other than needing a break from the White-house! I mean who knew being President could so hard! I’m exhausted!

Rupert Mudcock: What do you mean sir? I thought this was just a recreational visit.

President McStrump: The wall on the southern border is going to be completed in 4 weeks. We’re spending 40 Billion dollars to have built ahead of time.

Rupert Mudcock: What does that have to do with my company and are you sure spending that much on the wall is wise after increasing the military budget by another 50 billion dollars 60 day’s into your presidency? I mean you just stated how bad the national debt is I…

McStrump slams his fist hard on the table crushing his fast-food burger in the process. The ketchup oozes out of the subhuman grade meat and into the expensive silk table cloth.

President McStrump: Are you questioning me Rupert?

Rupert Mudcock: I uh… No sir! That sounds like a great plan sir!

President McStrump: Good! So I want you, and by you, I mean Ultimate Wrestling, to be there at the celebration for the completion of the wall! Will call it the BRAWL AT THE WALL! A PAY PER VIEW EVENT! You can’t buy better publicity for this traveling circus show of yours! Plus I think it will ease the tension on the far left.

Rupert Mudcock: It would be an honor, sir! Thank your sir!