The scene comes in, and we see Vespertine up in the rafters of a very empty arena.   One spotlight is on her.  She is currently squatting with baseball bat in hand. And on screen note indicates that this was pre-taped a few hours ago.

Vespertine -  Hey Padre.  Who do you want to win?  Me or Murdock?  Who you are saying your prayers to late at night?  The man you believe in but who doesn't give a flying fuck about you.  Your god.  Your devil.  Your Jesus.  Your mammon.  

She slowly stands

Vespertine - Wouldn't it be interesting if we faced each other in the end?  I know you have problems with Eternal Grove.  I have problems with what you call your religion.  It would be a meeting of the minds. The showdown between Far East Philosophy and Western Religious Zealotry.  MY dark budda to whoever it is you pretend to pray to.  

She raises her bat to point at us

Vespertine - You should know, in chess the pawns always go first.  You made the war declaration against EG.  Now EG fires the first shot.  By beating Murdock, I come to take away your title.  I come to leave your carcass for the vultures.  I come to show that the Far Eastern Philosophy is better than any Western Ideology.  But this isn't just about ideals.  This is about your Elite title.  This is about the differences between you and me and our belief's.  I have been wanting to face you since I joined CWF.

She shoulders her bat and paces careful with her footing

Vespertine - Did you know that?  I have been wanting to see who believe's more.  Who's higher power, higher authority helps us more?  I doubt yours does anything whereas mine comes when called and punishes when he sees fit. Which is ever and always.   Yours, you have to punish yourself in a fake show when you think he is giving judgement.  

She stops

Vespertine - You and yours have been riding in his name for centuries.  Carrying banners and torches and weapons on war in his name just to show the world he is the best and he is forgiving.  When in actuality he isn't even real.  Whereas mine wages a secret eternal war in deserts and tundras and vast plains so that we can balance out the universe.  

She smiles evilly

Vespertine - The enemy is at your doorstep and in actual fact is closer than you might think.  The title....belongs to EG.  The title comes home to me.  Pray in whatever god you believe in that he will show your mercy and grant you power to overcome.  And you will find out that with all the praying you do, all the wars you wage in HIS name, will be for naught as he isn't even a real person.  Just a figment of some scared man's imagination.  A scared carpenter who died in on a cross in the middle east.  

Pause

Vespertine - Me and mine come for you and yours, Oh Padre.  And there isn't anything you can do about.  You can be ready.  You can be waiting.  But you will never know when I'll strike and where.  And when we finally meet face to face, the better ideology will win.  And it isn't yours.

The spotlight goes out, and she disappears

 

The show opening starts as the Vanguard theme for Season 5, “Destroy Me” by PRESIDENT, starts to play. It’s quickly followed by the Season 5 Logo for Vanguard.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5sdqwzp1kSHHqTFsyfhrZW?si=4fd5d3247b6446db 

The patented CWF Drone flyby opening starts as the drones fly through the crowd, with an overhead view of the entire crowd of the Hampton Coliseum. Of the nearly fourteen thousand seats, only roughly half are filled. A symptom of the fear surrounding the Black Rain Incident at the end of Civil Warfare. 

The Screens show the opening for Vanguard, interspaced with scenes of the CWF talent in various places around the Hampton area.

As the drones fly over the crowd, the theme for Vanguard starts to play through the arena and over your streaming access, either through the CWF website, cable provider, or streaming partners.

The drones continue as fireworks start to go off throughout the arena’s setup. A quick view of the rafters reveals Warhammer Corporate Shocktrooper guards on the walkways, with Gideon Rogers watching for anyone who might try to dose the crowd or workers with Black Rain. They have batons instead of bean bag guns, as knocking someone from the high walkways would be fatal to the person struck and whoever they fell upon. 

The drones all come to the stage and hover as Marcela Sancho comes out to a huge pop from the crowd. 

Marcela Sancho - Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the sixth episode of season five of the Conquest Wrestling Federation. For those of you at home, we are at the Hampton Arena in Hampton, Virginia! For those of you in the audience worried about a repeat of the Black Rain Incident at the end of Civil Warfare, look up! We have contracted extra security to ensure that this does not happen again, so rest easy in knowing that your mind will not be tainted. And now, let’s turn you all over to the announcing team for tonight, Jessica Carr and Victoria Hill!

Jessica Carr - Hello and welcome to another edition of Vanguard! We have a heck of a night planned for you here in Hampton, Virginia! 

Victoria Hill - We’ve already heard from Vespertine on her feelings about the Elite champion, Father Nathan O’Connell. She’s really confident about being able to defeat Steve Murdock at War Zone in Norfolk, Virginia. I mean, I think she can do it, but to be this arrogant about it? Balls.

Jessica Carr - Right? I mean, if I were Father Nathan, I would jump Vespertine during the match so that Steve Murdock wins the day and continues on to face him instead. 

Victoria Hill - That kind of kingmaking I…approve of totally. Father Nathan, you listening? 

Jessica Carr - We will begin the actual night with the debut of Anthony Khalil Savage against Mysterion. Who will Mysterion be tonight, I wonder?

Victoria Hill - Hard to say since we’re not near any holidays right at the moment. 

Jessica Carr - We will continue the night with a Skirmish contendership match as Karlie Nash takes on Alex Nelson. Should be a doozy of a match.

Victoria Hill - I mean, Alex has a good chance to win this, but honestly I think Karlie is going to win the chance against Akame McClancy for the title. 

Jessica Carr - And then the new Eternal Grove member, Mick Brandon, takes on Eoin O’Rourke! That’s going to be a volatile match, as I’m sure Eoin will want to see where the Eternal Grove is holding Annika. 

Victoria Hill - Right? Mick might not be responsible, but he will likely be beaten to within an inch of his life to see if he knows the where. 

Jessica Carr - And then we have the main event of the evening as Sadie Graves takes on Rayven Reinhardt for the Valor championship!

Victoria Hill - Sadie Graves is the Final Girl. More suited to the Elite championship, but she earned the chance at the Valor title. Even putting Miguel Lanza Junior on the shelf for an indeterminate amount of time from that hot shot onto the railing. 

Jessica Carr - I understand that Sadie might regret that.

Victoria Hill - She can regret doing it all she wants, but the fact remains that she did it. 

Jessica Carr - I suppose that’s true, but let’s get down to the ring where Marcela Sancho is waiting to announce the first match! 

 

 

Marcela Sancho - The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger, hailing from London, UK…he is Anthony Khalil Savage! 

The lights in the area dim to straight darkness. As his “So Be It” by Clipse plays, the entrance way lights back up with every step Tony takes. Nothing fancy, just a focused march to the ring. He slides inside the ring, takes off his warm up hoodie, and tosses it into the stands.

Jessica Carr - Anthony is new to the CWF. He’s a talented wrestler from elsewhere, so this should be an excellent matchup. 

Victoria Hill - I wonder what he will be bringing to the table? Will he join one of the many factions, or will he go it alone?

Marcela Sancho - And his opponent, hailing from parts unknown, he is Mysterion!

The house lights lower and a spotlight falls on the stage, highlighting the entrance from the back. Everything slowly falls silent until an electronically distorted voice sounds over the PA;

“WHO… IS… MYSTERION?!”

“Basket Case” by Offspring kicks off at a deafening volume, and strobe lights suddenly start flashing crazily, as though controlled by a kid with ADHD on a sugar rush. Fireworks tear off into the rafters, flooding the empty upper stadium in light. The excitement levels of the crowd grows.. Surely an entrance such as this alludes to someone.. a BIG someone! Suddenly that distorted voice sounds again as it once more asks;

“WHO… IS… MYSTERION?!”

A spray of sparks erupts on either side of the stage, and a man bursts through onto the stage; the voice sticks to a loop, repeating the words;

“HE… IS… MYSTERION… HE… IS… MYSTERION… HE… IS… MYSTERION…”

The spotlight refocuses on the animated, excited wrestler to reveal…

Mysterion Savage! 

He is dressed like the late, great Randy “Macho Man’ Savage! He runs down to the ring and slides under the ring, popping up in front of Anthony, who does not look amused. 

Jessica Carr - Is Mysterion making fun of his opponent by being a better Savage?

Victoria Hill - I don’t know, but Anthony doesn’t look very happy about it. 

As the bell sounds to start the match, Anthony pops Mysterion in the mouth with a boxing punch! This staggers the masked man back a few steps, and Anthony follows, drilling Mysterion with a few more lefts and rights before Mysterion spins around, falling onto his face!  

As Mysterion slowly gets back to his feet, he is grabbed from behind and hit with a shin breaker before being dumped into a belly-to-back suplex! Mysterion shoots back up to his feet, but then falls to his knees as he tries getting up too fast. Anthony hits him with a left-hand punch, extending the punch into an elbow strike to the temple! Mysterion collapses onto his face again, and Anthony grabs him by the arm and places a foot on his shoulder to pull back on the arm! 

Jessica Carr - Is that like an advanced armbar?

Victoria Hill - I don’t know, but referee “Lightning” Leon Jones is on it, checking to see if Mysterion will submit. 

And indeed, Leon Jones checks to see if Mysterion will submit, but the young man refuses. Anthony changes his foot position to the side of Mysterion’s face and neck, really cranking back on the arm. Leon Jones checks to see if Mysterion will submit, but he still refuses. 

Anthony gets up and runs to the ropes as Mysterion once again works on getting up, Anthony jumps at the ropes and springboards back into a knee strike to the rising Mysterion in the face! Anthony goes for the cover with Leon Jones getting right into position to make the count! 

…one

…...two

…….three! NO! Mysterion gets a shoulder up! 

Anthony kneels up and looks at Leon Jones, who makes sure to show him two fingers to indicate that it was only a two-count. Anthony nods and pulls Mysterion up and picks him up into an Electric Chair position before performing the One Winged Angel that he calls Dead to Rights! He goes for the cover again now that he’s planted Mysterion face first onto the mat!

…one

…..two

…….three! 

Marcel Sancho - Winner of the match! Anthony Khalil Savage! 

Jessica Carr - Anthony absolutely dominated in his debut match tonight. Will he do as well against a non-welcome mat I wonder?

Victoria Hill - He’s good. I want to see how good. 

Jessica Carr - Well, after these messages, we will see Karlie Nash take on Alex Nelson for a shot at the Skirmish championship currently held by Akame McClancy! 

Victoria Hill - Should be a good match. I expect a good showing by these two.

 

The show comes back, and the camera is on the announcers. 

Jessica Carr - Welcome back, we’re getting ready for a matchup that will determine who will be the first challenger for the newly crowned, at Civil Disobedience, the Skirmish Champion Akame McClancy. 

Victoria Hill - We had three members of the Upstarts vying for the title. And Akame McClancy came out on top, even beating her ‘little sister’ or ‘best friend’ Abby Dresden. 

Jessica Carr - In the end, the Reckless one is now the champion of a division that is all about speed and not a lot of size. Contenders are limited by both weight, having to be under 220 lbs, and matches are limited to 15 minutes each. 

Victoria Hill - And coming up, the Eternal Groves own Premier Athlete, Karlie Nash will be fighting Alex Nelson. The winner is going to get a shot at the Skirmish Champion in the coming weeks as the first contender. 

Jessica Carr - Let’s go to the ring… 

Suddenly “Reckless” by Lacuna Coil starts to play through the Arena’s PA system. 

Victoria Hill - Sounds like the newly crowned champion is going to address us before a contender is crowned. 

Akame McClancy steps out onto the stage. She’s wearing her anime-inspired gear that matches Abby Dresden's when they tag team as the Wild Hunt. She has the Oni mask on a stick up in front of her face for a moment. 

Around her waist is the Skirmish Championship, and over each shoulder is a 4WW Title, the North American, and her half of the Dyad Championships. She moves the mask on a stick out of the way, and then pulls out a microphone. 

Akame McClancy - Good evening Hampton Roads! Now, I’m not going  to take a lot of your time here. Basically… we’re about to see two people get into that ring, and fight each other for a chance to face me for this little Skirmish Title. 

Jessica Carr - That they are!

Akame McClancy - So, figured I’d be out here to get me a first-hand look at them in the ring. But, not just that. Whoever wins this… I’ve got a bit of input on how our match is going to go. By winning this match, they’re picking the place and time. So I’m going to pick the stipulations. But nothing too bad. Depending on who wins, they’ll find out what my stipulations are. But before I head down to the announcers' table… know this: Things have changed. They need to realize that this isn’t the same person who lost the Valor title on her first defense against Vespertine. All masks are gone. So good luck, Ms. Nash, Mr. Nelson. Let’s see if you’re up to the task. 

Victoria Hill - Well sounds like Ms. McClancy is heading down here to join us on the headsets. 

Jessica Carr - Well, Abby Dresden has done that before, as well as maybe the Upstarts' biggest supporter in the Owner’s box, Valora Salinas. So not like it’s not something they tend to do. But it's the first time for the daughter of “Hazard” Blaise McClancy and Yukio Kushinaga. 

The camera follows McClancy down to the announcers' table. She puts some things down, then takes the Skirmish Championship off her waist, and puts it on display in front of her extra seat, next to Jessica Carr on the left of the screen’s positioning. 

She puts a headset on and then gives it a test. 

Akame McClancy - Test, Test. Is it working?

Jesccia Carr - Yes it is. Welcome to your first time at the announcer’s table. 

Akame McClancy - Thank you, Jessica. Hope you both don’t mind that I chose to do this. But figured I should get a ring side view on this match up. 

Victoria Hill - You’re welcome to join us. But it does mean you need to answer any questions we have for you. But getting your feedback on the match will be just fine. 

Jessica Carr - Well, now that we’ve got a three-person team out here, let’s go ahead and go to Marcela Sancho in the ring to get this match started. 

Akame McClancy - Take it away, Marcela. Heh, I’ve actually wanted to say that… sorry if I stole your thunder. 

Jessica Carr - No, no. You’re just fine. 

 

 

Marcela Sancho - The following matchup is scheduled for one fall and will be fought under the Skirmish Division’s rule set with a 15 minute time limit. The winner of this bout will become the #1 Contender for the newly crowned Skirmish Championship. 

Akame McClancy - That’s me. 

Marcela Sancho - Introducing first, coming in at 5’ 8” and 190 lbs, he is “The Prince of the Jobbers” Alex Nelson!

The opening guitar licks of “The End” play and the lights in the arena strobe off and one as Alex Nelson walks down from the entry way to the ring, shadow boxing along the way, rolling in from the bottom rope, he poses with his hands in the air in the middle of the ring and then goes to his corner, waiting…

Jessica Carr - A second generation wrestler here, son of Steve Murdock. You think he’d ever be Upstarts material, Akame?

Akame McClancy - Well… maybe. He’s still really rough around the edges. Funny though, he’s fighting Karlie Nash tonight, for a shot at this belt. But his dad is fighting Vespertine on Warzone for a shot at the Elite Title. 

Victoria Carr - That is interesting. You ever think of going for the Elite Title? Especially after how bad your one hardcore rules match went?

Akame glares at her. 

Akame McClancy - We didn’t win, but we did just fine. I am the cousin of one of the best ever Hardcore Wrestlers in the history of Wrestling. And he’s recently taken over my training, as well as worked with Abby. Vespertine wins it, she might have to worry that I’d be wanting a rematch to take a title from her. She’ll need more than a baseball bat… that’s for damn sure.

Jessica Carr - You think she’ll be the one to win against Steve Murdock?

Akame McClancy - I would love Murdock to win, but to be honest Vespertine will probably win. With Nash’s and Kriegson’s help… hardcore match after all.  Then she gets to go on to face Father Nathan… who by the way Vespertine… you guys already shot your shot after he called you all out. You all attacked him and Greg Salazar that led to him winning the Elite Title. Might have to talk to Fi and see if she wants us watching her pa’s back if Vespertine gets the shot. 

Victoria Carr - Is that smart?

Akame McClancy - Uhm… it’s business. Fi’s dad has had our back. And goddess knows Abby and I both are tired of hearing the yap yapping that Nash and Vespertine do. 

Marcela Sancho - And his opponent, representing the Eternal Grove. She comes in at 5’ 11” and 172 lbs. She hails from Grand Marais Minnesota. Tonight she is being accompanied to the ring by Tracy Dixon and Hilda Meyer. This is “The Premier Athlete” Karlie Nash!

Karlie walks to the ring ignoring the crowd, she climbs the ropes from the outside, and gives a thumbs down to the fans, then lowers her hood and smirks at the crowd, she steps down from the ropes inside the ring, removes her hoodie and stretches in the corner.

Victoria Hill - You don’t have to like her, but you do have to acknowledge this woman is just that, a premier athlete. 

Akame McClancy - A premier athlete, maybe. “THE” Premier Athlete? Far from it. Maybe if she didn’t cheat she’d move up that list and maybe get that title. 

Jessica Carr - Well, looks like we’re about to get this started. 

Marcela Sancho - Your referee for this match up, Lexi Vega!

Jessica Carr - Lexi Vega is one of our new referees that was picked up after the auditions over Civil Disobedience and Civil Warfare. New blood on the team. 

Victoria Hill - She’s so green she’s she-hulk. So wet behind the ears, she’s treading water. 

DING! DING!

Nash hears the bell and immediately charges at Nelson. She ends up pushing him back into the corner. Once there, she delivers a couple of knee lifts to his midsection before she pulls him out with a snapmare. 

Jessica Carr - And Karlie Nash is on the attack right away. 

Akame McClancy - She is like an attack dog. I’m just trying to figure out what type. Kriegson calls himself the Hound of Hades. So if he’s like the rottweiler, does that make Nash a bulldog or a chihuahua?

Victoria Hill - She is larger than you. 

Akame McClancy - Genetics can’t be changed. I’m not denying her talent. More her motives and morals.

Nash doesn’t hesitate once Nelson is sitting on the mat. She slips down and puts her arms around his neck to lock him into an attempted cobra clutch style sleeper hold. 

Lexi Vega is quick to slip in and first checks the hold to ensure it’s legal. She signals it is and then asks Nelson if he gives up. He can’t shake his head, so he yellsout

Alex Nelson - NO!

Nash pulls him up to his feet, being a little taller than him, keeping the hold looked in. Vega asks him again. 

Alex Nelson - NO!

Victoria Hill - That cobra clutch is locked in pretty solid. Just got to sleep, get it over with. 

Akame McClancy - They’re actually easier to get out of than most realize.

Nelson brings his free arm back and elbows Nash in the midsection. He does it again, and then again. As soon as he senses the hold loosen, he slips behind her grabs and then takes Nash over in a modified back suplex. Nash falls away from him then they land. 

Akame McClancy - See. A little too text book. But he’s almost as green as the new ref, right?

Jessica Carr - You’re not wrong. 

Nelson seems to take a moment to get back to his feet, recovering from the sleeper hold. Nash comes back up to her feet and moves in again. As soon as she grabs for Nelson, he falls back, and slips his feet around hers to get her in a drop toe hold. He floats over, and tries to grabs her for a camel clutch. He gets one arm locked on, but can’t get the other. Once he gets that arm on, the other slips off. 

Victoria Hill - Not the best execution on that hold. 

Akame McClancy - Really not the best. I think he’s just pissing Nash off at this point. 

Nash rolls over to her back, and tries to push Nelson off. He drops down and starts to do a ground and pound, raining elbows down while he has her trapped. Nash brings her arms up to cover her face while he’s delivering a bunch of right elbows. 

Jessica Carr - Now that’s a bit of a good tactic instead.

Akame McClancy - I dunno, that might piss her off as well. Not a lot know it, but Nash is a striker. She’s had at least a couple weekend classes in Muay Thai. You play striker with her, she’s going to hit you back eventually. 

Nash finally grabs his arm and pulls him down. She wraps her arms around his head and neck into an arm triangle choke from the bottom. She cinches it in and Nelson’s feet start to flop around. Vega tries to get in to check the hold. 

Jessica Carr - What is that?

Akame McClancy - That’s an Arm Triangle Choke, but from the bottom. A form of sleeper from Brazilian Jui Jutsu. Effective, but it’s very easy to not be a sleeper and be an actual choke hold. 

Vega keeps trying to get up under Nash to check the hold, but Nash has Nelson in a way that she can’t get in there to check his windpipe. Vega seems to be a bit confused as to what to do. 

Victoria Hill - Come on ref. If you can’t get tin there, you gotta start a count. 

Jessica Carr - Agreed, for once. 

Vega finally checks one more time, and Nash doesn’t seem to want to let her into the hold. So she stands up and gives one last warning before she starts to count. 

1… 

Nelson finally gets a hand up. 

2… 

Nelson slowly makes a fist with it. 

3… 

He delivers a punch to Nash’s ribs on that side. 

4… 

He punches her again. 

5… Nash lets the hold go, and pushes him off with her knees. Nelson rolls away, holding his throat.

Jessica Carr - She held onto that for too long, really. 

Akame McClancy - A bit of an issue with the new Referee. I’m sure Valora will have a talk with her later. 

Nash gets up and walks over to Nelson. She pulls him up by his arm and then grabs him for a regular sleeper hold this time. She tries to lock it in, but Alex Nelson flips her over his shoulder and then pulls her up by her arm. He pulls her into a t-bone suplex that launches her a bit from him on the landing. 

He takes a moment to get up, and meets Nash as she is already back to her feet. He steps up to her and tries to kick her in the midsection but she catches it. 

Jessica Carr - Karlie Nash catches the kick. 

Victoria Hill - What was he going to go for?

Nash looks around, and then looks to be about to do a dragon screw leg whip, but before she can hit it, Nelson jumps up and hits her in the side of the head with an Enziguiri!

Akame McClancy - Okay, that’ll take a bit out of her. Although she hits people with her head so much, not sure how much. Gotta be something up there to actually injure. 

Alex Nelson jumps onto Karlie Nash while she’s down. He tries to lock on a sleeper hold of his own from behind. 

Nash starts to power herself up to her feet. Nelson tries to fight it off. 

Jessica Carr - Turnabout is fair play here. Alex Nelson going for some of Nash’s own tactics. 

Nash hunches over and lunges for a corner, trying to drive Nelson’s face into the top turnbuckle. Nelson lets go before he hits. Nash keeps going into the corner. But did she stop herself in time before hitting the ring post?

Victoria Hill - She tried to hit Nelson, but I think she hit herself on the ring post. 

Jessica Carr - I’m not sure. Did you see anything, Akame?

Nash falls to her knees, resting on the second turnbuckle. 

Akame McClancy - I’m not sure. If she did, time for Baby Murdock to capitalize.

Alex Nelson takes a moment, looking at where she’s at. He steps in and grabs her shoulders. He  pulls Nash back up to her feet. He moves to lock her into a full nelson. 

Jessica Carr - He’s about to give her the Full Alex!

Akame McClancy - I’m not sure she goes that way. 

Victoria HIll - She doesn’t… 

Nelson pulls up, and goes for the full nelson driver, but Nash breaks the hold and falls to her feet. She nails him right in the face with her “Game Misconduct’ headbutt that staggers him. Nelson falls backwards into the ropes and catches himself with the top rope.

Victoria Hill - She was playing Possum!

Jessica Carr - And Karlie Nash blocks the Full Nelson Driver, and scarambles Alex Nelson’s brains with that headbutt.

Akame McClancy - To be honest, that headbutt can come out of anywhere, and I’ll give her this much. It can change the course of a match really quick if she hits it. Just proves she has rocks for brains.

Victoria Hill - With how hard she hits with it, if she’s not giving her opponents concussions, she’s had a few.

Nash runs to a perpendicular side, and comes off with a short run while Nelson is still a bit wobbly. She catches him with her running knee trembler that takes him down. Nelson quickly rolls out of the ring. 

Jessica Carr - And that running knee trembler adds to the damage from that headbutt. And Alex Nelson goes for a walk outside the ring to clear his head. 

Akame McClancy can be heard letting out a quick giggle. 

Jessica Carr - What’s that for?

Akame McClancy - Has Vicki ever told you what that phrase means in the UK?

Now Vitoria Hill laughs. 

Jessica Carr - No.

Akame McClancy - It’s slang for a quickie… outside, while standing. 

Lexi Vega gives Nelson a quick warning or she’ll have to start a count.. He goes around to the nearest ring steps and climbs up. 

Jessica Carr - A quickie?

Victoria Hill - Yeah, as in a quickie? As in quick sexy time.

Jessica Carr - What!? 

Just as Nelson climbs through the ropes, Nash is right there. She grabs him for an exploder suplex, and picks him up, drops him down getting a really high angle on it. Nelson falls right on the top of his head. Nash quickly gets up, and grabs Nelson’s leg. She looks right at Akame McClancy at the announcers table and then locks in a stretch muffler.

Victoria Hill - I think that’s directed right at you there. 

Akame McClancy - I’m sure it is. 

Akame stands up and yells out towards the ring. 

Akame McClancy - Go ahead. Of course you’d want to emulate me!

Jessica Carr - Karlie Nash delivering a message here to the Skirmish Champion.

Vega is quick to start to ask Nelson if he gives up. He shakes his head quickly, while showing the effects of the hold on his leg. Nash keeps it locked in. 

Akame McClancy - Without the leg lock, they can get out of it too easy. Come on Alex, just roll the right way and you’ll pop right out of it. 

Victoria Hill - Damage still being done to that knee. 

Again Vega asks Nelson if he gives up and he signals no. Nash tries to lock in the leg lock part, but Nelson is flopping around too much. When she can’t keep it on, she finally lets it go. As Nelson starts to try to crawl away, Nash grabs his feet, and crosses them over each other, then steps in, locks in the arm bar behind her back and grabs his head. 

Jessica Carr - And now she locks in her own finisher, Nash-ural Selection.

Victoria Hill - She might not have got a tap out using that stretch muffler, but you know Alex Nelson’s knee is on fire right now. 

Nelson quickly taps out this time. Vega had just barely got to her knees to check on him when he does. She pops up and calls for the bell. 

DING! DING! DING!

Marcela Sancho - Your winner and the #1 Contender for the Skirmish Championship… “The Premier Athlete” Karlie Nash!

Nesh… keeps the hold locked in. 

Jessica Carr - And she’s not letting go on the Nash-ural Selection here. 

Akame McClancy - Of course someone from the Eternal Grove can’t let it just be competitive. So she’s gotta try to hurt someone. 

Lexi Vega starts to try to warn Karlie that she needs to let go. Nash shakes her head and keeps the hold locked in. 

Karlie Nash turns to look up the rampway to where the announcer's desk is, and yells at Akame McClancy. 

Karlie Nash - This is you when we meet!

Victoria Hill - Sending another message to you there, Ms. McClancy. 

Akame McClancy - Yeah, she is. But unlike others, I’m not afraid of my challenger. 

The camera quickly switches to the announcers table as the sound of McClancy taking off the headset and putting it down can be hears. She then gets up, grabs the Skirmish championship belt and runs down to the ring. 

Jessica Carr - And there goes McClancy. Is she falling for a trap here? 

McClancy slips under the bottom rope at a run, and then heads right for where Nash has Nelson still locked in the hold. Nash sees that she brought the title belt with her, and she lets the hold go and rolls out of the ring. 

Victoria HIll - And Nash decides that discretion is the better part of honor here. 

Vega checks on Nelson while McClancy gets up to the ropes leaning on them a bit. She holds up the title, and points at it while she and Karlie Nash trade words. 

Jessica Carr - And there you have it, Karlie Nash is the first #1 contender for the Skirmish Championship. 

McClancy suddenly asks for a microphone. Marcela Sancho hands her one quickly. 

Akame McClancy - Hey, Karlie… nice little display here. Other than of course the usual eNVy, or Eternal Grove or clichéd whatever that was. But… as I said earlier, you just won the time and place. But I’ve got a bit of a challenge for you, Miss Nash. 

The split screen shows Karlie Nash as she’s arrived at the top of the ramp, on the stage area. She waves her hand as if to say “bring it on.”

Akame McClancy - I know you hate hardcore stuff. And I could say… let's do it hardcore. But nah. Going to actually give you a fair chance. We already know it’ll be done with the Skirmish Division Rules and all. How about we go for a Pure Wrestling Submission Match? No interference, just who can make the other tap out?

Jessica Carr - Well we know that would mean you can only win via a submission hold and Pure Wrestling, the title can change hands on a DQ. 

Victoria Hill - Not sure how much that’ll help her, but that’s the challenge laid out. Both women are submission wrestlers, and strikers. But will Nash’s power come out on tope or McClancy’s high flying speed?

Jessica Carr - No way to tell just quite yet. But we’ve got to head to our next commercial break here. When we come back the Eternal Grove’s soldier, “Brutal” Mick Brandon will take on Eoin O’Rourke!

Victoria Hill - Ready for a brutal match here. Let us pay some bills, or get the money to pay the bills and more Vanguard Action when we come back!

The broadcast returns from commercial, but instead of the arena, the screen is black. The
sound of an engine comes first.

Then the picture fades in.

A black luxury SUV rolls through the streets of Hampton, Virginia. The windows are tinted, the
exterior freshly detailed, the vehicle moving slowly enough for the camera car ahead to keep
pace.

Inside, Madd Morales sits in the back seat with Rook beside him while Graves occupies the
passenger seat. All three are dressed sharply, though Morales looks particularly comfortable,
one arm resting across the back of the seat as he watches his hometown pass beyond the
window.

He points outside.

Madd Morales - “See, this is what people don’t understand about Hampton. Everybody knows Virginia Beach. Norfolk gets the Navy. Newport News has the shipyard. Hampton gets overlooked because we’re sitting right in the middle of everything.”

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - “That’s fine. We like it that way.”

The SUV continues along Mercury Boulevard, passing the businesses, neighborhoods and
traffic that make the city feel lived in rather than glamorous.

Morales leans forward between the seats.

Madd Morales - “Mercury Boulevard. You live around here long enough, this road becomes part of your life whether you want it to or not. Food, shopping, getting stuck in traffic, trying to figure out why everybody suddenly forgot how to drive because it rained for five minutes. Every city thinks they have the worst drivers. No. We’re special.”

Rook laughs.

The footage changes.

Now the SUV is moving through downtown Hampton, the waterfront visible nearby. Morales
gestures outside as they pass.

Madd Morales - “Downtown Hampton. This is the part you show people visiting. Take them near the water, find somewhere good to eat, make the city look respectable.”

Graves looks toward him.

Graves - “And the parts you don’t show them?”

Morales smiles again.

Madd Morales - “That’s where we’re going.”

The next few shots come without narration. The SUV moving through older neighborhoods.
Morales pointing out streets to Rook and Graves. A quick shot of the three outside the vehicle,
Morales shaking hands with an older man who clearly recognizes him. Another resident
approaches and Morales embraces him.

A group of kids eventually notice the camera crew and begin gathering across the street.

One recognizes Morales.

Madd Morales - “Morales!”

Morales stops and The entire group comes running. Rook instinctively steps forward, but
Morales places a hand against his chest.

Madd Morales - “They’re good.”

Morales crouches slightly as the kids surround him. Questions come from every direction, most
too fast for the microphone to properly catch.

Madd Morales - “Yeah, yeah, I hear you. One at a time.”

One boy points toward Rook.

Boy - “Who’s that?”

Morales looks back.

Madd Morales - “Him? That’s my accountant.”

Rook stares at him and The kids laugh.

Graves immediately points toward Rook.

Graves - “He’s terrible with money.”

Madd Morales - “See? Even worse.”

Morales reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded stack of cash.

Rook notices.

Rook - “You’re about to cause a riot.”

Madd Morales - “Nah.”

Morales starts passing bills out.

Madd Morales - “Go get something to eat. And if any of you tell your parents a professional wrestler gave you money and they ask which one, say Greg Salazar.”

Graves laughs. One of the older kids recognizes exactly what Morales is doing.

Older kid - “Man, you ain’t right.”

Morales points at him.

Madd Morales - “See? Smart kid.”

An older woman calls from a nearby porch.

OId woman - “Morales!”

Morales turns as She points accusingly toward him.

Old woman - “Don’t be giving those children all that money!”

Morales raises both hands.

Madd Morales - “Yes, ma’am.”

Old woman - “You hear me?”

Madd Morales - “Yes, ma’am.”

He waits until she looks away.

Then slips another bill to the kid nearest him.

Madd Morales - “Hide that.”

The kid immediately stuffs it into his pocket.

Rook shakes his head as they return toward the SUV.

Rook - “Terrifying criminal empire you’ve built.”

Morales opens the door.

Madd Morales - “Community relations.”

The footage shifts again. This time they’re near Buckroe, the Chesapeake visible beyond them.

The three men walk together with Morales in the center, Rook and Graves naturally half a step
behind.

Madd Morales - “You know what I like about coming back here?”

Morales looks across the Chesapeake.

Madd Morales - “Nobody here gives a shit about Madd Morales the wrestler.”

Rook raises an eyebrow.

Rook - “Those kids seemed pretty excited.”

Madd Morales - “They wanted money.”

Rook - “Fairs.”

Morales laughs then his expression becomes more thoughtful.

Madd Morales - “I’m serious. Everywhere else, somebody wants something. An autograph. A match. An interview. A favor. They want the Airdevil. They want the crazy bastard jumping off something. They want the champion. They want the villain.”

He looks back toward the streets behind them.

Madd Morales - “Here, I’m still just Morales.”

The camera follows as they continue walking.

Madd Morales - “That’s why rebuilding here matters.”

Rook puts his hands into his coat pockets.

Rook - “Back where you started.”

Morales nods.

Madd Morales - “Exactly.”

The next montage carries that thought. Morales buying food from a local spot and leaving far
more money than the bill requires. Morales greeting someone outside a barbershop. Rook
carrying several bags while Morales laughs at him. Graves standing quietly beside the SUV as
Morales talks with an elderly resident.

A teenager asks Morales for a picture. Morales takes the kid’s phone and makes Rook take it
instead. Another handful of cash quietly passed to someone when Morales thinks the camera
isn’t close enough to catch it.

By late afternoon, the SUV is moving again. Morales watches Hampton pass through the tinted
window.

Graves turns slightly from the passenger seat.

Graves - “So what’s the point of the tour?”

Morales looks at him.

Madd Morales - “You wanted to know where A.O.C. starts.”

Graves nods.

Morales gestures toward everything outside.

Madd Morales - “Here.”

Rook looks through his window.

Rook - “This doesn’t exactly scream criminal headquarters.”

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - “Good.”

The SUV slows at an intersection.

Morales leans back.

Madd Morales - “I’ve spent years trying to build something everywhere except the place that built me. Different companies. Different factions. Different people. Every time something fell apart, I found another piece and tried adding it back.”

His expression settles.

Madd Morales - “Not anymore.”

The light changes. The SUV begins moving.

Madd Morales - “I’m starting from the foundation. The 757 made me adaptable before I ever knew that was something worth bragging about. Life taught me how to overcome long before wrestling started putting cameras in front of me.”

The SUV turns down another street. Through the rear window, the three men gradually become
silhouettes. Then the SUV disappears around the corner.

The screen fades to black.

Three words appear.

ADAPT.

OVERCOME.

CONQUER.

A.O.C.

The broadcast cuts back to the arena.

Marcela Sancho - The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger, hailing from the South Side of the Windy City…he is “Brutal” Mick Brandon! 

The iconic intro to "My War" by Black Flag plays, as the audience waits in anticipation. As Henry Rollins' rage-filled voice plays over the speakers, but no one comes out from the back. 

Jessica Carr - Isn’t this where Mick is supposed to walk out from the back?

Victoria Hill - You would think so, but I don’t see him. 

Jessica Carr - You don’t think…

Victoria Hill - I’m getting word that something is going on in the back. Let’s go there live! 

The ConquestTron lights up to reveal backstage, near the staging area for the match, that Eoin O’Rourke is mounted on Mick Brandon and laying into him with punches. He shouts with each punch.

Eoin O’Rourke - Where. Is. My. Daughter?

Eoin stops punching the bloodied Mick and grabs him by the front of his jacket, shaking him. 

Eoin O’Rourke - You’re in the Eternal Grove! You have to know where she is! 

Mick shakes his head. 

Mick Brandon - I don’t know, man! I’m not high enough in the hierarchy! 

“I am”

Eoin turns his head to see Karlie Nash walking into the room with a wide grin.

Karlie Nash - Would you like me to tell you where Annika is?

Eoin drops Mick, who falls limply back to the floor, and he stands up to face Karlie Nash.

Eoin O’Rourke - Tell me, and I won’t break all the bones in your body.

Karlie juts out her chin, still grinning. 

Karlie Nash - Go ahead and try, big man. 

Eoin growls and begins to advance on Karlie when his legs are kicked out from behind him by a sneaky Vespertine. Eoin is grabbed by the head as he falls and the back of his head is driven into the floor! Vespertine mounts Eoin, but high so that her legs are on either side of Eoin’s face. Karlie runs over and begins to stomp his body in the chest, gut, and more than a couple of shots to the nuts. 

Vesertine - Come now, my sweet. Did you think we were going to let you ambush one of us before the match without punishment? 

Karlie Nash - You should know better, Eoin.

Karlie applies a figure-four leg lock while Vespertine keeps sitting on his face.

Vespertine - Is this a kind of pleasure and pain combination that your wife allows you to have? Where is your wife, by the way, Eoin?

Karlie Nash - Where is Elizabeth? Answer before we break your leg! 

“Release him!”

Yukio Kushinaga-McClancy and a couple of security guards rush into the scene, with Yukio opening her extendable asp batons.

Yukio Kushinaga-McClancy - Release him before I start cracking skulls! 

Karlie Nash releases the hold and stands up with Vespertine. They start helping Mick Brandon up, but Yukio isn’t done with them. 

Yukio Kushinaga-McClancy - Get him to medical for a quick checkup. 

She puts the batons away as she leans down by Eoin’s side. 

Yukio Kushinaga-McClancy - That was very stupid of you to do in a time like this. We’re going to get you checked out at the hospital. I think you might have a concussion. 

Eoin rubs the back of his head and winces as he finds a knot there. 

Eoin O’Rourke - Fair assessment and yeah…

Back at ringside, Marcela Sancho stands in the ring. 

Marcela Sancho - Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mick Brandon versus Eoin O’Rourke is to be canceled tonight. Thank you. 

Jessica Carr - Well, that was something. After this brief commercial break, we are going to go straight into the main event as Sadie Graves takes on Rayven Reinhardt for the Valor championship! 

Victoria Hill - Sadie is totally out of her depth in this kind of match, but we will see how she does. 

 

“God’s Gift” Jeremiah Vastrix is standing in the owners’ box. He’s at the railing and looking toward the ring, his knuckles white from clenching the railing so tightly. He doesn’t turn around when G. Ian Childress and Valora Salinas walk into the area. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - Have you come to force me out of the company?

G. Ian Childress - That would require far too much work: Judges, money, and a lot more of a fight. No, we are here because something must be done about the Eternal Grove. 

Valora Salinas - Not to mention that rancid fuckin’ puta Vespertine leading you around by your fuckin’ dick.  Fuck’s sake, Jeremiah.  I know you like sex but I thought you had standards and most of all, I thought you were smart enough not to get pussy whipped.  But this isn’t just your fuck up.  This is all of us, we were too lenient with the Eternal Grove and now look.

Jeremiah releases the railing with some effort and turns around, his eyes shining bright with unspent tears. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - You think I don’t know that? I have South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster calling me non-stop and asking me to get the Eternal Grove back to South Carolina so that he can have them arrested. He says it will only be a matter of time before the President of the United States declares that their crimes are federal in nature, and he calls for the entire CWF to stand trial. 

Valora Salinas - Well pretty sure he can’t do that, But it’s probably a good thing we’re leaving the U.S. after this season, provided we can finish the season and don’t get told by the upcoming destinations to stay the fuck out because they don’t want a group of cultists pretending to be fuckin’ wrestlers to drug their people next.  To my thinking, even though they may or may not be able to bring criminal charges, they can absolutely fucking sue us and force us to pay damages and that can hurt us in any number of ways.

G. Ian Childress - Valora is correct, they’d have to prove criminal malpractice. My wife is a lawyer… she’s already looking things up. It won’t be easy: If they find evidence of criminal things, we can hang people out to dry themselves. But the bottom line for the company will be the money in lawsuits. And a lot of that we have to look at is the relationship between you and  Vespertine. That can’t be worth all of the CWF.

Jeremiah nods, wiping at his eyes. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - I can change her. I can get her to turn on the Eternal Grove in exchange for a deal. She wants to mind-wipe those in South Carolina and the Governor, but this went on live pay-per-view to millions. There’s no going back from this. I will talk to her in Norfolk. She will work a deal and stand against the others. She has to see that this is the right way! Samael Drago, Viktor Kriegson, Karlie Nash, and Sarah will go to jail for their crimes. Possibly in a federal prison.

G. Ian Childress - She has said that she was against the attack? She would work with you? Are you sure?

Jeremiah looks down at the floor. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - She has said that the black rain is still being tested. I don’t know what the final product is supposed to be. 

Valora Salinas - I can fix her?  You’re seriously coming at us with the line every abused spouse pulls out to try and protect the one fucking them over?!  Un-fucking believable.  I hate to break it to you, pendejo, but she ain’t a follower.  Karlie might be a follower because she’s too fuckin’ stupid to think for herself.  Vespertine is a liar, a manipulator.  A mastermind.  And testing it?  This sounds like some shit your father and his cronies would be up to at Warhammer and you assured me you were different than them.

Jeremiah Vastrix - She is not. She’s just toeing the line with Samael. I’m sure I can get her to turn on them. 

Valora Salinas - You better be fuckin’ right because Apathy ain’t gonna wait long at all before she goes on the fuckin’ warpath to get her daughter back.  And believe me, she can rack up a fuckin’ body count.

Jeremiah Vastrix - I swear it. I will talk to her in Norfolk and straighten all of this out. She will join me. You’ll see.

G. Ian Childress - And if she does not? I’ve followed her for a bit longer than she was here. I know some of what she follows and does. She was in DPW with Akame. I know you’re not the most knowledgeable in the supernatural, but she follows the Dark Buddha, and has never been on the… good guys side. An opportunist, and downright evil when she feels the need to be.

Jeremiah Vastrix - If she does not? I will challenge her to a Falls Count Anywhere match at Cyber Warfare to end our dalliance and force her to submit the statement we need to put them all away.

Valora Salinas - Even Vespertine?

Jeremiah looks Valora in the eyes, a defiant expression on his face. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - Even Vespertine…  

Valora nods.

Valora Salinas - Fine.  See that you do.  Because I don’t know if you’ve checked but your precious Vespertine was caught fucking Tarrasque and has been making claims about how she can get you to book matches for her and shit.  I don’t mind that she’s too fucking stupid to know how the ownership works around here.  I’m pissed because she is so badly trying to cause tension between us.  Oh, and you better hope I’m right that she’s too fuckin’ stupid to know how the ownership structure works here because if she isn’t, then it means she’s trying to get you tossed out on your ass.

G. Ian Childress - I’m not going to sugarcoat it, Jeremiah. Your inaction so far is no worse than Von Krauss’ over-action to tip the scales. You can try, but actions also have consequences. They have put us at risk legally and in other avenues. I won’t sit idle while you try to ‘fix her’. If they force us to react, we will. Especially me. And I do own the same percentage as you. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - I will take care of this. Vespertine will turn…trust me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcela Sancho - Ladies and gentlemen, the next match is the main event of Vanguard and it is for the CWF Valor Title!  Introducing first.  She is the challenger.  From the last house on the left.  She stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs in at 135lbs.  She is the ‘Final Girl’ Sadie Graves!!

The arena lights dim as "Nightmare" by Halsey begins to play throughout the arena. Sadie Graves emerges onto the stage wearing a black leather jacket over her ring gear (white tank top and black athletic shorts), a kendo stick resting across her shoulders.

She pauses at the top of the ramp and surveys the crowd before beginning her walk to the ring. Along the way she occasionally slaps hands with fans, though her focus remains fixed on the ring ahead. Upon reaching ringside, Sadie taps the kendo stick against the ring apron before sliding it beneath the bottom rope. She removes her jacket and drapes it over the turnbuckle before entering the ring.

Climbing onto the second turnbuckle, Sadie raises the kendo stick into the air as the crowd cheers. After a brief moment she hops down to the canvas and places the weapon in her corner before settling in, ready for the fight ahead.

Jessica Carr - This promises to be a good match up.  Rayven, newly crowned Valor champion, will have a hell of a test in her very first defense in Sadie Graves.  Let’s not forget that Sadie earned this title shot by fighting her way through the gauntlet.

Victoria Hill - Yeah.  This is not going to be an easy title defense by any means, that’s for sure.

Marcela Sancho - And, introducing her opponent.  She hails from Targoviste, Romania.  Standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs in at 135lbs.  She is the reigning and defending CWF Valor champion.  She is also a member of Bad Company, Rayven Reinhardt!!

The lights dim in the arena as ‘No Fear’ by The Rasmus plays over the PA. Rayven makes her way out from the back,having the CWF Valor title draped over her shoulder, pausing to pace back and forth at the top of the rampway, looking down to the ring. She breaks the pacing by doing a couple of skips as she begins her path to the ring, pausing to interact with the fans and then makes her way to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and coming to her feet and making her way to one of the top turnbuckles, climbing it and playing to the crowd before backflipping to the ring and landing on her feet, bowing to the crowd. After her flourish, she turns and begins to prepare for the upcoming match.

Jessica Carr - Rayven down in the ring now and sporting her newly won title and talk about an even match up.  One inch difference between the two.  That’s it.

Victoria Hill - Which could spell trouble for Rayven given that Sadie was able to put Miguel Lanza Jr. on the shelf.  Which means she is definitely capable of doing serious damage to Rayven here

Roxy Sinclair, the ref, takes the belt from Rayven and holds it up before handing it to Marcela.  She then does a very ‘handsy’ search for weapons, which Rayven handles by playfully smacking the hands away whereas Sadie just glares and shoves Roxy away.  Roxy finishes the weapons search in a more standard fashion,  Roxy then goes over her instructions as Marcela leaves the ring.  With the ring clear, Roxy calls for the bell

DING!! DING!!

Rayven wastes no time and locks Sadie into a side headlock, cinching on the neck.  Sadie tries to fight out with elbow strikes, but each elbow strike is met with an elbow to the back of Sadie’s neck.  Rayven then transitions into a full nelson.  Sadie struggles to try and break out, stomping on Rayven’s foot and trying to slam her head back into Rayven’s face but Rayven dodges and transitions to a rear wasitlock and plants Sadie with a German suplex.  Both women get to their feet and have the same idea at the same time as they both boot each other in the gut.  Sadie tries for a punch but Raven blocks and throws a punch of her own that Sadie catches and tries to transition to a hammerlock but Rayven is able to escape the slow developing hold and reverses it and planting her with a running bulldog.

Jessica Carr - Rayven pulling a surprise here as she begins the match with more technical. Chain wrestling rather than going to her usual high flying attack.

Victoria Hill - Well, the Valor title is pure wrestling title and, we did see Sadie struggle to keep up with the chain wrestling.  It might also be an attempt to throw Sadie off balance.  Sadie might have scouted Rayven and noticed her preference for high flying, high tempo offense and so Rayven decided to throw a curveball.

Rayven pulls Sadie to her feet and locks in a side headlock.  Sadie throws a few elbows into Rayven’s gut and throws her into the ropes, before rebounding off the ropes herself and bringing Rayven to the mat with a shoulder block/tackle.  Sadie gets up to her feet and drops an elbow into the small of Rayven’s back a few times before pulling her to her feet and hits Rayven with a European uppercut.

Jessica Carr - Sadie trying to fight back and build some momentum of her own here, the champ is reeling a bit

Victoria Hill - This is what Sadie needs to do.  Keep on Rayven and throttle that klepto gyp-

Jessica Carr - Whoa!  None racial or ethnic slurs!

Victoria Hill - Hey!  Her people earned their reputation!

Sadie pulls Rayven up to her feet and sends her into the corner, but Rayven jumps up to the top turnbuckle and leaps off, trying for a moonsault but Sadie ducks, and Rayven lands on her feet.  Sadie turns to face Rayven but Rayven catches her with boot to the gut and utilizes an irish whip to send Sadie into the corner but Sadie reverses and once more, Rayven runs up to the top turnbuckle and leaps off into a moonsault that hits this time leaving both women on the mat and Rayven makes a cover but Sadie kicks out before Roxy can even get into position.

Jessica Carr - This match continues to be close and we had a brief pin but perhaps a bit too early as Roxy didn’t even have the chance to get into position to make the count.

Victoria Hill - Which also means she’s missed an opportunity to sexually assault one or both of our competitors.

Both women get to their feet and lock up in a collar and elbow tie up, Sadie wastes no time sending knees into Rayven’s ribs.  Rayven returns fire with knee strikes of her own and then follows up with a vertical suplex.  Rayven kips up to her feet and then hops onto the ropes and springboards off the ropes and goes for a moonsault but Sadie gets her knees up.  Both women get up slowly and Sadie grabs Rayven and hits her with a series of knee strikes to Rayven’s head.  After a few knee shots to her head, Rayven grabs Sadie and brings her to the mat with a double leg takedown, transitioning into a mounted position and rains down punches.  Sadie tries to defend herself and tries to even lock in a triangle choke but Rayven escapes and gets to her feet running, rebounding off the ropes and hitting Sadie in the face with a dropkick as she sat up.  Rayven rolls over into a pin Roxy Sinclair slides in and makes the count!

…One!

……Two!

Jessica Carr - Sadie kicks out!  You know, we predicted a back and forth, even match up between these two and the match has not disappointed on that front!

Victoria Hill - and to be fair to Rayven, she has held up well in this rough and tumble style fight Sadie has brought!

Roxy Sinclair backs Rayven off and checks on Sadie as she gets to her feet, stopping only when Sadie pushes back against the groping, wandering hands of Roxy.  Roxy winks at Sadie and also at Rayven and restarts the match.  Sadie charges at Rayven but Rayven counters with a drop toe hold and then gives her a couple of stomps on the back before pulling Sadie to her feet and then moves to whip her into the corner but Sadie puts on the brakes and uses a short arm pull to pull Rayven into a boot to the gut and into a smooth double underhook DDT.  Sadie pops up and moves over to cover Rayven and Roxy Sinclair slides in to count

…One!

……Two!

Jessica Carr - ThrNO!!! Rayven just kicks out!

Victoria Hill - It doesn’t get much closer than that!

Roxy Sinclair backs Sadie off and ‘checks’ on Rayven until she too, pushes back and chides Roxy to focus on the task at hand.

Sadie pulls Rayven to her feet and tries to send Rayven into the ropes and tries for a clothesline but Rayven dodges and both fighters rebound off the ropes and Sadie tries for a spinebuster but Rayven jumps up and brings Sadie to the mat with a tilt a whirl headscissors takedown before moving in and locking in a sharpshooter.  Cinching it in

Jessica Carr - This is Rayven’s ode to her father, she calls it the Dragon Lock and she seems to have it locked in!

Victoria Hill - The final girl is in a tough spot!!

Roxy Sinclair gets down and checks on Sadie to see if she gives up while Sadie slowly tries to crawl her way to within reach of the ropes.  

Jessica Carr - Sadie is trying desperately to get to the ropes!  She needs to break the hold somehow!

Victoria Hill - Given the ref, she could also hope that Roxy decides to get handsy with Rayven

Rayven sees Sadie slowly moving towards the ropes and moves to pull her back towards the center, but Sadie surges forward and grabs the rope which leads to a rope break as Roxy grabs, and gropes Rayven, pulling her off to break the hold.

Jessica Carr - Well, that’s unusual, not giving Rayven a choice on whether to keep the 5 count.

Victoria Hill - Well it gave the randy minx an excuse to get handsy with the fighters, of course she’s gonna take it!

Both women get to their feet and recover, Sadie throwing a punch which Rayven dodges.  Sadie boots Rayven in the gut and hammers her with a series of stiff forearm shots.  Sadie lifts Rayven up onto her shoulders and seems to be about to put Rayven down but Rayven writhes and escapes the hold and wraps Sadie up in her version of the Black Widow, wrapping one of her legs around the back of the head of Sadie, her other leg locking behind Sadie’s knee, grabbing Sadie’s arm and locking in the hold

Jessica Carr - Bad Magick!!  Rayven calls this move Bad Magick and it has brought her success.  Sadie is trying to fight!

Victoria Hill - It’s just a matter of time now, This submission hold is hurting and weakening Sadie at multiple points.  The Arm.  The back that is supporting the full weight of Rayven.  The neck and head.. The knee

Roxy takes a knee and asks Sadie if she wants to give up.  Sadie’s response is to power to a standing position but only temporarily as she soon is forced back to her knees

Jessica Carr - Sadie is really trying to tough it out here but like you said, Victoria.. There is really no way to break this hold and so it’s just a matter of time.

Victoria Hill - Indeed.  It seems Rayven is going to continue defending the Valor title for at least another show cycle.

Finally Sadie nods and Roxy calls for the bell.

DING!! DING!!

Marcela Sancho - Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of the match and still CWF Valor Champion, Rayven Reinhardt!!

Roxy takes the belt from Marcela and hands it back to Rayven who holds it up and slings it over her shoulder before walking over to Sadie and offering a hand.  Sadie takes a long hard look at the hand and stands up on her own, but briefly shakes the hand before turning and leaving the ring.

Jessica Carr - A show of sportsmanship!  The thing this belt is supposed to be about, and both fighters seemed cognizant of that

Victoria Hill - And good for this match.  This was a close match by both fighters, and both came close to winning it a few times.

Jessica Carr - That’s all the time we have for tonight, folks. Join us at Norfolk for War Zone and until next time…

Both - #jointheconquest! 

#JOINTHECONQUEST