FRONTIER returned to Blackburns’ King George Hall this past Sunday as we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with one hell of a show!
We had a jam packed meet and greet to kick off the day with lots of big stars in attendance, although security almost didn’t believe that Rim was a wrestler and didn’t let him in to begin with! FGA’s Chandler Scott was a popular guest as he proudly proclaimed to anyone that would listen that he was going to be the new GFC Champion later in the evening. Madman and Ariel were on hand all weekend as well, showing off Madman’s new GFC Commonwealth Title. He told several fans that the belt he held was not the original belt, but a replica paid for by himself. A minor altercation of the belt was the addition of several bolts on the rear of the belt, on the back of the plates. This allowed Madman, in his exact words, “to switch up the belt, do whatever I wanna do to it, or maybe whoever wins it after me wants to do something to it…it makes the Commonwealth Title a little bit more…uncommon.”
With the pleasantries out of the way we got to our opening contest! Last time out there was a lot of heat between Togo and Drake as tensions in the E.N.D reached boiling point. Tonight we find out which of these two men will be kicked off the team.
Lucius Togo vs. Sylar Drake
This was a very simple match, Togo found himself out of his depth. Drake basically handed him is ass on a plate, finishing him off with the Divinity Dive (Imploding 450 Splash) for a straightforward win.
Your winner, Sylar Drake!
After the match Stryker and Richards went to raise Sylar’s hand in victory but Drake just walks away.
Our cameras then picked up this exchange backstage as an unfamiliar face was seen wondering the backstage area…
— VIDEO —
A figure stalks through the corridors of King George’s Hall – female, late 20s, black, fairly tall and slenderly built. Her hair is huge, in wide corkscrews framing her face, and she’s wearing a yellow “Are You Experienced” T-shirt over pink jeans. Some wrestling fans might recognise her as one Katie Brookmyre – currently of Championship Wrestling Federation, and formerly with Catholic Panda Wrestling and Strike Towers. She passes another figure, a large man with long white hair who should be very familiar to the FRONTIER faithful. He pauses and frowns as he sees her.
Matt Montell: Can I help you?
Katie Brookmyre: No, no… thanks, but I’m just… getting my bearings.
Matt Montell: Well, there’s a show being taped right now, so if you’re not staff with the venue, you’re going to have to return to the auditorium.
She completely ignores this.
Katie Brookmyre: Ariel’s been around her, hasn’t she?
Matt Montell: Ariel? Ariel Shadows? Listen, if you’re a fan, you’ll have to wait out back after the show.
Katie Brookmyre: Huh? No, I’m not a fan… I mean, I am a fan of her work, but I’m also a… friend of hers.
Matt Montell: Uh-huh.
He looks her up and down, squinting a little.
Matt Montell: You know, you look familiar.
Katie Brookmyre: This is… the other half of where Ariel and Madman live now?
Matt seems to be considering how to answer that, but it wasn’t really directed at him. Katie closes her eyes and leans back a little, breathing deeply.
Katie Brookmyre: Yeah… I can feel them in here. This is good. This is… good. Very good. Feels like home already…
And she wanders away, leaving Matt looking very confused.
— /VIDEO —
Katie Brookmyre in FRONTIER? I wonder what she’s doing here? I guess only time will tell on that one. Anyway, let’s get to the in-ring action again as Skylar Montgomery makes his FRONTIER debut against Alex Jones, who is looking to bounce back to winning ways here in Blackburn.
Skylar Montgomery vs. Alex Jones
Skylar hit a trio of face washes in the corner. Skylar followed it up with a cheeky eye poke and a clothesline. Skylar in control, until he accidentally chopped a ringpost after AJ dived out of the way. Alex Jones repeatedly reminded the crowd that he wants his title shot until Skylar gave him an apron powerbomb! Skylar then powerbombed Jones into the fans!! Jones came back with a superkick. Skylar back with some strikes, and eventually takes Jones down with a lariat. Skylar hits a Yakuza Kick and a release powerbomb. Number Cruncher (Fame Asser)! Jones made the ropes and stops the count. Jones comes back with a snap DDT and a springboard dropkick: 1…2…NO! Jones calles for the Time to Burn. Skylar evades it and nails an Evenflow DDT. Montgomery showboats and AJ connects with the nip-up huricanranna! 1…2…NO! Elbow from Skylar. AJ-Guri from Jones. Jones connects with the Xtreme Combo. Skylar powers back to his feet, slapping the canvas as he does so. But gets flattened with the Time to Burn!! This one’s over!
Your winner, Alex Jones!
Jones picks up the win, an important one for him. He’ll be hoping that after tonight he’s the first in line for a shot at the GFC World Heavyweight Championship. And, last show aside, his form has certainly warranted that opportunity. But will he get it?
— VIDEO —
A casino is booming with business, the camera zooming through the room briskly past waitresses, bartenders, card sharks, gamblers, high rollers, dealers, and other patrons.
“Place your bets!”
We pass by blackjack tables, roulette wheels, and other staples of casino environments.
“30…35…40..”
However, the camera does not stop at any of these. Instead, it opens an unmarked door in the back, where the loud atmosphere is abruptly changed to dead silence, and the bright lights and colors dimmed considerably. We are now in a diimer back room, still lavish but much more private and questionable. Seated at a small table are two men, the camera first focusing on the man at the left.
CJ: “Bid.”
The man is CJ Osborne, in an Armani suit. He is sipping from a clear glass half full of ice and the other an amber-colored liquid. A very attactive blonde woman is on his right side clad in a blue evening dress, a brunette on his left in red. He has a handful of cards, looking very intently at the man across the room from him.
MS: “You first.”
The camera now shifts to the man on the right, who is Madman Szalinski. Wearing a black suit with an all black mask that features several dollar signs, blinged-out with diamonds and gold trim, he takes a puff of a cigar that is smoking up the room, adding to the “back room poker game” element. Ariel Shadows sits at his left, in a magenta evening gown, while Peach the beagle sits at his right with a bow on her collar. He looks down at his cards briefly, then back up at CJ.
CJ: “One thousand.”
The camera looks back at CJ, who guffaws at this bet, and raises.
MS: “Two thousand.”
As each man makes his bid, the camera moves back and forth between the two. The women’s facial expressions are their only speech, as they exhibit similar reactions to CJ during the first few exchanges.
CJ: “Five thousand.”
MS: “Ten.”
CJ: “Twenty.”
Ariel leans over now, looking at Madman’s cards.
MS: “A hundred thousand.”
CJ’s escorts show a bit of shock at this. CJ does not back down, looking angrier at every raise.
CJ: “Two hundred.”
Madman’s eyes begin to squint in determination.
MS: “Five hundred.”
CJ drops a set of keys onto the table.
CJ: “My Porsche.”
Madman drops his own set of keys.
MS: “My Lambo.”
CJ now drops a rolled piece of paper on the table, with a stamp marked “TITLE DEED” visible.
CJ: “My mansion.”
Madman pulls a large stapled booklet of paper and slams it down, most of the text reading in Cyrillic script and theonly noticeable graphic being an image of a light blue flag, a yellow stripe to the left and a yellow sun towards the center-right.
MS: “Kazakhstan.”
The woman almost fall from their chairs in amazement, as CJ is stunned at this. All he can do is lay down his cards.
CJ: “I got a full house.”
The scene is briefly switched to a graphic for Unsanctioned and a brief video package, with no visible mention of the FRONTIER logo or promotion anywhere on either the printed advertisement or the narration over the graphic. However, lots of grainy clips of street rioting and violence can be seen (careful care is made NOT to include any footage of The Troubles), as well as some imagery of gangsters from the Prohibition-era bootlegging alcohol and machine guns. There are also many clips of various wrestlers hitting big moves in or out of the ring in several different promotions.
“Unsanctioned. Saturday and Sunday, June 15th and 16th. The 02 Arena. Live in London. Two nights. One event. No rules.”
Several of the stars featured and advertised to appear on the show are shown in a brief rundown, including many of the FRONTIER stars, before a final glimpse of Kevin Hardaway and Gabriel Gambino. But before the commercial ends, we are sent back to the poker game, where Madman and CJ are still seated, still heavily invested in their poker game.
P: “BARK! BARK!”
Madman gnalces back briefly at Peach, still keeping his attention on CJ.
MS: “Hush, fuzzball, we’re not supposed to be here right now!”
Madman winks at the camera, while everybody else (sans Peach) looks at the camera and winks, waving.
— /VIDEO —
A little Unsanctioned takeover, which was shown to the crowd in Blackburn by way of the big display above the entrance ramp. They ate it up! It looks like there is a lot of excitement for Unsanctioned and I have to say I am really looking forward to seeing all those great matches!
Speaking of great matches, let’s have us a four corner survival match!
Seth Moore vs. Mugen Mushaboom vs. Drake Hunter vs. Jason X
We start with a standoff between Jason X and Mushaboom. Hunter tags in and the crowd pops at a showdown with Mushaboom. Moore and Jason X attack Hunter and Mushaboom, but they dispose of their attackers. Mushaboom hits an AWESOME plancha after Jason X drops Drake on the outside. Moore tags in and eats a spinning Russian legsweep. Moore and Jason X take turns working over Drake, but they turn on each other. Jason X hits a Suplex on Drake while putting in and Indian Deathlock and Moore but MUSHABOOM BREAKS IT UP WITH A SPLASH! Mushaboom hits a springboard kick on Moore and a Moonsault for 2! HUGE SPINNING DDT! Nearfall. Drake hits a huge pescado, and hits a sunset powerbomb on Mushaboom. Mushaboom misses with a springboard kick on Moore, who hits the Moore Than A Feeling (Double Underhook Sit Out Piledriver) to win the match!
Your winner, Seth Moore!
An impressive debut win for Moore, coming out on top against three other tough opponents. I gotta admit, making your debut in a four corner match? Not easy. I’m sure we’ll see more from the other guys as they progress here in FRONTIER, but for now this is Moore’s night!
— VIDEO —
A cheer goes up for Cibo Matto’s “Sci-Fi Wasabi” and Laurel Anne Hardy emerges. Her WARPED Tag Team Championship belt – decorated with glitter and holographic butterfly stickers – rests atop a pink tutu, which sits in turn over sky blue tights. The outfit is completed with knee-length floral multicoloured Doc Martens and a baggy green jumper. A few steps behind her trails Evangelista, wearing a plain dark red sweater over black trousers. She has her own title belt around her waist too. They interact with the fans in a friendly way as they head to the ring, where Laurel produces a mic from the folds of her tutu.
Laurel Anne Hardy: How the fuck are you, Blackburn!?
Big pop!
Laurel Anne Hardy: Good to hear! Now, I’m sure it hasn’t escaped anyone’s notice that over the last few shows, there’s been a bit of friction between yours truly an’ Troy Gafgen. He’s made it clear he wants another match with me, an’ you know what, I’d love nothing more than another go at him. Now next time out here in FRONTIER, Leanne an’ I have a chance to add the GFC Tag Team Championship to our collection.
She looks down at the belt around her waist as she says that, and pats it lightly.
Laurel Anne Hardy: And I’m not gonna let Troy get in the way of that chance. But after that, see… there’s this little thing comin’ up called Unsanctioned. So here’s what I’m proposing for that show: Troy Gafgen versus Laurel Anne Hardy, one on one.
The audience vocally signify their approval of that idea.
Laurel Anne Hardy: And since this all stems from Global Extreme Wrestlin’, about matters of the extreme, I’m proposin’ this, too… extreme rules. No disqualifications, no count-outs, falls count anywhere. Oh, an’ Troy? I even promise you that neither Evangelista nor Matt Kail will interfere on my behalf.
The crowd continues to cheer, definitely getting behind this.
Laurel Anne Hardy: Let’s not disappoint the good people, yeh?
And she laughs. She and Evangelista exchange a glance and leave the ring, heading backstage, again taking the time to have fun with the fans.
— /VIDEO —
Another challenge for Unsanctioned? Jeez, that weekend is getting bigger and bigger! But will Gafgen accept? Something tells me he will!
Next up was one of the matches I was really looking forward to. These two have impressed me in their FRONTIER careers so far, Stryker has picked up the GFC Tag-Team Championships and has his eyes set higher while Mia Scott is making an impact as she shows she can compete with the biggest boys in the company!
Mia Scott vs. Adam Stryker
They had a very quick start, easily getting the crowd into things and setting the pace for the early portion of the match. Sylar Drake got involved at one point, laying the boots to Scott on the floor and allowing Stryker to fully take control of things. Stryker hit a Saito suplex, but Scott popped up and landed a kick to the head before collapsing to the canvas again, both down as the ref started to count. They got to their feet and then brawled a bit, and Stryker almost killed Mia with a German suplex while both were standing on the ring apron! That was followed with what could have been a great finish for the leader of the E.N.D. as Stryker did an electric chair into a German and then hit a dead lift German for a VERY near fall. Things kept building until Scott countered another dead lift German, hit a back slide driver and then a Fulham Broadside (Shining Wizard) to pick up a very hard fought victory. This was a match filled with amazing work and sweet back and forth action, and the crowd got hotter as the match went on. One of the top matches of the night thus far.
Your winner, Mia Scott!
Great win for Mia, a fabulous match and a neat finish. Her stock is rising here in FRONTIER and Stryker can have no complaints, he just lost to a better performance on the night. I have a feeling that Stryker will bounce back from this, he’s not the kind of guy who’s confidence will be damaged by the loss.
Now before we got to our next match we had a visitor to the ring, someone that the ring crew didn’t seem to recognise!
— VIDEO —
Leaning against the ropes in the middle of the ring, Rim is inconspicuous among stage hands who are trying to usher him out of the ring. No matter how much he insists, they refuse to believe he is a wrestler. Tempers are flaring as Rim refuses to budge, and when he is accidentally kicked in the shin by one of the stage hands, he flips him a single finger and points to the ring that is catching the lights in King George’s hall and blinding some unlucky fan standing along the ring barrier. Showing an astonishing ability to read, the stage hand backs off and signals to the others to back off as well. When this stage hand next returns, it is with a microphone in hand, and he timidly hands the microphone over to Rim and backs away quickly.
Rim: “I want to apologize. What I am about to say is going to be filed under nostalgic to the point of boring by most people. I am sorry that the bulk of you have paid to see something entertaining, and are instead stuck listening to a message that is meant only for the men and women milling around in the backstage area. On the upside though, you are all about to get the world’s longest bathroom break. Go, now!”
Many take up Rim on his offer of an empty bladder. Those that stay, witness his rant.
“When you apply yourself in life, you will find yourself capable of extraordinary things. For professional wrestlers, this means that you will see the best that you have to offer if you allow it. You will also see the worst that the world has to offer you, if you allow it. Last time I was in this ring, Alexia Brandt showed me that I did not have a single clue what I was talking about, that she was indeed willing to apply herself, and that she had more to offer than me. In the end, it is as simple as that. Alexia Brandt, you are better than me.”
The audience members who have flooded into King George’s Hall this evening nod along and clap, cheer, and whistle in support of Rim’s message.
“Now.”
And just like that, the cheers fade.
“I am forty-seven years old. On most days, I do not feel old. I am not confined to a bed or wheel chair like some of my fellow wrestlers of yesterday, and unlike a greater portion, I do not need diapers. Some may credit my remarkable durability at 47 to superior genetics, yeah, I have heard that…”
Looking from left to right, Rim challenges anyone to question who he heard that from. With no takers, he continues.
“But the truth is, I am still around wrestling the Alexia Brandt’s of this world because I give back. So charitable am I, that when I was training to become the hall of fame wrestler that I am, I spent just as much time training others as I spent learning the trade. For ten years, I immersed myself in learning, and then teaching how to be the best. Why sacrifice so much time? Why throw away what would arguably have been the best years of my life? Karma. Yes, I believe in that garbage, because to this point I have yet to see karma not show its ugly bastard face when I do wrong. So… in the spirit of doing what is right, Alexia…”
Unable to suppress his glee, Rim smiles as he says, “I am going to do right by you. I will dig every tangy piece of potential out of you and vomit back gold. Gold, Alexia! Success. Money. Lots of money! Obviously not just from here, the frontier of limited value.”
Boos fill the arena.
“But everywhere. We will run the gauntlet. Take on the best that any organization has to offer. They will fear you before I am done with you!”
Face going purple with rage, Rim stops, takes a breath, and continues on with eyes watering.
“You will be the daughter I deserved.” Rim looks to the nearest camera, and proclaims with eyebrows raised, “All you have to do is ask.”
Lost for a moment in his own thoughts, Rim is brought back to Earth by the boos of the audience members watching him sway in place.
“We’ll talk more about this later Alexia. There is someone else I need to share some wisdom with. A man who I have known longer than any other person here can claim. Madman Szalinski…”
A sudden eruption of cheers drowns out Rim, and he is forced to pause until they die down.
“If there is anything that I have learned in the decade that I have known you, I have learned that you are the worst god damn human being on this planet!”
There is no sarcasm, or falseness in his declaration.
“It was people like you that crashed the only organization I could ever call home. You, Madman, are a curse! A wretched, horrible curse of a human being. Everything and everyone around you suffers because of who you are. Where is Christian? Where is Travis? Where are they Madman?!?”
An accusing finger is pointed toward the backstage.
“Dead? Right? Where is Giri Futai? Damn you, Madman, for not having the good sense to quit by now. Damn you, Madman, you worthless waste of space!”
At last Rim cracks a smile, and continues to wear it as he goes on.
“That is what I wanted to say to you when I first saw you here. What can I say, I am just so overjoyed to see that you are here. It does not really surprise me to see you still clinging to this unrealistic dream of being an accepted professional wrestler. You were much younger when we last met, and a special level of stupid encompassed you, the kind that can only come with youth. The disappointment I felt when I saw that stupid has being hidden underneath gold here… well, the disappointment is what led me back. I wanted to rip that stupid mask off your head and slap the shit out of you like the child you are. How can it be that after all this years, you are still afraid of all these fans from judging you to be the loser that you are. They all know it, you know it, everyone has accepted it. Take off the mask, or I swear when we meet, I will.”
Overcome with frustration, Rim spits on the mat before snarling, “If your life truly is a video game Madman, for the love of gawd press the reset button already! You could be back in 2003, when you still had those two dumb as rat turd Williams Brothers to hide behind. You can go back to pretending to be a champion with those stoners, and never have to worry about being judged for your own failures. When the weed finally drags you off to bed, you can dream of a future of hope instead of face the reality of just how dim and bleak it will be. That’s what you would call your present state, right Madman? Dim and bleak. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? No amount of light can blind you from the memories. All those losses, all those embarrassing moments where you let yourself believe you could do it, but never really stood a chance. What can you do at this point Madman that will make your life worthy of having happened?”
The right side of his lips rise in a smirk, and Rim asks with a twinkle in his eye, “Take the World Championship from Jay Pride? Is that the plan here? Beat the piss out of some Scot and pretend to be a World Champion until the first title defense? Madman, the world has been beating the piss out of the Scots since the dawn of man. Title reigns mean nothing if they have no substance. And you, Madman, are not a World Champion. Cowards are champions of nothing. Live with it.”
Without missing a pause, Rim transitions to…
“I do not have any history with the rest of you, thankfully. However, I do know how to create some. Look forward to seeing me around here and there. Restroom break, over.”
Dropping the microphone, Rim exits the ring much more peacefully than how he entered it, and heads to the backstage quietly, hoping that there is not an ambush waiting for him on the other side of the curtain.
— /VIDEO —
When Rim made an appearance for FRONTIER two weeks ago I think we all thought it was a special guest appearance… but it looks as though Rim had a plan all along, a plan to confront Madman Szalinski. Man, that Szalinski is sure attracting a lot of attention around here!
Ok, time to get back in the ring as Matt Kail looks to follow up his big win over Alex Jones by facing another former GFC Champion. And word reached us earlier in the week that this would be CJ Osborne’s last match in FRONTIER. He’s been a great servant to FRONTIER since his arrival and we wish him all the best in his future career. I hope we see him back here at some point, and I’m sure the fans would agree with me.
Matt Kail vs. CJ Osborne
Kail started the match with a flying elbow. They quickly ended up on the floor. Kail hit some kicks and had CJ rocked against the guard rail for a while. Back in the ring, Kail hit a Single knee facebuster into a forward Russian legsweep. Kail was just running through Osborne in the opening stages. That was until Osborne hit a running powerslam. That’ll even things up. Osborne was in control for a while after that. Osborne locked in an abdominal stretch and after Matt escaped CJ hit a middle rope elbow drop out of nowhere. That was nicely executed. Osborne locked in another abdominal stretch. Kail made a comeback. Triple jump moonsault for a nearfall. Osborne rolled out of the ring to catch his breath, Kail followed him. Osborne tried for a powerslam on the floor, but Kail reversed it into a reverse DDT. Kail then hit a London’s Pride (Suicide somersault dropkick) off the stage, much to the fans delight. Back in the ring, Kail got a nearfall with an STO. Osborne came back with a middle rope brainbuster: 1…2…NO! They traded punches. Kail got a good nearfall with a springboard forearm. Osborne caught Kail with a hip toss and a Cashout (Orange Crush). 1…2…NO! Osborne went for a Big Elbow, but Kail got his knees up! Kail came back with a running knee strike and the Kaileidiscope (Armtrap sheer drop brainbuster). 1…2…NO! Great nearfall! Kail sets up for another, but Osborne rolls him up in a schoolboy for a nearfall of his own. Osborne went for Dream Street, but Kail escapes and transitions into the Kaileidiscope. Tumultuous Fall (Corkscrew shooting star press legdrop)!! 1…2…3.
Your winner, Matt Kail!
Another fantastic win for Kail, who seemed almost apologetic to CJ after the match. CJ, ever the gentleman, would have none of that however. Osborne shook his victors hand held it aloft before joining in the applause from the crowd. Kail then left the ring first, allowing CJ to receive a standing ovation from the Blackburn crowd. The FRONTIER fans chanted his name as his music played, he looked a little emotional as he stopped to shake fans hands, sign autographs and pose for pictures at ringside. It was a special moment for Osborne, but for Kail it could also prove to be a special occasion. Two wins over GFC Champions in as many shows? That’s a pretty good record in anyone’s book.
— VIDEO —
As if everything else that’s happened tonight was not enough, the fans got another unexpected surprise. Without any warning or fanfare, or even theme music, Madman Szalinski slips to the ring unnoticed during a brief intermission. Dressed in a leather jacket, cutoff jean shorts, and a blue and red mask, he throws the GFC Commonwealth Championship into the middle of the ring to a cheer, then slides into the ring to gain the crowd’s attention. Madman then goes straight to the corner, picking up his title on the way. Without gesturing or acknowledging the fans, he asks for a microphone and wastes no time before laying into the microphone with a vicious verbal tirade.
MS: “Excuse me for a second, I’m sorry to interrupt your piss and pretzel run break. I’ve got a few things to say, so as long as everybody can hear me we’re all good. I’m not mad at FRONTIER…I’m not blaming this company, I love this place and I’m not trying to do anything harmful to FRONTIER or you fans. But quite frankly, I’m pissed the fuck off about this shit and I’m going to tell you people why.”
Madman stops pacing around the ring, opting instead to hop up onto the turnbuckles nearby and sit on the top pad, holding the mic in one hand and the Commonwealth title in the other.
MS: “I’m mad because I am sick and tired of people being jealous of me. I have nothing to be jealous of. Well, maybe except for this title…”
The crowd pops at this. Madman does not even stop to let them finish cheering.
MS: “Throughout my career, I have made people stop and turn their heads. I did it by being myself. I just wanted to be me. Just me. I didn’t want to be a star, I didn’t want to be the best, I didn’t even give a shit if I ever won or not. I just wanted to be me, and say that I did it. But the more and more I wrestled, the more I realized that I could do. And the more I did, the more I wanted to do. The more I wanted to do, the more I would do to do what I wanted to do…okay, fuck this. My point is, success is more than just being on top of the mountain. It’s how many people’s ropes you had to cut on the way up. I didn’t want to cut anybody’s rope. I wanted to help the other climbers to the top with me. I didn’t want to be selfish and keep all of the glory for myself. I know that it takes more than one man. I didn’t win this belt in a fourty-minute match against myself. I am not a selfish person. I want to win, yes…but I want to win on MY terms.”
Madman has to stop, and take a deep breath. At this point, sweat is starting to turn parts of his mask a darker blue.
MS: “But I learned the hardest lesson of all about that mountain known as the wrestling business. If you don’t know how to get back down the mountain, you have no fucking business even trying to climb it in the first place. That’s the reason I came to FRONTIER by myself. That’s why I came here and did the Open House for free. That’s why I kept turning down shots at the big one. Because in my career, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. And what did not work for me was the tag team I was in for two years, the Shoot Kings. ”
A very vocal portion of the crowd cheers at the mention of this former tag team of CPW, PW, and SCW fame. However, an equally vocal portion also boo. Madman continues to ignore both and instead, picks up with the volume and grittiness of his words.
MS: “The Shoot Kings almost killed my career and my will to wrestle. The Shoot Kings are a perfect example of why I do things the way I do. The Shoot Kings are why I do not trust a single motherfucker in this business other than myself and my wife. I want nothing to do with that memory! Brydon Talinsdale is going to come out here tonight and he is going to try and force that memory back upon me, and he is going to try and convince me that-”
Stopping Madman is the sound of “Falling Inside The Black” by Skillet begins to play through the arena. From the back appears Brydon Talinsdale, making his way to the ring with a brisk stride. His nostrils flaring, his face is reddened slightly as he makes his way around to grab a microphone. Hopping up onto the apron, he steps up onto it before stepping through the ropes in almost wrestler-like fashion. “Falling Inside The Black” doesn’t even have a full chance to fade out before Madman begins to speak again.
MS: “Oh, hey Brydon. Nice to see you’ve escaped from the Ice Palace unscathed-”
Madman can’t even finish his sentence before Brydon gets in his face.
BT: “SHUT YOUR BLOODY MOUTH, JEREMY!”
The fans don’t know if to boo or cheer from Brydon’s outburst, Madman left looking confused, if not astonished. Brydon’s eyes are wild, almost as if he is ready to strike.
BT: “Once again, you find yourself out in the middle of the ring, spouting off about things you don’t fully understand… Don’t you get it, Jeremy? Or do you fail to realize that every time you turn around, you destroy your own career? It’s bullocks! And not only do you destroy your own career, you destroy everyone else’s in the process! You’re SELFISH!”
Madman begins to raise his mic, but Brydon swiftly smacks it out of his hand with force. Madman looks at Brydon, then his hand that is empty. The fans begin to jeer loudly.
BT: “No, Jeremy! This time, you are going to listen! You don’t get a turn to debate, so face what is coming to you!”
Madman begins to seethe, obviated by his hand moving to his side and shaking.
BT: “No matter what you do, no matter what you say, you have been a direct cause of the end of many things! Let’s start with me! You may not have been the direct demise of X3 Wrestling back over in the states, but you damn sure contributed! Forget the fact that neither Wendy Briese or Kevin Flynn didn’t care enough about the prestige that belt carried over from Evolution Wrestling and Prominent Wrestling Organization, or that your former tag-team partner’s former floozie drained the funds from the company… You did your part to destroy it! You ran away to hide when you were one of the company’s biggest draws! You tried to destroy the company the moment I signed you!”
Madman begins to pace around, as Brydon continues to speak.
BT: “So then you got what you wanted. X3W died. I was broke. I had to watch for two years as you and Graham took what should have been your ticket to the top, and you pissed it away! You two ran to Catholic Panda, Supreme Championship, Phoenix, and even SKYFALL… You fought all the way to the top of whatever division you were placed in… And then…I can’t even call it an EGO, but a combination of your messed up personality, your open defiance to authority and the standards of society… but you turned your back on everything when it got too hard! You turned your back on your tag team partner… You turned your back on ME…”
At this point, Madman lunges forward, snatching the microphone and Brydon’s hand holding it. He forces the microphone towards him, pulling it away.
MS: “REALLY? FUCK YOU KEMO SABE! LET ME TELL YOU WHO TURNED THEIR BACK ON WHO! If I remember, it was YOU who buried me in EPW! It was you who openly told people “oh, I’m bringing in two or three new people to take Madman’s spot on the card.” So yeah. You tried to bury me like a piece of garbage, Brydon. So yeah, hell yeah I took my revenge. Did I mean for it to happen the way it did? No. I didn’t want to see you start turning the crank again, and I didn’t really want to see X3W die. But I bet you got to feel what I felt like, just for a few seconds. So let’s talk about Graham now, let’s talk about the Shoot Kings. After X3W died, and Graham followed me into CPW…it was Graham who went over my head to get booked in that CPW World Title tournament. It was Graham who got us the deals in Phoenix, Supreme, and Skyfall. It was Graham who got me a deal in Phoenix to job to Kris Keebler for a month straight while he tried to sell a rematch with him and Kris that nobody wanted to see. It was Graham who let Phoenix fire me while he concentrated on being knocked out in the first round of the CWC Ascension tournament. It was Graham who swore to me that Supreme was going to push us to the moon, right after they tried to feed us to a couple of guys who were returning before one of them retired, and a couple of soap opera stars? And then it was Graham who brought us into Skyfall, THEN BEAT ME DOWN FROM BEHIND!!! And THEN GRAHAM GOT ME FIRED FROM SKYFALL! REMEMBER ANY OF THAT SHIT? I REMEMBER IT LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY, AND I SMOKED FIVE BLUNTS YESTERDAY! DO NOT LECTURE ME ABOUT WHO TURNED THEIR BACK ON WHO, OR I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL CARBON COPY THIS COMMONWEALTH TITLE ON YOUR FACE!”
Brydon appears half-shocked at some of the accusations that have been made by Madman, walking over and picking up the microphone he slapped out of Madman’s hand. He taps it a couple times to make sure it was still functioning, then begins to respond.
BT: “Is this what it’s all about? It really IS your EGO! Graham went OVER YOUR HEAD in CPW? That was backstage politics, and you damn well know it! Supreme? Politics. Phoenix? Politics. Skyfall? POLITICS. Pattern? If you remember, Graham told all of them that he wouldn’t sign a contract unless they signed you and kept you two together! If anything, Graham was trying to show that he wanted to make the team work because he knew you two were the hottest things on the market! Can you blame HIM for the management teams looking at him after all of the shit you have pulled backstage and honestly say that HE was trying to BURY YOU?”
Brydon slides the stick of the microphone into his jeans pocket, grabbing the top of his polo and pulling it off. Under it is one of the Darren Hughes “In Memory” shirts, catching some people off guard. Brydon pulls the microphone back out of his jeans pocket, pointing at it as he begins to speak.
BT: “WHAT ABOUT HIM, HUH?! Do you realize that you are turning your back on HIM, too?!”
Madman begins to ready the title to strike, but Brydon holds his hand up and takes a quick step back.
BT: “I suggest you listen, because this is the most crucial point that you need to take from this entire discussion! Remember that voicemail about getting the band back together? You, Ariel, Matt, Rob & Dale, Graham, Gina…even ME. He just died last week, and I take that as his dying wish! I wasn’t going to even enact that clause in the X3W contract until I got that voicemail! I knew I was the only one who could make it happen… And it IS going to happen…”
Madman stops for a second, his eyes widened. He drops the belt, his skin flushing.
BT: “Yeah, you weren’t the only one who had that contract clause… I got him on it, too, Jeremy… And it is happening… The shoot’s back on at the pay-per-view, and this shoot…is over…”
Brydon motions with his hand a gun, then makes the motion of a trigger being pulled as “Falling Inside The Black” begins to play. Brydon begins to walk backwards, dropping the microphone and grabbing his polo as he slides out of the ring. Madman continues to watch Brydon exit the ringside area, his expression unchanged.
— VIDEO —
Wow. Such emotion from both men, such vitriol! There’s a long history between these two and I have a feeling we’re only just scratching the surface here. And the Shoot back on PPV? Now there’s a possibility that a lot of people will be interested to see… but not Madman Szalinski by all accounts.
Next up was Alexia Brandt, fresh off her win against Rim, who comes up against one half of the Godfathers of Wrestling and hometown hero, Andreas Lasiewicz. Earlier this week Andreas said he was dedicating this match to Jonathan Collins and even extended an invitation to join the GoW. And, as you might expect, Lasie had a few more words for everyone before we got started here.
— VIDEO —
The Blackburn crowd is bustling with excitement from what has already occurred on the show, but from the sight of some of the signs in the crowd, the mass majority is waiting on one man. One man to make his sort of homecoming. And they are not disappointed as lyrics ‘All This Pain Is An Illusion’ ring out over the P.A. system sending them into a frenzy as Tool’s ‘Parabola’ kicks into high gear. From behind the curtain steps a figure clad in blue and white halved wrestling tights, bearing a red rose on one side and the GoW logo on the other. He wears a matching leather jacket, embroidered with the words ‘Arte et Labore’, the motto of Blackburn itself. The crowd begins to chant ‘Lasiewicz, Lasiewicz’ as the figure strides down towards the ring, letting the adoration wash over him. There isn’t the traditional pyro and smoke that he uses elsewhere; it is far more basic and intimate. Andreas Lasiewicz has a warm smile on his face as he enters the ring, taking a microphone from one of the stagehands and standing before his cheering fans as his new music fades out.
Andreas Lasiewicz: It feels good to be home…
The crowd begins a huge ‘Welcome Home’ chant. Andreas tries to continue, but the noise in the main hall is all too much. He even seems shocked and impressed by the reaction he is receiving, nodding in appreciation to his hometown crowd.
Andreas Lasiewicz: It feels… somewhat different being here, being in front of a FRONTIER crowd and getting a reception like that. So I thank you…You may have noticed, but the traditional crowd for these shows hasn’t taken too well to me since I debuted in this company last October. For some reason they just don’t like me. Now is that because of the success I have had on the world stage? A possibility. Is it because of my nationality? Of course not. My Mother was born and raised here in Blackburn and I have spent some of the best moments of my life here.
The fans let out another loud ‘pop’ to this comment.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Is it jealousy? Is it fear? Fear of change? Yes… That is what I believe it is, and I am very rarely wrong. The vast majority of FRONTIER’s supporters, always the southern half I may add, is obsessed with this belief of cheering on a small section of the roster. The likes of Kevin Hardaway and CJ Osborne, Alex Jones and Jason Talbot. They seem almost determined to influence management to keep them at the top, dishing out top bookings for them over and over again. They do not wish to see change within these very walls. They want the same thing they have been spoon fed since this company first formed. The same hypocrisy, their tailor made matches, their bullshit. They want the same thing, over and over again… But I will not allow that to happen.
Andreas’ seems extremely determined, his hand gestures and voice are fierce and the sold out crowd are listening in awe.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Look upon what has been happening. K-Hard is fired, CJ Osborne is quitting, I lay waste to Alex Jones and to Jason Talbot, not once but TWICE! The change is happening. And there is not one person within FRONTIER who can stop it. For when the Godfather’s of Wrestling was formed, we promised a Revolution. The Revolution has begun. We are the bringers of change. And as I have stated we will make this place better, stronger than it has ever been.
Andreas begins pacing around the ring, his head bowed in deep concentration as the deafening crowd continues to cheer his name.
Andreas Lasiewicz: The hypocrisy of it all will stop. FRONTIER management handing out title shots to the undeserving will stop. Management handing out title shots to those that are not even officially part of this company will halt for good. The weak will be cast aside, the frail tossed overboard and only the strong will survive. We will bring FRONTIER out of the dingy little arenas and place it on the world stage. The best of the best will flock here in masses, wanting to taste their metal against the greatest to enter a wrestling ring. There… Will… Be… Change. And those that threaten FRONTIER’s chance to flourish, those insignificant few that drag its name into the dirt, those deluded fools that tarnish British wrestling will be driven out. One by one the Godfather’s of Wrestling will continue to save this company, rebuilding it into something much, much more. Something greater, something good… Something indestructible.
Lasiewicz holds his hand over his heart as he continues his speech, relaying all of his emotions to the audience.
Andreas Lasiewicz: I will not rest until our goal is completed. I will walk right through every single person that is put in front of me. Whether it is Laurel Hardy, whether it is Adam Stryker, whether it is Madman Szalinski, whether it is my opponent tonight in Alexia Brandt. I bare you no grudges, I do not hate you… No matter what you think. I am just doing what is necessary. Doesn’t even matter whether it is your current Champion Jay Pride. He beat me, I will admit that. There was a lot going on in my life, but he did beat me. Not gonna lie, not gonna dance around it. I will have my rematch with him and I will beat him, title match or not. For you see, I’m not here to beg for title shots. I’m not here to claim that I deserve more… Because it is YOU that deserves more. It is YOU that deserves the very best at the top of the card. It is YOU people out there that deserve it.
The crowd are applauding these words as he points out to each and everyone one of them, turning on the spot as he does so.
Andreas Lasiewicz: The people of Lancashire have spoken. They know what is best for this company. All that is now left is to educate the rest of this country, to open their eyes and enlighten them to the truth of it all… That change in FRONTIER is needed. That FRONTIER deserves better. That FRONTIER needs… a Revolution!
The crowd are on their feet chanting his nickname, “Morning Star” over and over again as Lasiewicz drops the mic, walking over to his corner and readying himself for his match.
— /VIDEO —
Now there’s a reaction I never thought Andreas Lasiewicz would receive in FRONTIER. But hometown shows often illicit this kind of fan response, and Lasie was clearly loving every second of it!
Alexia Brandt vs. Andreas Lasiewicz
Brandt started cautiously, keeping her distance from her opponent and locking up as rarely as possible. Although when they did lock up she used her speed to avoid any early damage and was probably the brighter of the two. Eventually Lasiewicz took control and sent Brandt to the outside before hitting an Suicide Plancha! Lasiewicz brought Brandt back in the ring and started to get the advantage over her. Brandt struck back and trapped Lasiewicz in the ropes, and then ran as far as way as she could so that he could get a big running start on a dropkick. Brandt locked in a front facelock, and then transitioned it into a sunset flip pin for a nearfall. Lasiewicz came right back with an Japanese Arm Drag and a series of stomps before going for a pin and getting a nearfall. Brandt hit a big Snap DDT. 1…2…NO! Cobra Clutch Legsweep from Lasiewicz! 1…2…NO! Lasiewicz followed that with a Diving Polish Hammer! 1…2…NO! Lasiewicz went for a top rope elbow drop, but Brandt got her knees up. Front missile dropkick from Brandt! 1…2…NO! Lasiewicz comes back with a combination of moves and a Silver Eagle Suplex (Butterfly Suplex)! 1…2…NO! Lasiewicz went to finish her with another top rope move, but Brandt caught him and hit a Flashback (Handspring Enzuigiri) and then a German Suplex! 1…2…NO! Both up to the top rope… TOP ROPE GERMAN SUPLEX FROM LASIEWICZ!! 1…2…NO! Lasiewicz can’t believe it, so he grabs Brandt and looks for the Unforgettable Fire… but BRANDT REVERSES INTO THE 51%!! They’re both down! Alexia moves first, looking to make a cover, but Lasie nips up, grabs her legs… FOUR CARD TRICK (Elevated Figure Four Leglock)!!! And Brandt taps!
Your winner, Andreas Lasiewicz!
What a great match! I thought Brandt had that one, for sure. But either Lasie made a great recovery or he was playing possum. Either way he pulled that move out of nowhere to get the win, much to the joy of the Blackburn crowd. Brandt can feel proud of her achievements though, she came very close to getting the win.
Now before we get to our main event we had a visit from Gabe Gambino which turned out to be… well I can’t describe it, just take a look for yourself!
— VIDEO —
[Linkin Park’s “Papercut” (instrumental) hits the PA system, some of the crowd show their displeasure for the arrival of Gabriel Gambino, but there are some that cheer his arrival, possibly due to his allegiance to their hometown hero Andreas Lasiewicz. Gabe stands atop the ramp in a white ‘Conqueror’ t-shirt and black athletic shorts with a pair of white and black Nike running sneakers, looking out into the crowd taking in the boos. He takes a few steps down the ramp before pausing and holding up his index finger. A smirk crosses his face as 4 security guards appear from behind the curtain, surrounding Gambino in a loose circle. The crowd is really letting him hear their disapproval now, as boos reign down heavily on the former two time GFC World champion. Gambino takes it in stride, the smirk never leaving his face. Upon reaching the ring, Gabe instructs the security team to stand guard outside as he makes his way up the steps and enters the ring via the second rope. He is handed a microphone.]
Gambino: Before I begin, allow me to address the elephant in the room. [He motions to the security guards ringside.] These four fine individuals have been assigned to accompany me to the ring this evening, as well as to stand guard outside the ring whilst I am inside, due to the fact that Mr. Kevin Hardaway is in the building here tonight. [The crowd pops for Hardaway.] Matt Montell’s choice, not mine. See, I don’t fear Kevin Hardaway. I don’t fear Kevin Hardaway one bit. But it seems Mr. Montell and Mr. CJ Osborne fear losing their main event at Unsanctioned should Kevin show his face inside this ring tonight. I can’t say I blame them. It’s a smart business decision.
[The crowd boos Gambino, clearly not fooled by his bravado.]
Gambino: However, despite the fact that Kevin Hardaway cannot be trusted, he is not the reason I have graced you all with my presence this evening. You see, it seems a challenge has been laid out to me. It seems that some sorry, poor excuse for a wrestler has challenged ME to a match at the next iPPV in two weeks in Scotland. Matt Kail… Just who in the HELL do you think you are? You’re not even in my stratosphere, let alone the same league as me. You think you can just walk around, throwing out challenges to the best wrestler this company has to offer? You think one win over that mook Alex Jones has given you that type of power… That type of pull? Think again, Matt. I’ve beaten you already. No, I’ve DESTROYED you already. What more do I have to prove, Matt? You had your shot to play with the big dog, and you lost. What more business do we have? Matt Kail you are beneath me. So you want an answer? You want to know if I’ll give you another shot to slay goliath at the next iPPV? My answer, Matt… My answer is NO. No. No. No. A thousand times no. The next iPPV isn’t about you, Matt Kail. It’s not about Alex Jones. It’s not about CJ Osborne. It’s not about Jason Talbot, or Troy Gafgen. It’s going to be about ME. It’s time for me to get what I want. And what I want is simply what I deserve… A rematch for the GFC World Heavyweight title. A title that I never rightfully lost. A title that I was SCREWED out of. A title that was taken from me because Kevin Hardaway was jealous.
[The crowd pops for Hardaway’s name.]
Gambino: You know, for the life of me I can’t understand why anytime I mention that mook Kevin Hardaway’s name, you people cheer. [Another pop for Hardaway.] Kevin Hardaway. [The crowd cheers again.] You cheer this man like he is your savior. You cheer this man like he is your God. Despite all the underhanded, sneaky, downright disgraceful things he has done to you people and to this company. Despite turning his back on all of you last summer to side with Aaron Arcadian… Despite failing to be an honest, upstanding member of this roster… Despite everything, you people still cheer Kevin Hardaway like he means something… Like he’s a hero. Kevin Hardaway is no hero. Kevin Hardaway is NOT your savior. And Kevin Hardaway certainly isn’t GOD. Kevin Hardaway is a mere mortal… A man. And as my new buddy Chandler Scott proved last week, Kevin Hardaway is breakable.
For the last fifteen months I’ve come out here each and every week and proven to you and to the world that I am the best. I’ve taken on all comers. I’ve beaten just about everyone there is to beat in this company. I held the GFC World title for six months, and only because of Kevin Hardaway’s interference did I lose that title. Yet, you people still boo me. You still boo the best wrestler on the planet. And for the life of me I can’t understand why. How is it that you can cheer a man who turned his back on you, yet you boo the man who BUILT this company? How is it that you can cheer a coward, yet boo the conquering hero? For fifteen months I’ve carried this company on my back, and what do I have to show for it? I deserve some respect. I deserve YOUR respect. I’ve EARNED it. I’ve busted my ass for this company, for you people, for far too long not to be respected. I single handedly landed this company a spot on television for God sake. And what happened when I lost the title? The ratings went down faster than Kevin Hardaway at a rainbow convention. And they pulled the plug on the show. If it wasn’t for me there would be no GFC WORLD title. If it wasn’t for me there wouldn’t have been pwF Revolution. If it wasn’t for me we wouldn’t be hosting our third iPPV in two weeks. I’m the reason you are all here tonight, whether you’ll admit it or not. You came to see ME.
And deep down… Deep, deep down… You people appreciate me. You people like me. It may be way down in those fat, drunken bellies of yours, but the respect is there. The admiration is there. You people want to be just like me. You want to be ME. But you can’t. So instead of giving credit where credit is due, you boo me. And I’ve finally figured out why. It’s like an epiphany. It’s because of my success. It’s because of my success that you boo me. I’d be jealous of me too. Hell, I’d probably boo me too if I were in your position. So I’ll take those boos. I’ll wear those boos. Those boos are my admiration. Those boos are a sign of respect. They are mine. You wanted me to be the bad guy? Well here I am. I’ll be the bad guy. Kevin Hardaway can have your respect. Kevin Hardaway can have your admiration. Kevin Hardaway can have your cheers. I don’t want them, and I damn sure don’t need them. Kevin Hardaway can be your hero… He can be your savior… He can be your God. And I’ll continue to be the best wrestler on the planet.
[Gambino drops the mic and hops up onto the second turnbuckle. He places his right foot on the third turnbuckle and raises both arms in the air. He screams ‘best in the fucking world’, as the crowd boos mightily. Just then Matt Montell appears from behind the curtain. Gabe lowers his arms, his lips turn down into an angry snarl, as he cocks his head to the right to stare up at Montell.]
MM: Fine speech, Gabe. Did everyone enjoy that? I know I did. Except for one small part. Except for the part where you said you’ve earned a rematch for the GFC World title. You haven’t earned shit, Gabe. You think because you lost to Jay Pride that you should be handed a rematch on a golden platter? Uh-uh, ain’t how it works around here pal. You want a rematch for the GFC title? Go out and truly earn it, Gabe. Make me want to give you a rematch. But I’ll tell you what… Since I know how you operate… If you agree to fight Matt Kail in two weeks at the iPPV… Maybe, just maybe you can have that rematch.
Gambino: So if I accept Kail’s challenge and I beat him, again, I’ll get my rematch?
MM: It’s certainly a possibility. Impress me, Gabe. Take the match. Earn your rematch.
[Gabe hops down from the turnbuckle and paces the ring for a moment before looking back up the ramp at Montell with a cheshire cat like grin.]
Gambino: You’re on, Matt. And so are you Montell. Gambino vs Kail II in two weeks at the iPPV. And when I beat… When I destroy Matt Kail for the second time… Montell… You’re gonna have no choice but to give me what I want.
MM: That’s the spirit, Gambino. Now if you’ll excuse me…
[Just then the crowd erupts into cheers as Gambino and Montell look around in bewilderment. Little do they realize but Kevin Hardaway has made his way through the crowd and into the ring, stalking an oblivious Gambino. By the time the security team figures out what is happening, Hardaway has already attacked Gambino from behind, slugging him in the back of the head with his casted arm. He gets in a couple of stiff kicks to the back and head area of Gabe before security storms the ring. Hardaway, just as he did at the Frontline iPPV, kneels down in the center of the ring and puts his hands atop his head. The security team quickly handcuffs Hardaway for the second time, and begin to escort him out of the ring.
By this time Gambino has shaken off the cobwebs and is back to his feet, his anger boiling over. He sees the handcuffed Hardaway and a sadistic smirk stretches across his face. Gambino tackles Hardaway sending the security team flying. He begins pounding away at the defenceless Hardaway, landing several hard right hands to his head. As Hardaway attempts to shield himself from the blows by rolling onto his stomach, Gambino stomps on his surgically repaired wrist with his right boot. Hardaway is rolling around in sheer agony as Gambino measures up and lands another boot to the injured wrist. The crowd is once again in a frenzy, booing like mad. More security pours out from the back as directed by Matt Montell, but Gabe is not finished. He picks Hardaway up and promptly drops him in the center of the ring with the Fongul. Security is finally able to corral Gambino away from Hardaway and out of the ring, but the damage has been done. A member of the FRONTIER medical staff is knelt down next to KHard, checking on the wrist. Gambino slowly backs up the ramp, the grin never leaving his face. He picks up Montell’s microphone, glaring back down the ramp at the fallen Hardaway.]
Gambino: June 16… Unsanctioned… [He is slow and methodical in his delivery.] Hardaway vs Gambino IV… The Final Chapter… The swan song of Kevin Hardaway’s FRONTIER career… This is only the beginning, Kev. On June 16 I break the unbreakable one for good. On June 16 I END Kevin Hardaway.
[Gambino drops the mic as more boos reign down from the crowd.]
— /VIDEO —
You know, I wish I could tell you that was the end of that. But that was really only the beginning, just wait til you see what happened next!
— VIDEO—
As Gabe steps backwards up the ramp he bumps into Montell, still stood watching what was happening. Gambino stops and turns slowly. The two have no mics but the camera picks up what is being said.
MM: Gabe, you and I rarely see eye-to-eye, but I think I owe you a debt of thanks on this one.
Gambino laughs. But he’s soon cut off as another voice booms out over the PA system.
??: Hold on just a moment!
Montell and Gabe turn to see a young woman appear through the entrance curtain, microphone in her hand. She’s short, brunette and in her early twenties. She adjusts her glasses before continuing to speak.
??: Matt, how can you let this behaviour go unpunished? May I remind you, Kevin Hardaway is not a contracted wrestler to FRONTIER so Gabriel Gambino just committed an act of assault in the middle of that ring. Granted it may have been aggravated assault, but it was assault nonetheless.
The crowd cheer at the woman’s words, but all seem to have no idea who she is.
??: And assault is not something we in FRONTIER are willing to let slide, Gabe. Now I happen to know that your FRONTIER contract ends just after the iPPV and you’ve been bugging Mr Montell here for better terms for a while now. Well I can tell you right now that we will NOT be renewing your contract!
The Blackburn crowd erupt with enormous cheers at that concept. But the woman holds up a finger, letting them know that she’s not finished yet.
??: But… we’re willing to let you fight for a new contract. Now, Matt, you know that contract you found on your desk two weeks ago? The one you assumed was for Kevin Hardaway? I take it you didn’t read it fully. Because if you did you’d have noticed that there were two names on that contract. Kevin Hardaway and Gabriel Gambino.
MM: What the hell is this about?
??: I was approached by my friend Hope Marie Osborne and we discussed the situation with Hanna Fox. We agreed to sign a contract for Unsanctioned, specifically relating to the main event between K-Hard and Gabe. That contract is a twelve month FRONTIER deal, it’ll be put in a briefcase and suspended above the ring in the O2 Arena on June 16th. Gabe, you want the deal you begged Matt for? All you have to do is win the match. But if Hardaway grabs it, he gets your deal and you’re out of a job!
The crowd go wild and, even though he’s receiving medical attention, Kevin Hardaway can be seen smirking.
??: How rude of me, I’ve just realised I haven’t introduced myself! My name’s Charlotte and Matt Montell here has been a part of my extended family for most of my life. I’ve called you Uncle Matt since I was a little girl and I’ve gotten to know you pretty well from all your business dealings with my father. But six months ago you screwed him over. Yes, my father was no saint. But he’s had a pretty serious health scare and is a changed man.
There’s murmuring in the crowd as fans turn to each other and put together what Charlotte has just said.
C: And it gives me great pleasure to re-introduce you to your old friend, Matt. And folks, please give a warm welcome to my father… SCOTT MAYO!!
The crowd are on their feet as Mayo appears through the entrance ramp in a wheelchair. He is noticeably thinner than when we last saw him and looks more frail, but there’s a renewed spark in his eyes as he sees and hears the reception the fans are giving him; so different from the last time we saw him on a FRONTIER show. Charlotte passes the microphone to her father who pushes himself up onto his feet. He looks a little unsteady at first but seems to gain strength from the fans and lets a smile cross his lips. He begins to speak, a slight difference in his voice as one side of his face was paralysed after his stroke.
SM: Thank you Blackburn.
Cheap pop from the King George Hall. Mayo smiles.
SM: Matt, I’m disappointed in you. I thought you would be the manager that put right my wrongs, but you just carried on making the same mistakes. Letting Gabe run riot, keeping Hardaway out of the company. These are mistakes, old friend. And thanks to my daughter, Charlotte, we’re going to put them right. Andreas Lasiewicz came out here earlier and said that FRONTIER needs to change and, to an extent, he’s right. This company is closing in on its second anniversary; we have a Commonwealth Champion and Tag-Team Champion and fresh new talent that is making a mark. I wish I could say that this success was due to you, but sadly I feel that this success was in spite of you.
The crowd cheer before a chant of “Montell Sucks” breaks out.
SM: Hanna has seen fit to bring me back into the company and, with Charlotte by my side, I’m taking my old job back!
Crowd are now chanting “Mayo, Mayo, Mayo!”
SM: So consider this your official notice, Matt. May 19th at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow will be your last show as General Manager of Pro-Wrestling FRONTIER. Then we’re going to have a little break, let CJ’s Unsanctioned show take the limelight before coming back with the Second Anniversary Show with myself and Charlotte overseeing things. On June 30th the Mayo era begins again and it’s time to right some of my own wrongs!
Montell is seething, Gambino is seething, Hardaway is unsure what to make of his old enemy making a return but the crowd are loving it. They chant his name some more as Charlotte helps her father back into his wheelchair and pushes him back through the entrance curtain.
— /VIDEO —
Well Ho. Lee. Crap. I did not expect to see Scott Mayo at a FRONTIER event ever again, especially considering the circumstances leading up to his stroke. But it’s actually good to see that he’s on the road to recovery, and Blackburn gave him one hell of a welcome. This is a situation that will have ramifications for a whole heap of people, especially one Matt Montell! I can’t believe that by the time the second anniversary show rolls around he’ll be out of a job!
While we were all reeling from that shocker there was the little matter of a GFC World Heavyweight Championship to be fought over. Chandler Scott, the new FGA Pride Champion and former FGA Heavyweight Champion gets a second swing at Jay Pride in what was sure to be one hell of a match!
Jay Pride vs. Chandler Scott – GFC World Heavyweight Championship
Scott and Pride trade blows to start. Scott traps Pride against the ropes, but the referee forces a clean break. Pride finds a side head lock, and we’ve got dueling “Jay Pride! Chandler Scott!” chants from the crowd. Scott connects with a kick to the leg, wraps Pride’s leg around the middle rope, and kicks the ropes to wrench the leg. He steps away, tapping his temple to signal his intellect as he looks out at the crowd. Scott gets a side headlock takedown and repeatedly drives his knee into Pride’s thigh. Chandler then DDT’s Pride’s leg into the mat, but Pride gets back to his feet and connects with an uppercut as he tries to tip the match back in his favour. Pride traps Scott in the corner, but Scott whips Pride to the opposite corner. Pride runs up the turnbuckles and flips over Scott. Scott goes for the Harvard Hammer but Pride ducks it. Scott takes Pride down to the mat and continues to work over the legs by locking in the Indian Death Lock.
Pride breaks the hold and connects with a kick to the ribs. Pride whips Scott to the ropes and goes for a drop kick, but Scott grabs the ropes to prevent contact. Scott locks in a Figure Four before releasing, kicking Pride’s face into the mat for a two count. Scott has been working over Pride’s left knee and leg all match thus far, he’s obviously got a plan and he’s sticking to it. Scott launches Pride to the outside and goes for a baseball slide, but Pride side steps him and whips him into the barrier. Pride rolls Scott back into the ring, heads up top, and connects with a missile drop kick for a two count. Pride locks in a seated abdominal stretch and intermittently drives an elbow into Scott’s ribs. Scott finally breaks the hold with knees to the face, but Pride retaliates with a knee to Scott’s skull. Scott goes for a Figure Four, but Pride kicks him to the corner. Scott again goes for the Figure Four, but Pride rolls him up for a two count. Pride locks in a surfboard! Pride rolls back with the surfboard and gets Scott all the way up. Pride pulls Scott down into a surfboard / chin lock combination before rolling into a Dragon Sleeper. Great moves linked together from Jay Pride and Chandler Scott is reeling.
Scott finally breaks the hold and goes to work with mounted punches and elbows. Scott gets to his hands and knees, but Pride catches him with a flying knee to the kidneys. Pride connects with another knee to the kidneys, but on the third try Scott evades and catches Pride with a bridging fisherman’s suplex for a two count. Pride regains control with a snap suplex, heads up top, and connects with a flying European uppercut for a two count. Scott and Pride get back to their feet, hit the ropes, and hit each other with simultaneous cross bodies! They take a moment to recover and Scott charges Pride in the corner, but Pride gets a boot up and plants it in Scott’s face. Scott regains control and goes for a suplex, but Pride floats over. Pride charges Scott, but Scott back body drops him over the top rope and follows up with a suicide dive!! Scott rolls Pride back into the ring and goes for a clothesline, but Pride catches Scott with a drop kick in mid-air for a two count. Pride gets to his feet as Scott gets to his knees, and Pride works over Scott with a VICIOUS volley of kicks. Pride goes for a kick to the head, but Scott catches the leg and takes him down with a Dragon Screw. Scott locks in the Figure Four Leg Lock, but Pride sits up so that he and Scott can trade slaps. Pride finally gets to the ropes to force the break
Scott goes for a shin breaker, but Pride floats over into a roll-up for a two count. Scott and Pride trade near falls, but the sequence ends with Pride landing a SICK kick to Scott’s head for a long two count. “This is awesome!” chant from the crowd. And, yes, I was joining in at this point. Pride takes Scott up top and goes for a superplex, but Scott shoves Pride to the side, crotching him on the top rope. Pride is sitting crotched on the top rope, so Scott heads to the adjacent ring apron and connects with a springboard clothesline that knocks Pride off the ropes! Scott pulls Pride back to the middle of the ring for a LONG two count. Scott goes for the Harvard Hammer, but Pride rolls Chandler into a pin for a two count.
Scott fights back and hits Pride with a scoop slam and heads up top. Scott connects with the Elbow Drop from the top, but Scott took some shots to his ribs earlier in the match and he seemed to wince after landing on them with the elbow drop. Pride capitalises and drives his knees into Scott’s ribs. Pride traps Scott in the corner and goes to work with an absolutely vicious volley of knees to the ribs. Scott escapes and hits a running clothesline in the corner. He tries for another but Pride ducks, bounces off the ropes and connects with the World of Sport Special! 1…2… NO! Chandler’s shoulder is up at the last moment. Pride grabs the arm of Scott as he throws it up, dragging him to his feet and hoisting him onto his shoulders. Pride Eater? No… Jay wobbles slightly and Scott spots a chance to escape as he slips off Pride’s shoulder. HARVARD HAMMER!! Cover! 1…2…3!!!
Your winner, and NEW GFC World Heavyweight Champion, Chandler Scott!
Well there you have it, the new GFC World Champion, Chandler Scott! Unbelievable match, both gave 110% and the crowd absolutely lapped it up. But there was more still to come on this epic night.
— VIDEO —
After the match Chandler celebrated with the title, slinging it over one shoulder while he placed the FGA Pride title over the other. Jay Pride looked on, disappointed and head hung low. But he took a deep breath, held his head up and applauded his victor.
Scott saw him and nodded, offering his hand. Pride shook the new champions hand before raising it into the air. He stepped away, raising a hand in acknowledgement as a section of the crowd cheered his name. Pride walked back up the entrance way to leave Chandler in the ring with his championships.
A few moments pass before Charlotte Mayo makes her way back to ringside, microphone in hand.
CM: Mr Scott?
Chandler turns to see her and raises his eyebrows, unsure why she is here.
CM: As you saw earlier tonight my father, Scott Mayo, is returning to run Pro-Wrestling FRONTIER. And while Mr Montell is still the general manager for the time being, my fathers booking privileges have already been reinstated. And with that in mind, please allow me to introduce you to your first challenger…
“Unsettling differences” by Blue Smock Nancy fills the arena as the crowd go wild. Alex Jones appears from through the curtain and stands atop the entrance ramp, looking down at Chandler Scott. The two stare at each other for a few moments, Scott making sure to hold both his titles aloft for Jones to see. He can be seen to say “bring it on” as the show comes to a close.
— /VIDEO —
Well, what a way to end the show. And what a show! Alex Jones is names as the next challenger to the GFC World Championship, and that match should take place at the iPPV in two weeks in Glasgow. I know Pride will be bitterly disappointed not to go into that show as the GFC World Champion, but I’m sure he’ll have something up his sleeve for such a big show.
Speaking of the iPPV, make sure you join us for that on May 19th live via YouTube. The show is just £9.99 so order today!