FRONTIER returned to London last night to run a show at the historic York Hall. Top of the bill was the introduction of the GFC Commonwealth Championship, being fought over by Jason Talbot and Madman Szalinski. But that’s just the tip of one heck of an iceberg; the whole night was chock full of action!
The usual meet and greet session was one of our biggest this week, with a record number of fans coming to meet the stars of FRONTIER. Once everyone was autographed out it was time to get on with the show. And to begin we head backstage for a quick message…
— VIDEO —
We get a brief shot of Laurel Anne Hardy, Evangelista and Matt Kail in the back. Laurel’s in the middle, with her arms around the others.
Laurel: Troy… you want me? You want Leanne, you want Matt? We’re right here. Now I know we did a lot of terrible things to you and to others in GEW, but I’ll tell you one thing, Troy, that I have never, ever done – an’ that is back down from a fight. An’ you’re insane if you think I’d back down from you even for a second. You might’ve beat me a couple of weeks ago in FRONTLINE, but I came within inches. An’ next time, you won’t be so lucky. So if you’re not done with me an’ my friends, well, that’s just what I wanna hear. Bring it on.
— /VIDEO —
Ok, so we kick off things here in York Hall with Laurel Anne Hardy’s response to the words and actions of Troy Gafgen. It looks more likely that these two will clash in the ring sometime soon, it’s just a matter of where and when. We’ll bring you more on that as soon as we can.
Now, onto our opening match of the night. But before the bell sounded we were treated to some words from debutant Drake Hunter…
— VIDEO —
The London crowd packed inside the small is buzzing from the excitement of the night to come, however the atmosphere is interrupted by the beginning of “City”, by Hollywood Undead, as one of FRONTIER’s newest stars enters from the back with his arms spread out wide, his back to the audience with the words “HAIL THE PUNK” written on the back of the man’s black sleeveless jacket. The man turns around and it’s none other than “Punk” Drake Hunter, who grins at the fans arrogantly as he walks down to the ring, giving a couple of vocal fans the finger on the way down.
Drake climbs onto the apron and starts talking back to a couple of the ringside fans hurling abuse, climbing to the second turnbuckle and pressing both hands against one side of his face in his signature “Sweet Dreams” taunt, as he grabs hold of the rope and does a front flip into the ring. He grabs a mic and looks at the fans, motioning for them to quiet down, but the London fans only chant louder as the words “You Suck” can be heard from the crowd in attendance, even before Drake has spoken.
Drake Hunter: Do I have the attention of all you pitiful little fools yet?
His words are received by an even louder chorus of boos, resounding throughout the entire arena as Drake simply tilts his head back and takes it all in, as if he draws the fans reaction in.
Drake Hunter: You people can boo me all you want I’m not going away. In fact, it gives me extra incentive to stay to see you people suffer because you have to listen to the rants of somebody who’s better than you, and better than every other person out there.
More boos, the arena is really sounding like it will explode if these fans get any louder. It’s certainly an excited crowd in York Hall tonight, and they just keep on going.
Drake Hunter: If I can simply stop you’re ignorant, moronic voices from being heard for just a second maybe you’ll let me speak.
Once again the crowd starts getting fired up, and Drake begins to get impatient, finally raising the mic to his mouth again as they die down.
Drake Hunter: You see, I’m here for one reason. And that’s to prove to every single one of you that I’m the greatest wrestler on this goddamn planet. I know, and soon you’ll know it too. I don’t care how many of you rant on the internet about how much of a dickhead I am and how you hope I get my head kicked off, do you wanna know the reality? There’s absolutely nothing you can do about it, and there will be anything you can do about it.
Drake Hunter: That is, of course, unless you wanna come up inside this ring and see exactly why I’m the greatest wrestler in the world.
The crowd boos him once again, although a vast lot of them raise their hands in the air as they try to get Drake to bring them into the ring.
Drake Hunter: How about you? Huh? You think you can get inside this ring and teach me a lesson? Or you? Do you believe in the Punk or do you want to show me the error of my ways?
He continues to point to members of the crowd, who get excited as Drake talks to them.
Drake Hunter: I’m sure all of you English twats think that you can easily come up here and throw a right hand, knocking me out and celebrating with all of your friends in the pub after vanquishing the new cocky, arrogant Punk who’s claiming to be the Best wrestler in the world. That’s the fairytale right?
The crowd cheers.
Drake Hunter: Well guess what!! That ain’t fucking happening!!!
The crowd immediately changes to boos as they continue to hurls obscenities at the Punk.
Drake Hunter: Because this isn’t a fucking fairytale! This is real life, and in real life I am the best, and there’s nothing you can do about real life. Superheroes don’t exist, but you can be damn sure that villains exist, and guess what? I’m that villain. I’m the one who’ll make your lives hell because it’s simply what I enjoy doing, I’m always the villain.
Drake Hunter: I don’t care how much you complain or who is there to try and take me down, you can’t beat the best, which means you can’t beat ME. But of course, it wouldn’t be any fun if you didn’t try, so i guess I’ll just have to show all of you why I’m the Punk and why you should all Hail The Punk.
The crowd, who had grown less restless as they heard Drake speak, suddenly erupts into another loud echo of boos.
Drake Hunter: I guess it’s true what they say, England is a pisshole.
This gets the crowd really angry, and once again Drake simply takes it all in, with the same arrogant grin.
Drake Hunter: I really don’t care what you people think of me, all that matters is gold, those shiny pieces of gold that belong around my waist. I’m no stranger to titles and I can guarantee you that sooner or later, you’re going to see gold around my waist. And I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I will…
Drake Hunter: Actually, I don’t care whether or not you love it, because you’ll be powerless to stop me, simple as that. One day, I will have that championship gold around my waist, and it’ll be sooner than you think, don’t worry about that. Until then, I’ll be looking forward to seeing who tries to stop me next. I’ll be waiting for the next person to try and beat the best in the world. Until next time then.
Drake drops the mic and spreads his arms wide once more, posing as he absorbs the boos from the fans, and then points to the words on the back of his jacket: All Hail The Punk.
— /VIDEO —
With those words out of the way, let’s get straight to the action! Drake makes his debut against Mia Scott, who was unlucky not to walk out of her own debut with a win in Belfast. But here in London, just miles from where she’s from, she’ll be out to right that wrong.
Mia Scott vs. Drake Hunter
They lock up and Scott backs Hunter into the corner; Drake collapses, causing a referee break, and he smiles cockily at his opponent. Scott with a waistlock but Hunter segues into a side headlock. Scott fights out of it and reapplies her own headlock; Hunter fires her off and splats her with a crossbody block and some elbow drops. Hunter holding a chinlock; he tosses Mia into the corner and then stomps away on her. Hunter gets two off a bodyslam. Hunter applies an inverted seated chinlock; Mia fights back and snags a sunset flip. Hunter maintains his balance and tries to sit on her but Scott moves out of the way. She begins the comeback with right hands and an arm drag. She hits a few clotheslines but Drake nails a DDT for two. Hunter tosses Mia into the corner and hits a splash. Drake tries the Death in Advance (Shiranui) but Mia gets elbows up and rocks Punk. She manages to turn them both around and pulls off Circle Line (her own version of the same move, Shiranui)!! And that’s enough to keep the Punk down for three!
Your winner, Mia Scott!
Great opening match from the two newcomers, Mia Scott with a great reversal to win the match. Both of them trying for their own versions of the same move, but it’s the hometown girl who nails her version, the Circle Line, for the win. And, ironically, we’re only one tube stop away from getting on the Circle Line here at the York Hall.
Good to get things off and running here in London, but now it’s time to take you to the back where Matt Montell was conducting a business meeting that we were lucky enough to be witness to.
—VIDEO—
We cold-open to the doorway looking into Matt Montell’s office for the evening, where a man with his back to the camera is seated across from him. The two are mid-conversation, with Matt in full-on business mode.
MM: Well, I’m always happy to work with local British talent, of course. My question is this: even though you’re not particularly interested in becoming a wrestler with us…and that your expertise is honestly in the promotion aspect of wrestling, and we pretty much have that covered, no offense…
??: None taken…
MM: Why are you so interested in working as a manager with us in FRONTIER?
The camera moves into the room to feature a man who stands about 6-feet (roughly 183cm).tall, somewhat thin build with short brown hair, goatee, black-framed glasses, and wearing a black polo and jeans.
??: Three words, sir. Location…location…location. Right now, this is the location that my prospective client has chosen to call home. So, this is where I want to be.
MM: Your prospective client?
??: Well, it’s more like eventual client really. Let me show you…
The man opens a manilla folder that is on the desk in front of him, pointing to two lines at the header of the first page.
??: There’s his name, and there’s mine. And there’s the proof.
Matt squints down to read further. As he does, the man speaks over his silence.
??: It doesn’t expire until June 21st of this year, unless the clause is activated, in which case it doesn’t matter anymore.
Matt suddenly stops, looking up at the man.
MM: Why haven’t you used this by now? This thing was written up two years ago.
??: Wasn’t a good time until now. Besides, he actually gets on a plane and comes here twice a month…willingly. A PLANE, sir. The man was so afraid of flying back then, he would almost burst into tears when it came to shows outside of the Americas. If he is willing to hop on a plane and come here, then this place MUST be something special. And, although my residence is in the United States, I was born and raised in the United Kingdom. This is my home… I didn’t have the right hand of cards until this very moment. So…are there any questions?
MM: Mr. Talinsdale, it was?
BT: Please, call me Brydon. No need for total formality.
MM: Just one question: Which one of us is going to fire Ariel as Madman’s manager after his match tonight?
Brydon takes a deep breath, sighing before he begins his response.
BT: No matter the party who delivers the news, he will not be happy. He was a fool not to have his legal team look at the contract before he signed it… So, since he will need to be shown the proof, I am the obvious choice. I believe he would want to hear the worst news personally from me.
Brydon stands up, picking up his briefcase and leaving the contract on Matt’s desk. Matt holds his hand up to stop him.
MM: Wait a second, Brydon…
Brydon stops, facing towards the door but turning his head.
MM: You walk in here with some contract that states Madman Szalinski is required to hire you as a manager over some stunt he pulled over two years ago, and fire his wife in the process. You are telling me there is something that is even worse than that?
Brydon smiles.
BT: For him, yes… For you, no.
Brydon returns to Matt’s desk without sitting down. Picking up his briefcase, sets it back on Matt’s desk and pulls out another manilla folder. He lays it down in front of Matt, then closes the briefcase. As Matt begins to open the floder, Brydon picks it up and begins to move towards the door, saying one more thing to Matt as he walks away.
BT: That is your next talent signing…
Matt begins to show a bit of worry as Brydon shuts the door behind him.
— /VIDEO —
Well there’s an interesting turn of events. Who the heck was Brydon Talinsdale talking about at the end there? And what’s this about firing Ariel? I guess we’ll find out later tonight.
Back to in-ring action now as we head into our big triple threat match between three great stars. Well, two great stars and Gabe Gambino.
Troy Gafgen vs. Gabriel Gambino vs. CJ Osborne – Triple Threat
CJ and Troy were the first two out for this one, but before we got started Mr Gambino had a few words for everyone…
— VIDEO —
[“Papercut” by Linkin Park (instrumental) hits the pa system as Gabriel Gambino walks out from behind the curtain to a chorus of boos. The boos only get louder when the crowd realizes Gambino is dressed in a gray suit, a black button down shirt with the top buttons undone revealing a gold chain, and a pair of black loafers, clearly not dressed to compete here tonight. He takes a few steps down the ramp, a smirk plastered on his unshaven face, before pulling a microphone out of his back pocket.]
Gambino: I hate to inform you all, but I will NOT be competing here tonight. [He is nearly drowned out by the boos.] Yes, I know you are all highly disappointed and for that I apologize. I know I am the reason you all came here tonight. And I don’t blame you for being angry. BUT… You shouldn’t be angry with me… You should be angry with Matt Montell… You should be angry with Hanna Fox. THEY are the ones screwing you out of seeing me compete here tonight. How? It’s simply, really. They are screwing you because they are screwing ME. I was screwed out of MY GFC title at the Frontline iPPV. I was screwed by Kevin Hardaway. And now I’m getting screwed by Matt and Hannah.
[The boos are deafening now, as CJ Osborne motions for Gabe to come down and get him some. Gambino just smirks, shaking his head.]
Gambino: All I want is what I deserve. And what I deserve is a rematch for a title that I never truly lost! Deep down Jay Pride knows his title win has an asterisk next to it. Deep down inside Jay Pride knows he didn’t truly beat me. It took a steel chair shot that split me wide open to put me down. It took outside interference to put me down. Jay Pride couldn’t put me down. Jay Pride needed help to put me down. Yet he gets rewarded with MY GFC title, and just what exactly do I get? I continue to get screwed. And why is that exactly? Why is it that Hanna and Matt see fit to continue to screw me? There’s only one reason. Because I refuse to be one of their little sheep. I refuse to play nice. I’m not CJ Osborne… I’m not a kiss ass. I won’t kiss Hanna’s ass, and slobber on Matt’s carrot to get what I want.
Matt and Hanna don’t like me because I refuse to just go with the flow. I refuse to allow myself to be directed by their idiocracy. I rock the boat. I speak my mind. I come out here and I say what I have to say. What I say what I mean, and what I mean I say. I realize that this microphone is power. I realize that with this microphone my voice gets heard… My thoughts are heard. Like when I say I’m the best wrestler on the planet. Some people may agree with me, some people may not. Like when I say I deserve a rematch for the GFC World title. Like when I say Matt Montell gets his knob polished by CJ Osborne. These things I say… Some may see where I’m coming from… Some may think I’m certified looney… But MY voice still gets heard.
Matt and Hanna don’t like the fact that when I say something, despite how insane it may be, people listen… It gets talked about. Hell, I can tweet something and the next thing you know that mook standing in the ring is getting his panties all twisted. [He raises his index finger towards CJ.] So when I say that I will not be competing tonight, or any other night for that matter, until I get what I deserve… And what I deserve is a GFC World title rematch… You people know I’m serious… Matt Montell and Hanna Fox know I’m serious. So Matt, Hanna, whomever makes the decisions around here… Do the right thing… Give me what I deserve… Keep the best wrestler you’ve got happy… Until then, these people are going to have to watch mooks like CJ Osborne and Troy Gafgen playing with themselves in that ring.
[Gambino slowly saunters down the ramp, the crowd still showering him with boos. Osborne and Gafgen look on from the ring, CJ clearly annoyed. Gambino waves at CJ before sitting down next to the timekeeper, content to watch the match he was supposed to be involved in.]
— /VIDEO —
Troy Gafgen vs. CJ Osborne
Osborne slapped Gafgen. Gafgen was in control after that for a bit. Gafgen went after Osborne’s right arm. Osborne avoided a knee drop. They ended up on the floor, and Osborne used the barricade to hit an elevated DDT. Osborne tried to get a countout win, but Gafgen made it back into the ring. Osborne started to work him over. Gafgen managed to hit a big kick, and he then made a comeback. They ended up on the floor again, and Troy dropkicked Osborne over the barricade. Gafgen then hit an elevated neckbreaker to the floor. Gafgen hit a superplex for a nearfall. Osborne came back with an Running Powerslam for a nearfall. Osborne hit a Cashout (Orange Crush Pin) for another nearfall. Gafgen came back with a diving neckbreaker for another nearfall. Gafgen then hit a BIG DDT for yet another nearfall. Osborne went for a Death Valley Driver, but Gafgen reversed into a rollup, 1…2…NO!!! Gafgen went for an Ace Crusher, but Osborne avoided it. They do a bunch of awesome reversals until Osborne hit a Superkick out of nowhere and then the Dream Street! 1…2…3!!!!!!
Your winner, CJ Osborne!
A great win for Osborne, but sadly that wasn’t the end of this story as we’re about to see.
— VIDEO —
[CJ Osborne, fresh off his victory over Troy Gafgen, plays to the crowd who shower him with cheers. Gambino sits rubbing his chin, clearly annoyed with Osborne’s victory. The cheers quickly turn to boos, CJ not aware that Gambino has rolled into the ring with a steel chair in tow. When Osborne turns around he is blasted over the head with the steel chair. Gambino stands over him, a sick smirk on his face. He looks at the chair, CJ’s head imprinted into it, and raises it above his head. The crowd is in a frenzy now, not wanting a repeat of two weeks ago and Gabe’s attack on Jason Talbot. Gambino drops the chair, drops down to a knee, and begins pounding away at CJ’s head. He picks up the fallen Osborne and promptly drops him with a ‘Fongul’ onto the chair. With CJ facedown on the mat, Gabe again grabs a mic.]
Gambino: [Breathing heavy.] CJ… You want to run your mouth? You want to talk about how you’re better than me? You want to talk about how I’m only successful because of you? How’s all that talk for doing for you now? How are you feeling about me now, CJ? How does it feel to have a steel chair smashed across your skull? Huh, CJ? I’m sorry, I can’t seem to understand you. [He rolls Osborne over to reveal a gash across his forehead. The blood is pouring down, covering his face.] You see, I know how it feels. I know how it feels to have that cold steel brought down on your skull. You brought this on yourself, CJ.
But this… This attack is brought to you by Kevin Hardaway. This attack is courtesy of Mr. Unbreakable himself. Kevin, I hope you’re watching. I hope you saw what I did last week to Jason Talbot… I hope you see what I’ve just done to CJ Osborne… Because it’s only a small taste of what I’m going to do to you come Unsanctioned. I’m not only out to end your career, Kev, I’m out to end YOU.
[Gabe drops the mic, the crowd again throwing various trash items into the ring. He looks down at the fallen Osborne, a smirk still across his face, before exiting the ring.]
— /VIDEO —
Unbelievable actions from Gambino, a second brutal attack in as many shows. And he’s pinning all this on Hardaway? Nothing like taking some responsibility for your own actions, huh Gabe? Anyway, let’s not get carried away with this, let’s just hope that CJ is not too badly injured.
While the medics checked out CJ, who we later found out isn’t too seriously hurt, there was some more action backstage as we meet another new member of the FRONTIER roster!
— VIDEO —
Sitting in front of a large brick fire place, the shot opens with its main focus a solidly built man sitting in a large leather chair. He is wearing a casual suit, and holding a glass of the finest Brandy. Swirling the glass he sips it lightly, raising his eyebrows at the joyful texture. A smile breaks out across his face, followed soon after by a burst of laughter.
“I can’t do it… This is too far. Cut it.”
The shot finishes abruptly, before fading back in, this time however there is nobody in the shot, merely a graffiti covered wall. The same man from before bounces into shot, this time however he is sporting a large fake afro, grills and a purple ADIDAS tracksuit.
“Yo Yo Yo. Seth Mizzle in the hizzle… FOSHIZZLE!”
The gentleman, now identified as Seth throws his arms around and grabs at the various gold chains around his neck.
“I see y’all checkin’ out my bling, well dawgs… This shit weighs a motherfuckin’ tonne! I think my neck done crapped itself from all this crazy mad fly ill jewel I be sportin, yo dig?”
Hopping back and forth on the spot he begins beat boxing, terribly.
“I be Sethy M yo I came to get down, I gone fuck shit up like…”
He stops, shifting his eyes from side to side. The cogs in his brain can almost be heard ticking through the camera.
“I got nothing!”
Dramatically throwing his arms down and spitting out his grills, Seth storms out of the shot, the camera begins to follow and fades out once again.
As the camera swoops back in we find a barefoot Seth, clad in rolled up cargo pants and an unbuttoned white dress shirt strolling along a picturesque beach at sunset. He stops, before poignantly skipping a rock out over the water.
“Hello friends. You know, there is often a lot of bad press about me, but I’m not such a bad person.”
As he walks he passes by a group of children building a sandcastle. He stops, leaning down and reaching a hand out to them, before swinging it through their sandcastle and smashing it.
“Fuck off you little shits, I didn’t give you 20 Canadian dollars to sit around and ruin my shot!”
Screaming hysterically the children quickly uproot and sprint away as Seth turns back to the camera.
“I’m just like all of you, I love spending time at the beach, and children. Talking intimately and romantically about my thoughts, and being a generally respectful human being.”
He continues along, stumbling in a small hole that had been left by an earlier beach goer, though he ignores it; halting to look out over the water.
“I can only hope that during my time in FRONTIER I can become great friends with each and every single person. Man or Woman, big or small, white or… Otherwise. This big wide world of ours is messed up and sometimes we all just need to step back and enjoy the finer things, like a tumbler of cognac or beating up on a slow person. And remember; when it comes to the best in the business, never settle for what you have. Always demand Moore!”
As the camera zooms in Seth turns to it with a cheesy smile, holding the pose as the screen fades to black and a disclaimer appears.
This broadcast was paid for in full by Seth Moore in Canadian Dollars.
— /VIDEO —
Seth Moore’s first words to the FRONTIER fans and locker room. He seems like an… interesting character. But how will he fare in the ring against the rest of the FRONTIER locker room? We’ll start to find out in just two weeks!
Now time for more in-ring action as we welcome Rim to FRONTIER. Rim’s no stranger to FRONTIER fans, having been here as manager for Nana Moto. But this marks his first foray into a FRONTIER ring as an active competitor. And his opponent? Another of FRONTIER’s young guns, Alexia Brandt.
Alexia Brandt vs. Rim
Chop exchanges start the match. The fans appear excited for this one. Alexia flips Rim to the apron, and he flips in for an armdrag. Rim flips over Alexia in the corner, runs to the other and gets a rebound back elbow. European uppercuts from Brandt before Rim fights back. Hip toss over the top rope sends Rim to the floor. Snake eyes onto the barricade and then a whip into it. Backbreaker on the steel ring frame by Alexia! That’s more like a page from Rim’s playbook! Rim rolls in to get stomped by the Third Wave Threat. Keylock from Alexia. Rim gets out and whips Alexia into the corner. Flying forearm and a bulldog attempt. Triple Shot (2 shoot kicks to the chest followed by a spinning enzuigiri to the head) from Alexia. Flying headscissors reversed into a side slam by Rim and he’s in control now! Brainbuster from Rim. Rim has some good offense before Brandt flips out of a German Suplex attempt and connects with the Flashback (Handspring Enzuigiri)! She follows up quickly with the 51% (Single Knee Facebreaker) and gets the pinfall victory.
Your winner, Alexia Brandt!
A big win for Alexia, upsetting the veteran Rim. She really took the match to her opponent and she’ll be glad that game plan worked for her here tonight. Rim looked disappointed after the match, but at the same time he seemed to get some kind of pleasure from the pain.
Next up we had an in-ring visit from the GFC World Heavyweight Champion, Jay Pride. Take a look at what he had to say…
— VIDEO —
There’s a big cheer as Levellers’ “The Game” hits the speakers and Jay Pride walks onstage, GFC World Championship around his waist and a mic in his hand. He’s in his wrestling boots, but has pulled on a pair of loose trackies over his legs and a muscle shirt over his chest. He jokes and chats with the fans as he walks to the ring. As the music dies down he steps in and begins to speak.
Jay: Evenin’, London!
This gets a pop, predictably.
Jay: Don’t wanna interrupt the action too much, but there’s someone backstage I’d like to talk to, and I wanna do it front of all you people. I want you to hear what I have to say. I wanna talk to the man who’s twice been named number one contender to my GFC Championship, and who’s twice turned that position over to Chandler Scott. Madman Szalinski… I understand you have a very big match to prepare for tonight, but I wanna take this opportunity to say a couple of things to you, if you’re hearing this.
After a few seconds, “Dr Wily Part One” hits and a moment later, Madman Szalinski appears onstage to another huge cheer. He’s wearing a black armband and a vintage Darren “The Bomber” Hughes T-shirt, in tribute to his recently-deceased tag team partner. He scans the room for a moment, but seems quite content to just stand at the stage. After a second he gestures to Jay to continue speaking, then folds his arms, listening patiently.
Jay: First of all, Madman, I wanna set something straight because you misrepresented me the other week, and I didn’t take kindly to it.
The fans murmur to themselves at the idea that two of FRONTIER’s biggest heroes might be about to kick off with each other… for his part, though, Madman just cocks his head expectantly. Jay paces a little, letting the noise build, then announces:
Jay: See, I’m no’ straight edge. I don’t smoke, but I can pack beer away like nobody’s business. Sorry if that’s disappointed anyone, that I’m no’ the role model you might’ve thought I was.
That gets a slight laugh which seems to clear some tension, at least among the fans.
Jay: More importantly, I wanna talk about the fact you twice turned down number one contendership to this title on the grounds that world titles make people crazy. You come out here and you claim that titles twist folk into bitter monsters who’ll do absolutely anything for the gold no matter how brutal, no matter how barbaric, no matter how immoral…
He looks down at the belt around his own waist, smirking.
Jay: Is that what you think?
Another murmur, and Jay looks up.
Jay: Well you know something, Madman? You know what I think?
Madman starts walking down to the ring, slowly. Jay takes a couple of steps back, and Madman slides in very nonchalantly. The two men step towards each other, staring down, and then Jay half-smiles and says:
Jay: I think you might be onto somethin’.
That’s… not what most of the fans were expecting.
Jay: Y’see… I’ve been that guy, Madman. I’ve been the guy who attacked people backstage. Who got allies to interfere for me. Who bent an’ broke the rules, all in the name of gettin’ ma name in a list of world champions. It took some bad shit to make me realise that if I want to build my legacy, I should be doin’ it with honour and heart. An’ I don’t wanna be the old Jay anymore. I won this title fair, no tricks an’ no cheating, no matter what excuses The Godfathers might come up with. That’s how I want it to continue – I need to prove, to myself as much as anyone else, that I can be a world champion with honour. So while I know what you mean, Madman, and I can respect your decision not to want to be around world titles, I want you to know that as long as this world title is in my possession, I’m gonna be doin’ everything I can to make it something worth fighting for without the barbarism, without the immorality, just athletic contests the way it’s meant to be.
This speech gets a cheer, and some applause.
Jay: If you should change your mind at any time, I’ll give you a fair, honourable match. I promise that.
And that gets a big cheer too.
Jay: Something else I wanted to say: Good luck against Jason Talbot tonight. I know first hand just how good he is, and I know any time you an’ him lock up it’s liable to be a classic. I’ll be watching that match very, very closely, and not as a wrestler, not as a guy scouting opponents – I’ll be watching it as a fan because you two, here in the UK, fighting for an inaugural championship, well. I don’t need to tell anyone here that’s a dream scenario for any wrestling fan.
And the fans in attendance seem to agree, raucously so!
Jay: This is a red letter day for FRONTIER. We have a World Championship, we’ve just crowned a Tag Team Championship, and as of tonight we’ll have a Commonwealth Championship. Leanne’s been goin’ on for weeks about wantin’ the brass to bring that in! We have massive guests like Chandler Scott an’ Troy Gafgen, we have a ton of exciting newcomers like Mia Scott, Matt Kail and Alexia Brandt, and of course we still have the stars who’ve stuck with FRONTIER through thick and thin, the legends of this company like Jason Talbot, and Alex Jones, and CJ Osborne.
More cheering for those names!
Jay: More than anything else what I want to say to you tonight, Madman, is that it’s an honour to have you as a part of the FRONTIER family.
And he extends a hand. Madman glances at it, and shakes. The crowd goes wild for the two heroes, and it’s hard to see under his mask but I think Madman may even be tearing up a bit. Jay can’t help glancing at the Darren shirt and sighing sadly. Although the mic doesn’t pick it up, Madman visibly mouths a ‘thank you’ to Jay and they brofully hug before raising each others’ arms.
— /VIDEO —
Good to see Szalinski paying respects to Darren Hughes, and a respectful response from Jay Pride. For those of you who never got to see Darren in action, he was an incredible performer, who meant a lot to Madman and Ariel Shadows. I strongly recommend you track down his matches, and pay your respects to someone who should have lived on to become a legend.
Back to in-ring action now as Alex Jones is out to continue his road to the GFC World Title, but this time he’s up against Matt Kail. Can Kail derail the Jones express?
Matt Kail vs. Alex Jones
We lock up and Jones pushes Kail into the corner; we get a clean break. Another tie up and Jones gets a hammerlock and again drives Kail into the corner and breaks cleanly. Side headlock from Jones, and a shoulder block. Matt is back up, avoids a leapfrog. CHOP! Shoulder block of Kail’s own and another leapfrog evasion combo. Armdrag, cartwheel, and a kick to a seated Jones from Matt Kail. “Kail” chant from the fans here in London. Chop to Jones in the corner. Whips across the ring and Kail is elevated over to the apron. Shoulder to the midsection, and a hurricanrana over the top! He sends Jones to the outside. LONDON’S PRIDE (Suicide somersault dropkick)!!
Matt gets in some shots before AJ tries to get back into contention and kicks Matt off into the guardrail. The ref reprimands Jones, telling both men to get back into the ring. Jones leaps up, runs across the apron and gets a jumping clothesline. He rolls Kail back in and covers him for 2. Rights to Kail. Matt fights back with some shots the midsection but Jones cuts him off with a boot to the gut. Vertical suplex gets two for Jones. Jones has Matt in a half Boston crab. Kail gets up on his one free leg, tries to roll through but Jones keeps the hold. Kail eventually gets out and dodges a corner clothesline from Jones, hanging him up. Clothesline from Kail. Handspring back elbow!! Matt’s on the middle rope and gets a springboard forearm on Jones that leads to a two count. Matt is going up top!! Jones nips up and gets a right hand to Kail. He’s got him up for a top-rope superplex and NAILS it! 1…2…no! Very close for AJ!
Jones goes up top! SPIRAL TAP!! Gets nothing but canvas! Jumping Cutter from Matt Kail!! Kail is on the top rope… CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS LEGDROP!!! That’s what he calls the Tumultuous Fall! 1… 2… 3!!!
Your winner, Matt Kail!
What a win for Matt Kail. The Canadian did everything he said he would, he caught Jones off guard and comes away with a big win here in London. But, that being said, Jones almost had him a couple of times here tonight. This was a much closer match than the record books suggested it would be. Both can be proud of their efforts, but I have a sneaking suspicion that AJ’s not going to see it that way!
Well it’s been a great night of action so far here in York Hall, but there’s more still to come. But before we even get to more fantastic in-ring stuff let’s take a look at what we saw going down behind the scenes…
— VIDEO —
We open in the office of Matt Montell who’s shuffling through some paperwork. Suddenly he comes across one particular piece of paper that stops him in his tracks. He slams the paper down on his desk.
MM: HOPE!!!
The door to his office opens and in walks Hope Marie Osborne, wife of CJ Osborne and a member of the FRONTIER staff.
HMO: Something wrong?
MM: I should fucking coco! This… what the hell is this?
He holds the paper up towards Hope.
HMO: That’s a match contract for Unsanctioned.
MM: Yes… I can see that. But why does FRONTIER have a contracted match at Unsanctioned… the whole bloody point of your husbands show is for matches without contracts. The clues in the bloody name, love!
HMO: I know, but this is a special match requiring very special conditions.
MM: Who arranged this? Who signed off on this? Because I sure as hell didn’t!
HMO: The contract’s signed by Hanna Fox.
MM: And how the hell did she get involved in this?
HMO: I passed it to her, as a favour for CJ.
Montell pauses for a moment, trying to let his anger subside. But it’s just continuing to build internally.
MM: I said that he would never be allowed back into this company. NEVER! This contract it… it runs the risk of making that a lie. It makes a mockery of my authority. I won’t stand for it!
HMO: Sorry Matt, but it’s done now. Hanna can’t un-sign the contract.
Montell is red with rage and rips the contract to pieces, tossing it in the bin by his desk. He then turns away from Hope and looks up at the ceiling, breathing deeply to try and control his anger. Hope allows a pause before speaking again.
HMO: That was just a copy for your records, Hanna has the original and there are copies with all the relevant parties…
MM: Of course there bloody are. He wouldn’t allow me to have the only copy, he knows I’d rip it the fuck up.
Montell turns back to Hope.
MM: I want him here, in the building, at our next show. I want a meeting with him. Get him to Blackburn. Get Kevin Hardaway!
The scene fades as Hope leaves the room.
— /VIDEO —
Unbelievable, Montell actually wants Hardaway in the building in two weeks? Hardaway’s invited to Blackburn? I guess we’ll find out soon what that contract is in due time, but it’s pretty clear it has something to do with the Hardaway/Gambino clash at Unsanctioned. And did Hope go over Montell’s head to take an issue straight to Hanna Fox? He is NOT going to be happy with that. And as the person who has to travel with Mr Montell to venues, I’m not looking forward to the drive back to Southampton tomorrow!
Right, time for some great six man tag action now as the UK Dragons go face-to-face with the E.N.D. And don’t forget that within this E.N.D line-up we have one half of the GFC Tag-Team Champions in Jason Richards, who won the titles in Japan alongside Adam Stryker. But on the other side we have the WARPED Tag-Team Champions who are determined to add the GFC Titles to their growing list of accolades. Oh, and the GFC World Champion is on their side too!
Jay Pride, Laurel & Evangelista vs. Jason Richards, Sylar Drake & Ryo Unikawa – 6-Man Tag
All six competitors start the match with a big brawl, the referee has no way of keeping this one under control. Laurel and Jason square off while Unikawa and Pride are on the other side of the ring. Evangelista and Sylar battle too. Things continue for a few moments, people switching who they’re battling until Unikawa nails a power slam after Drake and Richards Irish whip Evangelista towards him. People actually filter out onto the ring apron at last as Richards gets a near fall and Sylar tags straight back in. Jason and Sylar with a double back elbow for another near fall. Unikawa tags in and he connects with a forearm on Evangelista and then he hits a delayed vertical suplex while Drake and Richards keep Pride and Laurel out of the way. Unikawa has Evangelista in the air for about a minute, a great show of strength and balance, before getting a near fall.
Richards tags in and Laurel with a knee to the back from the apron. Laurel holds the leg so Evangelista can kick Richards and then she punches Jason. Laurel tags in and she snap mares Richards and hits a knee drop to the head for a near fall. Pride tags in and he kicks Jason in the chest and connects with a forearm to the back and a chop. Richards with a forearm and then Pride and Richards go back and forth until Pride hits a drop kick and gets a near fall. Evangelista tags in and hits a slingshot senton and gets a near fall. Evangelista with a kick to the chest and she gets a near fall. Richards with a forearm but Evangelista stops Jason’s attempts to make the tag. Laurel tags in and they go back and forth with forearms until Laurel connects with a kick, knee and leg sweep. Pride tags in.
Pride with a delayed vertical suplex to equal Unikawa’s earlier effort but he cannot keep Richards up for as long and Jason with a counter into an inside cradle for a near fall. Pride with a drop kick to get a near fall. Pride with a stomp to Richards and then he tags Evangelista back in. Evangelista with a snap mare and she connects with an elbow drop for a near fall. Richards drives Leanne into the corner with shoulders but he is in the wrong corner. Pride and Laurel assist Evangelista and Pride tags back in. Pride with forearms but Richards with slaps and a back heel kick. Pride is able to run Richards into the turnbuckles. Laurel tags in and she snap mares Richards and puts him in a seated abdominal stretch and then gets him into a vertical position and locks up the legs. Laurel with a rollup for a near fall. Laurel with a dragon screw leg whip and Evangelista tags in and gets a near fall.
Evangelista and Laurel knock Drake and Unikawa off the apron. Richards with a kick to Evangelista and then he sends Laurel into Evangelista. Richards with a drop kick to Laurel’s back and the momentum turns it into a DDT by Evangelista on Laurel! Jason finally tags in Sylar and Drake goes up top for a double missile drop kick. Drake chops Evangelista repeatedly in the corner. Evangelista with an Irish wip but she runs into a boot from Drake. Evangelista with a forearm and Drake with a boot to knock Laurel off the apron.
Drake with a kick to the knee and then a kick to the chest for a near fall. Evangelista with a Fisherman Suplex to Drake and both are down. Pride tags in and he runs into a dropkick from Drake. Drake goes for a Butterfly Brainbuster off the apron but Pride fights it off. Back into the ting and Drake tries for the Ankle Lock but Pride is able to escape that as well, getting into the ropes to break the hold.
Pride and Drake chop back and forth. Drake gets set up for the Absolution. Evangelista and Laurel go after Drake and Richards, who tries to help his partner. Evangelista and Laurel charge at Drake and Richards but Jason and Sylar drop down and Leanne and Laurel go over the top rope to the floor. They hit running kicks that send Laurel and Evangelista off the apron. Richards and Drake with stereo suicide dives!!
Unikawa had made the tag before the last sequence and he sends Pride into the turnbuckles and he punches Pride. The referee pulls Unikawa out of the corner but Unikawa with more shots. Unikawa gets Pride on his shoulders and Unikawa runs Pride’s head into the top turnbuckle before hitting a Rolling Elbow. Unikawa with a splash into the corner and then he hits another splash into the other corner. Unikawa with a Sitout Powerbomb for a near fall.
Unikawa sets up for another power bomb but Laurel climbs on Unikawa’s back for a sleeper but Unikawa backs Laurel into the turnbuckles. Evangelista charges at Unikawa but Unikawa with a savate kick to Leanne. Laurel returns to the sleeper on Unikawa. Unikawa picks up Evangelista and hits a German suplex while Laurel still has the sleeper applied, effectively dropping two peoples weight onto her!
Drake goes up top for a moonsault to Pride’s back and then Richards with a shooting star press to Pride. Unikawa gets Pride up for a suplex but turns it into a side slam but he can only get a near fall because Evangelista and Laurel break up the cover. Evangelista and Laurel send Richards and Drake to the floor but Unikawa with boots to Laurel. Laurel with a bicycle kick to Unikawa but Unikawa responds with a spinning back fist. Pride with a knee to Unikawa followed by the gutbuster from a fireman’s carry position. Laurel and Leanne hit a Pele kick/Stevie G combo and Pride capitalises, getting a near fall.
Evangelista and Drake exchange forearms while Laurel and Richards do the same. Then they exchange kicks. Evangelista and Richards exchange kicks to the head in the center of the ring. Evangelista misses the enzuigiri and Richards applies an ankle lock until Pride clotheslines him over the top rope. Pride with a running forearm to Unikawa but Unikawa tries for The Unstoppable Lariat. Pride ducks it and connects with the World of Sport Special but he can only get a two count!!
Evangelista, Laurel, Drake and Richards are all battling away at ringside as Pride hits a leaping knee and a short-arm clothesline on Unikawa followed by PRIDE EATER!!! And that’s enough for the one-two-three!
Your winners, the UK Dragons!
What a match that was, two of the biggest groups in FRONTIER, some of the most hard hitting competitors you’ll see in a FRONTIER ring, just put on a fantastic match. And credit to Evangelista and Drake, both of whom had some injuries coming into this match. They were in no way 100% but they didn’t let that show.
And the UK Dragons now have two wins over the E.N.D. How long before they get an opportunity at the GFC Tag-Team Championships? Well while some of us were considering that possibility there was another twist in the tale.
— VIDEO —
After the match is settled Lucius Togo steps into the ring to stand by the side of his E.N.D colleagues. Then, out of nowhere, he turns and begins to lay into Sylar Drake! He takes Drake to the canvas and lays into him for a while before Unikawa and Richards step in and pull him away, pushing him to the other side of the ring.
Unikawa is yelling at him in Japanese while Richards can be heard saying “What the hell, Lucius?” Sylar Drake pushes his way between the two men and attacks Togo! They brawl on the canvas again for a moment until Unikawa and Richards seperate them once more.
Adam Stryker rushes to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope. He stands between Togo and Drake, looking them both up and down with a death stare. He may not have a mic but we can clearly hear what he’s saying.
AS: Right, that’s enough! Lucius, bring your ring gear to Blackburn, I want you two to settle this like men, in the ring! And I will NOT stand for this in-fighting in the E.N.D, so whichever of you loses… you’re out!
He yells at Ryo to accompany Sylar to the back, then does the same with Richards and Togo.
— /VIDEO —
Some in-fighting here, does this spell the end of the E.N.D? Or will Stryker resolve this problem? I bet he’s hoping for the latter, seeing as he’ll want to hold on to those GFC Tag Championships!
Main event time, folks! The big clash between old friends for the brand new GFC Commonwealth Championship! This is sure to be an absolute classic, but first let’s just remind everyone of the rules of a Commonwealth match.
The match is to be contested over 6 rounds of five minutes duration, with one minute’s time between rounds. If either wrestler falls through weakness or otherwise, they must get up within 10 seconds. When the fallen wrestler is back to their feet the round is to be resumed and continued until the five minutes have expired. If one wrestler fails to get to their feet in the 10 seconds allowed they will be defeated by way of knockout. There are to be no closed-fist punches to the face, only open-handed slaps or chops to the face are allowed. Punches to other parts of the body (save for low-blows) are permitted. The first use of a closed fist will trigger a warning and the second will cause the wrestler to be disqualified. A wrestler is subject to a twenty count by the referee if the wrestler goes to the floor. The title can change hands due to countouts and disqualifications. There are to be no drawn matches, if there is no clear winner after 6 rounds the match will continue, with no time limit or rounds, until a winner is decided.
Madman Szalinski vs. Jason Talbot – GFC Commonwealth Championship Match
Both men come out and we’re shown the new, shiny belt which the referee holds aloft while Jenni Starr runs through the rules for those of us in attendance. Talbot’s looking in a determined mood, as is Madman; who is wearing green tonight in memory of his former partner Darren Hughes.
The bell finally rings to begin the first of the six five minute rounds. Both men step out cautiously, Madman assuming a very low amateur wrestling stance. Talbot keeps his guard, careful not to close his fists as to comply with the rules. When both men do lock up, the exchange of moves is so rapid and fluid that many in the audience are unable to keep up, and dueling “Let’s go Madman/Let’s go Jason!” chants begin to swell through the building. An arm ringer by Madman…reversed into a hammerlock by Talbot…that is reverted back into an arm ringer by Szalinski…no, Talbot has a side headlock…Madman with an escape, a hammerlock, an arm ringer, and a go over with the leg for a takedown…Talbot rolls out of it and has Madman on his back by the legs…no! Madman rolls out backwards to his feet and has a Muay Thai clinch, and another arm ringer…into a fireman’s carry…and a dropkick into the back of the head…Jason moves! Szalinski quick to get back up…TALBOT WITH THE LAST CALL…NO! Szalinski leans back and kips up to avoid the superkick, and both men are left to stand off, to the approval of every fan in attendance! And there’s still over three more minutes to go in the first round!
The rest of the first round is back and forth, with neither man making much progress. Madman continues to work the arm, while Talbot fends Madman off by taking advantage of the openings Madman inevitably leaves; for example, Szalinski again goes for the arm ringer and tries a superkick of his own. However, his foot not only misses Talbot’s head, but is caught on Jason’s shoulder! Szalinski, refusing to let go of Talbot’s arm, hops on one foot with his foot still caught on the shoulder of Talbot. He loudly asks “would you help me out please?” Talbot’s response is “what the fuck are you talking about? Let me go!” Madman again yells “Fuck that! Just slide my foot off your shoulder with your other hand!” Jason’s response is “can you not bend that far, dude?” The crowd is laughing at Madman, and possibly Talbot as well, but they soon cheer when Talbot says “okay” and breaks Madman’s grip, grabbing his perched foot and taking him down with a hard dragon screw! Szalinski assures Ariel his knee is fine in the corner while Talbot just looks over and says “it’s just wrestling”, and both meen come out charging for the second round.
While the first round was mostly grappling with no strikes connecting, the second round soon became an outright brawl. When Szalinski attempted another fireman’s carry from yet another arm ringer, Talbot snuck behind him and delivered a vicious German suplex. After missing with an elbow drop, Talbot got to his feet and met Szalinski with a collar and elbow tie-up, followed by a forearm to the face. Szalinski responds with a slap so loud, the echo repeats the impact a second time. Talbot is sent back into the corner, where Szalinski runs right in. However, he is backdropped over the ropes and to the floor, where he soon begins holding the same left knee that Talbot targeted in the first round. At four, Szalinski has not even risen to all fours, and Ariel soon comes over. At six, Talbot hits the floor. Szalinski is on his knees, an attempts to put weight onto his left knee. As he begins to call forward, Talbot catches him and throws him backwards onto the mats outside the ring. At nine, Ariel stays at Madman’s side, not getting involved in the action even when Jason throws a stomp to Madman’s gut while he is laying on the floor beside her, crouched over. At eleven, Talbot picks Szalinski up and rolls him into the ring. A few more stomps and a toe hold to the leg later, and Madman is in serious trouble. The second round ends with Madman finally breaking the referee’s first ten-count of the match, struggling to support himself after recovering when Talbot misses a third consecutive knee drop from across the ring to the injured leg. However, Talbot is able to pick him up and deliver a double underhook suplex, slamming Szalinski into the canvas hard and going for the cover. He only gets a two count, and as Madman kicks out the bell sounds to end the round.
Limping and dazed, Madman’s demeanor changes going into the third round. Talbot immediately goes on the offensive, looking more and more determined in between rounds. Targeting the leg, Talbot works in everything from kneebreakers to single leg crabs to even snap suplexes, all taking their toll regardless. Madman’s only offence in the third round comes from a missed clothesline turned into a crucifix roll-up, which Talbot barely kicks out of. Szalinski has no time to capitalize as Talbot immediately puts him right back into the corner with a shoulder charge, then pulls his leg through the ropes and torques on it, prompting a five-count from the referee (which is stopped right on four.) A belly-to-belly suplex only gets two, and at the end of the round, Szalinski nearly taps out when an errant jumping shin kick is caught and he is flipped back-first onto the mat with a blistering powerbomb, then locked into a leg grapevine with thirty seconds left in the round! Madman somehow manages to get to the ropes, still hanging on for dear life as the bell sounds, Talbot getting up and releasing the hold. Concerned, Ariel questions if Madman wishes to continue, to which he only nods. Talbot takes a seat on the top turnbuckle, one foot on either middle rope, and watches intently, not looking around the arena but keeping his eyes on Madman.
Round four starts, and Jason is able to lay Madman down with one open right hand as he goes right to holding his knee. Jason takes his time as he bends down to grasp at Madman, and he is soon wrapped into a surprise small package…barely escaping at two, to the crowd’s stomps throughout the building. Now fully behind Szalinski, the crowd eats Madman’s comeback alive as he blocks a kick from Talbot, and gets a flurry of open palm strikes across Jason’s mouth! The shots are soon returned, and before long both men are entangled in a wiry web of forearms, palms, wild kicks, and knees as they duke it out to the roaring approval of London! Jason’s mouth soon begins to produce blood, but when Talbot rocks Szalinski back with an elbow he appears to have the upper hand…only for Madman to duck his clothesline and sprint to the ropes, gliding back Jason’s direction and nearly decapitating him with a flying lariat! The impact is so strong that BOTH men are turned upside-down in the air, and land on their heads! With both Jason Talbot and Madman Szalinski down, the referee is forced to begin the ten-count to signal a double knockout. Stomping at the floor and pounding whatever they can reach, the fans desperately attempt to get Madman and Jason to their feet. Neither man moves a muscle until seven, and the first syllable of “nine” is when the fans finally get a sign that the match is not over yet. Both men do make it to their feet, and through the rest of the round. However, Talbot comes close to winning the whole thing after catching Szalinski on the top rope (Madman had him seated, attempting a super hurricanrana) and driving him down with the Backdraft. The bell rings just as Talbot gets an arm draped over Madman, and Ariel has to physically drag Madman into the corner and wake him up. His forehead has also been opened up, no doubt a combination of Jason’s rough elbow in the round and the still-healing wound from his match with Chandler Scott two weeks ago. Talbot is bloody, but smiling, leaning into the corner as the crowd fires up a huge “PLEASE DON’T DIE!” chant at Madman, who has gained a second wind of consciousness and is begging the referee to allow him to continue.
His pleas are granted, and the weary and hurt Madman is allowed to start the fifth round with Jason Talbot. For the first time in the match, Jason Talbot is shown to have suffered wear during the match – Madman is able to briefly lock in a standing Deathtrap, which has effect for a few seconds after Talbot breaks free. Talbot criss-cross the ropes, and goes for a vertical/diagonal-looking crossbody. Madman somehow catches him in mid-air, and drives him down with a releasing Northern Lights suplex! Again, both men stay down for a referee count through chants of “THIS IS WRESTLING!” Madman does not attempt a pinfall, as he is simply too winded. Talbot starts to hold onto his neck, and both men fight hard to make it to their feet before the count of ten. Later on in the round, Madman goes for his triple neckbreakers. The first one connects, as does the second one, but when he swings around on the third one Jason spins free, spins Madman around, and hoists Szalinski onto his shoulders. Assuming he is attempting the HypnoTwist, the crowd starts to cheer in anticipation. However, Madman manages to wriggle free, and attempt a teardrop suplex. But his knee buckles during the attempt, and even though he still hangs on and finishes through with the slam on Jason Talbot he cannot keep the hold in order to attempt a pin. Rolling around on the mat clutching his knee, Szalinski slaps the mat in frustration before grabbing the ropes angrily to pull himself up. Talbot slowly stumbles to his feet, and Madman shoves him backwards into the corner, falling onto his own knees for a second and running into Jason as he gets up. Once into the corner, his voice cracks as he yells out to the crowd “READY?” He backs away for the three-point stance, and the crowd yells out the “DOWN!” along with him. When he comes forward with the Tecmo Elbows, the crowd is doing all of the “HUT! HUT! HUT! HUT!” while Madman is flailing away with elbows. Finally, he stops, yanks Talbot out of the corner suddenly, and turns him around to drive him down with a Scoopstone right in the middle of the ring! Madman lays flat, going for a pin…AND JASON TALBOT KICKS OUT AT TWO! Madman stands up for a second, looking at the referee and pointing back down at Talbot. The round ends as Madman falls back onto his ass, holding his knee with a look of pure shock on his face.
Talbot only leans face-first into the corner holding the back of his head, while Ariel is crying and pleading with Madman as she futily attempts to stop the bleeding from Madman’s unprotected forehead. The sixth and final round begins, and it takes nearly twenty seconds for both men to approach the center of the ring. Szalinski fires first with a palm strike to the face. Talbot throws an elbow. Madman with another palm…Talbot with an elbow…Szalinski with a kick to the side…Talbot with a kick to Madman’s left knee…and Szalinski crumbles to the mat, yelling “GODDAMNITFUCK!” as he hits the mat.Talbot merely leaps high, going for a legdrop. Madman rolls out of the way, and rolls Talbot up as he lands. It only gets a two-count. Szalinski crawls away to the corner, and pulls himself up. Talbot, meanwhile, sits up and climbs under his own power to his feet, readying to strike again. Madman steps one inch in Jason’s direction when the Last Call puts him right back down. Instead of a pin, Jason merely stumbles backwards into the corner and rests as the referee begins the long count for Madman to answer.
At two, Madman has yet to even blink. Three, and no blink. Four…and nothing, not even the movement of his chest from breathing. Five, still no movement. Six scares Ariel enough to compel a loud shriek, which jolts Madman’s eyes back to life. At seven, his eyes and some of his head and face are all that has moved. Jason Talbot turns away at this point and looks toward the crowd at eight. Nine soon comes, and Jason is the only person in the arena who does not see Madman Szalinski crawling towards him from behind, scooting on his behind to grab Jason by the arm. Madman flings his legs up after doing so, taking Jason down with some form of an arm drag/leg scissors combination. More importantly, this constitutes an offensive move and therfore, the ten-count is broken! But Madman soon gets the crowd to roar in cheers once more when he maneuvers all of the rolling around on the mat into a cinched-in Deathtrap, legs and all! There’s still a minute left in the last round! No singing follows, no cursing, just a scream from Madman as he cinches on pressure. and Talbot has been unable to break the hold or approach the ropes! Fourty seconds! THE ROUND IS ALMOST OVER! Jason struggles to hold on…he finally puts his hand out to tap…he hesitates, trying to hold on… five… four…. three… two… one…
The round is over! We have gone all six rounds without a decision! Talbot is down! Szalinski is down! Ariel is hysterical! This crowd is hysterical! Matt Montell is rushing to ringside, to speak with the ring announcer outside of the ring and the referee leaning over the ropes inside of it. Finally, after what seems like forever, with both men still down on the mat, we get an official word…
“Ladies and gentlemen, Matt Montell has informed me that there MUST be a winner, and this match WILL continue under sudden death rules!”
The bell is sounded again and both men, looking exhausted, are back to their feet and ready to go again. Madman stumbles forward… LAST CALL!!! Szalinski stumbles back into the ropes, bounces back and LARIAT!! Talbot pops back to his feet. This means so much to both men, both of them are refusing to stay down!
They lock up, almost holding onto each other to keep themselves upright. Madman connects with an elbow, Talbot rocks backwards but Madman pulls him back in for another shot. Szalinski goes for a crucifix, looking like he’s going to float over into a DDT. But instead he makes a minor adjustment… AND FLOATS INTO A PILEDRIVER!!! The crowd go nuts! Szalinski slumps back into the corner, not entirely sure how he just managed that move. The referee starts counting both men down, but Madman uses the ropes to pull himself up. The ref is unto eight when Talbot stirs, rolling onto his front and pushing himself up to his knees. At nine he’s on a knee and he’s up just in time.
Szalinski musters the energy to charge in, connecting with a lariat. Talbot’s down again and Szalinski is leaning on the turnbuckle. He begins to climb, looking for the X-Buster? The crowd love the idea, Ariel is convinced this is a bad idea. He gets half way up and slips. He shakes his head, deciding that an X-Buster would be a very bad move. Instead he grabs Talbot… AND LOCKS IN THE DEATHTRAP!! No screaming or singing this time, he’s totally worn out! Talbot is too, and he can’t fight the move. He doesn’t tap, he’s just gone limp. The referee checks on him, raising an arm and dropping it til it hits the canvas. He does it a second time, and again it drops. He raises it a third time and… NO, THERE’S LIFE IN TALBOT YET!!! Jason’s arm stops just short of the canvas and he forms a fist, much to the excitement of the London crowd. And in that moment Madman tightens his grip. And Talbot taps!!!
Your winner, and the first ever GFC Commonwealth Champion, Madman Szalinski!
The York Hall erupts as the announcement is made by Jenni Starr. Ariel gets into the ring and helps Madman back to his feet before he is handed the title by the referee. The two celebrate with the title, Madman is visibly emotional as he holds the title aloft, looking to the rafters and pointing up, then beating his chest. A little thank you to the Bomber there, I think.
We all stood and applauded, but one of our cameras picked up two others watching on from behind the curtain…
— VIDEO —
At the entrance ramp Matt Montell is spotted stood next to Brydon Talinsdale, both watching on at the celebrations, unnoticed by anyone.
MM: So you still want to go down there and tell him?
BT: Not tonight. Let him have his moment. This can wait til Blackburn.
Brydon walks off as Montell looks on at the celebrations in the ring.
— /VIDEO —
Szalinski pulls Talbot to his feet and hugs him. Talbot applauds his opponent, holding his hand in the air before making his exit, leaving our new Commonwealth Champion to celebrate with the fans.
Well, that was an epic end to a fantastic night here in London. In two weeks we head to Blackburn as we bring you another great night of FRONTIER action… the last before the iPPV in Glasgow! Can Pride retain his GFC World Title and head home to Scotland as champion? There’s only one way to find out, folks, get your tickets for Blackburn now!!