Multi-person, over the top rope battle royals? I hear they’re all the rage at this time of year! And here in FRONTIER we’re holding the biggest we’ve ever played host to. It’s Open House II, 20 men and women from eight different wrestling promotions competing for a shot at the GFC World Championship and £10,000!
Sunday afternoon was probably our biggest ever meet and greet session with the addition of our friends from the MWA, GDW, EXODUS, PWX, CWF, Reborn and FGA. All keen to swell their wallets and get a shot at Gabriel Gambino. But before any of them could get to that, we had other matches to settle.
Jay Pride vs Kenta Yamashita
There’s a great reception for Kenta Yamashita as he returns to FRONTIER – last time we saw him, he defeated Oliver Bernhardt in the main event of our first ever show. But the noise for Jay Pride is louder, which Yamashita doesn’t seem to appreciate. They shake hands nonetheless, and go into a clinch.
They push back and forth, similarly matched in strength and weight, until they fall against the ropes and the ref forces a break. Both men step apart, arms spread, then go back into a grapple on the referee’s mark. This time Yamashita finds the side headlock but Pride lifts him atomic drop style and Yamashita bails. He turns back, only to be knocked down with a lariat. Jay finds the kneeling armbar. Kenta starts rolling side to side to build up the momentum for an escape, but Pride hooks one of his ankles with his own. Yamashita manages to twist his free elbow up and clock Pride in the jaw, but as they roll apart and stand it’s clear that Yamashita’s shoulder took some damage from being contorted like that.
Jay spots it too, and picks the offensive back up with a hammerlock. A couple of arm-wrenches later he goes for a Japanese stranglehold but Yamashita rolls forward to dump Pride on his behind. Kenta lays in shoot kicks and a shining wizard and gets just a close two, much to his frustration. He lifts Jay to his feet and hits some big chops to the chest – sticking to one arm, though, so the shoulder of the other must still be causing trouble. Yamashita lifts Pride onto the top turnbuckle, then backs out. He runs back in for the Konichi-WAAH!… and misses as Pride leaps over him! Jay sprints into the ropes, pendulums back, and turns Yamashita inside out with the World of Sport Special! They both drop to the canvas, in need of recovery.
After a moment they’re both back up. Pride throws an open fist punch, but Yamashita blocks it. He goes for the Irish whip, but keeps ahold and pulls Jay back into the Lightning Speed inside cradle for a two count. I think Yamashita might’ve had a hold on Jay’s shorts there, but I couldn’t see properly.
Yamashita’s still looking angry. He drags Pride up, but Pride fights it with elbows to the gut. He grabs Kenta around the waist and finds a release northern lights suplex! Kenta pops up and charges, and Jay answers with an armdrag. Kenta winces and holds his shoulder for a second, but shakes the pain off and gets to his feet. Pride catches him with a back kick to the gut, and connects a side Russian legsweep. He keep the hold applied and uses the momentum to roll Yamashita back upright! Jay twists things into position for a shortarm clothesline, but Yamashita blocks it, dodges behind Pride and pulls out a lungblower to buy himself some time. He steps back, rotating his hurt upper arm. A fan in the front row yells something, and Kenta yells something back.
He scouts Jay as the Scotsman rises and lifts him over his shoulders, clearly looking for the Sayonara Driver. He throws Pride out – and somehow Pride manages to reverse it into a spinning armbreaker! He wastes no time in applying a bicep slicer, and with the extra pressure those two moves put on his already-weakened shoulder, Kenta taps almost immediately.
Your winner, Jay Pride!
They both stand up again to an ovation. Jay extends a hand to Kenta… who slaps him in the face and turns away! A shocking violation of The Code! Kenta totally ignores the fans as he walks to the back, a thunderous look on his face. Jay stares after him, not incensed enough to give chase but still visibly angry.
Now, before we get to our next match, let’s take a look at this video footage…
— VIDEO —
We are sent backstage, where a set of steel double doors kicks open against the concrete walls. Stepping in are Madman Szalinski and Ariel Shadows, hand in hand. Madman is in his wrestling gear, with a bright blue mask designed to mimic Sonic the Hedgehog. Cracking his neck, he is in mid-conversation with Ariel, who adjusts her denim jacket slightly with her free hand.Madman: …what, you really think I stand a chance of winning this battle royal tonight?Ariel: Well, on one hand, yes I do. I think that as long as you’re breathing, you, Madman Szalinski, stand a chance at winning any match you’re in.Both stop briefly, allowing a stagehand carrying a large lighting truss to pass by. Madman nods slightly in respect, which is returned. Without pausing their conversation whatsoever, the duo continues walking.Ariel: But I also think that by coming out and saying “oh, even if I win I don’t want the prizes” is admitting that you don’t think you’re going to win. So you’re treating this as just another match. But it’s not another match, baby.
Madman has stopped walking, his eyes fixated in front of him at a point off-camera. Not looking, Ariel continues speaking with her eyes on Madman.
Ariel: You flew halfway around the world, paid God knows how much for on-the-spot tickets and hotel rooms, you refused to accept payment for coming here…you won’t even let them pay you for showing up. You’re working this show for free, for a company you have never worked for, where you do not know a single person. And you’re giving up the one chance for the prize that would motivate a person to come here in the first place. Honey…what the hell are you trying to do?
Madman taps her lightly on the shoulder, holding his finger up as if to say “one second.” He steps up a bit, the camera panning to reveal Jason Talbot with a cup in his hand. He turns around as he senses Madman standing behind him.
Madman: Jason Talbot? It has been a long time…
Jason does not appear receptive to Madman. In fact, the look on his face is almost that of annoyance.
Jason: I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.
Madman: Bro! It’s me! Madman! We worked together in TNT, back when I was young and I had hair and shit! Don’t you remember? The Williams Brothers? Nicky Mills?
Jason: I remember Christian and Travis. I remember Nicky. But not you…I would remember someone who looked that stupid. I don’t know you. Now leave me alone before I end your night early.
Madman looks away, sighing with a frustrated grunt. Reaching for the back of his mask, Madman suddenly unmasks in front of Jason, Ariel, and the camera.
Jason: …
Madman, with a five o’ clock shadow on his face and head, looks at Jason without his face covering. A pair of worn scars can be seen: one on the cheek and the other on the forehead. Through his ice blue eyes, Szalinski’s look of joy in seeing Talbor appears almost gone, instead a tired gaze into nothing. He snaps out of it quickly by grinning, seeing Talbot begin to laugh.
Talbot: CUNDIFF!
Madman: Jeremy Frickin’ Cundiff. That’s right…it’s good to see you, man.
Talbot: Wow…what are you doing here, man?
Talbot and Madman are now more casual and relaxed, even fist-tapping.
Madman: Someone mentioned an open battle royal here, CWF said they needed someone to represent them, and I jumped on it. You’ve met Ariel, my wife?
Talbot: Wife? Nice to meet you…
Ariel and Jason shake hands.
Madman: Yeah, I caved in. Got married.
Ariel: You really fought it. Let me tell you.
Madman: It was more of a mutual decision.
Madman and Ariel glance at each other, laughing. Their moment is soon interrupted by a smiling but confident Jason Talbot.
Talbot: Hey, I’m sorry to leave so quick…it’s good seeing you and all, but remember dude…we are opponents tonight. I’ve got a company to represent, too.
Madman: Good. Don’t go easy on me.
Talbot: Believe me, I won’t.
Madman: Good luck, pimp.
Talbot: Yep. You too…
Jason slowly backs away, not uncomfortably but not friendly either. Soon, Madman looks back at Ariel, who is quiet.
Madman: Babe…THAT is why I did this. The business. In a few minutes, he and I are going to be beating the hell out of each other. But I bet you if we walked into the pub tonight, he’d be the first one there to greet us in. I came to make new friends….to possibly meet old ones…to perhaps start something. I don’t know what’s gonna happen tonight. I might not last a minute. I kind of suck at battle royals, to be honest. But I just wanna go out there, do what I do, and hope for the best. Every night I do that, and I usually get something to take home with me that means more than any money or any championship out there…and that’s my story.
Madman is staring out into space, whispering his words a few at a time.
Madman: My story that I tell with my body…my soul…my experiences and my trials…I just wanted to be here. That’s all, babe. I just wanted…to be here.
Madman’s head falls slowly, almost as if he is falling into unconsciousness. Out of nowhere, his eyes open, and as if nothing had happened, he takes Ariel by the hand once again, walking.
Madman: Let’s get going, dear. We got stuff to do…
Ariel: Right.
Madman and Ariel walk off-screen, fading away the picture on the empty concrete wall.
The men lock up a couple of times but neither man can get an advantage. They then both exchange forearms before CJ hits several uppercuts which send Jones out of the ring. CJ then follows up with a diving forearm to Jones on the outside. Both men return to the ring and Osborne hits a suplex followed by an attempted monkey flip which is reversed by Jones. Osborne backs Jones into the corner and hits several shoulder thrusts followed by a face wash but Jones gets back into the contest with a drop toe hold followed by two suplexes. Jones goes for the third but CJ rolls him into a small package for a two count.
When the men get back to their feet, Jones hits another suplex, his third one. Jones then goes for a top rope move and hits a diving shoulder block followed by several knees to the back of the head of CJ. Jones continues to focus his attack on the neck of Osborne and delivers a neckbreaker but CJ fights back with some chops. After receiving three earlier, CJ attempts to suplex Jones out of the ring but it’s reversed and CJ eventually gets bumped out of the ring. Jones then comes off the ropes and hits a perfect Topé con Hilo.
CJ gets to his feet to break the count and goes for a sunset flip off the top rope which Jones avoids by holding onto the referee. He eventually lets go and CJ gets a near fall. Osborne then gets Jones up and launches him into the corner and then delivers a fisherman buster for yet another near fall. Jones gets to his feet and hits an STO but CJ fights back again and gets another two count after an exploding suplex.
Getting frustrated, CJ launches Jones over his head for a belly to back suplex. Osborne climbs to the top rope and gives Jones a big elbow drop. Both men then climb to the top rope and after a struggle, Jones hits a brainbuster followed by the AJ-guri but only gets two. Jones drags Osborne to his feet but gets a near fall with a bridging T-Bone suplex. Osborne goes for another top rope move but is cut off by Jones who then hits a boot into the gut and then nails the Time to Burn (The Shellshock) for a pinfall victory!
Your winner, Alex Jones!
It was a good return to the ring for CJ Osborne, although he’ll be disappointed with the result. We’re just glad to see him back. And Alex Jones picks up his replica GFC World Championship and leaves while raising it high above his head. How long can he go around with that thing before management have words?
Right, it’s time! Time for the jewel in tonights crown, the Open House Battle Royal. Last time we held an Open House it was a series of singles matches, but this time Matt Montell has pulled out all the stops and has put together a list of twenty names for this one match! And to the winner? £10k in cash and a guaranteed shot at the GFC World Heavyweight Championship!
Open House Battle Royal
This match is an over the top rope elimination match, once both feet hit the floor you are OUT. We start with four men, with one more contestant coming down every sixty seconds. Once we get down to the last 2 the focus switches and pinfalls and submissions come into play. I like to think that this makes this match something special.
So which poor souls were unlucky enough to draw the first four spots in this match? First up was CJ Osborne, which is doubly unlucky for a man who’s already had a match here in Croydon! Second was former MWA star Travis Eagle, Reborn Wrestling’s Troy Gafgen is three and the fourth and final starter was FRONTIER’s Christopher Moore.
Entrant #1: CJ Osborne
Entrant #2: Travis Eagle
Entrant #3: Troy Gafgen
Entrant #4: Christopher Moore
Needless to say all hell broke loose when the bell sounded for the match to start. The four men brawled all over the ring until Gafgen began to take control, almost eliminating Travis Eagle by tossing him over the rope, but Eagle held on and slides back in under the bottom rope. CJ Osborne does the exact same thing with Moore, who almost falls off the ring apron before sliding back in. Before we know it the first sixty seconds is up and it’s time for entrant number five…
Entrant #5: Chandler Scott
The FGA man, who says he’s not here on FGA duty, clotheslines Osborne, and then Moore. He boots Gafgen, suplexing him hard. Travis Eagle charges him, Scott dodges and connects with a dropkick that sends Eagle over the top rope!
Travis Eagle has been eliminated! (total time – 2:17)
And it’s the Harvard Connection man who takes first blood in this one as he eliminates Eagle. He turns his attentions to Christopher Moore while CJ Osborne and Troy Gafgen are locked up in the corner. Osborne tries to DDT Gafgen, but Troy blocks the move and reverses it into a Northern Lights Suplex!
Entrant #6: Angelica Jones
And with that, GDW’s Angelica Jones enters the fray. She’s wise enough to sit back and watch the action as the other four men are battling between themselves. CJ Osborne is fighting back against Gafgen, he has him against the ropes and is trying to lift him over the top. Gafgen connects with elbows, keeping himself in the match. Osborne pulls Gafgen off the ropes and takes him down with a short-arm clothesline. Osborne then pulls him up, hoists him into the air and drops him over the top rope!
Troy Gafgen has been eliminated! (total time – 4:00)
Entrant #7: Kenta Yamashita
And just as Gafgen leaves, Yamashita arrives! And Angelica Jones finally gets herself involved in the match as she attacks Kenta, while CJ gets involved with Chandler Scott and Christopher Moore. The three trade blows and Moore falls against the ropes. CJ connects with a clothesline on Scott, who pops right back up and tries to clothesline CJ… but CJ ducks… and Chandler Scott connects on Christopher Moore instead, sending him over the top!
Christopher Moore has been eliminated! (total time – 4:29)
Scott shrugs, CJ grabs him from behind and tries to toss him over too, but Scott holds on and climbs back into the ring.
Entrant #8: Ryan Tyler
Another former MWA star in now, and Tyler helps out Kenta Yamashita as they try to push Angelica Jones over the top, but she’s got her legs wrapped around the ropes in the corner and isn’t going anywhere. Scott and Osborne are trading blows, both beginning to tire slightly and taking their time between swings. CJ connects with a European Uppercut, Chandler strikes back with a dropkick to the knee.
Entrant #9: Alex Jones
Massive cheer as the former GFC Champion enters the fray. I say former, he considers himself to be the rightful Champion after that non-title win over Gabe Gambino two weeks ago. Jones heads straight to the corner where Yamashita and Tyler are battling his namesake, Angelica Jones. AJ grabs Tyler, boot to the gut, TIME TO BURN (Shellshock)!! He’s fired up still from his earlier win and quickly tosses Ryan out of the match!
Ryan Tyler has been eliminated! (total time – 1:21)
Alex turns his attentions to Yamashita as he helps Angelica Jones try to get him over the top rope, but the big Japanese star is holding firm with an arm over the rope. CJ Osborne and Chandler Scott are still brawling on the other side of the ring and after a moment Alex Jones ditches helping Angelica Jones to go attack Chandler Scott instead.
Entrant #10: August Joyce
And “The People’s Choice” August Joyce makes a surprise return to Pro-Wrestling FRONTIER! And the first thing he does is attack Angelica Jones, helping his old buddy Kenta Yamashita. The two double-suplex Jones, although she strikes back with a dropkick on both men. On the other side of the ring Alex Jones has the upper hand over Chandler Scott, while CJ Osborne is taking the opportunity to catch a breather.
Entrant #11: Jay Pride
Great reaction for Jay Pride, who heads straight for CJ Osborne and clotheslines him over the top, but CJ hangs on and rolls back in. Scott has regained advantage over Alex Jones with a big lariat and a DDT while Angelica Jones has Kenta Yamashita in a dangerous position, half over the ropes! Jay Pride spots this and goes to help, having a bone to pick with Yamashita’s behaviour earlier in the evening. Pride actually pulls Jones away from Kenta and pushes her to the ground. He pulls Kenta back into the ring! And slaps him as hard as he can! Pride then connects with a spinning side kick that sends Yamashita over the top!
Kenta Yamashita has been eliminated! (total time – 4:58)
Entrant #12: Jason Talbot
Talbot enters the fray alongside Chandler Scott, Alex Jones, Angelica Jones, CJ Osborne, Jay Pride and August Joyce. All of them stop for a second and look around, like they realise they’re not getting anywhere in their respective mini-battles and decide to switch things up a little. Joyce and Talbot hook up while Jones battles Jones. Chandler gets attacked by Jay Pride and once again CJ Osborne manages to catch his breath. Considering his earlier defeat at the hands of Alex Jones that’s not bad strategy if he wants to last in this one.
Entrant #13: Madman Szalinski
Now this is interesting, a man competing for free and waiving his right to any prize… should he win here tonight. What makes a man do that? Szalinski heads straight for his old pal Jason Talbot and helps him out with August Joyce, although even together they can’t get the Canadian star over the ropes. Alex Jones and Angelica Jones are brawling still, CJ Osborne spotting an opportunity to send them both over the top… but both hang on and get to their feet on the ring apron. Osborne tries to dropkick them both off, but again they hang on. Jay Pride takes down Chandler Scott with a side suplex and puts some boots in as he tries to wear him down a little.
Entrant #14: Adam Stryker
Next in is Stryker, from PWX and hailed as a Loose Cannon. In fact before the show Stryker told me he was considering taking more bookings with FRONTIER, so we may well see more of him after tonight. His first action tonight was to go straight for Chandler Scott and Jay Pride, taking both down with clotheslines and dropkicks. August Joyce looks in trouble as Szalinski and Talbot have him on the ring apron. The two old friends talk to each other, as if deciding who should eliminate him!
Entrant #15: Tim Worthington
Massive cheer for the MWA Hall of Famer and British legend, not to mention tag-team partner of August Joyce! He runs to help his friend, but it’s too late as a big elbow from Madman sends Joyce crashing out.
August Joyce has been eliminated (total time – 5:03)
Szalinski appears to say “I’ll take this one too” to Talbot as Worthington slides in and charges him. Madman grabs Worthington and uses his momentum to send him flying out of the ring on the other side!
Tim Worthington has been eliminated (total time – 0:03)
Unbelievably quick elimination from Madman Szalinski, his second of the night! Meanwhile Stryker is now getting a beat down from Chandler Scott and Jay Pride, despite having the two men rocked for a moment. And CJ is now helping Alex Jones against Angelica Jones? My how quickly allegiances change in these types of match! Szalinski and Talbot weigh in on the Jones/Jones/Osborne battle and turn allegiances again. Now we have CJ and Talbot battling Jones & Jones, while Madman seems to orchestrate it all!
Entrant #16: Lito Kruz
The blue-haired bastard of the MWA has arrived in FRONTIER! Suddenly Talbot and Osborne break away from the Jones’, leaving them to battle Szalinski, as they cut off Lito. Kruz takes a pounding from his former colleagues, but soon strikes back with big right hands and atomic drops. Kruz is stopped in his tracks by Chandler Scott, flying off the ropes with a massive lariat. And once again all hell breaks loose in a massive brawl.
Entrant #17: Laurel Anne Hardy
Hardy jogs to the ring, looking a little tired after having flown back from an FGA show just hours ago. But there was no way she was missing this opportunity, which is her official FRONTIER in-ring debut to boot. She leaps over the ropes… or off them to be more precise… as she takes out a crowd of people with a springboard crossbody! She celebrates with the fans while the other stars are getting back to their feet. She uses her speed and small frame to evade attacks from various people, connecting with dropkicks on the butt of Chandler Scott and the knee of CJ Osborne. No-one seems to be able to catch her!
Entrant #18: Evangelista
And to make matters worse for everyone else, here comes Laurel’s tag-team partner! She slides into the ring and high-fives Laurel, as well as Jay Pride. The three stand tall together, as everyone else looks at them. They all realise that these three friends and team-mates represent one hell of a threat. If they work well together they could dominate this match… unless everyone else gangs up on them that is. And that’s exactly what six of the other eight people in the match do, they all go for Pride, Leanne and Laurel. The two that don’t? That’ll be Jason Talbot who catches Lito Kruz by surprise with a big elbow… and a Superkick that sends him flying out!
Lito Kruz has been eliminated! (total time – 2:48)
Talbot now joins in the mass brawl, but Pride, Evangelista and Hardy work well together and seem to be holding their own. That is until an AJ-Guri takes out Evangelista!
Evangelista has been eliminated! (total time – 1:00)
Entrant #19: Jimmy Riley
Well a significantly jetlagged Evangelista will still feel disappointed with that one, but so many people were going for her that it was almost inevitable. And now we throw Jimmy Riley from EXODUS into the mix! Jay Pride and Laurel Anne Hardy are still fighting together, backs to the ropes and fending off the advances of Alex Jones, Chandler Scott and Adam Stryker. Riley manages to slide in behind Hardy, un-noticed, and simply tosses her out of the ring!
Laurel Anne Hardy has been eliminated! (total time – 2:10)
Another mass brawl ensues as Scott, Talbot, Osborne and co welcome Riley to the match. Stryker turns his attentions to CJ Osborne, who is pulled away from the crowd and beaten into a corner. Osborne gets a boot up as Stryker charges, and follows up with a charging knee. But Stryker fights back with a shot to the gut and he manages to get CJ up onto the ropes in the corner, with the former GFC Champion laying prone on the turnbuckle. Stryker steps back before charging in and dropkicking Osborne, sending him crashing to the ring apron… where he holds on! But a baseball slide from Stryker seals his fate!
CJ Osborne has been eliminated! (total time – 16:42)
An impressive run comes to an end as our number one entrant is out.
Meanwhile Madman Szalinski has backed Angelica Jones into the corner and yells “READY!” He takes a step or two back and gets down in a three-point stance, yelling out “DOWN!” He rushes in, and starts firing off rapid fire elbow strikes, each time going out “HUT! HUT! HUT! HUT!” The crowd joining in. Jason Talbot spots an opportunity to eliminate his old friend, charging in with a lariat, but Szalinski ducks it pulls down the top rope, Talbot slips over the top and to the floor!
Jason Talbot has been eliminated! (total time – 7:51)
Madman shrugs as he looks down at Talbot, who is shaking his head.
Entrant #20: Pat Gordon Jnr.
And the final entrant is the FGA’s Pat Gordon Jnr, the man who supposedly was supposed to sign with us… that decision causing the whole FRONTIER vs. FGA war that happened at the tail end of 2012. But, he’s here now and looking for a shot at Gambino… just like the other seven people left in this match!
As Gordon begins to trade blows with Angelica Jones, Adam Stryker has been attacked by Alex Jones in the far corner. Stryker fights back, booting Jones in the midsection and taking him down with a gutwrench powerbomb! But Jones nips back up into a huricanranna, and Stryker stumbles over the top!
Adam Stryker has been eliminated! (total time – 7:16)
Great comeback from Alex Jones, what a move. Alex namesake, Angelica, is embroiled in a bitter trade of blows with Jimmy Riley while Pat Gordon Jr and Jay Pride are tearing it up on the other side of the ring. Angelica has Riley in the corner, stepping back and preparing to charge. But she steps back into a clothesline to the back of the head from Chandler Scott! Scott picks her up and throws her over the top rope!
Angelica Jones has been eliminated! (total time – 16:53)
GDW’s Angelica Jones caught by surprise there, and that ends the second longest time in this match… ironically the only person who’s been in there longer than Angelica is Chandler Scott himself!
Riley is still in the corner and Pat Gordon spots an opportunity. He leaves Jay Pride tied up in the ropes to go beat up on Jimmy Riley, hoping to eliminate him. They brawl for a while and Gordon whips Riley into the ropes, but Riley charges back with a lariat! Riley pulls Gordon up, connects with some big punches and kicks to the mid-section, pushing the Southie Scrapper back into the ropes. He steps back and charges with a clothesline, sending Pat over the top rope. But Riley goes over too…. But he doesnsn’t grab the rope like Gordon did!
Jimmy Riley has been eliminated! (total time – 4:29)
That’s experience for you, Pat Gordon saves himself there. But before he can haul himself back into the ring he’s met by a charging shoulder from Jay Pride through the ropes! Gordon lets the rope slip from his grasp and he falls to the floor, as does Pride. Although as Pride went between the middle and top ropes he’s not eliminated!
Pat Gordon Jnr. has been eliminated! (total time – 6:47)
And we’re down to the final four! It’s FRONTIER’s Jay Pride and Alex Jones as well as the visitors of Chandler Scott and Madman Szalinski, who have been trading blows for the past few minutes. And all that time Alex Jones has been regaining his breath.
Szalinski stops Chandler before he hits him with a right hook, pointing out that it’s two FRONTIER guys and two non-FRONTIER guys. Scott nods and turns to stand by Szalinski’s side. Pride slides back into the ring and he does the same with Alex Jones. The four men stand opposite each other and bark insults at one another for a few seconds.
And then Jones hits Pride with a backhand and tries for the AJ-guri, but Pride ducks. Pride nails a big elbow to Jones, lifts him up into the Canadian rack and then tosses him over the top, sticking a knee through the ropes for Jones to fall onto… that’s the “Before a Fall”.
Alex Jones has been eliminated! (total time – 15:27)
While Jones is still falling Madman Szalinski runs up behind Pride and pushes him over the top!
Jay Pride has been eliminated! (total time – 14:02)
And all of a sudden FRONTIER has no-one left in this match! It comes down to the CWF star Madman Szalinski and FGA’s Chandler Scott. The two stare at each other for a good long minute, circling each other. Jenni Starr gets on the microphone to remind us all that as we’re down to the final two men it’s pinfalls and submissions that will now ultimately end this contest.
Chandler charges first, getting a knee up into the gut of Madman. Textbook dropkick sends his opponent down and he’s quick to follow up with a jumping elbow drop, but only gets a two from the resultant pin attempt. He pulls Szalinski to his feet… Harvard Hammer (Polish Hammer)? No, Madman avoids it and scoops up Scott in the process… Scoopstone (Scoop slam into Tombstone)? No Chandler slides out of the scoop and grabs Szalinski from behind. Pumphandle Drop!
Scott sits Madman up on the turnbuckle, looking for some kind of superplex maybe? Szalinski fights him off, headbutting him down to the canvas. Madman stands up, on the top rope… X-BUSTER (Shooting Star Senton)!!! He lands hard on Scott… looks like he landed head first? Either way it was one hell of a collision… and he covers…
1…
2…
3!!!
Your winner, Madman Szalinksi!
What a finish to that amazing match! Szalinski wins it having been in there for 17 mins and 25 seconds, while runner-up Chandler Scott was in there for a mammoth 25:25, the longest time tonight! Fantastic final few minutes there, after a hell of a battle to get to that stage!
But what now? Madman stated before, and earlier tonight, that he doesn’t want the cash prize or the shot at Gambino! So who gets that now? Chandler Scott? We need clarification from Matt Montell on this one. And I have a feeling we’ll be waiting until 10th February, our next show, at the Cardiff Arena. So make sure you get your tickets for that event now!
Szalinski celebrated wildly while Chandler slinked away, head held high in defeat. But once the dust settled the crowd soon realised we weren’t quite done yet. Let me leave you with one final video…
— VIDEO —
Despite not being scheduled for a match this evening we are about to be graced with the presence of the GFC World Heavyweight Champion, Gabriel Gambino. Linkin Park’s “Papercut” (instrumental) plays over the PA system as the crowd in attendance welcomes the Champ with a chorus of loud boos. A different look from Gabriel here tonight as he sheds the usual wrestling trunks and t-shirt combination in favor of a sharp pair of black dress pants, a gray button down shirt with white cuffs and collar, and a pair of black dress shoe, the GFC title slung over his right shoulder. The Champ is looking sharp indeed as he enters the ring via the second rope, grabbing a microphone on his way in. The chorus of boos haven’t quieted in the least, Gabriel being cut off twice before he begins to speak by a ‘Who Are Ya’ chant.]
Gabe: Who am I? [He scoffs.] WHO AM I? I’m the GFC World Heavyweight Champion! The longest reigning GFC champion in FRONTIER history. I’m the best wrestler on the planet! That’s who I am! Maybe the question you should be asking is who are you mooks? What are you other than a pack of drunk, jealous limeys! [More boos, louder now.] That’s right, I said it. You’re all a bunch of DRUNK and JEALOUS Brit losers! You’re jealous of me, jealous of my greatness, jealous of my title, jealous of me being the best wrestler on this planet. And you show your jealousy by booing me… By booing the best wrestler in this company!
You know, it’s funny actually. It’s funny that I used to care so much about what you mooks thought of me… Of what the mooks in the back thought of me… Of what Hanna Fox thought of me. I used to come out here night after night after night and bust my ass to put on the best possible show for each and every one of you sitting in the stands. I thought you deserved to see something special. I thought you deserved it, and I gave it to you, to all of you, out of respect… Out of my RESPECT for you. Yet did you even care to show me even an ounce of that in return… An ounce of respect in return? No. Hell no. You didn’t respect me then, and you sure as hell don’t respect me now. Yet, you’d give that no good, overrated, whiny mook Kevin Hardaway… [At the mention of KHard’s name, the crowd erupts into cheers.] Exactly my point. You cheer and cheer and cheer for that mook, and what has he done for you lately? What has he done for you EVER? The short and long answer to that is NOTHING. Well, I suppose you could count him getting fired, but other than that…
[Gabe chuckles, the crowd beginning an ‘Asshole’ chant directed at him.]
Gabe: Yeah that’s right… I’M the asshole. Give me a break. Kevin Hardaway couldn’t hold a candle to me… And I proved that by beating him three consecutive times. Yet, Kevin is held so near and dear to all of your hearts, and for what? For being the guy who just couldn’t get it done against me? [He chuckles, again.] Lucky for all of us Mr. Montell smartened up and kicked that piece of garbage to the curb before he could stink up the place any longer. And good riddance. But, this place still needs a lot of cleaning up. I mean, we still employ that low-life CJ Osborne after all. I’m sure the esteemed Mr. Montell will soon enough show that mook the door as well.
And before I go any further, let me address lady luck herself Alex Jones. It has come to my attention that lady luck has begun calling herself the real GFC World champion. Hmm… That’s odd to me considering I hold the REAL GFC World title right HERE. [He holds the belt up for all to see.] AJ… One fluke win… Yes, I said FLUKE win… One fluke win doesn’t make you shit except for lucky. LUCKY. But, don’t let me rain on your parade. You continue on parading around like you mean something and I’ll continue being the best wrestler in this company.
The lack of talent in this place is downright disturbing, to be quite honest. The fact the Battle Royal final two don’t frickin’ work here says it all. Here I sit, your GFC World champion for over four months, with no real competition. I’ve beaten everyone there is no beat in this company. I’ve carried this company on my back… on my BACK… Since I came here last February. And for what? To be booed… To be disrespected… By people who couldn’t see talent if it came up and punched them square in their noses. I’m the BEST WRESTLER ON THE PLANET. And I get no respect…
[Just then, Gabe is interrupted by a faint and sombre piano piece. Violins slowly come in and play a swirling haunting rhythm with a Brass section accompanying it. The crowd are speechless and blue and silver flashlights circle around the crowd. Guitar kicks in as the Silver Eagle emblem burns white hot on the tron as the crowd pops to the image of Andreas Lasiewicz, clad in a sharp black pinstripe suit and ghost white shirt. He pauses at the top of the ramp, dark aviators perched on the end of his nose and his charcoal mane slicked back. Barbarian Horns fire up as Hans Zimmer’s ‘Time’, the hallowing classical masterpiece kicks into full gear. Andreas circles the ring, his glare never breaking from Gabe Gambino as the thundering roar of the orchestra drops down to a quiet, peaceful piano piece. Andreas grabs a microphone from ringside, as the crowd chants his name, willing him to confront the World Heavyweight Champion. Gabe looks incensed at being interrupted by the ‘Silver Eagle’ Andreas Lasiewicz. He stares Lasiewicz down as he enters the ring, looking ready for a fight.]
Gabe: Not now Lasie… Don’t you dare come down here and disrespect me like these people disrespect me. Don’t you dare come down and disrespect the champ.
Lasiewicz: Now, now, now Gabriel. Now that is no way to greet such an ‘old friend’ now is it?
[Andreas sharply pokes Gabe in the shoulder, forcing him back a step.]
Lasiewicz: It sure looks like some things haven’t changed since I was last here. I mean every time I’ve managed to catch FRONTIER all I am hearing is the same old repetitive bullshit over and over again. And to be honest with you Gabe. I am disappointed. I’m disappointed with all this whining. All this crying.
[Lasiewicz prods Gabe back another step, Gambino obviously getting ticked off.]
Lasiewicz: I’m disappointed in the constant complaining, the bitching, the moaning…
[Andreas pushes Gabe away, this time much more violently.]
Lasiewicz: And most of all Gabriel… Most of all… I am sick to death of all the disrespect the pair of us are receiving here in this backwater promotion!
[The crowd realise what is going on and start to boo relentlessly as Gabe and Lasiewicz shake hands and begin laughing amongst themselves.]
Lasiewicz: Are you serious? You really thought that the two of us were going to fight? You thought I flew half way across the world to pick a fight with one of my best friends? With YOUR World Heavyweight Champion? You are truly clueless, you British wrestling fans always have been. From day one when I walked into this company representing GDW in the GFC Invitational, I was booed. And why? Because I was a success? I am a multi time Hall of Famer, a multi time Grand Slam Champion and a NINE time World Heavyweight Champion. I came to FRONTIER to defend GDW’s honor against the venomous words of Jason Talbot, I school him how a REAL wrestler handles himself and you STILL have the gall to boo me? Pure jealousy!
I mean, come on. In this ring now you have two proud and successful European wrestlers, yet the British wrestling public decides to get behind the likes of CJ Osborne? The man fluked one win over Steve Pinex and now claims to be the ‘Wise Old Sage’ of wrestling, as if he has done it all. You have done nothing boy. The only reason you are still getting booked is because your damn wife works for the company. And Kevin Hardaway? The man couldn’t buy a victory if he was throwing fifty pound notes at it. Firing K-Hard was the best thing that could have ever happened to this company! And as for Ben Hanson, your supposed GFC Invitational Winner… What has he done since the referee SCREWED me out of that semi-final match? Nothing but hide away in his closet at home.
I came here to FRONTIER and dominated the competition. Jack Owyns in FGA? The Farmboy? You put me against him in a MID CARD match when I should have been main eventing! And I walked all over him, and STILL you wouldn’t give me any recognition. Bushido? Your GFC Award winner? How in God’s holy name did he win that? I’m still wiping his remains from my boot, and yet you delusional, bastards out here didn’t even give me a nomination! It would seem both myself, and Gabriel here are beloved and respected in every country in the world except for here. And hell, my mother was English and yet you STILL prefer to cheer everyone but your own.
[The booing is hailing down now. Gambino is lapping it up as Lasiewicz intensely continues.]
Lasiewicz: The fact is, until there is serious change within FRONTIER, this company isn’t going to climb out of the gutter and be a success. This company will either die a slow painful death at the hands of mediocrity or be stuck in dingy little shithole ‘arenas’ like this. Croydon? Who the fuck runs an event in Croydon? You stick people like CJ Osborne and Alex Jones on the poster and you barely sell five hundred tickets, in fact most of them were given away to passing tramps if this crowd is any evidence. And as for me and Gabe? We’ve sold out places like Wembley Stadium. We’ve sold out The Egg Dome in Tokyo. We’ve sold out Madison Square Garden. And until FRONTIER receives that change, it will NEVER be a success like GDW. It will never be a success like the MWA. And guess what? That change is here. That change is now. And that change is gonna taste oh so good…
[The fans are on their feet hurling insults at the pair in the ring, yet they merely laugh it off.]
Lasiewicz: In this industry there are so many self-proclaimed Kings, self-proclaimed Royalty. But to be honest, we aint like that. With all our accomplishments, with all our success, with all of our skills… We are more like The Godfather’s of Professional Wrestling.
Gabe: [Interupts] Whoa, whoa Andreas… Like? We ARE The Godfather’s of Professional Wrestling!
[Lasiewicz bares a sly Cheshire Cat grin and nods his head in Gambino’s direction.]
Lasiewicz: You heard YOUR Champion. “The Polish Spirit” Andreas Lasiewicz and “The Conqueror” Gabriel Gambino… The Godfather’s of Professional Wrestling. You wanted change? Well here is an offer you simply cannot refuse…
Gabe: You people wanted a revolution? You ain’t seen nothing yet. Kevin Hardaway and Aaron Arcadian thought they were the revolution? They couldn’t spell revolution between the two of them… WE ARE the REVOLUTION! WE are the greatest pair of wrestlers this business has ever seen, dead OR alive. WE ARE the Godfathers of Professional Wrestling. And this business has never… NEVER… seen a force quite like the two of us. You people wanted a revolution… Here… We… ARE!
[Gabe and Lasiewicz smirk at each other as the crowd begins throwing assorted garbage into the ring.]
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