Post by Dave on Nov 21, 2021 23:08:08 GMT -5
EPISODE #1
LOCATION: United Center - Chicago, Illinois
DATE: November 14, 2021
ATTENDANCE: 15,475 [17,500 Capacity]
Alison James: Welcome to the first-ever broadcast of BWF’s new flagship program, Sunday Night Shockwave! I’m Alison James…
Liam Stewart: …I’m Liam Stewart, and Ali, Sundays are for WRESTLING - and that’s exactly what these fine folks are gonna get tonight!
Alison James: You’re right about that, Liam. We’ve got a handful of stellar matches, plus the return of E-Phoen TV, where Emily Corlen will get an interview with the NEW BWF World Champion, Johnny Maverick, in addition to the woman who made her shocking return at the culmination of our most recent pay-per-view spectacular, the last person to hold that title before BWF’s hiatus, Stutterfly!
Liam Stewart: I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I am HERE. FOR. IT. And not just because it’s my job! HA!
Backstage, we see Kurt Hullum wearing his classic “Kurt Wins, The World Spins, It’s Science” t-shirt.
Kurt Hullum: So here we are, Blazenwing Wrestling Federation, the place I made my debut six years ago. For those of you who may be new to BWF, let me give you a history lesson. Some people might tell you that BWF started in 2003, and that’s simply not true. BWF started in 2015 when Kurt Hullum kicked the door in, beating up people like Danny Hall. See, anything before then is irrelevant. Then, Kurt Hullum defeated Fenryr Wulffson to become the Sovereign Champion. Kurt Hullum then won Money in the Bank, and what happens next is truly a classic moment. Kurt Hullum cashed in Money in the Bank on F.M. Young, ending her BWF World Title reign at 5 minutes in the greatest moment in BWF history. Kurt Hullum went on to be the longest reigning BWF Champion in history, and the greatest BWF World Champion of all time. Then nothing really happened after that until now, because Kurt Hullum is back. And rather than hand Kurt Hullum the BWF World Championship, which he never lost by the way, they make him compete for it. And if for whatever reason you didn’t see Ghouls, Ghosts, and Gutbusters, Kurt Hullum didn’t get pinned. And even if he was, as Liam Stewart said, he would’ve kicked out probably. So as far as I’m concerned, Kurt Hullum is still in the World Title picture.
Kurt Hullum: So that all leads to tonight, where I have to team with…
Kurt looks at his hand.
Kurt Hullum: …Nessa Wall? Eh. Whatever. As long as ol’ Nessie understands her place in the World of Kurt, we’ll do just fine against…
Kurt looks at his other hand.
Kurt Hullum: Eggs, bread, mi… wait, wrong list.
Kurt pulls a piece of paper from his trunks.
Kurt Hullum: Ah, Helena Handbasket and Logan Bailey. Yeah, should be an easy win. Just remember, when you step into that ring against Kurt Hullum, you’re not in a ring. You’re in the World of Kurt, and you’re gonna succumb to a Natural Disaster that is one of my finishers. Or I guess one of Nessie’s, whatever. After we beat you tonight, I’ve got my eyes on that title that I never lost. Johnny, keep it warm for me.
Kurt steps off frame.
MATCH TYPE: Singles [1 vs. 1]
STIPULATION: N/A
PARTICIPANTS: Aislin Finn (0-1-0), Austin Darcy (0-1-0)
ASSIGNED OFFICIAL: Theo Martin
COUNTOUTS: No
DISQUALIFICATIONS: No
MATCH FINISH: Austin dominated for most of the match, but ultimately, his interest in seemingly wanting to punish Aislin instead of put her away may have cost him. After countering his Stunner, Aislin hit Austin with the Crann Tabhaill (Springboard Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick). As Austin used the ropes to pull himself to his feet, Aislin tangled him into them, then used the Bogha (Rope Assisted Killswitch) in order to put Austin away and score the victory.
WINNER: Aislin Finn (1-1-0) [via Pinfall]
TIME ELAPSED: 7 Minutes, 19 Seconds
POST-MATCH COMMENTARY: “Wow! I genuinely believed this one to be over for Aislin Finn, but the Irish native put Austin Darcy away with an incredibly impressive maneuver! She’s going to be one to watch going forward, for certain.” - Alison James
“And hopefully, Austin has learned his lesson; predators don’t play with their food!” - Liam Stewart
Prior to her match, Minka Carter is seen backstage. There is a very angry and completely unamused look in her eyes and there is no question that this is because of what had taken place in BWF’s first show back from its hiatus. She is doing everything that she can to keep her cool, but for someone with as volatile a temper that she has, this is typically hard for her to do and most likely, this is going to be no different. She does take a couple of deep breaths to calm herself as much as she can before she begins to express her thoughts.
Minka Carter: I came here to the Blazenwing Wrestling Federation to have a different experience. Now, before I get to that, maybe this would be the time to deliver a proper introduction, don’t you think? My name is Minka Carter. I’ve won some championships in my time. I’ve been a champion in places like XWA… where by the way I won their Lord of the Ring tournament in 2019… I’ve been a champion for nearly NINE MONTHS in 5BW. And yet, I’ve never actually WON the big one. I’ve never BEEN a World Champion. I came here to change that and needless to say, after the return show, I am FURIOUS! I KNOW I AM BETTER THAN THAT! It’s not like I fell JUST SHORT of winning that world title. I didn’t come close… and it PISSES ME OFF! I am so sick and so tired of being one of the best wrestlers in the world that has yet to win a world championship. Seriously! I’m 27 years old now! I’m about to celebrate five years on the mainstream stage in just a couple of months and I STILL haven’t been a world champion? It SICKENS ME! I came here so things could be DIFFERENT… and yet, things appear to be more of the same…
What do I mean by that, you ask?
I’m talking about being unable to take that next step, that’s what.
I’m talking about falling short against wrestlers that are BENEATH ME!
I’m talking about making headway up the ladder and doing some great things, but never getting to that upper echelon and that main event level. I’ve been pushing, prodding and trying for almost five years now and the fact that the fucking carrot continues to be dangled in front of me to the point where I jsut can’t reach it… my god, you have no idea how it bothers me. I’ve been in wrestling companies where I’ve been disrespected time and time again. I’ve been in wrestling companies where you have the powers that be pick and defend their chosen ones. I’ve been in wrestling companies where the people in charge3 have actually gone out and DECLARED SOMEONE ELSE the “face of the brand”, CLEARLY picking FAVORITES… clearly putting ME down!
I’ve had it!
I have had it with being the stepping stone for someone else’s glory story!
Enough is enough and I am going to change that here. It all starts with YOU, Andi Seraph. You were in that match with me and you didn’t win either. Are you exactly what I want? No. But, you WILL do! I need SOMEONE to take out my frustrations on. I need SOMEONE to suffer. I need SOMEONE to experience a fucking beating from me and my hands to let this company know that I give a shit, that I am one of the hardest working people this company is going to have on its roster and that I am not just some walkover that is going to take up space and be considered one of the jokes of this company.
Hell no!
I didn’t come here to be a joke, Andi.
I am not your BOUNCEBACK WIN! That’s not the way this narrative is going to go. I have been described as a bitter, vengeful soul. You’re damn right I am! I’ve been called someone that is obsessed with being a world champion. Damn straight! But you know what else I’ve been called? I’ve been called one of the most intense, dangerous competitors that you can ever step into the ring with because I have built a reputation on not just winning championships, but derailing the careers and the potentials of others. There is absolutely NO LIMIT to how far I will go with my message. I don’t give a DAMN about your well being, Andi. I don’t give a crap if I snap your neck and end your career tonight. You are my personal passenger pigeon in the sense that, when I am done with you, YOU are going to be the message DELIVERED to the locker room of this company that I am a SERIOUS competitor and a TOP CONTENDER that SHOULD BE… and WILL BE taken seriously!
I’m not a joke, Andi.
I’m not your stepping stone!
Our last match is an ABERRATION, NOT a foreshadowing of what my career is going to be here.
My mission tonight Andi, is to hurt you and send that VERY MESSAGE to that locker room.
BWF… you’ll know how serious I am…
Minka maintains the angry glare on her face as she heads out of the locker room and leaves the scene, giving the cameraman the cue to cut the scene to black.
MATCH TYPE: Singles [1 vs. 1]
STIPULATION: N/A
PARTICIPANTS: Andi Seraph (0-1-0), Minka Carter (0-1-0)
ASSIGNED OFFICIAL: Mark Burch
COUNTOUTS: No
DISQUALIFICATIONS: No
MATCH FINISH: As the commentary team gushes over the combatants in this match, Andi Seraph and Minka Carter put on a wrestling clinic. Both net several near falls over the course of the match, but the turning point comes when Minka locks Andi in the Holy Clutch (Cobra Clutch with a Bodyscissors Applied). Andi makes it to the ropes, but it takes too long, and she struggles to recover after having so much damage done. Minka senses this, whittles Andi down, and when she locks in the Holy Clutch for a second time, Andi struggles, but is unable to make it to the ropes again and is forced to submit.
WINNER: Minka Carter (1-1-0) [via Submission]
TIME ELAPSED: 16 Minutes, 32 Seconds
POST-MATCH COMMENTARY: “And Andi Seraph taps out in what must be a heartbreaking decision for her.” - Liam Stewart
“There is NO shame in giving up, Liam. There will always be another match, another night, but not if your pride leads to injury. It is never an easy decision, I grant you that, but Andi made the right one tonight.” - Alison James
“Word. Props to Minka Carter for a hell of a win, and to BOTH these women for a hell of a match!” - Liam Stewart
Vanessa Page is in her private locker room wearing her wrestling gear and stretching. Marisol Vilaro is drinking a bottle of water sitting on the couch of the locker room. Vanessa finishes up stretching her left quad.
Vanessa Page: It is not surprising I am being showcased on the premiere episode of Sunday Night Shockwave. If David Slayton wants to admit it or not, he knows I bring in the ratings that he so desires to make Shockwave a success. Tonight this silly little jungle girl who still thinks that it is Halloween. Ugh, really?
Marisol Vilaro: It really is a disgrace, V.
Vanessa Page: I know, right? Regardless of how pathetic Joanna is, I'll carry her to a splendid match. Not because of what she brings to the table but because of my superior genetics, wrestling skills, and Marisol’s fantastic training regimen she has for me. I hope for her sake that Joanna realizes this match up is all about me. All about me showing the world my superior wrestling skills and should have BWF championship gold around my waist. Whether it be the Intercontinental or United States championship. While my destiny to stand atop the BWF world one day and it is Joanna’s destiny to be my bitch. See you soon, jungle girl.
Vanessa winks at the camera.
MATCH TYPE: Singles [1 vs. 1]
STIPULATION: N/A
PARTICIPANTS: Vanessa Page (0-1-0), Joanna the Jungle Girl (1-1-0)
ASSIGNED OFFICIAL: Bella Kosiboski
COUNTOUTS: No
DISQUALIFICATIONS: No
MATCH FINISH: On paper, one might look at this match and consider it a foregone conclusion that the stronger competitor of the two, Joanna, would have this match in the bag. However, Vanessa came into this match with one thing Joanna didn’t have; Marisol Vilaro. Vanessa’s manager was active at ringside, coaching her client through the match and, ultimately, helping her win it. As Joanna hit Vanessa with the Hear Me Roar (Tiger Suplex with Pin), Marisol leapt onto the apron, distracting referee Bella Kosiboski. Joanna broke the pin and got involved, yelling at Marisol to get down. She does, and Joanna turns around, frustrated… right into the Alluring (Claymore)! Vanessa covers, scores the three count, and the crowd is beside themselves as they boo the New York native.
WINNER: Vanessa Page (1-1-0) [via Pinfall]
TIME ELAPSED: 11 Minutes, 19 Seconds
POST-MATCH COMMENTARY: “BRILLIANT! Vanessa’s lovely manager is already paying dividends in BWF! If Marisol had been in attendance at Ghouls, Ghosts & Gutbusters, we would absolutely be celebrating Vanessa Page, BWF World Champion right now!” - Liam Stewart
“Certainly some underhanded tactics; however, a win is a win, as they say, and tonight, manager or not, Vanessa Page is your winner. I have to imagine we haven’t seen the last of things between herself and Joanna, though.” - Alison James
MATCH TYPE: Tag Team [2 vs. 2; Tags Required]
STIPULATION: N/A
PARTICIPANTS: Nessa Wall (2-1-0), Kurt Hullum (0-1-0), Helena Handbasket (1-1-0), Logan Bailey (0-1-0)
ASSIGNED OFFICIAL: Jack Stampler
COUNTOUTS: No
DISQUALIFICATIONS: No
MATCH FINISH: Helena and Logan are no strangers to one another, and went into this match determined to prove why they are destined to become the future BWF Tag Team Champions. Nessa and Kurt, meanwhile, seemed determined to one-up each other throughout the match, complete with forceful tags and dirty looks between the two. Despite this, the two former BWF World Champs seemed to be gelling enough to score the win… until a disgruntled Kurt Hullum dropped off the apron as Nessa attempted to tag out. Nessa, furious, verbally laid into Kurt even as he made his way up the ramp, ignoring his partner. With Nessa fully distracted, it was an easy task for Helena to hit her with the Screw U (Spinning Knee Strike) followed by a tag to Logan and a Diving Elbow with theatrics. Logan shouted "GOOD NIGHT, EVERYBODY!", hit the elbow, and covered Nessa for the 1… 2… 3! Kurt watched on the stage and laughed as Helena and Logan celebrated their main event victory.
WINNERS: Helena Handbasket (2-1-0) & Logan Bailey (1-1-0) [via Pinfall]
TIME ELAPSED: 14 Minutes, 55 Seconds
POST-MATCH COMMENTARY: “With friends like Kurt Hullum, who needs enemies?!” - Liam Stewart
“That is your first error, Liam; Kurt and Nessa were never friends. The culmination of this contest merely laid that fact bare for the world to see.” - Alison James
“We’re DEFINITELY going to see some fallout from this one.” - Liam Stewart
As the cameras return from the final commercial break of the evening, Emily Corlen welcomes the crowd to the first edition of E-Phoen TV in nearly a decade! She says there’s no point in making people wait, and introduces the man who finally became BWF World Champion at Ghouls, Ghosts & Gutbusters… Johnny Maverick!
Johnny makes his way out, the big gold belt proudly around his waist. He removes it and holds it up for the world to see, and then makes his way to the ring. He hugs his ex-wife, takes one of the free mics on the table in the ring and explains how 2021 wasn’t the best year for him, World Championship wise. From titles stripped in other organizations, to a recent loss in a title match in BWF’s UWA partner company, Empire Wrestling, he was beginning to struggle with who he was and whether he was capable of competing at the level he needed to be at. He saw Ghouls, Ghosts and Gutbusters as possibly his last chance to prove himself; Emily butts in here to say he had nothing to prove, but Johnny quickly counters with “You know me well enough to know that’s absolutely not true.” Regardless, he went in to G3 knowing he absolutely could not fail, and fail he did not, as he is finally the BWF World Champion! “There’s no CRISIS branding on this one - this belt is the real damn deal, the one I walked into this company a decade ago to hold, and goddamn does it feel good to finally have it!”
At this point, Stutterfly makes her way out to the stage, still carrying the BWF World Title that she won earlier this year at Danger Zone. Entering the ring, she grabs one of the free mics and the music cuts out as she gets right in Johnny’s face, holding her belt up. Johnny does the same. Stutterfly steps back. Johnny, she says, hasn’t really been trying to get the BWF World Title for a decade. He made appearances in 2011, sure, but they were as an AoWF representative, and he was there to cost David Slayton the company, not win the World Title. Johnny grins and comments about how he STILL thinks “Mavok” is a better name for a show than Shockwave. He assures everyone that there’s no bad blood between him and Dave for “shit that happened ten years ago”. Stutterfly cuts him off, fuming that she was “trying to make a point”.
See, Johnny’s true BWF career started just a few years ago. 2014, 2015, somewhere around there. But she made her debut in BWF… in 2005. Her older sister Sarah, as Kirlia Gardevoir, won multiple BWF World Titles here. It was something she always wanted to do herself, but was never given the opportunity. She won the 2006 Gauntlet Run - an event held while BWF was on hiatus, thus she never got a title shot.
(At this point, Emily pipes up, stating that she WAS awarded that shot in 2011, but she offered it to Emily instead. “Yeah, and who left WrestleFest VI with the title? NOT YOU. THAT was a waste.” Loud OOHs from the crowd as Emily steps back, rolling her eyes.)
Stutterfly won the 2011 Happenstance Tournament… and yeah, she got a title shot that time, but by the time she won said tournament, Wade Mason had stepped in to buy BWF and turned it into TGW. Their titles were not of the same lineage as the BWF belts, and so even if she had won then, it wouldn’t have quenched her desire to do exactly what Johnny did. Every time she came within reach of the BWF World Championship, something out of her control would prevent her from achieving her dream. That is, until May 31, 2021. Danger Zone. With Risa Jackson out indefinitely, their main event match was thrown into chaos. Risa’s Money in the Bank briefcase was vacant, and with this development, Stutterfly knew her moment had come. She grabbed that briefcase, she cashed it in that very second on Nessa Wall, and she finally, FINALLY felt her dreams become reality. After sixteen long years, she was the BWF World Champion.
And then, everything fell apart.
Just like that, the paychecks stopped coming. Just like that, the bookings ceased. Without warning, the BWF had once again faded into the ether, and Stutterfly was left, a Captain without a ship. She watched. She waited. Gripping onto the Championship she had spent her whole adult life working towards, her pulse raced as she heard whispers that BWF was on its way back. “Finally, I thought, my time to show the world exactly what kind of World Champion I can be, in the company that molded me into the woman I am today.”
Then came the announcement. All championship titles would be vacated. The BWF was, in effect, pressing the reset button.
Just like that, everything she had worked for, poured her blood, sweat and tears into, it was gone. “I had lost the World Title that meant everything to me, not in a match, not by my own volition, not because I failed to defend it… but because some suit in a boardroom in Milwaukee thought this would be more entertaining for the fans.” The villainous woman pauses, her voice breaking just slightly. But her resolve quickly returns, her eyes growing dark once more.
“As far as I’m concerned, Johnny… you’re the Champion of nothing. You ARE nothing. Until you beat ME, you’re not the real BWF World Champion. I AM. I want you, one on one, at Wreckless on November 28th. You’re a pretender to my throne, and like it or not, the Queen has returned.”
A pause, as Johnny contemplates everything Stutterfly has said. He reflects on the year he’s had; on his own World Title that got stripped from him just a few short months ago. Perhaps she had a point. Perhaps they weren’t so different after all. He eyes Stutterfly up and down, holds the mic up, and quietly clears his throat.
“Dave… you heard the lady. Book the match.”
The Chicago crowd roars in approval as Johnny steps forward, saying something inaudibly to his Wreckless opponent. They exchange words, silent to the viewers, and both hold their respective Championship titles high as “Subtle Hustle” by Clutch begins to ring throughout the arena.
Liam Stewart: Hold onto your butts, ladies and germs… we have a Wreckless main event!
Alison James: Assuming President Slayton approves the match, of course. But considering the reaction this crowd just gave these two, I would be quite surprised if he didn’t.
Liam Stewart: And that’s going to do it for the debut episode of Sunday Night Shockwave! We’ll see you in two weeks, same bat time, same bat channel!
Alison James: That reference is so archaic.
Liam Stewart: Eh, they get it. LIAM OUT!
Alison James: Farewell, all. We’ll see you on the next one.
We see one final shot of Johnny and Stutterfly staring one another down, each holding their World Titles high, ending this week the same as the pay-per-view, as the show fades to the BWF logo, and ultimately, to black.
© United Wrestling Alliance 2021
