FFW Future Shock - Episode 63

[Adam Grant]

Live from the Future Shock Arena in Boston, Massachusetts
July 30, 2019

The FFW logo is shown on the side of a building until someone spray paints the Future Shock symbol over it as engines begin revving in the background. The shot spins around to see a race track with all types of sports cars racing their engines until a redhead in short shorts and a black top drops the green flag! “Confident” by Demi Lovato begins to play as Brianna watches the cars peel out from the starting line. 

It's time for me to take it
I'm the boss right now
Not gonna fake it
Not when you go down
'Cause this is my game
And you better come to play

The shot then cuts to a clip of Gemma Pierce heading to the ring. Mikalya and Melody Stone congratulate their sister, Madyson, after a win in the Garden. Katie Hanley flashes a peace sign to the camera with a smile.  The next shot takes us back to the race as Nora Harris looks into the rearview mirror to see a muscle car driven by Lydia Charisma, who gives her a thumbs up. Another car shows us the Cortez sisters in the front seats, and tossing a few nails out of both windows onto the road behind them. 

I used to hold my freak back
Now I'm letting go
I make my own choice
Bitch, I run this show
So leave the lights on
No, you can't make me behave

We cut to a shot from a nightclub as Cait Flanagan is casting a stare as she sings a song in a short dress. Carys McFarlane charges the ring at high speed in the arena gives her a loud response. Mara Werth cracks her knuckles as she looks across the ring at her opponent. Vivi Robichaud bumps fists with Mars Whimsey before they head towards the camera, and then we’re back to the race. 

What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being
What's wrong with being confident?

Arabella Townshend is seen calling the race with Zack in the booth. The shot changes back to the cars as Alessandra Esposito slams on the gas, and barrels towards the finish line not too far ahead. Gaining speed on her is Sydney Christensen though before the camera spins towards the finish line. There in the winner’s circle is a chuckling Kyle Kilmeade surrounded by Valerie McKinley, Lacey, Stacey Sky, and Elizabeth Lannister. The cars on the track pick up speed towards the finish line before we fade on the Future Shock logo and then inside the arena to a roaring crowd with spotlights moving in all directions over them. 

Zack: Welcome to the Future Shock Arena in Boston, Massachusetts! And we are fresh off one of the biggest nights in this brand’s history. I’m talking about Impact, where the Prospects pitched a shutout against some of FFW’s best and brightest! I’m Zack Hudson, and this is the Hall of Famer twice over Steph Stefano. And tonight, there’s championship implications everywhere!

Steph: Nova titles, Aspire titles, Tag titles oh my!

Zack: In our main event, the Aspire Championship is on the line when Mara Werth defends against the “World Piercer” Gemma Pierce. The last time they met, Mara got the win which gave her the shot she wanted to become the champion. Gemma’s got something to prove to herself. Again. 

Steph: Don’t ever tell Han Solo the odds and don’t tell Gemma Pierce she has something to prove. Can Mara once again take the win? We find out.

Zack: We’re also gonna see a qualifying match to get a shot at becoming the first Nova Champion, Steph. Both Arabella Townshend and Luna Cortez have an opportunity get into what will be a historic triple threat to crown the first Nova Champion. Who do you like here?

Steph: I always appreciate cunning done well, Zack but these days I like who fans clamor for... I *like* Arabella but I *get* Luna.

Zack: For the first time ever, we’re going to see all three Stone sisters joining forces to meet all three members of the Matriarchy. And the prize here is the winning team has a choice to make. Which one wants to chase the Nova title, and which two want to face the Raging Dragons for the #1 contendership to the Future Shock Tag Title?

Steph: I guess that’s sort of for them to all divvy up and decide but they gotta win first.

Zack: I also understand we will have some news about two big upcoming events for the Prospects, including the pool party 2 weeks from tonight as well as the massive Sydney Supershow on August 27th. We already found out the main event for that show, Steph. It’ll be a triple threat for the Future Shock Championship when Tara Cortez defends against Cassandra Steen and Vivi Robichaud.

Steph: Someone is leaving that show with bragging rights for life and a Future Shock title. It’s gonna be a mess though.

Zack: Let’s get the night rolling, and see where it takes us! The world’s most famous “Wildcat Ring Announcer” is ready to go. 




The camera heads up to the ring, and the beaming face of the “Wildcat” is shown. The bell sounds a few times to draw the attention of the crowd before Gaby begins.

Gaby: The opening contest of Future Shock is scheduled for one fall, and the winner will be added to the fatal four way match to crown the first Nova Champion!

The sounds of "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol begins to play as purple strobe lights flash on the darkened stage. A woman starts to rise up from under the stage with her back to the crowd before looking over her shoulder with a smile. 

Last night a little dancer, came dancin' to my door
Last night a little angel, came pumping on my floor
She said come on baby, you got a license for love

The fans give her a very warm response as she bounces down the stage to the music, greeting several fans along ringside and even taking selfies with a couple before rolling under the bottom rope. She shucks off her ring jacket as the lights come up.

Gaby: Introducing from London, England....please welcome....ARABELLA TOWNSHEND!!

Arabella gives Gaby a little hip bump as she passes her, and climbs up onto the turnbuckle to rally the fans as her music fades out.

Zack: Arabella put a check in her win column at Wipeout when she defeated one of her idols in Sydney Christensen. That’s what got her here into this match. She’s earned her spot, and coincidentally the opponent that set that match off was the woman she’s about to face.

Steph: I’m pretty sure Luna takes pride in knowing she set anything off, but Arabella showed us all something that night against Sydney.

Look out, they're closing in on you now
Wake up, or you’ll wake up six feet down
Nobody's got your back in this town
Knock 'em. In the. Teeth. NOW!

The intro to Set It Off's "Killer in the Mirror" starts on the sound system, and lights start blinking in random colors as Luna Cortez walks onto the entrance ramp. She's soon joined by her manager Christian Kincaid, as he stands right beside her to show her off for the crowd. She stops right before the ramp, taking a spin and stopping in a particular pose, winking for the cameras before turning on her heels and running her hands up her slender body and then bringing them above her head, only to then point to the ring... and then wave off the booing audience. Shaking her head, Luna then starts strutting down the entrance ramp, rolling her eyes at the fans in attendance as she makes her way to the ring.

Gaby: And her opponent, escorted to the ring by Christian Kincaid... From Fort Worth, Texas... LUNA CORTEZ!

When Luna climbs into the ring, she makes her way to the ropes facing the hard camera, stepping onto the second rope and sitting on the top rope, her back turned to the hard cam and the audience, as she makes a pose similar to the one she did atop the ramp, winking at the cameras before she waves the crowd off once again and hops back down to the ring, making her way to her corner and sharing some last minute strategy with Christian.

Zack: Of the three, I think Luna may be the more unpredictable triplet, Steph. She seems like, to me, the kind of girl who flies by the seat of her pants. What do you think? 

Steph: I agree but I think she would still say she’s simply ten moves ahead and it only LOOKS that way. Like a season finale of a show on a low rated network.

Referee Ashley Pruitt checks both women for weapons, and calls for the bell to start the match. Arabella immediately gets the crowd behind her, which brings a grin to her face as she heads out for the center. Luna rolls her eyes at the crowd, and ducks her head out of the ring to talk to Christian. Arabella shouts at her to get back into the ring, and Luna finally heads towards her. Luna pointed to Arabella’s elbow pad, telling the referee she thought it had something in it. The Brit let the referee check it again just before Luna went to poke her in the eye. But the newcomer blocked the shot, and fired back with a right hand to the jaw. Three more landed in a row before Arabella scooped her up for an inverted atomic drop. She spun her around, and hit that same move again before Townshend grabbed her head and pulled her into a neckbreaker. 

Zack: I’m glad Arabella didn’t fall for that, and more than repaid the favor with that flurry of offense on Luna. 

Steph: I always like a standard neckbreaker. It’s simple, but effective.

Luna wasn’t down very long though, and the Brit grabbed her head into a  bulldog position. But instead, she ran into the corner and drove her head into the middle turnbuckle. It dropped Cortez to a knee for a moment. But when she got up again, Arabella spun her around and snapped off a vertical suplex. She rolled through to deliver another and one more for the trifecta. A quick kip up to her feet followed before a leaping elbow drop landed into Luna’s chest. 

Zack: A bonanza of rolling vertical suplexes from Arabella, and Luna’s on the backfoot right now. I don’t know what Plan A was, but it might be time to switch out. 

Steph: She should probably go for Plan B--

Cortez started to get up again, but was pulled the rest of the way by her opponent. Townshend began laying in forearms to the side of her head, and then sent her across for the ride. As soon as she rebounded, Arabella popped her up into the air and brought her down into a gutbuster across her knee. It folded the triplet up before she made the cover with a hook of the leg. 

Steph: --Nevermind about Plan B.

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOO!!

Luna kicked out at the two count, and shoved Arabella off her. The Brit climbed back to her feet with a smile on her face, hearing again the crowd showing their support for her. But when she went to grab her opponent, Luna rolled out of the ring. 

Zack: Luna’s taking a timeout here after that gutbuster. If I’m Arabella, I won’t let her stay out there too long. 

It was almost as if she heard Zack. Arabella went to the ropes and ducked through them to grab Luna’s head. But she got surprised with a palm thrust to the throat. It dropped Arabella to her knees in the ring as she held her neck, and Luna started choking across the middle rope from the outside. She quickly hopped back up onto the apron as Arabella’s head hung over the middle rope, and Luna took off down the apron to give her a leg drop that snapped her neck across the rope again. The referee told her to get it back into the ring, and Luna did just that. 

Zack: Luna got the opening she was looking for. I think rolling out of the ring was purely designed to sucker her into chasing her.

Steph: Must have been Plan D, Zack. In any case it looks like now Bella is deep on the defensive.

As the Brit was trying to get up and catch her breath, Luna charged her with a running knee to the side of her head. As soon as she fell to the mat again, the cocky triplet hammered a few forearms into her neck and then sat her up to apply a stump puller. Christian watched from ringside, nodding his approval when Luna glanced up to see him. The referee dropped down to see if Arabella wanted to stop the match. 

Steph: Arabella locked in that single leg inverted crab, and not many places to go as the referee is happy to remind her.

Zack: You’re right about that, but I don’t think Arabella has any designs on stopping the match. She’d LOVE to be included in that Nova Championship match.

Arabella showed no signs that she wanted to stop the match though, and Luna continued to apply the pressure. The British beauty’s face contorted in pain as Luna shouted at her to quit, and that she’d never be Nova Champion. All the trash talking only seemed to spur Arabella on though as she started firing shots into the side of Luna’s head, trying to loosen her grip. It worked pretty well, and sent Luna to a seat on the mat before she grabbed Arabella’s head to quickly apply a dragon sleeper.

Zack: Arabella got herself out of that stump puller, but she went from the frying pan into the fire. Luna’s been picking up some new tricks since last we saw her in the ring.

Steph: It might be attempting to differentiate herself from her sisters I think.

Once more, the referee darted around to see if Arabella wanted to stop the match. And Pruitt got the same answer as before. Luna’s grip looked to be as tight as possible though. She grabbed Arabella’s arm and made a tapping motion for the referee. But Pruitt wasn’t buying it. Cortez was amused though as she continued to try to get more pressure. The referee checked again, still getting a similar response. Luna grabbed her free arm, and continued to make the motion of tapping the mat out of amusement.

Steph: Luna Cortez proving that you’re funny even if you’re the only one laughing at the joke.

Zack: Exactly. I guess as long as she’s having fun, that’s all that matters to her. 

As Arabella’s movements began to slow, she tried to reach out with the other hand. She managed to get her fingertips on the bottom rope, forcing a break. Luna looked over to see it, and gave the referee a “Are  you kidding me?” look before letting the Brit drop to the mat. A few boots landed on her body before Luna pulled Arabella up into the air upside down. She held her there for a couple seconds, and drove her into the mat with a brainbuster before making the cover with a leg hook. 

Steph: BBBBBBRRRAAAIIINNNBUUUSSSTTAAAHHHH--!!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!!

Arabella got her shoulder up in time to the dismay of Luna, who got back to her feet and resumed stomping her body repeatedly. The triplet took off towards the ropes, using the middle for a springboard into a Lionsault. But Arabella brought her knees up, and folded Luna into a ball on the canvas.

Zack: Luna wasn’t expecting that! And Arabella has bought herself a little bit of time here to get her marbles together.

Townshend struggled to get to her feet, and held the back of her neck as she did so. Luna was slower to get up as well. The Brit jerked by the arm towards her, and began firing kneelifts into her body. It dropped Cortez to her knees clutching her ribs just as Arabella backed up a step, and connected with a shining wizard to the back of her head. The fans were getting behind her all over again as she dove on top of Luna for the cover with a hook of the leg. 

Zack: Those wizards don’t get much shinier than that! Townshend is about to book herself into a title match!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!!

Luna got her shoulder up before the three, and Arabella rose back to her feet. She pulled her opponent up with her, scooping her over her shoulders before delivering a snake eyes in the corner. It wobbled the triplet backwards as Arabella ducked under her, and fell backwards with an electric chair drop!

Steph: You cannot see it, IT’S ELECTRIC! BOOGEY-WOOGEY-WOOGEY...

With the crowd getting louder, Arabella pulled Luna to her feet and over her shoulders. With a shout to the crowd that they returned, she delivered a Death Valley driver that spiked Luna onto the mat. The Brit measured her, and delivered an axe kick to the back of her head as she tried to get up again. She leaned down to grab her, only for Luna to surprise her with an inside cradle that the referee dropped to count. 

Zack: Luna looking to steal this right here! 

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THRE-NOPE!!

Arabella kicked out in time, and started raining elbows into the side of Luna’s head. She found her way back to her feet, and plucked Luna’s head between her legs. The crowd knew what she had in mind as Townshend nodded her head. 

Steph: Looks like it might be goodbye Luna...

Townshend scooped her up, and nailed her spinning sitout powerbomb perfectly. The fans came to their feet as she rolled through for the cover. 

Steph: And HELLO BOMBSHELLE!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Pruitt called for the bell to a roar from the crowd. The Brit got to her feet with a beaming smile on her face just before she had her hand raised. 

Gaby: Your winner by pinfall……..ARABELLA TOWNSHEND!!

Zack: How about that?! That’s one of the biggest wins she’s had so far in her career, and maybe the AGE OF ARABELLA isn’t just clever marketing! This may well be the first ever Nova Champion we’re looking at!

Steph: Someone get a spatula to scrape Luna off the mat...

She rolled out under the bottom rope, very proud of herself as she backed up the ramp with her hand raised once more. The fans chanted her name, making the smile bigger before the show cuts elsewhere. 




No Laurie, All Jane

The show cuts backstage to the interview center, and finds Sara with one half of the Laurie Jane Experience, that being Jane Strode. 

Sara: Jane, thanks for coming by to talk with me. I had a couple bits of news to share with you, and since Laurie isn’t around, I guess you can pass it along. But first things first, how did you feel things went in your very first singles match when you faced Nadia Beaulieu of Target Acquired? 

Jane: I’m pretty pleased. Nadia’s very talented, a tough opponent and very skilled that’s for sure, yet I managed to pick up a win over her. Obviously I’m not the finished article and there’s still a lot of room for improvement, things that I could do better - and that was only one match - but things went about as well as they could possibly go. 

Sara: Well you may be excited and interested to know that you and Laurie are going to be quite busy over the next two shows. Not only will you be involved in the pool party in two weeks, but I’ve also been informed that you and she will meet Target Acquired at the annual Sydney Supershow coming up August 27th. 

Jane: Never been to Sydney before and for a supershow… that should be really exciting. Made even more so by the fact that we get a chance to even the score up with Target Acquired. We know there’s been quite a lot of history made in Sydney, hopefully Laurie and I can add our own to that. As for the Pool Party… what girl doesn’t love a party? Sun and Sangria and Swimwear. It sounds like a pretty great day. The sort of day a girl could definitely get used to. Any ideas what is in store for us in Texas?

Sara: After talking with Adam, he’s decided the best way to use a pool party to get you all ready for the tag match is by a game of tug of war. Both teams on each side of a small pool, and well…. you know the rules of the game, I’m sure. 

Jane: We pull, they pull and eventually one of us goes for a little dip in the small pool. Sounds like a good test of strength and, I don’t know, leverage I guess and whoever has the best technique. It’ll certainly be an interesting way to warm up for the tag match. Don’t think I’ve ever done a tug of war before.

Sara: The pool party already has quite a few special guests on hand, so I’m sure you will both have a good time regardless. But I think we can both agree the bigger event is heading to Australia for Future Shock’s annual Sydney Supershow. This will mark your team’s first match on a major Future Shock event, and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how important historically that the Sydney show has been in Future Shock.

Jane: We’re well aware of how big this show is. There’s the PPV’s and then there’s Sydney. It’s a HUGE night; one of the very biggest of Future Shock’s year. It’s a massive honour to be part of it. It really is. It’s nights like Sydney where you can really make an impact - where you can make a massive name for yourself. This year, Laurie and I will do just that. We’ll show that we’re one of the hottest prospect tag teams; that we are one of the most unique teams in wrestling.

Sara: Good luck in Sydney, and also in tug of war in 2 weeks at the pool party. Thanks for talking with me, Jane.

As Sara gives her guest a smile and a handshake, the show cuts elsewhere in the Future Shock Arena. 

[Adam Grant]

As the show comes back from commercial, Gabrielle Crimson is already back in the ring waiting for her cue before she begins. 

Gaby: The following 6 woman tag match is scheduled for one fall. And the winning team will receive a #1 contender shot at the Future Shock Tag Titles and be placed into contention to become the first Nova Champion!

Zack: I’ll tell you what, Steph. That’s a whole lot of stakes on the line for either of these two trios we are about to see. This is also the first time either has teamed up like this. 

Steph: It spells.... So much possible disaster with all of that on the line.

The lights go out...

The first note of music hits the arena, prompting the arena to erupt to boos.

Then, we hear the first words of the song spoken:

This is a journey backed with fear, guilt, and anxiety
This is a journey backed with fear, guilt, and anxiety
This is a journey backed with fear, guilt, and anxiety
This is a journey backed with fear, guilt, and anxiety

As the song begins, and the spotlight is beaming on the stage, where Victoria Havoc & Sienna Danger appear, arms positioned in a flex position with Sienna on her knees and Victoria standing behind her. Then the ladies stop posing and form their hands together in the symbol of a triangle, representing their faction. After Sienna makes it to her feet, the women make their way down the aisle.
 
Gaby: Making their way to the ring, representing The Matriarchy...both standing 6 feet tall and at a total combined weight of 390 pounds…from Melbourne, Australia…Victoria Havoc & Sienna Danger…They…Are…The DOOMSDAY SISTERS!!!!!
 
Once the ladies get to ringside, they climb up to the apron the ring and face the crowd, doing a little trash talking with the fans at ringside. After wiping their feet on the apron, Sienna & Victoria enter the ring and walks over to opposite corners, where they climb up and pose, yelling back at the crowd at every chance. They then go toward the other two opposite corners and does the same thing after climbing up. Then, after coming down, Sienna & Victoria go to their corner of the ring as they wait for their opponents (or for the match to begin).

Zack: Whether you like them or not and most don’t, Sienna and Victoria know how to make a splash. On their first night, they were wrecking shop in the arena during after their match.

Steph: You know Zack, in my day factions used to stand for something. Where’s the nuance? The subtlety? The ladders and lead pipe? The throwing people off a video wall?

As the intro of “Superstar” by 95 TurboSol blares into the arena, generating thunderous reaction from the crowd, a lightshow of blue and white lights ignites the stage area and ramp and flashes continuously across both areas, bearing a striking resemblance of a futuristic spaceship setting. At the same time, smoke emerges from the bottom of the stage and fills the area.

Then, as the song begins, Jacqui Minogue emerges through the smoke and comes down the ramp toward the ring with her arms extended outward and sporting a cocky demeanor.

Gaby: Making her way to the ring, representing The Matriarchy... weighing 140 pounds…from Melbourne, Australia…She is “The Perfect Storm”…JACQUI MINOGUE!!!!!

When she reaches the ringside area, she stands there taking in the atmosphere of the arena as the fans continue to show their reactions. She then climbs up the apron, wipes her feet on the apron, and enters the ring, Jacqui strides towards two opposite ring posts in where she climbs up and extends her arms out and then shortly shows off her trademark triangle hand signal, to represent her faction, all while looking on with a smirk and posing to the crowd with complete confidence. She’s taking in the atmosphere while the crowd reaction continues and the cameras flashing.

After going through her ritual, Jacqui climbs down and makes her way towards the corner to take off her jacket and then readies herself as she waits for her opponent to arrive (or for the match to begin).

Zack: We’ve never seen these three as a group in the ring before tonight, but they’ve certainly got all the motivation with what’s at stake in this massive tag match. 

Steph: It might have been in their best interest to come out as a group but I guess Jacqui wants us to know who is in charge.

The lights go out completely as sisters are doing it for themselves starts to play. A lightning effect of white and blue pyrotechnics erupt, lighting up the stage for a second at a time. In each of the flashes the silhouette of three female figures standing in a line on the stage.

We said, "Sisters are doin' it for themselves"
Standin' on their own two feet
And ringin' on their own bells
We said, "Sisters are doin' it for themselves"

The pyrotechnics finish and as the lights come back up a sound like thunder plays on top of the music track and a puff of smoke comes from the bottom of the stage, still hiding the female figures for a moment. The smoke clears to reveal the three Stone sisters; Melody, Madyson and Mikayla standing hand in hand with their heads raised, looking towards the ceiling.

Now this is a song to celebrate
The conscious liberation of the female state
Mothers, daughters and their daughters too, oh yeah
Woman to woman, we're singin' with you

Gaby: Introducing at this time Melody, Madyson and Mikayla, together they are…...TRINITY!

They unlink their hands and take off to the ring at a run and all jump up onto the apron at the same time. Melody and Madyson stand at a corner each, while Mikayla jumps up to sit on the top rope; all facing out towards the crowd. The two older sisters climb through the ropes while Mikayla stands up on the top rope and then backflips into the ring to land between them with a smirk. The three make their way to the corner and share some hushed words as the music comes to an end.

Zack: It’s hard not to get amped up when that song hits, and the Stone Sisters are one match away from inserting themselves into two title pictures! Who do you think will have better chemistry, Steph? 

Steph: I’m going to go out on a limb here and... I know this might be a shock, but I’m going with the Witch sisters who came out as an actual trio.  Not that anyone should claim the Witch of Wall Street has a bias.

Referee Ashley Pruitt checks all six women before she calls for the bell. The Stone Sisters start hyping up the crowd as Sienna and Victoria step out to the apron. Jacqui props up against the corner as the sisters continue rallying the fans. She finally has enough, and heads towards them as Melody gets into her face. The referee tries to get two of the sisters out of the ring before Melody backs up with her hands up. And while Jacqui is looking at her, Mikayla darts past Minogue and catches her head for a cutter that pops the crowd again. She immediately makes the cover as Pruitt slides into position.

Steph: A PIN ALREADY OFF A CUTTER?!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THRE-NO!!

Jacqui gets her shoulder up as Mikayla kips back to her feet, and takes off towards the ropes. When the brunette makes it back to her feet, she catches a low dropkick to the knee that brings her down again. Mikayla catches her with a running knee to the side of the head that topples her.

Zack: It was almost over THAT FAST! The Stone Sisters damn near won it in record time, and Mikayla’s picking up where she left off!

But the baby of the Stone family didn’t slow down at all. As Minogue was starting to get up, Stone caught her with a running shoulder tackle that sent her backwards into the corner. Several thrusts landed against her body before Mikaya fired her across to the far corner. Jacqui landed chest first against the corner just as Mikayla came in from behind her. She left her feet for a backstabber that flipped her over onto the canvas. Stone got back to her feet, listening to the crowd that was still on their feet. She made the tag to Madyson. Both of them grabbed the top rope on opposite sides until Mikayla slingshotted her over the top rope into a flying clothesline to Jacqui. Madyson moved to the corner, and waved for Jacqui to get up again as she bounced on the balls of her feet!

Zack: The Stone Sisters are as hyped up as I’ve ever seen them, and I think Madyson may be looking to put this thing to bed! I’ve never seen them like this!

Steph: I TOLD YOU MAN! COMING OUT AS A TRIO DOES SOMETHING FOR YOU! IT’S ALL IN THE ENTRANCE!

Jacqui got back to her feet again, and Madyson charged out of the corner with a spear that folded her in half. She rolled through with a hook of both legs as Pruitt dropped to make the count. 

Steph: Trying to put this thing to bed again!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOO!!

Madyson got pulled off the cover by Sienna. The witch hopped to her feet, and started trading blows with her. Sienna was getting the better of the exchange though as Jacqui made it to her corner to tag in Victoria. And with Madyson and Sienna trading shots, Victoria bounced off the near side and mowed the witch down with a lariat. 

Zack: And what was looking like it was going to be a rout by Trinity just got stopped cold right there. I don’t blame Jacqui for wanting a tag either. 

Victoria pulled Madyson back to her feet, and shoved her into the Matriarchy’s corner. The powerhouse began unloading with forearms to her chest and upside her head. She turned around, and leaned against Madyson before stretching out and slamming her body into her. Stone remained stuck in the corner as Victoria did this twice over, then put a boot against her throat in the corner. The referee counted her down to four before she stopped the choke. Havoc backed up a couple steps as Sienna grabbed Madyson’s hair to keep her from moving. Victoria charged in with a back elbow across her jaw, and then made the tag to Sienna. 

Zack: This is a strategy we’ve seen Sienna and Victoria use before, Steph. If they can get you in their corner, they are ruthless and relentless.

Steph: Cutting the ring in half is a good strategy. Mauling your opponent like an animal is apparently even better.

Sienna mouthed off a bit to Madyson before stepping back to deliver a big boot across her jaw, causing her head to snap back for a moment. A couple short knees to the body lifted Stone off her feet in the corner, and Sienna licked her fingertips before clapping a shot across her chest. She rained down two more, causing Madyson’s chest to darken to a deeper red. Meanwhile, Melody and Mikayla were trying to rally the fans again to get behind their sister. Sienna tagged Victoria back in before the two began delivering stomps to Mikayla’s body repeatedly. They drove her down to a seat against the turnbuckles before Havoc tagged Jacqui back into the ring. The smallest member of the Matriarchy did not look happy at all as she hit the far side ropes to come back with a hip check, crushing Stone’s head against the middle turnbuckle. A look of anger on her face, Jacqui started raining down straight right hands to her head in a flurry before the referee made her step back. 

Zack: The Matriarchy are clearly one of the most polished teams I’ve seen in Future Shock! Look at those quick tags in and out, and Jacqui’s in a bad mood right now!

Steph: I dunno Zack. Jacqui Minogue looks like she was in a good mood once in her life and decided it was awful.

As Pruitt admonished her, Victoria and Sienna were choking Madyson as she tried to get up. One choked while the other hammered blows into her head, causing her to collapse back against the turnbuckles again. When the referee turned back, they were standing idly by before they shoved her into Jacqui’s waiting grip before she snapped her down to the mat with a spinebuster into a cover. 

Steph: Big time spinebuster! A grown ass woman spinebuster!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!!

Stone got her shoulder up in time, and Jacqui buried a knee into her back and pulled her head up for a chinlock. The witch’s face showed the pain she was experiencing as Jacqui pulled back on her head to try to drive her knee deeper. 

Zack: Jacqui’s imposing her will on Madyson here, and doing a damn fine job of it. She’s been walloped and worked over in that corner for a while, and now this. 

Her sisters continued rallying the crowd as Jacqui badmouthed Madyson in the hold. The witch started to get up as Jacqui turned it into a standing side headlock. She went to shoot her off into the ropes, but Minogue didn’t budge. She tried to fire her off again, and it worked this time until Jacquie grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her back into the side headlock again. Mikayla and Melody had joined hands in the corner and were saying something with their eyes closed as Jacqui’s boot laces began to untie. 

Steph: .............................What?

Zack: Did they just…. I mean did we see them…. I’m not getting into that.

Jacqui happened to glance down and see it for herself, and went to tie them back up before Madyson delivered a bulldog into her team’s corner. She made the tag to Melody, who stepped through the ropes. Jacqui got her laces fixed but caught a running neckbreaker when she tried to get up. When Minogue tried to get up again, Melody swooped in behind her and applied a cobra clutch. Jacqui immediately tried to pull them towards the ropes, as Stone kept trying to step on her leg to bring her down to the mat. But Minogue was stronger, and managed to make it. When she grabbed the rope with her hand, the referee ordered a break. But Sienna stepped through, and caught her with a big boot to the head. Melody hit the mat as the referee tried to get the interloper out again.

Zack: Melody was looking for a submission there, but I’m not sure that’s a wise strategy in a match like this. There’s way too many people to keep track of for that, I think.

Steph: ...So we’re just going to ignore that Minogue’s boots UNTIED themselves. We’re all... We’re all just gonna keep it moving, huh?

Jacqui got her bearings, and pulled Melody into an exploder suplex that nearly sent her across the ring. The witch tried to get up with the help of the ropes until Jacqui surprised her with a codebreaker. It flipped her over to the mat, and she quickly made the cover with a hook of the outside leg. 

Zack: Jacqui’s got that second wind now, and she may have just thrown cold water on Trinity’s championship aspirations!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!

Melody kicked out in time before the three. Jacqui got back to her feet, and dragged her thumb across her throat as she stared down at the Oregon witch. 

Steph: THE BOOTS LITERALLY UNTIED THEM--Jacqui going for the Fall From Grace!

She let Melody start to get up, and then scooped her onto her shoulders into position for what looked like an electric chair. But Melody surprised her by countering into a sunset flip for the cover! 

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THRE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Minogue kicked out in time, and pummeled Melody with shots until she finally got back to her feet. She tried to scoop her up onto her shoulders again for the hold until Mikayla and Madyson caught her with stereo superkicks to the jaw that dropped her where she stood. Victoria and Sienna came back into the ring, and went after the pair immediately!

Zack: Jacqui’s got something in mind, but the Stone sisters aren’t gonna let it happen if they can help it! And now this thing has lost complete control!

Jacqui jerked her back to her feet, and planted her with a piledriver. She glanced to see her partners were keeping the other two sisters occupied. And for the third time, she hoisted her onto her shoulders and was finally able to deliver her electric chair driver! She quickly made the cover, and screamed at the referee to get her attention to count. 

Zack: That’s the FALL FROM GRACE!! 

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Pruitt called for the bell. Mikayla and Madyson tried to make the save, but got caught by the powerhouses before they could make it. Jacqui got back to her feet, and was soon joined by her partners as their hands were raised in victory. 

Steph: An impressive victory, I have to give those three that.

Gaby: Here are your winners by pinfall………….THE MATRIARCHY!!!

Victoria and Sienna looked at each other with a smirk on their faces before they stepped out to the floor with Jacqui not far behind. The trio raised their hands again, but got no such fanfare from the Boston crowd. 

Zack: The Matriarchy are a lot better than they may be given credit for! And now they’ve positioned themselves into two possibly historic situations. 

Steph: Agreed... But could it HURT them to come out together, Zack?

As the trio headed up the ramp to more boos from the crowd, that’s when the show headed elsewhere in the arena.





Pool Party Daze

The next time we see Sara, she’s now with both halves of Target Acquired in their locker room. She greets them both before they join her. 

Sara: Ladies, I’m sure you heard earlier tonight that your dance cards are gonna be very full for the next couple shows. So the first and probably easiest question is are you looking forward to being part of the pool party next show? Especially since you have a challenge ahead of you. 

Alessandra: There has been some excitement in the build up to the pool party, so we are pleased that we are going to be a part of it. I don’t think I’ve ever actually been to a pool party before so it will be a new experience. 

Nadia: I have been to pool parties before, but I have never taken part in a tug of war, so it is a new adventure for me in that respect. I do like to widen my horizons though, so I am very much looking forward to it. 

Sara: You both know how it works. Both teams will be on either side of a small pool, and the way to win is pulling your opponent into the water. If you’ve never been to a pool party before, Alessandra, they are usually a lot of fun. Just bring some swimwear and enjoy the location as we’ll be visiting South Padre Island in Texas. 

Alessandra: It does sound like a lot of fun, and I have swimwear so I am already 50% ready! I am quite good at tug of war, so I will be giving Nadia some pointers beforehand. 

Sara: But two weeks after that, you’ll be trading South Padre for Sydney, Australia for Future Shock’s annual Sydney Supershow. You both will be on your first Future Shock event meeting the Laurie Jane Experience. You got past them in your mutual debuts, but we saw Jane pull out the win over Nadia recently too. 

Nadia: Oui, she was the better woman on the night, but I am proud of the performance that I put in. Every loss is a training opportunity as Ales likes to remind me. I am looking forward to seeing Sydney. Do you think we will have time to visit some wildlife while we are there? I have always wanted to see a koala in real life. 

Sara: I’m sure you’ll have time to go sightseeing all you want after you get there. Have either of you ever been to Australia before? Also you probably won’t have to deal with …. Fans at ringside trying to help you like they did in your last match.

Alessandra: I have been to Australia once, but it was very much a flying visit for a business reason. I am looking forward to being able to see a little more this time. 

Nadia: I have never been, and as much as I appreciate...fans, it will be nice not to have any trying to assist me in the match. 

Sara: I appreciate you both talking with me tonight. Good luck in Sydney and at the pool party in 2 weeks. 

She shakes hands with both of the girls before the show cuts elsewhere inside the Future Shock Arena. 



Sydney Expectations

When Future Shock returns from the break, that’s when we hear the theme of the Director himself. “Good Feeling” begins playing as Adam heads for the ring, greeting a few of the fans along the barricade before he heads up the steps and takes a microphone from Gaby.

Adam: How’s it going, Boston?

He gets a cheap pop for that before he takes a deep breath. 

Adam: Guess who just moved here?

He points to himself. That gets another pop. 

Adam: Now I’ll have earned those hometown pops, right?

This gets a chuckle from the crowd before he continues.

Adam: I got a lot to cover here, but let me go ahead and address what happened two weeks ago tonight at Future Shock Impact. So let’s hear how many of you watched the show on FFW All Access?

He gets a fairly loud response at the question, drawing an impressed nod.

Adam: If you were to ask anyone who knows me, they would have told you I was nervous heading into that show. I’m not one to smoke or chew my nails, but I was thinking about it ever since that show was announced. It was supposed to be a test for my roster to see how ready they were for the main stage when the time comes. And what happened? They ran the table in New York City! I won’t lie and say I expected that, because I didn’t. And if you’re expecting me to come out here and gloat about it, you got the wrong guy. Because as proud as I was of most of those wins, that just showed me that I have to keep working just as hard as I have been. I’m not one to rest on my laurels, and all the credit goes to the girls in the back. They are the stars of Future Shock, and the future of FFW without question.  Samantha said there were going to be more Impact specials, and I got a roster full of girls who can’t wait to take the challenge. So when the time comes, bring it on!

He starts to pace a little bit as he scratches the back of his head. 

Adam: Now let’s look ahead. I know most everyone here and everyone watching knows that the pool party is in 2 weeks. After working as hard as they have, the girls deserve a little R&R… with pay! We’ll be heading down to South Padre Island in Texas, and have a lot of fun. So I hope you all join in and watch to see what happens. I got plenty of special guests including Luci, Rose Gardner, Katya Djurdjevich Salem, and Melody Reed. But there’s more coming too. You’ll see FFW’s ring announcer Kat Grayson as well, plus Abigail LIndsay. With all those ladies along with this roster, I’m expecting things to get very very interesting. Wait till you hear what else you’ll see on that show, keep an eye out for After Shock in the coming days  But then after that, it’s right back to work. Because the Prospects will be going halfway across the world for our annual Sydney Supershow! 

A graphic for the pool party on the video wall changes for the Sydney Supershow as Adam continues.

Adam: August 27th is the night it’ll be an exclusive only on FFW All Access. And let me just lay out this card for you. The main event will be a triple threat for the Future Shock Championship when Tara Cortez defends against Cassandra Steen and Vivi Robichaud. 

Vivi’s name gets a lively reaction, while the two previous names get absolutely nothing but boos from the Boston crowd.

Adam: You already heard earlier tonight that we’ll see Target Acquired meet the Laurie Jane Experience to settle the series between them. But that’s not the only tag match on the card. The Raging Dragons will face Victoria and Sienna of the Matriarchy, who won their tag match earlier tonight. And the winning team will earn a future opportunity to challenge for the Future Shock Tag Team Championship. 

Mars Whimsey’s picture pops up on the video wall next, getting a pop from the crowd.

Adam: And that lady right there will challenge whoever leaves tonight as the Aspire Champion for the title in Sydney. Whether it’s Mars or Gemma, they both have a helluva challenge ahead of them because I know how much Mars has been looking forward to this. And that is one I am greatly looking forward to seeing. 

The crowd seems to agree with him as Adam continues.

Adam: Also that night, we are going to crown the first ever Future Shock Nova Champion. We already know that it’ll be Katie Hanley, Arabella Townshend, and Jacqui Minogue. But we will also crown the #1 contender that the new champion will face first when Sydney Christensen meets Carys McFarlane and Luna Cortez.

This also gets a favorable response from the crowd as they see Carys and Sydney on the video wall. Luna’s picture? Not so much.

Adam: There’s a whole lot of championship implications when we get to Sydney, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So if you haven’t signed up for FFW All Access, I honestly don’t know what you’re waiting for! Join us as the Prospects set the tone in Sydney, and have a little down time at the pool party. Now that’s enough of me, so let’s get this title match underway. Gaby… come on in!

The “Wildcat” comes back in, and gives Adam a hug before handing her the microphone back as we cut to a clip of Mara and Gemma’s paths chasing the Aspire Championship.

[Adam Grant]

Future Shock returns from the commercial break back to the ring with a spotlight over Gaby’s head as she begins the introductions one last time tonight.

Gaby: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Future Shock Aspire Championship!

Zack: If you like watching two wrestlers just pound the hell out of each other with brute force, then this is the main event for you! Because that’s what Mara and Gemma do best!

Steph: Beat the hell out of each other or other people? Because the answer is yes.

The lights go out in the arena, an anticipatory murmur filling the arena. A moment or two passes in silence before a slow-tempo guitar begins to play through the PA system, accompanied by an electronic vibration effect, kicking off All Good Things’ “For the Glory.”

Better back down, you’re in my domain
Got the whole crowd screaming out our name
It’s a blowout, it’s a hurricane
It’s over, before you know it

An aggressive guitar chord strikes as red lights begin to swirl through the arena. The curtain is pushed aside, and a dimly lit figure stands in the middle of the entrance ramp. While not much of her is clearly visible, she turns her head to face either direction of the crowd.

Why you shaking? We’re a dynasty
In the making, We’re the royalty
Now we're breaking down the enemy
Move over for the soldiers

After a moment, a single white spotlight turns to the ramp, revealing a woman in a leather jacket, glaring toward one side of the crowd, chewing a piece of gum with a smirk on her face. Notably, as the spotlight focuses on the World Piercer, her usually bright red hair is jet black, and hangs down in her face somewhat, although Gemma doesn’t seem particularly bothered for the moment.

Gaby: Introducing her opponent, from Liverpool, England, weighing 147 pounds…this is “The World Piercer,” GEMMA...PIERCE!

Gemma turns to stare at the other side of the audience, lips curling into even more of a smirk as the fans react to the introduction with boos. She stuffs her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket, pacing down the ramp slowly. For the most part, she ignores the crowd, although one person toward the end of the ramp seems to get the “World Piercer’s” attention. The smirk on her face only grows as she gets into a bit of a jaw-jacking competition with the fan, even holding her arms out and seeming to invite some kind of confrontation--when nothing comes of it, though, she just grins even more.

She circles around the ring, taking her sweet time before deciding which side she wants to enter on, swinging herself up onto the apron. She grips the top rope and grins, pulling herself up to her feet, staring out into the crowd for just a moment. She steps through the ropes, moving straight into the center of the ring and stretching her arms out wide, curling both hands in a “bring it” sort of gesture, as the boos only increase. The Merseysider chuckles to herself, shrugging her leather jacket off her shoulders and tossing it out of the ring, moving to her corner and leaning herself back against the turnbuckles.

Zack: The last time we saw the “World Piercer”, Steph, she was taking the measure of Isis Morales two weeks ago at Impact! Tonight, she looks to claim the championship that’s eluded her time and again against a woman she’s 0-1 against in matches. 

Steph: Gemma’s the most stubborn wrestler I’ve ever seen, but that’s a compliment. How Mara deals with her tonight is gonna be interesting.

I'm only human
I'm only—I'm only—
I'm only human, human

“Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man starts to play over the soundsystem as the video screen shows a jail cell door sliding backwards and a pair of black ring boots with legs going all the way up to a simple blue skirt step out onto the landing only to suddenly stumble as if given a push in the small of the back from the man who appeared behind her in shiny black shoes and black pants. 

Maybe I'm foolish,
Maybe I'm blind
Thinking I can see through this
And see what's behind
Got no way to prove it
So maybe I'm lying

As the pair pass by, the camera gets a shot from behind before it cuts to more grainy CCTV footage that shows the guard escorting the raven haired prisoner across a prison yard of patchy grass and into another building. There’s another cut as we see a shot of exposed midriff on the other side of a counter that has a pack of gum, some loose change on it and a hair bobble on it. A hand reaches forward, picking up a pen and signs a name quickly before scooping up the possessions as she stiffly pushed to move onwards.

But I'm only human after all,
I'm only human after all
Don't put your blame on me
Don't put your blame on me

There’s another cut; this time to show the back of the black haired woman as she reaches up to tie her long loose hair back with the bobble while still walking forward, coming to a stop in front of a large closed door. The camera cuts to the opposite side of the door and low door, watching as it swung open and the woman stepped out; only for the blazing sun to obscure her face and body; the video screens becoming a blazing yellow-white sun glare with a spotlight shining bright as the same woman has appeared at the top of the entrance ramp. The spotlight dims to reveal Mara Werth standing there in her black boots, blue skirt and white vest top.

Take a look in the mirror
And what do you see?
Do you see it clearer
Or are you deceived
In what you believe?

Gaby: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome from Tuscaloosa, Alabama…. the reigning and defending Future Shock Aspire Champion…   MARA WERTH!!!

'Cause I'm only human after all,
You're only human after all
Don't put the blame on me
Don't put your blame on me

With a smile on her face she begins to head down the ramp to the ring, running up the ring steps. She moved down the apron, facing out to the crowd and threw her arms up into the air before she stepped through the ropes. Heading to the corner, the girl carefully stepped up onto the middle ropes, throwing her hands up into the air again before she bounced back onto her feet and stretched as she waited for the match to start.

Zack: Mara Werth went toe to toe with some of the best this division has to offer, and I wonder if she has any nerves as she’s about to make her first defense against one of the toughest women in all of Future Shock.

Steph: Your first defense is always the hardest. That’s the short and sweet of it.

Referee Ashley Pruitt checked both women, and took the title from Mara. She showed it to Gemma, and then held it overhead. The ring announcer took it from there as Pruitt called for the bell. Mara and Gemma stared across at one another, loosening up in the corner before they went nose to nose. Neither one of them flinched as they stared into each other’s eyes. Gemma shoved her backwards, and Mara retaliated by lowering her shoulder and driving Gemma back into the corner. Rapid shoulder thrusts landed against her abdomen as Pierce rained forearms across her back. But Werth kept pounding those shots in and then flipped her out with a back body drop. Gemma didn’t stay down long, and Mara was quick to greet her with a discus punch to the mouth. It only wobbled Gemma, and she fired back with a haymaker shot of her own. Mara gave on of hers in returned, with the fans making noise at each strike. Both women teetered on their feet as they exchanged right hands to the hand, but it was Mara who broke the cycle with a boot across Gemma’s jaw. That put her on her knees, and Werth followed up with a standing sidekick to her ear that put her on the mat.

Zack: Look at them just taking the best shot the other has to offer, Steph! If you’re looking for a technical classic, this isn’t the match for you!

Steph: Pfft, we didn’t come to see anything technical anyway. 

A running knee strike to her head put her down again before Mara cinched Gemma around the waist, and hoisted her up into the air upside down into an inverted front slam. Gemma landed hard face down on the mat, and Mara lifted her again. This time, she delivered a powerbomb across her knee, and folded Pierce in half on the mat. With the challenger face down, she followed up with a Garvin stomp before finishing the series with a knee drop to the back of her head. 

Zack: The champion has really come out of the gate strong tonight, Steph. We’re seeing how much keeping the Aspire Championship means to Mara Werth right here. 

Steph: Can we talk about that powerbomb backbreaker? I’d like to applaud Mara on the landing of it, but next time use both knees to cushion yourself. 7.8/10.

Pierce was a bit slower moving to get to her feet, and Mara quickly scooped her up overhead into a gorilla press. She walked out from under her to let her land face down on the mat, and the champion used a double stomp to her lower back to keep her down. Mara glanced over to Steph in the booth, and then applied her reverse Boston crab. Gemma’s face showed the pain she was feeling as she began clawing her way towards the ropes. But Mara pulled her back, and kept the hold locked in at the same time. 

Zack: A little ode to my two time Hall of Fame broadcast colleague there. Mara may be a fan, Steph. 

Steph: The Ratings Spike...! Honestly if she wants to use it she can. She’s doing it better than I ever did. Maybe call it Werth The Weight or uh... Solitary Confinement.

Gemma’s face was a mix of pain and anger as she started trying to crawl her way to the ropes with both hands. She seemed to find a burst of speed at the end just as Mara was about to pull her back, and grabbed the bottom rope. Pruitt called for a break, and Mara did just that before the count began. Gemma clutched her lower back in pain for a moment until Mara went to get her. As soon as she grabbed one of her feet, Gemma caught her flush with the other foot upside the head. Three in a row sent the champion stumbling backwards before Pierce made it back to her feet. Mara came forward again, and walked into an uppercut elbow to the chin that nearly sent her down to the mat. Pierce yanked her forward by the arm into a lifting side slam, and then went for the cover. 

Steph: Witchmade...? I feel like I’m watching my greatest hits spilled out throughout this match.... COVER!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

T-NOPE!!!

Werth kicked out as the two struck, and Gemma got back to her feet. She rubbed her lower back in pain as Mara started to get to her feet. The challenger moved behind her, and started laying in shots to her lower back as well. She whipped her across to the far side, and dropped her with a Polish hammer shot to the chest.

Zack: That Polish hammer will stop your heart for a split second, and Gemma’s finally got some offense rolling here. 

Werth used the ropes to help her get to her feet, and Gemma delivered more punishment to her lower back with a kidney punch.  She shoved her forward into the ropes, only to catch her when she bounced back with a single knee backbreaker. Mara was slow to move when Gemma hooked her into position, and deadlifted her off the mat into a powerbomb. But she didn’t let go, and hoisted her back up for a second. A couple deep breaths lead to the third and final one before she rolled through for the cover. 

Zack: Look at the raw power possessed by the “World Piercer” with three deadlift powerbombs in a row! Mara’s reign may be over!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEE-NOPE!!!

The champion rolled her shoulder off the mat in time, and Gemma rose back to her feet with a scowl on her face. Mara rolled onto her stomach, and started to crawl towards the ropes. Gemma followed after her, and let her get to her feet before scooping her up into an over the shoulder backbreaker. 

Steph: Ah, classic.

Gemma dragged her back to her feet, and shoved her into the corner chest first. She followed her in with a running shoulder tackle to her lower back, and then sat her on the top turnbuckle facing the crowd. Pierce glanced around for a moment and then charged the corner to leave her feet for a backstabber, snapping Mara off the corner to the canvas in agony. Just as she was about to grab her, Werth rolled out of the ring to the floor. 

Zack: I’m not sure if that was intentional or not on Mara’s part, but it was well timed because she needs a breather! Not that Gemma’s gonna let her linger!

Steph: The spinal region can only take so much punishment, and I’m not sure there’s much more to throw at the Aspire champion’s back. Gemma is in pursuit!

Pierce immediately rolled out after her, and pulled her up to get her back onto the apron. But Mara didn’t seem interested in that just yet, and caught the “World Piercer” with a headbutt to the face. She stumbled backwards in a daze before Mara gritted her teeth, and snapped Gemma forward into a flatliner on the floor. Pruitt was administering her count in the ring, and got to six before the champion was back up again. She rolled her opponent inside, and slid in after her. 

Steph: Very unexpected flatliner but now Mara can get back in control.

Zack: I don’t think Gemma expected that anymore than she did, but it’ll certainly give Mara time to get her marbles together.

Gemma was slow moving once again, and Mara wasn’t much better off. Both women got back to their feet within seconds of each other, and Werth surprised the challenger. She executed another full nelson, but this time into a reverse STO. She rolled over her for the cover, and hooked the outside leg. 

Steph: Unique twist on a reverse STO! There’s the cover!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!

Gemma just got her shoulder up in time, and Mara quickly rolled her over to apply a scissored armbar (Rings of Saturn). 

Zack: Nothing but hard impact, and Mara’s pulling a few tricks out of her bag that we haven’t seen from the Aspire Champion! Like this submission, for example!

Pruitt dropped down to Gemma’s side to see if she wanted to stop the match. She got a clear no to that question . Pierce’s face wrenched in pain as Mara pulled back on the hold, trying to get the most she could out of it. But the challenger realized where she was, and was able to swing one leg under the bottom rope across from her. The referee called for a break, and Mara released it when she saw where her foot was. The champion went to grab those feet, and Gemma pulled her knees up to deliver an elbow into the top of her head. Before Werth could get away, she transitioned into a triangle choke. The referee immediately went around to the opposite side to check if Mara wanted to quit. 

Steph: Mara had to break it and now positions have reversed with Gemma applying a nasty looking triangle!

Zack: And we know that Mars Whimsey is somewhere glued to a screen watching this one, because she found earlier tonight she’s meeting the winner in Sydney.

The champion was trying to find anything she could grab onto quickly, and managed to get the referee’s top. Pruitt made her let go, and her arm went to flailing again. Pierce kept the hold tightly applied as Mara’s arm movements began to slow more and more. When she stopped responding to the referee’s count, that’s when Pruitt began to lift her arm and let it fall. It lifted and fell twice, but on the third… it popped back up. Werth shouted as she started to pull up to her feet, lifting Gemma in the hold with her for a powerbomb! That got her free, and both women collapsed on the mat, trying to get their wind back. 

Zack: I think Mara used every last bit of energy she had to break that triangle choke, but she didn’t have a choice! It was either that or pass out!

Steph: About the only thing you can do when a triangle choke is in play.

Gemma was the first to make it to her feet, but Mara wasn’t far behind her. The challenger moved in behind her, snatching her up into a straightjacket German suplex into a bridge for the pin. Pruitt dove into place!

Steph: A deadlift into an X-Plex!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NO!!!

Mara managed to break her grip, and get her shoulder up in time. Pierce shoved her off, and climbed back to her feet. She shook her head, and pulled Mara up one last time into position for her finisher. 

Zack: I think I know what’s coming up next, and Mara damn sure won’t get up from it if she executes it!

Gemma hoisted the champion into her single underhook DDT that spiked Mara face first into the mat. She rolled her onto her back, and went for the cover as Pruitt slid into position to make the count. 

Steph: PIERCE. THE. EARTH!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Pruitt called for the bell, and Gemma rolled off to sit up on the canvas. She slumped over due to the pain in her back, but finally made it to her feet. 

Zack: She may feel like she went through hell right now, but if you ask her, it was worth it and Gaby’ll tell you why!!

Gaby: Your winner by pinfall…. AND NEEEWWW Aspire Champion….’THE WORLD PIERCER’ GEMMA PIERCE!!

When the referee went to award the title to her, Gemma jerked it out of her hands and stared down at the title that had eluded her for so long. The referee raised her hand, and Gemma raised the title overhead with the other. 

Steph: She’s finally victorious and after so long... The World Piercer can call herself champion.

Zack: History has been made tonight! Gemma Pierce has become the new Aspire Champion! Let the reign of the “World Piercer” begin!

Gemma looked down to her championship and slung it over her shoulder, staring at it still as Future Shock faded off the air.