FFW Future Shock - Episode 67

[Adam Grant]

Live from the Future Shock Arena in Boston, Massachusetts
September 24, 2019

A FFW logo is shown stuck on a travel bag as it’s being pulled through the airport. “Leave It All Behind” by Sleeping with Sirens can be heard playing over it. The bag belongs to Arabella Townshend as she heads towards her gate before she gets stopped by a mother and her daughter for an autograph. As she leans down to take a selfie with the little girl, one of the monitors hanging is showing clips from Future Shock.

When you look at my life, tell me what do you see?
I’m only human, so don’t expect too much from me.
I lost my faith, what have I become?
I don't think I can be safe from what I'm running for

The clips feature: Mara Werth getting to her feet and having her hand raised after a match, Nora Harris coming off the top of a cage with an elbow drop, Anna and Luna Cortez bumping fists and heading towards the ring, Su Wakuda reaching for a tag from Jennifer Song, and Gemma Pierce looking at her reflection as it changes from red hair to black, and Andi Takata nailing her rolling cutter!.

Will you remember me
If I were to fall into the sky?
And what will they think of me
If I leave it all behind?
When I leave it all behind?

Arabella continues through the airport, and takes a seat in her terminal. She checks her cell phone to see her itinerary, and gets tapped on the shoulder by another fan who wants a hug. This puts a grin on her face as she returns it, and they show her videos on their phone of her and several of the Prospects.

Would you be so surprised if I gave up tonight?
I'm barely breathing, I wanna kill the pain I feel inside
But I won't quit for the people I love
So I'll say I'm fine until the day I fucking see the light

The clips show: Cait Flanagan coming to the ring and throwing money over her shoulder, Alessandra and Nadia sitting on adjacent turnbuckles and flashing a smile to one another, Sydney Christensen delivering a tombstone piledriver, the Stone Sisters greeting the ringside fans as they head towards the ring, and Laurie ignoring Jane as she speaks with Sara backstage.

If you feel like you are nothing
If you feel like letting go
I'll be your hope when you are hopeless
Together, we are not alone
You're not alone

The doors open as Arabella heads through the gate to board her flight. And as the door with the Future Shock lightning logo seals shut behind her, we go live inside the arena to a roaring crowd. The camera pans the interior with a new stage design, and spotlights flooding the crowd as they see themselves on the video wall.

Zack: When it comes to FFW, the future is here! Welcome to Future Shock, and welcome back to Boston, Massachusetts. We are just 4 weeks away from Nemesis, with a card that is shaping up quickly. And tonight, there’s championship aspirations up and down the card. Thank you for joining us. Zack and Steph here, we got plenty in store, like the first public address of the new Future Shock Champion Cassandra Steen!

Steph: Expect Dante folks. Expect him loud, expect him going in. So what’s on tap for tonight, Zack?

Zack: In our main event, Steph, it’s a Wipeout rematch as Sydney Christensen faces someone who admires her in Arabella Townshend. Sydney’s in the catbird seat as it pertains to the Nova title, and Arabella could crowd the scene if she can repeat what she did at Wipeout.

Steph: Christensen feels like more than ANYTHING that it is her time. I know Arabella would like more than anything to have a student v. mentor clash with Katie but Sydney wants to play well, nothing BUT spoiler.

Zack: Mara Werth and Mars Whimsy look to step back into line for an Aspire Championship shot tonight when they face one another. Nora’s got the next shot, but the winner tonight will face the winner of that match. Gemma Pierce’s dance card is filling up fast.

Steph: I bet that’s how she likes it, Zack. That’s just me. Mars and Mara couldn’t be more different, one syllable or vowel aside but that will not matter when they lock up.

Zack: Bri offered Luna Cortez and Carys McFarlane a chance to get back into the Nova title picture. They met in the triple threat in Sydney, but Sydney won. We’ll find out what happens when it’s just the two of them. 

Steph: Carys is going to show up and show out for this one, I expect. If Luna can weather the storm of the veteran is another question entirely. I’m game to find out.

Zack: We’ll also be seeing the debut of the newest addition to the Prospect roster. Her name is Jamie Winters. She’s a practicing illusionist and magician, and we’ll be getting to know her as well this evening.

Steph: Tell me why we don’t have a coven yet, Zack. I mean a full blown coven yet. Someone play “Undo Your Mind” by Eivør Pálsdóttir.

Zack: As you can tlell, there’s a lot to look forward to tonight and probably more we don’t even know about yet. So let’s send it up to our favorite “Wildcat” ring announcer to get things underway. 




The bell sounds as the camera heads to the ring, where Gaby is waiting and ready to go with her microphone in hand.

Gaby: The opening contest of Future Shock is scheduled for one fall to a finish.

His frost performed its art
And it has stained my tainted heart
Just leave me to my solitude
It's where I feel at home
Since that cold night
When my love cried

The synths give way to the heavier beats of Delain’s “Suckerpunch”, which brings a cheer from the crowd as the lights turn all colours of the rainbow. From the back steps Carys McFarlane. Stopping dead centre, she extends her arms out wide, spinning in a circle as pyro goes off around her.

Gaby: On her way to the ring, from Edinburgh, Scotland, weighing in at 130 pounds, please welcome “THE HUMAN PINBALL”, CARYS MCFARLANE!!

With the announcement out of the way, the young blonde takes off down the ramp, slamming her hands against the apron and using it to vault herself into a handspring and then onto the top rope, straddling it.

"Would you fall, give it all
Would you give it all for me?
Suckerpunch the demons from my dreams
Would you fall, give it all
Would you give it all for me?"
Get out of my dreams!

She drops from the rope and heads to the corner, leaping onto the turnbuckle and shouting out towards the crowd, a huge grin on her face. She then takes to the top buckle and vaults backwards, landing on her feet from a backflip. Finally, she heads towards her best friend and ring announcer, Gabby, high fiving her before she settles in her corner

Zack: Carys McFarlane has been struggling a little since arriving in Future Shock, but it hasn’t deterred her. She’s faced some of the best in the business, and tonight she’ll face one of the craftiest, I’d say.

Steph: You can’t really blame her in that respect. It takes a bit to get acclimated with new opponents. That goes for any wrestler.

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: Introducing 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 camera 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: Luna was not a happy camper after the Sydney show, Steph. From all the reports I heard, she was beside herself, no pun intended. But this match and some retail therapy apparently made her feel better.

Steph: Retail therapy can do wonders sure, but have you tried plotting out the imminent death of your next opponent? It helps... So I’ve heard.

Referee Melinda Davis checks both women for illegal objects, and calls for the bell. Carys is already bouncing on the balls of her feet with enthusiasm as Luna heads out of her corner. She mocks the blonde by doing the same thing as Carys heads towards her. Cortez continues to mock her, antagonizing the crowd until Carys leaves her feet and surprises her with a dropkick to the chest. Luna pops up, and catches another dropkick almost immediately. A third puts her down again, and she quickly rolls away as she was about to stand up in front of her a fourth time. When she did get to her feet though, Carys rushed her with a running forearm that sent her stumbling back into the corner. A quick series of rights to the head connected before she fired Luna across to the opposite corner. Cortez stopped herself before she hit it chest first, turned around and walked into a running blockbuster before Carys nipped up to her feet.

Zack: Carys McFarlane didn’t come to play tonight, and is looking to make up ground after her loss in Sydney! I hope Christian has a plan B for Luna!

Steph: An excellent variation on that somersault neckbreaker and Carys is right back up like it ain’t even anything.

The Boston crowd was solidly behind her as she pulled Luna up, and whipped her into the ropes. As soon as the brunette rebounded, Carys went into a handspring back elbow to the jaw that rattled her. The veteran fired her into the corner again, but Luna reversed it. Carys hopped up onto the top rope in a handstand. And as Luna went to get her, Carys pointed her leg at her. It stopped her for a half second until she came off with a flying headscissors.She sat up with a grin on her face as the crowd ate it up.

Steph: Luna Cortez was not ready for what Carys McFarlane brings to the table tonight. It’s nothing against Luna’s talents but... I mean you saw that.

Zack: I think Luna comes into every match thinking she’s already the winner, so anything short of that between the bells can throw her.

She glanced back to see where Luna was, and then took off for the ropes. She went to use them for a springboard, but Luna kicked the middle rope  as she landed. McFarlane slid off, and hit the back of her head on the apron before crashing to the floor. The cheers turned to boos as Luna pulled herself together, and rolled out after her. She pressed a foot against her neck, and stomped her head with the other foot repeatedly. Davis shouted at her to get back into the ring, but Luna pulled Carys up by her head and tights and then sent her headfirst into the steps. She rolled back inside, and sat leaning against the ropes with a smile on her face.

Zack: That was nasty offense from Luna Cortez, and Carys could be seriously hurt the way she landed out here. Did you see how her head hit the apron on the way down? 

Steph: What does it tell you when Luna is proud of herself for what happened regardless?

Davis continued to count Carys as she was trying to get to her feet on the floor. When she got up onto the apron at 7, Luna used a baseball slide to send her crashing back to ringside. The triplet rolled out to get her, pulling her arms behind her and proceeding to stomp her face with one big stomp to the back of her head. Davis told her to get back in the ring again, and Luna did that. She rolled in to break the count, and right back out after Carys. 

Steph: Luna is way past just winning and intends to punish in the name of Cortez. Maybe she takes slight at the idea of the McFarlane name being the most dangerous thing in FFW.

Zack: Possibly,  but nothing I’ve heard from Luna leads me to believe she thinks about a whole lot outside of herself and how everything affects her. 

The blonde used the apron to get to her feet before Luna bounced her face off it, and then rolled her under the bottom rope. She slid in after her, and applied a headscissors. Luna locked her ankles, and rolled onto her stomach to spike Carys’ head again and again into the canvas. With that same grin on her face, she rolled back to a seat and looked with pride over to her manager in the nearby corner. 

Zack: We’re not all that far from where the Celtics play, and Carys’ head is getting bounced off the mat like a basketball off the parquet floors in the TD Garden. 

Steph: Let’s hope that unlike the Celtics, this win will lead Carys to a championship before eight years are up.

She dragged Carys to her feet into a front facelock, and started firing knees into her body to wear her down a little more. She finally scooped her up into a brainbuster, and then hooked the leg to make a cover. 

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Steph: So close on that two count. Two and a half if you can believe it.

Carys kicked out after the two, and Luna rained elbows into the side of her head before getting back to her feet. She measured a knee drop to her head as well before taking off for the ropes. She rebounded off them with a leaping leg drop aimed at her head, but Carys rolled out of the way. Luna landed hard on her butt as a result. 

Zack: From what I am told, that’s about the closest you can get to give yourself an atomic drop, Steph. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

Steph: I think you’re more or less right, Zack. For me the worst way of giving yourself an Atomic Drop was landing on the ropes. Oof.

Carys started to get to her feet as the crowd was very much behind her. Before Luna could get up as well, the veteran started firing kicks into her chest where she sat. Each shot landed harder than the last before a shining wizard finished off the barrage to put Luna down on the mat. Carys darted for the ropes, using them for a springboard successfully this time into a moonsault. She rolled off the cover, and headed for the corner.

Zack: I think I’d have gone for the cover right there, Steph. But Carys still has some offense in mind after Luna seemingly tried to concuss her earlier. 

Steph: I kinda get it. I mean Carys has been doing this a while so she knows what offense works and what doesn’t. What’ll keep someone down for longer than three before she even does it.

She ascended to the top turnbuckle, peering between her legs to make Luna was still where she left her before launching into a split-legged moonsault! The fans came to their feet as she went for the cover with a tight leg hook!

Steph: There’s the pin and--!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THR-NOPE!!!

Luna kicked out before the three, and Carys quickly got back to her feet. She headed back for the corner once more, keeping the fans on their feet as she did so. Christian shouted instructions to Luna as Carys dove off with a top rope elbow drop…..only for Luna to avoid the contact.

Zack: Carys went to the well one time too many, and Luna wasn’t home for that elbow drop! Now Cortez better think quickly, which doesn't seem like her forte. 

Cortez rolled towards the ropes, and used them to help her get to her feet. When she saw Carys starting to get up, she darted towards with a sliding forearm to the head. It sent rolling almost out of the ring, but Carys got back to her feet and charged the triplet. Luna caught her coming with a kick to the stomach right into a Spanish fly before rolling across her to make the cover. 

Steph: Beautiful moonsault side slam and another pin!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NO!!

Carys barely got her shoulder off the mat in time, and Luna got back to her feet. She seemed to grumbling to herself before heading for the corner. 

Zack: You couldn’t have gotten a paint job between Davis’ hand and the canvas! Carys just barely escaped that one, and Luna says she’s going up!

As soon as Luna was perched on the top turnbuckle, she launched herself into her slingshot corkscrew Arabian press! A hook of the leg followed before Davis slid into position to make the count. 

Steph: C-BOMB! IT IS INESCAPABLE!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

The referee called for the bell to boos from the crowd, but Luna didn’t mind at all. She popped back up to her feet with a bright smile as Christian congratulated her and raised her hand along with the referee.

Zack: You may not like her, and very few do. But Luna Cortez proved she’s as dangerous on her own as she is with her sisters. 

Gaby: Here’s your winner by pinfall…………..LUNA CORTEZ!!!

Luna’s music began to play again as she told the camera she wanted her title shot immediately. Christian raised her hand again before following her out of the ring.

Zack: She may want it immediately, but she’s gonna have to wait whether she likes it or not, Steph. 

Steph: And when she gets it, Zack... When she gets it no one else will like it.

Luna takes a moment to soak in her victory on the ramp, unlike anyone else in the arena before the show cuts away.


A Magical Girl

Future Shock returns from the commercial break to find the arena darkened except for the ring being very well-lit. Standing in the ring is Alex Price, whom many know as the Fast Track Champion’s fiance. Behind him is a rack of swords and what looks like a large wicker basket. 

Alex: Hi there, everyone. My name is Alex Price, and you may remember me from such movies as… Come to think of it, I’m engaged to Rose Gardner. So that’s my claim to fame. Tonight though, I plan to introduce you to the newest addition to the Future Shock Prospect roster who also happens to be my ex-girlfriend as well. I’m referring to JAMIE WINTERS! Now where the hell is she?

He glances around, and then snaps his fingers before taking the lid off the wicker basket to let her step out. And out the basket emerges a light blue-haired young woman wearing what looks to be a sleeveless tuxedo and a magician’s hat; petite and… with her back to the camera. 

Jamie: For a moment, I want you to close your eyes and imagine. Imagine a world without enchantment. Without charm and magic. It would be a pretty boring place to be. And that’s why I’m here. I’m here to dazzle.you. I’m here to enchant you. I’m here…

She raises one of her hands. She’s apparently holding… a sword? And then, with a twirl of her feet, and looks at the hard camera, pointing the sword forward and flashing a massive smile. Except it’s not a sword anymore, it’s a magic wand.

Jamie: … to make magic happen!

Alex: A world without charm? How many Cortez sisters are there?! Oh, never mind. Jamie here, if you can’t tell, is also an illusionist and magician. And we thought what better way for you to get to know her than to let you see what she can do. And because I got her the wrong pair of shoes on her birthday a few years ago, I’m going to be impaled by these swords behind me.

He turns around with a sigh, and picks one letting the camera get a close up of it and touching the tip to his finger to bring out a tiny drop of blood.

Alex: These are real swords, and that is a real finger, and I hope I’m not a hemophiliac. So before I step into this basket, I’d like to remind my fiance I love her and that I left my will in a cereal box. She gets everything. 

Alex takes a deep breath, and steps into the basket and takes a seat. Jamie puts the lid on it as the music starts to play, very foreboding music. She scoops up one of the swords and stabs something behind the basket -- an apple. She removes the apple from the sword, proving that it is, indeed, an actual sword, before taking a bite of it. Munching and swallowing it carefully, she looks back at the camera.

Jamie: I’m sorry, Rose, but back when Alexander and I dated, he could be a bit absent minded. I mean, how dare he! My shoe size is SIX!

Jamie approaches the basket and, with one hard thrust, she shoves it into the basket to a shriek from Alex. She grabs another sword, and goes around to the other side as the music continues to play.

Jamie: And all the times we went out and the burger stand’s line was too big!

Another thrust sends that sword into the basket. A gurgling noise is heard this time from inside before she grabs a third sword, and stabs it down into the top of the basket. Now there’s no noise.

Jamie: ……….. um...

She looks out to the crowd, and then starts to pull the swords out one by one and hangs them back on the rack. She pulls open the lid, and covers her mouth like she’s about to throw up...at least until Alex stands up in it with not a mark on him. 

Alex: Hey, I’m glad to see you too.

Jamie seems shocked that Alex has gotten up unscathed for a moment… Before…

Jamie: TA-DAAAAA! Of course I wouldn’t hurt such a cool guy!

Alex: She’s only saying that because we’re on camera. Ladies and gentlemen here in the Future Shock Arena and watching at home, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Jamie Winters and come to find out that both in AND out of the ring…. She’s a magical girl. 

And with a wink, Jamie skips up to the camera and slaps a rabbit sticker on it, with her initials printed on it. And it’s on that sticker that we fade out.

[Adam Grant]

Future Shock returns from the commercial break to ringside just as Gabrielle Crimson is stepping through the ropes. 

Gaby: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and the winner will receive a Future Shock Aspire Championship match!

Zack: Both the women we are about to see took the champion to new limits, and it’s easy to make the case for both of them to get a rematch. Let’s find out who wants it more, Steph.

Steph: This is going to be... Hard hitting, Zack. I mean... Really. REALLY. Hard hitting.

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… 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: I know Mara has been looking for this opportunity since Gemma captured the title several weeks ago. And she may have a new strategy in mind if she makes it, but tonight she faces someone equally as powerful as her, if not more.

Steph: A new strategy would be ideally necessary, Zack. Especially if she wants to unseat Gemma who has seen both women’s current styles and strategies.

The techno-pop beat gets multi colored strobes flashing as Mars rushes out onto the stage, arms held high and waving to the crowd. She smiles brightly before starting to stride down the ramp, leaning out to slap hands with the FFW faithful.

As Whimsy gets down to ringside, she does a quick, old-school lap around the ring, actively trying to slap hands with as many fans as possible before trotting up the ring steps and onto the outside apron, where she quickly hops up on the outside second turnbuckle bracket and holding her arms out wide.

Gaby: Introducing, from Las Angeles, California, standing at 5’7” tall and weighing in at one-hundred and ninety pounds, MARS WHIIIIIIIIMSY!

Nodding to the crowd Mars lightly hops over the ropes and into the ring, removing her multi-colored headband and walking to her corner to await the start of her match.

Zack: I have never seen two women push each other more than we did in Sydney, Steph, when Mars and Gemma squared off for the Aspire Championship. Neither of them could even stand when the bell rang. But it wasn’t meant to be that night. But I think Mars could do it, given the chance.

Steph: So do I, Zack. It’s just the matter of surviving Mara.

Referee Melinda Davis checks both women, and calls for the bell as they meet in the center. They exchange handshakes out of sportsmanship right before Mars pulls her forward into a belly to belly suplex. The former convict barely has time to get up before Mars grabs her into a rear waistlock, but Werth takes off towards the ropes. She wraps her arm around them as Mars tries to throw her with another suplex. But Mara begins throwing back elbows into the side of her head. She finally manages to shake her off, and goes for a hip toss. But it’s blocked and countered when Mars tries to go for one. Another block and a counter, Mara gets blocked again and surprises Whimsy with a short knee to the body then a hip toss. As soon as Whimsy sits up, Mara uses a low dropkick to the back of her head to put her down.

Zack: I have to say this is not how I was expecting this to start, Steph. I figured these two women would start with high impact and look for knockouts. But we’re getting a technical battle so far.

Steph: Huh. This was... Unexpected.

When Whimsy sits up again, Mara drops down behind her for a rear chinlock to pull her down onto the mat. The YouTuber tries to break Mara’s grip without much success, and instead starts getting back to her feet and finds herself in a standing side headlock. She tries to shoot Mara into the ropes, but the former convict barely budges and instead turns it into a bulldog. The former Champion gets back to her feet, and starts stomping her back repeatedly. A bounce off the near side sees her land a knee drop to the back of her head, and then Mara takes her arms to apply a standing surfboard submission.

Zack: I think maybe Mars was expecting a power battle too, and this technical strategy from Mara may be throwing her for a loop, Steph. This may not have been in her planning.

Steph: At least for the moment, Zack. You know she might be able to eventually counterattack.

Davis dropped down in front of Mars to see if she wanted to stop the match, and got a clear no to that question. Mara tried to pull her arms back a little more as she had her foot planted against her spine. Whimsy’s face showed the pain she was feeling as the referee checked again, still getting a no from the YouTuber. The only time Mara let up was to stomp her back a couple more times before planting that foot all over again to pull her arms behind her. 

Steph: Surfboard into a stomp on the back. And another one... And another one!

Zack: There’s some impact like we were expecting at the start of the match, and Mars is getting her bell rung with each of those stomps.

Davis checked once more, but she wasn’t able to get an answer before Mara pulled her up enough to stomp the back of her head and one big stomp to her face. She finally let her go, and bounced off the near side for a diving headbutt into her back. Whimsy’s back arched in pain, which gave Mara the opening she was looking for to apply a crossface submission. The Twitch streamer’s face wrenched in pain as Mara pulled back on the hold. 

Zack: Mara has been learning some new submission moves, and I’m telling you they have completely thrown Future Shock’s favorite Twitch streamer for a loop. 

Steph: Heh. Twitch streamer for a loop.

Mars’ face started to change color as Werth clinched the hold tighter, and the YouTuber started using her free arm to pull them towards the ropes. She finally made it, and grabbed the bottom rope with her hand, causing a break. The former champion got back to her feet, and stood over Mars’ back as she sat up on her knees. Werth raised both hands, and connected with a Mongolian chop to her neck and shoulders. Two more landed before she pulled her to her feet. Werth looked to be going for a belly to belly of her own, but Mars blocked it and shook her head. She started firing headbutts into her face, shaking her loose and sending Mara stumbling backwards off balance. Whimsy grabbed her arm, and yanked her forward into a t-bone suplex. She took a second to collect herself till she saw Mara starting to move. But a bounce off the ropes into a leg drop across her chest stopped that. 

Zack: Mars is trying to pull it together after what has been a surprising offensive flurry. But now she’s getting back into her comfort zone with that big leg drop.

Steph: A drop of that whole thigh and calf across the chest of Mara and that’ll keep her down awhile.

Before she got up, Mars made sure to drop that leg across her chest repeatedly. Six more times landed before she got back to her feet, and pulled Mara back to her feet. She whipped her with velocity into the far corner, causing Werth to land back first against the corner. She walked in behind her, and did it again into the far corner. Mara stepped out of the corner in pain before Whimsy put her back into it with a running splash. She scooped the jailbird over her shoulders, and walked out to the center of the ring. Whimsy went into an airplane spin, making seven revolutions before delivering a Samoan drop. She fell back across her, causing the referee to slide into position to make the count. 

Steph: Seven complete revolutions into a nasty looking Samoan drop and there’s the cover!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Werth kicked out after the two, and Mars sat up. She tried to catch her breath, and regain her sense of balance as she got to her feet.

Zack: I thought we were going to have a similar situation to the last show with Nora and that giant swing. 

Mars got rose to her feet, and pulled Mars up to plant her head between her legs. She lifted her up, and took off towards the corner with a buckle bomb, causing mara to grimace in pain. Whimsy ted off with a series of European uppercuts, rocking her head backwards before she scooped her over one shoulder and took off with a running powerslam. Werth arched up in pain off the mat before Mars bounced off the near side with a rolling thunder senton into a cover with a leg hook. 

Steph: Big time leaping somersault senton by Mars and she got all of it!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THR-NOPE!!

Mara’s shoulder popped up off the mat, causing Whimsy to get back to her feet again. She glanced towards the corner, back to her opponent, and then headed for it. As she made her way up, Mara got back to her feet and popped her head between her legs. Whimsy’s eyes widened before she fell backwards into an electric chair..

Zack: You’ve got to be kidding me! Look at this power display! Werth’s got Mars on her shoulders! And there’s a ring-shaking electric chair! No one has ever done that to Mars!

Mara pounded the mat, starting to feel rejuvenated as she saw Whimsy getting to her feet. She took off for the far side as Mars was getting up, but ran into a spinning backfist from Whimsy that sent her staggering. The Twitch streamer scooped her up, and delivered a Michinoku driver before collapsing onto her back as she recuperated from the electric chair. Davis began a ten count on them both as they looked up at the arena lights. 

Steph: Mars seemed to have a gasp of just straight out “not gonna take it” before she went down and now both women are at the mercy of the ten count!

Zack: I can see why they are both spent after what they’ve done to each other. It may be a case of who gets up first as to who is going to earn this title match.

When the referee got to six, Mars and Mara were starting to get up to their feet. Whimsy beat her there by a second, and started wailing away with right hands to her head. Each one sent her stumbling backwards a step until Whimsy scooped her up into position for what looked like another running powerslam. But Werth surprised her and slipped to her feet, catching her with a double knee backbreaker before she could turn around. The jailbird dove on top of her with a leg hook before the referee dropped to count. 

Steph: There’s a running power--double knee backbreaker!!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!

Mars’ shoulder came off the mat in time, and Werth got back to her feet very slowly. She took a few deep breaths, and pulled Mars up with her. She hoisted her upside down, and held her there for several seconds and bringing her down with a stalling vertical suplex. 

Zack: Mara Werth has unbelievable power, and she may be closer to the end of this match than the beginning, folks! 

Werth headed to the corner, pounding the mat with her fist as she waited for mars to finally make it to her feet. When she did, Werth sprinted towards her with a leap into her shining knee strike to the temple. Whimsy collapsed on the mat, and Werth went for the cover. 

Zack: Mara left her feet for the most devastating WERTHWHILE I think I’ve ever seen! Mars is out cold, there’s no question!!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Davis called for the bell, and Werth rolled off the cover. She sat against the corner to catch her breath, and pulled herself to her feet to get her hand raised. 

Steph: Mars did the very best she could and all respect in the world but tonight? Tonight was all Mara.

Gaby: Your winner of this match by pinfall………..MARA WERTH!!!

She pounded her chest with one hand to her heart with a nod of her head before doubling back and helping Mars to her feet. They shook hands before Werth rolled out of the ring, greeting a few of the ringside fans. 

Zack: Mara Werth came to Boston with one hell of a strategy for tonight, and it paid dividends! Gemma and Nora both have a reason to keep an eye over their shoulder!

Steph: Them and the rest of Future Shock it looks like. 

The fans response made Mara smile as she headed towards the backstage area. The show cut away elsewhere inside the Future Shock Arena from there. 



The Better Steen

Future Shock returns from the commercial break to very loud boos from the Boston crowd. The primary reason for that is standing in the ring with a wide smile on his face.

Dante: For those of you who don’t know, my name is Dante Knox. And while I am Canada’s favorite son and the lead commentator in a little place called SVW where I carry an albatross to a good show every other week, I also happen to be a world class manager. And in that brief time since I started attending Future Shock, there was always that one talent that shined brightest. There was always that one Prospect, who despite being handicapped by having to share a likeness with a 6…. on a good day with makeup, she managed to overcome those trappings. Now were it any of you, you’d be… Well I take that back. You are here now. You are spectators who see history made rather than make it yourself. 

This doesn’t endear him any further to the Boston crowd, if he ever was endeared to them at all. But that doesn’t stop him.

Dante: Just 4 weeks ago, that Prospect made history by ending the only other singles undefeated streak in Future Shock. She made history by becoming the new Future Shock Champion when she not only pinned Tara Cortez in this ring, but entirely humbled and embarrassed some other chick. And tonight, it is my great honor as a Canadian as well as her manager to introduce all of you here….. And all of you watching at home who hope and aspire to be even 1/8th of the woman she is… Please squeeze out of your seats and put your working class hands together for the new undisputed undefeated Future Shock Champion…...CASSANDRA STEEN!!!

Cassandra makes her way down towards the ring, soaking in the disdain from the Future Shock crowd as she pats the Future Shock Championship over her shoulder. A smirk plays on her face as she reaches the ring, taking her time to climb the steps and pausing briefly as she reaches the top to raise the Championship high above her head before she climbs into the ring. She reaches the centre and gives Dante a smile and nod of her head before she settles the Championship over her shoulder again. 

Cassandra: Thank you for that introduction, Dante. Even if the reception from the so called Future Shock fans leaves a lot to be desired. Thankfully, I care very little for what the masses think of me, since their opinions are about as valuable and useful as chocolate fireguards. 

Dante: She means fireplace covers, you ignorant masses. Now would you care to share the feelings you were experiencing when you made history and were awarded the Future Shock Championship? Take us through that journey. 

As he said it, Dante admires the championship and rubs his sleeve on it to make it shine just that much brighter. Not that it did.

Cassandra: Of course, Dante. Obviously, the main feeling I was experiencing was pride. Pride that yet again, I did just as I said I was going to. I proved yet again that I am success personified, that everything I touch turns to gold. And more than that, I prevented Tara from continuing her undefeated streak, and Vivi from getting her grubby little mitts on this fine Championship. All in all, I would say that was a pretty good night’s work, wouldn’t you?

Dante: Without question! And now you get as close to a night off as any Prospect could ask for when you defend that title at Nemesis on October 22nd against Vivi Robichaud. Why do I say that? Well it’s simple math. Tara Cortez beat her so badly they had to stop the match. You defeated Tara and ended her streak. So I’d say side by side, that puts you WAY up here… and Vivi way down there in terms of talent and skill. 

Cassandra: Not to mention the fact that I managed to capture the Future Shock Championship in my first attempt. I didn’t need to be thrown lifelines to squirm my way back into the picture. One shot. One opportunity. That was all it took, and now I have it. Vivi is going to wish she went back to the start of the queue. 

Dante: And finally, I’m sure one of the most rewarding moments for you was when you proved to everyone what you said from the day you arrived. That you are not your sister’s equal, you are her superior. In every way. You’ve done things she could not do here in Future Shock, and continue to add more accolades to your accomplishments. You really are as your Twitter handle says…. The Better Steen. 

Cassandra: I have been proving that since day one in Future Shock, and this just cements the fact. There is no logical doubt that can be cast upon my assertion that I am the Better Steen. The proof is right there for everyone to see, although I am sure there will still be some poor, blinkered, individuals out there who will try to deny what is right in front of their faces. 

Dante: I know that feeling very well. Ladies and gentlemen, your reigning and defending and undisputed and undefeated Future Shock Champion….CASSANDRA STEEN!

The boos only got louder as her name was mentioned, even though Dante was applauding her like she just won the title all over again. The show heads to a commercial for Future Shock Nemesis on October 22nd. 



Nemesis Rising

Future Shock returns from the commercial break, and finds the fans making plenty of noise as Adam appears on the stage. Their response brings a smile to his face as he asks for his music to be cut so he can speak.

Adam: What’s up, Boston?!

As you might suspect, this gets a cheap pop. 

Adam: You know, I’ve been living in this city now for about two months. And I have to tell you I don’t know why I didn’t make this move sooner. You guys are tremendous. Not only have you welcome my roster since the day we came here for the first time, but you’ve been the same way with me. I appreciate that more than I can express, and as far as I’m concerned, this right here is home for Future Shock and always will be. Now with that said, let’s get to some business as it pertains to a little even called Future Shock Nemesis. 

The Director looks rom end of the arena to the other for a brief second before he continues with what he has to say.

Adam: We all just heard from the new Future Shock Champion, and I will congratulate her on her achievement. She won the title on her own in Sydney, despite having you know who for a manager. And she will go onto defend that title at Nemesis against Vivi Robichaud one on one. But I can’t help to think back to Nemesis and how she won with Dante’s help to get Lilly Arthur counted out. I can’t help but remember all the times I’ve seen Dante get involved in his wife’s matches in SVW. So in order to prevent that, I’m going to do something at Nemesis that I’ve never done before. And for ONE NIGHT ONLY, I am ordering that the Future Shock Championship CAN change hands on a disqualification or a countout!

This gets a loud pop from the crowd, and Adam nods his head as he listens to them. 

Adam: I want a winner. You want a winner once and for all. But that’s obviously not the only title on the line. We already know Gemma Pierce will meet Nora Harris for the Aspire Championship, and we now know who the next challenger will be, don’t we? We know that Katie Hanley will defend the new Nova Championship against Sydney Christensen. And we know there’s a number one contendership for the Future Shock Tag Titles when the Laurie Jane Experience meets the Doomsday Sisters from the Matriarchy. 

Graphics for each of those matches pops up on the video wall behind Adam as he announces them. 

Adam: But I’ve added a little more to this card. Ever since the last show, I’ve been getting asked for a rematch. I’m referring to Cassie Mason, who feels she has a bone to pick with Cait Flanagan after the way their first match went. And I’m going to grant Cassie that match. Those two will meet again at Nemesis one on one. Not to mention after Wipeout, there was also some unfinished business as it pertains to someone else. I’ve also been petitioned by the Gold Standard to give “Sensational” Stacey Sky a match with the “Lucky Star” Andi Takata! And you know what? I’m gonna make that happen!

This match gets another pop from the crowd. 

Adam: But what about the next show, you may be asking yourselves? Well that’s really simple, because the main event two weeks from tonight will see the Raging Dragons get their rematch with the Gold Standard for the Future Shock Tag Team Championship. They earned their shot in Sydney, and I’m not gonna---

Voice: Hold up, hold up.

Adam looks around and then behind him as he sees Kyle Kilmeade on the video wall live via satellite. Kyle gives the Director a little golf clap amid boos from the crowd.

Kyle: Two things before you go for another cheap pop. Number one, the match with Andi and Stacey? Good call. But I don’t think that’s gonna end how you’re probably hoping. But you want to see it at nemesis? Hey, that’s fine by me. But this tag title match? I need to ask you a question. How many shots are you going to give the Dragons?

Adam: Excuse me?

Kyle: Valerie and Lacey have already defeated them once for the titles. They didn’t get the job done. Now I know they are the number one contenders again, but I just want to know how many shots you plan to give them when they come up short again? Do they get put into more matches to earn future shots? Because I gotta tell you, I’m feeling like this is gonna be one and done. When the tag champions defeat them for the second time, I just want you to know I’m not signing another tag title defense contract with the Dragons on behalf of the Gold Standard. As their manager, that’s it for as long as Valerie and Lacey have the tag titles. When they lose, they go to the back of the line. Lace’em up tight, girls. And bring two crying towels for after it’s over. See you in 2 weeks. 

Adam was about to respond before the video wall flicked back to the graphics, and Kyle was no longer there. 

Zack: I don’t think he can make that decision….. Fans, when we come back, the main event is next! 

Adam said something to himself as he headed towards the back, and Future Shock took it’s final commercial break of the evening.

[Adam Grant]

A clip shows the viewers highlights from the first match at Wipeout between Arabella and Sydney before we go back to the live broadcast, and find Gaby in the ring once again.

Zack: You just saw what took place in their original meeting a few months ago, and my how things have changed! Sydney’s the #1 contender to the Nova Championship, which is where Arabella would love to be, Steph.

Steph: And a win of course.... Well a win would put her right where she wants to be, in a matter of speaking.

The sound of a guitar strumming subtly begins to echo in the arena, leaving those in attendance wondering what is going on. The angelic voice of one Lzzy Hale of the band Halestorm is heard next, her voice serenely starting the opening verse of “I Am The Fire.”

Am I brave enough?
Am I strong enough?
To follow the desire
That burns from within
To push away my fear
To stand where I'm afraid
I am through with this
'Cause I am more than this
I promise to myself
Alone and no one else
My flame is rising higher.

As the song picks up the tempo, her voice becomes more intense, kicking into the chorus.

I am the fire
I am burning brighter
Roaring like a storm

Midway through the chorus, the curtains part and out walks the pride of Calgary herself, Sydney Christensen.  She steps out to the middle of the stage and juts her arms out on either side of her, tossing her head back as the fans show their appreciation. She picks her head up and slowly brings her arms in front of her, her index fingers pointing down to the ring. Dropping her arms to her side, she begins her march towards the ring, nodding at a few fans along the way. Once she reaches the ring, she hops up onto the apron and steps through the bottom and middle ropes. Almost immediately, Sydney walks over to the ropes and raises her arms above her head, encouraging the fans as they cheer on the proud Canadian. Sydney then walks over to one corner of the ring and rests her back against the turnbuckle, awaiting her opponent as her music fades out on one poignant line of the chorus.

And I am the one I've been waiting for
Screaming like a siren
Alive and burning brighter
I am the fire!

Gaby: Introducing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, this is…...SYDNEY CHRISTENSEN!!

Zack: It was a struggle for her, but Sydney has really built her confidence back after her win in Sydney, Steph. She’s got a date with Katie Hanley at Nemesis, but something to prove tonight in Boston.

Steph: All respect to Canada’s Finest, Zack but I speak from experience when I advise that she better not let that confidence shapeshift into arrogance. That’s how Amazons and Aztecs start handing you L’s.

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: I have a sense that Arabella is gonna be one of Future Shock’s top stars one day, she has all the tools you need. And she is in the unenviable position of once again trying to prove to a seasoned veteran she looks up to that she can still get past her. That’s gotta be a little bittersweet to have to do that to someone you look up to. 

Steph: In a fashion, Zack. The other way to look at it is proving to yourself that you have nothing more to learn from every person your hero-worship. As that J. Cole song goes, long live the idols, may they never be your rivals. 

Referee Melinda Davis checks both women for foreign objects as Gaby leaves the ring, and then calls for the bell. Arabella takes a couple deep breaths, and heads for the center to meet Sydney. The brunette tells her again how much she likes and respects all she’s done, which gets little response from Sydney. Arabella offers her a handshake, but the Canadian slaps it away before nailing her with a right hand to the jaw. She lowers her shoulder, and drives her backwards into the corner. A series of shoulder thrusts land after that before she stands up with a palm thrust to the throat, causing Townshend to start coughing. Sydney pulls her out of the corner, and delivers a kidney punch into her lower back. When the rookie turns around, she gets scooped up for a stun gun across the top rope. It causes Arabella to cough even more heavily before Sydney uses a big boot to her head to put her down on the mat.

Zack: Sydney is not here looking for admiration or respect tonight. That match at Wipeout has been festering in the back of her mind, and she’s hellbent to prove it was only a bad night. 

Steph: That’s her prerogative, Zack. For better and for worse. That big boot was ‘worse’.

The blonde rolls out under the bottom rope and hangs Arabella’s head over the apron. When she climbs back up, Sydney darts down the apron with a guillotine leg drop across the back of her neck and head. Once more, she drops back to the floor as Arabella tries to get her wind back and nails her with a running kneelift. Davis tells her to get back into the ring, but Sydney only rolls in and back out once more. When Arabella starts to push up a little, Sydney hops onto the apron and connects with a double stomp to back and neck, shoving her back onto the edge of the ring again.

Steph: Punishment around the apron area, Zack. Offense and more offense on Sydney... If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was trying to give Arabella a concussion.

Zack: Either that or she’s setting up for that Lotus Lock she loves to use. In either case, she’s well on her way to accomplishing either.

The veteran finally returned to the ring, and pulled Arabella back with her by the leg. When Townshend rolled onto her back though, she began firing stomps into Sydney’s chest like she was riding a bicycle. It staggered the Canadian backwards a couple steps as Arabella continued to cough, but made it back to her feet. She started firing right hands into Sydney’s head before whipping her across for the ride. As soon as she rebounded, Arabella popped her into the air and stepped out from under her to let her faceplant on the mat. 

Zack: Arabella’s starting to fight back now, and there went a pop up before the bottom dropped out. That’s been a popular offensive move with some of the Prospects, Steph.

Steph: The pop up is all about gravity, Zack. A cruel mistress and a crueler tag partner.

Sydney got to all fours and was about to be on her feet when Arabella snatched her around the waist, and sent her flying with a release German suplex. She tried to get up again, only for Arabella to grab her once more. This time though, she executed a gutwrench suplex. Before the veteran could get up again, Townshend had already taken off for the ropes, she came back with a cannonball senton to her chest before hooking the outside leg for the cover. 

Steph: Big time cannonball senton and God I love that move...

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOO!!

Sydney kicked out at two, and shoved the rookie away from her. Arabella got her back to her feet, and sent her into the corner. The blonde landed back first before Arabella followed her in with a shotgun dropkick to the chest. 

Zack: Things are starting to unravel a little here for the #1 contender to the Nova Championship, and to her credit, Arabella isn’t letting up in the slightest.

The impact caused Sydney to collapse to a seat against the turnbuckles. With the crowd more behind her now, Arabella took off for the far side and came back with a face wash boot to the jaw. Sydney almost slumped over the bottom rope after the impact, and Townshend darted for the ropes again. As soon as Sydney had gotten herself out from the ropes, the brunette used a second cannonball senton into her body, and quickly got to her feet. She rubbed the back of her neck as she got to her feet, and darted to the ropes once more. She came back with a low cross body block to sandwich the veteran against the turnbuckles. 

Steph: Arabella now, using her speed to overwhelm the veteran and simply try and outpace her.

Zack: I think that’s definitely an area where Arabella will outmatch Sydney, and that’s just all the more reason to use it.

It looked like Arabella was setting up something else before Sydney rolled out to the floor. The Canadian slumped on her knees as she rubbed her chest. But the rookie rolled out around the corner behind her. As Christensen started to get up, she headed towards the steps. Arabella measured her and took off around the corner behind her. But as soon as she got close, Sydney used a drop toe hold to send her face first against the steps. The sound rang through the arena as Sydney leaned against the apron to pull herself together. 

Zack: Is it just me, or has Sydney Christensen suddenly gotten a lot more vicious since she won that triple threat in Sydney? Or it just because it’s Arabella we are seeing this side of her? 

Steph: I will go with the former... Because it would be almost, psychopathic in a way to have shaken Arabella’s hand and now getting a bit... Crazier than just driven. The Calgary Psychopath... I hate that it sounds catchy.

Townshend held her face in pain as Sydney moved around to the other side of the steps from her. She pulled her up by the head, and executed a neckbreaker across the steps to send Arabella back to the floor holding her neck. Some of the fans began booing Sydney at this point, not that it seemed to bother her as she rolled into the ring and back out again to stop the count. She pulled Arabella’s head between her legs as she lined up with the steel, and dropped her with a piledriver into the bottom step. Arabella crumpled down to the floor face down as Sydney stood over her, and looked down at her.

Steph: Uuuhhhmmmm, Zack? Nevermind what I just said, cool? Cool.

Zack: This is definitely a more cold-blooded side of Sydney Christensen. But again, I’m trying to figure out if this is because it’s Arabella who showed her up at Wipeout or just an attitude change entirely.

She picked up her seemingly limp body, and shoved it under the bottom rope back into the ring. Sydney slid in after her, and pummeled her with straight right hands. Arabella offered no defense at all before Sydney finally made the cover with a loose leg hook. Davis immediately dropped into position to make the count. 

Steph: What is she gonna do to you after you spiked her head onto steel steps?

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-WHOA!!

The Brit popped her shoulder off the mat in time before the three, causing Sydney to sit up on her knees and roll her eyes. She got back to her feet, standing over Arabella and waved her hands for her to get up. 

Zack: I’m not sure how much Arabella has left after that piledriver into the steps, but there’s still a spark. Sydney seems like she’s enjoying this.

The fans really started getting behind Arabella as she rolled onto her stomach, and started to push up to her hands and knees. The veteran circled around behind her. And as soon as she was up, Sydney applied  a full nelson. Arabella’s chin was pressed into her chest as Sydney was trying to lock her fingers behind her head. The only problem was Arabella’s hair was making that difficult for her to achieve. 

Zack: Sydney can’t lock the fingers, and that’s why Arabella’s still able to fight this. That’s a problem a lot of women run into with this hold, due to the fact so many have long, thick hair. 

Steph: It’s a weird tangle thing.

Davis moved around to Arabella’s side, asking her if she wanted to stop the match. But she showed no signs of that as she struggled to pull them both towards the ropes. Sydney was still trying to lock her fingers until Arabella finally dragged them both there and grabbed the top rope. The referee demanded a break, and Sydney instead gave Arabella a full nelson slam. Her head bounced off the mat before the veteran dropped on top of her to make the cover, with the referee not far behind to make the count. 

Steph: Full nelson slam and yet again another pin... Jesus on her head too.

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!

Arabella got her foot across the bottom rope before the three, and Sydney rolled off the cover. She nodded as she got to her feet, and Arabella clutched the back of her neck in pain. 

Zack: Arabella was too close to the ropes for that, and Sydney’s night is hardly done yet. I think Townshend has resiliency in spades. 

Sydney dragged her back to the center of the ring, delivering a leg drop to her chest before she sat her up and applied her lotus lock submission. Arabella’s face wrenched in pain as Sydney locked her legs into position, causing Davis to check with Arabella about stopping the match. She shouted no as Sydney’s face tensed, showing she was trying to exert more pressure. 

Zack: That’s the FIRESTARTER, Steph! And Sydney has absolutely perfect ring positioning! Arabella’s in big trouble!

Steph: Right... Right in the middle.

The Boston crowd began chanting Arabella’s name louder and louder, trying to inspire her as Sydney told her to quit louder and louder. Davis checked again, still getting a no from Arabella even though she was having no luck getting to the ropes. Arabella shouted in pain as she pushed up onto her feet, and managed to roll herself on top of Sydney before the referee made the count. 

Zack: THAT’S HOW SHE BEAT HER AT WIPEOUT!!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NO!!

Unlike Wipeout, Sydney broke the hold and managed to shove Arabella off her in time before the three. The blonde mounted her chest and unleashed a flurry of right hands into her face with a vengeance. 

Steph: It seems you were right after all, Zack. Forget that hug at Wipeout. It didn’t mean jack.

She popped back to her feet, and ran her thumb along her throat. THis only inspired the fans to cheer for Arabella even more loudly. 

Zack: I think Sydney’s looking to put the finishing touches on this match, and try to put Arabella behind her in the process.

The veteran pulled her back to her feet, and over one shoulder into position for a tombstone piledriver. She drilled her with it, sending Arabella into a crumpled heap before rolling her over to make the cover. Davis dropped to count it.

Steph: Oof. Can we call that an Canadian Goodnight?

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

The referee called for the bell to a mixed reaction from the fans. Sydney got back to her feet, and had her hand raised with a nod of her head.

Zack: Sydney put one hell of an exclamation point on this one, and got her win. Now maybe the resentment from Wipeout has been cleared from her mind.

Gaby: Your winner by pinfall…………..SYDNEY CHRISTENSEN!!!

Steph: Well, fans may not wanna be too... Too happy about it--

Sydney looked down as Arabella started to sit up on the canvas, furrowing her brow as she saw it. She made her pay for it with a sharp kick into her back. 

She locked in her Lotus Lock submission once again, and grabbed the top rope behind her to pull for more pressure as Townshend shouted in pain. Davis tried to break the hold before Sydney shoved her away, and kept the submission locked in…..until the new Nova Champion headed towards the ring. Katie stormed in, and left her title on the mat as she went to break it herself. Sydney released it, and rolled out to the floor as the champion asked her what she was doing. 

Steph: If not for Katie that might have gone one forever, As opportunistic as I’ve been in the ring... Man.

Zack: I think that win in Australia flipped a switch, and a whole new far more calculating and vicious Sydney Christensen has been awakened. Katie, this is your future!

Sydney backed up the ramp as Katie knelt by her pupil, looking back to Sydney with a look of disbelief on her face as Future Shock faded off the air.