FFW Future Shock - Episode 91

[Adam Grant]

  
Live from the Future Shock Arena in Boston, Massachusetts
February 23, 2021

The FFW logo is shown in graffiti on a brick wall before the camera wheels around to see Nadia and Alessandra of Target Acquired standing outside an old gym somewhere in Boston. They give each other a look as “Boom” by the X Ambassadors starts to play. When they start to head inside, we begin to see some of the stars of Future Shock in clips.

My feet go boom boom boom
Boom boom boom, boom boom boom
My heart beats boom boom boom
Boom boom boom, boom boom boom

The clips begin with the Doomsday Sisters thrusting the Future Shock Tag Titles over their heads in South Korea, followed by Angelina Fantastica launching herself over the top rope. Luna and Anna Cortez pop out of a gift box next, and that’s followed by Cait Flanagan lounging on a boat in a red bikini. Then we cut back to Nadia and Alessandra as they step inside the dusty gym, and start getting the equipment inside working.

I said, hey, uh huh, you can't stop me
'Cause my pain, uh huh, is gasoline (ooh)
I can't wait, no, for nobody
If you break my heart, it's 1, 2, 3
Boom boom boom

With the gym now somewhat ready for use, they see a ring standing in the center of it. They head towards it before we cut to another set of clips. They include: Stacey Sky looking up to the Future Shock Championship in her hand, Katie Hanley delivering her running boot to someone in the corner, Sydney Christensen twirling her Louisville Slugger with Dante standing behind her, Lauirie talking to the camera while ignoring Jane entirely, and finally Leighana admiring her handiwork after leaving an opponent laying. The shot changes back to Target Acquired in a dusty ring before they close their eyes. The shot changes to black before we open live inside the Future Shock Arena to a roaring crowd. The camera spins around to show the fans as well as Lexi stepping through the ropes.

That's what I'm gonna do
I got a new tattoo, don't know what to tell you
Got nothing left to prove to you

With the crowd waving their signs and making a tremendous amount of noise, we cut down to the booth to find Zack Hudson and Claire Black.

Zack: For the 91st time, welcome to Future Shock, where we are live in downtown Boston, Massachusetts at the Future Shock Arena. Thank you for joining us, and the main event is all about Global Wars tonight as two teams redefine Unlikely Allies as they will have to work together to put more points on the scoreboard for their respective countries 

Claire: The main event has so many combustible elements to it. On one side, you’ve got Gemma Pierce in one of her first ever tag team matches teaming with a woman who is the definition of self-absorbed in Luna Cortez. Pierce doesn’t suffer fools gladly and it could well be a test of her patience. On the other side of the ring we’ve got two women who went toe to toe just two weeks ago and I’m sure Sydney wouldn’t have any problem at all in stabbing Alessandra in the back if she thought it would benefit her in any way at all.

Zack: After tonight, all five women in Global Wars will have had three of their four required matches to qualify for the battle royal on April 6th. So that means in March, it will be crunch time for all of them as they try to get those last couple points. I don’t see either of the teams tonight working well together, unlike our other tag match on the show. Madyson and Melody Stone will meet the Laurie Jane Experience as all the teams on this show are trying to get to the top of the ladder to meet up with the Doomsday Sisters. 

Claire: The Experience have proven they have what it takes to get to the top of the ladder but we shouldn’t write off Madyson and Melody in the slightest. We know that Trinity are a tight knit group of sisters and we’ve seen Madyson fight tooth and nail in the Diamond Championship tournament and could easily have been holding that title tonight. And Melody certainly isn’t any slouch either. They’ll ask a lot of questions of Laurie and Jane tonight.

Zack: If one Cortez sister isn’t enough for you, how about two? Jacqui Minogue will find herself across the ring from the fastest of the three, in my view, in Anna Cortez. Minogue is still miffed about not being in Global Wars, and Anna...well I have it on good authority she wants into the Diamond division discussions. Knocking off Jacqui can certainly help get her there.

Claire: I think you might be right about her being the quickest and possibly the more cerebral of the three sisters too. She’ll need to exploit both of those qualities if she’s to overcome Jacqui Minogue though. The power that she possesses is simply scary and she’s only going to be more dangerous when she’s in a bad mood.

Zack: I’ve been told that we are having a tea party tonight with a RSVP for Arabella Townshend as the guest of honor. The Dollhouse is in the building, but I don’t think Arabella is going to take them up on their offer. And if there is one, maybe this one will be indoors as opposed to the last one.

Claire: I certainly wouldn’t want to take them up on that offer - indoors or out. I’m sure that it’ll be an interesting, intriguing event the likes of which we might have never seen before. 

Zack: You don’t see a lot of tea parties in this sport, do you? Much less ones put together by women like Destiny and Nyx.

Claire: I think the last time I saw a tea set anywhere near a wrestling ring was in the hands of Laura Steele and that was a long, long time ago now. This might be the first time I’ve ever seen a full on tea party with RSVP invitations sent out.

Zack: I also was made aware of a new match that has been added to Global Wars on April 6th. For the first time ever, Claire, the FFW Unity Tag Team Titles will be defended in Future Shock when NHB comes home to challenge Target Acquired, which is gonna mean double duty for Alessandra that night. 

Claire: Target Acquired makes history once more and I’m sure Alessandra will relish the opportunity and will rise up to the challenge. Meanwhile, you know that NHB are just chomping at the bit to cash in their shot at the Unity Titles. At Global Wars, they’ll push both Nadia and Alessandra every step of the way, that’s for sure.

Zack: We’ll also get more news on the upcoming Anarchy Championship. The first match in the division is gonna be on our next episode, and I’m sure Charlotte and Raven would like to know what kind of match it will be. All I could get out of Adam was it’s a match type never seen in FFW or Future Shock, Claire. That narrows the field quite a bit.

Claire: There’s not many match types Future Shock hasn’t played host to already but this is the start of a new division. It’s a match that will set the tone for the future and I’m sure Charlotte and Raven will both look to shine brightly and send a warning to all future challengers.

Zack: All that and a whole lot more, no doubt. So let’s send it up to the best exhibitionist ring announcer in the sport today to get the show started.

Lexi is already beaming with a bright smile in the center of the ring wearing a black top and matching miniskirt. 




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

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 Anna Cortez walks onto the entrance ramp. She's soon joined by her manager Christian Kincaid, as he walks beside her, matching her pace as she doesn’t stop marching down the ramp and towards the ring.

Lexi: Introducing first, escorted to the ring by Christian Kincaid... From Fort Worth, Texas... ANNA CORTEZ!

When Anna climbs into the ring, she makes her way to the far turnbuckles and steps on the second rope and sitting on the top rope, staring into the audience without breaking contact with them… Before she hops back down and crouches, taking haven on her corner as she waits for the match to start while sharing some last minute strategy with Christian.

Zack: Gonna be a busy night for Christian with both of the Cortez sisters competing. Anna’s gonna need to be fast and furious here. Remembering where she’s from, we want to send our thoughts to our fans in the Lone Star State. They’ve been tested more than many of us ever will with recent weather events, and we’re keeping all of you in our thoughts. 

Claire: Hopefully all our fans are staying safe and warm in the arctic conditions they’ve been suffering under. As for Christian it’s part and parcel of being one of the most successful managers in Future Shock and FFW - I’m sure it’s something he’s not complaining about and he’ll have Anna extraordinarily well prepared for this contest.

The camera gets a close up of Anna’s boots when she points to them, showing the Texas flag on each of them. She lets the camera know this match is for everyone in her home state. 

Claire: It’s a nice touch from Anna and I’m certain that will win over a lot of fans, get them right behind with this gesture towards her home state.

Zack: The way she uses those feet of hers, that flag is likely to be a blur most of the match minus when Jacqui sees it up close and personal. Speaking of which….

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 stands on stage, her hands on her hips as she scans through the environment and eventually the ring while the crowd continues to shower her with their reaction.

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

Jacqui then comes down the ramp toward the ring with her arms extended outward and sporting a cocky demeanor. 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 the match to begin.

Zack: Jacqui is still fixated on becoming the Nova Champion as well as proving why she should have been part of Global Wars. But as it pertains to Global Wars, it’s like all the teams that don’t win the big one each year can say. There’s always next year.

Claire: I don’t there are many people who would argue with Adam’s reasoning for not putting her into Global Wars this year. Sadly Jacqui is in the minority but she’s using that chip on her shoulder to fuel her and drive her forward.

After Lexi is out of the ring and referee Stephen WIlson has made sure no one was hiding any weapons, the bell sounded and Anna was already bouncing on the balls of her feet in the corner. She and Jacqui met in the center of the ring for a collar and elbow tie-up, only for Jacqui to easily move her back against the ropes. She gave a clean break when the referee asked, but quickly followed that up with a short knee to Anna’s ribs. Two more landed after that, causing her to double over slightly. Jacqui bent her head down further, and rained elbows into her back repeatedly till she was almost down to a knee. When the triplet started to get up, Jacqui lifted her into a gutbuster. Cortez tried to get up again, but was holding her stomach before Minogue pulled her back to her feet into a kidney punch. It froze the triplet in place, allowing Jacqui to drop her with a backbreaker across her knee.

Zack: This is almost a preview of what the Future Shock Cup match could look like. We know these two, along with River Campbell and Melody Stone, will all be included. Winning it last year certainly gave Cait Flanagan all kinds of benefits. 

Claire: Jacqui Minogue is going to cause all sorts of problems in that match simply because of her power and her mean streak. And if she does, then you know she’ll be looking to reap all the same benefits that Flanagan has over the last year.

Anna tried to get away from her and rise back to her feet, but a hard whip from the Aussie sent her back first into the corner. She followed her in with a running back elbow to the mouth, causing Anna’s head to snap back for a second and then was whipped again into the corner. For the second time, Anna’s back arched in pain. Minogue followed her a second time as well, this time with a running shoulder tackle that sent her back into the corner a third time. She fired Anna into a third corner, and looked to be going for another running shoulder thrust. But Cortez hopped up to sit on the top turnbuckle as she approached, and countered with a sunset flip!

Zack: Anna looking to steal it without even getting a shot off!

ONE!!

TW-NO!!

Jacqui kicked out before the two even touched the mat, and then used her calf to clobber against the top of Anna’s head. She quickly got to her feet again, dragging Cortez up with her before shoving her into the same corner. Minogue leaned into her, and began throwing back elbows into the side of her head again before using a beal to throw her out onto the canvas. 

Claire: Anna almost stole it but I think all she’s really gone and done is angered the Matriarchy member. Now she’s getting thrown around like a sack of potatoes!

Minogue bounced off the near side looking to deliver a knee drop to Anna’s head. But Cortez rolled out of the way, letting her crash onto the mat instead. Anna got back to her feet as quickly as she could, and met the rising Jacqui with a series of right hands to her head. That got the Boston crowd behind her as she peppered her with shots before firing her into the corner this time. Minogue stopped herself before she hit chest first, but turned around into a handspring. She ducked the contact as Anna landed like a cat on the middle rope. When the Aussie raised her head, that’s when Anna grabbed it for a satellite DDT. She sat up quickly, and noticed Jacqui was starting to get up as well before she began firing kicks into the back of the knee Jacqui hit the mat with a moment ago. Six quick shots to that leg landed, dropping the Aussie back to the other knee before Anna used a leg sweep to put her down on the mat. Cortez immediately went for a heel hook submission until Jacqui grabbed the bottom rope within a couple seconds.

Zack: Anna’s usually known for her high speed offense, but it looks like she’s been watching some tapes of your tag partner with that heel hook. Jacqui couldn’t get to the ropes fast enough.

Claire: Cortez is looking to chop down the tree and take away Jacqui’s foundation. It’s real hard to be able to use all of your power if you’re struggling to properly transfer your weight forwards. Smart strategy from Anna here.

Anna turned Jacqui over, and began spiking her knee against the mat repeatedly like a hammer. She stretched it out on the canvas before darting past it to the ropes, where she went for a springboard moonsault. But she landed both feet on her leg instead, causing Minogue to clutch it tightly. Christian watched on with encouragement as his client folded up Jacqui’s legs to flip her over into a gorilla clutch.

Zack: I’ve never seen someone use a moonsault to stick the landing on an opponent’s leg, and look at this! Anna’s going for a submission!

Claire: This is that more cerebral side of Anna on display here. Add that in with Christian’s coaching and she’s going to be a dangerous handful for absolutely anyone in this business.

Wilson checked with Jacqui about stopping the match, but he was ignored as she pushed up on her hands and began walking on them to get to the ropes. Anna didn’t have the power to stop her either. The Aussie grabbed the rope, and Anna gave a break immediately. Minougue rolled out to the apron and sat up to rub her knee for a moment. That didn’t last very long due to Anna using a baseball slide to knock her to the floor. Jacqui landed with a thud as Anna stepped out onto the apron next, watching her like a hawk till she got up. And when she did, Anna caught her turning around with a Fosbury flop. It floored her before Anna dove back into the ring again. 

Claire: Anna not giving Jacqui a moment to recover...at least not until now. I wouldn’t advise her to head on out there and meet Minogue on the outside of the ring.

Zack: She made the wise decision to get back into the ring as soon as she hit what she was looking for. On the floor, like you were saying, is not the ideal place to be with Jacqui.

Wilson was up to three on his count in the ring before Jacqui had gotten back to her feet. She was trying to work the pain out of her knee for a moment, and taking more of the count as a result. When he was up to six though, Anna went to get her. She ducked through the ropes to grab her to take her inside, but Minogue spun into her with a forearm to the head that sent her backwards. The centerpiece of the Matriarchy rolled back into the ring as well, and caught Anna with a double ax handle to the back of her head when she was trying to get up again. Apparently the extra time on the outside helped as Minogue was moving almost at normal speed again. She pulled Anna to her feet, and scooped her over her shoulders into a Samoan drop. She grabbed her around the waist into a gutwrench powerbomb before stacking her legs up for the cover. 

Zack: Anna got folded up like a dollar bill, and Minogue’s ready to hear the bell!

ONE!!!

TWOOO!!!

Cortez got her shoulder up as the two struck, and Jacqui stepped away from her. When the Aussie saw Anna starting to get up again, she darted in behind her to use a codebreaker to take her down once more.

Claire: Minogue bought herself just long enough on the outside to let her knee recover and now Anna is almost back at square one and at the mercy of her opponent’s power.

She dragged Anna by the arm towards that same corner before she lifted her up to sit on the top turnbuckle. Jacqui climbed up with her, pelting her with more right hands before hooking her head under her arm. And with one swift motion, she delivered a superplex that caused Anna’s body to writhe on the canvas. Jacqui looked confident again as she used a Garvin stomp to keep Anna down. The Aussie headed towards the corner, climbing up to the second rope from the inside. 

Zack: Jacqui’s not one for climbing the corner too much, and here she’s at it the second time in this match. I’m not sure what she has in mind. 

Claire: You see Minogue’s confidence growing here and whatever she’s got in mind can only be bad news for Anna - if she can pull it off successfully.

Christian was trying to give Anna some advice as she was beginning to get back to her feet. She finally made it, and turned around before Minogue went for a missile dropkick to her chest. But the triplet took two steps back, and let Jacqui crash onto the mat instead. Anna glanced towards her manager, who gave her some more advice before she grabbed Jacqui’s legs and applied a figure four leglock!

Zack: Anna just stepped out of the way, and only the air caught that dropkick! And here she goes right back to what she was working on with a figure four I’ve not seen her use often.

Claire: It’s certainly a very effective method of applying pressure to the leg and knee of the powerhouse and building on the damage the heel hook did earlier.

Suddenly the pain Jacqui had managed to work out was back again with a vengeance as Anna pulled on her foot as she laid on the mat. The Aussie’s face was in agony as Anna then started punching the side of her knee she had been targeting. Wilson checked for a submission, but Jacqui shook her head. Cortez managed to apply more pressure as she pushed up on her hands and lifted her body up in the hold. The referee checked again, getting another clear “NO!” from Jacqui, who was now trying to drag them both on her elbows towards the ropes nearest to her. 

Zack: Whatever recovery Jacqui managed on the outside is pretty well shot now, and it’s only getting worse at this point. Look at her dragging them both inch by inch trying to make it to the ropes. 

Claire: It’s the advantage of having upper body strength to burn but every single second that she’s in this hold is sheer torture on her knee and leg. She’ll be lucky to be able to stand if she can’t get out of this quickly.

Finally, she made it to the ropes and grabbed the middle with both hands. The referee broke the hold before Anna got back to her feet. Minogue used those ropes to get to her own feet when she saw Anna coming towards her again. She caught her with a boot to the jaw as she got close though, staggering Cortez backwards and allowing Jacqui to use the ropes to propel herself into a discus lariat. Both women went down before Minogue went for the cover with an inside leg hook.

Zack: Jacqui was using the ropes like a tag partner, and managed to mow Anna down! Now we got another cover!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOO!!!

TH-NOPE.

Anna’s shoulder came up in time, and Jacqui started back to her feet. She was moving gingerly, and once again, trying to work the pain out of her leg. As that went on, Anna was beginning to get up as well. Christian shouted something to her before she darted towards her opponent. Unfortunately for her, she ran into Jacqui’s waiting arms, who then planted her with a spinebuster. 

Claire: Anna tried to catch her foe unawares but Jacqui had her scouted and I swear the ring bounced from the impact of that spinebuster!!

It looked like she was about to go for the cover, but thought better of it and rose back to her feet. Anna lay on the mat for a few seconds as Jacqui limped around behind her when she started to rise. The Aussie rubbed her knee again in pain before she noticed Anna was back to a vertical base. And then Minogue ducked her head and lifted Anna up on her shoulders.

Zack: I think she’s looking for her finisher here, but I don’t know if her kene’s gonna hold out long enough to pull it off!

Claire: This could be a big risk for Jacqui but if we know how devastating this move can be. If she can pull it off, it’ll be worth it!

But Jacqui wasted zero time in executing it when she caught Anna with her one-handed electric chair driver! It bounced the triplet off the mat before Jacqui crawled across her for the cover and hooked both legs. 

Zack: She hit it as fast as she could, and there’s the FALL FROM GRACE!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Wilson called for the bell before Jacqui rolled towards the ropes. She sat up against them, and went back to rubbing her knee. When she pulled herself to her feet, that’s when she got her hand raised by the referee.

Claire: You can see how much that knee is bothering her and how close Anna came to picking up the win, but Minogue powered through, showing tremendous resilience and has the victory to show for it!

Lexi: Your winner by pinfall……………. ‘THE PERFECT STORM’ JACQUI MINOGUE!!!

Jacqui leaned against the corner next, still favoring her knee as she said something about not being in Global Wars. Christian helped Anna out of the ring, telling her how good she did and that he was proud of her. 

Zack: She’s still bitter about Global Wars. It’s time to build a bridge and get over it, Jacqui. And you might want to see the trainer about your knee. 

Claire: That boat has long since sailed Jacks and no matter how much you bitch and moan about it, nothing will change. You might as well just focus on earning your place for next year if you want it that much.

As the Aussie limped towards the back, she stopped long enough to raise her hand in victory one again. The show then headed elsewhere in the Future Shock Arena. 




Tea Party Preparation

The next image we see takes us into what looks like a maintenance closet. There’s cleaning supplies along the wall in the background, but not far from the door is a green felt poker table with doilies set on three sides. The center of the table has a china teapot set on a small plate with three more plates surrounding it. Though no one is there. 

Zack: Well...looks like the tea party is set and ready to go, Claire. I think that’s in one of the utility closets where the maintenance staff keep supplies. 

Claire: Yes it does and at least it’s inside this time around and not up on the roof. Though that’s about the only thing it’s got going for it, if I’m honest.

The cameraman reaches his hand out to lift the lid on the teapot to see what’s inside. It’s not tea, but looks like dried concrete. When he tips it over and nothing pours out, that confirms it. 

Zack: Concrete...in a teapot. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.

Claire: Yeah, that’s going to be solid and pretty heavy I imagine - almost like a bowling ball. 

Zack: I know Arabella’s here tonight, and I don’t think she wants to take up the Dollhouse on this invitation. Speaking of which, I don’t see Destiny and Nyx anywhere in there. 

Claire: They can’t be that far away can they? It’s not like they’ve got any reason to be hiding underneath the ring tonight. Perhaps they’re off looking for their invited guest?

The cameraman carefully replaces the lid like he found it before backing out of the maintenance closet. Then we cut to a commercial for Future Shock Global Wars on April 6th.

[Adam Grant]

Future Shock returns from the commercial break back to the ring, and finds Lexi once again ready to do the introductions.

Zack: Coming up next is the first of two tag team matches on tonight’s show. But unlike the main event, I don’t think working together and having chemistry will be difficult to see in this one.

Claire: These are two close knit teams with no issues between them. This is purely for bragging rights and for the chance to get into position to challenge the Doomsday Sisters for the Tag Team Championships.

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

Lexi: From Salem, Oregon alongside Mikayla Stone, this is MADYSON & MELODY STONE...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: Melody got some huge news on our last show. She’s going to be part of this year’s Future Shock Cup. With both Madyson here and Mikayla thick in the hunt for singles titles, no reason Melody can’t blaze a trail for herself when it’s time for the Cup to return this year.

Claire: Trinity are certainly making waves individually in Future Shock and there’s no reason to think that they can’t do the exact same thing in the tag ranks starting tonight with this match against the former Champions.

The lights go out for a couple of moments before “Paradise Circus” by Massive Attack begins to play cause the lights to flicker on and off randomly over the crowd. After a couple of seconds of this, a single spotlight appears on the entrance ramp to illuminate Laurie Jane; the brunette stood there in glittering metallic blue, tights and matching top with the initials ‘LJE’ emblazoned down the leg and across the chest in gold lettering. A step behind her, taking up the exact same pose is her partner - in matching ring gear but with an all black hooded sweatshirt covering her torso. 

Lexi: Ladies and Gentlemen… Please welcome… THE LAURIE JANE EXPERIENCE!!!

The pair slowly made their way down to the ring, climbing the ring steps one after the other as Laurie entered the ring and stood in her corner. As Laurie performed a couple of last minute stretches, Jane stayed on the apron and removed her sweatshirt before she gave Laurie a final pep talk; the brunette trying to subtly shrug off and ignore the blonde behind her as she looked to be trying to focus on the match in front of her.

Zack: I know both Laurie and Jane would love to challenge the Sisters for the tag titles, and they do have a good deal of history with one another. With that said though, their opponents haven’t had a ton of tag matches together for them to watch. Do you think that works against them, Claire? 

Claire: I think it’s one of the things that happens from time to time and that you’ve got to be ready for. If anything, it makes it all the more imperative for Laurie Jane to come out and try to dictate the pace and tempo of this match.

Referee Melinda Davis checked all four women for hidden objects before Laurie decided to start for her team. Melody did the same as the two met in the center. Laurie offered Melody a handshake, which was returned. That seemed to bring a smile to her face before Melody extended her arms out for a hug. Laurie didn’t quite know how to take that, seemingly thinking it over for a second and finally giving Melody a hug.

Zack: Now there’s something you don’t see before too many matches, Claire. A handshake and a hug! A lot of respect and mut--

Melody didn’t let the hug go though when Laurie tried to pull away, and ended up taking her down to the mat with a belly to belly suplex. She quickly grabbed Laurie’s arm, pulling her back to her feet into an arm wringer and then a second one before a judo throw sent Laurie to a seat on the mat. Melody drove a pair of elbows into her shoulder, while still holding her other hand before turning it into a hammerlock. 

Claire: Melody pulled Laurie in and she’s enjoying the early advantage because of it right now and Laurie’s stuck in the blocks.

Zack: We haven’t seen Melody in the ring in quite some time, so I imagine she’s got a lot of energy she can work off here. Laurie might have just stayed with the handshake.

Laurie tried to break away from the hold, but Melody had it cinched in tightly. The blonde tried to turn into her, but that got countered in a hammerlock slam instead. When she went to roll away from her, that’s when Melody snatched her by the wrist and yanked her to the center of the ring with an overhand wristlock. The pressure drove Laurie to a knee as Melody continued to increase the torque, causing the blonde to make it the ropes. Stone gave a clean break before jerking her by the hand away from the ropes into a half nelson. 

Claire: Melody is putting on a clinic right now and Laurie doesn’t appear to have any answers. This could be a short and successful night for Trinity if she can’t do something quickly.

Zack: Melody is the most technically sound of her three sisters, and we’re seeing all of that come to bear. Her favorite submission is a crucifix armbar, and that seems to be the destination tonight.

She converted that into an overhead keylock, causing Laurie even more problems and pain. The former tag champion got off her knee, and started towards the ropes again. She almost made it before Melody began to pull her back. But there was enough space between them for Laurie to surprise her with a mule kick to the stomach. That broke the hold, and Laurie spun around to deck her with a haymaker to the chin. It dropped the brunette to a seat, but caused Laurie to seize up in pain since she used the arm that had been attacked. 

Zack: There we go, Laurie finally got herself a break and a right cross on the chin will send you reeling every time. Only problem is that the right arm is the one Melody’s been targeting. 

Claire: Melody’s been very efficient in targeting that right arm and it’s already served it’s purpose in weakening Laurie and neutralising some of her attacks.

The brunette got back to her feet, and Laurie began using her left hand to throw shots now. She sent the witch backwards a couple steps before whipping her into the neutral corner. Stone crashed into it just before a corner clothesline caught her flush. Laurie fired her across to the other corner, and followed in with a running high knee. Instinctively she tried to grab her head for a running bulldog with her right arm. And that caused her pain quickly. But it also gave Melody an opening before she hoisted Laurie off her feet by that arm into an elevated hammerlock. The former tag champion’s face was wide in agony as soon as she was off her feet, and desperately tried to find the ropes to get the break. She flailed the other arm towards them, and finally reached the top rope to get free of the hold. 

Claire: This one is swinging backwards and forwards - mostly thanks to Laurie’s instincts to keep using that right hand of hers even after all the damage that has already been done to it.

Zack: She’s gotta break that habit, and use the left arm. It is hard to fight your instincts though, most people use their right hand dominantly. 

Melody went to grab it again until Laurie retaliated with a roundhouse kick, seemingly out of nowhere that floored the witch to the canvas. She looked a little irritated as Melody was slowly beginning to sit up, and remedied that by bouncing off the near side ropes with a knee trembler to Stone’s face. It took a few seconds before Melody tried to get up again, but a scissor kick from Laurie planted her back on the mat. She went for the cover afterwards.

Zack: I think Melody got on Laurie’s bad side! Those shots would knock anyone into next week!

ONE!!!

TWOO!!

Stone kicked out at the two count, and Laurie kipped up to her feet to deliver a leaping elbow drop...with the left arm. Jane called out for the tag, telling her partner she could take over from here. But Laurie began firing kicks into Melody’s back after she sat up. She bounced off the near side this time into a sliding left forearm to the jaw that put Melody down.

Claire: Laurie certainly seems to have adapted extremely well to using her left arm. She should probably listen to Jane though and make the tag about now.

Laurie followed up by grabbing both of Melody’s feet, and tried to catapult her into the neutral corner. But the witch landed on the middle rope in a show of agility. Laurie spun towards her, and went to get her down. But Stone ended up on her shoulders. The blonde tried to shake her off, but she reached up with the wrong arm to grab her. Melody hooked that left arm and fell backwards into a cross armbreaker as a counter! Laurie immediately started squirming in pain as the referee dropped to check for a submission.

Zack: It almost looked like Laurie was trying for an electric chair, but that bad arm was the wrong one to try to grab her! And now, this is not where Laurie wanted to be!

Claire: Melody has this locked in absolutely perfectly and Laurie’s in agony. If the arm wasn’t useless before, it almost certainly will be after this match.

Laurie struggled to get to the ropes, but was having a lot more trouble with Melody’s legs wrapped around her arm. Wilson checked again to see if she wanted to stop the match. But he didn’t get to finish the sentence before a double stomp from Jane to Melody’s body broke up the submission. The referee immediately went to get her out of the ring as Melody pulled herself towards her team’s corner to make the tag. Davis caught the tag as Madyson stepped through the ropes. Laurie was getting back to her feet, clutching her arm to her body as Jane had her hand out for the tag. But Madyson was a step quicker, and scooped her up for an Olympic slam. 

Zack: Melody checks out, and Madyson checks in! She’s fresh as a daisy too, while Laurie is anything but at this point.

Claire: Madyson is deservedly a Diamond championship contender and for Laurie, she might have gone out of the frying pan and into the fire right now.

Laurie got back to her feet, but turned into a blazing combination of rights and lefts to the body. Stone rolled her arms, and leaned back for a bionic elbow to the top of Laurie’s head. She took off towards the corner, catching Jane with a discus elbow to send her off the apron for what she did a moment ago. Laurie made it back to her feet again, only for Madyson to blast out of the corner with a single knee facebreaker and then into the cover. 

Zack: Madyson is hitting anything that moves, minus the referee! Laurie may not even be conscious!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Laurie kicked out as the two hit the mat. But Madyson didn’t have much time to follow up before she was yanked out by her feet. She landed on the floor as Jane started firing a few shots of her own, causing Stone to trade with her on the outside. 

Claire: Looks like Jane is wanting a receipt for the elbow shot while she stood on the apron and Madyson is damned sure giving as good as she gets.

Laurie was back to her feet inside the ring, looking in amazement at the floor before she darted towards Madyson. She went for a Superman dive through the ropes, and Jane pulled Madyson in front of her. She floored the brunette before Jane tossed her back inside, and hopped up onto the corner. She implored Laurie to make the tag as she rolled into the ring.

Zack: Laurie taking a page from Supergirl right there, and just clobbered Madyson! She needs to take Jane’s advice though!

Claire: Laurie was spot on the money right there! But you’re right, she has to make the tag. She has to realise against two talented athletes such as Madyson and Melody she can’t do it all by herself.

Laurie was fired up now though, waving Madyson to her feet. The brunette was almost to a vertical base when Laurie took off towards her. But she ran into a lungblower that ricocheted Laurie back into her team’s corner. Jane tagged herself in, and hopped up to the top rope. Madyson waved her forward before Jane leapt! Stone ducked as Jane overshot her on purpose, landing on her feet behind her till Stone turned around into a superkick! Melody was halfway into the ring before Jane gave her one as well, toppling her to the floor as Laurie fell to her knees and was hammering Madyson with left hands. The referee was trying to get her out of the ring as Jane pulled Madyson to her to make the cover. But Laurie was still in the ring and disagreeing with the referee. 

Claire: Jane cleaning house and offering out superkicks to the Stone Sisters like she’s Oprah...but Laurie has to get out of the ring. She’s costing her team a potential victory in an unwinnable argument.

The fans began counting the fall before the referee spun around to see the cover. Davis slid into position as Jane still had the leg hooked.

Zack: There’s the pin! All of Boston was counting this one!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THRE-NOO!!

Madyson kicked out in time before the three, and Jane quickly got back to her feet. She headed for the corner, and crouched down into what looked like a three point stance. The blonde shouted at Stone to get up!

Claire: Jane smells blood in the water and she’s going to run Madyson over the moment that she gets to her feet!

Madyson was starting to do just that as Jane was pawing the mat with one foot like a bull getting ready to be let out of it’s pen. As soon as Madyson was vertical, Jane was ready to charge but Melody grabbed her leg from the floor. Jane turned towards her, and was throwing fists at her head between the ropes. At least she was until Madyson snatched her around the waist for a release German suplex. Jane slid a couple inches on impact, and started back to her feet until Stone planted her with a sitout facebuster followed by a cover!

Zack: This is WILD! Jane’s down, and Madyson’s looking for three!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THRE-NOO!!

The cover was broken up by Laurie, who dragged Madyson towards her. The brunette rolled to her back, and started using a cycling motion with her feet to Laurie’s chest to send her back into the corner. Madyson climbed to the second rope, and started unloading with right hands. She only made it to six though before Jane grabbed her arms from behind into a crucifix powerbomb!

Claire: Laurie proved a useful distraction there and Jane’s made Madyson pay for taking her eyes off the ball!

Jane dove into the cover, hooking both legs tightly. Melody hit the ring next, and was greeted by Laurie with a running kneelift to the face as she was coming through the ropes!

Zack: Jane planted her with a powerbomb Luther Thunder would be proud of!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Laurie barely broke away from Melody when she turned around to see the referee calling for the bell. Jane rolled off the cover trying to catch her breath as Laurie looked confused for a moment, and then got her hand raised by the referee. Davis went to go check on Jane as Laurie climbed the turnbuckle to raise both her hands.

Claire: Jane picks up the win and Laurie is quick to celebrate getting her hand raised. Though, we should give a lot of credit to Trinity for pushing former champions every step of the way and coming within an eyelash of victory themselves.

Lexi: Your winners by pinfall…………...THE LAURIE JANE EXPERIENCE!!!

Jane was on both knees taking in deep breaths, trying to get her second wind back. Laurie climbed another corner to raise her hands again.

Zack: I don’t know what I was expecting from this tag match, but it sure as hell wasn’t all that! The Experience earned it in what turned out to be a wild melee before it was all said and done. 

Laurie rolled out to the floor, and was slapping hands with the fans as she headed towards the ramp to go to the back. Jane was still getting herself together in the ring. 

Claire: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Laurie Jane and Jane Strode are certainly a most unique pair of tag wrestlers. One doesn’t seem to give too much of a damn about the other.

Zack: You can say that again. 

Jane made it to her feet, and shook hands with both Melody and Madyson before she realized her partner had left. When she went to follow after her, that’s when the show went to a commercial for Relentless on March 6th.




Invite Accepted & A Word With Adam

The show cuts to the back again, and this time, we find someone approaching the utility closet seen earlier in the show. It’s Arabella Townshend in her street clothes. As she approaches the door, she takes out her phone and sends a text message before putting it away and opening the door.

Zack: Arabella’s going in! She’s a brave soul to be going in there alone, especially after what we saw a little while ago. 

Claire: Destiny and Nyx are getting their guest of honour and if I’m Arabella, I wouldn’t let a drop of tea or morsel of food get anywhere near bare skin. Just in case.

She carefully pulls the door open, and steps inside the maintenance closet. The table is still set just like it was earlier in the show as she moves forward. She peeks inside the teapod, seeing the dried concrete again. As she does this though, Nyx emerges behind her as quietly as possible, almost as if she were creeping up on the Brit. 

Claire: This can’t be good for Townshend. It’s like one of those horror films where the heroine is getting stalked by the masked killer.

But the Living Doll brushes past a mop as she approaches, alerting Arabella before she spins around and starts unloading with right hands on Nyx’s head. She shouts as though Arabella is tearing her skin off, but that doesn’t stop Arabella from landing punches before Nyx starts fighting back. 

Zack: Arabella heard her, and listen to Nyx scream bloody murder!

Claire: No let up at all from the Brit! She’s been tormented by the Living Doll and she’s paying it all back and with interest with those left and right hands!

Arabella grabs her head and sends it into the wall, causing Nyx to stumble and crouch for a moment before Destiny emerges from behind her with a very angry look on her face. Campbell picks up the concrete-laden teapot over her head as she closes the gap on Arabella. 

Claire: And here comes Destiny!! We could see the effects of that damned concrete teapot all over again!

Arabella spins around just before the door opens, and Destiny gets tackled against the wall. Campbell drops the teapot as someone with black hair starts trading shots with her. When the teapot hits the floor, it doesn’t shatter or even break. Campbell and the woman with black hair start fighting as Nyx rushes Arabella with another ear piercing scream. 

Zack: Get security back there! Who the hell is fighting with Destiny?! 

Claire: I don’t know but she got there just in the nick of time to save Arabella from getting her skull caved in!

The brawl continues between the women before members of arena security rush in, separating the Dollhouse by keeping them inside the closet and pulling Arabella and her ally out into the hallway. That’s when the fans can see who was helping her as Arabella looks across to Angelina Fantastica. 

Zack: That must have been who she was texting! Arabella came prepared and brought some backup!

Claire: It was a good thing she did and I think she’s got herself a partner in her fight with the Dollhouse!

Zack: No kidding. The Dollhouse have stalked Arabella since November, and it had to have felt good just a bit to get a little payback tonight. We’re about to talk with the boss in just a second, maybe he can confirm your suspicion.

As the four were separated, the show went back to the booth with Zack and Claire before the viewers at home saw Adam on screen from another location in the Future Shock Arena. He was listening to someone in his earpiece before he spoke.

Adam: My security team has the situation under control now. I appreciate that, guys. And yeah, I can confirm that Angelina will be Arabella’s tag team partner at Global Wars against the Dollhouse. 

Claire: Angelina and Arabella take on the kookie, unique pairing of Destiny and Nyx at Global Wars in what is sure to be one Hell of a match! 

Zack: On the last episode, you said that the Anarchy division here would kick off on the upcoming Future Shock 2 weeks from tonight with Charlotte Harker and Raven Knight. But you also said it would be a match type never before seen in FFW or Future Shock. 

Adam: I did, and it will. Those two will meet in a first ever bullrope match in 2 weeks. They’ll be tied at the wrists by a rope with a hard cowbell hanging on it. They can use that rope and bell any way they see fit, and the only way the match can end is pinfall or submission.

Claire: I’m sure they’ll both relish the opportunity to show off new ways in which a rope can be used to inflict pain and injury on the other and they’ll just love beating each other senseless and bloody with a cowbell!

Zack: You also mentioned on Twitter recently that you were adding more names to the Future Shock Cup this year, already announcing River Campbell, Melody Stone, Jacqui Minogue and Anna Cortez. Who else you got? 

Adam: Well you just saw her a couple minutes ago. I’ll be including Angelina Fantastica into the mix as well. 

Claire: Looks like we’re getting a little bit of something for everyone in that match. A powerhouse, a fighter, a high flyer, a technician and a pretty good all round talent too. That’s shaping up to be a match for the ages, right there.

Adam: And you can expect one more before the time comes, because it’s going to be a Four Corners match when we have the Future Shock Cup awarded. One in each corner, two inside that can tag out. First one to get a pinfall or submission on anyone else will be the winner of the 2021 Future Shock Cup. 

Zack: Huh. Who will the sixth and final entrant be in that match?

Adam; That’s a surprise. 

Claire: Whoever that sixth entrant will be, they certainly have their work cut out for them. The 2021 Future Shock Cup is looking like it’ll be the most hotly contested match in the accolade’s history.

Zack: Do we have a date on that match set?

Adam: April 20th, the first show after Global Wars. 

Claire: That’s one heck of a way to follow up on the first big event in the Future Shock calendar. In Future Shock, the big matches keep on coming!

Adam was about to continue when he got a tap on the shoulder from an assistant, who whispered something in his ear.

Adam: You guys will have to excuse me, we have an unexpected guest at the arena that I need to find out why she’s here. 

Zack: Do you know who it is? 

He nodded his head and told them before he walked away.

Adam: Vee Chandler.

Then we cut back to Zack and Claire.

Claire: That’s definitely an unexpected guest and it certainly can’t be good news, can it?

Zack: You got that right. I hope we are able to get some more details on that before the show is over. Not that I am particularly looking forward to possibly hearing from Vee. Those who watch SVW know ALL about Vee and her clientele.

Claire: She has a habit of threatening authority figures and attacking innocent bystanders and commentators for no reason at all. There could well be a storm brewing on the horizon here in Future Shock.

We next see a graphic for tonight’s Unlikely Allies tag team main event before Future Shock cuts to a commercial break. 

[Adam Grant]

There’s a buzz in the Future Shock Arena as the show comes back from the break. Lexi begins the introductions immediately.

Lexi: The following tag team match is scheduled for one fall, and it is part of the Global Wars series!

Zack: Two countries are set to add two more points to their score, but that’s almost secondary to the fact these two teams we are about to see…...they aren’t teams at all. 

Claire: I think it’s fair to say these are four highly competitive individuals who wouldn’t usually get on in the best of circumstances. It’s not going to be any easier given that they’re all in competition with each other in the Global Wars Series.

As the intro to ‘Don’t Know How To Stop’ start to play around the arena, the sound of engine revving can be made out over the top of it. It gets louder and louder until the sound of tyres screeching is heard just as the lyrics begin.

Head lights, red lights, got it in my sights
Nothings in my way, No sound, hush now
Push the pedal down, got no time to waste
It's a long way home, You just crossed a borderline
When I say go, You know you better hold on tight

Alessandra appears through the curtain wearing a pair of black leather look tights with silver studs around the waistband, and matching bralet with the same silver studs around it. She looks out across the crowd with a smirk before taking off at a run towards the ring.

I don't know how to stop, I give it all I've got
It's like my brakes are shot, I gotta have too much
I don't know how to stop, Gets crazy but so what
You know it's what you want so give it up
And Don't be scared of how good it feels

As she reaches the ring, she jumps up onto the apron and stands facing the stage, reaching back to hold onto the top rope with both hands. She leans forwards and scans the crowd on either side, then kicks her legs up to almost backflip over the top rope, landing on one knee in the ring with her head lowered.

Lexi: Introducing at this time, from Naples, Italy and one half of the FFW Unity Tag Team Champions………………………..ALESSANDRA ESPOSITO!

One speed, full speed that is all I need
They can eat my dust, hell yeah, rock on
Will you come along, Do I have your trust?
It's a long way down, If you're getting this high
When I say now, you had better hold on tight
Now!

As the word Now! is said in the lyrics, Alessandra leaps up with her fist in the air and then lands on both feet. She heads to her corner to await the start of the match as her theme music fades out.

Zack: After she and her partner tonight went to war two weeks ago, something tells me communication between her and Sydney wasn’t a possibility. Alessandra knows what being in a successful tag team is all about. She just doesn’t know what teaming with Sydney...and having Dante in her corner is like. 

Claire: Esposito is going to have show an awful lot of patience in this match. We all know how testing Dante can be at the best of times. Hopefully Sydney will be more focused on showing off what she can do rather than trying to irritate and annoy her partner.

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!

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

Zack: If I’m Alessandra, I wouldn’t trust these two as far as I can throw them across the street. But if she wants to get more points up for Italy, she has to find a way. The same holds true for Sydney.

Claire: Sydney is a hugely talented individual, she’s got the whole repertoire of technical skills in her arsenal. But lately she’s liked to cut corners and swing that baseball bat while her manager cheers her on from the peanut gallery. If she does that, then Alessandra and Sydney will have a mountain to climb as Global Wars draws near.

Lexi: And their opponents…

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.

Lexi: Introducing their 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: I have never ever seen Gemma Pierce in a tag team match. Not once, and I know it’s never happened in Future Shock. She is very much a lone wolf type, and I don’t know how much she’s gonna put up with her partner and how Luna likes to conduct business. 

Claire: In normal circumstances, I can’t imagine this team sticking together for more than a couple of minutes but we know how focused Gemma Pierce is on her goal; how much she wants the Future Shock Championship. Will that be enough for her to ignore Luna and her antics for one night?

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.

Lexi: And her partner, escorted to the ring by Christian Kincaid... From Fort Worth, Texas... She is the reigning Future Shock Nova Champion… And...Miss Future Shock America…. 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 all the women in this match, I think Luna may be the wild card. She has been very effective for weeks, especially in her regaining and first defense of the Nova title. But she can get on your nerves real quick, and her partner doesn’t have a lot of patience for anything but serious business. 

Claire: Luna might want to tone herself down a little bit. We’ve seen what Gemma is capable of inside that ring and you definitely do not want to find yourself on the wrong side of her. Especially not when you know that you’re going to be in that Battle Royal with her in a few short weeks time.

Being the only champion in the match as the referee is checking for hidden weapons, Luna moves towards the other team’s corner and raises her Nova Championship in their face...and then does the same to Gemma in her corner. 

Zack: Well….what was that you were saying about her needing to tone herself down? If nothing else, she’s damn proud of being the Nova Champion. Can’t fault that, I guess. 

Claire: Nope, but I don’t think it’s wise to start rubbing your partner up the wrong way before the bell has even rung. But Luna’s going to be Luna and it’s brought her a lot of success thus far.

Referee Kevin Fisk made sure none of the four were hiding any weapons as Lexi left the ring, and then he called for the bell. Neither team at this point showed much in the way of discussing any strategy though, with Sydney and Alessandra saying nothing to one another. In the other corner, Gemma looked to be scowling as Luna was still holding onto her Nova Championship and trying to start a “USA!” chant with the crowd. And despite being in Boston, she wasn’t having much success.

Zack: I don’t envy the referee for this match. He has his work cut out for him, and I think we’d be underway whenever Luna realizes this crowd isn’t behind her and that she can hand that title down to her manager at any time. She didn’t even need to bring it, it’s not on the line.

Claire: Luna’s very, very proud to be both the Nova Champion and representing Team USA in this competition. Sadly, I think the fans would’ve preferred almost any other wrestler but her and from the expression on Gemma’s face it looks like she feels she got the short straw here.

Luna headed back to the other team, showing them the title once again before she slapped Alessandra across the face. As soon as the Italian beauty lunged towards her, she darted to her team’s corner and stepped out onto the apron. Gemma glared a hole through her partner as the referee tried to get Alessandra under control. She finally settled down on the apron in her corner, leaving Gemma and Sydney looking across at one another in the ring.

Zack: Well now, it looks like we’re gonna start off with the two heavy hitters on these two teams. Sydney and Gemma haven’t ever shared a ring to my knowledge, so I expect this to be a knock down drag out affair. 

Claire: We’ve seen Gemma go toe to toe with the likes of Isis and I’m certain that Sydney will be able give her a run for her money. Plus, these two both have excellent technical wrestling skills too. 

The two women met in the center of the ring, not saying much of anything to one another before they tied up together. Sydney proved to be just a little stronger than Gemma as she pushed her back into the ropes. Fisk called for the break, and Sydney raised both hands for a second and then fired a knife edge chop across Gemma’s chest. The sound resonated through the arena before she landed three more. She scooped Pierce up with ease, and sent her flying with a fallaway slam. But the “World Piercer” Immediately got back to her feet, and met Sydney nose to nose in the center. The former Aspire Champion shook her head, and that’s when the rights started flying between them. Gemma and Sydney traded blows in the center of the ring till Pierce whipped her across to the far side. Sydney ducked a spinning elbow from Gemma, and stopped right behind her. When Pierce turned around, Sydney caught her with a headbutt to the face. It rattled her for a second before Gemma yanked her into a belly to belly overhead suplex. But Sydney popped back to her feet, and the two went nose to nose again.

Zack: These are some heavy blows these two are starting this match with, and it’s like watching two bulls pawing the ground and looking at one another. Both want to assert their dominance here. 

Claire: These two really are going all out but neither one is prepared to stay down for even a moment longer than they have to. And they’re nose to nose once again.

Gemma broke the standoff as she went for another right hand, but Sydney blocked it and returned fire with a knee to her abdomen. It stopped the brunette in her tracks for a half second before Sydney pasted her with an European uppercut. Two more sent her backwards before the Canadian yanks her into a ripcord knee strike to the temple. She dropped Gemma to her knees with the impact, and Christensen moved around behind her to pull her up into a full nelson facebuster. She followed up with multiple stomps to the back of Gemma’s head before dropping down into a camel clutch.

Zack: Sydney caught Gemma by surprise, and now she’s gotten control for the time being. These two aren’t known for being tag wrestlers. You think they may just try to finish the match on their own and leave Alessandra and Luna in the corner? 

Claire: It’s entirely possible. Tag team wrestling is a science and an art unto itself. If you’re not used to it - and neither of these two are - then it’s easy to get that laser focus on your opponent and forget you’ve got a partner in the corner.

Fisk started to ask Gemma about stopping the match, but she cut him off with a clear “NO!” before he could finish the question. Sydney arched back in the hold, trying to get more pressure out of it. The pain was etched on Gemma’s face, but she struggled to get to her feet with Sydney on her back. It looked like she was giving her a piggyback ride, before the “World Piercer” drove her back into the corner to knock the air out of her. And it was her own corner too, which is why Luna quickly tagged herself in as Gemma was about to connect with a right hand to Sydney’s jaw. 

Claire: Though, of course, you could always find yourself in your corner and just get tagged...Take the whole decision out of your hands completely. You think Gemma’s going to appreciate get taken out of this match by Luna?

Zack: Probably not. But that said, I’m not convinced she would have ever tagged out anyway. So maybe Luna decided to take the initiative? I don’t know.

Gemma didn’t look like she was ready to tag out, despite the referee trying to convince her otherwise. Luna stepped into the ring, and lowered her shoulder for a quick series of shoulder thrusts to Sydney’s body. Cortez yanked her out for a short clothesline seemingly, but it was a kneelift to her stomach instead that doubled the Canadian over. The Nova Champion rebounded off the near side for a running neckbreaker to put her down before she immediately went for the cover.

Zack: Luna’s ready to call it a night right now, though I’m not sure she’s done nearly enough to keep Sydney down for three 

ONE!!!

TW-NO.

Zack was right as Sydney kicked out as the two was on the way down. She shoved Luna off the cover, and the Nova Champion jammed a thumb in her eye when she started to sit up. Cortez rolled to her back to deliver a knee into Sydney’s jaw before pulling her down into a crossface submission.

Claire: Luna might not have gotten the pinfall so now she’s looking for the submission instead. I don’t think she’s going to get it against someone as technically proficient as Sydney Christensen though. Not this early in the match, anyway.

Unfortunately for Luna, they were too close to the ropes. It didn’t take long for Sydney to reach out and grab the bottom rope to cause the break. But Luna instead rolled them both away from the ropes, and still had the crossface applied. Except now, it was closer to the center of the ring. That made Sydney grumble a little in pain as Luna tried to increase the pressure by leaning back further in the submission.

Zack: Okay, that was clever by Luna. Even if you ignore the Global Wars stuff, Claire, Sydney could put herself in the conversation for the Nova title if she catches a fall here on Luna, I think.

Claire: Definitely. Even a good performance here against Luna could get her in the conversation for the Nova Championship, which could be a good consolation prize IF she doesn’t manage to win the series outright.

Luna told her to quit, but Sydney instead shoved a couple of the champion’s fingers into her mouth and chomped them. That made Cortez shout in pain, and break the hold. She got back to her feet complaining to the referee about biting, but Sydney stopped the complaint when she clobbered Luna with an elbow to the jaw. The blonde whipped the champion into the corner, and followed her in with a splash. The Nova Champion stumbled out, only to get snatched into a t-bone suplex. Luna got back to her feet, but got pulled into another t-bone suplex. This time, she landed upside down against the turnbuckles and Sydney followed up with a running knee to her chest before she could sit upright.

Zack: Sydney’s got control now, and Luna’s gone lid under tea kettle in the corner. That is not the place to be...especially when she can land those knees with impunity! 

Claire: Christensen has a mean streak and we’ve seen that she can do an awful lot of damage in a very short space of time. Especially if she gets you caught in the corner like that. Luna needs to get out of there as quick as she can.

Three more quick knee strikes landed before Sydney dragged her out of the corner by her hands. The blonde bounced off the near side for a senton back splash before cradling her head to drive more right hands to her face. She cast a look over to Alessandra, who extended her hand and offered to come into the ring. The Canadian seemed to think it over for a second until Luna rolled her into a schoolgirl pin attempt!

Zack: Sydney looks like she might tag in Al---NOT IF LUNA GETS A SAY!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOO!!!

Sydney kicked out again, and unloaded with more right hands to Luna’s head. She dragged the champion into a front facelock until Luna managed to shake her loose. Sydney whipped her across for the ride, but Luna reversed it. And as Sydney was hitting the ropes, Luna went over to the corner and tagged Gemma in herself, causing Sydney to stop mid-run.

Claire: I think Luna was tired of taking a beating and is happy to tell Gemma that she’s softened Sydney up for her.

Gemma took a deep breath as she stepped back into the ring, and waved Sydney towards her for another round. The blonde Canadian cracked her knuckles and charged towards her. Gemma caught her coming in with a right hand to the jaw. Two more landed after that before she scooped the blonde off her feet for a snake eyes in the corner. It sent her staggering out before Gemma lowered her head to deliver a Northern Lights suplex into a bridge for the cover!

Zack: That’s a textbook Northern Lights suplex, and Gemma’s looking for three!

ONE!!!

TWOOO!!!

Sydney kicked out once more, and Gemma was quickly back to her feet. She dragged the blonde up with her, and went for a short arm clothesline. But Sydney ducked it, and ended up behind her. Before Pierce could turn around, Sydney delivered a side slam backbreaker. 

Claire: Sydney turned this one around on Pierce but I think the Canadian should go ahead and make the tag to Alessandra - get the fresh woman in and press the advantage while they have it.

Gemma tried to roll away from her after that, but Sydney followed her. When Pierce started to get up, she caught an axe handle blow to the top of her head that stunned her. Sydney pulled her up into a stalling vertical suplex. And in a display of power, she kept her up there while walking to her corner! The fans watched as Gemma was STILL upside down when Sydney held out her hand and demanded a tag, which Alessandra gave just before Christensen planted her with a brainbuster. 

Zack: WOW! I’ve never seen that before!

Claire: That’s one Hell of an impressive display of power right there. Sydney held a woman weighing 147 lbs, upside down, and walked her across the ring like she was carrying her groceries in from the car!

Alessandra stepped into the ring, and immediately went for the cover after that, and the referee dropped into position to make the count. 

Zack: Alessandra may not even break a sweat! She’s going for the cover right now, and I don’t blame her!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THRE-NO!!

Gemma got her foot across the bottom rope as the three was coming down, and Esposito rose to her feet. The Italian beauty pulled Gemma back to her feet, and peppered her with forearms to the head before she whipped her across to the far side. Pierce came back into a scoop powerslam from the Unity Champion.

Claire: Esposito isn’t giving Pierce a chance to recover. You can see how much she wants to rack up the two points for Italy tonight and stay in the hunt in Global Wars.

She continued her assault by pulling Gemma’s head between her legs for a piledriver. The fiery beauty took off for the far side when she saw Gemma beginning to rise, and blasted her with a running forearm to the mouth. It wobbled the final Aspire Champion backwards before the Italian athlete scooped her up into a Michinoku driver. She followed up by applying a Muta Lock in the center of the ring, prompting the referee to drop down to look for a submission.

Zack: I don’t think Gemma’s gotten her wits back yet after what Sydney did, but Alessandra’s certainly capitalizing on the damage. If she can make Pierce tap, she’ll earn those 2 points and a whole lot more, as far as I’m concerned.

Claire: We talked about how a good performance against Luna could put Sydney in line for the Nova Championship? Well, Gemma was one of the most recent challengers to the Future Shock Championship. A submission victory could do a whole world of good for Alessandra.

Fisk didn’t get the response he was looking for when he asked Gemma about quitting. The former Aspire Champion looked worn down, but she began to use her hands to start dragging them towards the ropes. It was a slow drag though with Alessandra trying to get more out of the hold until Gemma finally grabbed the bottom rope. Fisk called for the break as Dante got on the apron, yelling at the referee that he heard her quit. Fisk shook his head and told him to get down, which prompted Alessandra to rush the ropes and that sent him to the floor the hard way. 

Zack: Gemma didn’t say she quit, and Knox is full of it. But what else is new! There you go, Alessandra! Though that’s your partner’s manager…

Claire: And there he goes. Looks like Alessandra has about as much time for his bullshit as virtually every other right thinking person who has ever had to listen to him.

That got a crowd pop when he got knocked off the apron, and Sydney dropped down off the apron too. She went around to check on him as Alessandra took a deep breath seeing all this transpire. That gave Gemma time to recover though. And when the Unity Champion turned back around, Gemma trapped her arms before driving several headbutts into her face. Six of them landed, causing Alessandra to stumble where she stood. And Gemma pulled her head into position for her DDT finisher! Just as she was about to hit it, Esposito broke free and shoved her off. That didn’t deter Gemma for but a second until she stormed forward, and scooped Esposito into a backdrop driver. 

Zack: Alessandra had Gemma’s favorite move well scouted, but it only set her up for something else in the end. Sydney needs to get back to her corner here. Knox just got shoved off the apron, not the side of a building.

Claire: And Esposito just got dropped on her head. This is a bad place for her to be in against a woman as talented as the World Piercer.

Gemma took off for the ropes again as she saw Alessandra beginning to rise once more. Luna made a blind tag to her back as she rebounded forward into a lariat. The Unity Champion crumbled to the mat before Pierce made the cover with both legs hooked. But the referee refused to count it. Gemma shouted at him to count as he explained she wasn’t the legal woman anymore. 

Claire: Oh boy… Gemma is not pleased at all. Luna might have written her death warrant with that blind tag.

Zack: I think I’d have stayed on the apron if I were her. But the referee’s right. Gemma may not have felt it, but there was a tag there!

Gemma got to her feet after she saw Luna get into the ring, and immediately got into her face. She didn’t say anything, but her eyes did it for her. Luna told her she made the tag, and to do as the Nova Champion told her. Gemma only said the words “Make me.”  as Alessandra was starting to get to her feet, which Christian was trying to tell them both. 

Zack: We’re gonna have an implosion right here! I don’t think Gemma gives a damn what the Nova Champions thinks...about, well anything!

Claire: I think we both expected this to happen sooner or later given how aggravating Luna can be and how few antics Gemma is prepared to put up with. 

Luna shoved Gemma out of the way to get Alessandra, and that was the final straw for the “World Piercer.” She spun Luna around, and started unloading with furious shots to her head, and drove it into the turnbuckle repeatedly. The fans appreciated it too before Gemma dragged her out of the corner, and dropped Luna with her single underhook DDT! She rolled out to the floor as Alessandra took advantage of the situation and made the cover on Luna.

Zack: Gemma just gave Luna PIERCE THE EARTH!! 

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Gemma was about to go in and break up the count when Sydney intercepted her on the outside, and started attacking her again.

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Fisk called for the bell just as Gemma broke away from Sydney, cursing at the situation before Alessandra got back to her feet in the ring. Sydney joined her, and demanded her hand be raised first.

Claire: Luna pushed her luck just a little bit too far tonight and Gemma simply couldn’t stand it any longer. And thanks to Sydney she had no chance to express buyers remorse after the fact.

Lexi: Your winners by pinfall and earning 2 points for Italy and Canada…...ALESSANDRA ESPOSITO and SYDNEY CHRISTENSEN!!!

Dante waved the flag from the floor, earning more boos from the crowd before Sydney brushed past her temporary partner. Knox raised her hand again as she joined him at ringside. 

Zack: Luna paid the price for pissing off Gemma, and now Italy and Canada have posted 2 more points on the scoreboard for Global Wars. And we’ve got ourselves a horse race to the finals April 6th!

Claire: You’re right, the race is tightening up and turning into a photo finish as we close in on April 6th and the grand finale of Future Shock’s first ever Global Wars series!

Alessandra hopped down to the floor as Christian was tending to the still dazed Luna in the ring. The Italian beauty greeted a few fans at ringside, but kept her eyes on all three of the other women who were involved in the match.

Zack: There’s only one match left in the Global Wars series for all five women before the battle royal. And things are heating up! This may be the closest race in the history of the series!

Claire: Every single nation still has an excellent chance of becoming the overall winner and claiming that shot at the Future Shock Championship! Each and every single one of these competitors are hitting their form at exactly the right time!

The show went to a four way split screen showing the faces of each of the four women in the match and their reactions as Future Shock faded off the air.