|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:11 pm
The lights in the arena dim down as Ain't About the Money hits the PA.
Ahhhh, ahhhh
Ahhhh, ahhhh
blue and white lights begin to flash while a thin layer of smoke comes across the stage and down the ramp. Flames spring up along the set and the crowd's reaction is mixed, though the boos seem to drown out whatever cheers remain.
If you know like I know say
Ain't about the money, it's about the power (say)
Ain't about the money, it's about the power (you know like I know say)
Ain't about the money, it's about the power (say)
Ain't about the money, it's about the power
An opening appears in the stage and this time, a larger platform rises up, revealing not only the champion, but the newly crowned WWFG tag team champions, the Syndicate and their manager, Adrian Amaya. The reaction is much louder now, definitely all boos. The three remain on the stage, the champion holding the title belt on his shoulder. This time, everyone are in suits and each of the champions has their belt on their shoulder
Think about it, think about it
Ain't no need to think about it
Get that Money, keep that power
No they not the same thing
Money can be anybody
This somebody, that nobody
When it comes to power
Circle, super small and maintain
Money make em' do it cause of what you give to em'
Power make em' do it cause you told them to do it
Money make you fly, power never die, don't know why
Money can be lost, power never need an alibi
Blood thicker than the champagne
Power in my pride, power in my last name
As the chorus hits again, Drako steps forward to lead the way down the ramp to the ring. Blaze, however, is helping Adrian, who is wearing a neckbrace
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the World Heavyweight champion and the new WWFG Tag Team champions, the Syndicate!!"
All three men stop at the end of the extremely long ramp and look around the arena for a few more moments before Drako turns and walks up the stairs and into the ring, taking the championship back in hand as he does. He walks across the ring and steps onto the bottom rope, one foot on the second rope as he raises the title to the loudly booing fans. He steps down and walks to the opposite side to do the same.
When I'm in your presence you can feel the power
Even if this company was built from powder
Girls, kissin, on the couch, women, in the, shower
Surround, myself with kings, you can keep the cowards
Everytime I reminisce, I'm reppin' different bitches
Blood is thicker than water but BS is the thickest
Let the chain round my neck tell my life story
Born into the money but would die for glory
Get ready for the takeover, that face, lip and makeover
That case, that I break open, that great fifth like Beethoven
If you, wanna get it poppin', I can be in the team
Thirty-four, in a, rocket cause Hakeem's the dream
(Get it? They don't get it)
Drako steps down and signals to the boys to enter the ring. Both step up onto the apron and through the ropes to enter the ring. Adrian gingerly makes his way up the stairs and Blaze parts the ropes for him to step in
Oooh, we're makin' moves
You're only doing what my power let you do
You see that money isn't everybody's thing
When it comes to power, can only be one king
The song goes back into the hook as Marcus takes up a position on Drako's right and Blaze to his left. Drako seems to direct Adrian to relax in the corner while he takes up a mic and lets the boos rain down for a moment before he speaks.
"Well, it sounds like y'all aren't real happy that I was right. The Syndicate handled family business exactly like I said we would. We're standing here with all the WWFG gold. At this point, I've been champion so long here that you can't even say you're surprised. Do you realize that I've held the world championship longer than most of your WWFG Hall of Famers? And you thought that I was going to not only lose to a rookie, but a rookie who made the very unwise decision to wrestle twice in one night?"
The boos start up again.
"What? You don't like the truth? I've been champion twice now, and at this point, I've eclipsed the run even of my own older brother. I've expanded the family business. Now my son and nephew are the WWFG tag team champions, a feat even Jarel never managed to accomplish despite challenging for them twice. I'm en route to being the longest reigning world champion in this company's history. And now the boys get to add their part to the business as they defend their titles."
JR: The champion is skipping out on some details here and it doesn't sound like these fans are having it.
King: Details? They are the champions here in WWFG. They did what they set out to do, JR. Who cares how as long as they won?
"You guys had to see this coming. Although admittedly, my friend Salem made this a lot easier on me when he chose to wrestle a singles match against Nuke in the opening match on the card, knowing that in the semi main event he was competing to crown new tag champions. He knew that he was facing two Damones. Two younger, hungrier Damones. Two giants that are pushing 300 pounds. Yet he went into that match and Nuke damn near broke his ankle. You let Nuke soften you up when you were once again on the cusp of winning your first ever WWFG title. And you're the veteran of your team. You set your rookie partner up to fail."
JR: Oh come on now. Let's be honest about the fact that the guy in the neckbrace was the real deciding factor in that match.
King: It's not anyone's fault but Salem's that he took his eye off the ball and left his partner high and dry.
"Clearly you led by example because then Erynys was signed, after going through that match, to immediately come back out to face me for the World Heavyweight championship. As arguably one of the most dominant champions of all time here in WWFG, shouldn't you have been aware of the risk? Hell, you risk a lot coming at me fresh. You risk a lot coming at me when I'm not fresh. Let's not forget in my first title reign here Salem tried to break my arm and I still beat him when it counted, with the gold on the line. I question why you didn't advise your young partner to take a shot another night, or choose one or the other. So after he got spiked on his head by my son and pinned by my nephew, he came out to wrestle me. And he lost his shot. Now he's at the back of the line and frankly, so is Salem. Which brings me to what I personally have to address. The King of the Canvas winner and number one contender to the World title at Summerslam."
JR: He's referring to Cyrus here.
King: Should be an interesting match.
"Now, I'm not going to look past any single man that comes for my title. Cyrus is next in line, and frankly, he's going to be the next to fall. Let's face it, you just lost in a match you inserted yourself into against my boys here. When it was supposed to be your brothers taking them on, you let this weird grudge you have with my brother warp your common sense and you tagged with Luis instead in semi finals of the tag title tournament. Credit where credit is due, despite that, you went on later in the night to beat Salem to get into the King of the Canvas finals, but if my younger less experienced boys gave you trouble, how do you think you're going to stack up when it comes time to challenge me for the World Heavyweight title?"
Drako turns to Marcus and Blaze.
"Boys, it was a good night at the office at Judgment Day, wasn't it? You got a win over a legendary team. You secured your spot in the finals. Do you think I should be sweatin' Cyrus?"
Marcus and Blaze simply shake their heads.
"You know what baffles me, boys? It's this problem Cyrus has with our last name. He joined your match because there were Damones involved, but he literally has history with only one Damone. His beef is entirely with Jarel. And it's so weird being that he beat Jarel twice and it took the Dragon an entire decade to finally beat him. I guess that cell match in GWA is still fresh in his mind so now he figures he'll take it out on the rest of us because Jarel's retired.....well, until this last match with Chrono. So, allow me to address how Summerslam is going to go."
Drako turns back and leans on the ropes to look into the camera.
"If you come to Summerslam, King Cyrus, as you now wish to be called, holding a grudge that really only involves my brother and think that will aid you in beating me, you're sadly mistaken. I'm not Jarel. I'm obviously not the same size, but I'm not the same person either. I do things Jarel couldn't, and he'd be the first to tell you that right now. I've been champion longer than him, champion longer overall than you ever were here. It took him a year to get revenge on Nuke Fusion when they were feuding. I've been kicking Nuke's a** since the first time I met him and it took me one night in a bad mood to send him to the hospital for a month. It took Jarel a decade to finally beat you and put you in your place, something that gave him a lot of respect for you. I guarantee you, it's only going to take me one night to get that job done. You say the King of the Beasts is going to be champion again? I ask what's a King to a Dragon, because ain't an entity alive that rules us? Dragons burn kingdoms, and whatever kingdom you think you have, I'm going to set it on fire and leave it in ashes."
Drako straightens up again and lightens his tone.
"But, there's one more thing to focus on here tonight. We know who I'm facing at Summerslam. The real question is, who's going to step up to my boys and come for these tag team titles at Summerslam?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:37 pm
GIMME FUEL
GIMME FIRE
GIMME THAT
WHICH I DESIRE!
JR."Oh wait just a moment. Looks like someone has something to say!
The stage would burst with spouts of pyro as Metallica started playing, the crowd cheering loudly for the Savage Sons as they marched out to flames that jetted up in the rhythm of a churning engine! Salem and Erynys stood at the top of the ramp, glaring daggers at the Syndicate.
Turn on, I see red!
Adrenaline crash and crack my head!
Nitro junkie, paint me dead!
And I see red!
Reich made the signal for the music to be cut off and he waited a moment before he lifted the mic to his lips.
"Back of the line?? Oh no no no no NO Drako! See you talk about people having warped common sense, yet the one who is talking nonsense is you. Did you honestly think that what happened at King of the Canvas was the end of everything? That we were just going to slink off with our tails between our legs?"
He shook his head as the crowd cheered. "If so, then you really are dumber than you look champ? You say it's over? News flash for you, this is over when we tell you it's over!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 4:34 pm
"YEAH!" a voice said, fans instantly cheering as they recognized the owner, "Showtime" Salem Croft stepping onto the stage, dressed for action! Cargo pants, steel toed boots, and arms wrapped from knuckle to elbow, the "Gypsy Savage" stood next to his imposing partner, leaning on Erynys' shoulder with an elbow as he looked unimpressed into the ring.
"See, Drako...you haven't lost since you won that title. Aside from Nuke, who your manager made sure to screw in my match, at King of the Canvas. By the way, nice neckbrace, Adrian." Salem chided, smirking as he referenced the attack he'd laid on him last show.
"Hope it's not hard for you to swallow. Knowing the company you keep, I imagine you're doing a lot of that. After all, you were a busy boy - interfering with me and Nuke, me and Erynys, Eryn and Drako...you made sure your guys won, and on one level I respect the hustle. But on another, I want nothing more than to come down there and give you a Texas-sized a**-whooping for what you did to me, Nuke, and Eryn."
The crowd chanted disparaging remarks at Adrian, Salem separating from his partner to start walking slowly down the ramp.
"Well...I mean, almost nothing. Because what I really want is for Blaze and Marcus to defend those belts in a fair match, one where they aren't squeaking by like mice off the back of their cane-swinging cohort, there. Maybe all's fair in love and war, Drako - and we've shared both between myself and your family over the years. But this war? It's far from over. In fact, "The Show" is only just getting started!" he shouted, starting up the ramp steps, ducking under the top rope to get in the ring with the family he'd known for so long, staring them down.
"I have a lot of respect for y'all. When I needed friends, when I needed spirit, you guys were there for me. But, I'd never have disrespected you guys like you have me, though. You talk about being the best? Me and Eryn, here, we haven't lost but one match since we joined together at Wrestlemania. Been working two matches a piece, every show. Won most all of them. And when it came time for the titles to be on the line, you still needed to cheat to win against us. So I say you prove it wasn't a fluke. I say you defend those belts against me and Erynys, the Savage Sons, right here, right now."
Salem lowered his mic, staring down The Syndicate as the crowd cheered and chanted "YES!" repeatedly at the proposition!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 5:12 pm
Drako listens to both men when they interrupt, a not altogether surprising outcome. After all, Drako knows Salem well. The champ smirks as the declaration that this isn't over until they say it's over. And now the challenge. But the Soaring Dragon is ready.
"First off, let's establish something. You two don't hold the cards here. We do. You lost at King of the Canvas. We won. So, especially for you rookie, this ends when I say it does. Because I hold all power here. But first."
Drako turns to Adrian and signals him forward, which the manager gingerly steps forward.
"Adrian, go ahead and tell them somethin'."
Adrian takes the mic and winces once.
"You know, it's funny how you have an issue with how things went down Salem, when my first act benefited you. You didn't have what it took to beat Nuke Fusion. Just like last year you didn't have what it took to beat Bison and he sent you to the hospital. Just like Drako fought your battle for you and beat the man you couldn't beat, I gave you the win you couldn't get on your own. If i hadn't interfered, Nuke would absolutely have taken you out, and how do you repay me? By dropping me right on my face in the main event. Look at me, forced to wear this stupid neck brace all because now you want to be all holier than thou. Like you haven't done far worse things over the years."
Adrian stops as it seems his neck is truly bothering him so Drako takes the mic as Blaze steps forward to ensure Adrian is steady on his feet. Now the champ takes over.
"You know, it's funny how you expect everyone to forget just how dark you get, Salem. I mentioned earlier, you tried to break my arm the last time I had this title to get an advantage, and you still couldn't get the job done when it counted. Before that, wasn't it you that kidnapped and tortured a pizza delivery guy in front of the entire world? Your problem with me, Salem, isn't that you would never have disrespected me that way. You already have. The problem you really have, deep down inside, is that I beat you at your own game. Everything that happened last show, I arranged it. Adrian being at ringside to help you, that was me. After all, who would know better than I that you weren't going to be able to beat Nuke Fusion? I've fought you both, I've beaten you both. So I tossed my friend a lifeline. I sent an insurance policy down to ringside, just in case I was right. If you hadn't gotten your a** handed to you, well, Adrian would just have been on commentary. The fact that Nuke is likely not here tonight again is just icing on the cake."
Drako smirks.
"Then you come out here demanding a rematch? Why should we give you a rematch, especially here tonight? You, the guy that makes the grandest plans, the guy that here in WWFG can reach the cusp of greatness, but fail when it counts every single time. You came here to win the title, GBL took you completely out of the game and beat you. You thought you'd work your way up, then you got into it with Bison. Bison beat you and battered you, and you stupidly went out to face him in a cage, a cage he dropped on your rib cage and put you into the hospital with. While he was doing that, I was winning the title you've sought your entire career, and I didn't even plan to go for it. After Bison took you out, I beat him with this very title on the line while you laid up in a hospital bed. You made your return at Wrestlemania because we helped you rehab, we helped you get in ring shape. You formed a team, went through the weirdest one night stand reveal in the history of WWFG, won some matches and got to the finals of yet another tournament. And yet again, at the cusp of greatness, on another big night in your career, you choked. You took your eye off the ball and you lost your chance at your first WWFG title. Again. So why should you get the first shot at the new champs?"
Drako looks at Erynys.
"See, kid, I know you're new around here. So allow me to let you in on something. Working double matches several shows in a row isn't exactly the flex your partner here thinks it is. You lost because both of you lacked focus. You couldn't prioritize. And you made the biggest mistake at all. You thought the Syndicate wasn't going to live up to everything I said we'd do. Following Salem here, led you to two different losses, back to back in the same night. And the only reason he's not in the same boat is because he was my friend and I sent him a helping hand. When it comes down to it, now you're both at the back of the line because that's how things work around here."
Boos rain down on the champion again.
JR: I can't say I'm surprised at this point. Drako refuses a rematch on behalf of his son and nephew here tonight.
King: Well he's right, JR. They lost, like it or not. The way things work here in the WWFG is that you lose and you start at the bottom. You have to work your way back into the title picture. Who knows that better than the reigning World heavyweight champion?
Blaze and Marcus tap the champion on the shoulder and the Syndicate huddle together, Drako covering the mic as the group has a quick discussion. When they stop, Drako turns back to Salem and Reich.
"You know, I could be the worst type of person here. I could point out that Salem injured my original and longest running best friend here. I could point out you just threatened him again. And I could point out that there's no much stopping me from kicking your teeth down your throat for that and giving you a nice trip to that same hospital I sent Nuke Fusion to, or whatever the hell is closest to this place. But instead, I'm going to be a giving leader. I'll give you a rematch against my boys, but first you're going to prove that it's worth their time. If we're going to delay the challenges from other teams chomping at the bit, you two are going to do some work here tonight."
Drako looks between the two men.
"I wonder if you two can really get the job done now. Can you get back to that cusp of greatness? Tonight, you're not getting me or the boys. We've got things to do. But if you two face off against opponents of our choosing, we'll give you that match. But there's a catch. You'll be wrestling individually. You win, you get your rematch, and we'll even let you pick the match type. But lose, and you go to the back of the line and let us attend to new business. And to be clear, you want the match and the pick of the match type, you both have to win. Lose and you get nada."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:52 pm
Reich couldn't help but laugh. "Your world and tag team champions ladies and gentlemen. Drako must have a thing for rookies since he just loves to call me such. I'll admit, I haven't been here as long as you, but in singles matches, I've only lost twice. One to BTY who I have more respect for and who can actually say he beat me clean and the other...was to you and that was me at 50%. And you Adrian, you're just like the rest of these hypocrites. Whitewash it all you want, twist it to suit your purpose. You all want to lie to yourselves to sleep better, that's on you. But you WILL not lie to these people, and you sure as Hell aren't going to lie to us."
He joined his partner as he headed down the ramp. "Now as to why we should get the rematch? Because you know as well as we do, that we deserve to be the champions right now and had it not been for your cowardly actions, we wouldn't be subjected to the sickening sight of the two of you holding those titles. You misunderstand us Drako. We knew the Syndicate was capable of achieving greatness, we knew the odds were high that they could back up everything you said, we just expected more class and honor from them in fulfilling your "prophecy", especially being associated with our esteemed world champion." He spat it the phrase as if it made him sick. "Needless to say, that's a mistake we won't make twice.
"Now you do have a point. Double the matches consistently may not have been the best strategy, but as the old adage goes, iron sharpens iron and those who reek of smoke have been through fire. If I'm going to get better, my a** isn't sitting around and resting on my laurels. I'm taking what I want and if that means going through everyone to get there, 1 or 2 matches a night, so be it."
He tilted his head as he heard the intriguing challenge and he turned to consult with his partner. "What do you think?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:10 pm
Salem leaned against his partner's shoulder, chewing on Drako's words as the crowd cheered to hear what he had to say! Looking his friend in the eyes, a career of memories couldn't help but sprout up in his mind. Forming "The Pride", alongside Drako and Trent. Salem coming back to FG with a vengeance, attacking his friend and then-champ. Reconnecting after he'd healed from Cart's near retirement of him. Drako, welcomed by his family before the Bison attack, and Salem welcomed by Drako's after. Putting the microphone to his lips, Salem smiled a little and nodded.
"You're right, Drako. In my life, I've done some pretty bad things. And yeah, there was a time I'd break your arm to take what you're holding in it. But things changed when I learned about my kid. Now, I've got more than just these fans who look up to me, I have a little girl who needs her father to show her the right path. She wouldn't want to see me do the kinds of things I used to do, especially to you. But she deserves the best life she can get, and that starts with me and Eryn taking those belts. You want to pick our opponents, make us go through hoops for a rematch at SummerSlam? You're on. But don't forget, Drako - there's only been two men in the last year who've made you count the lights. One is in the hospital, again...and the other is right here, looking at you." he said firmly, staring down his friend and their family as the crowd got excited!
"And I think your friend Adrian knows that. I think he's afraid of that. In fact, if there's one thing your family knows all too well about me, it's what I'm capable of when I'm focused and put my mind to something. It's true, I tend to get in my own way. You're right, the Savage Sons have been burning at both ends since we started, back at Wrestlemania. But in that short time, we've beaten every team in front of us. We've taken people to the brink, we've been pushing the envelope, and Adrian, there, he was scared to take that chance on the Syndicate beating us fairly. He says he wanted to help me beat Nuke? That was just personal revenge for what he did to you. He'd have done the same no matter who Nuke had been in the ring with. But helping Marcus, Blaze, you? That was personal against us, and if he was afraid before we were running on the rims, he's gonna be terrified to see what me and Erynys can do when we've only got one thing on our minds, one goal in our grasps - getting our getback for that disrespect and becoming the new WWFG Tag Team Champions!" he declared, the audience going wild at the proclamation! Nudging Erynys with his elbow, Salem smirked and looked over and up at his partner, returning his gaze to The Syndicate.
"So go ahead and take the night off, we wouldn't know what that's like, anyway! Go ahead and pick our opponents, it won't make a difference! Go ahead and insult us, because all you're doing is throwing fuel on the funeral pyre of the soon-to-be-former tag champs, and making the fire brighter that's gonna light our path and lead the Savage Sons and this company to redemption! So bring it on! We accept!" he shouted, the fans lit up and chanting "YES!" in response!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2023 7:29 pm
Drako finds both of the Savage Sons funny at this point.
"You know, it's interesting listening to you two. Mainly because you just called me a liar, and not one lie left my lips out here tonight. I don't lie, because what would be the point. I've done everything I've promised to do since becoming champion again. I've defended against whoever Cartwright has randomly thrown at me, including your problem, the guy that nearly ended you. You mention that one win over me, congrats, you just barely got a three count one time on me. But what have you done since?"
The champion shifts the title belt on his shoulder slightly.
"But as for your little crack about taking the night off, you should be thankful. After all, with us not being here, you have no one to blame but yourselves should you choke and lose your last opportunity here tonight. Personally, I wouldn't care even if I was going to stay here the entire night because even if you manage to win tonight and get your rematch, you still won't be coming at me anytime soon. No instead, I get to go to Summerslam and deal with the bane of your existence, who you failed to beat in the King of the Canvas tournament. You don't have to worry about my boys or Adrian. We've earned ourselves a vacation. So tonight, when one or both of you lose, you've got no one to blame but yourselves."
JR: How condescending.
King: I think you mean factual.
"But hey, no need to get all in your feelings. I'm pulling for you to get the win. Maybe at last you can finally reach one of your goals here. Or maybe it'll be more of the same. I'm looking forward to watching."
The champion turns to leave but stops and turns back to the Savage Sons.
"Oh yeah, I'm sure you're wondering about your opponents. Well, you'll find out later tonight. The only person you can be sure that you won't face is Nuke Fusion."
Drako tosses the mic and exits the ring as his music hits the PA. The rest of the Syndicate follow, Blaze helping Adrian through the ropes again while Marcus is the last to leave the ring.
JR: Apparently, our champions have the night off but if the Savage Sons want to get their rematch, they have to win their matches against unnamed opponents here tonight.
King: I think we're going to need new contenders come SummerSlam
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
