GHW Championship: Hughes (c) vs. Santiago

[Ryan Hughes]

As the remnants of the last match are cleared away, the atmosphere changes to one of intense anticipation as the fans inside the arena realise it is main event time. The camera pans across the packed-in crowd, with many a fan trying their hardest to grab the cameraman’s attention and have the rare honor to mouth an expletive towards the screen for the folks back home. As soon as the commentators are ready, the production team in the back switches the feed, so it portrays the two commentators, smiling at the camera as they address the viewing public.

"It's that time! It's time for our main event where Ryan Hughes and Dominik Santiago will go one on one for the GHW Championship!”

"And it's time for Ryan to silence the critics! Time for him to prove to the world that his championship win wasn't a fluke!"

"Calm down Al. We heard from Ryan Hughes earlier on in the night, and how he said that his cash-in at Dawn of Destruction was merely karma working in his favor after Dominik Santiago beat a less than 100% Hughes at Red, White and Bruised 2010, taking his GHW Championship and leaving him to flounder, as he put it. Quite frankly, I think that is bull. There have been scores of Fighty fighty persons who lose the championship in questionable circumstances, and they come right back!"

Soon enough, the commentators are silenced by a static sound, quickly turning in to a brown noise. After a few seconds, the noise is cut off thanks to “Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit Has Done Got Out Of Hand” by James Hetfield which plays through the PA system, signalling the arrival of Ryan Hughes, the reigning GHW Champion. The fans immediately pour out their hatred of the Anti-American as Ryan Hughes pushes through the curtain cloth at the top of the ramp, ready to fight tooth and nail to defend his championship, like any good British brawler. Hughes cockily struts to the ring in his black wrestling trunks, ignoring all the taunts and looking around with a smile on his face. Underneath his now traditional blazer, he wears a plain black shirt, emblazoned with “I'm Ryan Hughes... and You're Not.” on the front. Most importantly though, the GHW Championship sits cozily on the waist of the Mancunian.

"The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the GHW Championship! Introducing first, hailing from Manchester, England. Weighing in tonight at 251lbs, he is the GHW Champion, Ryan Hughes!"

"Last month Ryan Hughes shocked the world once again, when he cashed in the Golden Ticket to defeat a battle weary Dominik Santiago to become the GHW Champion. Tonight, he defends his belt for the first time."

"Look at him. You can see the confidence radiating from him. He's more than ready."

"Is that JUST confidence though? I sense cockiness. Ryan has always been brash, and arrogant, but this may be a mistake for the Englishman. He needs to watch himself."

A smile forms on Ryan's chops, as he begins his strut to the squared-circle. The champ keeps his eyes on the ring, until he stops suddenly, looking around at all the fans pouring their negativity on to him. Brushing his shoulders, he smirks, which only draws out the ire of the fans even more. The champion pats the golden championship belt on his waist, before mouthing that his waist is where the belt will stay. Hughes makes his way up the steel steps; the sound of clunking metal mingles with the echoing of the sound-system and the fan reactions around the GHW Arena as he ascends to the ring. The champion hops through the ropes, stopping in the center of the ring. Slowly, he unfastens the belt wrapped around his waist, before raising it in to the air with one hand, a move which raises the volume in the arena, albeit a volume of boos. Not caring in the slightest, the Mancunian Mastodon removes his blazer and hands it to the stagehand outside the ring, before waiting patiently for the challenger, the man he 'stole' the GHW Championship from, Dominik Santiago.


TBC Dominik

[Dominik Santiago]

The atmosphere in the building remains electric, some fans cheering tumultuously in anticipation for the arrival of the challenger, others hold a quiet eagerness. Ryan Hughes stands in the ring, hard camera side, a self-confident smirk creased across his English features. Perhaps the arrogant smirk was defense mechanism to hide the champion fear and anxiety, knowing that aside from the cashing in of the Golden Ticket, he had never beaten the man he was about to go toe to toe with in singles competition. But maybe it wasn't; perhaps Hughes was indeed confident, and that what happened at Blood Runs Cold was the proverbial exercising of demons. We would soon find out, as the lights in the arena black out entirely, with the exception of the Butcher-tron, and the flashing of phones held by the patrons in attendance. If not already standing, the crowd rises to their feet, the spectators usually against the emerging star tonight, throw all their eggs in the basket, holding him with high regard, turning him over as the fan favorite for what is about to be another historic bout. A strum of the guitar, and drums, followed by the energetic riff begins playing, as Decyfer Down's Crash begins blaring over the P.A. system. After the short stint of guitar work, the first verse commences, meanwhile the Butcher-tron flickers to life, showing a montage that display Dominik Santiago throughout his career.

"Feel the pressure, let it go
Feel the pressure, let it go

You try to buy some time
Can't read the signs or the reasons why
Every single time I could drive in blind
Can't make up my mind
I know I'm gonna find my way out"

The song had kicked in, with lead vocalist TJ Harris' voice resonating throughout Boston. The vignette on the tron transitions to Dom's normal video package, showing high impact and trademark moves, Brain Damage, Cerebral Buzzkill, SKO's, all maneuvers he intends to use against his long time nemesis. The velvet curtains slowly part, crowd immediately explodes into applause as the challenger to GHW's biggest prize emerges. His face remains still, his natural, cold blue eyes gazing at his feet, the glimmer in his pupils slightly faded, and deteriorated due to an overuse of cannabis, and other drug usage. An ominous cloud hangs over him, a month's worth of frustration and unquenched anger burning deep from within. The cheers, and applauding of the crowd hit him quickly, carving their mark into the center of his brain. His eyes gradually rise, his vision being pointed toward the ring, inhabited by the cocky, exuberant champion who receives the glare and fires back with a flexing of his muscles. The gesture was not of one-upmanship, or designed to intimidate his challenger, but to let him know that if he was going down, it would not be without a fight. And Dominik wanted it that way. He wanted the Mancunian at his best, at one hundred and ten percent, so there would be absolutely no excuses when he ripped the GHW Championship from his thieving fingertips. The Californian smiles before lowering his head, pondering about the voyage he was about to embark on. The sounds of the arena are blocked out, time slowing down as he can only hear the prevailing sound of his heartbeat as it reverberates through his eardrums. The only thing he's focused on is the man staring at him mere feet away. The moment is crystallized in his brainpan, the picturesque moment of two superstars mentally preparing themselves for tremendous combat, and the right to hold their companies top prize. This long moment of contemplation finally comes to a cease, as the damped head of the Lord of the Flies is forcefully raised to the heavens, whilst his arms are raised and crossed overhead, forming his signature 'X' taunt, his pose sending the arena into a pandemonium of cheers.

Charlie Coors: "Introducing the challenger, standing at six feet, two inches tall, weighing in at two hundred and thirty five pounds... Hailing from Hollywood, California, the man known as the "The Assassin", and "The Lord of the Flies"... he is the GHW ICON.... DOMINIK SANTIAGO!!!"

"Crash you're going down without a sound
And I'll pass you up before I explode
Breaking until I'll see it through
You won't keep me down when I crash through you

Jennings: "And here comes the former champion. He took time off to heal, and plot, and has invoked his rematch clause for tonight, at Total Carnage, the place where his career began."
Al: "And Ryan Hughes would love nothing than to do his best Metal Dragon impression, and beat Santiago here, at this venue, and retain his GHW Championship."
Oliveira: "The belt he stole from the man on his way to the ring. It doesn't get any bigger than this."

Santiago is dawning black tights, with two thick red lines running down the legs, a white star with "SKO" in red plastered in the middle sitting at the thighs. They are complimented with black boots, with red laces. The Matthew Oliveira esque white wrist tape concealed his writs and hands. The challenger is going shirtless, displaying the odd tapestry of tattoo work inked across his torso, back, and shoulder, and faded scars which shine in the limelight, flesh memories of a plethora of ultraviolent matches. He finally begins his stride to the ring, pandering to the fans, slapping their hands and acknowledging their existence.

"So here we are right now.
This is our time to cross this line.
Every single time I could drive in blind.
Can't make up my mind
I know I'm gonna find my way out"

Santiago makes his way to the ring steps and stops, pausing momentarily, mentally telling himself that tonight would be the last time he would ascend them without a championship wrapped around his waist. With a sudden burst of energy he quickly runs of the stairs before climbing the turnbuckle. From his perch he surveys the arena, the crowd still going insane, prompting him to pound his chest, further playing up to them.

"Crash you're going down without a sound
And I'll pass you up before I explode
Breaking until I'll see it through
You won't keep me down when I crash through you
I'll crash through you, yeah"

Santiago climbs down the turnbuckle, dropping into the ring. His gaze is on his foe, staring into his smoldering soul. Hughes returns the favor. In one another they see what wrestling is supposed to be about, everything that embodies true competition, embodies Glory and Honor Wrestling. The ambition, the drive, the determination to be the champion and recognized as the best in their line of work. Smiling, the Assassin motions to the crowd, suggesting Hughes listen; listen to the audience's vociferous cheers, and the fact that they are one hundred percent behind the former champion and his quest to reclaim his belt.

"Hear me out, I'm never backing down
I'm never backing down
Hear me out, I'm never backing down
I know you're going down

Crash you're going down without a sound
And I'll pass you up, I'm not gonna crash
And burn away, I'll rise today
You won't break me down when I crash through you"

[/center]

"These fans want Santiago to end Hughes reign tonight. This is an incredible response for a man that has shown nothing but hatred toward them in the past."
"Its a changing of times Matt. Dominik has changed, these fans have changed, and the situation has changed."
"These fans are fickle. It wasn't long ago their reaction was the opposite for these two. They hate to see Hughes at the top, much like Santiago. Its jealousy supporting jealousy. I'm backing Ryan. Its his time. Its time for Santiago to take a backseat."

"I'll crash through you
I'll crash through you
I'll crash through you

Feel the pressure, let it go
Feel the pressure, let it go
Feel the pressure, let it go

Hear me out, I'm never backing down
I'm never backing down"

The music slowly fades out. The challenger hooks his arms back on the ropes and bounces on them a few times, both limbering and psyching himself up. He jogs in place, meanwhile a huge chant of "SKO" begins to build, impossible to drown out, impossible not hear, even though Ryan Hughes attempts to block them out. The chants reverberate throughout the arena, causing the challenger to nod his head in approval and appreciation. As they die down the two competitors come face to face, their trashtalk impossible to discern due to the crowd noise. Before any fireworks can go off prematurely, the referee separates them. From there he calls for the bell.

The bells sounds thrice, and we are immediately underway, as the Assassin and the Mancunian Mastadon lock up in a collar and elbow tie up.

TBCB Hughes

[Ryan Hughes]

And just like that, these two mortal enemies lock up for the first time in this contest, and the crowd hit a fever pitch rooting for their guy. Unfortunately, their guy doesn't seem to be having the best time of it because Ryan Hughes uses his superior strength to outmuscle Dominik, pushing him unwillingly in to the turnbuckle. The reigning champion presses his forearm in to the neck of Santiago and holds his foe in the choking manoeuvre until the referee's count reaches his ears, at which point Hughes quickly places his hands in the air in a show of innocence. The act lasted all of two seconds as the Mancunian greets the Assassin with a disrespectful slap to the face. The slap draws a collective gasp out of the fans, obviously wincing as though they can feel the challenger's pain and embarrassment as much as Dominik can right now. Ryan steps back and lets out a laugh, but it doesn't last long as the Californian bursts out of the turnbuckle like a greyhound out of the trap, charging at the hare which in this case, is the GHW Champion. Ryan keeps his wits about him however, tracking back and wrapping his body around the second and third ropes, forcing the referee to get in between the two men stopping what could have been a deadly attack from the Assassin. This has Santiago seething as the official ushers him back to give Hughes some space, while the Englishman moves his head in to view behind the referee in a successful attempt at further riling up the pretender to his throne.

“A COMPLETE show of disrespect from the champion!”

“He’s getting under the skin of the Assassin. That isn’t disrespect- that’s genius!”

The fans don’t like this one bit, and they let Ryan know exactly what they think of him. Not that this bothers the champion, mind. It does, however, distract him for a split second as he flashes a smug grin to a nearby bunch of pissed off wrestling nut, giving Dominik a small window of opportunity- one that a man such as himself can break through easily. Without a moment’s hesitation, the former champ ducks under the referees outstretched arms before lunging at Hughes and tackling him hard to the canvas. The Mancunian’s head snaps back from the mat, only to be met with a stiff forearm from his opponent… and then another one, and then another one. There seems to be no other option for the stunned Brit than to kick and squirm as much as he can to create an opening and a possible release from this barrage. The flailing causes Dominik to raise his body off of Hughes momentarily, which gives the Perfect Gentleman a chance to wriggle free, something he does straight away. The champion rolls under the bottom rope to the sanctuary of the outside, and the challenger pulls at his hair in frustration before immediately giving chase.

Ryan manages to stumble away from the ring, not looking back as he grabs his belt from the timekeeper’s table before hightailing it from the vicinity in an act of cowardice rarely seen from a man like Hughes. The change of character draws the ire of the fans, who jeer Ryan for not putting on a show. Not like he cares though, because he’s still champion! At least, he would be if he wasn’t a sitting duck for a man who isn’t about to let this chance slip away just yet. As Hughes walks up the ramp, belt in hand, he is oblivious to the fact that the Assassin has given chase and is only a few strides behind him. Those few strides are quickly engulfed by the predator as he leaps on his prey, dropping Hughes to the steel ramp with a vicious forearm to the back of the head. The championship belt escapes from Ryan’s grasp, and sides a few feet further up than the battling duo. Santiago wastes no time in mounting the Brit once more, clubbing the back of his head with elbow strikes, strikes which force the referee to forget his ten count and warn Dominik of the disqualification that could occur if he doesn’t stop. Dom relents, but grabs Ryan’s black locks and pulls him to a vertical base before launching him hard in to the nearby metal guardrail. The champion’s back takes the brunt of the impact, and his face contorts with the shooting pains speeding up and down his spine like an electric shock. As the clang echoes through the terse atmosphere, Santiago gets to work on softening up the reigning champ once more by driving his boot in to Hughes’ chest and stomach repeatedly with a series of stomps.

“And this is what you get for trying to run away! This is payback!”

“Is that was this is? I thought it was a cheap shot from Santiago. Typical.”

“This is a man who is out to get back what he feels is rightfully his. Do you think he’s going to let behaviour like that fly? Not the Dominik Santiago I know of.”

Ryan Hughes lies wincing against the metal guardrail, looking up at the man whose sole mission is to replace him on the throne atop the GHW mountain. With one more stomp, Dominik ceases his assault for the time being, realising that there is a ten count in effect. Hoisting his near-limp opponent up to a vertical base, Dominik strides over to the ring, half-dragging the Mancunian Mastodon with him. As they reach the ring apron, Santiago brings Hughes to an abrupt stoppage, rocking him with a European Uppercut which causes his foe to slump against the apron. Dom takes the time to roll in to the ring for all of a second before returning to the arena floor- it may not be long, but it forces the referee to restart the count. As Santiago returns to the floor, he shoots the referee a look, before shouting “DON’T YOU DARE COUNT ME OUT!”. The referee noticeably stalls before restarting the count, not wanting to get on the wrong side of the Assassin. The noise of the crowd in attendance hasn’t dropped in volume at all since the opening bell, and the last thin Dominik will want to do is slow things down now, because that would give the bigger man a chance to take over and control the pace. Taking this in to account, the challenger goes straight back on to the offensive, grabbing the head of the champion before slamming it in to the ring apron several times. The crowd watch on, cheering every “THUD” sound as Hughes’ head bashes off of the canvas. The Californian looks around once more, acknowledging the support from the fans, before going for one last shot. Unfortunately for him, Ryan’s sixth sense for these desperate situations kicks in and the GHW Champion stops his head from hitting the canvas once more with his hands before delivering a stiff elbow to the face of his tormentor. Santiago staggers back, almost stunned by the unexpected retaliation, but he is quickly met with a Mule Kick to the gut which causes him to double over from the pain in his midsection. Ryan seizes the moment, spinning around and grabbing the bent over Assassin by his hair and the scruff of his tights before launching the challenger in to the set of steel ring steps with an almighty clatter. The resulting impact causes Dominik to end up on the other side of the steps after somersaulting over them, clutching his knee in agony. Ryan is simply on all fours, staring at the steel steps with a dazed look on his face.

“TURNOVER!”

“That has to hurt. Those unforgiving ring steps did not move an inch, and Dominik’s knee just smashed in to it at speed.”

“If Ryan Hughes is a smart man- which he is- he would see the massive bullseye on that left knee right now, and he would not stop attacking it until Dominik Santiago could not walk.”

Ryan, still on his hands and knees, crawls over to the ring steps, peering over them like a curious child that wants to see what is on the other side of the garden fence. He sees Dominik Santiago writhing in pain, clutching his knee, and a smile forms on his face as a gameplan enters his head. The champion lifts himself up to a standing position using the steps, before walking around them to stand directly above Dominik. The smile doesn’t leave his mug, even after he drives his boot in to the knee that hurts so much for the American. He does it again, and again, and again, deriving a sick pleasure from every yelp of pain leaving Dominik Santiago’s mouth. Having his fill for now, the champion drags Dom to his feet, before lifting him in to the ring, allowing the wounded prey to roll from side to side while Ryan enjoys the show. Slowly, the Englishman slides in to the ring, keeping his eyes fixated on that knee, that knee which if worked on correctly, will see Hughes retain his title. As he eyes up the joint like a piece of meat, the Mancunian begins to sing. He sings a song- a certain Radiohead song about Karma. “For a minute there, I lost myself, I lost myself…” the champion sings as he viciously grabs the left leg of the challenger. “For a minute there, I lost myself, I LOST MYSEEEEEEEEEEEEELF” he screams as he wraps his legs around the one raised leg of the former champ before falling back on to the canvas, locking in a painful Kneebar. Hughes’ screams are soon met with Santiago’s screams of pain as the Bionic Brit twists the lower leg left and right, up and down, bending the joint in a way it shouldn’t be bent. To any man, this would hurt- but to a man who may have injured his knee in a collision with steel, this would be the worst kind of torture. Dominik tries to kick his way out, but Ryan keeps shuffling around the ring, meaning every attempt of escape just makes the pain even worse for the beleaguered challenger.

“Hughes has that Kneebar locked in expertly. I honestly cannot see anyone get out of that, let alone a possibly injured man!”

“Dominik just needs to tap, to save his dignity- and his sorry career.”

“This man has gotten out of worse, but look at the intent in Hughes’ eyes. Maybe there is such a thing as karma, and maybe it is working in Ryan’s favour!”


TBC Dominik

[Dominik Santiago]

Ryan Hughes continues to apply the pressure, offering a primeval scream of effort, the agony caused by the tormenting submission screaming from every fiber of the Assassin's body. Santiago's hands flail wildly, desperately in search of a means to alleviate the pain. His arm suddenly protrudes, being extended toward the bottom rope, but he is unable to grasp it, the ring cable being mere inches away from his fingertips. But he could taste salvation, the GHW faithful beginning to cheer fervently in an effort to will him there. As if clawing his way out of a massive pit, the GHW icon begins crawling across the ring, and finally is able to get a hand on the rope, much to his opponents chagrin and dismay. The Mancunian refuses to relinquish his grasp, holding on for a few more seconds, the burning sensation continuing to rage unceasingly through the Californian's captured limb. The referee admonishes the champion, threatening to disqualify him for his reprehensible behavior. His words brush off Hughes' shoulder, as the multi-time World Champion continues to pull back on Dominik's leg. The referee has no choice but to begin his five count, one of which the self proclaimed Gentleman adheres to at four, releasing Santiago from his clutches. The challenger slides underneath the bottom rope and rests on the apron, the damage sustained severe as he gingerly holds his injured knee.

The GHW Champion climbs back to his feet, a narcissistic smile etched on his face, reveling in the destruction his maneuvers have caused. Smelling blood in the water, he saunters toward the ropes, reaching over them and grasping a handful of the former champ's hair, a faint chuckle escaping his lips as he gestures at the crowd, eliciting massive heat. The Englishman throws Dominik's arm over his shoulder, and executes a front facelock before hoisting him into the air. Displaying the mental toughness and tenacity that has made him iconic, the Lord of the Flies wriggles himself free, managing to alter his position, allowing himself to slide down Hughes' back. From there he encircles his adversaries waist, clasping his hands together before driving him forward. Looking to prevent Dominik from pulling him backward, the astute champion seizes the ropes. Santiago rolls backward due to the counter, his compromised leg preventing him from springing back to his feet. However he fights back to a vertical base in time to deliver a mule kick to his incoming foe. As Hughes doubles over the challenger mightily swings and bends his elbow, the outcropping of bone clashing into the Mancunian's cranium. His vision is immediately blurred as his braincase attempts to assimilate the situation, his knees buckling from the debilitating force of the eblow strike. With his opponent in dire straights, the Assassin shoves his head in his armpit, and drapes his near arm over his shoulder. Upon hooking Hughes' leg, the challenger reclines backward, violently bridging his back and elevating his antagonist into the air. Both competitors land supinely on the canvas, the Assassin successfully connecting with a Brainbuster, having plowed the neck and upperback of the champion into the mat with a stiff, benumbing force. With his leg hooked and his shoulders pinned to the canvas, the champion finds himself on the wrong end of a pinning predicament, one the referee hastily acknowledges.

"The tide has been turned with that Fisherman Buster!

"1!"

"He may have him here."

"2!"

The Mancunian Mastadon convulses his shoulder and arms to a chorus of boos and jeers, able to break up the count and more importantly preserve his championship reign. Not letting up, Santiago grabs Hughes around the head and lifts him to his feet, quickly lifting his knee and catching him brutishly in the solar plexus, sending the champion staggering into the ropes. Dominik quickly takes Ryan's arms and wraps them around the top and middle ropes, trapping him in the cables, his face a mixture of agony and twisted interest, thoughts racing through his brain about how to torture his victim. The proverbial light-bulb illuminates, the challenger having formulated a perfect plan, an ingenious idea. Grappling his foe around the head, Santiago swings his arm with tremendous vigor, beaning the champion with a blistering European Uppercut with a notably audible ruckus. He follows up with a second, and then a third, Hughes collapsing, wilting into a deep bow with both arms pressed into the canvas, his brain rattled by the befuddling strikes. Dazed and bewildered, the champion kneels up, receiving a stiff kick to the side of the head for his efforts, his eyes wiring shut with the force sending him into the ropes once more. With the arrogant Englishman literally, and figuratively against the ropes, Dominik frantically charges across the ring. Ryan opens his eyes to see the shining lights of the GHW arena, in which a shadowy figure steps into his view. The figure, Santiago, lifts his leg level to his head; thinking quickly, Ryan circumvents the maneuver, causing the challenger to straddle the ring ropes. Dominik grimaces, a constant ache of pain wreaking throughout his system, descending from his gut to his lower extremities, the audience groaning as their heroes' testicular fortitude is challenged. Hughes rises to his feet, panting heavily, having just barely escaped his beheading, yet afforded a breather and a window of opportunity as his opponent hangs in a precarious position. He exploits the situation, the strapping Englishman swinging his leg in a semi-circular motion, his boot impinging on the cranium of his adversary, effectively knocking him off the rope and sending him to the apron with a thud. Hughes lurches back, his own momentum sending him staggering into the far ropes. He turns and rests his head on them, needing to recuperate from his recent adrenaline rush.

"Sweet Jesus what a Roundhouse Kick. That was sick!"
"Dominik got hung to dry on the ropes, giving Hughes the chance he needed to regain control."
"And he did in emphatic fashion. Birds are chirping and soaring over the challenger's dented head."

Dominik slowly creaks up, using the ring ropes to pull himself to his feet, albeit struggling. He heaves a breath, the ringing in his ears from his opponent's thunderous kick still reverberating through his head. Hughes looks on, his sick smile barely waning as he contemplates his next move. Ryan sizes his foe up before charging at him. He lowers his head and dives through the ropes, his shoulder blade cutting through his adversaries breadbasket like grass, unceremoniously ripping him off the apron. Both behemoths lie in a heap on the padded floor, sprawling midst cheers from the exuberant mass of humanity selling out the venue. A single, unanimous chant slowly commences, as "THIS IS AWESOME" floods the arena, echoing around in a vast tumult of noise and sound. Both Hughes and Santiago remain inert, their ravaged bodies almost broken asunder from the fall, the padding on the floor feeling more like concrete on impact. Their chests pulsate rapidly, the exhaustion beginning to set in, the two titans having fatigued one another in their battle for supremacy, their epic struggle for the GHW Championship.

"Ryan Hughes may have just speared Santiago right out of the World Title picture!"
"The little engine that could was just taken off the track."
"Another instant classic is unfolding between these two. And that exchange right there may help the champion prove it."

TBCB Hughes