Main Event: Vladimir Strife vs. Kingbear

[Vladimir T. Strife]

LM: "Ladies and Gentlemen... It is now time for our MAIN EVENT! The following is a Texas Death Match. The men will fight to score a pinfall or submission. Following the fall, a ten count will be started. If their opponent is unable to get back to both feet by the count of ten, they will lose the match. Introducing first, representing Gods and Heretics Wrestling... weighing in at 269 lbs, he is the Hardcore King.... standing at 6 feet tall.. the Messiah Of The Asylum. The 23-0 reigning King Of The Deathmatch Title holder. It is my honor and privelege to bring to you... VLADIMIR STRRRRIFE!!"

Devin Townsend's vocals begin to come through the P.A. as Lizzie announces Vladimir. The lights go black as fans stand up and turn their attention towards the entrance. "I know you're trying... to go home." Following the lyric, warlike drums begin to pound loudly, signalling red spotlights to flicker across the entrance ramp, emotion welling up inside of GHW fans, the defeaning boos of SWF supporters matching them.

THe curtains are swept aside as Vladimir steps out from the back and looks side to side. The King Of The Deathmatch Title is around his waist, but not the only metal to his apparel this time. On his head, he wears a steel helmet, reminiscient of those worn by Spartan's in battle milleniums ago. Vladimir jogs in place, warming up as the audience is standing, all eyes on him. Signs raised high in the air show support for their sides in the battle, such things as "BMan can't handle the A Team", "SWF - Often imitated, never duplicated!", "THIS IS G-H-DUBYA!!!!" and a large one to the side exclaiming "If Strife wins, we riot!". Vladimir walks down the aisle, slapping hands left and right fervently as the fans jut them out. He makes his way around the ring, reaching behind him and unhooking his title from around his waist. Vlad lays the straps over and sets it gentle on the announce table in front of Jimmy Pate. He says a few words, then continues his way around the ring, tagging more hands before he reaches the steps.

Vladimir jogs up the steps and onto the apron, looking back to the crowd before sweeping his leg up and through the ropes and entering the ring. He climbs onto a turnbuckle and raises his arms high, mixed reactions shaking the arena. As the lights return to normal and his music stops, Vladimir makes his way to Lizzie, requesting the microphone. She hands it to him and he faces the now silent crowd.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... a lot of words have been said over the past month.. a lot of jokes made. Tonight though... it's showtime. Do or die, put up or shut up. I've heard a lot lately about the past... about roots. The truth is that the past is the past, no matter how much we think about it.. respect it, or miss it. Some things in our life are just like SWF... like a crazy ex. You miss her despite the fact that she's bad for you... that she's better left in the past. All these guys screaming about the hell they were put through to make the company, to be SWF's bitch. See, I have my own past... a company that brought it's founding principles to GHW... that taught you that if you put it out there, fans would come. A place where fans loved the place because of the talent we had, NOT just because we would have to nearly kill ourselves for them to want to watch."

Vladimir grabs his raven blue shirt and rips it off, leaving the one underneath to show. It's a white and raven blue tie die pattern, with the large words "SOLID FUCKIN' CORE" written on it.

"Don't be alarmed... I'm not taking over... I'm not going to turn my back on these fans like LRey did.. No, I'm simply showing you guys that here is where it came from, where it started for Vladimir Strife. Tonight.. I tell you to heed my words. Those driven by the past will fall... it is the man influenced by his, yet driven by the future that will slay the beast. Slay... wait, no. To kill them would be too easy... you see... there are FAR worse things than death."

Vladimir tosses the microphone back to Lizzie and begins to bounce on the ropes, warming up for the contest as he awaits BMan's arrival.

TBCB BMan

[Vladimir T. Strife]

After waiting around for BMan to come out, Vladimir gets frustrated and grabs the microphone again.

"You know what? Fuck it. These SWF guys are too big of pussies to show up, fuck them. So much for them being real hardcore guys, they can't even be bothered to show the FUCK up! In sight of this though, I am NOT going into the back without putting on a hell of a show just like these fans paid damn good money to see! So, I'm going to call out the one guy in the back who must be as pissed off and frustrated as I am at this moment. The most powerful man in GHW... KINGBEAR!!! Buddy, I know you're wanting a fight as badly as I am. So get on down here and lets give these fans what they came to see... quality entertainment and wrestling like only GHW can do!"

[KingBear/Brett Steel]

Just as Vladimir finishes calling out KingBear, 'Who are you?' by The Who begins to play over the PA and the lights fade to darkness. A large figure can be seen standing on the stage when purple and green pyros explode in a heavy shower of sparks down to the stage, seemingly causing the lights to flicker. The large figure walks forward and emerges from the shower of sparks with a grin on his face and a mic in hand known only to be KingBear. "Vlad, bro, you challenge me to a match here at GHW's Summer Ritual, after my NO SHOW from that pussy Pyro. Well, all I have to say is thats the best damned idea I've heard all NIGHT! Lets get it on bro, we'll show these fans what a REAL match is." KingBear continues his strut down to the ring.

"Thats right Big Man, when they see the two most dominating men in sports entertainment, enter the ring AGAINST eachother, people will be shitting bricks and not even feel the pain because of the excitement they'll see in THIS Ring." Vladimir grins as he waits for KingBear to get into the ring.

KingBear approaches the apron and makes an easy leap to land on the apron before climbing over the top rope and into the ring. He walks over to Vlad, the two exchange a few inaudible words and shake hands before KingBear turns around to face the audience. "So, after a short discussion, my co-worker and I agreed, this match will be a 60 minute match. With NO winner, there will be no pins, submissions or Knock Outs. Just a good old fashioned match between two friends who are willing to put their careers on the line to show you people a good time."

"Actually KB, there will be a winner..." Vlad smirks lightly to himself as he looks over at KB.

"And who is that Bro? I mean... No way for either of us to win..."

"Well, neither of us will win big guy, the fans and GHW will win. Because they'll witness a match worthy of the 'Match of the Century' title. I mean, we're going to rock this arena so hard they'll think there's an earthquake happening. We're going to shower these people with so much blood and sweat, it'll feel like a storm is in the building. Each punch will echo with the sound of thunder and everyone here and watching tonight is going to see it all." Vladimir grins as he looks over at KingBear.

"Good point pal, lets get this show on the road. Ref, start the match!" KingBear and Vlad both toss their mics out of the ring to nearby ring attendants and ready for the match to start.

[Vladimir T. Strife]

As the bell rings, the 2 men rush into the middle of the ring and lock up, looking like 2 Elks battling for position. Kingbear begins pushing Vlad into the corner and after a moment, he throws him down to the mat and takes a step back. Vladimir takes his time getting up, starting off gingerly as the fans watch intently, a battle of the giants occurring before their eyes as the undefeated and revered Vladimir Strife stands opposing to the almighty Kingbear, one of the strongest men in wrestling today. They get back to standing positions and Vladimir begins to move sideways, circling around Kingbear. Kingbear keeps moving in the circle as well, leaving distance between the 2 as they watch their opponent for an opening.

JP: Truly, this is wrestling at it's finest, Ray. A good old fashioned match between 2 phenomenal Fighty fighty persons.
Ray: They seem old fashioned, they're barely even fighting!
JP: Don't let a slow start fool you, Ray. These 2 are wrestling with their heads, not their anger. Expect this to be a well thought out match, not your average punch, kick, punch, punch, combo, finish him.

As they rush in again to lock up once more, Vladimir pushes Kingbear's arms up and locks his arms around his waist, squeezing on his lower ribcage. Kingbear clasps his hands firmly and plants Vlad across the jaw with a Polish hammer, breaking the clutch on his midsection. Vladimir stumbles back and the big man grabs him by the wrist and pulls him towards him, Irish whipping him into the ropes. As Vladimir bounces off, a bit dazed from the Polish hammer, but aware enough to dodge underneath, continuing his run into the ropes behind Kingbear. As he bounces off, he comes back at Kingbear in a sprint as the big man is quickly turning to meet him. Vladimir leaps up and throws his arm out, slamming it across Kingbear's chest. It slaps across with a sounding impact, but doesn't move Kingbear, who stands there and rubs the spot of contact. Vladimir is spun around from it and drops to the mat on his backside.

A moment later and Vlad leans back, pushing his hands against the mat and then pushing off and he blasts his legs into the air like pistons, kipping up and back into a standing position to face Kingbear as he turns around once more. Vlad shoots a right punch into the jaw of the big man, following with a second and then spinning around for momentum on a third shot. As his hand darts at the jawline of his opponent, it is caught by a large open hand. Kingbear grins and squeezes down on Vlad's hand, mashing his fingers and bringing a grimace to the Hardcore King's face. Vlad tries to ignore the pain, but uses a quick kick to the inner thigh to cause the break. He rushes back into the ropes and comes running back, throwing himself full body into the air and looking to splash against the big man's chest. Kingbear remedies it by slamming his large pawlike palms into the chest of Vlad and stopping him midflight, pushing him back and down. Vlad crashes hard on the mat, in shock from being manhandled in such a way.

JP: Vlad's going to have to change his entire strategy here, Ray. He's so accustomed to having that strength and size advantage that he's incorporated it into his style. It won't do him any good here tonight though as Kingbear will be able to outpower him at every turn.
Ray: Shhh, your talking is going to ruin this for me! These are 2 of the sexiest men out there, JP! Do you realize just how many times I've dreamed of these 2 locking up?
JP: I... honestly don't want to know...

Vladimir rolls out of the ring, dodging a huge stomp that blows dust from the mat from the force. As Kingbear moves in towards the side of the ring, Vlad jumps to the apron and ducks down under the top rope, slamming his shoulder into the gut of the big man and forcing breath from his lungs. Vladimir grabs onto the top rope as he leans back out and then pulls back tightly on it. He uses the force of it snapping back and slingshots overhead and above Kingbear, flipping forward as he comes towards the mat. He grabs onto his opponent's thigh and uses his momentum to pull him away from the ropes. Kingbear's size is too much though and he stands still, Vladimir not having enough force to flip him into the sunset flip. He reaches down and grabs Vlad by the collar of his shirt, using it to pull Vladimir from under him and onto his feet like a small child.

He grabs under Vlad's armpits and lifts him up from the ground seemingly effortlessly. Vladimir counters his plans by grabbing onto the wrist of one of his extended arms tightly and swinging a leg around Kingbear's underarm. He throws the other leg over the shoulder of Kingbear's other arm and locks his feet together behind the big man's neck. The strength holding Vlad up is taken away with the triangle chokehold and he falls over the top rope, almost slamming the back of his head on the apron but stopping inches from it. The weight of Kingbear was more than Vlad's force could take over the top, working perfectly for the man who has yet to suffer a loss as he holds tightly onto the triangle choke hold while the blood rushes to his head.

JP: What a beautiful counter there by Vladimir! Sharp, swift, he slapped that on before Kingbear knew what was happening!
Ray: And he looked good doing it!

Kingbear grints his teeth, struggling in the hold as Vladimir holds on relentlessly, feeling like he was going to rip his arm out of the socket. Kingbear uses his hand, close to Vlad's neck thanks to the positioning Vlad has put him in, and grabs onto the collar of Vladimir's shirt again. As he begins to pull him back up to the top of the ropes, he moves his other arm behind Vlad and holds onto the small of his back, making it easier to lift him. As Vladimir is finally over the top rope, Kingbear holds onto him firmly and turns, dropping to the mat as he does and slamming Vlad's back and head against the mat like a powerbomb, shaking the ring as fan's applaud at the outstanding show of strength on the part of the SNR General Manager. Vlad's strength leaves him for a moment and Kingbear is able to free himself from the triangle choke, getting back up to his feet as he looks down to the man he brought into this business and grins.

JP: JESUS! Kingbear just pulled Vladimir up and over the top rope and slammed him to the mat! What power!? That's a 269 pound human being there!
Ray: That looked devastating, I hope Vlad's okay!
JP: I'm sure he is, but like I said, he's on new territory here, Ray. We've called almost every match Vladimir has every contested in and I don't think he's EVER been manhandled like that before. The only other time he's faced a man stronger than him was Hyperion and we remember how badly that turned out..

TBCB Kingbear

[KingBear/Brett Steel]

KingBear lowers a hand to Vlad and Vlad takes it wearily before KingBear hoists him to his feet. The two then take a couple steps back from eachother and a slight nod is exchanged before they run in and lock up again. Both men try to power against eachother but KingBear seems to be getting the upper hand in the bout for strength when Vlad uses his wits to throw his own weight back with KingBear before falling to his back and propping his legs up. As KingBear comes down from the sudden shift of weight, Vlad hoists him up and over, holding onto his arms still, causing KingBear to snap down to the mat with a ring rumbling thud.

JP: What athleticism by Vlad right there! You cant tell me this isn’t the BEST matchup you’ve ever seen?

Ray: No I can’t, but I wont say that. So HA!

Vlad jumps to his feet before running over to KingBear and dropping a heafty Leg Drop to the big mans throat. KingBear hacks and heaves at the sudden loss of wind as Vlad rolls away from him and back to his feet. KingBear slowly rolls over and starts to get up when he eats canvas from a painful stomp to the head. Again, KingBear slowly starts to get up and again he eats canvas from a stomp to the head from Vladimir. Vlad looks down at KingBear as he starts getting up and a look of 'just stay down' can be seen on his face. Vlad pauses for a moment and looks at KB before stomping him once more and dropping to the mat and locking in a Sleeper Hold on the big man. KB coughs a bit and his arms sway as Vlad tries to tighten the hold, the ref doesnt come anywhere near him as KB reaches up and grabs the back of the head of Vlad before yanking him down to the mat. KB drops an elbow to the chest of Vlad before standing up and hoisting him to his feet with ease, he then goes to lift Vlad up in a Military Press and receives a hand to the throat, stopping him dead in his tracks. The big man drops Vlad instantly and his hands shoot to his throat to favor his again wounded throat. Coughs and wheezes slow KB down enough for Vlad, who is on his back from being dropped, to take advantage of an old injury by kicking KB in the back of his left knee with a spin on the ground. KB drops to a knee, one hand on his throat and the other on his knee as he forces out a growl of pain from the shock to his beaten knee.

JP: I’ve PERSONALLY watched that knee take so much damage in matches I’m almost surprised KB is still WALKING!

Ray: I’m not, he’s an amazing man in EVERY way…

Vlad kips up from the mat quickly after the shot to the knee and grins as he looks at KB, kneeling on the mat in agony. He then jumps up and spins in the air before delivering a tremendously smashing Spinning Heel Kick to the head of the big man, dropping him to the mats almost instantly. Vlad spins around and shoots his arms into the air triumphantly, receiving a chorus of mixed boos and cheers from the fans, considering the practical even split of fans between KB and Vlad. Vlad slowly turns around to face his downed friend and notices a slight recovery before climbing onto his back and grabbing his arms, he heft the tree branch arms over his thighs and reaches down, locking his hands under the chin of KB before wrenching backwards with a Camel Clutch. KB can be seen cringing in pain at the submission move locked in. Vlad wrenches back harder, trying to get KB to make some kind of noise but KB holds it in very well, causing Vlad to release the hold, realizing he won’t get anything from his long time ally any time soon. Vlad takes a step back and allows KingBear to get up, the two exchange nods and they rush at eachother, locking up again quickly, the battle for power erupts again between the two friends, this time when Vlad attempts to shift his weight backwards KingBear shows to have learned from his previous mistake and immediately lets go of Vlad, letting him fall on his backside. With a smirk of victory, KB kicks Vlad in the chest with his monstrous boot, planting him on his back before jumping into the air with an attempted leg drop. Vlad quickly rolls away from the big man, allowing him to add direct impact to his tail bone as KB shoots to his side, holding his lower back with a groan.

JP: That was a mistake of a move if I’ve ever seen one Ray.

Ray: Only because poor Big Sexy is hurting! And hey, KB didn’t know Vlad would move out of the way!

Vlad and KB both take a bit of time to get up, but when they do they square off in the ring again. Vlad forgets his previous tactics as he launches a heavy hand to the jaw of KB who is barely fazed by the punch as he slowly turns back to face Vlad who looks on at his fist in awe. He throws another punch to the jaw of the big man, and again he slowly turns his gaze back to his friend. Vlad quickly throws a kick to the midsection of KingBear who quickly reacts by wrapping an arm around the leg and holding it against his body, he then thrusts a hand forward, grabbing around the throat of Vladimir Strife and Chokeslams him to the mat with a thunderous crash. The Hardcore King revels on the mat for a moment before slowly getting up, KB however doesn’t seem surprised at all, knowing that his long time friend has received quite a bit more punishment than that. Vlad shakes off the hit and stands up to face KB who throws a bear like swipe at Vlad and misses by a mile as Vlad ducks out of the way, he then lunges forward with a knee to the unsuspecting midsection of ‘Big Sexy’ KingBear. KB instantly doubles over, clutching at his stomach and Vlad wraps his arms around the big head of KB before falling backwards, pulling him down into a DDT. Relentlessly, Vlad helps KB up, not even allowing him to recover on his own before whipping him into the ropes, as KB comes back Vlad jumps into the air, wrapping an arm around the throat of KB before pulling him down into a reverse bull dog (I think). KB lands hard, his head bouncing on the mat as Vlad rolls away only to come right back with a Guillotine Leg Drop to the throat of his long time friend.

JP: KingBear really can’t catch a break out there right now Ray. It’s almost worth crying over.

Ray: I cry every night JP. What’s wrong with showing a little emotion?

JP: Shut up Ray, we all know you only cry because you know you have NO CHANCE IN HELL with EITHER of these two great men!

Ray: *sniffs* Shut up…

KB rolls on the mat in agony, one hand on his throat and the other holding his head as Vlad rolls away, a heavy breath coming from his mouth at all of the quick paced action. He looks on at the big man and his eyes go wide as he sees KB pushing himself up off the mat, obviously wanting more pain to come from one of the only men he respects. Vlad slowly walks up to KB and goes to help him up but KB knocks him away and throws a vicious clothesline at the smaller man, nearly flipping him over with the hit. After the clothesline, KB stumbles to the ropes and rests against them for a bit before turning back to see Vlad slowly climbing to his feet. The big man turns his back to the ropes and presses against them before running at Vlad again as he stands and throwing a Big Boot towards his chest. Vlad thinks quickly, seeing the big boot on it’s way, and scrambles to the side before throwing another knee into the stomach of KingBear and again doubling him over. Vlad then links his hands together in a hammer like fashion and delivers a Double Axe Handle smash to the nose of KB, shooting him up instantly. As tears pour out of the eyes of KB from the instant smash to his nose, a bit of blood begins running out of one of the nostrils. Vlad sees this and quickly delivers a swift kick to the back of the knee of KB, dropping him to his knees. Vlad then spins after the kick and delivers a knee shot to the nose of the big man, sending the tree falling to the mat.

JP: I hate to say this but… If a tree falls in an arena people WILL hear it and I’m sure EVERYONE heard that tree fall.

Ray: That’s a bit harsh isn’t it JP?

JP: Nah, I don’t think so really…

Ray: Ok..

((OOC: Sorry it took so long bro... We'll have this match go on until Saturday I think...

[Vladimir T. Strife]

Vladimir sticks his hand down, the big man grabbing it after a moment. He helps him back to his feet and the 2 take a few steps back, waiting for a moment. Vladimir sticks a finger up, telling Kingbear to hold up while he retrieves a microphone.

"The fans are loving this one... but I want to give you a quick warning. If we're going to put on a hell of a match, I've got to let myself get pumped up. No more rests now, just pure fighting, wrestling, and brawling big man. Time to get serious."

Kingbear nods in agreement and Vladimir huddles in the corner, prepping himself to go full throttle. He begins speaking to himself, uttering unheard lines that seem to spark a fire in his eyes. After a moment, he rushes out of the corner and at Kingbear, leaping high into the air. Kingbear is prepared too, pumped up and ready as he grabs Vladimir around the upperchest and spins with him before slamming him to the mat like a ragdoll. Despite the tremendous impact, Vlad quickly gets back to his feet, resting his arm against his back for a second of relief, eyes locked on Kingbear still.

Vladimir rushes in and drops to the mat with a baseball slide through his opponent's legs, hurrying to his feet once more as he knows he's got a speed advantage on Kingbear. As he gets up, he leaps onto the middle rope, turning his head back to see the target as Kingbear turns around. He springboards off heavily and spins around, shooting a foot for Kingbear's face. The big man ducks underneath it though and Vlad lands with his back turned to him, a vulnerable position. Quick to take advantage, Kingbear grabs him around the waist and throws his weight back, chucking Vladimir over head. Vlad shifts his weight and lands on a foot and a knee by spinning back, an easy thing to do with so much air time.

JP: Very technical wrestling here folks. You're seeing the product of these 2 men knowing one another as well as themselves. They've watched each and every of the others matches, they've trained together, probably even discussed strategies. There isn't a thing in either's arsenal that the other does not already expect. I'd say you can bet on seeing a lot of unusual moves on their parts or quite a bit of countering!
Ray: With a downpour of sexy! Ho-yeah!

As Kingbear raises back up quickly, Vlad runs in and narrowly avoids a massive clothesline. As he pops up behind Kingbear, he reaches back and grabs under his chin, throwing his other arm into the air to signal for the SinnerPlex. A back elbow to the jaw disrupts it though and he lets go, stumbling to the ropes. Kingbear turns and runs in for a clothesline, only to have Vlad grab a tight hold on the top rope and drop down with it, lowering it and Kingbear tumbling over to the mats below. The audience goes nuts at the show before them and Vladimir runs across the ring, into the opposite ropes. As he hits them, Kingbear is getting back up already, not phased much by the fall. The Hardcore King dives through the ropes, a suicidal move directed at the giant. Kingbear ducks under him and allows Vlad to crash and burn on the mats, rolling and tumbling. He follows him over to his landing and plants a stomp or two into the gut of Vlad.

After a moment, he picks him back up and then lifts him with a military press high above his head. Vlad gets a long view down, knowing this isn't good as Kingbear walks towards the ring. He lowers his arms and then pushes back up, tossing Vlad over the top rope and back into the ring. Vlad winces at the impact, but forces himself to get back up as eyes his opponent who is getting back in slowly. Vlad rushes in at the opportunity and delivers a low dropkick to the left knee of Kingbear, sending him to the mat in pain. He kicks Kingbear across the side of the face as he gets up and grabs him by the hair, dragging him nearby to the bottom turnbuckle. He sets the back of Kingbear's head against the bottom pad and takes off in a sprint across the ring to the opposing corner.

JP: Uh-oh! Vlad's got Kingbear RIGHT where he wants him at this moment and this could spell disaster. If he nails this, it could be just about all she wrote. The Heart Starter is one of the most devastating, pure impact maneuvers I've seen in my career!

Ray: No, don't let it be over! We want much more! Much much much more!

Vladimir lines him up and then pushes off of the ropes, taking a full sprint across the ring for as much speed as he can gather. He leaps high and bounces on Kingbear's chest with both feet, looking as though he'd jumped onto a trampoline. He grabs the top rope on both sides of the turnbuckle as he shoots up, leaping off the big man's chest. As he reaches his horizontal base, he grins and lets go, quickly pulling his knees up for landing. As he drops, Kingbear's large hands shoot up from below, grabbing the top of his knees and stopping him in mid-drop, a look of shock coming across Strife's face at the immense power of Kingbear. Kingbear pushes hard and throws Vladimir backwards and to the mat on his shoulders. The resident psychopath rolls out of the ring, taking time to rethink his strategy as he favors his back.

JP: OH MY GOD! KINGBEAR STOPPED THE HEART STARTER!!! JUST STOPPED HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF IT!!

Kingbear gets up with a grin and follows over to the apron, reaching over the top and grabbing Vlad by the hair, pulling him up. As Vlad steps up onto the apron, he grabs around Kingbear's head and holds tightly. The big man is expecting this though and slams his right knee into Vladimir's gut. The King lets go of his head and is knocked off the apron, dropping down and slamming into it with his teeth. He shoots back in shock and pain and falls onto his bottom, his back against the barricade as he looks at Kingbear in surprise. He pulls himself back up after a moment, fans behind him encouraging with cheers and patting him on the back and arms. Kingbear backs up a few steps, letting him get back to the apron before coming at him again. Vlad ducks under the top rope and juts his shoulder through the top two, Kingbear slamming a knee across his head for trying the same move twice. Vlad is nearly taken from the apron again, holding tightly to the middle rope as he leans backwards.

Kingbear reaches out for him and as he pulls him in, Vlad throws a punch into the side of his neck. Kingbear coughs heavily and Vlad gets back to firm standing on the apron, slamming the point of his elbow across the side of Kingbear's temple. As the big man leans over the top, his neck above the top rope, Vladimir runs to the corner, grabbing the top rope and using it to help as he leaps to the top turnbuckle. He turns around and leaps off, aiming high and sticking a leg straight out through the air. Flashes from camera's go off, capturing the moment before he lands. He slams with a big leg drop across Kingbear's upper back, slamming his throat down across the top rope forcefully. Vladimir's upper body continues to fall even after his leg hits though and he drops back, his spine slamming down on the edge of the ring and dropping him to the outside again. Kingbear stumbles back and drops to his knees, still clutching his throat as the referee checks on him.

JP: Holy shit! That was an amazing leg drop from Vladimir there, knocking Kingbear's throat across the top of the ropes! He nearly decapitated him! It looks like he paid a pretty big price himself with that fall though, I'm not sure which got the worse of that move!
Ray: Well, duh, Kingbear of course! Vlad may have fell pretty hard and far, but Kingbear looks like he can't breath.

Kingbear coughs a bit more, insuring the referee that he is fine and telling him to back off. He makes his way to the outside, Vladimir holding his back after the fall and seeming to favor his ribs quite a bit as well. Kingbear rubs his throat again and lets out a few coughs before picking Vlad up and rolling him back into the ring. Vlad, realizing where he is, gets up and watches Kingbear coming in under the bottom rope. He stomps on his shoulder, the big man halted for a moment before continuing to get up. Vlad stomps on him a few more times, getting only small reactions as he continues up. As he gets to one foot, Kingbear comes forward at Vlad with an open hand to his chest, pushing back and tossing Vlad to the mat as he stands up. Vlad rolls heels over head to the other side of the ring, disoriented for a second. He gets back up, but Kingbear is waiting for him.

The big man grabs him by the arm and yanks Vlad forward, spinning him around and to the ropes with a huge Irish whip. Vladimir ducks under a straight punch and continues forward, throwing his weight into the other ropes and coming back for more. This time, as he does, Kingbear spins around and grabs him by the sides of his torso, using his strength to toss Vlad into the air. As Vladimir goes up, he follows the laws of physics by soon coming right back down. Flailing about as he does, Vlad lands onto an outstretched right knee from Kingbear, the point slamming into his ribcage. A healing rib of Vladimir's takes another week to his recovery time as he bounces from the impact and rolls around on the mat, grinting his teeth and swearing loudly through them in pain.

TBCB Kingbear

[KingBear/Brett Steel]

KB slowly stands up and moves his lower right leg back and forth; making sure his knee is ok before he moves over towards Vlad who is on the ground groaning in agony from the impact to his ribs. KB pauses for a moment, knowing it's his friend he's about to destroy but he tries not to let it affect him as he picks Vlad up from the mat by his head. Vlad looks up at KB dazed and in pain and KB quickly grabs his arm and whips him into the far turnbuckle. Vlad slams into it chest first with a cry of anguish before slumping against the turnbuckle, KB grins lightly as he leaps forward, sprinting across the ring and leaping into the air for a Turnbuckle Splash. But as KB goes flying through the air, images of KB doing this before in his matches flash through Vlads head and he quickly lets his body fall backwards to the mat, causing KB to slam his own chest into the top turnbuckle. KB lays against the turnbuckle, barely able to breathe from the landing as Vlad slowly forces himself to stand up. He looks over at KB and with a grimace of pain; he kicks the big man in the back of his left knee, dropping him down to his knees with a yelp from KB. Vlad then grabs KB by his head and yanks him to his back on the mat, quickly following the yank Vlad leaps over the downed form of KB and jumps to the second rope before climbing to the third rope. He turns around and eyes his target before leaping into the air and turning his body totally upside down, he comes down on the abdomen of the big man with a Diving Headbutt.

JP: That is a very risky maneuver by Vlad, he should know not to do that so close to a turnbuckle. It could turn out for the worst for our friend Vlad, Ray.

Ray: I know! And it’s so sad!

The high risk of the Diving Headbutt so close to the turnbuckle took it's toll on Vlad as well because when he was coming down the rest of the way from the move, his legs landed on the turnbuckle and his feet hooked, causing his body to torque away from KB and lay him nearly folded in half in the turnbuckle corner, near the big man. Vlad and KB both take their time getting up, heads spinning, adrenaline pumping and blood rushing, causing them to barely even know what’s going on. Both men shake off their fatigue and slowly turn around to be face to face, KB towers over Vlad and both men attempt to think quickly but KB gets the upper hand with a hard chop to the chest of The Hardcore King, sending a loud echo throughout the arena followed by a groan of pain from the audience. Vlad stumbles backwards and throws a chop to the chest of KB in return; KB is barely fazed from the chop and delivers a second one, sending another loud echo throughout the arena as the fans again groan in pain for Vlad who growls at the thud in his chest. Vlad goes to chop again and KB readies himself but Vlad quickly throws a knee into the gut of his long time friend, doubling him over and bringing him down to size before placing a hand on his back and jumping into the air, he quickly brings his leg over the back of the neck of KB and lets gravity do the rest, slamming the big man to the mat. Vlad shakes his head and climbs out of the ring before searching under the apron; he slowly comes out from under the apron after a bit, holding a pair of Kendo Sticks, with a grin he rolls into the ring, holding both weapons close to his body. The ref rushes over and tries to stop him but a loud objection from KingBear in the form of a "NO!" The ref and Vlad both look down at KB, confused as KB slowly lifts his head and begins to stand. KB can be seen saying 'Weapons are allowed in this match, you might as well not even be here.' He then points to the stage and the ref sighs and looks down at his feet before leaving the ring, KB then turns his attention to Vlad who stands ready with both weapons in his hands. KB holds a hand out, asking for one of the swords and Vlad slowly agrees before handing KB one of the Kendo Sticks. KB and Vlad then move to opposite sides of the ring before beginning to circle each other, hefty breaths coming from their chests and various trails of blood running down parts of their faces. The two men then lunge at each other, swords held high and they slam the swords together, a bone shuddering crack coming from the collision as both men put a great amount of force into their swings. They then pull back and go at each other again, opposite side from before, and another loud crack is heard from the swords as they meet in the middle. KB and Vlad both grin at each other before pulling back and going once more at each other, the thunderous clap of the swords together quickly sends splinters across the ring as both swords practically explode in their hands.

JP: WHAT POWER DISPLAYED THERE BY BOTH MEN! Vlad surely isn’t as strong as KB but he usually has a strength advantage over his opponents and we all know why now! He just blew up a kendo stick with KingBear!

Ray: I need some popcorn… TAKE IT OFF!!! *Ray throws a dollar bill and JP smacks him*

Both men quickly drop their shards of wood before charging at each other, they meet in the middle hands gripping at their shoulders and squeezing relentlessly. The battle of strength continues and soon Vlad seems to be winning when KB throws his arms into the air, causing Vlad to release the hold, he then throws a heavy knee into the gut of his friend and doubles him over. With this, KB bends down quickly, wrapping arms around the waist of The Hardcore King before he hoists upwards, easily lifting Vlad up and onto his shoulders. KB then turns around to face the center of the ring before lifting him up and slamming him down on his back in the middle of the ring with a painful powerbomb. Vlad flops around the mat like a fish out of water, hands gripping at his lower back as he feels a sudden numbness course through his body, the numbness only leads a sudden rush of adrenaline. Vlad uses this added energy to leap to his feet, surprising KB, he then delivers a swift kick to the left knee of KB, dropping him to his knees and slowing him down. Vlad follows the kick up by running at the ropes behind him and bouncing off of them, on his return Vlad leaps into the air and delivers a harsh drop kick to the chest of KingBear, landing both men flat on their backs. However, Vlad is the first up as his adrenaline keeps flowing strong; he quickly runs over to the big man and throws a boot straight to his forehead, slowing him down even more as he runs to the ropes, sliding out of the ring and to his feet on the mats outside. He kneels down and throws the apron up before digging himself under the ring, in search of something. After a moment of hasty searching, Vlad comes out from under the ring, eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store as he reveals his chain.

JP: Oh no… Not the chain, that thing has ended so many matches Ray. Hopefully it isn’t the end of either man here.

Ray: Can they take it off yet?

JP: NO!

Vlad quickly jumps from his knees to his feet and scurries into the ring, as he climbs to his feet in the ring he looks down at the big man to see him slowly getting up. He shakes his head in disbelief before letting the chain drop down from his hand slightly; he looks down at the back of the big man before bringing the chain up and down hard on the back of KingBear, causing him to cry out in agony as he drops to his stomach on the mat. KB slowly pushes himself up from the mat again before he's forced back down with another intense whip to his back from the chain. This time, KB slowly rolls to his stomach trying to protect his back from the whip, he looks up to see a blood crazed look in the Hardcore King’s eyes as Vlad whips the chain downward again. This time, KB reaches out and allows the chain to slam into his hand and with a growl of pain he wraps his paw around the links of the chain and grins up at Vladimir. The look in the eyes of the King goes from blood crazed to amazed as KB yanks downward on the chain, pulling Vlad with it, and brings his knee up to slam it into the side of the head of the King, causing him to roll limply away from KB before falling to the mat. KB then rips the chain from Vlad before tossing it outside the ring; he slowly gets up, a hand on his back, and moves closer to Vlad. He nudges him lightly to see if he’s still alive and Vlad desperately latches onto the ankle of KingBear and bites down on his shin. KingBear lets out a yelp of surprise before shaking Vlad loose and hobbling away from him, he rubs at his shin lightly before growling and turning to face the slow to rise Strife. KB growls and quickly gives a charge at Vlad, who drops to the mat, sending KB into the ropes, KB rebounds from the ropes and comes back across the ring to receive a Russian Leg Sweep from Vlad who quickly delivers a swift kick to the ribs of KB, causing the big man to cough a bit.

JP: Another amazing show of David versus Goliath here. KB, being Goliath, really has a size advantage but Vlad, being David, has that speed advantage and for every big move KB can complete, Vlad can complete a lot of smaller moves. We really don’t know who’s going to win here tonight.

Ray: Well, in the story, David won but I guess you forgot that this match wont have a winner JP.

JP: You’re actually right Ray, I did forget. Oh well, I’m still a better announcer than you.

Ray: ARE NOT!

Vlad quickly drops to the mat and rolls KB to his back before standing up and grabbing hold of one of KBs legs. He quickly performs a spinning toe hold and grabs KBs other leg before falling to the mat as he crosses the legs, performing a Figure Four Leg Lock. KB groans as Vlad uses the strength in his legs to apply pressure to the stressed left leg of KB, causing KB to cry out in pain. KB paws at the mat and looks to the ring ropes, hoping to be able to reach them so he can get some kind of leverage as Vlad continues to apply the Figure Four. KB quickly pounds his hands into the mat before pulling himself AND Vlad towards the ring ropes in his sight, Vlad realizes this and struggles to apply more pressure to the knee to distract the big man. The distraction works very well as KB arches his back in agony and uses any strength he can muster in his legs to try to keep the pain staking pressure off of them. This strength doesn’t last long as Vlad applies a tighter hold to the Leg Lock, causing KB to let go of his strength causing even more pain to the knee than before. KB cries out in pain again before focusing his sight back on the ring ropes, he begins pawing his way towards them, using every bit of upper body strength that he has to continue to pull him AND Vlad. Vlad struggles to keep the hold locked in with his shirt being pulled up from the drag and his bare skin rubbing on the canvas irritating him. Vlad attempts once more to apply even more pressure to the hold to distract KB and out of instinct KB instantly rolls to his stomach, reversing the hold on The King and putting him into a sharp shooter by reversing the pressure to Vlads back. Vlad groans in agony before KB lets the hold go as his knee gives out on him, causing both men to release any previous submission hold as they crawl away from each other slowly.

JP: I don’t think that knee of KingBear can take anymore beatings tonight Ray. I mean he’s had how many surgeries on it?

Ray: More than I can count JP… More than I can count.

JP: You can barely count to 5!

Ray: Why are you so mean to me tonight?!

KB and Vlad both climb out of the ring and fall to the mats outside before lifting the aprons mere feet from eachother as they search under the ring for anything they can find. Both men come out at near the same time, eyes lit up and holding the same type of weapon, an aluminum baseball bat. They stand up and look around the ring before slowly circling their eyes straight towards eachother both men jump away from the ring to face eachother outside the ring, bats held ready for yet another sword fight. Both men grin, knowing this time the weapon wont break as easily as they quickly bring their bats in at each other, both bats clang together sending a ring throughout the arena. KB quickly pulls his bat back before swinging it at the head of Vladimir who quickly ducks the swing and sends a swing of his own for the ribs of the big man. KB jumps backwards, the bat barely missing his stomach as he brings a swift shot downward but Vlad throws his bat up and blocks the attack with both hands before shooting KBs bat off of his and sliding his hands down to the neck of the bat before swinging it swiftly at the left knee of the big man. The bat slams into the knee of KingBear with a sickening thud and a crunching sound as KB falls to his knee, he then brings his bat around while on his knee and slams it directly into the ribs of his partner with a horrifying crack resounding throughout the arena from both men who easily fall to the mats outside, in agony.

JP: This is a sad day for wrestling, either man could end the others career in a friendly match to appease the fans!

Ray: I think I’m going to cry JP… And puke…

[Vladimir T. Strife]

Vladimir and Kingbear slowly get back up, taking their time to do so. He leans against the apron, exhausted as Kingbear gets up behind him. Kingbear grabs him by the back of the tights and pulls him near, slamming his forearm across the lower back of Vladimir. Vladimir winces in pain before being thrown into the barricade, his back smashing against it. Kingbear lays in with a few stomps. He reaches down, telling Vlad to fight back as he picks him up. The Hardcore King is coming down off his second wind though and leaves himself open as he is lifted up and dropped jaw first onto the ring apron. Kingbear rolls him in the ring and shakes his head as he grabs the baseball bat and follows. It's seeming too easy at the moment, so he slams the steel across Vladimir's ribcage, hoping to infuriate him enough to get another wind out of him.

Vladimir instead rolls over in pain, clutching his ribs tightly and coughing violently against the mat. As he does, Kingbear tosses the bat to the side and checks on him, making sure his friend is alright. Vladimir, in immense pain but working off of instinct, grabs him quickly and rolls him up for a pin. He lets go quickly, realizing there is no pinfall and Kingbear figures he's good to go. He lifts Vladimir back up and delivers a massive chop across this chest that sends Vlad reeling back and to the ropes. He follows in with a lift of his leg, slamming the bottom of his boot into Vladimir's chest, pushing him over the top rope and falling to the apron.

JP: What the hell is Vlad doing? He's getting murdered out there!
Ray: I don't know... it's not like him to be like this. Maybe Kingbear has finally proven that even the King has his breaking point..

Kingbear pulls Vladimir back into the ring and drops onto him with a huge leg drop, hurting his own knee in the process. It takes him a moment to get back up, but it's still sooner than Vladimir, who is shortly behind him. Vlad rushes in blindly, getting a knee to the ribs as he does. Kingbear then wraps his hands around Vlad's throat and lifts him off the mat and into the air. He holds him there for a moment before slamming down with a chokebomb that rattles the ring. Vlad fights for the air that's been knocked out of him to come back, taking sharp gasps. Kingbear stands back up, looking down at Vlad with a smile.

"You going to lay there all day or are you going to fight back, you bum!"

Vladimir nods and throws a wild punch, the big man catching it with an open hand and stopping it. He pulls Vlad back to his feet and then pushes him away, giving Vlad a bit of distance to recover. Vladimir rushes back in though, throwing a clothesline that connects with Kingbear's chest ineffectively. His mentor then scoops him up and slams him down to the mat effortlessly. He follows by running into the ropes and leaping high with a splash onto the downed Vladimir. He stands up and taunts the crowd as Vladimir rolls around the mat, his vicious coughing producing blood this time. Kingbear is a bit worried, but he knows Vlad will be angry if they stop the match. Instead of saying anything, he instead drops onto Vlad with another legdrop. At ringside, fans begin to worry about Strife's health.

JP: This is just getting brutal... who knew Kingbear would manhandle Vladimir so viciously? This is turning into a beatdown.
Ray: Unfortunately... Papa Bear is actually beating Vlad... Wow..

Vladimir raises back to his feet slowly as Kingbear does. He turns around into hard shots from Kingbear's huge fists, rocking his head back with each impact. He ducks under one and returns with one of his own, being highly useless. Kingbear laughs and smashes him with another right that send him down on his back. As Vlad wobbily raises back off, Kingbear applies an abdominal stretch that scrunches Vladimir's facial features in pain. He screams out in pain, Kingbear cranking up the pressure. Drops of blood run down Vladimir's labret and chin, looking as if Kingbear is killing him with the hold. The horrific site is a photo opportunity to some though, flashes of cameras going off at ringside. It's over after a minute though when Kingbear realizes the hold will get him nowhere. He lets go and allows Vladimir to drop down onto his knees.

Kingbear stands behind him and grabs Vladimir's chin and upper head, twisting his head to the side slowly and putting pressure on his neck. Submissions were void in this match, but wearing down an opponent was key to conditioning. Vladimir is still helpless, looking half asleep in the ring as Kingbear tightens the hold. After a moment, he pulls his leg back and lets go, ramming the point of his knee into the back of Vladimir's skull and sending him to the mat flatly as though he had been finished executioner style. Blood runs from the inside of his mouth onto the mat, a horrific sight. Kingbear looks at him and shakes his head again. He pulls Vladimir up to his feet and sets him in the corner, looking ready to give a pep talk.

JP: I think Kingbear is trying to get Vladimir to put more into this match, trying to get another wind from him.
Ray: Why would he do that? I mean, if Vladimir gets another boost, he might fuck KB up!

Kingbear grabs the sides of Vladimir's face and directs it at his, making Vladimir look at him. He grins, knowing what to do to relight the fire inside of Vladimir's eyes and heart. He looks him in the eyes.

"If you're not going to fight back as is, I'm going to make you.... listen closely, I have 1 thing to say to you.."

The fans and people at ringside can't hear what he says, but Kingbear swallows deeply, knowing this could be a mistake.

"...Draven."

Suddenly, Vladimir balls his fist and slams a fury driven uppercut into Kingbear's chin, rocking him back. He follows in, fire burning in his eyes as he smashes the side of his forearm over the bridge of Kingbear's face. He punts his knee, knocking the big man down to one leg mercilessly. He raises his arm high into the air suddenly and then slams it down with the point into the back of KB's cranium. The big man winces and grabs at it in pain. Vlad grabs the aluminum bat and sets it over his shoulder, winding up before swinging it and connecting against Kingbear's shoulders, dropping him to the mat like a lumberjack making the final chop.

He throws the bat aside and runs backwards into the ropes, using momentum to throw him forward as he runs up to the pain filled Kingbar and makes a high jump, sticking his knee out and dropping it onto KB's teeth. The big man yells in pain and rolls over, Vladimir covering him and throwing punch after punch into the side of Kingbear's head. He stands up and steps back before running in with a swift blast of his foot across the side of his face. He retreats to the corner, anger in his face, a furrowed brow as Kingbear is getting up. It takes him a moment to get up, in a considerable amount of pain as his word fired up Vlad a lot more than he expected.

JP: Holy fuck, what was THAT?! Kingbear said something to Vladimir and he suddenly turns into the fighting Irish! He came out of that corner swinging like his life depended on it!
Ray: Whoa... I need to find out what he said... just to make sure I never say it in my entire life..

As Kingbear gets up and snaps his head back, flinging his hair out of his face, he turns to face the infuriated beast of GHW. Vladimir flies out of the corner and drops low with a spear to Kingbear's left knee, slamming into it like a bull seeing red as he knocks it out from under the big guy like a peg. Kingbear drops to the mat and grabs his knee with both hands, yelling and swearing in pain. Vladimir grabs his ankle and raises it up high, exposing the back of the knee before throwing a powerful side kick into it, pain shooting through KB's leg. He holds tightly and flips over the top of Kingbear, stretching the muscles as he pulls it across as far as he can before letting go.

Kingbear rolls around further in pain, wishing he had kept his mouth shut at this point, but almost glad that Vladimir is fighting back finally. Vladimir kicks him in the ribs after a moment, using the point of his boot to do so. He scoops up Kingbear's legs and looks as though he is about to stomp on his groin. He jumps up though, propelling himself above that region and sticking his leg straight out. He drops down hard onto Kingbear with it, his leg slamming up his torso and onto his sternum, the heel of his boot slamming into Kingbear's mouth. He pushes Vlad's leg aside and rolls out of the ring, covering his lips in pain as they throb, looking for any blood and finding some.

JP: Vladimir's is just going hog wild in there! He's bat shit! Crazy! A lunatic!!

Vladimir grabs up his chain, pissed off to no end as he walks to the side of the ring and throws the chain around Kingbear's throat, holding onto the ends. He pulls back, bringing Kingbear against the apron and screaming in fury as the chain tightens across the big mans throat. It cuts off his oxygen completely as Vladimir looks out blankly, seeming not to care. Kingbear fights to get it off his neck, but to no avail as he is already losing color, beginning to get a blue tint to his skin. Vlad slams the crown of his skull against the back of Kingbear's, adding more insult to injury. After a few more moments, Vladimir lets go of the chain, Kingbear dropping to the mats and coughing and gasping for air, surprised that Vladimir didn't kill him. Vlad grints his teeth together and pulls the chain back before whipping it across KB's back with an impact like thunder. Fans cringe and Kingbear lets out a scream.

The big guy forces himself up and dodges a swing of the chain that might have knocked his eye out of socket. Vlad was getting dangerous and it was time to take this fight a bit further. He grabs the chain and forcefully pulls it away, then punches Vlad across the jaw. It seems to have little effect and Vlad returns with one of his own, also not getting much for his troubles. Kingbear ducks under the second punch thrown and dives in with his shoulder slamming into Vladimir's gut, pushing him back and spine first into the ringpost.

Vladimir comes back at him with a powerful shot laid in to the side of his mouth, actually getting a reaction as Kingbear takes a step back and then grabs him and slings him into the barricade once more. Vlad gets up and reaches over the barricade, grabbing a chair and folding it up. He turns and swings, the big guy ducking underneath the shot and punching Vlad in the ribs. Vladimir backs up and then raises the chair straight up, going for a big swing onto KB's head. Kingbear remedies it with a huge punch into the steel and slams the chair across Vladimir's face, dropping him to the floor. He picks Vladimir up and rolls him into the ring, the Hardcore King looking dazed from the shot. Kingbear takes a small breather and then follows back in, cursing at his knee.

TBCB Kingbear

[Vladimir T. Strife]

Match Over