New Age Championship: Hughes (C) vs Santiago

[Dominik Santiago]

Red, White, and Bruised returns after a brief advertisement hyping next month's Pay Per View and as the announcers recap the night's action, the ring is cleared of the weapons and other instruments of carnage Vladimir and Jaggeroth used to torment one another.

Colin Jennings: "What a night this has been ladies and gentlemen. If you’re just joining us you've missed the most of a monumental occasion, and a great night for Glory and Honor Wrestling. Some of the bouts have been down right brutal but alas, it's time for the finale. This is your Red, White, and Bruised Main Event folks!"

Big Al: "You can bet your house this is gonna be one for the ages. The Czar of Scars and the Time Killer went to hell and back in a hellacious contest, but this next one is sure to follow up, and surpass them in emotion, intensity, and blood."

Colin Jennings: "And speaking of blood, it's bad. Ryan Hughes pulled the upset at NeXus, outlasting Santo Masceras, Desperado, and Dominik Santiago to win the New Age Champion. The Assassin classified Hughes' victory as a fluke, and has stopped at nothing to recapture the gold!"

Big Al: "They've insulted one another, played mind games, interfered in matches, and it has all lead to tonight, in this epic match. Get ready for a classic!"

The last of the ring crew exit the ringside area, leaving the referee and Charlie Coors by themselves. The zebra clad official stands slightly behind Coors who stands in the center of the ring, slowly raising a microphone to his lips to address the ruckus crowd.

Charlie Coors: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is a No Disqualifications Match for the New Age Championship!"

The chiming of the bell and dimming of the lights gathers the crowds' attention, causing them to turn their heads to the entryway. After few minutes to gauge the spectators anticipation, the arena is greeted by the sounds of“Aftermath" by Strapping Young Lad as it blares over the surround sound system. The power chords, and the pandemonium of sound both enthrall the patrons and create vibrant electricity in the atmosphere as they flood the sold out arena. After a lengthy stint of guitar work, the lyrics pick up, prompting the large spotlight to shine down on the ramp. Simultaneously with the advancement of the spotlight, red smoke begins to shoot up from the ventilators, quickly covering the entire stage area.

Give us a reason for coming of war
Fighting for Jesus through prices of oil
See how your demons are forming a wall
Burning and beating and raping them all

Fighting the blaring music, the crowd comes to life with applause as they feast their eyes on the figure silhouetted across the curtains. The thin, velvet drapes suddenly part, swaying away, allowing the Assassin to emerge before the sold out crowd. Positioned at the apex of the ramp and in the heat of the red mist, Dominik stood focused and confident, standing with a belligerent disposition, primed and ready for an epic battle and utter warfare. The challenger is draped in a latex replica SAW Movie mask, a sleeveless, black V-neck, black shorts and boots, nothing too flashy, just enough to move around effectively. With all eyes fixated on him, Santiago steps forward, surveying the arena and soaking in the moment before turning his body toward the ring. Stretching his legs, Dominik straightens his back and slightly kneels down, tilting his head forward, causing his long black locks to cover his mug. After a brief moment, The Assassin crosses his across his chest, performing his signature pose, causing red, white, and blue pyrotechnics to explode over the ButcherTron as well as erupting across the stage. The amazing display of fireworks leaves the crowd in awe, capping off what has to be one of the biggest moments in Dominik’s career. He had returned to Red, White and Bruised, sending the crowd into jubilance, once again challenging for the New Age Championship, the prestigious title he capture two years ago in one of the most memorable matches of his storied career. As the smoke clears, Santiago drops his arms and points into the crowd before commencing his march to the ring, slapping hands of die-hard fans along the way on his road to the squared hell.

Charlie Coors: “Introducing the challenger! Standing at six feet two inches tall and weighing in tonight at 227 pounds, he is the former longest reigning EVPW Television and Solid Core Champion, and former GHW New Age Champion… Hailing from Hollywood, California, ladies and gentlemen this is the Assassin, DOMINIK SANTIAGO!!!”

Reaching for something
When nothing else matters
Buddha to Krishna through Jesus and Allah
See how your demons are forming a wall
Burning and beating and raping them all

“The challenger has arrived. This isn’t a clusterfuck, or a fatal four way, or a triple threat, Dominik will have to dethrone Ryan Hughes all on his own. Colin, who has edge tonight?”

“I dunno Al. On one hand you have Dominik; he’s blinding quick, elusive, and wildly considered the most athletic superstar on the roster. Add in the factor that his SKO finishing maneuver is as quick as it is deadly, and can be hit out of any grapple or predicament, it’s hard not to consider challenger the favorite."

"Nothing I haven't heard before. Santiago has overrated his abilities Colin. You and I both know it!"

That's your opinion. As for the champion, at six feet five inches tall, the Englishman has an imposing stature to say the least. Besides size, he has a clear strength advantage. The BFK2H is similar to the SKO in it’s execution, meaning it can be hit out of anywhere, and you rarely see it coming.”

“Well while you have decided to play both sides, I’m gonna bet that Ryan Hughes retains tonight, and silences the skeptics and his biggest critic, Dominik himself. Ryan outlasting the cream of the crop at NeXus, and he’s gonna prove his dominance tonight!”

As he reaches the end of the aisle, Dominik tosses his mask into the stands before sliding into the ring and quickly climbing the turnbuckle, hoisting his arms into the air, once again eliciting a chorus of cheers from the crowd. As the crowd continues to go insane, The Assassin descends from the turnbuckle and begins to make his rounds of all four.

Far from here... we'll light away
So unclear... we'll find the way
To war... we ride

As he makes his way to the center of the ring, the lights return to their normal fixture, followed by the ending of his theme tune. And as “Aftermath” becomes a distant memory in his mind, Dominik opens his ears to the sounds of the lively audience, who cheer and applaud vociferously. Their chants of “SKO” are deafening, and impossible to drown out, as they are determined to give the Californian superstar all the support they can muster. He closed his eyes for a second to conquer his demons and pre-match jitters, and the thoughts of recapturing the New Age Championship raced through his mind. Santiago had inadvertently become GHW’s knight in shining armor, and potential savior from the tyranny and havoc wreaked by the arrogant Englishman. Dom opened his eyes, the period of mental preparation, deep reflection, and pre-match strategizing now over. Dominik backs the nearby corner, perching himself as he awaits the arrival of his despised nemesis.

“And we await the arrival of the Batman. You can tell by looking at Santiago that he's scared out of his mind. He’ll be trapped in that ring with one of GHW’s most feared athletes. A man who’s taken out Matthew Oliveira, gone the distance with Vladimir Strife, and stared at the face of defeat and laughed hysterically! Ryan Hughes is a true champion folks, and even though he was goaded into the contest, he’s more than ready to vanquish the lowly Assassin!”

“Yeah, but as you mentioned about Dominik, Hughes will have to do it on his own also. No pesky managers or colleagues. Tonight, alone, he’s facing not only Dominik and, these loud, die hard fans, but an unkind history. And speaking of history, in one on one matches for GHW Heavyweight Championships, the challenger is 3-1, while the champion himself recently failed twice.”

“No! The champion has recently outshined the GHW roster with his brilliance and climbed a top the throne of this company as The NeXus champion. Despite popular belief Colin, the past means nothing. Tonight is Hughes vs Santiago, and they must write their own history!”

“And they will because when the dust settles, only one of these men can be victorious, and only one can walk out of here, NEW AGE CHAMPION!”

TBCB Ryan Hughes

[Ryan Hughes]

Hughes isn't here and already the atmosphere is electric. Camera flashes litter the arena, and the fans cheer and whoop, just at the potential of this encounter. Dominik looks around, smiling at the adulation of the GHW faithful, before giving them a polite clap which only causes the fans to scream louder. The Assassin laughs, before resting on the far ropes, waiting for the 2010 NeXuS winner and New Age Champion to make an entrance. There is a few seconds of tense anticipation, before the first signs of the Batmanite become known.

The tron at the top of the arena switches from the GHW Red White and Bruised logo, to a view of the backstage area where a door has just been opened. Out from the open door steps Ryan Hughes, with his “Vintage Batmanite” shirt fitting him skin tight, in a way of showing off his abdomen. He wears sky blue camouflage style shorts in a change from his normal attire. Taking a deep breath, he strides forward, passing an array of GHW talent on the way. The former New Age Champ, Metal Dragon, is the first to pass him, giving Hughes a cold glare before walking off. Other members of the roster pass him, some giving him words of encouragement, some making MD's greeting look friendly. The last person he stumbles upon may be the most important to him- Jade Brooklyn. They look in to eachothers eyes, and an awkward silence ensues, before Jade breaks the silence.

“Good luck, Ryan.”

Closing in on the Batman, she wraps her arms around him, giving him a loving hug. After what seems like forever, she pulls away, before Hughes replies.

“Thanks.”

Ryan ascends the steps to the entrance curtains, and Jade calls out after him.

“Go get 'em, champ!”




And at that moment, the feed returns to the arena, and the camera pans around the sold out bleachers, with many a fan trying their hardest to grab the cameraman’s attention and have the rare honor to mouth “Hi Mom! I’m on TV!” 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.

Fuzz- "Well Hughes wasn't giving much away in terms of emotions there.”

Big Al- "That's the great thing about him, Colin. One of the first rules of the industry is to NEVER show your feelings to a opponent. If you do show, you are half way towards going down for the three count!”

"Since when were you so educated in the art of wrestling, fatso?."

“Since I wrestled your mother in bed. Believe me, she SHOWED her feelings, and then she WENT DOWN, hence the analogy. And one more thing...”

“*sigh* What?”

“Do you think there is something going on between Hughes and Brooklyn?”

Colin, quite rightly, facepalms at this act of stupidity. Al is saved from an awkward embarrassment however by the beginning of “Animal Army” by Babylon Zoo which plays through the PA system, signalling the long awaited arrival of the Chief Batmanite. The fans are mixed- some booing the arrogant Brit, while some cheer for him, knowing what is happening between him and Jaggeroth, although Hughes doesn't know it himself yet. Ryan pushes through the curtain cloth at the top of the ramp, looking more determined than usual. Possibly to hide the nervousness perhaps? Or is it because he actually thinks he can get the job done?

Hughes slowly walks to the ring with his golden GHW New Age Title taking pride of place wrapped around his waist, ignoring all signs of life and looking straight ahead. Stopping a quarter of the way down the ramp, he slowly adjusts both his hands in to the shape of guns, before spinning around, “blasting” the stage and causing sky blue fireworks to burst out in to the air at every “gunshot”, in a ironic homage to his hometown of Manchester.

Tyrannosaurus marching towards us
Lions a mass coming out of the grass
Ride on the back of an elephant's shoulders
Tell all your friends you're an angel

Charlie Coors- "Introducing the champion, from Manchester, England, standing at 6'5 and weighing in at 241lbs, he is the 2010 NeXuS winner, and GHW New Age Champion.... Ryan Hughes!"

"Hughes making his presence felt here!”

"You say that like it's a rare thing."

"Well normally he seems to sneak around, but tonight is different, No distractions, no others, just Hughes and Santiago for that belt right there."

Leopards dancing, leopards dancing in my paradise
Tigers dancing, tigers dancing in my paradise
chrome and candy, chrome and candy in my paradise
Animal armies, animal armies in my...

He continues his slow walk to the ring, going over his pre-planned match strategy over and over again in his head. He doesn't bat the hands of fans away like usual, he simply fails to acknowledge them as they slap his arms and torso. Simply staring forward, he makes his way up the steel steps; the sound of clunking metal rings around the surrounding area as he ascends to the squared circle. He climbs the turnbuckle, looking up to the heavens, before kissing his fingers and pointing in to the air, mouthing “This one's for you.”.

Stepping down from the turnbuckle, he walks over to the referee, reluctantly handing him his championship, before listening to the referee drone on about the ramifications of this match. Both Hughes and Dominik keep their eyes glued to the belt as the man in the zebra top lifts it in to the air, before stepping back. The two fighters approach eachother, faces mere inches apart. Barely audible to the camera, Hughes speaks in a sly tone.

“May the best man win.”
“Don't worry, I will.”



*DING-DING-DING*



TBC Dominik
(Let's make a classic, brah.)

[Dominik Santiago]

The two superstars circle around the squared hell before colliding in the center of the ring, locking up in a traditional collar and elbow tie. The strapping Englishman quickly exploits his strength advantage, shoving Dominik back into the corner and impelling the referee to step in between the two titans to preserve order. However, before Hughes retracts from the corner, he displays his contempt toward his adversary, slapping Santiago across the cheek with an open palm. Backpedaling, Ryan holds his cheek, blatantly deriding the exasperated Assassin who is subdued by the referee. When the situation cools down and Dominik’s rage subsides, the referee steps away, seemingly restarting the match and allowing the two rivals to pick up where they left off. As he cautiously approaches his foe, Hughes’ nearest arm protrudes, prompting Dominik to follow suit. Just when it seemed they would commence another test of wits and technique, the Assassin takes advantage, quickly plunging his boot into the solar plexus of the New Age Champion, causing him to double over. Seizing the opportunity, the Californian captures Ryan’s head before encircling it and locking it in between his body and the crook of his elbow. The Assassin applies tremendous pressure, and with the headlock expertly applied, the champion is forced to take evasive measures. Ryan quickly leans into the ropes, using the elasticity of the cables to build momentum, allowing him to toss the challenger forward. As Dominik charges across the ring, Hughes gingerly rolls his head, attempting to shake the cobwebs. Now no longer disoriented, Hughes lowers his shoulder to his incoming foe, driving his shoulder blade into the sternum of his antagonist and sending him to the canvas. As the shoulder block flattens the challenger, Ryan flexes his muscles, adding insult to injury and inducing a chorus of boos from the crowd.

After a brief delay, the action picks back up, as the Batman falls back into the ropes, spurring Dom to switch to a prone position on the mat. Bouncing off the ropes, Ryan leaps over Santiago before continuing his momentum across the ring. As Hughes rebounds, the agile Assassin springs to his feet before leaping into the air. Ryan’s attempt to go underneath is thwarted as Dominik lands across the lower back of the Englishman. The challenger keeps his foe stationary as he strategically wraps his legs around the champion’s waist. With the modified reverse bodyscissors executed, Dominik leans backward before quickly snapping forward, using the momentum to drag the Batman off his feet and slam him into the canvas supinely. With Ryan’s shoulders pinned down, the ref slides into position, quickly beginning his count.

“1!”

“2!”

Just before three, the Englishman manages to roll free, avoiding what would have been a mortifying upset.

Jennings: “Sunset Flip Powerbomb! Hughes’ arrogance almost led to the crowning of a new champion Al.”

Big Al: “Yeah, but almost doesn’t count it. Almost scoring isn’t scoring Colin and we know you can attest to that!”

The two superstars quickly scramble to their feet with Dom beating Hughes to the punch. It pays dividends as it creates a window of opportunity for Santiago to capitalize. And he does just that, quickly leaping into the air before burying his boots into the chest of the Nexus champion, sending him to the canvas. Out of desperation, Ryan rolls under the bottom rope and onto the apron, looking to regain his composure and create distance from his foe. The Assassin denies Hughes his peace of mind and solace, simultaneously ascending the top turnbuckle as Ryan climbs to a vertical base. In the blink of an eye, the sleek and nimble challenger leaps from the top, gliding gracefully as he thrusts his leg and blasts the Englishman in the cranium. The champion unceremoniously leaves the apron as the Flying Thrust Kick sends him to floor below. The crowd suddenly bursts into a paroxysm of cheers as they rally behind the Assassin who seems to be in complete control of the contest.

Exiting onto the apron, a confident Santiago surveys the situation before scouting his prey as if he were a bird perched at the top a tree, looking to swoop down and grab his next meal. With bells resounding through his head, the befuddled champion staggers to his feet, completely oblivious to his adversary who’s coiled and ready to strike. As Hughes turns, Dominik leaps off the apron, aspiring to continue his aerial onslaught. The Chief Batmanite has other plans however, with self preservation being number one on his list as he intercepts the flying Californian. In one fluid motion, Hughes swings the shoulder straddling Assassin downward, emphatically slamming him into the floor. Following the impressive counter, the ravaging Powerbomb, the champion hooks Dominik’s legs in his arms before lifting the challenger off the floor. With one giant swing, Hughes catapults the former New Age Champion through the air, sending Santiago crashing violently into the nearby barricade. As Dominik convulses in agony, the smug Englishman triumphantly hoists his arms with pride, further diminishing the spirits of the now dejected crowd.

“Spine first into the security wall; it was Dom’s risk but it ends in Ryan’s reward. And now the Englishman will go to work on that injured back!”

“It might be academic after this point! That was a devastating sequence of events!”

“Colin, he’s about to educate the Assassin in agony and defeat; everyone get your notepads because class is officially in session!”

Radiating with confidence, Hughes commences a pretentious saunter toward his downed foe, further nauseating the audience. Seizing a handful of locks, Ryan jerks Dominik to his feet before dragging the Assassin toward the ring. Clubbing the impaired Californian over his weakened back, the Batman looks to further soften up his antagonist, making his new strategy clear. Gritting his teeth, Hughes tosses Dominik back inside the squared hell before climbing onto the apron himself. As Ryan begins stepping in between the ropes, Santiago quickly climbs to his feet before swinging his leg across his body, awakening the crowd as he cracks the Englishman in the temple with a withering shot. Ryan’s ears are left ringing, and as the effects of the kick reverberate through his head, the champion is coerced to the canvas. With his opponent supine and inert, the challenger takes a moment to regain his bearings and build up a head of steam. Dom suddenly dashes across the ring, quickly bouncing off the ropes before diving forward. As he springs to his feet, the shrewd Mancunian climbs to his feet, whilst hoisting the rising Santiago over both his shoulders. With haste, the VWE legend turns to the center of the ring before reclining backward, dropping his full two hundred forty-one pound frame onto the Assassin as he vigorously slams the challenger into the mat. Having landed with a thud, Dominik is left sprawled on the canvas, allowing the champion to execute a lateral press as he rolls over and hooks his legs for the pinfall.

“1!”

“2!”

Despite his physical anguish, the former Solid Core Champion musters enough strength to roll his hips and get a shoulder up, breaking up the pinfall and dismaying the Mancunian Mauler in the process.

"The Rolling Thunder ended up in a Samoan Drop; a very unique counter by the champion.."

"Well it's not like Dom doesn't tip off the manuever. His superior intellect effectively compliments his imposing stature, and that's why Ryan Hughes will succeed tonight!"

"This strategy also eliminates the flying and limits Dom's offense. He could be easy prey for the Englishman in this condition."

"Exactly! Ryan is the hunter, and its Dominik season!"

TBCB Ryan Hughes

[Ryan Hughes]

Hughes doesn't haste in showing his contempt at the referee's “slow” counting. Giving the man in the zebra stripes a not-so-friendly stare, he turns his attention to Santiago once more, hoping to keep control of the match for the time being. Letting the Assassin gather himself on all fours, Hughes follows the Californian in his attempts to reach the turnbuckle. The Batman displays his arrogance, nudging Santiago's rear end and causing him to slip on to his stomach again. Dominik reaches the turnbuckle, but Ryan isn't going to let him rest one bit. Lifting the former Solid Core Champion on to a vertical base, Hughes slams his right fist in to the cheek of the Assassin, forcing Dom to depend on the corner for stability. The force of the shot caused Santiago's head to cock backwards, before lolling to the side slightly.Hughes bears his sly smile once more, before backtracking to the other side of the ring. Once the champion feels there is enough of a distance between the two, he begins his sprint. Dashing across the canvas, Ryan doubles over slightly, aiming his shoulder towards the exposed gut of his prey. Dominik still has some wits about him, and he registers the oncoming attack before sidestepping out of the corner. The Chief Batmanite can do nothing to halt his own momentum, and his shoulder collides against the steel pole with a dull thud. With no energy to do anything much right now, Hughes simply falls through the ropes, and lands on the barely padded mat below, clutching his shoulder in agony.

“Hughes didn't see that one coming, and now he seems to have paid the price for his arrogance!”

“Arrogance my left butt cheek. Maybe it was 'arrogant' of Dominik to cower away from Ryan's shoulder block? Answer that one!”

Hughes writes on the mat, grunting in pain from his throbbing shoulder. Dominik is still trying to focus his vision after the punch to the jaw from moments ago. Composing himself, the number one contender steps through the middle rope, before hopping off the apron to Ryan's level. The Assassin assesses the situation before him; he knew he had the upper hand now. He drives his boot in to Ryan's ribs, causing the Batman to flinch, effectively giving Dominik a fresh new side to feast upon. Santiago doesn't pass up this delicacy, kneeling beside the champion before pummelling him with right and left fists, raining like bullets on the tender carcass of the Mancunian. The fans pop at the sudden flurry of violence coming from the Assassin, but the fun doesn't stop there. Dominik lifts his punch-drunk nemesis on to his shoulders, before travelling towards the guardrail, separating fans from fighters. As soon as Dom reaches the metal rails, he unceremoniously lurches Hughes off his shoulders, causing him to drop throat-first on the guardrail. The champion slumps, kneeling against the guardrail, oblivious to the fans slapping him on the back and head.

The state of the New Age Champion buoys Santiago, as he crosses his fists across his chest in an “X” formation, inciting the GHW faithful with his signature taunt. Knowing he has a window of free time, the challenger squats, lifting up the ring apron to see what toys he can get his hands on in this no DQ matchup. After a moment of rummaging, Dominik re emerges, clutching a length of cables- the silent killer. After releasing some of the slack in the cable, the Assassin clutches both hands on it, and begins to stalk the dazed Briton. Slowly, Dominik approaches Hughes, like a viper waiting for the perfect time to unleash it's poison. Eventually, Santiago springs in to action, lifting the cable up and over Hughes' head, before pulling it against his throat. Ryan immediately gasps at the sudden lack of oxygen, whilst Dominik swings his body one way and then the other, trying to cut off Ryan's air supply as soon as possible. Hughes' eyes begin to bulge out of their sockets, as he struggles to find salvation in this predicament. Ryan does however manage to push himself up to a standing position, causing the Californian to exert more energy by jumping on the Batman's back to try to maintain a stranglehold. Despite the height advantage, the champion is almost out on his feet- his brain seems to be shutting down bit by bit. Possibly out of desperation, possibly the last ounce of smarts left in him, he begins running back, carrying an elevated and surprised Santiago with him. He keeps running until he crashes in to the first thing he meets, which just so happens to be the steel ring post. The shock of the pain causes the challenger to loosen his grip, and both men collapse to the floor, exasperated.

“Ryan just used the last ounce of strength left there to force Dominik in to the ring post. Now I don't like this man, but that showed character.”

“It showed character. It showed heart. It showed all the makings of a true New Age Champion. This is why Hughes needs to be the face of this company! He is a fighting champion, in every sense of the word!”

“Now I wouldn't go that far. He still acts like a total douchebag.”

Hughes slowly gathers himself, and uses the ring apron to push himself up to a vertical base. He rolls in to the ring, wanting to create as much room between himself and Dominik as possible. The Bipolar Briton staggers over to the furthest turnbuckle from his opponent, who is still clutching at his back after being rammed in to the steel steps. Santiago manages to get in to the ring, albeit at a snails pace. Immediately, he takes homage in the opposite corner from the Batman, who begins to smile in his sadistic manner. Hughes continually points to his temple with his index finger, as if to tell the pretender to his throne that he has brainpower on his side. The taunting causes a divided loyalty in the bleachers, with one set of fans chanting “LET'S GO RYAN!” which is followed immediately after with a shout of “SKO!” from the Assassin supporters in the crowd.

“The fans are torn here. Even they don't know who to root for now!”

The two battle-weary combatants approach eachother once again, with the atmosphere in the arena growing to near biblical proportions. Both men are wary as to who makes the first move, so the situation is made to look like a stare down. After what seems like hours, Dominik makes the first move, landing a lightning fast hook on the jaw of the Englishman, forcing Hughes' head to spring back. The Mancunian Mauler quickly follows suit, balling his right hand in to a fist, before launching towards Dominik's temple. The hook connects, and Santiago is stunned in to a temporary vegetative state. Ryan takes advantage, slinging his foe towards the ropes. Dom bounces back, and is met by Hughes, who doubles over to vault the Assassin in to the air, before he lands on the small of his back once more, causing yet more pain to the already fragile area.

Dominik scrunches his fists up, as well as his face. The pain seems almost unbearable. But being the fighter he is, he gets up immediately, only to be confronted by an outstretched arm; an obvious attempt of a clothesline by the Batman. Santiago bobs underneath the arm, avoiding the impact by mere millimetres, before heading to the ropes. Hughes is shocked at Dom's sudden athleticism in spite of his injuries, and turns around to be met by the man himself, flying towards him with the arm outstretched. The Assassin connects with the quick manoeuvre, and goes for an equally quick lateral press.

“1!”

The referee's hand can't even hit the ground a second time before Hughes powers out of the pinfall attempt. Both men get to their feet, but Dominik already sets off at a run, looking to connect with another clothesline. This time, Hughes is too quick for the Lord of the Flies, and he weaves around the attack before running towards the ropes himself. Both men rebound off opposite ropes at the same time, but the Mancunian is the quickest out of the blocks, leaping in to the air gracefully. As he flies through the atmosphere, Ryan contorts his body so that he has one leg outstretched across the path of his foe. Time seems to slow down for Hughes, but it soon speeds up once more when his leg crunches against the cheek of Dominik, before both men fall to the ground in a mess of battered bodies. The only movement comes from the heaving chests of the two gladiators in the ring, whilst the fan lap everything up- they know this is shaping to be a classic.

“The Batman just flew with that Flying Leg Lariat!”

“And the game is finally over for the Assassin. Try again next year.”

“I don't know about that. He has fought all this way, and I'll be DAMNED if he gives up the ghost now!”




TBCB Dominik

[Dominik Santiago]

The latest chain of events ended to a tumult of whistles, cheers, and screams, as the ruckus audience tried to rally one of the competitors. Their efforts are effective as the New Age Champion sluggishly rolls toward his opponent before draping an arm over his lifeless body. The referee quickly slides into position to make the count.

“1!”

“2!”

In spite of having hit his patent Leg Lariat, a move that was efficacious in putting down many competitors, Hughes is unable to gain the pinfall, as the tenacious Assassin rolls a shoulder over. The disconcerted Englishman exhibits his frustration as he pounds his fists into the canvas, contemplating about what he must do to vanquish his pugnacious challenger. After pondering, the plan becomes clear, as the once deflated Mancunian begins climbing to his feet, with a smug grin etched on his mug. Ryan slowly backs toward the corner, crouching himself slightly, stalking his wounded prey, and almost salivating at the mouth due the opportunity set before him. As Dominik gradually commences his rise from the ashes, Hughes slaps his leg repeatedly, signaling that the end was indeed imminent. Making a beeline for his weakened adversary, The New Age Champion quickly lifts his leg, aspiring to take Dom’s head clean off his shoulders. The winds of change however blow through the arena, as the challenger has enough wherewithal to circumvent the attack, deftly sidestepping, before maneuvering himself behind his foe. Left unbalanced and stymied by Santiago’s athleticism, the Englishman sharply turns, facing the Assassin who quickly thrusts his leg forward.

Despite what recently transpired Hughes flourishes his technical prowess, receiving Dominik’s foot with cupped hands and preventing his boot from penetrating his solar plexus. Looking to counter, Ryan mightily swings the Californian’s leg away from his body. Instead of being flustered, The Assassin continues to rotate; using the added momentum to his advantage as he suddenly swings his leg upward, vehemently driving his heel into the champion’s cranium. The trenchant Dragon Whip Kick forces Ryan’s knees to buckle, and only after his career flashes before his eyes and those same eyes subsequently roll to the back of his head, does he collapse to the canvas. Dom stares at the lifeless carcass beside him, before surveying the crowd which has been vivified by his offense. Realizing he is in the driver’s seat, Santiago doesn’t squander the opportunity, as he slowly rolls under the bottom rope before using the ropes to pull himself up on the apron.

After taking a brief moment to catch his breath and build suspense, the challenger quickly springs onto the rope before exploiting the cables flexibility and launching himself into the air. Having been propelled into the atmosphere, Dominik exhibits his almost occulted aerial dexterity, as he gracefully rotates forward, in a 450 degree angle. With the spectators completely captivated, the Assassin comes plummeting down, splashing across the body of the torpid Englishman. Lifting up to his knees, Santiago grimaces slightly and holds his torso before slowly making the cover.

"1!"

"2!"

Showing his resolve, Hughes contorts his body and rolls a shoulder over, dejecting the audience and deflating the challenger's confidence in the process.

Jennings: "Springboard 450 Splash. He hit the Homerun! But he couldn't get the pinfall?"

Big Al: "As usual, Dom has the offensive explosion to get ahead, but he can't close out the ballgame. And when you leave your opponent hanging around, they eventually come back and capitalize."

Seething with rage, the disbelieving Californian turns to the referee, who holds two fingers up in defense. After the realization of his recent failure sets in, the frustrated challenger slowly climbs to his feet, simultaneously dragging the champion to a vertical base. With his foe doubled over, Dominik further forces the issue with two stiffened shots to the forehead, further enervating the Englishman. With Ryan begging to be put out of his misery, Santiago grapples his head before cutting his forearm up and under, blasting Hughes in the chin and sending him staggering into the corner. Having built up a head of steam with the European Uppercut, Dominik slowly backs into the center of the ring; slowly contriving his next plan of attack. Having reached a conclusion, Santiago scurries to the corner, charging with reckless abandon. His misplaced judgment doesn’t go without repercussions, as Ryan swings his legs up, plowing them into the face of the GHW icon, sending him reeling. Bursting out of the corner, Ryan swings his arm with malignance, looking to regain control of the contest in an emphatic fashion. Dominik once again baffles the champion, as he dodges the Clothesline, quickly lowering his head before running straight for the corner. The challenger suddenly ascends the turnbuckle, but before he can take flight, Hughes halts his progress, diving forward and clubbing Dominik over his fatigued lower back.

The two jockey for supremacy atop the turnbuckle, as Hughes attempts to lift Santiago into the air while the challenger desperately throws anything and everything at the champion in hopes of landing a shot to prevent the impeding peril. Dominik succeeds, as he stuns the Mancunian Mauler with a series of elbows that send him to the canvas. The Assassin slowly begins changing position, beginning to turn back to the ring. Rising in defiance, the persistent New Age Champion displays a sudden jolt of adrenaline, as he quickly climbs up the top turnbuckle, once again joining his bitter rival. With haste, Hughes quickly encircles his arms around Santiago’s torso, capturing the challenger in a waistlock as he clasps his hands together. The bipolar behemoth suddenly falls backward, tossing the California born Assassin overhead. The two superstars come pancaking down to the canvas with a resounding thud, sending the crowd into a frenzy as they lie dormant, and utterly debilitated.

"Belly To Belly Suplex from the Top Rope. Ryan is pulling out all the stops!"

"The champion may have been running on impulse alone there, but nonetheless, he brings down the Assassin in a decisive fashion!"

As the referee begins his count, the crowd once again attempts to rally the superstars to their feet. Once again torn, between chanting “SKO” and “Let’s Go Hughes”, the crowd begins their vintage chants of “This Is Awesome”. Hearing the vociferous chants of GHW’s lifeblood, Ryan and Santiago slowly rise from the mat, quickly embroiling themselves in a fist fight to gain the advantage. Just as Dominik begins to build momentum, landing rights and lefts right on the button, the champion slips into his cowardice, swinging his leg and landing it in between Dom’s legs, challenging his testicular fortitude. Dom fails to endure the pain, as the usually illegal lowblow forces him to his knees. With his foe at bay, Hughes advances to the corner, before slowly unraveling the top turnbuckle padding. Brandishing it before the referee, the official can only look on with reluctance, as the Mancunian tosses the padding into the stands. Approaching Dominik, Hughes grabs a handful of locks before dragging the groggy challenger to feet. Almost transporting deadweight, Ryan moves toward the corner before cocking Santiago’s head back, making his evil intentions clear. As the vindictive champion forces Dom’s head forward, the Assassin prevents his facial reconfiguring, as he lifts his leg and plants it into the turnbuckle, suppressing his own momentum. In one fluid motion, Dominik drops his leg before suddenly swinging it back upward, clocking Ryan in the chin with a blistering shot. With the champion stuporous, the former New Age Champion slowly climbs to the second rope, before suddenly leaping back toward his battered foe.

This time Hughes neutralizes Santiago’s aerial offense, catching the incoming Assassin by the legs and leaving him hoisted in the air. The cold, calculating Englishman turns and falls backward, whilst dropping Dominik face first into the exposed turnbuckle, shifting his brains and leaving the Assassin ripe for the picking. As Dominik lurches back in a completely vulnerable state, the champion springs to his feet, completely recuperated in a prime position to strike. Meeting Santiago in the center of the ring, the two forces collide with the towering Englishman’s boot clashing into the face of the former EVPW Solid Core Champion.

“Good God…BIG FUCKING KICK TO THE HEAD…Flapjack into exposed turnbuckle leading into the champion’s patent finisher!”

“I’ll admit, Dominik put up one hell of a fight, but at the end of the day, heroes are killed and forgotten, but a Hughes never dies! Crawl over there Ryan, solidify your immortality!”

TBCB Ryan Hughes

[Ryan Hughes]

Salvation seems only a few seconds away for the current New Age Champion. As long as he can drape himself over the battered torso of Dominik Santiago for three measly seconds, he will be main eventing GHW's biggest pay-per-view of the year. As soon as he hovers over his foe, Ryan's arms become limp and lifeless, and he helplessly flops on top of the Assassin. The referee slaps his hand against the canvas: once, a second time...

“SANTIAGO KICKS OUT! HE KICKED OUT OF THAT BRUTAL KICK! HE IS SUPERMAN!”

“Wrong company.”

Ryan hoists his head up, too weak to lash out, too alive to not feel the anguish. Slowly turning over, he look up at the referee with pleading eyes, trying to convey a message just by trapping his gaze. The man in the zebra stripes bluntly puts two stubby fingers in the air- it may as well be a judge passing a sentence on him for all it matters. Ryan crawls away from his foe, desperately racking his brains for one more idea, one more quick fix. His eyes light up after a few tense seconds, and almost as if he is experiencing a second wind, the Master Mentalist pushes himself to his once unsteady feet. Dominik stirs, clutching his head from the crushing impact of the prior BFK2H. He feels around, deciding against trusting his vision in finding the ring ropes. He shuffles on his knees like a blind man with his arms outstretched, but eventually clutches the sweet support of the covered cables. Making his way up using the ropes like rungs of a ladder, Dominik makes his way to a vertical base. Despite fans pleas against it, Santiago turns around, almost sealing his fate. Hughes clutches the challenger, and in an instant, Dom in on his shoulder, about to take a ride to Gotham. In a state of panic, the Californian trashes around, making as much of a problem for Ryan as possible. The champion loses his grip, and Santiago slips behind Hughes, running towards the elasticated ropes. Bouncing back, he stretches out his arm in an attempt to decapitate the Batman, but Ryan has enough ring nous to bob his head under the hardened limb. The momentum starts to fall from the Assassin's grasp, as he slingshots from the ropes for a second time of asking. This time, Ryan turns the tide back in his favour, spinning on the spot before balling his fist, smashing it in to Dominik's cheek bone.

“Now that has to hurt...”

Like a sack of very cunning potatoes, Santiago collapses, his world brought to a momentary standstill from the Discus Punch. He doesn't have time to take in the surroundings however, as Hughes is quickly on the offensive again. Shortly after regaining his balance, the New Age Champion quickly falls to his knees, and stretches his fingers. Like a vice, the fingers close in around Santiago's throat; a case of savouring the moment for the longest reigning GHW World Champion. The fingers eventually snap shut, clasping around the neck of the challenger. Dominik's eyes suddenly widen as a reflex action to the sudden lack of air. Tilting his head, Ryan looks to the referee once more. But this time, the look he gives is at the opposite end of the spectrum to the one previous. He almost smiles at the referee as he restrains himself from pulling the two apart. Not bearing much more, the ref speaks. “Come on Ryan, let him go. He's losing consciousness!”. Ryan just laughs, and says “The you have an issue with that... It doesn't matter what you had for dinner!” before returning to his handiwork. Maybe it's an act of mercy, or just the fact that Ryan wants to have more fun, but he relinquishes his grip on the spluttering Assassin. Knowing that his actions have made Dominik immobile for a good while, he decides to rile the fans up, but not in a good way. As they boo him, Hughes simply smiles, slowly raising his middle finger to signify the fact that he doesn't give a toss for what they think tonight. He turns around, but the smile on his face is quickly replaced by a grimace, and a blood curdling scream of pain.

“Hughes made a big time error there, and now Santiago's low blow has handed him a way back!”

“It doesn't change anything. Like a great singer once said: 'Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days.'”

“Al, why are you quoting Hannah Montana?”

“BECAUSE SHUT UP THAT'S WHY!”

This time it is Ryan's turn to fall. He drops to his knees involuntarily, clutching his dingleberries for dear life, fearing that they would drop off if he doesn't. At the mercy of the newly risen Dominik, he steadies himself for the punishment he is set to receive. Santiago grabs Ryan with both hands, pulling at his locks to force him up. The champion is still wincing from the low blow, and is powerless against the oncoming onslaught. Balling his fist slowly, the challenger cocks his arm back, before launching it in to Hughes face- several times. After symbolically pounding Ryan's face in to a fine mush, he boots the champion in the stomach, causing him to double over instinctively. Dom takes advantage, wrapping his toned arm around the neck of the Batman, lifting him in to the air, before falling back to the canvas, causing an almighty crunch as Hughes hits the sweat ridden floor. The trip doesn't stop there though, because Dominik pops his hips, rising up to his feet whilst dragging Hughes along for the ride. The champion is helpless as he is lifted once more, only to fall to the ground again. They say all good things come in threes, which may count for suplexes as well. Eager to wow the crowds once more, Dominik adjusts his body (as well as Ryan's limp one) in to an ideal position once more, with the fan's responding to the final 'lift and fall' with a huge pop.

Ryan bounces from the impact, and arcs his body to try and remove as much of the initial aftershock as possible. Dominik takes a moment to rest, before pushing himself up once more, ready to dish out more helpings of pain. He looks down at the fallen champion, reminiscing about the trying times when it was him supine on the mat. In a form of insult, he raises his boot, before driving it in to the sternum of the Batman. After raising and dropping his hard rubber sole several times in different areas of Ryan's vulnerable form, Santiago grows weary, and lifts the champion to his feet,

“Dominik has not looked back since countering Hughes' almost match-winning onslaught.”

“Dominik will mess up soon. You see Colin, there is something everyone hits eventually, and that is 'The Wall'. The place where your energy totally disintegrates, and you can't go on. Just like hitting a wall.”

“I still don't get it-”

“But your mother got it. From me. Last night. In seven positions.”

Hughes' eyes remain unfocused, not being able to analyse the situation on his own. He sees the blurry form of Dominik Santiago in front of him, and can almost make out a smile etched out on the former Solid Core Champion's face. The smile, illusion or not, fades quickly as Santiago forces his head to collide with Ryan's, totally disorientating the Batman. Hughes staggers back, his already worn feet not being able to comprehend the action. Dominik follows, launching left and right missiles at the once handsome facial features of the NeXuS Champion. Ryan continues to backtrack, leaning against the ropes facing the western side of the arena. Dom puts an exclamation point on his offence, slowly cocking his fist back once more, before firing the fatal blow at his adversary. Hughes' head flops back, almost confirming the the champion is out of it.

Dominik senses this, as he raises his fists in triumph, his weakened state allowing him to think that he is already champion. Eventually, his mind regains control, and he realises, he still has work to do. He looks down, before turning his gaze to his fellow warrior, pondering his next move. Eyes glinting, the Californian rushes to the opposite set of ropes, allowing his momentum to snap him back across the ring towards Hughes. The Mancunian Mastadon sees the blurry form coming at him as if it was a steam train about to smash him in to the afterlife. Using the last bit of wit left in his system, he falls to the ground, taking care to pull the top rope on the way. Dom cannot halt himself, his momentum is too strong for his own good. Almost bracing himself, the challenger is sent careering over the ropes, before landing with a dull thud on the mat below. The rush of adrenaline decides to show itself finally for the Batman, and he unsteadily pushes himself up from the canvas. Watching Dom struggle to get up for a moment, he realises what the next move has to be, and it may be his last. Rushing to the far end ropes, he cannons off them, ready to sacrifice himself. When he is almost at the ropes, he leaps like a salmon, clearing the set of ropes before him. Dominik can only watch as Hughes flies toward him, and the fans look on in a state of shock.

“SUICIDE DIVE! THE BATMAN JUST FLEW!”

“Damn right he did! Now get him in the ring! You are going to GvH!”

Unfortunately, he doesn't seem capable of dragging Santiago in to the ring, or doing anything for that matter. The only thing he can do is breathe. Lying next to his foe, they both stare up at the well lit ceiling, slowly panting amidst the endless camera flashes and fans' screams.





TBC Dominik (or EOT, seeing as the post count is level)