Dustin vs. Santiago (This Time, For Real.)

[Dustin Delta]

(Kayfabe Bit: Dustin's theme song could be different on any given occasion, usually it's whatever he finds apt for the moment, but all music to which he enters comes from "Double D's Discography o' the Damn Best and Deafening.". Thank you.)



"London In Terror" by Motionless in White hits the P/A in Croydon Gateway Arena of London, England, signaling the ingression of the Thane of Slumberland, Dustin Delta. His cryptic and haunting graphics from a vulgar and obscene rendition of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland play on the LED set, and the crowd becomes both anxious, but enthusiastic as they await for the alighting of the King of the Deathmatch Champion. All eyes lay gaze upon the velvet curtain of the Glory and Honor Wrestling set as they part ways and in walks the King of Hearts, greeted with the commonfolk's fanfare as he enters the spotlight. However, none of these features seem to bring delight to the face of the wandering 'Alice', who stops on the stage with no pose to please them, no raising of the title as champions traditionally would. Delta remains still, in what seems to be a maddened stance, for what seems like forever. What he is doing and what his mind is currently processing is no mystery to many. Based on his body language and sour attitude on this evening, it's evident that he is still quite bothered by the actions of Metal Dragon, post-match at Total Carnage. He is most likely also quite flustered by what the Nashville Native had to say the week before on Triumph. After his moment of thought, Delta navigates his cold eyes through the emphatic audience as he begins a slow walk towards the squared circle, held sacred in the hearts of the GHW Faithful. [/color]

"Your eyes, are labyrinths of lies...
And all the dead will rise,
And I will walk the earth searching for candlelight...
And I, will let you drown,
Turn your world upside down...
And I will walk the earth searching for candlelight..."

"The following match-up is the main event of the evening, and will be contested under the rules of a 'Two-Out-Of-Three Falls' match! This match will also feature Champion versus Champion! Introducing first...He hails from a state of Deep Sleep, and weighs in tonight at 223 pounds...Your King of the Deathmatch Champion, your winner of the first-ever Tower of London Deathmatch, Dustiiiiiiiin Deltaaaaaaa!"

[/center]

The volume of the capacity crowd of Brits seem to rise as Charlie Coors makes the remark about the Tower of London, but Dustin little acknowledges it. Again, he refuses to taunt or appeal to the fans. Yet, they still cheer him forward in a mind-numbing way. The Sleepwalker continues his forward motion, but once he reaches ringside, stops short. He takes a moment to let his eyes cruise through the sea of faceless admirers, and based on the perplexity scribed into the lines of his face, Dustin may be questioning many aspects of his reign and of his career, all shaken up because of one man who ruined seemingly nothing for him. The question was not, why did Metal Dragon do what he did? The question was, why did that one DragonFire seem to traumatize Double D in such a manner? The Blitz shook his head, being rid of the thoughts, and progressed up the steel steps and onto the ring's apron. He does his best to fake a smile, but still his face is emotionless and he is colored with shades of gray.

"Real beauty on the inside does not apply to you...
I am the ripper, and it's killing time in this cutting room...
Our worst wounds; we inflict upon ourselves.
I am as hollow as my willingness to let go!"

"What could be more beautiful than death?"

"Your eyes, are labyrinths of lies...
And all the dead will rise,
And I will walk the earth searching for candlelight...
And I, will let you drown,
Turn your world upside down...
And I will walk the earth searching for candlelight..."

"And when the dead walk the earth,
All the living will fill these coffins.
And at the end of the world,
I'll remember to bring you flowers..."

Delta now stands, bathed in limelight, upon the canvas' edge, his hands wrapped tightly around the ropes of the GHW ring. His eyes still meet the blinding lights of the GHW Arena, and he struggles to make out faces in the audience. Never before has he felt this sort of pressure, never before was his vision so blurred and obscured as it was now. The Patron Saint of Lost Causes now felt as if he was one of those lost causes for whom he fought so nobly. These shaded tendrils now peeked through the edges of his vision, and he felt...not sick, not demented, not insane. But instead, he finally came to terms with Wonderland, he finally came to terms with the fact that many people worried as to whether or not Delta was sane, considering the ways he spoke and rambled on and on in the past weeks, speaking gibberish of kings and queens and Cheshire Cats and Jabberwockies. But this feeling, now noticed by Delta, which had been running rampant in his mind for weeks on end, was hardly lacking sanity. It was some sort of indoctrination, vesseling through him for a reason unknown, gone undiagnosed. Metal Dragon's words came as a sermon to him. The Tennessean had taken a leave of absence so he could regain his composure, while the Thane of Slumberland stayed and with his indoctrinated sensation which felt as if it lacked sanity, adhered to it and converted it into relentlessness. Into resiliency. Into the championship now locked tightly around his waist.

This synthetic insanity did nothing but good for Dustin Delta. It was his savior. Metal Dragon, though, resisted.

Resistance was weakening.

As Dustin entered the ring, the world around him seemed to remained a faded afterthought as more of these ideas blew his brains out from every possible angle. But what the true deliverance was, was the realization that there was somebody of weakness, who resisted this empowering indoctrination which fueled the way in which Double D conquered, who could now hold something over Dustin's head. Metal Dragon could say that, even though he turned away this maniacal strengthening, he left the King of the Deathmatch to be a fucking wreck, in the eyes of all those people who attended Total Carnage. But Dustin could not stand that he was left a bloody mess, even with this injection of ceaseless sadomasochism. The King of Hearts, who now stood on the second turnbuckle, finally cracked a grin. He was happy that Metal Dragon had returned. One way or another, sooner or later, they would meet in the warzone. And on that battleground, Delta would overcome that man. The Sleepwalker would leave the Dragon in a bloody pulp, in a fashion the same as he had done. Tonight, though, he would need to clear his vision and regain that sick indoctrination. And that would be by way or tormenting the soul of Dominick Santiago.

Lo, what a poor soul he would be,
To step into combat with Double D.

[Dominik Santiago]

Dustin Delta stands in the middle of the squared hell, his face stern and his motions methodical, as he slowly and gingerly stretches. The confidence is radiating from the limbering King of Deathmatches; in the back of his mind is the seed Cunt planted, but in the front lies the realization that he's about to go toe to toe with a man that's taken the best the aforementioned "Man of Golden Words" had dished out. The King of Hearts understands that he's about to be in fight with a superstar that could best prepare him for anything that the Metallic One could dish out. But with that knowledge and understanding, Double D also knows that looking past the GHW Champion would be hazardous to his health, and for that reason he was fully focused. A champion vs champion match, two out of three falls, a main event bout, and dream match for the GHW faithful which will be the ultimate test of endurance, and test to see if Dustin Delta was in fact the future of GHW and ready to take proverbial throne.

The English crowd begins clamoring as the lights around them suddenly began to dim, the entire arena being engulfed and tentatively held captive by a pitch black darkness. A large yellow spotlight suddenly shines down in the squared circle, before advancing up the ramp, of which is followed by the familiar tune of "Downfall" by Decypher Down. As the tune reverberates throughout the sold out arena, the patrons are suddenly afflicted with an upsurge of emotion, cheering loudly. A single silhouetted figure appears against the velvet curtains. With his head held askew, arms crossed in an 'X' formation over his sleeveless "Champion. Icon. Legend." T-shirt, the Californian stands in the spotlight. Dominik lifts his head slightly, his dampened hair follicles concealing his face, yet his attention is focused on the ring, where his adversary resides. Dustin simply eyeballs him back, unmoving, unfaltering, an undeterred by the vociferous ovation from the roaring crowd. The Assassin removes his tee, slowly draping it across his right shoulder before stepping off the stage and down the ramp, commencing the long trudge to ringside.

Jennings: "You can feel the intensity in the air Al. It has the feel of a championship bout, when in fact it isn't. Its a battle for pride, and bragging rights, giving this all the makings of an instant classic."
Mulligan: "That's a tremendous stretch Colin. Santiago doesn't have any five star matches left in him, and Dustin Delta is too busy worried about being Speared by that piss-drunk Metal Dragon, who's probably passed out somewhere, to give a full effort. This has disappointment written all over it."
"In the spirit of our English tour Al I can only respond to you in this fashion, you're a bloody idiot!"

Charlie Coors: "And his opponent, from Hollywood, California, weighing in at two hundred and thirty five pounds. He is the GHW Champion... he is The Assassin....The Lord of The Flies...The GHW Icon....DOMINIK SANTIAGO!!!"

Dominik continues trudging toward the ring, ignoring the fans who slap their hands across his body, ignoring those reaching their hands out, desperately hoping to be acknowledged. He keeps his eyes trained on his opponent, never breaking his vision from the GHW's Patron Saint as he smoothly knees up onto the apron. Santiago weaves his way through the middle and top ropes, slowly entering the ring as the lights gradually return to their normal fixture. He turns into the corner and quickly ascends it, tossing his shirt into the sea of enthusiastic fans before staring out into the far bleachers, surveying the arena. Meanwhile, Delta pulls down on the ropes, continuing to stretch, trying to psyche himself up further in an attempt to mentally prepare himself for the arduous task that awaits. And that task is trying to get two decisions over over arguably one of the biggest stars in GHW History, and a surefire Hall of Famer. Speaking of the devil himself, the multi-time Heavyweight Champion descends from the corner, while his theme tune slowly fades away, becoming a distant memory in the night. The two superstars remain still for a few seconds, before the referee motions for the bell. And with that the bout officially commences, the ring bell chiming thrice, prompting the two high profile individuals to begin circling around the squared hell. Racing through each man's mind is a number of things, worriment about bitter rivals and enemies lying in the shadows, and their respective futures. The two men however block out those distractions, lifting the black clouds from their auras and clearing their vision, knowing that their counterpart is in need of victory tonight to give them momentum and an edge as their careers head into NeXus. And with the last ditch effort to clear their minds finished they quickly meet in the center of the ring, locking in a collar and elbow tie, struggling with one another, the two competitors looking to gain the initiative and the early advantage in what should be an interesting match-up.

TBCB Delta

[Dominik Santiago]

(72 Hour Rule)

The two superstars struggle momentarily, before the Assassin gets the upperhand, quickly and swiftly releasing Delta and maneuvering behind him, whilst applying a rear waistlock. Demonstrating tremendous strength for his size, the reigning GHW Champion is able to lift "Alice" off his feet before violently slamming him chest first into the mat. Slightly discomposured by Dominik's effective wrestling takedown, the King of Deathmatches quickly lifts up on his knees and hands, desperately trying to get back to his feet. The person who used to hold that belt, the Assassin, doesn't allow Delta to do such a thing. Instead he quickly hooks his an arm around Dustin's head and between his legs before flipping forward, coercing the Tower of London winner on his shoulders upon rolling to a supine position. Double D finds himself on the wrong side of the spectrum following the Oklahoma Roll, but manages to escape, just as the official slides into position, able to thwart the early pin attempt. Both competitors immediately scramble to their feet, with Santiago beating Delta to the punch, both figuratively and in reality. He swings his arm mightily through the electric ambiance, but his Clothesline attempt fails to meet its mark. Delta lowers his head, evading the attack, and steps behind the GHW Icon, while simultaneously lifting his arm and hooking it around Santiago's. He follows suit with the second, both titans tentatively standing back to back before Delta drops to his knees and leans forward. The GHW Champion now finds himself in a perilous predicament, pushed onto his shoulders by way of the Backslide, yet musters enough wits and strength to roll back before the referee could acknowledge the pinfall. The Grandslam Champion transitions to all fours as Delta towers over top of him, the KOTDM Champion commencing to grapple Santiago by the head. As he begins lifting him to a vertical base, Dominik exploits the momentum, suddenly breaking free from Dustin's clutches whilst in one swift motion turns his back and reaches behind him. Having scouter the move beyond his years, The Herald of the Darkest Day blocks the Cutter, planting his hands into Santiago's upperback and shoving him forward. The Lord of the Flies turns into the ropes, the friction and elasticity of the cables throwing him back into the fire. He charges into Delta's embrace, the former Television Champion leaning forward and wrapping his arms around Santiago's legs, pulling the chair from under him and sending him crashing to the canvas. With Dom on his back, Delta hooks his legs in his armpits and regains a state of full verticality, his eyes burning with tremendous intensity as he aspires to turn the GHW Champion over on his belly. The Brits empty their seats with enthusiastic cheers, captivated by whats transpiring before them. Sweat drips from Dominik's brow, the fear etched in his face as he rests on his side, arm outstretched and flailing fiercely, the Liontamer almost completely applied. Despite Double D's best efforts, Dominik would not be peering "Through The Looking Glass", as the Assassin uses all the strength he possesses in his legs to swing his momentum over in the opposite direction, the force sending the outspoken King of Deathmatches somersaulting forward. Both men roll to the side, Delta quickly backing up in the near corner as the Assassin climbs to a knee, eyes squinting and chests heaving following the impressive display of chain wrestling and countering.

"What an incredible exchange by both champions. They're battling for pride tonight, and from what we've seen already, its clear they're going to leave it all in the ring.
"Both guys went for their finishers early, that shows me they're pressing for that all important first fall. And that means each man is liable to make a mistake."

Dominik wastes no time in charging at his adversary, prompting Delta to turn his defense into offense. The King of Deathmatches rotates three hundred and sixty degrees and swings his bent arm. At the eleventh hour, Santiago rolls forward, thinking fast enough on his feet to execute the evasive, artful dodge, and avoid having his head sent into the stands by the Discus Elbow. Santiago springs up to his feet, his back facing his foe and his chest planted into the turnbuckle padding. With a full head of steam, Dustin runs into the corner, but catches the feet of the Assassin who leaps into the air. Santiago wraps his legs around Delta's head, and holds onto the ropes, before pushing off them. He turns toward the ropes and flips forward, dragging Delta off his feet and shooting him through the ring cables. The ring awareness of the two time King of Deathmatches is flourished from here, as he grabs onto the ropes and pulls himself onto the apron, preventing the unceremonious spill onto the lightly padded floor. As he climbs to his feet Dominik quickly approaches him. In a desperate attempt to gain the upperhand, Dustin plows his shoulder blade in between the ropes, plunging it into Santiago's breadbasket, air sputtering out his mouth, immobilizing him as the effects of the attack ravage his solarplexus. With a window of opportunity prime for the taking, Delta seizes is, quickly reaching over the ropes and applying a front facelock, before throwing Dom's arm over his shoulder. The energy passes through Double D's quadriceps, and throughout his back, as he uses the energy to hoist the GHW Icon into the air. The teaming masses of humanity selling out the venue ignite, their eyes trained on the action as the four time Heavyweight champion from California is suspended upside down. Knowing whats awaiting him at the bottom and not wanting to go there, Dominik wriggles his body, loosening Delta's leverage and forcing him to release him on the apron. Now on the safety of the apron, Santiago grapples Delta by the head, before immediately assaulting his cranium with a series of stiff forearm shivers to his temple. With a twinkle of malevolence in his pupils, he cracks Dustin in the chin with a blistering forearm shot, sending the two time Deathmatch champion staggering back. Delta teeters on his toes, his head hanging back awkwardly courtesy of the vicious Eurpean Uppercut. With his brainpan assimilating the critical damage, the wary Delta pulls on the rope and jumps, the adept striker swinging his leg level to his head and blasting the Assassin in the skull. The lights upstairs are momentarily cut off, Dominik doubling over in a stupefied, groggy state, long enough for Double D to capitalize. Hooking Santiago's arms and tucking his head in his armpit, Delta quickly reclines backward, maliciously planting the GHW Champion's head into the apron with a resounding thud. The crowd holds a collective gasp, cringing at the events that just unfolded. Delta slides off the apron, a heap of sweat plastered on his face as he plods to and leans over the guardrail, meanwhile the recipient of the devastating maneuver rolls off the apron and crashes to the floor.

"Jesus Christ did you hear that Colin? It sounded like a watermelon was just smashed!"
"Yep. That melon was Dominik's head, and it was just spiked into the apron. Man that was one brutal Butterfly DDT!"

With both men recuperating on the outside, the striped official has no choice but to start a ten-count, admonishing both men and urging them to bring the action back inside the squared hell.

"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE"
"FOUR"

Santiago lifts up to his knees having finally recovered, his weary eyes opening and falling on the King of Deathmatches who slowly approaches him. Dustin quickly takes action once more, grabbing Santiago by his dampened blond hair and lifting him to his feet. Refusing to be put down, Santiago thrusts his fingers into Delta's throat, leaving him wincing. From there he lights his chest up with a knife-edge chop, the flesh wrenching attack sending him clutching his sternum in retreat.

"FIVE'
"SIX"

Like a true veteran, Dominik rolls back into the ring before sliding back out, forcing the referee to restart his count, much to his chagrin. Santiago marches toward the King of Deathmatches, the shrewd hardcore champion quickly spinning and striking Dominik in the gut with a knee. Dustin makes for a frontfacelock, but his plans are foiled as Santiago drives a stiff shot into his ribs. Having forced a release, Dominik leans Delta over, quickly underhooking both his arms and locking his head in place underneath his arm. The GHW Champion flips Delta into the air before thrusting him back down, driving the twenty eleven Nexus semi-finalist head and shoulder first into the floor. The general consensus of the audience is voiced in a unanimous chant of "This is Awesome" while both superstars lie inert on the floor, the deliverer of the Powerbomb lying face down, and the receiver spread eagle. The referee looks on from the ring, another ten count ensuing as the crowd remains ecstatic.

"TIGER DRIVER ON THE FLOOR! GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY!"
"Un-bunch your panties Colin. You almost burst my eardrums with your school girl yelling! "
"It was unintentional, I was caught up in the moment, and in that moment Dustin Delta was just broken in half."

TBC Delta

[Dustin Delta]

I'll get mine in after yours, mark my words! My apologies for the 72 inactive hours.