2019.12.27: PWN - LONE - LONE 30

Intro

The lights in the arena dim as the show begins to start. A video package begins airing with the words “The Crowne Tour of New England” appearing on the screen in golden letters as a Highlight of the Night logo can be seen prominently behind it before the wording fades, the film reel in the logo spinning for several seconds before stopping in a stationary position. Alison Crowne's triumph over Vanessa Venom shows up in the highlight package, then another young woman with dyed purple hair can be seen with her face covered in blood as Alison is punching her repeatedly in the face from a mounted position on the mat as a referee waives off the fight and calls for a stoppage. Another shows a young blonde woman, presumably in her mid 30s in a ring where Alison has her trapped in a triangle hold submission hold where the woman reaches out for the ropes that are both close but yet too far out of reach as the hand begins to hit the mat furiously. Another clip shows Alison standing over a brunette woman as the referee is halfway through counting her out as she leans against her corner to the count of ten. Finally we see Alison ordering a steel cage door open as the outside referee unlocks the door as an unidentified opponent can be seen laying facedown on the mat in the distance as Alison slowly walks down the ring steps before placing both feet on the mat on the outside as the ringing of a bell can be heard over and over. Images of Alison Crowne with her arm raised in the air flash across the screen, each time Stonehands being the one to wrap the championship around her waist.

Announcer: Here is your winner...

Barrows can be seen opening a bottle of champagne at one point and spraying Stonehands and Alison as Alison and Stonehands with their own bottles spray each other in celebration.

Announcer: ...AND STILL...

A montage flashes of her opponents staring up in defeat or being wheeled away by EMTs on a stretcher reflecting the severity of their injuries with the last one leaving with her neck in a brace.

Announcer: ...Ladies of New England Champion...

A shot of Stonehands lifting Alison up on his shoulders and parading her around as she spreads her arms out wide.

Announcer: ...The Highlight of the Night... Alison Crowne!

The video package finally ends fading out on that last shot.

Maine Event Wrestling Simulcast: Julia Ravencroft vs. "The Highlight of the Night" Alison Crowne

The camera feed cuts to Augusta, Maine in an arena that seats several hundred people. The ring ropes are red and white with a black canvas on the mat and litered with various weapons, some of them Christmas themed such as a giant candy cane, a baseball bat in a red and white swirl pattern and a street sign that says “WELCOME TO AUGUSTA CITY LIMIT” sign with graffiti just to name a few. The ring apron reads in bold letters “MAINE EVENT WRESTLING”.

Them Bones by Alice in Chains begins to play as the lights begin to flash in the arena with a spotlight on the curtain. A red haired woman slowly steps out from the curtain as the fans cheer. She looked like she was dressed for a street fight more than a wrestling match with her ripped jeans hinting at the kneepads she wore underneath with a flannel shirt tied around her waist and a raven's skull on her black t-shirt. Around her waist was a championship belt.

Announcer: The following match is a street fight and it is for the Maine Commonwealth and Ladies of New England Championships! Introducing first, from Portland, Maine she is the Maine Commonwealth Champion... Julia Ravencroft!

North: Ladies and gentlemen thank you for joining us here tonight. I'm Kevin North alongside Dexter Irving Cornelius, DIC, and we're calling the action here from Portland, Maine. Hopefully there won't be any 'mysterious technical issues' like last month.

DIC: It's rare when you and I are on the same page but this month I'm with you. I've supported Alison Crowne for a very long time, even against the upper brass and management, Bux did a lot of wrong in my view, but to call out a long time ally and friend like myself, which is what Stonehands and Barrows did, was unacceptable.

North: To your credit, you've been firmly on her side since she started going after Terri Thompson.

DIC: Smelly Terri, yeah, I don't miss her either. But this power, this ego trip, has gotten to Alison's head! At the same time.. I don't want Edgar Allan Poe's long lost great great great granddaughter to take the belt either. Even if she is a bit hot and just might be my type; it'd deny us the chance to crown a more deserving LONE Champion like Miss Gucci or Cinnamon! I'd even settle for Sister Cathy at this point!

North: Even if it's a bit misguided at least you're beginning to see the error of your ways; it's at least progress.

Julia Ravencroft rolls into the ring and sits in the corner, her eyes fixated on the ramp, awaiting her challenger. It doesn't take her long as the lights cut out save for a single spotlight on the curtain as As I Am by Dream Theater plays. As the song picks up Alison Crowne emerges from the back with the LONE Championship around her waist wearing a pair of red, white, and blue gym sweats over her usual ring attire with a matching jacket baring the 2020 Olympics logo. Not long after she emerges she's flanked by her attorney Gordon Barrows and Stonehands. The three have a brief conversation on the ramp before making their way down to a chorus of boos.

Announcer: And her opponent, from Gainesville, Florida by way of Portland, Maine...

Alison looks visibly annoyed as the announcer gets her hometown wrong again for the second month as she continues to make her way to the ring.

Announcer: she is the Highlight of the Night and the Ladies of New England Champion.. Alison Crowne!

North: Today marks day 392 of Alison Crowne's reign as the Ladies of New England Champion, tying Miss Gucci's reign. If she can make it past Julia Ravencroft here tonight she will become the longest reigning champion in LONE history as of midnight.

DIC: Records are meant to be broken, and I have to accept that it will need to be for Miss Gucci to have another chance in the future to break it! I'm rooting for Alison tonight, under protest!

Alison unbuckles the belt as she walks up the steps and into the ring, holding the belt up high before she squats to meet Julia Ravencroft at eye level in her corner.

Alison: Take it all in, savor it! This is close as you're ever going to get to my title!

North: Alison had enough wrestling for the month and she wasn't initially going to take on this match but Julia Ravencroft was determined to up the ante to make it worth her while by putting her own championship on the line. If Alison isn't careful she's going to blow her entire negotiating position and leverage if she returns to Portland later tonight empty handed!

DIC: It's absolutely a gamble but just think of how much stronger her position will be when she wins?

Ravencoft stares at Alison with an unflinching gaze as she pulls herself up and the referee stands between them, asking for their championships. Both women comply and hand them over as he holds them both up high.

DING DING

Ravenloft immediately goes for the bat and yanks it off the rope, shredding the bow that was holding it there and points it at Alison. Alison immediately darts out of the ring and darts over to Stonehands who motions with his hands to invite Ravencroft outside of the ring. Ravencroft stares them down, keeping her eyes fixated on them as Gordon Barrows slithers in behind her and begins trying to wrestle the bat away from her. Alison sees this opportunity and darts back into the ring and digs her fingers into Ravencroft's eyes to force her to leg go as she did so from behind causing the crowd to boo.

Barrows: That's right you miscreant! Don't you ever think you could lay your hands on me!

North: Ravencroft came to play tonight ladies and gentlemen but Alison Crowne of course isn't going to give her a fair fight; digging into her bag of tricks.

DIC: Remember, Raven lady requested this match. In an environment like this everything is as legal as a wrist lock.

The referee can do nothing but watch as Alison picks up the bat and rams it into Ravencroft's back repeatedly bringing her to her knees. Alison then with the bat wraps it around the front of her foe's neck and uses her knee to drive into her back and choke her with the foreign object! Barrows meanwhile is kneeling in front of her and continuing to berate Ravencroft.

Barrows: You're just a dirty little street rat! You don't deserve to grace the same ring as my client, do you hear me? You're a pity case; my client agreed to this match because she pities you! You're a charity case that gets to work with The Champ! Do you understand the words I'm saying? You're nothing but a -

SLAP!

Ravencroft manages to swing with an open palm and connect right to Barrows' face despite being choked, having heard enough! Barrows falls back and flat on his rear in shock, his eyes wide as saucers.

Barrows: You can't do that! That's assault! Assault! Do something!

The referee merely shrugs saying 'what do you want me to do about it?'

North: Technically, he can't do anything, he's not a police officer.

DIC: Thoughts of Barrows aside, noooottttt really smart to put your hands on an attorney. She's getting sued later.

Alison pulls back harder on the bat in response but Ravencroft reaches back and grabs a fistful of Alison's hair, yanking forward! Alison screams in pain as she lets go of the bat! Ravencroft keeps a hold of her hair, getting up and tossing her straight into her attorney! Alison lands on top of Barrows, their heads connecting upon impact!

North: And she'll probably be pursued for more damages over that. From a wrestling standpoint though; that's intelligent in an environment like this. You know Alison is going to use whatever and whoever she can to her advantage so you take out one of those you know are going to be a thorn in your side.

DIC: I hope she or the promoter has a fucking good attorney!

Barrows rolls out of the ring as Stonehands goes to tend to him. Alison is slow to get up and even slower after Ravencroft gives her a sick and twisted grin and with an upswing cracks her right in the ribs! Alison's body hops a bit off the mat from being on all fours upon impact before doubling over face down clutching her ribs tight only for Ravencroft to come back down with a downswing right on her back! Alison clutches her back now while trying to cradle her ribs as Ravencroft tosses the bat aside.

North: And I hope Alison has a good doctor! Bruised or broken ribs for sure with a swing like that!

DIC: You know she's got the best, no thanks to Bux! Even if I'm no longer on the Alison Crowne bandwagon, truth is truth.

Ravencroft grabs two chairs off the ropes and unfolds them, before grabbing the city limit sign and placing it on the two seats to prop it up, scooting them backward. She then grabs Alison and kicks her hard in the ribs again before dragging her to the turnbuckle and situating her on the top as she begins to climb with her back to the inside of the ring.

North: This one could end bad in a hurry with that makeshift obstacle in place!

DIC: Yeah, and it's a great way to catch a staph infection in a dump like that!

She tries to underhook both of Alison's arms as she looks back into the ring with the makeshift chair 'bridge' for lack of better term behind her and tries to lift her up and backward but Alison blocks it as she hooks her leg under the top turnbuckle! Ravencroft tries again but Alison continues to block it by hooking the leg! Alison then begins to throw several heavy punches at Ravencroft stunning her and leaving her precariously hanging in the balance as she wobbles. Alison finally throws her off with a heavy right punch but Ravencroft stops just short of crashing through the city limit sign she propped up as she fell to a knee. Alison pulls herself up as she stands on the top rope, looking down at Ravencroft.

North: Alison never goes to the top rope but perhaps given the situation she's feeling compelled to take a risk she normally wouldn't take. The longer this match goes the more it favors Ravencroft.

DIC: For all we know she might have a secret weapon in her arsenal that we haven't seen yet!

Alison acts like she's sizing Ravencroft up for a big move and acts like she's about to leap forward but instead she hops off the turnbuckle, her feet touching the ground as she looks down at Ravencroft and slaps her across the face instead, drawing loud boos!

DIC: Oooooh, she got everyone with that! Never trust someone with an attorney that slimey!

North: So you're saying I shouldn't trust your uncle?

DIC: Hey, don't say that about Uncle Isaac! Eugene Varano is an upstanding man of the highest moral character!

Alison quickly runs and rebounds off the ropes hitting a shining wizard, overshooting just enough that both women collide into the chairs and sign, sending them tumbling over. Alison gets up and looks at the city limit sign, and places both feet on it and begins to wipe her feet.

North: The ultimate sign of disrespect, that's uncalled for!

Alison goes to pick up Ravencroft, throwing her head between her legs and getting the double underhook on her arms, lifting her up and driving her head into the city limit sign with the Tiger Driver 98! Alison quickly goes for the pin. 1......2........KICKOUT! Alison sits up in shock!

North: Somehow, someway Julia Ravencroft kicked out!

DIC: She should've stayed down!

Alison argues for a three count but she's not getting it! She shoves the referee several times trying to browbeat and intimidate him into changing his call but he won't cave! This gives Ravencroft precious time to recover as she crawls over to the bat and doubles over as if she's trying to cover it up with her body. Alison after another moment or two finally turns her attention to her and tries to yank her up by her hair in a very dismissive manner but Ravencroft springs up like a trap and swings the bat at her ribs again! Alison immediately lets go as she doubles over once more Ravencroft quickly sets up a chair before DDTing Alison right on top of it! The chair dents downward from the impact as Alison lays limp.

North: Ravencroft could easily become the LONE Champion right now and under almost any other scenario she might just have it, but she wants to double-tap here and remove all doubt!

DIC: She's getting cocky, Kev!

Ravencroft instead of going for the pin rolls out of the ring and quickly finds a table underneath it, pulling it out and slowly sliding it into the ring. She goes to unfold the legs before propping it up while Alison continues to take a nice little nap on the mat, appearing to not be getting up anytime soon giving Ravencroft all the time she needs to inflict maximum punishment. With the table now unfolded and standing up she begins to drag it closer to the turnbuckle before stomping on Alison several times and dragging her on top of the table. The crowd cheers as Ravencroft quickly ascends the turnbuckle, looking to end Alison's reign once and for all

North: If this connects this is over!

Ravencroft sizes up Alison and gets ready to take flight but Stonehands quickly hops onto the apron and with a haymaker connects right to Ravencroft's head with an unrelenting and unforgiving right hand, showcasing his World Class Striking Power! Ravencroft is out on her feet as her body immediately loses balance and her legs split out from under her, sending her to a seated position on the top in a very rough way.

DIC: AND SHE'S OUT!

North: Julia Ravencroft had this won but Stonehands had to get involved, with his size and world class striking power... that's not even fair!

At around this time Alison revives as she sees Stonehands standing on the apron and yelling at her to get back up. It doesn't take Alison long to put two and two together as she then scales the turnbuckle herself, first getting onto the second rope as Stonehands grabs Ravencroft and hoists her up on Alison's shoulder! He then helps Alison balance her weight as she climbs to the top rope as she begins to drop Ravencroft down for the position for the Crowning Moment.

North: No no no no no! Don't do it! You've proven your point, she's out on her feet! Just pin her, there's no reason to cripple her!

Alison leaps off the top rope and nails Ravencroft with an Avalanche Crowning Moment through the table as the wood breaks and splinters upon impact! Alison hooks both legs as the referee counts...1.....2..................3!

Announcer: Here is your winner AND STILL the Ladies of New England AND NEW Maine Commonwealth Champion.... The Highlight of the Night.... Alison Crowne!

Alison quickly rolls out of the ring at Stonehands' urging as Gordon Barrows, finally back to his feet snatches both championships from the timekeeper as they dart out through the crowd.

North: Well she won, but how is she going to get to Portland in time?

DIC: My guess? Either a private jet or a helicopter and seeing how Gordon Barrows dresses and carries himself? I'd say that's a guarantee.

Backstage Segment: Linda Edwards w/Madison Anderson

Linda Edwards: Ladies and Gentlemen I'm joined her at this time by Madison Anderson. Madison, last month you pulled off what will likely go down as the Upset of the Year when you managed to beat Olga in your first singles match back. So the question begs asking... why are you still here?

Madison Anderson looks a bit nervous standing next to Linda Edwards as her eyes are darting around and constantly on the move.

Madison: To be honest.. it was big. It was a huge win for me early on in my career and I know it was something nobody saw coming. I mean.. I didn't even see it coming! But each night you always have a chance and while I wish I could've made the most of my opportunity challenging for the LONE Championship earlier this year, for now, this will do.

Linda Edwards: Yes but Madison... why haven't you gotten out of town yet? Olga has been furious all month long, she feels humiliated at the upset and shocking loss and well... yeah. I don't think I have to tell you what that...

Madison: Why does everyone keep telling me to get out of town? It makes me nervous, if I can be honest. I know I'm nobody's first pick for people expected to beat Olga but it happened, you know? I can't tell you if lightning will strike twice but it did last month at Thanksbeating. All I can do is keep training hard and improving my ring work and prove that...

The camera pans down the hallway as security guard can be seen trying to pacify Olga but Olga tosses him into the wall like a ragdoll as he lets out a very loud 'OOOOOOOOMPH! and wisely stays on the ground.

Madison: I have to go now!

Madison starts sprinting down the hallway as Linda Edwards darts into the janitor's closet nearby just to escape Olga's war path. Olga pursues Madison like a bat out of hell thirsty for blood as Madison does her best to slow down the Brutal Russian Warmachine. Madison knocks over some pipes and light stands and several stage props to slow Olga down, but Olga just plows through while only sacrificing minimal speed as she hurdles and shifts her body. Madison looks back as panic spreads across her face as Olga keeps rushing towards her and beginning to gain ground on her. Madison darts through catering and starts flipping over tables as food and plates crash and scatter everywhere. She tips another table over as a giant bowl of punch spills over the floor. Olga skids and slides, nearly falling twice and finally has no choice but to reduce her speed. Madison sprints down another hallway and bolts out the backdoor to the parking lot. She darts into a faded orange four door car and shuts the driver door and turns the key. The motor tries to turn over but it won't start! Olga barrels through the remaining obstacles in the meanwhile and returns to her previous speed as she darts out the door and quickly scans the parking lot. Madison is pumping the gas pedal desperately as she tries to turn the car over. Olga makes a bee line for the rear door of the car and gets her hand on the handle just as the engine roars to life! Madison, having parked her car facing forward towards the exit immediately slams on the gas and peels out as Olga briefly gets the back door open but can't hold on as the car rapidly picks up speed forcing her to let go! With a hard left Madison peels down the street and successfully makes her escape as Olga in a rage shatters the passenger side window of a nearby car with a vicious punch.

The Stadtfelds vs. The Damned

Baxter: The following Tag Team Contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Baxter: This is a non-title bout. Already in the ring. From Albuquerque, New Mexico, they are Amy and Anna, THEEEEEE STADTFEEEEEEELDS!

The Crowd boos as the two twins strike a pose.

Baxter: And their opponents.

With silence from the crowd, as the lights in the arena suddenly turn to a very dark red color as “I’m damned” by Vampira with Satan’s Cheerleaders plays over the public address sound system. Walking out onto the stage with the Holy Bible in hand, Sister Catherine stands on the stage with this sadistic grin curled along her lips. The camera takes a moment to focus on some fans holding up signs in crimson font that reads Ephesians 6:11. Walking down the aisle very slowly, Sister Catherine keeps the Bible clutched to her chest. Stitches walks behind her with her head hung low. The two, of course, have the LONE Tag Team Championships draped over their waists.

Baxter: Making their way to the ring, they are the LONE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Sister Catherine and Stitches... THEEEEEEEE DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMNED!

Upon reaching the steel steps, Sister Catherine places the bible in the corner and quickly ascends up the steps and into the ring. Stitches languidly follows.

DING DING

Stitches starts out for her team while Amy Stadtfeld starts out for her team. Amy immediately goes and starts hammering down on Stitches who stands there and takes the punches without trying to protect herself. Amy grabs her by the hair and drags her over to her corner while her twin sister, Anna, makes the blind tag. The referee slaps his hands together to acknowledge the tag as the twins begin to try and beat her into the corner, trying to maximize the referee's five count for all it's worth. Amy exits at four, only to blind tag herself back in and repeat the process. Stitches gets beat down into a seated position as the twins go for two low dropkicks, one quickly after the other to Stitches as she takes the full force of both. The Stadtfeld Twins mock The Damned as they start taunting Sister Catherine from her corner and each makes a belt motion around their waists as Stitches begins to laugh.

North: The Stadtfeld Twins are trying to make a case for the next opportunity at the LONE Tag Team Championship but we know Stitches; she enjoys pain and thrives off it!

DIC: Yeah, she's a bit freaky. Pain makes most people stop and yield when a threshold is reached, Stitches just asks for more when she reaches that point! You gotta knock her out to stop her!

The Stadtfeld Twins turn around to see Stitches laughing in the corner and quickly try to stomp her silent but she keeps laughing through their stomps, louder and louder almost as if their strikes were proving fruitless or perhaps more horrifyingly; she was enjoy the pain. The referee fails to count, partly because he forgot which twin was the legal partner and partly due to being creeped out himself. The Twins back off in horror as Stitches slowly pulls herself up by the ropes and walks towards them like a reanimated corpse.

North: This is... absolutely unsettling. I think the official is going to request some hazard pay by the time this one is over.

DIC: And can you blame him? I don't know whether to call her a Jesus Freak or some kind of zombie corpsewalker but whatever she is, it's not of this world!

The Stadtfelds nervously begin to backpedal, all the way to The Damned's corner as Stitches makes her slow death march towards them. Amy feels herself bump into the corner as Sister Catherine bares her fangs and hisses at her, sending Anna right into Stitches' clutches as she begins to bite and gnaw at her forehead! Amy looks too terrified to help her sister as Sister Catherine slaps Stitches on the back for the tag as she repositions herself while snacking on a Stadtfeld.

North: She's... eating her flesh!

DIC: I think I might be sick...

The referee acknowledges the tag but seems clueless on how to tell Stitches to stop lest his face becomes her next snack. Anna, in the throes of flight or fight chooses flight and tries to get out of Dodge but Sister Catherine manages to cut her off swiftly and hits her with the Bloodlust Impaler DDT sending her down to the mat! Amy is finally freed as Stitches lets go, Amy covering her face in horror as she stumbles to the center of the ring as Stitches and Sister Catherine look at one another. They quickly decide to go for and connect with Damnation as Stitches clotheslines Amy as Sister Catherine spears Amy simultaneously! Sister Catherine goes for the pin as the crowd counts along... 1.....2.....3!

Baxter: Here are your winners, the LONE Tag Team Champions, Sister Catherine and Stitches... The Damned!

North: Mercifully, it's over. Can anyone stop The Damned?

DIC: Outside of The Gucci Gals or Spice and Ice? Best of luck, and be it by some divine fluke or otherwise neither of them have managed to do it yet either!

Backstage Segment: Bux/O'Reilly/Washington/Jennifer Stewart

The camera cuts back to the office of Jack E. Bux who seems to be huddled around his desk by Frank Washington and Steven O'Reilly as the trio prepare for Alison Crowne's contract negotiation. A knock is heard as Bux looks up.

Bux: Come in.

Jennifer Stewart opens the door as the management trio, Bux and his trusted lieutenants Frank and O'Reilly turn to face her.

Bux: Miss Stewart, to what do I owe the pleasure? I only ask that you make it quick because we're crunching for some last minute preparations here.

Stewart: I promise I won't take up much of your time. As you know, the duet of Spice and Ice have been making my performances rather... unpalatable the last several months with their constant interference spoiling my performances. Not only do these people deserve a better effort but I as a professional... detest when my craft is interrupted and upstaged in an unfair way. So I propose a solution; give me the stage with the ringleader of that duet, Cinnamon, allow me to dazzle her with my frightening display and acumen and I promise you that you nor the fans will be disappointed.

Bux leans back in his chair for a moment as he looks to Frank Washington and Steven O'Reilly who both give him a nod in affirmation.

Bux: Initiative; I like it. We'll sit down and work out the right date and time later but I'm going to grant you your wish. The next time you face off in a LONE ring you will go one on one with with Cinnamon and to ensure there's no outside interference, it'll be in a fifteen foot steel cage!

The crowd pops loud for that announcement as Jennifer Stewart wore a soft but extremely satisfied grin.

Stewart: I promise you that I'll put on a show with Cinnamon as we dance the dance of death that you will never forget! A requiem for a lost and misguided soul; gone but never forgotten once I spirit you away...

Jennifer Stewart exits Bux's office as Bux looks a little confused, O'Reilly wearing a stoic expression and Frank with a grin and a nod.

Frank Washington: I like her drive; eloquent but dangerous.

Young & Dangerous vs. Rage & Fortune

Britney Spears' "Piece of Me" plays as Ashley Lopez steps out from the curtain with Hannah Kix, a red carpet already drawn for them both. Ashley walks down the aisle holding up her hand to fans that try to touch her, pat her on the back or otherwise interact with her paying no mind or attention to them. At the end of the ramp she strikes a pose for LONE cameras as the flash goes off before sliding into the ring. Hannah does nothing but stare menacingly at the ring, walking up the steps after Ashley slides in. She shadowboxes in the center of the ring.

Kernkraft 400's "Zombie Nation (Original Version)" starts up. Rook steps out from behind the curtain, standing on stage and lowering her glasses some as she looks out over the crowd. Hurricane Katrina following not too far behind. Rook takes a few steps before taking her glasses off and tossing them out towards whichever lucky fan will catch them, before retrieving another pair and sliding them on. Hurricane Katrina starts throwing her hands up to try and hype up the crowd. The two slide into the ring and then go to opposing corners to stand on the middle rope and throw their hands up.

Baxter: The Following Tag Team Contest is under Tornado Tag rules! First, the team of Ashley Lopez and Hannah Kix... RAGE AND FORTUUUUUUUNE!

Ashley poses while Hannah folds her arms over her chest.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO

Baxter: And their opponents. The team of Rook and Hurricane Katrina Matthers... YOUNG AND DAAANGEROUUUUUUS!

Rook drops to one knee and spreads her hands out while Hurricane stands behind her, holding her hands up into the air and swings her hands in a hurricane like motion.

Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAHHHHHHHHHHH!

North: First time that a tag team match will be contested under tornado rules, perhaps you could say Hurricane Rules with Katrina. All four women will be legal at the same time without the need to tag in or out of the match with no count outs outside the ring. Other than that the rules are the same; the match still ends in the result of a pinfall or submission inside the ring or by disqualification and rope breaks are in effect.

DING DING

All four women go after each other immediately from the bell as Kix and Lopez pile on Rook and Katrina. Lopez grabs Rook by the hair and starts running her face across the top rope back and forth repeatedly as Katrina ducks a high kick from Kix and takes her to the mat with a takedown and starts mounting punches on her. Kix covers herself up and throws a thumb to the eye of Katrina causing her to clutch it and fall off her freeing Kix up to aid her partner. The referee misses the thumb in the eye through the chaos as Kix and Lopez double team Rook, with Lopez leaning Rook's upper body on the top rope and holds her up by her legs allowing Kix to kick Rook repeatedly in the midsection completely unprotected. Rook groans and screams as Kix runs off the ropes and rebounds with the nastiest looking field goal kick perhaps ever straight to the breadbasket of Rook.

North: It's chaos early as expected. Both teams want to tear each other apart and one team is intent to break the rules now as they always have.

DIC: I mean I wouldn't trust Rook or Katrina, either!

North: You mean Lopez and Kix?

DIC: No, they'd never break the rules! They're just tired of being held down and denied their shot!

North: Good grief...

Lopez lets go of Rook as she flops down to the mat and rolls to the outside. Katrina darts in close behind and clubs both Lopez and Kix with clotheslines sending them into the ropes. Katrina backs up and rebounds off the ropes and goes for a split dropkick trying to send both Kix and Lopez out through the ropes but the duo split, causing Katrina's body to go through the top and middle ropes! Katrina grabs onto the top rope and holds onto it, straddling her body and resting on the middle rope as Lopez and Kix walk towards her. Katrina slings her body back and catches them both in the face with her boots sending them staggering backwards. Katrina slides out to the apron and sizes them up, and goes for a springboard, leaping off the top rope as Kix throws Lopez in front of her much to her shock as Katrina lands with both knees driven into Lopez's face!

North: We've seen it before and we're seeing fissures between Kiz and Lopez here once again! Hannah Kix just used Ashley Lopez as a shield!

DIC: Come on, stop fighting each other! Rook and Katrina are the real enemies, you're playing right into their dirty little hands!

Lopez rolls out as Kix kicks Katrina in the back of the head. Kix quickly goes for the pinfall as the referee counts. 1.....2....KICKOUT!

North: Nearfall by Kix there.

Kix scowls and rubs her foot on Katrina's face causing loud boos to rain in from the crowd as she argues with the referee over the speed of the count. Kix continues to argue as she presses her foot directly on Katrina's throat causing her feet to violently kick on the mat. The referee is quick to remind Kix that he can still disqualify her team under tornado rules and demands that she break the illegal choke. Kix seemingly ignores him as she 'forgets' how to speak English as she starts questioning him in French. The referee begins to count in French much to Kix's surprise.

Un!

Deux!

Trois!

Quatre!

Ci-

Kix abruptly lifts her foot off with a look of exasperation on her face.

Kix: Smart ass!

This gets a laugh out of the crowd as the referee points to his uniform.

North: Turns out the official is at least bilingual! Kix thought she could be a smart ass by pretending to not understand the referee's orders and he flipped it on her!

DIC: That's just arrogant! This is an insult to Francophones everywhere, that official should be fined and suspended!

Rook rolls into the ring during this exchange and catches Kix by surprise by catching her in a rolling heel lock! Kix's eyes nearly bulge out of her head as she screams in pain. Kix screams and tries to reach for the ropes but Rook keeps the hold locked in tight and refuses to let go.

TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!

North: Rook's heel hook has done a lot of damage and hobbled some of LONE's best and if it wasn't for Lexi Pryce that heel hook would've won her the LONE Championship on her debut! To date the hold has never been broken without outside interference or a rope break and even by that point the damage is usually already done. Hannah Kix is in a lot of trouble here!

DIC: Come on, fight through it, get out Hannah Kix!

Kix, dead center in the ring instinctively looks towards what would be her team's corner but Lopez wasn't there, having used her as a human shield to escape an earlier aerial assault. Katrina slowly goes to pull herself up with the ropes having finally caught her breath, leaning and trying to recover as Kix claws her way towards the ropes at an agonizingly slow pace. Kix tries to roll to force Rook to break the hold but Rook rolls with her and yanks back further on the heel to apply maximum pressure. Kix is still too far away as she reaches out for the ropes and her hand begins to furiously slap against the mat!

North: Kix taps! This match should be over!

DIC: Hold on there Kev! I didn't hear the bell ring!

The bell doesn't ring however as Ashley Lopez pulled the referee out of the ring before he could see Kix tap out! The referee argues with Lopez as Rook lets go of the hold thinking she just won the match for her team. Katrina sees this on the outside and runs against the ropes and goes for a suicide dive to the outside! She was hoping to catch Lopez by surprise and take her out of the equation but this time Lopez used the referee as a human shield and pushed him into harm's way, taking him out!

North: The referee is down! This match is threatening to devolve into total anarchy in quick order!

DIC: Everything's legal when the referee is taking a nap! Come on, now's your chance, Ashley!

Katrina looks down in shock on her knees as she tries to revive the referee, momentarily taking her eyes off of Lopez. Lopez wastes absolutely no time as she makes a bee line for the timekeeper and grabs the ring bell, waiting for Katrina to get up to catch her at her most vulnerable as she runs and slams the bell right into her head!

North: No, not the bell!

DIC: You wanted a bell to ring, you got what you wanted!

North: I didn't mean like that!

DIC: Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!

Katrina is out like a light on the outside, laying next to the referee as Rook takes her eyes off Kix and rushes to the outside, chasing off Lopez as she checks on her partner and the referee while keeping her eye on her foe. Kix rolls out of the ring and hobbles gingerly, having her greatest advantage, her strong kicks, taken away from her. She looks under the ring and pulls out a kendo stick and begins to twirl it in her hand, approaching Rook from her blindside while she was watching Lopez who feigned getting in closer only to back off throwing her hands up defensively. This gives Kix all the time in the world to wind up her swing and crack it into Rook's back with maximum force, causing her to scream. This was all Lopez needed to close back in and start stomping and kicking at her while Kix began to rain down on Rook with shots from the kendo stick in between.

North: We need an official out here, pronto!

DIC: Maybe they're on their union break! Cry, cry, cry all you want but this is justice being served at long last!

Lopez backs off briefly as Kix keeps laying into Rook, grabbing several chairs from under the ring and slinging them inside the ring before grabbing a kendo stick of her own and a pair of handcuffs. Kix tries to direct traffic with Lopez who glares at her and tightens her grip on her kendo stick almost as if she was thinking of what to do next. Ultimately though she ends up cooperating with her partner as she yanks Rook up by the hair and drags her over to the bottom rope, handcuffing her wrist first before attaching the other cuff to the bottom rope! Rook feels this and tries to jerk her wrist away but it's too late! The chain on the cuffs severely restrict her movement, essentially leaving her a sitting duck as Lopez and Kix begin to wail on her again with the kendo sticks, essentially making Rook unable to defend herself!

North: This is sick, Rook can't even defend herself!

DIC: Sometimes that's the only way you learn; the hard way!

Rook slumps towards the ground, the handcuffs forcing her to stay somewhat upright as Katrina managed to pick herself up and with the ringbell drives it hard right into the weakened leg of Hannah Kix sending her down to the floor! Lopez sees this and gets in a few opportunistic shots on Katrina but it was a trade off she was more than willing to make as Katrina pulled herself up despite the onslaught and drove Lopez hard into the ring apron! Lopez lets go of the kendo stick as Katrina picks it up and whacks her several times with it before Lopez wisely retreats inside the ring to try to put some distance between them.

North: Kartina's got a lot of heart but I don't know how long she can hold up against these odds, this match has essentially become a handicap match!

DIC: You call it heart, I call it stupidity! Save yourself you stupid idiot, run while you can!

Katrina checks on her partner and tries to see if she can find any keys under the ring but Rook tells her to go after Lopez and not worry about her right now. Katrina reluctantly complies and goes for Lopez who by now just barely managed to grab one of the chairs as she held it up as a shield to block the incoming swing. Around this time several staff members, including Frank Washington and Steven O'Reilly emerge from the backstage area and rush over to Rook and the referee to check on them.

North: Here comes the Executive Vice President of LONE Frank Washington and the Head of Talent Relations Steven O'Reilly! Hopefully at long last this is a sign that order is about to be restored!

DIC: What are they doing here?! Shouldn't they be helping Bux prepare so he doesn't bankrupt the company during the negotiation?!

While staff is on the outside Lopez and Katrina continue their duel with their weapons of choice as they continue to parry and block the other's attacks. Kix again manages to sneak in from the blindside and grabs the second steel chair and drives it into the back of Katrina's leg with a chair aided chop block to send her down. Kix slams down hard on the back of Katrina in an attempt to cripple her.

Meanwhile the staff have no luck trying to find the keys to free Rook from the handcuffs while a stretcher is called out from the back by EMTs for the referee who appears to be holding his neck on the ground. Frank and O'Reilly appear to be having a discussion on the side on how to quickly free Rook as O'Reilly makes an animated chop motion with his hand. Frank raises his eyebrow as O'Reilly grins and nods, saying “Trust me, I'm a black belt.”

North: It looks like O'Reilly has a plan, but he better hurry, Katrina is in dire straits!

DIC: Katrina's goose is cooked, Kev! It doesn't matter at this point!

Back in the ring Lopez and Kix are eyeing Katrina, each with a chair in hand and ready as she slowly begins to get up. Lopez and Kix both slap their chairs on the mat twice like a batter getting ready to swing for a home run as they each go to swing with all their might, looking to sandwich Katrina's head between the swings of their chairs but Katrina catches this at the last possible moment and ducks as the chairs clang and violently slam against one another.

North: The Con-Chair-To misses!

DIC: Fluke! I'd like to see her duck a second time!

Kix looks to try again but Lopez is still rattled and isn't on the same page, leaving Kix the only one looking to go for a second swing. Katrina moves out of the way again as the chair slams down hard on Lopez's collarbone instead! Lopez falls to the mat hard clutching her collarbone as Kix doesn't appear to be as upset as she should be at hitting the wrong target.

Kix: Ainsi soit-il. Tu es de poids mort, de toute façon.

North: This time Kix does connect but to her own partner! Lopez was stunned and couldn't react in time and Katrina weaved out of harm's way!

DIC: No! You're blowing it, Kix!

Back to ringside O'Reilly instructs Rook to hold her arm out so the chain is rigid and stiff; extended to it's greatest extent. Rook does so as O'Reilly comes down on the chain with one swift and mighty chop of his hand, breaking the chain and setting Rook free! Frank cracks a smile, impressed by the martial acumen of his colleague despite the fact that O'Reilly was a man firmly in his 50s. O'Reilly instructs Rook to get back in the ring and she does so in a hurry as Frank takes off his coat and rolls up his sleeves, sliding in himself not long after!

North: It appears Frank Washington will be the acting referee for the duration of this match, folks! Staff have emergency powers to use at their discretion when the situation calls for it to act as a referee during a match! It appears Steven O'Reilly is going to stay out here too as a ringside enforcer and effectively a second referee and a second set of eyes on the action to ensure this match has a fair conclusion!

DIC: This is a screwjob waiting to happen, the fix it in! How can you be okay with this?

North: True justice is blind, DIC.

With Lopez effectively out of commission and Rook back in the ring now the match was effectively a handicap match in favor of Rook and Katrina. Kix tries to swing at Katrina once more but this time Frank grabbed the chair from behind her and yanked it out of her hands. Kix is furious and tries to get in his face but Frank doesn't appear to flinch as he calmly walks to the ropes and tosses the chair outside, Kix still chewing him out the entire way. Rook again rolls up Kix in a surprise heel hook, attacking the same leg from earlier. Kix screams and tries to get to the ropes, trying to twist and rotate her body to get closer or in desperation break free. This time however she'd have no luck despite being closer to the ropes than before as Katrina slides in and adds to the hold, locking Kix in a crossface! Kix, locked in two submission holds at once can't take the pain nor reach the ropes and taps out with her free hand. Frank immediately calls for the bell.

Baxter: Here is your winners... Hurricane Katrina Matthers and Rook!

The winners release the hold and stand together, leaning on one another as Frank steps in between to raise their arms in victory.

North: Vindication at long last for these two women; they finally put these demons behind them it appears!

DIC: Ashley Lopez and Hannah Kix were screwed!

Rook and Katrina slide out of the ring and begin to slap fans hands and celebrate as Frank rolls out of the ring as well to begin his exit with O'Reilly to the back. Kix lays on the mat in agony as Lopez slowly rolls into the ring to check on her partner. Kix tries to get up but falls back to her knees as Lopez backs up and throws up her arms. With Kix on her hands and knees Lopez charges forward and introduces her to The Walk of Fame, curb stomping her now former partner into the mat!

North: Ashley Lopez has had enough of Hannah Kix! She just introduced her to the Walk of Fame and my partner for once is speechless!

With a grin Lopez rolls out of the ring, clutching at her collarbone still as some fans pat her on the back as she makes her way up the ramp.

Alison's Arrival

Fame by David Bowie hits the LONE arena as Bux emerges from the curtain flanked by Frank Washington and Steven O'Reilly as he straightens his jacket and walks down the ramp, slapping fans hands along the way.

North: Part of me is questioning why Jack E. Bux is going through with this; it's going to basically amount to barely legal extortion of ridiculous demands but I get it. At the end of the day when your champion is a freewheeling free agent there's not much you can do until you either come to terms or hope the next champion is willing to play ball. The terms which voided Alison Crowne's LONE contract are both complicated and unique and I have a theory as to how this came about but I'm not going to take away from Bux's position.

DIC: You saying you know something I don't for once, Kev? You holding out on me?

North: Well Mr. Bux may be my boss, yes, but he's also a friend of mine. So are Frank and Steven. Most of us around here are a family, you know. We care about and root for one another but I guess that's something you wouldn't know anything about.

DIC: Hey, I'm here because of the money and an iron clad contract. Bux can't fire me and I get paid anyway if he sends me home. If he wants to just give me free money, I won't complain. That's why you'll never see me pull any punches.

North: Well; at least you're honest about that. I just wish at least for the holiday season that you'd show a little bit more spirit and solidarity.

DIC: Hey, I'm with you guys at long last over Alison, isn't that enough? That weasel attorney and that corn-fed Texas meathead opened my eyes.

North: Honestly I thought you were in with them the entire time, last month was a surprise to me.

DIC: Alison and I were cordial before; mutual support you could call it but the people she's surrounded herself with since then... I ain't feeling it, chief.

Bux, Washington, and O'Reilly walk up the ring steps and step through as the ring was already converted to a little public office with a table, several chairs and a fresh red velvet ring mat rolled on top of the standard mat.

Baxter: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome at this time the Owner and Founder of LONE Jack. E Bux, Head of Talent Relations Steven O'Reilly, and LONE Executive Vice President and former three-time World Heavyweight Champion Frank Washington!

The three men wave to the crowd as they cheer as Frank makes a bowing motion to the crowd to pay them respect. Even O'Reilly manages to crack a grin at the crowd's support as he can be seen elbowing Bux playfully and saying something to him that the cameras can't pick up.

The camera feed then switches to the fairgrounds as a helicopter approaches in the distance, the lights shining downward on what appears to be a temporary helipad with red lights at each corner to guide it. The helicopter begins to emerge, bigger and bigger as it gets lower and lower to the ground, decreasing in altitude as it prepares to land. A police officer can be seen near the helipad waving them in and giving them clearance to land. As it nears the helipad it's clear that this isn't any standard helicopter but a sleek, black Bell 429 MAGnificent. The blades on the Bell 429 slowly stop rotating after it safely lands as the police officer opens the side door as Gordon Barrows emerges first, then Stonehands before the champion herself, Alison Crowne emerges last, standing between the two as all three were wearing matching Armani suits with Alison wearing her newly won Maine Commonwealth Championship around her waist with the LONE Championship on her shoulder. The three look into the camera full of poise and confidence with Alison at peak arrogance as it radiated and overflowed from her smug grin. The three were ushered into a black SUV as a full police escort takes them to the arena, which wasn't far away. In fact the police escort and the SUV were exorbitant and entirely unnecessary but at this point Alison appeared to be intent in turning this contract negotiation into a spectacle and a personal celebration for her impending feat of becoming the longest reigning LONE Champion of all time in just a few short hours.

North: This is sickening, this is the apex of excess! We get it Alison, you believe that LONE Championship represents power and success but I don't think the same Alison Crowne that walked in here in 2016 would recognize her current self!

DIC: She's getting the full Cornelius treatment here tonight; that's for sure. My uncle Isaac would sometimes have a police escort if he was risking running late to his promotion due to traffic but this is ridiculous!

The SUV and police escort make it to the arena in very short order, under two minutes. The sirens and lights shut off as another police officer opens the SUV door as Barrows, Stonehands and Alison exit the vehicle as riot police begin to pile out.

North: Riot police? Oh come on! Now she's just wasting tax payer money! This isn't necessary, there's no credible threats to her life! This is ego run amok! She's... she's changed. 392 days as champion and months prior to that stewing in her own hatred, jealousy and envy. She really thinks she is royalty now!

DIC: The irony of this is that she used to tear apart people for doing this exact same thing. What a royal bitch.

As I Am by Dream Theater finally begins to play as Alison, Stonehands, Barrows and their riot police personal escort enter through the rear of the building, the cameras on them this entire time. They make their way to gorilla and finally through the curtains as the crowd showers them in boos. Alison pauses at the top of the ramp and adjusts the LONE Championship on her shoulder with a smug grin. Bux, Washington, and O'Reilly stare down the ramp having watched this entire display at this point and range anywhere from confused, to disgusted, to disheartened. Bux in particular looked disheartened seeing Alison Crowne become this completely different person than the one he hired years ago.

North: What I don't understand is what is she trying to prove? She's tied for the longest reign and is about to take sole possession of the record, she's either overcomed or litigated her way to surpassing every obstacle in her path by any means necessary; why this? Is she trying to intimidate Mr. Bux? The LONE locker room? The fans? Is she still fishing for validation?

DIC: Sometimes it's just as simple as showcasing your power and flexing before those who can't match it. Every single one of those riot cops? Bought and paid for. This is more than just a victory lap, it's a conqueror coming home to survey the damage and extinguish the remaining flames of rebellion.

Alison, Barrows, and Stonehands make their way to the ring with Stonehands going up first to sit on the middle rope and to hold the top rope up for the LONE Champion to step through, as she graciously does followed by her personal attorney Gordon Barrows. Stonehands then enters himself as Alison raises the LONE Championship in Bux's face. Stonehands and Frank Washington lock eyes across the table from one another as do Barrows and O'Reilly with O'Reilly wearing a smug grin to counteract O'Reilly's sour demeanor.

Bux: Please, have a seat.

Everyone takes their seats at the table but Alison notably reclines back and kicks her feet up on the table after she grabs her microphone off the table.

Alison: About time you rolled out the red carpet for me. I know it hurts your pride to have to do this but trust me; you're making the right decision.

Bux grits his teeth as he sits in his chair.

Bux: Please, let's keep this strictly business, shall we? It's a long and winding road that brought us here tonight. First off I want to say that since day one you've always been a consummate professional that carried herself with dignity and at the end of the day was always trying to do the right thing, personally and professionally.

The crowd boos Alison as she looked slightly amused.

Alison: Hey, my feet are right there if you want to start kissing those too while you pucker up trying to kiss my ass over there.

The crowd 'OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH's and boos louder as Bux sneered as it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his composure.

Bux: I want to say that but the past 392 days have proven me wrong! Words that might have once been true and described you no longer do! For over a year I've been sitting in my office, laboring over what went wrong, second guessing myself, wondering how I may have failed you or steered you wrong. Examining every decision I've ever made under a microscope. There was a time, not too long ago, where we were close. When you were close with LONE, Alison. I've always tried to treat my employees with dignity and respect, to treat them as I would treat family. I've gone above and beyond what many would do to accommodate my employees, financial woes and personal struggles because I personally believe that when we treat people with compassion and respect we enable those to become their best selves.

Alison rolls her eyes hard as she banters back and forth with Stonehands as the two appear to be mocking Bux.

Bux: But, it became more and more apparent as things progressed that something else was at play. See, I always wondered how you got such a lopsided deal because let's be honest, nobody in this ring on my side of the table or in the back approved this. So I got together with my attorneys and conducted an audit on everything LONE; finances, paperwork, you name it we went through it; interviewed everyone on the payroll that wasn't an in ring competitor. Then one day it was if the clouds parted and the fog lifted as everything became so crystal clear. LONE 10, March 30, 2018

Alison couldn't help but flash a sly grin at that date.

Alison: What about it? You mean the night where my former best friend and current quadriplegic Terri Thompson somehow dropped the ball in a tag team match with me against The Juggalette clown freaks? Where she got her shoulders pinned to the mat? Yeah I remember that day, what of it?

Bux: Yes, that, or more what happened before that! You were a month removed from facing The Glorious One, who was champion at the time, in a bullrope match in your second match of the night at LONE 9. A match where under any other regime in any other circumstances you would've won the match fair and square. But you didn't, you didn't because of two people; Mark Robertson and a Mr. Stevenson. Robertson was appointed as the referee for the match and after he refused to count pinfalls for you Mr. Stevenson ran out and hit you with a spinebuster and counted you out. Well at LONE 10 he extended an invitation to you to talk things over in his office and the records reflect that you in fact did so shortly after your tag team match that same night.

Alison's grin fades as she appears to be paying more attention to Bux as her banter with Stonehands stops.

Bux: Through the audit and interviewing process we determined exactly what the extent and purpose of that meeting was! Mr. Stevenson did negotiate a new deal with you on the spot, didn't he? He was trying to flip you into an asset in his campaign against Terri Thompson, to turn you from best friend to hated foe by dripping this... poison into your mind. He was verbally poisoning your mind and filling it with doubt with his words and as a show of 'good faith' that he wouldn't screw you over again he presented you with a contract with various outs that would be too big of a poison pill for him to swallow if he violated the deal. Didn't he?

Alison gets ready to respond but stops herself as she begins speaking with her personal attorney Gordon Barrows trying to seek on the spot legal counsel on how to proceed. Bux flashes a soft grin as he sees this.

Bux: I think I'm right and judging by your reaction you know I'm right too. You were his great contingency plan, that if something were to happen to him or his handpicked champion that you would avenge him 'from beyond the grave', metaphorically speaking, of course. It turns out that the head that wears the Crowne was nothing but a pawn all along for Stevenson.

Alison is incensed at what Bux was implying and Barrows had to quickly keep his client composed, looking to avoid a costly error.

Alison: So what?! So what if he did give me that deal; SO WHAT?! I had to take care of me! I had to do what was best. FOR. ME! Terri... Terri proved him right! She proved him right when she betrayed my trust several months later at The Rumble! I did nothing but give her the benefit of the doubt each and every single time! Every single time I choose to push my doubts aside and stand by her! Every. Single. DAMN. TIME! I gave her the benefit of the doubt when she didn't deserve it! She plunged that knife into my back when she hid under a mask and left me in the dark! SHE PROVED HIM RIGHT!

Bux: And you manipulated me too, Alison. You knew that if you got me emotionally riled up and get me to act hastily that you could legally extort me. Your drive for competition was once pure but turned to pure avarice and greed once Stevenson was done with you. There's other irregularities I could also have hit you with like the fact that your doctor that didn't clear you to compete was based out of The Bahamas.

Alison looks nervously over at Barrows who whispers something into her ear.

Bux: But unfortunately I can't prove anything there without forcing some extensive legal action that would take the focus off of the wonderful work everyone puts out in LONE. Nor do I want to give you an easy out and an avenue to forever excuse yourself and complain about how you 'never lost the championship fairly'.

Alison passes the microphone over to Barrows who looks to immediately take charge of this situation.

Barrows: First of all, that proves nothing. My client has the right as a United States Citizen with no criminal record to use her passport to provide herself with adequate medical care; wherever that may be. Second of all, my client has never tested positive for any illegal or banned substances either under the LONE policy or on the IOC list of performance enhancing substances. Third of all, there have been multiple times both where my client has worked despite being hurt and twice when she was not cleared to compete so let's not be disingenuous and imply wrongdoing by melding and muddling events together. Quite frankly, Mr. Bux, you are wasting our time. We came here under the impression that you were willing to negotiate in good faith to extend a qualifying contract offer to my client and instead you're content into turning this into a Kangaroo Court proceeding!

Bux: Are you afraid of some skeletons falling out of the closet? No, Mr. Barrows, you don't get to hold my company hostage for a second longer! The fact of the matter is that regardless of what was or wasn't violated, that LONE Championship is property of the Ladies of New England wrestling organization! It belongs to these fans! They should be able to watch this title be defended, when they pay their hard earned money to support our roster live and in person! They shouldn't be forced to watch title defenses on a simulcast and then be denied seeing one in person! I don't care how many cases you've won or how many lives you destroyed to afford that luxury private helicopter the three of you rode in on but I'll be damned if I let you threaten to ruin the financial standing of my company and the hard working men and women we employ!

The crowd cheers loudly getting behind Bux as he stands up and holds up his microphone to let their voices be heard even louder.

Bux: So the buck stops here! Got it? Despite all of this I'm still willing to pay Alison Crowne what she's worth as a competitor, to do things the right way, because I know how talented she is. Even if she's lost her way I've never stopped believing for a second what she's capable of and over the last 392 days you've made your case loud and clear. I don't have to like how you've done it but you've tied the record today and you successfully defended the belt at that! See, I know somewhere deep inside the Alison Crowne I knew, the Alison Crowne that was my friend is still deep down inside of her. Now my team is aware of your demands, some of them are ludicrous and outrageous but I'm willing to give some ground on others.

Barrows adjusts his tie and dismissively waves at Bux to sit back down. Alison looks at Bux as she talks and almost insecurely clutches her belt a little tighter as she tries to shrug it off.

Barrows: Calm down, Mr. Bux. Nobody is holding anything hostage. I understand that a contract negotiation such as this requires a little give and take; do you think Alison Crowne is the first athlete I've represented? I've known Stonehands here for the last few years back from when he was moving to the great Grand Rapids from his native Beaumont, Texas to provide a better life for his twins as a single father. The two of us have made a lot of money together and today he's a world renown champion martial artist and boxer and professional wrestler with a professional fighting record of 17-4. So trust me, I know how this little 'game' is played. I would've probably represented Frank in his career at some point too if he didn't share legal counsel with Mr. Stevenson for some time. See, people pay for the best. Ever since I extended my services to Ms. Crowne she has seen her net worth increase five fold as she's been getting endorsements and media interviews; quite frankly she's making more now doing that than she ever was before you breached her contract. So... I'm going to cut to the chase Mr. Bux. Alison Crowne deserves to be the highest paid wrestler in all of LONE with an automatic 10% raise in pay retroactive to the previous month if necessary if anyone else were to sign a deal that would eclipse hers.

Bux sits down and listens, waiving his hand a little as if to ask 'how much exactly?'

Barrows: I'm talking six figures, Mr. Bux. Half a million a year, $500,000.

Bux looks to Frank and O'Reilly and shakes his head.

Bux: I can't do that, that wouldn't be feasible. You have to understand that when the contract was signed LONE was a start up company and she knew she was taking a risk when she signed the contract. While in the three and a half years or so since we've continued to grow as a company I can't mortage everyone else's futures for one person. If I agree to that, then other people near her spot are going to want an increase in pay to match, it's going to trickle down and I'm going to have to end up scaling back and letting some people go. That deal is financially irresponsible. I'm willing to meet somewhere in the middle but half a million a year is just too much.

Barrows studies Bux's face, almost as if he were trying to read a chesboard and looking where exactly to make his next move.

Barrows: Alright, you know what, I can respect that stance believe it or not. We're willing to come down from that price if certain other... concessions are made that we believe to be of equal or greater value. You see, my client here knows her worth and her value and over the last few months she's had the freedom as a free agent to test herself on the open market. Turns out that she's a hot commodity with her various talents, who would've thought? Everything comes with a price because at the end of the day let's not kid ourselves; you NEED that LONE Championship and the only way you're getting that back is by locking my client down. Alison Crowne doesn't need LONE, we could walk away right now with that championship and continue to do what we've done and hold that belt in perpetuity so long as it's regularly defended. I assure you my client would not be hurt financially to do so; so I'm sure you can understand why I want to get the maximum value I can for her from any deal.

Alison takes her feet off the table, still clutching the LONE Championship in her arms possessively as Stonehands remained seated next to her. Barrows gets up from his seat however and begins to pace around the ring and to the other side of the table.

Barrows: And the only way you're going to get that LONE Championship back is if you do lock her down to a full time wrestling deal that would make her exclusive, without prior agreement, to LONE. Going to the Olympics and to achieve fame on the World Stage in boxing isn't an idle threat but a warning. So you don't want to pay half a million? Okay, but then these are red lines you're going to have to adhere to to bring our price down. An ironclad, fully guaranteed deal, whether she's used on the shows or paid to sit at home with an opt out clause only able to be exercised by my client at the beginning of each contract year. If that opt out clause is not exercised she will be locked into serving that year of her contract with a fully guaranteed salary. She will have access to the company private jet for any reason three times a year, including round trips, no questions asked. If LONE is on the road her travel and accommodations will be paid for and the standards reflecting her position on the card as a franchise player. That she cannot be stripped of the LONE Championship for any reason including retroactively for anything before this deal was agreed upon because quite frankly... I don't trust you at your word to not immediately strip her once she's under contract.

Bux seems to think it over and has a quick informal conference with Frank and O'Reilly before bringing his microphone back up.

Bux: The exclusivity? Alright, I can give you that. I'll even give you the opt out clause there; if she's not happy in a year's time and her obligations have been met? I have no problems with that either. She wants to be paid? She deserves a raise. I'll agree to that; that's fair. But I can't give you the usage of the private jet nor the special travel accommodations. Portland is our home and if we did go on the road everyone would have the same accommodations, I'm not going to diva out for anyone there.

Barrows furrows his brow as he only seemed to have gotten half of what he wanted out of that exchange but it didn't take long for a devious grin to spread across his lips.

Barrows: Alright, progress. LONE doesn't travel much. I think you're being a little too stingy on the private jet but I can think of another concession that's worth just as much...

O'Reilly whispers something to Bux as Barrows slams his hand right in front of him on the table as he leans in.

Barrows: But there's a lot you're willing to do to get the LONE Championship back, right? You're a man of principles but I also know there's not much you wouldn't agree to if it didn't destroy your financial bottom line. But I think I have the perfect solution that will satisfy all parties. See this entire time you've stated that you've tried to do what was best for LONE, what was fair to my client, even when you let your emotions cloud your judgment you still wanted to make things right. You considered Ms. Crowne a friend, did you not? You believe in her ability, do you not? You still do, I mean you practically admitted so yourself. So why don't you go the distance and make a promise that you'll never act against her interests in an unfair manner; give her a minority ownership stake in LONE.

Barrows grinned like a cheshire cat as Frank and O'Reilly both tried to talk with Bux only for Barrows to talk over both of them.

Barrows: If you were to do that then we can overlook the lack of travel arrangements. With a stake in the company you know Ms. Crowne will always be loyal to her bottom line, which becomes a shared bottom line; your success becomes her success. Unless... you're really not serious, unless you really don't want to make a commitment to my client and make a promise that you'll never unfairly act against her. But I'm afraid at that point we'd have to walk away from the table without some extraordinary counter offer.

Bux: I already tried something like that with Stevenson, and we know how that one worked out!

Barrows: Jack E. Bux, ladies and gentlemen, the master of spin! The king of inconsistency and false equivalencies! Let's not forget that you technically 'owed' Stevenson a debt with him investing a large sum of money into the company. A minority ownership does not equate to nearly the same amount of power he did; just a guarantee essentially that you wouldn't unfairly act against her interests as the success of one would become the success of both. Although if you're really feeling froggy I could just sue you for ownership of the company myself... there's been plenty of times where both my client and myself felt like we were entering an unsafe work environment with fans throwing objects at us. Objects that could, theoretically, be anything or filled with anything that could cause serious harm or death. Incidents that did air live on broadcast... we could always go to the tape.

Bux: You want to talk about inconsistencies and false equivalences?! Let's talk about how if I'm going to agree with your demand, how about I just give someone like Ms. Gucci part ownership too?! The woman whose record is about to be broken by your client! The woman who was the first champ, and the first to have held both the LONE Championship and the LONE Tag Team Championship in her career! Or how about No Fly Zone? The first ever tag team champions? Or maybe even...

Bux stares daggers to Alison now. It's clearly evident this is getting to him now. The composure he's had for a long time is practically shattered.

Bux: Terri Thompson..... The first ever two time champion. Why don't I give her part ownership too? It would help her out with her and Wendy's hospital bills. The stuff your client caused. What she did to Wendy. Unsafe work environment.

Barrows starts... laughing? Barrows is busting up laughing as Bux is heated and having finally lost his cool.

Barrows: I was waiting for that facade to fall apart! You mean the same Wendy who attacked Mark Robertson unprovoked? The same Wendy that got involved in Terri's match with Stevenson? Wendy has a proven track record of attacking talent unprovoked! A fan's legal protection disappears entirely when they're on the other side of the barricade! Jack E. Bux, you... you uneducated fool! You don't have enough evidence to prove your point even if you had one! As far as the world knows my client was acting in self-defense! Wendy already had an established history as someone who meddles with and attacks talent!

Alison flashed a smug grin at Bux who could only be getting angrier by the second.

Barrows: Or what about that felon, Fay Qent? She laid her hands on ME! She attacked an attorney, someone who is not under contract to LONE, is not a LONE talent or personality during a vignette shooting. Maybe someone should look into your screening and background check processes? It's not my fault that she couldn't be a better person and a productive member of society, instead going around and attacking people that have caused her zero harm! How about I sue you for that one too? Whatever you think you may have elsewhere, and you don't have anything, but even if you did, there's no way you can make that go away without my blessing. I pressed charges on her, she's serving another debt to society and she won't be challenging my client in the foreseeable future but there's a long time to go before you're clear of the statue of limitations on any civil suit; 'Boss Man'. So I highly suggest you watch your tone with me because at the stroke of a pen... I can shut this whole thing down and tie you up in litigation.

Bux: She's paid the price for that! They've all paid the price for that! I'm sorry to say that some of it was too far! And provided by your client! You know what, Barrows? Why don't you try it? Why don't you try it all because I don't think you have the BALLS!

Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOO

Bux: I don't think you have the balls, and we all know that! You get involved just enough and skirt away! Try and shut LONE down and the spirit will live on!

Crowd: YEEEEAHHHHH!

Bux: Try and shut everything down! It wouldn't be the first time! And I know whatever endeavor I go to next, I know I'll have the good people of New England behind me! I know I'll have the women in the back who hone their craft in this ring behind my back behind me!

Bux springs up out of his seat and leans over the table at Alison.

Bux: I don't know what else you want out of me anymore. You've got the title, you're breaking records. You want to put this company on life support and then pull the plug, go ahead! But I don't think you've got the heart!

Bux: Go ahead Alison! Make everything you've done mean nothing in the end!

Alison's eyes widen as she grabs another microphone off the table and leans in towards Bux.

He gestures his finger around the arena, "THEY won't let it fall!"

He gets back in Alison's face now, eyes bulging and face red.

Bux: So why don't you quit hiding behind your pipsqueak lawyer and show me how badass you are! Or keep acting like a punk BITCH! Take me to court! Take me! You forget who my Father is! This can be settled in the court room! Or in the ring! Your move!

Alison: I've done nothing but bleed for you, you miserable prick! I moved my life out here to take a gamble on your vision! I left a hot deal to fight professionally in MMA in Las Vegas to stay! I've come out here and I've fought every single roadblock you've put in my way, I've wrestled twice in one night, I'd wrestle three times in one night if I had to just to shut everyone up! I stood behind you during your little insurrection with Stevenson even if I did look out for myself with a deal that was too damn good to pass up! I took nights off when you needed me to take nights off, I let other people get a chance to shine and to sink or swim on their own merits when I was standing in the back for FREE! I've fought in bullrope matches, ladder matches, no disqualification, no holds barred, a literal falls count anywhere street fight where I came half an inch away from fatally bleeding out after being thrown through a window!

Alison gets out of her seat and gets in Bux's face.

Alison: I've done it on little notice, I've done it on no notice. I've put my health at risk all for you to sit on your little throne in the back in your posh office with the Missouri Wrestling rejects. Yeah, I remember you from Missouri, Frank. You were too busy chasing the ghosts of your past with a little Badger instead of doing your job in Talent Relations and guess what? That place went belly up. Or you Mister K-Ra-Tay, Steven O'Reilly? Running around with DIC's uncle in San Francisco for a cup of coffee before an unsafe work environment that you oversaw got shut down for repeated violations? A guy that was big in Japan but could never cut it back home. Oh yeah, Grade A staff you got there Bux.

Alison gives him a condescending thumbs up.

Alison: You don't get to flip this and make yourself out as the hero when you've done nothing but wrong; trusting Stevenson, trusting Larry and Curly next to you, next to your Moe. You don't get to diminish the trail I've blazed because I got sick and tired of being passed by and getting nothing in return. You don't get to be the good guy holding people to undervalued contracts for as long as you can while you pocket as much as you can off the top. You don't get to absolve yourself just when it's convenient to do so! You want to know what my problem is? I care too much, about this promotion, about this...

She holds up the LONE Championship.

Alison: Because I'm obsessed with being the best, period! This is my religion! Because I wasn't born with a silver spoon up my ass, that I had to work for... EV. REE. THING!

She grits her teeth as she presses her forehead against Bux's, aggressively getting in his face.

Alison: I've paid my dues, I've paid my debts in pounds of flesh and gallons of my own blood, sweat and tears in this ring! And I'll be damned if I'm going to let some fucking prick from America's asshole, DC, treat me like I'm some bitch to be taken for granted! You want this settled in the ring? Why don't you lace up your boots and face me yourself, big man?!

Bux now starts to wear a grin, a maniacal grin. It seems like he's went far beyond his breaking point.

He starts to laugh into his microphone. The two have their foreheads pressed together. Bux decides to lean back, so he can speak

Bux: Oh see, there it is, now who is playing the victim? No one is taking that from you, Alison! No one has EVER taken ANY of that away from you Alison. Roadblocks?! I gave you OPPORTUNITIES and you've SHINED with each one until you started doing what you're doing now, and that's play the victim! Missouri Reject? Weren't you out there too?! Didn't I give you an opportunity after Missouri closed up shop?!

Bux's eyes dart to Barrows now.

Bux: Look at who's quiet now. Not finding everything so funny anymore, are you, Mr. Lawyer Man?
His gaze fixes back to Alison.

Bux: Maybe I should face you, but you and I both know how it would go. How about this, Alison? How about I start to put a match together for our 3 year anniversary of calling this place home. You win? You get eeeeeeeverything you want. You lose? You lose that title, and we rework your contract. Just you and me. C'mon, Alison. This is your bread and butter? This is what you excel at? Prove it once more. Don't talk to your lawyer! You talk to ME!

Alison gets ready to talk but Barrows cuts her off.

Barrows: Absolutely not! No deal!

Alison looks at Barrows and raises her microphone.

Alison: Gordon, I got this.

Barrows: Alison, just hold on a second, okay? See, this... miscreant... wants to get you worked up. I mean, this is right out a textbook dictator's playbook isn't it? He blusters and he threatens you, tries to make you feel like a coward to not agreeing to his ridiculous demands. This is a desperate man who knows beyond a shadow of a doubt if I took him to court LONE would be ours for the taking. This is a man who's afraid to put his money where his mouth is; who is he to tell you to settle things in the ring and then won't lead by example.

Alison: Gordon; I..

Barrows: Alison; relax.

Alison for the first time glares daggers at her personal attorney as Stonehands takes notice from his seat. She didn't appreciate being cut off; twice.

Barrows: My client has nothing to prove to you; you are the one with something to prove with my client and she's laid out a more than fair challenge.

Bux puts his hand up towards Barrows, looking directly to Alison.

Bux: I SAID TALK TO ME!

Stonehands gets up from his seat and interjects himself into the fray standing in between Alison and Bux, Barrows not wanting to be anywhere near Stonehands when he was in a mood.

Stonehands: I'm only going to say this once, so listen. Got it?

The Texan's accent was unmistakable as tensions were flaring.

Stonehands: Back off or I will drop you where you stand.

Bux looks to Stonehands, grinning broadly and shaking his head in disappointment.

Bux: So much for you having such great staff behind you too, Alison.

He returns the condescending thumbs up.

Bux: Give me your answer now, Alison. Everything you want is on the table, everything we've talked about, if you win in February.

Stonehands meant what he said and it wouldn't be the first time he ate a fine either but he throws his famous and patented right punch right to the jaw of Bux, dropping him where he stood as she showed off that World Class striking power. Frank immediately comes to Bux's defense and begins trading blows with Stonehands as they brawl around the ring. O'Reilly goes to give Frank an assist and starts hammering down on Stonehands but Alison gets involved to help her fellow training camp partner and hits O'Reilly with a chop block, going low as he clutches his calf as he collapses. Alison starts raining down on O'Reilly as Barrows begins barking at his clients.

Barrows: You asked for this, self-defense, you threatened Stonehands you miserable prick!

Barrows barks down at a downed Bux.

Barrows: Ruin them! Ruin them! Welcome them to the House of Pain!

O'Reilly tries to fight off Alison the best he can being a trained martial artist himself but the chop block may have torn something his his calf as his was visibly hobbling and having trouble keeping up with her speed before she downs him with a nasty Muay Thai shoot style kick to the temple. Frank begins to get the upperhand on Stonehands and battles him back but Alison sneaks up from behind and nails him with a judo throw to the mat! Frank tries to get up as Alison pats her knee several times.

Alison: Buster Knee!

Alison calls out what could be understood as a tag team manuever to Stonehands, perhaps calling for the Beaumont Buster (Double A Spinebuster) with some kind of knee strike combination. As this happens one of the riot police runs down to the ring in a riot helmet obscuring their identity. Alison seems a little surprised but wastes no time barking orders.

Alison: Arrest, him, arrest him! Arrest them!

She motions to Bux and O'Reilly but the riot officer doesn't comply and instead smacks Alison with a baton! Alison doubles over as Stonehands rushes over to her and catches a baton right to the ribs! The riot officer then turns to Alison and keeps hitting her repeatedly over and over again as Barrows grabs the LONE Championship and darts out of the ring but not without grabbing a microphone of his own. Alison and Stonehands roll out of the ring, licking their wounds as the riot officer takes off their helmet to reveal none other than Terri Thompson! Alison is irate and tries to rush the ring again but Stonehands and Barrows stop her; the champion damn near foaming at the mouth in rage.

Barrows: Officers, arrest this woman! Arrest her, arrest her, arre-

Alison yanks the microphone away from Barrows much to his shock as she locks eyes with Terri.

Alison: You're on, dammit! You're on! You win, you're on, motherfucker! I want her!

Bux tries to get up after getting his clock cleaned, stumbling around and using the ropes to pull himself up before grabbing his mic.

Bux: Yes! Let me introduce you to your opponent! No! She needs no introduction! February, the two of you! You want her? You get her! Because she's been wanting you...!