Post by Big Time Fights on Feb 22, 2021 3:50:51 GMT
Sam Hewitt opened the show to tell us due to some travel complications, the scheduled main event bout between Rain Corvin and Josh Williams would not be taking place and instead, AJ Knight vs. Luke Marshall would be slotted in.
We get a video package from Riel Buck, standing out in the cold and surrounded by snow.
RIEL BUCK
RIEL BUCK
Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you living under a rock, or are simply too stupid to pay attention, my name is Riel Buck and I am the manager of the most destructive force in all of professional wrestling, Lariat Inc. Now I'm sure that many of you are wondering why I haven't been around as of late and the answer is very simple. I took a well deserved break to celebrate Lariat Inc becoming your World Tag Team Champion and, perhaps more importantly, becoming engaged to the most beautiful woman on the planet, but now it's back to business.
He points around him.
RIEL BUCK
He points around him.
RIEL BUCK
As the greatest manager of the modern era, I'm always looking for new talent to sign to my brand. That's why I'm in this dump of a city, Winnipeg, Manitoba, where it's freezing cold and they spend even less money on to fix their roads than they do on education. I've been told that in this hell hole there's a wrestler training at the Prairie Wrestling Xchange dojo, who's turning heads and already making a name for himself. I'm sure many of you are dying to know who it is, but I know better than reveal my hand too early. Knowing those two-bit hacks, Anderson and Dante, they'll try and swoop in to sign him under my nose. Since I don't want those two bums trying to steal this individual from me, you'll all have to wait and see who they are, but I guarantee you're all in for a very big surprise."
Riel Buck starts laughing and the screen goes blank.
Riel Buck starts laughing and the screen goes blank.
1. Dojo Debut: Jack Mace & Mushigihara vs. Jason Scott & Jamie Adams
The graduates were very respectful toward the veteran tandem, shaking hands before the match. Once the bell rang, Adams used some of his MMA background to get inside on Mushigihara - lighting him up with low kicks. However, Mushi grabbed him and chucked him to the ground with a sumo throw which prompted Jason Scott to get involved in the match. The Cree born member of Peguis First Nation got a chance to go toe to toe with the World's Champion, Jack Mace. Although he tried to go hold for hold with Mace, the power of the World's Champion was too much and Scott found himself on the wrong end of being stretched. Late in the match, Adams caught Mace with a high kick that staggered the champion and allowed him to apply an inside cradle for a close three count, but Mace kicked out and as Adams sprung to his feet and tried a running attack - a massive Bear Paw forearm ended his evening! After the match, the veterans stuck around to check on the graduates and shook their hands.
The scene opens up in the LRX Dojo. A modest looking wrestling ring takes up most of the space and we see none other than the "Midwest Nightmare" Ryan Samuels standing in the middle of the ring with one of the newest LRX students, Dash Greyson. Greyson is standing there with his hands behind his back, trying his best to look confident standing next to the angry looking cowboy.
RYAN SAMUELS
Well hot damn! I don't know if you moron fans know that besides being one half of the greatest World Tag Team Champions ever on the Lion's Road, your guy here is also one of the recurring guest trainers at the LRX Dojo, ain't that right, Dash?
Dash nods his head.
RYAN SAMUELS
Dash nods his head.
RYAN SAMUELS
See, after Mack and I done did beat the livin' snot out of Hammer and Edwards, LR Management practically begged me to come on down here and train these rooks on how to be the best damn wrestler this side of the Rockies. Because I am such a god damn big deal, the higher ups have decided that not only do they want me to be their tag team champion, they want me to be the King of the Lions World Champion too! That's right! I got myself a big world title shot against the "Wrestling Polar Bear" Jack Mace.
Ryan snarls into the camera.
RYAN SAMUELS
Ryan snarls into the camera.
RYAN SAMUELS
Mace, I don't like you. Never have, never will. You walk around actin' like you a big ol' good boy but you ain't nothin'. You can try and play up that "Mr. Nice Guy" act all you want, but when you step into the ring with me, you are gonna get mad. You are gonna get angry. You are gonna get tested. I'm gonna show you why you don't deserve that title around your waist, cause when push comes to shove, you can't back it up. You got lucky with Troy, I'll give you that. But come on now, look at you. This week you're facin' off against them dojo boys. "Oh look at our world champion really pushin' himself now." Please, you know what? I can beat up dojo boys too!
With that, Ryan levels Greyson with a violent lariat that nearly takes his head off. Samuels then begins to beat the holy hell out of Dash, stomping at his face and as Dash tries to cover up, throwing absolute clubs at his head. The violent display continues for a few moments as Ryan beats the tar out of Dash Greyson, busting up his nose and leaving him with a black eye. With a sickening smile, Samuels turns back to the cameras.
RYAN SAMUELS
With that, Ryan levels Greyson with a violent lariat that nearly takes his head off. Samuels then begins to beat the holy hell out of Dash, stomping at his face and as Dash tries to cover up, throwing absolute clubs at his head. The violent display continues for a few moments as Ryan beats the tar out of Dash Greyson, busting up his nose and leaving him with a black eye. With a sickening smile, Samuels turns back to the cameras.
RYAN SAMUELS
Mace, anything you can do, I done did it better. I'm the hottest act in pro wrasslin' today and you better step aside, son. Cause I have no problem with beatin' your ass down and out if you honestly think that you can handle steppin' into that ring with the "Midwest Nightmare". HOT DAMN!
The scene cuts back to ringside as Ryan starts kicking Dash out of the ring as the young man falls to the floor, beaten and bloodied.
The scene cuts back to ringside as Ryan starts kicking Dash out of the ring as the young man falls to the floor, beaten and bloodied.
Two lockers sit side by side in the dressing room. The name plates read "Edwards" and "Hammerstein". One is haphazardly organized and the other is barren. A sigh is heard.
??
I've been putting this off for a few weeks.
"The Burning Heart" James Edwards enters the frame with a cardboard box on his hip. He places it in front of his partner's locker and takes a seat in front of his.
JAMES EDWARDS
I didn't wanna think about what happened. I felt guilty that I wasn't there to protect him. I wanted to holler about how dangerous that damn lariat is. I wanted to kill Riel for distracting the ref. There were times over the last few weeks I wanted to get on camera and swear revenge.
He takes a long look at the box.
JAMES EDWARDS
None of that shit is gonna bring him back. It ain't gonna take away the months of rehab he's got in front of him or take away the fact his kids gotta watch their old man struggle to walk. I can't do a damn thing except clean out his locker…
He trails off and bites his lip, doing his damndest to hold back the tears.
JAMES EDWARDS
I didn't wanna do this because I wasn't ready for the ride again. We were just getting rollin', man. We were finally buryin' teams like we talked about doing years and years ago. It felt better than the old days when it was me, him and Charlie riding the roads with nothing but the future in front of us. I had my brother back, and now he's back home, and there isn't a damn thing I can do but accept it.
He looks up at the Hammer's name plate for a long time before shaking his head, and reaching up and removing it. He takes a deep breath and deposits the plate in the box.
JAMES EDWARDS
The ride ain't over, it's just on pause, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. We'll team again and until then I'll carry on the good fight.
??
I've been putting this off for a few weeks.
"The Burning Heart" James Edwards enters the frame with a cardboard box on his hip. He places it in front of his partner's locker and takes a seat in front of his.
JAMES EDWARDS
I didn't wanna think about what happened. I felt guilty that I wasn't there to protect him. I wanted to holler about how dangerous that damn lariat is. I wanted to kill Riel for distracting the ref. There were times over the last few weeks I wanted to get on camera and swear revenge.
He takes a long look at the box.
JAMES EDWARDS
None of that shit is gonna bring him back. It ain't gonna take away the months of rehab he's got in front of him or take away the fact his kids gotta watch their old man struggle to walk. I can't do a damn thing except clean out his locker…
He trails off and bites his lip, doing his damndest to hold back the tears.
JAMES EDWARDS
I didn't wanna do this because I wasn't ready for the ride again. We were just getting rollin', man. We were finally buryin' teams like we talked about doing years and years ago. It felt better than the old days when it was me, him and Charlie riding the roads with nothing but the future in front of us. I had my brother back, and now he's back home, and there isn't a damn thing I can do but accept it.
He looks up at the Hammer's name plate for a long time before shaking his head, and reaching up and removing it. He takes a deep breath and deposits the plate in the box.
JAMES EDWARDS
The ride ain't over, it's just on pause, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. We'll team again and until then I'll carry on the good fight.
2. James Edwards vs. Felix Bingham
To say the "Burning Heart" James Edwards was motivated for this one would be an understatement. In his first singles bout since his win over Mushigihara in December, Edwards once again found himself out sized. Granted, Bingham doesn't have the mass to complement his size that other fighters in Lion's Road do but the height difference still prevented some challenges. Edwards kept his distance, using a jab and leg kicks to keep Bingham from shooting in for a takedown. When Bingham did secure a shoot in, Edwards either hooked the ropes for the break or slapped on a guillotine to change the offensive/defensive dynamic. Bingham would eventually pull himself out of one such choke attempt and secure half-guard, battering Edwards with elbows to the head and 12-6 elbows to the body. With Edwards covering, Bingham moved to full mount and tried an arm triangle choke. However, Edwards was able to get to the ropes. Bingham held on until four, then released. The two men got back to their feet and circled around with Bingham taunting the Burning Heart, who's face had been bloodied up a bit from the elbows... but Edwards shocked everyone with a flying heel hook to secure the win by tapout!
After the match, Bingham brushed off being interviewed by Becky Chance as she attempted to ask him about the Darnell Cane situation. James Edwards wasn't much more talkative, declining a chance to comment on his win.
In the backstage area a cameraman approaches the dressing room of AJ Knight. He knocks on the door and AJ exits the room looking dishevelled.
AJ KNIGHT
AJ KNIGHT
What do you want? You want an interview? You want me to talk about my match with Luke Marshall? Or what do you want me to say? Do you want me to talk about my final match with Justin Seville? The end of that 4 year long feud?
AJ laughs bitterly.
AJ KNIGHT
AJ laughs bitterly.
AJ KNIGHT
Honestly? I don't care about it. It's not the first feud I've won. Won't be the last. I mean for fuck sake, the guy tried to end my career for 4 year because I pinned him. I repeat all of that BECAUSE I PINNED HIM! That's ridiculous! But now Luke Marshall?
AJ shrugs.
AJ KNIGHT
AJ shrugs.
AJ KNIGHT
I don't know. Maybe this is going to be the match that defines his career with his win. Maybe I beat him, and he's going to come after me for the next 4 years. Really it depends which AJ Knight he gets.
AJ sighs and shakes his head
AJ KNIGHT
AJ sighs and shakes his head
AJ KNIGHT
Maybe it's going to be the ace who re-wrote the game in Lion's Road. Or maybe the guy who sent this company spiraling down the drain at the end of 2018....
AJ trails off...
AJ KNIGHT
AJ trails off...
AJ KNIGHT
I don't know which AJ Knight you're going to get here. I really don't. Sometimes I don't even know why I'm still here. It's not like I need the money. I don't spend jackshit of what I make. Maybe I'm just here because I don't know what else to do with myself...
AJ turns back around to head through the door.
AJ KNIGHT
I'll see you out there...
AJ turns back around to head through the door.
AJ KNIGHT
I'll see you out there...
LUKE MARSHALL
Fuck… okay. Let’s do this.
We can see the Aussie “Super Rookie”, Luke Marshall, pacing back and forth in front of the camera. Before eventually turning and facing it.
LUKE MARSHALL
We can see the Aussie “Super Rookie”, Luke Marshall, pacing back and forth in front of the camera. Before eventually turning and facing it.
LUKE MARSHALL
Lions Road! How the fuck are we all doin’ aye? Been a while since I’ve gotten to talk to you guys face to face. So I’ll give you a run down on what’s been happening on my end since my loss to Mushigihara. I’ve been training, like a lot. Been listening to the new Green Day track, a lot. Been thinking about my future, a lot. Been thinking about if I deserve to even be a part of the standard… a lot… more than I’d like to admit. But then I got to thinking again, and this is exactly why Mr Anderson put this trial series before me. It’s for me to prove that I am worthy of the place I’m in currently, and that I am worthy of being in Lions Road. One thing I know I’m not worthy of is being called a “Super Rookie”. But I know I’m pretty damn good. Once I earn that title I’ll accept it. But I haven’t earned the right to be called that yet. Now moving ahead we got a match against AJ Knight.
Luke stops and thinks for a second, before looking into the camera and continuing.
LUKE MARSHALL
Luke stops and thinks for a second, before looking into the camera and continuing.
LUKE MARSHALL
Now, recently AJ won a “Loser Leaves Town” match against Justin Seville, so good for him. I can’t imagine being in a Loser Leaves match. Not this early in my career. I don’t know what kind of pressure that puts on a man, what I do know is it’ll probably be enough to have him still reeling afterwards. Still have him feeling the effects of it. While I’m coming in fresh off this first loss in the Trial Series. I’m hungry for that W, I’ve got the passion to go through with this and get this W. I’ve got what it takes, I know I do. But now all I need to do is prove to the world that I can do it… AJ, brotha. I’ll be seeing you real soon. Much love, Lions Road.
With those final words, Luke walks out of frame and the scene fades to black.
With those final words, Luke walks out of frame and the scene fades to black.
3. Trial Series - Match #2: AJ Knight vs. Luke Marshall
The bell sounds and AJ Knight immediately grabs a side headlock, but Luke Marshall is quick to back him up and shoot him off the ropes. AJ rebounds, Marshall drops down for a trip that AJ narrowly avoids and plops down to apply the side headlock again. Marshall fights back to his feet and once again shoots the former World's Champion off the rope, but this time leaps over him. AJ comes running back and is scooped up into a gorilla press! Marshall holds him for a second or so before planting him down on the ground. Marshall backs up into the corner and gears up, brandishing his arm to signal for a lariat. He charges across, but AJ ducks down and Marshall crashes to the floor!
SAM HEWITT
No cards given on that one and it's indeed the right call, it was all of Luke Marshall's momentum that sent him outside and AJ Knight did not grab the ropes to assist that. As is customary, referee Cordell Garner will check out Marshall to make sure he's fit to continue before beginning the ten count.
Garner checks him out and declares he's OK, Marshall begins stirring before the ten count even begins. AJ rolls out on the apron and gets to his feet, he charges off the apron and drives a double axe handle down onto Marshall's back! Shelzi comments on how Knight isn't usually the type to be that reckless, but references his earlier promo saying that Knight seems to be at a crossroads in his young career and might be trying to find himself. Indeed, AJ Knight grabs Marshall and uncharacteristically whips him into the guardrail. Marshall's back arches before he falls onto his knees, Knight grabs him and chucks him back inside the ring. After he slides back in, AJ grabs him up and scoop slams him. He then puts both knees into Marshall's back, hooks the legs and grabs his hair - pulling him into a bow and arrow hold! Marshall grunts and groans, careful not to yell too loudly so that Garner doesn't view it as a verbal submission. AJ keeps switching back and forth between a grip on Marshall's face and hair, prompting Garner to warn him. Marshall manages to slip out and lands in a lateral press on top, but only gets a one count.
SAM HEWITT
Only a one! If Marshall had've been a bit heavier or if this were later in the match, that particular sequence may have played out entirely different.
AJ is up first, grabs Marshall in a front chancery and unleashes a snap suplex. He holds it and twists his hips, pulling him up for a second? No! He tries for a swinging neckbreaker! Marshall swings right out of it, pushing AJ away... then dashes across the ring with the pounce! He covers with a hook of the leg!
1...
...
2-NO!
Marshall questions the count, but gets up shaking his head. He calls out for Marshall Law, pulls AJ to his feet and scoops him up! Knight slips out the back and drops him with an inverted DDT!
1...
...
2...
...
NO!
AJ rolls off and pulls himself up in the corner. He stomps the mat a couple of times with his foot, then moves over to the adjacent corner as he waits for Marshall to get back to a vertical base. When he does, a superkick connects! AJ doesn't go for the cover, instead he gets up and starts to head in one direction but changes his mind on the fly - prompting him to shove Cordell Garner aside. Garner warns him again, telling him he'll card him for that if it happens again. For once in his life, Knight doesn't have much to offer in return - just a glare. He grabs Marsh--
INSIDE CRADLE!
1...
...
2...
...
3!
SAM HEWITT
The Super Rookie wins! Luke Marshall just pinned two time World's Champion AJ Knight!
AJ Knight pops up, complete disbelief on his face. He watches as Luke Marshall gets his arm raised in victory and Wrestling's Best Kept Secret is elated to have won the match! AJ remains crouched in the corner, watching as Marshall leaps onto the second rope and celebrates his victory. Knight shakes his head and rolls out of the ring. Jeremy Squire greets him in the aisle, but AJ ignores him as he hangs his head and walks to the back. Becky Chande walks out to interview Marshall and pauses, seemingly wanting to talk to AJ but he doesn't even acknowledge her. Chande seems torn, but heads down to the ring. Marshall grabs the mic and says if Ryan Samuels is half the man he says he is, he'll win that World's title next week and put it on the line in their match in two weeks time. Chande reminds him he's got James Edwards next week, another former World's Champion and Marshall gets a bit cocky - saying he can put down another one! Chande thanks him for his words and wraps up the show by telling everyone to tune in next week for Mace vs. Samuels for the World's title.