1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80)

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1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 3:18:05 GMT -5

Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 3:18:05 GMT -5

SAM HEWITT
From Saginaw, Michigan! It's Wrestling from the Lion's Road! Hello wrestling fans! My name is Sam Hewitt alongside me as always is Chad Gomez! On today's program, we've got a singles bout between Crimson Mask and Derek Draven and there are the final two first round matches in the Heritage Cup. In one, Ben Chrenshaw goes up against David Troy and in the second - our main event of the evening. The Heritage Heavyweight title is up for grabs as James Edwards takes on AJ Knight. Chad, tell us a bit about this contest.

CHAD GOMEZ
This is the third time these two men are going at it in singles competition here in Lion's Road. The first was back in the 2016 Iron Road, Edwards won that one by pinfall. The second was an Iron Championship match and Edwards knocked AJ out to retain the belt. 2-0 in favour of Edwards heading into tonight's match, but don't disregard the fact that AJ recently pinned Edwards in a tag team match. That's what earned him this shot at the Heritage title. He's come a long way since December 2016 and I don't think that 2-0 record haunts him like it might have before.

SAM HEWITT
We get to find out tonight! Also, we've got the first public words from Julian Cutlass a little later on. He sent us a video message from Japan to thanks fans for voting him as the 2017 Fighter of the Year. We'll see what he has to say about that... but in the meantime, speaking of awards. Becky Chande is looking for one half of the 2017 Tag Team of the Year.

The cameras cut backstage to Carl Whitaker heading towards the trainers room wearing a Buck U Promotions shirt and a simple pair of jeans; strictly casual. He was sporting a cast on his hand, the cast full of signatures and doodles, the doodles likely from his pride and joy Lilly and Logan, his twins. Becky Chande was in hot pursuit with the cameras following closely behind to get the scoop and a few words from one half of the Hardliners.

BECKY CHANDE
Carl! Mr. Whitaker!

She finally managed to catch up feeling a bit winded having gotten word of him being in the building only moments before. Stonehands stopped near the trainer's room and looked over to acknowledge her.

BECKY CHANDE
It's been a minute since you've been backstage.

CARL WHITAKER
Few days short of a month. What can I do for you?

BECKY CHANDE
Maybe make yourself a little more accessible for interviews first of all. Out of everyone in Lion's Road you have got to be the single hardest guy to catch for a sound byte.

Stonehands chuckles as he rubbed his chin.

CARL WHITAKER
There's a reason for that, no offense to you Becky. But I always believe that my work out in the ring does all the talking for me. When I'm off the clock I'm spending time with the family, I'm just Dad.

BECKY CHANDE
Well, we've got a lot of catching up to do. When we last saw you you broke your hand before last eliminating Ben Chrenshaw from the first ever Roaring Rumble, using your own injured hand to put the match away earning a King of the Lions Championship match in Detroit later this month. Just stating the obvious here, how did it feel and are you even going to be able to make the fight?

CARL WHITAKER
Well, I'm not going to lie. It hurt, it hurt like hell swinging full force and connecting with nothing but steel. It hurt even more balling a shattered fist together and hit a tough SOB like Ben and knock him out of the match but at the end of the day stone is still stone. Whether it's in one solid piece or five you'd have a hard time finding anyone able to withstand a direct hit. Seeing my little angels light up with Daddy bringing home that $250,000 check and getting a shot to do it again with an opportunity to win the biggest prize in Lion's Road made all the pain worth it. Especially with a man I have unfinished business with. It was a very Merry Christmas in the Whitaker household I'll tell you that much.

He stared down at his cast and rotated his wrist a little.

CARL WHITAKER
As for being cleared, I have no doubt in my mind that I'll be able to make the bout. Only reason I've been out a month is because the Laurentide Athletic Commission is very strict when it comes to injuries and the fact that this cast could be used as a weapon is not only unsafe for the fighters but I would be risking further injury competing with it. I basically got a vacation, whether I wanted it or not. So I used the time off to spend it with my family. That's why I'm here tonight, to seek medical clearance from the LAC ahead of the King of the Lions bout and also to ensure that I can also fulfill my obligations as one half of the World Tag Team Champions.

BECKY CHANDE
You and Eli Buchanan were originally scheduled to defend the belts at Black Lion's Road's event, BOM-BA-YE II, do you have any idea when the bout will be rescheduled?

CARL WHITAKER
I do not, no. It could be next week or it could be on the next tour. That all depends on when I get cleared really and I'm optimistic I'll get that tonight. I don't do the scheduling, I just show up and fight when my number is called. It's what I do.

BECKY CHANDE
Speaking of your partner and his... campaign for lack of better term -

CARL WHITAKER
F- Edwards, right?

Becky was a bit startled, not expecting Stonehands to cut her off so matter-of-factly.

BECKY CHANDE
Yes... that one, thanks for sparing the vulgarity.

CARL WHITAKER
My kids watch this, remember?

BECKY CHANDE
Do you have any concerns that this bitter... feud for lack of a better term between James Edwards and Eli Buchanan could spill out and cause collateral damage?

CARL WHITAKER
You're going to have to give me a little more than that.

BECKY CHANDE
Well, considering the fact that the two of you still have to defend your tag titles against him and the real possibility that you and Edwards may cross paths again in singles action with your own championship aspirations. This could get ugly and messy real quick.

CARL WHITAKER
Well, if I have to knock him out twice, I'll do it twice. All there is to it.

BECKY CHANDE
And if Eli ends up getting tangled up in that web?

CARL WHITAKER
Then we'll both knock out Edwards, fight it out and then celebrate with some beer after. I'll leave that for Mandy to deal with, if and when we get to that bridge. Right now I'm focused on retaining the tag titles and capturing the King of the Lions. Those are where my professional priorities are at the moment.

BECKY CHANDE
Finally, it was recently determined that The Hardliners were Tag Team of the Year in 2017 as voted on by the fans. Do you have any final thoughts before we wrap this up?

CARL WHITAKER
Well, when you put in the work and everyone is on the same page the results are undeniable. I know there where a lot of people who hated us last year, and some of those people came around after seeing what we're all about; some didn't and still boo us. I only care that they're making noise one way or the other because that's the sound of tickets being cashed and our sport growing. We had a hell of a year individually and together. It's an honor to win this award with my fellow Hardliner and you can definitely expect bigger things for us in 2018. 2018 will be the year that The Hardliners capture all the gold here in Lion's Road; this freight train is only gaining steam.

BECKY CHANDE
Thank you for your time.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Last Edit: Jan 17, 2018 22:58:45 GMT -5 by Office

Office
Old Guard

Posts: 3,854

1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 3:18:07 GMT -5

Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 3:18:07 GMT -5

JAKE AARONS
Ladies and gentlemen, this Heritage Cup first round bout is to be fought over a fifteen minute time limit with one fall, one submission or a knockout to decide the winner! Introducing first fighting out of Blackwood, New Jersey! He weighs in at two hundred and three pounds... DAVID TROY!

Troy does his “wai kru” dance in tribute to his trainers.

JAKE AARONS
His opponent from London, England! He weighs in at two hundred and thirteen pounds... BEN CHRENSHAW!

Chrenshaw smirks as the crowd begins a slight chant.

JAKE AARONS
Your referee for this bout is Xavier Price!

The bell sounds to begin our first of two Heritage Cup first round matches here tonight. Ben Chrenshaw, the barely larger of the two men with a one inch height advantage and an eleven pound weight advantage locks up with the man known as Dynamite, David Troy. Chrenshaw does a quick go behind out of a collar and elbow, but Troy manages to loosen his grip enough to spin himself into a front waist hold where he grabs Chrenshaw's head and applies a side headlock. Chrenshaw keeps the waist hold applied, though. Troy tries to lower his centre of gravity and use his inside knee, his left one in this case to hit Chrenshaw in the chest as he squats down - using the limited space to his advantage. This doesn't work though as the Crippler grabs an arm and turns it into a top wrist lock, Troy quickly counters it into an arm wringer... he pushes Chrenshaw back into the ropes and uses that momentum to Irish whip him to the opposite side. On the rebound, Troy leaps up and takes the former Iron and Heritage Champion down to the mat with a leg lariat! Chrenshaw rolls onto his side and gets back up, but Troy's got the welcoming duties and he spares no expense! Leg kick! Leg kick! He grabs him in a clinch and delivers a knee! Chrenshaw falls back against the ropes and Troy whips him out again! This time, Chrenshaw gets him! Bringing him down with a calf kick! A quick lateral press!

1...

...

2-KICK OUT!

Chrenshaw hauls Troy up to his feet and snaps off a quick suplex, he floats over and pulls David up to a seated position, clamping on a rear chinlock! Dynamite starts fighting back to his feet, but Chrenshaw transitions it into a clinch and begins hammering him with knees to the body as he backs him up into the corner. After a good four or five, Chrenshaw winds up and strikes him with a knee to the head! Troy falls down in the corner prompting Xavier Price to separate the two.

SAM HEWITT
Great move by the Crippler, Ben Chrenshaw who utilized the fact that David Troy was getting up to his feet to his advantage, opting to clinch up and deliver some knees. That knee to the head sent Troy down in a hurry and as always, Xavier Price is on top of things. It doesn't look like an instant knockout, but Troy still needs to return to a vertical base before the ten count concludes.

CHAD GOMEZ
Interesting, too. Chrenshaw attacking Troy with strikes - Dynamite David Troy is a former professional kickboxer and Chrenshaw is a methodical, calculating man. I'd figure he'd have approached this match in a Johnny Valentine like fashion, dismantling him in an almost torturous fashion with grappling.

Troy gets back up at the count of four, Chrenshaw tries to rush him as he has his back turned but Troy clearly hears the steps coming and dodges the attack! Chrenshaw gets nothing but air! Troy turns around, Chrenshaw does too! ARM DRAG BY DYNAMITE! Chrenshaw pops back up, a second arm drag takes him right back down! Chrenshaw rolls to his feet a bit slower this time, but eats a dropkick just the same! The Crippler falls to the mat but retreats to the corner, Dynamite David Troy runs in...

NOTHING BUT BOOT!

Chrenshaw turns him away with a kick to the face, Troy tries to turn back but a dropkick to the knee puts him on the mat! Chrenshaw grabs the leg at the knee and hoists it up... slamming it down into the mat! Troy yelps in pain as Chrenshaw picks it up and does it again! He stomps on it a couple of times, then backs into the corner and hoists himself onto the second rope. Chrenshaw leaps off looking for a leg drop, aimed at the leg!

IT CONNECTS!

Troy rolls away in pain, Chrenshaw is in a bit too after a not so comfortable landing. He fights through it and gets to his feet, Troy retreats under the bottom rope.

SAM HEWITT
I can probably count on one hand the amount of times we've seen Chrenshaw use the leg drop off the ropes in a match. An interesting use of it here, too - not dropping it across the throat or chest, but the leg of David Troy.

CHAD GOMEZ
It's not a comfortable landing, but it's even less so for the guy getting two hundred and thirteen pounds dropped on his leg.

Chrenshaw yanks him out from underneath the bottom rope and goes for a pin, hooking the affected leg.

1...

...

2-SHOULDER UP!

Chrenshaw keeps a hold of the leg as he stands up and tries turning Troy over, but Dynamite fires off some upkicks in an attempt to stave off defeat. Chrenshaw gives up on it, but kicks the leg for good measure before backing off. Troy rolls away in pain, but tries getting back to his feet. Chrenshaw goes back on the attack, grabbing his leg out from underneath him. Troy hangs onto the top rope, Chrenshaw yanks on it... TROY ENZUIGIRIS CHRENSHAW!

SAM HEWITT
He got him good with that shot!

Chrenshaw topples over onto the mat, Troy grabs him and bridges over...

BETSY ROSS BRIDGE!

His variation of bridging arm triangle choke, the Last Chancery, is applied!

Chrenshaw tries grabbing the hand to remove it, but Troy cranks on the pressure.

Chrenshaw takes a quick look and moves as best he can, grasping the second rope to cause a break in the hold! Troy lets go and hobbles to his feet, Chrenshaw coughs a couple of times before pushing up off the mat. Troy grabs him and snaps off a quick swinging neckbreaker and rolls across the ring to save time and energy, avoiding walking on his bad leg. Troy uses the ropes to get up and sizes up Chrenshaw, who begins the climb back to his feet...

BLAZING STAR ST-NO!

Chrenshaw drops down, David Troy crashes and burns! The Crippler takes a few moments to get his wits about him, but when he does. He grabs Troy by the leg and kicks it a few times, then hooks it with his arm... Troy tries to upkick him but Chrenshaw uses his other foot to try and pin down that leg. Troy is fighting him for it, but Chrenshaw steps on the leg...

TROY GRABS HIM!

SMALL PACKAGE!

1...

...

2...

...

3!

NO!

ONLY TWO!

SAM HEWITT
Oh wow! Price definitely counted three, but a terrific eye for catching the fact that Chrenshaw kicked out BEFORE his hand hit the mat.

Chrenshaw kicks out, but has to look at Price to ensure it was only two because he definitely heard three slaps of the mat. Price assures him it was two, Chrenshaw turns around...

BACKSLIDE!

1...

...

2...

...

3!

Troy releases the arms and rolls out of the ring, dropping to the ground. Chrenshaw gets up and looks displeased to say the least, Price tells him it was three and the Crippler looks ready to pull his hair out. He rolls out and looks at Troy, who extends a hand. Chrenshaw smirks and walks to the back. Troy hobbles up to his feet using the ring apron to help, Price raises his arm in victory.

CHAD GOMEZ
Look at the replay, Sambo. That count messed with Chrenshaw, he heard three and no bell. David Troy just got back on track, business as usual and that's what got him the victory. Chrenshaw took his eyes off the prize for a millisecond and that's why "Dynamite" David Troy is going to meet either Edwards or Knight in the second round for the Heritage strap.

SAM HEWITT
Excellent insight there, Chad. Fans, we've got to take a quick break but when we return... we have the first words from Julian Cutlass since his historic 448 day reign as King of Lions Champion came to end nearly a month ago. Don't go away!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Last Edit: Jan 11, 2018 23:21:38 GMT -5 by Office

Office
Old Guard

Posts: 3,854

1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 3:18:13 GMT -5

Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 3:18:13 GMT -5

The screen above the entrance blips to life and display the image of Julian Cutlass clad in a B.L.R. hooded sweatshirt and sitting with his hands on a desk. In front of him sits the 2017 Fighter of the Year Award. The fans let rip a round of applause for the Blazin’ King.

JULIAN CUTLASS:
Hello, everyone. I’m recording this from Yokohama, Japan. After competing in the GPWS Title tournament, I decided to stay a for a little bit and train with a few of my old friends. Maybe KOSUKE can teach me how he modified his uranage to beat me in the semifinals.

He gingerly rubs the back of his freshly shaved skull and emits a laughter as smooth as jazz.

JULIAN CUTLASS:
I wanted to take the time to let you all know that I hadn’t forgotten about you. I’ve never been much of an awards guy. But when I think about how this award reflects your support and encouragement, I can’t help but feel honored that you’ve chosen me as the Fighter of the Year. I’ve never enjoyed a journey as much as the 448 days I spent as the King of Lions Champion.

He glances off-camera, smirks for a moment, and recovers his earnestness as he turns back to the camera.

JULIAN CUTLASS:
Lion’s Road has some of the toughest fighters in the world. Each one who joined me on my journey represented a unique challenge. From Matt Pulver to begin the year until my brother-in-arms Alexander Irvine who stands as your current champion, the battles we fought during 2017 helped to shape an unparalleled legacy that showcases the power of pro-wrestling. I like to think we strengthened one another, as well.

He picks up the trophy in his hand and raises it a few inches above the desk.

JULIAN CUTLASS:
I appreciate your support and happily accept this award. Know that I will not dwell on the past and will continue to train and grow as a fighter. Thank you.

The image fades as the fans hoot and holler. JUL-I-AN! JUL-I-AN! JUL-I-AN! chants fill the arena as we prepare for the next match on the evening’s card.

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Julian Cutlass

TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR

The Hardliners of Eli Buchanan & Carl Whitaker

MATCH OF THE YEAR

11/23/2017: Hammerstein vs. AJ Knight - Texas Death Match

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Eli Buchanan

JOURNEYMAN OF THE YEAR

Jimmy Winner

BREAKTHROUGH FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

AJ Knight

EVENT OF THE YEAR

Roaring Rumble

FEUD OF THE YEAR

Hammerstein vs. AJ Knight

SHOCKER OF THE YEAR

Hammerstein attacks AJ Knight inside the steel cage

SEGMENT OF THE YEAR

The Julian Cutlass / AJ Knight Press Conference

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Last Edit: Jan 11, 2018 23:18:51 GMT -5 by Office

Office
Old Guard

Posts: 3,854

1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 3:18:16 GMT -5

Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 3:18:16 GMT -5

JAKE AARONS
Ladies and gentlemen, this singles bout is to be fought over a fifteen minute time limit with one fall, one submission or a knockout to decide the winner! Introducing first from Parts Unknown! He weighs in at two hundred and sixty five pounds... CRIMSON MASK!

Mask stands emotionless, even in his body language.

JAKE AARONS
His opponent from Albany, New York! He weighs in at two hundred and twenty pounds... DEREK DRAVEN!

Draven slices his thumb across his throat and smiles at Crimson.

JAKE AARONS
Your referee for this bout is Buster Powell!

Draven darts out at the sound of the bell, attacking Crimson with palm strikes! Crimson tries to swing with shots of his own, but Draven is bobbing and weaving, lighting the big man up with shots from the left and right! At first, a percentage of maybe sixty are hitting but he cracks Crimson with one and wobbles him and that percentage increases! Crimson goes down to a knee, grabs his masked face to presumably check for blood. Powell tells Draven to back up as he begins the ten count on Crimson, the crowd ooohs as he gets up at one. Draven tries to go right back on the attack, but the big man gets a hold of him and tries to apply a front chancery. Draven pulls himself free and blasts him with another palm strike! Crimson no sells it, trying to grab Draven - who headbutts him! Crimson is clearly staggered by the shot, Draven gets him with an uppercut style palm strike. This sends Crimson back into the ropes and the barrage of palm strikes continues!

SAM HEWITT
Derek Draven is relentless! From the opening bell, he's been battering the big man with shot after shot, mostly palm strikes but a headbutt did find it's mark!

CHAD GOMEZ
I can't imagine the early exit from the Heritage Cup is sitting well with him, so you can early sulk or channel those frustrations. Guess which one he chose?

Crimson falls to his knees, but Draven still has a hold of him so Powell doesn't back him off. Draven wraps the arm of Crimson around his neck...

SALOAK!

The Japanese stranglehold is applied! Crimson raises his arm...

Raises his arm...

HE TAPS!

Draven keeps it applied for a few seconds too long, but lets go. Powell gives him a stern warning about that, but Draven exits the ring and walks up the aisle, not acknowledging the fans as stage hands rush in to check on Crimson.

CHAD GOMEZ
Arrive, kick ass and leave, I guess. Damn.

SAM HEWITT
Ever since he showed up in Lion's Road, Derek Draven has shown us that he's a dangerous man. A serious force to be reckoned with... and I think he just put an exclamation point on all prior statements.

Draven turns back toward the ring and smiles as we head to commercial.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Last Edit: Jan 11, 2018 23:40:21 GMT -5 by Office

Office
Old Guard

Posts: 3,854

1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 3:18:18 GMT -5

Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 3:18:18 GMT -5

AJ Knight is standing by with Becky Chande.

BECKY CHANDE
AJ, in moments you will take on James Edwards in the main event, no--

AJ KNIGHT
Say that again Becky...

BECKY CHANDE
What? In moments you will take on James Edwards in the main event?

AJ KNIGHT
Yes that! The MAIN EVENT of the evening! Do you want to hear an interesting fact about me and Edwards, Becky?

BECKY CHANDE
Yeah what?

AJ KNIGHT
Edwards and I have stood across the ring from each other on 4 occasions. Do you know what they all have in common? They were all the main event that night. And there's a reason for that Becky. Iron. Sharpens. Iron.

AJ smirks as he says that.

AJ KNIGHT
Becketha, let me tell you something. Something I've learned the hard way through all my trials and tribulations in the time I've been here. Nothing will ever teach you more, than sharing the ring with a great competitor. No one is a better teacher, than a rival. Rivals like James Edwards. See you can say what you like about Edwards and I but there is one thing you can't deny. We push each other every time. We make each other better. Every time we go at it we raise the stakes. And that's what a good rival does! They show you where you're weak, and they make you better for it. Tonight you're going to see another chapter in a classic rivalry Becky. You're going to see two men fighting with everything they have, scratching, clawing, sweating, and bleeding for every inch! And at the end of the night I WILL be the Heritage Champion! Tonight I'm going out there and I'm fighting for everyone who still believes in me, for everybody who never stopped believing in me! I. Will. Not. Fail!

With that AJ heads to the entry position.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Last Edit: Jan 11, 2018 23:47:24 GMT -5 by Office

Office
Old Guard

Posts: 3,854

1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 3:18:22 GMT -5

Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 3:18:22 GMT -5

JAKE AARONS
Ladies and gentlemen, this main event Heritage Cup first round bout is to be fought over a fifteen minute time limit with one fall, one submission or a knockout to decide the winner! Introducing first...

The audience is already buzzing, but gets louder as "Until the End" by Breaking Benjamin hits and AJ Knight steps through the curtains. Ben Chrenshaw is in tow, acting as his second for this particular bout. Despite this being one of his biggest matches to date, AJ Knight looks remarkably calm and confident. "My Name is Human" by Highly Suspect interrupts and from the back emerges James Edwards, the Heritage Heavyweight Championship around his waist and the Mat Wrestling Machine, Matt Pulver as his second. AJ stops dead in his tracks inside the ring upon seeing this, but shakes his head and continues warming up. Edwards gets a good respectable welcome to the ring as he steps inside, looking focused as always. He glares at his rival, who returns his stare with a smug smirk that could challenge his second's.

JAKE AARONS
Introducing first from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania! He weighs in at two hundred and twenty pounds! Making his very first challenge for the Heritage Heavyweight Championship... A-J-KNIGHT!

Knight climbs up on the turnbuckle and raises his arms, soaking in the ovation.

JAKE AARONS
His opponent from Lexington, Kentucky! He weighs in at two hundred and four pounds! Attempting to make his third defense of the Heritage Heavyweight Championship... JAMES EDWARDS!

Edwards steps forward, raising the title high and then bows.

JAKE AARONS
Your referee for this bout is Cordell Garner!

Garner quickly shoos both seconds out, then checks over both men before calling for the bell.

SAM HEWITT
And here we go! One of the most anticipated rematches in the history of Lion's Road: 2017's breakout star challenging the Burning Heart, James Edwards for the Heritage Heavyweight title.

CHAD GOMEZ
This is the third match between these two and Edwards has always had Knight's number, but tonight is a huge chance for AJ Knight to prove just how much he's broken through.

And there's the bell as the two come to the center of the ring, seemingly prepared for a collar and elbow tie-up but AJ ducks Edwards' grip and grabs a rear waist lock instead surprising Edwards. Edwards however begins to break AJ's grip and goes for a standing switch only for AJ to turn with him and grab the collar and elbow tie-up. AJ pushes Edwards back into the corner causing Cordell Garner to step between them to break them up, AJ obliges after patting Edwards on the chest and stepping back doing the finger gun gesture, as Edwards steps out of the corner shaking his head at AJ.

SAM HEWITT
And the mind games begin early! He's always tried to do a little bit extra to get inside his opponent's head, but AJ has really ramped it up this year.

CHAD GOMEZ
It's the influence of guys like Ben Chrenshaw and Eli Buchanan. Whether he wants to admit to the latter one or not, AJ developed a ton during his time in the Red Army. Edwards has some thick skin though, he dealt with Ken Starr and the protesters so AJ is going to have try harder than that if he wants to get under it.

The two circle each other, looking for an opening. They seem ready to go for another lockup before Edwards blasts AJ with a forearm right to the chin sending him staggering backwards into the ropes! Edwards follow up by firing off a chop into the chest of AJ Knight. AJ grimaces but fires one right back at him, which barely fazes Edwards who returns the favor, prompting AJ to do likewise. Edwards ends this exchange by blasting AJ with a hard kick across the chest, sending him down to the mat! Edwards hits the ropes looking for the Violent Gospel early! AJ sees it coming and rolls him up.

1-

2-

Kickout!

AJ rolls back to his feet informing Edwards of how close he was.

SAM HEWITT
Edwards looking for the kill early, but AJ had it well scouted.

CHAD GOMEZ
Last time he took it, it gave him a concussion and started a whole mess of things for him so I'd hope the kid would have it scouted. I don't think his strategy of trading strikes is a wise one though, Edwards hits like a truck and AJ's game is grappling. What's he trying to prove here?

James Edwards returns to his feet and tries to give AJ a boot to the gut but he sees it coming and catches his foot, before tripping him to the mat, keeping a hold of the leg. AJ's looking for the Wrinkle in Time drawing a smirk from Chrenshaw at ringside, but Edwards uses his free leg to trip AJ backwards. Edwards shoots into full mount, looking for some ground and pound, but AJ immediately ties him up pulling his head towards him, effectively stuffing Edwards' punches. AJ then gets his right foot under the Edwards' hip to create a little bit of separation, allowing AJ to turn over and attempt the Templar Stretch, Edwards sees it coming however and turns to his back to avoid the hold putting AJ in side control. Edwards, taking care to keep his shoulders off the mat begins throwing knees at AJ to get him out of position, only for AJ to catch and hook the leg forcing his shoulders to the mat for a one count, but Edwards kicking out leaves him open for a Fujiwara Armbar!

SAM HEWITT
Some marvellous mat work from both men, but Edwards the champion finds himself in trouble!

CHAD GOMEZ
We go from AJ trying to trade with Edwards to the champion trying to grapple the challenger. This is more than a title bout, Sambo - this about pride.

AJ smirks as Edwards grimaces in the armbar, Pulver pounds the apron shouting words of encouragement to his tag team partner as he struggles in the hold. Meanwhile Chrenshaw in the opposite corner begins to applaud his protege, nodding in approval. AJ starts talking some trash to Edwards, who looks a bit frustrated. Suddenly Edwards rolls backwards putting AJ's shoulders on the mat...

1-

2-

AJ kicks out at 2, and comes back to his feet. Edwards stands back up too shaking some feeling back into his arm before shooting for a take down on AJ who sprawls, blocking the take down attempt and clamping on a front facelock, Edwards rises back to his feet, but AJ secures the arm in Hammerlock position, setting up for Knightfall! Edwards sees it coming however and rushes AJ back into the corner, forcing the break. AJ obliges, but not before patting Edwards on the head. Edwards pulls his hand back looking ready to strike!-But Edwards thinks better of it and backs off.

SAM HEWITT
The Burning Heart beginning to look a little frustrated, having not been able to get anything going just yet. He almost caught with the Knightfall DDT and as history has shown, that very well could have been it for him.

CHAD GOMEZ
He's no fool, though. As soon as he saw it coming, he got out of dodge. He needs to channel that frustration and let it loose onto AJ. He's wrestling right now when he should be fighting.

AJ remains in the corner as Edwards backs up to the opposite one. AJ is smirking and once more informing Edwards how close it was to the end, meanwhile Matt Pulver says something to Edwards which the camera does not pick up, Edwards nods, and steps back out of the corner. AJ sarcastically asks him if he's ready to go, which Edwards completely ignores. The two shoot back to the center of the ring where AJ attempts the lockup which Edwards ducks and hits a spinning heel kick to the gut of AJ Knight! Edwards quickly follows up with a front chancery and a snap suplex! Edwards floats into the cover!

1-

2-

AJ kicks out! Edwards sits him up and lets loose a hard kick across the back! AJ winces as Edwards pulls him back to his feet and whips him hard into the corner and follows him in with a running dropkick straight to the face! AJ staggers out of the corner and falls to the mat as Edwards hits the ropes and nails a leaping double stomp on AJ's chest!

1-

2-

THR-Kickout!

SAM HEWITT
Edwards is taking it to the challenger!

CHAD GOMEZ
Pulver's advice is working. Edwards needs to keep the pressure on and just like every other Millennial, AJ will crack under it.

AJ sits back up clearly still shaking off the effects of that last combo, Edwards lays in a hard kick to the chest sending him right back down to the mat. AJ stubbornly pushes himself back, glaring intently at Edwards who returns the sentiment before hammering AJ with a resounding chop, AJ grits his teeth and continues to rise to his feet prompting Edwards to throw another chop at him, it drops AJ to a knee but he rises back to his feet and throws one back at Edwards daring him to throw another one at him to which Edwards gladly obliges! AJ slaps him right across the face before shouting loud and clear for everybody in the arena "YOU HIT LIKE A BITCH!" Edwards responds by levelling him with a nasty looking forearm which clearly rocks AJ!!!

SAM HEWITT
Fans, that's pride right there. When you let your emotions take over, you do some silly things. These two guys cannot stand each other and they're intent at beating the other at their own game.

Edwards stars peppering AJ with some light kicks across his head before yanking AJ up to his feet, and gives him a receipt for the slap earlier before hooking AJ for Foxfire! HE'S GOT HIM UP! AJ COUNTERS WITH A KNEE TO THE TOP OF THE HEAD!! EDWARDS DROPS HIM! Edwards blocks an overhand right from AJ Knight and counters back with a Double Tap! Edwards goes for a pump kick- AJ CAUGHT IT! He slings the leg over his shoulder, AND DROPS TO THE MAT WITH IT HYPER-EXTENDING THE KNEE!!

SAM HEWITT
Excellent counter!

CHAD GOMEZ
This could be a pivotal point in the match! Edwards used that knee last week to blast Alexander Irvine en route to victory, and AJ knows that Edwards' striking base relies heavily on that knee. Not necessarily the knee itself, but you need it to hold yourself up. If he ain't got a leg to stand on, AJ's job gets a lot easier.

AJ keeps a hold of the leg before throwing a hard kick into the back of the knee and driving two elbows right into the top of it! Edwards grimaces as AJ continues to grind his elbow into the injured knee, but forces his way to the ropes breaking the hold. The referee begins to count, but AJ puts down Edwards leg before ruffling Edwards' hair- EDWARDS DECKS AJ IN THE MOUTH BEFORE HE STEPS BACK!!! HE SWINGS FOR THE VIOLENT GOSPEL- NO! AJ ROLLS TO THE FLOOR TO ESCAPE!! Garner steps forward with a Yellow Card!

JAKE AARONS
Referee Cordell Garner has issued a yellow card to James Edwards for refusing to break on the ropes - his first public warning!

Edwards shakes some feeling back into his knee, as AJ is on the floor holding his mouth, a camera shot reveals that AJ's mouth is bleeding from that last shot. Edwards stares a hole through AJ and quickly steps through the ropes to the apron on the side of the ring AJ is, Edwards sizes him up... AJ turns... VIOLENT GOSPEL FROM THE APRON- NO AJ CAUGHT THE FOOT AND RUNS TOWARDS EDWARDS TAKING HIS LEGS OUT FROM UNDER HIM! AJ PICKS UP THE LEG AND SLAMS IT OFF THE APRON!!

CHAD GOMEZ
And though it's about twenty five degrees outside, this thing is heating up so much it might melt the snow for a few miles!

SAM HEWITT
Edwards doesn't usually make a mistake like that, but it shows you just how much AJ Knight can rile you up.

CHAD GOMEZ
I get annoyed just hearing him talk. Great in the ring, but damn that kid could use a muzzle.

SAM HEWITT
I've had many say the same about you.

CHAD GOMEZ
Oh well.

Edwards rolls off the apron onto the ringside floor, using the ring apron to keep himself on his feet, AJ however still behind him swoops in and clips his knee out from under him! From AJ's corner you can see Chrenshaw nodding in approval as AJ continues to stalk Edwards while Pulver looks on in concern. As Edwards uses the guardrail to pull himself back to his feet AJ grabs Edwards by the leg- AND WHIPS THE LEG INTO THE POST!!! A collective groan rises from the audience as AJ mockingly adds "That's gotta hurt!" As the Garner's count reaches 6 Pulver confronts AJ imploring him to get back in the ring, after a brief staredown between the two AJ rolls Edwards into the ring following shortly after at the count of 8.

SAM HEWITT
While many bemoaned AJ's lack of killer instinct early in his career, it looks like his time spent training with Ben Chrenshaw has given him just that!

Back in the ring AJ pulls Edwards' leg off the mat, before dropping an elbow on it with his full weight, he follows by standing back up keeping a hold of the injured leg and snapping it back to the mat with a Dragon screw Leg Whip! AJ maintains his grip on the leg of Edwards as he comes back to his feet again, but Edwards catches him with an upkick which sends AJ backwards, but as Edwards comes back up to his feet AJ hits a basement dropkick to the injured knee sending Edwards back to the mat. AJ again grabs the leg wrapping his arm around the ankle of James Edwards... Before drilling it backwards into the mat sending a jolt up the leg! AJ tells the referee to start the knockout count!

SAM HEWITT
He smells blood! He's going after that leg!

CHAD GOMEZ
Why wouldn't he? It's probably still bruised up from that missed Violent Gospel on New Year's Eve too. Who kicks an exposed turnbuckle?

AJ lays across the top turnbuckle as the referee begins his count, by 3 Edwards is still trying to get some feeling back into his leg, but at 4 he's beginning to make some progress at returning to his feet. AJ dismounts the turnbuckle as he watches Edwards come back up to his knees at 6, sizing him up for something, by 7 Edwards has fully returned to his feet and AJ charges out of the corner for a swinging neckbreaker, but Edwards pulls his head out of the way, and turns blasting AJ with a Double Tap, wobbling him! Edwards lets out a battle cry before grabbing AJ Knight by the back of the head and letting loose a series of rapid fire forearms right on the jaw of AJ Knight backing him into the corner but he keeps firing them off until the referee begins counting backing off as the count hits four! Edwards yanks AJ out of the corner, coming face to face with him before hooking him up for Foxfire! He tries to hoist AJ once! He can't quite get it, his knee's giving him trouble... Edwards grits his teeth... digs down deep.... HE NAILS IT!!!

SAM HEWITT
What heart! With one leg to stand on, Edwards blasts him with the Foxfire! Where did he find it in him to pull that off?

Edwards clutches his knee and crawls over into a cover on AJ Knight

1-

2-

THRE-NO!

AJ KICKS OUT AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!

James Edwards can't believe it and begins questioning the referee's count, but Garner holds firm! Edwards returns to his feet and pulls AJ up with him, driving the point of his elbow into the top of his head! AJ drops back down to a knee, AJ grabs onto Edwards bad leg, but Edwards drives another elbow to the back of his head this time, but AJ still holds on, Edwards begins clubbing AJ across the back but he won't let go! AJ clubs the knee of Edwards eliciting a shout form the champion! AJ comes to his feet still holding onto the leg of Edwards, the two coming face to face exchanging some harsh words, as AJ drives another elbow to the bad knee, until Edwards grabs him by the head- HE BLASTS AJ WITH A SICKENING HEADBUTT!! THE THUD ECHOES THROUGHOUT THE ARENA, WITH A SHOCKED GASP RISING FROM THE AUDIENCE! BOTH MEN DROP TO THE MAT!

CHAD GOMEZ
My head hurts just watching that! That was nasty! They keep this up there won't be anything left of them for the next two weeks!

The audience has recovered from the shock of the headbutt and cheer as they encourage both men back to their feet! A touch of concern appears on the face of Matt Pulver who pounds the mat encouraging the champion to return to his feet, Edwards comes up to his knees. Chrenshaw for his part does well to maintain his usual demeanor, as AJ Knight crawls on hands and knees over to James Edwards and the two come nose to nose glaring a hole through each other! Edwards fires off a forearm! AJ staggers backwards, and wipes some of the blood from his mouth- AND SLAPS EDWARDS WITH A HANDFUL OF HIS OWN BLOOD!! THE TWO COME BACK TO THEIR FEET STILL NOSE TO NOSE!! The two begin hammering each other with hard forearm strikes, Edwards breaks the sequence with a series of jabs to the mid section! Spinning Backfist from Edwards- Blocked by AJ- Roaring Forearm! AJ LOOKS FOR KNIGHTFALL! NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM EDWARDS! AJ COMES BACK UP INTO A SPINNING BACKFIST!! EDWARDS GOES TO FOLLOW UP WITH ANOTHER BUT AJ DUCKS!! SUPERKICK TO THE KNEE! AJ HITS THE ROPES!!! JUMPING KNEE FROM JAMES EDWARDS!!! DOWN GOES AJ!!! EDWARDS STAGGERS BACK INTO THE ROPES!!!

SAM HEWITT
A devastating shot! Edwards has AJ right where he needs to be... but I think muscle memory got the best of him - that couldn't have been good for his knee.

CHAD GOMEZ
And this is how Edwards beat him last time! He might be having flashbacks!

Edwards steadies himself using the ropes trying to get some blood flowing into his knee, as he lines up AJ Knight who is coming up to his knees when Edwards catches his eye- And gives him the double finger! VIOLENT GOSPEL!-WAIT AJ CAUGHT IT AND ROLLS WITH THE MOMENTUM DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP! HE FLOATS OVER INTO THE WRINKLE IN TIME!!! THIS CROWD IS ON ITS FEET!!!

SAM HEWITT
AJ isn't having them! What a counter! He's got Ben Chrenshaw's Wrinkle in Time applied!

The crowd is still buzzing from that counter, Chrenshaw leans in applauding the counter, while the concern on the face of Pulver turns more apparent as he glances down at the towel in his hand... Edwards pulls himself towards the ropes... Fingertips away... AJ DRAGS HIM BACK TO THE CENTER!!! PULVER RAISES HIS HAND WITH THE TOWEL!! EDWARD SEES IT AND SHOUTS "MATT! NO!" PULVER FREEZES IN HIS TRACKS!!! EDWARDS LOOKS BACK AT AJ!! HE SHOOTS BACK AT HIM "YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO RIP IT OFF!"

SAM HEWITT
Edwards told him he's gonna have to rip it off and... AJ looks like he's just fine doing that!

AJ keeps clamping on the hold as the clock winds down Edwards attempts to roll the hold over but AJ rolls with it keeping it applied!! AJ pulls back on the hold further and Edwards pushes forward... scratching clawing.. HE'S ALMOST THERE.... THE ROPES ARE INCHES AWAY!!! HE REACHES OUT... AJ PULLS HIM BACK CENTER... HE'S WRENCHING IT BACK WITH ALL HIS MIGHT!!! EDWARDS FACE IS TURNING BRIGHT RED!!! AJ CAN TASTE IT...

HE RAISES HIS ARM...

GRASPS HIS HEAD...

REACHES FOR THE ROPES...

HIS FACE IS IN AGONY!

HE FALLS TO THE MAT!

AND THE BELL RINGS!!

AJ JUMPS OFF THE HOLD!! HE FINALLY DID IT!!! Knight jumps onto the second rope with his arms in the air, but Garner grabs him back down and points to Jake Aarons.

JAKE AARONS
Ladies and gentlemen, the fifteen minute time limit in this match has expired.

AJ's jaw drops, he was so close yet again and it was just taken away by the hands of time...

JAKE AARONS
This match is a draw!

AJ sinks to his knees with his head in his hands...

JAKE AARONS
Therefore... James Edwards is STILL Heritage Heavyweight Champion! And by virtue of defending the belt, he advances to the second round!

The crowd has a mixed reaction to that. There is no such mixed emotions from AJ, who calls bullshit on that and demands five more minutes. Garner tells him he can't do that, Knight turns and heads toward Edwards, who's holding his knee in the corner. Matt Pulver gets in his way. Ben Chrenshaw seems content to watch this scene unfold with a smirk, but AJ shoves Pulver! Chrenshaw grabs AJ's arms and hauls him backwards.

"I HAD YOU BEAT! I'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER, JAMES! I KNOW, YOU KNOW IT!"

Chrenshaw is trying to stuff AJ through the ropes.

"EVERYONE KNOWS IT! THIS IS BULLSHIT!"

Pulver gets up and gets right in AJ's face, the two men nose to nose. There are words being exchanged, but nothing the camera can pick up. Chrenshaw plays peacekeeper and manages to convince AJ to leave as he climbs through the ropes and drops to the floor, knocking a ringside table on its side. Edwards limps to his feet, standing side by side with Pulver as the two watch AJ and Chrenshaw head up the aisle.

SAM HEWITT
AJ Knight had James Edwards in the dead centre of the ring with the Wrinkle in Time, but ran out of time. Clearly with the words exchanged after the bell, he believes a minute more would've had him as the Heritage Heavyweight Champion.

CHAD GOMEZ
But it was fifteen minutes. Both men knew that coming into the bout. This isn't the Kingdom Rules, it's not scored on points - you got to beat the champion or you go home empty handed. And that's all AJ's heading home with tonight.

SAM HEWITT
For Chad Gomez, I'm Sam Hewitt! Thank you for watching! We'll see you next week!

Last Edit: Jan 11, 2018 22:00:52 GMT -5 by Office

Office Old Guard Posts: 3,854	1/11/2018 - Wrestling from the Lion's Road (LR80) Jan 11, 2018 23:57:41 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Office on Jan 11, 2018 23:57:41 GMT -5 Card will be up soon!