Post by Rando on Sept 28, 2020 17:11:29 GMT
Dark Matches
Robert Roode defeated Amazing Red with the Glorious DDT
We fade in on what appears to be an abandoned venue with a well-loved wrestling ring in the center, sporting blue ring ropes for the top and bottom, and gold for the center rope. There is silence save for the sound of the fluorescent lights burning until we hear the steady sound of footsteps.
Soon enough dramatic strings start to hum and we cut behind a man dressed in a pitch-black suit, muscular but with a slim frame. He is walking towards the ring slow and steady, but purposefully. And then the most dramatic sound of all chimes in.
The voice of Keith David.
Keith David: For every person who walks the planet, there are the questions we all must ask ourselves. Who am I? What am I here to do? Long after I'm gone, what will be my legacy?
We cut to clips of wrestlers from around the world, some performing before adoring crowds of thousands, others before barely filled community center gyms. Each of them is dedicated to the art of professional wrestling, to the thrill of live entertainment. Eventually, we cut back to the man walking towards the ring.
Keith David: Will you be remembered along with the true legends?
Quick cuts of the Mount Rushmore candidates of professional wrestling. Dusty Rhodes. Mae Young. Ric Flair. Manami Toyota. Stone Cold Steve Austin. Trish Stratus. All legends that redefined their sport. We cut back to the mystery man, catching up with him just stepping between the ropes of the ring.
Keith David: Or will you be forgotten like so many others, lost to history? For a select few, tonight they begin the journey to earn their spot among the greats, proving through their might and willpower that they demand to be remembered.
As David continues to narrate, we see the figure in the ring shift, their image changing to several of the familiar names signed to Legacy Pro. Pete Dunne. Ronda Rousey. AJ Styles. Alexa Bliss. Dolph Ziggler. More and more familiar faces. With each new transformation, the transitions flicker through the roster faster and faster.
Keith David: Are you ready to decide your destiny? Are you ready…
The flickering wrestlers in the middle of the ring finally stop on the Commissioner of Legacy Pro, CM Punk, revealed to be the man in the dark suit. He breaks into a sly grin.
CM Punk: To forge your Legacy?
Punk turns to walk away as "The Time Is Now" by Atreyu begins to play.
With that, we cut to the inside of Madison Square Garden, among the most hallowed halls in professional wrestling, packed to capacity at around 21,000 screaming fans. The camera whips around, showing the various signage of the arena while celebratory pyro starts to shoot off and the theme blares. The camera finally lands on the commentary booth on the top of the arena ramp. Standing there is the master of ceremonies, Scott Stanford, beaming with excitement and holding Legacy Pro branded microphones.
Scott Stanford: They say if you're gonna do it, do it well, and if you're gonna do it well? Well, you might as well do it in the Garden. Hello, I'm Scott Stanford and I can't tell you how proud I am to say that this is Legacy Pro, and this...is Ignited. Tonight we have been promised six explosive matches, but more importantly? We've been promised the future of professional wrestling. Joining me in the booth is my colleague, a man who always is never afraid to speak his mind, Wade Barrett.
Barrett walks in from the side, a microphone in one hand and a wooden gavel in the other which he bangs against the commentary table, causing Stanford to wince slightly.
Wade Barrett: Stanford, I am going to ignore your little jab there for two reasons. One, my intellectual superiority, my own experience, and quite honestly my sparkling personality means that I have the right, no, the responsibility to ignore small slights by peons like you. Secondly, even your snideness won’t spoil the electricity from this fantastic crowd!
Scott Stanford: It is a big night feel here in the Garden, with a capacity crowd hungry for the dawn of a new age in wrestling. But of course I would be remiss if I didn't mention the third member of our team, the Queen of Extreme herself, Lita!
The camera pans back one more time to reveal Lita standing off to Barrett’s right, microphone in one hand, the other on her hips, eyeing Barrett’s gavel.
Lita: You’re not going to be banging that thing all night are you?
Wade Barrett: That remains to be seen!
Lita: Well that headache aside, I can hardly wait to see what the first night of Ignited has to offer. I was talking to Commissioner Punk beforehand, and he has told me that he is expecting huge things.
Scott Stanford: Absolutely, and speaking of, I think the Commish might be here to kick things off!
A hush falls over the crowd as the intro music dies down, only to pop even louder when it “Cult of Personality” starts to blare out.
It takes a moment or two more before he emerges, but soon enough CM Punk stands proudly at the top of the ramp in a black suit, black tie. He scans around the crowd, pointing at himself in mock surprise and mouthing, "Who, me?" and then starts to make his way to the ring.
Scott Standford: It is fair to say that the announcement of CM Punk as the Legacy Pro commissioner set the table for tonight’s proceedings. Punk is the self-proclaimed “Best in the World”, but judging by this crowd? They might be inclined to agree.
Wade Barrett: I have to agree with you, Stanford. Punk is one of the savviest, and certainly most opinionated, minds in wrestling, and I for one am absolutely intrigued to see what he has in mind as the Legacy Pro commissioner.
Punk slaps hands with fans before collecting a microphone and making his way to the center of the ring, one hand in his pocket, his shoulders slightly stooped.
CM Punk: I gotta admit, I was nervous as hell there in the back, but being out here? Among all of you? It feels like coming home.
Cheers, as well as a "welcome home" chant.
CM Punk: And I was just back there in the locker room, checking in all the amazing wrestlers we have, and...and truth be told, I got a bit lost in all of it. I forgot how much I loved it. Hell, I was almost ready to lace up the old boots and come out here and kick everybody's ass myself.
A HUGE pop at the suggestion of the in-ring return of CM Punk, which causes him to hold up a hand quickly.
CM Punk: Pump the breaks kids, I said almost. But part of my contract as Commissioner stipulates that I am not meant to be an in-ring competitor. And when I was offered this position, I have to admit, I was surprised. You see guys like me, we get praised for being innovators, for being the guys that push things forward. But we're rarely put in charge. We may put butts in seats, we might challenge the way things are done for the better, but given the keys to the car? Not usually the way things go. So by asking me, the Voice of the Voiceless, to step into the shoes of Commissioner? I knew Dwayne was serious about shaking things up a bit. So what do you say we get to it, huh? Because as much as I enjoy coming out here, to all of you, I know that you didn’t pay your hard-earned money to hear me yammer on and on and on. You came to see some violence, some fighting, right?
Punk pauses to allow a loud cheer of approval from the crowd before he finally brings the microphone up to his lips.
CM Punk: Well I guess all that’s left to say is...it’s clobberin’ time!
With that, “The Time Is Now” kicks back up and CM Punk starts to make his way up the entrance ramp. About halfway up, the Ignited theme suddenly stop, replaced by the theme of one of the first combatants tonight.
The crowd reacts to Shawn Spears coming out at the top of the ramp, a steel chair in hand and held at his side and accompanied by his manager, Tully Blanchard. He walks briskly past the Commissioner, not so much as glancing at him, as Blanchard stops to lean in and whisper something to the Punk. He pats the Commissioner on the shoulder; whatever he says merely causes Punk to raise an eyebrow, watch the pair pass and then continue his way up the ramp towards the back.
Scott Stanford: What do you think that was all about?
Lita: Knowing Tully? Nothing good.
Wade Barrett: Oh, advocating for your clients is bad now? It’s off-limits to discuss things with management? Tully Blanchard is a professional, taking care of his business. You don’t get to be a legend, an absolute legend like that and not know a thing or two about a thing or two.
Scott Stanford: So you think that conversation was on the level?
Wade Barrett: Oh absolutely not. Blanchard is up to something, and I love it.
Spears unfolds his chair to sit in the middle of the ring, leaning over and waiting for his opponent to come out. Eventually, his music dies down and the next theme hits.
Ziggler emerges from the back, looking focused and determined, along with his advocate, Sonya Deville, dressed to the nines in all black everything. The pair make their way to the ring, Ziggler staring daggers at Spears as he gets close.
Scott Stanford: I talked to Sonya Deville earlier, and she told me that this match is set to be a statement for Dolph Ziggler. A new start, a new Dolph. She says he's ready to rpove the doubters wrong.
Wade Barrett: Yeah, well same song, same dance, new club. We've all of that from Ziggler before, and quite frankly he has to show it to me before I'll shut up.
Ziggler eventually takes his corner, while Spears folds his chair and slides it to Blanchard, who is giving him final words before the bout. After head referee Charles Robinson checks in with both combatants, he calls for the bell!
Shawn Spears vs. Dolph Ziggler
One Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Charles Robinson
Scott Stanford: And here. We. Go. The first contest in the history of Legacy Pro, and this capacity crowd is here to witness it!
Ziggler and Spears circle each other for a moment before finally locking up in the center of the ring. The push each other, but neither can solidly get an advantage until Spears is able to slip a headlock onto Ziggler. Ziggler tries to wriggle out of it, but eventually settles for pushing Spears off the ropes and tossing him across the ring. After he falls to the ground and leapfrogs over Spear, on the third rebound he plants a dropkick squarely into Spears face, causing him to fall to the ground. Ziggler celebrates though, giving Spears the opportunity to slither out and consult with his manager.
Scott Stanford: Ziggler looks big match ready here tonight, and it showing Spears he isn’t going to be pushed around.
Lita: We’re still early on, but Ziggler looks pretty--
Wade Barrett: Hold up on that line of talk, little lady, Spears and ol’ Tully Blanchard still got some tricks up their sleeve.
Spears rolls back into the ring, and feints another lock up, but when Ziggler bites he transitions into a rear waist lock, which when Ziggler slides out of turns into another headlock. Ziggler tries the same transition again, only to be caught this time when Spears grabs on to the ropes at the last minute, giving him an advantage to land a short-arm clothesline that downs Ziggler. Spears quickly picks up his opponent by the hair and whips him into the corner, racing in with a running elbow and pounding knees into the midsection of Ziggler until he crumples. Spears doesn’t relent though, picking up Ziggler and hitting him with a snap suplex, followed by a quick cover.
1…
2, but just barely as Ziggler kicks out.
Scott Stanford: And just like that the momentum shifts. Spears showing some serious aggression.
Lita: Do you get paid by the s-word?
Wade Barrett: If it were up to me, he’d not get paid at all.
Spears doesn’t let up the pressure, transitioning into a seated headlock on Ziggler, grinding him down. The fan start to cheer and clap for Ziggler to recover, and he is able to slowly get up to one foot, then the other, jamming an elbow in Spears’ ribs, then again, causing the hold to loosen. Ziggler attempts a superkick on Spears, but Spears is able to swat it away, quickly reversing it into a belly-to-back suplex. He pounces on his downed opponent and starts throwing heavy right and lefts until Ziggler lays defenseless, causing Spears to yell victoriously. He goes over to gloat to Tully, but the old-timer is yelling at Spears “Finish him!”
Spears turns back to do just that, picking Ziggler up by the hair, but Ziggler seemingly finds a second wind, nailing blow after blow on Spears and then whipping him across the ring into the corner. He then zips across the ring and nails Spears with a stinger splash, which he follows up with a series of punches. He backs away, clearly sizing him up for a second splash, when Spears comes exploding out and nails Ziggler with a huge lariat that lays him out.
Lita: Lord, Ziggler might be dead.
Wade Barrett: If he’s not yet, he’s about to be!
Spears quickly scoops up Ziggler, sizing him up and grabbing him by the chin and shaking his head. “You’re nobody,” he yells at Ziggler before setting him up on his shoulders for his running fireman’s carry facebreaker. Ziggler shifts his weight at the exact right moment though, and as he falls is able to use the force to smash Spears down for an improvised Zig Zag. He scrambles to hook the leg for a pin.
1…
2…
3!
WINNER: Dolph Ziggler Via Pinfall
Spears kicks out but not quite fast enough as Ziggler rolls out of the ring and starts to make his up the ramp as his music cues up, celebrating with Sonya at the wor dgo.
Lita: A back and forth encounter, but Ziggler got the final upper hand and walks away with the win.
Wade Barrett: He absolutely got away with one tonight, but I suspect he won’t want to cross paths with Spears again any time soon. Lad looks royally pissed.
We cut back to Shawn Spears in the ring, and he and Blanchard are indeed chewing out referee Charles Robinson on the call, arguing the count was fast count, which Robinson is hearing none of. We then see Dolph and Sonya at the top of the ramp, smiling smugly before.
Scott Stanford: Let's go now to the final member of our broadcast team, our backstage correspondent Kayla Braxton! Kayla?
We cut backstage to see Kayla Braxton, Legacy Pro’s backstage correspondent, smiling and looking into the camera. Behind her is a very professional, if traditional, looking interview area, with logo of the company repeated over and over against a white background.
Kayla Braxton: Thanks Scott! What an exciting beginning to the first episode of Ignited! And it’s only going to get more exciting from here, as we five more incredible matches set for tonight. One of those matches includes the Legacy Pro debut for my guest at this time, the Baddest Woman on the Planet, Ronda Rousey.
Mixed reaction from the crowd as the camera pans back to reveal Rousey, black leather jacket and ROWDY t-shirt. She smirks slightly as she nods her head towards Kayla.
Kayla Braxton: Now Ronda, tonight you have a match with Himeka Arita, the self-proclaimed Jumbo Princess, a new competitor for you and one that definitely presents unique challenges. How do you prepare for a match like that?
Rousey smile fairly quickly fades.
Ronda Rousey: What do you mean, unique challenges? What kind of challenge is she supposed to present to me? A lot of people have been talking up Himeka Arita, but no one has really explained what makes her so special.
Kayla Braxton: Well, she is...taller than most of your previous opponents in other avenues. Potentially stronger too.
Rousey shakes her head, scratching her temple a bit.
Ronda Rousey: Bigger and stronger, huh? Well that is tricky. But answer me this, Kayla...does she have arms?
Kayla Braxton: What?
Ronda Rousey: This Arita bitch, does she have arms? Or at least an arm?
Kayla seems confused by the question, but plays along.
Kayla Braxton: Yes, she has two arms.
Ronda Rousey: Oh wow, both of them, cool. And those arms, do they, I don’t know, break like normal arms?
Kayla, still clearly lost at the line of questioning, merely responds by slightly nodding her head. Rousey breaks into a grin again and shrugs her shoulders.
Ronda Rousey: Then I don’t see any unique challenge that I can’t face. You see, it doesn’t matter how big or strong the person you’re facing off with. What matters is that when you're in the ring with the most dangerous woman on the planet, you're vulnerable. Your at risk. Because no one in this business, no one on this planet knows how to break people quite as well--
Blah blah blah blah blah…
The voice comes from off-screen, but soon the speaker wanders in, revealing Alexa Bliss, ready for combat, and rolling her eyes. Rousey looks nonplussed about being interrupted.
Alexa Bliss: Wow, and here I thought that Legacy Pro was all about new, fresh, exciting talent. Not yesterday’s news, spit out and recycled. But turns out that old habits die hard, and people decide to just be in the overrated and boring market. Good to see you haven’t changed Ronda, just bragging about how much of a bad ass you are. Hopefully you don't choke and can back it up, huh? I know how you just hate it when you lose; all of a sudden you just kind of...poof!
Rousey starts to stalk towards Alexa, who is quick to put up her hands and take a BIG step back.
Alexa Bliss: Hey hey, just stating facts! And besides, you’ve got your match, and I’ve got mine. Speaking of, I've got to get going to kick ass myself. So you too keep continuing whatever...this is.
With that, Bliss walks off, with Rousey glaring after her. Kayla eventually breaks the awkward tension.
Kayla Braxton: Thank you Ronda Rousey, and Alexa Bliss, apparently!
One of the headliners for the main event, Pete Dunne, along with his British Strong Style compatriots arrive at the Garden, all dressed dapperly in suits, Dunne carrying the Progress World Championship over his shoulder. The trio is walking through the backstage area, when they are quickly mobbed by a camera crew. Seven and Bate nearly step in to stop the harassment, but Dunne holds up a single hand. He glances towards the cameras and nods his head.
Cameraman: Pete Dunne, you have a huge match tonight, the first Ignited main event. Do you go in with any sort of game plan?
Dunne raises an eyebrow at that and shrugs.
Pete Dunne: Same plan I always ‘ave, to go in, beat the snot out of whoever they put me up against and come out the other side the victor. It’s how I have dominated every place that’s signed me, and it’s how I plan to dominate Legacy Pro now. You see this belt?
He pats it proudly and demonstrably.
Pete Dunne: Just another trophy of my excellence. A sign that I am indeed a premiere athlete and fighter and that an organization like this, really any organization, is bloody lucky to ‘ave me. Now if that’s the level of questions, you’re going to have, I really must--
Dunne is cut off as he notices someone approaching, and the camera pans out to show CM Punk scratching his chin as he approaches.
CM Punk: Hey Pete. Couldn’t help but overhear your whole spiel there. And on the level? I agree with you. It’s why I was really adamant that you get signed, why it was really important to me that you be in tonight’s historic main event. And hey, I heard about your little championship win.
Punk leans forward to examine the belt on Dunne’s shoulder, causing the Bruiserweight to clutch it a bit tighter.
CM Punk: Just know that we here are Legacy Pro...don’t recognize that title. I mean we laud your ability to win it, to bring it with you to our events. But it won’t be defended here. And if you want me to call you champion? Well Petey...you’re going to have to earn that under my watch. Now if you’ll excuse, I got a TV show to run.
Alexa Bliss vs. Hyper Misao
One Fall, 20 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Jessika Carr
As the bell sounds, Bliss and Misao approach each other in the center of the ring. They look like they are about lock up when Misao yells out “WAIT!” and takes a step back. She sets one hand on her hips, and extends the other for a handshake. Bliss looks left and then right, laughs at the extended hand and then gut checks Misao with a swift kick to the center and then drops her on her damn head with a DDT.
Scott Stanford: Misao offering a sign of sportswomanship, like the hero she is, but Bliss having nothing of it.
Wade Barrett: More like the rube she is. Bliss knows, if you’re opponent gives you an opening? You take it.
Bliss goes for the cover, but Misao kicks out at two. If Bliss is upset she doesn’t show it as she throws elbows into Misao’s face and forces her into a corner before whipping her across. As soon as Misao lands, she hardly has time to recover before receiving another elbow from Bliss, as she hand-springboards her way across the ring. She shoves Misao to the ground and gives her a swift kick to the ribs before extending her hands out to gloat to the audience, shouting out, “Your Goddess has arrived, Legacy.”
Lita: Bliss has never been short on confidence, even if she is short in general.
Wade Barrett: That’s a low blow.
Lita: I know. It's the only way you can hit Alexa.
Bliss turns to continue working on her opponent, but half through dragging her up to her feet, Misao comes alive, breaking free and pounding Alexa with fist after fist, driving her back and eventually whipping her across the ring, waiting for to her to bounce back before springboarding off the middle rope to crash Bliss down in a crossbody. She hooks the leg for the cover.
1…
2..
Bliss kicks out, but is slow to get up, giving Misao the opening she is looking for, hooking her head and raising her arm high in the air. “Hyper Mi Returns!” she cries out, but Bliss soon fully recovers and rolls out of the headlock and throws a strong elbow to the back of Misao’s head. That causes her to stumble, and gives Bliss the opportunity to lock her at the waist and toss her behind with a snap release german suplex! She scrambles over after the toss to try to get a quick cover.
1…
2…
Misao kicks out, and Bliss has a look on her face that she is just about done with this annoyance.
Scott Stanford: I think it’s fair to say that Little Miss Bliss wasn’t expecting quite such a fight for Misao.
Lita: That’s the danger when you think you’re better than everybody else, you might sleep on certain competition. Especially on a night light tonight, that’s fatal.
Barrett bangs his gavel forcefully.
Wade Barrett: Point of order, Bliss doesn’t THINK anything, she KNOWS she’s better than anyone else on this roster. Misao might be putting up a bit of a fight, but nothing Alexa can’t handle.
Bliss gruffly picks up Misao, slapping her across the face, which causes Misao, if only instinct, to react with a slap of her own the causes Bliss to stumble back a few steps. Bliss growls and responds with a hard forearm, which Misao returns as well. Soon the pair are trading blows in increasingly paced fashion; Misao eventually takes control and knees Alexa causing her to double over, which Misao attempts to transition into a double underhook position, which Alex in turn slithers out of and attempts a drop-toe hold to drop Misao on her masked face.
Lita: She may have broken her nose right there!
Alexa sees the opportunity as Misao lays and covers her face, scrambling quickly to the turnbuckle and climbing, climbing until she makes it to the top turnbuckle. She flexes her fingers, but soon is flying, transitioning mid-air to land the Twisted Bliss rounded moonsault! She hooks the leg for the cover.
1…
2…
3!
Winner: Alexa Bliss Via Pinfall
Bliss breaks the pin and kicks Misao away before having her hand raised by referee Jessika Carr. She soon goes to the ropes, standing on the center rope and leaning over to the crowd with a wicked smile and shaking her head. “I told you,” she mouths. “I told you.”
Scott Stanford: Bliss came into this match confident, and she certainly leaves it confident. Certainly making an impression in the Legacy Pro women’s division’s first match.
Lita: Bliss is already of the opinion that this division belongs to her. And for the moment she’s not entirely wrong.
Wade Barrett: What Alexa Bliss proved ‘ere tonight is nothing short of put her marker on where she should be considered, and for right now? It’s right at the top of the heap, gals!
As Misao and Shoko Nakajima make their way to the back, Bliss stays in the ring, clearly soaking up the mixed reaction from the crowd as she leans against the ropes and smirks as we cut away.
We cut backstage to the locker room where a scowling Spear is icing his neck as Tully stands before, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Spears looks up at him and raises an eyebrow.
Shawn Spears: Got nothing to say?
Tully Blanchard: Plenty to say. None of it good. Not going to lie, losing the first match even on Ignited isn’t going to help.
Shawn Spears: Yeah, well maybe if you weren’t busy talking the Commissioner’s ear off and watching my corner like you’re supposed to. What were you yammering about anyway?
Cesaro: We were curious about that ourselves.
The camera pans out to reveal that another piece of Tully’s expansive client list is there as well, as Sheamus and Cesaro, collectively known as the Bar, are off to one side. They aren’t set for action tonight, so they are in more casual attire, but certainly are looming large and looking very serious.
Sheamus: Yeah, what exactly were you and the Commish chattin’ up about?
Tully holds his hands up defensively, feeling himself losing the room.
Tully Blanchard: Boys, boys, there’s no need to be so suspicious. I simply let Punk know that he was about to see his first glimpse at a future world champion, and I’m sure here next he’s going to get a glance at a future women’s champion and future tag champions. Now that is going to take some more convincing, but I still believe that is the path forward. Just trust the plan, and more importantly, trust me.
The Bar give each other a brief glance before shrugging their shoulders.
Sheamus: Me an’ Tony are good as long as we get to fight. Just don’t be doing anything fishy, and we’ll be golden.
Spears stands at that, glaring over at Sheamus.
Shawn Spears: Tully knows what he’s doing.
Sheamus: Oh I don’t doubt that for a second, fella. Question is…
Cesaro: Do we know what he’s doing?
The stable mates all stare each other down for a second before Tully interjects with a nervous laugh, clapping his hands together.
Tully Blanchard: Listen, I need to get out there and be in Rhea’s corner, you all work out whatever...this is.
With that, we follow Blanchard exiting the men’s locker room, with Rhea standing directy outside the door, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Tully gives her a more confident grin.
Tully Blanchard: Ready for action?
Rhea Ripley: Always. But you’s got company.
Tully blinks at that, only to look over and see AJ Styles approaching, along with his own manager, Charlotte Flair who gives a kind enough smile to Blanchard.
Charlotte Flair: Tully, Tully, how are you doing, you old salt?
Tully looks less than thrilled to see Flair or her client, speaking with a chilly demeanor.
Tully Blanchard: Charlotte…
Charlotte Flair: Oh what, you’re not happy to see an old friend?
Tully Blanchard: Your father is a friend. You…
AJ steps forward to glower at Tully.
AJ Styles: Watch what ya say, man.
Tully furrows his brow.
Tully Blanchard: What, you going to beat up an old man? Very tough, Styles.
Charlotte steps forward to put a hand on AJ’s shoulder, causing him to back down.
Charlotte Flair: Listen Tully, I’m not looking to be ugly. I just wanted to say hi. Honest. A little birdy told me that you were trying to set up your own Horsemen, and well…
She pauses long enough to look at Rhea, scoffing softly.
Charlotte Flair: Good luck with that.
Rhea pushes off the wall to respond, but Styles and Flair are already gone. Ripley stares at them as they walk off, but Tully pats her on the shoulder.
Tully Blanchard: Forget it. Come on, you got a match.
The pair walk off before we cut away.
Dakota Kai vs. Rhea Ripley
One Fall, 20 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Rick Knox
As the match bell rings, Dakota and Rhea approach each other, staring each other down. This goes on for a while, with the crowd cheering evenly between the two of them. “Let’s go Rhe-a, Da-ko-ta, Let’s go Rhe-a, Da-ko-ta.” Back and forth, back and forth until Rhea finally reaches out and shoves at Kai. Kai responds by shoving back. Rhea escalates by throwing a single elbow at Kai, which flows her to a knee. Kai in turn slowly stands back up, runs into the rope, but is cut off when Rhea runs at her and plows her down with a big boot right to the jaw.
Shawn Stanford: Ripley wasting no time to use brute strength to down Kai. These two women know each other very well, so no need to really feel each other out.
Lita: Absolutely, and furthermore I wouldn’t expect a technical showcase from either woman. This is going to be a brawl.
Ripley forces Kai into the corner, landing hammering blows across her temple until she goes limp, before lifting a foot to choke her in the corner. Referee Rick Knox starts to give Ripley the five count to break her choke, which she only obliges once he reaches about 4 and three quarters. Knox gets between her and Kai and reprimands her to keep it clean. She brushes past him, but is caught when Kai lunges forward with a scorpion kick that catches Ripley clean in the jaw. Her opponent momentarily stunned, Kai rolls her up in a small package.
1…
2…
Ripley kicks out!
Lita: Kai almost stole one there!
Wade Barrett: And you know Ripley isn’t going to like that!
Ripley indeed does seem pissed, quick to her feet and penalty kicking Kai hard before dead-lifting suplexing her to the ground. She soon is on top of her opponent, throwing punches at her face and generally going to town. Knox once again intervenes to break up contact, which causes Ripley to give him a forceful glare. “Outta my way,” she growls before pushing past him again, lifting up Kai and holding her up...up...up for a delayed vertical suplex before bringing her crashing back down and going for the pin.
1…
2…
Kai kicks out!
Lita: Kai is going to have to start mounting some sort of offense soon, or it’s going to be too late.
Wade Barrett: Assumin’ it isn’t too late already.
Ripley drags Kai back to her feet and grabs her by the hair, delivering a huge headbutt that staggers Kai back. Something about it knocks her awake however, as she comes back with her own flurry of blows, throwing haymaker after haymaker at Ripley. She catches her opponent off guard is able to set her up for uranage backbreaker. She quickly covers.
1…
2…
Ripley kicks out at the last moment, but is slow to get up. Kai takes a step back, watching Ripley stand up and egging her on. Once Rhea gets to her feet, Kai jets off towards the rope. On the first rebound, Ripley throws a big lariat that misses, the second rebound again, and on the third rebound jumps and attempts her patented Kai-ropractor backbreaker! She rolls Ripley over and hooks the leg for the cover.
But the count never starts, thanks to the referee being distracted by Tully Blanchard jumping onto the ring apron. Kai breaks her pin to go shout at Ripley’s manager; once he backs down, she turns around to be plowed over by a massive spear from Ripley. She stares down at Kai, who is already starting to stand. She bends down and before she gets to a vertical base, starts to stretch her out in the Prism Trap. Kai struggles to escape, but Ripley synchs in and falls to one knee, facing away from the ring ropes, giving Kai no choice but to tapout.
Winner: Rhea Ripley via Submission
Scott Stanford: A controversial end to a close contest, but Ripley found a way to pull this one out.
Wade Barrett: And Tully Blanchard showing himself to be a vital asset.
Lita: I suppose that’s one way to look at it...
Ripley doesn’t release the hold immediately upon the bell ring, Knox having to get in her face and inform her he’s close to reversing his decision before she finally releases the hold. A visibly frustrated Knox raises her hand as Tully makes his way into the ring, pointing at his client with beaming pride. The pair start to make their way up the ramp, while a glaring Kai is shown sitting against the turnbuckle.
Martin Kirby vs. AJ Styles
One Fall, 20 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Jessika Carr
We cut backstage to Kayla Braxton, standing by with yet another competitor in Legacy Pro! A less familiar face to American audiences this time, as Himeka Arita and El Lindaman are joining her. She smiles and nods to the camera before ramping up.
Kayla Braxton: The action keeps rolling on, and joining me at this time, set for her match tonight against Ronda Rousey, Himeka Arita, with her manager, El Lindaman! Lindaman, Ronda Rousey is one of the best known professional fighters in the world. How do you see tonight’s match going?
Lindaman responds to the question...in a string of untranslated Japanese. Kayla Braxton blinks a few times before reluctantly taking her microphone back.
Kayla Braxton: I’m, I’m sorry, I don’t speak Japanese. Could you speak...English?
Lindaman looks confused and frustrated, glancing at Arita who remains still and deadpan. He starts talking again, still in Japanese, still with no translation. Kayla pulls her microphone away, stumbling over her apology.
Kayla Braxton: I’m sorry, I’m afraid I just...don’t understand.
Kayla struggles for a second more to figure out what to do, when someone taps her on the shoulder. She turns to look, and standing is a Japanese man in his early 50s in a rather conservative suit. He simply nods and gestures.
May I?
Kayla shrugs and steps out of the way, the man taking her microphone from her as he steps forward, placing on hand in his pocket as he takes his turn interviewing. As he speaks in Japanese, helpful subtitles suddenly appear letting us know what he, and his interview subjects, are saying.
Haruo Murata: >Hello Legacy Pro fans around the world, allow me to introduce myself. I am the international correspondent for Legacy Pro, and it is my honor to be your point interviewer for the Japanese talent who arrive her at Legacy Pro. And I am equally honored to be interviewing the Jumbo Prince, Himeka Arita, and her boyfriend El Lindaman. El Lindaman, tonight you have a match against the infamous Ronda Rousey. How do you predict the match to go?<
El Lindaman seems relieved to have someone who can speak to him in his native language as he starts to speaks, the subtitles having a hard time keeping up with his speedy diction.
El Lindaman: >As I was saying! Tonight, the world will forget about Ronda Rousey. Ronda Who? It doesn’t matter, because tonight, what matters is that everyone will be witness to the amazing, the beautiful, the powerful Jumbo Princess herself Himeka Arita. Soon to be the biggest name in all of professional wretling! She is unlike any other competitor in the Legacy Pro women’s division! She is bigger, stronger, more incredible than anyone else! She will crush the competition. And that begins tonight, when we face Rousey and prove to everyone that she is a joke! A joke that makes us all laugh!<
El Lindaman gives a good hearty laugh, which bot Murata and Arita watch dispassionately.
El Lindaman: >But of course, you don’t need to take my word for it! You just watch! You watch, and you will see the Jumbo Princess, MY Jumbo Princess and the love of my life prove herself to be the #1 wrestler in this company! Let’s go, my darling!<
Without so much as a second thought, Lindaman grabs and Arita by the hand as they start to stalk off. They don’t get far before they round a corner and nearly run head long into Robert Roode! Wearing one of his many, many custom robes, this one silver and red, Roode looks at Lindaman, then Arita, then their hands, still clasped together.
Robert Roode: Is this...a joke? A beautiful woman like this, with a...worm like that? Please, tell me it’s a joke. Because if it was a joke, it would be very funny. And if it isn’t a joke? Well...actually, that would be even funnier.
Roode actually starts to chuckle at the very idea of it as Lindaman steps forward, pushing out his chest forcefully. Roode shakes his head, pushing forcefully past Lindaman.
Robert Roode: Outta my way, half-pint, I gotta contract to sign. As for you?
Roode glances towards Arita, flashing a grin and giving a bright smile.
Robert Roode: I’ll be around after your match. Assuming Rousey doesn’t ruin your pretty face too much.
Roode chuckles a bit more to himself before he walks off. Lindaman watches him as he goes, shaking his head. Himeka for her part finally speaks.
Himeka Arita: >Who is that, and why does he smell like he took a bath in cologne?<
El Lindaman: >Hey! Focus! We got a match to win!<
Arita nods, giving Roode one last glance before she heads off with her boy toy, and we cut away.
We cut to somewhere else backstage, where we see Dakota Kai, holding her neck and storming around the backstage area, clearly put out after coming up short against her old rival Rhea Ripley. She is stopped in her tracks when Kayla Braxton steps in her way, and for a moment it looks like Kai is about to kick Braxton’s head off.
Kayla Braxton: Whoa, Kai, cool it there! I just wanted to get a few words from you. A tough contest but one that ultimately didn’t go your way tonight. I am curious, how do you think Tully Blanchard’s presence influenced his match?
Kai nearly rolls her eyes out of her head at the question.
Dakota Kai: Well I think that one’s pretty bloody obvious, ain’t it Kayla? You know, I get that there are a lot of folks who came here with their little gangs and posses and cults or whatevah. But I knew if I wanted to make a statement in the world of Legacy Pro I was going to have to do it on my own. With my own fists, my own two feet. Because relyin’ on anybody else is how you get let down.
Kayla Braxton: So with that in mind what’s next?
Dakota shrugs her shoulders.
Dakota Kai: Remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure, this ain’t ovah by a long shot. And if Tully fuckin’ Blanchard ever sticks his nose anywhere near me again, old coot is going to get his block kicked square off.
With that Dakota storms off, or at least tries until she runs headlong into an absolutely massive frame. She takes a moment to adjust, then looks to realize she has run into one the Disciples of the House of Deliverance, WALTER. She starts to try to move around him, but WALTER backs away, revealing the self-proclaimed Messiah of Legacy Pro and the head of the House of Deliverance, Seth Rollins. WALTER steps back, standing beside the other disciple of the House, Tenille Dashwood. The stand motionless behind their leader, as Rollins rolls his hand together and offers something resembling a kind smile.
Seth Rollins: Dakota. Hi. I heard your little impassioned speech over there, and while I hate to see the word “cult” thrown around, I think I heard you loud and clear. You want to go it your own way, alone, not tied to anyone else’s perception of who you are or what you can do. In some ways that is admirable. Inspiring. The idea of going your own way, paving your own path. After all, discovering your Legacy is what this place is supposed to be all about.
Kai’s surprise is starting to wear off and her expression grows impatient.
Dakota Kai: You gotta point in all this, Rollins?
Rollins laughs slightly at that, cracking his neck side to side.
Seth Rollins: My point it is...at first glance it is admirable. But when you look past the facade, it becomes clear what it really is. When the subtext becomes text. What drives someone to push everyone else away, to want to go their own way. One simple word, Dakota: pride. Pride, which can consume you from the inside, make you think you’re better than you are. And as the old saying goes, pride cometh before the fall. So I suppose the question is...are you going to hold on to that pride? Or are you going to allow yourself to let it go. To accept that you can’t go it alone, that you need someone, maybe many people to help you. Maybe you need to seek...deliverance from your pride. And if you decide that is something you need...you know exactly where you can go.
Before Kai can even verbalize a response, the House of Deliverance pushes past her. Tenille Dashwood shares a small moment of making eye contact with Kai before she follows behind Rollins and Walter. Once they’re out of earshot, Dakota mutters to herself.
Dakota Kai: Creepy buggers.
Still, there is something in her tone that suggests she might hear...some kernel of truth in Rollins’ words. Before she can do anything else, we cut to the next match.
Martin Kirby vs. AJ Styles
One Fall, 20 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Jessika Carr
Kirby and Styles stand across the ring from each other, Styles shouting out trash talk to Kirby, who is he seems affected by it isn’t showing it. As Referee Edwards calls for the bell, the two slowly approach other, until Styles throws a punch, but Kirby blocks it and returns with his own punch! He throws a few more blows, forcing Styles into the corner and then whips him across the ring, then runs in and throws a giant European Uppercut! The crowd cheers as Kirby whips Styles across the ring again, hikes his feet high in the air and then attempts a huge corner spear, but Styles is smart and with-it enough to roll out of the way and letting Kirby run shoulder first into the corner!
Scott Stafford: Kirby was building up a head of steam, but just like that he gets stopped but quick!
Wade Barrett: And that’s because Styles was one step ahead of him. That comes from years of experience of being a huge star around the world, especially if you’re fighting a guy who never made it to the big leagues!
Styles steps back into the ring, grabbing Kirby by the arm and wringing it out before crashing his elbow into Kirby’s shoulder. Kirby winces and falls to one knee as Styles hold onto his wrist and wringes it again. He backs Kirby into the ropes and tosses him across the ring, bouncing off the ring. Kirby throws a double fist, which Styles ducks and springboards off the rope, catching Kirby in the Stylin’ DDT, quickly going for the cover.
1…
2…
Kirby kicks out, but Styles doesn’t waste any time, getting him to a sitting positions and going back to ramming those elbows down hard into Kirby’s shoulder, aggravating his earlier injury before locking him in a headlock. Kirby slowly gets back to his feet, forcing his good shoulder into Style’s midsection to loosen his hold, and then throws a kick which is caught, but immediately twisted around into an enziguri which knocks Styles silly. Kirby can’t capitalize though, between his shoulder bothering him and catching his breathe.
Lita: Martin Kirby isn’t backing down, but he’s taken a beating and you can tell he’s feeling it.
Scott Stanford: Kirby knows he’s in the match of his life. This his chance for a fresh start, and he you know he’s going to make Styles earn this win. He isn’t going to be an easy first challenge here in Legacy Pro.
Wade Barrett: Oh please Stanford. If you think Styles is really going to break a sweat over Martin Kirby, you clearly shouldn’t have been given a microphone.
Styles is quicker to recover and advances on Kirby, pulling him to his feet and whipping him into the ropes. As he rebounds, Styles tries to catch him with a dropkick, only for Kirby to catch himself on the rebound and have Styles fall flat on his back. Kirby’s eyes grow wide as he sees the opportunity, bouncing off the rope again, and hitting Styles just in time for the Kirby’s Dreamland, his version of the leg drop bulldog. He quickly rolls Styles over and goes for the cover.
1…
2…
3!
Kirby rolls off of Styles and has a giant grin on his face. He claps and starts to pace around the ring, until Edwards lifts his arm victoriously which elicits a huge victorious yell from him.
Wade Barrett: Alright lad, you didn’t just become a world champion, calm down.
Scott Stanford: No, but he did just beat AJ Styles in a match some people may have thought he had no chance in.
Wade Barrett: Yeah, you ever heard of a fluke Stanford? These things happen. Trust me, it won't happen again.
Kirby and Lykos continue their celebration as they make their way up the ramp towards the exit, high-fiving excited fans all the way out. Meanwhile in the ring, a visibly frustrated Styles and Flair are seen
talking about precisely what just happened before we cut away.
Himeka Arita vs. Ronda Rousey
One Fall, 20 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Rick Knox
We are back to the entrance ramp announcement booth where Stanford and Lita are grinning, while Barrett shakes his head disdainfully.
Scott Stanford: Looks like Martin Kirby is getting the after-party started early with a little bit of Kirby-oke!
Wade Barrett: He's a moron. A total buffoon.
Lita: Oh come on Wade, it’s fun!
Wade Barrett: There’s nothing fun about the wrestling business! It’s a serious sport with serious consequences.
Stanford shakes his head, but his own grin fades away as he shifts his tone.
Scott Stanford: Speaking of serious consequences, we have gotten an update that Alexa Bliss has been rushed to a local medical facility. While initial findings have suggested that her injuries are serious, it is believed that she should be able to be medically cleared for action in two weeks for our next episode of Ignited.
Lita: Which is good. You hate to see someone taken out this early in our show’s history, especially a star like Bliss.
Wade Barrett: I agree that you don't want to see anyone get hurt, but when you call out Ronda Rousey? Be ready for what is coming. Play with fire, you're going to get burnt.
The conversation is broken off as the first theme for our main event starts to play.
A moment later, Pete Dunne steps out onto the stage, the PROGRESS wrestling belt held between his teeth, flanked on either side by Trent Seven and Tyler Bate. He slowly pulls his thumb across his throat, before yanking the belt out of his mouth and throwing it to Bate behind him. He storms down to the ring, looking determined and ready for action.
Scott Stanford: Well folks this is it, the first ever Ignited main event. And what a main event! Two of the most decorated wrestlers on the planet, two of the most dominant in-ring combatants working today. Pete Dunne. Seth Rollins. Last minute call, who do you have in this one?
Lita: Looking at him right now, I’m not sure how you can choose against Dunne. He is walking in high off winning yet another title belt, and he is looking to make an impact here. You know how you do that? By proving that the Bruiserweight is the real deal here in Legacy Pro.
Wade Barrett: You want to talk about real deals? It doesn’t get more real than the man Dunne faces tonight.
Dunne makes it to the ring and starts pacing along the far ring rope, stuffing his mouth guard in as his music dies down, replaced a moment later.
Seth Rollins emerges, looking confident and calm himself, smiling slightly as he makes his way down towards the ring. He also brings his own back-up, his disciples WALTER and Tenille Dashwood. Seth simply waves to the audience as he makes his way to the ring, slowly walking up the steps and in between the ropes, holding his arms wide. “I’m here. Don’t worry, I’m here.”
Lita: I don’t say this lightly, but I think Seth Rollins might be sick.
Wade Barrett: <banging his gavel> How dare you!
Lita: He calls himself the Legacy Pro Messiah! He literally has a savior complex!
Wade Barrett: It’s not a complex if it’s true! And Seth Rollins aims to prove he is indeed the man set to save Legacy Pro.
Rollins finally stops making his way around the ring and takes his corner, while Dunne takes his opposite corner. Head referee Charles Robinson checks with both competitors, before he calls for the bell.
Seth Rollins vs. Pete Dunne
One Fall, 40 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Charles Robinson
Rollins and Dunne approach each other, clearly both waiting for the other to make a move when…
Wade Barrett: Oh what now?
Both competitors look towards the entrance ramps, along with their ringside companions. It takes a moment but Punk eventually emerges, having a very please smirk on his face and a microphone in hand.
CM Punk: Hi, sorry, sorry, I just...I was in the back and I was just thinking this has been an incredible, historic first night for Ignited and for Legacy Pro. And I am sure this match is going to be no exception. But there was something...missing. Something that would take us from here to through the roof. I mean this is the first Ignited main event, it should be for something more than bragging rights...right?
The crowd cheers their agreement, but Dunne and Rollins both just look annoyed in the ring.
CM Punk: So how about this. Whoever wins this match, punches their ticket to a shot at the main event of our first pay-per-view program, Fight Forever. And that match? Well that will be to crown the first ever Legacy Pro World Champion!
The crowd goes wild, while Rollins sarcastically yells at Punk. “Thanks for the heads up!” He turns, but Dunne is already on top of him with a flurry of blows. He tosses Rollins across the ring, and then downs him with a huge dropkicks directly to Rollins jaw. Rollins is quick to sit back up, but is taken back down with a soccer kick by Dunne. Rollins realizes he’s about to get steamrolled, so he rolls out of the ring, holding his face. When he brings his hands down, he realizes he rolled out the wrong side of the ring, surrounded by the Mustache Mountain boys! He quickly flees, rolling back into the ring, keeping an eye on Tyler and Bate, only to be caught in a release German suplex, causing Rollins to roll out on the other side of the ring, this time with his support system.
Scott Stanford: Dunne came out like a man on fire, especially when he gets a sniff of possible gold, and Rollins has to regroup!
Lita: Definitely was not prepared for that, but he had an escape plan.
Rollins eventually collects himself and steps back into the ring, circling with Dunne until the pair finally meet in a collar-elbow tie-up, pushing on each other until Rollins is able to take advantage, pushing Dunne’s face down into a rising knee, causing Pete to back up and giving Rollins the room to throw a superkick. Dunne catches it though, spinning Rollins around and setting him up for another reverse German. He tosses him, but Rollins is prepared this time and actually lands on his feet. When Dunne turns around, he finally eats that superkick. Rollins doesn’t let up, transitioning into a standing moonsault and a pin.
1…
2…
Dunne kicks out, but Rollins is quick to whip him into the corner. He backs up into his own corner and explodes out, jumping into the air for an avalanche corner splash, but Dunne has it well scouted and rolls out of the ring, leaving Rollins to smash into an empty turnbuckle. To add insult to injury, Dunne grabs Rollins by the legs and yanks him towards the ringpost, racking Rollins forcefully against the ringpost. Charles Robinson definitely pokes his head over the top rope and gives Dunne a stern warning to watch it as Dunne starts to slowly make his way back into the ring. Rollins winces, and rolls over, forcing himself to be propped up in the corner, breathing heavy as he recovers from the low blow.
Dunne closes in on Rollins, ramming his fist over and over into Rollins’ face, before dipping his head in and biting him across the forehead. Robinson immediately gets involved, separating Dunne; the camera pick him up saying, “This is your final warning, I will disqualify you.” Dunne doesn’t seem to worried about it, as he pushes past Robinson, only for Rollins to pop out of the corner, grabbing Dunne and sweeping his leg and ramming his face into the turnbuckle with a reverse STO!
Scott Stanford: A huge desperation move from Rollins! But he can’t capitalize.
Wade Barrett: Of course he can’t! His bells got dinged, and since you don’t have any, you might not know that takes some recovery from!
Rollins slowly is able to get back up to his feet, but so is Dunne. Rollins throws a big right hand, which Dunne returns. The pair trade blows for several moments before Rollins steps back and attempts to throw a lariat, only for Dunne to catch Rollins’ arm, spin him around and hit him with a bridging tiger suplex pin!
1…
2…
Rollins kicks out at the last minute, causing Dunne to slam the mat in frustration, but quickly he gets on top of his opponent and cranes his arm back with an arm bar, with additional pressure with some joint manipulation on his fingers. Rollins screams out in pain, using what strength he can to crawl towards the ropes, pulling Dunne with him. He edges closer and closer, wriggling his foot. Dunne attempts to wrench his arm harder, causing Robinson to focus on Rollins’ face, just as he gets a slight assist from WALTER, who pulls his leader towards the ropes. “The rope, the rope!” Rollins cries out, causing Robinson to look up and start counting for Dunne to break the hold, which he takes down to the last second.
Rollins takes a moment to get back to his feet, with Dunne attempting to keep him momentum, but Rollins is able to stomp on his foot, giving him the opening to land a snap single arm underhook facebuster. He rolls Dunne over for a cover, but that barely scores a 2 count. He attempts to whip Dunne across the ring, only to be reversed, leading Rollins to springboard off the center rope and hit Dunne with a hurricarana. He lands on his knees, looks over at Dunne and scrambles to the corner. He waits for a second, only to rush forward and bring Dunne crashing down with a vicious curb stomp. He falls on Dunne for the cover!
1…
2…
Dunne kicks out with Robinson having mere inches to go! Rollins’ eyes nearly bug out of his head, as he runs his hands over his face. He pulls Dunne up by his hair and growls through his teeth, “Why...won’t...you die?” Dunne responds by spitting in Rollins’ face. Rollins wipes the spit away and then knees Dunne hard in the gut, hooking his head and his leg and driving him down with God’s Last Gift. Pin.
1…
2…
3!
Rollins gets off Dunne and steps back, instructing Robinson to raise his arm. As his name is announced as the victor, a smug grin crosses his lips, his calm demeanor coming back over his face.
Scott Stanford: And there you have it. Seth Rollins has just earned a spot in the main event at Fight Forever, one step away from being named the inaugural Legacy Pro World Champion.
Lita: Yes, but he had a little help there from his loyal disciple.
Wade Barrett: When you have a chance at a title? You do whatever it takes. A lesson Rollins has learned many, MANY times over.
Scott Stanford: I suppose the only question now is, who will Rollins face at Fight Forever? And how will the commissioner make sure he has a worthy opponent?
Rollins says something to both of his disciples before instructing them to follow him out of the ring. Dunne meanwhile rolls out of the ring, holding his head and talking to Mustache Mountain, looking pissed, and rightly so. He glares over towards Rollins, who is standing on the top the ramp, arms extended. “You’re welcome!” he yells to the crowd, as the copyright information pops up in the lower left hand corner, just before the show fades to black.
Scott Stafford: Kirby was building up a head of steam, but just like that he gets stopped but quick!
Wade Barrett: And that’s because Styles was one step ahead of him. That comes from years of experience of being a huge star around the world, especially if you’re fighting a guy who never made it to the big leagues!
Styles steps back into the ring, grabbing Kirby by the arm and wringing it out before crashing his elbow into Kirby’s shoulder. Kirby winces and falls to one knee as Styles hold onto his wrist and wringes it again. He backs Kirby into the ropes and tosses him across the ring, bouncing off the ring. Kirby throws a double fist, which Styles ducks and springboards off the rope, catching Kirby in the Stylin’ DDT, quickly going for the cover.
1…
2…
Kirby kicks out, but Styles doesn’t waste any time, getting him to a sitting positions and going back to ramming those elbows down hard into Kirby’s shoulder, aggravating his earlier injury before locking him in a headlock. Kirby slowly gets back to his feet, forcing his good shoulder into Style’s midsection to loosen his hold, and then throws a kick which is caught, but immediately twisted around into an enziguri which knocks Styles silly. Kirby can’t capitalize though, between his shoulder bothering him and catching his breathe.
Lita: Martin Kirby isn’t backing down, but he’s taken a beating and you can tell he’s feeling it.
Scott Stanford: Kirby knows he’s in the match of his life. This his chance for a fresh start, and he you know he’s going to make Styles earn this win. He isn’t going to be an easy first challenge here in Legacy Pro.
Wade Barrett: Oh please Stanford. If you think Styles is really going to break a sweat over Martin Kirby, you clearly shouldn’t have been given a microphone.
Styles is quicker to recover and advances on Kirby, pulling him to his feet and whipping him into the ropes. As he rebounds, Styles tries to catch him with a dropkick, only for Kirby to catch himself on the rebound and have Styles fall flat on his back. Kirby’s eyes grow wide as he sees the opportunity, bouncing off the rope again, and hitting Styles just in time for the Kirby’s Dreamland, his version of the leg drop bulldog. He quickly rolls Styles over and goes for the cover.
1…
2…
3!
Winner: Martin Kirby via Pinfall
Kirby rolls off of Styles and has a giant grin on his face. He claps and starts to pace around the ring, until Edwards lifts his arm victoriously which elicits a huge victorious yell from him.
Wade Barrett: Alright lad, you didn’t just become a world champion, calm down.
Scott Stanford: No, but he did just beat AJ Styles in a match some people may have thought he had no chance in.
Wade Barrett: Yeah, you ever heard of a fluke Stanford? These things happen. Trust me, it won't happen again.
Kirby and Lykos continue their celebration as they make their way up the ramp towards the exit, high-fiving excited fans all the way out. Meanwhile in the ring, a visibly frustrated Styles and Flair are seen
talking about precisely what just happened before we cut away.
We cut backstage where we see Alexa Bliss walking through the hallways, still looked proud with her earlier victory. As she comes around a corner, she finds herself flattened by Ronda Rousey thanks to a HARD right hand to the jaw. Rousey doesn’t stop there, quickly pouncing atop Bliss and pounding her in the face over and over and over again. She stands and kicks Bliss hard in the ribs, and starts to drag her up to her feet. She scowls at Bliss and shakes her head.
Ronda Rousey: How’s this for “yesterday’s news”?
With that she throws Bliss to the ground and grabs her arm, cranking it hard. Bliss struggles and clearly is in pain and officials start to swarm the pair. Rousey finally breaks contact, standing up and holding her hands up.
Ronda Rousey: I’m done, I’m done! I got a match anyway. And besides, she's barely worth it.
Rousey gives one last glare at Bliss, and then storms off for her match, leaving the officiating staff to check on Bliss’ arm.
We check in on the production area, where we see CM Punk watching the broadcast, taking notes in a notebook. His work is interrupted when Tully Blanchard barges into the production area. Punk looks surprised but is quick to put on a smile as he shakes hand with the former Horseman.
CM Punk: Tully, good to see you. Maybe try knocking next time, but truly excited to have you as part of our team.
Tully Blanchard: Yeah, well I wanted to talk to you some more about what I had said earlier. Tonight you got to see how my singles competition fared, now you just need to see my final clients.
CM Punk: Ah, right, the Bar. The self-proclaimed best tag team in the world. Now where have I heard that before?
Tully laughs and shrugs his shoulders.
Tully Blanchard: They say learn from the best.
Punk doesn’t look impressed.
CM Punk: Or in your case, leech off them.
Blanchard is quick to swallow any anger at that comment, before he takes a step forward and places a hand on Punk’s shoulder.
Tully Blanchard: I just was curious, when my last two clients might see some in-ring action.
Punk nods his head at that, rubbing his hands together and shrugging enough to push Blanchard’s hand off his shoulder.
CM Punk: You know I’ve been thinking about that a lot. And I do feel bad that we didn’t feature any tag team action tonight. And so I figured for the next Ignited, we would have a tag team special. A one-night tag tournament set to memoralize maybe the greatest tag team of all time, the Road Warriors. And the icing on the cake? That tournament will determine our first ever Legacy Pro Tag Team champions. And before you ask, yes, the Bar are going to be part of the tournament.
Tully rubs his hands together with a wide smile.
Tully Blanchard: Perfect, and who are they going to be facing off with?
Punk simply grins.
CM Punk: Oh, forgot that important part of it. And it really is my favorite part. It’s a blind tournament. So you won’t know who your first opponent will be. It could be...WALTER and Tenille Dashwood from the House of Deliverance. It could be...the Beaver Boys. Or it could be...the Mysterios. So tell your guys to enjoy prepping for that.
Tully looks a little put out by the lack of clarity but eventually puts on a smile and straightens his blazer.
Tully Blanchard: Thank you for the opportunity, Commissioner. Just keep those belts nice and shiny for us.
With that Blanchard exits the control room, with Punk simply getting back to work.
Himeka Arita vs. Ronda Rousey
One Fall, 20 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Rick Knox
Arita and Rousey circle each other for several moments, both having their hands up in defensive positions. Ariya is the first to step forward, throwing a kick to Rousey thigh, but Rousey simply wears it and actually kicks back. Ariya winces at the blow, and backs away. Rousey doesn't give her the room though, stepping forward to throw two more kicks, which causes Arita to have to strike back. Rousey is ready though, taking advantage of momentum and throwing Arita to the ground and starts to rain down fists.
Lita: Rousey going to her ground and pound offense, trying to simply beat her way out of this one.
Scott Stanford: Referee Knox is going to certainly break that up however, she only gets a five count.
Wade Barrett: Let ‘em fight, ref! If the tall girl can’t keep up, that’s not Rousey’s fault.
Knox doesn’t take Barrett’s advice and does indeed start his count, and Rousey breaks contact at four and a half, holding up her hands and saying “I’m good, I’m good.” As soon as Arita is close to the her vertical base though, she rushes forward and throws a hard knee into the gut of Arita and attempts to get a good grip on her arm. Arita is quick to respond however and is able to throw Rousey off by throwing a hard elbow into her face. Rousey is stunned long enough for Arita to wrap her up in belly to belly, sending her flying over her head. Rousey slams hard into the mat, but Arita is too dazed herself to respond rapidly, resting a hand to her head as Lindaman outside the ring is pounding on the mat and shouting at her to capitalize.
Arita finally approaches Rousey, who throws her own elbow now, but Arita is quick to repay with her own blow. The pair start trading blows, each just wearing it as they pound into each other. Arita finally in desperation throws a hard headbutt which does cause Rousey to stumble back. This gives Arita the opportunity to throw a hard shoulder tackle which knocks Rousey down. Arita then runs against the ropes and drops a massive leg drop! She hooks the leg for the cover, Lindaman already celebrating outside the ring.
1…
2…
Rousey kicks out, and Arita is quick to get to her feet, and throws a hard soccer kick against her opponent’s back. She picks her up by her hair and starts to slip her up to place her across her shoulders, to set her up for a samoan drop, only for Rousey to adjust her weight at the last second and wrap her legs around to drag Arita down into a guillotine choke.
Scott Stanford: And this is where Rousey wants to be! In control of the submission game!
Lita: Absolutely deadly, Arita is going to have to dig deep to get out of this one.
Arita at first seems to be fading, flailing at first and soon slowing down. But when Knox starts to check on if she is ready to submit or is knocked out, Arita appears to get a new surge of strength, forcing Rousey off the ground and running forward, ramming Rousey into the corner with authority!
Scott Stanford: I’d call that digging deep! What a show of power from the Jumbo Princess!
Wade Barrett: Going to tell her you called her that.
Scott Stanford: I was told to!
Arita takes a knee for a second, as Rousey groggily starts to stumble forward. Arita charges forward with a huge lariat, only for Rousey to catch the arm and judo-flip Arita to the ground. She holds onto the arm and quickly transitions into a wrench armbar. Arita flails for a mere second, but when Rousey wrenches harder, she has no choice but to tap!
Winner: Ronda Rousey via Submission
Rousey lets go of Arita’s arm and sneers down at her as Knox raises her hand in victory. She snaps her hand away and starts to make her way back towards the back, not even taking the effort to high-five any fans on her way out.
Wade Barrett: Kick ass, get them to tap, head out. The Baddest Woman in the Planet is here to dominate the competition and she’s looking dangerous already. Ask Alexa Bliss, ask Himeka Arita, ask anybody, and you're looking at the gal to beat in this women's division.
Scott Stanford: Hard to argue with any of that, Wade.
Wade Barrett: Why would you argue with me to begin with?!
Ronda storm backstage, not even giving any thought to slapping any outstretched hands. But a sadistic small smile crosses her face as she give one last glance to the ring before disappearing backstage.
We cut backstage to Kayla Braxton standing by with Dolph Ziggler, out of his ring gear and in one of his branded tank tops. Standing beside him is Sonya Deville, dressed to the nines, natch. The pair are grinning, still clearly enjoying their earlier victory.
Kayla Braxton: Here with me right now is one of the big winners for tonight’s debut episode of Ignited, Dolph Ziggler! Dolph, how does it feel to kick off the night with the first victory ever on Legacy Pro?
Dolph laughs a bit as he leans into the microphone.
Dolph Ziggler: How does it feel? How does it feel, Kayla? I’m feeling fantastic! I went out there and proved anyone who’s ever doubted me wrong! I started off the night, and the history of this company, with a big win and now? Well now I have to imagine I’m at the top of anyone’s hit list. And you can rest assured that this train has no signs of stopping. Because as big as tonight is? It’s only the first step! The first of many, towards greatness! Towards acknowledgement! I almost feel bad, because the Commissioner broke the cardinal rule: you don’t start with a showstopper! So even though Dunne and Rollins might be about to go out and closing the night? I think we can all agree we’ve already seen the Main Event.
Kayla nods her head before turning her attention towards Sonya Deville.
Kayla Braxton: And you must be pleased with how tonight has gone?
Sonya smiles, stepping forward and placing a hand on Dolph’s shoulder.
Sonya Deville: Pleased? Absolutely. But surprised? Not at all. We knew coming into this company that Dolph was destined to be a big deal. Because unlike some places? I have it on good authority that the management here recognizes talent when they see it. And I think we can all agree, they saw some definite talent tonight.
Kayla Braxton: Well as impressive as that was tonight, I think we are all asking--
Before Kayla can finish that sentence, there is a rustling going on behind her. She blinks and looks to see Martin Kirby and Kid Lykos carrying some kind of cheap looking speaker along with them. Kayla looks perplexed, as do Dolph and Sonya as they give each other a “What the hell?” look. Martin Kirby finishes plugging in the machine, while Lykos produces a microphone from his jacket and plugs it into the machine, which lights up to reveal itself to be a karaoke machine! He passes the microphone to Kirby. Ziggler finally steps forward, hands on his hips.
Dolph Ziggler: The hell you think you’re doing man?
Martin Kirby: Oh, it’s just time.
Dolph Ziggler: Time? Time for what?
Martin Kirby: For some Kirby-oke.
Dolph Ziggler: Kirby what?
Kid Lykos looks up and offers as way of explanation.
Kid Lykos: You see, when Martin wins a big match, he enjoys celebrating with some karaoke. Or Kirby-oke, if you will.
Dolph Ziggler: Kirby what?
Kid Lykos looks up and offers as way of explanation.
Kid Lykos: You see, when Martin wins a big match, he enjoys celebrating with some karaoke. Or Kirby-oke, if you will.
Dolph shares a flabbergasted glance with Sonya, who can only muster a shrug. Kirby finally punches in the song choice into his machine, a chintzy midi version of Kenny Loggins’ classic “Danger Zone” starts to play. Both Martin and Lykos begin to bounce about in something loosely considered dancing.
Dolph Ziggler: Hey! HEY! I’m in the middle of an interview, dude?
Martin Kirby: Oh, don’t let us stop you!
With that it gets to the part where Martin is expected to sing, and as he does, he reveals he has the voice of an angel! Of a...slightly tone-deaf angel!
Martin Kirby
Revvin' up your engine
Listen to her howlin' roar
Metal under tension
Beggin' you to touch and go
Highway to the Danger Zone!
Ride into the Danger Zone!
The first verse done, Kirby passes the microphone off to Lykos who strikes a very dramatic pose. As he does, the lighting in the area dims and a disco ball lowers from...somewhere, casting a dramatic setting as Lykos begins to singer.
Kid Lykos
Headin' into twilight
Spreadin' out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin' off the deck
Shovin' into overdrive
Highway to the danger zone
I'll take you right into the danger zone
Dolph and Sonya look somewhere between confounded, annoyed and just generally...tired as Lykos and Kirby share the microphone for the bridge.
Kirby and Lykos
They never say hello to you
Until you get it on the red line overload
You'll never know what you can do
Until you get it up as high as you can go
With that we’ve made it to the musical break, which leads to Lykos and Kirby breaking out in more dancing. And who is this joining in the party? Why Hyper Misao and Shoko Nakajima of course, dancing along with the boys as the crappy version of “Danger Zone” chirps along. Ziggler has finally had enough, push past Misao and Nakajima to get in Martin's space.
Dolph Ziggler: Hey! HEY!
Ziggler storms forward, ripping the microphone away from Lykos, glaring at him and the rest of the assembled. The music suddenly stops. The lighting returns to normal. He stares at Kirby and Lykos threateningly of them for a long moment...before the party and music suddenly kicks back in, with Ziggler now taking lead vocals!
Dolph Ziggler
Out along the edges
Always where I burn to be
The further on the edge
The hotter the intensity
Highway to the danger zone
Gonna take you right into the danger zone!
With that Dolph starts to pass the microphone around so everyone can get a chance to get in their own Danger Zones, dancing about and enjoying themselves as we cut back to the commentary booth.
Scott Stanford: Looks like Martin Kirby is getting the after-party started early with a little bit of Kirby-oke!
Wade Barrett: He's a moron. A total buffoon.
Lita: Oh come on Wade, it’s fun!
Wade Barrett: There’s nothing fun about the wrestling business! It’s a serious sport with serious consequences.
Stanford shakes his head, but his own grin fades away as he shifts his tone.
Scott Stanford: Speaking of serious consequences, we have gotten an update that Alexa Bliss has been rushed to a local medical facility. While initial findings have suggested that her injuries are serious, it is believed that she should be able to be medically cleared for action in two weeks for our next episode of Ignited.
Lita: Which is good. You hate to see someone taken out this early in our show’s history, especially a star like Bliss.
Wade Barrett: I agree that you don't want to see anyone get hurt, but when you call out Ronda Rousey? Be ready for what is coming. Play with fire, you're going to get burnt.
The conversation is broken off as the first theme for our main event starts to play.
A moment later, Pete Dunne steps out onto the stage, the PROGRESS wrestling belt held between his teeth, flanked on either side by Trent Seven and Tyler Bate. He slowly pulls his thumb across his throat, before yanking the belt out of his mouth and throwing it to Bate behind him. He storms down to the ring, looking determined and ready for action.
Scott Stanford: Well folks this is it, the first ever Ignited main event. And what a main event! Two of the most decorated wrestlers on the planet, two of the most dominant in-ring combatants working today. Pete Dunne. Seth Rollins. Last minute call, who do you have in this one?
Lita: Looking at him right now, I’m not sure how you can choose against Dunne. He is walking in high off winning yet another title belt, and he is looking to make an impact here. You know how you do that? By proving that the Bruiserweight is the real deal here in Legacy Pro.
Wade Barrett: You want to talk about real deals? It doesn’t get more real than the man Dunne faces tonight.
Dunne makes it to the ring and starts pacing along the far ring rope, stuffing his mouth guard in as his music dies down, replaced a moment later.
Seth Rollins emerges, looking confident and calm himself, smiling slightly as he makes his way down towards the ring. He also brings his own back-up, his disciples WALTER and Tenille Dashwood. Seth simply waves to the audience as he makes his way to the ring, slowly walking up the steps and in between the ropes, holding his arms wide. “I’m here. Don’t worry, I’m here.”
Lita: I don’t say this lightly, but I think Seth Rollins might be sick.
Wade Barrett: <banging his gavel> How dare you!
Lita: He calls himself the Legacy Pro Messiah! He literally has a savior complex!
Wade Barrett: It’s not a complex if it’s true! And Seth Rollins aims to prove he is indeed the man set to save Legacy Pro.
Rollins finally stops making his way around the ring and takes his corner, while Dunne takes his opposite corner. Head referee Charles Robinson checks with both competitors, before he calls for the bell.
Seth Rollins vs. Pete Dunne
One Fall, 40 Minute Time Limit
Officiating: Charles Robinson
Rollins and Dunne approach each other, clearly both waiting for the other to make a move when…
Wade Barrett: Oh what now?
Both competitors look towards the entrance ramps, along with their ringside companions. It takes a moment but Punk eventually emerges, having a very please smirk on his face and a microphone in hand.
CM Punk: Hi, sorry, sorry, I just...I was in the back and I was just thinking this has been an incredible, historic first night for Ignited and for Legacy Pro. And I am sure this match is going to be no exception. But there was something...missing. Something that would take us from here to through the roof. I mean this is the first Ignited main event, it should be for something more than bragging rights...right?
The crowd cheers their agreement, but Dunne and Rollins both just look annoyed in the ring.
CM Punk: So how about this. Whoever wins this match, punches their ticket to a shot at the main event of our first pay-per-view program, Fight Forever. And that match? Well that will be to crown the first ever Legacy Pro World Champion!
The crowd goes wild, while Rollins sarcastically yells at Punk. “Thanks for the heads up!” He turns, but Dunne is already on top of him with a flurry of blows. He tosses Rollins across the ring, and then downs him with a huge dropkicks directly to Rollins jaw. Rollins is quick to sit back up, but is taken back down with a soccer kick by Dunne. Rollins realizes he’s about to get steamrolled, so he rolls out of the ring, holding his face. When he brings his hands down, he realizes he rolled out the wrong side of the ring, surrounded by the Mustache Mountain boys! He quickly flees, rolling back into the ring, keeping an eye on Tyler and Bate, only to be caught in a release German suplex, causing Rollins to roll out on the other side of the ring, this time with his support system.
Scott Stanford: Dunne came out like a man on fire, especially when he gets a sniff of possible gold, and Rollins has to regroup!
Lita: Definitely was not prepared for that, but he had an escape plan.
Rollins eventually collects himself and steps back into the ring, circling with Dunne until the pair finally meet in a collar-elbow tie-up, pushing on each other until Rollins is able to take advantage, pushing Dunne’s face down into a rising knee, causing Pete to back up and giving Rollins the room to throw a superkick. Dunne catches it though, spinning Rollins around and setting him up for another reverse German. He tosses him, but Rollins is prepared this time and actually lands on his feet. When Dunne turns around, he finally eats that superkick. Rollins doesn’t let up, transitioning into a standing moonsault and a pin.
1…
2…
Dunne kicks out, but Rollins is quick to whip him into the corner. He backs up into his own corner and explodes out, jumping into the air for an avalanche corner splash, but Dunne has it well scouted and rolls out of the ring, leaving Rollins to smash into an empty turnbuckle. To add insult to injury, Dunne grabs Rollins by the legs and yanks him towards the ringpost, racking Rollins forcefully against the ringpost. Charles Robinson definitely pokes his head over the top rope and gives Dunne a stern warning to watch it as Dunne starts to slowly make his way back into the ring. Rollins winces, and rolls over, forcing himself to be propped up in the corner, breathing heavy as he recovers from the low blow.
Dunne closes in on Rollins, ramming his fist over and over into Rollins’ face, before dipping his head in and biting him across the forehead. Robinson immediately gets involved, separating Dunne; the camera pick him up saying, “This is your final warning, I will disqualify you.” Dunne doesn’t seem to worried about it, as he pushes past Robinson, only for Rollins to pop out of the corner, grabbing Dunne and sweeping his leg and ramming his face into the turnbuckle with a reverse STO!
Scott Stanford: A huge desperation move from Rollins! But he can’t capitalize.
Wade Barrett: Of course he can’t! His bells got dinged, and since you don’t have any, you might not know that takes some recovery from!
Rollins slowly is able to get back up to his feet, but so is Dunne. Rollins throws a big right hand, which Dunne returns. The pair trade blows for several moments before Rollins steps back and attempts to throw a lariat, only for Dunne to catch Rollins’ arm, spin him around and hit him with a bridging tiger suplex pin!
1…
2…
Rollins kicks out at the last minute, causing Dunne to slam the mat in frustration, but quickly he gets on top of his opponent and cranes his arm back with an arm bar, with additional pressure with some joint manipulation on his fingers. Rollins screams out in pain, using what strength he can to crawl towards the ropes, pulling Dunne with him. He edges closer and closer, wriggling his foot. Dunne attempts to wrench his arm harder, causing Robinson to focus on Rollins’ face, just as he gets a slight assist from WALTER, who pulls his leader towards the ropes. “The rope, the rope!” Rollins cries out, causing Robinson to look up and start counting for Dunne to break the hold, which he takes down to the last second.
Rollins takes a moment to get back to his feet, with Dunne attempting to keep him momentum, but Rollins is able to stomp on his foot, giving him the opening to land a snap single arm underhook facebuster. He rolls Dunne over for a cover, but that barely scores a 2 count. He attempts to whip Dunne across the ring, only to be reversed, leading Rollins to springboard off the center rope and hit Dunne with a hurricarana. He lands on his knees, looks over at Dunne and scrambles to the corner. He waits for a second, only to rush forward and bring Dunne crashing down with a vicious curb stomp. He falls on Dunne for the cover!
1…
2…
Dunne kicks out with Robinson having mere inches to go! Rollins’ eyes nearly bug out of his head, as he runs his hands over his face. He pulls Dunne up by his hair and growls through his teeth, “Why...won’t...you die?” Dunne responds by spitting in Rollins’ face. Rollins wipes the spit away and then knees Dunne hard in the gut, hooking his head and his leg and driving him down with God’s Last Gift. Pin.
1…
2…
3!
Winner: Seth Rollins Via Pinfall
Rollins gets off Dunne and steps back, instructing Robinson to raise his arm. As his name is announced as the victor, a smug grin crosses his lips, his calm demeanor coming back over his face.
Scott Stanford: And there you have it. Seth Rollins has just earned a spot in the main event at Fight Forever, one step away from being named the inaugural Legacy Pro World Champion.
Lita: Yes, but he had a little help there from his loyal disciple.
Wade Barrett: When you have a chance at a title? You do whatever it takes. A lesson Rollins has learned many, MANY times over.
Scott Stanford: I suppose the only question now is, who will Rollins face at Fight Forever? And how will the commissioner make sure he has a worthy opponent?
Rollins says something to both of his disciples before instructing them to follow him out of the ring. Dunne meanwhile rolls out of the ring, holding his head and talking to Mustache Mountain, looking pissed, and rightly so. He glares over towards Rollins, who is standing on the top the ramp, arms extended. “You’re welcome!” he yells to the crowd, as the copyright information pops up in the lower left hand corner, just before the show fades to black.