Unstoppable #3: Let Games Begin

"Re-Education (Through Labor)" by Rise Against resonates from the PA system as jet of smoke erupts on the stage as the lights dim. Frank Washington emerges from behind the smoke with his back turned and his arms outstretched wide to a positive reaction. Frank slowly turns around as he methodically makes his way down the ramp slapping fans hands along the way.

Barbara Braman: The following match is scheduled for one fall and it is a qualifying match for the MSW Championship tournament. Making his way to the ring now residing in San Jose, California weighing 233lbs he is The Revolutionary, Frank Washington!

Smith: And we’re back for another qualifying round of action as the championship tournament rolls on. Originally scheduled to face Frank Washington was the debuting David Langford however several days ago he tragically tore his ACL putting him on the shelf indefinitely.

Bradford: It’s unfortunate too, I was looking forward to seeing the big guy make an impact in this tournament. The show must go on though as they say.

Smith: Danny Stevenson was ready to declare Frank Washington the winner of this match by forfeit and effectively award him a bye in the qualifying round however Frank Washington refused and insisted on competing tonight.

Bradford: Which is beyond stupid if you ask me Smith! The man looked a clear advantage in the eye and he turned it down! You ever hear of the term “work smarter not harder” Smith? He would have become an instant favorite in this tournament going forward if he took the bye.

Smith: The question on everyone’s mind though is who is Frank going to face tonight?

As Frank reaches the end of the ramp he pauses for a moment before sprinting into the ring, sliding under the bottom rope. Frank Washington then gets up and approaches the turnbuckle as he climbs up on the second rope pausing for a moment as he again soaks in the atmosphere created by the MSW faithful as he outstretches his arms wide to pose. After a few moment's pause he descends the turnbuckle taking his red coat off and turns his attention to the ring.

After several moments of waiting "Don't stop believing" by Journey starts playing throughout the arena as a long black haired competitor steps out in a very animated manner. He acts as if the crowd is cheering him on when in reality the crowd doesn’t quite know what to think of him yet as he tries to slap fans hands down the ramp to no success.

Barbara Braman: And his opponent, from The love of your heart, weighing 215lbs, Saint Tuck!

Bradford: You’ve got to be kidding me. You’ve GOT to be kidding me!

Smith: St. Tuck looking for the opportunity of a lifetime. Apparently from “The love of your heart” 21 year old St. Tuck is making his wrestling debut tonight.

Bradford: I honestly don’t know what to say here, what is Danny Stevenson thinking?

Smith: You of all people not knowing what to say? MSW I believe you’ve just witnessed a first.

As the bell rings both competitors approach the center of the ring as Frank extends his hand which St. Tuck eagerly shakes like a kid in a candy store for the first time. Frank goes to release the handshake but St. Tuck keeps holding on shaking almost as if he’s oblivious to the fact that a match just started. The referee and Frank both exchange glances almost as if they both don’t know what to think.

Bradford: Is he even aware he’s in a match?

Smith: Well cut the kid some slack, this is his first match.

Frank mouths a few words at St. Tuck trying to tell him to let go and that the match has already started who is still completely oblivious. Finally tired of waiting Frank shoots a thundering knife edge chop at the St. Tuck who grabs his chest in pain releasing the handshake grip.

Bradford: Oh come on Mr. Clean that wasn’t very nice!

Smith: Do you really want to be sitting here all night because St. Tuck doesn’t know when to stop shaking his hand?

Bradford: Good point…

Frank connects with a few more knife edge chops as the crowd “WOOO”s along backing him up to the ropes. Frank then quickly irish whips St. Tuck to the ropes who rebounds at Frank only to get hit with a swift belly to belly suplex. Staying on the attack Frank quickly dropkicks St. Tuck in the face as he tries to get up clearly not taking it easy on the rookie. Frank then runs against the ropes for a quick kneedrop to the face of St. Tuck as he grabs his face in pain.

Smith: Washington targeting the head early in this match, one has to wonder if he’s going to go for an early submission in this match.

Bradford: It’s very possible and honestly it would be merciful if he did. The veteran Washington is taking control early in this match and he’s not one to take the foot off the gas when he gets on a roll.

St. Tuck quickly rolls over and makes it back to his feet as Frank ties up with him and puts him in a headlock. St. Tuck squirms in pain and manages to counter as he slips out and puts Frank in a hammerlock, wrenching it for all he can smiling with glee. Frank manages to slip out and applies a hammerlock of his own as St. Tuck quickly scrambles for the ropes causing the rope break as he reaches out and clutches to the top rope. Frank quickly tries to go back on the attack but St. Tuck quickly ducks under the top and middle rope holding his hands up as the crowd booes loudly as Frank backs off.

Bradford: Smart move by St. Tuck I have to admit. He may be a rookie but he knows he has to do something to interrupt his rhythm.

Smith: Very cowardly if you ask me, wrestle your way out of the situation.

Bradford: Come on Smith be impartial, we have a job to do you know! If anything it was a very wise move to force the rope break and force the referee to give him a breather.

St. Tuck after he takes his moment’s rest slowly slides back from under the ropes once the referee backed Frank up to his corner as the two lock up once again. Frank lifts St. Tuck up for a double underhook suplex however amazingly St. Tuck floats over and lands on his feet and takes Frank by surprise with a german suplex. Amazed by his own feat St. Tuck quickly traps Frank in an armbar on the mat wrenching for all is might unaware that Frank landed near the ropes from the suplex. Frank quickly reaches out to the bottom rope with his foot which gets quickly gets the referee’s attention as he tries to tell St. Tuck to break the hold. Seemingly oblivious however St. Tuck if anything wrenches the lock even tighter as the referee begins his count. One, two, three, four

The referee pats St. Tuck on the shoulder trying to get him to stop as he finally does right before the count of five. St. Tuck starts jumping up and down as if he just won the match parading around the ring as the crowd booes loudly.

Smith: He’s acting like he just won the match but the bell never rang!

Bradford: If anything the bell almost did ring to disqualify him! Get your head in the game kid don’t blow it!

St. Tuck then starts hugging the referee as he’s overcome with joy trying to get the ref to raise his hand. The referee however refuses and tries to explain the situation to St. Tuck who clearly isn’t wanting to believe any of it. St. Tuck tries pleading his case over and over to the referee allowing Frank precious moments to recover. Just as St. Tuck finally gives up in his plea and turns to his opponent Frank had already gotten back up to his feet and springboards of the ropes to connect with the Fall from Grace!

Smith: Fall from Grace by Frank Washington! St. Tuck committed the ultimate rookie mistake by giving the veteran time to recover.

Bradford: I think St. Tuck is out cold, he isn’t moving after that! I guess it’s back to the wrestling academy for him!

Frank sits up on his knees making an “O” with his hands to the crowd as he signals for the Black Halo as he gets back to his feet and begins to lock him in the surfboard stretch, wrenching back on his arms as he pulls him in close enough to lock his arms tight over his head and neck as he wrenches back with all his might trying to make St. Tuck tap.

Smith: Black Halo locked firmly in place, nobody has ever successfully escaped this hold.

Bradford: Stick a fork in St. Tuck because he’s as good as done.

St. Tuck shouts “NO” if the ref asks him if he wishes to quit at his arm frantically flails around trying to reach for a rope that might as well be miles away. The crowd boos heavily though as the referee turns his attention to the entrance ramp as Travis Rech can be seen making a beeline for the ring.

Smith: What’s Travis Rech doing out here?!

Bradford: Looks like Badger has a message for Frank and Rech is here to personally deliver it!

Rech hops up on the ring apron and tries to enter the ring only to be stopped by the referee. Meanwhile in the ring St. Tuck starts frantically tapping out to the Black Halo only for the ref’s attention to be diverted elsewhere. Realizing what’s going on Frank releases the hold and gets to his feet lunging for Rech who quickly hops off the apron holding his hands up. The referee quickly exits the ring to lecture Rech and attempt to eject him from ringside as Frank turns around to pick St. Tuck up. Frank begins to lift him up for The G.O.A.T. but St. Tuck out of desperation hits a low blow to prevent Frank from hooking the leg and lift him up. St. Tuck quickly seizes the opportunity and hits Frank Washington with The Clean Finish (The Stroke). St. Tuck quickly covers Frank Washington as Rech points back towards the ring as the ref quickly slides back in to count the pin.

Smith: I don’t believe it!

Bradford: What a stunning upset!

Barbara Braman: Here is your winner… SAINT TUCK!

St. Tuck darts out of the ring in a hurry as he jumps up and down and hugs an amused Travis Rech as the crowd drowns his music out in a chorus of booes quickly making his way to the top of the ramp flailing his arms around where Pornstar Ron and a beautiful blonde woman are waiting. St. Tuck goes and hugs Ron and then the woman, his face nearly sandwiched in between her breasts as they jiggled around as they jumped around together.

Bradford: I got to give St. Tuck a lot of credit for that win. He showed his resolve and that he can not only hang with the best of them but he can beat them too! What a prodigy!

Smith: Frank Washington just got screwed Bradford! St. Tuck tapped out!

Bradford: He did, but it only counts if the referee sees it Einstein. The referee was unable to see St. Tuck tap out and instant replay doesn’t exist in MSW. The only fair, reasonable conclusion is that the match must continue until a pinfall or submission is recorded by the referee. Sheesh Smith have you ever read the rulebook?

Smith: Yeah and I’m pretty damn sure a low blow is illegal too as well as outside interference!

Rech hops over the barricade making a “hat tip” gesture at Frank as Frank sits up glaring daggers his way as we cut to commercial.

Barbara: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner and qualifying for the Best of the Best championship tournament... Leeeoooo Baaannnkkksss! 

Bradford: Such a beautiful Missile Dropkick! I haven't seen one of those as a finishing maneuver since Booker T back in the 90s! And it brings Leo Banks the win! I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Mister Money as he advances into the tournament, Smith.

Smith: I'm not entirely sure what to think about what I just saw in that match, but Banks picked up a huge win but now it's onto the actual tournament where the real heat is on.