Unstoppable #6: End of the Road

Neforian Vs Chris Alans

Chad Vargas Vs Daryl Bingham

---

The crowd is anxious for the start of the show. “Ephemeral” by Insomnium begins playing over the PA system as Garland and Rech come out of the back. The audience erupts in boos as the cameras pan over to show the ring.

Smith: Welcome to another exciting night of MSW action as the championship tournament begins to wind down.

Bradford: That’s right, by the end of the night we will know the who the final two men will be heading into Best of the Best!

Smith: However what better way than to kick off the show with a good ole fashioned contract signing.

Bradford: Robert Garland and Frank Washington absolutely hate each other; I hope Danny Stevenson has enough security for his own sake. I don’t think they want to wait another 2 weeks!

Danny Stevenson is shown with a smile on his face and the ring covered in security. A sturdy looking table, draped in yellow with a few clip boards laying on top, is set up in the middle. Garland is now at ringside as Rech shows off Garland's past championships to the jeering crowd. Garland seems focused as he steps in-between the ropes and Rech follows, Garland's music dying down as he looks out at the sea of MSW fans.


Garland starts yelling out at the audience as suddenly "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.

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 moments’ pause he descends the turnbuckle.

Smith: You can cut this tension with a knife. Security is standing ready as World War 3 looks like it could start at any moment.

Bradford: It won’t on the the boss’s watch, not until he’s ready to make a profit off of it! Danny may hate how they’re tearing MSW at the seams but I know he loves the ratings.

Garland looks at the contract on the table, Washington keeping his eye on Garland while Rech smiles arrogantly. The crowd is in an uproar, Rech taunting Washington and boasting loudly about Garland while Danny Stevenson raises the microphone to his lips.

Danny Stevenson: I hope everyone here in attendance tonight is having a great time. Now you see in MSW I believe if two people have a problem they should settle it like men, and in MSW we do this in the ring!

Crowd cheers loudly in approval


Danny Stevenson: But if there’s one thing I wont tolerate is when those two men let their personal vendetta spill over into the rest of the show, so here’s what we’re gonna do. Mr. Garland I know you want to get your hands on Mr. Washington here, and I know Mr. Washington wants to get his own measure of payback for losing his place in the tournament so I’m going to give ya what you want. At Best of the Best, for the first time in over 3 years Robert Garland will take on Frank Washington! But until then you two are going to have to agree to a few rules. Rule Number One: until that bell rings two weeks from now you’re not allowed to lay a finger on each other and Rule Number Two: you’re to not get involved in eachother’s matches nor the matches of other hard working gentlemen still in the tournament. If either one of you violate either of these rules I reserve the right to suspend, fine, or fire both of ya! So without further ado, lets make this match official.

Danny puts out his hand, a pen waiting to be taken by either competitor. To his confusion, neither man has yet to end the stare down, Garland and Washington looking ready to trade blows at any moment as Rech continues to yell.

“Yer done Frank! Done! Say goodbye ta these “fans” an' goodnight ta yer career!”

Smith: Danny Stevenson laying down the law!

Bradford: Neither man can be happy about that, as much as they want to get at each other’s throats they will each have to decide if it’s truly worth getting an early crack at the other before Best of the Best.

Finally, Washington grabs at the pen, lifting the contract up off the table while the audience cheers him on and remains excited at the upcoming match. Frank calls for a microphone, tossing the contract onto the table recklessly as the pen lands next to it. Garland continues to look on, Rech cooling off a bit as Frank begins to speak.

Frank Washington: I knew this day would come to pass eventually. Ever since 2010 we’ve been at each other’s throats whether we were wrestling in New York, San Francisco, or even the great state of Missouri. Just when the book finally appeared to be closed on our history, one of us would grab a pen to write a new chapter. But I’ll be honest; this isn’t a match I want, not this way.

The crowd booes.

Bradford: What?! You’re kidding me right? Is he finally showing what a yellow coward he is?

Frank Washington: The Badger I see before me today is a shell of his former self. When our rilvalry was in its fledgling stages I wanted to prove that I was better man in this squared circle, I wanted to get every single mental edge I could’ve over you. I did some things I’m not proud of, took some short cuts I shouldn’t have. Sometimes in this business it’s easy to lose who you are once you get a taste of success, greed turns good men sour. I let my greed get the best of me; I succumbed to my own vices.

Bradford: What a wolf in sheep’s clothing! You’re not fooling me.

Smith: So you’re saying people can’t change? I’ve known this man for close to a decade, I’ve seen him at highest points and his lowest. He’s not the man he was back then.

Bradford: Give me a break…

Frank Washington: As much as I wish I could take that back, I can’t. Yet you judge me by my past when you’ve become blinded by your own demons. You let the tendrils of the American prison system twist and turn you into a man who wouldn’t even recognize himself in the mirror! The only thing you’re concerned about is blood, just like the attack dog Walton Wisdom trained. Well you’ve got my attention now, I just hope you’re willing to pay your own weight in blood.

After Frank's speech is over Garland finally breaks his stare, turning his head down towards the table and moving to grab the pen. Garland now stares back at Frank, signing the contract while keeping his gaze fixed. Rech nods in approval as Garland also tosses the contract violently onto the table, Danny Stevenson picking it up to verify it while the crowd continues to make noise and Rech works to shut them up. Rech hands Garland a microphone as Garland replies to Washington's comments.

Robert Garland: You'll really try every trick in the book to keep up this facade. You think I don't see that look in your eye while you attempt to talk trash? That looks that you try to give to make yourself look superior?!

You have no right to refer to any kind of change that may have happened to me while you're mostly responsible for all of them! You come out here and try and sway these masses, but I know the truth!

Garland turns to address the crowd.

Robert Garland: I was tied up to a chair and left in a closed off basement after Frank screwed me over after making his return to the idustry. I was stabbed in the back after he walked out on a tag team match to leave me busted open! I was barely able to breathe as he pressed a button that activated a tightly locked shock collar around my neck while under a paycheck from that very same man who he claims made me into an attack dog!

Garland then turns back to Washington with an emotionless look on his face.

Robert Garland: Well Frank, like you were the dog before, I am now! It's all coming full circle and I've waited too long to show you up for what you really are. This isn't a wrestling match I'm signing up for... It's a funeral...

Frank looks away towards the ground, as his eyes are full of remorse and regret, before he goes to exit the ring -When Rech suddenly throws one of the chairs towards Frank and picks up another! Garland smiles as if this was planned, Rech running at Washington... Washington kicking him in the gut!


Garland looks over in frustration before looking back at the contract, Frank shaking his head and giving a solemn look before lifting Rech up...

Bradford: Dammit! This isn’t right! Travis Rech isn’t a competitor! You put that man down! Frank Washington should be fired!

The G.O.A.T connects!

Smith: Robert Garland can’t do anything about it! If he gets involved he’ll lose his shot at Frank Washington! The contract may be a pact of non-aggression before the match but Travis Rech isn’t covered anywhere in that!

In anger, Garland's face starts to turn red, security pulling Frank away and escorting him out of the ring as Garland checks on his manager. The crowd cheer Washington's exit up the ramp as he's partially being dragged out while yelling back at Garland.

Frank Washington: Are you happy now Badger?! You got your match!

Garland simply helps Rech to his feet, keeping his gaze on Washington as the show's opening segment fades to a commercial break.

Smith: Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. If you're just joining us, Frank Washington and Robert Garland have officially signed their contract to face off at Best of the Best for the first time in years, and Tyler Xero picked up an impressive win over the returning Hunter McKnight but the action doesn't stop there!

Bradford: Absolutely not, Smith! Because it's tournament time!

Smith: Is that suppposed to be some Tommy Angel parody of a power rangers parody?

Bradford: What? No way! Get your head out of the gutter, Smith! It's our first quarter final match!

Smith: This is a moment I've been waiting for! We put every member of the locker room in tournament qualifiers in an event that took two Unstoppable's to finish. Then we got through the first round, and now we're down to the quarter finals. And each competitor who advances, moves on to the Semi Finals tonight in one of our two co-main events. Then the winners of the Semi-Finals will meet in just two weeks, Bradford, at Best of the Best and man am I excited!


"Bonecracker" by Shocore hits the speakers and right after the intro as soon as the rest of the band chimes in, Johnny B. comes out to the stage with a light jog and the crowd erupts, eating it up. He throws his arms up in the air and makes his way down to the ring stepping between the ropes.

Barbara: Now in the ring, From New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, Joohnnyyyy Booooneeeecrruuusshhherrrrrr!

Following, "Beast" by Nico Vega hit the speakers with more cheers as Mike Harrison made his way out.

Barbara: Now introducing, from Blackpool, England, Miiiiikkeee Haaariiisssoonnn!

Harrison slid in and both men got to their respective corners and the bell rang. The two paced around each other before Bonecrusher flew in with a low dropkick to the knee that actually flipped Harrison over and to his back. Quick to get back to his feet but the weak spot was now made and Bonecrusher kept to it with a number of kicks. To get Bonecrusher off of him, Harrison threw up a kick with his bad leg but got caught. Bonecrusher laughed and shook his head so Harrison lept up to try for an enziguri but Bonecrusher ducked it. Before Harrison could throw his leg back up in a Jeff Hardy style of kick, Bonecrusher worked that bad knee some more with a reverse dragon screw, taking Harrison down and covering immediately.


Smith: Not quite enough and Harrison is still in this thing!

Bradford: But you have to wonder for how long. See what a lot of people don't realize is that Bonecrusher is a lot more than just a crazy son of a gun. He's a great technical wrestler and he's showing it here right from the start working that leg of Mike Harrison.

It continued like this. Bonecrusher was working the leg over but Harrison did change the tide at a moments notice. Bonecrusher had Harrison on the ropes but when going for a grapple, Harrison swung a kick back with his good leg into JB's midsection. Harrison jumped to the middle rope and did a springboard backwards turning in mid-air and catching JB who's doubled over, taking him over with a quick pin attempt but only a two. Harrison couldn't believe it but he got to his feet to keep the momentum rolling. The match pace quickened and JB didn't expect it, trying to slow it down when he could with his technical ability. Given a few more minutes, Harrison with a full head of steam, shaking his leg a bit first and he ran to the corner. Essentially running up the corner, he moonsaulted off as JB was getting to his feet.

Bradford: Harrison is picking up the momentum and keeping the match fast paced but if JB can come back, it might be all she wrote as Harrison is favoring that knee!

Smith: Really good observation, Bradford, I'm impressed.

Bradford: Why? Don't think I can do my job? Come on Smith, I've worked with you for how long now? I might impress you but you dissappoint me.

Smith: That doesn't seem very logica... oh a HUGE COUNTER by Bonecrusher!

Indeed it was just that. Bonecrusher stepped forward and turned around so he could catch Harrison on the way down and he did. Catching Harriosn, JB used the moentum for a brutal spinebuster. With a rough landing, JB kept with the legs and turned Harrison over in the middle of the ring with the cloverleaf in his "Cement Mixer" trademark combo.

Bradford: And that's the technical ability I'm talking about, Smith! He use his size and speed and experience edge to scout Harrison's move, counter it into his own trying to pick up that submission win! Underestimation right there, Smith, and the experience edge caught him.

Smith: It's an impressive counter, for sure, working over the injured leg. Harrison is in the middle of the ring with no where to go and it's over! Harrison taps out! Johnny B. advances!

Harrison tried to fight it out and tried to crawl to the ropes but the previous attack to his knee was just too much for the technical mastermind that was Johnny B..

Barbara: Your winner... Johhhnnnyyy Boooonnneeecrruuussshhherrr!

Bradford: Johnny B. advances to the semi-finals later tonight, Smith! He takes on the winner of Daniel Smart, Matt Ward and Leo Banks! Will that Knee-DS of his be enough to advance?!


Exiting the ring after his win, Barbara Braman ran across the ring to catch a quick word with him with his music playing in the background.

Barbara: Johnny! Johnny! Congradulations on your win advancing to the semi-finals! It's an exciting moment and it's been a heck of a road for you so far, but you still have one more challenge ahead of you with the winner of the triple threat later tonight. How do you feel right now?

Bonecrusher: SPEAK TO ME... BOOONNECRRUUUSSHHERRRSSS!


Bonecrusher: Sorry.. still caught up in Warrior mode. It's simple, Barbara. I'm gonna go to the back, catch my breath and get ready for tonight because NOBODY and NOTHING is going to stop me from going to Best of the Best. All three are good.. but the Johnny is better!

Coming back from a commercial and Luke Jackson was already in the ring, and "5 to 1" by Marilyn Manson hit with the loud echo of boos filling up the arena as Bryce Manning slowly made his way out to the stage and began walking down the ramp.

Barbara: Now making his way to the ring, from Hillside, New Jersey... "The Architect" BRRRYYYYCEEE MAAANNIINNNGG! And currently in the ring, from Oakland, California, Luuuke "The Kid" JAACCCKKKSSOOONNNN!

Plenty of cheers of Jackson as Bryce was slow to get into the ring, taking his time, letting the boos fill in. Once in the ring, he put his arms out in a wingspan and slowly turned around in a few circles before stopping in the middle of the ring and putting his head up with a laughter, like he was absorbing the negativity.

Bradford: That right there is the soon to be head hancho of the ring here in MSW, Smith.

Smith: If you mean he's gooing to win the tournament, that's a good guess but right now you've only got a 25% chance of being right because he still has to get through Luke Jackson right now, and we still have the triple threat between Matt Ward, Daniel Smart and Leo Banks just a little bit later.

Bradford: You're just in denial because you know it's true, Smith. Since Bryce came onto the scene with an impact, he's been on a roll like no other taking out everybody in his path!

Smith: And so have everybody else in this tournament. How else would they all be in the quarter finals?

Bradford: Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Smith: Sometimes... just... I don't get you. How can you sit there and just assume Bryce is going to win with all of these great talents involved?

Bradford: How can I not, Smith? He's "The Architect!" Just think about his rap sheet for a second. Multiple time champion wherever he goes, he has carried companies on his back. The founder of the Art of War, The Unholy 3rinity, one half of the East Coast Advocates; I mean it's a mile long for crying out loud!

Smith: Plenty of our talents have other accomplishments too, ya know. It just doesn't click with me how you're so convinced on Bryce. A great talent, all the potential in the world to go far but he hasn't won it yet.

Bradford: Yeah well, Drew Stevenson has plenty of accomplishments too and he still couldn't get the job done.

Smith: Well I guess we'll just have to wait and... Oh, Luke Jackson trying to get an early start!

Bryce spent some time taunting the people and Jackson but Jackson knew what he was getting into and the bell sounded when he threw the first punch. It was enough to stagger Bryce forward and he brough a look to his face, mouthing "What the hell was that?" in a very sarcastic way. Bryce stood up straight and turned around to stare down "The Kid," figureatively as they were relatively the same height. Jackson started throwing some more punches and kicks at Bryce but Bryce being the stronger, bigger man grabbed Jackson and shoved him off. Jackson rolled through rolling backwards and hit the ropes running to Bryce full speed. Bryce attempted a lariat but Jackson ducked, jumped to the middle rope and turned in mid air. Bryce turned around just to get met with a huge drop kick taking him off of his feet and went for a quick cover but only two.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! HERE WE GO JACK-SON, HERE WE GO! *clap clap* HERE WE GO JACK-SON, HERE WE GO! *clap clap*

Bradford: And there's my point, Smith. Jackson got a quick run but it wasn't enough to keep Bryce down and that was his worst mistake, right there. Just look at the look on Bryce's face, for crying out loud! I mean these people can cheer him on all they want but Jackson is in deep doo doo right now.

And he couldn't have been any more right. Jackson tried for another quick pin attempt but another two and Bryce took immediate control. After a few minutes of methodically picking `apart Jackson; Jackson looked like he had the tar beat right out of him and he could barely stand. Bringing Jackson to his feet, Bryce uses a headlock takedown, bringing Jackson over to the mat in a seated position and landed a mean sounding kick right into his back. The pain showed and Bryce did it again.

Smith: Oh, a great headlock takedown by Manning, followed by those kicks that you could hear clear downtown. Bryce Manning is using the definite size advantage to his favor assuming control Jackson in a dominant way.

Bradford: That's what I was saying all along, Smith. The size advantage, the technical skill, the experience advantage, EVERYTHING is in his favor here tonight. Jackson is young, inexperienced, plenty of potential but he's taking on Bryce. Not to mention he's looking all around keeping his eyes out for Matt Ward!

Bryce lined up, going for a third kick but Jackson rolled out of the way and used his speed to roll Bryce up, catching him off guard out of the momentum from the missed kick but only a one. Jackson was trying his hardest to knock off Bryce but it just wasn't enough. When both men got to their feet, Jackson ran at Bryce but got caught with an elbow that knocked Jackson back into the ropes. Bryce with a lariat took Jackson up and over the top to the floor, and Bryce followed suit.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOO! MAN-NING SUCKS! MAN-NING SUCKS! MAN-NING SUCKS!

Bradford: Bryce is back in control! Sounds like you and these people would get along great, Smith. Sounds like you all need a vacation to Egypt.

Smith: Seems like you're pretty obsessed there, Bradford.

Bryce was bringing Jackson to his feet and he knocked Bryce's hands away and started to slug at him with right hands gaining momentum back.

Bradford: Closed fists, ref! He should be disqualified, come on!

Smith: It looks to me that Jackson doesn't want to go out just yet and he's fighting back with all of his heart and spirit that's left!

Having Bryce in a brief stagger, Jackson backed himself up to the ring post and got a full head of steam but in mid run he's caught off guard when "Waking the Demon" by Bullet for My Valentine hit. Jackson was able to stop in his place, sliding a bit and his focus went right to the stage to see Matt Ward come walking out.



Bradford: I told you, Smith! He was looking out for Ward and now it's going to cost him! Inexperience! You never take your eyes off of somebody like Bryce, never!

Smith: Matt Ward has no business being out here! He's got a match of his own in just a little bit, he shouldn't even be worried about Luke Jackson right now!

Ward had just smiled and Bryce lunged forward with a forearm shot that knocked Jackson a little senseless. Bryce behind Jackson, ran him into the ring post head first and he fell over, leaning on the apron. This is where Bryce threw him into the ring and followed. Bryce seemed to stalk Jackson, yelling "COME ON PUNK! GET UP! GEEET UPPP!" Jackson crawled towards Bryce, not really knowing what was going on and used him to get up to his feet. Once he realized who was in front of him, he tried to back off but not fast enough. Bryce hooked the arm and threw it over his shoulder, lifting Jackson up high into the air, and delivering a rock bottom across his knee.

Bradford: SPINESHANKER! SPINESHANKER! BRYCE WITH THE BRUTAL SPINESHANKER!

Smith: That vicious sambo slam across the knee has ended many matched for Bryce, but damnit, if Ward didn't show up I can't help but think it wouldn't be ending this way!


Barbara: Your winner... BRRRYYYYCEEE MAAANNNINNNNGG!

Smith: Well... he did it. I can't belive it but Bryce Manning advances to contender later tonight for the Semi-Finals.



Going backstage, we see a very angry Ward looking around for Luke Jackson who was just too fast and managed to get away. Screaming, his voice echoed throughout the hall.

Ward: JACKSON, WHERE ARE YOU? SHOW YOUR FACE YOU LITTLE RUNT!

Looking around frantically, we hear him grunt as from above we see Jackson above Ward as he jumps down striking Ward in the back with that chain which he has wrapped around his fist. Now on the ground, the much smaller Jackson mounts Ward and starts punching him right in the face with that chain busting him open as blood trickles down Ward’s forehead. Smiling, Jackson looks down at the fallen Ward.

Jackson: You wanted it, well, you got it big man. I’ll see you in two weeks.

Walking away, we see the bloody Ward lying there on the cold concrete floor.

“Sixty-five thousand dollars sun-glasses—that’s worth more than the collective salaries of the Missouri State Wrestling locker-room.”

Opening up on a bright and sunny day—the weather presented was nothing like Missouri- rather, the billboards and show of skin from females in bathing suits presented us with a glimpse into Orlando, Florida. As trees swayed in the background, one individual—rocking that said pair of $6,500 glasses with a white Polo Shirt, khakis and probably a snakeskin belt [more for looks than for purpose] stood in the distance. The man had his hair combed to the side, but the high quality of the footage allowed those crystal-like blue eyes of his to steal the show. Those glasses he spoke of? It was folded up and hung over the inside of the man’s shirt. Across his wrist, a flashy watch—more than likely a Rolex.

“When you look this good, you feel even BETTER. Now as you’re sitting there, wondering just who exactly I am.. There’s a few things you should know. First off..”

The man held his right index finger up, decorated with a gold band and diamond ring—

“.. I could probably buy the MSW right from under The Stevenson’s if I choose, but that’s not the point. See, when you’ve had everything in this world—from the finest meals available, cooked on site by the best chefs money can buy—to tailor made suits and Ferraris and Porsches, there’s a void—there’s something I DIDN’T have- which brings me to MSW.”

Now he held up his middle finger—

“.. And leads me directly to the second thing you should know.. My name.. Is Roman Gold and I personify what it means to be successful on different levels—from business, to my persona l life. Along side my agent.. RJ Ryan—“

The camera quickly panned to the side to show a short, chubby fellow with RED colored framed glasses dressed in a pricey suit- the man’s hair was frizzed and crazy, but it was ‘the look’.

“.. and of course- my personal bodyguard.. Daniel Bane..”

From Gold’s agent- the camera flipped angles to show a BURLY fellow, his hair pulled back and his body barely able to fit into the Armani suit he was wearing from his muscle mass.

“We’re coming to Missouri State Wrestling with one intention in mind, to plunder and profit. See, I may not be a ‘villain’ as your resident hero Peyton Von Licht may say—I’m definitely no ‘Architect’ as your resident antichrist says. Rather, I’m everything that makes the United States.. great. I live my life a drink at a time—I wear the finest suits, I buy out bars.. I, ladies and gentlemen.. am Roman Gold—The American Reality. Some say I live life to the extreme with bottles of Cristal—I beg to differ that opinion. I live hard, because I deserve it. When your name is Roman Gold.. Nothing is off-limits, not supermodels, not supercars.. and definitely, not superstars. I believe everyone—and everyone has a price—which leads me to the fact that sooner or later, I will own the MSW Championship- now whether it’s bought or if it’s won..”

Roman Gold as we’ve learned, took a second to pause.. as he smiled and popped a cigar into his mouth. With the tip already lit, he took a second to enjoy it as he removed it and placed it between his fingers, tapping the ashes into the open.

“.. remains to be seen. As The American Reality, I will show everyone how life SHOULD be lived—and not how life should be wasted.”

Placing the cigar down onto the tray, he picked up his glass of red wine and held it in the air.

“Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon.. $2500 a bottle—“

Purposely pouring some of the liquor out of the glass, Roman let off a laugh.

“.. there’s your rent money..”

As the glass continued to empty, Roman laughed again.

“.. your car note.. your IRA.. Your savings account..”

With just a few sips left within the cup, Roman shrugged his shoulders and placed the cup back near the top of his head and nodded.

“Don’t envy what I have, make an attempt to better what YOU have. As The American Reality, follow in my footsteps—just don’t follow TOO closely.. bankruptcy isn’t fun.. or so I’ve heard.”

And on that shot—of Roman tipping a glass with $2500 per bottle wine in it, the camera took what essentially was a screen-shot—as the frozen frame then faded off to black.