AoN: Rush (c) vs. Matt Tastic - EurAsian Title (Last Chance Match)

[Kermit]

Matt Tastic and Rush have been joined at the hip for the last couple of months. Now, they find themselves on the tail end of a Best of Three Series. The score is tied 1-1, and either man could walk away the victor. This past week on Meltdown, an added stipulation was put into place for the match. Both men agreed to not pursue each other any longer concerning the EurAsian Championship. That means that this is a Last Chance Match for both men. With Rush coming off of a loss and Tastic nearly broken, this match is highly unpredictable.

Deadline is Tuesday February 19, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Central). Extensions as per thread.​

 

[Muffin Top Merkley]

Moby Dick
Chapter 132: The Symphony

It was a clear steel-blue day. The firmaments of air and sea were hardly separable in that all-pervading azure; only, the pensive air was transparently pure and soft, with a woman’s look, and the robust and man-like sea heaved with long, strong, lingering swells, as Samson’s chest in his sleep.

Hither, and thither, on high, glided the snow-white wings of small, unspeckled birds; these were the gentle thoughts of the feminine air; but to and fro in the deeps, far down in the bottomless blue, rushed mighty leviathans, sword-fish, and sharks; and these were the strong, troubled, murderous thinkings of the masculine sea.

But though thus contrasting within, the contrast was only in shades and shadows without; those two seemed one; it was only the sex, as it were, that distinguished them.

[Color=RoyalBlue3]I am the last remaining holdout.

I am a protector and a pillar of wrestling’s golden era.

It is the cross that I carry and separates me from the locker room. I’m discriminated against because of my beliefs and my determination to resurrect wrestling to it’s former glory.

A time where a fan’s support was gained inside a twenty by twenty ring, and not by “shooting” on the internet in 140 characters or less.

A time when fans would travel to the show, not read about it on some dirt sheet.

A time when they would pay to watch a Pay-Per View rather than illegally watch it from their parent’s basement.

A time when wrestlers told a story inside the ring that captivated the audience and held their attention for sixty minutes, opposed to the audience losing focus and heading for the nearest washroom if there isn’t enough flips or blood within the first five minutes.

A time when wrestlers had to fight for and earn their opportunities to succeed, rather than backstab, politic, or sleep for their spot on the card.

A time when wrestling was important and made money and wasn’t laughed at or enjoyed in secrecy and shame.

I’m trying to restore the wrestling business to its greatness.

So why am I the villain in this story?[/COLOR]

Aloft, like a royal czar and king, the sun seemed giving this gentle air to this bold and rolling sea; even as bride to groom. And at the girdling line of the horizon, a soft and tremulous motion- most seen here at the Equator- denoted the fond, throbbing trust, the loving alarms, with which the poor bride gave her bosom away.

Tied up and twisted; gnarled and knotted with wrinkles; haggardly firm and unyielding; his eyes glowing like coals, that still glow in the ashes of ruin; untottering Ahab stood forth in the clearness of the morn; lifting his splintered helmet of a brow to the fair girl’s forehead of heaven.

Oh, immortal infancy, and innocency of the azure! Invisible winged creatures that frolic all round us! Sweet childhood of air and sky! how oblivious were ye of old Ahab’s close-coiled woe! But so have I seen little Miriam and Martha, laughing-eyed elves, heedlessly gambol around their old sire; sporting with the circle of singed locks which grew on the marge of that burnt-out crater of his brain.

[Color=RoyalBlue3]Am I the villain because I fight to return this broken sport to an era that each and everyone treasured? A period in time where we all watched with baited breath and decided that this was what we were all destined to do with our lives.

Am I revolting because I refuse to pander to the crowd like Matt Tastic?

Because I don’t flip or stand on my head for admiration like Matt Tastic?

Because I refuse to sell my body to the butcher in the ring like Matt Tastic?[/COLOR]

Slowly crossing the deck from the scuttle, Ahab leaned over the side and watched how his shadow in the water sank and sank to his gaze, the more and the more that he strove to pierce the profundity. But the lovely aromas in that enchanted air did at last seem to dispel, for a moment, the cankerous thing in his soul. That glad, happy air, that winsome sky, did at last stroke and caress him; the step-mother world, so long cruel- forbidding- now threw affectionate arms round his stubborn neck, and did seem to joyously sob over him, as if over one, that however wilful and erring, she could yet find it in her heart to save and to bless. From beneath his slouched hat Ahab dropped a tear into the sea; nor did all the Pacific contain such wealth as that one wee drop.

Starbuck saw the old man; saw him, how he heavily leaned over the side; and he seemed to hear in his own true heart the measureless sobbing that stole out of the centre of the serenity around. Careful not to touch him, or be noticed by him, he yet drew near to him, and stood there.

[Color=RoyalBlue3]I’m hated and booed because I want the title that I possess to be recognized as the building block in the next evolution of wrestling and to be hold relevance worldwide and not just within the WZCW eco-system. Something that I cannot do with a title that is marred and tarnished thanks to its lacklustre history of thieves and losers. The EurAsian Championship in it’s current form must be abolished and rebanded to respect and honour the past in order for it to rise to my level and be above the rest of the roster.

With the newly christened championship that I will unveil after I beat Matt Tastic at his own game with assist me in repairing wrestling back to it’s prime.

Matt Tastic is a cheered hero for attempting to prevent me from earning respect for this industry. He depends on wrestling to continue to devolve further into a state of decay in order to survive.

Matt Tastic is a shell of a wrestler who can barely compete against today’s wrestler. His name would have never been spoken in the same breath as wrestlers that came before him. His antics inside the squared circle spit on the road that I helped pave.

He disguises his obvious lack of in-ring ability with smoke and mirrors. His inept ability to earn his own opportunity causes him to plead and beg for them. His lack of knowledge and awareness of the basics are masked by gimmicks.

I left absolutely no doubt when I definitively opened up our Best of Three Series with a victory. Matt Tastic proved that every loser can get lucky when he snuck away with the victory like a coward.

Matt needs wrestling to devolve to his level to remain alive. He needs my championship to become relevant.[/COLOR]

Ahab turned.

“Starbuck!”

“Sir.”

“Oh, Starbuck! it is a mild, mild wind, and a mild looking sky. On such a day- very much such a sweetness as this- I struck my first whale- a boy-harpooneer of eighteen! Forty- forty- forty years ago!- ago! Forty years of continual whaling! forty years of privation, and peril, and storm-time! forty years on the pitiless sea! for forty years has Ahab forsaken the peaceful land, for forty years to make war on the horrors of the deep! Aye and yes, Starbuck, out of those forty years I have not spent three ashore. When I think of this life I have led; the desolation of solitude it has been; the masoned, walled-town of a Captain’s exclusiveness, which admits but small entrance to any sympathy from the green country without- oh, weariness! heaviness! Guinea-coast slavery of solitary command!- when I think of all this; only half-suspected, not so keenly known to me before- and how for forty years I have fed upon dry salted fare- fit emblem of the dry nourishment of my soul!- when the poorest landsman has had fresh fruit to his daily hand, and broken the world’s fresh bread to my mouldy crusts- away, whole oceans away, from that young girl-wife I wedded past fifty, and sailed for Cape Horn the next day, leaving but one dent in my marriage pillow- wife? wife?- rather a widow with her husband alive? Aye, I widowed that poor girl when I married her, Starbuck; and then, the madness, the frenzy, the boiling blood and the smoking brow, with which, for a thousand lowerings old Ahab has furiously, foamingly chased his prey- more a demon than a man!- aye, aye! what a forty years’ fool- fool- old fool, has old Ahab been! Why this strife of the chase? why weary, and palsy the arm at the oar, and the iron, and the lance? how the richer or better is Ahab now? Behold. Oh, Starbuck! is it not hard, that with this weary load I bear, one poor leg should have been snatched from under me? Here, brush this old hair aside; it blinds me, that I seem to weep. Locks so grey did never grow but from out some ashes! But do I look very old, so very, very old, Starbuck? I feel deadly faint, bowed, and humped, as though I were Adam, staggering beneath the piled centuries since Paradise. God! God! God!- crack my heart!- stave my brain!- mockery! mockery! bitter, biting mockery of grey hairs, have I lived enough joy to wear ye; and seem and feel thus intolerably old? Close! stand close to me, Starbuck; let me look into a human eye; it is better than to gaze into sea or sky; better than to gaze upon God. By the green land; by the bright hearthstone! this is the magic glass, man; I see my wife and my child in thine eye. No, no; stay on board, on board!- lower not when I do; when branded Ahab gives chase to Moby Dick. That hazard shall not be thine. No, no! not with the far away home I see in that eye!”

[Color=RoyalBlue3]Matt Tastic hunts for relevancy while I build my legacy.

Matt Tastic needs to be victorious at All or Nothing now more than ever if he intends on keeping his hopes and dreams of being a champion alive.

Matt falls when he needs to stand tallest. All or Nothing will be the last opportunity that he receives to strip me from my championship. That added stipulation favors me more than any of our past encounters and practically secures the title around my waist.

The fact that this is questionably my last chance as well further proves management’s tendency to play favourites and manipulate their puppets. Why am I prevented from invoking my rematch clause, should Matt Tastic manoeuvre himself into a cheap victory again. Why am I being punished for something that Matt Tastic has continuously failed to do?[/COLOR]

“Oh, my Captain! my Captain! noble soul! grand old heart, after all! why should any one give chase to that hated fish! Away with me! let us fly these deadly waters! let us home! Wife and child, too, are Starbuck’s- wife and child of his brotherly, sisterly, play-fellow youth; even as thine, sir, are the wife and child of thy loving, longing, paternal old age! Away! let us away!- this instant let me alter the course! How cheerily, how hilariously, O my Captain, would we bowl on our way to see old Nantucket again! I think, sir, they have some such mild blue days, even as this, in Nantucket.”

“They have, they have. I have seen them- some summer days in the morning. About this time- yes, it is his noon nap now- the boy vivaciously wakes; sits up in bed; and his mother tells him of me, of cannibal old me; how I am abroad upon the deep, but will yet come back to dance him again.”

”’Tis my Mary, my Mary herself! She promised that my boy, every morning, should be carried to the hill to catch the first glimpse of his father’s sail! Yes, yes! no more! it is done! we head for Nantucket! Come, my Captain, study out the course, and let us away! See, see! the boy’s face from the window! the boy’s hand on the hill!”

[Color=RoyalBlue3]With my upcoming victory, I take another step towards earning this business respect. I will reband a championship that I have already transcended. I will secure my place in history’s book – not a mere line on a page, but an entire chapter in my name.

Should I fail at All or Nothing, wrestling becomes unsalvageable and will lay in ruins – A nuclear shadow of what it once was.

My success isn’t measured by the size of the pop from the crowd. Their cheers didn’t make me a champion; their cheers nearly caused me my life in the middle of the ring.

I refuse to ****e myself to them again but I hope they continue to cheer for Matt Tastic until they’re blue in the face and he’s dead in the ring.

Until then, Matt Tastic can continue to break his own back hunting championship gold, his white whale.[/COLOR]

But Ahab’s glance was averted; like a blighted fruit tree he shook, and cast his last, cindered apple to the soil.

“What is it, what nameless, inscrutable, unearthly thing is it; what cozening, hidden lord and master, and cruel, remorseless emperor commands me; that against all natural lovings and longings, I so keep pushing, and crowding, and jamming myself on all the time; recklessly making me ready to do what in my own proper, natural heart, I durst not so much as dare? Is Ahab, Ahab? Is it I, God, or who, that lifts this arm? But if the great sun move not of himself; but is an errand-boy in heaven; nor one single star can revolve, but by some invisible power; how then can this one small heart beat; this one small brain think thoughts; unless God does that beating, does that thinking, does that living, and not I. By heaven, man, we are turned round and round in this world, like yonder windlass, and Fate is the handspike. And all the time, lo! that smiling sky, and this unsounded sea! Look! see yon Albicore! who put it into him to chase and fang that flying-fish? Where do murderers go, man! Who’s to doom, when the judge himself is dragged to the bar? But it is a mild, mild wind, and a mild looking sky; and the airs smells now, as if it blew from a far-away meadow; they have been making hay somewhere under the slopes of the Andes, Starbuck, and the mowers are sleeping among the new-mown hay. Sleeping? Aye, toil we how we may, we all sleep at last on the field. Sleep? Aye, and rust amid greenness; as last year’s scythes flung down, and left in the half-cut swarths- Starbuck!”

But blanched to a corpse’s hue with despair, the Mate had stolen away.

Ahab crossed the deck to gaze over on the other side; but started at two reflected, fixed eyes in the water.

​

 

[ABMorales787]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]For a year now, a battle between two polar opposites has raged. A powerful, strong veteran. And a fast-minded, fun loving youngster. Fierce fights have broken out with neither side willing to give in. The turmoil seems endless. But the end..... Is soon to be reached. All things must come to an end.[/FONT]

Spoiler

Rush’s mood has changed and he seems intent on putting John through more pain. The ref is telling Rush to leave the ring, but he continues to ignore the ref. Rush grabs Constantine and in an impressively display of strength, lifts him over his head in a Military Press position. Rush walks over the ropes to throw Constantine over. John manages to grab onto Rush’s neck and as he gets thrown over he pulls Rush over the top rope and he too falls to the floor soon after. As this all happened, Tastic made a blind tag on his partners foot as he was going over the ropes. Tastic sees Bomb still down and leaps onto the ropes for a Springboard High Impact Elbow Drop!

Connor: Treble Boost connects!

Tastic makes the cover as Rush tries to quickly enter the ring. 1... 2.....

3!

Anderson: Here are your winners, John Constantine and Matt Tastic!

Tastic rises to his knees and the ref raises his hands. Rush has a mad look on his face and looks as if he’s about to punch Tastic when he suddenly holds his chest with his other hand. Tastic and the ref turn to see Rush as he slowly gets down on his knees and then falls onto the mat still gripping his chest. The ref gets over Rush and ask him if he’s okay. Tastic pulls his hair looking worried.

Connor: Folks if you are just tuning in, Tastic and Constantine just won a tag team match and their opponent Rush looks like he may be having a heart related issue. This appears very serious.

Rush is swinging his arm and the ref soon realizes it’s for his black bag he left on the stairs. The ref goes to retrieve it. Matt bends down over Rush and to make sure he’s okay. Rush reaches up to touch Tastic. He then sucker punches him right across the jaw. Tastic is floored to the mat as Rush gets up, showing no signs of any heat failure.

Connor: What... what did Rush just do?

Rush stands over Tastic and then lifts him to his feet. He tucks Tastic’s head under his legs and then lifts him high up, Rushing Powerbomb. The ref is back in the ring yells at Rush to exit the ring. Rush pushes the ref to the side as the crowd is now booing loudly.

Cohen: I’ll tell you what Rush has done CC, Rush has gotten one up on his King for a Day opponent with an impressive display of acting.

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And so the saga began. As frustrations built and tensions rose. The quest for power can drive many down unexpected paths and those we thought we knew, show completely new sides of themselves. Those who have the drive and desire for success may do anything to attain it. While other continue to push forward, not wanting to be denied.[/FONT]

Spoiler

Tastic shakes his head and contemplates for a moment as to what he could do to take either man out. His thoughts are stopped however as Rush is using the ropes to get up so Tastic by default goes after Rush. As Tastic goes to target Rush, he gets kicked in the gut by the big man and immediately gets lifted up. Rush turns 180 and hits the Rushing Powerbomb (without the running due to his leg injury), where Tastic hits the steel floor on the outside whilst Rush remains inside the ring. Rush crawls through the ropes and pins Tastic... 1... 2... 3!

Harrys: Matt Tastic has been eliminated!

Connor: Rush hit that bomb out of nowhere just to eliminate Tastic. An almost sickening thud to the back of Tastic's head.

Cohen: One too many crashes into that steel for Matt unfortunately and he's now out.

We see staff members help Tastic get out of the ring, getting another stretcher to help him out as soon as possible to keep the action going. Matt is able to wave to the fans in his slight consciousness as he is escorted out. The fans appreciate Tastic's efforts in the match and then focus their attention on Constantine and Rush doing their best to get up.

Spoiler

Both men hurting, slowly get to their feet. Tastic is up first and tries to make some offense but Rush surprises him by lifting up Tastic for the Torture Rack. It takes some time for Rush to get into the perfect position but he manages to hold up Tastic, crushing his body by jumping up and down. The pain is unbearable for Tastic but he does not give up, forcing Rush to contort Tastic even more. The crowd cheers for Tastic to hang in there but before Tastic can do anything, Rush drops down into a seated position, causing Tastic to fall onto Rush's shoulders in a modified backbreaker. He drops Tastic and turns over for the pin... 1... 2... 3 with Tastic getting his shoulder up a split-second after the 3.

The ref signals for the bell and ends the match as Rush's music begins blaring through the arena. The crowd boos loudly as the referee raises the hand of Rush who is on his knees with both arms held high.

Harrys: Here is your winner and NEW WZCW Eurasian Champion; RUSH!

Cohen: Rush has finally won himself a championship in WZCW! Congratulations to the big man for the victory.

Copeland: It was hard-fought as Tastic never gave up and still managed to kick out on the winning fall but was too late to do so.

Dave: Either way, both men would have deserved this victory as they are both worthy to hold my former title. Congrats to Rush.

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It's said that despite how many times one is successful, their will is only truly tested in the face of defeat. Those who carry the scars of failure with pride learn to face the future fearlessly....[/FONT]

Spoiler

Rush rolls onto his stomach to the edge of the ring but Matt is worse off as the beating further takes its’ toll. The ref counts both men, 1....2.....3......4..... Rush is on his knees but is using the ropes while Matt is only able to drag himself to the outside of the ring.....5.....6.......7..... Rush lunges across the ring to cut off as he tries to climb to the top rope. He tries to put Matt on his shoulders for the Torture Rack but Matt fights him off with elbows to the head, Rush stumbles away, Tornado DDT puts Rush down!! Matt covers quickly, 1......2.......Rush kicks out!!

Connor:“That’s the same move that El Califa Dragon pinned Rush with last week!”

Cohen: “Was that smart by Matt Tastic? I don’t believe it!”

Copeland: “Matt has fought his way back into the match, what a remarkable comeback!”

Matt is trying to capitalise but the way that the match has gone means he is struggling to move Rush. He tries to hit his trademark rolling spinebuster but Rush reverses it into an Irish whip, Matt bounces back and as Rush lowers his head for a back body drop, Matt kicks him in the head and hits the swinging reverse DDT! Cover for Matt, 1.....2.... Rush barely gets his foot under the ropes! Matt thought that was good enough for the win. Tastic pounds the canvas, he drags Rush up once more and looks for the Headache Driver to finish the match in favour. He tries desperately to lift him but Rush is too big. Rush powers up and lifts Matt up with him but from on top of Rush's shoulders, Matt twists and pulls Rush down into a crucifix pinning combination, 1......2......3!!

Cohen: "What!!!"

Your winner by pinfall, Matt Tastic!

Copeland:"That's a brilliant win for Matt!"

Connor: "Rush has lost twice in two weeks! I'd say he has the competition that he wants! But who is going to face him at Unscripted now!?"

Matt rolls out of the ring and leans against the barricade from exhaustion. Rush is sat in the ring aghast, with his head in his hands.

Copeland: "Jack, you're speechless!"

Cohen: "That little ingrate...."

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With both fighters on equal ground, Matt Tastic seemed poised for greatness at last. But just as Matt embraces his mistakes, Rush also adapts for survival.[/FONT]

Spoiler

Dave: Alright, here are the results for the EurAsian Title match.
a) Celeste Crimson - 9 votes 35%
b) El Califa Dragon - 3 votes 11%
c) Matt Tastic - 14 votes 54%

The audience cheers and Tastic swings his arms around excitedly. He shakes hands with El Califa and Celeste as the giant Rush walks over to him.

Rush: I can't wait to crush your spirit when I break your body in that ring.

Rush chuckles and walks out of the room. Tastic, El Califa, and Celeste all leave soon after and the camera turns back to the three GM's who turn to look at the TV screen.

=====================================


Rush is downed to one knee and is forced to limp away. He retreats to a corner but Matt follows him and begins to unleash kick after kick to the champion. Matt stands back as Rush is reeling and he lines up another big move as Rush stumbles away from the corner. Matt charges and Rush back body drops him over the ropes. Tastic somehow lands on his feet and on the apron. Rush sees him and charges but Tastic drops down, dropping Rush throat first across the top rope! Matt seizes his opportunity and grabs Rush’s feet, pulling the big man down to the mat, he falls like a large oak, 1...

Connors: “As sneaky as Rush is, Matt has an answer for it.”

Cohen: “But now they have gone outside of the ring, you have to think this favours Rush!”

Matt pulls him outside and begins to pummel Rush. 2...The big man begins to fight back and is able to whip Matt to the barriers at ringside, 3..... Matt stops himself from colliding with the steel and leaps onto the barrier before diving with a high crossbody dive onto Rush! 4.... Matt stumbles around while the crowd stand and applaud the spectacular flying move 5.... but WZCW’s Super Saiyan doesn’t stand around to take it in, he brings Rush to his feet 6...... and goes to hit the Headache Driver! He struggles to get him in position and then to lift him 7...... Rush fights out of it but Matt hits the Rolling Spinebuster!! 8.....

Connors: “Spinebuster to the champion on the floor!”

Copeland: “Get him back in the ring Matt!!”

Matt squirms, trying to get up. He sees the referee counting both men out! 9...... He tries to get into the ring and instinctively tries to bring Rush with him but the big man slows him down too much by holding onto the ring steps!! 10...... The referee rings the bell!!!

Cohen: “Yes!”

The ref rushes to the timekeeper. Matt senses what is coming and has his head in his hands. Rush is trying to roll away from his adversary. Within seconds the announcement comes.

The referee has decided that as a result of a double count out, this match is a draw. That means still the Eurasian Champion, Rush!!!

Connors: “You are kidding me!”

Copeland: “Oh boy, Matt is not impressed.”

Cohen: “You all know the rules, Rush does too.”

Matt pounds the mat in frustration. He sees Rush attempting to crawl away and goes after the champion. The crowd rise as Matt continues his attack, battering the exhausted champion, who has no answer to the energy that pours through his assault. The referee rushes in between them but Rush lunges forward with a giant boot between the legs of referee and Matt. Both men fall to the floor! Rush grabs his Eurasian title and sets to leave but he turns and puts Matt in his position for the Rushing Powerbomb! As he strides forward with Matt in the air, Tastic slips out! Rush comes back but Matt uses his momentum and trips him up, Matt gets him in the Cross Buster!!!

Connors: “Matt is getting the champion to tap out in the centre of the ring!”

Cohen: “Too bad this is superficial at this point. Matt had his chance and he blew it!”

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Matt's raw determination has continued to go head to head with Rush's cunning for weeks, months and as of now a year. Each side finding a new way to one up the other every single week. Closure was needed to end this. And that closure was declared.[/FONT]

Spoiler

As Rush sits in position with Celeste still in the pinning predicament, he slowly turns to Smith and nods. A creepy smile slithers onto Smith’s face as he reaches down and grabs the steel chair used to attack Matt Tastic earlier and slides it into the ring. Rush brings Celeste to her feet and holds her in position for a chair shot. Suddenly Matt Tastic becomes involved for the first time tonight and tackles Smith to the floor, smashing a number of fists into his face. As Smith seeks to cover up, Rush enters the fray, tossing Celeste aside. He goes to grab Tastic, but the former Mayhem Champion expects it and looks to hook in his Crossbuster submission. Somewhat panicked, Rush breaks the hold and quickly exits the ring. Smith also takes this opportunity to roll underneath the ropes. They grab their championships as Tastic paces around the ring. He demands a microphone.

Tastic: I’m sick and I’m tired of having to constantly put up with sneak attacks, double teams and assaults from behind. That’s why I’ve made a proposal to Big Dave concerning the EurAsian Championship situation...and it has been accepted. So starting next week Rush, me and you are going to go toe-to-toe, man-to-man in a best of three series with the ultimate winner being EurAsian Champion!

Rush is visibly furious and begins bearing his teeth before he decides this may not be so bad after all and his fury turns to subtle deviousness. His teeth disappear and a smirk enters onto his face. Tastic drops his mic and continues to pace, never taking his eyes off Rush once.

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The final stretch to this long race has become visible. But neither man is willing to slow down in the slightest. The allure of being a champion as well as the need to protect one's pride does not allow them to stop. They push each other to the breaking point.[/FONT]

Spoiler

Copeland: He’s a Super Saiyan Jack and if my research is correct, they get stronger after taking vast amounts of punishment.

Aiming a massive forearm at Tastic, Rush tries to clobber his nemesis. However, this move is the perfect opening for Tastic who tries to hook in his finishing submission; the Crossbuster! Rush reaches out and snatches the ropes to prevent the hold and break it up at the same time. The referee counts Tastic. 1…2…3…4… Tastic releases but soon follows up with a spinning backfist. The fans are losing it now, sensing Tastic is mere moments away from taking a lead in the series. Rush is staggered, much as he was at the start of the match. He leans against the ropes for support, apparently out on his feet. Tastic backs off and charges at the champion, hoping to send him outside much like earlier on. Rush though is a crafty fiend and attempts a backdrop to send Tastic out. It doesn’t quite work as Tastic executes a truly bizarre counter. Hooking his falling legs around Rush’s head and using his own momentum, Tastic twists Rush’s body to face into the ring and executes a sunset flip! He covers with an excited crowd; 1…2…KICK-OUT! Rush powers out.

Copeland: So close for Tastic.

Cohen: Not close enough.

On a level playing field, both men prepare to stand up. Tastic, carrying less weight and younger, is up first. He positions himself over Rush and attempts to execute a second sunset flip. As he just about swivels forwards, Rush lifts Tastic upwards. The record Mayhem holder wriggles, trying to free himself from his predicament, but Rush tosses him upwards, catching Tastic in a powerbomb position and tosses him exceptionally far, actually throwing Tastic clean out of the ring! The crowd gasps as Tastic’s body crumples on the mat below. Rush screams barbarically before collapsing backward out of exhaustion. The referee begins to count once more. 1…2…3…

Cohen: That was the biggest Rushing Powerbomb I’ve ever seen. What a feat of strength from the EurAsian Champion!

4…5… Still no movement from Tastic as Rush is back to his feet. On 6 he begins to count along with the referee.

Copeland: That’s it; it’s all over for sure.

7 and then something amazing happens as Tastic begins to come round again. Rush’s mouth comes agape as Tastic begins to try and force himself from the mat. The referee reaches 8 as the crowd begins to cheer madly.

Cohen: You have got to be kidding me!

Copeland: No way…

Tastic digs deep in search of one last burst of energy and nearly finds it as the referee hits 9. Matt though has given it his all for now and can’t muster a final burst, collapsing backwards once more much to Rush’s relief. The referee strikes 10 and the match is over.

Harrys: Here is your winner and 1-0 up in the Best of Three series, the EurAsian Champion; RUSH!

Truman Harrys hands the match official the gold as Rush grins, delighted with his taking the lead. He snatches the belt from the referee’s possession and raises it high, his shadow cast over the fallen Tastic.

Copeland: What a performance from Matt Tastic, so nearly finding that last gasp of energy to come back from a move that could well have crippled most men.

Cohen: What a performance from Tastic? What a performance from the mighty Rush! The beast once more prevails and he takes the deserved lead in this series Seabass.

As our commentators bicker amongst themselves, Rush lingers over the body of Tastic, choosing to exit the ring so he can walk over the body of his fallen foe, disrespecting him in the process. He leans over a near unconscious Tastic and brings his face mere inches from Tastic’s. He smiles; knowing he now has the advantage and chuckles lightly. After a few moments, Rush rises once more and takes his leave, wrapping his gold around his arm as Tastic struggles to move on the outside

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The battle becomes more and more personal as time passes....[/FONT]

Spoiler

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]It would seem our patient has bad tears on the muscles around his right shoulder. Near swollen disks in his vertebrae and a concussion. He also has a bruised kneecap. To be quite honest, this man needs a vacation badly. He may even need surgery if this keeps up how long has he been wrestling.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Big Dave:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] 3 years straight. As far as I can tell the only guy who's been wrestling longer than him is the World Champion himself.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]That's impressive really. But this young man has many injuries that need time to heal. If he's to be healthy and keep his career strong, I advise you send him home for about 8 to 10 weeks.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Big Dave:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] But the man is in the middle of a series of matches. He just lost the first match out of 3.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]And look at what that one match did, Mr. Dave. I'm sorry to cut your show short, but this man needs medical attention at least for a while. I've reviewed the tapes and have seen the kind of punishment this man puts himself through. If he doesn't seek help, it could be the end of him.[/FONT]

…[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]..As it becomes a matter of survival. [/FONT]

Spoiler

Both men recover and get to their feet at the same time. They charge each other and it appears that Tastic goes for a running clothesline; Rush ducks! Rush is now in position behind Tastic. He reaches over and grabs the arm of him and hoist him up for the Torture Rack!

Cohen: It’s over! There is no way that he can handle all of that pressure!

Rush tries to secure the lock with Tastic on his shoulders, but Tastic won’t give up that easy. He flails and kicks, which causes Rush to stumble backwards and up against a set of ropes. The rubber-band effect of the ropes allows Tastic to roll off of Rush’s shoulders and onto the outside apron. Rush turns around and approaches Tastic, but Tastic ducks and sends a stiff shoulder to Rush’s midsection through the middle rope. Rush bends over, which allows Tastic to spring himself over the ropes and grab Rush’s waist for a sunset flip into a pin! Rush is completely taken off guard as the referee makes the cover,

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Cohen: Oh come on!

Copeland: I don’t believe it!

Harrys: Here is your winner by pinfall, Matt Tastic!

The crowd erupts over the surprise pin. We see Tastic laying on the side of the ring and Rush on his knees, looking shocked in the middle of it. Rush curses under his breath as he shakes his head in disgust at the referee. He proceeds to get out of the ring and grab his EurAsian title from a ring official. Meanwhile, we see Tastic take notice of this and quickly request a microphone. It gets handed to him and he begins to speak as his music dies down.

Tastic: Rush!

Rush is already halfway up the ramp, but turns around to look at Tastic.

Tastic: You and I have done this one too many times man.

He takes a breath as he grabs his back in pain.

Tastic: All or Nothing will be our fifth encounter that has revolved around the EurAsian Title. Even though the audience brought us together at Unscripted, people are getting bored with us constantly squaring off. I know that you are sick of seeing me as much as I am sick of seeing you. So, let’s make a deal right now. Let’s make a deal that it will be our final fight at All or Nothing over this thing. If I win, then you don’t enact your rematch clause and let me live out my reign without ever competing against you again. If you win, then I won’t ever bother you again while you are EurAsian Champion. What do you say?

The camera shows the sweaty Rush on the ramp. He looks down at the EurAsian Title on his shoulder and then looks up. We hear him as clear as day. “DEAL!”

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Now the stage is set for the final confrontation. Should Rush lose, he cannot receive a rematch. Though in contrast, a loss for Matt Tastic may result in more than just major injuries. The conclusion of this saga is set. The final battle is about to begin........[/FONT]

​

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: *Huff* *Huff*. So how am I doing, doctor? How do things look like?[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The scene opens with Matt Tastic at the doctors office the day following Meltdown sitting on an examining bed. Being in critical condition, he was asked to return immediately in hopes of maintaining the injuries minimal. But Matt has been displaying heavy breathing since his last match and it does not seem to be mere exhaustion. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: As of your match last night you still have a very strained back. But look at this.[/FONT]

​

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Matt looks at the X-Ray but seems confused. He doesn't notice anything.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: I don't get it. What am I looking at here? Everything looks pretty fine.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: It's the strain. But it's not really your bones. Just like when you exercise with no rest, your body starts to feel strained. Muscles hurt, you lack energy to exert. It's why you're breathing heavy.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: *Huff* *Huff* Oh. Well that's wonderful. I'm guessing the time off from here until the PPV can help. But what about my back?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: Well, when we checked you last time, the results were not necessarily accurate. It was simple X-Rays and tests. We'd need to do a CT Scan to have a more thorough analysis of what you might have. My guess is it might be a spinal fracture. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: *Huff* *Huff* WHAT?! That's serious! What if I have bone spurs or something?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: Then you better hope you win your match as fast as you did the last one. Because if that's not the case, you may be looking at at irrepairable damage. But regardless of the match, there's a big chance that given your current conditioning, you wouldn't be able to wrestle again. You may not be able to take further stress without risking permanent nerve damage.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Then....... Oh man.......[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Doctor: You better think this through. You have until Sunday to decide if you want to risk your life in this match. Don't get me wrong though. You do have a chance to pull through this all. But it's still a major risk that grows with more danger. Good luck.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: .................................[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The doctor's hypothesis reaches Matt and strikes deep. As he clenches his fists on his knees with a distant stare giving nothing but the sense of concern from his eyes. His desire to remain a wrestler and even his overall health hang in the balance should he choose to compete once again. The doctor opens the door and signals for Matt to walk out. It takes him a while to react as he looks zoned out but he eventually gets up and walks out of the office. On his way out of the medical building though, his phone rings. He's slow to react, thinking of whether he should answer or not. It's Alisha and Matt has no clue what to say if she asks how the check-up. But he answers regardless.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: …...Hello?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alisha: Matty? Matty, are you still at the hospital?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: ….I'm walking out, but still close. Why?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alisha: Big Dave gave me a call. He needs something from you.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: What? Does he need a note from my mother too?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Alisha: No, it's not that. See, he got a call from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. There's a kid in the hospital who wants to see you. He was in a car crash several weeks ago and is paralyzed from the waist down. Apparently he's a big fan of yours. He's supposed to be in the same hospital. Go over for a while. We can talk about what the doctor told you when you get back, OK? Bye.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: …...Ok......[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Hang puts the phone away. At least now he has time think about what to tell her. Not to mention time to decide whether he'll wrestle or not. He turns and heads back to the hospital. His look of concern erased to save face for his fan. Once by the room, he stops by the door before walking in. He has to catch his breath for a bit feeling exhausted.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]*Huff* *Huff*[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He walks in to see a young girl. About 10 years of age. Her head bandaged and sitting on her bed. She becomes ecstatic to see Matt Tastic come in. Before he says hello though, he surveys the area and notices she's all alone. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: WOW! Matt Tastic![/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Hehe. Hey there. Whatcha up to, kid?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: I'm a huuuuge fan of yours.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: I've heard. So I came to visit. You're not looking too well. What happened?[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He sits by the bed on the chair next to it to hear what she has to say. He looks around again and notices a lack of balloons or Get Well cards as well as quite a few number of drawings laying around.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: Well the other day I was out why my mommy and my daddy at the mall. But on the way back, another car hit us before we could get home. When I woke up, I couldn't feel my legs. The doctor says I can't walk ever again.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: What about your mom and dad?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: They're gone.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Oh, gone? Rea-- WAIT A MINUTE, WHAT?! GONE? You mean-- But who's taking ca--[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The startling realization that the young girl lost her parents sets in, but before he can get a straight answer, he's interrupted by a nurse coming in to check up on the girl.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Nurse: She has her aunt and uncle coming by to pick her up soon. They live far off and they're coming with the rest of their family to pick her up and give condolences to her parents which is why no one has come to visit her yet.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: But.... My gosh. How're you he handling it, kid? [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: I know mommy and daddy are in a better place. And auntie and uncle will take good care of me. They always have when I go visit. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: But what about walking? Your legs?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: I can still do what I love the bestest in the world. Drawing. I could draw for hours. As long as I can do that, I'm happy. Just like how you love to wrestle.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Haha. I guess we're alike, huh?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: Yup. I wanna see you beat that meanie Rush on Sunday. I saw him on TV not that long ago. He said you're like Captain Ahab chasing a big white whale.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Haha. Really? Is it wrong for Captain Ahab to chase a whale if it's what he wants to do?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: No.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: That's right. He can chase all the whales he wants to if that's what makes him happy. Just like how you love to draw and I love to wrestle. Right-o?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: As long as he doesn't eat them.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Haha. That's right. Rush is a big meanie who bullies people and tries to make them feel like doing what they want is wrong and that they can't reach their dreams. But he's the one who's wrong. What's your dream?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: To have my drawings in a museum.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: And are you going to stop because some meanie says you aren't very good?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: No.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: What do you do? [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: Learn to draw better.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: Atta-girl! You're awesome. On Sunday, when I win, it'll be for you. And I promise I'll be checking on you too. I gotta have a doctor see me. But right now, I need to be heading out. OK?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: OK. But before you go, here![/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The little girl hands over a piece of paper. It's a drawing.[/FONT]

​

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: This is awesome. I'll make sure to make that picture a reality. Thanks.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: Now go Deliver Kickassery to Rush![/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: YEAH! This Man-Beast Machine will not stop! On Yonder![/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: On Yonder![/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: On Yonder![/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: On Yonder! What does that mean?[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Matt: I don't know.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Girl: ….... On Yonder![/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Eventually Matt marches off with newfound motivation. He knows what his decision is.


Matt: Rush used to love entertaining people. It also brought a smile to his face. But somewhere along the way, he lost that smile. As if the heart attack that sidelined him made him toil in regret and toss it aside in frustration. He felt angry about never winning a title and forgot about all the people that admired and cheered for him. But I haven't.


I don't care if I'm hurt. I won't bow to Rush's selfishness. He hurts people and one of those people is me. He's put my career, what I love to do in jeopardy. If I back down now, I may never get the chance to lace up a pair of boots again and nobody may ever be able to drive some sense into him. [/FONT]This all started when he blindsided me after faking a second heart attack. Just to show how far he's fallen. But I'll make sure it end decisively. No count-outs or disqualifications or sneak attacks. Just a raised hand and someone being decided as the bigger man. The one with the most desire. The most passion. Me.


He ignores how he's locked himself away with his misaimed hatred. Claiming he's restoring wrestling to it's "Golden Age". But at the end of the day, wrestling is wrestling. We go out there and do what we can to make the fans happy. It's why we chose this profession. If Rush doesn't like it, then he's not in the right business. Regardless of what he thinks, that's always how it's been. There's no favoritism from management. Just demand from the people. And I aim to Deliver Kickassery. And satisfy.

Just like the setbacks in the little girls life didn't stop her from drawing or how Captain Ahab never gave up finding the big white whale, Matt Tastic will not give up on wrestling. Because that's what he enjoys doing. To some it may seem like he just does things for attention and call him a clown. But to him entertaining others is what he enjoys doing. Bringing smiles to others is what's kept him going this far. At All Or Nothing, he will face Rush one final time regardless of the consequences. Because a life with regret is worst than playing it safe and never reaching your goals. You only live once after all. And you never know when something unexpected happens and you're unable to do the things you love. There is no uncertainty in this ending though. Matt Tastic marches head on knowing the risks he takes. The result? Find out at All Or Nothing.