The camera cuts backstage to Garth Black. He is heading toward the parking lot. Once there he searches out the production truck and looks around. He makes his way inside the production truck and closes the door behind him.
Copeland: What the hell is Black doing in the production truck?
Cohen: Whatever he wants Seabass. I have word that we have an exclusive interview with Theron Daggershield and his manager though. Let's get to that.
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Johnny Klamor: Good evening! In case some of you have forgotten who I am, my name is Johnny Klamor, and I'm here with someone who is also quickly being forgotten, Theron Daggershield!
Theron and his manager, known as Tiffany in plainspeak, walk into frame. Theron is clearly upset, but keeps his head up. Tiffany looks less distraught with their loss.
Johnny Klamor: Lately, we've seen you trying a new approach, and still coming out with the same results. It's the kind of thing that can really get a man down. What's the plan for next week? Challenge your opponent to a roll of d20s?
Theron's face changes, but Tiffany interjects.
Tiffany: You can save your jokes and sarcasm for someone else, Johnny. Theron is on a bad streak of luck right now, but on any roll of the die, it can turn around, just like that! This match was only the first step in turning everything around.
Theron is now smiling, his arm firmly around Tiffany's waist.
Johnny Klamor: Things certainly can't get any worse, can they? It seems to me, since first winning the title, Theron hasn't scored a win without the assistance of a teammate. Any chances Theron may foray into the tag division?
Tiffany: Everyone knows about Theron's Band Of Misfits, I'm sure. While he appreciates the sport of teaming with someone, and the possible success that can come with it, it's not for him right now. He has enough to keep track of. Down the road? Who knows.
Johnny Klamor: If he won't team, and his first attempt at re-imagining himself turned out as a loss, to the one person who may be more down on his luck than himself, maybe we can be graced by a completely fresh image. A blank slate, if you would, similar to that of Ty B...I'm sorry, Tyrone Blades. Maybe we can see the real Sh-
Tiffany & Theron: Theron!
Johnny Klamor: Forgive me. Theron Daggershield. Or maybe he'll go the way of El Caidos Dragon, and just quit?
Tiffany's face is turning a bright red, but Theron intervenes, speaking for himself now.
Theron Daggershield: I'm no quitter! The light of Mystra shall shine on all corners before I am done!
Theron and Tiffany exit camera left, crossing in front of Johnny.
Johnny Klamor: We'll see about that, Shawn.
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[YOUTUBE]lc_HozcYaD4[/YOUTUBE]
We return with the crowd emphatic in its reaction, the music of a hero ringing all around the arena.
Harrys: Ladies and gentlemen, this next bout is scheduled for one fall, introducing first, from Stephenville, Texas, weighing 190 pounds, “The Warblade of Mystra”; THE-RON DAAAAAA-GGER-SHIELD!
Emerging onto the stage, with his manager Tiffany at his side, Theron is more restrained and dour than usual. He drops to one knee atop the stage, resting on his sword and appears to be muttering something, before looking at his wrist tape and kissing it, and pointing upwards. Then he leaps up and proceeds down the ramp with his typical if not restrained entrance.
Copeland: Theron Daggershield comes into this match looking to get back into the swing of things, coming up against an adversary he has never come across before. Will that hinder him tonight Jack?
Cohen: Of course, there’s no way we can tell how Austin Reynolds is going to wrestle this match. He could be all energy and antics like he was back in the day, but I somehow suspect otherwise. Watching all the tape of him back in the day may prove fruitless. I guess we’ll just have to sit back and watch to see how this one pans out.
Now in the ring, Theron holds his sword up to the crowd and raises it up and down several times, addressing each side of the ring before finding a corner to rest in and again mutter something, perhaps a prayer. He soon pops up and hands over his blade and entrance gear. He nods and turn s to the entrance way, awaiting his adversary.
The lighting and mood changes, as Theron’s theme dies down, strangely there is no replacement music. Indeed, Austin Reynolds emerges, no pomp, no fanfare. Simply nothing. He makes his way to the ring and neither acknowledges the mixed crowd reception or his opponent this evening.
Harrys: And his opponent, from New Jersey, weighing 240 pounds, AU-STIN REY-NOLDS!
Copeland: Austin Reynolds has come back and appears to be an entirely different soul.
Cohen: Long gone is that flamboyant showstopper and in his place…well we’ll just have to wait and see.
Stopping at the bottom of the ramp, Reynolds pauses, still keeping his eyes on Theron. He very carefully climbs the ring steps and enters the ring. The two men come together in the ring and the referee rings the bell. Theron looks his opponent up and down, uncertain how to approach the newly stoic Reynolds. He circles him, Austin’s eyes and head following as best they can, with the rest of his body unmoving. Finally Theron has completed a full circle of his foe and stares him dead in the eyes. Daggershield shrugs his shoulders and quickly looks to execute the Critical Hit! In a panic, Reynolds blocks and drops backwards, rolling under the bottom rope to escape the cutter finisher.
Copeland: Theron looking to end it early.
Cohen: Reynolds may be rusty, but he isn’t stupid. He’ll have done his homework. Daggershield won’t be able to hit that this early and he should know that.
Surprised by the “Warblade’s” manoeuvre, Reynolds rubs his chin and slowly climbs to the apron. He appears less than pleased to say the least. Very deliberately, he takes his time to get back into the ring, Theron imploring him to speed things up.
Cohen: Smart move from Reynolds, trying to keep things calm and controlled. Theron’s at his most dangerous when he’s in fast paced, fluid action and Reynolds has clearly recognised that.
Now finally back in, Reynolds looks to meet Theron in the middle once more, but Daggershield comes racing out of the blocks with a flurry of rights hands. Austin covers up and once more back peddles, this time finding himself in the corner. Struggling to find a way through Reynolds’ defences, Theron opts instead to back away. The former “Ratings Winner” slowly lowers his arms, but it is a ploy! Theron comes in with great speed to execute a corner clothesline! He swiftly climbs through the ropes and to the top in a fluid movement, Reynolds stumbling out of the corner.
Poised atop the turnbuckle, throws up the “X” taunt as the crowd roars with delight. Staggering around, Austin Reynolds turns to face his foe. The former heavyweight Champion throws himself at Reynolds, delivering a picture perfect missile dropkick. He is quick into the cover. 1...2…KICK-OUT! Reynolds shoves Daggershield off and shakes his head, looking to clear the cobwebs. Theron is soon back on offence though, trying to pull Austin to his feet. Swatting Theron’s hands away, Austin throws a stiff right hand. It lands right on the money, Theron dazed for a moment.
Spotting a, thus far rare opening, Austin whips himself off the ropes, seeking to execute a chop block. He manages to dive at Theron’s leg. But Daggershield avoids it, leaping upwards and Reynolds comes flying through to make contact with nothing but thin air. As Theron lands he greets a rising Reynolds with another attempt at the Critical Hit! This time Austin shoves him away. He himself goes for a repeat of the chopblock, but this time he takes a nasty elbow smash square on the jaw. He drops to one knee and turns away.
Copeland: Austin Reynolds showing his credentials as a veteran here by turning away from Theron who no doubt would’ve no doubt sought to execute the Critical Hit having tried twice already in this match.
Noticing his foe has left his back exposed, Theron opts to grabs him from behind and hoists him up, looking for the Atomic Drop. However, Reynolds uses the momentum that brought him up, to roll out and drop behind Daggershield and in turn finally executes that chop block. Theron drops to one knee, trying to pop back up immediately, but Austin won’t let him, executing the move again. Once more Theron bravely tries to get to two feet, but again Reynolds persists and executes a third chop block.
Wincing, Theron Daggershield is clearly in deep pain. Deep pain which Reynolds takes advantage of, hoisting Theron up for his own Atomic Drop. His is a successful attempt. As Theron goes to fall forward naturally though, Reynolds grabs him by the tights and pulls him back in. This time he switches to lifting Daggershield up by the knee, the same one he had targeted earlier, picking him up and driving his wounded knee down into a knee breaker! Theron lets out a cry of anguish. Austin pauses as the crowd boos relentlessly. He doesn’t react and instead resumes his work. With the knee his main target, Reynolds lands some nasty stomps atop the prone joint.
Theron tries to roll away and seeks solace in the ring ropes, but the New Jersey native is persistent and follows. Rather than continuing the assult on the inside, he instead rolls outside of the ring, going to grab the knee from out there. Theron kicks out at him. Reynolds is crafty though and catches the leg, throwing it down, hard, whipping in violently off the hard ring apron. Daggershield rolls back in screaming in agony. Still showing zero emotion, Austin himself follows, returning to the square circle, the referee demanding he keep the action on the inside.
With Theron clutching at his knee, Reynolds move over toward him and very calmly stomps on it some more before deciding that isn’t enough. Instead, he drives his foot down, not atop of the knee, but onto the ankle, leaving the knee fully exposed and throws a quick succession of straight boots to the intended target. Theron is in deep pain, swinging at Reynolds who shows the slightest hint of emotion biting his bottom lip and frowning as he does so. After repeated unprotected blows the referee steps in and tells him to back off so he can check on the injury.
Copeland: Merciless assault from Reynolds here. But Theron won’t stop coming, surely he has to know that.
Cohen: That isn’t what this is about Seabass. Reynolds is limiting what Theron can do and keeping him on his back will eliminate the majority of any offence he can muster.
Shaking his head, Theron attempts to stand up, signalling he wishes to continue. The referee double checks with the “Warblade” and that is indeed his intention, hobbling up to a vertical basis. Indicating the bout will indeed continue, the official signals for the two to fight and, naturally, Reynolds moves forward and straight away throws a boot right into the knee. He speeds things up by whipping himself off the ropes and delivering a swinging neckbreaker to the kneeling Theron, floating over into a cover: 1…2…KICK-OUT! Reynolds glares at the referee, who confirms the count.
Reynolds reaches down at Theron’s knee with one arm, eyes still fixed on the referee. Then, suddenly, his look changes to one of surprise. Theron has wrapped himself around the arm with his legs. With great strength and determination, he looks to force Reynolds down. Austin punches at the knee to try and escape, but Theron will not cave to the pain and with mighty power, forces Reynolds down into an armbar or sorts. Rather than being on his back Reynolds is now on his knees.
The momentum shift is temporary though as Reynolds sees an opportunity, rising up to force Theron’s shoulders down: 1…2…KICK-OUT! Daggershield has to relinquish the desperate submission. Fast to return, Reynolds goes after that knee one more time, but Theron rolls forward toward a corner avoiding any potential assault. He turns and faces Reynolds, inviting to come at him. Austin does so, but again Theron rolls forward and away to another corner. Once more he invites Reynolds, and again the process is repeated, each time punctuated by a crowd cheer as Theron escapes.
Cohen: What games does Theron think he’s playing?
Copeland: You might say games, but really, this is buying him time to heal his knee.
Beginning to feel a twinge of anger, Reynolds does not wait for the invite and sprints at Theron. He comes at him with great speed, but Theron is waiting and grabs at Austin’s legs, throwing him back and flipping over into a cover: 1…Theron falls away, his knee giving out. He tries to reposition himself for the cover: 1… Reynolds easily powers out. The two now rise to face each other, Theron’s speed hampered by the punishment he has taken, and so Austin Reynolds is first up.
Immediately Reynolds forces Theron down onto his back and this time he positions Daggershield’s legs for a Texas Cloverleaf! He tries to force Theron over onto his belly and ultimately is successful in doing so. As soon as it is locked in, Austin drags him into the centre of the ring and synchs it in deep. Theron once more screams in agony, his injured knee contorted and his back wracked with unspeakable pain. The referee asks Theron if he wants to quit.
Gritting his teeth and shaking his head, Daggershield is defiant. The crowd roars. His spirit inspires them to will him on. The give and take between the fans and the in-ring warrior is mighty as Reynolds tries to sit back and use his weight to keep Theron tight and stranded in the middle of the ring. Now he grits his teeth, determined to finish this. The crowd grows louder and Theron nods, feeling it. The referee asks again, the nod turns to a shake.
Cohen: Come on, give in, save your knees and your career.
Copeland: Don’t be foolish Jack, Theron’s never going to give up.
Reaching out, Theron digs his hands, burying his nails, into the canvas, dragging himself along with every ounce of his energy. Beads of sweat have turned into a torrent. Theron is gaining ground and Reynolds is coming along with him. Austin Reynolds too is defiant though and he now drags Theron back into the centre, the crowd crying out. Now it is Reynolds who shakes his head and for the first time, the slightest hint of pleasure, a small smile creeping in on one side of his face.
But soon that disappears. In spite of his great efforts to prevent it, Theron still drags himself toward the ropes and toward salvation. Try as he might, Reynolds cannot force his adversary to submit and Theron is using all within him to crawl toward an escape. Realising what is happening, Reynolds surprises many by switching it up. He moves the legs down and repositions himself to try and apply a Lasso from El Passo!
Copeland: Brilliant switch from Reynolds. He calls this submission hold Silence.
As the legs of Theron Daggershield are being repositioned, the former World’s champion tries frantically to spin himself round, trying to right himself onto his back. After a brief struggle between the two, Theron is able to do so, finding himself out of the submission predicament and using great leg strength and power to push Reynolds back. Reynolds rolls back and sprints at the grounded Theron. Daggershield though is prepared and manages to lift Reynolds up and drop him down with the inverted atomic drop.
Grabbing at his lower extremities, Reynolds sucks wind, desperate for air, still on his feet. Theron takes a few moments to recover, on one knee, before slowly rising up, coming face to face with the now struggling Austin. He throws a fist, dropping Reynolds down. Up he comes, but Theron repeats. Reynolds is up faster this time, but is back down that way all the same courtesy of Theron. The sequence is repeated before finally Reynolds stays down. Quickly off the ropes, Theron hits a knee drop, using his good knee to execute the manoeuvre. He hits his wounded one and screams out to the crowd, to which they respond. He glances at the top rope and smirks.
Copeland: What is he thinking?
Making his way somewhat gingerly to the corner, Theron begins to make his way up top. He takes his time, making sure he is steady. Then, Reynolds pops up, and as Theron arrives up top, Reynolds shows magnificent agility and balance to leap to the top rope and greet the “Warblade”. Daggershield though is ready, battering an elbow off the side of Reynolds’ head. In turn, Austin slowly collapses backward and collapses in prime position.
Now, making sure he is fully set, Theron rises, standing up and signalling for the crowd to give him his energy. He nods and points upwards, mouthing something of importance, kissing his wrist tape, before leaping down and delivering the Dragoon Jump; a pin-point elbow drop right to the heart of Reynolds. He weakly hooks the leg for the pin attempt: 1…2…KICK-OUT! Theron’s face is a portrait of frustration. He looks at the referee who, much as he did with Reynolds earlier, can only offer confirmation of the count.
Cohen: What resiliency and strength from Reynolds, finding a way to survive here.
Copeland: Theron felt that, but his cover simply wasn’t good enough and Reynolds was able to power that shoulder up.
Wiping sweat from his brow, Theron tries to peel Reynolds off the canvas, trying to bring Austin to his feet. Ever the wile veteran, Reynolds drops to his knees, knowing any of the big moves from Theron would prove difficult from this position. Theron throws his knees into the upper mid section of Reynolds trying to force him up to his feet. Using both his good and bad knee, Theron begins to grimace, but the tactic is working, bringing Reynolds up to one foot and then, ultimately two.
Going for the death blow, Theron switches into position, looking for the Critical Hit, but Reynolds manages to show magnificent awareness, strength and cunning, using Daggershield’s momentum, lifting him up and over and into a position for a beautiful backpack stunner. Some in the crowd applaud the counter, others boo. Austin is unable to capitalise immediately though, still suffering from the flurry by Theron. Reynolds though is able to scuttle backwards and cover Theron: 1…2…KICK-OUT!
Copeland: Incredible counter from Reynolds, turning a sure fire defeat into a potential win in one fluid move.
Cohen: He’s turned into a real smooth operator in this ring.
Both men now start to stir, Theron rolling away to the ropes, hoping to use them to rise. Reynolds in turn is clambering up to his two feet and he is to his feet first. He goes over to Daggershield and tries to pick him up, but Theron gets a drop toe hold off and floats up and over, looking to hook in his own submission; The Ultimate Weapon! With Theron trying to hook the STF in, Reynolds looks to squirm out and to safety. He manages to find himself away from the submission and into the ropes.
Theron grabs his legs and throws Reynolds upwards. He spins and lands on his feet, confronting Theron. Austin tries to throws a clothesline, but Theron ducks under it. He begs for Reynolds to run and no doubt go for the Critical Hit one final time. However, Reynolds refuses to turn round and instead throws back a stiff mule kick into Theron’s hurt knee. It drops Daggershield down onto a single knee. Now Austin repeats, kicking out the other knee, dropping his foe onto his stomach.
Daggershield tries to come up, but Reynolds hooks him in, throwing an arm over, preparing to hit the finish – End Of! Theron though falls over and backward, finding himself behind. He tries to regain some form of advantage, but his knee gives out, leaving himself prone once more. Austin preps the move once more and hits it this time; raising Daggershield up and drops him on his head. He falls into the cover, pulling both legs up to hook in a deep cover: 1…2…3!
Harrys: Your winner of this match: AU-STIN REY-NOLDS!
With no music playing, Reynolds rolls over his opponent and away, on his knees, allowing the referee to raise his arm in victory. Soon he pulls his arm away and down, looking at his opponent one more time before dropping and rolling away.
Cohen: That was an absolute clinic from Austin Reynolds. He’s come back and proved himself to be an assassin in that ring.
Copeland: I have to agree. Take nothing away from Theron, but Reynolds made it so that even if he couldn’t outright beat Theron, his body would beat him. All that knee work paid dividends and Reynolds has emerged victorious on this return to the ring.
With Reynolds already half way up the ramp, never turning back to look at his handiwork in the ring, the referee checks on Theron and the condition of his injury.
