Venable II - The Adventure of Frank
May 7, 2016 20:23:45 GMT -5
Night Rider, Joey Flash, and 1 more like this
Post by The Polar Phantasm on May 7, 2016 20:23:45 GMT -5
[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, GEW Arena backstage. In an open area backstage, a number of roadie crates for sound and video equipment are pushed against the wall; there is a small craft service table with some pastries and sandwiches and the like. In front of a 21" monitor, we see Frank Venable; FPV is dressed to wrestle, and appears to be doing some warm-up stretches one might do before working a match. On the monitor, we see the image of Jeff Purse crashing through a table; Frank makes a pained face and exhales a puff of breath, then bends down to touch his toes. When he comes back up, he gasps in relief as he sees that Jeff Purse is still moving.]
FPV: Purse, you crazy tripping bitch.
[He can't help but laugh and shake his head as he thinks about the mindstate his friends must be in out there.]
FPV: Pretty fuckin' gangster, though.
[He reaches down and rubs his calves a bit, then kicks his right leg out and extends it fully. One might call this 'stretching his superkick muscles'.]
FPV: Taking the GEW World Title... taking it to XIII... taking it back to Japan... this is gonna be a fun month. I can already tell.
[He retracts his deadly leg, taking a moment to arch backwards and stretch out his spine a bit.]
FPV (mumbled): 'Cause once I've got that title, I'm gonna want to defend against some real competition... competition like I got in Japan.
[He gets back to a straight vertical, rotating his head about to stretch out his neck.]
FPV (mumbled): Competition like the fuckin' Phantasm.
[We leave FPV as a point of focus, instead being sucked in towards the monitor... and then, suddenly, our perspective changes.]
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena ringside. We are taken back to the final moments of Purse, Orbit and Phantasm versus Urban Decay*, Boomer Brown on commentary.]
(* - Check out the recent Future Elements (vol. 2) #3, "Feed Your Head", for the rest of this story! -B.)
Boomer: Jeff Purse flies in from nowhere, springboard sidekick takes 420 off his feet... he came from out of nowhere, last I saw he was outside the ring in a pile of table! SPOKE! Purse hits the Spoke on Freak, and it takes him clear out of the ring! Orbit with a baseball slide, D-K's clear of the ring- this looks like the end for Mr. 420! Polar cinches him up- OCEAN CYCLONE SUPLEX, beautiful- and here comes Purse- DEFLATOR! It's gotta be over- there's the 3.
Richard Vranch: Your winning team... STEVE ORBIT, JEFF PURSE AND THE POLAR PHANTASM!
Boomer: And if that wasn't enough show for you, fans... next up we've got Andy Warhawk and Frank Venable for the GEW WORLD TITLE.
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[The Global Extreme Wrestling World Championship. It has been held by many in the fifteen year history of GEW, though few of any great name or reputation; it has also been held for the last year and change by one Andrew 'Andy' Warhawk, formerly the Crimson Prophet of WCF's Church of Dark Souls. Andy was a mid-level worker in GEW who took a chance and followed Oblivion back to the Wrestling Championship Federation, soon becoming tag partners with Zombie McMorris and right hand to IT itself... Andy is now the biggest thing going in Global Extreme Wrestling, returning to his old haunt after his stint on big-time pro wrestling TV to find himself a hero.]
[Andy Warhawk, in his year and a cup of coffee as World Champion, has never had a challenger the likes of Frank Patrick Venable. WCF's golden boy, WCF's terror, WCF's World Champion- he has been all of those things at one point or another, at one point being all three at the same time. He has hardened himself in Japan; he has focused himself on success. And, as we found out last time*, he's still the same ol' good ol' Frank- we can all breathe a sigh of relief on that one.]
(* - Polar Phantasm (vol. 4) #4, "The Legend of Venable". -B.)
[If Warhawk wins, he has his biggest title defense to date to tack onto his resume. But if Venable wins... if Venable wins, the GEW World Title would have the 'World' emphasized, for sure. He's already stated he intends to take that belt to London and defend it at WCF's XIII, fate permitting. Then, who knows? Perhaps he takes the GEW World Title back to Japan? That said, he hasn't won that title yet... and if he does, he's already talked himself into turning around, flying to London and defending that title against one of his best friends.]
[Friday, May 13th... it's XIII, live in London. FPV versus Phantasm for the first time in four years; it's all about respect. Unless, of course... unless FPV wins himself a shiny new accessory.]
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POLAR PHANTASM (volume 4) #5: Venable II - The Adventure of Frank
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena backstage. Jeff Purse, Steve Orbit and the Polar Phantasm are heading back to the locker room after their match with Urban Decay; Orbit is trying to signal Purse that he has a shard of press table in his hair, and it's going about like one would expect two tripping people halfway playing charades to go.]
Phantasm: Dude, we can talk- Jeff, you've got table in your hair. Steve, you don't actually know sign language.
Orbit: I do! I used to fuck this deaf girl; man, she was fine. Titties like-
[Polar stops mid-stride; in the background, we hear "Through The Night" by Masahiko Arimatsu playing in the arena. The crowd gets quite loud; we can hear a folding chair open in the hallway shaking from the vibrations.]
Phantasm: Hold on, I gotta see what's up with this.
[Polar turns around, heading back to the curtain; Jeff and Steve look to each other, both shrugging.]
Orbit: Fuck it.
Purse: Yeah, we can change later- I'm gonna have to delouse myself anyway, that'll take a while.
Orbit: Too much info, bro.
[They follow Polar, heading back the way they came. The folding chair continues to vibrate; we hear Richard Vranch beginning his introductions.]
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena ringside. In the ring we see Ring Announcer Richard Vranch; his bowtie is magnificent. On commentary, we hear the voice of GEW, Boomer Brown.]
Richard Vranch: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a one hour time limit... and is for the GEW WOOOORLD CHAMPIONSHIIIP!!!
[At this announcement, the crowd pops huge.]
Boomer Brown: This is not the main event we were expecting, fans- when this night began, we had Sir Robert Duncan, the #1 contender for the World Championship, slated to challenge tonight.
["Through the Night" by Masahiko Arimatsu begins playing; huge, huge pop from the crowd as they realize just who's challenging for Warhawk's title.]
Boomer: But this man... this man had other ideas.
[FPV hits the ramp in a hurry, rushing the ring and slapping hands as he goes; he slides into the ring head-first, picking himself up and taking a bow for the crowd in each direction.]
Boomer: Frank Patrick Venable has made an enormous impact in just a few short weeks here in Global Extreme Wrestling; earlier tonight he single-handedly sidelined the GEW Tag Team Champion British Invasion with just a folding chair and a hell of a lot of fight. FPV has been a World Champ before, and in a much larger promotion I might add- he's got an experience edge over Andy Warhawk for sure.
[As Frank stares toward the curtain, "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC begins playing. As soon as the vocals start, the crowd begins singing along with the music; as the crowd begins singing, Andy Warhawk emerges. He's wearing a blood red t-shirt, red jeans and black wrestling boots... and a big gold belt around his waist, of course.]
Boomer: And... and I'm being joined now in the broadcast position by none other than the Polar Phantasm! Congratulations on that victory earlier tonight, Polar-
Phantasm: Boomer, thank you so much- it's great to be back in GEW, even if it's just for a visit; when I got on the plane to get here, I didn't know I'd be getting such a show! FPV and Warhawk for the World Title!
[As the audience continues to sing along, Andy takes all the time in the world at ringside shaking hands. He takes a beer offered by an audience member and chugs it, crushing the plastic cup in his hand in plain view of FPV. Frank just stares back.]
Boomer: Obviously an excited Phantasm here with me in the broadcast position tonight; obviously a focused FPV in the ring.
Phantasm: Yeah, look at him- Jesus, I've never seen Frank this drove. I'll be honest; I'm not looking forward to tangling with him at XIII whether there's a title on the line or not. I mean, look at him- he's never been in better shape and he's never been... well, this god-damn dangerous. Check out those scars, Boom- what the shit did they do to him in Japan, anyway?
Boomer: I've seen some things on YouTube, and trust me- FPV dished out at least as much as he took, that much is for sure. You know, Warhawk may be trying to take this time here to ice out or psych out FPV...
Phantasm: An excellent point, Boom- ah, at least it looks like he's almost done. Too much longer and I think Frank would've started without him.
[Sure enough, Warhawk finally enters the ring; FPV stands on guard, the referee cautioning him back into his corner. Andy removes the belt, handing it to the referee; Richard Vranch finally gets to make his introductions.]
Richard Vranch: First, the challenger... weighing in at 210 pounds and fighting out of Akihabara Prefecture, Tokyo, Japan... F! P! V!
[The crowd goes crazy, an 'FPV' chant rising from their cheer.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Boomer: Just look at the stare in those eyes- Warhawk is in for the hardest title defense of his career.
Richard Vranch: And the champion... weighing in at 278 pounds and hailing from Hell itself... The Archbishop, AAAANDYYY WARRRHAWWWWKKKKK!
Phantasm: Andy's in amazing shape, too- last we saw him in WCF he was nowhere near that swoll. Christ, look at his back- it looks like a topographical map of Montana or some shit. Look at those muscles; Jesus, what are y'all feeding the boys these days?
Boomer: We're not going there, and we're never going to talk about that. It's in my contract. There's the bell, the match is on- collar and elbow tie-up, Venable quickly thrown to the mat... back to another collar and elbow tie-up... FPV, once again, just getting shoved down like Warhawk is his schoolyard bully!
Phantasm: And look at Frank- he's laughing! He's loving this.
Boomer: Collar-elbow tie-up again; and a knee butt from FPV... another knee butt- what the?!
FPV (shouting in Sagat voice): TIGER!
[The crowd pops huge.]
Phantasm: OH, NO HE DIDN'T.
Boomer: Jumping knee lift takes the wind right out of Andy Warhawk; bonus Street Fighter reference earns FPV a bit of extra praise from the GEW Arena crowd.
Phantasm: I just hope Frank doesn't start wearing the eyepatch. All I'm saying.
[Boomer audibly chokes back a laugh.]
Boomer: Irish whip- Warhawk reverses! Shoulder block- leapfrogs the fallen FPV, off the ropes... and a running diving headbutt, what impact by the World Champ!
Phantasm: Come on Frank, you got this turkey- I mean, damn. Warhawk was right on target with that headbutt; uncanny, even.
Boomer: Warhawk showing off his overpowering strength, easily scooping FPV up... cradle piledriver! Nicely done by the champ, cover- 2 count only... FPV kicks out with authority!
Phantasm: And look at Frank- man, does he look pissed!
Boomer: Intensity etched all over the face of FPV- goes for the Headshot!... whiffs it, Warhawk catches him by the neck; reverse suplex!
Phantasm: Frank hasn't even started in this match yet, Boomer- not a good sign, considering it started some three minutes ago.
Boomer: Cover by Warhawk, 2 count only says referee Clive Anderson; and again, FPV kicks Warhawk off of him with force... and this time he rolls out of the ring! What's he looking for- well then! Frank Venable is already quite familiar with how things go in GEW, it seems-
Phantasm: Yeah, he's a quick study, Boomer.
Boomer: In flies a folding chair, missing Warhawk by about two feet; Andy just shakes his head, and now he's taunting Venable back into the ring.
Phantasm: Be careful what you ask for, Andy...
Boomer: Frank rolls back in... ducks the clothesline from the champ; hangman's neckbreaker! Here comes FPV, folks!
Phantasm: Now it's a match. I wonder what Frank's gonna do with that chair-
Boomer: Well wonder no longer; he's got Warhawk sitting up, and he's got that chair- HOLY CATS, dropkick through the chair right into Warhawk's face!
Phantasm: He's not done yet, Boomer- he's got something else up his sleeve, watch.
Boomer: FPV places that chair across Andy's chest and ribs; oh no, he's headed to the top rope- WOW, WHAT A STOMP! Double foot stomp onto that chair from the top rope, Warhawk's ribs have to be busted up after that spot!
Phantasm: Andy Warhawk is just now remembering what the competition is like in WCF... just when you think you're on top, somebody lays you out and squishes you like a beetle.
Boomer: FPV's pressing it, he knows that Andy's ribs could be the key to his victory- he's got an abdominal stretch locked on here, and Warhawk's reaching for those ropes... they're so close, but the pain the Champion must be in right now...!
Phantasm: Enormous, Boomer- that pain is god-damn enormous.
Boomer: He's giving Andy no choice but to further stretch his injured ribs to get to those ropes- but he does it, the Champ gets a rope break! FPV breaks the hold... now he's leaving the ring entirely?
[The crowd pops, knowing what's coming as soon as they see FPV digging under the ring skirt.]
Phantasm: Lucky for Warhawk he's getting a bit of a breather... unlucky for Warhawk he's got FPV coming back at him with a table.
Boomer: Listen to this crowd- Andy Warhawk just realized what they're shouting about, now he's trying to get vertical... Venable slid that table into the corner, now he's trying to catch a rising Warhawk- JAWBREAKER! Andy Warhawk's got enough left to stun FPV; we've got to wonder how much the champ's got left in him after getting his sides smashed up like that.
Phantasm: At least he's smart enough to take advantage of the hand he's been dealt; Andy's about to make use of that table, and that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E for F-P-V.
Boomer: Thank you for the spelling lesson, Polar Phantasm. The Champ's got that table set up in the corner of the ring, and he's signalled that he's wrapping this one up; scoops FPV up, Oklahoma slam coming- FPV wriggles free! He- OH MY GOD!
Crowd: BOOM! HEADSHOT!
[The sound of the crowd shouting partially drowns out the sound of a 280 pound man being launched through a table. Partially.]
Boomer: FPV JUST SUPERKICKED THE WORLD CHAMP THROUGH THAT TABLE- COVER!! 1...2...NO! ANDY WARHAWK IS STILL IN IT!
Crowd: G! E! W! G! E! W!
Phantasm: Are you shitting me- Boomer, he flew at least three feet from that Headshot, and through a fuckin' table-
Boomer: Polar, could you watch the- actually, I don't blame you, I can't believe this shit myself! Go ahead and fine me, Richards- I don't give a crap!
[The crowd begins applauding the match as the two men both struggle back up; FPV gets to his feet just in time to be greeted by another 'FPV' chant.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Phantasm: This crowd is hot, Boomer- and they are really, really behind FPV now, if they weren't already before. I know Warhawk has a lot of fans in this 'fed, but Frank's on fire, Boom.
Boomer: Absolutely; this may end up a candidate for match of the year in Global Extreme Wrestling. FPV trying to scoop the bigger Warhawk up here, but he doesn't see Andy's got a hand on the top rope; and suddenly he snaps his arms around FPV and delivers a- no, three! A triple headbutt from the champ- oh my god, FPV's gushing!
Phantasm: Andy busted him open with either the first one or the second one, 'cause that third headbutt painted his forehead with Frank's blood.
[FPV drops to the mat; Warhawk does a 'Jesus Christ' pose to a pop from the crowd.]
Boomer: That's usually the sign that the end is near; Andy Warhawk's crucifix powerbomb is devastating, and no one's kicked out of it since 2014.
Phantasm: Oh man, tell me about it- I've taken that move, and it's fuckin' brutal.
Boomer: He's cinching Venable up; here we go, this is the end- CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB! 1...2...WHAT?!
[There is an audible gasp from the crowd; they begin applauding, then some stand to give ovation.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Phantasm: One thing that's always been true about Frank Venable- he's one tough son of a bitch.
Boomer: Are you kidding me- FPV kicked out of Warhawk's crucifix powerbomb! Now Warhawk looks pissed- he's putting FPV on the top turnbuckle; could he be going for that superplex? Yeah, that sounds about right- and FPV stops him cold with an uppercut to the- uh, groin!
Phantasm: When all else fails- man, we've all been there.
Boomer: FPV stuns the champ with a low blow, then- TORNADO DDT! That could be it, fans- wait, FPV's locking on a- Cobra Clutch?! It's a Cobra Clutch! Cobra Clutch locked on, center ring; FPV has blood running down his face, but he doesn't seem to notice or care! He knows he's seconds away from his second World Title and he's reaching for it!
Phantasm: Fuck impartiality- COME ON, FRANK!
Boomer: Warhawk's trying to climb to his feet here, with- FPV's on his back! The weight of Frank Venable is just too much for Warhawk's battered body... HE TAPS! ANDY WARHAWK TAPPED OUT TO THE COBRA CLUTCH!
[The bell rings; Frank releases his hold and finally wipes the blood from his brow. And cheeks. And chin. And chest. The referee cautiously raises his bloody hand.]
Richard Vranch: Your winner of the match... and the NEW GEW WORLD CHAMPION... F! P! V!
Phantasm: Boomer, I'll see ya-
[We hear the sound of a headset being dropped.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Boomer: The Phantasm has run off, probably to join FPV in celebrating this victory- not only did Frank Venable kick out of Andy Warhawk's crucifix powerbomb, but he actually made the now former champion tap! I can't believe it- there's the Phantasm- and he just tackles FPV with a huge hug, you can tell he's excited for his old friend... or maybe he's just excited to challenge for that title Friday, May 13th at XIII! And here come Jeff Purse and Steve Orbit- we're officially up to 2/3 of Cryogenix in the ring here at the GEW Arena, if you're looking to cross another thing off your list of things we never thought we'd see in this hallowed hall- and our visiting WCFers highfive and chest-bump the new GEW Champion. Fans, it's been an amazing night here on Madhouse, but that's about all the time we've got for tonight-
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
[In the ring, each of the four men take a turnbuckle and salute the crowd by raising their arms. Over his head the GEW title, on his face a crimson mask... FPV just shouts "YEEEAH" and waves his belt at his loyal subjects.]
Boomer: For the Polar Phantasm, I'm Boomer Brown saying good night. Good night.
[The GEW Copyright comes up at the bottom of the screen; we hear the 'FPV' chant beginning to rise again as the screen goes black.]
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena backstage. We see FPV and the Phantasm walking toward the locker room at half-pace, having a quiet conversation.]
FPV: I'm gonna text Corey and Jay to tell them I want to defend this at XIII.
Phantasm: Really? Damn- I'd be honored, man. I've never actually had a chance at the World Title before, and there was a time when holding that belt was my dream.
[Frank reaches out a hand; Polar grasps it, then both flex their arms and shout at each other like maniacs.]
FPV and Phantasm: YEEEAHH!!!
[Polar cracks up laughing. Frank smiles.]
Phantasm: You know, man, you're like family to me. You're like my brother, man. You know that?
FPV: You're my bro, bro. Best of the best.
Phantasm: God damn right we are.
[Polar walks off to join Orbit and Purse.]
FPV (shouting): See ya in London, Cam!
Phantasm: Not if I see you first! I'm comin' for that belt, Frank!
FPV (shouting): Yeah, well bring it... boudle-fucker!
Phantasm: OW! Man, we ain't gotta go at this like that...
FPV (yelling): Go home, Cam. Tell Seth I said suck it!
[Polar goes through a stage door; Frank looks at his new belt and smiles.]
FPV: And after London, I'm taking you to Japan. Miho and Asuka are gonna love you.
[Scene fades on FPV entering a door marked 'LOCKER ROOM'; as we fade, we see him finally towel himself off, turning white terrycloth into an artifact from a crime scene.]
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[(c) Wrestling Championship Federation 2016. Frank Venable appears courtesy of Akihabara Prefecture, Tokyo, Japan. Boomer Brown appears courtesy of Global Extreme Wrestling. All rights reserved.]
FPV: Purse, you crazy tripping bitch.
[He can't help but laugh and shake his head as he thinks about the mindstate his friends must be in out there.]
FPV: Pretty fuckin' gangster, though.
[He reaches down and rubs his calves a bit, then kicks his right leg out and extends it fully. One might call this 'stretching his superkick muscles'.]
FPV: Taking the GEW World Title... taking it to XIII... taking it back to Japan... this is gonna be a fun month. I can already tell.
[He retracts his deadly leg, taking a moment to arch backwards and stretch out his spine a bit.]
FPV (mumbled): 'Cause once I've got that title, I'm gonna want to defend against some real competition... competition like I got in Japan.
[He gets back to a straight vertical, rotating his head about to stretch out his neck.]
FPV (mumbled): Competition like the fuckin' Phantasm.
[We leave FPV as a point of focus, instead being sucked in towards the monitor... and then, suddenly, our perspective changes.]
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena ringside. We are taken back to the final moments of Purse, Orbit and Phantasm versus Urban Decay*, Boomer Brown on commentary.]
(* - Check out the recent Future Elements (vol. 2) #3, "Feed Your Head", for the rest of this story! -B.)
Boomer: Jeff Purse flies in from nowhere, springboard sidekick takes 420 off his feet... he came from out of nowhere, last I saw he was outside the ring in a pile of table! SPOKE! Purse hits the Spoke on Freak, and it takes him clear out of the ring! Orbit with a baseball slide, D-K's clear of the ring- this looks like the end for Mr. 420! Polar cinches him up- OCEAN CYCLONE SUPLEX, beautiful- and here comes Purse- DEFLATOR! It's gotta be over- there's the 3.
Richard Vranch: Your winning team... STEVE ORBIT, JEFF PURSE AND THE POLAR PHANTASM!
Boomer: And if that wasn't enough show for you, fans... next up we've got Andy Warhawk and Frank Venable for the GEW WORLD TITLE.
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[The Global Extreme Wrestling World Championship. It has been held by many in the fifteen year history of GEW, though few of any great name or reputation; it has also been held for the last year and change by one Andrew 'Andy' Warhawk, formerly the Crimson Prophet of WCF's Church of Dark Souls. Andy was a mid-level worker in GEW who took a chance and followed Oblivion back to the Wrestling Championship Federation, soon becoming tag partners with Zombie McMorris and right hand to IT itself... Andy is now the biggest thing going in Global Extreme Wrestling, returning to his old haunt after his stint on big-time pro wrestling TV to find himself a hero.]
[Andy Warhawk, in his year and a cup of coffee as World Champion, has never had a challenger the likes of Frank Patrick Venable. WCF's golden boy, WCF's terror, WCF's World Champion- he has been all of those things at one point or another, at one point being all three at the same time. He has hardened himself in Japan; he has focused himself on success. And, as we found out last time*, he's still the same ol' good ol' Frank- we can all breathe a sigh of relief on that one.]
(* - Polar Phantasm (vol. 4) #4, "The Legend of Venable". -B.)
[If Warhawk wins, he has his biggest title defense to date to tack onto his resume. But if Venable wins... if Venable wins, the GEW World Title would have the 'World' emphasized, for sure. He's already stated he intends to take that belt to London and defend it at WCF's XIII, fate permitting. Then, who knows? Perhaps he takes the GEW World Title back to Japan? That said, he hasn't won that title yet... and if he does, he's already talked himself into turning around, flying to London and defending that title against one of his best friends.]
[Friday, May 13th... it's XIII, live in London. FPV versus Phantasm for the first time in four years; it's all about respect. Unless, of course... unless FPV wins himself a shiny new accessory.]
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POLAR PHANTASM (volume 4) #5: Venable II - The Adventure of Frank
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena backstage. Jeff Purse, Steve Orbit and the Polar Phantasm are heading back to the locker room after their match with Urban Decay; Orbit is trying to signal Purse that he has a shard of press table in his hair, and it's going about like one would expect two tripping people halfway playing charades to go.]
Phantasm: Dude, we can talk- Jeff, you've got table in your hair. Steve, you don't actually know sign language.
Orbit: I do! I used to fuck this deaf girl; man, she was fine. Titties like-
[Polar stops mid-stride; in the background, we hear "Through The Night" by Masahiko Arimatsu playing in the arena. The crowd gets quite loud; we can hear a folding chair open in the hallway shaking from the vibrations.]
Phantasm: Hold on, I gotta see what's up with this.
[Polar turns around, heading back to the curtain; Jeff and Steve look to each other, both shrugging.]
Orbit: Fuck it.
Purse: Yeah, we can change later- I'm gonna have to delouse myself anyway, that'll take a while.
Orbit: Too much info, bro.
[They follow Polar, heading back the way they came. The folding chair continues to vibrate; we hear Richard Vranch beginning his introductions.]
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[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena ringside. In the ring we see Ring Announcer Richard Vranch; his bowtie is magnificent. On commentary, we hear the voice of GEW, Boomer Brown.]
Richard Vranch: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a one hour time limit... and is for the GEW WOOOORLD CHAMPIONSHIIIP!!!
[At this announcement, the crowd pops huge.]
Boomer Brown: This is not the main event we were expecting, fans- when this night began, we had Sir Robert Duncan, the #1 contender for the World Championship, slated to challenge tonight.
["Through the Night" by Masahiko Arimatsu begins playing; huge, huge pop from the crowd as they realize just who's challenging for Warhawk's title.]
Boomer: But this man... this man had other ideas.
[FPV hits the ramp in a hurry, rushing the ring and slapping hands as he goes; he slides into the ring head-first, picking himself up and taking a bow for the crowd in each direction.]
Boomer: Frank Patrick Venable has made an enormous impact in just a few short weeks here in Global Extreme Wrestling; earlier tonight he single-handedly sidelined the GEW Tag Team Champion British Invasion with just a folding chair and a hell of a lot of fight. FPV has been a World Champ before, and in a much larger promotion I might add- he's got an experience edge over Andy Warhawk for sure.
[As Frank stares toward the curtain, "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC begins playing. As soon as the vocals start, the crowd begins singing along with the music; as the crowd begins singing, Andy Warhawk emerges. He's wearing a blood red t-shirt, red jeans and black wrestling boots... and a big gold belt around his waist, of course.]
Boomer: And... and I'm being joined now in the broadcast position by none other than the Polar Phantasm! Congratulations on that victory earlier tonight, Polar-
Phantasm: Boomer, thank you so much- it's great to be back in GEW, even if it's just for a visit; when I got on the plane to get here, I didn't know I'd be getting such a show! FPV and Warhawk for the World Title!
[As the audience continues to sing along, Andy takes all the time in the world at ringside shaking hands. He takes a beer offered by an audience member and chugs it, crushing the plastic cup in his hand in plain view of FPV. Frank just stares back.]
Boomer: Obviously an excited Phantasm here with me in the broadcast position tonight; obviously a focused FPV in the ring.
Phantasm: Yeah, look at him- Jesus, I've never seen Frank this drove. I'll be honest; I'm not looking forward to tangling with him at XIII whether there's a title on the line or not. I mean, look at him- he's never been in better shape and he's never been... well, this god-damn dangerous. Check out those scars, Boom- what the shit did they do to him in Japan, anyway?
Boomer: I've seen some things on YouTube, and trust me- FPV dished out at least as much as he took, that much is for sure. You know, Warhawk may be trying to take this time here to ice out or psych out FPV...
Phantasm: An excellent point, Boom- ah, at least it looks like he's almost done. Too much longer and I think Frank would've started without him.
[Sure enough, Warhawk finally enters the ring; FPV stands on guard, the referee cautioning him back into his corner. Andy removes the belt, handing it to the referee; Richard Vranch finally gets to make his introductions.]
Richard Vranch: First, the challenger... weighing in at 210 pounds and fighting out of Akihabara Prefecture, Tokyo, Japan... F! P! V!
[The crowd goes crazy, an 'FPV' chant rising from their cheer.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Boomer: Just look at the stare in those eyes- Warhawk is in for the hardest title defense of his career.
Richard Vranch: And the champion... weighing in at 278 pounds and hailing from Hell itself... The Archbishop, AAAANDYYY WARRRHAWWWWKKKKK!
Phantasm: Andy's in amazing shape, too- last we saw him in WCF he was nowhere near that swoll. Christ, look at his back- it looks like a topographical map of Montana or some shit. Look at those muscles; Jesus, what are y'all feeding the boys these days?
Boomer: We're not going there, and we're never going to talk about that. It's in my contract. There's the bell, the match is on- collar and elbow tie-up, Venable quickly thrown to the mat... back to another collar and elbow tie-up... FPV, once again, just getting shoved down like Warhawk is his schoolyard bully!
Phantasm: And look at Frank- he's laughing! He's loving this.
Boomer: Collar-elbow tie-up again; and a knee butt from FPV... another knee butt- what the?!
FPV (shouting in Sagat voice): TIGER!
[The crowd pops huge.]
Phantasm: OH, NO HE DIDN'T.
Boomer: Jumping knee lift takes the wind right out of Andy Warhawk; bonus Street Fighter reference earns FPV a bit of extra praise from the GEW Arena crowd.
Phantasm: I just hope Frank doesn't start wearing the eyepatch. All I'm saying.
[Boomer audibly chokes back a laugh.]
Boomer: Irish whip- Warhawk reverses! Shoulder block- leapfrogs the fallen FPV, off the ropes... and a running diving headbutt, what impact by the World Champ!
Phantasm: Come on Frank, you got this turkey- I mean, damn. Warhawk was right on target with that headbutt; uncanny, even.
Boomer: Warhawk showing off his overpowering strength, easily scooping FPV up... cradle piledriver! Nicely done by the champ, cover- 2 count only... FPV kicks out with authority!
Phantasm: And look at Frank- man, does he look pissed!
Boomer: Intensity etched all over the face of FPV- goes for the Headshot!... whiffs it, Warhawk catches him by the neck; reverse suplex!
Phantasm: Frank hasn't even started in this match yet, Boomer- not a good sign, considering it started some three minutes ago.
Boomer: Cover by Warhawk, 2 count only says referee Clive Anderson; and again, FPV kicks Warhawk off of him with force... and this time he rolls out of the ring! What's he looking for- well then! Frank Venable is already quite familiar with how things go in GEW, it seems-
Phantasm: Yeah, he's a quick study, Boomer.
Boomer: In flies a folding chair, missing Warhawk by about two feet; Andy just shakes his head, and now he's taunting Venable back into the ring.
Phantasm: Be careful what you ask for, Andy...
Boomer: Frank rolls back in... ducks the clothesline from the champ; hangman's neckbreaker! Here comes FPV, folks!
Phantasm: Now it's a match. I wonder what Frank's gonna do with that chair-
Boomer: Well wonder no longer; he's got Warhawk sitting up, and he's got that chair- HOLY CATS, dropkick through the chair right into Warhawk's face!
Phantasm: He's not done yet, Boomer- he's got something else up his sleeve, watch.
Boomer: FPV places that chair across Andy's chest and ribs; oh no, he's headed to the top rope- WOW, WHAT A STOMP! Double foot stomp onto that chair from the top rope, Warhawk's ribs have to be busted up after that spot!
Phantasm: Andy Warhawk is just now remembering what the competition is like in WCF... just when you think you're on top, somebody lays you out and squishes you like a beetle.
Boomer: FPV's pressing it, he knows that Andy's ribs could be the key to his victory- he's got an abdominal stretch locked on here, and Warhawk's reaching for those ropes... they're so close, but the pain the Champion must be in right now...!
Phantasm: Enormous, Boomer- that pain is god-damn enormous.
Boomer: He's giving Andy no choice but to further stretch his injured ribs to get to those ropes- but he does it, the Champ gets a rope break! FPV breaks the hold... now he's leaving the ring entirely?
[The crowd pops, knowing what's coming as soon as they see FPV digging under the ring skirt.]
Phantasm: Lucky for Warhawk he's getting a bit of a breather... unlucky for Warhawk he's got FPV coming back at him with a table.
Boomer: Listen to this crowd- Andy Warhawk just realized what they're shouting about, now he's trying to get vertical... Venable slid that table into the corner, now he's trying to catch a rising Warhawk- JAWBREAKER! Andy Warhawk's got enough left to stun FPV; we've got to wonder how much the champ's got left in him after getting his sides smashed up like that.
Phantasm: At least he's smart enough to take advantage of the hand he's been dealt; Andy's about to make use of that table, and that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E for F-P-V.
Boomer: Thank you for the spelling lesson, Polar Phantasm. The Champ's got that table set up in the corner of the ring, and he's signalled that he's wrapping this one up; scoops FPV up, Oklahoma slam coming- FPV wriggles free! He- OH MY GOD!
Crowd: BOOM! HEADSHOT!
[The sound of the crowd shouting partially drowns out the sound of a 280 pound man being launched through a table. Partially.]
Boomer: FPV JUST SUPERKICKED THE WORLD CHAMP THROUGH THAT TABLE- COVER!! 1...2...NO! ANDY WARHAWK IS STILL IN IT!
Crowd: G! E! W! G! E! W!
Phantasm: Are you shitting me- Boomer, he flew at least three feet from that Headshot, and through a fuckin' table-
Boomer: Polar, could you watch the- actually, I don't blame you, I can't believe this shit myself! Go ahead and fine me, Richards- I don't give a crap!
[The crowd begins applauding the match as the two men both struggle back up; FPV gets to his feet just in time to be greeted by another 'FPV' chant.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Phantasm: This crowd is hot, Boomer- and they are really, really behind FPV now, if they weren't already before. I know Warhawk has a lot of fans in this 'fed, but Frank's on fire, Boom.
Boomer: Absolutely; this may end up a candidate for match of the year in Global Extreme Wrestling. FPV trying to scoop the bigger Warhawk up here, but he doesn't see Andy's got a hand on the top rope; and suddenly he snaps his arms around FPV and delivers a- no, three! A triple headbutt from the champ- oh my god, FPV's gushing!
Phantasm: Andy busted him open with either the first one or the second one, 'cause that third headbutt painted his forehead with Frank's blood.
[FPV drops to the mat; Warhawk does a 'Jesus Christ' pose to a pop from the crowd.]
Boomer: That's usually the sign that the end is near; Andy Warhawk's crucifix powerbomb is devastating, and no one's kicked out of it since 2014.
Phantasm: Oh man, tell me about it- I've taken that move, and it's fuckin' brutal.
Boomer: He's cinching Venable up; here we go, this is the end- CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB! 1...2...WHAT?!
[There is an audible gasp from the crowd; they begin applauding, then some stand to give ovation.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Phantasm: One thing that's always been true about Frank Venable- he's one tough son of a bitch.
Boomer: Are you kidding me- FPV kicked out of Warhawk's crucifix powerbomb! Now Warhawk looks pissed- he's putting FPV on the top turnbuckle; could he be going for that superplex? Yeah, that sounds about right- and FPV stops him cold with an uppercut to the- uh, groin!
Phantasm: When all else fails- man, we've all been there.
Boomer: FPV stuns the champ with a low blow, then- TORNADO DDT! That could be it, fans- wait, FPV's locking on a- Cobra Clutch?! It's a Cobra Clutch! Cobra Clutch locked on, center ring; FPV has blood running down his face, but he doesn't seem to notice or care! He knows he's seconds away from his second World Title and he's reaching for it!
Phantasm: Fuck impartiality- COME ON, FRANK!
Boomer: Warhawk's trying to climb to his feet here, with- FPV's on his back! The weight of Frank Venable is just too much for Warhawk's battered body... HE TAPS! ANDY WARHAWK TAPPED OUT TO THE COBRA CLUTCH!
[The bell rings; Frank releases his hold and finally wipes the blood from his brow. And cheeks. And chin. And chest. The referee cautiously raises his bloody hand.]
Richard Vranch: Your winner of the match... and the NEW GEW WORLD CHAMPION... F! P! V!
Phantasm: Boomer, I'll see ya-
[We hear the sound of a headset being dropped.]
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
Boomer: The Phantasm has run off, probably to join FPV in celebrating this victory- not only did Frank Venable kick out of Andy Warhawk's crucifix powerbomb, but he actually made the now former champion tap! I can't believe it- there's the Phantasm- and he just tackles FPV with a huge hug, you can tell he's excited for his old friend... or maybe he's just excited to challenge for that title Friday, May 13th at XIII! And here come Jeff Purse and Steve Orbit- we're officially up to 2/3 of Cryogenix in the ring here at the GEW Arena, if you're looking to cross another thing off your list of things we never thought we'd see in this hallowed hall- and our visiting WCFers highfive and chest-bump the new GEW Champion. Fans, it's been an amazing night here on Madhouse, but that's about all the time we've got for tonight-
Crowd: F! P! V! F! P! V!
[In the ring, each of the four men take a turnbuckle and salute the crowd by raising their arms. Over his head the GEW title, on his face a crimson mask... FPV just shouts "YEEEAH" and waves his belt at his loyal subjects.]
Boomer: For the Polar Phantasm, I'm Boomer Brown saying good night. Good night.
[The GEW Copyright comes up at the bottom of the screen; we hear the 'FPV' chant beginning to rise again as the screen goes black.]
--------------------------------
[Scene: Marrero, LA; more specifically, the GEW Arena backstage. We see FPV and the Phantasm walking toward the locker room at half-pace, having a quiet conversation.]
FPV: I'm gonna text Corey and Jay to tell them I want to defend this at XIII.
Phantasm: Really? Damn- I'd be honored, man. I've never actually had a chance at the World Title before, and there was a time when holding that belt was my dream.
[Frank reaches out a hand; Polar grasps it, then both flex their arms and shout at each other like maniacs.]
FPV and Phantasm: YEEEAHH!!!
[Polar cracks up laughing. Frank smiles.]
Phantasm: You know, man, you're like family to me. You're like my brother, man. You know that?
FPV: You're my bro, bro. Best of the best.
Phantasm: God damn right we are.
[Polar walks off to join Orbit and Purse.]
FPV (shouting): See ya in London, Cam!
Phantasm: Not if I see you first! I'm comin' for that belt, Frank!
FPV (shouting): Yeah, well bring it... boudle-fucker!
Phantasm: OW! Man, we ain't gotta go at this like that...
FPV (yelling): Go home, Cam. Tell Seth I said suck it!
[Polar goes through a stage door; Frank looks at his new belt and smiles.]
FPV: And after London, I'm taking you to Japan. Miho and Asuka are gonna love you.
[Scene fades on FPV entering a door marked 'LOCKER ROOM'; as we fade, we see him finally towel himself off, turning white terrycloth into an artifact from a crime scene.]
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[(c) Wrestling Championship Federation 2016. Frank Venable appears courtesy of Akihabara Prefecture, Tokyo, Japan. Boomer Brown appears courtesy of Global Extreme Wrestling. All rights reserved.]
