Post by Jman2k3 on Oct 4, 2020 6:37:32 GMT
#22 Scott Stevens vs. #1 Michael Lee Best
Joe Hoffman: Welcome back everyone. It is time for tonight’s main event, and it was meant to be simple, folks. A singles bout for the HOW World Championship, between the champion Mike Best, and the challenger Scott Stevens. What it became was anything but simple, and I have to be honest, I’m not even sure that what is about to happen is legal.
Benny Newell: I got nothing. Seriously. Nothing.
Joe Hoffman: Ok…um….not going to lie…you threw me for a loop there…..but yes…. Seemingly taking umbrage with Scott Stevens’ claim that he would do anything to become World Champion, Michael Best made him a bet: If Scott Stevens wins, he not only gains the HOW World Championship… he gets everything. The money. The ring. The rights to Mike Best’s own name and likeness. But if Stevens should fail…
Benny Newell: Mike Best becomes a parent….will there be a registry for the baby shower?
Joe Hoffman: …please dont call a thirteen year old child a “baby”. It’s offputting and weird. But, I mean… yeah. He basically gets Baby Stevens.
Benny Newell: I have literally never been this happy.
Joe Hoffman: I honestly don’t even know what else to say about it. This is a real mess, folks. But it doesn’t come as a surprise— since No Remorse, the champion has been particularly unhinged. His last appearance on Refueled saw him arrested by law enforcement following an attack on a fan, and at Rumble at the Rock he is willingly stepping into a literal deathmatch against The Minister. Something is very wrong with Michael Best.
The crowd is getting settled in for the final match of the evening, as “Dead Man Walking” by Crucifix begins to play under the dimmed lights of the stage. The Scorpion himself, Scott Stevens, makes his way out onto the entranceway. There is a fire in his eyes as he stares out into the sea of fans. He knows what is on the line tonight, as he slowly walks down the ramp toward the ring.
He’s barely halfway up the ring steps when his music is interrupted— as usual, the ego of the HOW World Champion can’t allow him to let anyone else have a moment. Stevens climbs unceremoniously into the ring as the sound system changes abruptly and glaringly, with a spotlight appearing on the entranceway.
HALLLLLLELUJAH!
HALLLLLLELUJAH!
HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!
HALLEEEEEEEELUJAH!
As Hanzel und Gretyl’s “HELLAlujah” begins to blast over the speakers, there is a chorus of boos that nearly matches the melodious choir at the beginning of the theme music. Stepping out from behind the curtain, the HOW World Champion emerges with the 97 Red leather belt slung arrogantly over his shoulder. He stares out into the crowd, hopping back and forth as he smirks down at Stevens in the ring.
Joe Hoffman: This can’t be legally binding, can it?
Benny Newell: Don’t think of it as baby gambling. Think of it as a forced adoption. Might need to get Lee to trademark that so we can print the shirts…..although I think the HOAX is practicing social distancing at the moment.
Bobbing his head along to his own music, Michael Lee Best saunters down the ramp toward the ring. He rolls in under the bottom rope, popping up to his feet and making his way toward the champion’s corner for tonight’s main event.
Joe Hoffman: But I mean… he can’t legally force Scott Stevens to…
Benny Newell: THIS IS HAPPENING JOE JUST LET IT HAPPEN.
Referee Matt Boettcher runs down the rules for both men, ensuring that they’re both ready to compete. There is no semblance of hesitation in the eyes of either man, as they both nod in acceptance. Boettcher nods back, and calls for the match to begin.
DING DING DING
The crowd is hot off the opening bell, as Scott Stevens leaves no time for the World Champion to get into a groove. Stevens barrels into the corner, assaulting Mike Best with a series of right hands, devastating him with haymakers. The Son of God tries to get arms up to block the shots, but the fire in Stevens is rising with every punch— Best’s head ricochets off the turnbuckle pad, and the crowd is here for it!
Joe Hoffman: Scott Stevens is a man possessed! He’s fighting like it’s all on the line tonight… because it is!
Benny Newell: Of course he is. He got tricked into betting his first born son on a match against a guy who doesn’t lose matches. It would piss me off too, if I was dumb enough to get duped like that.
Michael Best slumps down into the corner, as Stevens continues to rain down hammerfists from above. The champion has no choice but to roll out of the ring and try to get his bearings.
The referee starts the count out on the outside, but he doesn’t need to get far— once Michael is free and clear of the blows, he quickly rolls back into the ring to restart the fight. Stevens doesn’t miss a beat, though, and he immediately grabs the ropes and begins laying stomps into the trunk of the World Champion, not giving him an inch. Matt Boettcher starts a five count, since the challenger is holding onto the ropes.
1!
2!
3!
4!
Stevens doesn’t want to stop, but Boettcher steps in and tries to be the voice of reason. He brings Scott back down from the ledge, and eventually the Scorpion puts his hands up in the air, taking a step backward to allow the rope break. The crowd actually boos Boettcher, who only shakes his head as the angry mob disparages him for ending the righteous assault.
Joe Hoffman: In two years, Michael Lee Best has lost exactly two matches in High Octane Wrestling, and they were both by intentional disqualification. When you play the Son of God’s game, he’s nearly impossible to beat, but Scott Stevens isn’t playing that game, and he isn’t playing by those rules.
Benny Newell: This isn’t really fair, Joe. He’s not even giving Mike Best a chance to be dominant!
His expression emotionless, the HOW World Champion grabs the ropes, pulling himself up to his feet. He stares at Stevens, taking a big step forward toward the challenger and daring him to try it again.
Stevens says… yes.
The Scorpion throws one more big haymaker, which catches his Hall of Fame opponent directly across the chin. Michael staggers backward holding his face, and as he pulls his hand away, notices the blood trickling down his mouth. He nods his head quietly, as the corner of his mouth turns upward into a smirk.
Mike Best: You done now?
He takes a step toward Stevens, who narrows his eyebrows and stands his ground. He goes chest to chest with the champion, getting right up into his face and showing absolutely no fear.
Mike Best: Yeah. You’re done.
Best throws a vicious headbutt, smashing Stevens right on the bridge of the nose. The crowd immediately begins to boo for the cheap but effective shot, but it’s technically not illegal. The challenger stumbles back, and now the champion follows right up– the Son of God throws a full weight lariat that takes Stevens down to the canvas, leaving him still holding his face from a potentially broken nose.
Joe Hoffman: …and the champion regains control.
Benny Newell: BOY FUCKIN’ HOWDY, JOE, WE GOT OURSELVES A TITLE MATCH! Sorry about your shitty dead parental rights!
Joe Hoffman: I still can’t believe he agreed to that.
Standing over his opponent, Michael Best sneers down at his handiwork. He wipes the remaining blood off of his lip, spitting the remnants down onto the mat next to Stevens’ head.
Mike Best: Stay down.
He throws a nasty looking kick directly to the ribs of the Scorpion, urging him to give up. Stevens rolls to his side, trying to pick himself up from the mat. He pushes himself up on his arms, his eyes glazed over from the crippling smash to his nose. Michael leans down, a vicious smile plastered across his face, the blood still clinging to his teeth.
Mike Best: I SAID STAY DOWN, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
Stevens reaches out with his free arm, shoving the champion backward at the hip. He pulls himself up to a knee, raising his middle finger in a triumphant salute to how he feels about staying down at this particular moment.
Michael shakes his head.
Joe Hoffman: Scott Stevens is injured. If you’ve never been popped one between the eyes like that, let me assure you that the challenger is seeing stars right now.
Benny Newell: Are you saying he’s too starstruck to succeed, Joe? The only star he’s seeing is Mike fucking Best. Stay down, you stupid fuck! GIVE HIM YOUR BABY!
Stevens goes right ahead with pulling himself to his feet, but the champion says no. He throws a stifling head kick that knocks Stevens back to a knee! The crowd is booing, but Stevens won’t hit the canvas– he tries to regain his balance, as Michael Best stares on in disbelief.
Mike Best: YOU’RE IN MY HOUSE, DICKHEAD!
He slaps the Scorpion on the side of the head, admonishing him for having the audacity to get back up. Stevens grits his teeth, shoving the champion backward again to give himself some space. Once again, he pushes himself toward his feet, as Michael Best springs backward into the ring ropes behind him. He rushes forward, just as Stevens lunges for a spear…
Benny Newell: I KNEED A HERO!
Joe Hoffman: ….goodnight. Jesus.
The forward momentum of Scott Stevens makes the impact all the worse, as the winningest knee in pro wrestling smashes into his unprotected skull. He slumps to the mat like he was hit by a truck, landing sideways and eventually splaying out on his back. The crowd goes quiet, as Michael Lee Best grits his teeth. He shoves a boot onto the chest of Scott Stevens, ordering Matt Boettcher to make the count.
ONE!
TWO!
….the Son of God lifts his foot up.
The boos are overwhelming, as Mike Best slides his boot away right before the three count, slyly kicking Stevens across the face in the process. The champion takes a knee next to his opponent, grabbing him by the hair and pulling his face in close. The smirk falls off of his face, as he stares into the eyes of one of his longtime enemies.
Mike Best: I’m going to take your child from you, Scott.
Stevens weakly tries to pull his face away, but the champion grips his hair harder, yanking his head back in.
Mike Best: This is my fucking belt, Scott. I told you. I TOLD YOU, Scott. I told you not to be a hero. I told you to stay down. And I hope he’s watching, because I want him to see this. I want him to know that his father tried.
As he speaks, Michael slowly climbs on top of Stevens, taking position into a top mount. He keeps hold of Stevens’ hair with one hand…
Mike Best: I want him to know that his father failed.
The first elbow smashes into the skull of Stevens, sending his neck snapping backward toward the canvas. The second hits the fleshy area of his cheek, twisting his neck sideways. His whole body goes limp, as Michael Lee Best brings down elbow after elbow, smashing them into the head and face of Scott Stevens, over and over and over.
Joe Hoffman: Stop this! Stop this match, damnit!
Benny Newell: GIVE THIS MAN HIS BABY! HE IS DUE A BABY!
Matt Boettcher lunges in, trying to get between Mike Best and his opponent– he yells for the champion to let up, and that the match is over. He calls for the bell, desperately trying to keep Stevens from taking more unnecessary damage.
DING DING DING
The air is sucked out of the arena, as fans only stare on. The match is officially over, but even as Bryan McVay makes the official announcement, Mike Best doesn’t get up off of Scott Stevens.
Bryan McVay: Here is your winner, by KNOCKOUT, and STILL HOW World Chaaaaaampionnnn…. The Son of God…. MICHAEL… LEE… BEEEESSSSSSSTTTTT!
The elbows aren’t stopping– Mike Best continues to bring down chaos in the ring, as Boettcher is now throwing his weight into the champion and trying to pull him off.
DING DING DING DING DING DING
HOW security rushes into the ring from ringside, swarming over the HOW World Champion. He’s gone completely red, swinging at anyone he can find in his path to keep smashing his opponent. With enough bodies in the ring, they’re eventually able to separate the Son of God from the unconscious body of Scott Stevens.
The champion rips the HOW World Championship away from the hands of Bryan McVay, as he rolls triumphantly out of the ring. Medical staff rush to check on Scott Stevens, as HOW Refueled ends with Michael Lee Best laughing his way up the ramp.
Joe Hoffman: Welcome back everyone. It is time for tonight’s main event, and it was meant to be simple, folks. A singles bout for the HOW World Championship, between the champion Mike Best, and the challenger Scott Stevens. What it became was anything but simple, and I have to be honest, I’m not even sure that what is about to happen is legal.
Benny Newell: I got nothing. Seriously. Nothing.
Joe Hoffman: Ok…um….not going to lie…you threw me for a loop there…..but yes…. Seemingly taking umbrage with Scott Stevens’ claim that he would do anything to become World Champion, Michael Best made him a bet: If Scott Stevens wins, he not only gains the HOW World Championship… he gets everything. The money. The ring. The rights to Mike Best’s own name and likeness. But if Stevens should fail…
Benny Newell: Mike Best becomes a parent….will there be a registry for the baby shower?
Joe Hoffman: …please dont call a thirteen year old child a “baby”. It’s offputting and weird. But, I mean… yeah. He basically gets Baby Stevens.
Benny Newell: I have literally never been this happy.
Joe Hoffman: I honestly don’t even know what else to say about it. This is a real mess, folks. But it doesn’t come as a surprise— since No Remorse, the champion has been particularly unhinged. His last appearance on Refueled saw him arrested by law enforcement following an attack on a fan, and at Rumble at the Rock he is willingly stepping into a literal deathmatch against The Minister. Something is very wrong with Michael Best.
The crowd is getting settled in for the final match of the evening, as “Dead Man Walking” by Crucifix begins to play under the dimmed lights of the stage. The Scorpion himself, Scott Stevens, makes his way out onto the entranceway. There is a fire in his eyes as he stares out into the sea of fans. He knows what is on the line tonight, as he slowly walks down the ramp toward the ring.
He’s barely halfway up the ring steps when his music is interrupted— as usual, the ego of the HOW World Champion can’t allow him to let anyone else have a moment. Stevens climbs unceremoniously into the ring as the sound system changes abruptly and glaringly, with a spotlight appearing on the entranceway.
HALLLLLLELUJAH!
HALLLLLLELUJAH!
HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!
HALLEEEEEEEELUJAH!
As Hanzel und Gretyl’s “HELLAlujah” begins to blast over the speakers, there is a chorus of boos that nearly matches the melodious choir at the beginning of the theme music. Stepping out from behind the curtain, the HOW World Champion emerges with the 97 Red leather belt slung arrogantly over his shoulder. He stares out into the crowd, hopping back and forth as he smirks down at Stevens in the ring.
Joe Hoffman: This can’t be legally binding, can it?
Benny Newell: Don’t think of it as baby gambling. Think of it as a forced adoption. Might need to get Lee to trademark that so we can print the shirts…..although I think the HOAX is practicing social distancing at the moment.
Bobbing his head along to his own music, Michael Lee Best saunters down the ramp toward the ring. He rolls in under the bottom rope, popping up to his feet and making his way toward the champion’s corner for tonight’s main event.
Joe Hoffman: But I mean… he can’t legally force Scott Stevens to…
Benny Newell: THIS IS HAPPENING JOE JUST LET IT HAPPEN.
Referee Matt Boettcher runs down the rules for both men, ensuring that they’re both ready to compete. There is no semblance of hesitation in the eyes of either man, as they both nod in acceptance. Boettcher nods back, and calls for the match to begin.
DING DING DING
The crowd is hot off the opening bell, as Scott Stevens leaves no time for the World Champion to get into a groove. Stevens barrels into the corner, assaulting Mike Best with a series of right hands, devastating him with haymakers. The Son of God tries to get arms up to block the shots, but the fire in Stevens is rising with every punch— Best’s head ricochets off the turnbuckle pad, and the crowd is here for it!
Joe Hoffman: Scott Stevens is a man possessed! He’s fighting like it’s all on the line tonight… because it is!
Benny Newell: Of course he is. He got tricked into betting his first born son on a match against a guy who doesn’t lose matches. It would piss me off too, if I was dumb enough to get duped like that.
Michael Best slumps down into the corner, as Stevens continues to rain down hammerfists from above. The champion has no choice but to roll out of the ring and try to get his bearings.
The referee starts the count out on the outside, but he doesn’t need to get far— once Michael is free and clear of the blows, he quickly rolls back into the ring to restart the fight. Stevens doesn’t miss a beat, though, and he immediately grabs the ropes and begins laying stomps into the trunk of the World Champion, not giving him an inch. Matt Boettcher starts a five count, since the challenger is holding onto the ropes.
1!
2!
3!
4!
Stevens doesn’t want to stop, but Boettcher steps in and tries to be the voice of reason. He brings Scott back down from the ledge, and eventually the Scorpion puts his hands up in the air, taking a step backward to allow the rope break. The crowd actually boos Boettcher, who only shakes his head as the angry mob disparages him for ending the righteous assault.
Joe Hoffman: In two years, Michael Lee Best has lost exactly two matches in High Octane Wrestling, and they were both by intentional disqualification. When you play the Son of God’s game, he’s nearly impossible to beat, but Scott Stevens isn’t playing that game, and he isn’t playing by those rules.
Benny Newell: This isn’t really fair, Joe. He’s not even giving Mike Best a chance to be dominant!
His expression emotionless, the HOW World Champion grabs the ropes, pulling himself up to his feet. He stares at Stevens, taking a big step forward toward the challenger and daring him to try it again.
Stevens says… yes.
The Scorpion throws one more big haymaker, which catches his Hall of Fame opponent directly across the chin. Michael staggers backward holding his face, and as he pulls his hand away, notices the blood trickling down his mouth. He nods his head quietly, as the corner of his mouth turns upward into a smirk.
Mike Best: You done now?
He takes a step toward Stevens, who narrows his eyebrows and stands his ground. He goes chest to chest with the champion, getting right up into his face and showing absolutely no fear.
Mike Best: Yeah. You’re done.
Best throws a vicious headbutt, smashing Stevens right on the bridge of the nose. The crowd immediately begins to boo for the cheap but effective shot, but it’s technically not illegal. The challenger stumbles back, and now the champion follows right up– the Son of God throws a full weight lariat that takes Stevens down to the canvas, leaving him still holding his face from a potentially broken nose.
Joe Hoffman: …and the champion regains control.
Benny Newell: BOY FUCKIN’ HOWDY, JOE, WE GOT OURSELVES A TITLE MATCH! Sorry about your shitty dead parental rights!
Joe Hoffman: I still can’t believe he agreed to that.
Standing over his opponent, Michael Best sneers down at his handiwork. He wipes the remaining blood off of his lip, spitting the remnants down onto the mat next to Stevens’ head.
Mike Best: Stay down.
He throws a nasty looking kick directly to the ribs of the Scorpion, urging him to give up. Stevens rolls to his side, trying to pick himself up from the mat. He pushes himself up on his arms, his eyes glazed over from the crippling smash to his nose. Michael leans down, a vicious smile plastered across his face, the blood still clinging to his teeth.
Mike Best: I SAID STAY DOWN, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
Stevens reaches out with his free arm, shoving the champion backward at the hip. He pulls himself up to a knee, raising his middle finger in a triumphant salute to how he feels about staying down at this particular moment.
Michael shakes his head.
Joe Hoffman: Scott Stevens is injured. If you’ve never been popped one between the eyes like that, let me assure you that the challenger is seeing stars right now.
Benny Newell: Are you saying he’s too starstruck to succeed, Joe? The only star he’s seeing is Mike fucking Best. Stay down, you stupid fuck! GIVE HIM YOUR BABY!
Stevens goes right ahead with pulling himself to his feet, but the champion says no. He throws a stifling head kick that knocks Stevens back to a knee! The crowd is booing, but Stevens won’t hit the canvas– he tries to regain his balance, as Michael Best stares on in disbelief.
Mike Best: YOU’RE IN MY HOUSE, DICKHEAD!
He slaps the Scorpion on the side of the head, admonishing him for having the audacity to get back up. Stevens grits his teeth, shoving the champion backward again to give himself some space. Once again, he pushes himself toward his feet, as Michael Best springs backward into the ring ropes behind him. He rushes forward, just as Stevens lunges for a spear…
Benny Newell: I KNEED A HERO!
Joe Hoffman: ….goodnight. Jesus.
The forward momentum of Scott Stevens makes the impact all the worse, as the winningest knee in pro wrestling smashes into his unprotected skull. He slumps to the mat like he was hit by a truck, landing sideways and eventually splaying out on his back. The crowd goes quiet, as Michael Lee Best grits his teeth. He shoves a boot onto the chest of Scott Stevens, ordering Matt Boettcher to make the count.
ONE!
TWO!
….the Son of God lifts his foot up.
The boos are overwhelming, as Mike Best slides his boot away right before the three count, slyly kicking Stevens across the face in the process. The champion takes a knee next to his opponent, grabbing him by the hair and pulling his face in close. The smirk falls off of his face, as he stares into the eyes of one of his longtime enemies.
Mike Best: I’m going to take your child from you, Scott.
Stevens weakly tries to pull his face away, but the champion grips his hair harder, yanking his head back in.
Mike Best: This is my fucking belt, Scott. I told you. I TOLD YOU, Scott. I told you not to be a hero. I told you to stay down. And I hope he’s watching, because I want him to see this. I want him to know that his father tried.
As he speaks, Michael slowly climbs on top of Stevens, taking position into a top mount. He keeps hold of Stevens’ hair with one hand…
Mike Best: I want him to know that his father failed.
The first elbow smashes into the skull of Stevens, sending his neck snapping backward toward the canvas. The second hits the fleshy area of his cheek, twisting his neck sideways. His whole body goes limp, as Michael Lee Best brings down elbow after elbow, smashing them into the head and face of Scott Stevens, over and over and over.
Joe Hoffman: Stop this! Stop this match, damnit!
Benny Newell: GIVE THIS MAN HIS BABY! HE IS DUE A BABY!
Matt Boettcher lunges in, trying to get between Mike Best and his opponent– he yells for the champion to let up, and that the match is over. He calls for the bell, desperately trying to keep Stevens from taking more unnecessary damage.
DING DING DING
The air is sucked out of the arena, as fans only stare on. The match is officially over, but even as Bryan McVay makes the official announcement, Mike Best doesn’t get up off of Scott Stevens.
Bryan McVay: Here is your winner, by KNOCKOUT, and STILL HOW World Chaaaaaampionnnn…. The Son of God…. MICHAEL… LEE… BEEEESSSSSSSTTTTT!
The elbows aren’t stopping– Mike Best continues to bring down chaos in the ring, as Boettcher is now throwing his weight into the champion and trying to pull him off.
DING DING DING DING DING DING
HOW security rushes into the ring from ringside, swarming over the HOW World Champion. He’s gone completely red, swinging at anyone he can find in his path to keep smashing his opponent. With enough bodies in the ring, they’re eventually able to separate the Son of God from the unconscious body of Scott Stevens.
The champion rips the HOW World Championship away from the hands of Bryan McVay, as he rolls triumphantly out of the ring. Medical staff rush to check on Scott Stevens, as HOW Refueled ends with Michael Lee Best laughing his way up the ramp.