ANNA DANIELS vs. NED REFORM
Referee Ashley Barlow stands in the ring next to Vince Howard as we prepare for the next match.
Nick Stuart: Coming up next, a much-ballyhooed debut match as we see Dr. Ned Reform compete for the first time in PRIME!
Richard Parker: We both know that there’s a reason Lindsay Troy chose Reform’s opponent for tonight – she wants Anna Daniels to WRECK this man!
Nick Stuart: Too right you are, partner. Anna Daniels has shown time and time again that she’s a main-event level competitor in PRIME, and Lindsay Troy has made her disdain for Ned Reform fairly public.
Richard Parker: Have we ever had a wrestler with an honest-to-goodness doctorate on the roster, Nick?
Nick Stuart: Not since our relaunch, and he’s sure to have many tricks up his sleeve.
The very familiar opening chords of Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” echo throughout the arena as the lights take on a purple hue and the fans begin to jeer in earnest.
The piano transitions into a rock version of the classic – a modern rock version by Cole Rolland – as the man himself, Ned Reform, appears through the curtain. He’s dressed for action: purple and white singlet, white boots, and arrogant smirk. One hand is tucked behind his back as he scans the people, completely no-selling the rude gestures and boos. Behind Reform lurks his muscle, the uber athletic and no-nonsense TA Cole.
Reform begins to walk to the ring, waving and smiling to his “adoring” fans.
Vince Howard: The following contest is set for ONE FALL! Introducing first, hailing from Litchfield, Connecticut…he is the Socrates of Slam…DOCTOR! NED! REEEEEEEEEEFORM!
He hops onto the ring apron, gives his feet a good wipe or two, and then steps through the ropes and into the ring. He makes his way to the turnbuckle, bracing his hands on the top rope and leaning back to test its integrity. While he’s doing this, he catches sight of the hard cam and gives it a little wink before the music fades out.
Nick Stuart: Did you clock the muscle man behind him, partner?
Richard Parker: I understand that he is TA Cole, Ned Reform’s protege, with a solid amateur background. You said something about “tricks up his sleeve” – Cole doesn’t even WEAR sleeves!
Nick Stuart: …Not exactly what I meant, but the point is made!
The entire area fades to black, causing the PRIMEates in attendance to steadily come to a hush. After a moment, the beginning guitar notes of Solid Space’s “A Darkness In My Soul” begin. Nothing comes on the PRIME*view to note exactly who is coming out. Suddenly, a spotlight pierces through the dark pointed to the top on the entrance ramp. Anna Daniels stands there, her profile positioned towards the light. She lets it wash over her while letting the fans get a good look at the merchandise. Finally, she glances at the ring with a small smirk on her face.
Vince Howard: And his opponent…from MOUNT PERDITION, GALLIFREY! She is the TIME LORD! ANNAAAAAAAA DAAAAAAANIEEEEEEEEELS!
As The Muse takes her time heading to the ring, she wistfully observes the goings on around her as if getting into a certain type of groove that only she can hear. Her strolling sways almost like she’s dancing from time to time. Her robe and headpiece–once more regal and dazzling artifacts from her home planet–are in various stages of disrepair and utter damage. Anna slaps a hand or two, nods a little to those in attendance. Once ringside, she motions for somebody to take the robe and headpiece which when taken nearly make the poor sap fall over.
She makes her way to the stairs and slinks along the apron, wiping her feet before entering the ring. Immediately after, she nearly chases off the ref in a sudden blur of action before smiling yet again. Casually, she strolls to a corner with her head bopping before perching herself onto the top rope laid out like a French girl people like to paint.
Nick Stuart: Anna Daniels is in a constant state of having many things on her mind, partner – but we’ve seen in the lead-up to this match, to her, Ned Reform is front and center right now.
Richard Parker: I would pay money for this to be psychoanalysis instead of wrestling, if I had the scratch!
Nick Stuart: Ashley Barlow signals for the bell, and we are off!
DING DING
Daniels immediately steps forward in an attempt to engage Reform, only for Reform to step back between the top and middle ropes with his hands up. A smattering of boos erupts as Barlow is forced to play the role of peacemaker. Daniels steps back to give Reform space, and after Barlow’s signal, Reform steps back through. The two circle each other, each taking the measure of the other, teasing tests of strength. Anna launches forward again in an attempt to engage and gets a hold of Ned – only for Ned to carry their momentum into the ropes and hold his hands up! The boos are omnipresent now.
Nick Stuart: Ned Reform refusing to lock – hang on, did we pick that up?
Ned Reform is clearly yelling something at all parties who would hear.
Nick Stuart: Did he say something about “charlatan tactics”?
Richard Parker: He did…mind games, maybe, because it looks like Anna Daniels is tired of messing around!
The referee separates the two once again and Reform smirks to his associate, TA Cole – only to be LARIATED over the top rope by a charging Daniels! Reform tumbles to the floor as Daniels steps to the apron. She measures her man as he gets to his feet and charges, leaping –
Nick Stuart: ANNA TO THE INFINITE POWER!!
Richard Parker: Round and round she went, and Ned Reform was just sent CRASHING into the ring steps!
Daniels pumps up the crowd at this move and begins to move in for the kill – only for TA Cole to step in between, holding up a hand as he checks on his mentor. Ashley Barlow begins a ten count in between berating Cole for his interference. Reform is able to eventually scamper to his feet, beg off Daniels, and roll back into the ring under the bottom rope. Daniels shares some sharp words with Cole before beginning her re-entry to the ring…
Nick Stuart: Baseball slide into Daniels!
Richard Parker: Ashley Barlow giving him the business, saying he’s gotta let Daniels get back in – oh LOOK!
Nick Stuart: TA Cole just clocked Daniels while the referee was distracted!
Boos rain down once again. Cole picks Daniels up by her shoulder and waist and launches her back into the ring. Satisfied that both wrestlers are inside again, Barlow gives Reform space – which allows him to position his arm around Daniels’s jaw, turn – delay, delay, delay – and FINALLY hitting a stalling neckbreaker. He goes for a cover, which is kicked out at two. Daniels takes a few steps back to gather herself in a corner. Reform, smelling blood in the water, presses forward with his arm cocked – only for Daniels to catch him with a thumb to the eye! She follows it up with a headbutt and a Muay Thai takedown! She goes for the cover, and gets a two count of her own!
Nick Stuart: Impressive bounce-back from Daniels there!
Richard Parker: You’re right about that – but look at Daniels now. Still keeping an eye on TA Cole outside the ring – you KNOW she’s clocking his every move.
Nick Stuart: That may be exactly what Reform wants – eyes on Cole means eyes off of him!
Reform goes for a spinning heel kick, which Daniels ducks! She throws a few forearms into Reform’s sternum before pressing him into the ropes – Irish Whip attempt gets reversed – shoulder tackle by Reform! He takes a moment to soak in the boos from the crowd before pointing at his big brain, taunting the world, before leaping into the air and connecting with an elbow drop! Reform performs a lazy cover while pointing at his enormous melon, and Daniels kicks out at one and a half.
Nick Stuart: The Thinking Man’s Elbow on display there!
Richard Parker: He’s the smartest man in the ring, if not the BUILDING, partner!
Nick Stuart: If you say so, after THAT cover…
Reform looks to measure Daniels as she gets to her feet…Ned reaches back for an elbow smash – DANIELS INTERRUPTS WITH A LEAPING ENZUIGIRI! Reform is dazed! Daniels quickly climbs to the top rope as Reform stumbles up – Daniels flies – HURRICANRANA THAT SPIKES REFORM’S HEAD ON THE MAT!
Nick Stuart: NASTY move from Daniels! Here’s the coverrrrrrrrr-no! Reform is able to kick out at two and a half!
Richard Parker: She’s got the advantage, and she’s a real pro out there – she knows she needs to keep pushing if she wants to pull this one out!
Indeed, Daniels practically flies from the ring mat to the top rope once again, before flying once again in a dazzling display…
Nick Stuart: 720 DDT!! One of the prettiest moves in wrestling! She’s got the far leg hooked!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-NOOOO!
Richard Parker: The Doctor had to dig down deep for that kickout!
The PRIMEates are on their feet, and Anna looks out into the crowd, soaking in the cheers. The crowd begins to clap in rhythm and Anna nods along, grabbing Ned’s left arm, then the right, in double underhooks.
Nick Stuart: She may be thinking about that double underhook brainbuster, partner!
Richard Parker: WAIT!
TA Cole has made his way onto the ring apron and begins making a real ruckus of things. He feigns stepping into the ring itself, which draws referee Barlow’s attention. Daniels, however, keeps the underhooks locked in – she looks across the ring at Cole, shouts “WATCH”, and begins to lift – only for Reform to resist! She goes for the lift once again, and once again, Reform is able to keep from being lifted up! She takes a deep breath, and as she exhales, Reform lifts his shoulders, sending Anna ass over teakettle and crashing into the mat. With a look in his eyes that’s an equal mix of panic and relief, Reform finds his footing and makes his way to a corner.
Nick Stuart: TA Cole should be ejected for th-
As if on cue, Barlow dramatically throws her finger to the back and ejects TA Cole! The musclehead is INCENSED, but the crowd is very happy to see this nuisance removed from the match. Reform goes to plead his case to Barlow, but Barlow is not remotely interested in reversing this decision.
Nick Stuart: You’re outta here, Cole! Time to hit the showers!
Richard Parker: TA Cole sure is taking his sweet time…
Nick Stuart: Indeed – he’s STILL pleading his case! Get out of here! You’re done for the night!
As TA Cole continues to throw a fit on the outside, Daniels notices how distracted Reform is and charges forward, CRUSHING his skull with a Brazilian Kick! She locks both legs in and has a HIGH stack!
Nick Stuart: Reform is out! Count the pin, ref! Count the pin!
Barlow is still shouting at Cole, threatening fines and suspensions. After a moment, the frantic jumping and pointing from members of the audience alert her to the fact that some real shit is going down in the ring. She sees the high stack Daniels has set up and slides in for a count as soon as she can!
ONE!
TWO!
THRE-NOOOOOOOOOO!!
Nick Stuart: I can’t believe it! Daniels had a five, six, even SEVEN count on Reform! Damn that TA Cole!
Richard Parker: Easy, partner, the match isn’t over – Daniels just needs to collect herself and she can still pull this one out!
Daniels slams the mat in frustration before getting to her feet, running the ropes, and leapfrogging over Ned, grabbing his legs in a high stacking pin!
ONE!
TWO!
Reform rolls over and turns it into a pinning predicament of his own!
ONE!
TWO!
Daniels uses her core strength and lurches the pile forward, putting Reform’s shoulders on the mat!
ONE!
TWO!
Reform again uses sideways momentum, getting him near the edge of the ring. He perfectly positions Daniels’s body between himself and referee Barlow in the latest pinfall attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
Nick Stuart: HIS FEET ARE ON THE ROPES!
THREE!!
DING DING DING
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Vince Howard: Here is your winner…DOCTOR. NED. REFORM.
Boos upon boos upon boos. Reform scurries out of the ring with a devilish grin as Fur Elise plays, pointing at his gigantic brain as he makes his way up the ramp.
Nick Stuart: That ball of slime Ned Reform had his feet on the ropes! Look at him running away, he knows he just got away with ROBBERY!
Richard Parker: TA Cole wasn’t the only trick up his sleeve, was he?
Nick Stuart: Ned Reform just toppled one of the pillars of this company, though it must be said once again – he succeeded through VERY dubious means. We will collect ourselves and be back in a moment.