CORAL AVALON VS. EDDIE CROSS
We return to Richard Parker and Nick Stuart who are standing by.
Richard Parker: I wouldn’t want that literal man-child watching my back.
Nick Stuart: I don’t think Eddie Cross can look a gift horse in the mouth, Richard. You know that Coral Avalon is going to be out here with a bandit, it’s a smart plan to have someone to watch his.
Richard Parker: Then get someone else!
Darkness hits the Greensboro Coliseum as the opening notes of Monster Siren’s “Real Me” hits the PA system. It’s a familiar scene as fog rolls onto the stage and light floods out from the entryway, casting… two very interesting shadows.
The first, of course, is the rotund shape of everyone’s favorite loveable(?) idiot, Bobby Dean. He stands in the fog wearing his usual tracksuit, and looks to be in tremendous(ly bad) shape. Next to him, though, is the star of this entrance. His ring gear was still in an electric blue, but his famous fur-lined leonine cloak was back and badder than ever. How is it badder than ever? Uh, one of the lion’s heads has T-shades now. That’s pretty bad.
When the guitars hit, the lights come up, and Coral Avalon makes his way to the ring amidst a still-surprising mixed reaction.
Vince Howard: Residing in Seattle, Washington,standing six foot, weighing in at two-hundred and twenty-two pounds! Representing the eGG Bandits! CORAAAAAALLLLLLLL AVALOOOOOOONNNNNN!!!
Avalon makes his way to the ring, with Bobby Dean trailing behind him like a lost puppy that needs to find a shelter from the rain soon.
Richard Parker: I’m never going to get used to hearing “representing the eGG Bandits” part of that intro, Nick.
Nick Stuart: You and me both.
Richard Parker: I already didn’t like Avalon, you know, so him joining Cancer Jiles is like two bad tastes that become toxic sludge together.
Avalon, oblivious to Richard Parker’s disdain, hops up onto the apron and enters the ring. While the Crownless King poses with his hand-sign in the center of the ring, Dean waddles to a corner that’s designated for Banditry and pulls out a bag of chips from within his tracksuit.
He’s helping!
The music slowly dies out as we cut to a..
Green Screen.
Match Start in 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…
3…
2…
1…
– Eliminate Other Players –
The opening guitar to Cross Off by “Mark Morton (feat Chester Bennington) echoes, and the words repeat
“Cross Off the days gone…”
“Cross Off the days gone…”
GONE BYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!
As Mark Morton’s guitars sear through the arena, Eddie “n1ghtcraw1er” Cross steps out of the back and stops to survey the crowd before pumping a fist into the air. He is followed by Max Kael? who has his fingers in his ears, wincing from the loud music. Cross adjusts his custom gaming glasses before walking down the ramp focused on the ring, on Coral Avalon. EC pauses at the ring steps and pulls his backpack off, unzipping it. He removes his sunglasses, placing them into the bag before handing it off to Max. He waits for the transition between verses before psyching himself up. Vince Howard is waiting.
Vince Howard: And from Charlotte, NC, standing six feet four inches and weighing in at 225 lbs, EDDIE “N1GHTCRAW1ER” CROSS!!!
He then runs up the ring steps, wipes his feet on the apron, and enters the ring as Chester Bennington screams into the microphone.
Eddie rolls his neck and prepares for the match as his music slowly fades and the regular house lights come back to life.
Nick Stuart: The last time these two men met in the ring was all the way back in February.
Richard Parker: Coral has put on six pounds since then going from two hundred and fifteen to two hundred and twenty two pounds. Must be that eGG Bandit diet Bobby has him on.
Nick Stuart: I’m sure it’s healthy weight gain, Richard.
We get one last parting shot of Vince Howard before he vacates the ring.
Vince Howard: Your referee is Jimmy Turnbull.
DING DING
The match begins as Howard exits the ring. Both Coral and Eddie come out of their respective corners and circle each other. The fans are mixed though it seems at the moment the crowd is more on Eddie’s side than Corals.
Nick Stewart: Back when these two met last time it was Coral who had the fans on his side and now it seems that’s changed up Richard.
Richard Parker: I’m not always one to side with the popular opinion but I’m in agreement with the PRIMEapes here tonight. Coral somehow went from bad to worse the minute he joined up with Cancer Jiles
Nick Stewart: Banditry won’t make you popular.
After sizing each other up both young athletes lock up in the center of the ring. Eddie’s height advantage allows him to leverage Coral back into a corner, eliciting Bobby Dean to jump up on the apron, yelling at Turnbull to step in.
Nick Stewart: And predictably we see Bobby Dean poking his nose into this match early on.
Max jumps up on the other side of the corner and starts complaining to Turnbull about Bobby Dean as the referee suddenly finds his hands full.
Richard Parker: Now the twenty four year old toddler is getting involved!
Eddie immediately releases Coral and begins to argue with Max about being on the apron. Coral joins Turnbull in expressing their desire for Bobby to get off the apron. Bobby and Max eventually both agree to step down.
Nick Stewart: It looks like neither Avalon or Cross want their respective corner man involved in this match.
Richard Parker: It’s all a ruse from the Bandits, the minute you let down your guard you can bet someone is going to stick their yokey fingers in this match.
Nick Stewart: Only time can tell, I guess.
Once again Coral and Eddie lock up in the center of the ring as they both jockey for an advantage. The Crownless King drops down to a knee before smoothly transitioning behind Eddie into a waist lock. Eddie is forced into the ropes however he grabs them, reversing the momentum onto Coral, breaking the waistlock. Coral rolls back and up to his feet, charging toward Eddie’s back.
Richard Parker: In situations like this I actually think Coral has the advantage. While Cross is taller and has the weight advantage, up close Avalon is able to neutralize, even use his smaller size to gain leverage.
Nick Stewart: You give the technical advantage to Avalon in this then?
Richard Parker: From where we stand right now? Yes, though it burns my ass to give Avalon any flowers.
Cross hears Avalon’s approach and swings a back elbow where he believes his opponent’s head will be. Coral ducks beneath the attack, snatching the n1ghtcrawl1er’s arm in the process. He manipulates Eddie into a wrist lock only to find the young Samoan reversing Avlon down to the mat in a headlock takedown. The electric blue bandit quickly rolls his body placing Cross into a pinning position!
1!
Eddie rights his body pulling himself out of the pin.
Nick Stewart: First pinfall attempt for a quick one count.
Richard Parker: That can get into your opponent’s head, getting that first pinfall attempt.
Hard Boiled Coral Avalon decides to forgo another pin attempt and instead kicks his legs up, managing to trap Eddie’s head in a pair of headscissors. This forces Cross to release the headlock, rolling back and flipping up to his feet, freeing himself from the scissors in the process.
Nick Stewart: Impressive display of athletics shown by Eddie Cross as he escapes the headscissor.
Richard Parker: In this tournament if you aren’t looking to impress then you’re not looking to win.
Ed charges forward looking to drive his knee into Avalon’s unguarded head; however, the Bandit catches the knee with his chest and arms. From this position the now very Crumby King somehow manages to transition Eddie into an elevated half Boston Crab.
Richard Parker: Damn it, Cross, get away from Avalon!
Nick Stewart: It seems like Coral Avalon has an answer for everything Eddie is throwing at him.
Cross is quick to crawl on his arms to the nearby ropes which causes Turnbull to begin five count. Surprisingly, Coral breaks the hold around three and backs away. Eddie is quick to get back up to his feet, stretching out his legs a little in the ropes. Both men then begin to circle as the match is reset back to the start.
Nick Stewart: While Avalon has an advantage in the technical aspect, overall I’d say that neither man has shown a distinct advantage over all.
Richard Parker: Speaking of advantages, where are Max and Bobby?
Outside the ring Bobby Dean and Max Kael? Have struck up a conversation. Max has produced a can of MEAT? Ranch, extra firm texture with Dean using it as dip for his chips.
Richard Parker: Well that’s disgusting.
Nick Stewart: It seems the two have neutralized each other and I don’t think anyone in the ring is going to complain about that.
Richard Parker: I guess.
Back in the ring the two young PRIME stars lock up once again with Eddie catching Avalon off guard with a rising knee strike. The Samoan moves to the Bandit’s side pulling him into a Russian Leg Sweep though Avalon rolls through, attempting to apply a cross arm bar!
Eddie S-grips his hands to keep his elbow from getting hyperextended before powering up to his feet. With Coral still fighting to wrench Eddie’s arm free, Cross lifts his opponent up before dropping him down hard flush on his back! Coral breaks the lock as Eddie attempts to steal a quick pinfall!
…..1!
….2!
Kickout!
Richard Parker: And there we see the advantage of power!
Nick Stewart: Eddie Cross manages to avoid the arm bar with a tremendous counter and a near pinfall!
Coral scrambles away from Eddie, shaking off his hard landing. Eddie doesn’t let up the pressure, grabbing Coral by his electric blue tights and dragging him back into the center of the ring. Using his power advantage to overcome Avalon’s defenses, Eddie begins to toss Coral around with a barrage of Jiu Jitsu throws.
Nick Stewart: The varied training and styles that Eddie Cross has picked up is on full display here!
Richard Parker: Variety is the spice of life, especially when you’re tossing eGG Bandits!
The crowd grows with intensity after each throw, Avalon’s body crashing down to the mat setting off a new wave of cheers.
On the fourth hip throw Avalon finally gathers his senses, rolling through and hitting the ropes aiming to cut Eddie down with a clothesline. The n1ghtcrawl1er sees it coming and catches Avalon’s arm dragging him into a Regal Cutter!
Nick Stewart: Eddie hits the RNG!
Richard Parker: Pin him! Pin him!
Eddie grabs the leg!
….1
…2
Kickout!
Richard Parker: I think Turnbull has a slow count, Stewart!
Nick Stewart: The count was fine, Avalon isn’t finished.
Coral snaps his arm up promptly after two. Eddie doesn’t get frustrated but rather stays focused on his task. Avalon is whipped into the corner with authority before Eddie charges forward looking to plant his knee between Coral’s eyes.
CRACK!
The Crownless King explodes out of the corner with a European Uppercut that nearly takes off Eddie’s head! The crowd lets out a collective “Oooh!” before it turns over to boos aimed at the Hard Boiled King.
Nick Stewart: Incredible counter, I don’t think there are many people in PRIME with a better European Uppercut than Coral Avalon.
Richard Parker: Cecilworth Farthington? He’s actually European.
Nick Stewart: You got me there, Richard.
On the outside Max winces while Bobby cheers with his mouth full of chips and MEAT?.
Coral takes a moment to recover from Eddie’s assault while his opponent is momentarily stunned. Once steady, Avalon is on the attack. With Eddie climbing back up to his feet, Coral launches himself force striking Eddie straight in the back of the head and neck with a stiff kick!
BOOOOO!!
Nick Stewart: I don’t know if it’s Cancer Jiles tutorship or the situation he is in but Coral Avalon has picked up a decided mean streak since being put on ice by the Bandits.
Richard Parker: I hate everything you just said, Stewart. I just want you to know that.
Eddie’s body hits the mat hard as the crowd boos the aggressiveness shown by Avalon.
Avalon slows the pace of the match down as he begins to dismantle his opponent with a series of targeted strikes, elbows and kicks. The focus of Avalon’s attack? The Samoan’s eye and head. He finishes his assault with a wheelbarrow suplex in the center of the ring! Coral holds the bridge as Turnbull jumps into action!
….1
…2
Kickout!
Nick Stewart: Avalon is wearing down his opponent with this assault.
Richard Parker: He is focusing on that damaged eye of Eddie. Wearing that eye patch is basically painting a target on your face.
Cross manages to throw his shoulder up though it is clear Avalon’s attack has left him dazed. Max Kael? and Bobby Dean both yell support from the outside but appear to be engrossed in the consumption of the MEAT? and chips to offer any help beyond that.
Back in the ring Coral sends Eddie hard into the corner, following it up with a running European Uppercut. He whips Eddie hard into the opposite corner and once again smashes the young Samoan with another vicious running European Uppercut.
Nick Stewart: More examples of Coral’s doctorate in the European Uppercut.
Richard Parker: And yet he is still not European. I don’t even think they let eGG Bandits into other countries.
For the third time Avalon whips Eddie toward the turnbuckle however this time Eddie counters, whipping Coral chest first into the corner! The Crownless King smashes into the turnbuckle chest first knocking the wind out of his lungs. As he stumbles back Eddie trips him up with a School Boy!
…1
..2
Kickout!
It’s more instinct than a conscious decision for the eGG Bandit to kick out as the crowd lets out a collective sigh of disappointment. Cross doesn’t waste time as he immediately locks on his trademark modified Cobra Clutch, the Silencer!
Nick Stewart: He’s got the Silencer in! A move handed down to him by Dave Gibson and if you know anything about what Eddie is going through right now..
Richard Parker: I don’t and, no, I don’t care to know. I just care that he chokes Avalon out!
Coral’s face begins to turn bright red as he struggles to escape. He begins probing his surroundings with his legs trying to find the ropes but Eddie has him well positioned to avoid escape!
Nick Stewart: He has him right in the middle of the ring!
Richard Parker: It’s at times like this that I bet Coral wishes he was a few inches taller!
Failing to find the ropes, Avalon’s body begins to wilt under the oppressive clutch of Eddie’s Silencer. Using the last vestiges of his strength Coral plants his feet and jumps up, rolling both himself and Cross back putting Eddie in a pinning situation!
…1
..2
Eddie is forced to release the hold in order to break the pinfall. Coral immediately rolls away into the ropes to recover as Cross argues with Turnbull about the legality of the pin attempt.
Nick Stewart: Smart thinking by Avalon forcing Cross to break the Silencer.
Richard Parker: ..yeah.. Smart.. Damn it.
Cross follows Avalon to the outside where he continues his assault, hammering on Coral with heavy strikes to the back and head. He rolls Avalon back into the ring before following his opponent in. The Bandit rises, wobbly onto his feet, turning only to meet a massive Flying Knee Strike
Nick Stewart: TRIGGER WARNING!
Richard Parker: He drilled him right on the chin! The crowd is going wild!
The Crownless King’s body crumbles to the ring as Eddie drops, hooking the leg!
..1
2
..Kickout!
Nick Stewart: Wow!
Richard Parker: Cross needs to finish this now!
Coral manages to kick out but he doesn’t appear to have much more left in the tank. Eddie takes a moment to catch his breath before he moves to the opposite corner of Avalon, raising his elbow.
Nick Stewart: Eddie Cross is signaling for the OHKO!
Richard Parker: Just get it over with, Cross!
Both Bobby and Max are staring at the ring. Bobby looks like he’s about to walk toward the ring but Max rests his hand on Dean’s shoulder, stopping him. The two look at each other with Max shaking his head.
Stumbling back to his feet Coral is in the perfect position as Eddie charges forward!
Nick Stewart: OH KOOO!
Coral DUCKS and hits the rope!
Richard Parker: RHONGOMYNIAD, damn it!
Avalon smashes Eddie’s face in with a wicked Yakuza Kick.
Nick Stewart: The First Armament has been hit!
Richard Parker: This is the beginning of how he finished Eddie Cross the last time they faced each other! He’ll be looking for Secace next!
The crowd is booing Avalon as sure enough measures a stunned Eddie Cross for the European Uppercut to the back of the head. As the Samoan begins to climb to his knees Coral hits the rope!
Nick Stewart: SECACE!
Richard Parker: The Second Armament!
Eddie ducks the European Uppercut attempt, tripping Coral in the process! Scrambling onto his downed opponent back he quickly applies a surfboard, applying a Dragon Sleeper!
Nick Stewart: Eddie was ready for it! Incredible counter! I can’t believe Cross just out played Avalon! He has him locked in the Good Game!
Richard Parker: Choke the life out of him! GG! GG!
The young Samoan roars as Avalon desperately fails his grip!
Nick Stewart: Cross has it locked in deep! You can see Avalon’s face is turning red!
Richard Parker: There is nowhere for him to go! Avalon’s gonna have to perform a magic trick to get out of this!
The fans rise to their feet as Eddie Cross tightens down the sleeper, pulling back with all his might!
Nick Stewart: Avalon is fading!
Richard Parker: His body is ceasing to move, you can see the strength draining out of him! Turnbull is going to have to move in to check the arm..
Turnbull lifts Coral’s arm..
……1
The arm drops limp at his side. Referee Turnbull lifts the arm once again.
…..2
Again the arm falls to the ground. Eddie tightens the hold even further as he roars triumphantly. One last time the arm is lifted.
….
..
Avalon burns to life and manages to shift his weight, pushing himself back over Eddie breaking the hold!
Nick Stewart: I can’t believe he managed to escape it!
Richard Parker: I hate how smart an escape that was.
He keeps control of Eddie’s left arm and drags Eddie into an Omaplata Armbar!
Nick Stewart: He’s going for Vortigern’s Pillory! If he locks that in..
Richard Parker: I know, I know, the Second Armament!
Before Coral can finalize locking in the Second Armament, Eddie rolls his body over, grabbing Avalon’s head in a head scissor. Dragging the Crownless King over into a modified school boy!
1!
2!
Coral shifts his shoulder and twists, breaking Eddie’s cover as he snatches both of the young Samoan’s arms! Performing some kind of weird, wrestling magic Coral manipulates Eddie into a European Clutch!
1!
2!
3!
Eddie manages to break the surprise clutch but it’s half a second too late.
Nick Stewart: I can’t believe it!
Richard Parker: He’s not even European!
DING DING DING
“Real Me” by Monster Siren breaks out over the Greensboro Coliseum as a chorus of boos joins in. Disappointment falls across Cross’s face as he realizes Avalon snuck past him. Max joins Eddie attempting to comfort the young Samoan.
Vince Howard: The winner of this match.. CORAAAAAAAAAAL AVALOOOOOOON!
Coral quickly rolls out of the ring and into the waiting arms of Bobby Dean. The Crownless King nearly collapses into his fellow Bandit’s arms as he is helped up the ramp, his arms held aloft in victory.
Nick Stewart: Despite a valiant effort put up by Eddie Cross it was Coral Avalon who was victorious here tonight.
Richard Parker: Not for not, though, Avalon was pushed to his limits. Who knows how much he has to throw at his next opponent?
We then head backstage.