PAXTON RAY VS. TONY GAMBLE
Hey, look! It’s Vince Howard.
Vince Howard: The following contest is scheduled for one fall…
The Crowd: ONE FALL!
This is a thing that happens here now.
“Born for this” by Divide Music starts to play through the speakers, as Tony Gamble and Johnnie Newsman step out from behind the curtain. Tony just stands there for a moment, as the chorus of boos continues to rain down on him from the crowd.
When the choice is mine and mine alone
I won’t give in even if you break my bones
The lyrics have started, but it is the sound of Johnnie’s voice bellowing out above those lyrics that drives the crowd to get even louder.
Johnnie Newsman: Are we ready, SAAAANNNNE LOOOOUIIIIIIIE !!!
I won’t give in ’till your sins have been atoned
All I see is the flickering lights below me
Tony stretches his arms out wide, welcoming the crowd’s form of adoration as Johnnie continues to speak and his music plays.
All I need is the power to change what I see
If I can give a little, not a second thought
Johnnie Newsman: Coming to your ring, with weight of one hundred and thee eighty nine pounds of lean, mean muskulls on a man.
If I’m stuck in the middle, I will take the shot, woah
All I wanna be, yeah
Tony makes his way down the ramp, ignoring the few smarks in the crowd that actually do like him. They reach their arms out, awaiting a slap of acknowledgement that will never come, as Johnnie stays at the top of the ramp.
Yeah, I was born for this
I will keep my secrets high above
Johnnie Newsman: He no give you Blues!
In the hopes to protect the ones I love
But I wonder where in darkness lies the truth
Johnnie Newsman: No leave hearts like Rams!
Of the one who took their lives, you can’t excuse
I don’t fear you, I won’t let you take my home
Johnnie Newsman: Thee true Cardinal law!
Tony climbs the steps, looking out at the fans that have not quieted down at all since he stepped out from behind the curtain. They love to hate him, and he loves it.
I will climb through to wherever you may roam
I won’t give in, you can even break my bones
Johnnie Newsman: So all please KAKAW!!!
What is within is a strength you’ll never know
Johnnie Newsman: TOOOOOOOOOOOONYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!
All I see is the flickering lights below me
All I need is the power to change what I see
Tony steps in between the middle and top ropes to get into the ring, making his way to the center.
Johnnie Newsman: THEEEEE GRRRRRRIIIINNNNNNNN!!
If I can give a little, not a second thought
If I’m stuck in the middle, I will take the shot, woah
He drops down to one knee, lowering his head as he does.
Johnnie Newsman: GAAAAAAAAMMBLLLLLLEEEEE!!
All I wanna be, yeah
He stretches his arms out once again, then stretches his head back with his eyes closed and just welcomes the hate.
Yeah, I was born for this
Vince Howard: And his opponent…
“They say it’s good to start a story with a tragedy.”
The chunky guitar riff of “Fistfight” by The Ballroom Thieves kicks in as Paxton Ray walks out under the PRIMEView. Paxton sneers as the fans boo, then slowly holds his hand up in the air.
The day I finally met you like I knew I would
You raised me from the wreck of my doubts
You were smiling to yourself as if we both understood
The silent language of the anguish of a heart that sings but doesn’t make a sound
Paxton slowly walks towards the ring, looking around as the crowd rains hate down upon him. He steps up to the apron and steps over the ring ropes, then leans back against them and closes his eyes.
Vince Howard: Making his way to the ring, weighing in at 245 pounds…he is The Bayou Butcher…PAAAAAXTOOOOONNNN RAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!
DING DING
Nick Stuart: Elvis Nixon is the referee assigned to this contest, and you have to think he’s going to have his hands full with these two.
Richard Parker: Why? What has Tony Gamble ever done?
Nick Stuart: What has… Are you being serious right now?
The size difference at play here is glaring as the two men begin to circle each other, with Gamble giving up almost a foot in height. The Grin has adopted a more traditional grappler’s stance, while Paxton squares up ready to throw hands. In another time these two might have bonded over the many miseries of Jonathan Rhine, but tonight there is the chance to get one step closer to a shot at the Universal championship on the line, so any bonding is right out the window.
The crowd has very strong opinions on both of these men right out of the gate.
YOU BOTH SUCK!
YOU BOTH SUCK!
Nick Stuart: Harsh words from the PRIME faithful.
Richard Parker: Oh, that’s just not fair. I’m a gem, and you’re… I mean you’re okay, I guess.
Nick Stuart: …I can’t with you sometimes.
Gamble shoots in, looking to take the bigger man off his feet, but Paxton is ready with a counter. His is an awkward, lanky sprawl, because instead of trying to brace against the takedown he instead loads up an elbow and drives it in between Gamble’s shoulder blades when he dives.
Nick Stuart: Two very different styles on display here tonight, Richard.
Richard Parker: Agreed, Nick. I bet you’re about to say something poignant about wrestler versus boxer, or how one was trained classically while the other fights hobos for nickels.
Nick Stuart: Actually, I…
Richard Parker: But really, it’s all about the noble efforts of Tony Gamble against the murderous intent of the gator man.
Nick Stuart: Did you just call Tony Gamble “noble”?
Richard Parker: Yes. Because the alternative is calling David noble. Heyyoooooo, that’s a little wordplay joke.
Nick Stuart: Umm. Great.
Richard Parker: I heard that guy who brought that Doug jerk and his shock collar – Nate from logistics, I think – I heard he hates puns, so this is me getting even.
While this friendly banter has been exchanged, Paxton continues to hammer down on Gamble with clubbing forearm blows. The barrage is so intense that Elvis Nixon has to check to see if Gamble can defend himself properly. Content that The Grin isn’t yet in any imminent danger, the fight continues. Paxton steps back and creates some distance between them, waiting for Gamble to get to his feet. No sooner does Tony regain his vertical base does a running boot send him right back down to the mat.
At ringside, Alexei Ruslan leans over towards Ivan Stanislav and whispers something in Russian. Whatever it is, it draws a hearty chuckle from the Russian Bear.
Nick Stuart: The Butcher is all offense so far in the early going, and… Aw, hell. What’s he doing?
Richard Parker: We saw him do this same thing at UltraViolence in his match against The Anglo Luchador, Nick. And he did it early in the match then, too.
What they’re referring to is Paxton walking over to one of the corners and beginning to untie the padding that covers the top turnbuckle. He makes it through the first lace, and then pauses. As Elvis Nixon begins to walk over for what is likely to be a very well-intended admonishment that absolutely no-one will listen to, Paxton looks down at his handiwork, and then abandons it.
Nick Stuart: Well, I certainly didn’t expect that.
Richard Parker: Yeah, what the Hoyt is that about? First he apologizes to Sykes, and now this.
Nick Stuart: We saw someone come out after Paxton’s last match to try and talk him down from doing more harm to the Luchador, and while we don’t know this person’s name, maybe she’s having a positive influence.
Richard Parker: Only one person in this company performs miracles, Nick. And his name is Hoyt Williams.
Paxton heads over to Gamble, but the Hall of Famer is prepared and waiting. A dropkick to Paxton’s thigh drops him to a knee, and then a snap DDT spikes him head-first into the mat. He makes a quick cover, making sure to drive his forearm across Paxton’s face. Not because it helps with an actual pinfall, but because it’s obnoxious.
Elvis Nixon makes a count of 1 before Paxton kicks out. The Bayou Butcher sits up and shakes his head, but a hard kick lands along his spine, and then Gamble puts him back on the mat for a quick elbow drop.
Nick Stuart: Gamble doing his best to wear down the much larger Paxton Ray. And given what he and the Anglo Luchador did to each other a few weeks ago, do you think he’s at one hundred percent?
Richard Parker: No.
Nick Stuart: …
Richard Parker: What? You asked.
The Permascar Superstar begins stomping away at his opponent, driving Paxton towards the ropes. Referee Nixon steps in once Ray is at the ropes, and begins admonishing Gamble for continuing his attack. It’s the kind of conversation that referees have been having with Tony Gamble since the dawn of time, all the while hoping that this time he might listen because dammit Emily when you’re done with the Nutella you have to wash your hands before you put it in the cabinet, otherwise you get chocolate over all the handles.
I mean what?
Another stomp comes down, but this one Paxton manages to catch. He manages to hold onto Gamble’s foot while he fights back to his feet. The Grin has to hop around on one foot, and he tries to swipe at Paxton with his hands but the reach difference between them means Tony’s simply swinging at air. The Lafayette Bruiser pulls once to throw Gamble off balance, and then swings with a hard lariat.
Nick Stuart: That size advantage really coming into play in this match, Richard.
Richard Parker: The lord blesses every man with his gifts, Nick. There’s no need to obsess about size.
Nick Stuart: What?
Richard Parker: What?
Nick Stuart: Paxton using that long reach to his advantage once again. He’s got one arm on Gamble… Sleeper hold applied!
Richard Parker: That’s an illegal chokehold, Nick! If Elvis Nixon was any good at this, he’d see it.
Elvis Nixon is actually paying very close attention, Richard. He’s checking to make sure that Paxton’s arm is in the right position so that it doesn’t cross the line. He’s also checking on – ahem – “Happy Heelmore” to make sure he hasn’t faded. Gamble kicks his legs to try and break free, but Paxton’s grip is tight.
Gamble’s legs flail as he tries to kick free, but it’s his hands that create the separation he needs. He reaches back with his arms, but instead of trying to break the hold he instead goes right for Paxton’s eyes, as if some unseen force laser-guided his tiny man fingees.
Nick Stuart: Gamble using some illegal tactics to break the hold.
Richard Parker: Illegal tactics? Illegal tactics!? The man was being strangled by a murderer, Nick.
Nick Stuart: That’s a bold claim, Richard. You don’t know…
Richard Parker: Really? After everything you’ve seen over the last year, are you seriously going to try and tell me that Paxton Ray doesn’t do crimes? I bet there are crimes, Nick. I bet there are so many crimes.
As the referee checks on Paxton to make sure he can still see, Gamble quickly scoots to the other corner of the ring and finishes the job that the Bayou Butcher started by removing the turnbuckle pad. He tosses it to the arena floor, and for a moment he locks eyes with Ivan Stanislav.
Nick Stuart: Gamble glancing out here to ringside, where the Universal champion is taking in tonight’s matches. It was about a year ago when Tony and Ivan faced off in the ring, and we all got to witness whatever move that “HurricanRussia” was supposed to be.
Two sets of Russian eyes turn and glare at the broadcast table.
Richard Parker: WHICH HE EXECUTED PERFECTLY, NICHOLAS.
This seems to appease the Russian overlords, as they turn their attention back to the ring.
Nick Stuart: What are you doing, Richard?
Richard Parker: (whispering) Shut up I’m trying to save your life.
That moment of hesitation gives Paxton an opening, and Gamble turns right into a discus elbow that sends him down to the mat. Paxton rubs at his eyes for a moment, and then snaps off three elbow drops in succession. Now it’s Paxton’s turn to make the cover.
ONE!!
Ivan Stanislav leans forward in his chair to observe the fall.
TWO!!
And then eases back when Tony Gamble gets his shoulder up.
Nick Stuart: Our Universal champion paying very close attention to this one, Richard. He has a little bit of history with both of these men.
Richard Parker: Okay, so bears are ursine, right? And he’s the Russian Bear. Does that make him the Ursine-versal champion? Ursaversal!
Nick Stuart: Richard.
Richard Parker: Wait, no. USSR… USSRniversal? Maybe I should workshop this.
Nick Stuart: Please do it on your own time and far away from me.
Paxton draws Gamble up, but The Grin goes right back to the eyes. It’s a very cavalier poke, and in full view of the referee. Elvis Nixon’s shoulder slump, because this is a man who realizes that he never had control in this match. Still, there’s a lot at stake in this tournament and the last thing he wants to be is “the ref who picked a winner through disqualification.”
Nick Stuart: Gamble with an Irish whip into the corner, but Paxton managed to block it just in time and get his foot up against the second turnbuckle for support!
Lucky for him, because it’s the corner with the exposed buckle. Gamble charges in behind him and tries to force him to collide with the exposed steel, but Paxton has too strong of a hold against the ropes to budge. Elvis Nixon, eager to try and restore some semblance of safety, tries to wave both men away while wedging his body in between Ray and the turnbuckles. Really, as decisions go, this one isn’t very smart.
Surprisingly, Gamble backs off, which allows Paxton to plant his other foot. He turns, grabs Gamble by the hair, and snaps off a European uppercut. The Grin staggers and drops to one knee, then connects with an uppercut of his own.
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Which Elvis Nixon would see, except he’s been fiddling with the turnbuckle pad. It’s only because of the crowd reaction – one that you wouldn’t normally associate with these two men unless they were suddenly the victim of a pinpoint drone strike – that Nixon isn’t alerted to what happened sooner.
Nick Stuart: A low blow by Tony Gamble, and the crowd seems to fully endorse it!
A second one follows.
Richard Parker: Look, Tony Gamble might poke fun at what happened to Jon Rhine, but don’t forget who put him in that wheelchair.
Turnbuckle Elvis turns around just in time to see Tony Gamble grab a hunched-over Paxton Ray in a small package.
Nick Stuart: Elvis Nixon down to count!
ONE!!!
Nick Stuart: Gamble looking to steal one!
TWO!!!
He also grabs a handful of tights, just for good measure, because it’s impossible to cheat too much.
THREE!!!
DING DING DING
As soon as the bell sounds, Gamble releases his grip and rolls out of the ring. Inside, Paxton Ray looks incensed. Elvis Nixon offers a brief reassurance that, yes, this was a legitimate three count, and then he dips through the ropes as well. There’s a ticking time bomb in the ring, and no one wants to be around when it goes off.
Nick Stuart: Tony Gamble has done it!
Richard Parker: Proof that experience and treachery will always triumph over youth and… uhh… also treachery, I guess.
Nick Stuart: He’s pinned Paxton Ray, and will now advance to the second round of the Almasy Memorial Tournament!
Richard Parker: If Paxton comes out here, I get dibs on hiding behind Ivan.
Nick Stuart: Fans, don’t go anywhere. We still have plenty to come here on ReVival!
We then cut to the backstage area.