TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP

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PIC
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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 15:00:01 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 15:00:01 GMT -5

SECOND CHANCE BATTLE ROYAL

Chet vs. The Nickleman vs. Edgar Wallaby vs. Glum vs. Brooke Blakeley

THE FIGHT FOR A WIN

Lachlan Kane vs. MERICA vs. Alexander Raven

THE BLOOD FEUD

Matthew Knox vs. Helena Handbasket vs. Stephen Stratford

SEMI-MAIN EVENT

Penelope vs. L.C. Pinkston vs. Sarah Wolf

THE BRAVERY TRIALS FINALS

Catalina Cortes vs. Vhodka Black vs. Thaddeus Duke

Last Edit: Sept 10, 2023 15:05:16 GMT -5 by PIC

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 16:59:48 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 16:59:48 GMT -5

SEPTEMBER 10, 1880

The two weeks since the HMS Atalanta rounded Cape Verde off the western coast of Africa have been rather uneventful. This time of year is known for its big storms, but it’s been smooth sailing for Captain Francis Stirling and is crew.

The same can’t be said for what’s been happening on board. Stirling, since securing the Bravery TRIAD in Nepal some weeks earlier, has become increasingly difficult to work with. His power trip has only escalated in what many on the crew believe to be compensation for his lack of actual bravery.

After all, Stirling had sacrificed the lives of several of his own men just to gain possession of the piece, and in doing so, lost all respect with his crew. Regardless of his outward bravado, it is obvious Stirling is just as cowardly as ever.

The ship is set to cross the Tropic of Cancer later this afternoon. From there, it’s northeast along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to Ponta Delgada, and from there… Britain. Crossing the Tropic of Cancer is key, as doing so eliminates nearly all possibility of encountering a hurricane on this voyage, a near miracle this time of year.

“Pirates!” The cry from the crow’s nest high above the Atalanta’s deck brings all of its crew out from the hull. “Pirates at two o’clock… Starboard!”

The crew rushes around. Sure enough, just off to the northeast of the ship is a much smaller vessel, flying the Jolly Roger and headed straight in their direction. Jenkins, the ship’s first mate, yells out to one of his subordinates.

“Wake the captain, we have an emergency!”

The subordinate salutes, then runs into the hull of the ship, down a flight of stairs, a corridor, and another flight before arriving in the barracks down below. He knocks on the door of a private room. After getting no response, he knocks again. Finally, Captain Francis Stirling emerges from the room, groggy and none too pleased to be woken from his slumber.

“Bloody hell! I shall have you courtmarshaled for waking me!”

“I… I’m sorry sir,” the young seamen quivered. “P..p…Pirates!”

Stirling curses. He goes into his room and emerges fully dressed in his uniform. The two make the trek back up through the gally and corridors until they emerge on deck. Stirling is directed to the starboard side of the ship where he sees the pirate ship, now only several hundred feet away. The ship is clearly much smaller than theirs, and close enough to see the crew is nowhere near the size. Jenkins approaches.

“Sir, we’ve scouted the vessel, and she should be easy to overtake. Our men are ready, and the fight should be swift and efficient.”

Stirling pauses as the hair on the back of his neck stands up. Why is he so scared of a smaller vessel when he has the best trained men in Her Majesty’s Navy at his disposal. His mind wanders to the TRIAD. If it were to slip into the hands of pirates, if HE were responsible, he knows his career and status would come to a crashing halt.

“Sir? Captain Stirling? Should we engage?” Jenkins asked. He is brave, he is ready to defend the Atalanta at all costs.

Stirling looks past the stern into the horizon where a group of clouds has formed. A few flashes of lightning can be seen and the seas slowly begin to get rough.

“Negative Jenkins,” Stirling responds. “Make way for that storm!”

“Sir,” Jenkins replies confusingly. “I don’t understand. We can take them.”

“I know we can take them. But I’m not taking any chances with the TRIAD. A ship their size in a storm that large has no chance of surviving. They’ll turn away long before we ever reach the worst of it, and then it will be clear skies the rest of the way.”

“But, sir!”

“That’s an order Jenkins!”

Jenkins sighs. “Yes, sir.”

Jenkins barks out the orders, Stirling ensures they’re followed to the letter. The mighty HMS Atalanta, full of the most skilled navy men in the world, turns to run from an inferior challenger. The pirate ship follows, but with the Atalanta’s speed, the smaller ship is no match. The Atalanta is a few hundred feet away from the storm when the pirate ship begins to alter course. True to Stirling’s thoughts, the smaller ship knows it cannot survive a storm of this magnitude. Stirling is brimming with pride atop the deck as he watches his would be adversaries scurry away across the Atlantic.

“Just as I suspected, they wanted no part in a storm like this.” Gentlemen, set course for Ponta Delgada!”

The wind from the east suddenly picks up. That storm is moving fast and the ship is not responding to the crew’s attempts to alter course.

“Captain Stirling! We’re being sucked backwards into this storm!”

Stirling rushes to the bridge. He tries every veteran maneuver taught to him at the academy, but it’s of no use. It’s as if some unknown force is pulling them in. The waves around them are raging. The sun is no longer in sight, replaced by the most ominous clouds you’ve ever seen. Lightning strikes on both sides of the ship simultaneously. The crew fears for their lives. Jenkins rushes up to the captain, a look of sheer panic on his face.

“Captain Stirling, what do we do?”

Stirling walks past him, staring out into the storm and completely ignoring Jenkins’ question. His eyes are fixated on the multiple funnel clouds he sees ahead. His ship being sucked into the vortex. He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out the Bravery TRIAD. He stares down at it, then back out into the distance as the HMS Atalanta is swallowed up by the sea.

PIC
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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 17:13:07 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 17:13:07 GMT -5

EARLIER TODAY

~PIC stands with an unidentified man on the deck of the HMS Atalanta in overcast skies. Storms are clearly on the horizon but the seas seem relatively calm for the time being. The SS TRIAD is tethered to the ship with Titus and his crew busy shuffling around to ensure the safety of all involved tonight.~

PIC: Eddie, I don’t care what Marcus Welsh told you, this is totally unacceptable!

Eddie: I’m sorry man, but the check cleared.

PIC: And you didn’t think it odd that someone would pay you millions of dollars to sail a FAKE British Naval frigate to the middle of the Bermuda Triangle two weeks before our event?

Eddie: I don’t know what to tell you. I’m a businessman, and he paid me a lot of money to make this thing look as ominous as possible. We did a pretty good job, didn’t we? You have no idea how hard it was to make the waves and weather look like we did.

~PIC shakes his head in disgust.~

PIC: You know we actually had participants who thought this was the real ship. Some of them even snuck aboard last week to try to become familiar with it. Someone could have really gotten hurt.

Eddie: If my guys had seen em, you can guarantee they wouldn’t have had a good day. We take security seriously around here.

PIC: So what was the point? We haven’t seen Welsh in weeks. What did he hope to accomplish by duping everyone into believing this was the real ship?

TLS: I can tell you that one.

~PIC turns to see his longtime frenemy walking up to his side.~

TLS: He wanted both our teams to be on the wrong ship while he and his team sailed to the real Atalanta. We’d be here fighting over a TRIAD that didn’t exist.

PIC: Good thing I saw the barcode on that barrel over there. Did you see this?

~PIC lifts his arm in TLS’ direction. In his hand is a replica of something that resembles a piece of the TRIAD. TLS grabs it and examines it from all directions.~

PIC: It’s steel, and fairly cheap steel at that. And that gold paint job…

~TLS scratches at it with his fingertip, easily rubbing the ‘gold’ away.~

TLS: Welsh thought this would fool us?

~PIC shakes his head.~

PIC: And he’s supposed to be the witty one. Anyway, Eddie, your services are no longer required. Take this hunk of junk back to where you came from. We’ll take it from here on the SS TRIAD.

~The two shake hands. PIC turns with TLS to walk away.~

Eddie: Hey, PIC… you really think there’s a REAL ghost ship out there in the depths of the sea?

~PIC turns around.~

PIC: We’ll find out tonight.

PIC
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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 17:23:52 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 17:23:52 GMT -5

WILLIE AND LEO OPEN THE SHOW

~Chaos ensues as our show is just minutes from the air. The sea is raging, visibility limited, and the cast and crew of TRIAD are running to and fro to get the last finishing touches together before we go live. The HMS Atalanta is exactly where PIC and TLS expected it to be, and somehow more dangerous and ominous than we imagined. The SS TRIAD has successfully gotten close enough to the ship to tether to it in several places. The crew built a makeshift rope bridge to connect with the Atalanta, and has been busy ever since carrying the ring over piece by piece and setting it up in the middle of the Ghost Ship’s deck. So far, no signs of ghosts… yet. The ring is set up, the fans have been allowed to gather on the deck of the SS TRIAD, with specific instructions that none be allowed to board the Atalanta. Liability and what not. Willie “MoMo” Peterson and Leo are standing by on the aircraft carrier as the rain begins to pick up.~

MoMo: The day we’ve been looking forward to for months has finally arrived. Leo and I are standing aboard the SS TRIAD in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle, and we are tethered to the REAL HMS Atalanta. Apparently, the ship we saw at the end of Night 4 was an imposter paid for by Marcus Welsh, but you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you Leo?

Leo: Uh… duh! Of course not. I don’t know everything Marcus does, I mean… I don’t even know where he is all the time. Why do you feel the need to accuse me?

MoMo: History is on my side on this one, but I’ll let it go. Whether you knew it or not, PIC and TLS figured it out in time, and I can assure you and all of those you may or may not have conspired with that every single team member, AND their captains, have made it aboard the SS TRIAD and are here to compete this evening.

Leo: Great… that’s excellent news.

MoMo: Don’t sound so glum.

Leo: Glum? Where?

~Leo spins his head in a 360 looking out for the creepy clown.~

MoMo: Not that Glum, although he will be appearing this evening in our opening contest, the Second Chance Battle Royal.

Leo: Are we sure? I heard a rumor that some of them didn’t make it in.

MoMo: It wasn’t a rumor, it was from me, from earlier in the day when I watched them all arrive. We’ll have that footage for you all later, but yes, I can and have confirmed with you that Glum IS on the aircraft carrier this evening.

Leo: Oh joy.

MoMo: The show is stacked, and while I can tell you I’m looking forward to every single match this evening, I’d be lying if I didn’t have my eye on the highly anticipated rematch between Matt Knox, Helena Handbasket, and Stephen Stratford.

Leo: That match is going to be electric for sure. Stratford’s been pulling the strings all this time, making Knox dance at every turn. It all started with a chair shot, and from there, it’s been a thing of beauty to watch.

MoMo: I said it before, but this whole thing was started by our three owners when they drew up the booking sheets, but it ends tonight by fate. It’s anyone’s guess what will happen, but I know for sure that Knox is out for blood in this one.

Leo: You may be excited for that one, but I’m circling the semi-main event as match of the night. Sarah Wolf is going to totally dismantle that goof LCP and the witch Penelope.

MoMo: Has it been confirmed she’s an actual witch?

Leo: I don’t know, but after what she’s put me through, that word isn’t strong enough.

MoMo: It’s going to be an epic contest for sure. All three have scores to settle, and all three in some ways feel they’ve been robbed of their shot at the Bravery TRIAD. There’s a chip on each shoulder and I wouldn’t be shocked to see them each go out of their way to prove they were screwed over.

Leo: I expect it to be violent in all the right ways.

MoMo: And what about our opening TRIAD bout featuring Alexander Raven, Lachlan Kane, and MERICA? These guys have been fighting a seemingly uphill battle from the start, each identifying as trying to punch above their weight class. They’ve fought the best in the business and more than held their own, but now they each have a chance to do something none of them have been able to do yet in these trials… win.

Leo: It’s a pride thing, MoMo. But not just pride. A win for any of them secures 5 points tonight for their team. Second place gets 3, and getting pinned earns 1 point. It’s not just about bragging rights, as whoever wins this match puts their entire team one step closer to a berth in The Great Illuminatus.

MoMo: You’re absolutely right. As it stands today, Team Welsh is in the lead with 20 points. Team PIC has 17 points, and Team TLS sits in third with 11. A MERICA win right out of the gates could catapult Team TLS into the conversation and change the course of the entire Trials.

Leo: My money is on a Team Welsh clean sweep, but we’ll see. For that to happen, Thaddeus Duke is going to have his hands full in our main event.

MoMo: The Bravery TRIAD is on the line. We’ve been told by our sources that it has been confirmed to be on the ship somewhere. In our main event this evening, there are no rules. There are no referees. It would make zero sense to have a wrestling match when the TRIAD is the prize. So it’s simple. Vhodka Black, Catalina Cortes, and the aforementioned Thad Duke will all enter the Ghost Ship. They’ll fight, scratch, and claw their way to finding the TRIAD’s location, but it doesn’t end there.

Leo: No, once secured, the TRIAD must be brought back to the ship’s deck, and subsequently taken to the SS TRIAD. The winner will be the person who steps foot onto the aircraft carrier with the TRIAD in their possession.

MoMo: Here in TRIAD, possession isn’t 9/10 of the law, it IS the law. All participants have agreed beforehand to abide by the results. And we’re happy to say that we’re just about ready to kick things off for this evening. Kick back and relax, the Second Chance Battle Royal is just moments away!

PIC
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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 17:30:43 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 17:30:43 GMT -5

EARLIER TODAY

~Titus and his crew are busy trying to tether the SS TRIAD to the HMS Atalanta, which appeared out of nowhere mere hours before the pay per view takes place. MoMo is standing by with a microphone in hand as a motorcade of four helicopters seems to be headed toward the aircraft carrier. MoMo has to yell over all the helicopter noise.~

MoMo: I’m standing here aboard the SS TRIAD awaiting the competitors for tonight’s Second Chance Battle Royal. I’m told that of the 10 competitors, only five were brave enough to board a chopper and head out here to the Bermuda Triangle. To the winner, a guaranteed #1 draft pick in the Strength Trials and a likely target on their back from all other competitors.

~The first of the helicopters touches down a few hundred feet from where MoMo stands. The winds have picked up, making the landing a bit dramatic. Edgar Wallaby emerges from the helicopter and waves at a few of the fans that have gathered to see their favorite stars. He doesn’t stay long as he’s escorted away to his dressing area. The second helicopter comes in behind him and out pops Brooke Blakely. She seems far more focused than usual and doesn’t pander at all to the fans nearby, even the ones with hard ons. Willie runs over to try to get a word as her helicopter takes back off.~

MoMo: Brooke! A word?

Brooke: No thanks.

MoMo: Come on! Folks are dying to know how you feel leading up to this HUGE match.

Brooke: I said all I needed to say in my promotional material this week. I used to do this to impress people, now it’s about me! This is my world now, you’re all just living in it!

~Brooke pushes Willie aside before he can respond and follows one of the security members toward her dressing area. Willie is nearly blown over as the third copter lands, having to hold onto a beam for dear life. It’s The Nickleman, someone Willie is far too familiar with given BOB’s run-ins with PIC in 2022. Willie tries to engage, but Nickle just flips him off and flicks a cigarette at him. He tosses his bag to security and walks off in the completely wrong direction, but no one seems keen on correcting him.~

MoMo: And there’s The Nickleman. I honestly didn’t think he’d show tonight, what with all the court hearings and what not. That leaves two more competitors, but there’s only one helicopter left.

~The final helicopter sits down. After a moment, out pops Glum in full regalia. He’s slunked over and barely acknowledges MoMo as he walks past, looking somewhat disappointed the helicopter didn’t crash on its landing.~

MoMo: Glum! Glum! Can I get a word from you before the most dangerous match of your career?

~Glum just keeps walking away toward the edge of the aircraft carrier. Two security guards rush to him just as he’s about to walk off into the ocean. They each grab him by an arm and drag him to his dressing area as he lets out a huge sigh.~

MoMo: What in the world? Anyway, that’s everyone except Chet. I guess she decided she wasn’t brave enough after—

~Before MoMo can finish, a speed boat comes bouncing on the rough waves from out of nowhere. Chet stands proudly like George Washington crossing the Delaware as her camera operator has now been tasked to steer. She’s shouting all kinds of expletives and nonsensical words as they get within a few feet of the carrier. A huge wave shoots the boat high into the air. Chet leaps off and grabs hold of one of the life rafts on the side of the carrier. She pulls herself up inside of it and shouts “HELL YEAH WHAT A RIDE!!!”~

MoMo: Good Lord! Well, it looks like all five battle royal participants are here. They’ve shown they’re brave enough to compete on this epic night, but which one will find the strength to persevere and claim the top spot in the Strength Trials? We’ll find out later this evening!

Last Edit: Sept 10, 2023 17:33:20 GMT -5 by PIC

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 17:41:34 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 17:41:34 GMT -5

~The sea is raging, the wind is going crazy. The fans aboard the SS TRIAD are about to lose their minds. The time for talk is over. It’s Battle Royal time! We head down Belvedere to kick things off!~

Belvedere: The opening contest is the SECOND CHANCE BATTLE ROYAL!!! Our five competitors are already in the ring. Introducing first… from Houston, Texas… Brooke Blakely!!! From a 1991 Ford Bronco… CHET!!! From Gooloogong, Australia… Edgar Wallaby!!! From Steubenville, Ohio… The Nickleman!!! And finally, joining us all the way from The World Famous Clown Hotel… GLUM!!!

~Tony the Spider is in the ring, and calls for the bell.~

DING DING DING

MoMo: And we’re under way!

~Nickleman immediately runs across the ring and blasts Chet in the face with a stiff forearm. Chet flies backwards into the turnbuckle. Brooke kicks Wallaby in the gut and immediately tries to throw him over the top. Glum stands in an empty corner just looking sad. Nickleman lays in a few knees to Chet’s midsection. He grabs her by the arm and whips her across the ring toward Glum. He dips out of the way as Chet slams back first into the buckle. Nickleman rushes forward as Glum sticks his leg out, causing Nickleman to trip and crash straight into Chet, their foreheads clanging together. Meanwhile, Wallaby has gained the edge on Brooke, choking her out with his boot in the corner.~

MoMo: The action seems pretty fast-paced so far, as is to be expected. Only five competitors and all of them equally talented.

Leo: This is one of those kind of matches that can either end quickly or go all night. I just can’t get over these waves and this wind. It’s something fierce and the night is still young.

~Glum puts Nickleman on his back and falls backwards, smashing him with all of his body weight. He then stands only to be taken down with a stiff clothesline from Chet. She grunts much to the liking of the crowd over on the carrier. On the other side of the ring. Wallaby is laying in punches to Brooke’s face. The last one seems to fire her up. She knees him in the groin, then switches places with him. Taking her turn to beat him in the face. On the other side, Chet has mounted Glum with a camel clutch and really pulls back on his head. Nickleman gets to his feet and almost hits her, but thinks better of it and takes a breather in the corner instead.~

MoMo: The Nickleman decides to take a wise approach here. No need to insert himself in the carnage when others are taking each other out.

Leo: He’s playing Checkers while the others are playing Connect 4.

MoMo: I think the expression is—

Leo: I know what I said.

~Brooke lifts Wallaby up and sits him on the top turnbuckle. She climbs to the second and continues to lay in right hands, rocking Wallaby and causing him to teeter. He lunges his head forward and head butts her, sending her flying backwards and onto the mat. He looks over to the crowd through the rain. They seem to enjoy that and want more. He leaps off the top rope and hits a big splash onto Brooke. He tries a pinning combination but Tony reminds him it’s a battle royal. On the other side, Chet has released Glum from the clutch and hoists him up onto her shoulders. She goes to throw him over the top rope, but Glum’s foot catches the top rope on his way over. He dangles there above the ship’s deck for a moment before a huge wave hits, causing him to roll back inside the ring.~

MoMo: Glum would have been eliminated just now if it wasn’t for that huge wave.

Leo: If he didn’t have bad luck he’d have no luck at all.

~Chet stumbles from the impact of the wave, leaving Nickleman an opening. He rushes forward and spears Chet backwards. The two land on top of Wallaby and Brooke in the process, leaving all five competitors on the mat. Chet gets up slowly, as does Glum who rests in the corner. Chet rushes toward him but is clipped from behind by Brooke. Brooke grabs Chet by the hair and gear and spins her around before tossing her out and over the top rope.~

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen… Chet has been eliminated!!!

~Chet smacks the ship’s deck in frustration as TRIAD officials escort her back over to the rope bridge tethering the ship to the aircraft carrier. Inside the ring, Brooke celebrates before being cut off from behind by The Nickleman with a clothesline to the back of the head. He picks her up off the mat just as Wallaby gets to his feet. The two share a nod and both push Brooke into the ropes, they whip her across the ring but she hooks her arms around the top rope to hold on. Another huge wave hits the ship, causing Nickleman to lose his footing and stumble into Wallaby. Wallaby thinks this was on purpose, and gives Nickleman a Gooloogong kick right in the testicles. Nickleman drops to his knees, holding his groin as Wallaby sets his sights on Brooke. He tries to punch her but she ducks and hits a spinning kick to the back of his head. Wallaby stumbles forward, his body now draped over the top rope. Brooke takes a running start, bounces off the ropes across from him, and flies at him trying to knock him off. Just as she’s about to connect, Glum steps in front and hooks her. He tosses her over Wallaby with a belly to belly suplex and out onto the ship’s deck.~

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen… Brooke Blakeley has been eliminated!!!

MoMo: Holy hell, did you see that move from Glum? Out of nowhere, he hits a huge belly to belly and sends what had to be one of the odds on favorites out of the match.

Leo: She looks just as good leaving as she did coming in, but I really thought this was hers to lose. I was looking forward to getting to know her better in the Strength Trials.

MoMo: She can still be drafted if she throws her hat in the ring, but she won’t be getting picked #1. That pleasure will now go to one of the three remaining competitors: Glum, Edgar Wallaby, or The Nickleman.

~Glum wastes no time, immediately trying to eliminate Wallaby too. He hangs on for dear life just as Nickleman gets to his feet. He bum rushes the two but Glum sees him coming and hits him with a back elbow. He then scoops Nickleman up and slams him hard in the center of the ring. Wallaby turns around and hits Glum with a running STO. Wallaby celebrates momentarily as the fans across the way cheer. He motions that the match is over as he picks Glum off the mat and tries to throw him over the top. Glum pokes him in the eye, however, and spins him around, trying to eliminate him as well. Both men are jockeying back and forth, with neither really gaining the upper hand on the other. Nickleman rolls onto his knees and sees the two trading blows. Instead of running at them, which backfired last time, he crawls across the ring. Neither man notices Nickleman, now directly behind them. He rises to his feet and grabs both men by the back of the head, smashing their foreheads together. He then spins around still holding onto their hair and tosses them both over the top rope. Wallaby and Glum both land on the ring apron, though dazed. Nickleman bounces off the ropes and hits both men with a doubleclothesline, but in the process, he goes over the top rope as well. All three men fall to the outside and onto the ship’s deck, but Nickleman lands on top of the other two. Tony calls for the bell.~

DING DING DING

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen… the winner of this match, and the new #1 pick for the Strength Trials… THE NICKLEMAN!!!

MoMo: Charlie Nichols did it! He took out both Glum and Edgar Wallaby and almost got himself eliminated in the process.

Leo: Almost only counts in Checkers and Connect 4, MoMo. And The Nickleman is king of both of those games.

MoMo: I’m going to pretend that made sense and move on. Regardless, what an effort by Glum and Wallaby. Both of them were standouts in this match and either could have walked away with the prize. But tonight was Nickleman’s night. The only question now is, who’s team will he be on? He has history with all three TRIAD owners, and none of it is good.

Leo: It doesn’t matter who’s name is attached to it, whichever team gets The Nickleman will be the winning team. No doubt about it.

MoMo: He certainly is one of the more accomplished wrestlers out there today, and his absence from the Bravery Trials has motivated him here tonight. We’ll be back with our next match in just a moment.

PIC
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Posts: 61

TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 17:52:07 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 17:52:07 GMT -5

MoMo: Here we go folks. This one is going to be a doozy. Three men, all with differing paths that have led them to the Trials. Each with goals and dreams of grabbing the Bravery TRIAD that have gone unfulfilled. Each looking to right the wrongs and step into the win column for the first time here in TRIAD. Will Lachlan Kane let the evil take over and finally punch his ticket to victory? Will Alexander Raven use his newfound alliance with Sarah Wolf to parlay that into success? Or will MERICA, after weeks of being right on the verge of victory, finally ride the red, white, and blue wave all the way to redemption on behalf of Team TLS? The stage is set, let’s find out!

Belvedere: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! THIS MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR 1 FALL. INTRODUCING FIRST FROM WATERFORD, IRELAND. HE STANDS 5 FEET 11 INCHES, WEIGHING IN AT 13 AND A HALF STONES…… LACHLAN KANE!!!!!!

~Kane makes his way from his dressing area with a sinister smile on his face. He pays no attention to the fans as some still cheer for him, instead he stays focused on the task at hand. He holds an arm up to keep from getting salt water in his eyes from the massive wind gusts, but ends up crossing the rope bridge with relative ease. Once on the ship, he slides under the bottom rope and awaits his opponents.~

MoMo: I don’t know if I like the way Lachlan Kane has changed over these last couple months.

Leo: It’s for the better MoMo. He’s clearly better now than he was when he arrived.

Belvedere: AND COMING TO THE RING, STANDING 6 FEET 2 INCHES, WEIGHING IN AT 215 POUNDS. ALEXANDER RAVEN!!!

~As the opening guitar rift bellows out, a person begins to slowly walk forward, a reverse Leo pulled up over and covering his face. The words "FORGETTABLE" and "FORGOTTEN" across it in red letters, one at the top, one at the bottom. Small white X's where the eyes are. 'I was born with my head around the wrong way', with these words the person slowly walks forward, arms stretched out far to the sides. A slow and measured stride forward. Halfway to the rope bridge he stops, turning around to face the entrance once more. His hands going up to the Leo. A stomp of the foot, then another, and another. The crowd begins to stomp along now, cheers and boos, a myriad of reactions. "Take me! Off the wall! The Wallllll!", he yanks the Leo down.

Alexander Raven.

Spinning on his heel, he stretches his arms out wide, bathing in the reaction. He flicks the collar of his jacket, flashing a smile, winking at one of the nearby front row members. The slow measured walk towards the bridge, he stops to take one last look at the carrier before walking across onto the HMS Atalanta. He uses the middle rope to pull himself up, standing on the edge of the apron. Turning and hooking his arms over the top the rope. He leans his head back, leaning deeply into the ropes. "I bear the marks, still bear them so..." He flips backwards of the ropes and lands roughly on his feet. Turning he quickly runs to the opposite corner and leaps up onto the second rope. Dropping back down onto the canvas, he slowly removes his jacket and drops it over the rope to the floor.~

Belvedere: AND THE FINAL PARTICIPANT. REPRESENTING TEAM TLS!!! MERICA!!!!!!

~There’s no red, white, and blue pyro this time, not in these conditions. “MERICA” by Granger Smith plays as MERICA comes out, still draped in his classic American Flag. He takes it off in front of the supportive crowd, this time electing to give it to one lucky fan. He then turns his attention to the ominous structure before him. The HMS Atalanta, the Ghost Ship herself. Never braver than this very moment, MERICA walks confidently toward the rope bridge and over to the ship as the wind picks up. He turns back to the carrier, where the fans have spread the American Flag out and hold it high in the air. MERICA smiles, places his hand over his heart, and recites the pledge of allegiance from afar. Tony checks all three men and motions for the match to begin.~

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:00:11 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:00:11 GMT -5

DING DING DING

MoMo: And, we’re off. This match is a big one for all three participants. They all have so much to prove to their teams, coaches, fans… but most importantly, themselves. These are some of the best in our sport but luck hasn’t been on their side in the Bravery Trials.

Leo: Just say it, MoMo. They’re losers. Only one of them gets to erase that title from their name tonight. The rest will live with it forever.

~All 3 competitors are in a standoff. Raven focuses on MERICA, while MERICA has his eyes on Kane. Kane snarls at Raven. The wind picks up and the boat sways forcing each man to settle his footing to keep his balance.~

MoMo: Who’s going to make the first move here? Doing so will leave you vulnerable for an attack.

Leo: Maybe they’ll just stand there like this forever.

~Kane makes the first move. He meets eyes with MERICA, but then lunges at Raven. MERICA takes a step backward anticipating Kane’s attack. Kane is able to deliver a shoulder tackle on Raven and quickly rolls back up. MERICA hits him with a superkick. Raven is already up and delivers a superkick of his own to MERICA. Raven grabs MERICA with his left hand, then Kane with his right hand. He slams their heads together.~

MoMo: Raven just pulled off A DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER!

Leo; Excuse me. A What?

MoMo: A DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER!!

Leo: Careful there MoMo. Don’t say that too fast.

~Raven delivers a quick boot to MERICA as Kane rolls out of the ring. Raven motions for Kane to come back into the ring, but Kane flips him off and points to MERICA. Raven reaches to pull MERICA up, MERICA grabs his legs and hooks him into a rollup.~

1!

2!

KICK OUT!

MoMo: MERICA almost stole that match.

Leo: It isn’t stealing if it’s free.

~MERICA hops up to his feet as Raven uses the ropes to stand up. They stare each other down as Kane sneaks back into the ring. MERICA and Raven see him and begin to stomp away at him. Raven pushes MERICA away, then grabs Kane up and hooks him up in a full nelson. He yells for MERICA to punch Kane. MERICA loads up and delivers a right cross that connects square to the jaw of Raven as Kane lifts his arms straight up and slinks down.~

MoMo: I didn’t think that actually worked.

Leo: Well it does MoMo. Kane knows all the tricks.

Last Edit: Sept 10, 2023 18:21:44 GMT -5 by PIC

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:09:30 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:09:30 GMT -5

~MERICA looks down at Raven which gives Kane enough time to deliver a devastating clothesline that sends MERICA reeling to the corner. Kane grabs Raven and delivers a suplex. MERICA runs towards Kane and goes for a lariat which Kane ducks under, Kane delivers a low blow to MERICA. Kane shoves MERICA to the mat. The boat rocks again, as Kane nearly loses his balance.~

MoMo: this boat is a rockin' Leo.

Leo: They need to tell all the fat people to spread out evenly on the boat MoMo. Matter of fact, why don’t you go sit over there.

MoMo: Are you body shaming me?

~Kane scoops Raven up and slams him hard to the mat. Kanes follows that up with an elbow to the sternum. Raven screams in pain. MERICA gets up slowly, his nuts still throbbing from the low blow. Kane turns his attention to MERICA. He grabs MERICA, then whips him towards the ropes. MERICA ducks under a clothesline attempt, then slides under the bottom ring and lands on his feet on the outside. Raven reaches out and grabs Kane’s foot. Kane tries to kick him away, but again the boat sways causing Kane to lose his balance and he falls down on the mat.~

MoMo: The movement of the boat is making me seasick.

Leo: I told you to take some Dramamine.

~Raven is up and puts Kane in a headlock. MERICA slides back into the ring as Raven runs forward and delivers a running bulldog. Kane’s forehead slams hard against the mat. Raven quickly goes for an STF submission, but it’s broken up by MERICA, who drops an elbow to the back of Raven. MERICA grabs Raven and spins him around. MERICA delivers a kick to the gut followed by a ddt. MERICA grabs Kane and walks him toward the corner. MERICA has Kane in a headlock and begins to climb the turnbuckle. He leaps off and delivers a tornado ddt. MERICA goes for the pin.~

1!

2! KICK OUT!

MoMo: Another near fall.

Leo: Kane may have a concussion.

~MERICA slams his fist on the mat, frustrated at the near fall. Raven is up and walks towards the other 2 competitors. MERICA lifts Kane into a suplex position, he holds him in the air. Raven runs forward and spears MERICA. Kane goes crashing to the mat. Raven goes for the pin on MERICA.~

1!

2!!

3!!!

NO!!!!!

~MERICA kicks out at the last second. Raven hops up to his feet and pulls MERICA up. He whips MERICA towards the ropes and delivers a drop kick as MERICA rebounds. Kane is up on his feet as Raven grabs MERICA. Raven whips MERICA towards Kane, Kane bends down and delivers a back body drop, sending MERICA to the outside. Raven runs up and delivers an enziguri on Kane. Raven then grabs the ropes and jumps out and lands a crossbody on MERICA. Raven and MERICA roll around on the outside, both men writhing in pain. Kane gets up slowly. He looks and sees both opponents on the outside getting up slowly. Kane climbs the turnbuckle, he throws both hands up in the air, then leaps off with a corkscrew somersault.~

MoMo: Oh My God! I think all 3 men are out cold.

Leo: This match is insane.

~ The boat sways again as all 3 wrestlers try to regain their balance. Kane is the first one up, he grabs the bottom rope and pulls himself up and into the ring. He heads over and places himself against a corner of the ring. Raven is next up. He slides into the ring and makes his way over to another corner. He rests there as MERICA is finally up. MERICA climbs up the steps and then rests against the corner.~

MoMo: Looks like it’s time for a break.

Leo: Gimme a break. Gimme me a break…..

~ Kane charges at Raven. Raven lifts a knee up and sends Kane reeling backwards. MERICA runs forward, grabs Kane and delivers MERICAN MADE!!! MERICA goes for the pin but Raven breaks it up before the ref can even make the count. Raven grabs MERICA, he hooks his arms in and lifts him up. RAVEN RUNS and delivers the RAVEN’s SPINE!! MERICA IS OUT COLD!!! Before Raven can go for the pin, Kane hits him with a slingshot drop kick. Kane runs quickly and climbs to the top. He’s going for the LACH-DOWN. He gestures to the crowd, the boat starts to sway. Kane nearly loses his balance, the boat sways again, and this time Kane is unable to stay on his feet and falls off the top and tumble to the outside. Raven crawls over and places an arm over MERICA. The ref makes the count.~

1!

2!!

3!!!

DING DING DING

Belvedere: Here is your winner… ALEXANDER RAVEN!!!!!

Leo: RAVEN WINS! RAVEN WINS!!! A huge victory for Raven and team WELSH!!

MoMo: Kane had the match dead to rights but the sea had other ideas. With that win, Team Welsh is propelled further to the top in the team rankings. Welsh is now in the lead with 25 points, Team PIC is in second with 20 points, and TLS has a score of 12.

Leo: Does that mean Team TLS is out of the competition?

MoMo: Mathematically? Yes. Even if Team TLS were to win all of the next three matches, they’d only have 27 points.

Leo: That’s more than Welsh has now, though.

MoMo: Yes, but in the finals, even the person who gets pinned receives one point. So assuming every Team Welsh member gets pinned from here on out, they’d end with 28 points, meaning only Vhodka Black from Team TLS has a shot at advancing to The Great Illuminatus from the Bravery Trials.

Leo: Dang… better luck next time losers.

MoMo: It’s been an amazing effort by all involved with Team TLS, and there are still wins on the table here tonight to be had. As for Alexander Raven, an excellent showing this evening and a much deserved win for him.

Leo: Looks like potentially hitching his wagon to The Triumvirate might have been the right call.

MoMo: That part remains to be seen.

Last Edit: Sept 10, 2023 18:22:02 GMT -5 by PIC

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:19:20 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:19:20 GMT -5

Belvedere: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, hailing from Pandora’s Box and representing Team TLS… Helena Handbasket!!!

~”Bones” by Imagine Dragons plays through the aircraft carrier’s speaker system. Cheers echo from the aircraft carrier as Helena AND Helena emerge from the staging area. Both twins, Bastila and Halsey, walk across the carrier in the midst of the torrential downpour, a look of sheer determination on both of their faces. As they near the rope bridge connecting the carrier to the Atalanta, Bas motions for Halsey to stay on the carrier. She refuses, saying “we’re in this together” and “I got your back.” Bas tries to protest, but knows better. The two carefully traverse the rope bridge, having to stop several times as the waves and wind wreak havoc on their equilibrium. The two finally make it across and onto the ship, where Bastila joins Tony the Spider in the ring while Halsey takes her place at ringside.~

Belvedere: Next, representing Team Welsh from New Orleans, LA… Stephen Stratford!!!

~”The Dove & The Serpent” by Devil Electric plays as the fans immediately show their disdain for Stratford as he emerges onto the carrier. He walks to the rope bridge alone, without his wife Demi, a sly smile etched onto his face. He takes each step across the bridge slowly and methodically, being ever so careful to not make a mistake. Once across, he takes a moment to stare Halsey down at ringside before casually walking up the steps and into the ring and locks eyes with Bastila.~

Belvedere: And their opponent, from Monterey, CA and Team PIC member… “The Raven” Matt Knox!!!

~”Hell Broke Luce” by Tom Waits plays to a mixed reaction from the few brave souls willing to watch the show from the aircraft carrier. They await Knox’s emergence, but he’s nowhere to be found. Several moments pass still with no sign of Matthew Knox. Bastila and Stratford are staring holes into each other from either side of the ring as they look around for Knox to appear. His music continues to play but there’s no sign of him anywhere. The ship, now seemingly taking on water, continues to rock back and forth as the rain pelts down on our competitors. Just as the two are about to square up, the moonlight magically highlights the crow’s nest above, where Matt Knox stands hanging by one arm like Lieutenant Dan in a hurricane. He lets out a yell as he jumps off. Stratford barely has time to look up before Knox’s body comes crashing down onto him, propelling him out of the ring as the back of his head slams against the boat.~

MoMo: Knox is here! And he’s made yet another iconic entrance in the Bravery trials!

Leo: Yawn… we’ve already seen this kind of thing from him. Be better Knox, be better.

MoMo: He’s proven to have a flair for the theatrics, for sure. But this entrance has not only caused a stir, but it very well may have taken Stratford out of the match before it even began.

~Knox hops to his feet but nearly falls over due to the swaying of the ship. He looks through his matted wet hair to Bas across the ring, who stares a dagger through his father. Knox hesitates briefly before once again turning his attention to Stratford, who begins to stir outside the ring. He baseball slides under the bottom rope and tackles Stratford to the ground. This time, Knox mounts Stratford and begins reigning down lefts and rights to his nemesis. Stratford attempts to cover up with his forearms to little avail.~

MoMo: Knox is unleashing 10 weeks of fury on Stephen Stratford!

Leo: Strat has him right where he wants him.

Last Edit: Sept 10, 2023 18:22:21 GMT -5 by PIC

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:26:36 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:26:36 GMT -5

~As Knox continues his assault, a huge wave smashes over the bow of the ship, sweeping Knox off his feet. The current takes both Knox and Stratford into the ring steps. Bas looks down at Halsey as she holds onto the ringpost to avoid being washed away. She nods at her twin as if to say she’s ok. As the water subsides, Knox gets to his feet and grabs Stratford, throwing him back into the ring. As Knox follows, Tony is finally able to start the match as he calls for the bell.~

DING DING DING

~Knox scoops Stratford off the mat and slams him hard in the middle of the ring. He looks over to Bas who still stares at him angrily. Bas reaches down and grabs Stratford, performing the same move before slamming him down. Knox smirks. He hops onto the second turnbuckle and jumps off, dropping his leg across Stratford’s face. Bas immediately retreats to the opposite corner, mounts the buckle, and does the same thing. As he gets to his feet, the father and son stand face to face with the motionless body of Stephen Stratford laying between them.~

MoMo: Knox and Knox Jr. are trying to one-up each other at Stratford’s expense.

Leo: It’s clear Helena, or Bas, or… whatever is really trying to show Knox he’s not afraid of a challenge. This isn’t the same competitor we saw way back in Week 1.

~As the two Knox men continue to stare, Stratford begins moving below them. He turns quickly, sticking his left leg out. As he spins, he sweeps both Bas and Knox off their feet and onto the mat. All three gain their footing at the same time, with Knox targeting Stratford once again. As he lunges forward, he’s met with a stiff kick from Bas, sending him backwards into the ring corner. Bas then turns to Stratford, who is charging at him. He drops down, tripping Stratford up and sending him face first into the bottom buckle on the opposite side. Bas gets a running start as he jumps into the air and drop kicks Stratford in the back of the head. His face bounces off the buckle and his body flies backwards into the ring. Halsey shouts out for Bas to pin him as he drops to the mat.~

1!

2! Kickout!

~Bas pounds the mat. He’s frustrated, but knows deep down Stratford hasn’t suffered enough punishment to be put down that easily. Knox rushes forward and pulls Bas to his feet, yelling “the hell was that?” in reference to the kick. Bas pushes him. Knox pushes back. Bas pushes again. Knox swings but Bas ducks. Knox turns around into a stiff clothesline that sends him to the mat, gasping for air. He pops to his knees where Bas begins laying in kick after kick to his chest, each one thrown with more gusto than the one before. With Knox reeling, Bas goes for a knockout roundhouse kick just as Stratford hops onto the bottom rope and delivers a springboard dropkick out of nowhere! He tries to stand but slips on the wet mat, all three competitors now to their knees.~

MoMo: Unbelievable! The Knox family is falling apart right in front of our eyes and Stephen Stratford may very well reap all the rewards that come with it.

Leo: I told you. Stratford has them right where he wants them. They’re too busy going at each other to see the bigger picture.

MoMo: You mean like The Triumvirate?

Leo: Gesundheit!

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:33:52 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:33:52 GMT -5

~Stratford is the first to his feet, this time steadying himself with the ropes. Wind continues to spray salt rain and salt water every which way, but his sights are set on Knox. He runs forward and smashes Knox in the face with a running knee. Stratford turns to see Bas also back on his feet. He ducks a clothesline from Bas and grabs him by the neck, slamming him to the mat with a neckbreaker. Bas holds the back of his neck in pain as Stratford kicks him under the bottom rope and onto the ship deck. Stratford turns toward Knox. He positions him with his head against the bottom buckle and chokes him using the top rope for extra leverage. Tony tries to get Stratford to break the hold, but honestly, we’re on a Ghost Ship in the Bermuda Triangle. There are no disqualifications. Stratford does finally relent though. He picks Knox to his feet and turns his body to face the turnbuckle. He begins laying in shot after shot to Knox’s kidneys, causing him to nearly double over. However, the way Stratford has positioned him in the corner makes that impossible. Strat continues the attack, each blow causing potential internal damage. Stratford finally relents as Knox crumbles to the mat. Stratford then begins trying to untie the top turnbuckle. Halsey, who has gotten Bas back to his feet on the outside, sees Stratford and quickly hops onto the ring apron. She rushes forward and kicks Stratford in the face. He stumbles backwards and trips over Knox, who is on all fours behind him. The back of Stratford’s head smashes hard against that mat. Knox sees an opportunity and jumps onto him for the pin attempt.~

1!

2!

NO! Kickout!

~Knox quickly gathers himself and pulls Stratford up to his feet by his wet hair. He hooks him from behind and hoists Stratford over his head with a belly to back suplex! Stratford’s head again hits hard, but the move itself causes Knox to double over as he grabs at his kidneys.~

MoMo: Knox was looking pretty good but the damage Stratford did to his kidneys is having its intended effect.

Leo: Just look at his side, MoMo. It’s already starting to bruise.

~Indeed, Knox’s side is turning an awful shade of purple. He’s having trouble breathing, but manages to get back to one knee just in time to look up to see Bas crashing down on him from the top rope. Bas grabs him and pulls him to his feet. He hooks Knox and sends him crashing to the mat with an exploder suplex! Stratford, now standing, rushes forward. Bas ducks his move and hooks him with an exploder suplex of his own! Both Knox and Stratford are down on the mat with Bas standing tall as Halsey cheers him on from the outside.~

MoMo: Knox Jr. is taking it to these two like we’ve never seen before!

Leo: Yeah, this wasn’t part of the plan.

MoMo: What plan?

Leo: Nevermind.

~Bas sees his father seems worse for the ware and thinks of pinning him, but stops when Demi Stratford appears out of nowhere on top of the ring steps. Bas looks to Halsey and points at Demi. Halsey makes a bee line for Demi who slowly backs down from the steel steps with her hands in the air. Halsey stops short of attacking, for fear this could be some sort of distraction. Instead, she backs away and keeps her eye on Demi. This small distraction allows Stratford to stand and clip the back of Bas’ right leg. Instead of going face first, the leg gives way awkwardly under Bas’ body. He crashes to the mat and immediately begins writhing in pain as he grabs at his ankle.~

MoMo: Demi Stratford’s distraction paid off there, Leo. Bas may have sprained an ankle there, or worse!

Leo: All part of the plan, baby!

~Stratford nods to his wife in appreciation as he turns his sights to Knox. He lifts him and spins around in the ring so that his back is to one of the corners. From there, he hits a fallaway slam, thrusting Knox’s ribcage into the ringpost. The impact spins Knox around and he falls out onto the ship’s deck between the ropes. Halsey instinctually wants to run to help her father, but she thinks better of it and stays where she can see both Stratford and his wife. Stratford turns toward Bas who has a hard time standing. Strat begins methodically working his way across the ring. He stomps once on Bas’ ankle. He smiles, then begins to stomp repeatedly. On the fourth one, a loud snap echoes throughout the ship. Bas grabs for the ankle immediately in an increased amount of pain. Stratford tries to capitalize for a pin.~

1!

2!

3! NO!!

~Bas somehow musters the strength to get a shoulder up! Halsey immediately rushes the ring as Stratford slides out of her path and to the outside where his wife joins him, the two of them grinning from ear to ear as Halsey checks on her brother.~

Leo: Did you hear that, Willie? Stratford just snapped that ankle in two!

MoMo: They could hear that all the way back in Bermuda. Why, though? Why did Stratford need to do that? Bas already couldn’t walk.

Leo: It’s all part of the—

MoMo: Yeah, I get it. Part of the plan.

Last Edit: Sept 10, 2023 18:40:53 GMT -5 by PIC

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:40:28 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:40:28 GMT -5

~Halsey tries to scoop Bas up in the ring to carry him off the ship and onto the S.S. TRIAD for medical attention, but Bas won’t allow it. He pushes her away in disgust and pulls himself to his feet by the middle rope, using the turnbuckle for support. Halsey can’t believe it. She pleads with Bas but he’s having none of it. Knox has made his way back to the ring, holding his eggplant-colored side while wincing in pain. He, too, tries to plead with Bas, but Halsey yells out “stay out of this, Da’!” Just then, Demi reaches from under the bottom rope and pulls Halsey to the outside. She holds Halsey as Stephen rushes forward and crushes her head between his heel and the ring post. He then slides into the ring and stands between father and son. Knox lurches forward but Stratford drops him with a superkick. Bas tries to attack but Stratford instinctively drops down and sweeps his leg, sending him crashing to the mat and once again writhing in pain. Stratford looks out through the rain to his wife and nods. She smiles, then reaches under the ring and pulls out a dented chair.~

MoMo: That’s not… is that a chair?

Leo: No, Willie. It’s not a chair. It’s THE chair.

MoMo: That’s the chair that Stephen Stratford used Week 1 when he swung it at Matt Knox and instead hit his son, Bas. That’s the chair that started all this madness!

~Stratford grins as Demi slides the chair into him. He picks it off the mat, inspecting the Bas shaped dent in it as he stands over the defenseless twin. Stratford might expect to see fear on Bas’ face, but he’s taken aback by the sheer defiance he sees instead. Bas, despite the immense pain coursing through his body from his shattered ankle, pulls himself to his knees and stares directly into Stratford’s eyes. He motions with both arms as if to say “hit me with your best shot!”~

MoMo: Bastila is asking for it! He’s daring Stephen Stratford to hit him again!

Leo: That first head shot clearly knocked several things loose. This one’s gonna put him down for good!

~Stratford surveys his surroundings as the wind and waves pick up. He looks to Knox who’s just now pulling himself up by the ropes. He looks to where he left Halsey and she’s still not to her feet. As he pans to Demi, she gives him the green light. Stratford lifts the chair high over his head with both arms just as Knox gets to his feet. Stratford pauses briefly, as Knox clocks what’s about to transpire. Knox rushes toward his son just as Stratford brings the chair down with every ounce of strength in his body. Knox is too late! The sickening thud echoes throughout the ship as a huge wave rocks the ship simultaneously. Knox falls backwards, holding his head in his hands as he screams out “NO!!!”. Demi Stratford celebrates on the outside of the ring. Stephen seems proud of himself as well. He slowly lifts the chair to survey the damage. As the chair clears his line of vision, Stratford is stunned to not see the head of Bastila Knox, but the head of… A SHOVEL!!!~

MoMo: The shovel! Halsey Knox must have slid in the ring at the last minute and blocked Stratford’s chair shot with the shovel she was digging with earlier this week!

Leo: What the hell? No fair! She can’t do that! How would she even have gotten a shovel onto the ship in the first place? Where were the metal detectors?

MoMo: I guess the shovel was just all part of the—

Leo: Don’t say it!

MoMo: Plan.

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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:47:39 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:47:39 GMT -5

~Stratford can’t believe his eyes. Demi can’t believe her eyes. Knox smiles at the site of one of his children saving the other. Halsey swings the shovel again, taking out Stratford’s legs. He loses his grip on the chair as he falls to the mat. The chair bounces off the top rope and over the ship’s edge into the raging sea. Demi yells at Halsey and tries to enter the ring, but Halsey slides out and begins chasing her with the shovel. She swings wildly at Demi’s head. She misses, instead hitting the shovel against the ring post and shattering it into pieces. Inside the ring, both Knox and Stratford get to their feet. Bas once again wills himself to stand on his one good leg with help from the ropes. The three stand battered, bruised, and broken. Each taking the others to their absolute limit and yet, all on an even playing field heading into their final act. If this were an American wrestling company, the three might take this opportunity to trade forearm smashes and false finishes. But that’s not what this is. With five points on the line, with a shot at the Great Illuminatus and immortality at stake… there’s no time for nonsense. Knox and Bas both lung at Stratford. Knox arrives first to receive a knee to the gut from Stratford. Bas manages to land an elbow to the side of Stratford’s face. He tries to whip Stratford off the ropes, but the lack of leverage with just one foot is too much to overcome. Knox gains his son’s attention though, and grabs Stratford’s other hand. Bas hesitates, but nods as the two of them whip Stratford across the ring. As he bounces off the ropes, both Knox and Bas bend over, sending Stratford flying into the air with a back body drop. Stratford’s back smashes hard onto the mat as he immediately arches in pain. He gets back up only to be sent back to the mat with a double back elbow from father and son. Knox scoops him up off the mat and hoists him for what appears to be an Alabama slam. Bas hops off his one good foot and drop kicks Stratford in the face just as Knox slams him down into the mat. Bas back flips off the kick and lands on his good leg, though he nearly crumbles as the pain of his bad ankle is still excruciating. Knox goes to pin Stratford, hooking his left leg.~

1!

2!

3!!

NO!!

~Stratford gets his elbow up at the last second! Knox is exhausted and frustrated. Bas smacks the mat to fight away the pain. Demi again tries to get close to the ring but Halsey holds her at bay with the remnants of the shovel. Knox stands and walks over to his son. He pulls Bas to his good leg and stares his son in the face before pulling him in for a hug. Bas resists at first, but gives in to the brief moment of fatherly love. As the two release the embrace, Bas holds onto Knox’s arm, jerking him forwards and smashing him square in the face with a bullhammer!~

MoMo: Feck Off! Bastila Knox just nailed his own father with the Feck Off just as Knox was showing him some love!

Leo: Serves that idiot right. This isn’t Dr. Phil. Save all the feelings for sweeps week.

~Bas drops to his knees to cover Knox as Tony slides into position.~

1!

2!!

3!!!

NO!!!

~Stratford dives across the ring and breaks the pin up at the last second. Bas gets to his knees while Stratford stands. He bounces off the rope and jumps forward, connecting with a V-Trigger to Bas’ face.~

Leo: Strategizer! It’s all over now!

~Stratford kicks Knox out of the ring, then picks Bas off the mat. Stands him up to his left and wraps his arm under Bas’ neck. Stratford looks to perform a snap mare, but plants Bas face first into the mat instead.~

MoMo: He calls that one the Zero Sum… and for good reason. It looks like Bas is out cold!

~Stratford doesn’t go for a pin, instead, he hops over Bas and grabs his ankle. He begins twisting in a modified version of an ankle lock. Bas is already out after the Zero Sum, but Stratford could inflict some truly permanent damage here. Halsey drops the shovel and tries to get into the ring, but Demi grabs her by the leg and pulls her back out. Tony checks on Bastila, and seeing he’s completely out cold, makes the decision to call for the bell.~

DING DING DING

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen… the winner of the match… STEPHEN STRATFORD!!!

~Knox slides back into the ring as Stratford drops the ankle and rolls out, a huge grin on his face. Demi releases Halsey and she backs away, joining her husband at ringside. Halsey rushes to her twin, first checking on the ankle and then to see if he’s responsive at all. Knox wants to follow Stratford, to gain the ultimate revenge, to finally give the man what’s coming to him. But something takes hold of him, paternal instinct? For some reason, he’s much more concerned with his son in this moment than anything else, including revenge. He drops to the mat to join Halsey in checking on Bastila as TRIAD medical personnel rush the ring. Stratford and Demi exit across the rope bridge, again very carefully as the winds have picked up even more. Knox reaches down to scoop up Bastila into his arms. Halsey’s not sure what to think, but she can see the concern on her father’s face as they bring him over to the medical staff.~

MoMo: Wow, folks… what a match! And what a scene. In the end, it was Stephen Stratford that secured the victory after Bastila blindsided his father, but even after the perceived treachery, Knox still came to the aid of his son in the end.

Leo: I think I even detected a hint of pride in Knox’ eye for Bastila getting one over on him there. It’s almost as if Knox got out-Knoxed by his own son.

MoMo: True enough, but with Bastila’s ankle condition, it proved to not be enough as Stratford once again capitalized on his opportunity. The man really does seem to have the upperhand in almost every encounter he has.

Leo: He stuck to the plan, MoMo.

MoMo: That he did. And with the win, Team Welsh sits at 30 points, Team PIC is at 23 points, and Team TLS is officially mathematically eliminated with a score of 13.

Leo: And with those scores, as long as either Sarah Wolf or Thaddeus Duke can escape being pinned, Team Welsh will punch their ticket to The Great Illuminatus.

MoMo: You’re right, Leo. Team PIC’s only shot here is to win these next two matches, but not only win, they must pin Team Welsh in the process.

Leo: Ain’t gonna happen my man.

MoMo: A tall order, to be sure. Well folks, we’re going to do our best in the midst of this storm to get things cleaned up for our next contest. We should have another excellent matchup as Team Welsh’s Sarah Wolf does battle with Team PIC’s Penelope and Team TLS’ Lewis Chad Pinkston.

PIC
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TRIAD PRESENTS: GHOST SHIP Sept 10, 2023 18:52:52 GMT -5

Post by PIC on Sept 10, 2023 18:52:52 GMT -5

MoMo: It’s now time for the semi-main event. Three competitors that all fell mere points shy of securing the number one spot for their respective teams. You have Penelope from Team PIC. A competitor that hasn’t lost a single match in TRIAD, gaining at least one point at every turn. On Night 4, she secured victory and had all the momentum heading into the Finale, but a last second decision by PIC and TLS gave Catalina Cortes an extra point and the berth in the finals.

Leo: Then there’s Sarah Wolf from Team Welsh. The chick that showed her true alliances lie with Vhodka Black and Stephen Stratford, a group they’re calling The Triumvirate. She’s been a thorn in Welsh’s side all along, but started the Trials incredibly slowly. But wins in two matches down the stretch have placed her second on the team and in a spotlight match tonight. With Stratford having just won his match, can Wolf continue their dominance ahead of tonight’s main event?

MoMo: And of course, let’s not forget Lewis Chad Pinkston of Team TLS. LCP has had an up and down experience in the Bravery Trials, having scored a victory, been pinned twice, and not factored into the decision in his other match. The wild child who uses his body as a weapon more often than not has been hard to gauge throughout the competition, but there’s no denying his talent.

Leo: One of these three is about to up their draft stock for the next round tremendously.

MoMo: Don’t forget the team aspect here too, Leo. As long as Sarah Wolf can keep from being pinned, Team Welsh will lock up the victory and send all four of their team to The Great Illuminatus next year.

Leo: I knew our team had it in the bag all along.

MoMo: Well it’s not over just yet. The winds and waves are crazy folks. Lightning and thunder are striking all around us. These conditions are not for the faint of heart, but here we are nonetheless. Let’s send it to Belvedere for the introductions.

Belvedere: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Placentia, California… Lewis Chad Pinkston!!!

~“Hated the Most, So I keep tha Burner Close”. The opening lyrics to “Loco” by MGK blare through the sound system. Barely visible through the fog and rain, Lewis Chad Pinkston stumbles from the back. Not entirely sure what he’s doing but he’s having a good time. Bouncing and bobbing to the music and attempting to hype up the crowd. They however are indifferent towards LCP. He waves at them for a moment before heading over to the rope bridge which is swaying back and forth violently. He looks scared at first but knows he can’t punk out this late in the game. He gingerly walks across the bridge as a huge wave smashes into him, completely soaking him with salt water. He spits and rubs at his eyes, nearly falling backwards onto the Ghost Ship in the process. He quickly checks under the ring and wipes his forehead as he pops up. He rolls in under the bottom rope and quickly climbs the second turnbuckle, with only a slight stumble as he raises an arm high.~

Belvedere: Next, from Brooklyn, New York… Sarah Wolf!!!

~”When I’m Queen” by Jackoff Jill begins to play. The fans boo, Sarah Wolf doesn’t care. She steps out and onto the deck of the carrier wearing a hooded, full length rain jacket. She doesn’t look at the fans, only the HMS Atalanta and the rickety rope ladder standing between her and it. She walks methodically across, careful but not scared. Her eyes remain locked on LCP who seems indifferent. Once to the other side, she tosses her jacket overboard and stands exposed to the elements awaiting the match to start.~

Belvedere: And finally, representing Team PIC, from The Hotel California… Penelope!!!

~”O Death” by Jen Titus kicks up. Penelope walks out as her haunting music plays to the crowd. She looks out at the people standing in hurricane-like conditions giving her a fairly mixed reaction. She grins beneath the wide brim of her hat in her devilish way as she surveys the crowd. Penelope, carrying a dead flower in her hands, plucks the black, withered petals off the flower one at a time as she walks and lets them be whisked away by the category five force winds. She walks cautiously across the rope bridge and onto the HMS Atalanta. As she nears the ring, she drops the naked stem on the floor. She slides into the ring under the bottom rope. She crawls to the middle of the ring, before sitting back on her haunches. She looks up, and spits out a cloud of fine black mist before she lets out an ear splitting shriek. Penelope turns and gestures towards the crowd on the aircraft carrier maniacally. She gets to her feet, slowly removing her hat and shawl, and makes her way to one of the corners. WIth all three competitors now in the ring, Tony motions for the match to begin.~

DING DING DING