Falls Count Almost Anywhere - Jarad Johnson vs. Alex Stall

[Vladimir Strife]

Due: February 24th, 9:00PM Pacific/12:00AM Eastern

[Alex Stall]

As the chime of the bell resonates through the arena, the two men stand poised and ready. Sidestepping into a circle as their eyes stayed locked on one another, the cheer of the crowd seeming lost as the first meeting of the two high flyers started off far more calmly than would have been expected. As the cheers began to die down, the Canadian's eyes moved from his opponent and to the crowd around with a grin spreading over his lips. Jarad seeming less relaxed than the older competitor. Alex's eyes scanned the crowd before his hands moved up, lifting his arms to wave in, egging the fans. The fans would answer in kind, raising their voices once more. Clapping, cheering and whistling taking over the hush that was there shortly before.

::Jimmy Pate::
"Seems Alex hasn't forgotten what really counts at a time like this. When you feel you've been forgotten. You have to be reminded that it's time to rise again."

::Ray White::
"Rise again, huh? Seems a lot of things have been 'rising again' lately. And seeing Alex Stall in a ring again is certainly something to make things rise! A veteran versus new blood? I can't wait to see this one really get under way!"

As Alex moved to turn his eyes back to his opponent, the action would begin with a shock. The elbow connecting with the older man's cheek sending a roar through the crowd as well as sending him stumbling back. Johnson giving no quarter in his early lead with a knee aimed for the gut, driving Stall back into the ropes. Another knee, meant to stagger his opponent further, would land but not as fully intended. Using his elbows as shields, the more experienced Stall would curl in and stave off some of the damage to his midsection before throwing his shoulder into the man's chest. Using the elbow and wrist in the stomach and collar in an attempt to create some distance, but to no avail. Catching his wrist, Jarad would step back with the force of the push and pivot, turning and jerking on his opponent's arm to send him running across the ring. Stall would turn and press into the ropes, using them to reverse his momentum and coming back across the ring towards Johnson. Johnson leapfrogging the man, hands touching his shoulders to make sure he had enough lift. Turning to catch another rebound, Johnson would catch more than he bargained for. A jump and springboard were on Alex's mind, keeping his balance on the center rope by pressing his palms into the top. Launching himself back and torquing into a spin to the right, his left foot aiming for the man's skull. It wasn't a perfect shot, but still left it's mark as Jarad made a move to get out of the way, saving his skull and instead catching the shin in the shoulder and chest, sending both men to the mat.

::Jimmy Pate::
"Did you see that! It seems the old dog still has some tricks. Johnson may be younger, but experience has it's benefits. I don't know how Johnson saved getting his head kicked off, but he sure is lucky."

::Ray White::
"We're all lucky, you mean! Could you imagine that perfect face after that? Tarnished so horribly. Though he pulled it off! Youth and skill aren't something to forget."

That young and skill, as well as age and experience were shown in the speed the men made it back to their feet. They were in the safe zone still, but didn't seem at all willing to slack on keeping focused. Both men coming in and catching an arm and shoulder each, locking up in the center of the ring. Once more leading to an early advantage by the younger man as he dropped to a knee and torqued his body around. Dropping Stall's center of gravity before ripping it from him completely as he threw him using his weight dropping and shoulder. Stall rolling on his own shoulder and to his feet with ease, catching the top rope to stop hitting them and bouncing off. The second it took Alex to get his bearings was more than enough for the follow through Johnson had planned though. Running up behind his opponent and using the outer elbow on the back of the skull as well as a grab of the thigh to put the Canadian on the floor of the Californian arena. Over the top rope and spilling to the ground and rolling up to a knee, Stall's focus was gone once more. Trying to catch himself as his eyes darted around, coming up to the ring just in time to react. Leaning away from the ring and putting his arms up to cover his face before the younger man bodily landed on him, the crowd going nuts from watching him ricochet off the far ropes and bodily dive out of the ring over the top rope, perfectly aiming the splash that would leave both of them in a daze on the floor outside of the ring, hearing the crowd roar with excitement.

::TBC::
Jarad Johnson

::P.S::
Don't judge me. I haven't done this in forever. Very, very rusty and very, very exhausted from work.