Imperial Title}- Magnus vs Vlad

[Magnus Gunner]

Following the crowning of a new Dragon's Rage Champion, Lizzie Morna prances to the center of the ring, a microphone clutched in her hand. As she stands in the midsts of the squared hell, she smiles her infectious grin. The entire night had been spectacular, the EVPW workers putting on great matches from start to finish, and as the end of the night drew ever so closer, the spectators knew they were still in for a treat. Lizzie brought the mic to her luscious lips, addressing the crowd in her seductive tone.

~Lizzie}- "The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the EVPW Imperial Championship!"

Almost on cue, black and white lights started blinking rapidly throughout the arena, simultaneous with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", as the instrumental version hit the P.A. system. The Rock Messiah bursts through the curtains, white star shaped obnoxious shades concealing his eyes, shades not seen since he was apart of the now defunct developmental territory that was LDWA. And he was accompanied by Haven Silver, dawning a short skirt, and shin tight shirt, her purse held by her side. Magnus smiled a confident smirk, as he pointed at the fans in the arena, asking them to raise their noise level.

An oblige they did, becoming quite vociferous with a mixture of screeches from the female audience and "MAGGY" chants from the testosterone induced gender. As Haven made her way down the ramp, Magnus hoisted the "Horns" into the air, spurring a brief display of amazing pyrotechnics, mesmerizing the sold out crowd. Gunner dropped his hands, and turned his attention to the ring, as he began strutting down the ramp, smacking the hands of die hard fans along the way.

~Lizzie}- "Introducing first, hailing from Detroit, Michigan, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing in at 245 pounds. Accompanied by Haven Silver, this is the "Rock Messiah" and "Loaded Pistol", Ladies and Gentlemen...MAGNUS GUNNER!"

~JP}- "Magnus did the unthinkable this past Genesis, defeating is mentor and former employer, Hayden Hard-"

~Ray}- "There you go stretching the truth and making things bigger than what they are. Had it not been for that intrusion, Magnus wouldn't have stolen the victory. He weaseled his way to victory!"

~JP}- "Much like Hayden has done his entire career. But that's not the story here Ray. The real thing is that Magnus has finally put the EVPW Universe on notice. He's Main Eventing his first PPV, and he's competing in his first ever, Imperial Title Match!"

~Ray}- "The last time he was in a real title match, the guy failed to show up, but I guarantee you, his opponent tonight, will gladly make short work of him and retake his throne as king!"

The Rock Messiah leaped onto the steel stairs before walking along the apron, quickly ascending up the turnbuckle before entering the squared hell. The Rock Messiah climbed onto the second rope, raising a fist into the air, igniting cheers from the audience. As he backed away from the ropes, the focused Michigan resident removed his glasses before launching them into the stands. He commenced to removed his jacket, and passed it to the nearby ring attendant before backing into the corner, his music coming to a screeching halt simultaneously.

And with that, the arena became silent, all eyes turning to the entrance ramp, and the tranquility allowed Gunner to reflect on his career, and everything that brought him to his point. And at that moment, Magnus' smug grin disappeared, and the Rock Messiah's eyes were locked on the curtains, as he prepared himself for his greatest test, and the potential fight of his career.

TBC by Vlad

[Vladimir Strife]

(I apologize big time for the delay, Gunner. Swine flu has had me in bed almost all week.)

As the arena waits patiently, eyes fixated on the entrance for signs of Magnus's opponent, the lights suddenly go out, purging the stadium in darkness and eliciting a few cheers from the eager crowd. 2 lights return to function, shining the form of an 'x' up the ramp. Lizzie Morna takes up her microphone and breaks the silence for the bout's formalities.

"And his opponent... weighing in at 234 lbs, hailing from Sighisoara, Romania... He is 'The Hardcore King'... Vladimir T. STRRRRIFE!"



As "Perfection or Vanity" takes over the P.A. system, it sets the stage for the legendary king's arrival. The Czar of Scars steps out from the back slowly, his eyes set straight ahead on the first opponent he's had since his fall from grace at Ragnarok in June.

JP: And here goes what is, quite possibly, one of the biggest highlights of the night: the return to action of Vladimir Strife, one of the biggest names to ever grace this business.
Ray: And the sexiest! Don't forget the sexiest!
JP: You know, on one hand, I'm glad to see Vlad back because there is a certain element to EVPW that he just completely embodies. But, on the other, his return also means I have to listen to you go on about all of your fantasies about him, which makes me sick to my stomach. So, I'm really torn about his return.
Ray: If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty torn over it too.
JP: Really?
Ray: Yeah, I had to celebrate though!
JP: AW, COME ON! Agh, at least let me get through this match without making me gag, god damn it!

Strife is decked out in typical fashion; from the black pants and steel-toed swat boots to his flowing trenchcoat and purple and green fingerless gloves. The only things that seem to have changed any since his solitary defeat are a trimmer waistline and a new shirt. In lieu of the typical raven blue, tonight his long sleeve is a forest green, baring the words 'SOLID CORE' across the chest in testament to his career's heritage.

With each step closer to the ring and his opponent, the tension thickens, a silent surrounding of fans ready for the blood, sweat, and tears that will be poured in the name of the Imperial title. Standing at the apron now, the famed Bambi Killer steps through the ropes and into the ring before taking his place in the corner. The music comes to a hush, chants and cheers taking it's place in the cacophony. Despite the ruckus, Magnus and Vladimir take no notice, their eyes locked on one another in consideration of what they must do to bring the other down for the count once the bell has rung and determination to make it happen at all costs.

JP: I'm warning you now, this one could end up bloody. If there is anything Magnus Gunner and the King have in common, it's a never-say-die stubbornness. I don't think either of them will hesitate for a second to do anything and everything to walk out of here tonight with the Imperial title around their waist..
Ray: Well, I hope not! There are 3 rules to never forget in this business - Whiners never walk into that ring for a title shot, quitters never walk out of here with the title, and those that fuck with the King don't walk out of the ring.

On one side of the ring, the Loaded Pistol holds onto the top rope, pulling at it as he warms up briefly, his body filled with energy, anxious for the bout to begin. Across the ring, his opponent stands tall and unwavering, a beacon of pride and, in the minds of many, perfection. Taking her leave from the ring, Lizzie Morna calls for the bell to ring and the clash of steel calls out to the world thrice, cuing the combatants to start their bloody game.

TBCB Magnus

(BTW, we never set a match type, so I'll let you pick what type.)

[Magnus Gunner]

OOC: Apologies for lateness. Illness and car accidents are terrible ya know.

Lizzie Morna stands between the two behemoths before raising the microphone to her luscious lips.

~Lizzie}- Just in from Devin Bozz, the following contest will be contested in a Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match.

The statement has the crowd going bananas, even causing the King himself to turn his back in frustration. The brief dropping of the guard by Vlad allows Magnus to take the early advantage, as he charges straight at the Romanian and clubs him over the head, knocking him down to one knee. The bell sounds behind him as he begins a relentless assault, his fist raining down on the former Imperial Champion before he literally beats Strife straight into the canvas. Magnus gradually lifts his adversary up before leaning him into the ropes. The Rock Messiah quickly Irish Whips Vlad across the ring, but as he advances to the center, Vladimir quickly extends his shoulder and lowers his head, his shoulder colliding with Gunner sternum with meticulous precision, and a violent force, sending Magnus to the canvas. Vlad quickly rushes toward the other set of ropes, prompting Gunner to roll from his supine position, and onto his belly, coercing the rebounding Strife to leap over him.

As Vlad bounces off the ropes, Magnus springs to his feet, spinning 350 degrees and bending his arm, attempting a Roaring Elbow which is just barely dodged by the former King of Deathmatches. After averting the attack, Vlad quickly gains his balance before lifting his leg. The turning Magnus captures Vlad's leg, before stepping over with his free leg and rolling, swinging his other into the air forcing his boot to clash against Vladimir' skull.

Strife hastily rolls out of the ring following brutal Step Over Wheel Kick, spurring Magnus to pursue him. As the Rock Messiah comes within range, the cunning Romanian quickly spins to his antagonist and stabs forward with a closed fist, clocking Magnus straight in his chin. The pinpoint right hand has Gunner's lights dimming, and forces his knees to buckle. Vladimir takes a step back, cocking back his arm before falling forward, swinging it through the air, smashing Gunner across his head, sending the Loaded Pistol rotating back, forcing him chest first onto the concrete.

~Ray}- "The King strikes back. What a Clothesline Jimmy. Magnus isn't in his league."

~JP}- "Yeah. Ray, he was able to take advantage after initially heading for the hills."

~Ray}- "Call what you want Jimmy, all I see is great strategy from the greatest to ever do it, gullibility, from the most overrated superstar in professional wrestling."

The King snatches Magnus by his hair before jerking him to his feet, slowly dragging him toward the ring before cocking his back. The King suddenly forces Magnus forward, slamming him straight into the side of the ring apron. Gunner staggers back with his bells substantially ringing. Vlad quickly lifts his leg up before planting his boot into Gunner's face, the big boot sending the Rock Messiah stumbling into the guard rail. The God King hoists his arms into the air pridefully, evoking a chorus off boos from the crowd before approaching his battered foe. As Vlad closes in, Magnus quickly lunges forward and drives his elbow into Vlad's face, bringing the vicious assault of the former Imperial Champion to a crashing halt.

The Rock Messiah slowly climbs onto the apron, waiting for Vlad to turn around and when he does, the former LDWA standout reclines backward, his gracefulness and amazing aerial ability seemingly bringing him closer to the gold. But Gunner's chances at taking back the initiative would soon vanish, as the technacalist, Vladimir Strife would catch Gunner across his shoulders. Before Strife could annihilate the seized Rock Messiah, Magnus manages to free himself after a quick, desperation squirm. Now behind the Romanian, Gunner quickly shoves Vlad forward, causing the God King to crash head first into the steel ring post.

Magnus rises up from his knees, taking a deep breath out of relief before sliding back inside the squared hell. The Rock Messiah pulls himself up using the ropes while Vlad climbs onto the apron. As Strife sluggishly climbs to his feet, Magnus plods toward his position, but before he can strike, the crafty, and guileful God King dexterously grapples Gunner head before leaning it across the ropes. Vlad quickly drops down to the concrete, viciously snapping Magnus over the ropes sending a shock down his system as he lurches into the midst of the squared hell and eventually is forced to one knee. Vlad cockily makes his way back onto the apron, and egotistically begins stepping through the ropes but before he can ultimately enter the ring, Magnus rises to his feet, stepping forward and lifting his leg, whacking Vlad in the side of his head with the sole of his boot, tentatively knocking Vlad unconscious as the formerly undefeated Romanian falls into the ring and onto the canvas.

~JP}- "The Magnus Battalion! He just Super Kicked Vlad into next week!"

~Ray}- "It was a massive shot, and believe me, I know a huge blow when I see one. But rest assured Jim, Vlad we'll recover!"

Magnus crawls toward the sprawled Vlad, before dragging him into the center of the ring, commencing to hook his leg for the count.

"1!"

"2!"

Just before three, the King manages to roll a shoulder over, his resilience having an effect on Gunner psyche as his face contorts disconcertingly. The Rock Messiah rises to his feet, before scanning the crowd, quickly planting his feet into the mat and sizing up his foe who slowly begins to stir. As Vlad turns toward him, Magnus crouches and quickly attempts to hoist Vlad across his shoulders. As Magnus begins to lift him into the air, Vlad slides out of Gunner clutches and ends up behind him, before wrapping his arms around Magnus' waist and clasps his hands together, locking the Loaded Pistol in a tight waist-lock. Vladimir violently bridges his back, before slamming Magnus into the canvas with authority.

Following the German Suplex, Vladimir quickly rolls onto top of his foe, folding him up and pinning his shoulders back. With the referee unaware, Vladimir grabs the ropes beside him, clutching them for dear life as the referee begins his count.

"1!"

"2!"

"3!"

~JP}- "The King steals the first fall. That sneaky son-uv-a-bitch! "

~Ray}- "It's only cheating if you get caught Jim. Now pipe down and unclench your panties so you don't miss Vlad's clean sweep!"

[Vladimir Strife]

With the first fall of the contest decided, the King gets up to his feet, Magnus rolling out of the ring to rest up while his opponent watches with a wide smile. Already having tilted the odds in his favor and never at a lack for pride, Vladimir allows his eyes to drift to the Imperial title. Remembering the feel of holding the strap of leather and silver high above his head, the Czar of Scars grows impatient for it's return to what he deemed it's rightful spot. He steps out through the ropes, making his way towards the announcer's table as Gunner keeps his distance with a watchful eye. Strife motions for Lizzie to move and she complies quickly, clearing the path between the Titan and the chair she was sitting in. Vlad grabs it without haste, folding it shut with a snap before pursuing the Rock Messiah.

JP: What the hell is Vlad thinking? This isn't a hardcore match! If he hits Magnus with that chair, he's going to get himself disqualified!
Ray: That's true, but you forget that even if he does, it's not over. Vlad can simple knock him out with that chair, take the disqualification, then pin Magnus and end it!

The Loaded Pistol slips back into the ring, not sure what his foe plans for the chair and unwilling to find out. As the Impaler follows him in, he comes face to face with the zebra striped official, who chastises him for the weapon he holds and promises to disqualify the King if he goes through with using it. Having a fall to spare, Strife shrugs and pushes the man to the side, moving him out of the way. The ref has costs Vladimir too much time though, Magnus coming in from the side off of the distraction. He pushes a foot out in front of Strife's and kicks the other around, landing a steady blow into the nook of the Behemoth's knee and chopping it out from under him. The drop toe hold flattens the bully's nose against the flat steel and sends him rolling around the mat in a fit.

JP: Alright Magnus! Give him hell!
Ray: Hey! He just hurt Vlad's precious face with that chair! Shouldn't he be disqualified?
JP: Of course not! He didn't have the chair. Magnus simply performed a drop-toe hold on Vladimir, but it's not his fault that Vlad had the chair!
Ray: Oh, you always play favorites..

With the ball in his court now, Magnus takes a handful of the Titan's chocolate locks and uses them to coerce him back to a standing position. Once back to their feet, the Loaded Pistol tucks away the King's cranium under his arm and grabs the remaining wrist, pulling it up and over his own head. With a glance to the anxious Concord crowd, Gunner sends them into pandemonium while taking a hold of the waist of Vladimir's pants at his hip. Summoning his strength, the technical-savvy Rock Messiah pulls the GodKing off of his feet, his job made harder as Strife wraps his foot around his and resists the effort to lift him. Frustrated by the resilience, but not deterred, Magnus heaves upward again. To his surprise, the Romanian Scourge puts up no problem on this try, jumping into the move willingly. He scissors his legs around the Loaded Gun's midsection and latches on tightly with his thighs, wrapping his arm around his opponent's neck all the while. The offset of weight send them tumbling back towards Vladimir, the GHW Hall of Famer using this to plant the former Lion's Pride champion crown-first into the canvas.

Ray: Now THAT is a beautiful move! Vladimir just taught this punk a lesson in messing with the best.
JP: Hush it, Ray. You know just as well as I that Magnus wouldn't be here fighting for this title if Vortigern didn't see potential in him. It's not like he was the only person who could fight the match.

As the Titan uses the ropes to climb back to an upright situation, the referee walks past him with the steel chair, meaning to eject it from the ring. Before he can do so, Strife reaches out wearily and snatches the weapon, pulling it out of the official's grasp and drawing more ire for his antics. Ignoring another warning, the King unfolds the chair, sitting it down on the mat before grabbing Magnus. He pulls his fellow contender to the seat and lifts him to rest his neck and head on the cold seat. Vladimir makes his way into the corner, climbing up the turnpost as his prey continues to recoup against the weapon. Standing atop the turnbuckle, Strife lines up his shot, the zebra striped man in front of him halting what could be the final move in the match. Finally talking the man out of the way, the Behemoth is poised and ready to pounce just before Gunner pushes off of the seat, coming back to life as he throws himself into the ropes. As they shake from his force the wobbily Czar's legs are driven in opposite directions, bringing him crashing down onto the top turnbuckle with a very sensitive set of organs.

Ray: Noooo! Disqualify that bastard!
JP: He didn't do anything illegal though.
Ray: He used the turnbuckle to low blow my baby though..

Sprinting back across the ring in a hurry, Magnus flings himself against the nylon cables once more. They throw his momentum back, propelling the star back across the ring as he veers towards the metal chair he'd rested on previously. Jumping up, Gunner plants a foot across the seat before thrusting forward and shoving both legs out before him. The hit their target in the middle of the King's chest and send him tumbling over the side of the turnpost quickly. Strife's shoulder blasts off of the apron and he flops onto the padding below, laying lifelessly as the Loaded Pistol pops back to his feet; greeted by an arena of applause as he does so. Barely stirring down at ringside, Vladimir makes his way closer into the apron as the referee begins to count closer and closer to 10, attempting to even the score.

JP: What a dropkick! Magnus Gunner just took Vladimir off of his perch, literally, and sent him flying to the outside of the ring.
Ray: And you applaud that, but cut down my Vladdy? Two-faced prick...
JP: You're one to talk!

The King picks himself up slowly outside the ring, his face laying across the apron as he tries to muster the strength to get back in. Magnus decides at the count of 7 that he's not content to score a fall via countout and makes his way to the ropes, leaning out over the middle one before taking his legendary opponent by the hair again. Vladimir fights him off though, refusing the assistance before sending a swift uppercut into the mouth of the Rock Messiah, revealing a thick and lengthy steel chain wrapped tightly around his fist. Gunner falls backwards like a sack of bricks, his towering figure laying out flat against the baby blue canvas with no further motions. The referee points towards the timekeeper's table, motioning for the bell to ring. As it calls out to signal the end of the second fall, the Czar of Scars tosses the chain aside and slides back in under the ropes, grabbing the Loaded Pistol's right leg and hiking it up as he rolls into him.

JP: THAT CHEATING SON OF A BITCH!!!
Ray: Hey, watch your mouth! Besides, he paid the consequences. Vlad got disqualified for it.
JP: But he just stole this match pretty much! How is Magnus supposed to get up from a shot like that?

The official climbs into position, uneasy about the situation as he does so. Reluctantly, he slaps the mat, beginning what could be the final call in tonight's Imperial Title match.

TBCB Magnus or End