The familiar lyrics of “Voices” by Rev Theory bring the fans to their feet after some very exciting footage leading up to the opening contest of the night, though they aren’t quite so excited about the man who makes his way to the squared circle first. For Legion’s Hunter Nicholson steps out from behind the curtain to the avid chorus of boos and negativity from the capacity crowd filling the MGM Grand Casino tonight. But Hunter seems completely unconcerned with their feelings, making his way to the ring without showboating of any kind. The bell at ringside chimes three times in quick succession as he marches forward, ignoring the Anti-Legion chants emerging from the fans.
Keri Thames: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is an XWA Television Championship Qualifying match! Making his way to the ring first, from New York, New York, and weighing in at two hundred and thirty five pounds; representing Legion, Hunter Nicholson!
Mark Sanction: Hunter Nicholson isn’t looking too pleased as he makes his way to the ring tonight John. Obviously, he doesn’t appreciate what Hutton Brown had to say about him just moments ago.
John Pain: Can you really blame him Mark? If I was being insulted like that by a guy like Hutton, I wouldn’t be too pleased with it either.
Hunter slides straight into the ring without hesitation, standing ready against the far ropes for the arrival of a man who he very well intended to break tonight. The fan packed arena sat on their toes in anticipation now, awaiting the arrival of one of their new found heroes. Yet things started out different tonight, a strange techno beat greeting them as both the fans and Hunter Nicholson seem slightly confused.
When I pretend,
Everything is what I want it to be,
I look exactly like what you had always wanted to see.
When I pretend,
I can forget about the criminal I am,
Stealing second after second just cause I know I can.
But,
I can’t pretend this is the way it’ll stay.
I’m just,
Trying To Fend The Truth.
I can’t pretend I’m who you want me to be,
So I’m,
Lying My Way From-
The beat suddenly changes to one much heavier than the first, the singer and lyrics of the song growing heavier, and possibly more offense, by the second.
If you feelin’ like a pimp Nigga,
Go on, brush your shoulders off.
Ladies, this pimp suit,
Go on, brush your shoulders off.
Nigga this is crazy baby, don’t forget that boy told ya,
Kick, That, Dirt Off Your Shoulder.
As “Lying From You/Dirt Off Your Shoulder” by Linkin Park and Jay-Z kicks itself into high gear, The Hardcore General bursts from behind the curtain to a thunderous ovation from the MGM Grand Casino. His attire tonight featuring urban camouflage upon his jacket and elbow pads, Brown’s remaining attire is consistent with his trademark. An enormous grin is plastered upon his face as Hutton stares down towards the squared circle at the scowling Nicholson, the Legion member not sharing the same enthusiasm of the fans.
Thames: And his opponent, from Manhattan, New York; weighing in at two hundred and twenty five pounds; The Hardcore General, Hutton Brown!
Slapping hands with a few fans on his march down to the ring Brown slaps hands with a few fans, his decision to not bring a weapon to ringside based upon the rules of this contest and not the opponent. Hutton could only hope that Hunter wouldn’t take that as a further insult but, in truth, really didn’t have any intent to care either way. Instead The Rated X Superstar whips down the zipper upon his fleece jacket as he arrives at ringside, moving to the steps before jumping up to the second and stepping up to the apron.
Sanction: Hutton certainly looks pumped up to do just what he said he would and make an example out of Hunter Nicholson. Now we just have to see if he can make good upon it.
Pain: And I can tell you right off the start that he can’t Mark. Hutton had a free chance to walk away from Legion’s business, yet he stuck his nose right back into it. He’s in deep now, and that is easily going to play a factor tonight.
Sensing the young superstar’s urge to charge him even before he enters the ring itself, Hutton drops his jacket and skull cap to the floor before actually stepping into the squared circle. His hunch is right as Nicholson takes a few early steps forward, only to be held back by Senior Official Thomas J Tickles. Yet Brown waves on the challenge confidently, and quite possibly a little too cockily, with one hand; Tickles reluctantly agreeing as he waves for the opening bell to the opening contest of the night.
Pain: It’s really a shame to see a guy like Hutton acting as cocky as he is, especially since he should know that he’s going to end up losing this match in the end.
Sanction: You keeping calling Legion a factor tonight John, but don’t forget that this match is under standard rules and there are disqualifications.
Hunter steps forward eagerly as the bell chimes, looking to move straight into a lock up with The Rated X Superstar as he closes in on Hutton. But Brown ducks underneath the attempt before spinning around and driving a boot into the mid-section of Nicholson, stepping back as Hunter does the same doubled over. The Legion member looks up at Brown with an enormous scowl but Brown doesn’t see it as he… yawns? Stretching his arms out wide, Hutton Brown does indeed yawn in the middle of the squared circle; the ploy severely angering Hunter Nicholson as he pulls himself up and presses forward once again. This time however, Hutton decides to engage with a collar and elbow tie-up, Nicholson managing to gain a small upper hand as he guides Brown back into a corner.
Sanction: Amusing as his games may be to himself and these fans, Hutton needs to remain focused upon keeping his word and making an example out of Hunter Nicholson. He can’t distract himself with games and mockery.
Pain: Don’t hold his hand Mark, let Hutton play this out how he wants. Nothing would be greater than for Hutton to cost himself this match with his foolishness.
Seeming incredibly pleased by having taken control of The Rated X Messiah, Nicholson gets in Brown’s face as Tickles forces him to break the tie-up; Hunter shouting at Brown before shoving him deeper into the corner as he steps back. The temporary cockiness on the part of the rookie is expected and accepted by The Hardcore General, but the shove is unnecessary and unwarranted in Brown’s mind; such an action requiring retribution. Thus Brown grabs Nicholson by the shoulders and spins quickly, pulling Hunter around with him and placing the rookie in the exact spot where Hutton himself had just stood. Shocked by the speed of Hutton Brown, Nicholson isn’t hardly ready to block the next attack as Brown slaps him across the face with stunning authority.
Pain: HOLY CRAP. Even I have to admit that that sounded like it really, really hurt. In fact, that’s probably going to leave a mark.
Sanction: I hope Nicholson is taking notes John, for he’s getting schooled! What? Too soon?
Stepping back from the corner as Hunter holds the side of his precious face, Brown holds up a finger as if to lecture the rookie upon proper in-ring practices. Yet Nicholson seems to want none of it as he pulls himself from the corner with renewed vigor and moves right back towards the basics for another tie-up. Deciding to comply with his opponent’s movements once again, The Rated X Superstar goes for the tie-up as well; Hunter suddenly proving to Hutton that he isn’t completely some FNG. As Brown moves in for the lock-up, the Legion member drives his right knee straight up into the gut of his veteran adversary. Nicholson doesn’t waste the advantage given to him as he drives a heavy forearm down onto the back of The Hardcore General, sending Hutton to his knees while Hunter quickly circles around behind him.
Sanction: Hutton may be one hell of brawling expert, but I think he may have grossly underestimated those very skills of Hunter Nicholson’s. Hunter is a rather vicious striker in that ring.
Pain: Foolishness seems to be one hell of a running theme for Hutton tonight, doesn’t it Mark?
His back arched back and his arms held back from the pain of the forearm, Hutton finds himself in quite a predicament as Hunter locks both of his arms behind him with his left while he hoists his right into the air. It isn’t a quality position to be in as Nicholson brings his right forearm crashing down upon the chest of The Rated X Messiah, sending pain flying through said chest and forcing the air out of his lungs. Possibly unprepared for such damaging results, Hunter looks surprised at them before sending his arm back into the air and repeating the process. The effects of the attack are just as superb as the time before, Nicholson continuing said maneuver over and over again as he easily drains the life of The Hardcore General away quickly.
Pain: Just look at him go Mark! This is one of the future champions of XWA, you mark my words on that and mark them well.
Sanction: Such hammering blows are just draining the life out of Hutton Brown now, keeping the oxygen from his lungs and leaving him weak.
Weak as he was becoming, Hutton had a secret weapon that Hunter Nicholson probably had never had the ability to utilize; if even understand yet. And that was the fans. The “Rated X” chant, a powerful message to Brown that they believed that he had what it took to win would serve only to give Hutton strength to continue. This would be quiet a concern to Nicholson as The Hardcore General began to force his way up to one knee and making it, even as his forearms continued to connect against his chest. With one huge final push, The Rated X Superstar frees himself from the clutches of his Legion opponent as he drives the top of his head straight up into the chin of Hunter and breaks Nicholson’s grip.
Sanction: You may believe that Hutton is going to end up the loser at the end of the night John, but I can guarantee you that these fans don’t share that opinion! Just listen to them route Hutton on.
Pain: But does Hutton have anything left in his tank after such a vicious onslaught?
Brown quite easily proves that he does indeed as he climbs shakily back to his feet to find Nicholson already aiming a right hand for his jaw. The “sixth sense”, as many call it, of The Rated X Superstar just barely has time to kick in as he ducks underneath the attack; Brown coming up behind Hunter and bringing him down to the canvas with the X-Attack. The back of Nicholson’s head slams against the canvas as Brown rolls back onto his knees, his eyes lighting up as he spies the positioning of his opponent. Climbing to his feet, Brown makes sure all eyes are upon him as he snaps to a military attention stance.
Hutton Brown: Attention!
Dropping backward to the ropes, Brown bounces off the ring ropes before stepping quickly up to the head of Hunter Nicholson and throwing off a huge salute to the fan filled MGM Grand Casino. The fans go wild as The Hardcore General leaps into the air and drives a huge leaping elbow into the chest of Nicholson, The General’s Orders! Climbing to his feet feeling the energy of the crowd, Hutton holds his arms out wide as Hunter climbs to his feet uncertainly, completely unaware of the light that awaits him. Blacklight that is, as Hutton underhooks the arms of Nicholson before spinning one hundred and eighty degrees for his finishing move, only to release them and step forward. Just in time to take a spear from Eddie Flitchcroft!
Both Sanction and Pain: HEY!
Standing just outside the ring is both Diamond Jack Sabbath and Amy Taylor, Mr. Magnificent making his way quickly down the ramp as the bell at ringside chimes multiple times. Thomas J Tickles begins to quickly speak with Keri Thames as all the members of Legion , having quickly entered during what was thought to be the final excitement of the match, enter the squared circle; except Amy. Helping a struggling Nicholson to his feet, Legion, now four members strong in the ring, begins to lay boots to the weakened form of Hutton Brown.
Keri Thames: Ladies and Gentlemen, Hunter Nicholson has been disqualified. Therefore your winner and advancing to the XWA Television Title match at XWA Legends; The Hardcore General, Hutton Brown!
