Main Event
All-In Qualifier
Johnny Bacchus vs. Downfall
Adilene Floyd: The following is scheduled for ONE FALL, and it is a qualifying match for the 2022 ALL-IN LADDER MATCH! Introducing first... He weighs in at 217 lbs... DOWNFALL!!The arena lights dim, as the crowd goes silent and a blazing neon-red Anarchy symbol appears on the tron, which then transitions into the symbol becoming the A in Downfall's name. Then, as the jumbotron begins playing images of shots of Downfall hitting various kicks and signature moves, the opening drum rhythm to "Mainlining Murder" begins.
"Don't touch me baby your fingertips, they feel like pins across my skin
Just light another cigarette so I don't regret, inviting you over
Well don't hold my hand or I'll punch your face
I'm a hungry rat in this hole I waste
There's no blood to taste in this awful place
I'm mainlining murder!
I'm mainlining murder!!"
As the music is kicking in harder, Downfall's head is bowed, and he kneels one knee on the stage, tracing the fingers of his right hand across the ramp, then he slowly raises his head to look at the ring.
But this time, as he stands, there is none of his usual, fired-up energy, no holding his hands out to the crowd. He stands there, exhaling, and tilting his head a little in an unsettling fashion as he brings his hands together and limbers up his wrists. He makes his way to the ring, as cold, and as focused, and as terrifying as we've seen him in... some time.
When he gets to the bottom of the ramp, he stops, and looks up. He cracks his neck to the side in an aggressive manner and flaps his hands out at his sides in the manner of someone just itching to get their hands dirty, and as Lars' voice reaches the roughest note of the bridge he slides in the ring, walks over to the ropes and balances himself on the second rope, and then he holds his arms up in a crossed-wrist X symbol.
Then he hops down, takes off his leather jacket, and stretches for the match.
Chris Avery: This is Downfall as I haven't seen him since he first came here... he's staring down the barrel of the entrance ramp with an intensity and a seething anger that isn't like the rogue who's begun learning the value of honor and loyalty from the Vanguard.Billy: I have to say it, maybe he feels like it ain't working anymore... the Vanguard fell short at Meltdown, and he had to watch his own partner go down in the main event last week... Maybe something is starting to snap in him.Chris Avery: Well it's true that the Vanguard, individually and together have been looking for a new direction since losing the Tag titles... I just have to wonder if Downfall is looking at the opportunity at All-In and committing himself to doing whatever it takes.The lights in the arena cut out as the opening notes of “The Death of Peace of Mind” begin to play over the P.A. On the Actiontron, a series of images and letters flash:
the letter I, a match lighting a prayer candle,
the letter N, a set of onyx rosary beads,
the letter S, an illustration from John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” of Lucifer cast from Heaven,
the letter U, a black balaclava being pulled over a face,
the letter R, a sigil drawn on a concrete floor,
the letter G, an illustration of Icarus plummeting to Earth,
the letter E, bullets falling from the cylinder of a revolver,
the letter N, a coat being pulled over shoulders,
the letter T, a set of hands pulling on a single black leather glove,
the letter S, a woman’s eyes,
the letter I, the gloved hand wrapping around the handle of a baseball bat
the letter A, two silhouetted figures
As Noah Sebastian’s vocals begin, a spotlight hits one end of the stage. Beneath it walks Johnny Bacchus, dressed in a black turtleneck and peacoat with a balaclava over his head and the black baseball bat draped over his shoulder. The lights go black once more, and with each hit of the echoing 808, the spotlights flash to reveal him walking towards the center of the stage. One there, he stands under an icy blue spotlight, loking down the ramp towards the ring. Johnny reaches up to pull the balaclava off his head, and the lights explode in a strobe burst before coming fully on as the song kicks into a more driving beat.
Adilene Floyd: Making his way to the ring, hailing from Los Angeles, California and weighing in at 215 lbs... JOHNNY BACCHUS!At the base of the ramp, Johnny circles the ring, eventually placing the bat beside the stairs before he takes to the steps and vaults over the top rope. After he goes to the corner, Johnny pulls himself up to stand on the middle rope. Looking out over the crowd, he takes in the reaction before pulling off his turtleneck and discarding it to the outside. As he turns to sit on the top turnbuckle and glowers at his adversaries, a quiet, confident smile parses his lips as the lights slowly come on.
Chris Avery: One half of the reigning Tag champs, and on a hell of a roll as of late, Johnny is looking to get into his first All-In match himself!Billy: As the most irritating man on the roster, I have to believe his strategy is to annoy everyone in that match until they climb up to the top of the ladder, do a salute and then jump off the ladder and fall to their death rather than listen to him anymore!Chris Avery: We know Johnny is obnoxious, but he damn sure knows how to get it done in the ring!As the bell rings, Johnny and Downfall each walk out towards the center of the ring. There is a long moment of rising, heated intensity as the history between them... the good (Johnny recruiting Downfall and Dion to be part of Hellimination and take on Philidor) and the bad (just... like... alllll of the shit talking between them) and they stare each other in the eyes for a good long second as the crowd is eating it up with an oatmeal spoon.
Chris Avery: This is definitely a match that's going to have LAYERS of bad blood in it!Billy: Layers? What the hell does that mean? Is that some kinda meta reference to some shit some nerds talk about in group chats? What a bunch of fucking NERDS!!Chris Avery: Billy, you are, right now, currently, sipping from a mug that is a ceramic Voltron head.Billy: NEERRRRRRRDS! *sob*The tension, the anger and frankly, the good will between them that's soured into mutual disdain is igniting, and it begins to bubble over as Johnny shoves Downfall, who looks down at his chest, a bit piqued, and he snarls and shoves Johnny back. The two rush together where they instantly begin a heated exchange of right hands! The crowd roars as Downfall lands a stiff shot, Johnny fires right back with a shot, Downfall lands a knife edge chop across the chest of Johnny! Johnny comes right back with an open handed chop across the chest of Downfall! Downfall swings with a right hand only to be blocked by Johnny, Bacchus counters with a right hand rocking his opposition back against the ropes. Johnny comes forward only to have Downfall come off the ropes with a boot the midsection where he quickly looks to deliver the Godkiller up onto his shoulders only to have Johnny squirm free by dropping to the mat and sliding out to the floor!
Chris Avery: Whoa WHOA wait they're starting this one with a bang, he's calling for the Godkiller!Downfall walks towards the ropes , holding his fingers an inch apart, showing Bacchus how close he was to suffering a possible loss of his All-In ladder match aspirations. The referee backs Downfall up before turning around to lay the count to Bacchus only to find Bacchus crawling up to the ring apron where he re-enters the ring.
Chris Avery: It's got to be extra hard on the ref for this match, it's one of our biggest main events in recent months and sadly, only one of these men are going to be headed to go on to the All-In Ladder Match... so he can't afford to blow his call.Johnny and Downfall circle each other before locking up center ring. Each man jockey for position, they continue to jockey before it's Downfall who snaps Johnny over with a deep arm drag. There's a pop for Johnny as he reaches his feet, as the crowd, amazingly is split more towards Johnny in this. Downfall kneels towards Johnny while aggressively piefacing him and slapping him. Johnny stands to his feet catching Downfall coming in with a thumb to the eye! Johnny drives Downfall back into a corner where he unloads with right hands, before swapping with chops across the chest... before transitioning into boots to the chest, beating Downfall completely down into a seated position. Then, Bacchus throws a hand up to the crowd before bringing Downfall out of the corner with a snapmare takeover, which is followed up with a shining wizard! Johnny quickly makes the cover hooking the near leg of Downfall, but Downfall is able to escape, throwing a shoulder up the mat breaking the count before it begins. Bacchus reaches a vertical base quicker, picking Downfall up off the mat. Bacchus under hooks the arms of Downfall looking for a double arm DDT, yet quickly Downfall manages to counter with a bridging northern lights suplex to the Insurgent. Again, just as the referee is getting into position, Bacchus claps his way free and breaks the count. Too early yet. Both Johnny and Downfall reach their feet with Downfall landing a hard backfist to the ear of Johnny. The ref admonishes Downfall, who pays him no mind as he takes Bacchus head first into a top turnbuckle! Downfall spins Johnny around where he laces him across the chest with a knife edge chop before taking Johnny and hurling him through the ropes and out to the floor. Out on the floor Johnny reaches all fours, Downfall jumps off the apron, taking them both down with a flying clothesline from off the apron. The crowd pops heavily for this move. Downfall is relatively quick back to his feet. He reaches down picking Bacchus up off the mat before driving him head first into the steel steps. Bacchus is laid out across the steel steps, trying to catch his breath. Downfall hammers Johnny with a straight right hand before choking Johnny with both hands.
Chris Avery: Their last match ended in an unsatisfying fashion, due to the interference from Affluenza, but it still ended with Johnny crawling over and pinning Downfall for a three count.Billy: You just know Johnny's constant taunting of him since then has made him see red from time to time.Downfall releases the choke before throwing Johnny back into the ring under the bottom rope. Downfall slides into the ring where he hammers down with another hard right hand before once again choking Johnny. The ref quickly starts laying the count to Downfall, but Downfall breaks on the count of four point two. Downfall drops a few more shots so stiff that they're wince inducing into the face of Johnny from a mounted position, as Johnny can only turtle up with his arms around his head. Downfall brushes past to choke him out again. Downfall releases the choke before reaching his feet where the ref is once again in his face admonishing Downfall. Downfall ignores the ref as he reaches down picking Johnny up off the mat. The crowd is not liking Downfall's aggression as he bullrushes Bacchus back into the ropes. He shoots Johnny across the ring, Bacchus bounces off the ropes and into an overhead release belly to belly suplex! Downfall quickly makes the cover hooking the near leg of Johnny.
The ref: One...
Two... Kickout.
Bacchus throws a shoulder up off the mat breaking the count. Downfall works his way to his feet where he picks Bacchus up off the mat only to have Johnny quickly counter with a jaw breaker! Bacchus stands to his feet where he follows up with a boot to the midsection before delivering a double underhook suplex to Downfall! Bacchus begins to work his way back to his feet where he takes a moment to gather himself before coming forward towards Downfall where he lays in several harsh stomps to the body, before rolling Downfall over to his chest. Bacchus places his right boot in the middle of Downfall's shoulder blades before taking both of Downfall's arm and curb stomping him into the mat face first. Downfall groans, and raises his head up, holding his jaw in pain. Johnny scoops Downfall up, picking Downfall up off the mat before hurling him out through the ropes and to the floor. The ref, much like with Downfall, cuts Johnny off from trying to take the fight to Downfall out on the floor. Downfall is shown starting to work his way to his feet, Johnny quickly runs across the ring where he bounces off the ropes, he gains a full head of steam before sailing through the top and middle rope with a suicide dive that drives Downfall back against the security railing! Johnny lands on his feet where he follows up by smashing Downfall face first off the steel security railing! Bacchus takes Downfall by the head before walking around the ring towards the announcers table where he drives Downfall head first off the table!
Chris Avery: They're right out in front of us!Johnny pounds his chest like King Kong and slams Downfall's head off the table once, twice, three times, four times, he's beating Downfall into the table with such fervor that it becomes a cartoonish blur for a second, and then Downfall slumps off, barely able to hold himself up using the edge of the table (I AM THE TABLE - sorry, my inner James Hetfield took over for a second there). Now firmly in control, Johnny takes a groggy Downfall and tosses him back into the ring. Bacchus crawls up on the ring apron before scaling the turnbuckles! Bacchus measures Downfall who slowly starts pushing himself up off the mat. Johnny leaps off the top rope with a missile dropkick that's right on the money! This time it's the current Tag champ that makes the cover.
Chris Avery: Johnny is starting to show that fire that he brought out against the Swallowing when he and Ash became the Tag champs.Billy: There's so much drama that's going on between these men it can only be summed up in a series of slanderous tweets on Johnny Bacchus' Twitter feed.Chris Avery: But for all of the negative words that were said this week by both men... and the palpable exhaustion they feel towards each other personally, I think Johnny has seen he has to bring his A-Game, and really level up to take on a striker as advanced as Downfall.The ref: One...
Two...
Downfall throws a shoulder up off the mat to a mild pop from the crowd. Johnny reaches down picking Downfall up by the head before delivering another solid right hand before shooting Downfall towards a set of buckles. Johnny charges in after Downfall, Downfall side steps Johnny at the last possible second which sends Johnny sternum first off the buckles, Downfall quickly latches on to a back waist lock before hurling Johnny backwards with a release German suplex. Downfall works his way to his feet where he shakes off the damage done by Johnny. Downfall comes forward picking Bacchus up off the mat before sending Bacchus across the ring and into a set of buckles. Downfall charges across the ring where he delivers a running knee to the jaw of Johnny before driving Bacchus directly onto his god damn neck with a snap dragon suplex. Johnny, now cringing from the stinger and holding his neck, finds absolutely no sympathy from his foe, who kicks him as hard as he can in the side of the head.
Chris Avery: So many of Downfall's influences over the years have bred one of the most unforgiving styles I've ever had to call a match for... hours of tape available from his upbringing in Japan, through his tenure in several companies' hardcore divisions... he is not, and never has been one to hold anything back.Downfall reaches his feet where he's met with a shocking ovation from the crowd. Downfall takes a moment as he looks out towards the crowd to the left and then to the right as they're starting to cheer "JOHNNY, JOHNNY, JOHNNY". And there's just a moment of betrayal on Downfall's face that gives way to rage, after all for the past year he's been giving these people the best of him. Downfall turns back towards Bacchus who's still laid out on the mat. Downfall runs full speed towards the ropes before delivering a elbow drop to the sternum. Downfall makes the cover hooking the nearest leg of Johnny.
The referee: One...
Two...
Bacchus throws a shoulder up off the mat to a gasp from the crowd.
Downfall starts working his way back up, picking Bacchus up off the mat. Downfall rocks Johnny with a chop across the chest that sends Johnny reeling. Downfall comes forward shooting Johnny across the ring, Johnny bounces of the ropes ducking under Downfall's clothesline attempt, Bacchus bounces off the farside where he's able to rip off a Fetch the Guillotine to Downfall. Both Johnny and Downfall lay on the mat for several seconds before it's Bacchus who manages to execute the cover hooking the near leg of Downfall.
Chris Avery: Downfall swings... NO! BACCHUS ON THE REBOUND! FETCH THE GUILLOTINE!!Billy: You ever notice we're always a second behind the action in the ring?Chris Avery: We don't want to distract from the action by being in the middle of - DAMMIT BILLY STOP FOURTH WALLING ME!The ref: One...
Two...
Chris Avery: No way, we all knew Downfall has more fight in him than that.Bacchus doesn't hesitate in locking in a rear chin lock on Bacchus. The ref is on the spot asking Downfall to surrender. Downfall waves him off as Johnny cranks back with more pressure. Downfall slowly starts working his way back to his feet where he's able to turn into the chin lock before looking to deliver a side suplex! Bacchus counters by flipping over Downfall's back and lands on his feet. Downfall spins around where he's met with a boot to the midsection! Bacchus latches on to a front face lock before delivering a vertical suplex! Bacchus doesn't let go, he twists his hips while turning Downfall over before lifting Downfall up to a vertical base where he delivers a second suplex! Bacchus twists the hips while picking Downfall back up off the mat where he delivers a third and final suplex. Johnny slowly makes his way to his feet before making his way towards the ropes. Johnny steps out to the ring apron before making his way to the nearest set of buckles. Johnny climbs up to the top rope. He stands up top before leaping off with a flying elbow drop across the chest of Downfall. The crowd is cheering wildly as Johnny executes the cover hooking the leg.
The ref: One...
Two... Kickout.
Johnny looks slightly irritated that the flurry of offense isn't getting to Downfall. He reaches his feet where he picks Downfall up off the mat leveling him with a knife edge chop across the chest. Downfall turns away, groaning and holding his chest, but as Bacchus turns his head a bit too cocky, Downfall quickly gouges the eyes of Bacchus, gaining mild dislike from the crowd for the shortcut. Downfall reverses the positioning and starts hammering away with right hands to the face of Bacchus before sending Johnny over the top rope and out to the floor again. Downfall drops down to the mat before rolling out to the floor after Johnny. Downfall reaches down picking Bacchus up off the mat before he hurls Johnny into the steel steps where he crashes into the steps with his right arm. Johnny yells out in pain and holds his arm awkwardly at his side.
Chris Avery: Bacchus is gripping that elbow like he felt something give.Billy: Flesh and bone meets steel, it's always going to be steel that wins.The referee starts to lay the count to both men as Downfall comes around the corner of the ring with a straight assault on the right arm of Bacchus with kicks, before he picks Johnny up and plants him on the apron. Now, Downfall takes Johnny's hand and drags it over to dash it against the apron (scientifically proven to be the hardest part of the ring!) Johnny yells explosively and rolls onto his back, clutching his arm in agony to his chest as Downfall extricates it, pulling Johnny over savagely to the ring post from the apron, and he just straight up grabs Johnny's arm, plants a boot against the apron, and PULLS Johnny into the ring post, and he PULLS Johnny's arm, worrying it back and forth like a hungry dog trying to get meat off the bone. Johnny yells in agony because seriously fucking ouch.
Chris Avery: What the hell is Downfall doing?? This is going above and beyond!!Billy: I mean, what part of Downfall saying he was going to bend this man's wrist like a pretzel and not stop until he was tapping out crying didn't make sense to you??Johnny is pulled tight against the ringpost, as Downfall has extended the arm as far as he can pull it, and is yanking it with all of his might. Finally, Downfall slackens the hold enough and puts his foot down from the apron, but he maintains wrist control enough to dash Johnny's arm the hard way right into the post. Johnny rolls under the bottom rope, contorting and flopping on the mat like a fish as he yells and holds his arm against his chest. Downfall slides into the ring as well where he pulls himself to his feet and measures Johnny as he pushes himself up off the mat... Downfall grabs Johnny from behind, wrenches the arm in an arm... wrench submission... thing before he slings Johnny down onto the point of his shoulder, putting Johnny back to the mat screaming in pain! Downfall picks up the right leg as he rolls Johnny over to his back. He yanks Johnny towards the ropes where he drapes Johnny’s right arm across the bottom rope. Downfall steps up on the middle rope where he gets more momentum before driving his weight down on top of the right elbow of the Insurgent. Downfall steps back up on the middle ropes where he drives his weight down across the right arm of Bacchus a second time. The referee checks on Johnny as Downfall yanks the arm off the ropes before dragging Bacchus out to the center of the ring where he locks in a grounded hammerlock of Johnny's opposite arm around his leg, before taking the right arm and bending it back PAINFULLY in a grounded hammerlock/inverted armbar submission, a la Pentagon Jr.!
Billy: (Sucking air through his teeth)Chris Avery: (Blank, dumbfounded expression)Billy: If you won't say it I will... he's trying to break this dude's fucking arm right off at the hinge!There’s a mixed reaction from the crowd as Downfall cranks back on the right arm while sitting further on the lower back of Bacchus and keeping him down in the hammerlock. The referee asks Bacchus to surrender. He refuses before starting to crawl towards the ropes. Downfall pulls the arm back so hard it looks like it's bending uncomfortably. The referee once again asks Bacchus to surrender, and again he refuses. If Downfall jerked back hard enough from this position, he could do some serious damage... so he does, holding the wrist and falling onto his back with a quick jerk. Johnny's yell resounds throughout the crowd, an uncomfortable hush going over them.
Billy: I think... 'M gonna be... sick...Chris Avery: Johnny's screams of pain are excruciating, is he's lucky he may not have a dislocated or broken arm! Jesus Christ!!Johnny is breathing hard and groaning, rolling around and holding the arm to his chest and crawling on his knees. Tears are near to falling from his eyes, but Downfall has a merciless expression on his face and he is not letting the referee get close enough to stop the match. He stays on Johnny, bullying him with piefaces and shoves to the back of the head. "Come on, Johnny... You wanted this!" He exhorts, "You want to be a martyr, let's go... King"... and he boots Johnny in the back of the head. Johnny, angered enough to fight through the pain, starts standing up, and Downfall kicks him in the chest. Johnny starts getting up again, and Downfall mounts him, laying in hard, potato-like shots to the face and ear. Then, he grabs the hand of Johnny, manipulates the wrist and places it against the ring mat in a keylock sort of setup, and Downfall brings his foot up and stomps down with all of his might on Johnny's wrist and hand. Jesus Christ, man.
Billy: I agree with you there!!What? You weren't supposed to hear - ...Anyway, with Johnny again rolling around in pain, holding his battered right arm and wrist, Downfall is able to pick the arm, pull Johnny over, and he takes his time with sadistic relish locking in a Lebell lock on that arm, holding it firm between his legs. Johnny's eyes open up in a world of pain, and Downfall tightens the grip under his chin, pulling up, and barking for him to tap.
Chris Avery: And now the Bad Wolf, and sweet mother of mercy, Billy, I don't believe after the amount of punishment we've seen that limb take in the last few minutes Johnny can withstand this for more than a few more heartbeats... that limb has to be broken!Billy: He's trying! He's fighting it with everything he has!!Downfall cranks on the Bad Wolf as the referee continues to ask Johnny to surrender, and again Johnny refuses. The bottom rope is inches away from his grasp and with one last effort Johnny pulls his body close enough to the ropes to grab the bottom rope! The referee calls for the break yet Downfall doesn’t release the hold. The ref gives him to a count of five for disqualification, and Downfall finally breaks at, let's say, 4 and an eighth. Daniel releases the hold and is admonished by the official as he reaches his feet. Johnny clutches at his right arm. Downfall makes his way back over towards Johnny where he picks him up off the mat. Downfall drives Johnny back into a neutral corner with a shoulder block before he takes the right arm of Johnny and he bends it ALL THE WAY AROUND the ring rope! The crowd starts to rally behind Johnny as a “JOHNNY, JOHNNY, JOHNNY" chant starts to echo throughout the arena.
Chris Avery: The fans are trying to will Johnny back into this!The referee lays the count to Downfall as he continues to rip off the right arm before backing away from the corner to loud boos from the crowd. Johnny manages to pull his arm back into the ring as Downfall charges forward looking for a clothesline, Johnny quickly counters with a reverse elbow from the other hand that sends Downfall staggering backwards towards the center of the ring. Johnny steps up on the middle rope before leaping off with a crossbody that sends Downfall to the mat and rolling out to the floor under the bottom rope while Johnny continues to grab at his right elbow. Johnny rolls towards the ropes where he uses them to help him get to his feet while out on the floor Downfall is shown working his way to his feet. Johnny paces to the middle of the ring, barrelling across and then vaulting over with a Fosbury flop, clearing the top rope all the way to the outside, taking down the Purveyor of Anarchy to a huge ovation from the crowd!
Chris Avery: Did you see the height on that as Johnny vaulted over the ropes?!Billy: Anyone else with only one wing would have been like a flightless emu, surely!Johnny manages to take a mount position on Downfall before hammering away with LEFT hands to the face of Downfall! Johnny pushes himself up off the body of Downfall before picking him up and taking him towards the announcers table. Riding this surge of adrenaline despite the pain jagging into his elbow, Johnny picks Downfall up before dropping him ribs and face first across the announcers table! Johnny turns and stumbles towards the ring where he rolls in before rolling right back out breaking the referee’s count. Johnny picks Downfall up off the floor before driving him lower back first into the ring apron followed by a stiff left hand to the right ribs which nearly drops Downfall. Johnny rolls Downfall back into the ring before climbing up on the ring apron where he steps back through the ropes. Johnny reaches down picking Downfall up off the mat before hurling him into the corner. He takes Downfall back into a corner where he delivers shoulder blocks to ribs before delivering a shoot headbutt. Now it's Johnny who, fired up, yells in Downfall's face, telling him that his "TWO WOLVES AIN'T SHIT". Downfall sags down, dazed, in the corner. Johnny brings Downfall into the ropes where he shoots him across the ring with an irish whip, Downfall bounces off the ropes and into Johnny, coming from the opposite direction with a second Fetch the Guillotine with the other hand! Downfall hits the mat like a ton of bricks. Johnny takes a moment to draw in a few gasping lungfuls of air, looking around at the crowd, then he begins shaking with adrenaline. Johnny slithers over to the ring apron before using the ropes to pull himself to his feet. The crowd gets louder and louder as Johnny starts to scale the turnbuckles. Downfall, somehow, has made it over to the other corner, and slumped sideways, breathing heavily... and Johnny leaps off the turnbuckles, coming in with two boots that put Downfall's face mashed right into the turnbuckle pads as Johnny flies coast to coast with a dropkick!!
Chris Avery: I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!Billy: Despite the pain, despite the fact that his arm can be popped out at any second like a Mister Potato Head...Chris Avery: JOHNNY BACCHUS JUST WENT ACROSS THE RING WITH A GREAT LEAP FORWARD!!Downfall sags out of the corner, falling onto his side. Unfortunately, he rolls under the ropes, and Johnny banged his elbow on the way down, so Johnny is grimacing in pain... but Johnny's eyes open up wide. He dives over and pulls Downfall out for a cover...
The referee: One...
Two...
Three - Kickout
Suddenly the crowd starts breaking out into a "LET'S GO JOHNNY" chant!
Johnny looks flabbergasted, and he stares at Downfall, wondering how he can get himself out of this one, as well as begrudgingly, showing a mixture of hate, love, and respect for the dickheaded old punk vet. Still, the brash Insurgent rises to his feet, all pain melting away as he feeds off the crowd, as he stomps away at the right arm and shoulder of Downfall. Johnny reaches down picking Downfall up by the right arm. Johnny hammers down with a clubbing blow across the right shoulder of Downfall before backing Downfall up against the ropes, he looks to throw Downfall across the ring, Downfall counters and it's Johnny who's sent bouncing off the ropes and into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Downfall! Downfall opts not to make the cover as he stands to his feet, and he goes to the turnbuckles. Not to be outdone by Johnny's flashy move, Downfall then ascends the ropes, steadying himself, and then he flies off with a Macho Man elbow drop of such impressive distance and height that has the crowd wanting to snap into a Slim Jim, before connecting across the sternum of Johnny.
Chris Avery: What a BATTLE we've witnessed!Billy: Occasionally viscerally uncomfortable and more cringeworthy than a million TikToks, but... so damn hard fought!Chris Avery: They fought hard in the third round of the Wrestler of the Year! They fought even harder in the weeks leading up to Evolution! But tonight, Johnny and Downfall have spent every bit of their hardest, most ruthless hits against each other like waves pounding the surf!!Billy: That's the history! The passion! The will to win this thing and go on to the All-In Ladder Match!!Breathing heavily from the effort he's expended, Downfall shakes the cobwebs out and rolls back over for a cover.
The referee and the crowd: One...
Two...
Three... Kickout!
A HUGE pop explodes from the crowd as Downfall starts working his way back to his feet, staggering forward where he picks Bacchus up off the mat. Downfall swings with a right hand only to have it blocked by Johnny and countered with a falling armbreaker of his own. Bacchus quickly attempts to lock in his own Lebell lock. Not one to get got on his own moves, Downfall quickly scurries to the ropes before it can fully be locked in! The ref calls for the break. Johnny releases and reaches a vertical base, showing Downfall just how close he was to being possibly put away before flipping him off like Downfall did earlier in the contest! There's a split reaction from the crowd!
Chris Avery: This is going to break down, I can feel it!Johnny confers with the referee for a moment, but he spins around only to be met with a double leg take down by Downfall! Downfall mounts Johnny before viciously hammering way with right hands to Bacchus's face. The ref lays the count to both men out on the floor but it's as if Downfall see's red! He finally stops wearing out Johnny's face with his right hand before getting up off Bacchus, he picks Johnny up before tossing him back into the ring.
He gazes down at Johnny with a look of sheer evil. Johnny rolls over to his chest before pushing himself up on all fours. Downfall charges forward looking to punt Johnny in the skull! Johnny throws his head back at the last second causing Downfall to miss, Johnny reaches up and brings Downfall over with an school boy. The ref drops down to make the count allowing Johnny to hook the tights!
Chris Avery: Is Johnny - does Johnny have the tights of Downfall?!Billy: By any means necessary!!The referee and the crowd: ONE...
TWO...
THRE - Kickout!
Downfall still manages to escape before the ref's three count to a pop from the crowd! Johnny beats Downfall to his feet where he's able to deliver a knee to the midsection of Downfall which doubles him over. Bacchus attempts to lift the bigger man up, trying for a headlock driver. Sadly, when someone is taller than you, that move comes off awkward and weird, right Kane? So, Downfall manages to counter by taking the momentum all the way over with a sunset slip; Johnny rolls through, and he goes for a buzzsaw kick, which Downfall ducks his head underneath.
Both Johnny and Downfall reach a vertical base. Johnny swings with a clothesline, Downfall ducks which sends Johnny bouncing off the ropes and into a boot to the gut and an lifted double arm DDT by Downfall to a thunderous ovation from the crowd.
Chris Avery: SHITFIRE! HE CALLS THAT THE 11TH HOUR!!Billy: DOES THAT MEAN IT'S NEARLY OVER BECAUSE I HAVE TO PEE!Exhausted, Downfall sinks into the cover...
The referee and the crowd: ONE...
TWO...
THREE - KICKOUT!!
Downfall falls off Johnny, covering his face with his hands! He can't believe it?! Downfall pushes himself up, looking at the referee and asking him three? But no, silly Downfall, there's no such thing as three. Downfall looks at Johnny, pondering him like an orb as he sits there, on his knees, hands resting on his thighs and just staring at Johnny. The kid has so much moxie, but then Downfall's face turns cold and hard. He is doing this. He is giving it everything he has. From this position on his knees, Downfall cups the chin of Johnny, guiding him into sitting up... and then, Johnny is kneeling... sitting on his knees across from Downfall! The two stare across the proverbial No Man's Land trenches for the longest time... and then, Downfall gives Johnny a stinging slap.
Johnny responds with a slap of his own. Both men fight their way up to their feet, and the slaps turn into chops, and the chops turn into BLISTERING right hands! Johnny fires up, giving Downfall every bit of piss and vinegar in him to tattoo him with right hand after right hand, staggering Downfall back but then Downfall intercepts the arm, and throws Johnny to the mat, opening up that wound again! After a few moments to catch his second wind, Downfall starts pulling himself up to a vertical base. He reaches down picking Johnny up off the mat. Downfall drives Johnny back into a set of buckles before hoisting Johnny up and setting him on the top turnbuckle.
The crowd comes alive as Downfall steps up to the middle turnbuckle before locking in a front face lock. Downfall looks to deliver a Superplex only to have Johnny hammer away at the ribs of Downfall! Johnny breaks free before slamming Downfall head first into the top turnbuckle before leaping over Downfall while bringing him off the middle rope with a sunset flip powerbomb! The crowd is going crazy as Johnny slumps to the mat, and spasms a little bit, meanwhile Downfall has been spilled across the ring like he's been thrown from a car. At length, the lanky God of Game gets to his feet pulling himself in the corner.
He jogs his knee in anticipation as Downfall contorts on the mat. Johnny makes a rising moment as he's tuning up the band with his knee, and as Downfall starts pulling himself up, Johnny stalks him from behind, making grabby hands motions to feed Downfall in. Then as Downfall gets to a vertical base Johnny grips him with a headlock and drops forward spiking Downfall with a headlock driver! Johnny grimaces and holds the elbow because he just dropped his right arm down to the mat with Downfall, but refuses to let it slow him down for more than a second. He scrambles over, pulling Downfall in and hooking a leg.
Chris Avery: THE BOTTOM OF EVERYTHING!Billy: And it isn't because Johnny thinks it makes the rocking world go round, Downfall looks like he is in serious hurt!!The referee and the crowd: ONE...
TWO...
THR- Kickout!
Johnny cannot believe that Downfall got a shoulder up. He runs a hand through his sweaty hair in agitation, and holds three fingers up to the ref. The referee assures him that Downfall kicked out. Johnny grits his teeth and curses. Johnny starts working his way back up, and as soon as Downfall stumbles to his feet he eats a Trouble in Paradise!
Chris Avery: KING'S DEAD!!Billy: THAT'S GOING TO DO IT!Johnny crawls into the cover hooking the nearest leg!
The ref and the crowd: ONE...
TWO...
THRE- KICKOUT!!
The crowd explodes as Downfall throws a shoulder up off the mat!
Chris Avery: My God, Downfall kicked out!"THIS IS AWESOME, THIS IS AWESOME, THIS IS AWESOME" rings out throughout the building as Johnny has a complete and utter look of shock across his face as he cuts his eyes towards the ref. The ref shows him how close he was as Johnny starts working his way to a vertical base. Johnny staggers forward where he reaches down to pick Downfall up only to have Downfall counter with an inside cradle from out of nowhere!
The ref and the crowd: ONE...
TWO...
THREE - Kickout!!
Billy: If I was the other competitors in the All-In Ladder Match I would be SWEATING BULLETS RIGHT NOW!Chris Avery: I'm going to make a bold declaration here, but we are witnessing a world-shaking, back and forth battle... this kind of effort is legendary stuff.Billy: Whoever wins this, in my mind, is going to go on to WIN All-In. MARK MY WORDS!Downfall, breathing heavily, shakes his head as he rolls over... he pounds the mat, snarling... and something in his eyes seems to change. He's given it his strongest effort... but as he looks at Johnny... the bad feelings warring with the respect... that heated expression turns into something cold. And he visibly seems to SHED. He shakes his head, slithering under the bottom rope... and he throws the apron up, rooting around under it, before his fingers grasp something planted there and inspiration, along with almost a divine calling dawns on his face. It's almost like that moment in Sweeney Todd where Barker lifts his razor and says "At last! My arm is complete again!"
Chris Avery: Ohhhhhhhhh fuck.Downfall pulls a long, cold-rolled iron crowbar from under the ring, and he looks in at Johnny, who is picking himself up, with malice. Downfall sets the crowbar under the bottom rope, and climbs back in. The referee, attending to Johnny, and not seeing Downfall behind his back, turns to spot Downfall as Downfall has begun the work of taking off a turnbuckle pad, but Downfall hides the crowbar behind his feet. Johnny, however, sees Downfall running a distraction, and leaps in to the fray. Downfall pulls the referee in the way, and they both go down as Johnny splashes them... all three sprawl out, and Downfall's foot sends the crowbar sliding across the mat.
The referee is down, and both Johnny and Downfall are on their stomachs, looking across the mat... and the crowbar that Downfall introduced is equidistant feet away from both of them! The thought crosses both of their minds, that the first one to get to it will have the weapon in hand!
Billy: WHAT IS THIS?!Downfall grabs it and stands up as Bacchus kneels upwards and Downfall smashes it across the head of Bacchus!!
Billy: WHAT THE SHITFIRE?!Chris Avery: YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!?The crowd stands and just sort of boos..
Downfall wipes his lips and throws the crowbar out of the ring as the ref is turning over and Downfall drops to his knees and pins Bacchus hooking both legs.
The official counts..
Chris Avery: WHAT?!One!
Two!
Three!
DING DING DING
Billy: DOWNFALL JUST QUALIFIED FOR ALL-IN AND HE JUST SMASHED A CROWBAR OVER BACCHUS' HEAD!!Chris Avery: THAT CAN'T BE!? WHY WOULD DOWNFALL DO SUCH A THING?! THIS.. THIS IS INSANE!The crowd continues being shocked and booing as he stands up and the official comes over and Downfall tells him to raise his fucking hand and the official raises it..
Billy: WHAT THE HELL!?Downfall smiles as he takes his hand back from the official and he walks back to the ropes. The official kneels down next to Bacchus and is checking on him..
Chris Avery: We had such a great main event going and then the crowbar was introduced! I can't believe it!Billy: Downfall beats Bacchus here tonight, but it wasn't without the crowbar, I'll tell you that much!Downfall is on the ramp and the crowd all stands up as Dionysus is now at the bottom of the ramp asking Downfall what he was doing. Downfall just pants Dionysus on the shoulder and tells him "to come on" and Dionysus just stands there with his hands out.
Downfall is walking up the ramp as the crowd is still just in disbelief..
Billy: I don't.. There has to be an explanation!Chris Avery: I dont' get it either, it looks like Dionysus just doesn't get it!Dion is now walking up the ramp but he's still looking back at Bacchus and Dion follows his Vanguard mate behind the curtain..
Chris Avery: Downfall is in All-In, that's whats important here. We'll be right back on Clash..Billy: When we come back the World Champion Gerard Angelo and #1 contender Lissie Hope go face to face! Final commercial break, don't go anywhere!We fade to a commercial as we see Ash Blake stepping into the ring and Bacchus still covering his head and the official talking to him.