FTR - Quest for Answers

[Vanimal]

- Elevation (24) -
Maffei II, The Launching Pad

Press Conference highlights on the Holo-Tron
The same GWN highlights are shown to start Elevation but are interrupted by Disciple of Terror who is marching to the ring.

Disciple - The Future of Wrestling isn't Here; The Future of Wrestling is Me! I know five new hires are ready to make their debut and there are a dozen more in catering itching for a chance! Well come make yourself famous!

OPEN CHALLENGE
DISCIPLE OF TERROR vs. ODR
Disciple wins with DREADNAUGHT! (2.75)

Odr gets a decent pop and puts up a respectable fight but is no match for a rejuvenated Disciple of Terror.


Commissioner's Office
Astarte questions Rocket about the signing of Swerve, where he is and his timetable for return. Sonny says there's room for greatness on the Rocket Men.
"I'm not rushing Swerve back; I want him at 100%. Relax, Astarte. You are the FTR champion!"
Astarte let's it go and asks about Pardon's challenge. Rocket tells Astarte to trust him. "I have a plan!"


MOONLIGHT vs. CHAMELEON
Moonlight wins with Mongol Horde! (2.5)

A beautiful blonde makes her way down the aisle distracting everyone, Moonlight in particular! This led to Moonlight getting frustrated after the match and throwing a fireball in Chameleon's face (The Fireball Incident)

Note- Moonlight's updated card used from now on.


Highlights of Workrate and Blur from various independent feds across the galaxy are shown on the Holo-Tron.


BLUR vs. WORKRATE
Workrate wins with a SIX STAR SPLASH! (4.25)

An incredible introduction to the FTR for both men! Workrate and Blur tear down the Launching Pad while the fans chant "this is awesome". After the match, Workrate waits for the instant match rating from Deimos Wrestling Torch analyst Dem tar Velez. When the 4.25 flashes on the Holo-Tron, Workrate pumps his fist in the air like a diver receiving high scores at the Olympics.


Camera men take notice of several fans in the Launching Pad cosplaying as The Man Under the Hood, each getting a pop when they appear on the Holo-Tron.



STALLION & EUGENICS PROJECT vs. URANUS & ARCTIC EMPIRE
Stallion gets King Tux to tap to Planet Shaker! (2)

Fans were shocked to see Uranus teaming with Arctic Empire. The youngest son of Janus takes a hell of a beating (4 tokens) but never gives up, eventually making a hot tag to Tux. Unfortunately, Stallion overpowers the penguin to get the submission win.

Rocket's Response
Commissioner Rocket says Astarte will put his title on the line, as will Pardon & Moonlight! Title vs. Titles at our next special!

[Vanimal]

- Elevation (25) -
Maffei II, The Launching Pad

Elevation starts with a good old fashion contract signing! Commissioner Rocket, FTR Champion Astarte and a dozen security stand in the ring as FTR tag champions Pardon & Moonlight are introduced. Sonny Rocket explains that in order for Pardon to win the FTR title he MUST PIN ASTARTE while the Rocket Men can pin either of the tag champions to win the titles. Moonlight starts to object but Pardon put his hand up to stop her, never taking his eyes off Astarte, says "Deal." and signs!

ARCTIC EMPIRE vs. EUGENICS PROJECT
Eugenics Project win after Eugenics Projectile on King Tux! (3.75)

A low-key great match that had it all - comedy, high spots, brawls and of course outside interference. Arctic Empire combine for Glacier Slide on Mass when Crust tries to make the save. With Cephalopodis and the ref distracted, Stallion enters and connects with LUCKY HORSESHOE on Tux! Eugenics get their first win!

Backstage
Witch walks down a backstage hallway with wrestlers on both sides, every single one enchanted as she passes. When she reaches the end, she turns back looks them over and asks, "who's first?"


WITCH vs. MAYHAM
Witch wins with DIVINE WIND!

Witch lays out an open challenge to anyone in the back. In what must be a first, Mayham wins a foot race with several other wrestlers trying to get to the ring.


From the Commissioner's Office
Rocket explains in detail the story of the Black Hole title and that next show we will have a reverse battle royale into a backward tournament to crown the first unlucky winner. "Wrestlers will have to drag themselves back into the ring until they are able to throw a competitor over the top rope. The final three will compete in a reverse tournament where the loser moves on. It WILL NOT be a Tirion Triple Threat match, but a 4 person Mini-Tournament. Why will only 3 move on then? Well, that's a surprise for Black Hole, Son!"


SPLASH vs. URANUS
Splash wins with FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN (2)

After the match Splash continues his assault on the smallest Son of Janus. To everyone's surprise Stallion marches out and it looks like he's actually going to help his partner Uranus. Stallion climbs in the ring and Splash backs off throwing his hands up. The fix is in, when Uranus tries to get to his feet Stallion nearly takes his head off with LUCKY HORSESHOE! Splash and Stallion double team Uranus until King Tux and Cephalopodis make the save. Uranus has enough and challenges Stallion next Elevation!


Quest bangs on Rocket's door demanding to know where Swerve is.
"I've tried to get a hold of him by comm, no dice. I talked to medical staff at the PC he hasn't checked in. I been by his apartment, no answer. Where's Swerve?" Rocket says he honestly doesn't know.
"If you find him, Quest, please let me know."


VACANT vs. CAPT CROSSBONES
Crossbones wins with Black Sails! (2.25)

After the match the lights slowly dim off and on. Gradually they speed up to create a strobe like effect in the Launching Pad and confused fans heading for the exit.  

[Vanimal]

Maffei II, The Launching Pad

*BLACK HOLE BATTLE ROYALE*

A WRESTLER IS CLEAR AFTER HE THROWS ANOTHER WRESTLER OUT OF THE RING

IF A WRESTLER IS THROWN OUT OF THE RING THEY MUST GET BACK INTO THE RING AND COMPETE UNTIL THEY THROW SOMEONE ELSE OUT

THE FINAL THREE COMPETITORS WILL MOVE ON TO THE REVERSE TOURNAMENT

COMPETITORS

SONNY ROCKET * ELECTRIC AXE * T.A. * URANUS

STALLION * SPLASH * CRUST * MASS

PARDON * MOONLIGHT * WITCH * CAPT. CROSSBONES

WORKRATE * BLUR * KING TUX * CEPHALOPODIS

CHAMELEON * VACANT * QUEST * DISCIPLE OF TERROR

MAYHAM

*ELIMINATIONS*


1) Vacant is out first after tossing Mayham over the top and to the floor

2) Mayham crawls back in the ring only to be clotheslined back over the top by Witch!

3) Quest takes some joy in throwing Sonny Rocket to the floor

4) Mad Maxus double team Pardon out of the gate. Moonlight helps even it up but T.A dumps Pardon over to get himself out.

5) Pardon and Rocket climb back in at the same time. Both have the same idea as they catch the others eye. Unfortunately for Sonny, Pardon was quicker, and Rocket goes for another ride.

6) Stallion continues to get the best in his feud with King Tux tossing out the penguin.

7) Splash chucks Uranus

8) Mayham throws fellow Ani-Man King Tux out

9) Sonny Rocket goes for low hanging fruit throwing out Uranus

10) Capt. Crossbones throws out Disciple of Terror! As he walks to the back, Crossbones steps over Terror like Tyrone Lue!

11) Enraged, Disciple of Terror rushes back in the ring, picks up Axe and power slams him out the opposite side! Terror rushes out of the ring, catches up with Crossbones and starts throwing fists in the aisle! Security try and fail to break it up as the two FTR stars battle in the Launching Pad.

12) Blur tosses out rival Workrate.

13) FTR Tag champ Moonlight spends more time than she probably would have liked in the Battle Royale, but finally gets out after ejecting Chameleon.

14) Cephalopodis with a huge elimination! He choke slams Crust into the arms of Mass then grabs the big mans legs and flips him over the top rope!

15) Workrate is done after tossing Chamelelon.

16) Mass walks away after throwing out former teammate Uranus.

17) Electric Axe picks up an exhausted Chameleon to throw her out again.

18) King Tux insures he will miss the tournament by throwing out Crust.

19) Crust somehow lifts Uranus out.

20) Chameleon sends Uranus up and over for the 5th time tonight

WINNER (Loser?) - Uranus

Sonny Rocket walks back out with his mic. "The reason we finished the Black Hole Battle Royale was to get proper seeding. Crust and Chameleon will square off next. Uranus, your match starts now, and I pulled some strings to bring him in..."

*TOURNAMENT*
SEMI-FINAL

URANUS vs. TOTALIS THE TOURNAMENT MASTER
Totalis wins with Title Quest!

Everyone is shocked when Totalis walks through the curtain. He makes short work of Uranus, signaling to the crowd he's about to add more hardware to his collection making the belt motion around his waist. Rocket walks out and explains the nature of the tournament. Totalis leaves, a little miffed he wasted his time.

CRUST vs. CHAMELEON
Crust wins with Cannonball Run! (2)

The Finals are set! Chameleon vs. Uranus!

TITLES vs. TITLE
PARDON & MOONLIGHT vs. ASTARTE & SONNY ROCKET
Pardon and Moonlight retain when Pardon defeats Sonny with Brymstone Bludgeons! (2)

As per the rules - Pardon had to pin Astarte to win the FTR title. Rocket wrestled the whole match, mostly against Moonlight, who dominated with HEAD ON A SPIKE (2X) and ABSOLUTE PARDON (of which Astarte was responsible for saving 2 pins for). Pardon tags in and uses Brymstone Bludgeons (repeated elbows to the chest in a seated in this case) all while staring a hole through Astarte who doesn't move from his corner.

BLACK HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
URANUS vs. CHAMELEON
Chameleon wins with the Lizard Clutch! (2.5)

Uranus has the upper hand and on his way to victory after SON OF JANUS has Chameleon fading. Suddenly and violently, he's yanked out of the ring by Stallion who throws him into the ring post. Stallion follows it up with a LUCKY HORSESHOE into the steps! Stallion rolls Uranus back into the ring where he would lose to Chameleon. A beaten up Sonny Rocket almost looks remorseful to crown Uranus thee first Black Hole Champion.

[Swarm]

Another L for Uranus. But he’s a champion! Silver linings I guess. 😝

[Vanimal]

Jun 12, 2024 6:38:06 GMT -5 Swarm said:

Another L for Uranus. But he’s a champion! Silver linings I guess. 😝

I'm sure he called Janus to let him know he won some gold and left out the part about what title it is. The next few shows were really fun to play, I'll be posting more soon, thanks for following along!

[Vanimal]

- Elevation (27) -
Maffei II, The Launching Pad



Between Black Hole, Son! and Elevation, Sonny Rocket made a rare appearance on FTRewind to announce the match between Uranus and Stallion will be for the Black Hole Title! "Stallion's interference could backfire, he may find himself Black Hole champion!"


SPLASH vs. BLUR
Blur wins with a crossbody from the top rope! (2)

Blur is off to a great start in FTR winning his first two matches with the fans getting more and more behind the big guy.


Backstage
King Tux finds Uranus in his locker room pacing back and forth, Black Hole Title sitting on a table behind him. King Tux wishes Uranus good luck telling him to sed Stallion to the glue factory.


QUEST vs. ELECTRIC AXE
Quest squashes Axe winning with a diving shoulder block!

Quest beats Axe mercilessly all the while screaming at him what he knows of the disappearance of Blue Chip and Rocket's involvement. Axe repeatedly says he knows nothing, and Quest finally relents.


Security rush to the back to break up a fight going on between Capt. Crossbones and Disciple of Terror! It takes over twenty guards to keep them separated.


EUGENICS PROJECT vs. ARCTIC EMPIRE
Arctic Empire win with an Animan Ax Handle!

King Tux steps up to Mass! Mass hits two devastating moves then foolishly goes to gnaw on Tux's beak! This enrages the penguin who flies out of the corner with an Animan Ax Handle to the Giant's "Little Projects" dropping him immediately!


Astarte is seen walking backstage into the Commissioner's office. Forge follows him, creeping around corners and mirrors the champion until he disappears into the room.


BLACK HOLE TITLE
URANUS vs. STALLION
Stallion wins with LUCKY HORSESHOE! (2)

Uranus shows signs of life after interference from King Tux but it's not enough. Uranus is overmatched and gets turned inside out with LUCKY HORSESHOE.



Pardon comes to the ring through the crowd making his usual entrance with The Cult. He calls out Astarte for not having the balls to face him which brings out the FTR champion from the back who takes his time getting into the ring. Pardon lays into Astarte getting under his skin!

"It eats you up inside to see this crowd give me this reaction! You would kill for them to cheer you the way they cheer me, but let's face it - they would rather cheer for someone who is willing to fight and but their life on the line than some scared little bitch like you! Run while you can because I hold two victories over you, it's only a matter of time before that belt is back with me."

Trying to keep his composure, Astarte grits his teeth before finally speaking.

"That's all well and good but you should really focus on the belt you have before worrying about taking my belt."

With this Pardon goes down from a guitar shot by a bandaged Axe! Mad Maxus sneak attack Pardon who tries to fight back but is overpowered by the former Tag champs. Astarte watches for a moment before exiting the ring as fans boo him on his way to the back.
double teaming him.

[Vanimal]

- Elevation (28) -
Maffei II, The Launching Pad


Outside the Launching Pad...
Security stop an angry Pardon and Moonlight from entering the arena.
"By order of the Commissioner, you are forbidden from entering The Launching Pad this evening. Mr. Rocket doesn't want any of your hot-head antics taking away from Elevation!"
Pardon paces back and forth saying he's not going anywhere until he gets what he wants!


STALLION & EUGENICS PROJECT vs. URANUS & ARCTIC EMPIRE
The unlikely team of Uranus and Arctic Empire win! (3.25)

Splash's interference backfires allowing King Tux to get the pin on Stallion after Glacier Slide.


The Cult get word that Pardon is out in the Launching Pad parking lot and start to head there from all around, including leaving inside the arena! Pardon sits on the hood of a revamped Maffei Land Cruiser (modelled after muscle cars of the late 20th century on Earth) as a spontaneous party erupts all around him.


WORKRATE vs. VACANT
Workrate wins via disqualification

Frustrated he wasn't getting any type of match out of his opponent, Workrate decides to take the action to the outside. This woke something in Vacant who unleashes hell on Workrate using several empty chairs (vacated by fans headed to the parking lot) until the ref calls for the bell.
The carnage would have continued if not for the lights dimming on and off until they strobe again.


Backstage
Cameras again follow FTR champion down the back halls to inform Sonny Rocket of what's going on in the parking lot. Cameras again catch Forge following the title he created.


QUEST vs. T.A
Quest wins with DNA Sample! (2.75)

Complete chaos in and around the ring during this one. Axe gets sent to the back after interfering. A member of The Cult grabs T.A's Speaker Shoulder Pads from the Timekeeper's table and runs out of the Launching Pad with security in tow. Quest interrogated T.A the same way he did his Maxus brethren, only getting a "Not Awesome" response.


Outside
The fan who stole T.A's Speaker Shoulder Pads delivers them to the tailgate where they are set up for loud abrasive music to be played. Pardon even orchestrates a Wall of Death in the parking lot as Moonlight cheers on.

Inside
Stallion is having a fit losing another match to King Tux.
"This must end! Find a partner! It doesn't matter who! The Stable vs. Uranus and Arctic Empire in an Ultimate Escape Match!


CAPT. CROSSBONES & WITCH vs. SPACE POWERS
Witch pins Murtak after an Electric Chair Driver! (2.5)

Disciple of Terror and Crossbones once again end up brawling their way to the back after Terror breaks up a pin attempt. Witch had no trouble ending Murtak at that point.


Parking Lot
Astarte makes Axe and a beaten T.A flank him to the parking lot to confront the tag champs. Almost immediately a fight breaks out between the five with the fans creating a barrier around them. With help from The Cult (a push here, trip there) the tag team champions win the fight leaving The Rocket Men laid out in the parking lot! Pardon and Moonlight celebrate on the holds of Maffei Land Cruisers holding their tag titles high while Pardon also raises the FTR title again.

[Vanimal]

- Elevation (29) -
Maffei II, The Launching Pad


Disciple of Terror marches to the ring with Murtak waving the Dreeze flag behind him. He grabs a mic and challenges Capt. Crossbones to face him at Burning Down the House! "Tag matches are cute, but you can't beat me one on one, you know it and I know it." Terror drops the mic and heads to the back, but Murtak isn't done, grabbing the mic and challenging Witch tonight!


MAD MAXUS vs. ANI-REBELS
The former tag champions get a victory with MAXUS ATTACKS US! (1.75)

After the match Rocket puts on his "Commissioner's hat" and announces next Elevation Mad Maxus will get their rematch for the FTR tag titles!


MURTAK vs. WITCH
Witch wins with DIVINE WINDS!

It only takes three moves for Witch to embarrass Murtak.

Backstage
Astarte and Rocket set a trap for Forge catching him in the act. Sonny tells him to knock it off before he gets a restraining order. Security start to escort Forge out of the Launching Pad as he screams he wants his title and will fight for it if he has to.

SONNY ROCKET vs. BLUR
Blur wins with a Blurring Lariat! (3)

Quest comes out to get a closer look and take notes which distracts Rocket costing him the match and getting Blur another win.


In a backstage interview, Workrate challenges Vacant to a rematch at Burning Down the House. "I can get 3 stars out of a broom, I'm sure I can do the same with you!"
Meanwhile Rocket runs by interrupting the segment and catching up with security who are having a hell of a time removing Forge from the building.
"Hold on, hold on! You know what? You want to fight for it, Forge? You're hired! You start next Elevation against Quest in a Hardcore Titan Death Match!"


BLACK HOLE TITLE
URANUS vs. SPLASH

Splash wins with FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN! (1.5)

The Stable come out to mock Uranus (at the urging of Stallion) pushing him down with their feet any time he tries to stand up. Arctic Empire come out to make them retreat and hurl threats. Uranus gets to his feet and in anger accepts Stallion's challenge of the Ultimate Escape Match!

[Vanimal]

- Elevation (30) -
Maffei II, The Launching Pad


Locker Room
The three unlikely teammates go back and forth about who they could get to be their fourth.

King Tux - I reached out to Faller but he has a charity event the same night.

Uranus - All my partners are on the other team.

Cephalodis shrugged his tentacles that he had no answers either. The brainstorming session was interrupted by Arctic Empires music and the ring announcer.


KING TUX vs. SPLASH
Tux wins with an Animan Axhandle! (1.5)

Outside interference did nothing for Splash as King Tux dominates this match.


Backstage
Uranus approaches Blur to ask him to be the fourth man but ends up getting queasy looking at him, unable to ask the question and running to puke in a nearby trashcan.


WORKRATE vs. MAYHAM
Mayham gets a shocking win with a Piggy Plex! (4)

Workrate gets the best match out of Mayham to date! Workrate never seemed in danger of losing until the match went outside the ring. Out of nowhere, Vacant appears and cracks Workrate in the back of the head with a skull!


Backstage
Murtak marches up to Cephalopodis who's snacking on a fish. The man from Dreeze offers his services for the Ultimate Escape Match! Cephalopodis shakes his head no and waves the fish in Murtak's face.
"It stinks!" yells Murtak.
Cephalopdis points to the fish then to Murtak.
"I stink?" questioned Murtak.
Cephalopodis nods excitedly before walking off.


HARDCORE TITAN DEATH MATCH
QUEST vs. FORGE
Quest wins with DNA SAMPLE off the ringside steps! (3)

The match went all over the Launching Pad and into the employee parking lot where Quest rams Forge's head into Rocket's LS Space Runner denting it several times.


Backstage
Arctic Empire and Uranus look dejected having met several dead ends.

King Tux - Worse comes to worse, we do it handicapped.


FTR TAG TITLES
PARDON & MOONLIGHT vs. MAD MAXUS
Pardon and Moonlight retain the tag titles after Pardon drops Axe with a CENTAURUS CRUCIFIX (3)

As Pardon hits the Crucifix, Witch makes her way to ringside distracting/enchanting Moonlight. While the tag champs get the win Pardon is left open to a post-match beat down from T.A and eventually joined by Axe. Astarte makes his way out and Mad Maxus back off, the champion appearing to take the high road. That illusion is shattered when he whips Pardon into the ropes for a Rocket Booster.
The Rocket Men put the boots to Pardon before finally relenting. Pardon is slow to get up, but he comes up laughing.
Pardon yells to Astarte to up the ante - "No goons, no distractions, me and you, let's make it a Brymstone Burning Match!"

[on_the_edge]

I love the Black Hole Battle Royal concept. I might have to use it next time the title goes vacant. Great stuff going on here.