OMEGA 2119 (POW/MMA fed)

[antimony]

He's definitely a cunning son of a gun.

And speaking of Niles...

[antimony]

Weigh-In and Press Conference
01.27.2119 from Titan Memorial Athletic Complex


- Opening Notes -
The knockout that you see
Is ultimate reality
Because one man is left standing
One succumbs to gravity

And it goes boom!
You're gonna get hit
Boom!
You're gonna get knocked out...

A classic twenty-first century fighting anthem, "The Ultimate" erupted from the sound system at the MAC. The volume had been cranked to maximum so that the music could be heard in the parking lot, where a collection o f folding chairs had been assembled around an archaic scale based on sliding counterweights, operated manually by one of OMEGA's staff physicians. ("We wanted to recreate the 'big fight' atmosphere of the glory days," explained President Kavanagh.) After each fighter scheduled for competition on the next day's fight card had weighed in, he would be given a few minutes to address the press corps (who gathered in the folding chairs).

President Kavanagh spoke a few words of welcome to the gathered reporters, then gave them a smile. "But I know who you're here to see, and it's not a half-rate green belt like me. Let's bring out the fighters." He waved in response to their polite applause and disappeared into the arena.


- Weigh-In: The Punks -
Taurine and Romulus were up first on the schedule, and walked out of the arena in their PUNKS wrestling attire. Romulus slipped off his ring jacket, tossed it to his partner, and stepped onto the scale. After a moment of clinking weights, the doctor spoke up: "One hundred eighty-two pounds." His assistant scribbled the number into the appropriate box on her clipboard, then handed the form to Romulus, who signed next to his weight.

He stepped off the scale and reclaimed his jacket, taking his partner's as well. Taurine weighed in at an even 205 pounds, then the Punks addressed the media.

Reporter: "If you two win your matches tomorrow night, you'll have to face each other for the Cruiserweight Title. Will that be a problem?

Taurine: "Haven't you followed our careers? We've been partners, and we've been opponents. We've partied together, we've fought together. Rom's like my brother, but that won't keep me from kicking his ass!"

Romulus: "Hey!"

Reporter: "Everyone has Raze outclassing you in every category--stand-up, ground game, in the clinch. How do you hope to overcome his superior ability?

Taurine: "Gimme a break. Numbers on paper don't mean squat in the ring. He might look good on paper--I hope he looks just as good on the mat."

Reporter: "Romulus, the oddsmakers shocked a lot of people by making you a three-to-one favorite against Quetzal. Do you think you can live up to the hype?"

Romulus: "Well--"

Taurine: "Hey, my boy Rom doesn't need you to tell him he's gonna beat that masked freak. Hey, Quetzal, the twenty-first century called. It wants its Masked Assassin gimmick back! Rom's gonna twist Quetzal into Pretzel, and then it's him and me for the gold. Bet on that!"

Romulus: "Right!"


- Weigh-In: Thad Killian -
Thad Killian was the next man up. The reporters murmured amongs themselves as the doctor adjusted the weights: Two twenty-six... Twenty-five... Twenty-four... He finally announced Killian's weight at 223 pounds, and "T.K." signed the verification form before turning his attenton to the press corps.

Reporter: "Thad, it looks like you just barely made weight to compete as a Heavyweight. Is that going to hurt you against Shylock?"

T.K.: "Weight isn't important. Only the truth is important."

Reporter: "You're a nine-to-one underdog against Shylock. Are you concerned at all about--"

T.K.: "Shylock isn't important. Only love is important."

Reporter: "I thought you said only the truth was important."

T.K.: "Love is the greatest truth. Truth is the greatest love."

Reporter: "Uhh... Okay."

T.K.: "Blessings be upon you."


- Weigh-In: Gunnar -
The media didn't know what to make of T.K., and were relieved when Gunnar arrived for his weigh-in. The doctor announced him at 229 pounds, and Gunnar let out a whoop of excitement.

Reporter: "You seemed pleased at the weigh-in. Were you having trouble making weight?"

Gunnar: "No, man, I'm just PSYCHED to be here. I'm tired of the politics and the old boys and the bullcrap holding me back in wrestling. We've been guaranteed that we'll be making our own fortunes in OMEGA, and there ain't no one gonna stop me!"

Reporter: "What about Pendekar? The oddsmakers say he's a five-to-two favorite over you, especially if he gets you locked up or on the ground."

Gunnar: "See? That's the exact kind of crap I'm talking about. You just assume I'm gonna dance up and let him wrap me in one of those Caramello things?"

Reporter: "Actually, it's a Kimura--"

Gunnar: "It don't matter, man! He has to get close to me if he wants to grab me, and soon as he steps up, I'll knock his ass out!"

Gunnar took a few swings at the air, demonstrating his striking form, before taking his leave of the proceedings.


- Weigh-In: Quetzal -
Pendekar came out with Quetzal unexpectedly, and they weighed in at 240 and 211 pounds, respectively. They allowed the press to snap a few pictures, but did not acknowledge their questions. After a moment, Pendekar bowed to the reporters, then walked away, with Quetzal following in his wake.


- Weigh-In: Shylock -
Shylock's arrival was met with a polite round of applause, and he broke into a huge grin as he mounted the scale. He weighed in at 246 pounds, signed the form, and entertained the press corps with a brief display of shadow boxing.

Reporter: "How does it feel, being the favorite to win the Heavyweight Title?"

Shylock: "It's not really a surprise, is it? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's great to be recognized for my ability. But seriously--who's going to beat me? Killian? Gunnar? I'm twice the fighter they are--put together."

Reporter: "What about Pendekar? The oddsmakers say you'll be squaring off against him for the Heavyweight Title in the next few months."

Shylock: "Pendekar? That walking wall of silence couldn't beat me if I handed him a hammer and turned my back. If he wants to stand up, I'll knock him down. If he wants to grapple, I'll stretch him like taffy. I'm not trying to brag, here, but you have to face the truth. I'll break Pendekar in half."

Reporter: "Sure. And as soon as you get over that lack of confidence, there'll be no stopping you."

Shylock glared at the mouthy reporter and abruptly walked away, ending his public appearance early.


- Weigh-In: Raze -
The reporters weren't even sure Raze was going to show up, as his scheduled weigh-in came and went with no sign of the fighter. Just as the doctor was about to scratch his name off the form and call in a substitute, a voice rang out. "No! Wait! I'm here! Hang on!"

The reporters turned to see Raze stepping out of a hired hovercar, passing the driver a crumpled wad of cash before sprinting up to the scale. He weighed in at a trim 217 pounds; with a little work and the proper training, he could well leave the Cruiserweight Division behind and compete as a Heavyweight. He eyed the reporters suspiciously and seemed eager to bolt without answering any questions, but one of them shouted out.

Reporter: "Raze, where were you?"

Raze: "Where was I when?"

Reporter: "Just now."

Raze: "I was here."

Reporter: "No, before that--you got here late."

Raze: "Why? What did you hear?"

Reporter: "What?"

Raze: "Where did you hear I was?"

Reporter: "I didn't--"

Raze: "Don't give me that! If you've got something to say, say it!"

Reporter: "I don't-"

Raze: "You think I was somewhere I shouldn't have been, is that it?"

Reporter: "No! I was ju--"

Raze: "Shut up! Shut your stupid face! You don't know where I was! You don't know the first [censored] thing about me! You have no right!"

Reporter: "Look, I--"

Raze: "I told you to shut up!"

Raze lunged at the reporter, who quickly fell back into the circle of his colleagues. The doctor and his assistant moved to restrain Raze, who yanked his arms free of their grip and stormed into the arena.


- Weigh-In: Paralyze -
Of course, what everyone was really waiting for was the arrival of Paralyze. The huge Aethran emerged from the arena and strode towards the press area--if anything, he looked even bigger than when he had competed in the GWF, and he weighed in at an incredible 349½ pounds. He folded his arms across his chest and turned to face the media, smugness etched on his face.

Reporter: "Is it true that you volunteered to fight for free?"

Paralyze: "Money. Is that all you people think about? Pathetic."

Reporter: "Well, it's an unprecedented move, if it's true."

Paralyze: "Unprecedented for you. You wouldn't understand."

Reporter: "Then enlighten us."

Paralyze: "Don't get smart with me. I've taken craps bigger than you, and if you think I have a single problem with knocking your weak ass out, you're fooling yourself."

Reporter: "Alright, alright. Do you even know who you're fighting yet?"

Paralyze: "I don't care. I don't care at all. Whoever it is, he's a dead man. He can tap out, or he can black out. I don't care."

Reporter: "You're not eligible to compete for the Heavyweight Title."

Paralyze: "So?"

Reporter: "So, if you're not here for money, and you're not here for titles, why ARE you here?"

Paralyze: "I'm here to remind you all that Aethra is supreme. That you live and breathe because we allow it. That there is no one, anywhere, anytime, who can--"

Without warning, the sound system within the arena began pounding out the driving bass and shrieking instrumentals of "Natural Born Killaz," the music used by the Kilrathi Hunting Party in the old, old days of the GWF. Paralyze's eyes widened in rage, and he spun towards the private entrance...

Just as former GWF superstar Puma burst forth! He hadn't been seen since the dawn of the 22nd century, but a nineteen-year layoff would be nothing for the long-lived Kilrathi. He took one look at Paralyze, howled in rage and hatred, and charged. Paralyze was so stunned that he actually backed up a step, then his own face twisted into a mask of fury and he met Puma half way. The two powerhouses crashed into one another and tumbled to the ground, trading fierce punches. Puma gained a momentary advantage by jabbing his clawed thumb into Paralyze's throat, but the big Aethran instinctively drove his head upward, flattening the Kilrathi's nose.

A small army of officials in OMEGA jackets came rushing out of the arena, risking life and limb to separate the tangled mass of Aethran and Kilrathi. At least three of them took a fierce blow to the face, and one of them was knocked out cold by a stray elbow from Puma.

It took six men to restrain Paralyze and five to hold Puma back; even so, they shouted threats at one another, and Paralyze spat in Puma's direction, though his expectoration fell short of its mark. As the fighters were hauled into the arena--by separate entrances--OMEGA President Niles Kavanagh strolled out, a pleased smile on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you've just witnessed Round One. Round Two comes tomorrow night.

"Welcome to OMEGA!"


- FINAL CARD -
* Cruiserweight Qualifying Matches *

Raze vs. Taurine (4:1 underdog)
Romulus vs. Quetzal (3:1 underdog)


* Heavyweight Qualifying Matches *

Shylock vs. Thad "T.K." Killian (9:1 underdog)
Pendekar vs. Gunnar (2:1 underdog)


* Main Event Grudge Match *

Paralyze vs. Puma "the Alpha Male" (even money)

[antimony]

Card #1: Rooftops
01.28.2119 from Titan Memorial Athletic Complex


- Opening Ceremony -
Standing on the rooftops, everybody scream your heart out...

"Rooftops" by Lostprophets erupted from the speakers as the show went live. The cameras panned the front rows of the MAC, showing rabid fans eager for a night of hard-hitting entertainment, but the looks on their faces suggested thet were interested in the promise of spectacle, as well.

Prior to the start of the action, the fans took to their feet for a moment of respectful silence for the lives lost in the Skaarj War and in the horrible accident that ruined Earth. When that moment had passed, a bell rang out to signify that the show was underway, and piercing, eerie music more suited to a horror movie than a fight card brought the first competitor to the ring...


Raze vs. Taurine
Taurine defeated Raze with a TKO at 0:28
Match Rating: 0.00
Match Notes: Raze was clearly distracted as he made his way out, glancing around at the ringside fans, as if expecting one of them to attack. His preoccupation did not abate as the Punks' hip-hop theme music heralded the arrival of his opponent, nor when the referee called for the opening bell. Taurine waited until Raze was fully occupied with the crowd, then rushed in with a right hand that set up a stiff left. Blood began welling from Raze's temple at an alarming rate, and the referee stepped between the two fighters. It only took a few seconds for him to determine the severity of the cut and call for the bell.


- In the Ring -
After the referee had called for the bell, Raze lost control completely. Taurine shrewdly vacated the ring and fled to the back, leaving the hapless referee (who was trying to tend to the cut) to suffer Raze's wrath. The unstable fighter grabbed the official by the collar and began screaming threats at him, while the poor referee shook his head frantically.

Just as Raze's fist cocked back, the official slipped out of his shirt and rolled out of the ring. He thought he was safe...but turned around to see that Raze had followed him. The referee bolted up the aisle, with Raze chasing him all the way to the locker room.


Pendekar vs. Gunnar
Pendekar defeated Gunnar with a reverse crucifix submission at 17:40
Match Notes: Pendekar opened things up with a couple of kicks, then began throwing punches, which Gunnar returned in kind, including one that opened up a cut on Pendekar's cheek. The submission specialist waited for an opening, then swept in to take Gunnar to the mat. He tried to roll through and apply a calf slicer, but Gunnar slipped loose and made it to his feet. They tied up, and Pendekar scored another takedown, quickly getting inside Gunnar's guard. Gunnar squirmed to the ropes and used them to leverage his way free, then hauled himself up and backed off.

Pendekar followed and maneuvered into position, then flipped Gunnar with an o soto makikomi that bounced his head off the mat. Pendekar attempted to follow up with a juji getame, but Gunnar squirmed away, stumbled to his feet, and backpedaled. Gunnar was clearly in escape mode now, trying nothing more than to keep Pendekar from outmaneuvering him again. They sped through a series of reversals and finally wound up locked in a clinch that careened into the ropes, forcing the`referee to call for the break.

Pendekar quickly scored another takedown. Gunnar attempted to take control from the ground, but Pendekar was able to fight him off and gain a side mount, then trap both of Gunnar's arms and stretch him into a reverse crucifix, forcing an immediate submission.

Quetzal vs. Romulus
Quetzal defeated Romulus with a TKO at 4:33
Match Notes: A high kick from Romulus as soon as the bell sounded sent Quetzal to the mat. Romulus took advantage and attempted to secure an arm bar, but Quetzal was able to roll through the move. Romulus was forced to the mat, and Quetzal came up on his knees, dropping fists onto Romulus' head. Romulus was able to catch Quetzal's hands, tie him up, then reverse his positioning to get the masked man in a key lock. Quetzal struggled for a moment and seemed on the verge of tapping, but managed to clear the cobwebs and slip free, regaining his feet.

They locked up, and Quetzal was able to take Romulus down with an outside leg trip. He pounced immediately, and began laying into Romulus with some savage punches. Romulus tried to block as many as he could, but eventually his hands dropped and he was unable to defend himself. The referee pulled Quetzal off of his opponent and raised his hand.

Shylock vs. Thad “T.K.” Killian
Shylock defeated Thad “T.K.” Killian with a TKO at 1:37
Match Rating: 0.00
Match Notes: After the referee called for the bell to begin the match, Shylock put one hand, then the other behind his back, offering Killian the first blow. He took the offer, landing a pair of kicks, then a left hand. He tried to follow up with a wild right, but Shylock ducked and landed a solid blow to Killian's jaw. Killian dropped like dead weight and Shylock followed, still swinging, but the referee waved for the bell and stepped between the fighters.


- In the Ring -
After the fight, Roe Jogan caught up with the losing fighter.

Jogan: "T.K.! Thad! He rocked you with that right hand! You were rocked! What's your next move here in OMEGA?"

Killan: "Life is a cookie."

With that, Killian stumbled out of the Hexagon and made his way to the back.


Paralyze vs. Puma “the Alpha Male”
Puma “the Alpha Male” defeated Paralyze with a neck crank submission at 5:06
Match Notes: There was clearly no love lost between these two competitors, as Puma opened the fight with a wild haymaker that rocked Paralyze for a moment or two. He tried to follow up, but got too close, and the larger Aethran was able to tie him up in the clinch. Neither man gave an inch, throwing knees and elbows while tied up, until the referee called for a break.

Paralyze stepped back and threw a wild punch of his own. Puma ducked and drove forward, tying Paralyze up in another clinch. After a bit of infighting, neither man was able to gain an advantage, and the referee ordered another break.

Standing toe-to-toe for the third time, Puma and Paralyze seemed content to trade punches, hammering one another with fist after fist. Puma tried to shake things up with a kick, but Paralyze caught his foot and swept him to the mat without releasing his foot. This proved to be a mistake, as Puma was able to twist his body, tripping Paralyze up and sending him crashing to the mat on his stomach. Freed from his opponent's grasp, Puma was able to take control of the bout with an agonizing knee bar. Paralyze screamed in agony and pounded the mat with his fists, but when the referee asked if he wanted to quit, the Aethran shouted, "I'll die first!"

Spurred on by his own bravado, Paralyze was able to pull one of his legs free, driving a few awkward kicks towards Puma in an attempt to shake him loose. Puma released the Aethran's knee and dove forward, straddling the big man's shoudlers and locking on a savage neck crank. The muscles in Paralyze's neck bulged as he attempted to fight back, but faced with the prospect of a broken neck, he was finally forced to tap out.

[Deleted]

Killan: "Life is a cookie."

Truer words have not been spoken...

Awesome card Christian, I really love the personalities you give to the wrestlers. One of the best reads here.

[antimony]

Thanks, bud. I really enjoy the MMA stuff Mark and Turk have put together; it's the most fun I've had in years. It's neat to take their fighitng stats and my own spin on the character, then translate that into the weigh-ins.

EDIT: And you know... Life is a cookie.

[KethVale]

very cool stuff, loved the pre fight interviews and weigh ins definitely added to the event.

[antimony]

Feb 23, 2008 14:39:18 GMT -5 KethVale said:

very cool stuff, loved the pre fight interviews and weigh ins definitely added to the event.

Yeah, it struck me as I was setting OMEGA up that there would be less opportunity to "cut promos" the night of the fights (even though I run OMEGA as the most Sports-Entertainment extreme MMA fed I can). The pre-fight press conferences became a necessity if I wanted to develop the characters beyond their in-ring (or in-'gon, if you will) abilities.

Thanks very much for the kind words. I hope we're able to keep you interested.

[antimony]

Weigh-In and Press Conference
02.14.2119 from Titan MAC Pavillion


- Opening Notes -
The knockout that you see
Is ultimate reality
Because one man is left standing
One succumbs to gravity

And it goes boom!
You're gonna get hit
Boom!
You're gonna get knocked out...

Niles Kavanagh had clearly taken lessons in media relations from someone, as this month's weigh-in took place in a heated pavillion outside the MAC. A table at the back held coffee and hot chocolate, not to mention a selection of bagels, crullers, and pastries--and a plate of heart-shaped cookies with pink icing, in honor of the holiday. Several dozen folding chairs were arranged around a podium; the old-fashioned scale stood nearby, attended by OMEGA medical officials. If the plates, napkins, and other decorations bore a familiar purple-and-green color scheme, no one commented on it.


- Weigh-In: Gunnar -
Gunnar was the first man up, strolling out from the fighters' entrance and--truth be told--looking a little pudgy. Sure enough, when he stripped off his jacket and stepped onto the scale, the physician reported him as weighing 234 pounds.

Gunnar signed the verification form, snatched his jacket away from the physician's assistant, and marched to the podium. He lifted his right hand and curled it into a fist.

Gunnar: "You see this? You know what this is?"

Reporter: "Uhh... Your fist?"

Gunnar: "No, man--this is the most feared weapon in OMEGA. Hell, it's the most feared weapon in the whole Mixed Martial Arts 'Verse!"

Reporter: "Really?"

Gunnar: "Damn straight! This hand...no, no, no... This WEAPON? This is what cut Pendekar. One shot--POW! And he bled like a J.V. cheerleader on prom night."

Reporter: "Well, it's true. You did cut him open."

Gunnar: "What was it? Fifty? Sixty stitches?"

Reporter: "Umm...I think it was eighteen or something. And then he came back and b--"

Gunnar: "Broke down and cried?"

Reporter: "No, he made--"

Gunnar: "Excuses?"

Reporter: "Gunnar, you lost the match!"

Gunnar: "Luck! Pure luck, that's all it was. Next time I face Pendekar, I'll bust him up, put him down, and treat him like the punk he is! Count on it!"


- Weigh-In: Paralyze -
Get up, get up, get up
Drop the bombshell!

Pounding drums and an electronically enhanced voice blasted from the speakers set up in the four corners of the Pavillion. Powerman 5000's "Bombshell" heralded the arrival of the massive Paralyze, who passed by Gunnar as he made his way out, ramming into him and almost knocking him down. The Aethran weighed in at an astounding 345½ pounds. He stepped up to the podium and glared daggers at the press corps, as if daring them to mention his loss.

Reporter: "Why are you fighting Thad Killian tomorrow night? He's not even close to your weight class."

Paralyze: "He had an open contract. I signed it. He's a dead man."

Reporter: "I should think so--you've got a hundred pounds on him, at least!"

Paralyze: "Then it was pretty stupid of him to sign an open contract, wasn't it?"

Reporter: "Some people might say you're taking an easy fight to make up for your loss--"

Paralyze. "There was no loss."

Reporter: "Puma made you--"

Paralyze: "It never happened."

Reporter: "Everyone saw--"

Paralyze: "It. Never. Happened."

Reporter: "Okay! Okay! But...if, by some weird chance, Puma DID beat you, what would your next move be?"

Paralyze: "Won, loss, or draw, it's all the same. I want Puma again. I want to hurt that Kilrathi mutant, and I'm going to leave a trail of bodies until I get what I want. Killian is first."

Reporter: "Then who's next?"

Paralyze: "Disrespect me again, and you are. This interview is over."


- Weigh-In: Darwin's Legacy -
After Paralyze had made his exit, the mysterious Dr. Barnabas made his way out, leading his...men...Nero and Hadrian to the pavillion. Nero weighed in at 272#, while the marginally larger Hadrian tipped the scales at 277#, nearly reaching the Super Heavyweight class. Barnabas signed on behalf of them both, then stepped up to the podium, leaving his charges staring aimlessly at the press corps and snarling at the occasional camera flash.

Barnabas: "Look at them! Aren't they lovely? The perfect fusion of man and beast, raw savagery and cunning intellect. Utterly flawless, down to the last square inch of flesh."

Reporter: "Uhh...yeah. Where did you find these guys, anyway?"

Barnabas: "Find them? Goodness me, I suppose you could say I found them. Stumbled upon them, really, one late night. Only I didn't know it was them at the time, did I? No, I didn't!"

Reporter: "Huh. They're not exactly--well, you know. Human, are they?"

Barnabas: "Human? Oh me, oh my, no no no no. No, no, they're so much more than that. So much better than human. More human than human, you might say."

Reporter: "You're a Rob Zombie fan?"

Barnabas: "Who?"

Reporter: "Never mind. How do your men feel about competing in OMEGA's first Tandem match?"

Barnabas: "Feel? No one knows how they feel more than I do. And rest assured, they feel quite, quite fine."

Reporter: "You're a strange little man, you know that?"

Barnabas: "You have no idea."


- Weigh-In: J.J. Smooth -
You're going down, down, down...Call me Smooth...

Yes, J.J. Smooth made his way down next (and somehow, he had wrangled himself some music), accompanied by his mother, the diminutive Olivia Swinden. He stepped onto the scale and it protested with a loud CLANK. The physician slid the first fifty-pound counterweight all the way across the scale. Then the second. Then the third. He finally concluded that Smooth weighed in somewhere in the vicinity of 405 pounds. He locked arms with his mother and stepped up to the podium, eyeing the refreshment table across the pavillion.

Smooth: "Are those cookies good?"

Reporter: "Huh? Oh, yeah, they're fine. So, how does it feel to be competing in OMEGA?"

Smooth: "'Cause they sure look good."

Olivia: "J.J.! Pay attention!"

Smooth: "Sorry, mom."

Reporter: "Are you nervous about facing Indigo?"

Olivia: "Now, which one is he again? The one with the force field, or the one who talks to bees?"

Reporter: "No, ma'am--Indigo is the one who changes colors."

Olivia: "Hmph. Frightful business, if you ask me. Frightful business."

Reporter: "Well, does your son think he has a chance against him?"

Olivia: "Well, do you, J.J.?"

Smooth: "Do I what?"

Olivia: "Think you have a chance?"

Smooth: "I suppose so, if there are any left."

Olivia: "What are you talking about?"

Smooth: "What are YOU talking about?"

Olivia: "Will you forget about the damn cookies!"

Smooth: "Sorry, mom."

Reporter: "Umm... OMEGA? Indigo? Any of this ring a bell?"

Smooth: "Oh! Yeah, I'm fighting Indigo. It's going to be cool."

Reporter: "Well, do--"

Smooth: "Hey, can I ask YOU a question?"

Reporter: "I...sure."

Smooth: "Are those pastries fresh?"

Olivia Swinden heh-hem'ed, grabbed her son by the ear, and dragged him away from the podium and back into the arena.


- Weigh-In: Thad Killian -
Sonorous chanting, chiming bells, and a dismbodied call to "Free your mind" ushered Thad Killian out of the arena and to the scale. He weighed in at 222 pounds and signed the doctor's form...then hugged the poor doctor and made his way to the podium.

Reporter: "You took a pretty solid hit from Shylock a few weeks ago. Are you fully recovered from your concussion?"

Killian: "Life is like a flower. Be the flower."

Reporter: "That doesn't make any sense."

Killian: "Flowers have scents. Smell the flowers. Be the flowers."

Reporter: "Yeah, but are you ready to fight Paralyze tomorrow night?"

Killian: "I am a small fish, awash in an vast ocean of love."

Reporter: "The fight? Paralyze? Big Aethran guy?"

Killian: "The fish swims, the waves fall. The fish cannot leave the waves."

Reporter: "Have you been training to fight a Super Heavyweight?"

Killian: "All things are heavy in the ocean of love."

Reporter: "Even the fish?"

Killian: "No, not the fish. You are very wise, my friend. I would like to wash your feet."

Reporter: Sigh. "Never mind."


- Weigh-In: The Punks -
Turn it up!

A pulsing techno beat with sampled, spoken phrases in lieu of lyrics indicated that the Punks were on their way out. They slipped out of the arena, giving Killian a wide berth, and stepped up to be weighed. Taurine tipped the scales at 206 pounds, Romulus at 185. They reclaimed their satin PUNKZ jackets, slipped them on, and approached the podium.

Reporter: "Romulus, have you recovered from your concussion, and do you think it will affect your performance tomorrow?"

Romulus: "I--"

Taurine: "Rom's fine. But me, I was working out in the gym yesterday, doing some free weights, a little Nautilis, and I...pulled something in my shoulder. It should be fine when I beat Whatsit for the Cruiserweight Title, but Rom's gonna have to carry the load for us tomorrow."

Romulus: "What?"

Taurine: "Don't worry about it, buddy."

Reporter: "Your defeat of Raze is considered a huge upset--"

Taurine: "Ha! Especially by Raze, I'll bet."

Reporter: "Do you think you have it in you for another upset?"

Taurine: "Are you kidding? I'll bet I lay out Whosit even faster than I did Raze. After that, who's left to fight? Maybe I'll defend my belt against Rom, here, if he can stand to take another shellacking like he did last time."

Romulus: "Hey!"

Reporter: "Do you think competing in the Tandem Match against two near Super-Heavies will hurt your preparations for the Cruiserweight Title match, or will it help get you ready?"

Taurine: "Well, with my injured shoulder--I think I tore my anteriate cruciatus ligament, did I mention that?"

Reporter: "Your what?"

Taurine: "My--look, the point is, I don't know how much I'll be fighting tomorrow. I might just have Rom here fight both guys."

Romulus: "What!?!"

Taurine: "Don't sweat it, pal. The point is, we win tomorrow, then I beat Whatsit, and I carry you straight to the top. You want to go to the top, right?"

Romulus: "Well--"

Taurine: "Exactly. Twenty-one nineteen. It's the year of the Punks. Bank on it!"

Romulus: "Right!"


- Weigh-In: Pendekar -
Pendekar was the next man out, weighing in at 237 pounds before ignoring the questions of the reporters. He smiled serenely as they asked a few questions, then bowed and returned to the arena.


- Weigh-In: Shylock -
After Pendekar had taken his leave, the speakers began to thrum with the sounds of an electric synthesizer and piercing keyboards. The music was familiar, but it took the reporters a moment to recognize the song: The Final Countdown by Europe, taken directly from another man who once claimed to be the best at his sport. The music played through most of the first verse before Shylock emerged, just in time to thrust his arms into the air as Joey Tempest declared, "It's the final countdown!" The physician announced Shylock's weight as 246 pounds, and the man himself stepped up to face the press corps.

Reporter: "You're a two-to-one favorite to defeat Pendekar tomorrow night."

Shylock: "Only two-to-one?"

Reporter: "Are you taking Pendekar lightly?"

Shylock: "Lightly? No way. He's a fine, fine fighter, and he has a definite future. If he drops ten, fifteen pounds, maybe he could go after the Cruiserweight belt."

Reporter: "But not the Heavyweight Title?"

Shylock: "Against me? Oh, no. No, not if he wants to maintain some semblance of a career. He's good. I'm great. That's all."

Reporter: "Do you think you can survive Pendekar if he gets you on the ground."

Shylock. Sigh. "You don't understand, do you? I don't know if it's because you've never thrown a punch in your life, or just that you're stupid. He won't get me on the ground. He won't take me down. Did you actually watch me fight Killian? One punch. That's all it took. One punch, and I didn't just beat him--I put him in the hopspital. Do you think Pendekar can possibly compete with that?"

Reporter: "I'll bet he thinks he can."

Shylock: "He can think that. He can think death rays from Aethra will knock me down. It doesn't make it a reality."

Reporter: "Speaking of Aethra, would you ever fight Paralyze?"

Shylock. "Ha ha. Sure--if he ever manages to beat anyone. I've heard of people being P-whipped, but never whipped BY one before."

Reporter: "What will you say tomorrow if you end up losing to Pendekar?"

Shylock: "Ha! I'll probably say 'Wow, what a weird dream,' because that's the only place he beats me."


- Weigh-In: Puma -
"Natural Born Killaz" brought Puma to the Pavillion. He passed right by the scale to stand amidst the press corps, raising his arms and snarling in victory. He took a moment to celebrate, then returned to weigh in--in this case, at 273 pounds.

Before he could make his way to the podium, the press corps jumped to their feet and looked past him. Puma turned just in time to absorb a vicious double-leg tackle by Paralyze, who had followed him out of the arena. OMEGA security was quick to act, swarming out of the arena and prying the fighters apart. The security crew wore brand new black shirts with the OMEGA logo, and they were led by none other than retired grappler and Aethran defector Vito Torre, formerly known as Massacre. Torre ordered the men separated, and instructed that they be dragged back to the arena through separate entrances.


- Weigh-In: Indigo -
Indigo closed the day's festivities, coming out without music or fanfare, and weighing in at 271 pounds. He stepped up to the podium and flashed his skin through a rainbow spectrum before taking the media's questions.

Reporter: "How does it feel to be preparing for your first MMA match in OMEGA?"

Indigo: "It feels good. Smooth had better be ready for the fight of his life."

Reporter: "There's been some talk that the fans don't want to see you in a shoot-fighting environment. A lot of them think you belong in a more circus-style environment, like the GWF used to be."

Indigo: "Let them think that. Obviously someone wants me here, and I plan to take full advantage."

Reporter: "You'll be giving up more than a hundred pounds to your opponent."

Indigo: "I know, but frankly, I'm more scared of his mother than I am of him."

Reporter: "Ha ha ha. Do you think you can beat him?"

Indigo: "I think he's going to have his hands full, and after that--that Heavyweight belt looks awfully nice. I think either Shylock or Pendekar would make a fine opponent."

Reporter: "Do you have what it takes to compete at that level?"

Indigo: "I guess we'll find out tomorrow."


- FINAL CARD -
* Tandem Match *
Darwin's Legacy vs. The Punks (even money)

Indigo vs. J.J. Smooth (5:1 underdog)

Paralyze vs. Thad "T.K." Killian (even money)

Puma "the Alpha Male" vs. Gunnar (3:2 underdog)

* OMEGA Heavyweight Championship Match *
Shylock vs. Pendekar (2:1 underdog)

[antimony]

Card #2: Headstrong
02.15.2119 from Titan Memorial Athletic Complex


- Opening Ceremony -
Back off - I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong

Another 8,500 people packed the lower tier of the MAC (the upper sections were empty, and therefore unlit), and all of them jumped to their feet as Trapt's "Headstrong" erupted from the speakers, announcing the start of the night's action. They paused for the Titan arena's traditional moment of silence, then the crowd erupted in boos as Planet of the Apes refugees Nero and Hadrian made their way to the hexagon, accompanied by their manager, trainer, handler, or whatever the heck he is: Dr. Barnabas.


- TANDEM MATCH -
Romulus and Taurine vs. Hadrian and Nero
Hadrian defeated Romulus with a knockout at 13:08
Romulus defeated Hadrian with an arm bar submission at 3:39
Nero defeated Romulus with an arm lock submission at 2:12
Match Notes: Turn it up!

A pulsing techno beat brought the Punks to the ring: Romulus was ready to go, but Taurine was in street clothes and had his arm in a sling. He took up a position in Romulus' corner, but not on the apron.

Romulus went on the offense immediately, throwing several uppercuts and going for a kick--which Hadrian caught, using his opponent's trapped leg to send him to the ground. Hadrian rocked Romulus with punches to the head. After one aborted attempt to escape, Romulus finally reached the ropes, and the referee called for the break.

Romulus tried to reverse his fortunes by throwing a few wild punches, two of which landed, dimming Hadrian's lights. An uppercut took him down and Romulus followed, gaining the mount and dropping one punch after another. Hadrian rolled to his side, trying to escape the beating, and Romulus was able to lock in an arm bar. Hadrian was able to get loose, and both men jockeyed for position until Hadrian could secure a knee bar. Romulus pulled one leg free and kicked his way out. When Hadrian brought up a hand to defend himself, Romulus dove forward and tried to lock in another arm bar.

With Romulus struggling to secure the arm bar for over a minute, and with Hadrian unable to reverse out, the referee finally ordered the break. Romulus was clearly frustrated and told the referee as much, giving Hadrian a moment to recover. Barnabas' man moved in, and they traded punches and knees before Hadrian caught Romulus with a stiff right that knocked him out.

The referee inquired whether or not Taurine would step in, but the "injured" Punk merely pointed to his arm. After a one-minute rest period, Romulus was forced to take on Hadrian again. Having caught his breath, he unloaded a series of punches and kicks on Hadrian, eventually knocking him down. Romulus secured the mount and began pounding away, and when Hadrian lifted an arm to block the punches, Romulus siezed his opponent's wrist and turned it into an arm bar. With his shoulder already weakened, Hadrian had no choice other than submitting.

After another rest period, Nero stepped in for the first time. At this point, Romulus was utterly exhausted, and he quickly went down after a few punches from his larger opponent. Nero followed him to the ground, but Romulus squirmed free of his grip and took his feet. The two locked up with no clear advantage to either man until Romulus went for a hip throw. The larger, heavier Nero was able to block the move, securing a waistlock and taking Romulus up and over, slamming him to the mat. Nero secured on arm lock, and Romulus tapped immediately.


- Inside the Ring -
After the match, Roe Jogan caught up with the Punks while Dr. Barnabas led his men away.

Jogan: "Hey! Hey, Romulus! I really thought he needed to pull the leg down and lock on the triangle to make that move work right. How's it feel to lose the first Tandem match in OMEGA history?"

Romulus: "I--"

Taurine: "Rom's a little shaken up right now, Roe--and who can blame him, after the way he got his ass beaten out there?"

Romulus: "Hey!"

Taurine: "Don't sweat it, Rom. If it hadn't been for my dislocated crucius anterioid, I'd have been in there to save you. But now, we have to look ahead. I've got Pretzel for the Cruiserweight Title next month, and Rom here is already looking to move up in the rankings so he can be the first man I beat. In fact, we understand Raze will be back for March's show, and Rom here is challenging him to a fight!"

Romulus: "What!?!"

Jogan: "Whoa! That's unbelievably unbelievable! Romulus-Raze at the next show! You heard it here first, folks!"

Romulus: "Wait!"

Taurine: "Don't sweat it, Rom. We're outta here!"


Indigo vs. J.J. Smooth
Indigo defeated J.J. Smooth with a knockout at 11:13
Match Rating: 1.00
Match Notes: Indigo came to the hexagon without music, and was all but booed out of the building. J.J. Smooth was accompanied by his mother, Olivia Swinden, and received some degree of applause, largely because of who he would be facing.

J.J. attempted to out-box Indigo from the opening bell...and failed. Indigo outfought him and tied him up in a clinch, where a nasty punch to the kidneys sent Smooth to the ground. Indigo controlled his larger opponent on the mat, but Smooth's girth made it difficult for Indigo to lock in a hold of any sort. Ultimately, the referee ordered a break.

Smooth threw a desperation left that caught Indigo on the chin. Another huge left knocked Indigo down (to the delight of the crowd), and now Smooth took the fight to the ground, where he was clearly a fish out of water. After demonstrating no ability whatsoever to tie up Indigo, the referee ordered another break.

Once they were on their feet, Smooth walked into a stiff jab that caught him on the jaw, sending him down for the count.

Paralyze vs. Thad “T.K.” Killian
Paralyze defeated Thad “T.K.” Killian with a knockout at 19:29
Match Rating: 3.00
Match Notes: Killian seemed to realize that his only chance against the much larger Aethran lay in taking the big man off his feet and keeping him there. He unloaded with a big punch, then blocked one from Paralyze. Killian twisted beneath the Aethran's arm and flipped him with a shoulder throw; Paralyze landed hard on the mat, the wind knocked from his lungs.

T.K. tried to press his advantage by securing a key lock, but no matter how tightly he cinched it, Paralyze wouldn't submit. Killian's frustration led him to float over and secure the mount, dropping punches on the big Aethran. A mistake, there--Paralyze absorbed a few punches, then powered his way free. Killian refused to relinquish the advantage and went for a bicep slicer, but the Aethran was able to twist his way into the ropes, forcing the break.

Paralyze was clearly on wobbly legs, and Killian swooped in to go for the kill. He stunned the big man with a flurry of punches and a stiff knee, then tried to flip him with another shoulder throw. This time, however, Paralyze was able to hook T.K.'s neck on the way over, and he shifted his weight to drive Killian's head into the canvas. Paralyze gained the mount and began throwing heavy punches. T.K. managed to reach the ropes and pull himself free. He hauled himself to his feet and turned around, stepping into a huge left that knocked him out cold.

Gunnar vs. Puma “the Alpha Male”
Puma “the Alpha Male” defeated Gunnar with a knee bar submission at 6:01
Match Rating: 1.00
Match Notes: Gunnar stepped in quickly and unloaded with punches and kicks that had Puma reeling, but the Kilrathi warrior was able to shake off the cobwebs before Gunnar could put him away. Puma ducked under a wild swing and charged, taking Gunnar down with a ferocious double-leg tackle. He tried to lock in a crucifix choke, but Gunnar was able to squirm free and gain the mount, dropping a few punches and bruising Puma's face. Puma turned away from the punishment and Gunnar dropped down to clamp on a choke, but he neglected to tie up Puma's arms first. The Kilrathi was able to reach down and grab Gunnar's leg, twisting until the choke was broken. He locked in a knee bar, and Gunnar screamed in pain for only a moment before tapping out.

Pendekar vs. Shylock
for the OMEGA Heavyweight Championship
Shylock defeated Pendekar with a TKO at 10:28
Match Rating: 3.00
Match Notes: Shylock and Pendekar went toe-to-toe from the opening bell, trading punches (though Shylock delivered two for every one he took). Bit by by, Shylock backed his opponent up against the ropes, then dove forward for a single-leg. Pendekar was able to roll through, however, and took the advantage once they were on the ground. Pendekar was utterly dominant on the mat, though Shylock was able to reverse an armlock into a kimura--perhaps trying to get inside his opponent's head. Pendekar twisted free and cinched in a kimura of his own, leaving Shylock in real pain.

In an incredible move, Shylock twisted his body until he could plant his feet on the mat and bridge upward. Showing his incredible leg strength, Shylock was able to push himself up and over, dropping onto his stomach and breaking out of the hold. He jumped on top of Pendekar and began hammering him mercilessly with punches, though he was unable to put the martial artist away. Pendekar struggled, but ultimately reached the ropes. The referee called for the break and Shylock disgustedly rolled off his opponent.

Shylock measured Pendekar for a moment and must have sensed weakness, as he lunged forward. Pendekar launched a kick to intercept him, but the move was a feint. Shylock ducked under the kick, straightened up, and unloaded on Pendekar with a blistering right hand that opened a deep cut over his eye. Pendekar sagged against the ropes, and the referee stepped between the men. He examined the cut, saw that Pendekar was glassy-eyed, and called for the bell, awarding the match (and the Heavyweight Title) to Shylock.

Shylock won the OMEGA Heavyweight Championship

[Deleted]

great show bro... I really enjoyed the TK & Paralyze fight...TK is a favorite of mine in POW after showing how tough he can be..something I really didnt expect but his performances thus far have won me over..including his losses. Great main event as well glad to see Shylock walk out with the gold...just dont put him against Saboteur lol