Post by Press1269 on Apr 19, 2020 19:15:47 GMT
Torres: The following contest is set for ONE FALL or SUBMISSION, and it is a GRUDGE MATCH WITH EXTREME CAGE RULES!!
The haunting sounds of “Alone In A Room” by Asking Alexandria start to waft their way out through the arena’s PA system as the lights flash in varying hues of pale purple and icy blue. When the main beat hits, Astrid Samson walks out from behind the black curtain onto the stage with a confident swagger in her step. Walking to the top of the ramp, she stops and spreads her legs apart, using her hands to fluff her hair as a twisted smirk begins to make its way onto her face. Standing there for a few moments, Astrid tilts her head back and takes in the crowd’s energy before facing the ring as the smirk reappears on her face. She begins to make her way down the ramp towards the ring, emitting a tremendous amount of confidence as she walks. Astrid reaches out to slap the hands of a few fans at ringside, but at the very last minute, she jerks her hand away, holding it up as she continues towards the ring laughing as she twirls her hair around her finger.
Torres: Introducing first, standing at five foot even and weighing in at 101 pounds, hailing from West Chester, Pennsylvania...She is THE ICONIC QUEEN, ASTRID SAMMSSSONNN!!
At the bottom of the ramp, Astrid scowls and smirks at the same time towards the ring before heading off to the right-hand side while holding her hands towards the fans as if to say, “talk to the hand”. She quickly hops onto the ring apron and gets to her feet, looking out at the crowd before she enters the ring through the ropes before bending her knees and quickly entering under the middle rope with a twirl. Holding her arms up at the level of her shoulders, Astrid shakes her head from side to side as she talks smack to the crowd before hopping down. She turns to regard the cage that is slowly being lowered around her, stretching herself out along the ropes.
Nelson: This is not the first time that Astrid has been put into a situation like this and come out victorious. She certainly carries her usual confidence coming into this match...
Rose: Whatever, Nelson! ASStrid has to put up that false bravado to try and mask the fact that she's about to shit her tights.
Crumb: I don't know about that. I think she's been looking forward to this fight ever since Munin arrived spouting off about the events surrounding Astrid's husband's departure.
Rose: Maybe if we're real lucky, Munin will leash and muzzle her again.
Nelson: I think we're going to get all of the gimmicks you could want in this match tonight, and whose to say who will leave with egg on their face.
Just then the lights in the arena dim and the low hum intro of “You Should See Me In A Crown” by Billie Eilish begins over the PA system. Steam begins to rise around the stage as the lyrics start in…
Bite my tongue, bide my time
Wearing a warning sign
Wait 'til the world is mine
Visions I vandalize
Cold in my kingdom size
Fell for these ocean eyes
The minute the beat kicks in strobe lights flash all across the arena and Munin appears in the steam, stepping through onto the stage to stare out at the packed arena with a poise and grace that only the Lady can provide.
Torres: And introducing her opponent, standing at five foot three and weighing in at 135 pounds, hailing from Purity, Louisiana...she is THE LADY OF WRESTLING, MUNINNN!
You should see me in a crown
I'm gonna run this nothing town
Watch me make 'em bow
One by one by, one
One by one by
The cage has already been lowered into place by the time that Munin reaches ringside, and she gives the structure a cursory shake to ensure that it's been well fashioned together. Looking up at Astrid with predator like eyes, she finds that the Iconic Queen is regarding her in much the same way. A coy smile tugs at the corner of The Lady's lips as she takes the steps up to the cage door and slips through the ropes to the interior of the ring. She grabs the door and yanks it shut behind her, the smile now forming into a Cheshire grin.
Crumb: That look right there on Munin's face used to give me nightmares back in GZW...
Nelson: Well tonight she has exactly what she asked for, a hardcore cage match between herself and Astrid Samson. It's insane to think that this all started nearly five months ago when The Lady arrived and put the entire company on notice that she was going to burn the place down to the ground.
Crumb: Right, and since then we've received some clarification on that thanks to The BombTrax. They say it isn't so much an appocalypse as a terraforming, transforming the place that Joshua Samson built into one of their own making.
Rose: Hard to argue with that, either. I mean, look at all of the new talent we've recently been injected with. Cross Recoba, THE Willie Pete, Brodie, DGS, Shyla Clemmens, Josef Black, Kip Classic. And look at how quickly they've caused the dynamics to shift? I mean...The BombTrax have assaulted everyone from the old guard, claimed the IPW Tag Team Championships for themselves, and Zachariah Krahe ended Oliver Black's win streak to take the Television Title...
Nelson: Well...when you put it like that...WAIT! HERE WE GO!
---EXTREME CAGE MATCH: 'The Iconic Queen' Astrid Samson versus Lady Munin---
As the commentators were having their moment of reflection, Astrid had all of Munin's smug grinning that she can take, charging across the ring and diving at The Lady who tries to put up her guards. She's able to deflect the first few blows but Astrid has her pushed back into the corner, and switching tactics, gets two fistfuls of Munin's hair and veals her right out of the corner. Munin strikes the canvas hard but is already back on her feet when Astrid tears out after her with a devastating diving forearm that puts her back down. Astrid rolls up from the mat just as Munin gets to one knee and delivers a kick square to the side of The Lady's head that sends her rolling back down to the canvas so as to put some distance between her and her assailant. Just as she comes up to her feet, however, Astrid is there with a High Standing Dropkick that shotguns Munin straight back into the ropes, and unfortunately, the cage wall.
Nelson: The clatter of flesh hitting steel rings out as Munin stumbles back out to a waiting Astrid who catches her with A TILT-A WHIRL!
Crumb: RIGHT INTO A BACK KICK!
Rose: Wow, this is not going how I thought it would...
Munin hit's the canvas hard, and Astrid looks out at the crowd with a smirk as she drops down to look for a cover. The referee drops down to make the count, but is surprised when Astrid, instead of hooking the leg, climbs right up on top of Munin and starts hammering in rights and lefts in a ground and pound manner.
Crumb: The referee can do nothing here as there are no rules in this match. The cage is there to keep any interference, and I don't know if you noticed...but those garbage cans and weapons hanging from the sides of the cage are there to introduce the more extreme elements to the match!
Nelson: I don't know if these two are going to even need it! Astrid Samson is hammering Munin, who just now got her arms free so that she can try and cover up!
Rose: I can't believe this! ASStrid actually has the upper hand!
Seeing that her punches aren't having the same effect, Astrid pops up off of Munin and delivers a stomp down into her gut for good measure before making her way over to one of those aforementioned weapons. Fashioned to the side of the cage is a Kendo Stick, held in place by duct tape, and she rips the Singapore cane down from the cage wall. The fans come to their feet in anticipation as Astrid turns back to Munin, but before she can even bring the weapon to bare, a furious Munin bolts forwards, spearing Astrid down to the ground, coming up to mount the woman herself. Instead of fists, however, she stats dropping her elbow down into Astrid's skull like bombs before the Iconic Queen can finally squirm herself free.
Nelson: Astrid looks a little rocked by those devastating forearms to the face, scrambling up to her feet, OH! But there's Munin with a knife edge chop that knocks Astrid over into the nearby corner!
Crumb: Another one...and Another!
WOOO! WOOO! WOOO!
The crowd joins in the fun as Astrid is lit up by the chops. Munin winds up for one more blast, and it comes with enough force that Astrid goes slack against the turnbuckle, the top rope catching her under the arms before she can slide all the way down. Munin takes a short step away to survey this new position, and with a snarl fires in front shoot kicks square into Astrid's exposed midsection. As her body is pushed further and further into the turnbuckles, so much so that it looks like she's sitting on the middle, Munin suddenly spins around into a roundhouse that catches Samson right in the jaw. Munin steps to the side expectantly, and Astrid falls out of the corner face first to the canvas.
Nelson: MY GOODNESS! Astrid Samson put to task by those jujitsu like strikes from Munin!
Rose: See, now this is more what I was talking about. Oh...and look! Astrid is on all fours again, crawling away from she who would call herself master!
Crumb: Munin looks to have noticed that kendo stick for the first time that Astrid was planning to use, and is heading that way!
Munin scoops up the Singapore Cane and holds it up in front of her just as Astrid reaches the center of the ring and makes to push up to her feet. Before she even has the chance, a loud 'CRACK' echoes throughout the arena as the bamboo meets Samson's flesh. The fans grimace as she falls back to the mat, clutching at the spot, and Munin lets out a chuckle that quickly turns maniacle as she raises the kendo stick high overhead, and brings is crashing back down across Astrid's shoulder blades, her lower back, her buttox, and finally the back of her head. She finally pauses in her assault, holding the splintered and tattered bamboo up in front of her before tossing it aside.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON WAS JUST WORE OUT BY LADY MUNIN?!?
Rose: Probably, "That has been a loooonnggg time coming!"
Nelson: I don't know about that, but Munin doesn't appear to be done here as she pulls Astrid up to her feet and now pushes her back into the ropes...
Munin shoots Astrid off to the other side and when the Iconic Queen rebounds she steps out to the center to meet her with a Yakuza Kick, only Astrid manages to duck under it as she passes. Munin reorients herself just as Samson rebounds once more, and when she steps out to meet the young woman she see's that Astrid managed to pick up something when she approached that side of the cage. The Lady does her best to try and dodge out of the way, but the wide surface of a garbage can lid clips her on the shoulder, slowing her progress. She shakes that shoulder loos as pain inches down her arm, and when she turns to get a bead on her opponent, Astrid is already bringing the lid down in an overarching assault that sees skull meet aluminum. The fans come to their feet with a cheer as the CRACK echoes, the garbage lid wrapping clear around Munin's skull.
Nelson: GOODNESS GRACIOUS! THIS RESEMBLES SOMETHING OUT OF A CARTOON THE WAY THAT GARBAGE LID JUST FORMED AROUND MUNIN'S SKULL!
Crumb: Yeah, but she still didn't go down...she's just standing there on spaghetti legs with the lid caved in on her head...OH!
Nelson: ASTRID SAMSON LEAPS UP AND DELIVERS A HURRICANRANA WITH THE GARBAGE LID STILL AROUND THE LADY'S HEAD!
Rose: DAMN!
The two commentators look over at Rose, who shrugs, just as shocked as they are.
Rose: What can I say?! I've never seen anything quite like that!
Nelson: That makes two of us, and look! Astrid is rolling Munin over for a cover!
One...
Two...
Thre-KICK OUT!
Astrid shakes her head in disgust as she gets to her feet, stumbling a few steps back to catch herself on the ropes. The red whelps made by the kendo strikes from before are starting to turn blue, and the strike to the back of her head has turned a small patch of her blonde locks red from some unseen gash. Munin manages to shove the garbage lid free from her head, but there is a large gash just at her hairline where her skull spiked into the mat thanks to the hurricanrana. Blood pours into her right eye as she pushes up to her feet, leaving Astrid an opening that she intends to take.
Nelson: Both ladies showing their lumps thanks to this unforgiving atmosphere, but here comes Astrid with a full head of steam...
Crumb: Munin isn't all the way up yet as Astrid leaps forward trying to catch Munin around the head for an Off With Their Head (Flipping Neckbreaker)...
Rose: But Munin just dropped flat, and Astrid wasn't able to get a hold of her!
Astrid lands on her bottom through the flip, but quickly scrambles back up to her feet to go back on the attack. This time, however, Munin is ready for her. She evades the oncoming danger once more by sidestepping, but this time she reaches up to get a fistful of Astrid's hair and then proceeds to use her own momentum to run her face first right into one of the sides of the cage. Flesh meets the steel mesh of the structure and Astrid cries out a bit as Munin rocks her back a step and then drives her home one more time. This second slam against hard steel splits the woman's forehead, blood rushing down into her face as Munin drives her knee into her back to hold her in place, and then rakes her face back and forth across the steel.
Nelson: MY GOODNESS!
Rose: Boy, you said it...
Crumb: MUNIN IS TRYING TO FORCE ASTRID'S FACE RIGHT OFF OF HER SKULL!
The fans are on their feet as one of those passes across the rough surface catches Astrid's nose, bending it unnaturally to the side before springing painfully back into place as it comes free. Out of sheer desperation, The Iconic Queen begins to send elbows into Munin's midsection, and after about three The Lady is forced to relinquish her grip and beg off. Astrid gets untangled from the cage, blood pouring from several cuts on her face. Munin tries to step back in, but Astrid hears her coming, and in response drops straight back while sending her boots into the air, catching Munin square in the face with a pele kick. The Lady hits the canvas, and for a moment, both women lay there and bleed beside one another.
Crumb: All I can say is wow! These two women are trying to maim one another, and these fans are on the verge of exploding!
Rose: It's always nice to see ASStrid put in this position. Now, if she'll just take what's coming to her, we can all get on with the rest of the show.
Nelson: I wouldn't hold your breath, Rose Marie. As we just saw, there's still quite a bit of fight in the Iconic Queen.
Munin rolls for the center of the ring where she gingerly pushes back to her feet while Astrid uses the ropes to pull herself onto hers. The two women raise their bloodied heads to stare at one another, and a look of rage crosses both of their faces. Munin rushes forward just as Astrid does, both going for high cross bodies at exactly the same time. Their bodies collide in an abnormal manner, spinning off of each other from the impact and sending both clattering to the mat. They don't stay down for long and quickly move in on the attack. Munin goes for a right hand that is blocked by Astrid, forcing The Lady to swing around and try for a spinning back elbow. This time, Astrid ducks out of the way, driving her shoulder into Munin's midsection and forcing her back over into the corner. She lays in two more shoulder thrusts for good measure, knocking the wind out of The Lady before rising up and peppering her with straight right fists.
Nelson: Astrid Samson has Munin dazed in the corner, and now lowers herself again to get in under her and force her up to the top turnbuckle...
Crumb: The Lady is perched as The Iconic Queen joins her by stepping up to the second rope...
Rose: Yeah, but see...Munin wasn't quite out of it. She responds with stiff headbutts that have Astrid slipping back down to the mat.
With a straight kick to the face by Munin, Astrid is sent stumbling out to the center of the ring while The Lady uses the cage to pull herself up so that she's now standing on the top turnbuckle. Just as Samson wobbly turns back in her direction, she comes soaring off with a death defying shooting star press. The fans come to their feet at the move with a gasp, but all of the air is sucked out of the arena when Astrid leaps high into the air to deliver a high angled dropkick that catches Munin before she make her full rotation. Munin slams into the mat nearby as Astrid lands on her stomach, and the Iconic Queen nods, a smirk coming across her face.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON JUST PULLED OF THE REVERSAL OF THE SENTRY?!?
Rose: Probably, "High risk moves like that should probably be reserved for an opponent you're sure you have down."
Nelson: Be that as it may, an incredible turn of events as Lady Munin lies on the canvas clutching at her midsection while Astrid Samson is back over at the cage wall looking for 'goodies'!
Astrid looks inside one of the garbage cans hanging from the side of the cage and looks out to the approving crowd with a shrug. Grabbing the whole can, she yanks it free from its bindings and sends cookie sheets and street signs flying. With the whole can in her possession, she turns back to Munin who is trying to regain her feet. Just as Munin raises up to get vertical, she has just enough time to see Samson storming in, bringing the garbage can crashing into her already injured gut. Munin doubles over, and Astrid reverses her hold on the can so that she takes the open end and jams it right onto Munin so that her entire upper body is consumed by the garbage can.
Nelson: Good Lord! Astrid Samson has Munin trapped inside that garbage can!
Crumb: Her arms are pinned...she doesn't have anywhere to go!
Rose: Yeah, and OH! Superkick by Astrid sends The Lady crashing down to the mat! Man, her head must be ringing inside there!
The fans cheer and jeer as Astrid struts around the ring, wiping her face clear of some of the blood and grim that has started to dry on her face. She points to the nearby corner and the place explodes as she makes her way over to climb the turnbuckles. Once perched, facing away from the ring, she calls out something mocking to Munin over her shoulder, and then dives back into a moonsault while tucking her legs into her chest for the landing. Both knee's come crashing down like a meteora into the garbage can, crushing the woman trapped inside. The roof literally blows.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON JUST HIT DATKNEE DISKNEE TO A GARBAGE CAN WITH LADY MUNIN INSIDE IT?!?
Rose: Probably, "It's odd to see garbage landing so far outside of the garbage can."
Nelson: ROSE MARIE! You can mock Astrid Samson all you want, but that was incredible...and I think it might be enough. Astrid is having to pry that garbage can open so she can pull Munin out, but she manages, and now hooks the leg for a cover!
One...
Two...
Thre-KICK OUT!
Nelson: MY GOODNESS! That had to be one of the longest two counts in IPW's history!
Rose: Ok, ok. Even I'm a little surprised by that one.
Crumb: Nelson, you know just as well as I do that Lady Munin is one of the toughest women to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots. Astrid Samson has to be wondering, if that didn't work, what will?
The look of shock on the Iconic Queen's face seems to say just that as she shakes her head in denial at the referee's signal of two. The surprise quickly turns to fury as she stalks up to her feet and back over to the corner, talking trash all the while as she climbs back to the top. Munin lies in the center of the ring, motionless, busted garbage can lying two feet off to her side. Astrid reaches her perch on the turnbuckle, but this time she turns so that she's facing the ring. Pointing her finger down at Munin as if it were a gun, she pulls the trigger with a confident grimace just before bouncing on the ropes for spring and diving high into the air for a finisher of her's that is rarely seen anymore. Flippin' Out (somersault seated senton)!
Nelson: OH MY GOODNESS!
Crumb: LADY MUNIN MOVED!
Rose: MORE THAN THAT! SHE PULLED THAT GARBAGE CAN INTO HER PLACE SO THAT ASSTRID CAME CRASHING DOWN RIGHT ONTO IT!
The fans are at a fever pitch as both ladies lie in the center of the ring. The referee moves in to check on both, but seeing as he can't do anything about it, backs off when neither women gives the signal to quit. They lie there for awhile, battered and bruised, but eventually they both begin to stir at about the same time. Astrid, amazingly, is up to her feet first, and when she looks over to see Munin getting to hers, she rushes at the woman to try and take her head off. Only she runs headfirst right into a surprisingly low elbow that catches her right in the solar plexus. Astrid is stunned, her mouth coming open but no sound coming out. Her eyes are wide as Munin slowly rises in front of her with dark eyes.
Nelson: Oh no...Folks, it's a known fact that Munin is a martial arts expert, a skill that has lead her to many wins and many championships. I believe that particular blow is a pressure point move known as Strikes to Suigetsu, or watery moon. It attacks the cluster of nerves that control the cardiovascular system.
Rose: Are you saying that Asstrid is paralyzed?
Nelson: Not exactly, but she's about to be.
Munin's eyes narrow, and she swiftly spins around, dropping low so that her elbow finds her right floating ribs. This strike, called Strikes to Denko, or lightening, applies pressure to the liver, causing the organ to temporarily shut down. With another spin in the opposite direction, Munin comes in low again, this time driving her fist directly into Astrid's left floating ribs. The move is called Strikes to Tsukikage, or shadow of moon, and is designed to apply pressure to the lungs from the inside, temporarily causing loss of breath. Still low, Munin takes a step back, drawing both hands into her sides, and then firing them out like a serpent to strike a blow that almost looks low, but is actually just below the navel. Strikes to Myojo, or bright star, a blow that is meant to cause the lower extremities to falter.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON LOOKS OUT ON HER FEET!
Rose: Probably, "That's a pretty neat parlor trick and would come in handy if you were Bill Cosby."
Nelson: ROSE MARIE! That wasn't funny! Besides the point, Astrid Samson just teetered over to fall flat on her back unmoving! This is the perfect opportunity for Munin to pick up a victory!
Rose: Yeah, well she doesn't look to keen on going for a cover...
The Lady looks out at the crowd with a look of fury, stalking over to one of the other garbage cans hanging from inside the cage. With a harsh pull she rips it from the side of the cage, dumping its contents out onto the canvas. She sifts through the selection of weapons until her scan narrows in on one small item that sits conspicuously apart from the others. She bends down and picks up the item as a dark grin spreads over her face, slipping the brass knuckles over her right hand. There is a buzz from the crowd as she turns those dark eyes over to where Astrid has yet to find purchase to move.
Nelson: This does not look good! Lady Munin just found a pair of brass knuckles, and she's making her way methodically back over to the prone Astrid Samson!
Rose: Finally! Finally this little shit is about to get what she deserves!
Crumb: Rose Marie, you can't be serious! This can't happen...the referee needs to stop it. Astrid is helpless!
The referee does make a step to intervene, but a dangerous glance from The Lady freezes him in his track. She steps over Astrid, dropping down to straddle the woman's chest, and gingerly, almost lovingly cradles the back of the woman's skull to pull it up off the mat. With another lustful smile to the crowd, her face contorts as she raises her brass fist, and brings it crashing down like a piston right into Astrid's face. Fresh blood spatters with each hit and when Munin finally steps off of her Astrid is left looking like a horror movie victim as she pours onto the canvas.
Nelson: My Goodness...that was brutal.
Rose: I...that was pretty sick.
Crumb: Oh, squeamish now Rose. Where is that gusto from moments ago when you thought this would be great.
Rose: I guess I didn't expect it to look like that...
Rose Marie goes quiet as Munin removes the bloodied brass knuckles and toss them to the side, turning to make her way towards the far corner. She climbs with intent reaching the top turnbuckle and using the cage to turn herself so that she's facing the ring. The crowd watches breathlessly with anticipation as Munin nods, but just when she's about to dive, Astrid suddenly regains control of her motor functions and begins pulling herself away from the blast radius. Munin watches this with a set jaw of frustration, and she hops down from the top, stalking towards Astrid who has reached the far side and is using the turnbuckles to pull herself back to her feet.
Nelson: I can't believe this. How in the hell is Astrid Samson still on her feet!
Crumb: She's tougher than anyone has ever given her credit for, that's why. We've seen her in so many battles in the past and she continues to surprise!
Rose: Well, Munin doesn't look surprised. She looks pissed, and now she's broken into a trot and is ready to go on the attack!
Munin rushes in towards the corner where Astrid has posted up, but the Iconic Queen uses the ropes to pull herself out of the way at the last second. Munin is unable to put on the brakes before striking chest first hard against the top turnbuckle causing her to stumble back in pain. Astrid looks up past her bloody vision to her opponent and falls into the rope for some spring to send her careening past her and to the opposite side. Munin manages to turn as she goes, watching as Astrid leaps up to the top rope, grabbing the cage as she goes, and then pushes off the cage wall to spin back around and send both knee's crashing into Munin's chest with a meteora!
Crumb: MUNIN SLAMMED TO THE MAT WITH THE FULL BRUNT OF ASTRID'S WEIGHT LANDING RIGHT ON TOP OF HER!
Nelson: I can't believe this! Where is she getting this will to continue!
Rose: I believe that candle might be fading, guys, cause Astrid just slumped off to the side of Munin and both women are now laid out on the canvas.
The referee checks both women but they respond with venom, forcing him to back off and allow the contest to continue. Slowly but surely the two women make it back to their feet, Astrid a step before Munin and in her left hand she has in her possession a lead pipe. When Munin turns to face the Iconic Queen she's met with an overhand strike from the pipe that cracks the top of her skull, splitting her forehead wide open in a sickening display of blood and bone. Munin crumples to the mat before Samson who tosses the bloody pipe to the side while wearing a sadistic grin.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS MUNIN'S SKULL HAS JUST BEEN SPLIT IN HALF?!?
Rose: Probably, "She should have covered Asstrid when she had the chance!"
Nelson: Be that as it may, Astrid just signaled for the end, and she's doing everything in her power to get the limp Munin up to her feet to hook her around the head...
Astrid eventually does this, and while keeping her head hooked, she moves to flip through for her patented Off With Their Head (Flipping Neckbreaker)! To everyone's surprise, Munin doesn't stop spinning through, but instead ends up all the way back around on her feet. Astrid, feeling the momentum shift, remains latched onto Munin's head for leverage, completing her front flip so that she also lands on her feet. The position puts Astrid in front with Munin behind her, and The Lady quickly reaches up for Astrid's arms and shifts her position so that Samson is now locked in to her Figure Four Blood Choke!
Nelson: OH MY GOODNESS! LADY MUNIN HAS ASTRID SAMSON LOCKED INTO HER MERCY LOCK!
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKI---
Rose: OH SHUT IT CRUMB!
Astrid's arms flail wildly out in front of her as Munin seizes up on the hold, both women bleeding profusely onto the other from their various head wounds. After a few seconds, and because of the damage done, Samson's arms don't have the same fight as before and they slowly begin to drift down to her sides as Munin grits her teeth and chokes up even more. Suddenly, The Iconic Queen comes alive once more, digging in with her feet to pull her and Munin towards one of the cage walls. As she reaches the ropes, Munin watches as one by one Astrid walks up until both feet are on the top, and with a surge of strength she shoves backwards so that The Lady falls flat on her back. Munin doesn't release the hold, so when Astrid lands, her feet are up over her head, her neck bent in an awkard position. But technically, she is the one making a pin as the referee drops to make the count.
One...
Two...
THRE-NO!
At the last second Munin releases Mercy and rolls the shoulder, saving herself from losing the match, but looking completely spent. Astrid falls off to the side of her, spitting and sputtering, looking like a complete mess as she fights to get air to cooperate with her breaths. The referee is once again put in an awkward position, motioning as if he may call the match until he feels something latch onto his ankle. When he looks down, both Astrid and Munin have a hold of him, but their exhausted gazes continue to glare at one another. The referee frees himself as the two women make it to their knees, both slightly unstable as they continue to stare.
Nelson: This is unbelievable!
Crumb: I concur!
Rose: Me three!
Astrid gives a dazed expression to Munin, but suddenly lunges forward with a right hand that rocks The Lady back until she almost tumbles over. She catches herself before she actually goes over though, and when she pushes back up she swings a wild right hand that slams into Astrid's face. The Iconic Queen falls back as well, and just when it looks like she might fold, she puts her elbow down to stop her, shoving back up to her knees and sends her whole face forward with a headbutt into Munin's.
Nelson: Goodness...Munin slumped forward after that last shot, and now Astrid pushing to get to her feet and wraps her arm around Munin's head as she goes.
Crumb: Astrid is probably looking for her #LILBIT (Slingshot DDT), but I don't know if she has the strength left to get Munin's lower half up for the top rope!
Rose: Well, she just lead them that way anyways, and she's got a handful of tights...WAIT!
Nelson: MUNIN JUST YANKED HERSELF FREE AND DELIVERED A HEADBUTT OF HER OWN TO ASTRID!
Crumb: ASTRID FALLS BACK INTO THE ROPES AND SPRINGS BACK...MUNIN SIDESTEPS HER...AND HOOKS HER RIGHT BACK INTO MERCY!
Rose: Oh...and this time...she just brought her legs up to grapevine Astrid's torso, and SAMSON IS FALLING FORWARD DUE TO THE ADDED WEIGHT!
Astrid goes face first down into the mat, blood smearing on the canvas as she shakes her head 'No' to the referee, but Munin swings her body to the right which turns both women so that they are on their side, the choke still fully maintained. The Iconic Queen kicks and gasps, grabs for ropes that wouldn't save her anyways thanks to the nature of this match, before her finally her arm falls limply to her side. The referee drops to one knee and lifts her arm, which offers no response.
One...
He tries again, the arm falling to the mat.
Two...
Once more, maybe this time....
THREE!!
The ref hops up and immediately starts calling for the bell, while Munin takes in a deep breath while releasing the hold and shoving the unconscious form of Astrid Samson away from her so she can lie back and rest.
DING DING DING
Nelson: MY GOODNESS, WHAT A MATCH!
Crumb: I can honestly say I had forgotten what it was like to see Lady Munin in action, and after witnessing this...it's terrifying!
Rose: I have to admit, this was one hell of a fight. Samson gave as good as she got, but in the end she fell to The Lady.
Nelson: The cage is starting to raise as Torres climbs the ring steps to make the announcement!
Torres: The winner of this match by submission....LADY MUNIN!!
The fans watch as EMT's rush the ring, carrying boards for both ladies. When the reach Astrid she lolls her head to the side, having come back to consciousness, and a look of distress and disappointment crosses her face as she allows the medics to work her over. As Munin is being lifted onto a board, she kicks and shoves one of the EMT's away with her foot. She rolls under the rope to land with both feet on the floor, and it takes her several seconds before she can let go of the apron. Not really sure which part of her body hurts more she ambles halfway up the ramp, turning her bloodied face to look over her shoulder at Astrid. Though the wound in her forehead looks absolutely grotesque, it looks even worse as it peels further back when The Lady smiles. The display over with, Munin turns back towards the curtain and begins to hobble towards the exit.
Nelson: You know Crumb, now that you mention it....she is kind of terrifying.
Crumb: A fucking ghoul...
Rose: Well, would you look at that. Astrid just shoved those EMT's off of her. I guess if Lady Munin is going to walk out of here, she's going to attempt it as well.
Astrid gets under the bottom rope but when her feet hit the concrete her knee's buckle and she ends up on them just by the ramp. Blood droplets hit the cold smooth surface and she shakes her head, forcing herself up to her feet as she too ambles up the ramp towards the back.
Nelson: I don't know what else we have in store tonight, but I don't think anything can top what we just witnessed.
Rose: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I tend to agree with you.
Crumb: Will wonders never cease. I know it's going to be difficult, but what do you guys say? Shall we get on with the show?
The other two commentators nod to Crumb, and the scene shifts to commercial.
The haunting sounds of “Alone In A Room” by Asking Alexandria start to waft their way out through the arena’s PA system as the lights flash in varying hues of pale purple and icy blue. When the main beat hits, Astrid Samson walks out from behind the black curtain onto the stage with a confident swagger in her step. Walking to the top of the ramp, she stops and spreads her legs apart, using her hands to fluff her hair as a twisted smirk begins to make its way onto her face. Standing there for a few moments, Astrid tilts her head back and takes in the crowd’s energy before facing the ring as the smirk reappears on her face. She begins to make her way down the ramp towards the ring, emitting a tremendous amount of confidence as she walks. Astrid reaches out to slap the hands of a few fans at ringside, but at the very last minute, she jerks her hand away, holding it up as she continues towards the ring laughing as she twirls her hair around her finger.
Torres: Introducing first, standing at five foot even and weighing in at 101 pounds, hailing from West Chester, Pennsylvania...She is THE ICONIC QUEEN, ASTRID SAMMSSSONNN!!
At the bottom of the ramp, Astrid scowls and smirks at the same time towards the ring before heading off to the right-hand side while holding her hands towards the fans as if to say, “talk to the hand”. She quickly hops onto the ring apron and gets to her feet, looking out at the crowd before she enters the ring through the ropes before bending her knees and quickly entering under the middle rope with a twirl. Holding her arms up at the level of her shoulders, Astrid shakes her head from side to side as she talks smack to the crowd before hopping down. She turns to regard the cage that is slowly being lowered around her, stretching herself out along the ropes.
Nelson: This is not the first time that Astrid has been put into a situation like this and come out victorious. She certainly carries her usual confidence coming into this match...
Rose: Whatever, Nelson! ASStrid has to put up that false bravado to try and mask the fact that she's about to shit her tights.
Crumb: I don't know about that. I think she's been looking forward to this fight ever since Munin arrived spouting off about the events surrounding Astrid's husband's departure.
Rose: Maybe if we're real lucky, Munin will leash and muzzle her again.
Nelson: I think we're going to get all of the gimmicks you could want in this match tonight, and whose to say who will leave with egg on their face.
Just then the lights in the arena dim and the low hum intro of “You Should See Me In A Crown” by Billie Eilish begins over the PA system. Steam begins to rise around the stage as the lyrics start in…
Bite my tongue, bide my time
Wearing a warning sign
Wait 'til the world is mine
Visions I vandalize
Cold in my kingdom size
Fell for these ocean eyes
The minute the beat kicks in strobe lights flash all across the arena and Munin appears in the steam, stepping through onto the stage to stare out at the packed arena with a poise and grace that only the Lady can provide.
Torres: And introducing her opponent, standing at five foot three and weighing in at 135 pounds, hailing from Purity, Louisiana...she is THE LADY OF WRESTLING, MUNINNN!
You should see me in a crown
I'm gonna run this nothing town
Watch me make 'em bow
One by one by, one
One by one by
The cage has already been lowered into place by the time that Munin reaches ringside, and she gives the structure a cursory shake to ensure that it's been well fashioned together. Looking up at Astrid with predator like eyes, she finds that the Iconic Queen is regarding her in much the same way. A coy smile tugs at the corner of The Lady's lips as she takes the steps up to the cage door and slips through the ropes to the interior of the ring. She grabs the door and yanks it shut behind her, the smile now forming into a Cheshire grin.
Crumb: That look right there on Munin's face used to give me nightmares back in GZW...
Nelson: Well tonight she has exactly what she asked for, a hardcore cage match between herself and Astrid Samson. It's insane to think that this all started nearly five months ago when The Lady arrived and put the entire company on notice that she was going to burn the place down to the ground.
Crumb: Right, and since then we've received some clarification on that thanks to The BombTrax. They say it isn't so much an appocalypse as a terraforming, transforming the place that Joshua Samson built into one of their own making.
Rose: Hard to argue with that, either. I mean, look at all of the new talent we've recently been injected with. Cross Recoba, THE Willie Pete, Brodie, DGS, Shyla Clemmens, Josef Black, Kip Classic. And look at how quickly they've caused the dynamics to shift? I mean...The BombTrax have assaulted everyone from the old guard, claimed the IPW Tag Team Championships for themselves, and Zachariah Krahe ended Oliver Black's win streak to take the Television Title...
Nelson: Well...when you put it like that...WAIT! HERE WE GO!
---EXTREME CAGE MATCH: 'The Iconic Queen' Astrid Samson versus Lady Munin---
As the commentators were having their moment of reflection, Astrid had all of Munin's smug grinning that she can take, charging across the ring and diving at The Lady who tries to put up her guards. She's able to deflect the first few blows but Astrid has her pushed back into the corner, and switching tactics, gets two fistfuls of Munin's hair and veals her right out of the corner. Munin strikes the canvas hard but is already back on her feet when Astrid tears out after her with a devastating diving forearm that puts her back down. Astrid rolls up from the mat just as Munin gets to one knee and delivers a kick square to the side of The Lady's head that sends her rolling back down to the canvas so as to put some distance between her and her assailant. Just as she comes up to her feet, however, Astrid is there with a High Standing Dropkick that shotguns Munin straight back into the ropes, and unfortunately, the cage wall.
Nelson: The clatter of flesh hitting steel rings out as Munin stumbles back out to a waiting Astrid who catches her with A TILT-A WHIRL!
Crumb: RIGHT INTO A BACK KICK!
Rose: Wow, this is not going how I thought it would...
Munin hit's the canvas hard, and Astrid looks out at the crowd with a smirk as she drops down to look for a cover. The referee drops down to make the count, but is surprised when Astrid, instead of hooking the leg, climbs right up on top of Munin and starts hammering in rights and lefts in a ground and pound manner.
Crumb: The referee can do nothing here as there are no rules in this match. The cage is there to keep any interference, and I don't know if you noticed...but those garbage cans and weapons hanging from the sides of the cage are there to introduce the more extreme elements to the match!
Nelson: I don't know if these two are going to even need it! Astrid Samson is hammering Munin, who just now got her arms free so that she can try and cover up!
Rose: I can't believe this! ASStrid actually has the upper hand!
Seeing that her punches aren't having the same effect, Astrid pops up off of Munin and delivers a stomp down into her gut for good measure before making her way over to one of those aforementioned weapons. Fashioned to the side of the cage is a Kendo Stick, held in place by duct tape, and she rips the Singapore cane down from the cage wall. The fans come to their feet in anticipation as Astrid turns back to Munin, but before she can even bring the weapon to bare, a furious Munin bolts forwards, spearing Astrid down to the ground, coming up to mount the woman herself. Instead of fists, however, she stats dropping her elbow down into Astrid's skull like bombs before the Iconic Queen can finally squirm herself free.
Nelson: Astrid looks a little rocked by those devastating forearms to the face, scrambling up to her feet, OH! But there's Munin with a knife edge chop that knocks Astrid over into the nearby corner!
Crumb: Another one...and Another!
WOOO! WOOO! WOOO!
The crowd joins in the fun as Astrid is lit up by the chops. Munin winds up for one more blast, and it comes with enough force that Astrid goes slack against the turnbuckle, the top rope catching her under the arms before she can slide all the way down. Munin takes a short step away to survey this new position, and with a snarl fires in front shoot kicks square into Astrid's exposed midsection. As her body is pushed further and further into the turnbuckles, so much so that it looks like she's sitting on the middle, Munin suddenly spins around into a roundhouse that catches Samson right in the jaw. Munin steps to the side expectantly, and Astrid falls out of the corner face first to the canvas.
Nelson: MY GOODNESS! Astrid Samson put to task by those jujitsu like strikes from Munin!
Rose: See, now this is more what I was talking about. Oh...and look! Astrid is on all fours again, crawling away from she who would call herself master!
Crumb: Munin looks to have noticed that kendo stick for the first time that Astrid was planning to use, and is heading that way!
Munin scoops up the Singapore Cane and holds it up in front of her just as Astrid reaches the center of the ring and makes to push up to her feet. Before she even has the chance, a loud 'CRACK' echoes throughout the arena as the bamboo meets Samson's flesh. The fans grimace as she falls back to the mat, clutching at the spot, and Munin lets out a chuckle that quickly turns maniacle as she raises the kendo stick high overhead, and brings is crashing back down across Astrid's shoulder blades, her lower back, her buttox, and finally the back of her head. She finally pauses in her assault, holding the splintered and tattered bamboo up in front of her before tossing it aside.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON WAS JUST WORE OUT BY LADY MUNIN?!?
Rose: Probably, "That has been a loooonnggg time coming!"
Nelson: I don't know about that, but Munin doesn't appear to be done here as she pulls Astrid up to her feet and now pushes her back into the ropes...
Munin shoots Astrid off to the other side and when the Iconic Queen rebounds she steps out to the center to meet her with a Yakuza Kick, only Astrid manages to duck under it as she passes. Munin reorients herself just as Samson rebounds once more, and when she steps out to meet the young woman she see's that Astrid managed to pick up something when she approached that side of the cage. The Lady does her best to try and dodge out of the way, but the wide surface of a garbage can lid clips her on the shoulder, slowing her progress. She shakes that shoulder loos as pain inches down her arm, and when she turns to get a bead on her opponent, Astrid is already bringing the lid down in an overarching assault that sees skull meet aluminum. The fans come to their feet with a cheer as the CRACK echoes, the garbage lid wrapping clear around Munin's skull.
Nelson: GOODNESS GRACIOUS! THIS RESEMBLES SOMETHING OUT OF A CARTOON THE WAY THAT GARBAGE LID JUST FORMED AROUND MUNIN'S SKULL!
Crumb: Yeah, but she still didn't go down...she's just standing there on spaghetti legs with the lid caved in on her head...OH!
Nelson: ASTRID SAMSON LEAPS UP AND DELIVERS A HURRICANRANA WITH THE GARBAGE LID STILL AROUND THE LADY'S HEAD!
Rose: DAMN!
The two commentators look over at Rose, who shrugs, just as shocked as they are.
Rose: What can I say?! I've never seen anything quite like that!
Nelson: That makes two of us, and look! Astrid is rolling Munin over for a cover!
One...
Two...
Thre-KICK OUT!
Astrid shakes her head in disgust as she gets to her feet, stumbling a few steps back to catch herself on the ropes. The red whelps made by the kendo strikes from before are starting to turn blue, and the strike to the back of her head has turned a small patch of her blonde locks red from some unseen gash. Munin manages to shove the garbage lid free from her head, but there is a large gash just at her hairline where her skull spiked into the mat thanks to the hurricanrana. Blood pours into her right eye as she pushes up to her feet, leaving Astrid an opening that she intends to take.
Nelson: Both ladies showing their lumps thanks to this unforgiving atmosphere, but here comes Astrid with a full head of steam...
Crumb: Munin isn't all the way up yet as Astrid leaps forward trying to catch Munin around the head for an Off With Their Head (Flipping Neckbreaker)...
Rose: But Munin just dropped flat, and Astrid wasn't able to get a hold of her!
Astrid lands on her bottom through the flip, but quickly scrambles back up to her feet to go back on the attack. This time, however, Munin is ready for her. She evades the oncoming danger once more by sidestepping, but this time she reaches up to get a fistful of Astrid's hair and then proceeds to use her own momentum to run her face first right into one of the sides of the cage. Flesh meets the steel mesh of the structure and Astrid cries out a bit as Munin rocks her back a step and then drives her home one more time. This second slam against hard steel splits the woman's forehead, blood rushing down into her face as Munin drives her knee into her back to hold her in place, and then rakes her face back and forth across the steel.
Nelson: MY GOODNESS!
Rose: Boy, you said it...
Crumb: MUNIN IS TRYING TO FORCE ASTRID'S FACE RIGHT OFF OF HER SKULL!
The fans are on their feet as one of those passes across the rough surface catches Astrid's nose, bending it unnaturally to the side before springing painfully back into place as it comes free. Out of sheer desperation, The Iconic Queen begins to send elbows into Munin's midsection, and after about three The Lady is forced to relinquish her grip and beg off. Astrid gets untangled from the cage, blood pouring from several cuts on her face. Munin tries to step back in, but Astrid hears her coming, and in response drops straight back while sending her boots into the air, catching Munin square in the face with a pele kick. The Lady hits the canvas, and for a moment, both women lay there and bleed beside one another.
Crumb: All I can say is wow! These two women are trying to maim one another, and these fans are on the verge of exploding!
Rose: It's always nice to see ASStrid put in this position. Now, if she'll just take what's coming to her, we can all get on with the rest of the show.
Nelson: I wouldn't hold your breath, Rose Marie. As we just saw, there's still quite a bit of fight in the Iconic Queen.
Munin rolls for the center of the ring where she gingerly pushes back to her feet while Astrid uses the ropes to pull herself onto hers. The two women raise their bloodied heads to stare at one another, and a look of rage crosses both of their faces. Munin rushes forward just as Astrid does, both going for high cross bodies at exactly the same time. Their bodies collide in an abnormal manner, spinning off of each other from the impact and sending both clattering to the mat. They don't stay down for long and quickly move in on the attack. Munin goes for a right hand that is blocked by Astrid, forcing The Lady to swing around and try for a spinning back elbow. This time, Astrid ducks out of the way, driving her shoulder into Munin's midsection and forcing her back over into the corner. She lays in two more shoulder thrusts for good measure, knocking the wind out of The Lady before rising up and peppering her with straight right fists.
Nelson: Astrid Samson has Munin dazed in the corner, and now lowers herself again to get in under her and force her up to the top turnbuckle...
Crumb: The Lady is perched as The Iconic Queen joins her by stepping up to the second rope...
Rose: Yeah, but see...Munin wasn't quite out of it. She responds with stiff headbutts that have Astrid slipping back down to the mat.
With a straight kick to the face by Munin, Astrid is sent stumbling out to the center of the ring while The Lady uses the cage to pull herself up so that she's now standing on the top turnbuckle. Just as Samson wobbly turns back in her direction, she comes soaring off with a death defying shooting star press. The fans come to their feet at the move with a gasp, but all of the air is sucked out of the arena when Astrid leaps high into the air to deliver a high angled dropkick that catches Munin before she make her full rotation. Munin slams into the mat nearby as Astrid lands on her stomach, and the Iconic Queen nods, a smirk coming across her face.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON JUST PULLED OF THE REVERSAL OF THE SENTRY?!?
Rose: Probably, "High risk moves like that should probably be reserved for an opponent you're sure you have down."
Nelson: Be that as it may, an incredible turn of events as Lady Munin lies on the canvas clutching at her midsection while Astrid Samson is back over at the cage wall looking for 'goodies'!
Astrid looks inside one of the garbage cans hanging from the side of the cage and looks out to the approving crowd with a shrug. Grabbing the whole can, she yanks it free from its bindings and sends cookie sheets and street signs flying. With the whole can in her possession, she turns back to Munin who is trying to regain her feet. Just as Munin raises up to get vertical, she has just enough time to see Samson storming in, bringing the garbage can crashing into her already injured gut. Munin doubles over, and Astrid reverses her hold on the can so that she takes the open end and jams it right onto Munin so that her entire upper body is consumed by the garbage can.
Nelson: Good Lord! Astrid Samson has Munin trapped inside that garbage can!
Crumb: Her arms are pinned...she doesn't have anywhere to go!
Rose: Yeah, and OH! Superkick by Astrid sends The Lady crashing down to the mat! Man, her head must be ringing inside there!
The fans cheer and jeer as Astrid struts around the ring, wiping her face clear of some of the blood and grim that has started to dry on her face. She points to the nearby corner and the place explodes as she makes her way over to climb the turnbuckles. Once perched, facing away from the ring, she calls out something mocking to Munin over her shoulder, and then dives back into a moonsault while tucking her legs into her chest for the landing. Both knee's come crashing down like a meteora into the garbage can, crushing the woman trapped inside. The roof literally blows.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON JUST HIT DATKNEE DISKNEE TO A GARBAGE CAN WITH LADY MUNIN INSIDE IT?!?
Rose: Probably, "It's odd to see garbage landing so far outside of the garbage can."
Nelson: ROSE MARIE! You can mock Astrid Samson all you want, but that was incredible...and I think it might be enough. Astrid is having to pry that garbage can open so she can pull Munin out, but she manages, and now hooks the leg for a cover!
One...
Two...
Thre-KICK OUT!
Nelson: MY GOODNESS! That had to be one of the longest two counts in IPW's history!
Rose: Ok, ok. Even I'm a little surprised by that one.
Crumb: Nelson, you know just as well as I do that Lady Munin is one of the toughest women to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots. Astrid Samson has to be wondering, if that didn't work, what will?
The look of shock on the Iconic Queen's face seems to say just that as she shakes her head in denial at the referee's signal of two. The surprise quickly turns to fury as she stalks up to her feet and back over to the corner, talking trash all the while as she climbs back to the top. Munin lies in the center of the ring, motionless, busted garbage can lying two feet off to her side. Astrid reaches her perch on the turnbuckle, but this time she turns so that she's facing the ring. Pointing her finger down at Munin as if it were a gun, she pulls the trigger with a confident grimace just before bouncing on the ropes for spring and diving high into the air for a finisher of her's that is rarely seen anymore. Flippin' Out (somersault seated senton)!
Nelson: OH MY GOODNESS!
Crumb: LADY MUNIN MOVED!
Rose: MORE THAN THAT! SHE PULLED THAT GARBAGE CAN INTO HER PLACE SO THAT ASSTRID CAME CRASHING DOWN RIGHT ONTO IT!
The fans are at a fever pitch as both ladies lie in the center of the ring. The referee moves in to check on both, but seeing as he can't do anything about it, backs off when neither women gives the signal to quit. They lie there for awhile, battered and bruised, but eventually they both begin to stir at about the same time. Astrid, amazingly, is up to her feet first, and when she looks over to see Munin getting to hers, she rushes at the woman to try and take her head off. Only she runs headfirst right into a surprisingly low elbow that catches her right in the solar plexus. Astrid is stunned, her mouth coming open but no sound coming out. Her eyes are wide as Munin slowly rises in front of her with dark eyes.
Nelson: Oh no...Folks, it's a known fact that Munin is a martial arts expert, a skill that has lead her to many wins and many championships. I believe that particular blow is a pressure point move known as Strikes to Suigetsu, or watery moon. It attacks the cluster of nerves that control the cardiovascular system.
Rose: Are you saying that Asstrid is paralyzed?
Nelson: Not exactly, but she's about to be.
Munin's eyes narrow, and she swiftly spins around, dropping low so that her elbow finds her right floating ribs. This strike, called Strikes to Denko, or lightening, applies pressure to the liver, causing the organ to temporarily shut down. With another spin in the opposite direction, Munin comes in low again, this time driving her fist directly into Astrid's left floating ribs. The move is called Strikes to Tsukikage, or shadow of moon, and is designed to apply pressure to the lungs from the inside, temporarily causing loss of breath. Still low, Munin takes a step back, drawing both hands into her sides, and then firing them out like a serpent to strike a blow that almost looks low, but is actually just below the navel. Strikes to Myojo, or bright star, a blow that is meant to cause the lower extremities to falter.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS ASTRID SAMSON LOOKS OUT ON HER FEET!
Rose: Probably, "That's a pretty neat parlor trick and would come in handy if you were Bill Cosby."
Nelson: ROSE MARIE! That wasn't funny! Besides the point, Astrid Samson just teetered over to fall flat on her back unmoving! This is the perfect opportunity for Munin to pick up a victory!
Rose: Yeah, well she doesn't look to keen on going for a cover...
The Lady looks out at the crowd with a look of fury, stalking over to one of the other garbage cans hanging from inside the cage. With a harsh pull she rips it from the side of the cage, dumping its contents out onto the canvas. She sifts through the selection of weapons until her scan narrows in on one small item that sits conspicuously apart from the others. She bends down and picks up the item as a dark grin spreads over her face, slipping the brass knuckles over her right hand. There is a buzz from the crowd as she turns those dark eyes over to where Astrid has yet to find purchase to move.
Nelson: This does not look good! Lady Munin just found a pair of brass knuckles, and she's making her way methodically back over to the prone Astrid Samson!
Rose: Finally! Finally this little shit is about to get what she deserves!
Crumb: Rose Marie, you can't be serious! This can't happen...the referee needs to stop it. Astrid is helpless!
The referee does make a step to intervene, but a dangerous glance from The Lady freezes him in his track. She steps over Astrid, dropping down to straddle the woman's chest, and gingerly, almost lovingly cradles the back of the woman's skull to pull it up off the mat. With another lustful smile to the crowd, her face contorts as she raises her brass fist, and brings it crashing down like a piston right into Astrid's face. Fresh blood spatters with each hit and when Munin finally steps off of her Astrid is left looking like a horror movie victim as she pours onto the canvas.
Nelson: My Goodness...that was brutal.
Rose: I...that was pretty sick.
Crumb: Oh, squeamish now Rose. Where is that gusto from moments ago when you thought this would be great.
Rose: I guess I didn't expect it to look like that...
Rose Marie goes quiet as Munin removes the bloodied brass knuckles and toss them to the side, turning to make her way towards the far corner. She climbs with intent reaching the top turnbuckle and using the cage to turn herself so that she's facing the ring. The crowd watches breathlessly with anticipation as Munin nods, but just when she's about to dive, Astrid suddenly regains control of her motor functions and begins pulling herself away from the blast radius. Munin watches this with a set jaw of frustration, and she hops down from the top, stalking towards Astrid who has reached the far side and is using the turnbuckles to pull herself back to her feet.
Nelson: I can't believe this. How in the hell is Astrid Samson still on her feet!
Crumb: She's tougher than anyone has ever given her credit for, that's why. We've seen her in so many battles in the past and she continues to surprise!
Rose: Well, Munin doesn't look surprised. She looks pissed, and now she's broken into a trot and is ready to go on the attack!
Munin rushes in towards the corner where Astrid has posted up, but the Iconic Queen uses the ropes to pull herself out of the way at the last second. Munin is unable to put on the brakes before striking chest first hard against the top turnbuckle causing her to stumble back in pain. Astrid looks up past her bloody vision to her opponent and falls into the rope for some spring to send her careening past her and to the opposite side. Munin manages to turn as she goes, watching as Astrid leaps up to the top rope, grabbing the cage as she goes, and then pushes off the cage wall to spin back around and send both knee's crashing into Munin's chest with a meteora!
Crumb: MUNIN SLAMMED TO THE MAT WITH THE FULL BRUNT OF ASTRID'S WEIGHT LANDING RIGHT ON TOP OF HER!
Nelson: I can't believe this! Where is she getting this will to continue!
Rose: I believe that candle might be fading, guys, cause Astrid just slumped off to the side of Munin and both women are now laid out on the canvas.
The referee checks both women but they respond with venom, forcing him to back off and allow the contest to continue. Slowly but surely the two women make it back to their feet, Astrid a step before Munin and in her left hand she has in her possession a lead pipe. When Munin turns to face the Iconic Queen she's met with an overhand strike from the pipe that cracks the top of her skull, splitting her forehead wide open in a sickening display of blood and bone. Munin crumples to the mat before Samson who tosses the bloody pipe to the side while wearing a sadistic grin.
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKING AS MUNIN'S SKULL HAS JUST BEEN SPLIT IN HALF?!?
Rose: Probably, "She should have covered Asstrid when she had the chance!"
Nelson: Be that as it may, Astrid just signaled for the end, and she's doing everything in her power to get the limp Munin up to her feet to hook her around the head...
Astrid eventually does this, and while keeping her head hooked, she moves to flip through for her patented Off With Their Head (Flipping Neckbreaker)! To everyone's surprise, Munin doesn't stop spinning through, but instead ends up all the way back around on her feet. Astrid, feeling the momentum shift, remains latched onto Munin's head for leverage, completing her front flip so that she also lands on her feet. The position puts Astrid in front with Munin behind her, and The Lady quickly reaches up for Astrid's arms and shifts her position so that Samson is now locked in to her Figure Four Blood Choke!
Nelson: OH MY GOODNESS! LADY MUNIN HAS ASTRID SAMSON LOCKED INTO HER MERCY LOCK!
Crumb: WHAT CAN EVERYONE BE THINKI---
Rose: OH SHUT IT CRUMB!
Astrid's arms flail wildly out in front of her as Munin seizes up on the hold, both women bleeding profusely onto the other from their various head wounds. After a few seconds, and because of the damage done, Samson's arms don't have the same fight as before and they slowly begin to drift down to her sides as Munin grits her teeth and chokes up even more. Suddenly, The Iconic Queen comes alive once more, digging in with her feet to pull her and Munin towards one of the cage walls. As she reaches the ropes, Munin watches as one by one Astrid walks up until both feet are on the top, and with a surge of strength she shoves backwards so that The Lady falls flat on her back. Munin doesn't release the hold, so when Astrid lands, her feet are up over her head, her neck bent in an awkard position. But technically, she is the one making a pin as the referee drops to make the count.
One...
Two...
THRE-NO!
At the last second Munin releases Mercy and rolls the shoulder, saving herself from losing the match, but looking completely spent. Astrid falls off to the side of her, spitting and sputtering, looking like a complete mess as she fights to get air to cooperate with her breaths. The referee is once again put in an awkward position, motioning as if he may call the match until he feels something latch onto his ankle. When he looks down, both Astrid and Munin have a hold of him, but their exhausted gazes continue to glare at one another. The referee frees himself as the two women make it to their knees, both slightly unstable as they continue to stare.
Nelson: This is unbelievable!
Crumb: I concur!
Rose: Me three!
Astrid gives a dazed expression to Munin, but suddenly lunges forward with a right hand that rocks The Lady back until she almost tumbles over. She catches herself before she actually goes over though, and when she pushes back up she swings a wild right hand that slams into Astrid's face. The Iconic Queen falls back as well, and just when it looks like she might fold, she puts her elbow down to stop her, shoving back up to her knees and sends her whole face forward with a headbutt into Munin's.
Nelson: Goodness...Munin slumped forward after that last shot, and now Astrid pushing to get to her feet and wraps her arm around Munin's head as she goes.
Crumb: Astrid is probably looking for her #LILBIT (Slingshot DDT), but I don't know if she has the strength left to get Munin's lower half up for the top rope!
Rose: Well, she just lead them that way anyways, and she's got a handful of tights...WAIT!
Nelson: MUNIN JUST YANKED HERSELF FREE AND DELIVERED A HEADBUTT OF HER OWN TO ASTRID!
Crumb: ASTRID FALLS BACK INTO THE ROPES AND SPRINGS BACK...MUNIN SIDESTEPS HER...AND HOOKS HER RIGHT BACK INTO MERCY!
Rose: Oh...and this time...she just brought her legs up to grapevine Astrid's torso, and SAMSON IS FALLING FORWARD DUE TO THE ADDED WEIGHT!
Astrid goes face first down into the mat, blood smearing on the canvas as she shakes her head 'No' to the referee, but Munin swings her body to the right which turns both women so that they are on their side, the choke still fully maintained. The Iconic Queen kicks and gasps, grabs for ropes that wouldn't save her anyways thanks to the nature of this match, before her finally her arm falls limply to her side. The referee drops to one knee and lifts her arm, which offers no response.
One...
He tries again, the arm falling to the mat.
Two...
Once more, maybe this time....
THREE!!
The ref hops up and immediately starts calling for the bell, while Munin takes in a deep breath while releasing the hold and shoving the unconscious form of Astrid Samson away from her so she can lie back and rest.
DING DING DING
Nelson: MY GOODNESS, WHAT A MATCH!
Crumb: I can honestly say I had forgotten what it was like to see Lady Munin in action, and after witnessing this...it's terrifying!
Rose: I have to admit, this was one hell of a fight. Samson gave as good as she got, but in the end she fell to The Lady.
Nelson: The cage is starting to raise as Torres climbs the ring steps to make the announcement!
Torres: The winner of this match by submission....LADY MUNIN!!
The fans watch as EMT's rush the ring, carrying boards for both ladies. When the reach Astrid she lolls her head to the side, having come back to consciousness, and a look of distress and disappointment crosses her face as she allows the medics to work her over. As Munin is being lifted onto a board, she kicks and shoves one of the EMT's away with her foot. She rolls under the rope to land with both feet on the floor, and it takes her several seconds before she can let go of the apron. Not really sure which part of her body hurts more she ambles halfway up the ramp, turning her bloodied face to look over her shoulder at Astrid. Though the wound in her forehead looks absolutely grotesque, it looks even worse as it peels further back when The Lady smiles. The display over with, Munin turns back towards the curtain and begins to hobble towards the exit.
Nelson: You know Crumb, now that you mention it....she is kind of terrifying.
Crumb: A fucking ghoul...
Rose: Well, would you look at that. Astrid just shoved those EMT's off of her. I guess if Lady Munin is going to walk out of here, she's going to attempt it as well.
Astrid gets under the bottom rope but when her feet hit the concrete her knee's buckle and she ends up on them just by the ramp. Blood droplets hit the cold smooth surface and she shakes her head, forcing herself up to her feet as she too ambles up the ramp towards the back.
Nelson: I don't know what else we have in store tonight, but I don't think anything can top what we just witnessed.
Rose: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I tend to agree with you.
Crumb: Will wonders never cease. I know it's going to be difficult, but what do you guys say? Shall we get on with the show?
The other two commentators nod to Crumb, and the scene shifts to commercial.