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Texas College Championship Wrestling 53
Bastian (HW) versus Jackson (HW) versus Jake (HW) versus Lance (HW)
Chapter One
INTRODUCING FIRST, FIGHTING OUT OF THE NORTH CORNER, OUR YOUNGEST COMPETITOR AT 19-YEARS OLD, 6'1" TALL AND WEIGHING IN AT 203 POUNDS, WEARING THE WHITE TRUNKS, HERE IS BASTIAN!
Bastian came roaring into the ring. He was something of an enigma in the ring. He had been friendly to Tommy, but played fast and loose with the rules when it suited him.
Still, the young blond wrestler was strong and a force whenever he entered the ring. That gave him respect from the crowd. The white trunks blended into his white skin as he flexed and stretched in the ring.
AND NOW, IN THE SOUTH CORNER, 20-YEARS OLD, 6'3" TALL, WEIGHING IN AT 218 POUNDS, WEARING THE BLACK TRUNKS, HERE IS JACKSON!
The TPW superstar came in to a massive chorus of boos. At 6'3", he was very tall and lanky in his muscles. Even though Cody had publicly stood with the TPW crowd, many in this crowd did not know that. They had seen his appalling display of unsportsmanlike behavior against Cody and had long memories.
Jackson did receive some cheers and eventually, they drowned out the boos. It made him feel a little better. He looked back and saw Terry watching. He smiled, knowing Terry was up after this match, so he appreciated the show of support. He did wonder where Clay was, but quickly put that out of his mind.
If he fought his best, he would be seeing Clay soon in the finals, anyway.
NEXT, IN THE WEST CORNER, 22-YEARS OLD, 6'1" TALL, WEIGHING IN AT 225 POUNDS, WEARING THE ROYAL BLUE TRUNKS, HERE IS JAKE!
Jake came out to a quiet applause. A lot of girls whistled and cheered as he did and he waved to them. Jake climbed into the ring and waved. He looked back at the curtain and saw Roby and Gerritt watching from the back. He held Roby's eye and flexed. Everyone appreciated the effort he put into his body, not knowing that he was not showing off, but boosting his confidence and using Roby as his focus.
Roby smiled at his best friend and winked at him. He hoped Jake would perform where he, Roby, had failed.
AND THE FINAL PARTICIPANT IN THIS PRELIMINARY MATCH, MAKING HIS WAY TO THE EAST CORNER, 22-YEARS OLD, STANDING 6'3" TALL AND WEIGHING 212 POUNDS, WEARING THE PURPLE SHORTS, HERE IS LANCE!
Stefan, in his own way, had forced Kevin to allow Posse members to compete in the tournaments. But upon reflection, Kevin was convinced that allowing Posse members to participate was, in fact, a good idea. Kevin now acknowledged that having Posse members in the tournament meant that Rusty would have an easier time.
With Steve's exit, Lance was left to carry the banner into the finals. Steve had certainly softened up Anton after their match. As well, Clay was lying in a heap in the back. Added to Dane's condition, Kevin was smiling. If Lance could make it into the finals, he didn't need to win, only to hurt the other three. Lance's orders were to wreak as much havoc as possible.
The final match was laden with under appreciated talent. With no clear favorite, it would be an interesting one, for sure.
*****
Chapter Two
Jake and Lance were to start off. They moved into the ring. Starting the match was neither an advantage nor a disadvantage. Dane had started, but Anton and Clay had not. It made no difference, it seemed; it only mattered what you did in the ring.
The lanky Posse member, Lance, took the initiative. He moved in on the hulking blond muscle wrestler, Jake, and, using leverage and momentum, actually bullied him to the corner. As the referee backed him off, Lance swung out with a cheap shot forearm to Jake's head!
Unfortunately for Lance, his being one of the Posse meant Jake was ready. Jake blocked the right forearm and thrust out with a right of his own, slamming it right into Lance's ribs.
Lance staggered back, clearly pissed at having his move anticipated. Jake stepped out of the corner with a big smile on his face. He had no love of the Posse and would love to be the one who took the belt from Rusty. As well, with neither of his friends, Roby or Gerritt having a shot, he felt some pressure to perform.
Lance and Jake wandered around the ring. Jake bounced his sizable pecs involuntarily. Lance saw the move and reciprocated with a flex of his own. The two heavyweights finally stepped in to wrestle. As Lance charged forward, Jake grabbed his right arm and flipped him over.
Lance flew over Jake's thick back and crashed onto the mat. As Lance crashed down from the arm drag, he rolled up to lunge at Jake. Again, Jake was ready. He grabbed Lance's arm and threw him with another arm drag takedown!
Lance rolled over and went to the corner, where he knelt and rubbed his back. He sneered at Jake, who just smiled. Lance thought, "Laugh it up, musclehead, there's a long way to go."
Lance flinched as he saw movement behind him. He realized that he was in Jackson's corner. Lance turned and tagged Jackson. He said, "He's all yours, sport."
Jackson welcomed the tag. He slipped under the top rope and moved one leg over the middle rope. As he did this, Lance pulled up on the middle rope hard! The middle rope came up hard and fast into Jackson's crotch, causing him to yelp and roll into the ring and fall on side.
Lance drove his boot down onto Jackson shoulder then hopped out of the ring with a big smile on his face.
Across the ring, Jake was standing in the corner. He was not sure what to do. He hated to take advantage of the low blow. As he thought about it, he felt a hard slap on his shoulder. It was Bastian, tagging himself in. Bastian had no qualms about going after Jackson. If Jake did have doubts, better to get him out of the ring.
The referee signaled the tag and ushered Jake out of the ring. Bastian roared into the ring, ready to do some damage. Jackson was tough, Bastian knew, so he wanted to take him down right away.
Jackson was up to his hands and knees, hand rubbing his aching crotch. He heard Bastian's stomping feet and turned just in time to see Bastian stop, draw his foot back and swing it forward like Adam Vinateri kicking the Super Bowl winning field goal.
Jackson had no time to do anything but receive the blow. The kick drove upwards, sinking deep into his abs and lifting him off the mat. Jackson was fired to the side and flew between the bottom and middle ropes to the floor below.
The referee started counting Jackson out, but Bastian charged the ropes. The referee turned and pushed Bastian back, preventing him from going after Jackson.
Unfortunately, this was not a singles match. This was the first non-singles match the college wrestler volunteer had refereed. He had focused on Bastian, leaving Lance standing in the corner, looking down nine feet at the recovering Jackson.
Lance smiled. Posse members knew what to do with helpless wrestlers outside the ring …
*****
Chapter Three
The referee warned Bastian to leave Jackson alone and let him count. While he did, Lance took advantage.
Lance hopped down and stomped a big boot into Jackson's crotch! The second low blow really took its toll on the big TPW wrestler. Lance wasted no time. He grabbed a handful of Jackson's hair. With the referee pushing Bastian back, Lance had free reign for a moment. He reached down, sliding his hand between Jackson's legs. Lance lifted and slammed the TPW superstar to the floor with authority!
Jackson crashed down hard! He arched his back up in pain. Lance grabbed another handful of hair and pulled him up again. He whipped Jackson forward into the ring post. Jackson toppled back as his right shoulder was no match for the hard steel.
Bastian was waiting patiently across the ring. The referee pointed at Lance and ordered him back up onto the apron. Lance contemplated another move, but changed his mind and obeyed.
The referee was pleasantly surprised to see Lance be so compliant. Unfortunately, Lance's compliance only came after he saw Bastian slip out of the ring behind the referee. With Lance on the apron, the referee began the count out. He barely reached one before Bastian rounded the corner and towered over the tall, lanky TPW stud. The dark haired hunk was lying on his left side, shaking out his shoulder.
Bastian came over him and grabbed his right arm. Jackson turned to see Bastian just as Bastian wrenched his arm around. Jackson's aching shoulder sent waves of pain into his body. Bastian pulled Jackson up by his arm and held him firm.
Jackson turned to counter the move, but Bastian blocked his counters with tremendous efficiency. Bastian twisted Jackson's arm back, into a hammerlock. The referee said, "Both of you, in the ring, now! ONE! TWO!"
Bastian forced Jackson forward, slamming his abs into the ring apron. Jackson groaned and coughed. Bastian let go of the arm bar and pushed Jackson into the ring roughly. Jackson rolled under the bottom rope and kept rolling, hoping to evade Bastian for a moment.
Bastian slid into the ring and tagged Lance. Lance hopped over the top rope, displaying his athleticism. Bastian had made his way to Jackson, who fired forward with a big fist. Bastian fell back as Jackson rose.
Jackson was getting his wind back from the heavy, but unfocused attack that had taken him down. He moved forward only to see Lance running at him, arm extended! Lance charged into him and flattened him with a clothesline.
The referee ushered Bastian out of the ring. He kept turning to keep an eye on the devious Lance. The referee knew of the Posse and knew he was foolish to have turned his back on Lance earlier. He suspected Jackson had suffered some improper abuse at Lance's hand, but could only call what he saw.
Lance stomped his boot onto Jackson's abs. He moved to Jackson's side, rolled him over and delivered a big leg drop across Jackson's lower back. Lance turned quickly and dropped three knees into the softening flesh. Lance straddled Jackson's back and reached under his chin and wrenched back.
Jackson clawed at Lance's cruel hands under his jaw, but couldn't get the leverage. His face showed the pain of the attack, much of it worse than normal, since it had taken place outside the ring.
Lance bounced up and down on Jackson's lower back, hurting him even more. Jackson gave up his attempts to break Lance's grip. He instead positioned his hands to the side and pushed up. With one thrust, he lifted the man riding his back into the air.
Lance's face showed his surprise as he ended up riding Jackson's back. Jackson quickly turned over, flipping Lance off him. Lance toppled off and lost his hold. He rolled to the side and saw Jackson crawling towards Bastian for the tag.
Surprising everyone in the arena except Kevin in the back, Lance ignored Jackson as he crawled to Bastian. Lance stood up and turned towards Jake. He moved deliberately to the corner, letting everyone know that he could have stopped Jackson.
Lance slapped Jake's forearm and tagged him in. With a big smile on his face, Lance slipped out of the ring.
Jackson tagged Bastian and rolled under the bottom rope to safety. Bastian moved into the ring.
The match began anew …
*****
Chapter Four
The two fresh combatants circled in the ring for a moment. Jackson on the outside was hanging over the top rope, catching his breath. He felt lucky to have made the tag.
Across the ring, Lance was happy, too. Jake and Bastian could beat on each other, leaving Lance as the freshest man in the match. Lance had no issue with facing Jackson at the end, so why get a pin or submission now?
Jake and Bastian were ready to begin their match. They locked up, but Jake used his greater strength and power to force Bastian backwards. Bastian stumbled back and Jake charged at him with his arm extended for a full-on clothesline! Bastian was more than prepared as he ducked quickly.
But Jake was not interested in hitting Bastian. He kept going and charged the corner. Jake ran into the corner and tagged Jackson back in.
The referee signaled the tag. Jake grabbed a surprised Jackson behind his head and flipped him over the top and into the ring. Jackson rolled forward and crashed in onto his back. Jake turned and stared down a disappointed Lance.
Lance knew that Jake had figured it out, but Lance knew he was still smarter. Jake's best play would have been to tag him, not Jackson.
Lance knew that was a mistake that would cost the big blond muscle hunk.
With Jackson unceremoniously dumped back in the ring, Bastian moved in. The count on Jake was only two when he pulled Jackson to his feet in a full nelson. Bastian charged and drove a huge boot into Jackson's taut stomach. Jackson wanted to curl up, but Jake's powerful arms held him erect.
Bastian stepped forward and hammered two fists into the tall stud's stomach. The punches connected with deadly accuracy and enough force to send Jake stumbling back with Jackson in the hold.
The referee reached five and Jake released the hold. Jackson dropped to his knees and one hand, coughing violently. Jake slipped outside the ropes. Bastian moved in beside Jackson. He reached over Jackson's back and clutched his shoulder. With his other hand, he reached between Jackson's legs. Bastian hoisted Jackson aloft and dropped him over his knee in a gut buster.
Bastian bounced his knee twice, making sure to get maximum punishment from the hold. He pushed Jackson from his knee and watched the man collapse onto the mat. Bastian grabbed Jackson's right wrist and again wrenched his arm. He pulled Jackson to the center of the ring and forced him to his feet in another hammerlock. Bastian pushed Jackson right shoulder first into a neutral corner, letting him slam hard.
Jackson stumbled out of the corner and Bastian moved in behind him right away. Bastian reached around and locked Jackson in an abdominal stretch. When Jackson was secure, Bastian fell back, absorbing the impact, but increasing the damage the painful hold caused to the weary Jackson. Jackson moaned in pain as Bastian used his free hand to fire fists into his side.
Bastian hammered hard with his fist, a bruise already appearing on his side. Jackson felt like his hard stomach was being torn to shreds. Bastian rocked under Jackson, each move increasing the pain that the tall TPW wrestler felt.
Jackson's abs were screaming, but he would not relent. He would not surrender. The referee asked him again, but still he refused.
"Do you submit?"
"No," came the weak reply.
Bastian grew frustrated at Jackson's resilience. He wanted to be the one to eliminate the big TPW wrestler. Bastian wanted to win every step to prove his ability. Bastian released the abdominal stretch and Jackson rolled off him into a ball. Bastian knelt beside him and realized that he would not likely submit.
Bastian rolled Jackson onto his back and fired a fist into his now soft stomach. When Jackson curled up in instinctive reaction, Bastian hooked his leg and pulled back, locking on the cradle. He held firm as the referee began his count.
ONE! TWO! THREE!
Jackson was pinned. Bastian released him and made his way to the corner. He raised his hands to acknowledge the crowd's applause.
Jackson was ushered out of the ring.
Lance and Jake entered to begin round two …
*****
Chapter Five
With Jackson eliminated, the remaining wrestlers buckled down. Jackson had absorbed the punishment in round one, with Lance's cheap blow starting the chain reaction that led to his eventual pinning.
Lance was still nervous as he faced Jake. By pinning Jackson, Bastian earned a rest, which Lance knew he wanted. Who didn't want to sit on the sidelines and watch his opponents battle it out?
Lance charged forward to meet Jake. Lance decided that he would try to get Jake down then leave him for Bastian. Easier said than done, but Lance was nothing if not confident. Jake moved in, wary of another cheap shot from the Posse member. Knowing that Jake's attention was focused on him, Lance locked up fairly.
The wrestlers strained as they fought, each one struggling for the upper hand. Jake's superior strength and muscle mass gave him the advantage. He pushed Lance back to the corner.
As the wrestlers approached the corner, Lance twisted, maneuvering Jake around so that it was Jake's back that hit the corner. Lance drove in, slamming his knee into Jake's solid abs.
He barely got a grunt for his effort. The referee was no longer taking any crap. He separated them and gave Jake a chance to get out of the corner. The wrestlers circled again. When Lance was close enough to the corner, he turned to tag Bastian.
But Jake would have no part of that.
Lance turned, never suspecting that Jake would pounce. Jake charged and slammed his forearm into Lance's back. Lance stumbled forward and slammed into the corner. Lance's face hit the top turnbuckle and he was momentarily dazed.
Lance reached out to tag Bastian, but he heard a slap before he could.
Jake had tagged Bastian first!
Jake slammed two fists into Lance's back. Bastian, now the legal man, followed suit. Both wrestlers reached under Lance and lifted. Lance went up and was sent crashing down onto his shoulders as the wrestlers delivered a double suplex!
The referee reached five in the count and Jake exited the ring. Bastian quickly grabbed Lance's wrists and flipped him onto his stomach. Bastian wrapped Lance's arms under his chin and wrenched back in a camel clutch. Bastian pulled up hard, using Lance's arms to hold his torso up.
The unconventional move was a good one. Lance moaned as his own arms were crossed in front of him and choking him. From the front it reminded people of the old sight gag of two people making out. Lance's hands were perfectly positioned to create that illusion behind him.
Lance was moaning as the referee stepped in and asked for a submission. Lance refused. The 212-pound stud was being stretched out and he could not escape. Lance struggled but every move just made his arms hurt all the worse. The pain in his shoulders, after the suplex, especially, was intense, but his back and abs were feeling raw, too.
Bastian pulled back hard, really applying the pressure. He rocked and bounced, digging his butt into Lance's back, pinning his hips to the mat. Lance felt as though he was being ripped in half.
Only his fear of Kevin's wrath kept him from giving in. Bastian kept the pressure on.
Finally the pain became too much. Lance's fear of Kevin's disappointment became outweighed by his own personal survival instincts.
"Do you give?"
"Yes," was the weak reply.
The referee rang the bell and Bastian released the hold. He raised his hands again. He had gotten a pin and a submission. Bastian felt confident as he eyed Jake. Both wrestlers were in great shape heading into the final round.
Lance was moved out of the ring. Like Steve before him, no one came to meet him. Jackson did not and no Posse member did either.
But no one even noticed. There were only two studs left and the final match promised to be exciting!
Interlude: The Posse
The back was electric as the final heavyweight four-corner match continued.
"Dammit," Kevin spat out as Lance was pinned in the ring. Lance had certainly hurt Jackson, but Jake and Bastian were in good shape. Now there was no opportunity to impact the winner of this match. Kevin knew Anton and Dane were hurt, but Clay and the winner of this match were fine.
Kevin was a "half-empty" thinker. Two out of four was always bad in Kevin's mind.
In his peripheral vision, Kevin saw Steve hovering and said, without turning, "Where the hell have you been?"
Steve was used to the little munchkin's mannerisms. He calmly said, "Following orders."
Kevin turned with a look of disdain. He said, "What are you talking about? Sure you hurt Anton, but what else have you done? Other than hang around with losers like Mike and Lon?" At Steve's surprised face, Kevin said, "Did you think I wouldn't know that you and Lon have been talking about teaming up? Well, forget about him coming into the Posse. Never. Gonna. Happen."
Steve shrugged. He had not even planned on asking Kevin about Lon. Lon was his backup plan, his ally, in case the Posse ditched him. Kevin turned back to the match.
Steve said, "Whatever you say. But can I suggest that you look around the corner, through the doors to the gymnasium in the access corridor?"
Kevin let out a heavy sigh. He said, "Why?" Kevin was suspicious. Could Steve be planning an ambush? Kevin decided that Steve was aware that assaulting Kevin was the equivalent of suicide in TCCW.
Steve said, "Humor me, boss."
Kevin's eyes narrowed. He turned and went. When Kevin opened the door, he saw Clay and Pat sprawled out unconscious in the hall. His face turned bright red. Kevin came back pissed. "You know what will happen when Clay tells everyone what you did? Of all the stupid, stupid things to do! NO POSSE INTERFERENCE OUTSIDE THE MATCHES WITHOUT MY ORDERS!"
Steve smirked and said, "Whoa, little dude, guess what? No Posse member did that."
Kevin was confused and in an unusual turn, his face betrayed his confusion. Steve smiled inwardly at having Kevin's face. The little freak didn't know everything, Steve thought. That was a good thing to remind him.
Steve finally said, "A couple of losers did that to Pat and Clay."
Kevin smiled broadly, "Nice. And you got Mike and Lon to do this?"
Steve shrugged, not admitting anything. He said, "There's no way you'll get blamed since we had nothing to do with it. I didn't ask them to do it, I didn't tell them to do it. Did I maneuver it? Who knows?"
Kevin nodded. He understood that the walls often had ears in TCCW. Steve was cleverer than he thought. Kevin said, "Without saying you did anything, let me say very good job, Steve. Nice to see you pulling your weight for once. Now get me a Coke."
Steve frowned. He had wanted more, but that was Kevin. He seldom appreciated anyone else doing something well. Steve said, "Got a buck?"
Kevin turned to watch the end of the Bastian versus Jake match. He replied matter-of-factly, "You must have money on you. Use that."
Steve bristled, but went off to get Kevin his Coke. Kevin watched the big, handsome blond sulk down the hall. Kevin loved his power. He had guys who wouldn't give a scrawny, 130-lb 24-year old the time of day on campus waiting on him and currying his favor at TCCW.
All because he made things happen. He wasn't about to lose that reputation. His men would keep their titles. He would do anything to ensure that.
Anything.
*****
Chapter Six
Out of the 24 heavyweights in TCCW, 16 had been given a chance at the number one contendership. Three had made it, now there were only two remaining with a shot to be a part of it all.
Jake waited for the bell in his corner. The tall, powerful blond was psyched. He had come into TCCW with a big win over Brian, then had done nothing. The football star was a great wrestler, but got little opportunity to prove it. Jake knew that a spot in the finals would boost his profile immeasurably.
Bastian bounced back and forth in the opposite corner. The boxing 19-year old was the youngest heavyweight in TCCW. His expertise in fighting, including wrestling, had only grown over the past months. He knew that he could win it all, if only given a shot.
The bell rang and the two blond studs moved in, ready to get it on.
As Jake moved in for a lock-up, Bastian slid under his arms and fired a fist into his abs. Jake was surprised as his abs caved from the well-placed blow. Bastian was a good puncher and had become even better since sparring with Doug.
As Jake moved his arms down from the lock-up position to a defensive position to protect his abs, Bastian slid beside him and landed a big shot to his kidneys.
Jake turned and pushed Bastian off. He walked gingerly, stretching out his side. Jake eyed Bastian with caution as they moved in again. The men locked up and Bastian countered Jake's strength advantage. He maneuvered Jake into a side headlock.
Jake pushed sideways with his strong legs and forced Bastian into the ropes. Bastian could not resist the force of Jake's thrust as he was practically carried into the ropes. Jake whipped Bastian off the ropes hard. Bastian's headlock slipped off and he charged across the ring, spinning to hit the ropes with his back.
Bastian tried to look back and see what Jake was setting him up for, but the combination of spinning and trying to bounce off the ropes distracted him. By the time he saw Jake it was too late. Bastian was bouncing off and Jake met him with a big shoulder block on the way back, sending the smaller Bastian to the mat.
Bastian scrambled to his feet. The men locked up again, this time Jake ducked under Bastian's arms and moved in behind him. Jake pushed into Bastian's back with his large torso. Again Bastian was no match for Jake's raw power. The big blond hunk moved them into the ropes.
The studs bounced into the ropes, Bastian hitting them with his front and Jake pressed tightly on his back. Jake pulled back to suplex Bastian, but Bastian wisely held the ropes firmly, sending Jake back onto the mat alone.
As Jake rose to his feet, Bastian charged, leveling with his own hard shoulder block. Jake went down hard, despite his 20-pound weight advantage.
Jake scrambled to his feet and the studs faced off again.
As they moved in for a third lock-up, Bastian lifted his boot, stomping Jake hard in the abs. As Jake bent over, Bastian drove forward with a hard forearm to the blond muscle wrestler's forehead, sending Jake reeling back.
Bastian pressed his advantage, grabbing Jake's arm and pushing him onto the ropes. Bastian whipped Jake off, but Jake reversed it, sending Bastian into the ropes. As Bastian came off, Jake grabbed him arm and flipped him over in a hip toss.
Bastian rose slower this time, clutching his back. Jake was ready with a forearm to the head of his own. Bastian went down, but literally bounced to his feet again. Jake followed up with a second hard forearm, sending Bastian down to the mat and out of the ring.
Bastian looked back into the ring and saw Jake's focused stare. Jake was hunched over, hands on knees ready to resume. Bastian took a moment before climbing back in to start again.
*****
Chapter Seven
Bastian rested for a moment outside the ring and shook out his head. He grabbed the bottom rope and pulled himself up, eyeing Jake warily. He entered the ring again and the men circled.
Jake charged, feeling more confident, only to get another boot to the midsection. Bastian sent him to the mat with a forearm to the back. Jake fell down and rolled onto his back.
Bastian moved in, but Jake kicked with his legs, tripping Bastian down. Jake immediately leapt up in one smooth move and stepped over Bastian's hips. Bastian could only watch Jake's wide back as he saw the rough muscle man towering over him. Bastian worked out what he should do next.
But before Bastian could even move, Jake grabbed his legs. Everyone wondered what was next. Jake used his formidable strength to lift Bastian's legs and hips off the mat. He clutched Bastian 's baby blue trunks and lifted, pulling Bastian's upper body through his legs and lifting until he was parallel with the mat!
Bastian was flung so fast, he could barely figure out what was happening, but he knew he could see the mat below him. Jake then pulled down and slammed Bastian's torso first into the mat!
The crowd yelled as they witnessed the incredible move. It was like some kind of reverse powerbomb, but they had never seen anything like it before!
Bastian rolled to the side and managed to exit the ring.
He looked at Jake, who was obviously itching to continue. Bastian knew he needed a break or the match would be over fast! Bastian crawled back into the ring warily. The referee kept Jake at bay until Bastian was standing again.
The youngest heavyweight in TCCW was recovering quickly, but he had been sent out of the ring with his tail between his legs twice now. It was not a feeling the younger man appreciated.
Jake pressed into Bastian. They locked up, with Bastian seizing the early advantage, sending a surprised Jake into a vacant corner. Bastian pulled Jake out and flung him across the ring. Jake spun around and absorbed the impact of the turnbuckles on his back. It hurt, but he knew how to avoid serious damage. Unfortunately for Jake, he was unprepared for Bastian, who ran in right behind him and landed a huge clothesline!
Jake stumbled from the corner and fell to the mat. Bastian grabbed a handful of Jake's hair and pulled him to his feet. Bastian fired out with a hard left, but Jake flexed his stomach and his abs held firm. Undaunted, Bastian drove a forearm across Jake's chest, and watched as Jake fell down again.
Jake's rock hard abs were a tempting target for the boxer - Bastian both respected and resented how his blow had just been repulsed by the tremendous muscle wall. Bastian, being 19, was impulsive. He moved in to try and break Jake's abs.
As Bastian came towards him, Jake slipped to the side and sprang up in a surprise move. Bastian managed to dodge the charge, but Jake turned immediately and got Bastian in a headlock.
Bastian hammered a fist into Jake's back, but Jake held on and squeezed tighter. Bastian found his head crushed by the force. Normally a headlock wasn't much of a move, but in Jake's powerful arm, with his bicep and lat forcing into Bastian's temple, Bastian was reeling.
Bastian, a wrestler-boxer, fired another two fists, finally getting some relief. Bastian managed to slip out of the hold and charge Jake. Jake was ready and flipped Bastian to the mat with an arm drag takedown, then followed up with another as Bastian charged again.
Bastian rolled outside the ring for a third time. He was frustrated and annoyed. Jake just seemed to be getting tougher. Still, the 19-year old was not deterred. He steeled his will and reached up to re-enter the ring.
Interlude: In the Back
The crowd of onlookers was massive, especially with so many TCCW wrestlers taking in the matches first hand. Many men were watching out in the auditorium, but the competitors on the afternoon card had to watch from the back. Everyone fought for his share of the curtain.
After Jake's two arm drags on Bastian, a nervous Doug said, to no one in particular, "You saw him arm drag Lance. Why weren't you ready? Think, dummy, think. You can't let a guy like that out think you. Not a muscle head like that."
Roby overheard and said, "Watch it. Jake is smart, Doug. Maybe Bastian's problem is that he underestimated Jake."
Doug let out some air in contempt of Roby's suggestion. Doug said, "You just keep believing that. But if the better guy wins then Bastian will be in the finals. He's more talented and tougher than Jake. Bastian's a boxer, a wrestler and knows a ton of moves. Jake is a football guy who thinks he's tough. He's a one-trick pony."
"Screw you, Doug. I'd take Jake in a match or a fight any day. Jake has some moves. No one else does that reverse powerbomb. No one."
Doug scoffed and said, "Big deal. Bastian's still going, so wasn't a great move anyway. Bastian'll get his chance."
"Knock it off, you two," Cody said. "They're both good wrestlers. Either can win at any time."
"Wow, nice insight, Mr. Obvious," a smirking Geoffrey said. He was waiting for his four-corner match, which was later that day.
Cody blushed at the insult.
When it became obvious that Cody had no comeback, Geoffrey said, "It's okay, you won't need to be smart to flip burgers."
From behind, Dane said, "Was he talking to you, kid? This is the wrestler area. How'd you get back here."
Geoffrey said, "Oh, the genius has a protector. Nice. I'm in the tournament. Watch my round and you might learn something to help you win matches without luck, jobber boy."
It was Dane's turn to blush. His win was not luck, but good instincts. Still, Mike had been really close to beating him. Dane finally replied, "Well, hate to break it to you, but the lightweight tournament is over. You missed it, little guy."
Geoffrey said, "Well, it took a while, but at least you thought of something somewhat clever. Maybe you'll get to manage the McDonald's instead of just cleaning the bathrooms like your buddy here."
Geoffrey signaled Mason and the two middleweights moved off, leaving the heavyweights speechless. "That guy is as annoying as Kevin," Dane said.
Cody just nodded, staring at Geoffrey as he walked away. He was surprised at his own silent reaction. Cody was not angry or upset by Geoffrey's cockiness. He just shrugged and turned to the match. He said to Dane, "Shouldn't you be resting?"
Dane said, "I wanted to see who the fourth guy will be. Who's left?"
"Bastian and Jake."
Dane said, "Really? Wow, glad I checked. I was definitely thinking Jackson and Lance had the inside track."
Doug and Roby looked at each other. Doug said, "Do you two ever stop? Now Jake and Bastian aren't good enough for you?"
Dane looked surprised, "Did I say that? I didn't say that at all. Stop being so sensitive."
Dane turned back to the match. The four heavyweights remained in close proximity, but only Cody and Dane were still talking to one another. Things were just too tense right now for any kind of joking around.
The men just hoped that once the tournament was done that things would return to normal.
If it didn't, the heavyweight division was going to be hell.
*****
Chapter Eight
The match continued as the referee ordered the wrestler back into the ring. Jake was growing frustrated with Bastian's frequent rest stops and it showed. He was still hunched over, ready to pounce, but he was fidgeting on his feet, moving back and forth.
Bastian reached up to grab the ropes to enter the ring. He hoisted himself onto the apron, hesitating as Jake moved forward. Bastian held onto the middle ropes and stayed on one knee on the apron.
Jake had had enough. If Bastian wasn't going to come in on his own then Jake would bring him in. Jake charged over and reached over the top rope to pull Bastian in.
Bastian moved back and used the spring of the middle rope to thrust forward, slamming his shoulder into Jake's wide-open torso. The big stud let out a gust of air and held the top rope for balance. Bastian bounced back and thrust in again!
Jake fell back to the mat, clutching his six-pack stomach. He had been unprepared for the shoulder blocks and his abs had caved under the pressure. Jake rolled to the side and stood up. During his rise, though, he had made the mistake of taking his eyes off Bastian!
When Jake got to his feet, he was met by a charging Bastian! Bastian had slid into the ring and charged with a huge shoulder tackle that would make Ray Lewis proud.
Jake was lifted off the mat and slammed into the mat! Bastian's 202-pounds drove down into his washboard abs and crushed them between the unforgiving canvas and the big shoulder. The big footballer's head hit with a thud on the mat. Jake's thick arms crashed out to the sides and his legs fell flat to the canvas.
Bastian rolled off him and looked at Jake, who was spread out and unmoving, except for the opening and closing of his eyes as he tried to recover. Bastian quickly scrambled towards the ropes. He jumped onto the middle rope. The rope sank from his weight then sprang up, lifting him into the air.
Bastian flipped in the air and came down atop Jake, splashing him hard! Jake coughed as the splash woke him up quickly. Bastian rolled off Jake and slid his knee over Jake's broad chest. Bastian planted his shins over Jake's packed shoulders, pinning them to the mat. Bastian's weight came down on Jake's chest and made breathing more difficult.
The supine stud looked up and saw the ripples of Bastian's back before him. He saw the backs of Bastian's arms raise up. The horseshoe pattern of Bastian's triceps showed the power he had. Jake, lost in the moment, admired Bastian's hard arms, obviously built by countless hours of boxing and weightlifting.
But that moment ended when Bastian's arms dropped down.
Bastian was staring down at Jake's ripped midsection. The muscle stud had spent a long time on his abs and it showed. Bastian laid in two fists in rapid succession. Jake bucked under him, trying to throw Bastian off and save himself from the pain of the forceful fists.
The referee counted the pin on Jake's shoulders, which were pinned down. ONE!
Bastian fired in another two fists and felt satisfaction from the softening he felt under him. Jake's hot breath hit the small of Bastian's back as he breathed deeply and moaned from the assault.
The referee slapped the mat again. TWO!
Jake swung his legs out as wide as they would go. The thick tree-trunks kicked and probed, spreading as wide as the muscles would allow in search of the ropes. Jake's arms flailed desperately in search as well, clawing for something that would break the pin.
Bastian fired in two more fists and watched his hand sink in an inch on the second punch. Jake's hot breath and grunt of pain into his back was his reward.
The referee lifted his hand for three, but before he did, he looked to make sure that Jake was pinned.
*****
Chapter Nine
"THREE!"
The count was finished by Doug in the back, but Gerritt said, "Nope! His leg was on the ropes!"
It was true. The referee saw Jake's left leg barely draped on the bottom rope and halted his count. He tapped Bastian's shoulder and ordered him off. Bastian was incredulous. He looked at the ref and said, "Start the five count any time, guy."
Bastian began a rapid-fire assault on Jake's abs as the referee counted to five, irritated by Bastian's move.
By the time the referee reached five, Jake's abs were red and soft, having received 16 big punches. Jake's legs kicked violently as he endured the rough assault.
Bastian moved off at five and got to his feet. Jake rolled to the side and slid into the fetal position, his feet bouncing up and down and his arms clutching his abs.
The referee warned Bastian, "Don't toy around with me, kid."
Bastian shrugged and said, "Just following the rules."
The referee couldn't argue with him. He knew Bastian was right. Bastian drove his boot into the small of Jake's back. Jake rolled away in response, sliding under the ropes and onto the floor below. After watching Bastian rest up outside, he was in no hurry to get back in.
Bastian moved back and forth like a caged lion in the ring. The referee was counting to ten on Jake, but the count was impossibly slow for Bastian. He wanted to continue; he wanted to keep going. He had Jake right where he wanted him for his abdominal stretch finisher.
Bastian knew that a few minutes in his ab stretch would end this match. Jake might have agreed if he had been asked. The damage to his abs was intense. As the count reached eight, Jake moved up the steps towards the corner. He eased towards the ropes and put a foot between the middle and top ropes to enter.
The 19-year old Bastian could not wait. He charged in to bring Jake in the hard way. Jake had hoped for an impulsive move from the younger kid and had gotten one. When Bastian came close, Jake slipped his leg out and leaned back, pulling the ropes out. Using the spring, Jake vaulted over the top rope and his feet slammed into Bastian's bulging pecs!
Bastian toppled back and Jake jumped into the air, crashing onto Bastian's thick chest with a big elbow. Jake slid a hand behind Bastian's head and rolled forward, pulling him up.
Jake forced Bastian's head between his legs and squeezed hard. He reached around and wrapped his arms tightly around Bastian's waist. Bastian struggled, but could not part Jake's huge thighs. Jake lifted and held Bastian upside down. The blood raced to Bastian's head as he looked down at the mat, his head getting crushed in the vice-like grip.
Jake tightened his grip, squeezing Bastian in the upside down bearhug. Bastian's back was crushed into Jake's hard chest and squeezed from the front by Jake's thick arms. Added to the leglock on his head and Bastian was reeling.
Bastian moaned in pain, but when asked, declined to submit. Jake bounced Bastian a little more, but the young pup stayed strong, refusing to be taken down. Jake opened his legs a little, letting Bastian move his head forward. Bastian was relieved to escape the pressure, but he only got part way before Jake tightened in again.
Bastian let out a shocked cry as he realized Jake had let him reposition his head. He quickly recognized what was coming!
Jake bent at the knees and then jumped up, moving his feet out. Jake landed hard on his tailbone, but Bastian landed harder on his head.
PILEDRIVER! The crowd yelled.
Jake rolled on top of Bastian's quivering form and hooked a leg.
The referee counted to three and it was over. Jake had won. The referee raised his arm in victory and Jake did a victory lap. The big blond beefcake looked incredibly powerful in the ring and the crowd knew that Anton, Dane and Clay would have their hands full come match time.
Jackson came out to congratulate Jake, but Lance was a no show. Doug went into the ring and assisted his friend. Doug helped the stunned Bastian up. He said, "You did well, kid, really well. You could have had him. We'll work on a few things and you WILL have him."
Bastian nodded. He appreciated his friend's words, but he was still dejected. He had been so confident, but he had lost. Bastian went to the back to find Anton. He would stand by his friend that DID make it. No matter what.
THE END
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