Note: You can find ALL (?) the stories by all authors in order in their original versions HERE - thanks for the link, Mangler!
Texas College Championship Wrestling 56
Anton (HW) versus Clay (HW) versus Dane (HW) versus Jake (HW)
Chapter One
WELCOME AGAIN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THE SEMI-FINALS FOR THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION. THE WINNER WILL FACE RUSTY, THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, IN THE FINALS NEXT WEEK!
THIS SEMI-FINAL IS A FOUR-CORNER MATCH. THERE IS NO TIME LIMIT. WRESTLERS CAN BE ELIMINATED VIA PIN, SUBMISSION, COUNT OUT OR DISQUALIFICATION. ONCE ONE WRESTLER IS ELIMINATED, HE WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE BACK AND THE MATCH WILL CONTINUE WITH THE TWO WRESTLERS WHO DID NOT SECURE THE VICTORY. THE REFEREE'S DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
INTRODUCING FIRST, WINNER OF THE INITIAL QUARTERFINAL, AGAIN FIGHTING OUT OF THE NORTH CORNER, 23-YEARS OLD, 5'11" TALL AND WEIGHING IN AT 203 POUNDS, WEARING THE BLACK TRUNKS, HERE IS ANTON!
Anton came out of the back, still confused over Dane's comment. If he didn't know better, he would have thought it was directed at him.
But Anton knew that he had not sent anyone to "get" Dane. He had not and would not do such a thing.
Anton charged up to the ring. His back was feeling much stronger after his conflict with Steve, which had resulted in him enduring a backbreaker long after his breaking point. But the interceding hours had helped considerably.
Anton did some deep knee bends in the middle of the ring, stretching out Bastian's spare trunks. He had not wanted to wear the same trunks in both matches, as the first pair was soaked in his sweat. But Anton had only one pair of trunks, so he had borrowed an extra set of Bastian's. They were a little tighter, but still allowed for maximum movement.
NEXT UP, WINNER OF THE SECOND QUARTERFINAL, FIGHTING OUT OF THE EAST CORNER, 22-YEARS OLD, 5'10" TALL AND WEIGHING IN AT 202 POUNDS, WEARING THE SILVER TRUNKS, HERE IS CLAY!
Like Anton, Clay had changed trunks. He came out with a new pair of silver trunks that caught everyone's attention as he strolled to the ring. Clay had stretched for some time to work out the kinks. He knew he was not 100%, but he felt strong. Still, he hobbled to the ring, hoping to divert attention away from himself.
The men had not discussed any strategy - at least, he, Clay, had not discussed any strategy. Clay had thought about approaching Dane, given that he was friendly with Cody, but Clay really did not know Dane that well and always had the feeling Dane was still resentful over the abuse Clay had dished out to Cody in Jackson's debut.
Clay smiled. It was funny how friends were. Clay would be far more likely to forgive someone who had wronged him than anyone who wronged Terry or Jackson. Clay appreciated that this was case with Dane.
AND NOW, MAKING HIS WAY TO THE SOUTH CORNER, WINNER OF THE THIRD QUARTER-FINAL MATCH, 20-YEARS OLD, 5'11" TALL, 6'2" TALL AND WEIGHING IN AT 226 POUNDS, WEARING THE YELLOW TRUNKS, HERE IS DANE!
Dane came out in Cody's lucky yellow trunks. Dane thought, ruefully, that it was too bad Cody had been saving them. He needed them in his first match against Roby's relentless and idiotic attacks. Instead, Cody had worn other yellow trunks and lost.
Dane hoped these pair would truly be lucky. Dane eyed Anton. He thought he wanted to take out Jake first, but then realized that Anton should be first. Anton was tough, dangerous and friends with Doug. Doug was quickly becoming Dane's nemesis - Doug had a single's win over him, a demolition of him in the four-corner match and then the incident just prior to coming out for this match.
Dane's pecs bouncing quickly back and forth as he contemplated his options. The three men in the ring waited quietly for the final competitor to be introduced.
*****
Chapter Two
The crowd was anxious, waiting for the final competitor to be introduced.
NEXT, IN THE WEST CORNER, WINNER OF THE FOURTH QUARTERFINAL JUST OVER AN HOUR AGO, 22-YEARS OLD, 6'1" TALL, WEIGHING IN AT 225 POUNDS, WEARING THE RED TRUNKS, HERE IS JAKE!
This match was an interesting mix. Clay and Anton were both barely heavyweights, while Jake and Dane were among the league's biggest and strongest.
The big blond Jake came thundering out of the back, walking confidently and directly to the ring. He did not bother with the stairs, preferring to hop onto the apron, grab hold of the top rope and launch himself into the ring.
Jake jumped up and down a few times, getting the blood flowing through his big muscles. The crowd was electric. No "heel" had made it through and neither had the most popular men in the league, Cody or Roby.
The crowd's loyalty was up for grabs on this Super Saturday of matches. It had been a long day, the equivalent of three or four usual cards, but it was worth it. The long intermissions and open door policy meant people could come and go.
But no one had gone for this match. It was standing room only.
That meant that many of the wrestlers were relegated to the back, watching from the aisle and curtains. Because of the interest, the TCCW officials allowed the men to crowd the aisles and keep the curtains to the back open. To do otherwise would have been cruel and unusual punishment.
Three referees who were not in action were standing to the sides to prevent any of the men from interfering. The referees were big, local College wrestlers and more than capable of handling themselves. No men would give them trouble.
The referee reminded the wrestlers of the rules and instructed them all to shake. All four wrestlers shook hands and went to their corner.
The bell rang to signal the start of the match.
Anton and Clay were to begin as the first two to win their place in the match. Jake and Dane slipped outside the ring, onto the apron to await a tag.
Anton had been too sore to see Clay's first match and neither of his friends had been in it, but he had heard some of the details. It sounded to Anton like Clay had had an easy time of it. He had taken some punishment from Lucien, but not shown a ton of offensive skill. Anton also knew that Mike had taken Clay down.
Anton decided to rough Clay up a bit then toss Clay into Jake's corner. Anton wanted Jake in every minute of the match, if possible. Time to soften up the big man.
Clay circled. He had watched Anton's earlier match and knew that Anton had beaten Ryan. In fact, Anton had helped Terry understand how he had done it. Anton stepped forward to lock up and Clay knew exactly what he wanted to do.
Anton reached out and Clay reciprocated. But Clay knew that Anton was much stronger than he looked. Instead of locking up, Clay turned and grabbed Anton's wrist tightly. Clay turned and flipped Anton over with an arm drag takedown.
Anton slammed down and Clay held his arm, tightening his grip mercilessly. He wrenched Anton's arm hard and fast, sending waves of pain through Anton's arm. Anton twisted and turned to relieve the pressure, but Clay held the arm bar perfectly.
The rugged hunk winced from the pain shooting through his arm. He feinted to the left then rolled to the right, fooling Clay. With the swift adjustment, Anton finally got to his knees, facing Clay. Anton's arm was braced on Clay's thigh, the pain growing with every second he was trapped in the hold.
Anton moaned and contemplated his next course of action. He could not believe Clay was this quick or this tough!
*****
Chapter Three
Anton realized that he better act or fight the rest of the match one-armed. Anton charged forward, using his weight to thrust into Clay. Anton ignored the throbbing in his arm as he moved his hand from Clay's thigh to in between his legs.
Anton powered upwards, lifting Clay across his chest. He slammed Clay to the mat with a bodyslam, breaking the arm bar. Clay moaned when he hit, but had the presence of mind to roll, thus avoiding Anton's follow-up elbow drop.
As Clay rolled to his feet, Anton's elbow connected with nothing but hard canvas. A frustrated Anton got up quickly and charged Clay wildly. Clay was ready. He grabbed Anton's arm again and executed another arm drag, this time releasing Anton's forearm and letting him roll across the ring.
Anton crashed down hard on his ass, but rolled with the impact and sprang to his feet. When he turned to face Clay, he came face-to-foot with Clay's smooth-soled boots. Clay's dropkick had tremendous height and he timed it well, sending Anton to the mat again.
Clay scrambled up and crouched over as Anton rose again. Anton had hold of the ropes and was rising with the back of his hand against his jaw. He looked and was glad to see no blood. This was not going the way he planned at all.
Anton shook out his arm then looked askance. He was right beside Jake. Clay saw the eye movement and darted in to block the tag, but he was too slow. Anton slapped outwards with his good arm and tagged in the bigger football star, Jake.
Jake slid between the ropes as Anton exited, taking a well-deserved break. Clay braced for the next round. He thought about tagging Dane, but he was feeling good and needed the action to stay involved in the match. Clay knew that one of the reasons Lucien had gained such a big advantage over him was Clay's long period of inaction. Clay knew that he could just tag Dane in if he got in trouble.
The two blond studs circled. They looked like they could be brothers, although the older hunk, Clay, was the smaller one. Still, Clay had wrestled Terry and Jackson, so he felt confident that he could handle Jake.
The men moved in and locked up in a collar and elbow tie-up. Clay tried to steer Jake, knowing he was overpowered, but that was proving impossible. Clay's hand, although big, was unable to get a grip on Jake's powerful shoulder or his massive neck.
Jake easily controlled the lock up. He forced Clay into the corner, literally throwing Clay the final three feet into the turnbuckles. Clay slumped for a moment - long enough for Jake to charge in and slam his knee into Clay's washboard abs.
The 225-pounds of pure power drove Clay back hard, forcing his butt between the ropes, leaving him in a sitting position on the middle turnbuckle. Jake clutched Clay's wrist and pulled him from the corner. He forced Clay towards the opposite corner.
Clay ran at the corner but was quick enough to turn and absorb the impact on his back. Jake charged in behind him with arm extended to deliver a big clothesline, but Clay used his momentum to roll back, flipping his legs over the top rope.
Jake's eyes went wide, but he could not stop. The big footballer charged into the corner and slammed in, torso first. Jake staggered back. Clay vaulted from ring apron to top turnbuckle and leapt off, landing a big dropkick off the top rope!
Jake flew backwards, crashing onto the mat. He rolled onto his stomach and got to his hands and knees. Jake pushed up and got to his feet. He wondered where Clay was.
Jake turned and found Clay.
Or, more accurately, Clay found him. The much smaller stud had a big surprise for Jake …
*****
Chapter Four
Clay had jumped onto the top turnbuckle again. He was flying through the air at Jake, cross body blocking him back to the mat!
Clay rolled off and moved to the side. Jake opened his eyes and saw Dane! Clay had tagged Dane before leaping. Dane had climbed up behind him and launched himself right after Clay!
Dane's 226-pounds squashed Jake in the middle of the ring. Clay hopped out of the ring and Dane tried the cover, but did not hook the leg. Jake kicked out at two.
Dane reached out and grabbed Jake's hair. He pulled the blond beefcake to his knees. Dane moved behind him and stepped over his shoulders. Dane towered over Jake, holding Jake's head tightly in his thighs. Dane squeezed on the head scissors hard.
Instinctively Jake reached up to try and part Dane's legs. As he brought his hands up, Dane reached down and grabbed his wrists, forcefully wrenching his arms upwards. At the same time, Dane fell back!
The impact sent waves of force right through Dane into Jake's head! Dane lay on the mat, pulling hard on Jake's arms and squeezing his thighs as hard as he could. Jake's head went red and the veins in his forehead popped out.
Jake thrashed with his thick arms, but Dane was leaning back and had the leverage advantage. Jake kicked with his legs, but could not reach a rope or roll them over. Every move Jake made, Dane countered. Jake felt dizzy as the head scissors crushed his head slowly.
Jake's shoulders were down and the referee started the count. Jake barely registered that the slapping he heard was a count, but the referee shouted the numbers.
ONE!
Jake moaned in pain and tried desperately to focus.
TWO!
Jake planted his feet and pushed back, using his feet to bridge upwards. It took tremendous strength, but Jake managed to bridge and raised his shoulders.
Jake pushed back hard and heard the count begin again. This time, it was Dane being counted as Jake forced Dane's shoulders onto the mat. Jake's big boots were firmly planted as he lifted his hips and bent Dane's legs back at the hips.
Jake's powerful body was arched up, every muscle and fiber straining as he pushed back and down, bending Dane in half and pinning Dane's shoulders.
ONE!
Dane pushed hard to move Jake off him, but it was no good. Jake's weight and legs combined as an immovable object. Dane rocked his legs, which almost made Jake black out, but he resisted momentarily.
TWO!
Dane had no choice. He released his grip on Jake's left arm and raised his own left shoulder, breaking the count. Jake brought his left arm down and used it to stabilize his bridge. Dane clawed out at Jake's upper arm, wanting to reel the arm back in, but he had no chance of getting a grip on the huge appendage. Jake's biceps and triceps were far too large and powerful for anyone to grip.
With unbelievable flexibility and power, Jake pushed hard on the mat with his legs. He used his free arm to stabilize him and rolled up and back, flipping his feet over Dane!
Jake's move put him squarely over Dane, with Dane bent in half and Jake's knees on either side of his head. Jake spread his knees and sat on Dane's face. He ripped his right arm from Dane's grip with ease and reached up and held the back of Dane's legs.
Dane was rolled up in a small cradle and the referee was down quickly to make the count. Dane maintained his head scissors, but what good would it be with his face and shoulders flat on the mat!
*****
Chapter Five
The referee started the count quickly as Dane was cradled in a pin.
ONE!
Dane realized his predicament. The pain in his neck from the pin position was substantial and he immediately released the scissors and thrust his legs out. Jake's arms, although powerful, were no match for the sudden thrust of Dane's ripped legs. When he was flat on the mat, Jake's only hold on him was his butt planted on Dane's face.
TWO!
It was an easy matter for Dane to raise his right shoulder. At the same time he slid out from under the 225-pounds that was crushing his handsome dark features and got to his knees.
Jake and Dane faced each other on their knees. Jake dove forward and clotheslined Dane across the throat to the mat. Dane bent over awkwardly, wrenching his knees, as Jake's weight pushed him to the canvas.
Jake rolled to the side, unable to follow up. He was groggy and dazed from the minutes he spent in Dane's head scissors. Jake should have submitted to the move, but his inner pride would not allow it. Now he was writhing on the mat like a fish out of water, his ability to concentrate severely impaired.
Dane rolled to his knees and winced in pain as he did. He stood gingerly and saw Jake crawling to the corner. Dane smirked as he saw Jake was crawling to an empty corner. He walked over, his knee wobbly, and stood over the dazed blond muscle stud.
Dane dropped down, driving an elbow into the back of Jake's head. Jake stopped crawling and grabbed the back of his head. Dane slid atop Jake, his legs entwining themselves around Jake's and his torso pressing down on Jake's back.
Dane slid his arms up under Jake's armpits and drew his hands over Jake's broad shoulders. He forced Jake's broad shoulders to compress as he positioned his hands behind Jake's head. Dane locked his fingers and rolled onto his back, dragging Jake over.
Jake moaned in pain as Dane's move was cinched in. The combination grapevine - Jake's legs being split apart, his groin muscles being torn apart - and full nelson - his chin pressed onto his neck, the air being cut off.
Jake's arms flailed as he tried to escape, but from their corners, Anton and Clay could tell it was hopeless. The big blond muscle stud was stretched out and in desperate pain. His muscular shoulders were held firmly and his tree-like legs had no leverage.
Jake felt his neck being stretched out and felt even more lightheaded. He could hear the crowd yelling for him to break free. Or were they cheering at him to submit? He couldn't tell. Jake thrashed from side to side, every fiber of his being trying to release himself from the submission move.
Dane stayed calm and focused under Jake. He knew that he could get a submission as long as he was patient. Dane spread his legs wider, forcing Jake's into a split's move. The football star was not the most flexible guy, his muscles built for sprinting, not stretching. He groaned as he felt pain shooting through his legs, hips and crotch.
The entire time the ref was monitoring him for a submission, but Jake was too stubborn. If he could have seen himself, he probably would have caved - ref face, chest rising and falling rapidly, desperate for breath, every vein in his body popping and legs split wider than he ever thought possible.
Finally, reason kicked in. After trying everything he knew, Jake said, "I GIVE! I give …" Then promptly passed out.
*****
Interlude: Watching the Match
The crowd of wrestlers was cheering at the first elimination, knowing that it was hard-fought and there was no shame for the loser.
As Jake submitted, Dane released the hold and rolled Jake off his body. Jake was unmoving and the referee called to the back. Jake was breathing, just unconscious.
Roby and Gerritt moved forward, only to have their path blocked by the college wrestlers.
"He's our friend!" Roby said, worried about his closest friend, Jake. The young men were unmoving, but an official tapped them on the shoulders and nodded Roby and Gerritt through. They entered the ring and lifted Jake up. He was regaining consciousness and the TCCW official, also a doctor, checked that he was okay. Jake passed muster and the two men escorted their friend from the ring.
Jake said, "Sorry guys, I tried. I'm just in so much pain."
Roby replied, "What are you talking about? You did awesome. And you're staying at my place tonight. I'll take care of you, buddy, same as you would for me."
Gerritt stayed silent, knowing that Jake needed reassurance from Roby, not him. Besides, Gerritt was not particularly impressed in Jake's performance and didn't feel like lying about it. Clay had taken him down, for cripe's sake. Gerritt knew that Roby or he could have done a lot better. Too bad it had worked out with Jake representing them in the ring.
The three hunks moved through the throng of wrestlers. Everyone patted Jake on the back and said, "Nice try," "Good effort," and the like. Jake just nodded, still supported on either side by his friends. What he really needed was to get out of his red trunks, which were soaked in sweat from his struggles and a long hot shower.
As they exited, Bastian smirked and said, "One down, two more to go. And Anton hasn't expended any energy yet."
"Other than the energy of getting his ass kicked by Clay, I guess not."
"Screw you, Pat. Your new little butt buddy is nothing compared to Anton. He got lucky at the start of the match."
Pat let out a short laugh and Cody smirked. Cody said, "It's amazing how you always think it's luck when anyone other than you does well. Clay handled Anton, deal."
"Quit telling people to deal, Cody. Remember that got you sent to the floor unconscious last time you said it," Doug chided.
Cody had no humor about his early knockout at the fist of Doug. It was humiliating for the former champ to be put down by a single punch. Cody said, "But this time I'm ready. You got one cheap shot in. No more, Doug."
"Cheap shot? I guess you could call it that. I call it slow reaction time, Code-ster. But any time you wanna prove me wrong, I'm ready."
"Any time, Doug, any time."
"One friendly word of advice - don't use that rope-a-dope strategy you used against Jackson and crew. Once I get a guy down, he doesn't get up."
"Who are you calling dopes?" an eavesdropping Terry asked.
Doug turned and waited before answering. He looked Terry up and down and answered with a cocky grin, "It's a boxing expression. Used to describe Ali's strategy."
Terry nodded. He liked Cody and his friend Pat. Terry resented anyone threatening either of them and he was big enough and tough enough to do something about it. But Doug was afraid of no one. He would be cautious around Terry, but he would never back down.
From the side, Jackson said, "The second fall is starting, guys. Pipe down."
The bell rang and everyone went back to watching the ring.
*****
Chapter Six
The second fall began the same way as the first, with Clay and Anton. Dane hung over the ropes and watched the smaller studs circling. Dane really hoped Clay took control and tagged him.
Dane wanted to get rid of Anton now.
Clay was of the same mind. Anton's defeat of Ryan and undefeated record had Clay focused on him. Clay and Anton ran around quickly, Anton moving forward, Clay skipping backwards. After one trip around the ring, Anton charged.
Anton leapt forward and Clay moved in to meet him. Anton thrust his knee upwards and Clay took it right on the abs. He grunted and bent slightly. Anton pushed him back into the ropes and whipped him off the ropes across the ring.
Clay ran across the ring and noticed Dane slap his right knee just before he turned to hit the ropes. He hoped Dane was signaling him. Clay came off and sure enough, Anton was drawing up his right knee to hammer Clay.
Clay slid over the leg, rolling with the impact and slipped his arm under Anton's leg. Clay used the momentum to pull Anton over and pin him in a small cradle! Anton's shoulders stayed down for a one count before he thrust his hips up and tossed Clay off him.
Anton lay on his back then pushed off the mat. He went from lying to standing in one quick move, just like the pros. But not quick enough. As soon as Anton was standing Clay charged in and sent him back to the mat with a shoulder block.
Anton crashed back and Clay dropped an elbow into his stomach. Anton lost his wind as Clay rolled up. Clay grabbed Anton's ankles and lifted them into the air. Anton twisted to free them, but Clay moved fast. He was quicker than any man Anton had faced.
Clay, having wrestled as a middleweight for most of his wrestling life, knew the importance of speed and did everything fast in the ring. He moved from move to move without hesitation. Got to the top rope in one move and always charged with break neck speed.
As soon as Clay was standing with Anton's legs, he fell forward, slamming a knee into the fleshy part of Anton's leg. Clay bounced up and repeated the move. He did so three more times.
Anton felt his leg cramping. Every time he was close to freeing himself, Clay dropped another knee and broke his concentration. Anton finally managed to kick Clay off him and roll to his knees in a neutral corner.
Clay charged in only to have the ref block his way. Anton was getting his five-count in the corner. Clay looked at the ref. Clay thought that in TCCW five-counts were given randomly. He didn't want Anton resting now. Anton pulled himself to his feet, obviously favoring his right leg.
Clay waited patiently as Anton exited the corner and started to circle. When Anton was near Dane's corner, he moved to tag the big stud, but Clay was ready. Clay shouted, "Oh no you don't!"
Clay whipped his foot and tripped Anton to the mat. Anton reached out for the tag, but just hit rope. Dane had moved to the opposite side of the corner. He wasn't going to let Anton tag out while Clay was handling him!
Clay grabbed Anton's ankle and dragged him along the canvas back to the center of the ring. Clay planted his foot onto the back of Anton's right knee, lifted and drove the knee down hard! Anton bounced on the mat, writhing in pain. He rolled over, clutching his knee.
Clay came forward, only to receive a left boot to the midsection. Clay stumbled back into the corner. Anton rose gingerly with the help of the ropes. He leapt to the corner and tagged in Dane.
Dane received the tag reluctantly, but he could not dodge the tag without leaving the ring apron, something he would not do, even to Anton. Dane slipped into the ring as Clay rose to his feet. Dane looked over his shoulder to make sure Anton was leaving the ring and not preparing a surprise ambush.
When Anton had exited Dane focused on Clay. Dane's plan was to throw Clay into the corner where he could re-tag Anton into the ring.
Too bad for Dane that Clay had other ideas.
*****
Chapter Seven
Clay saw Dane glance over his shoulder at Anton and seized the moment. Clay had handled Anton twice in the match and decided that Dane was the bigger threat. Better to eliminate Dane and keep Anton around.
When Dane turned and focused on Clay, he saw Clay literally sprinting at him. Before Dane could do anything Clay had driven his shoulder into his unflexed abs and driven him into the corner! Dane was carried back and slammed hard into the corner!
Dane could not believe the force that Clay had mustered to drive him back. He coughed from the tough move and sagged on the ropes.
Clay backed up and Dane sagged a little further. Worried that Dane might tag him back in, Anton lifted his good knee up into Dane's back. Anton accomplished two things - avoiding the tag and propelling Dane straight into Clay's waiting boot!
Clay lifted his boot into Dane's abs and Dane crumpled to his hands and knees. He always believed he had tough abs, but the abuse he had endured in both matches was causing him to doubt this fact.
Clay ran to the ropes and sprang off, flying onto Dane's back, legs apart in a seated position. Clay flew up and came slamming down, driving Dane to the mat with his butt. Dane fell flat as Clay rose. Clay scrambled to the corner and hopped onto the top turnbuckle in on fluid move.
The agile blond stud flew again, this time landing an elbow into the small of Dane's back! Dane moaned on the mat and the crowd cheered Clay's antics. The guy was a flier and a good one, something TCCW often lacked as the wrestlers were learning and often missed their complex moves.
Dane slapped the mat in frustration. He rose to his feet. Clay had not attacked him for a few minutes, which Dane knew meant he was on top again. Dane pretended to move slowly as he looked for a clue as to Clay's position.
Dane saw the ropes sagging towards one of the neutral corners and turned that way. He guessed right as Clay was flying at him with a cross body block!
Dane was ready. He held Clay and used his momentum to spin them in a huge powerslam! Dane's weight drove Clay's midsection into the mat, challenging the suspension to keep them in the ring!
Dane rolled off Clay and rose to his feet. Clay was writhing below him, the wind taken from his sails by the huge power move. Dane reached down and grabbed Clay's hair. He forced the blond acrobat to his feet and whipped him into the corner!
Clay slammed hard and bounced out of the corner. Dane was right there to clutch his wrist and whip him into the opposite corner! Clay took one step out then fell forward. When Dane put all his muscle into two moves like this, no one in TCCW could withstand them!
Dane pulled Clay up again. He decided that he had to strike while Clay was in peril. Clay had proven himself to be too tough to keep around. Dane tried for a third whip across the ring, but Clay reversed it, sending Dane in, instead!
Dane hit hard, but kept his wits about him. He saw Clay charging and got ready. Dane bounced out of the corner and flattened the charging Clay with a clothesline! Clay went down hard as Dane towered over him.
Dane dropped and hooked a leg, going for the pin. The referee counted, ONE!
Clay was groggy and dazed. He heard the count, but it meant nothing to him at that moment.
TWO!
Terry, Jackson and TPW fans in the arena were screaming at Clay to kick out, but the blond slab of beefcake was still unmoving …
*****
Chapter Eight
Before three could hit, Clay gathered his wits and raised a shoulder. Dane slapped the mat, hoping for the count, but rising quickly. Dane knew that he had to strike now!
Dane rose and pulled Clay up. He pushed Clay into the ropes and sent him across the ring. Clay tried to plan for Dane's attack. He saw Dane bending and planned to leapfrog him, but Dane was only getting set.
As Clay came off, expecting to see Dane preparing a back body drop, Dane was standing ready. Clay's leap only made things easier as Dane had been bracing for a bearhug! Clay leapt right into his arms, his legs straddling Dane's hips!
Dane threw his arms around Clay's waist and squeezed tightly, holding him in place! Clay immediately felt like he was trapped by a big python as he struggled in the hold. Clay moaned as Dane tightened and tightened!
Dane's powerful arms swelled up even larger as he exerted maximum force on Clay's body. Clay's leaner muscles were no match for Dane's power-packed tissue as he wiggled in vain. Clay's face showed the pain as it devastated him.
Dane bounced up and down, increasing the force. Clay's arms sagged as his torso rolled back and he stared at the ceiling. Clay's eyes were watering from the pressure.
Clay braced his hands on Dane's throbbing pecs and pushed, trying to break the hold, but Dane's fingers were laced behind. In desperation, Clay boxed Dane's ears, but Dane resisted!
Still, Dane shook out his head, signaling Clay that he had really felt it. Clay boxed them again, but the hold only tightened. Dane felt his ears plug from the move, but he ignored it. He needed to get a submission now! Before Clay found a way to break free!
Clay was moaning and hanging limp in Dane's arms. The referee had been monitoring the hold and finally heard the words.
"I give," Clay weakly muttered.
The referee signaled the bell and the crowd applauded the display of wrestling skill that Clay had put on.
Even though the bell had sounded, Dane tightened his grip on the bearhug. He squeezed harder and harder, eliciting several more submissions from Clay.
The referee yelled, "Dane, let him go! Let him go!"
But Dane continued to squeeze harder. Clay was practically crying until he went limp, passing out from the pain and lack of oxygen.
The big college referee grabbed Dane's wrists and tore them apart. He caught Clay before he fell limply to the mat. Dane asked, "Did he submit?"
When the referee responded, Dane could see his lips moving but hear nothing. Dane said, "I can't hear you!"
The referee stood up and looked at Dane. He tapped his throat and swallowed in a pronounced fashion. Dane followed suit, understanding. Dane felt a big pop as he ears cleared a little. The referee said, "Hear me now?"
Dane said, "Yes. Ears are still ringing, but I can hear you. He submitted?"
The referee said, "Several times. I'd disqualify you if not for the ear thing. Clay boxed them pretty hard, eh?" Dane nodded.
Dane said, "I better apologize to Clay."
The referee said, "Sorry, after the match. Now you have to face Anton. It's time for the third fall."
Dane nodded and turned to face Anton. The wrestlers stared each other down and waited for the bell to ring.
*****
Interlude: After the Second Fall
The wrestlers in the back were all discussing what had happened. Clay was certainly tougher than they had thought, but Dane's refusal to release the bearhug was surprising.
Terry and Jackson were pissed as they helped Clay onto the bench in the locker room. From behind them, they heard a young man's voice.
Philip and Kevin had seen them coming and gotten into position. The last thing Kevin needed was big factions starting. TPW and Cody's groups were awfully powerful together. But not for long.
Philip said, "Dane really showed him, eh?"
Kevin said, "Did he ever. I always knew Dane was vicious, but not like that. Even I was impressed. It's like the time he AMBUSHED the champ BEFORE his defense and COST him the title!"
Philip smirked, but spoke seriously, "Or the time he WALKED OUT ON his partner in that BIG TAG MATCH."
"Gotta love Dane. He sets all this up with Mike and ends up in the finals. Man, let's go watch the final fall."
As the Posse men moved off, Terry and Jackson were staring at each incredulous. Terry said, "You stay here with him. I gotta talk to someone."
Terry stormed off to find Cody. Clay was a great friend to Terry and he wasn't about to let this go unchallenged.
"CODY!"
Cody turned and saw Terry. Cody said, "How's Clay?"
"He'll be fine, which is more than I can say for your friends. Why have two of your friends attacked Clay?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Mike and now Dane, refusing to release the hold. Is this some revenge thing for what we did to you? Tell me the truth."
"Terry, man, it's nothing like that. I'm sure Dane was just confused or something."
"Shit, Cody, I hear Dane has a history of this shit."
"Where did you hear that?"
"Never mind. Did Dane attack the heavyweight champ before a match and cost him the title?"
"Well, yeah, but that was -"
"And did he walk out on his partner before a big tag match?"
"Again, yeah, but you don't unde-"
Terry cut Cody off again. He said, "Sorry Cody, but just save it. Now I wonder if Pat even tried to save Clay or if that was just a story. Clay was out when this "assistance" supposedly happened."
"You can't be serious!"
"All I know is that your friends seem to mean trouble for us, Cody. I'll believe Pat for now, but as long as you hang around guys like Dane and Mike, stay away from us. Both of them are going to get there's from me. And if you try and stop me, you'll get it, too."
Cody bristled, "Dane is my best friend. I know him and I trust him. You've got the wrong idea about him, Terry. When you feel like listening, let me know. Take care of Clay and we'll talk tomorrow."
"Just keep those guys away from me or I won't be held responsible for what I do. Got it?"
Cody said, "Don't do anything rash, Terry. We're friends but Dane and I are brothers. Don't make me pick sides."
Terry stormed off, back to see Clay. Cody saw a snickering Kevin and Philip who had spied on the entire confrontation. Cody knew that Kevin was continuing to stir up trouble and it was working.
Cody was deep in thought when he heard Pat say, "Cody, the third fall's over."
"Already? What happened?" Cody asked.
Pat told Cody what he had missed.
*****
Chapter Nine
The bell sounded for the third fall and the two men immediately got ready to finish this match.
Both men were only one fall away. In some ways, guys like Pat, Cody, Roby, Doug and Jackson had it better. They had been eliminated first. For the man that lost this round, it would be devastating. To be so close and come up short would kill them.
Dane and Anton locked up. The studs strained, but Dane overpowered Anton into the corner. He backed off as the referee stepped in to count five. As he stepped back, hands raised, Anton kicked out a boot.
Dane caught it, suspecting Anton of trickery and wrenched Anton's legs, twisting the knee. Anton screamed in pain as all the punishment Clay had dished out to his leg was driven home.
Dane pulled Anton out of the corner by his ankle. Anton hopped out as Dane got ready. But Anton had other ideas. Anton bounced and kicked out with his free leg, dropping Dane with the kick to the back of his head. Dane was dazed as Anton crawled over him and tried for the pin!
Dane kicked out at one. Anton rose off him and measured the big man up. Anton dropped down and drove both of his elbows into Dane's midsection! Dane grunted in pain as Anton ground his elbows deep into the flesh! Dane's hands clawed at Anton's to lift them off, but it was no use.
Finally Dane pulled his feet up and back, grasping Anton's head between his big calves! Dane whipped his legs down and used the surprise move to flip Anton onto his back on the mat. Dane opened his legs and slid down, holding Anton in a scissors.
Dane cranked on the scissors, but Anton would not submit. Dane sat up and applied even more pressure, but Anton did not give in. Anton rolled to change position and managed to scramble in the scissors. Anton found himself staring at Dane's hard spandex-clad butt.
Anton focused and wrapped his arms around Dane's legs. With a quick lift, Anton got to his knees. He had Dane on his stomach, his legs lifted in the air. Dane felt Anton pushing forward and had no choice but to release the hold.
When Dane let go, Anton thrust forward, trying for a modified Boston Crab, but Dane pushed up with his arms and twisted, flipping Anton again.
The wrestlers were a few feet apart. They scrambled up and faced off again. Anton's face was red and Dane was breathing heavily. It had been a long day.
Anton charged forward and Dane was caught off guard. He was forced back into the corner. Anton ignored the referee as he leveled a series of fists into Dane's abs. Dane grunted as his midsection once again became a target. Obviously Doug had coached Anton.
Anton put everything into the gut punishment and Dane was sinking fast. Anton pulled him from the corner and reached over him. Anton locked on an abdominal stretch, his legs entwined with Dane's, trapping him in place. His arm holding Dane's helplessly.
Anton brought his free arm over top and pounded it into Dane's abs, the red muscles becoming less and less defined as they endured more punishment.
Anton opened his hand and slapped on a claw! Dane moaned in agony as his abs were torn apart again. Anton's hand sank into the once-hard flesh and he cruelly searched for the weakest points. Dane struggled to break free, but Anton had him cinched in well.
Dane was groaning in pain and Anton was emboldened with every second. Dane's ripped torso was stretched beyond belief and his muscles were being torn. Dane was sweating profusely under the hot lights, as was Anton. The wrestlers were drenched, literally, in sweat, their trunks soaked and their skin glistening.
The isometric struggle kept going with neither wrestler giving in. Anton was tiring, but he knew Dane had to be close to giving. No one could withstand this for too long!
Dane knew he was nearly done. He could not escape and could not last much longer. He did not want to give Anton the satisfaction of a submission, but he had little choice.
Dane's incredible muscles were powerless as he had no leverage and no control over them. Still, he had to try one last time. He did not want to lose - not to Anton, not to anyone!
Dane summoned his strength and tried one last time to break free!
*****
Chapter Ten
Dane summoned his strength and tried one last time to break free!
Dane pulled forward with everything he had. At first, nothing happened. But then he felt give. That small give empowered him to keep pulling. Anton resisted, but he could do little.
Dane wrenched his torso forward, not only freeing himself, but also flipping Anton over his back. Anton flew over and Dane sank to his knees. Anton was up quickly and Dane was not. Anton lifted a boot and kicked Dane's pecs.
Dane flew back onto the mat with Anton following up. Anton measured Dane's up for another elbow drop to his abs. This time, though, there was no one home! As Anton started his descent, Dane rolled quickly, barely evading the blow.
Dane stayed on hands and knees, trying to regain some lost energy. He had to dig deeper than ever before! When Anton reached his feet, Dane dove sideways, clipping him down, taking out the knees!
Anton cried out in pain as Dane took out his wheels. Dane landed on top of Anton. He folded Anton's legs in half and bent them into Anton's butt. Dane put all his weight on them, stretching the knees. When Anton reached back to claw at Dane, Dane seized his wrists and pulled back.
Dane had Anton in a killer submission hold now. He rocked and pulled as hard as he could, stretching Anton hard. Anton groaned and his face was etched in pain. But he would not submit.
Dane adjusted his grip, which allowed Anton to break one arm free and reach for the ropes! The referee forced the break and Dane rose. Anton drew himself to the ropes and sat with his back against the bottom rope. As Dane came in close, Anton lifted his boot.
No one but Anton will know if he intended on hitting the abs or not, but if he did he missed. Anton's big boot drove right into Dane's crotch. The referee was behind Dane and did not see what happened,
But Dane felt it. He fell back, his eyes watering. Anton scrambled forward and covered the weeping muscle stud. Dane was conveniently in a ball, making it easy for Anton to hook the leg.
The referee counted the pin. ONE!
Dane's shoulders stayed on the mat as he willed himself to break the cover.
TWO!
Dane's squirmed, but to no avail. Anton's grip along with the shooting pain was too much.
THREE!
It was over. Anton was the winner. He rose slowly, his legs barely able to support his weight. He had his hand raised and he toured the ring.
After a minute, from the back, Pat and Cody emerged to assist Dane. Pat had briefly explained the circumstances. Anton, Bastian and Doug were celebrating the win. Cody ignored them. Dane needed his help.
The crowd was cheering Anton, only one side really seeing the low blow at all. No one else, really, but Anton and Dane knew that the kick was low. Dane was helped to the back.
Anton flexed his muscles for the assembled throng. Only one side of the arena was not appreciative, but even they warmed up to him. Mistakes happened and they started to believe it had been an accident.
Anton basked in the limelight for a few more minutes before heading to the back with his two friends.
*****
Kevin watched Anton celebrate. He was unsure whether he was happy about this or not. But it gave him focus and that was all that mattered. Kevin immediately summoned Rusty and company to the gym area, which was deserted.
Kevin gave explicit instructions on training and reconnaissance work. He was going to have his wrestlers keep their titles, no matter what.
All in all, though, it was a great day. The tournament had provided a softened competitor for Rusty and created so much drama that TCCW would remain fractured for a long while.
Meanwhile, the Posse just kept going and going.
THE END
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