GRPL+ Presents QCW Ruckus [s3e13 • March 1, 2024]

Bridgestone Arena | Nashville, TN

Aired live on GRPL+ | March 1, 2024

Tonight's show opened with graphics commemorating the passings of Ole Anderson and Mike  "Virgil" Jones.

Ruckus began with a pretape from the Commissioner's office.  Sitting atop the front of his desk, Scott Holmes welcomed us to Ruckus before addressing the end of last week's show and Pick Your Poison.  After exhaustive review of the footage, he determined that Nazir el-Fadal and Autumn Powers did in fact tie in their times, and as a result neither of them would pick a stipulation for the Unified World championship match come next Sunday at Golden Rule.

But he would.

The only way to make the Final Woman vs. the Final Boss even bigger would be the addition of a special guest referee - someone who knew both Autumn and Naz very well and could be relied on to to call things right down the middle.  It was his honor to name the special guest referee for Autumn/Naz:

The returning “Dark Mirror” Beckett Carpenter.

You could hear me shock and the cheers from the Quality Controllers even if you couldn't see them yet, and in the pretape Holmes thanked everybody for their time and asked us to enjoy the show.

After the opening stinger rolled we took a trip to Nashville, full of screaming fans.  From a humming Bridgestone Arena Steve Vandeblanche and Carl Christensen are your commentators, Duck Eko is your ring announcer.

Among what you can expect on the show tonight, two former champions try to regain their old belts tonight : “Superfine” Reggie Strong ffaces Omar Littlefield for the GRPL+  World TV title and in the main event Luz Cruz tries to hit 10 and defend the Crush championship against Sohla Patel from International Lotus.  But the night would begin with tag team action.

1.. Crusazdo del Oro and Super Avión v. The Wonderful Ward Brothers

Last week, Savage Justice (well, Justice Davis) called out the brothers Ward for their tossing the End Times off of the stage a few weeks ago.  This week, the Wards brought a harder edge to their usual proceedings and made relatively short work of the luchadors.  Team Batroc watched from one of the new skyboxes while Crusazdo del Oro went down to a Cutting Express at the hands of the former tag champs.

The Wonderful Ward Brothers d. Crusazdo del Oro in 6:38

After replays months of frustration came to a head when Avión helped his partner to his feet before nearly clotheslining him out of his boots.  Avión continued to stomp away on his former partner and threw him into the ropes before tying him up with them.  Of note, both Jason the Great and Rich looked on; they weren't hurting but they weren't helping either.  

“Unscripted Violence” hit the PA and out came Savage Justice.  The Unified World Tag Team championships made a beeline to the ring, causing Avión not only to flee the ring but head out through the concourse.  The feel good moment was surprisingly broken up by Rich, who had Duck’s mic and said that until Savage Justice had something to say about he and his brother getting a shot at their belts some punk rookie should keep their names out of his mouth, and Razorblade damn sure shouldn't be encouraging him when he does.   

That was all he had to say, but it clearly had an affect on the former World champion as “We Made It” hit the PA as the Wards left, leaving the Unified Tag champs looking pissed in the ring.  Carl, Iin his way, pointed out that Team Batroc lost their titles shot last week and that they and the Wards used to be teammates.  Hmmm…

2. The Game Changers v. Evan O'Neill and “Upper Class” Broderick Palmer II

Sort of a proving ground match here, as the cocky newcomers in O’Neill and Palmer II took on forever champions the Game Changers, with announce pushing that the winners would certainly be looking for a shot at Savage Justice sooner rather than later.

Palmer II has no answers for the Tiki God’s strength early, so he used the referee as a shield before thumbing Buffett in the eye and throwing him shoulder first into the ring post.  Opening created, he tagged in O’Neill and the black hats went to work.  

They took over the next few minutes and seemed to be headed towards victory, but O’Neill whiffed on a senton elbow drop and Al managed to shake free of BP2 and tag in Ashley THEE Influencer.  The Beverly Hills bombshell wasted little time lighting up her opponents, even hitting a bulldog/lariat combo on both men that lit up the crowd.  

Szabo got on a roll of her own and hit Broderick with a Codebreaker ahead of her Smash That Subscribe Button top rope fist drop, but before she could get the three count O’Neill was in for the save.  All four competitors started going at each other until BP2 tossed Ashley into Al.  Al stopped Ashley from falling, but it left him open to a Hi/Lo combination that made him inadvertently DDT Ashley.  O’Neill took advantage and tossed a limp Al out of the ring before Palmer II drilled Ashley with an Unprettier.  Broderick tagged in Evan, who hit the senton elbow this time, and a three count later the rookies had pulled out an upset over the former two time champs.

The Game Changers d. Evan O'Neill and Broderick Palmer II in 11:42

Al recovered and checked on Ashley in the ring while Evan and Broderick made sure the referee raised their hands on the ramp.  Announce put over their increasing cohesiveness as a team before action rolled on from Quality Arena.

3. Shelley LaVey v. Lolo Vuitton

As Shelley came out, QCW Rewind threw us back to last week where Shelley laid out Lolo after Vuitton almost beat Autumn Powers in a non-title miatch.  Shelley cursed out Lolo fo blowing her shot and promised to get after her tonight.

However,, Lolo got her back by jumping her from behind when she was making her entrance.  The bell rang but that didn't stop Lolo from sending LaVey into the steps three times.  Vuitton got Shelley in the ring and threw her into a corner to go mudhole stomping.  Lolo followed up with a facewash, LaVey bailed out while Lolo let out a war cry as the Quality Controllers popped.

But Lolo’s lead turned out to be short lived, as once she got back in the ring Shelley dropped her with a STO.  LaVey continued putting together offense against the multiple time former Women’s World champion and even laid out Vuitton with a fresh looking cutter. Shelley went to the high rent district and flew off with a top rope splash, but Lolo rolled away from it and left Shelley to get splattered on the mat.  A dizzy LaVey got her chin checked by a Bloody Shoe shortly thereafter and Lolo pinned her.

Lolo Vuitton d. Shelley LaVey in 10:03

Lolo celebrated her way up the aisle until the commercial break.

Hour 2 began with breaking news delivered by Steve, who set up a video package that featured new footage of the Quality Arena fire.  While the fire damaged a lot of the footage they were able to find a suspect walking away from the scene in something resembling a Pilgrim outfit.  However, there's yet to be a positive ID because they were wearing a very wide brimmed black hat.  Steve asked us to check on QCW’s site if any further updates came up in the case.

From the announce TOTHEBACK~!, where Julius Duquesne III had a very special guest – “Dark Mirror” Beckett Carpenter.  Mirror walked onto the set with a small grin before making a small bow towards JD3. Julius asked them if they could truly be impartial given their history with the two competitors in the main event at Golden Rule.  Carpenter thought about it for a couple beats before responding:

“Julius, that is a brilliant question.  Anyone who accused you of being just a nepo baby doesn't know what they're talking about.:  

It's true that my relationship with Autumn is…complex.  We're bitter rivals and will always be in some sort of cold war.

It's also true that Naz and I hate one another.  Actually, despise might be a better term - but that is precisely why I would be the only one to call it down the middle.  After all, there are some very small minded refs out there who believe that the Unified World championship should remain around the waist of cis men and resent Autumn for daring to hold that belt.  

But there are many other refs who hate the guy who's put them in harm’s way to ensure that the title remains within his avaricious clutches.  So when it comes to the right person to call such a momentous title match right down the middle…

…why, I would be the fairest of all.  In fact, I’m genuinely hoping that the best competitor wins at Golden Rule, because I would be honored to relive either one of them of the burden of carrying the Fifteen Pounds of Gold.  But until that happens, I will do everything in my power to make sure that the playing field remains even.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have referee stripes to get fitted for.  Thanks, Jules.”. 

JD3 thanked them back in kind before throwing things back to ringside for the next match.

4. “These Hands” Roy Fade (w/the Culture) v. “The Fury” Jim Jaspers (w/”the Proper King” Richard Windsor)

Considering the long running history between them and their backgrounds, no one was surprised to find that this turned out to be a hard hitting, stiff affair.  Fade countered Fury Road with a familiar looking cutter and went for the Decision, but sent his knee strike into the turnbuckles as Jaspers moved out of its path at the last minute.  A limping Fade walked right into Fury Road, but the shift in crowd noise got Old Jim’s attention, and for good reason –

–Prince Ootsuka leapt over the barricade and sent Richard Windsor into the ring post before following up with some rabbit punches.  A furious Jaspers slid out of the ring and chased off the Prince, then checked on his now bleeding tag team partner.  Jaspers spent most of the ref's count checking on his partner but slid in at 9…just in time to check the Decision with his jaw and get pinned by Fade.

“These Hands Roy Fade d. “The Fury” Jim Jaspers at 8:31

The Culture made sure to smack talk the fallen Proper Villains and show off their Ambassadors Trios championships on their way to the back.

We went from that to “Superfine” Reggie Strong putting on his signature robe in his dressing room, followed by a shot of Omar Littlefield destroying a heavy bag somewhere else backstage – the World TV title rematch was going down next…

5. Omar Littlefield [c] v. “Superfine” Reggie Strong for the GRPL+ World Television championship

In the middle of January Littlefield won a three way dance to win the World TV title; Strong exercises his rematch clause and was out not only for revenge but to regain his old belt 

The opening couple of minutes saw Reggie throw a series of flurries at Littlefield, who was uncharacteristically out on the back foot by the assault.  But Reggie couldn't power Omar up and over the way he hoped to do, and Omar's response was a reverse chokeslam.

What was left on the match was one way traffic for Littlefield, who put on a borderline showcase and still shocked the fans by dismantling another former TV champ.  Reggie had no answers for Omar's perfect storm of offense and eventually went under after eating FIVE Vader Bombs and the Face Eraser.  The bell rang and people seemed to be talmost oo scared to boo.

It was that quiet.

Omar Littlefield d. “Superfine” Reggie Strong at 6:05 to retain the GRPL+ World Television championship 6️⃣

Announce put over Littlefield and his continued path of undefeated destruction before hyping up the last stops on the way to Golden Rule next week –

Unleashed live from Boulder, CO will have Mr. Teknik and the Wonderful Ward Brothers face off against Team Batroc & Jacques Krieger; in addition, the main event will see Autumn Powers face off against the Culture’s “These Hands” Roy Fade in a non-title match.

The last Ruckus before Golden Rule willbe packed: Vancouver, British Columbiaa will host Karyn Tisch-Warren vs. Lolo Vuitton in a non-title match, a defense of the Crush championship, and aPPV worthy main event.

It's a 10 person tag - one side is loaded with the Ambassadors Trios champions the Culture, the GRPL+ World TV champion Omar Littlefield and Nazir el-Fadal.  

Their opponents?  The Proper Villains, Mean Season, and the Final Woman who holds the Fifteen Pounds of Gold, Autumn Powers. 

And if that wasn't enough, the special guest referee will be “Dark Mirror” Beckett Carpenter.  So you want to make sure you don't miss a minute of Ruckus next week live from Vancouver.

Hey, how would you like a high stakes main event?  A video package set it up: everything from Sohla Patel bullying Luz Cruz last year and sending her from the promotion to Cruz disguising herself as a luchadora to take the Crush championship from Patel a few months ago to kick off this title reign.  A win for Cruz tonight means she can cash in on Patel's partner Karyn Tisch-Warren for a shot at the Women's World championship whenever and wherever she feels like it.

6.  “La Flor” Luz Cruz [c] (w/Lolo Vuitton) v. Sohla Patel (w/International Lotus) for the Crush championship

Match LSL

After the fancy introductions we're out of the way Luz and Sohla didn't waste a second before throwing hands to the joy of the crowd.  Luz won the brawl after a couple of minutes and cleared Sohla from the ring; Patel gathered herself and got back in only for a Cruz dropkick to send her up and over the top rope to the floor again where she threw a tantrum.  

Said tantrum gave Tisch-Warren an opening to slide in the ring and lay out Cruz with a belt shot from the Women's World championship – Patel was suddenly all smiles and slid in the ring for a cover but Cruz kicked out at 2. 

Lolo complained to the red and threatened to come after her ex partner Karyn but it didn't stop a “revitalized” Patel from running her playbook as well as she could over the next few minutes.  Luz survived half a dozen nearfalls before a livid Sohla slapped her down to the mat, said she was going to make Cruz regret ever coming back, and called for the end.

Patel went to put a button on things with her Ninth Incarnation but Cruz reversed into a DDT that spiked her on her head.  An out of it Patel rolled over twice and ended up on the floor, so the ref began making her count.  Karyn snuck back in the ring but Lolo alerted the ref, who busted Tisch-Warren with the belt in the ring and ejected her and her husband to a loud pop from the Quality Controllers.  Cruz waved a sarcastic goodbye to Karyn as she got escorted to the back by other referees; Patel snuck into the ring and rolled up Cruz for 2 ½.

When both women got up, Luz surprised Sohla with a satellite DDT that folded up Patel like a K/3 off suit.  Cruz pulled herself off the mat before showing why she was the most decorated Crush in history by taking over the match and repeatedly introducing the Bollywood Diva to the mat.  Even cheating didn't work for Patel, who late in the time limit rolled up Cruz and not only grabbed a handful of tights but put her feet on the middle rope as well; fortunately for everything decent, the ref caught her before 3 and waved the pin attempt off.

Patel complained to the ref, leaving herself open to a rewind rana from the champ that set up her signature triple jump moonsault  – Patel's shoulders didn't come up off the mat after that.

Luz Cruz d. Sohla Patel at 13:58 to retain the Crush championship ✨🔟✨

It wasn't until replays fired off that we at home saw that Patel had gotten her foot under the bottom rope after 2, but Lolo knocked it back into the ring at 3 and the ref had missed the whole thing.

Regardless, orange pyro shot off on the stage and a chyron said that Luz had made it down the Road to 10 (cash-in capabilities: activated).  Cruz grabbed the mic from Duck while hoisting the belt up on her shoulder and smiling at the crowd’s “You deserve it!” chants.

Luz began to thank the crowd before Lolo grabbed the mic to ripples of confusion from the Quality Controllers.  Vuitton said who Luz should be thanking was her, and Cruz asked what she meant by that.  Lolo mentioned the times Lotus had screwed her over in the recent post from getting the Women's World championship as well as having Luz’s back tonight and helping her make history - but that didn't do anything to help her be a champion again.  Her help meant that Luz owed her, and maybe not just in her own effects for her old belt…maybe she should beat Luz to take the Crush championship juuuust for a little insurance, too 

Luz got in Lolo's face, saying she could and has beaten Sohla without Lolo's help before she came back.  The difference between them was that when she came back, she was winning titles and all Lolo was doing since coming back was coming close.   If Lolo wanted to fight her and Lotus and the division, that was on her.  But if she came for Luz's title or ruined her opportunity to get the Women's World championship?  Things were going to get real hood real fast.

Cruz slapped the mic out of Vuitton's hand and stared her down only for Vuitton to slap her mic out of her hand and stare her down.   They went forehead to forehead as the show closed, completely missing International Lotus snickering at them from the top of the ramp.

QCW Unleashed [s1e27 • Center Stage Theattre • Atlanta, GA(]

•  Jacques Jrieger (w/S. ark Starr) d. "Swamp Trash" Ted Holland
• "Upper Class" Broderick Palmer II (w/Evan O'Neill) d. Ashley "THEE Influencer" Szabo *w/"Tiki God" Al Buffett)
• non-titles Savage Justice d. Ian Cook and Gerry Greene
• Nazir el-Fadal d. nupiter Jones

GRPL+ Presents QCW Ruckus [s3e12 • Febrnuary 23, 2023]

Quality Arena | Parts Unknown, FL

Aired live on GRPL+ | February 23, 2024

After the opening credits rolled and we saw the loud and proud Quality Controllers we went to Steve Vandeblanche and Carl Christensen, who noted there was a big buzz in the Arena on a Pick Your Poison night where both the Unified World champion and the #1 contender would be in action for tonight's special double main event - but that's not even getting into the three title matches on tonight's card.

Steve threw it to Duck Eko, who introduced the first title match of the evening and Midsomar, who was already in the ring. Guess where we're going?

1.. “La Flor” Luz Cruz [c] v. Midsomar for the Crush championship

Squash City.  Rewind rana + triple jump moonsault= 3.

“La Flor Luz Cruz d. Midsomar in 1:01 to retain the Crush championship 9️⃣

But instead of Bad Bunny hitting the PA, “Roar” brought out Sohla Patel to in front of the Qualitron 9004 where she stayed.  Sohla apologized to her Lotus Blossoms that she couldn't be bearer but she had business to take care of: regaining she Crush championship so that International Lotus could rule the women's division as they were born to do.  Come next week, Luz would find her dreams of getting to 10 and cashing in on Karyn on the cutting room floor.  Ciao for now!

Patel left, conveniently ignoring Cruz loudly challenging her to fight right here, right now.

A video package recapping the titles change at Cold As Hell set up our second title fight on the night…

2. Savage Justice [c] v. Team Batroc for the Unified World Tag Team championships

To the shock of Duck Eko and everybody else watching, Team Batroc jumped the champs during the introductions and used it to gain the advantage in the opening minutes.  Steve bitterly ranted about how Serge and Pyotr were resorting to cheating to win matches since dropping the belts.  But Serge didn't care – he was too busy laying in European uppercuts or, most impressively, taking almost half a minute before dumping his eternal rival Razorblade with a delayed suplex.

Serge got in Razorblade’s face before tagging in Pyotr, who introduced himself with a running crossbody that got the former champions the match’s first two count.  Pyotr worked over Razorblade while Serge gave the marching orders.  

A few minutes in “We Made It” suddenly hit the PA, and out strolled the Wonderful Ward Brothers in matching red and white tracksuits (maybe a subtle dig via attire at their former teammates in Team Batroc?).

They stayed in front of the Qualitron 9004 as Razorblade snuck up on Pyotr and threw him shoulder first into the ring post before crawling for his corner.  Serge came in to try to prevent the tag but Razorblade saw him coming and pulled down the top rope down to let Serge's momentum send him out to the floor.  

Now with an opening, Razorblade crawled to his corner and made the tag.  Justine Davis wasted no time in going to work.  A cannonball off the apron took out Serge and then moved as quick as he could to go up to the apron.  Justine waited on Pyotr to turn around then hit him with a springboard clothesline.  Davis got a two count but stayed in motion afterwards.  

Justine had Pyotr reeling for a bit and flew off the top again, but this time Pyotr caught him and splattered him with a powerbomb.  Serge demanded and got the tag, then Team Batroc combine for a European uppercuts variant on the Doomsday Device.

Serge made the cover but Razorblade dived into the ring to make the save.  Then chaos reigned -  Razorblade and Pyotr got in a brief hockey fight before Caviar floored Savage with a discus European uppercut.  Pyotr cinched up Razorblade and tried to throw him over the top rope but Razorblade found a way to reverse it and toss Pyotr out of the ring.  

Behind Razorblade, Serge was lying in wait before hitting a springboard European uppercut that sent Razorblade between the ropes and out.  The French Assassin turned his attention to Justice Davis…and found himself on the wrong end of an inside cradle.  And you know what happened when you kick out at four?

You lose.

Savage Justice d. Team Batroc at 17:09 to retain the Unified World Tag Team championships

After replays, JTeam Batroc we're in the referee's face all the way up the ramp and to the bac. ustice Davis took the mic from Duck and said that he was proud to stand alongside his personal hero Razorblade still a tag team champion.  But one thing he never saw Razorblade do and something he wouldn't do is jump contenders from behind to get an advantage.  Justine turned his gaze to the ramp, where Jason the Great and Rich looked stonefaced as he continued on.  

The Wards might’ve wanted to send a message last week but when you're a champion the title sends a message snough.  And now that Team Batroc is firmly in the rearview mirror, if the Wards are done dishing out a dollar store version of savage justice they could get in the ring with the real thing and find out just what the difference is.  Davis tossed aside the mic and posed with his belt high in the air and Razorblade followed suit., gesturing between him and Justice.

3. Omar Littlefield [c] v. Jacques Krieger (w/S. Mark Starr) for the GRPL+ World Television championship

Back to back to back title matches to kick off the first half of Ruckus the week after the supershow last week; sheesh.  Former TV champ Krieger went up against the steamrolling Littlefield, who took the title last month and has been on a roll since debuting late last year.  

The bell rang and Krieger began throwing haymakers and it didn't take long for Omar to respond in mind.  Both men fought over a suplex while the crowd started a “You both suck!” chant.  Krieger managed to get Omar up and over to rock the ring before landing a series of elbow drops.  The New Jerseyian continued to maintain an upper hand and have Omar dig himself out of a hole he probably hasn't seen since coming to QCW.   

In fact, for a few seconds it looked like Krieger was going to topple Littlefield with a vicious shotei that's his Ace in the Hole.  Omar teetered briefly before he roared in Krieger’s face and ran over the stunned One Eye with a running crossbody.  The match wasn't over then but it may as well have been as Omar dominated the rest of the match.  Krieger are a trio of Vader Bombs before Littlefield hit the Face Eraser for the win - not just content with that, Omar made the referee count to 5 before taking his title back.

Omar Littlefield d. Jacques Krieger at 8:49 to retain the GRPL+ World Television championship 5️⃣

Replays of the low level heel on heel hoss fight played, followed by a shot of S. Mark Starr looking despondent and the announce putting over Omar, who’s now five more successful defenses away from a cash-in on the Unified World title.

From there,  the announce pivoted to the latest in the Quality Arena arson saga.  The current hope is that their work with the PUPD will allow them to release new footage in the next few days that might help identify the person or persons guilty of the crime.  Between that and other threats to the Arena QCW’s received in the past couple of weeks, QCW will make a mini road trip to try and catch the arsonist(s) as well as make sure that no show before Golden Rule is postponed or cancelled.  Steve promised more information to come before the show was over.

4. Beauty and the Beast Mode (w/Shelley LaVey) v. The Proper Villains

Last year, they hated each other; this year, they hate each other; if you see them fight next year you can cash it in for a free Dr. Manhattan meme.  QCW Rewind threw us back a week to show a recovered Richard Windsor helping his partner “the Fury” Jim Jaspers take down their ex partner Prince Ootsuka in a street fight.

Facing the guys who benefitted from Ootsuka's turn seemed to bolster the Villains early.  Windsor in particular seemed energized to take it to the new Ambassadors champions, sending both “These Hands” Roy Fade and “Dashing” Pierce Moore across the ring with arm drags and suplexes.  

Shelley jumped up on the apron to try and distract Windsor but he just ignored her to give Fade a head and arm suplex.  

Fortunately for Roy, Moore saved his bacon with a slingshot version of his Fresh To Death cutter to drop Windsor, and he kept running to send Jaspers' flying off of the apron.  Mode took over as Moore legally came in the match and started to wear Windsor down.  

Moore seemed like he was going to slam the door shut with a standard version of Fresh To Death but Windsor countered into a reverse Exploder that had both men on the mat for a stretch before tags were made to Fade and Jaspers.

Fade and Jaspers fell into a hockey fight before trading clotheslines and then wiping each other out by going for cross bodies at the same time.  These Hands got to his feet with the help of the ropes before seeing Jaspers in position for the Decision.  Roy lashed out with his running knee strike only for Jim to dodge it and send him flying into the turnbuckles knee first.  A hobbled Fade didn't have to worry about knee pain except for the pain he felt thanks to Jaspers’ knee driving him into the canvas with Fury Road.  Jasper's’ cover led Moore to come in for the save but Windsor jumped off of Jim’s back during the cover to drill Moore with a shotgun dropkick - and just like that, the Villains earned a sweet if hard fought victory over their longtime rivals.

The Proper Villains d. Beauty and the Beast Mode at 22:35

As Jim and Richard celebrated in the ring, Mode fumed/recovered on the floor.  Carl Christensen noted it was a shame the Brits didn't have a third anymore so they could go after Mode and regain the trios titles; hell, they just beat most of the champions so they were a missing piece of the puzzle and a rematch away from regaining the belts.

A video package played of all the headlines from Ig de Catur infusing QCW with some money and as a result of a deal with Commissioner Holmes became a minority partner of QCW. earlier this week.  

In limited remarks to the press, de Catur said that it was wild growing up on QCW and now he was in a position to help QCW keep growing.  He was looking forward to making Unleashed an even bigger focus of QTube, helping fund QCW going on the road for the next couple of weeks while they got Quality Arena shining like a beacon, and he was looking forward to – depending on how the Commish felt about it – giving the QCW fans the biggest Duquesne Classic ever in just a few weeks.  Ig said he was a minority owner so he didn’t want to hog up everyone’s time when he also had a Republic to run, but allowed that we’d be seeing him a little bit more on QCW TV in the weeks, months and hopefully years to come.

“Ready Or Not” hit the PA, bringing out Nazir el-Fadal to a deep swell of boos.  Naz came out in gear with a mic in hand, dismissing Duck as he walked down the ramp.  el-Fadal entered the ring and started to speak but was quickly cut off by “Mota” and the arrival of The Champ, Autumn Powers.

Autumn marched to the ring and got to it just in time to see Naz bail out and got on top of the announce table.  el-Fadal told Autumn and the Quality Controllers to enjoy ithis moment, because when QCW returned to the Arena in a couple of weeks time, HE would be holding the Fifteen Pounds of Gold and Autumn would go back to managing the Hot Topic she crawled out from.

In fact, the idea of Autumn losing her title at a PPV helped him make his choice for Pick Your Poison.  Because good as Autumn is, she’d lost big title matches on PPV to who Naz had slotted for her opponent.

He gestures behind Autumn to the entryway, where “Bodak Yellow” brought out Lolo Vuitton.  Autumn alternated her gaze between the entering Lolo and the smirking el-Fadal.  

Lolo entered the ring and took to a turnbuckle, casting an eye back towards the Unified World champion while Naz applauded her at the desk.

5. Autumn Powers’ non-title Pick Your Poison match

The bell rang and Naz cackled, saying that Lolo would do him a favor and win here - he’d win the belt at Golden Rule - then he’d give Lolo a title shot and beat her because of course he would.

Autumn and Lolo circled each other after the bell rang.  Then she offered a handshake; Lolo looked at it for a few beats before slapping it.  The opening few minutes saw Autumn going for rolliups to try and end it quickly, but Lolo managed to counter or kick out each time.   The match rolled on as the former rivals over the Women's World championship sent each other into the ropes leading to leapfrogs and drop downs.

After about half a minute, Lolo fired off an armdrag only to get armdragged by Autumn when she tried to follow up.  A Cactus clothesline sent them both over the top rope but Autumn hung on as Lolo hit the apron then the floor.

Vuitton took a best before pulling herself up with the apron before Autumn flew off with an Orihara moonsault that dropped Lolo.  Autumn got up and in Naz’s face, who encouraged her to take a swing on him and blow the match.  Powers stared down el-Fadal before promoting to beat his ass at Golden Rule.  Powers then went back to work, tossing Lolo in the ring and getting a nearfall.

Autumn continued to wear Lolo down and set up for a superplex, but Lolo managed to counter with an avalanche gourdbuster to send Autumn crashing to the canvas.  Lolo got her feet underneath her then drove them into Autumn’s face with a missile dropkick that sent a ripple through the crowd.

Lolo gave back every inch of offense Autumn fished out earlier while at the desk Steve speculated that Lolo should earn a Unified World title shot if she won here regardless of who won at Golden Rule.  Naz took offense to that, of course, and said he didn't miss sitting at the desk and Steve being wrong.

Lolo continued the roll she was on,  countering a Hazy Shade with a big chop block before cinching Autumn up and rattling The Champ with a textbook buckle bomb.   The glint in Lolo's eyes meant that she knew she was one move away from winning, so she went around the horn before coming at Autumn with the Bloody Shoe –

– but Autumn suddenly leapt up with a pump knee strike that sent Vuitton down to the mat in sections.  Vuitton tried to get her wits about her but when she sat up Autumn blasted her with a Hazy Shade, and don't nobody get up from that.

Autumn Powers d. Lolo Vuitton in a non-title Pick Your Poison match at 16:46

Replays of the hard hitting match rolled before we went back to live time, where it was Lolo who was offering Autumn a handshake.  Autumn hesitated but eventually shook hands, leaving Lolo to take the long, lonely walk to the back.  Naz grumbled that he should've picked Littlefield as Autumn talked to Duck and got the mic.  Quality Force Security came out from the concrete and the back to come between Autumn and Naz as Steve hyped that after this last break, Autumn would pick Naz's poison and he would try to beat Powers’ time against her hand picked opponent next.

Before the tail end of the double main event we went to the back, where Julius Duquesne III was standing by with Lolo Vuitton.  He congratulated her on her effort out there and said she was so close to beating the Unified World champion, so what was next for her?  

Lolo was in the middle of answering JD3 when she got blasted from behind from what turned out to be a belt shot from Shelley LaVey, who held up her share of the Ambassadors Trios champions before smack talking the fallen Vuitton.  Shelley said that people should be focusing on who's been here instead of who came back, on current champions instead of has been champions.  What's next for Lolo?  Getting this work next week. Shelley got in a parting kick before stomping off the set, leaving JD3 to try and help Lolo to her feet before we went to the announce table.

Steve and Carl hyped up next week's programming which will see QCW leave the Arena in the leadup to Golden Rule,.

Unleashed will be coming live from Center Stage in Atlanta and will feature Savage Justice and Nazir el-Fadal in action.

And next week's Ruckus is coming from Nashville - among the big matches will be Ambassadors Trios champion Shelley LaVey vs. Lolo Vuitton based on what just happened and two title rematches: Luz Cruz will fight Sohla Patel with the Crush championship on the line, and “Superfine” Reggie Strong will try to recapture the GRPL+ World TV title from the still undefeated champion Omar Littlefield.

Steve then turned things over to Autunn, who opted to also stand on the announce desk to address Naz (who was in the ring making Wrap It Up gestures at her).  Autumn said that she was glad she got past Lolo and wondered how long it took Mr. “Final Boss” to come up with Lolo as an opponent because his opponent found her and asked for the chance.  And even though it was weird that they weren't throwing hands, she decided to give him what he wanted, bro.

“Engel” hit the PA to bring out Team Batroc but Serge was dressed in a tailored suit, as opposed to Pyotr Caviar who was in gear and clearly out for revenge after Naz sort of cost him his most recent title match vs. Autumn a few weeks ago.  Pyotr stepped into the ring and gave Naz a throat slash gesture as el-Fadal's eyes narrowed.

6. Nazir el-Fadal's Pick Your Poison match

As you might expect, Naz tried to stick and move early to avoid Pyotr’s power game.  You could see Naz land stiff forearms and Pyotr essentially shrug them off with the Qualitron counting down from 16:46.  Steve asked Autumn what stipulation she would choose for Golden Rule if she won but she remained coy and just replied that she’d make Naz sweat as long as he could.

He was already sweating, because Pyotr was waving him on and barking at him, essentially no selling European uppercuts at this point.  Naz faked one and put on a guillotine, but Caviar threw him across the ring.  Pyotr charged but Naz managed to drop hold him into the middle rope before kicking it up into his neck.  With Pyotr finally down, Naz wasted no time stomping away on one of Pyotr's ankles, stopping only to sneer at Autumn or Serge.  

el-Fadal started to gain ground working the ankle until Caviar countered a sitting splash to the bad leg with the good leg, sending Naz over the top to the floor.  But Naz grabbed the bad leg from the floor and slowly pulled him towards the ring post and swung the bad ankle into it three times while Caviar let out loud, deeply pained groans.

Naz stomped his way up the steps and threatened Serge with a backhand before going up to the top rope.  The #1 contender saw Caviar dragging his leg and flew off the top only to fly into a stiff European uppercut that knocked him nearly head over heels.  The referee started a count and got to 7 before both men got up – and Naz found himself eating a discus European uppercut that did knock him head over heels.

“And HERE'S what we came for!” said Autumn.  You could hear the smile on her face.  It might have been as big as Serge's.  

It was Ass Whoop O’Clock and the Tracksuit Tsar was right on time.  He limped around the ring, but more importantly he threw Naz around it replaced to increasingly loud pops.  Naz tried to stymie it with a thumb to the eyes but Pyotr responded with a Russian sickle that got him 2 ½.

Caviar continued pummelling Naz for nearfalls as Serge pounded the mat and barked out orders.  Naz even tried to use the referee as a shield at one point only for Pyotr to gently pick them up and put them aside before throwing el-Fadal over the top rope.  Naz bounced off the apron  and hit the floor with a thud.  

Caviar limped out after him and went to continue the attack but got surprised when Naz spit in his face.  Even on one leg Pyotr managed to drop Naz with a running crossbody to splat el-Fadal into the mats on the floor.  Caviar pulled himself off of Naz and rolled into the ring to break the count.  He immediately rolled back out, stepping on Naz on his way to clearing off the announce table.  Caviar broke the count again before setting up Naz on the announce table and barking at Steve, Carl and Autumn to move.  

Somehow he talked them into it.  

Caviar slowly got on the barricade and balanced himself with his good leg before hobbling down and hitting a flying splash right through the table…but not on Naz, who moved out of the way at the last second.

So commentary couldn't say anything when Naz staggered into the ring at 8 and Pyotr didn't get out from under the wreckage of the table until after the referee's count hit 10.

A count of 10 that hit right when the Qualitron hit 0:00.

Nazir el-Fadal d. Pyotr Caviar by countout at…16:46?

We got replays as Steve and Carl slowly got back on the air; when we returned to the Arena in real time, Commissioner Holmes was making his way down the ramp while in the ring both Naz and Autumn were in each other's faces.  Naz was the first to spot Holmes and started arguing his case with Autumn pretty quickly following suit.  

Holmes looked at the wreckage of the announce table before talking to the timekeeper.  Pretty soon a replay of the closing moments of the match played on the Qualitron, and it sure as hell looked like the ten count and the countdown clock hit zero at the same time.

And while everyone was watching the replay, Naz cheap shorted Autumn from behind and hit her with Nazquil, causing the Arena to go from confused to “oh, right, fuck that guy”.  

The referee got in Naz's face and Holmes got in Naz's face to do the same, but a smirking Naz just nodded at them both before leaving the ring and doing a bit of a Fargo strut up the ramp.  As the credits box popped up and Autumn pulled herself up, Steve and Carl had the exact same question:

Just who exactly won Pick Your Poison??

QCW Unleashed [s1e26 • Quality Arena]

• Fiona Fogg d. Bettie Rokker (,w/”Shieldmaiden” Val Curry)
• the Wonderful Ward Brothers d. Ian Cook and Gerry Greene
• Jacques Krieger (w/S. Mark Starr) d. Mr. Teknik
• Luz Cruz & Lolo Vuitton d. “Sinister” Sarah Fowler & Veronica Vespa