ACE Marquee - 10/29/24

 

ACE Marquee - Philadelphia, PA - 10/29/24

As ACE Marquee opens live from Philadelphia, the camera pans over a packed arena, buzzing with excitement. Darrell Ryland and Ward Rees are at ringside, introducing the night’s action as the 2024 Tournament of Aces continues with two quarterfinal matches. Ryland congratulates Rees on his triumphant in-ring return at Shoot to Thrill, where he and Austin Adonis bested Himalaya and Cael Gardner in a high-octane tag team match.

Darrell Ryland: “Folks, we’ve got a huge night ahead! Ward, congratulations on getting back in the ring and delivering a fantastic match!”

Ward Rees: “Thank you, Darrell. It felt amazing to step back between those ropes. But tonight, it’s about these quarterfinals, and I can’t wait to see Austin Adonis and Cael Gardner face off later—Gardner’s got some unfinished business with Adonis after what happened Sunday!”

Darrell Ryland: “No question about it, Ward! But first, we’re kicking things off with our first quarterfinal match of the night: Belial Fish vs Reverend Elijah Cross!”

The camera shifts to the entrance as Reverend Elijah Cross makes his way to the ring. Wearing a sanctimonious expression, he struts down the ramp, reciting his twisted version of scripture, condemning the crowd and his opponents alike with booming self-righteousness. The Philadelphia fans show their disdain, booing him relentlessly as he ignores their reactions, fully absorbed in his “mission.”

Ryland: “No one is more hated here than Reverend Elijah Cross! He’s got the audacity to twist scripture to suit his own agenda.”

Rees: “And he does it with a smug grin, Darrell. Fish may not be a fan favorite either, but at least he doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not!”

Fish is already in the ring, eyeing Cross warily as the Reverend approaches him. Surprisingly, Cross offers a handshake, but as Fish takes it, Cross pulls him into a patronizing embrace, drawing loud boos from the audience. With a nod to Referee Monica Fuller, Cross releases Fish, and the bell rings to start the match.

Cross starts with methodical, heavy strikes, clearly trying to overpower Fish with his size advantage. Fish, however, uses his speed and unorthodox style to slip out of Cross’s reach, landing quick jabs and ducking under Cross’s attempts to grapple. Fish manages to gain control with a fast-paced flurry, hitting Cross with a springboard kick that catches him off guard. Cross stumbles, and Fish follows up with a series of chops and a sharp DDT, putting Cross on the mat.

Ryland: “Fish is on fire here! He’s taking it to the Reverend with those rapid moves!”

Rees: “This guy is unpredictable; Cross can’t let his guard down for a second.”

Fish keeps up the momentum, attempting a snap suplex, but Cross blocks it, shoving Fish back into the corner. Taking advantage, Cross traps Fish in the corner, punishing him with powerful knee strikes and forearm smashes. Fish tries to fight out, but Cross catches him with a brutal spinebuster, gaining control of the match.

Cross begins to dictate the pace, wearing Fish down with grounded holds and targeting his midsection with strikes. He hits Fish with a backbreaker, then arrogantly pauses to look out at the jeering crowd, reveling in their contempt. Fish fights back, hitting a surprise enzuigiri to daze Cross, then follows with a springboard moonsault, getting a close two-count.

Ryland: “Belial Fish isn’t going down easy! He’s proving he can hang with Cross here!”

Rees: “Fish is showing heart, but the question is, can he find a way to put Cross away?”

As the match hits the 8-minute mark, the action intensifies. Fish attempts his spinning heel kick, but Cross ducks, grabbing Fish by the waist and executing a vicious German suplex that leaves Fish down and disoriented. Sensing his moment, Cross signals for the end, lifting Fish into position.

With a sadistic grin, Cross hoists Fish up, locking him into the setup for his finishing move. In one swift motion, he delivers The Salvation—a devastating sit-out powerbomb that rattles the ring. Cross covers Fish, and Referee Monica Fuller counts the one…two…three!

Ryland: “That’s it! Reverend Elijah Cross advances to the semifinals with a decisive victory!”

Rees: “He hit that Salvation like a hammer! Say what you will about the man, but Cross is a serious threat in this tournament.”

As the bell rings, Cross stands tall, raising his arms in a twisted victory pose. He grabs a microphone, his face contorted with a self-satisfied smirk as he addresses the crowd and his rivals.

Reverend Elijah Cross: “Tonight, another sinner falls! Belial Fish is just the latest to be enlightened by The Reverend. But I’m not done yet. Ford, Ridge, Hart, Asombrosa… your day of reckoning is coming. I am the light, the truth, and soon enough, I’ll be the savior at the pinnacle of ACE!”

The crowd roars with hatred as Cross sneers, dismissing them with a wave of his hand. He holds the mic to his lips one last time, staring straight into the camera.

Reverend Elijah Cross: “To my future opponents: you cannot stand against the power and the light. I am chosen. And you? You’re just lambs for the slaughter.”

With a final, chilling smirk, Cross exits the ring as we head to commercial, leaving the audience with a bitter taste of his arrogant “gospel.”

ACE Marquee returns from commercial to the dazzling setup for The Dish with Miss Cavendish, where the unapologetically sassy Miss Cavendish struts onto the stage in a vibrant, high-fashion outfit. She sneers at the Philadelphia crowd, putting a hand on her hip as she lets them have it.

Miss Cavendish: “Oh, please! Look at you all! Honestly, is this the best Philadelphia has to offer? I’ve seen better audiences at a petting zoo!”

She lets out her signature laugh, unapologetically reveling in the audience’s boos. Soon after, Jarvis “The Genius” Allen and Arn Fargo, the ACE World Tag Team Champions, make their entrance alongside Chase Barclay, the ever-scheming leader of Barclay Investment Group (B.I.G.). The trio smirks as the boos intensify, each of them exuding cocky arrogance. Allen and Fargo raise their tag titles for everyone to see as Miss Cavendish takes the microphone again.

Miss Cavendish: “I told you people! I said it loud and clear—the Nigerian Hit Squad didn’t stand a chance. Allen and Fargo are back on top where they belong. No more pretenders, no more fairy tales!”

The champions nod in agreement, flashing their titles. Then, her tone shifts, laced with disdain as she addresses Claude Heuer, also known as “The Sandman,” referring to his history with B.I.G.

Miss Cavendish: “And then there’s The Sandman, or should I say Swiss Precision, Claude Heuer. Couldn’t just stay in Hollywood and enjoy his mediocre little movie roles, could he? No, he just had to come crawling back into Barclay Investment Group’s business!”

Miss Cavendish hands the microphone to Chase Barclay, who steps forward with a smug smile and raised eyebrow. He clears his throat, glancing around with a contemptuous look.

Chase Barclay: “Claude Heuer and Amir Fayez… both of you have had your fifteen minutes of fame. But let’s get one thing straight. The only reason you can get the better of me is through cheap shots, sneak attacks, and bending the rules. That’s it!”

The crowd starts chanting “Heuer! Heuer! Heuer!” but Barclay dismisses it with a wave.

Chase Barclay: “Amir Fayez? I’ll deal with him when his suspension is over. But for now, Claude Heuer, I’m going to do what I should have done two years ago—destroy you. Send you back to Hollywood where you belong, filming straight-to-DVD garbage no one even watches. You’re nothing but a washed-up has-been who got lucky once.”

Suddenly, the lights dim, and a spotlight shines on the entrance. Claude Heuer emerges, dressed in an ultra-stylish tailored suit, expensive sunglasses glinting under the lights. He walks to the stage with effortless confidence, looking every bit the international star. Heuer grabs a microphone, adjusting his sunglasses as he looks down at Barclay with a half-smile.

Claude Heuer: “Chase Barclay, you may have the gold, the cronies, and the fancy suits, but let’s not forget—I was the one who dethroned you as ACE World Champion almost two years ago. And now, I’m back to finish what I started. You’ve been hiding behind your investments and your stooges, but that all ends now.”

Heuer steps closer, pointing a finger at Barclay, who visibly bristles at the gesture.

Claude Heuer: “You want to prove you’re better than me? Then I challenge you, one-on-one, no tricks, no cronies. Meet me in Seattle, Washington, at November Reign. Let’s settle this.”

Heuer lowers the mic, gives a confident smirk, and turns to leave, leaving Barclay and his cronies fuming. He casually adjusts his suit and walks backstage, exuding a cool confidence that drives the crowd wild. The camera cuts back to the stage, where Barclay Investment Group looks on angrily.

Darrell Ryland: “There you have it, folks! Claude Heuer just challenged Chase Barclay to a one-on-one showdown at November Reign!”

Ward Rees: “And from the look on Barclay’s face, I’d say the former ACE World Champion just got under his skin! I can’t wait to see how this plays out.”

As the crowd’s chants of “Heuer! Heuer!” echo through the arena, ACE Marquee heads to another commercial break.

Back from commercial, ACE Marquee cuts to the backstage area, where Shania Wheatley is standing by with Keme Dakotah, who looks focused and intense. Wheatley introduces him, and Dakotah gives a slight nod before speaking passionately about the upcoming tag match and the Tournament of Aces.

Keme Dakotah: “I’ll give it to Cody Montana—at Shoot to Thrill, he got the better of me. But let’s not forget, Slim Elroy and his tricks were all over that match. Next week, I face Simbi Loa, and you can bet Cross and Lee will be lurking, just waiting to interfere. But that’s not going to stop me. And Montana, don’t think I’m finished with you just yet. We might meet again in the finals, and when we do, there won’t be any hiding behind ropes or distractions.”

Dakotah’s intensity resonates as the crowd cheers him on. He wraps up the interview, determined, and heads toward the ring.

As his music hits, Keme Dakotah makes his entrance to a loud ovation, soon joined by his tag partner, Calgary Hart, who high-fives fans and pumps them up. The duo look unified and ready for battle, standing tall in the ring as they await their opponents.

The mood shifts as Cody “Wild Stallion” Montana strides out with a smug grin, accompanied by the towering, ominous Simbi Loa. Montana twirls his bulk rope with an air of cocky confidence, while Loa, wielding his chain of skulls, exudes an intimidating aura. The pair receives a chorus of boos as they make their way to the ring, relishing the hostile reaction.

The match kicks off with Dakotah and Montana, and the two instantly lock up, exchanging stiff strikes and grappling holds, each man trying to outmuscle the other. Montana uses his slight height advantage to gain a quick advantage, yanking Dakotah off balance and backing him into the corner. But Dakotah fights back with a powerful shoulder tackle and a series of tomahawk chops that send Montana scrambling to tag in Simbi Loa.

Simbi Loa steps in, and Dakotah immediately tags Hart. Hart enters with a burst of energy, landing dropkicks and quick jabs on Loa. However, Loa’s size and strength quickly turn the tide. He slams Hart with a brutal spinebuster and begins to systematically wear him down with heavy strikes and calculated holds. Loa’s offense is relentless, using his physicality to keep Hart grounded.

Hart finally escapes Loa’s grasp and manages to tag in Dakotah, who charges in like a force of nature. Dakotah connects with powerful strikes on Loa and follows up with a suplex that shakes the ring. But Montana rushes in, distracting Dakotah long enough for Loa to recover.

The closing moments are chaotic. Montana and Dakotah brawl on the outside, and Montana grabs his bull rope, trying to use it to choke Dakotah. Inside the ring, Loa reaches for his chain of skulls, and when referee Ted Steiner turns his back to separate the brawl between Montana and Dakotah, Loa seizes the opportunity.

With Steiner distracted, Loa swings his chain of skulls and smashes it across Calgary Hart’s back, flooring him. Loa tosses the chain out of the ring just as Steiner turns around. Loa covers Hart, and Steiner counts the 1-2-3 as Loa and Montana pick up the victory at 14:29.

Montana and Dakotah, oblivious to what happened in the ring, continue their heated fight up the ramp and into the backstage area as the camera catches glimpses of their brawl. The crowd boos as Loa and Montana are declared the winners, with Loa standing triumphantly over Hart’s prone body. ACE Marquee cuts to commercial as Ryland and Rees discuss the underhanded tactics and what this means for the quarterfinal matches next week.

Back from commercial, the Philadelphia crowd roars with anticipation as Ambassador Patrick Fordmakes his way to the ring, dressed in red, white, and blue trunks. Microphone in hand, Ford begins a powerful, patriotic promo that resonates deeply in the birthplace of America.

Ambassador Patrick Ford: “Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty! This is where we declared that all men are created equal, where our fight for freedom began. And here in Atlas Championship Entertainment, we don’t judge others by their race, religion, or nationality—we judge them by the content of their character. What Jimmy Lee said last week? That was a disgrace to everything we stand for. And tonight, I’m proud to stand alongside men like Calgary Hart and Asombrosa who fight with heart and honor. Rebel Jimmy Lee, tonight may not end our war, but I promise you, I will win this battle!”

The crowd cheers as Ford’s patriotic words energize the arena, chanting “USA! USA!” in support. Rebel Jimmy Lee enters next, wearing his rugged attire with a sneer on his face, clearly unmoved by Ford’s speech. As he enters the ring, he shouts back at the crowd, dismissing them with disdain. Referee Larry Graham calls for the bell, and the match is on.

The match is a hard-fought, back-and-forth clash between two contrasting styles and ideologies. Ford uses a technical, clean approach, while Jimmy Lee fights with an aggressive, brawling style, bending the rules whenever he can.

In the early minutes, Ford gains control with an arm drag and a series of sharp, calculated moves. But Lee fires back, raking Ford’s eyes and following up with a knee to the midsection. The crowd boos as Lee taunts them, but he’s unfazed, driving Ford into the corner with stiff punches and shoulder thrusts. Lee follows up with a big suplex, attempting a pin, but Ford kicks out at two.

As the match progresses, Ford rallies back with a flurry of strikes, a dropkick, and a swinging neckbreaker. The crowd’s support fuels Ford, and he tries to lock in a crossface submission. Lee struggles and eventually reaches the ropes, breaking the hold. Lee rolls to the outside, but Ford follows him, hitting a running clothesline off the apron to a huge pop from the fans.

Back in the ring, Lee regains the upper hand with a low blow behind the referee’s back, drawing loud boos from the crowd. He tries to capitalize, hitting a DDT and covering Ford for another close two-count. Frustrated, Lee argues with the referee, giving Ford just enough time to recover.

In the final moments, Lee attempts his finisher, but Ford reverses, slipping out and delivering a quick kick to the gut. Ford then hits his Sanction Stunner to a massive cheer from the crowd, covering Lee for the 1-2-3 at 11:51.

The crowd erupts as Ford stands victorious, raising his arms in triumph. But the celebration is cut short when Simbi Loa’s menacing music hits, and the “Voodoo Priest” appears at the top of the ramp, making his way down to the ring, chain of skulls in hand and a sinister look in his eyes.

Before Loa can reach Ford, however, Calgary Hart rushes down the ramp to a massive pop, intercepting Loa. The two men brawl on the outside, exchanging heavy strikes. Loa attempts to use his chain, but Hart ducks and tackles Loa into the barricade. This is in stark contrast to just a bit ago when Loa hit Hart with the skulls to win the last match! As they continue to fight, Reverend Elijah Crosssteps onto the stage, watching the chaos unfold with a smug, satisfied grin, arms crossed as if everything is going according to his plan.

ACE Marquee cuts to commercial as Ford stands tall in the ring, while Hart and Loa’s brawl continues at ringside, setting up the explosive conflicts yet to come.

The show returns from break with an intense backstage scene. The Chaos Riders—Inferno and Mastadon—are sprawled on the floor, bloodied and motionless, as medical personnel swarm around them. The camera zooms in on the damage, showing the extent of the brutal attack they suffered. Darrell Ryland and Ward Rees are visibly distressed, speculating on who could be responsible for such a vicious assault, and briefly mention that they’ll have updates as soon as possible.

With that, Ryland and Rees turn to tonight’s next matchup between Austin Adonis and Cael Gardnerin the Tournament of Aces quarterfinals. The screen then cuts to highlights from their tag match at Shoot to Thrill, where Adonis and Rees claimed victory over Gardner and Himalaya. The footage showcases Rees and Himalaya’s intense brawl on the outside and Adonis’s final moves— a perfectly executed Hollywood Slam Rock Bottom and a Big Leg Drop—that led to his pinning Gardner.

Cael Gardner enters the arena first, flanked by General Zhang and Himalaya. The towering figure of Himalaya adds an intimidating presence as they walk down the aisle, the crowd raining boos upon them. General Zhang glares toward the commentary table, making a pointed gesture toward Ward Rees as if to say, “You’re next.” Gardner looks confident, though still visibly fuming from his loss at Shoot to Thrill.

Then, Austin Adonis’s music hits, and the Philadelphia crowd explodes in cheers. Adonis struts down the ramp, flashing his Hollywood smile and high-fiving fans, feeding off the electric energy of the Philly faithful.

Referee Jerome Perkins calls for the bell, and the match kicks off with a fierce lock-up. Gardner tries to muscle Adonis into the corner, but Adonis counters with an arm drag, sending Gardner sprawling to the mat. Gardner charges back, and Adonis takes him down again, frustrating Gardner and delighting the crowd.

Gardner retaliates with brutal offense, using his grappling skills to work over Adonis’s arm with submission holds, trying to weaken him. Adonis fights back with his signature Hollywood swagger, landing a snap DDT that gives him some breathing room. Just as he’s gaining momentum, General Zhang hops onto the apron, shouting at the referee. The distraction gives Gardner the opportunity to hit a blindside low dropkick to Adonis’s knee, grounding him.

Gardner capitalizes with a series of suplexes, each one more punishing than the last, but Adonis refuses to stay down. The crowd rallies behind him, chanting his name, and Adonis slowly works his way back to his feet.

Midway through the match, Himalaya steps up on the apron, distracting Adonis. Suddenly, Ward Rees rises from the commentary desk, and the crowd goes wild. Rees strides toward Himalaya, and they come face-to-face outside the ring. The tension is palpable as the two men stare each other down. Himalaya shoves Rees, but Rees doesn’t back down and returns the shove, sparking a brawl at ringside that sends the crowd into a frenzy.

Back in the ring, Gardner tries to use the chaos to his advantage, grabbing Adonis for a German suplex, but Adonis counters, flipping over and landing on his feet. As Gardner turns around, Adonis delivers a swift kick to the gut, followed by a Hollywood Slam Rock Bottom that shakes the ring. The crowd roars, sensing the end.

Ignoring the chaos on the outside, Adonis hits his Big Leg Drop finisher, crashing down onto Gardner. He hooks the leg, and referee Jerome Perkins counts the 1-2-3 at 12:13, advancing Adonis to the Tournament of Aces semifinals.

As Adonis celebrates, the camera cuts back to the ringside brawl, where Rees and Himalaya are exchanging vicious punches. Officials rush down to separate the two men, but they continue to hurl insults and attempt to break free, clearly not done with each other.

Adonis soaks in the crowd’s adulation as Gardner and his entourage retreat up the ramp, furious. Rees and Himalaya are finally pulled apart, but the intensity in their eyes promises that this confrontation is far from over.  Suddenly the camera again cuts backstage!

The scene backstage is absolute chaos. Johnny Roach, the ACE World Champion, is down on the cold concrete floor, trying to fight back but overwhelmed by the brutal assault from the Sons of Samoa—Tavita Silk, Kimo, and Tua. Kimo and Tua stomp down hard on Roach, with vicious grins on their faces, while Silk stands over him, taunting the champ.

The security team arrives, trying to pull Kimo and Tua away, but the two Samoan powerhouses shove them off with ease, resuming their relentless attack on Roach. The situation looks dire, and the crowd in the arena grows louder, urging for someone to help their fallen champion.

Suddenly, a huge cheer erupts as Beulah Roy storms onto the scene. He charges at Kimo, slamming into him with a powerful shoulder block that sends the Samoan stumbling backward. Tua tries to intervene, but Beulah decks him with a huge right hand, sending him reeling. Now it’s just Silk and Beulah, standing toe-to-toe.

Beulah Roy and Tavita Silk start trading brutal rights and lefts, their punches echoing through the backstage area. The crowd is on their feet, watching on the AtlasTron as Beulah, filled with fury, gains the upper hand, driving Silk back with a series of hard-hitting blows.

Kimo and Tua recover and, realizing the fight is turning against them, grab hold of Silk, dragging him back toward a waiting SUV. Beulah shouts after them, daring them to come back, his face red with anger. The Sons of Samoa speed off, leaving Beulah standing over the battered body of Roach.

Beulah kneels down, checking on Roach as the medical team finally arrives to assess the champ’s injuries. The last shot of the show is of Beulah Roy, his face filled with rage and determination as he watches the SUV disappear into the night, knowing this war is far from over. The screen fades to black, leaving the audience on edge as ACE Marquee goes off the air.