ACE Marquee - 11/12/24

 ACE Marquee - Milwaukee, WI - 11/12/24

Darrell Ryland and Ward Rees open the show with excitement, welcoming the fans to Milwaukee for this edition of ACE Marquee, where the semifinal matches of the 2024 Tournament of Aces will determine who advances to the finals at November Reign. Without wasting time, they hype the first semifinal bout: Keme Dakotah vs. Reverend Elijah Cross.

The lights dim, and a single spotlight shines on the entrance ramp as Reverend Elijah Cross makes his way out, holding a large, leather-bound book he claims contains “the scriptures of truth.” As he walks down the ramp, he quotes a false verse, speaking about how he is the ordained figure destined to save the ACE fans from their wickedness. The crowd responds with loud boos, but Cross doesn’t flinch. He climbs into the ring, lifts his arms dramatically, and shouts, “I am the light, and I will lead you!”

The mood shifts as Keme Dakotah’s music hits, and the crowd erupts in cheers. The Native American warrior steps out, his focused gaze locked on the ring. He raises his arms to acknowledge the fans and pounds his chest before making his way down the ramp. Once in the ring, Dakotah doesn’t waste time with theatrics; he stares down Cross, ready for action.

The bell rings, and both men circle each other cautiously before locking up in the center of the ring. Cross takes the early advantage with a side headlock, but Dakotah powers out and whips him into the ropes, hitting a big shoulder block that sends Cross to the mat. Dakotah follows up with a series of stiff chops to the chest, driving Cross into the corner. The crowd chants along with each chop, the sound echoing through the arena.

Cross baits Dakotah in with a rake to the eyes and quickly takes control, targeting Dakotah’s arm with precision. He drags Dakotah to the mat and locks in a hammerlock, grinding down on the joint. The crowd rallies behind Dakotah, who powers up to his feet and counters with a hip toss. Cross rolls out of the ring to regroup.

Dakotah follows him outside, but Cross uses the steel steps to his advantage, sending Dakotah crashing into them with a drop toe hold. Cross rolls Dakotah back into the ring and goes for a quick cover, but Dakotah kicks out at two. Cross stays on the offensive, applying a sleeper hold in the center of the ring, taunting the crowd as Dakotah struggles.

The fans chant louder, and Dakotah feeds off their energy, slowly rising to his feet. He breaks the hold with elbows to Cross’s midsection and hits the ropes, delivering a powerful Tomahawk Chop that floors Cross. Dakotah covers, but Cross barely gets a shoulder up at two.

The match spills to the outside again when Dakotah clotheslines Cross over the top rope. This time, it’s Dakotah who uses the environment to his advantage, slamming Cross face-first into the barricade. He rolls Cross back into the ring and climbs to the second rope, looking for another Tomahawk Chop. As he leaps, Cross counters with a well-timed dropkick to the chest, leaving both men down as the crowd roars.

Cross recovers first and sets up for The Revelation, his spinning reverse STO finisher, but Dakotah counters with a back body drop. As the referee checks on Cross, Cody Montana suddenly appears on the ramp, accompanied by Slim Elroy. The crowd erupts in boos as Montana shouts insults at Dakotah.

Distracted by Montana, Dakotah turns his attention to the stage, shouting at his rival. This gives Cross just enough time to recover. As Dakotah turns back, Cross kicks him in the midsection and plants him with The Revelation in the middle of the ring. Cross hooks the leg, and the referee counts: 1… 2… 3.

The crowd boos furiously as Cross rises to his feet, a smug look on his face. He grabs his microphone from ringside and begins to pontificate, his voice dripping with arrogance.

“Behold, sinners! The chosen one has ascended! Tonight, you witnessed the inevitable—my divine victory! I am the light, I am the way, and at November Reign, I will become the Ace of Ace! Prepare yourselves to kneel before your savior!”

As Cross continues to spew his self-righteous proclamations, the camera pans to Keme Dakotah, who is sitting up in the ring, glaring at Cross with a mix of frustration and determination. Meanwhile, Cody Montana stands on the stage, grinning smugly with Slim Elroy by his side. The scene fades to a commercial break as the crowd showers Cross and Montana with boos.

We’re back from commercial and the camera pans to the stage as The Dish with Miss Cavendish logo lights up on the AtlasTron. The stage is decorated in elegant gold and black, complete with a plush chair and a small desk for Miss Cavendish. She struts onto the stage to a chorus of loud boos, dressed in a shimmering gold outfit, carrying her microphone with confidence. She waves dismissively at the jeering crowd and smirks.

Miss Cavendish: “Oh, shut up, you peasants! You’re in the presence of greatness! Tonight’s Dish is going to serve you the cold, hard truth, so sit down and pay attention!”

The boos grow louder as she introduces her first guest.

Miss Cavendish: “First, let’s bring out the man who represents class, wealth, and power—Chase Barclay!”

Barclay’s music hits, and the “evil rich businessman” makes his way to the stage in an impeccably tailored suit, smugly adjusting his cuffs as he walks. He joins Miss Cavendish, shaking her hand before taking a seat.

Miss Cavendish: “And of course, where would we be without the ACE World Tag Team Champions, the most intelligent, most dominant team in history—Jarvis ‘The Genius’ Allen and Arn Fargo!”

The champions’ music plays, and they saunter onto the stage, the titles slung over their shoulders. Allen wears his signature glasses, looking analytical as ever, while Fargo exudes cocky confidence. The trio joins Cavendish, who beams as she takes her seat.

Miss Cavendish: “Now, before we dive into the brilliance of the Barclay Investment Group, let’s address what happened last week to that washed-up so-called Hollywood star, Claude Heuer.”

She gestures to the AtlasTron, which replays footage of last week’s attack on Heuer in the parking lot. The crowd erupts in boos as Barclay, Allen, and Fargo laugh.

Miss Cavendish: “That’s right, darlings. What you witnessed was a warning. Claude Heuer stuck his nose where it didn’t belong, and we showed him exactly why no one messes with the Barclay Investment Group. And let me tell you, Claude, if you’re foolish enough to show up again, we’ve got plenty more of that waiting for you!”

Suddenly, the lights dim, and Claude Heuer’s music hits. The crowd erupts in cheers as Heuer steps onto the stage, flanked by The Nigerian Hit Squad—Rhino Rafiq and Midnight Panther. The trio stands tall, with Heuer holding a microphone.

Claude Heuer: “Oh, Miss Cavendish, you can flap your gums all you want, but let’s get one thing straight—I’m not some Hollywood pretty boy who’s gonna roll over for you or your little investment group.”

The crowd cheers as Heuer steps closer to the stage.

Claude Heuer: “Barclay, last week was a cheap shot. But I’ll give you credit—you’ve surrounded yourself with some dangerous guys in Allen and Fargo. Too bad their brains combined still aren’t big enough to keep these two”—he motions to the Nigerian Hit Squad—“from taking back those tag team titles at November Reign!”

The crowd erupts again, and Fargo grabs a microphone, looking furious.

Arn Fargo: “You think these two clowns are taking our gold? We’ve already beaten them before, and tonight, we’re going to prove why we’re the best tag team in the world!”

Rhino Rafiq: (cutting him off) “You didn’t beat us—you stole it! Tonight, there’s no titles on the line, but we’re coming for a fight. And at November Reign, those belts are coming back to us, where they belong!”

Jarvis Allen: (calmly) “Rhino, Midnight Panther, you two don’t have the intelligence or the discipline to compete with us. That’s why you lost, and that’s why you’ll lose again.”

Claude Heuer: “You just keep telling yourself that, ‘Genius.’ But you’d better believe that I’ll be ready for whatever tricks you have up your sleeve, Barclay. At November Reign, the Barclay Investment Group is going to get what’s coming to them!”

The crowd roars in support of Heuer and the Nigerian Hit Squad as their music plays. The camera cuts to the smug reactions of Miss Cavendish, Barclay, Allen, and Fargo, who look annoyed but confident.

As the Nigerian Hit Squad and Heuer leave the stage, Ryland and Rees at the commentary desk hype the upcoming non-title tag team match later tonight between the champions and the challengers.

Ward Rees: “If this is a preview of November Reign, the Barclay Investment Group might be in for the fight of their lives!”

Darrell Ryland: “The Nigerian Hit Squad has a lot to prove tonight, and if they can beat the champions here, the momentum will be on their side heading into the big rematch for the titles!”

The segment ends as the show cuts to commercial.

Back from commercial, the camera cuts backstage to Shania Wheatley, standing confidently with a microphone in hand. She is joined by General Zhang and the Foreign Legion—Himalaya, towering over everyone, Cael Gardner, sneering with intensity, Nikita Petrov, brooding silently, Count Hammerli von Fluker, and Anastasia. The group exudes menace as Zhang steps forward, smugly adjusting his military-style jacket.

Shania Wheatley: “General Zhang, the Foreign Legion has made it clear that your goal is domination of Atlas Championship Entertainment. What is your strategy going forward?”

Zhang smirks as the rest of the group looms behind him.

General Zhang: “Strategy? Strategy is the very foundation of war, Miss Wheatley. And make no mistake—this is war. A cohesive plan of battle is what separates us from the chaos of the so-called ‘heroes’ of ACE. You see, my Foreign Legion is a finely-tuned war machine. Every piece has its purpose. Himalaya, the unrelenting force. Gardner, the tactician. Petrov, the enforcer. Von Fluker, the executioner. And Anastasia, the strategist.”

The crowd in the arena boos loudly as Zhang’s arrogance grows.

General Zhang: “Nobody—least of all that relic Ward Rees—will stand in our way. Rees, you were a warrior once, but now? You’re a commentator, a cheerleader for a crumbling resistance. Tonight, we send another message. Ridge, Ford—prepare for annihilation.”

Zhang steps back, motioning to Himalaya and Gardner, who step forward with intimidating glares.

Himalaya: (growling) “Ridge. Ford. You will feel the power of the mountain, and you will fall.”

Cael Gardner: “And when we’re done with you, there will be no doubt that the Foreign Legion is unstoppable.”

The camera lingers on the menacing group as Shania looks slightly unnerved. The scene fades to the arena for the next match.

Tag Team Match: Himalaya & Cael Gardner vs. Judge Joe Ridge & Ambassador Patrick Ford

The arena lights dim as Himalaya’s theme music hits, accompanied by a low rumble that evokes the power of an avalanche. Himalaya marches to the ring, his massive frame commanding awe. Cael Gardner follows, his expression sharp and focused. Together, they exude an aura of dominance.

Next, Judge Joe Ridge’s music plays, and he emerges to a decent pop from the crowd, pointing to the sky and symbolizing justice. He waits at the entrance as Ambassador Patrick Ford makes his way out, waving an American flag to a strong cheer. The two shake hands and march to the ring with purpose.

The Match

The bell rings, and Ridge starts things off against Gardner. The two engage in a technical exchange, with Ridge using his experience to gain an early advantage. He backs Gardner into the corner and tags in Ford, who delivers a series of punches and a running forearm, getting the crowd fired up.

Gardner counters with a sneaky thumb to the eye, turning the tide. He tags in Himalaya, and the match’s momentum shifts drastically. Himalaya steps over the ropes and immediately levels Ford with a massive shoulder block.

Himalaya dominates, using his size and strength to toss Ford across the ring like a rag doll. Ford fights back with quick strikes, managing to stun Himalaya momentarily with a dropkick, and tags Ridge back in.

Ridge brings the fight to Himalaya, targeting the giant’s legs to chop him down. The crowd rallies behind Ridge as he lands a clothesline that staggers Himalaya, but a blind tag by Gardner allows the Foreign Legion to regain control. Gardner sneaks in and hits a German suplex for a near fall.

The action spills outside, where Ridge and Gardner brawl near the barricade. Meanwhile, Ford climbs to the top rope and dives onto Himalaya, but the giant catches him mid-air and slams him onto the ring apron.

Back in the ring, Himalaya gets the tag and clears house. He levels Ridge with a big boot, tosses Ford out of the ring, and signals for the Chokeslam from Everest. He grabs Ridge by the throat and delivers the devastating move with authority, pinning him for the three-count at 11:04.

As Himalaya and Gardner celebrate, the rest of the Foreign Legion—Petrov and von Fluker —storm the ring. The four-on-two assault begins, with Ridge and Ford trying valiantly to fight back but being overwhelmed.

Von Fluker plants Ridge with a vicious spinebuster. Petrov adds insult to injury by locking Ridge in a brutal bear hug, squeezing the life out of him.

The crowd rains down boos as General Zhang strides out onto the stage, clapping slowly and smugly. He motions for Himalaya to deliver one final Chokeslam from Everest to Ridge, which he does with devastating force.

General Zhang: “This is your fate, Atlas Championship Entertainment. This is the power of the Foreign Legion. We are the future, and the future is domination!”

The Foreign Legion stands tall in the ring, raising their arms as their ominous music plays. The camera focuses on the battered Ridge and Ford as Ryland and Rees express their disgust at the Foreign Legion’s tactics.

The segment ends with Zhang laughing as the screen fades to a commercial.

The crowd roars in anticipation as the second semifinal bout of the 2024 Tournament of Aces begins.

Slim Elroy leads Cody Montana to the ring, his flashy suit and smug grin earning boos from the Milwaukee crowd. Montana, wearing his signature cowboy hat and leather duster, exudes rugged confidence as he steps into the ring.

The crowd shifts to cheers as Austin Adonis’s music hits. Adonis, full of charisma, makes his way to the ring, posing and flexing, getting the fans on their feet.

The bell rings, and the match kicks off with a stiff lock-up. Both men jockey for position, showcasing their raw power. Montana gains the upper hand, shoving Adonis into the corner and unloading with heavy forearms to the chest. Adonis fights back with punches of his own, forcing Montana to retreat.

The pace is methodical, with big strikes and slams exchanged. Montana levels Adonis with a brutal clothesline and follows up with a big elbow drop for a near fall. Adonis kicks out and counters with a scoop slam, showing off his strength as he lifts the bigger Montana with ease.

Montana takes control again after Slim Elroy distracts the referee, allowing him to rake Adonis’s eyes. Montana then delivers a sidewalk slam, nearly getting the pin, but Adonis powers out at two.

Elroy tries to interfere multiple times, climbing onto the apron and yelling instructions. The crowd jeers as Montana capitalizes on the distraction, hitting Adonis with a spinebuster for another close near fall.

The turning point comes when Elroy climbs onto the apron again, distracting both Adonis and the referee. This time, Adonis has had enough. He grabs Elroy by the collar and pulls him into the ring, delivering a flurry of punches to the delight of the crowd. Adonis lifts Elroy high over his head and tosses him unceremoniously over the top rope to the outside, drawing a massive cheer.

Montana tries to take advantage, charging Adonis with a big boot, but Adonis ducks and counters with a thunderous spinebuster of his own.

With the crowd firmly behind him, Adonis signals for the end. He hoists Montana onto his shoulder and delivers the Hollywood Slam Rock Bottom, driving Montana into the mat. The fans erupt as Adonis bounces off the ropes and delivers a massive Big Leg Drop across Montana’s chest.

The referee counts the three, and Austin Adonis secures the victory at 13:46, advancing to the finals of the Tournament of Aces.

Adonis celebrates in the ring, flexing and soaking in the cheers. As his music blares, the celebration is interrupted by Reverend Elijah Cross’s theme.

Cross appears on the stage, his arms outstretched as if delivering a divine sermon, a condescending smirk on his face. The two men lock eyes, the tension palpable as the crowd buzzes with excitement for the upcoming finals.

Adonis points at Cross, shouting words of warning, while Cross simply smiles and raises his hands, as if declaring his inevitable victory. The show cuts to commercial with the image of Adonis standing tall in the ring, staring down his opponent for November Reign.

As we return from commercial, Darrell Ryland and Ward Rees hype the main event at November Reign—a steel cage match for the ACE World Championship between the reigning champion Johnny Roach and the leader of the Sons of Samoa, Tavita Silk.

Suddenly, Tavita Silk’s music hits, and the crowd erupts in boos. Accompanied by Kimo and Tua, Silk strides to the ring, exuding menace. Inside the ring, the Sons of Samoa circle Silk as he takes a microphone, sneering at the jeering fans.

Silk:

“Johnny Roach, your time as champion is almost over. At November Reign, inside that steel cage, there will be no running, no hiding, and no excuses. I will crush you, I will humble you, and I will take what is rightfully mine—the ACE World Championship!”

The crowd rains boos as Silk paces the ring, his deep voice filled with malice.

Silk:

“Roach, you’ve been lucky to escape me so far. But inside that cage, your luck runs out. I’ll leave you broken, battered, and forgotten. The Sons of Samoa will reign supreme, and the entire wrestling world will bow to Tavita Silk!”

Before Silk can continue, Johnny Roach’s music hits, and the arena explodes in cheers. Roach, dressed in jeans and his trademark leather jacket, marches to the stage with a microphone in hand. He glares down at Silk and the Sons of Samoa in the ring, his world championship belt slung over his shoulder.

Roach:

“Silk, you love running your mouth, don’t you? You think a steel cage is going to scare me? You think your little goons are going to save you when we’re locked in there together? Let me tell you something—you’re not walking out of November Reign as champion. You’re not walking out at all!”

The crowd erupts as Roach steps closer to the ring.

Roach:

“I’ve fought bigger men, badder men, and more dangerous men than you, Silk. But there’s one thing they all had in common—they couldn’t keep Johnny Roach down. At November Reign, I’m going to show you, these people, and the entire world why I’m the ACE World Champion!”

Roach starts heading toward the ring when Kimo and Tua slide out to block his path. Undeterred, Roach drops the belt and charges, throwing fists at both men. The fight spills onto the ramp as Roach holds his own, knocking Tua into the barricade and laying into Kimo with a flurry of punches.

Silk exits the ring to join the fray, blindsiding Roach with a thunderous clubbing blow. The three-on-one assault begins as the Sons of Samoa overpower the champion. They drag Roach into the ring, where Silk barks orders.

Kimo and Tua hold Roach in place as Silk grabs the microphone again.

Silk:

“This is your future, Roach! Broken and beaten at my feet! Enjoy that championship while you can—it’s mine now!”

Silk signals for his finisher, the Samoan Driver, and lifts Roach into the air. Before he can hit the move, the crowd explodes as The Chaos Riders’ music hits.

Mastadon and Inferno sprint to the ring, wielding steel chairs. The Sons of Samoa release Roach and retreat as the Chaos Riders slide into the ring. Mastadon swings wildly, forcing Kimo and Tua to jump out of the ring, while Inferno keeps Silk at bay.

Roach gets back to his feet, grabbing the mic one last time.

Roach:

“Silk, you can bring your boys, you can talk your trash, but inside that steel cage, it’s just you and me. And at November Reign, you’ll learn why they call me the toughest SOB in ACE!”

The Sons of Samoa regroup on the ramp as Roach and the Chaos Riders stand tall in the ring, chairs in hand. The segment ends with Roach raising the ACE World Championship high above his head, locking eyes with Silk as the crowd chants his name.

We are back from commercial and the main event of the evening begins with the ACE World Tag Team Champions, Jarvis “The Genius” Allen and Arn Fargo, making their way to the ring. They’re met with resounding boos as Allen smugly adjusts his glasses, and Fargo raises the tag team titles high, taunting the crowd. Moments later, the arena erupts in cheers as the Nigerian Hit Squad, Rhino Rafiq and Midnight Panther, enter with fierce determination, their eyes locked on the champions.

The bell rings, and Rhino Rafiq starts things off against Arn Fargo. Fargo tries to outsmart Rhino with quick wristlocks and headlocks, but Rhino powers out, sending Fargo flying across the ring with a thunderous shoulder tackle. The crowd cheers as Rhino flexes his power, forcing Fargo to tag in Jarvis Allen.

Allen, known for his technical prowess, slows the pace of the match. He ducks under a charging Rhino and locks in a headscissors on the mat. Rhino, showing surprising agility, flips out of the hold and levels Allen with a stiff clothesline. He tags in Midnight Panther, who comes in hot with a flurry of offense, including a springboard crossbody that earns a near fall on Allen.

The champions regain control after Allen rakes Panther’s eyes behind the referee’s back. With Panther momentarily blinded, Allen hits a quick Russian leg sweep and tags Fargo back in. The champions work seamlessly together, hitting Panther with a double suplex. Fargo covers, but Panther kicks out at two.

Allen and Fargo focus on isolating Panther, using quick tags to stay fresh. They target his ribs with punishing strikes and submission holds, keeping the athletic high-flyer grounded. Despite the punishment, Panther fights back, countering Fargo’s back suplex attempt with a spinning DDT that plants Fargo in the center of the ring. Both men crawl to their corners, and the crowd explodes as Panther tags in Rafiq.

Rafiq storms into the ring like a house of fire, taking out both champions with powerful clotheslines. He lifts Fargo into a military press and drops him face-first onto the mat. Allen charges at Rafiq but is met with a spinebuster that shakes the ring. The crowd is on their feet as the Nigerian Hit Squad begins to build momentum.

However, the champions are cunning. With Allen distracting the referee, Fargo chop-blocks Rafiq’s knee, taking out his base. The champions capitalize, targeting the injured leg with ruthless precision. Fargo locks in a figure-four leg lock, but Rafiq refuses to tap, using his immense strength to reverse the pressure and break free.

The match reaches a fever pitch as all four men brawl in and out of the ring. Midnight Panther takes to the air with a breathtaking flying plancha, crashing onto Fargo at ringside. Back in the ring, Allen attempts to lock Rafiq in the Genius Lock, but Rafiq powers out, lifting Allen onto his shoulders.

Midnight Panther slides back into the ring, and the Nigerian Hit Squad executes their devastating finisher, the Nigerian Death Drop. Panther catches Allen with a cutter as Rafiq lifts him high into the air. With Fargo still recovering on the outside, Panther makes the cover, and the referee counts: 1…2…3!

The Milwaukee crowd erupts as the Nigerian Hit Squad secures a monumental victory over the champions. Rhino Rafiq and Midnight Panther stand tall, raising their fists in triumph. They motion around their waists, signaling their intent to capture the tag team titles at November Reign.

Meanwhile, the champions retreat up the ramp, shaken and clutching their titles. Jarvis Allen glares furiously at the challengers, while Arn Fargo holds his jaw in pain, clearly feeling the effects of the Nigerian Death Drop.

As the show fades to black, Rafiq and Panther climb the turnbuckles, basking in the cheers of the crowd. The message is clear: the Nigerian Hit Squad is ready to take their place as ACE World Tag Team Champions.