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Page 12 of 22
Intercontinental Championship 2/3 Falls: John Cena vs Michael Shane
As we return to the ring area a massive explosion of pyro rips across the stage, KanYe West - Stronger blaring from the speakers
"WORK IT, DO IT, MAKE US, HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER" blares the music, the crowd giving a largely mixed reception as The American Dream bounds onto stage through a mass of dry ice, wearing his familiar long black coat
"Th-th-that that don't kill me can only make me stronger.. I need you to hurry up now, cause I can't wait much longer. I know I got to be right now, cause I can't get much wronger.. Man I been waitin' all night now, that's how long I've been on ya... I need ya right now... I need ya right now"
There's no Eric Bischoff tonight it seems, just Shane, the Dream heading forward down the aisle, look of determination on his face
"Let's get lost tonight, you could be my black Kate Moss tonight, play secretary, I'm the boss tonight. And you don't give a f**k what they all say, right? Awesome, the Christian in Christian Dior, Damn they don't make 'em like this anymore. I ask, cause I'm not sure. Do anybody make real shit anymore?"
Shane smirks, pointing aloft, telling the fans to listen to this bit
"Bow in the presence of greatness, cause right now thou has forsaken us. You should be honored by my lateness, that I would even Show up to this fake shit. So go ahead go nuts, go ape shit. Especially in my pastel, all my bape shit, act like you can't tell who made this. New gospel homey take six, and take this, haters" goes West as we hear Lillian Garcia announce the Manhattan native as the challenger in this Intercontinental Championship match
"I don't think there needs to be introductions here folks, you know what this is about, it's about two men who in my opinion have a hell of a lot of respect, hard fought and won respect... but one man has something the other wants, it's that simple and yet far more complex and I believe that this could be a classic" JR claims, Michael Shane sliding into the ring under the bottom rope and bounding to his feet, striding across the ring to the turnbuckles, climbing and posing, pyro exploding in the rafters as he does
"This all started at SummerSlam, Michael Shane upset that John Cena walked back in to WWE and walked away with the Money in the Bank case so soon, claiming he hadn't paid his dues, paid his respects. Cena had done that in my opinion, he certainly has now and lemme tell ya, if there's one man in this business who'll give you a hundred and ten percent every night it's John Cena.. but don't let that take away from the American Dream. ya love him or ya hate him - you can't deny his passion. I truly believe both these men would rather go home in an ambulance, be carried out of here on a stretcher than admit defeat here"
JR fades away as the crowd explodes in noise....
"BBBBBBBBBBYABADADO..."
The crowd erupt in massive ovation as The Time Is Now hits and the figure of John Cena bounds onto stage with a roar, clearly loving this ovation as he holds aloft his MITB case, Intercontinental Championship around his waist
"YOUR TIME IS UP, MY TIME IS NOW, YOU CAN'T SEE ME, MY TIME IS NOW... IT'S THE FRANCHISE BOY, I'M SHININ' NOW, YOU CAN'T SEE ME, MY TIME IS NOW!!!" blasts out as we see the Intercontinental Champion in red and black Loyalty, Hustle, Respect T-Shirt bounding down the aisle, camera focusing on the spinner case, Lillian Garcia announcing him
"John Cena one of the fastest and most controversial superstars in WWE history folks, United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion and Mr Money in the Bank, whatever you think of him - it won't stop the irresistible rise of the Doctor of Thuganomics" goes Ross, Cena entering the ring and throwing aloft his horns, posing for each side with his belt and case
"This match best of three falls folks, it'll be won either two straight of two to one, I expect a very technically sound match up, possibly high flying on Michael Shanes part, John Cena looking to counter with his power but there'll be no shortage of pride, both personal and professional, on the line here. It's gunna be a hell of a contest"
Cena peels off his T-Shirt, the female fans screaming as the belts paraded and then handed out as the bell rings, this 2/3 falls match underway. Both men circle each other, getting nearer and nearer, looking for an opening as JR reminds us that they've got to know each other very well over the past few months, a great rivalry but also respect between the two as they look to lock up, Shane stepping back, not happy with it or just playing head games. Cena smiles to himself, half expecting it before instead holding up a hand to challenge Shane to a test of strength. It's taken but Shane instead quickly pulls Cena into him, scoring with a Shoulder Block, pulling the Intercontinental Champion into - a second time follows, John staggering slightly and allowing Shane the arm wringer, nasty looking elbow down onto the joint. Shane backs up slightly, left arm still in his hands... and he pulls Cena toward him, flipping him over his back using that arm, nice Fireman Carry Takedown, the Arm still in his grasp, Shane able to lock in the Arm Lock on the canvas, very technically sound opening minute here, the American Dream changing his tactics somewhat for this match while JR reminds us could go on some time, being best of three falls. Cena is rising however, plenty of strength left, the American Dream letting him up, rising with him - there's an Elbow from Cena, again... and Shane breaks, backing off and holding his hands up, both men back at square one, staring each other down. The two circle for a second, into the collar and elbow tie up this time, Side Headlock by Shane, squeezes and quickly switches to the other side as Cena starts to struggle, equally quick into the Hammerlock, gets his leg in front of Cenas and trips him for a Hammerlock Faceplant of sorts, staying on Cenas back with the lock in place, finally breaking and arrogantly slapping Cena about the head - taking him to school. JR suggests that Shanes use of more traditional holds here is simply trying to make a point to Cena about his wrestling ability as the two men face off again, Cena rising and Shane smirking. Both men are back in the corners, taking a few seconds before approaching again, maybe thinking strategy as they lock up, second Collar and Elbow Tie Up, Shane has the arm again, same as before, wringing it around, pulling Cena into him - deep Judo Hip Toss, Shane down with it, quick float over and cover - One only, strong kickout by Cena. Both men are rising, the American Dream going right back to the arm... and goes to the well once too often, Cena scoring with the Gut Kick, grabs Shanes arm, Arm wringer, Shane off balance as Cena goes low, looking for the Drop Toe Hold possibly into the STFU... and Shane scrambles away to the ropes like the proverbial scalded dog. The crowd start a "LETS GO CENA" chant, some of the heel fans countering with a "LETS GO SHANE", a fact that seems to amuse him as he gets to his feet, cockily cupping his ear against the ropes. Cena talks a little trash from his corner, Shane back in his, this a lengthy feeling out process, both men cautious here as they approach and circle, Collar and Elbow, Side Headlock by the Dream, both men going into the ropes, the stonger Cena sending Michael Shane running, rebounding toward him - Drop Toe Hold, Cena gets all of it this time, Shane planted right in the center of the ring, Cena grabbing the leg, going for that STFU again... Shane flips over to his back and desperately kicks Cena away, again scrambling for the ropes. Cena smiles to himself, talking a little trash to Shane as he stands, the Dream giving his opponent an acid look as they lock up once more, Shane this time with the go behind, around to the back and locking in a Waistlock, possibly thinking of those Rolling Germans but Cenas uncooperative, struggling and trying to elbow Shane. The Dream expertly manages to dodge the bullets.... but Cena's done enough, switch, Cena now with the waistlock - Waistlock Takedown - the crowd erupting as the Doctor of Thuganomics now slaps Shane about the back of his head, turnabout being fair play. The Dream doesn't quite see it like that, storming to his feet and getting right in the smiling Champions face, taking smack... Shane shoves Cena in the chest, the crowd whistling as he does. Cena takes the shove with a smile, talking smack back, not taking his challengers tantrum seriously it seems.... CRACK, right until the American Dream slaps him around the face. Cena is enraged, strikes right back - Right hand, Shane down with one blow and quickly again scrambling away. The fans boo the tactics, wanting to see these tow get it on. Cena points and talks more trash, seemingly telling Shane to bring it as he rises to his feet in the corner. Shane seems to be losing his game plan, striding forward to attempt the lock up and getting into the Side Headlock from Cena, the Champ scoring with the Headlock Takedown, Cena keeping it applied on the canvas. Mr Money in the Bank squeezes for all he has, pulling on Shanes head, driving the wind out of him. The Dream is slowly rising, making a wide vertical base, up to his feet - Cena scores again, Side Headlock Takedown, Shane unable to break thus far and right back where he started on the canvas..... and Shanes shoulders are down, the Referee counting the unlikely pin - one, two.. no, shoulder up quickly, double danger from this hold. The Dream is rising again, up to his knees, to his feet, throwing punches as Cena rises with him, keeping the Headlock in place - Right hand to the kidneys, again by Shane, again, again, Cena finally breaking and staggering back, into the ropes, Shane shoves him into them - Irish Whip, sends Cena running, rebounding... Clothesline by Cena, Shane taken down, staggering up quickly, more on instinct than anything - into the Side Headlock again, Cena working effectively on the head of his opponent
"If you can't breathe folks, you're not gunna win the match" goes Ross, King calling it "Oklahoma genius" as Cena continues to put the squeeze on the head of the so called New Generation Nature Boy. Shane looks to be struggling now, making a valiant effort to get back up - Side Headlock Takedown, Cena staying with what's successful. The Referee waves his hand under Shanes shoulders, judging they're not against the mat, Cena pulling on the head again... and now they're down - One.. Two.. Thno, Shane gets the shoulder up, putting his hand up and attempting to rake Cenas eyes or dig into the flesh, desperate tactics now. Cena moves his head away, Shane only finding air but Cenas movement allows him to his knees, Cena rising also. Both men are on their knees... up to their feet, hold still in place, this all good strategy from the Champion claims Ross, attempting to slow down and keep the high-flying Shane grounded. Both men are on their feet however, Shane punching into he ribs, again, again, needing to break this now and drawing what strength he has... to send both men into the ropes... and send Cena running, into the opposite side, rebounding, Shane garbs the arm for the Arm Drag - blocked - Cena takes down Shane with a Clothesline. The leg is hooked, the cover made - One... Two... Thno, Shane kicks out well, sits forward - Cena grabs Shane from behind, Sleeper Hold applied. Shane knows he can't afford this after the earlier Side Headlock and rises quickly, backs up... and crushes Cena into the pads behind him. Shane staggers away, trying to get breath in his lungs, allowing John to stagger out of the corner and down to his hands and knees. Shane turns, measures up Cena and charges.... soccer kick to the abdomen, a vile and sick shot, kicking a human being like a football right in the ribs. Cena cries out, clutching his abdomen as Shane staggers a few paces away. He pauses a few seconds, getting back more of his wind, the replay showing the sickening shot as JR calls it as a possible match changing kick, the Dream heading back to his opponent and grabbing the head.... slammed into the corner, head down onto the top turnbuckle pad. CRACK, Shane scores with a Knife Edge Chop, a chorus of "WOOOOOO"s echoing out, shades of the man Michael Shane once idolized right here - Ric Flair.... CRACK..."WOOOOO" CRACK.... "WOOOOO", Cenas chest is going red, huge welts opening up as he winces. Shane grabs the arm - Irish Whip... and Cena goes running and slamming into the opposite set of pads. The Dream charges after him, looking for the Clothesline into the Turnbuckles... feet up by Cena, Shane clutching his face as he staggers back... and Cena explodes from the corner, taking down Shane with a massive running Clothesline, a big roar going up. Cenas quickly scrambling on top, thinking this may do it - One... Two... Thno, Shane kicks out once more. John trips to his feet, Shane already rising, Cenas into the ropes, springs off- Shoulder Block, big impact to take his opponent down, Shanes getting up quick however, showing good resilience but Cenas into the ropes again, springs off a second time - looks for a second Shoulder Block - Shane goes down flat to the mat, Cena charging over him, unable to control his momentum as he goes running into the opposite side and springs off - Arm Drag, Shane standing quickly as Cena does likewise, Shane has the head - Snapmare Takeover, Cena in the seated position - low Dropkick to the face by Shane. Cena holds his face, getting up, Shane looming over him and grabbing the head to give him a helping hand, this match still deadlocked at 0-0 as Shane walks Cena to the corner - slams the head into the top turnbuckle, Cena turning as Shane rears back for the Knife Edge... the Intercontinental Champion catches him off guard - Right hand, Shane with a Knife Edge, Cena with a Right, Shane again with a Knife Edge, back and forth, Cena and Shane, Cena and Shane, Cena finally getting the better of it, trademark loose Right sends Shane staggering, Cenas out, grabs the head for the Side Headlock once more, both men into the ropes, Shane sends Cena running, rebounds, Shane low down to the mat again, Cena running over him into thr opposite side, rebounding, Shane leaps over... but no, Cena catches him in his arms as he tries to go over him.... Cena moves Shane to across his chest, looking like it maybe a Fallaway Slam.... but Shanes hoisted up - the crowd on their feet as he's put into the Firemans Carry, Cena roaring out as the cameras flash....
"FU, FU, FU" wails Ross, Cena drilling his opponent, rolling across, grabbing the leg
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE, JOHN CENA TAKES THE FIRST FALL, IT'S 1-0 CENA"
John rolls off with a satisfied look, nodding to the crowd as they cheer, his arm raised. Cena gets up and heads to the ropes, hanging on the top one to regain his wind as Shane stares up at the lights, eyes open and knowing whats happened as we wait these long 30 seconds of the rest period. Shane finally puts his hands to his head in disbelief and frustration, knowing that he has a massive task now, Cena looking refreshed, ready and with momentum as the Referee signals that we're back underway, John Cena the winner of the first fall by pinfall - 1-0, JR reminding us that should the next decision go his way, this match will be over. Shane is just getting to his feet, Cena helping him up and shoving him back into the corner, grabbing the arm for the Irish Whip, after sending him into the opposite set of pads - scores, big velocity on the move, Shane staggering forward - into the Front Facelock, Cena grabbing the pants and hoisting him up - Fisherman Suplex, Cena across, the leg hooked, could be over here - One.. Two.. no, Shane kicks out strong, throwing Cena off. John looks up in surprise, thinking that may have got it done but our Referee Mike Chioda is adamant, shaking his head no - Two only. Cena stands instead, eyes watching his nemesis, stalking him and ready to pounce, Shane trying to regain his momentum here, slowly rising, a lot taken out of him thus far. Shane is on his knees... his feet... the Champion stood ready - Gut Kick, Shane keels, Cenas running into the ropes, leaps at the exposed head... Throwback Cena slamming Shanes head into the canvas, it's gotta be over claims Ross - One... Two.. ThrNO, AGAIN the American Dream kicks out, Cena with his hands to his head in shock. He curses as he stands, exchanging words with the Referee, JR warning that he mustn't lose his cool and become frustrated here, disqualifications are in effect. Cena goes back to his challenger, dragging up the New Generation Nature Boy and hitting him with a straight right hand. Shane staggers, eyes rolled back and letting Cena strike again.. blocked, playing a little possum and coming back with a Knife Edge, Cena with the Right, Knife Edge, Right Hand, Shane back with the Knife Edge, a big "WOOOOOO" sounding out once more as he strikes home, and again, Cena back to the ropes, goes for the Whip - reversed, Shane rebounding - Back Body Drop by the Champion. Cena stands, turning to his rising and groggy opponent - Gut Kick, Cena with the Front Facelock, maybe after a second Fisherman Suplex.. but Shane slides down the back, on his feet behind Cena - Waistlock.... Release German Suplex, flinging Cena back and folding him up, the crowd wincing for the big impact. Shane can't capitalize however, staring up at the lights. The Referee starts a ten count, King pointing out correctly that this match would end right here on a double count out. Shane doesn't seem to have it in the tank to crawl over, Cena starting to rise as the Dream rolls to the ropes, using the ropes to drag himself to his feet. Both men are up, toe to toe matching each other it seems as Shane staggers and lands a groggy drunken looking blow, Cena easily striking back with one of his own, Shane, Cena, Shane, Cena, blow for blow and it's a slobberknocker. The challenger seems to be getting the better of it, scores with a right, a Knife Edge, right again into the ropes, the cobwebs maybe clearing as he grabs the arm - Irish Whip, reversed, the Dream running and rebounding.... Flying Forearm Smash, shades of HBK right there.... and the Nip Up, the crowd actually cheering for it, Cena also getting up... but Michael Shane is on fire, right hand, right hand, Gut Kick, Front Facelock.... Snap Suplex, the legs spins, Shane standing with the Facelock still in place, pulling John Cena up with him - second Suplex, the legs spin again, Shane up to a vertical base - third Suplex - the Three Amigos complete. Cena is planted in the center of the ring, Shane looking at the ropes to judge it, charging at them and leaping up onto the second rope....
"LIONSAULT, THE LIONSAULT"
Shane grabs the leg, the Referees down, the count made
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENO HE KICKED OUT, JOHN CENA KICKED OUT OF THE LIONSAULT"
Shane slams the canvas in fury, the crowd roaring for Cena, JR not believing the fortitude for Cena to kick out. Shane curses again, pushing the Referee away and marching to the corner, squatting and gesturing for Cena to get up - the Spear imminent. Cenas getting up, back to Shane who has a sadistic glee in his eye, waiting for this moment for several weeks. Cena turns... and Shane explodes forward, going for the Spear - Cena leaps over him, Shane pulling up just before he hits the pads, quickly spins, Cena recovered well and charging.... Shane leaps aside, Cena missing his Flying Shoulder Block and crashing into the ropes, his neck becoming tangled between the top two ropes, twisted around. JJR is alarmed immediately, Cena gasping for air and the Referee rushing over - shoved away, Shane taking the opportunity presented - Right hand, over, over and over again, lefts, right, Knife Edge, Gut Kick, Shane beating John Cena like a government mule here, no way he can cover up or counter, all the while desperately clutching the ropes twisted around his throat. Shane now goes for the legs, stomping on the knees, holding the left leg in his hands and elbowing the joint, all with a view of the Sharpshooter later in this match possibly. The Referee starts the five count, threatening the DQ - but Shane doesn't relent, the assault continuing - One... Two... Three... Four... and no he breaks, a second to go and the damage is there for all to see, the Intercontinental Champions chest red and welted, his face turning an alarming shade of purple as finally Mike Chioda gets the ropes loose, Cena falling to the mat clutching his neck, audibly breathing, gasping air into his lungs, Shane charges at him - Soccer Kick AGAIN to the ribs, vicious shot. Cena stays down this time, JR claiming that he's struggling now, still holding his neck and trying to breathe as Shane stands over him somewhat menacingly, scoring with a well placed stomp to the chest, the crowd booing, not liking these tactics at all. Cena however is managing to get to his knees, Shane helping him up and scoring with a right to send him staggering into the corner. He approaches, Cena hitting an elbow to keep him back, desperation move as Shane re-approaches and gets the right hand, a second, Cena trying to turn away. Shane grabs Cena by the back of his shorts and his head, backs up... and rams Cena between the pads, shoulder first into the metal ring post. Shane looks like he's about to take more free shots to the abdomen or head when Mike Chioda gets in the day, demanding "NO" and waving his arms, Shane looking tempted to shove him aside but wisely backing off, heading to the near ropes to rest and recover slightly himself, wiping sweat from his brow. Cena is slowly getting out of the corner, staggering forward - Drop Toe Hold by the Dream and now the work begins, Shane going back to those legs again. Shane grabs the left one... drops the elbow down, again, stands and pulls on the limb, leaps... Double Knee Drop... and a Leg Lock, the leg wrapped around his body. The Dream pulls on the limb but Cena is struggling away, up to his knees, in pain as he stands, barely able to put weight on the leg, Shane lets go, stands and pulls Cena up with him - Knife Edge into the ropes. Shane grabs the arm - Irish Whip... reversed, Cena sends the Dream running and bends for the Back Body again - Kicked under the Chin, Shane backs up and comes off the ropes - Clotheslined down as Cena comes back to life, moving slower than normal, pained expression, limping slightly - scores with a second Clothesline, Shane staggering up still, Cena back pedaling into the ropes behind him, springs off.... Flying Shoulder Block.... and a second, on fire here as the Dream staggers up, Cena behind him... there's the Side Release Spinout Slam, the challenger planted right in the middle of the ring, the crowd roaring, electric now as Cena stands, looking into the crowd and then slowly walking back to Shane - he holds his palm aloft, looking far more serious than any other time he's done the move, bending over his opponent and waving the hand. Cena goes into the ropes, springs off back at the Dream.... theatrics...
"FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!!!!" squeals King, Cena slowly rising and gesturing that this is over, stalking Shane as he slowly rises himself, looking in no mans land, groggily staggering up, on spaghetti legs, around.... into Cena - scooped up over the shoulders, Firemans carry position... NO, Shane slides down the back, Cena spins, Shane explodes forward attempting the Spear - Cena leaps over him, behind Shane who pulls up quickly, spins back to Cena, scoops him up
"FU, FU, IT'S OVER" screams Ross, every fan exploding in ovation, Cena on top, grabbing the legs, the Referee, JR and the crowd counting in unison
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENOH MY GOD, MY GOD HE KICKED OUT, SHANE KICKED OUT I DON'T BELIEVE IT" roars Ross, Cena open mouthed, the fans likewise, in shock that Shane managed to kick out of the FU. Ross speculates that this is the desire, heart and hunger of these two gladiators, leaving it all on the line here, everything they have to be called a champion. Cena shakes his head in disbelief, looking weary as he inches to his feet, stumbling for a second before striding over to Shane and grabbing him by the head and pants... Cena half picks him up, runs... and slides him right out under the bottom rope, possibly to buy himself a little time to recover or even in the hope Michael Shane will be counted out here, motionless at the foot of the aisle. Cena rests a moment against the ropes, giving JR and King chance to replay the FU before the Doctor of Thuganomics exits, judging himself recovered enough as we see the challenger still not moving an inch. Cena hovers over his downed opponent and grabs him by the head, pulling him up, barely able to stand on his own two feet. Cena gets him in the Bearhug position, charges with him... into the ringpost, the crowd a little mixed for that, not liking these tactics anymore than what they saw of the Dream. The Referee demands Cena get back in, the Champion complying, grabbing Shane and rolling him in under the bottom rope. Cena follows, straight into the cover - One... Two... and a half only, Shane kicking out again. Shane shakes his head with a smile, almost asking "what do I have to do?" as he gets back up and grabs the head, lifting the American Dream into the Front Facelock. Shane struggles, Cena hitting blows to the back... and scoring with the Vertical Suplex. Cenas up, no relenting here, grabbing Shane instantly and hauling him up, the Dream little more than dead weight at this point, Cenas legs still hurting as he wobbles, gets Shane up near the corner, shoves him into it, grabs the arm - Irish Whip.... and Shane goes charging... and smashing big time into the opposite set of pads, flipping up, over... and managing to correct himself, come down to the canvas, stagger forward - Flair Flop. Cena takes a seconds breather, keeled over and then striding toward Shane, walking past him however and exiting to the apron, climbing the turnbuckles. The crowd roar and look confused, this not like Cena, the Intercontinental Champion looking to go high risk to finish this as Shane starts to rise, on his hands and knees, Cena leaps off.....
"LEG DROP, FLYING LEG DROP ACROSS THE BACK OF MICHAEL SHANES NECK, THAT'S GOTTA BE IT"
Cover, hook of the leg
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENO... OH MY GOD..." is all Ross can say, somehow the American Dream kicking out just as Mike Chioda's hand is on the way down for three. Cena looks up again, shaking his head, looking into the crowd for inspiration. Cena finally seems to have an idea, taking a breath as he stands and grabs Shane sweat covered head, walking him to the corner and getting him back in the bearhug position again, this time only so he can lift him up onto the top turnbuckle. The crowd pop big time as Cena follows, up onto the middle rope, hitting two right hands up and then grabbing Shane... hoisting him over his shoulders. Every fan is on his feet, camera almost blinding as the fans sense a Super FU is imminent... but the Dream is struggling, elbows to the head, again and again... and Cena has to set Shane back down.... and the Dream shoves him square in the chest, Cena flying off backward and hitting the canvas. The New Generation Nature Boy can only hang there for a moment, seemingly barely even aware of where he is before slowly he adjusts his position, climbing up fully and measuring John Cena perfectly positioned below. Shane leaps up, flips in mid-air..... and comes down
"SHOOTING STAR PRESS, THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS, SHANE HASN'T DONE THAT SINCE HE DEBUTED...." roars JR, Shane over, barely enough to grab the leg before Chioda counts
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE, I DON'T BELIEVE IT, HE'S TIED IT, I DON'T BELIEVE IT" cries Ross, the score now 1-1 but man seems to have anything left, Shane rolling off and staring at the lights, the noise of the crowd just not stopping now, every fan in awe of the intestinal fortitude of these two men. The 30 second rest period is nearly other, nobody stirring and as we're back underway the Referee starts his 10 count, King logically wondering just what happens if they're both counted out. That doesn't look like happening however as Michael Shane rolls to his side, trying to get enough strength to get back up. Cenas doing likewise, both men on their knees, staring at each other as they both get up at the same moment. Shane springs first, exploding forward and looking for the Clothesline, this match do or die now... and Cena dodges to the side... Drop Toe Hold, foot through the legs, across the back looking for the STFY, Shane flips to his back - kicks Cena away with what strength he has left, Cena staggers back, allowing the Dream enough time to get up, Cena charges at him, Shane ducks the Clothesline, around and behind - Waistlock... German Suplex, Cena driven into the mat. Shane keeps the hold in place but can barely stand, drawing every reserve he has left into just getting up.... and hitting a second German Suplex, Waistlock still in place... Shane somehow gets up on his feet for Three.... no, Cena elbows him in the face, the Trifecta incomplete as the American Dream breaks, staggers back and then charges at the Champion, hoping to catch him off guard.... but Cena has it scouted - Drop Toe Hold, foot through, across the back
"STFU, CENAS GOT THE STFU!!!!" wails our play by play man, Cena roaring as he pulls back on Shanes head and neck, Shane thrashing around, arms flailing as Cena roars again, pulling back with everything he has, the emotion and passion etched on his face, the crowd screaming right back as Mike Chioda gets down to see, asking Shane if he quits to a shake of his head, the Dream unable to say anything as he clutches at Cenas arms. Shane is fighting with everything he has but with each passing second you can see the strength draining away, the hand going up, hovering over the mat... but he snatches it away, not giving up and edging inch by inch to the ropes, desperately trying to reach out. Shane seems to almost trying to will the ropes to be nearer, but getting closer and closer, Cena pulling harder and harder, the determination to make his nemesis tap running through his very vains. Shanes hand is hovering, shaking with the pain now, inch by inch.... nearer and nearer both tapping and reaching that bottom rope... and Shane reaches it, grabbing the bottom rope. Cena seems totally deflated, keeping the hold in place more out of sheer frustration and tiredness than anything, slowly rolling off on the four count from our Referee. Cena gets to his feet, one last throw of the dice here as he stands behind the broken Michael Shane, the Dream clutching first the bottom rope and then the middle rope, hauling himself up inch by inch, eyes glazed over. Cena is stood watching every move, eyes burning into the back of Shanes head. The Dreams on his feet, staggers around.... right into the waiting Cena, scooped up, over the shoulders - NO, Shanes down, on his feet behind, Cena spins - Gut Kick, head placed, Shane hoists up Cena onto his back
"2-1-2, THE GORY BOMB, SHANE HITS THE GORY BOMB" wails Ross, the crowd popping, their love and hates forgotten... but Shane can't capitalize, collapsing to the mat next to Cena, absolutely spent. Shane knows however that this is his only chance, slowly inch by inch he crawls, legs seemingly useless, dragging himself toward Cena, knowing just a finger on him will do it.... and he gets the arm over, a single arm over Cena's chest and the Referee and crowd are counting
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENO...I DON'T BELIEVE THIS MATCH, GOD ALMIGHTY THIS IS FORTITUDE, THIS IS PRIDE, PASSION... BAH GAWD THIS IS WRESTLING" screams Ross, Cena clutching the bottom rope as Lawler laughs in disbelief, these two men completely canceling each other out. Both men are not moving once more, the Ten count starting as Shane rolls away, Cena keeping hold of the ropes, using them to start to haul himself up,stumbling at the first hurdle, unable to gather anything to stand, the American dream likewise, just staring up at the bright lights above. Finally it's Shane who moves first, struggling up and staggering, falling to one knee before stumbling over to Cena who's half to his feet in the corner. Shane pulls Cena up fully, JR commenting how both these mens bodies must feel like they're full of water, Shane barely able to pull his arm back for a weak Knife Edge Chop, Cena striking with a right hand, The American Dream back with another Knife Edge, grabs the arm, goes for the Irish Whip... Cena reverses, into the short arm whip, pulling Shane back toward him, scoops him up over the shoulders... Shanes down the back, away to the ropes, springing off just as Cena spins
"SPEAR, SPEAR, SPEAR"
Cenas down, Shane across him
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE, SHANE WINS, GOD ALMIGHTY MICHAEL SHANE WINS IT" screams Ross, the crowd just roaring for what they've seen
"THAT WAS A HELL OF MATCH, ONE OF THE GREATEST ONE ON ONE WRESTLING MATCHES I HAVE EVER SEEN, THESE MEN HAVE GIVEN EVERYTHING THEY HAVE... EVERY INCH OF PASSION, OF SWEAT, THEY'VE SACRIFICED THEIR BODIES ALL, ON THIS NIGHT, TO BE CALLED THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION" Ross screams, Shane on his knees in disbelief, falling backward to the canvas at the euphoria washes over him coupled with the sheer pain and exhaustion from this epic
"What a tremendous match folks, one of the best pure wrestling matches I have ever had the pleasure of calling. This wasn't about gimmicks, there's no ladder here, no chair, no cage, this was about Two men, one title and a hell of a lot of ability and desire... this was a clinic.. two men who will be the future of this business and we may have just seen that future start right here" adds JR, Shane looking emotional as the Intercontinental Championship is handed to him, cradling it in his arms on the mat, Cena just starting to come to his senses
"John Cena quite possibly fought the greatest match of his life here folks, you think John Cena can't wrestle? then watch this match again because lemme tell ya, he went tow to toe with Michael Shane, many would say he may have even had the better of this match, but on this night, at Armageddon, luck smiled on Michael Shane and the American Dream is the new Intercontinental Champion"
"Th-th-that that don't kill me can only make me stronger.. I need you to hurry up now, cause I can't wait much longer. I know I got to be right now, cause I can't get much wronger.. Man I been waitin' all night now, that's how long I've been on ya... I need ya right now... I need ya right now" blares the sound of Kanye West, the American Dream slowly getting to his feet and holding aloft the Intercontinental Championship, his music still playing as Lillian announces him as the winner and we see replays of the key moments in this match
"Let's get lost tonight, you could be my black Kate Moss tonight, play secretary, I'm the boss tonight. And you don't give a f**k what they all say, right? Awesome, the Christian in Christian Dior, Damn they don't make 'em like this anymore. I ask, cause I'm not sure. Do anybody make real shit anymore?"
The Dream is just in the process of posing for each side of the ring, looking genuinely over joyed, roaring out to the crowd with a grin, turning... and coming face to face with the waiting John Cena
"Oh wait a minute here...." warns JR, the crowd quietening a little, becoming tense as Shane and Cena stare each other down, Cena rubbing the back of his neck, maybe remembering the incident when he was tied in the ropes... but he simply extends his hand, the crowd roaring as Shane takes it with a smile and nod of respect, Cena saying a few words, and exiting, gracious in defeat, picking up his MITB case as he goes
"Well there'll be another day for John Cena, he's the guaranteed shot at the Worlds Title and on this form, after this match.. I think he's ready, I think John Cena is ready to walk in the shoes of a bonafied WWE Superstar, but this night belongs to Michael Shane" finishes Ross, the final fitting chorus of Stronger blaring
"Bow in the presence of greatness, cause right now thou has forsaken us. You should be honored by my lateness, that I would even Show up to this fake shit. So go ahead go nuts, go ape shit. Especially in my pastel, all my bape shit, act like you can't tell who made this. New gospel homey take six, and take this, haters"
And with that... we fade.
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Armageddon Results