Chapter 20: Triple Threat Match (III): Always an opportunity
Shockingly, Axel Stone kicked out at the count of two, leaving everyone in shock. No one actually believed that he could kick out from Rowan Pierce's Bellynod and Splash. While the Bellynod was one of his deadliest moves, the Splash was his finisher.
This was why Arnold attacked him after the Splash so that he could steal the win.
But unfortunately, that was a failed plan.
"Ah, damn it!" Arnold cursed.
Although he knew why this had happened... It was certainly because the pinning wasn't made quickly. If he had stayed back and allowed Rowan to cover, there would have been a complete count of three.
With a look painted in both frustration and rage, Arnold stood up. He stared at Axel a few times and switched his gaze to the outside, clearly seeing Rowan still out.
Turning back to Axel, he quickly grabbed both of his legs and delivered a Sharpshooter. Those familiar shouts from the fans kept reverberating through the arena as many were eager and excited to see Axel Stone tap out.
The Sharpshooter was a submission that affected the knee and lower torso, if Arnold could only apply a lot of intense pressure on it, he could actually make Axel tap out.
Just as he gave the Sharpshooter, The Iron-fisted Predator exclaimed in pain. Axel quickly tried to turn around to destroy the submission, but Arnold's strength held him strong, only making him move a few inches and remain bold.
They were right in the middle of the ring, making the ropes far for him to hold on to. If he manages to touch and hold the ropes, the referee would order Arnold to break the submission.
But if Axel tapped out, or even passed out, then the victory would be Arnold's.
While Arnold continued to deliver the Sharpshooter, the fans were shouting at the top of their lungs. Those who wanted Axel to endure and grab the rope, those who wanted him to tap out, and...
Those who wanted Rowan Pierce back into the ring.
It was just as if Rowan's fans just suddenly developed a louder voice. But Arnold just didn't know why.
Still, he concentrated on Axel even though he was trying to break the submission and decided not to spare his attention from the fans.
However, he didn't quite understand the shouts until a big foot came hitting him hard on his head. Arnold didn't even know when he fell from Axel's butt to the mat.
Quickly, he felt someone covering him, and also felt the referee counting.
"ONE. TWO..."
Arnold didn't dare to remain as he was, he quickly kicked out at the count of two, gasping and groaning in pain.
The back of his head was hurting so badly.
It was as if the front and back sides of his head were being separated, with just the front side with him.
The pain was intense.
But thanks to his advanced Endurance which helped him kick out of this attack. He was lucky that Rowan was only a low-level Grindhouse wrestler. If it had been a stronger opponent who had launched this attack, he would have passed out for long, not even able to kick out.
For now, his attributes were okay for the low-level Grindhouse wrestlers, he guessed.
After Arnold kicked out to his Superkick, Rowan left him and attacked Axel. However, just as he turned to Axel's lying spot, a huge fist came dancing on his face, delivering a massive, deadly Knockout Punch.
Rowan fell on the mat as if like a dead body, losing consciousness at that very instant. Even Arnold who was feeling a throbbing pain on the back of his head felt the intense impact, his brows furrowing.
'Damn! His finisher is killer!' Arnold panicked.
Well, Arnold was still lying on another side of the mat, pretending as if he was still suffering from the Superkick. Seeing that he was still lying on the mat and clutching the back of his head. Axel ignored him and quickly pinned Rowan Pierce.
A faint evil smile appeared on his face as he thought that he had won the match already. With Max Fury lying in pain on the other side of the ring and Rowan Pierce receiving a Knockout Punch and being covered, that was clear that it was only a matter of three seconds before he would emerge as the winner.
'HEHE,' The Iron-fisted Predator laughed just as the referee began his count.
"ONE. TWO. Thr... OH No!!!"
The fans were caged in a box of excitement. It had been a long time since a match like this happened. It wasn't just interesting, it was filled with utter chaos!
Many wondered how Arnold could be this powerful to keep confronting these men. This was Rowan's second year in Grindhouse Wrestling and Axel's third year. However, Max Fury was only making his debut!
It would have been a different case if professional wrestling was scripted like in the old years, but this was a match fought with one's power and passion.
Arnold (Max Fury), had already launched a fierce Superkick at the back of Axel's head as well, sending him to the side. Remembering, Superkick was also part of his common moves!
With a rush, he grabbed Rowan and threw him outside the ring, forcing Axel to stand and locking his neck in his armpit.
As if like a vertical suplex, Axel was raised upside down, landing backward with his neck bouncing against the thick mat.
"Whoa! What kind of move is that?!"
"That's his finisher, James. Some of his mates in Rising Impact University said he currently started using this finisher."
"This might be too deadly! That could get someone's neck broken!"
"WOW. Super finisher, I love this Fury guy!"
As the loud mumblings came from different angles, Arnold ignored them and quickly covered Axel Stone, ready for the count of three.
"ONE!"
Arnold's heart was beginning to skip.
"TWO!"
'What if he kicks out.'
Arnold was dubious.
'Then I would know that I'm not going to win this match.'
'This is my last opportunity, I guess.' He said.
'Maybe... Just maybe.'
"THREE!"
Ding Ding Ding!
"Here is your winner, and the fifth qualifier for the Grindhouse Omega Championship Fatal Five-way Elimination No.1 Contender Match, Max Fury!"
Arnold's eyes brightened in excitement, but at the same time, he shrugged.
"Huh? Was this match for something like that?"