NFW Trauma #36! 04/27/2021!

Andrew Payne: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to NFW Tuesday Night Trauma! Andrew Payne here, joined by Miranda Augustino and---are you wearing a House Crowley shirt?

Miranda Augustino: Simón, carnal!

Miranda proudly displays a newly release House Crowley merchandise tee under her leather jacket. Andrew face palms.

Andrew Payne: Jesus….

Miranda Augustino: Pretty sure Papi praises the one his dad kicked out of Heavan way before he was born but s’all good!

Andrew Payne: This is gonna be a long ass night….

Miranda Augustino: But a fun one! We got three title contender matches and the House is in action twice tonight! Whoooooo!!

Andrew Payne: Right. Well, let’s get on with it then. I’m gonna need a drink after this. I can tell.
A door marked for Trauma GM Isabella Santiago greets the viewers tonight. The shot zooms out to reveal a fairly pensive Faye Brown leaning on the frame of the door, looking a little up at the nameplate. Contemplating. Wondering. Brown takes a deep breath before knocking on the door.

Faye Brown: GM? It's Faye.

Isabella Santiago: Come in, Miss Brown.

The green-haired girl opens the door and walks in. She pulls out a check before shutting the door behind her, and approaching the front of the GM’s desk. Brown quickly bites down on said check before handing it to Santiago.

Faye Brown: That’s for two weeks ago, it should cover all damages and expenses.

Brown then sits down in a leathery chair and crosses her legs, sniffling on the way. Isabella looks up from her desk at Faye and slides the check into a drawer before shutting it and sitting there in silence for a moment before sliding over a box of tissues.

Isabella Santiago: Thank you, Miss Brown, but I get it. I know you’ll get Logan back. And I have a little proposition for you tonight if you want to hear it.

Faye folds her arms and leans back into the chair.

Faye Brown: A proposition.

Brown then nods, a little curious.

Faye Brown: All right... lemme hear it.

Isabella smiles and leans forward a little bit as she keeps her eyes locked on Faye for a moment before shuffling a few papers.

Isabella Santiago: I know you want to beat the ever living hell out of Lady Death and Santa Muerta and well, as you already know, it will be you and Miss Maloney taking on the two of them at Manifest Destiny. BUT, tonight you’re going one on one with Lady Death. Now, I want to make that match a little more interesting. If you beat Lady Death, you get to pick the stipulation for the tag team match. If she wins, they pick the stipulation. How does that sound?

Faye places her hand on her chin in a contemplative manner during Santiago’s proposition, but soon nods.

Faye Brown: I’m for that.

Isabella grins as she sits back in her chair and nods her head.

Isabella Santiago: Wonderful. I can say with confidence, that I really hope you do win tonight Miss Brown. Those two have gone too far and they deserve everything they have coming towards them. I promise, you’ll get him back too.

Brown closes her eyes and nods.

Faye Brown: I appreciate that very much, Ms. Santiago.

Faye purses her lips before piping up a little.

Faye Brown: Uh... not to change the subject, but, um… ther--there is one more reason I’m here. It’s... about that Perseverance Title.

Isabella sits back up in her chair and nods her head in understanding.

Isabella Santiago: Ah, yes, that is quite the issue. Well, I promise you when this whole thing is resolved, you will be one of the contenders in the next championship match. You, at the very least, deserve another opportunity at it.

Faye keeps her eyes locked on Isabella’s, before looking down a bit and chuckling.

Faye Brown: Uh... thanks for that, really, Ms. Santiago, but uh... to detach myself from the more pressing issue for a moment... you saw the end of the match, right? Because I don’t wanna sound salty over a loss or anything, but I’m pretty sure I pulled the title down and landed with it. I guess what I wanna know is what happened there? Because I feel like I should be the champion right now, and officially speaking, that’s not the case. My actions aren’t even a note on the title record on the website.

Santiago leans back a bit and inhales.

Isabella Santiago: I understand your frustration. I do. But I don’t know exactly what happened with the ending. And well... on Trauma, the referee’s decision is final. I know you were screwed out of the title, but I will not strip Kate of the title. That wo--

Faye Brown: I wasn’t wanting you to strip her of the title.

There’s an awkward silence before Faye follows up with...

Faye Brown: That's not how it works, I realize that. The decision’s the decision, I’ll live with it until I can correct it. I was just curious.

Santiago nods and purses her lips before answering.

Isabella Santiago: Like... I said before, the best I can do is give you the chance to right the wrong that happened at the end of that match.

Brown sniffles again. Her “Yakko” not being here has quite clearly taken its toll on her.

Faye Brown: And to wrap this all in a nice little bow? I’ll take any chances I can get. Thank you.

Both the General Manager and the Resident Rockhouse rise to their feet.

Isabella Santiago: You’re quite welcome, Miss Brown. Now, if there is nothing else, I do have other business I need to attend to and I do wish you luck tonight.

Faye Brown: Thanks... I’ve got other business, too.

Brown debates shaking Isabella’s hand, but decides against it as the view sees her leave the office. Once the door closes, the view shifts...
We go backstage where Amy Connors is standing by the locker room for Super Bitch Squad. She takes a deep breath and knocks lightly on the door. Seconds later, it opens but rather than moving to let her in, the three ladies of SBS file out with Kaede Tanabe and Jenn Drew right there with them. Kaede notices Amy and signals for the girls to stop with a devilish smile.

Kaede Tanabe: Well, Amy, how lovely to see you again!

Kayako Kazama: HIIIIIIIII!!! AMY-CHAN! HOW ARE YOU TODAY?!

Amy winces a bit from the pitch and volume of Kayako’s voice as Kaede does a quick sweep over her appearance for the evening. She’s clearly afraid that she’s about to get verbally ripped apart as Kaede looks at her solid black dress, tapping her chin and nods.

Kaede Tanabe: Oh, darling, I love this dress! It really defines your curves!

Amy frowns, looking herself over. Curves? But Kaede touches her shoulder.

Kaede Tanabe: No, no, I mean it! That’s a good thing. I love it, dear.

Amy starts to visibly relax and even smiles a bit when suddenly Kaede waves a finger around her face area.

Kaede Tanabe: But your makeup looks like total shit. I mean, seriously, who the hell did this? Please, don’t say you.

Amy’s taken aback and swallows heavily, looking scorned again. Kaede’s shoulders slump.

Kaede Tanabe: Oh, you poor thing. You need lessons, proper. I’ll hook you up. Anyway! Don’t let me keep you from your job. What can we do for you?

Amy takes another breath, letting it out with a huff that makes Kaede shrink back a bit with wide eyes. Kaede blinks as if the air hit her like a slug but says nothing. Amy notices it, though, and appears self conscious again. However, she gets on with the interview.

Amy Connors: Ahem. Well...I was hoping for a quick word about tonight. Your thoughts as your clients seek to claim Contendership for not only the Trios Titles but also the United States Championship. How have you pre---

Kaede shoots a hand up in Amy’s face to stop her before giving a forced smile.

Kaede Tanabe: How have my girls prepared? How else do you think? Physical and mental conditioning, as always. Hours of drills in the ring, in the gym, on the track, watching previous matches. My clients don’t spend day in and day out doing this….

She motions with her hands as if she’s typing away on a phone.

Kaede Tanabe: That shit doesn’t do a damn bit of good to prepare for a match. That’s my job so they can focus on being ready to fight and tonight? They are ready. I’ve heard again and again how The Hive worship their own personal devil. Legion is their dark lady and mistress of all. That might scare most people but all I’ll say to Legion is, sweetheart, we’re not in your plane of darkness or torture or whatever you call it. You and “followers” are in our house tonight. SBS may not have won the Trios Cup but we’ll give kudos where kudos are due: we had some tough competition. No doubt. And yes, the Valkyries? They’ve proven their superiority against SBS as a tag team over and over. Arsenal? Respect where it’s due, BUT...we knew this opportunity would present itself again so yes, we have indeed, been preparing for it, well before this contenders match was even announced. We’ve studied every trio in this company to make sure we’re ready for anything. That includes the Hive. That includes the Cornbread Mafia. That includes the Queen’s Guard over on Collision, even. Hell, we’ve even studied the overcompensating circus crew. Fucking Team TRIAD or whatever.

Amy Connors swallows nervously.

Amy Connors: Tr--um...Team TRIOCS, you mean?

Kaede Tanabe: Ugh! Yeah, whatever. The ones with the fucking elephant. The bottom line is, we’ve done just as I said we would. You take the Squad, you take Jenni here, you take the physical dominance of these four and you put my brilliant thinking in with the mix? Honey, you’ve got some sure winners and these three….

She turns and motions to Yuka Hirata, Masami Nishikiyama and Kayako Kazama -- who waves excitedly to the camera -- all in their gear and ready to compete.

Kaede Tanabe: Are gonna show just why Isabella Santiago reached out to us when the tri-- yes, she reached out to us! Santiago called me and invited us back to be a part of this division. That says something when an employer comes to you instead of the other way around. Well, starting in about five minutes? We’re gonna prove that Santiago-san is one smart woman. The Hive better be ready because the Queen and her drones are under attack and that’s just the beginning.

Amy Connors nods and brings the mic back to herself.

Amy Connors: Good luck in that match, for sure. Then later tonight, your client Jenn Drew will compete in the Main Event. She has the opportunity to challenge Anaquin Adams at Manifest Destiny II for the NFW United States Title. Jenn? Do you have any words you’d like to say before tonight’s main event?

Amy leans to the side while Kaede steps aside, allowing Jenn room to step up to the interview. Jenn steps up, just after finishing writing something down in her “Burn Book” and grins as she puts an arm around Amy.

Jenn Drew: Amy, Amy, Amy, what a day to be alive! I face two people who deserve a chance like this and G1itch. The woman who bitched and moaned and Isabella decided to put her into this match because of it. It’s a shame that some dumb robot throws a temper tantrum and is rewarded for it. But I sat back and waited for my time. Hell, I’m one of the best on the entire Trauma roster, but you don’t hear me bitching about not getting matches and getting opportunities. And do you know why that is, Ames?

There’s a pause as Amy just stands there, waiting for Jenn to continue before the nervous woman looks around real quick. Once she realizes it wasn’t rhetorical, she brings the mic back to her.

Amy Connors: Oh, uh, um...w-why is that?

Jenn Drew: Because I'm not some insecure wannabe Ironwoman cosplaying bitch. No, I know my worth and I know how to be patient and bide my time. If you don't have the confidence, and a badass manager to boot…

Jenn glances over at Kaede and winks at her. Kaede winks back with a finger on her cheek as she smiles.

Jenn Drew: Then you don't belong in this industry. See, Amy, the difference between me and everyone else in that match is that I'm willing to do ANYTHING to ensure I walk out victorious tonight. And come Manifest Destiny, this group right here…

Jenn walks over to the other four ladies and puts her arms around them with a smug grin. The girls respond in kind with Kaede hanging an arm around Jenn’s shoulders while Masami does so to her. On the other side of Jenn, Kayako wraps her arms around her waist in a childish little hug with Yuka hanging her arms over both Jenn and Kayako from behind those two.

Jenn Drew: We'll be holding the trios and the United States Championships and there's not a damn thing anyone will be able to do about. Understand?

Amy blinks, growing nervous as Jenn and SBS watch her. Only Kayako looks even remotely friendly towards the interviewer, prompting the blonde to nod her head quickly.

Amy Connors: Yeah! Totally. I understand. Again...good luck out there!

She forces a sweet smile, trying to hide her fear. Here, Kaede rolls her eyes and takes the mic from the woman, bringing it up to her lips.

Kaede Tanabe: Honey. My girls don’t need luck.

She extends the mic back out to Amy, dropping it just as she starts to reach out for it, causing it to hit the floor. The sassy manager turns then, snapping her fingers in the air as she starts down the hall.

Kaede Tanabe: Come lovelies! Let’s go earn you some more gold!

Number One Contenders Trios Match

SBS vs The Hive

Danae promptly clotheslines down all three members of SBS, making sure to put extra oomph on the one to Masami. Danae scoops up Yuka and bodyslasm her down onto Masami. The big woman takes Kayako and adds her on top before making a tag at Legion’s nod to Kassandra. Kassandra hits a senton bomb on the pile of SBS and then tags in Legion. Danae pulls the smallest one, Kayako over and Legion covers her.

Two!

Kayako kicks out!

Legion looks insulted and tags Danae back in. Danae runs wild on the japanese woman, slamming them all and throwing them about. She hits a big slam on Kayako and tags in Kassandra. Kassandra hits the Titan Spike on Kayako and then tags in Legion. Legion covers.

Two!

Yuka makes the save!

Kassandra rushes in to try and knock Yuka off and eats Ookami No Koushou. Masami catches Kassandra and hits the Nishiki Driver, releasing upon impact and shoving Kasandra from the ring. Legion points to them and Danae comes in. Yuka and Masami hit the larger woman with a double roundhouse kick and then follow with spinning backfists. Danae wobbles. Yuka and Masami kick her again and are joined by Kayako for a triple roundhouse kick. Danae topples backward ovr the top rope to the floor. Kaede moves in by the corner from the floor to keep Legion from leaving and the SBS hits her with All Aboard the Bitch Train!

Masami grabs Legion and hits the Nishiki Driver, rolling away at the end to leave the blonde woman lying there on the mat. Kayako comes off the top for It’s Blossom Season! She rolls out of the way and Yuka gets her hands on Legion. She executes Kirisute Gomen. The referee checks on the submission, sees that Legion is out and calls for the bell.

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners and the Number One Contenders for the NFW Trios Championships!! Kayako Kazama...Masami Nishikiyama...and Yuka Hirata...S...B...S!!

“Senbonzakura” played a Kaede Tanabe and Jenn Drew joined SBS in the ring. Jenn celebrated with SBS, high fiving and fist bumping as Kaede hyped them up in the camera, calling out Arsenal that they’d see them soon enough.

Andrew Payne: Well, Kaede Tanabe claimed victory and SBS delivered!

Miranda Augustino: Girl genius knows what she’s talking about, Andy! I can’t wait for that title match!

Result: Pinfall

We cut backstage to find Amy Connors standing by with a smile on her face and a microphone in hand.

Amy Connors: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time… Griffin Hawkins and Stacy Jones… the Rock Hearts.

The camera pans out a little to reveal Stacy Jones standing beside the interviewer with Griffin Hawkins standing beside Jones.

Amy Connors: Stacy, tonight you’re going one on one with Steele Matthews… a man who has been a thorn in the side of your tag team partner here, Griff, ever since he turned down Steele’s offer to form a tag team with him…

The Unbreakable One chuckles and shakes her head.

Stacy Jones: Yeah… listen, Amy… sorry for cutting you off but I’ve known Steele Matthews longer than anyone here in NFW, the only person who knows him as long as I have who works here is Matt Robinson, the guy who recently became Griff’s manager.

She crosses her arms over her stomach.

Stacy Jones: There are some people in this world that never change, and Steele Matthews is one of them. He believes he’s the greatest thing on the planet, that he’s the best wrestler in the world and believes that he can get anywhere in life with money.

Connors nods.

Stacy Jones: And he’ll probably run his mouth ahead of our match and say that he’s better than me and that he’s going to beat me tonight without even breaking a sweat. Hell, he’s already threatened me on social media… claiming that whatever happens to me tonight will be Griff’s fault.

Hawkins can be seen shaking his head as he folds his arms over his chest.

Stacy Jones: But here’s the thing that he’s forgetting, Amy… he’s forgetting what happens when I step into the ring against people who have hurt the people I care about. See, Griff is basically my brother from another mother… and when someone messes with the people I care about? I don’t hold back!

Griffin Hawkins: Just as long as you leave a piece of him for me, it’s all good Stace.

Amy Connors: Well best of luck tonight, Stacy.

Jones nods and then pats the interviewer on the shoulder before disappearing off of camera with Hawkins following her as we cut elsewhere.
In the back we find Mayumi Tanahashi geared up and ready for her match opting for a white, gold and metallic mint color scheme for both her gear and ring jacket, the wings lighting up as the camera gets closer. She smiled and waved.

Mayumi Tanahashi: Kon'nichiwa. Thank you for this time. When I signed my contract with NFW, I knew that the first Trauma afterwards, I wanted to speak to the fans, tell them a little bit about me, and also let so many of them that have been hurt by the actions of a former masked wrestling hero, I know exactly how you feel.

Mayumi turns away for a second, walks over to the wall and grabs a trash can. She drags it over towards the camera and points down into it. The camera moves ahead, looks inside and within there are Super Tiger masks in every color, some that look custom made in colors that hadn’t even been worn before. Mayumi grabs the camera, pulls it back up and now the smile on her face is gone.

Mayumi Tanahashi: For years, I looked up to the Super Tiger, like so many others. For me, there was more. Both of our families were involved with wrestling, we were both on the smaller side, we both saw the best in people and always strived to be our best, but she got the chance to pursue her dream first. Despite the fact I am actually fourteen months older than her, I watched her wrestle when I was younger. When I finally met her, I was ecstatic. She was as wonderful as I had hoped. To see her win the tag titles with my brother, my two favorite wrestlers teaming together. There was a bit of hope that maybe one day… It does not matter. Risa Jackson ruined all of that. She broke people’s hearts, she crushed people’s dreams, she nearly made me want to stop wrestling…

Mayumi stops for a second, takes a breath and sort of jokingly pushes a tear back.

Mayumi Tanahashi: My fight is not with her though. Oru is the one she betrayed more than any. She cost him the chance to be the Undisputed Champion, and for that I have no doubt he will make her pay. I will have my brother’s back should anyone else try and stick their nose in things though. Right now though, I have an opportunity before me. A unique, yet familiar opportunity. When I made my American wrestling debut, I found myself in a fatal four way, number one contenders match. I went out there, wowed the crowd, picked up the victory, then two weeks later, I shocked the World and became a champion. This match certainly has an interesting mix of people, some I have history with, some have history with other members of my family, actually I know one dated my brother and I am pretty sure another one had ecchi suru with him, but that one isn’t my business. I still don’t like either one of them that much though. Especially Viola. She doesn’t respect professional wrestling. She cheats and fights dirty and uses henchmen and only cares about money and power. Professional Wrestling can bring people joy and entertainment. I want to inspire some young people the same way I once was. I want to show the dirty fighters and the arrogant jerks and the truly rotten like Risa Jackson, that you can do things the right way and succeed. More than anything, I want to show the World how High I can Fly. I no longer want to be like the Super Tiger. I want to be better. I want to show everyone The Sky Child flies higher than anyone.

Mayumi pulls out a rainbow Super Tiger mask that’s been signed on one side and has a picture of Mayumi and Super Tiger laminated on the other side. She raises it high and starts to throw it down, but her arm is caught, her tiny limb engulfed by the hand of Lassindra Vivara. Mayumi’s eyes go wide as she stares at one of her future opponents. Lassindra releases Mayumi’s arm, takes the mask and hands it back to her.

Lassindra Vivara: She may have hurt you. Do not dishonor Super Tiger or your memories of her. Focus your strength on Risa Jackson. Not the legacy left behind by the woman you loved.

Mayumi looks up at her, nods and then hugs the mask close. Mayumi smiles slightly, turns around and starts to walk off, but then stops and spins back towards Lassindra.

Mayumi Tanahashi: So uhm… thanks. I’m still gonna try to kick your butt in our match, and I still think you were dumb for breaking up with Oru, but I like the new lady he’s seeing WAAY more. Also, you’re still a big dumb bitch, but thank you.

Mayumi then spins right back around and takes off the other way, leaving a slightly irritated Lassindra far behind.

Lassindra Vivara: I’m going to headbutt her repeatedly.

Lassindra turns and walks off the other way as we fade to black.

Mayumi Tanahashi vs Lassindra Vivara vs Sapphire Gemstone vs Viola Mancini

Sapphire and Viola both hit Lassindra in the bread basket with elbows and then shove her into the nearest corner. With both holding the bigger woman in the corner by her legs, Mayumi comes running up and hits a single-legged dropkick to the face. Mayumi runs across the ring to the opposite corner and comes running back for a tumbling spinkick to the face. Sapphire drops down onto all fours and Mayumi runs over again for a poetry in motion onto the big woman. Lassindra catches her and reverses into a uranage slam. Mayumi hits hard and rolls over out of the way. Lassindra drills Sapphire with a big boot and she goes down hard. Viola grabs Lassindra by the pants and pulls her into an inside cradle.

Two!

Lassindra kicks out!

Sapphire rolls Viola up from behind.

Two!

Viola kicks out!

Mayumi climbs up to the top rope and leaps off for a missile dropkick on Lassindra. The big woman staggers back and falls backwards, tripping over Sapphire and Viola. Mayumi jumps on top for a cover.

Two!

Lassindra kicks out!

Mayumi runs to the ropes and jumps into a springboard spinning into a spinning corkscrew splash attempt. Lassindra stands up, catches Mayumi out of midair and hurls her onto Viola and Sapphire. Lassindra goes for the cover.

Two!

Viola, Mayumi and Sapphire all kick out!

Viola knees Lassindra in the head. Sapphire jumps up into a knee strike as well. Lassindra staggers back towards the ropes. Sapphire hits a running clothesline and drops down to all fours. Viola runs over and springs off Sapphire’s back for a big clothesline attempt of her own. Lassindra catches her. Mayumi comes running over and jumps off Sapphire for a kick to the face of Lassindra over Viola’s back. Lassindra tumbles over the top rope, taking Viola with her and the two carsh to the concrete floor. Sapphire and Mayumi stagger away. Sapphire falls to her knees as Mayumi runs back for It’s Just MAGIC! Sapphire falls over onto her back and Mayumi goes to the top. She leaps off for the Final Flight.

Two!

Three!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner...MAYUMI...TANAHASHI!!!!!

Andrew Payne: And Mayumi Tanahashi will join the mix for the next Perseverance Championship match!! She’ll be challenging defending champion, Cali-Kate alongside with Kasey Kash at Manifest Destiny!!

Miranda Augustino: Awwww, baby girl’s career’s gonna be so short lived!

Andrew Payne: Oh would you stop?

Miranda Augustino: What’s good with you?

Miranda opens her jacket and flashes her House Crowley t-shirt. Andrew face palms. Meanwhile, Mayumi continues celebrating inside the ring, absolutely ecstatic at her huge first win in the company!

Result: Pinfall

Brea is backstage at the arena tonight, whilst we hear the sounds of "You Got Another Thing Comin'" by Judas Priest playing in the background. Brea is looking intense, as she wasn't on the card tonight after the vicious attack she received at the hands of Isis after their debut match, as she spoke out.

Brea Lombardi: "Hey! It's your girl, Brea, and I've gotta clear the air on some things. Your's truly got banged up pretty badly by Isis after her little temper tantrum last week. After I pinned her in the ring, she decided that the only logical response was to blindside me after the match was done and dusted!"

She said, raising her voice a bit whilst speaking on the events of the week before.

Brea Lombardi: "But, she must be out of her damn mind if she thinks I'm going to let that go. And she must be even dumber if she thinks any of her shenanigans will stop me. So, I'm going to give Donovan a chance to explain himself, since he's supposed to be her handler. Next episode of Trauma, I want to have a little talk with you about your client. She has a lesson to learn, and one way or another, she's gonna learn it."
A little while before the main event, Tahti Kuu had already gotten changed into her ring gear as well as had her hair and make-up done. She was still sitting in one of the chairs in the make-up/hair stylist area but had her eyes closed as she tried to relax herself. Ever since March Mayhem, she had been on edge each time she stepped into the arena, and she knew that wouldn’t help her chances in the main event with the 3 people she would be facing. She wasn’t even upset that the match had been turned into a fatal 4 way instead of staying as a triple threat; it just meant more people for her to prove she could hold her own over. The woman had yet to open her eyes despite hearing footsteps come up behind her...truthfully, she had figured that it was just one of the stylists coming back.

Tahti Kuu: Oh, sorry if you need the chair, Teresa. I can get up, I was just trying to center myself after the last few weeks.

Artturi Peura: I highly doubt I’m who you’re thinking of.

When Tahti heard the voice, her eyes shot open, and she jumped out of the chair with the grace and agility of a cat. She quickly faced the man that had been tormenting her off and on for months, though she also made sure that she couldn’t be easily cornered like he had done to her at March Mayhem.

Tahti Kuu: How in the hell do you keep getting backstage?!

Artturi Peura: It’s not hard to blend in with the typical backstage crew, even for someone like me. I just pick up some of the stuff and help these idiots with their job until all of you arrive.

Tahti shook her head as she listened to the younger man in front of her, reminding herself to talk to someone about screening the people that come in and out of the arena a little better. While she was still very unsure of what exactly Artturi had planned for her, she didn’t find herself backing away from him like she had done at March Mayhem...granted she contributed that to having found out who he was thanks to Isabella.

Tahti Kuu: I notice your eyes aren’t the same as Demoni’s after all...colored contacts to screw with me in the beginning? I must say, that’s very clever since you remained so anonymous at first. I guess the brains in the family ran on your father’s side since that’s the only real thing you and he shared.

Artturi Peura: Well I couldn’t have you figuring out that it wasn’t a young Demoni ghost coming to haunt your pathetic ass. We could have shared more if you hadn’t murdered him, you stupid bitch. It’s a shame the judge decided it was self-defense because you couldn’t handle your shit back in REW because I’m going to make you wish you were either dead or in jail.

Tahti Kuu: Go ahead...lay out your entire plan for me, you moron. I’m sure Nico and everyone else would love to hear it so they know how to properly deal with you. As for myself, however, I have a match to finish getting ready for.

Tahti gave the man a dirty look before walking around the chair she had previously been sitting in, roughly shoving her shoulder against Artturi as she did. What she hoped, however, was that he couldn’t feel or hear just how loud and hard her heart was beating. She wasn’t sure what came over her to be able to deal with him like that when she had been so on edge and timid before.

Tahti Kuu: Well...at least Griff and Glitch won’t be quite as difficult...even if Griff does have my number, per say. I can’t say the same about Lassindra though. She must be pretty special for her first match to be a contendership match. But they have to deal with the High Flying Finn tonight, and I’m beyond hungry for some gold...and giving out a damn good beating, especially after dealing with him tonight.

Faye Brown vs Lady Death

The match started off, technically, before the bell rang as Faye Brown entered first and stood waiting in the ring for Lady Death. Yet, as Lady Death was making her way towards the ring, Faye’s emotions got the better of her and she rolled out of the ring and went right at her opponent, cutting the music and theatrical lights short. The crowd was fully behind Faye, however, as she began to throw a beating to Lady Death. Nothing fancy, just stiff shots with fists and forearms; pinging one half of Yum Kimil’s servant’s head off of the apron and ring post. Lady Death did not take without giving as she started fighting back and the two had a short brawl with Lady Death starting to gain the advantage just due to her nasty, underhanded antics. She ended up whipping Faye into the announce table where Faye grabbed Andrew Payne’s bottle of water, declaring she needed to borrow it. Faye turned and whipped her arm, sending the ¾ full bottle of water right into Lady Death’s face. Water splashed everywhere and Death grabbed at her face. Faye grabbed a chair from under the ring and started going for Lady Death but the referee urging them to get in the ring made her see reason. Faye fought with her internal instincts some before throwing the chair down with a frustrated yell but she finally grabbed Lady Death and threw her into the ring, crawling right in after her.

Finally this match was officially underway and Faye Brown wasn’t letting up on the offense. She just kept laying into Lady Death with forearms and stiff kicks, angrily demanding to know where La Sirvientas de Yum Kimil were keeping her boyfriend, Logan Bailey! Lady Death was taking some damage but Faye’s anger over Logan’s situation still had her amused to the point of almost laughing. Faye almost snapped, shoving her backwards and Lady Death went for a shot but Faye slipped around behind her and hit a Feint Rollup into a kick right to the head, going for the cover.

TWO!

Lady Death kicked out and Faye mounted her, starting to throw angry, closed fist punches across her forehead. The referee warned Faye about the closed fists, reaching the count of 4 until Faye stood up off of her opponent and bowed up to the official. By the time she turned around, BOOM! Lady Death hit her with a headbutt and staggered the punk rock superstar. Now it was Lady Death feeding her hard shots before ending her onslaught off with a German Suplex into a bridge!

TWO!

NO!

Faye got the shoulder up and then some as she practically flung herself off the mat and over onto her stomach. Lady Death started putting the boots to Faye, shrieking and taunting that she’d never see Logan again. She continued to do this as she scraped her boot across Faye’s face in the corner before hitting the ropes and coming in for a Running Facewash. She pulled Faye out of the corner for another cover, hooking the leg.

TWO!

FAYE GRABS THE ROPES!

Lady Death snarled, pulling Faye Brown up by her hair but once Faye had her feet grounded, she swatted Lady Death’s hands away just as Death was coming in for a headbutt and instead, the painted faced woman ended up leaning right into the first of several Bell Claps from Faye as she took out further frustration on her. Faye didn’t stop until Lady Death stumbled back and fell to a knee. Faye backed up, pointing two fingers to Death, measuring up and charged in for a Shining Wizard! Death hit the mat. Faye slapped it, getting fired up before climbing to the top and came diving off for a magnificent Elbow Drop onto Lady Death. Hooked the leg!

ONE!

TWO!

KICK OUT!

But Lady Death was still pretty out of it and Faye signaled for the finish. She picked Lady Death up and began setting up for the Riot Maker then the lights in the arena suddenly went out. Fans started booing, expecting them to come on and find Faye outnumbered but instead, the video tron simply came to life with a shaky angle as if someone was adjusting a camera. When the camera finally settled, the fans gasped as they saw Logan Bailey sitting, tied to a chair. The poor guy looked like he’d definitely seen better days and had been beat around a little bit. He was conscious, however, and looked scared out of his wits as a female voice laughed out of frame. This was soon identified as Santa Muerte as the other half of La Sirvientas de Yum Kimil came strutting into frame, waving a sacrificial dagger. It was her doing the laughing but still, another female voice spoke from off screen. The voice of La Sirvientas manager.

La Profita: Say “hello”, Logan.

Logan Bailey: Please, let me go!

La Profita: Now, you know that cannot be done. Say hello to Faye, Logan. She is watching.

Logan Bailey: Faye? Faye?! Faye!!! Faye, help me!!

Santa Muerte laughed, resting an arm across Logan’s chest from behind as she waved the dagger tauntingly in front of him to see.

La Profita: That’s it. Call to her. Say “help me, Faye.”

Logan Bailey: Help me, Faye!

La Profita: LOUDER!!

Santa Muerte touches the tip of the blade to Logan’s cheek and gently runs it along his face, careful not to break the skin. This sends Logan into a full on panic.

Logan Bailey: HELP ME, FAYE!!!

The poor man’s hysterics sent Santa Muerte into a sadistic cackle. La Profita chuckled softly as Logan began to sob out of pure terror when suddenly the feed cut off. The lights came back on and Faye Brown was seen to be standing in the ring, watching the screen with a torn look on her face. She didnt know whether to cry, scream, or what. Her hands were up to her face with one covering her mouth in horror at what she just saw but before she could decide on her next action, Lady Death was back on her feet. She spun the woman around and hit a swift kick to the midsection before hooking the arms and delivering the Inevitable End for the cover!

TWO!

THREE!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner! LADY...DEATH!!!

Andrew Payne: Miranda, I don’t know how to put what we just saw into words but this has to be stopped, NOW!

Miranda Augustino: Hey, I wholeheartedly agree, Andy! Logan Bailey ain’t even a wrestler! What’s Isabella Santiago doing about this shit?!

Andrew Payne: We’ll have to wait and see I guess, but thanks to that display, Lady Death picks up a victory and Faye Brown doesn’t seem any closer to finding her boyfriend! Poor kid.

Miranda Augustino: Unfortunately not but sh---ohhhhhhhh shit! Here comes Mami!

The crowd popped as Lady Death was making her way up the walkway, laughing at Faye Brown when suddenly Eavan Maloney came out of one of the tunnels and sprinted right for the woman. Just as she was about to jump on her, though, the lights went out again for a brief moment and when they came back on, Lady Death was simply gone. Eavan Maloney didn’t waste too much time before she continued to the ring and went right to Faye, hugging the hysterical girl and helping her out of the ring as we cut to backstage.

Result: Pinfall

The scene opens up backstage with smiling face of Amy Connors standing by.

Amy Connors: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the Perseverance champion, Cali-Kate.

Kate steps into view of the camera with the title belt over her shoulder and a large grin on her face.

Amy Connors: And Kate I wanted to ask you-

Cali-Kate: -about any involvement House Crowley may have had at the last Trauma main event? About the new declaration of competitors, plural, for my Perseverance title? The fact that I now have to face the man my Dark Heart already defeated?

Amy is a little taken aback but nods her head professionally even so. Kate nods right back.

Cali-Kate: Well then, let's go in order. Faust will have something to say about that later, but for my part, I can assure everyone that was not House Crowley's doing. Despite the potentially interpreted evidence to the contrary, Anton and I both prefer those we attack to know damn well it was us. That sneak attack and disappearing act, beneath us. More than beneath us, even we are not so low. As I said, we want them to fucking know it was us. So Faye and Eavan can save any fucking conspiracy theories they have and Adrianna… well she can just go play with the rest of the losers she led. I mean, I am the only one now, holding gold from that team after all.

Kate smirks and glances at her title and shifts it before speaking again.

Cali-Kate: As for my future "contenders", so called because each of these shitheads are being granted a chance at my Perseverance title, they are just more stepping stones as I push the bar for this title above the Genesis title, above even the United States and the legendary Silver Mountain title. What? You thought my goal was just to be the first champion and not make sure that bar was set higher than anyone could ever aspire to? That is why I won the title. My aspirations for it outweighed the very fucking limits of my own body. That is where the others failed. That is where this next group will fail. And believe me, as my reign continues, those aspirations are only gonna get fucking larger.

Kate smirks devilishly and chuckles a bit. With a toss of her hair, she sombers a bit to speak again.

Cali-Kate: And that of course leaves the question of the night, how will I deal with Minoru Tanahashi, a man who has every reason to want to rip me apart, if for no other reason than to spite the man he could not defeat and his "former friend"? Minoru-san is right about one thing, he never understood Risa at all. She was calling out for help and he didn't bother to listen, didn't fucking even think to give her anything more than a smile and that good ol' "you'll get 'em next time" talk. The same shit I had to deal with until I myself cashed in my opportunity and became the Undisputed champion. You are never guaranteed a next time so every loss cuts like a knife that tears through every inch of your body.

Kate nods a little bit.

Cali-Kate: Anton understands it. As do I. And Risa is now free of everything that once held her back, not by Anton's doing, but with his help. That is what Minoru fails to see. And that is why Minoru will continue to fail against the House, especially as he steps into the ring with its Lady. My reign will not begin with a black mark, it will start with the Black Lion's head mounted on the ringpost. If you have any thoughts otherwise, watch me. Game Start, bitch!

Kate spins on her heel and walks away as Amy gives a courteous nod of thanks before the scene fades out.

Risa Jackson vs Azurine Vebbins

The match starts with Vebbins clearly not taking things as seriously as she should. The woman with her head perpetually in the clouds hasn't been entirely up to date on the transformation of Supernova, still thinking the mini-Nova to be the same jovial gentle competitor as before Vebbibs goes for a friendly lock up after dancing her way out of the corner. Azurine perhaps hoping to still reach the younger woman in some way, or maybe she just didn't notice it too well who knows with Azurine Vebbons. This results in Nova taking her out at the knees, but Azurine lacks in awareness she makes up for in sheer tenacity. Azzy weather's a storm of stomps long enough to get Jackson agitated, and slipping up in an attempt to be more aggressive. Vebbins plants both feet on Supernovae chest pushing her back and rolling through with the maneuver landing on Risa with a back elbow drop to the face over all tackle thing. They both crash to the ground and that allows Azurine to go through with a Northern Lights Suplex.

Azurine takes the middle part of the match to show off why she's one of the best chain wrestlers you can find today, following up that suplex with a scoop slam that leads into a sleeper hold with Body Scissors. Risa shows her own resilience and brutality by getting to her knees enough to show off that new found strength. Supernova repeatedly slammed Azurine's back into the mat. It finally forced Vebbins to let go but the redhead sprung up and got into an ill advised kicking contest with Supernova. Nova gets the upper leg in the contest making Azurine back off but the Adorkable Angel takes that ground right back with a hip toss. Risa goes down but doesn't stay long enough for a cover, tossing Azurine off her and keeping a hold of her arm.

Supernova takes over the match locking in a hammer lock that has Azurone screaming but refusing to submit. Vebbins gets to the ropes, but Nova bashes her arm into the ring post a couple times. Supernova makes her point by wrapping Vebbins arm around her own back and hefting up Azurine into the air only to bring her back down on that arm as hard as Supernova could. Vebbins arm has clearly taken a beating but she keeps fighting, tossing Risa around with more chain holds, but that arm is fading, and every chance Supernova gets she lays into it more. With a variety of stomps and holds, obviously just taking her temper out on the Adorkable Angel's limb. Vebbins get slung into the corner where Supernova hits an Impact Crater! Vebbins goes flopping into the mat, Nova dragging her to the center of the ring by that injured arm. Nova lays that arm over Azurine's chest, puts all her weight on it while she hooks the leg and gets the three count!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner! SUPER…..NOVA!!!!

Andrew Payne: Well, let’s hear it for House Crowley’s newest uh...apostle, I guess?

Miranda Augustino: Damn right let’s hear it for her!!! Way to go chica!!! Whooooooooo!!!!!

Miranda Augustino stands out of her chair, hooting and clapping. SuperNova even seems to hear her and turns to acknowledge, albeit with some confusion but Miranda shows her the House Crowley shirt she’s rocking, points to it then her and keeps on applauding. SuperNova grins and just nods back as she jerks her arm away from the referee.

Andrew Payne: Will you sit down and show some objectiveness for once?

Miranda Augustino: I show objectiveness all the time, Andy! What are you talk--

Andrew Payne: HEY, WHOA!! WAIT A MINUTE!!!

Andrew ended up cutting Miranda off as the cameras cut back to the ring where SuperNova was simply turning in a circle, scolding the audience when BOOM!!!!!!! GAMMA RAY BURST BY ADRIANNA SALVATORE!!!!!! SuperNova hit the mat, grabbing at her ribs and folded up into a fetal position, the wind knocked completely out of her.

Miranda Augustino: YO, WHAT THE FUCK?! WHAT’S SHE--? I THOUGHT SHE WAS IN THE PEN, DAWG!!

Andrew Payne: SHE WAS RELEASED ON BAIL FOR THAT RAMPAGE BACKSTAGE ON TRAUMA #35 BUT SHE WASN’T SCHEDULED TO BE HERE TONIGHT!!!!

The crowd was going wild, on their feet, screaming for Salvatore as she angrily circled around the fallen SuperNova, who was trying to get some air back in her lungs. Not wasting too much time, however, Adrianna pulled her up and set her up with an arm over her neck, driving her knee into Nova’s ribs again to stagger her more. Then, she lifted Risa Jackson with a snap and sent her flipping once through the air. For a split second, Jackson seemed to almost be suspended in the air before Salvatore caught her into a brutal sitout powerbomb for the GROUND ZERO!! She slowly, methodically even, got to her feet, staring down at the laid out House Crowley member before calling for a microphone and snatching it from Thea Crawford. Adrianna came back to stand directly over Risa then, raising the mic up.

Adrianna Salvatore: Hey!!!! Jackson!!!!!

Adrianna leans over Risa, sneering down at her.

Adrianna Salvatore: Want you to pass a message on to your “Lord” and “Lady.”

She reaches down and jabs a finger into Risa’s chest.

Adrianna Salvatore: Die judicii enim prope est…. So fuck you...fuck your Lady….

She slowly straightens and a wicked grin crosses her lips at the camera.

Adrianna Salvatore: ...And fuck the King….

Adrianna “mic drops” the microphone onto Risa’s chest and motions to House Crowley through the camera to come at her before striking her Anarchy pose. “No Less Violent” hits the speakers then as she leaves the ring and storms up the walkway, disappearing through the tunnel.

Andrew Payne: Wow!!! Talk about a statement!!!!

Miranda Augustino: Statement my ass! More like a death wish!!! Don’t you know The House always wins, Andy?!

Andrew Payne: Usually in gambling but can the House withstand the astronomical storm that is Adrianna Salvatore?!

Result: Pinfall

We cut backstage outside of the locker room belonging to “Priceless” Steele Matthews as we see his bodyguard, Mr. Hughes standing outside of it. He then turns towards the door and opens it as Matthews walks out, dressed ready to compete along with a long black leather coat and a pair of shades and of course, that trademark Cheshire cat grin plastered across his face as he begins to make his way through the corridor followed by Hughes.

Steele Matthews: Drink it in, ladies and gentlemen!

He outstretches his arms.

Steele Matthews: Tonight you get the pleasure… the honor… the privilege of once again witnessing the greatest professional wrestler alive today stepping into the ring… yours truly, Steele Matthews!

Lowering his arms, he continues his way down the corridor.

Steele Matthews: Now, I’m stepping into the ring with one, Stacy Jones… a woman who claims to be “unbreakable”. Well let me tell you something, little girl… nobody is unbreakable… unless your name is Steele Matthews of course!

The Priceless One lets out a chuckle.

Steele Matthews: Tonight… you’re going to witness a master class in how a TRUE champion operates in the ring! I am going to prove to all the naysayers out there why I should have been given an opportunity to be involved in that Perseverance Championship match instead of Jones… instead of being relegated to a ridiculous Battle Royal on the pre-show!

He shakes his head a little before the Cheshire cat grin returns.

Steele Matthews: This brand needs a champion that they can be proud of! And once I soundly defeat one of Santiago’s favorites tonight? I’ll then go on to soundly defeat the wannabe rockstar… and then Santiago will have no choice but to give me what I deserve! A championship match! And that, ladies and gentlemen? That’s priceless.

Matthews and Hughes then disappear off of camera as we cut elsewhere.
Kensaku Rodell: KONICHIWA YOU BEAUTIFUL BASTARDS!!!!

Immediately from the other shot, the camera jumps elsewhere backstage where viewers are greeted with NFW Trauma’s newest backstage interviewer. He’s loud, brash, and his face is all up in the camera before he steps back with the microphone.

Kensaku Rodell: What’s gizzle in the hizzle, bitches? It’s ya boy Rodeezy. First night on the job and tonight we’re getting right into it! I gotta see if I can get up in here. I hope I don’t get shot!

Ken turns and knocks - no - he BANGS on the door of a private locker room that simply says “MANCINI” on the nameplate. As he waits, Ken licks his finger and “fixes” his eyebrows. He runs a hand over his hair, as if he’s trying to look presentable as possible. Fixes his glasses, etc.

Viola was none too pleased from the sudden burst of noise that interrupted her private phone call, as she hangs up the phone and opened the door with the most agitated, yet subdued tone she could luster.

Viola Mancini: "Who are you and what do you want? I've got business to take care of."

She said, with very little patience for him, as she went through a hellacious fatal 4 way, and needed to recharge herself. Ken leaned back with his other hand coming up defensively but his expression said anything but. Rather, it suggested he was more amused than anything.

Kensaku Rodell: Whoa, hey, scusi the fuck outta mi. Ba-buh-de-boopy?

As Ken spoke, he waved his free hand around in an over exaggerated manner before dropping it to his side and holding the microphone out, literally pressing it right against Viola’s mouth.

Her mouth was agape, genuinely stupefied at the sight before her. She would glare at him with the ignorance and disrespect shown before her, as Viola shot back at him.

Viola Mancini: Excuse me? Who the fuck do you think you are? Che razza di idiota viene qui a parlarmi come se avesse un desiderio di morte?[/i]

She said in Italian, as comical subtitles appear on screen around her, filling in her asking what kind of idiot comes here to talk to her like he has a death wish.

Kensaku Rodell: Eyyyy, buonasera! Me llamo Rodeezy! You like-a the pasta, babidi boopy bapa?!

Again, Ken accentuates his words with his hands, even doing the “Italian pinch” at the end. Wait, was that even an Italian introduction? No, clearly, it was Spanish. What the hell is wrong with this guy and how did he get this job?

She was easily agitated from people who mock her heritage, as Viola reached for the hilt of a baseball bat, and raised it up.

Viola Mancini: You like pasta, huh? Well, I'm about ten seconds away from taking this bat and smashing your face into a bolognese!

She said, holding the bat with her knuckles going white from the tightening grip to keep herself from swinging on him. Ken just looks at the camera with an “wtf” look on his face then back to Viola.

Kensaku Rodell: Baloney?

She does a quick look between Viola and the camera. There’s even a funny little “whoosh” sound each time he quickly turns his head.

Kensaku Rodell: Yo, that’s some weird ass food kink, ya feel me? But alright. I’m parked out at Spot #78. Holla at’cha boy, bellissima!

There we go. That was Italian! Good job, Ken!

Viola Mancini: Spot seventy-eight, huh? Oh, okay. I'll be there at the end of the show, alright.

She said, as Viola slammed the door in his face, annoyed with him. Ken looked at the camera then back at the door, then back at the camera, throwing the horns with a silent, cheshire grin.

Kensaku Rodell: Back to you Andy and Mir!!

He said as the camera cut back to ringside where Andrew Payne and Miranda Augustino were staring, perplexed, at the camera.

Miranda Augustino: ...What kinda shitass interview was that?! Who is this guy?!

Andrew Payne: I have no clue but you talk like that around where I’m from, you wind up floating by the marina.

Miranda Augustino: Y’all really even do this?

She turns to Andrew, doing the same Italian “pinch” that Kensaku was doing to Viola. Andrew lightly swats her hand down.

Andrew Payne: Get outta here. Let’s get set to call the next match.

Stacy Jones w/Griffin Hawkins vs Steele Matthews

Steele prances across the ring, his hands outstretched as if the whole world should simply behold his magnificence. Stacy walks out to meet him and Steele slaps her for entering his space and his spotlight. Stacy is spun around from the force of the slap and Steel goes to roll her up as cheaply as possible.

Two!

Stacy kicks out!

Steele takes an armbar and starts talking at Stacy almost immediately. Griffin Hawkins slaps the mat and Steele orders him to back off. Griffin motions at Steel and Steele simply nods to griffin. A few seconds later, Steele’s bodyguard, Mr. Hughes coms ovr and runs Griffin over with a big clothesline. Hughes fixes his clothing and walks back to his corner before the referee can say anything.

Steele rolls Stacy back into a roll-up again.

Two!

Stacy kicks out!

As they get back up, Stacy jumps into the Bat-Hammer kick. Steele staggers and Stacy pulls him into an inside cradle.

Two!

Steele kicks out.

Steele punches Stacy and tries to rough her up. Stacy kicks him in the knee and then goes into an O’Connor roll.

Two!

Steele kicks out.

Looking panicked, Steele nods to the outside again. Mr. Hughes starts to get up onto the apron. Suddenly, Griffin comes around the corner and hits Hugh with the Shot In The Dark. Hughes goes flying off the edge of the ring and crashes into the barricade, landing in a heap on the floor. Steele’s eyes go wide and he falls against the ropes, reaching out on his fallen bodyguard and insurance policy. Griffin backs up around the neutral corner. With Steele’s attention diverted, Stacy heads to the top rope and nods. Steele turns and Stacy leaps off, catching him with the RWYA. Steele goes down and Stacy covers.

Two!

Three!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner! STACY...JONES!!!

Miranda Augustino: Girl power bitch! Chivalry might be dead but pigs like Steele can still get that ass whupped!

Andrew Payne: He tried to call in the aid of Hughes and but thank god for Griffin Hawkins evening out the playing field!

Miranda Augustino: I got a feeling we’re gonna hear about this as an injustice, later.

Actually, they already were hearing about it as Steele held his jaw in pain and was yelling about that kick to Mr. Hughes from Griffin Hawkins, demanding something be done. A reversed decision. Anything! Griffin helped Stacy to her feet and raised one of her arms as the ref raised the other before hugging his tag partner. On the way up the walkway, Steele Matthews was declaring that this wasn’t over between he and Griff.

Result: Pinfall

We cut to the back where Amy Connors is standing by a fairly subdued looking Minoru Tanahashi, opting for simple black gear, his black lion bomb t-shirt and a simple silver mask he wore up for the interviewer

Amy Connors: Hello NFW fans, Minoru Tanahashi is with me just minutes before his big match with the Perseverance Champion, Cali-Kate.

Minoru raises up a finger to cut off Amy and looks at her as if simply saying hold up

Minoru Tanahashi: Gomen'nasai. I am sorry to stop you Amy, but you forgot the most important thing about my opponent. House Crowley member. That’s first and foremost for all of them, right? Why else would a friend, a partner, stab me in the back. Why the hell would they swap the title around between Anton and Kate and not get pissed off about the other trying to steal away one of the biggest accomplishments? Why else would two people who can and have beaten Anton Crowley, take a back seat to him when they could easily go for the World title? Clearly, they’re nothing more than little puppets dancing around for the creepy bastard. I tried to see if I could find a bit of my old friend two weeks ago, but all I got was… Risa Jackson, and she’s a fucking bitch.

Amy Connors: Well some harsh words for your former tag partner there, as well as House Crowley in general. Are you concerned that what you just said could have repercussions?

Minoru Tanahashi: Do I look like I care right now Amy? I didn’t just lose a match. I didn’t just lose a friend. I didn’t just lose a partner. I lost my opportunity. I earned my shot at the champ, I took a damn good one and nearly had him, but throw out all the bullshit with his manager and Risa, the record books don’t show that. They show winners and losers. So now, I gotta earn my way back to that and find a way to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to me again. I hope Risa comes out there. I hope Anton slithers his ass out there. I hope that creepy little manager of his is slurping down a shrimp cocktail somewhere and watching as I take not just the Perseverance champion but SO MUCH more importantly, House Crowley member Cali-Kate, past her damn limit and...

He stops, takes a breath, then chuckles and smirks.

Minoru Tanahashi: Kanojo no meinu no o shiri o keru! You can ask Risa what that one means.

Minoru pulls his mask down, turns and strolls off, cracking his knuckles as he goes.
The scene opens in the luxury suit of The Collision Center. Donovan Cunningham, Isis manager, is sitting in a leather reclining chair. Donning a black three piece suit, white dress shirt and red tie, he gazes into the camera. All smiles.

Donovan Cunningham: You rang, Brea?

The sound of my name coming out of your mouth is the equivalent of a siren singing out to unsuspecting me on their journey to god knows where. I don’t mind plummeting to my death; in my esteemed opinion, you’re worth it sweet cheeks. Don’t worry, D-Cunn knows your request for my attention wasn’t a social call. You want Isis attention. Again. Am I right? If I was your handler...

Donovan stops himself from saying what he really wants to say. Has to keep it professional. He clears his throat to keep himself on track.

Donovan Cunningham: Ok. If I was advising you on your next course of action, I would say leave well enough alone while you are capable of walking under your own power. You won two weeks ago. There is a United States Champion in desperate need of a challenge, your attention should be on that prize. Forget what Isis did. Move on. Live to fight another day. But I am not your special counsel, I am in charge of Isis career. Not yours. Isis wants the same thing you do, another confrontation. So... without dragging this out too long, on behalf of my client, I accept. You, me and Isis can have a little pow wow in two weeks time.

That wasn’t so hard. And Brea... holla at your boy.

Donovan winks. He pulls out his phone; rest it against his ear as the scene fades to black.

Minoru Tanahashi vs Cali-Kate

Minoru comes flying out of the corner like a rocket hitting a running European uppercut to Kate. Kate flies back into the corner, Minoru hits a quick snapmare, then takes off his shirt and uses it to choke the Perseverance champion for a full four count. Yumi Akiyama chastises him, but he just stares at the announce table where Risa Jackson has propped her feet up and sat back to watch the match. Minoru tosses his shirt in her direction and tells her to come on down to the ring. She just ignores him and when he turns he’s caught with a thumb to the eye and a big DDT. Kate covers and gets a quick 1 count. Kate stays on the attack though, hitting a basement dropkick to the knee of Minoru when he gets to his feet. A running bulldog is followed by another cover and another 1 count. A shining wizard nets Calie-Kate a 2 count and a slightly dazed Minoru Tanahashi. Minoru blocks a snapmare and hits a quick knife edge chop, but Kate returns with a surprising chop of her own that catches Minoru right in the throat. Kate starts taunting Minoru, telling him she picked that up from HER new friend. She hits him with a chop to the chest, getting a little bit cocky before she looks for the Geek Chic Kick, but he ducks it and delivers Kabukicho Nights, turning the champ inside out. He makes the quick cover

TWO…

THR - KICK OUT!

Minoru takes a little bit to catch his breath, starting at Risa the entire time. He goes to the ropes, looks right at her and starts yelling at her to get in the damn ring and just fight him. She still doesn’t acknowledge him, just sits back with her feet up on the desk, smirking slightly when Cali-Kate catches Minoru with a chop block taking him down to a knee. Kate follows with a headscissors takedown that sends him across the ring. Minoru is slow to get up, his knee clearly bothering him. That allows Kate to catch him with a big leg lariat, followed up by a running meteora that gets her a close 2 count. Minoru is woozy and wobbly again when he’s suddenly driven face first into the mat courtesy of a springboard leg drop right to the back of the neck as he’s attempting to get up. Cali-Kate makes her way up to the top and with Minoru down in the middle of the ring, she flies off the ropes with Bass-ic. Kate quickly makes the cover

TWO…

THR - KICK OUT!

Kate goes back to the knee of Minoru Tanahashi with a basement dropkick as he’s attempting to get up. Kate grabs the leg and quickly applies a single leg Boston crab with Tanahashi dead center in the ring. Minoru starts to pull himself to the ropes when Kate steps over and traps his leg between hers. Kate jumps up and drives her weight down onto the knee of Tanahashi. Kate grabs the leg of Tanahashi and looks for the Critical Roll, but he kicks her off with his good leg and scrambles to the ropes. Minoru slowly pulls himself up to his feet and fires off a knife edge chop just in time to catch Kate by surprise. He delivers a few more hard chops to Kate, backs her into the ropes and hits the Irish whip, but as he turns, he looks right at his former friend and tag partner Risa Jackson smug and happy at the announce desk as Kate catches him with a front chop block, sending him up and over. Kate takes a couple off deep breaths after the chops, then sets Minoru for a snap DDT. Tanahashi just manages to shove her off into the ropes and delivers a big palm strike as she rebounds back towards him. Tanahashi quickly pulled Kate up for the Lion's Claw, only for his knee to buckle allowing her to slip off and roll him into a pin

TWO…

THR - KICK OUT!

Both are to their feet, Minoru a bit slower, but showing he’s not afraid to break the rules as well, he jabs his thumb into her eye and hits a quick swinging neckbreaker. He doesn’t cover, instead he rolls over towards the corner and slips his knee pad down, trying to relieve some of the pressure. He turns his head, glaring at Risa Jackson while she just continues to sit at the announce desk, fewer propped up, headset on, and no words spoken. Kate is up and again looks to take advantage of his near obsessive like behavior. Minoru sees Kate at the last seconds, ducks out of the way and she crashes into the corner. Tanahashi follows up with Akihabara Dreams. Kate stumbles out of the corner and drops as Minoru falls as well clutching at his knee. He sits up in the corner massaging his knee and glaring at Risa the entire time. He’s so focused on his former friend that he doesn’t see the Perseverance champion charging in to hit That Bass. Kate rolls back out of the corner, grabs Minoru and instead of covering, she gets him to his feet and delivers Starstruck. Kate makes the cover and it’s a clear

TWO…

THREE!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Your winner as a result of a pin fall, The NFW Perseverance Champion… CALI-KATE

Miranda Augustino: KATIE BABYYYYY! Another member of House Crowley putting the mangy little lion down. He should just give up this fight. Maybe he could… go after the United States title.

Andrew Payne: Come on now. Minoru Tanahashi obviously letting his issues with Risa Jackson get to him, but to her credit, she did absolutely nothing during the match. She didn’t say anything on commentary either despite demanding a headset.

Miranda Augustino: Hey when Papi Anton’s right hand ask for a headset, you give her one. She would have said something if she needed to..

Risa has come down to the ring to celebrate with her House Crowley teammate as Minoru slowly gets to his feet. Risa looks at him and the crowd prepares for an attack when FM Young comes running down the ramp. She slides inside and stands between Minoru and Risa. Risa and FM collide and stare each other down for a few seconds. Kate makes a move towards them, but Minoru is up and charges with a big boot, causing Kate to pull Risa back and make a hasty retreat. Minoru stares them down as Kate smiles and tells him that she still won and proved he’s a loser.

Andrew Payne: FM Young coming down here and stepping between her two friends before things get more heated, but Minoru obviously isn’t ready to stop fighting. Cali-Kate still the winner tonight and Minoru’s plan to rise back up the ranks hit a major snag tonight.

Result: Via Pinfall

We open up backstage with the NFW Undisputed Champion, Anton Crowley, along with his manager and usual mouthpiece Faust. The pair are standing in a dimly lit room. The Undisputed Title slung over Anton’s shoulder. Faust stands in front of the champion.

Faust: The best laid plans of mice and men...

Faust lets the phrase hang in the air for a moment.

Faust: They say to always hope the best and plan for the worst. To pray for peace but prepare for war. You can make all the plans in the world, have something in place for every possible event. All but the one you never thought would happen. Despite the change in landscape, despite the actions of others, House Crowley shall continue on its course. Lord Crowley has faced all legitimate challenges for his crown. He shall continue to face them as he needs. He is not one to move and acquiesce to the whims of the unimportant.

Faust clasps his hands behind his back.

Faust: If any of you would get the idea to try and wage war against House Crowley and your King it shall not end well for you. If you want proof of that, simply look at those who have or are trying. How many of them have succeeded? How many have been put down? How many have faded away? How many are fading? Something positive could be said about the persistence of the, as Lord Crowley puts it, Mangy Lion. But what he is doing is the textbook definition of insanity. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. His fight, though once valiant, grows ever more meaningless. Soon he will make the mistake of coming after Lord Crowley again. He was lucky to escape the first time. Should he try again, Lord Crowley will not be forgiving.

The tattooed man in a suit starts to pace back and forth.

Faust: You will not get the option to Bend the Knee the next time, Minoru. You have one outcome. Total and utter annihilation. You will be destroyed down to your very core. Your essence shall scatter like dust on the wind. But that is your mistake to make, Lion. I do hope you make the right choice next time.

Faust stops and grins sinisterly at the camera

Faust: The time is drawing ever closer and yet there is no one worthy enough to step up and face Lord Crowley. Should a challenger fail to rise to the occasion, my Lord would happily take the evening off. Let the others fight and squabble. Let Lady Crowley show you all the true power of House Crowley. Let my Lord’s Super Nova burn away the unworthy and weak.

Then, as if on cue, Kate Bass and Risa Jackson seem to appear out of the darkness next to Anton.

Faust: We are House Crowley, Bend the knee or be destroyed.

We focus on Faust’s wicked grin as Anton, Kate, and Risa all chuckle. The scene fades.
The arena is bathed in a green glow of the lights as the beginning of Bring Me The Horizon’s “Kingslayer” featuring BABYMETAL begins to play across the arena. On the screen, outer space is shown, and slowly peeking from the bottom of the screen is planet Earth looming up, and the words “Universal Superstar” appear on the screen as the vocals begin.

Hi, are you looking for the other side?

Feel like nothing ever seems quite right?

Are you circling the drainpipe, getting off on pain like

You're corrupted?

I need to know where your loyalties lie

Tell me, are you gonna bark or bite?

Do you really want to twist the knife

In the belly of the monster?

♫♫♫

♫♫♫

Get the fuck up, wake the fuck up

Wipe the system, and back the fuck up

You're a puppet when they cut your strings off

Don't come crawling back

♫♫♫

Then the name “Anaquin Adams” appears on the screen as she makes her way out onto the ramp and lets out a howl. She is wearing a black top, which black shorts, with black boots. She wears a black leather jacket. Around her waist is the NFW United States Championship. Her long green hair stands out as she races down the ramp and slides into the ring before hopping up onto her feet.

Kingslayer

Destroying castles in the sky

Kingslayer

Forevermore the apple of my eye

I'd sacrifice my life to find you

Angel of the flame

Kingslayer

Come and collect us from the night

♫♫♫

She springboards onto the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle. Before backflipping into the ring and landing on her feet, then rushing towards the rope and letting out another howl as her music slowly begins to wind down as she walks over to the corner and asks for a microphone.

Anaquin Adams: Week in and week out, The Universal Superstar comes to this ring and demands a challenger for the United States Championship. What do I hear?

Anaquin shakes her head as she holds the microphone high in the air for a moment before bringing it back to her lips.

Anaquin Adams: Nothing. Silence. You cannot possibly tell me that in that Trauma locker room, there is no one willing to come out here and fight me as I put this title on the line. When was the last time I defended this championship? It was against Griffin Hawkins at March Mayhem. Well, over a month ago. That is unacceptable! I have an open challenge. Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere. Crickets. Where are the competitors in this organization? Are they all over on Collision? Because I’m starting to think there’s no one here. I didn’t come to NFW to sit on this title. I came here to fight. I came here to beat the best. I came here to see if there’s anyone who can give the Universal Superstar a fight. I come out here and call out individuals, and I hear nothing. Where is Steel Matthews? Where is Brea Lombardi? Where is La Silencia? Where is Yuka Hirata? Where is the Supernova? Where is Solomon Graham? I’m calling each and every one of you out. Someone accept my challenge.

Crowd: “Fight her! Fight her! Fight her!”

Anaquin Adams: They’re begging you too. There’s a fatal four-way tonight, and I’ll be watching very closely, but to be honest, none of these competitors asked to be in this match for a chance to fight me. Not one. They were just handed this opportunity. I want to fight someone who wants to fight me. I want to fight someone hungry enough to try and take /THIS/ away from me. I’ll say this…

Anaquin walks up and looks directly into the camera.

Anaquin Adams: Listen closely, Trauma locker room. If I don’t get a challenge soon, I do not care what fines I have to pay. I will take this title over to Collision and see if anyone is hungry enough to challenge me to a fight. Doubt me? You shouldn’t. I never say anything I do not mean.

“Kingslayer’ begins to play again as Anaquin Adams looks at her United States Championship for a long moment before she ducks under the ropes and drops down to the floor and starts to head to the back, and then changes her mind. She walks over, grabs a steel chair from next to the timekeeper, unfolds it at ringside, and takes a seat as she waits for the main event.

Number One Contender’s Match for the US Title

Soloman Graham vs Jenn Drew vs Tahti Kuu vs Glitch

The bell rang to kick off the main event and the action was on. How did that saying go, again? “If you wanna make yourself known, go for the biggest guy in the yard.” Well, the biggest one in said yard was Solomon Graham. The one who wanted to make herself known? Glitch. The “robot woman” as some liked to mockingly call her, took off like a shot across the ring as if the ringing of the bell was the crack of the gun. She came in with a flying bicycle kick that grazed Graham right across the jaw as he saw her coming and attempted to get out of the way. It didn’t drop him but it caught him off guard enough that Glitch got a follow up shot as she turned and started throwing strong style forearms at him. The King of the Juniors wasn’t about to take this one sided, however, and he started throwing back shots of his own. Dull thunks and clacks sounded as his forearm collided with Glitch’s helmet. She was getting the upper hand until Solomon shoved her back and before she could get herself balanced, he spun and hit a thrust kick to the midsection with the force itself doubling her over. Graham hit the ropes and came in with a Running Busaiku Knee that sent Glitch spilling through the ropes before following her to the outside.

Inside the ring, Jenn Drew had wasted no time also going after Tahti Kuu once the High Flying Finn had taken a second to react to Glitch’s charge on Graham. Drew started off with the advantage with sharp chops and kicks to the body. She hit the ropes and came in for a clothesline but Tahti ducked under the arm. Tahti hit the ropes then and ran in but Jenn hit the mat, causing her to jump over. She popped up then as Kuu came off the opposite side and stopped her momentum with a spinning thrust kick to the midsection, then sprung off of the middle rope, taking Kuu down with a Satellite DDT and hooked the leg.

TWO!

KUU KICKS OUT!

Outside of the ring, Glitch was taking full advantage of the No Disqualification stipulation and whacking away at Solomon Graham with a steel chair. She was really laying into him with shots across the back before he mustered the resilience to give her the juke on an overhead swing. Glitch missed and the chair bounced off the guard rail, right back into her helmet. She twisted around and Graham NAILED her with a Spinning Backfist that resounded with a CRACK from the impact on her helmet. Graham took the opportunity with his opponent stunned to hook her arm around her neck and delivered a Regal Cutter to the outside floor.

Inside the ring, Tahti Kuu had the advantage back on her side of the table against Jenn Drew. Stiff kicks, elbows and staggering clotheslines kept The Rebel unsteady on her feet until Kuu went for an Enziguri where Jenn ducked underneath it and hit the ropes again. Kuu popped up and turned to see Drew coming where she pulled off a magnificent Matrix Bend. This gave Drew more speed on her end as she, once again, rebounded off the ropes but Kuu used it to her advantage, snatching Drew up into a Spinning Spinebuster and folded her over for another cover in the match!

TWO!

SOLOMON DIVES IN AND BREAKS IT UP!!

Kuu rolled off of Jenn, a little staggered from the double axe handle Graham used to break the pin. He went right into a Legdrop onto Jenn Drew and reached over to hook her leg for a cover but Kuu got up and shoved him off before the ref could even start the count. As Graham started getting up to his hands and knees, Kuu hit a Basement Dropkick to the King of the Juniors before grabbing onto his legs and locked him up with the Blazing Bridges. Graham struggled, yelling in pain as he reached for the ropes. They were just out of grasp but Jenn Drew made it back to her feet, ran off the ropes and delivered a jawdropping Meteora to the back of Tahti Kuu’s neck and head. Kuu collapsed to the mat, ending up on her back while Drew climbed the ropes, looking for a Phoenix Splash. Just as she was about to go for it, Solomon Graham was back on his feet and threw his bodyweight into the ropes, causing Jenn to fall onto the turnbuckle. Yes, this hurts everyone and Jenn’s face said as much as she toppled over onto the mat. Tahti Kuu was getting back up to her feet as Solomon found his senses again and the man swooped in, snatching her up from behind into the La Vie Bohem!! Tahti writhed and struggled, even trying to pull Solomon’s arm off of her neck but to no avail. She brought her hand up, hesitantly, before finally-- BASEMENT DROPKICK BY GLITCH OUT OF NOWHERE!!! The “armored” woman drove both feet into the side of Solomon’s head, causing him to break the hold and the crowd went wild. Glitch came up onto a knee and looked around at the crowd through her busted helmet. Graham, it turned out, had hit her so hard with that backfist that it didn’t just crack the thing but it seemed to take a chunk out of the visor. It wasn’t much but the camera caught an exposed eye of the woman and it was burning with hot fury!!

Graham started getting up, shaking the stars out of his head but Glitch was ready, delivering her brutal signature Axe Kick to the back of his head, taking him to the mat again before rolling out to the floor. Glitch got back to her feet and turned towards Jenn Drew who had recovered again and came off of the top turnbuckle with a hurricanrana into a cover!

TWO!

KICKOUT!!

Jenn got thrown off of Glitch due to her power. She got to her feet and started setting up for a Superkick but out of nowhere, Tahti Kuu spun her around and caught her with a thrust kick to the midsection, grabbed her around the head and delivered the Twist of Fate!! Tahti threw herself over Drew for the cover!

TWO!

THR--NO!

Glitch was back on her feet, grabbing Jenn by the feet and literally yanked her out from under Tahti! The Finnish Beauty started getting up to her feet but Glitch moved right in on her, scooping her into a Firemen’s Carry and powered her up onto her shoulders. That burning fury raged on as Glitch delivered The Circuit Breaker!!!! Kuu hit the mat and Glitch folded her up, laying across her upper chest to pin her shoulders and pulled Tahti’s legs over herself. That barely visible eye under the helmet clenched shut, hoping and praying during the cover.

TWO!

THREEEEE!!!!!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner and Number One Contender to the United States Championship!! GLIIIIIIITCH!!!!!!!

“Abyss Of Your Eyes” blasted through the PA system as Glitch punched the mat triumphantly and exploded up to her feet, stumbling a bit to get her balance as Senior Official Yumi Akiyama raised her arm.

Andrew Payne: Good god, what a fantastic main event!! How about it, ladies?

Miranda Augustino: Simón, carnal! I was on the edge of my fucking seat the entire time! I’d say you got a hungry challenger, champ!

Anaquin Adams: Damn sure looks like it! Excuse me.

Anaquin Adams got up from the commentary table and grabbed the United States Title, sliding into the ring to stand with Glitch. There was a tense stand off before Anaquin slowly extended her hand out to her guaranteed challenger. Glitch paused, looking at the hand then up at Anaquin for an uncomfortably tense moment before...accepting the handshake to the approval of the crowd. The two woman shook before Glitch pulled Anaquin in to make their staredown just a little closer. Finally, Glitch looked down at the title on Adams’ shoulder and let her hand go. Anaquin smiled a little, approving of the display of just enough aggression. She and Glitch circled until Adams’ back was to the stage where the champ nodded to the winner of the match and gave her the ring to celebrate.

Andrew Payne: Well, there you have it, everyone! Kudos and props to all four contenders but there you have the next contender to the United States Championship. Glitch has a date in the ring with Anaquin Adams at Manifest Destiny II!!!

Miranda Augustino: We’ll see if she can manifest some championship gold into her destiny but for now, so long and good night!! We’ll see you in a couple weeks at Trauma #37!! Hasta la vista, bitches!

Result: Pinfall