NFW Trauma #37! 05/11/2021!

Andrew Payne: Welcome, everyone, to Tuesday night Trauma! The last Trauma you’ll see on a Tuesday Night!

Miranda Augustino: That’s right, bitches! We going back to Saturday nights weekly but before that, we got Manifest Destiny to be ready for!

Andrew Payne: Right you are Miranda and--- wait, what the hell is that music?

Miranda Augustino: OH EM GEE IT’S PAPI AND KATIE BABY!!!!

The announce team is cut off by the drumming into of “Antichrist Superstar” by Marilyn Manson. The arena lights slowly fade to red as all of House Crowley comes out. Faust and Tia lead the way followed by SuperNova. Behind her come both Anton Crowley and Cali-Kate, their respective titles wrapped around their waists. The group stands at the top of the ramp before slowly making their way to the ring. The crowds boos and jeers not affecting them in the slightest.

They make their way to the ring and Faust and Tia hold the ropes for the others before they enter the ring. The group stands tall together as Faust gets a microphone from one of the ring crew. The music dies down and the lights slowly return to normal.

Faust: None of you have ever appreciated what Lord Crowley has done for you. You pour your hatred out at him and the rest of House Crowley when we have brought you prosperity.

Faust motions to SuperNova.

Faust: He offered to help your floundering favorite. A woman who was in the midst of a downward spiral. He lifted her up. He gave her the tools she needed to rise up. He opened her eyes to the world and look at her! She has exploded like a brilliant star. She truly is a SuperNova.

Risa raises her hooded head just high enough the camera catches the smirk on her lips, but she says nothing. She crosses her arms over her chest, eyes locked on Faust as he speaks.

Faust: You want to paint us as villains because our methods are harsh. Fire tempers steel. If you want to be better than you are you will have to cut away what is holding you back. You cannot do that gently. That is all Lord Crowley has done. He has simply help people cut away the dead weight and become what and who they are meant to be. SuperNova was floundering and Lord Crowley lifted her up. Lady Crowley was in a lull and Lord Crowley helped her out of it. He offered the same to Minoru, but he refused. Watch as he fails. Watch as the dead weight he carries holds him down. Watch as he falls by the wayside as House Crowley continues to grow and shine.

Kate took a microphone for herself and brought it to her mouth. The boos got more intense when she did which left her a pause but Faust shook his head at Kate and she rolled her eyes a bit.

Cali-Kate: If you're done embarrassing yourselves, there's some important shit that needs to be said first and foremost. At the last Trauma, I took out Mino-kun, but earlier in the show Mayumi-chan managed to earn a shot at my title. Apparently, thickheadedness fucking runs in that family because Mayumi truly believes she can stand in that situation where her brother could not. But the insult didn't end there, because what happened after I gave Minoru his earned defeat? Fucking Mary Young. Sticking her goddamn nose in House Crowley business yet again.

Kate is absolutely seething right now. The audience is enjoying her frustration.

Cali-Kate: Oh, oh yea, pissed off Kate, means FM did a good thing. Fuck outta here, you little shits. I already handed FM the beating she deserved and she wants back for more. But wait, just like a goddamn infomercial that won't fucking end, there's more. Tonight, we step in the ring, myself, the Perseverance champion, and the SuperNova Risa and the Demon King, the Undisputed Champion, Anton Crowley, to face down, not only Minoru, who has the misfortune of being put in our path to be put down again, but also a new thorn in my side, the ripoff Kasey Kash, and to top it off, the captain that led Trauma to ruin at Invasion, Adrianna Salvatore.

Kate finally calms down with a huff into the mic and paces a bit until Tia places a hand on her shoulder. Kate nods an affirmation to Tia and she pulls back. Kate gets back on the mic much calmer.

Cali-Kate: You know I'm not surprised even a little bit at this. I'm really not, like not even slightly. It's as Faust said, you paint us as villains, when all we do is elevate everything we touch. Everything! Since the Undisputed title has been in House Crowley hands it has become one of the most talked about titles in the damn business. This Perseverance title, my title, I just showed what I am willing to do for this in a tournament just the other day! That's all a long way from spinning a goddamn wheel after winning the biggest opportunity ever. And I won't beat the dead horse about Risa. You have seen those results with your own eyes! So whine all you want, paint us as a fucking Colnel Jessup if it makes you fucking feel better! You have that luxury. But we would really rather you just say thank you. And as for our opponents tonight… they just keep watching us because they already know it's Game Start, bitches!

Faust gives a polite little applause to Kate after she finishes speaking. He looks back to Anton who subtly shakes his head.

Faust: Tonight is the next stop on the road to perfection. Another step for you all to realize just how good you have things. Lord Crowley will lead Lady Crowley and SuperNova tonight in their march. House Crowley shall stand tall, as rulers over Trauma and architects to your prosperous future.

A wicked grin creeps onto Faust’s face.

Faust: Bend the Knee, or be destroyed.

With those last words “Antichrist Superstar” by Marilyn Manson kicks back up along with the hatred from the crowd. House Crowley just smirk as they exit the ring and head to the back.
As we cut to the back we see Minoru Tanahashi strolling along, not yet dressed to compete, still clad in his black fur lined loafers, some black tiger striped socks, charcoal pinstripe slacks, and a matching jacket over a black lion bomb t-shirt, just visible under a black cashmere scarf. He carries a six pack of some type of beer in his left hand and a large sack of bright red apples. He finds the area he’s looking for, gives a knock on the door, hears that familiar honk and awaits the Capybara tamer herself. FM answers the door on the third knock. She’s clad in charcoal leggings, lose clothe trainers and a *Fuck It. I am Batwoman* T-shirt in her signature royal purple contrasting the red of the wording and the bat symbol on the shirt.

FM Young: You sure you don’t want me at ring side for this? I’m all for letting Volta go out there too.

Minoru Tanahashi: Nice to see you too.

Minoru smirks and then raises up both hands.

Minoru Tanahashi: I come bearing gifts for you and the fuzzball. For you some of weak ass cider you like, and for The Capybara King himself, a bag of fuji apples weighing in at, not three pounds, not five pounds, not seven pounds, no no no, ten pounds of fuji apples. Been carrying them around here for freaking hours now, take them seriously.

He shoves the apples and the cider in the face of his friend, then rushes over to Volta, the two sharing a brief hug, then a fist bump before Minoru starts scratching Volta’s ear.

Minoru Tanahashi: Ah, who likes the ear scratch? Volta like the ear scratch? What’s that, your mommy has scratches from her new fiance?

Effy rolls her eyes not unlike the entirely patient and only mother in the McDonald's playland of life that she typically is. The look is affectionate though, with one of those lopsided smirks as she takes the bag of apples from Minoru and sets them aside. Before taking the cider and cracking into one.

FM Young: Hey, nice to see you. Sorry I’m nervous and you know nothing about those scratches across my back. Nothing.

Effy playfully reaches out to poke Minoru in the chest with the cider bottle. She watches the Black Lion entertain his best Capypal for a moment, sipping her drink.

FM Young: Thanks for the drinks and Volta gifts. You know dude loves you and you’re gonna be my best man at my wedding. It’s just difficult ok? All this happening, I wanna be there for you and MayMay. I wanna get back to work, eventually. I’ve worked it out with NFW to do some managing. I just don’t like all this house Crowly shit anymore than you do. Besides I owe Kate a beating.

Minoru Tanahashi: Pretty sure there’s a long of people wanting to beat her ass. My sister is one of them. I really appreciate you coming out last show. That’s why that cider and a rotating 6 pack every two weeks between their like ten flavors and two variety packs. Oh and there’s going to be a weekly delivery of apples for the fuzzball. I know you don’t want to be in the middle of this thing between me and Risa. MayMay has no problems with, and actually would love to smack the bitch out of her, so I think maybe next time let her. Again, I appreciate it, but I don’t want Crowley to convince Risa that you’ve chosen sides or some bullshit like that.

He stops petting Volta and turns towards his friend. He takes a breath, scratches the back of his and chuckles a little bit.

Minoru Tanahashi: Well now that things are nice and awkward… you seeeeen Mortal Kombat?

FM laughs, shakes her head and reaches down to scritch the Capybara as well.

FM Young:Yeah, I don’t really want to pick a side either, but I have a feeling the Crowley’s are gonna force it. Not me, and I should be prepared for that. You also *don’t* haveta buy me all this stuff but we’ve had that conversation. I’ll be here, if shit gets fishy I’m gonna have your back again. I’ll go sit at ringside if I haveta.

A sigh and shake of her head, knocking that long glorious black mane into her face.

FM Young: Hell yeah! You know it!

Volta honks excitedly and prances his two front paws against the ground.

FM Young: He saw it too and he really liked it.

Minoru looks at Volta, raises up his hand

Minoru Tanahashi: GET OVER HERE!

He pulls and Volta pretends to be pulled over towards him.

Minoru Tanahashi: I appreciate you having my back if need be, but as long as it doesn’t get to be three on Tanahashi’s, she’s already on their bad side. I know that you can handle things and in any other situation I can’t think of many I would pick over you.

He smiles, reaches for one of the ciders, then stops, looks up at Effy, and points.

Minoru Tanahashi: Hold on a damn second… Did you ask me to… I knew i was planning the bachelorette party but… OH FUCK YEA!

He jumps up and hugs Effy as Volta honks with glee and even does a happy little dance. Effy laughs and hugs back him, warmly patting him on the back.

FM Young: Hell yeah, man. I couldn’t think of anybody better. Now you get out there tonight and take out the trash. Honestly Trauma needs some trauma management around here. Go prove why you’re one of the greats and not some spooky imitator who needs Henchmen to keep his belt that he got because his girlfriend laid down for him.

They do a fist bump, Minoru leans down to paw bump Volta and gives him some last scritches before the two part ways.

Match #1/Tag Team Match

The Cornbread Mafia vs The Brothers Drake

Cameron Worley decides to start for the Cornbread Mafia, while Dylan Drake kicks off for The Brothers Drake. The two of them locked up in the center of the ring, trying to out-maneuver the other while vying for the advantage. From knife-edge chops to arm drags, to suplexes and quick pin attempts! Things break even for the two of them before they arrange to tag in their brothers. Shawn Worley and Torian Drake are a little crazier than their tag-team partners, unleashing stiff shots over technical moves. The fans resonate their shots with hollers and cheers!

“OHHH!”

“WOOO!

Due to the powerhouse nature of the Drake’s, Torian finally attains the advantage with a short-arm clothesline, and then Irish whips Shawn to his corner. He moves in, tags Dylan back into the match, and the two of them execute their signature Double Suplex! Torian steps out, while Dylan pins Shawn.

One!

Two!

Shawn kicks out of his own power!

Naturally, Dylan keeps the advantage on his side for a time. His power is astonishing in comparison to Shawn. However, with every pin attempt, Cameron is there to interrupt the counts. Torian decides to interject after the second breakup and the two of them battle it out in the ring. Meanwhile, the referee’s lost control for the time being as Dylan continues to work on Shawn. However, Cameron is able to send Torian up and over the top rope, forcing him to crash land. He then assists his brother Shawn with a spear to Dylan, the two of them working together to steal the advantage. The Worleys hit Dylan with “Death Sentence” (Bearhug/Diving Legdrop Combo), and after the referee shoos Cameron back to his corner, Shawn makes the cover.

One!

Two!

Now it’s Torian who breaks up the count!

Because he’s not the legal man, Cameron makes the decision to interject once again. However, despite his size, Torian’s able to utilize his speed to fend off the Worleys. It’s working because he’s buying time for his brother, who is making his way to his feet. When the four square off, the Brothers Drake manage to send Cameron out of the ring. They gather the vulnerable Shawn and level him with their signature Leg Sweep (Torian) & Clothesline (Dylan) Combo! Shawn is down, Dylan covers and hooks the leg, and the referee counts!

One!

Two!

Cameron breaks up the count out of nowhere!

Both Dylan and Torian are shocked by Cameron’s sudden interruption. The referee’s unable to stop another chaotic breakout as the Brothers Drake double team Cameron. However, much to their surprise, Cameron is a fighter -- and a Southern one, at that! Cameron blasts Torian with a spinning backfist and drops Dylan with a snap DDT. The recovering Shawn is back on his feet and he sends Torian outside with a heavy dropkick. He joins his brother in battling Dylan, who is still fighting with all his might. Despite this, the Worleys manage to subdue Dylan and bring him down with “Southern Pride” (Spanish Fly)! Shawn covers and hooks Dylan’s leg--

One!

Two!

THREE!

Ding, ding, ding!

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners and the number one contenders for the NFW Tag-Team Championships… Cameron and Shawn Worley -- THE CORNBREAD MAFIA!

The fans cheer and applaud, all the while the Cornbread Mafia raise their hands up in victory. Dylan stirs and his brother Torian rolls back into the ring to check on him. Shawn is still aching regardless, and Cameron extends a hand out to help Dylan. To the surprise of many, Dylan accepts the help, and the Brothers Drake exit the ring to allow the number one contenders to celebrate.

Miranda Augustino: Oh COME ON! How did those Southbound hicks overcome the Brothers Drake?!

Andrew Payne: Hey, you’ve gotta give ‘em credit, Miranda. The Drake’s fought hard, but the Worley’s fought harder! Sho’nuff!

Miranda Augustino: Don’t you ever say that again, Payne. I swear to God...

Result: Pinfall!

The camera opens slowly on a study. Trixie Decker, wearing silk pajamas, a smoking jacket, and bunny slippers sits in a wingback chair next to a fireplace. She lowers the scholarly copy of “Marginal Cuties XXX” she’s thumbing through and takes the meerschaum pipe from her mouth.

Trixie Decker: “Oh, hello there, NFW viewers. Truly this is an honor… for you. For me?”

Trixie makes a so-so hand gesture, then grins.

Trixie Decker: “I’m kidding. It’s great to be here, of course. I mean, I’ve been here before. Anton Crowley could tell you all about it! And then there was a Trios affair. But now I’m here-here. Like signed and everything!”

Trixie stands from her chair and begins to stroll towards a wet bar. She pours a shot of whiskey, then drinks it. She then grabs the whole bottle and chugs half of it before looking to the camera and wiping her mouth.

Trixie Decker: “I guess this is where I, as a new face, talk about all the veritable posteriors I intend to lay a mighty whipping upon but, eh. That ain’t my style. I’m not the brag about myself sort. I don’t need to tell everyone I’m a hard worker. My ring work and--

Trixie motions off camera. The camera pans to a wall where belts for WWR, UWL, DVW, SEA and three more hang.

Trixie Decker: -- my pretties speak for me. But let’s be honest. Belts are fun, but the real accomplishment is how much blood you can draw.”

Trixie chugs the rest of the whiskey, gargles, swishes it around, and spits it into the fireplace. The flames rise is a sudden “poof.”

Trixie Decker: “But honestly, my favorite part of NFW is all the familiar faces I know and love! My blestie, Azurine, is here. We’ve got a tag belt together! And she’s the the best tush the shush! And there’s that stone cold hottie--”

Trixie pauses and considers her words.

Trixie Decker: “-- okay, that contradicts itself, but whatever - Faye Brown! Everyone’s favorite evil cutie, Sierra Silver! And, of course, my ever-lovin’ favorite, SuperNova Risa Jackson!”

Trixie sighs happily at the thought, then looks back at the camera.

Trixie Decker: “I adore her! Simply the best! She was the reason I showed up the first time to … chat with Anton Crowley.”

Trixie forces a smile.

Trixie Decker: “But they’re buds now, which means I’m sure Anton and I are gonna just get along… fabulously. Yup. We’ll bond over things like… well, I’m sure there’s things he likes that I like. We both adore Risa. And cupcakes, I’m sure. Even spawns of hellfire like cupcakes. After all, Hell usually has the best taste.”

Trixie approaches the camera.

Trixie Decker: “As for the rest of you, well… I can’t wait to meet you in the ring… or a back alley… or the parking lot of a Waffle House. I’m not picky. Because I’m here to make an impact.”

She places a hand over her breast

Trixie Decker: “On the hearts of the fans.”

Trixie leans in to the camera and gives a devilish grin.

Trixie Decker: “And the faces of anyone in a ring with me. See you soon, cutie-patooties.”

Trixie blows a kiss and the scene fades.
We cut backstage where there seems to be a lot of commotion happening with a large crowd surrounding someone in a circle as the camera tries to get through.

Andrew Payne: What the Hell is going on?

Miranda Augustino: Who knows.

Griffin Hawkins now appears on the scene and begins to push his way through the crowd.

Griffin Hawkins: Out of the way people! Let me through!

Hawkins finally breaks through to the center of the circle of people with the camera following behind him and then we finally see what is happening.

Griffin Hawkins: Stace!

Hawkins immediately bends down beside his tag team partner and friend, Stacy Jones, who appears to be unconscious.

Andrew Payne: It’s Stacy Jones! She’s been attacked! She wasn’t even booked tonight and I didn’t even know she was here tonight!

Miranda Augustino: She isn’t moving, Andy.

Hawkins looks up at the crowd of people, a look of anger on his face.

Griffin Hawkins: What the Hell are you all doing?! Someone get the damn EMT’s!

A few people disperse, presumably to go get some help as Hawkins focuses his attention back onto Jones.

Griffin Hawkins: Stace? Stace, it’s Griff. Can you hear me?

Andrew Payne: Can we cut to commercial or something, this is hard to witness.

Miranda Augustino: Yes, let’s… we’ll make sure to give you all an update on the condition of Stacy when we know more information.

Hawkins continues to talk to his tag team partner and friend, trying to get a response from her as we cut elsewhere.

Match #2/Triple Threat Perseverance Qualifier Match

Azurine Vebbins v. Mr. J v. Kairi Higurashi

Higurashi, Azurine and Mr. J are in the ring sizing each other up, as the two ladies would quickly try to neutralize Mr. J with stereo dropkicks. As they team up on the bigger physical threat, they try a double lariat to send Mr. J to the outside, however, he explodes into a pair of clotheslines to down both Azurine and Kairi. Azurine would get on her hands and knees, while Kairi is up first. Mr. J would then grab Kairi and scoop slam her on top of Azurine as a weapon. Higurashi rolled out of the ring to recover herself, as Azurine is covered, but kicks out at two.

Mr. J aimed to punish Azurine more as he gets her up into an abdominal stretch to wear down her abdomen. He delivered two elbow shots at her ribs and kidney to wear her down, He goes for a pumphandle slam, but, Azurine would wriggle off his shoulder to escape, and takes him over with a hip toss as he turned around. Mr. J gets to his feet and rushed at Azurine who caught him with a tilt-a-whirl headscissor that disorientates the big man. Meanwhile, Kairi picked her spot and springboards in with a forearm smash.

She caught Azurine with it, as she lands in to toss Mr. J out of the ring, hoping to isolate Azurine. Kairi attempted to get Azurine into a backbreaker rack, but, Vebbins countered into a headlock bulldog. With Kairi getting up, Azurine runs to the ropes and rebounds back to plant her with a running DDT. She attempted a quick cover, but, Kairi kicked out at 2. Kairi tried to get up, but, Azurine tried to keep her grounded with a sleeperhold and bodyscissors. She keeps the hold tight, as Kairi fights to her feet before she stands up and lunged back into the turnbuckle to free herself.

Kairi would pull Azurine to the center of the ring, as she readied her for her signature package piledriver as she planted Azurine. But, immediately after that, Mr. J gets into the ring and tossed Kairi out harshly, as she landed with an audible thud. He then pulled Azurine up and plants her with the Legion's Will! 1.. 2.. 3! The bell rings, as Kairi was just getting up to see Mister J stealing away her win.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner...MISTER...JAAAAAAY!!!!!!

Andrew Payne: And Mr. J of The Hive will be joining the Perseverance Championship match in two weeks at Manifest Destiny II!! I’d say between him, Kasey Kash and Mayumi Tanahashi, the champion has her hands full.

Miranda Augustino: Bitch, please! Katie baby’s got this! She’s the Queen of the House! That title ain’t going anywhere but back around her sexy ass waist when things are all said and done.

Result: Pinfall

The show faded in on the backstage area, specifically the hair/make-up area. Teresa Jacobs had just finished helping someone get ready when Tahti Kuu walked up beside her. Since the red head wasn’t booked on the show at all, she didn’t sit in the chair in case Teresa had someone else coming soon.The women gave each other a light hug, and Tahti leaned against the wall while Teresa leaned back against her vanity set up.

Teresa Jacobson: Girl, you’re not booked, so why the Hell would you come to the arena tonight?

Tahti Kuu: Because I’m going to be here to support my friends...and family. Adrianna was part of that tournament in Alaska through Splat, and she’s in the main event tonight. We weren’t in Alaska, but I wasn’t going to miss a chance to be here for support...even if I’ve had to be like a slippery fucking snake with Nico.

Teresa Jacobson: Honey, you know that man loves you and is just worried with Artturi being able to get around the arena so easily. Fuck, if there was more I could concerning the guy then I would be on top of it.

Before the two women could say anything more, a stagehand interrupted them, apologizing profusely in the process of it. The young man was carrying a vase of flowers, initially worrying Tahti since Artturi had used her love of flowers from their home country to get under her skin before. When the stagehand set them down on the vanity table and left, Tahiti began looking closely at the flowers just in case. The rather large arrangement of multiple colors of roses, Peruvian Lilies, various colors of carnations, and even a random bit of lavender and baby’s breath intrigued Tahti who plucked a card from among the flowers, but she briefly noticed that Teresa’s eyes never left the flower.

Tahti Kuu: ‘The sweetest of blossoms are often the ones that go unnoticed the most.
-Artturi’

Teresa Jacobson: These are my favorites...how did he know which flowers I like? And why the fuck would he send me any?

Tahti Kuu: It’s something he does to fuck with people. It’s one of the first things he did to me here and at home. I wish I knew how he found shit out though because he knew my favorites as well.

Tahiti looked around carefully, almost sure that the creep would be watching the pair of women to gauge their reactions. When the red haired beauty looked back towards the flowers, she saw that Teresa’s eyes still hadn’t left the arrangement.

Tahti Kuu: I’m going to go find Nico...I can feel the creep here, but I can’t see him. I’ll see you later, Teresa.

The hair/make-up artist said nothing but glanced at the other woman, giving her a little nod while taking the card from the red head who then turned and headed down the hall. Not that she would openly admit it, but the last time she had gotten flowers from anyone was back in high school when Nico Salvatore had actually given her some. Teresa was still lost in her thoughts when someone came and sat down in her chair until the person cleared their throat, causing her to shake her head.

Teresa Jacobson: Terribly sorry about that, was lost in my thoughts for a moment.

Artturi Peura: Well I hope the flowers made them good thoughts.

Teresa’s eyes widened a bit when she realized who was in the chair, and she shook her head once more. She didn’t bother saying a word to the man in the chair before she turned on her heel and walked off, wanting to go anywhere else but there for the time being. The shot faded out with Artturi closely watching Teresa walk off, his eyes never wavering even as she rounded a corner.
The view fades to a door, which opens. The camera pans down a little to reveal the Resident Rockhouse (and recent Twitter roastee) Faye Brown. For once, the green-headed woman is not dressed to compete tonight, simply donning a black, long-sleeved Misfits shirt, black leather pants, and combat boots. With a fairly solemn look to her face, Brown makes her way towards presumably Eavan Maloney’s locker room. Understandably, since Maloney has a match soon against one of Logan Bailey’s kidnappers. However, Faye is stopped by someone out-of-view to her right.

Faye Brown: Oh, hi there...

The shot widens and the audience pops as Cassie Morse steps into frame. She hasn’t been seen anywhere in months and it’s the first time she’s ever set foot in on an NFW event. Cassie’s wearing faded, ripped blue jeans and a brown, fur lined jacket over a white tanktop and brown boots that have clearly seen better days but, somehow, she just won’t part with them.

Cassie Morse: Hey, yourself. All good?

Brown sighs a bit and sniffles a little as she brushes her neon bangs out of her eyes.

Faye Brown: I’ve been better...

Her Brooklyn accent seems a bit thicker than usual.

Faye Brown: You?

Cassie Morse: Long story, but... I’m better.

Cassie cracks her neck to the side and folds her arms over in front of her as the gears are clearly turning inside her head. Next, her eyes go to the door Faye was just about to go into then back to Faye.

Cassie Morse: Y’all talkin’ strategy?

Faye Brown: Ssssssomethin’ like that, yeah. She’s got a match in a couple minutes, I feel like I owe it to her to be out there for her like she’s been for me the past month and change, y’know?

Cassie nods, rubbing her mouth and looking down at the floor. Thoughtfully. Next, she gives a lazy punch of her fist into her hand as she comes to a decision.

Cassie Morse: Well, look here. I ain’t sure about gettin’ back into a ring. Yet. Looks like y’all got that covered ‘tween you and Eavan. But them two hoodoo voodoo gals still got their lil sentry skulkin’ ‘round. If I’mma be real, I need food on the table and money in my pocket. If I can get somethin’ worked out with boss lady here - and if y’all want the extra muscle - you gimme a holler.

Cassie offers up her hand for a clasp to Faye. Indeed, Brown takes Morse’s hand, clasping it and kind of bumping shoulders with her.

Faye Brown: Gonna be honest with you, Cassie… a lot of people on Twitter say they’ll help me out, but not a lot have actually done too much beyond looking for Logan. And while I appreciate their help, too... of course I do, because that’s still help... none of them have offered to do something to those cunts. So… I, uh...

The Resident Rockhouse kinda chuckles, her mood having been lifted fairly quick.

Faye Brown: I guess consider this a holler.

Cassie Morse: Consider it heard.

She bumps shoulders back with Faye before stepping back and tucking her thumbs into her belt loops.

Cassie Morse: Reckon I better go handle the paperwork side of things but when fists start flyin’, rest assured the field’s even.

With that, the one lately known as the Lone Wolf nods to Faye and backs out of frame, headed towards management’s offices. Faye watches Cassie leave before turning around and knocking on Eavan’s door, awaiting her tag partner at Manifest Destiny to open it. Brown takes a seat on some nearby crates before the view fades back to the ring.

Match #3/Singles Match

Eavan Maloney v. Santa Muerte

It didn’t take long after the bell rang for Eavan to go right after Santa Muerta as she took the woman down with a spear and then got into the mount position and just laid in lefts and rights to Santa Muerta. Eavan rolled off of her and brought the woman to her feet before sending her into the corner. Eavan charged in and delivered a corner splash before hitting a bulldog out of the corner onto Santa Muerta. Eavan picks her opponent up and delivers a German suplex and holds on, bringing Santa Muerta up again and delivering a second and then a third with a bridge for a two count. La Profita grabs Santa Muerta by the arm and pulls her out of the ring before any more damage could be done. As Santa Muerta is out on the floor trying to recover, Eavan comes flying between the middle and bottom ropes and delivers a suicide dive that drives Santa Muerta into the barricade. Eavan picks the woman up and as she does, La Profita steps in between the two of them and yells something at Eavan who just pushes her aside and as she does, Santa Muerta connects with a stiff forearm shot that staggers Eavan. Santa Muerta grabs Eavan and rams her face first into the ring post before rolling her back into the ring.

Santa Muerta rolls back in and she picks Eavan up and sends her into the ropes. Eavan comes off the ropes and runs right into a standing dropkick. Santa Muerta climbs to the top rope and as Eavan gets to her feet, she delivers a blockbuster to Eavan and scrambles into a cover, only to get a two count. Faye is seen on the outside cheering Eavan on as Santa Muerta picks her opponent back up and sends her into the corner. Santa Muerta comes charging in and goes for a corner splash, but Eavan is able to avoid it and Santa Muerta hits the top turnbuckle. Eavan grabs Santa Muerta and delivers NOLA Makeover and goes for the cover, but Lady Death is up on the apron, distracting the referee. Faye however comes charging around the ring and yanks Lady Death off the apron and the two of them begin to brawl. Eavan grabs Santa Muerta and picks her up, delivering The Last Word and hooking the leg and getting the three count.

As the bell sounds though, Lady Death has broken free from Faye and charges into the ring and takes Eavan down. La Profita is on the outside and tosses a pair of steel chairs into the ring along with a barbed wire covered baseball bat. Santa Muerta gets to her feet and claims the bat as Lady Death positions one of the chairs under the head of Eavan before grabbing the second one. Faye tries to get into the ring, but Santa Muerta swings the bat at her, keeping her away. Lady Death brings the chair up and the crowd cheers as out from the back comes Cassie Morse with a chair of her own in hand and slides into the ring and connects with the chair to Santa Muerta and then swings at Lady Death who ducks the swing and rolls out of the ring, grabbing Santa Muerta. The two of them and La Profita begin to back up the ramp as La Profita has a microphone.

La Profita: You two want to know what kind of match we’ll be having at Manifest Destiny? It’s going to be brutal, violent, bloody. You two will face my girls in a Blood Sacrifice match! And if you two win, you get Logan back. If my girls win, he becomes our sacrifice.

As she finishes those words, the lights go out and when they come back on, the three of them are gone.

Miranda Augustino: Fuck was that shit?!

Andrew Payne: I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound good! What’s a Blood Sacrifice match?

Miranda Augustino: Beats me, carnal, but I guess we’re gonna find out at Manifest Destiny II!!

Result: Pinfall

Griffin looks to be pacing, obviously upset.

Amy Connors: Griffin...we are moments away from the Battle of the Bands...but it looks like...

Griffin cuts her off.

Griffin Hawkins: Forget the Battle Of The Bands! My tag partner and best friend Stacy got taken out earlier tonight..and I'm willing to bet a million dollars that it was that ballsless little shit, Steele Matthews. If he has a beef with me, that's fine..but now he decided to drag her into this. I am sick of this bullshit, I'm not gonna wait any longer. I'm gonna find wherever he's hidng and...

Before he can finish, he is struck from behind by Matthews, knocking him to the floor.

Steele Matthews: You looking for me Hawkins!? Well you do gotta look far! He picks him up and throws him against a nearby cart, shoulder first.

Mr.Hughes picks him up and holds him im place as Steele begins punching on him.

Steele Matthews: You think you're better than me?! Who do you think you are?! You are NOT better than me!

He rains down on him with hard stiff punches, busting him open. Suddenly Hughes lets go of Griffin as he and Steele runs for the hills as they notice someone off camera. Into the shot comes Matt Robinson with a Sledgehammer! They make off as Robinson stands there glaring after them.

Matt Robinson: You better run you damn cowards!

Robinson checks on a fallen Griffin as we head back to ringside.

Andrew Payne: What a cowardly attack! Steele Matthews and his bodyguard once again jumped Griffin from behind! When is he ever gonna fight him one on one?!

Miranda Augustino: Hey! He's the one who opened his mouth about Steele, was he expecting him to just sit idly by and allow him to besmirch his good name?!

Andrew Payne: I guess the Battle Of The Bands is canceled...it's obvious Hawkins is in no shape to play tonight..moving on we....what the hell?

They then see what looks to be a band get ready on stage as Steele makes his way to the stage, smiling arrogantly.

Steele Matthews: Okay, are you ready to rock!?

The crowd boos him loudly.

Steele Matthews: I said...are you ready..to rock!?

The crowd boos him even louder.

Steele Matthews: Here's a classic I know you'll like. Bobby, hit it!

He looks to his guitarst as he begins to play. Soon he begins singing.

Steele Matthews: I am the Champion my friends! And I'll keep on fighting till the end! Cause I am the Champion...I am the Champion! No time for losers cause I am the Champion...of the world!

The crowd boos at his attempt at singing.

Miranda Augustino: What a voice!

Andrew Payne: ..I think Freddie Mercury is rolling over in his grave right now.

The crowd is booing him so loudly he can't even finish the song. He gets frustrated and stops.

Steele Matthews: You idiots don't appreciate good music! Shut your mouthes and let me finish!

He tries another song.

Steele Matthews: ...I gave my love Chicken..that had no bone...

The crowd once again boos him which breaks his concentration.

Steele Matthews: I'll be here all night if I have to!

He tries again, singing another song.

Steele Matthews: Believe it or not, I'm walking on air. I never thought I could feel so free. Flying away on a wing and a prayer. Who could it be? Believe it or not it's just me!...

The crowd clearly does not like it.

Andrew Payne: My God just stop already!

Miranda Augustino: Someone should call Black Sabbath and let them know we got a new vocalist for them!

Steele Matthews: You know what?! You morons don't deserve to hear my talent! And since Hawkins obviously won't be out here tonight to compete..I guess that makes me the winner by default!

The crowd boos as he raises his hands triumphantly in "victory". Just then he immediately ducks down as we see Hawkins out of nowhere swings at him with a guitar! His face is still bloody and his long white buttoned down shirt is still ripped and blood stained, but he continues going after Steele!

Miranda Augustino: What the hell?! Hawkins is here!

Andrew Payne: When have you ever known him to miss a performance!?

Steele makes a beeline for the ring as Hawkins slowly stalks him. He rushes into the ring..but Hawkins changes his mind. Steele's band scatters as he goes back up the ramp. He still has the guitar in hand as he takes it and launches it into the amp, causing sparks to go everywhere. Steele is shocked! He begins pushing down all the amps off the stage in anger. He then throws down the mic, stomping it until it breaks.

Andrew Payne: He's trashing the equipment!

Miranda Augustino: Somebody stop him! That is thousands of dollars worth of equipment! Where does he think he is, a Who concert?!

He grabs one of the drums and throws it down, smashing it. He then notices a guitar...a red fender stratocaster. Steele quickly grabs a mic.

Steele Matthews: Hawkins! Don't..you..dare! That guitar is a 1989 Fender Strat! It was a gift to me from Eric Clapton! If you touch it, you're gonna pay!

Griffin grabs the guitar, and immediately smashes it against the ramp. Steele is beside himself in disbelief. Hawkins then takes the shattered remains of the guitar and stalks towards the ring. Steele sees this as his cue to leave as he jumps over the ramp, leaving towards the back entrance. Griffin glares after him, taking what's left of the guitar and smashes it against the ring post in anger.

Andrew Payne: Well..looks like there will be no encore for Steele Matthews!

Miranda Augustino: It finally happened, Griffin Hawkins killed Rock N Roll.

Andrew Payne: I bet he wishes it was Steele he was killing. He has pushed Hawkins to his breaking point. Something has got to be done to settle this!
The scene comes up backstage with the Brothers Drake milling backstage after their loss. Torian holds an ice pack on his body while Dylan is rotating his right arm to get some feeling back.

Torian: That… really blew bro.

Dylan: We've been out of action, we've both been busy with family stuff. This was bound to happen when we could come back.

Torian: Yea, we still gotta step up this game, man. We were athletes even before we came into this business. We can't let a couple of showboaters get the best over us and let it stand.

Dylan: We will find a way back. We did it once before, we stumbled and we fell, but we kept getting back up. Guarantee you bro, we'll do it again. It's just a matter of patience. We got this next one alright.

Torian nods with a deep breath and slaps his brother's opposite arm as Dylan walks off. Torian looks around and a bit and begins to look more thoughtful, an idea clearly forming before the scene fades out.

Match #4/Singles Match

La Silencia v. The Soz

The bell rang and The Soz met La Silencia in the center of the ring, grinning his goofy grin as he extended a hand for a shake. All in the show of good sportsmanship, of course. La Silencia reached out to accept but, at the last second, her extended arm dropped and her other hand flew up, slapping Soz right in the mouth, much to the chagrin of the crowd. By the time Soz looked back up from clutching his mouth, Silence was on him like a ravenous hound, fists and forearms backing the man against the ropes. As the referee began counting for the break, Silencia whipped Soz across the ring, into the opposite set of ropes. She bounded off and met Soz in the center with a Flying Shoulderblock. Soz hit the mat hard and Silencia kipped up, taunting the crowd with a gloating pose. As she began picking Soz up to his feet, he blasted her with a forearm to the jaw which caught her off guard initially but it mostly just seemed to piss her off. Soz ran off the ropes and back in towards the Queen of the Streets but Silencia caught him with an Inverted Atomic Drop, hit the ropes herself and knocked him back down with a Running Single Leg Dropkick. Soz held a hand to his chest as he rolled over onto all fours. Silencia got to her feet and circled around, until she stepped in front of him and stomped down on one of his hands. Soz went down again but went right back to trying to get up. In doing so, he tried pulling himself up by her thigh and waist belt. Silencia’s brow furrowed as she glared down at him and pulled that hand off of her. From there, she isolated two of Soz’s fingers and delivered No Toque, only this execution in particular had a louder snap and Soz clutched at his hand, crying out in pain. The camera moved in at an angle on Soz as he rolled near a corner and showed that his targeted fingers were indeed bent at an angle they should not have been!

Andrew Payne: Oh lord! She...she...she’s broken them!!! Soz’s fingers have been broken!!!

Miranda Augustino: That’s gangsta! Get it, hermana!

Silencia was on a rampage now, coming over and stomping a proverbial mudhole into Soz as he writhed in the corner. The referee saw something was wrong and got in between Silencia and her prey. Silencia wasn’t about to let the official stop her assault, however, and dragged Soz out of the corner by his feet before picking him up to his feet. The referee attempted to wave her off but Silencia was absolutely relentless and simply delivered Silencio Sangriento before covering Soz and hooking the leg. While the referee was hesitant, Mano Derecha yelled for him to just make the count and the official promptly dropped and slapped the mat - noticeably at a quicker pace, for Soz’s mercy and the match was over.

Thea Crawford: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner...La Silencia!

Andrew Payne: Well, that was absolutely goddamn disgusting! A disgusting display by La Silencia!

Miranda Augustino: That’s how you handle business, carnal! She’s what we call a boss ass bitch!

As Mano Derecha and La Silencia celebrated the latter’s victory, the referee helped The Soz out of the ring while a pair of EMTs ran out from backstage to tend to his injury. The crowd continued to boo Silencia but the Queen of the Streets only seemed to welcome them as the cameras cut away.

Result: Pinfall

The cameras move backstage to find...oh no. It’s Kensaku Rodell again and he’s walking with Brea Lombardi. Ken’s demeanor is much different than the last time we saw him. He’s practically sulking. Walking in a state of sad depression as he holds his mic. It’s almost pitiful to look at. Even when he speaks, he has that same gruff tone to his voice as he did when he was yelling in the face of Viola Mancini two weeks ago. Only now, it’s more of an inside tone.

Kensaku Rodell: Man, this is that bullshit. Why I gotta read fucking cue cards? I know my damn job.

Brea Lombardi: This is bogus. It's what I hate about corporate America… just trying to take everyone's identity from them…

She said, before a metaphorical light bulb went off in her head, as she got a marker she had for an autograph signing earlier.

Brea Lombardi: Hey, hand me those cards. I've got an idea to spice this up a little…

She said, as Brea began to sabotage Rodell's cue cards while they approached the interviewing area and gave them back before reaching the seated area.

Waiting for them in the seated area is Isis and her manager Donovan Cunninham. Isis is already seated. She looks rather restless. Donovan is standing. He greets Brea with his normal enthusiasm.

Donovan Cunningham: Today is the best day of the week being in your sultry presence.

Isis rolls her eyes.

Isis: You told me you were going to behave.

Donovan looks over at Isis, flashing a smile.

Donovan Cunningham: Relax Isis, you catch more moths by increasing the flame. We ain’t here to fight. Brea wants to talk. Let's do this.

Isis shrugs.

Isis: Fine. Let's get this over with.

Brea and Ken walk up into the interview area where Ken takes the seat in the middle, supposedly to serve as a peaceful medium between the two ladies. He perks up a little, raising his microphone.

Kensaku Rodell: Konichiwa, you beautiful bastards! S’ya boy Kenny Rodeezy up here in the hizzouse an--

Something off camera stops Ken as he looks past the camera as if someone’s trying to relay something to him. His face drops and he shrugs defensively. He looks to Isis and Donovan then back to whoever’s silently communicating with him behind the camera. Ken rolls his eyes and starts over, putting on a stereotypical, deep toned news anchor voice.

Kensaku Rodell: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!

He puts on a fake smile and does that little prissy white boy shimmy like he’s some big hot shit celebrity.

Kensaku Rodell: Kenneth Rodell here, bringing you an exclusive sit down with Brea Lombardi and Isis, with of course, her faithful trustee, Donovan Cunningham! Ladies, how are you tonight?

Ken “fixes” his tie that he isn’t even wearing, completely taking the piss out of this whole thing. Isis looks at Donovan. She nods, surprisingly giving him the go ahead to speak on her behalf.

Donovan Cunningham: Thanks to Brea’s suggestion that we do this sitdown, NFW is guaranteed to have the highest rated segment on the program. In my view, there is nothing better than breaking bank. You got Isis, the future of this whole damn company. Pretty much endorsed by Minoru, who some would argue is the face of Trauma. Stand up guy. A personality the fans trust. Of course you have Brea. A firecracker. A brilliant woman. I can wax poetic all night long. We’re here to conduct business. Lets do business and maybe--

Donovan winks at Brea.

Donovan Cunningham: -- you can come to my after party after the show.

Isis, surprisingly, resists the urge to punch Donovan in the arm. Brea would feign interest, as she bobbed her eyebrows at him to draw some ire at Isis.

Brea Lombardi: Well, let's see how you and her behave yourselves, and let's take it from there.

She said with a mischievous smile, as Rodell was setting up questions for the two of them to answer. Rodell has the stack of cue cards in his lap. Think of them as the size of the cards used for those “silent message” videos you see all over YouTube.

Kensaku Rodell: Well, then, let’s jump right into it.

Ken continues with the fake news anchor voice.

Kensaku Rodell: So, Mr. Cunningham, this is some sort of business proposition for Ms. Lombardi. Is that it?

As Ken speaks, he sets aside the top, blank cue card and, after a quick glance, lifts the cue card up. Only the camera crew and those viewing on the tron screen or at home on their TVs can see what’s been edited onto the card itself. Ken’s reading off the side facing him, but facing the camera, the card says - in big bold black lettering:


Donovan Cunningham: Any manager worth their salt would love to represent Brea Lombardi. No brainer. My interest in Brea is more personal than professional. Isis might feel that compromises my ability to represent her to my full capabilities. Not the case at all. And I can prove it. Isis has made it no secret she wants a shot to avenge her unfortunate debut loss. I’m planning on making that happen. What more proof do you need?

Donovan cracks a smile. Isis shrugs her shoulders, appearing unimpressed by Donovan’s gesture. Ken nods, seemingly intrigued by Donovan’s pitch before he turns to Brea and sets the top card down at his feet, his side facing up and moves onto the next card.

Kensaku Rodell: Ms. Lombardi, your response to Mr. Cunningham’s offer?

Again, scribbled on the back side of the card, facing the camera is more bold black text:


Brea Lombardi: Well, I know he means well, but, I have no interest in having representation right now. I know I'm good enough to handle things myself.

She said with a bit of a smug look on her face, as she knew that would dig at Isis a little bit. She also loved the fact that they're still blissfully unaware of the little prank she and Rodell have pulled on them, and anticipates it escalating. Rodell slowly nods, discarding the second cue card and moves onto the next. He squints his eyes, fixing his glasses for a second.

Kensaku Rodell: Here’s one for Isis. Why did you attack Brea after your first match, together? Is it in any relation to how ‘chummy’ your manager has been with her?

Ken turns, addressing Isis as he keeps the cue card held up to the camera which reads:


Isis: One thing Donovan instilled in me is to leave people talking. Losing was not the result I was looking for. In the moment leaving Brea felt like a better headline. So I acted on instinct. Seems to have worked... didn’t it?

Isis glares at her rival. She leans forward slightly to ensure Brea absorbs the weight of what she is about to say.

Isis: I changed the conversation! The NFW fans are far more interested in what happens next between us than focusing on your fluke victory! Yeah. I said it. Your victory was an abritition. An unfortunate accident. I shouldn’t have to tolerate my manager walking around with a boner a mile long for you. He should be more focused on doing his damn job! He may think it's cute. All these passes he makes your way is beneath him. I know the truth Brea, you wouldn’t give him the time of day. That’s the part that annoys me! Donnie may be a goof, ultimately, he’s a good guy. I have a feeling you are making a fool of him. Making him look like a fool affects me. The sooner I bash your face in, proving you are the luckiest woman on the planet, the sooner I can move on.

Isis cracks her knuckles like she is ready to throw down right now. Brea would chuckle, as she commented back at her, not pleased with the fact she was attacked earlier.

Brea Lombardi: Your manager being big horny for me doesn't make up for the fact that you did lose to me, and you had to attack me after the match like a damn child. You could have just learned from the match, but, you disrespected me by putting me through that table. Isis, I'm going to love putting you down again…

Kensaku Rodell: Let’s talk about that, next, shall we? Isis, tell us about….

Again, he switches cue cards again and holds up the next to read off.

Kensaku Rodell: You seem to be upset that Donovan here is so chummy with Brea Lombardi, however, you seem pretty chummy with one Minoru Tanahashi, at the same time. Don’t you feel that compromises your move forward? Here it is, you have a manager you’re supposed to trust yet you question his priorities. I’m sure the world wants to know, “where are Isis’ priorities?”

On the back of the card:

Isis stares daggers at Kensaku. She looks like she wants to chew his head off. Donovan rested a hand on her shoulder. The look they exchanged was brief. It was enough for Isis to defer to Donovan on this one. He shakes his head at Kensaku.

Donovan Cunningham: I don’t appreciate your lack of professionalism. What are you trying to do? Drive a wedge between Isis and myself? Is this your gameplan Brea?

Donovan directs his attention now to Brea. The glint in his eyes he usually looks at her with is not present.

Donovan Cunningham: So Isis and I bicker. I’m a fun loving guy. She is capable of being a tad too serious. We’re fire and ice. Ok. Whatever. I can roll with Isis giving me a hard time. She demands the best. She keeps me on my toes. I am perfectly okay with Isis being more than chummy with Minoru.

Donovan adjusted his tie.

Donovan Cunningham: I am with her when she works out at the gym. I can attest that no one outworks Isis. No one cares more about living up to our vision than Isis. I was under the impression that little pow wow would actually be beneficial. All this has devolved into is trying to paint my client in a negative light. I’m a little disappointed in you Brea, not gonna lie. Kensaku, how about you ask Brea a real question! Actually. I got this!

Donovan cocks his head to the side, the glare he is giving Brea never wavers.

Donovan Cunningham: Tell me how you are going to be able to sleep the next time Isis puts you down? You thought being put through a table was bad enough... you ain’t seen anything yet. For weeks Isis has been dreaming about the dark fate that awaits you. Your fate involves a whole lotta pain. Agony. Getting hooked on prescription medication. If Isis is merciful enough you might escape becoming another dark side of the ring horror story. What do you have to say about that?

Brea would laugh him off, as she couldn't believe the borderline edgelordy stuff coming out of his mouth, as she simply commented.

Brea Lombardi: Neat.

She said with a brief smile on her face, completely over their whole doom and gloom vibe.

Brea Lombardi: I'm glad losing to me has been eating at her. Because it doesn't matter what you do to me in that ring. You'll never erase that blemish in your "perfect" everything. I'm in the back of your mind, eating away at you, knowing that no matter how much you beat me up, I've already won…

Brea said, kicking her boots onto the table between them. Donovan scowls. Isis on the other hand chuckles quite loudly.

Isis: You win? Won what exactly? I’ll tell you who really won. Me.Thanks to your flippant attitude, Donovan now understands what a disrespectful piece of crap you are. Donnie has been nothing but nice. The least you could do is show him some respect. He has ten years worth of knowledge. Knows more about this sport than both of us combined. You act like you got it all together. You laugh in his face. That motivates me even more to whoop your scrawny pigeon toe ass. One benefit from this whole charade, now I know for absolute certainty Donovan is not going to have dreams of... whatever. Our dreams are the same, your systematic destruction. You want to believe you won? Whatever. The next time we meet in the ring, I am going to leave you the same way as last time. Beaten. Battered. Begging for pain medication.

Isis stands up. She suddenly turns over the table Brea had her feet up on to the side. The Utopian Female looks as though she is going to assault Brea... but she shows a calmness that she isn’t known for.

Isis: Let's get out of here, Donovan. This sham of a sit down is over!

Isis storms off. Donovan stands up, dusts himself off. He doesn’t bother looking at Brea as he follows Isis to god knows where. Ken watches the pair walk off, a little taken aback as he has a few cue cards left. He riffs through them until he gets to the very last one and holds it up to read.

Kensaku Rodell: I guess this is where I’m supposed to say, thank you Ms. Isis, Mr. Cunningham and Ms. Lombardi. It’s been a pleasure having you all here and I thank you for your time.

Even the camera crew are laughing under their breaths now as Ken discards the last card, which had written on the back:


Kensaku Rodell: Thank fuck that’s over. I ever have to fake talk like that again, I’ll shoot myself in the fucking head!

Ken says, once again back to his ‘normal’ voice as he kicks back in his chair and pulls out his phone, looking to Brea.

Kensaku Rodell: Yo baby, lemme get them digits.

Cameras cut back to ringside, at the commentary table where Andrew Payne sits with his face in his hands, trying to muffle his laughter. Beside him, Miranda Augustino is straight laughing her ass off at the top of her lungs.

Match #5/Singles Match

Lil Juicy v. Trina Tanaka

Trina and Lil Juicy circled up in the center of the ring. Just like in his debut, Lil Juicy used his height and reach to his advantage and, as they went to lock up, he simply palmed Trina’s forehead with his hand, keeping her at bay. Tanaka grabbed Juicy’s wrist and twisted his arm with an arm wringer but Juicy reversed it, pulling her into a side headlock. Trina shoved him off and into the ropes but Juicy wrapped his arms around the top rope to stop his momentum. Trina came rushing in but all it took was one of those long legs of Juicy to catch her right in the face before she got in close for an attack. As Trina staggered from the kick, Juicy came off the ropes hitting that stiff fucking lariat of his and knocking her into an inside out flip right onto the mat. Trina rolled over onto all fours but Juicy was already up on his feet, grabbing her around the waist, lifting her into a deadlift, sitout powerbomb with some extra snap as he drove her back into the mat and held for the cover but Trina kicked out at two!!

Juicy picked Trina up and went for a Fastball Punch but she blocked it with her forearms and followed up with a discus forearm to...well...to his chest, given the height difference. It sent Juicy back into the ropes where he bounded right off and nailed Trina with a Superkick, sending her into the middle rope and leaving her hung up. Juicy took a moment to taunt the crowd before hitting the ropes and ran in at Trina for a rope-hung Thesz Press but she made it out of the way and left Juicy sitting, hung on the same rope she was just on. Trina capitalized on the situation and delivered a running Backstabber to Juicy and he was laid out on the mat, prime for the finish. She climbed to the top rope and raised her fist to the audience before going for a huge Moonsault but Juicy got his knees up and Trina came down right on her ribs. Now, it was his turn to climb to the top turnbuckle where Your Mom’s Favourite Wrestler delivered Splash Like Pippen and hooked the leg for the cover and….the three count victory!!!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner!! LIL...JUICY!!!

Miranda Augustino: How the fuck did this clown even pull that off?!

Andrew Payne: Heart and determination? I don’t know.

Miranda Augustino: Look, I know Tanaka’s record here ain’t the best but, ya know, on my fucking EXPERTISE level of the sport, I know for a fact, this kid’s had dick worth of training.

Andrew Payne: Maybe so but he hits like a damn train and sometimes that’s all you need to do, Mir.

Miranda Augustino: Gotta be fucking kidding me….

Result: Pinfall

The scene comes up backstage with the Brothers Drake milling backstage after their loss. Torian holds an ice pack on his body while Dylan is rotating his right arm to get some feeling back.

Torian: That… really blew bro.

Dylan: We've been out of action, we've both been busy with family stuff. This was bound to happen when we could come back.

Torian: Yea, we still gotta step up this game, man. We were athletes even before we came into this business. We can't let a couple of showboaters get the best over us and let it stand.

Dylan: We will find a way back. We did it once before, we stumbled and we fell, but we kept getting back up. Guarantee you bro, we'll do it again. It's just a matter of patience. We got this next one alright.

Torian nods with a deep breath and slaps his brother's opposite arm as Dylan walks off. Torian looks around and a bit and begins to look more thoughtful, an idea clearly forming before the scene fades out.

Match #6/United States Title Match

Debby Haze v. Anaquin Adams ©

As the match began, Debby Haze moved to the center of the ring, extending her hand out to Anaquin Adams. The defending champion moved in and accepted, giving a hearty handshake and a nod to her opponent. Debby said something under the camera, but it looked along the lines of saying she’d give her best if Anaquin gave hers. Adams and Haze circled the center of the ring and locked up, jarring for position and going right into a test of who could gain the technical advantage.They kept hold of each other’s hand as they traded arm drags until Haze hit one while bouncing off of the ropes. Adams rolled across the mat but used her momentum to roll up onto her feet and hopped up onto the middle rope, springing back at Haze for a springboard crossbody. There was a cover but Haze kicked out at 1. Adams picked Haze up to her feet and went for an Irish Whip but Haze reversed, sending Adams there and back again and right into a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker for a cover of her own. Just about 2 but Adams kicked out. Debby floated over, rolling Anaquin into a Fujiwara Armbar but the switch in position allowed Adams to wind up closer to the ropes where she got her foot to allow for the break. Debby let up on the submission immediately and pulled Anaquin to her feet. She pushed her against the ropes, hitting a Monkey Flip that sent Anaquin to the center of the mat then followed up with a Cartwheel Elbow Drop but Anaquin rolled out of the way at the last possible second.

Debby clutched her elbow as Anaquin pulled her to her feet and hit a Fisherman Suplex, bridging for the pin but Debby got the shoulder up. Anaquin picked Debby up to her feet again and held her in a Clinch, bringing in the knees to the midsection repeatedly. She ended the chain with a stiff Uppercut, rocking Debby and went for a Powerbomb but Debby countered into a hurricanrana that sent Anaquin rolling across the ring and into the ropes. She pulled herself up as Debby came running in but The Universal Superstar was quick enough to drop down again, pulling the middle rope with her to send Debby tumbling over onto the outside. As Debby began pulling herself up onto the table, Anaquin steadied herself on her feet before climbing the top turnbuckle. It looked like she was about to go for a dive right there but instead, she ran across the top rope, keeping her arms out for balance until she made it to the opposite turnbuckle. Anaquin hit a huge moonsault to complete Run Like Hell and came crashing down onto Debby, leaving both women sprawled out on the floor. The referee made sure both of them were relatively okay before starting the count towards 20 for them to get back inside the ring. Anaquin was up first at 18 and made a quick in-and-out roll to the ring to start the count over but only to give her time to pick Debby up and roll her back inside, garnering applause from the crowd for her sportsmanship.

As Debby started getting up to her feet, Anaquin dashed across the ring and hopped up into a gargoyle perch on the top rope before backflipping off, going for Cosmic Assault but Debby countered with an impeccable Dropkick, knocking Anaquin down to the mat! Debby picked up the rocked champion and took her by the hand, beginning to “dance” with her as she spun her out away from her and pulled her back in, loading up for her calf kick! Disco Twist--NO! Anaquin countered with a Back Elbow. Debby staggered and Anaquin took just a split second to collect herself as Debby came lunging in to grab her again but POW!! Anaquin Adams with the Tectonic Shift!!!! Debby swayed again and dropped down to a knee. Anaquin wasted no time, running to the corner and climbed to the top before diving off as Debby started getting up and turning towards her but before she was even facing Anaquin, BOOM!!! HELL’S HAMMER!!! Debby hit the mat again and Anaquin folded her legs up for the cover!! 1...2...3!!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner and STILL New Frontier Wrestling’s United States Champion...The Universal Superstar...ANAQUIN...ADAMS!!!!!

Andrew Payne: Wow!!! What a battle between these two, right Mir?!

Miranda Augustino: That was textbook wrestling at it’s finest, mi amigo!

Anaquin Adams accepted the U.S Title belt from Senior Official Yumi Akiyama, holding it up over head in celebration. She turned around as Debby slowly pulled herself up and the two came face to face. This time, it was Anaquin who offered the handshake. Debby accepted and the two gave a quick hug before Debby gave Anaquin the ring to continue celebrating. While Anaquin was in the middle of basking in the adoration of the fans, her music was interrupted and replaced by “Abyss Of Your Eyes” by Stratovarius. Anaquin turned towards the stage as it could only mean one thing. Yes, sure enough, the #1 Contender for the U.S Title at Manifest Destiny II, Glitch, came walking out of the tunnel and stood up on the stage, looking out towards Anaquin. The United States Champion was exhausted but held her head high, nodding and motioning between herself and her next opponent as she lifted the belt up again, holding it high.

Miranda Augustino: Anaquin Adams had a hell of a match, and win, against Debby Haze but can she repeat it in two weeks when she steps into the ring with the Cybernetic Disaster?!?!

Andrew Payne: We’ll certainly find out, Mir!! I--wait. Cybernetic Disaster?

Miranda Augustino: You like it?

Andrew Payne: I don’t think Glitch appreciates the robot jokes. Don’t let her hear you say it.

Miranda Augustino: Well fuck y’all. I think it’s got a nice ring to it!

Result: Pinfall

To the back we go with Amy Connors and a camera man in tow. She stops in front of one of the locker rooms, gives a knock, and takes a slight step back when the door opens and there’s Mayumi Tanahashi in a pink Mahō Sentai Magiranger t-shirt and her teal and gold ring pants and white boots.

Mayumi Tanahashi: Kon'nichiwa Amy-chan.

Amy Connors: Mayumi? Uhm nice to see you.

Mayumi Tanahashi: But you’re here for the other Tanahashi, right? I’ll get him.

Mayumi skips over to the bathroom and starts loudly banging on the door.

Mayumi Tanahashi: ORU, PUT IT AWAY AND COME DO AN INTERVIEW WITH AMY-CHAN!

A few seconds go by, then the door flies open, Minoru Tanahashi steps out, turns towards his sister and stares her down like he’s ready to kill.

Minoru Tanahashi: MayMay, if you ever do that again, I will be an only child.

She looks at him for a second, then sticks out her tongue, skips off and plops herself down on the small couch along the back wall. He rolls his eyes, sighs, then turns towards Amy.

Minoru Tanahashi: I am sorry about her, I was actually applying a little beard wax to get that nice clean but not stiff look.

Amy Connors: I was honestly not wondering at all. Not something a professional should think about.

Minoru Tanahashi: Right right, here to talk about the match. Six man tag, House Crowley on one side and three people who have pretty much nothing in common on the other side. Wondering how we’re gonna work together? If I’m worried about Kasey just trying to hurt Kate to weaken her ahead of a Perseverance title match.

Mayumi Tanahashi: I would be okay with that.

Mayumi pipes up from the couch, then jumps up and runs over, taking the interview away.

Mayumi Tanahashi: As long as there would still be a Perseverance title match. I earned one last Trauma, and I’m gonna make the most of it. I wish it was me out there tonight getting the chance to whoop her butt though. Plus at least Oru would have one partner he can trust out there.

Minoru grabs Mayumi’s shoulder and looks down at her.

Minoru Tanahashi: Mayumi, it is what it is. Fact is, I have a chance to pay back all three of those fuckers tonight. I would like to just march down to the ring with a steel chair, smack Kate, smack Risa, kick Anton in the balls, plant Risa down on the chair with a Black Lion bomb, level Kate with a Kabukicho Nights, drive her down on top of Risa, kick Anton in the balls a second time, drive him through Kate and Risa with a Black Lion Bomb and then have Mayumi finish things off with a Final Flight.

Minoru smiles and laughs a little bit as he slams his fist into his hand a few times.

Minoru Tanahashi: BUT, I’m not going to do that. It would be fun and cathartic, but it wouldn’t prove a damn thing and other than some physical pain, it wouldn’t actually hurt them. Nope, that’s what a loss is for. That’s why I am going to go out there and work with both Adrianna Salvatore and Kasey Kash as best as I can, and hope that this match ends with me planting a House Crowley member in the middle of the ring with a Black Lion bomb to secure a victory.

Minoru’s jovial expression has completely disappeared. Amy notices this, nods and heads off, wishing him good luck as Mayumi takes a step back allowing her brother to maintain his current fiery mindset.

Main Event/Trios Match

House Crowley v. Minoru Tanahashi, Kasey Kash, Adrianna Salvatore

There’s no conversation about who’s starting for either team as Adrianna shoves her partners out of the ring and tells Anton to start which draws a slight smirk from the champion. They circle for a few seconds before locking up. They jockey for position a bit, Adriana uses her lower center of gravity to slip behind Anton and shows her impressive strength with a snap German suplex. The champion rolls through, gets back to his feet, and bounces off the ropes, catching Adrianna with a massive clothesline as she gets back to her feet, but then she surprises Anton by rolling through, popping up, and charging at him, with a rolling forearm. The champion ducks it and makes the tag out to his right hand. Adrianna spins towards Risa for the fight but Minoru reaches far inside and just manages to tap her shoulder which counts as a tag. Tanahashi charges in with a palm strike, but Risa sidesteps him and when he turns she lays into him with a flurry of kicks striking him high and low before she looks for a rolling sole butt to the midsection only to be caught, spun around, and caught with a big dragon suplex. Tanahashi looks to embarrass his former friend and partner by applying the Keimusho Saifu, but she kicks him off, drives a boot under his chin, and then, kips-up, catches his head and hits a spiking DDT. Risa covers but only secures a 2 count. Risa tags in Kate as Minoru rolls towards his corner. Kash Kash manages to reach just a little farther than Adriana and tags himself in.

Kate quickly catches Kasey with a dropkick that sends him back into the ropes, then follows with a headscissors takedown sending him into a neutral corner. Kate rushes in for a hip attack, but Kasey moves out of the way and Kate crashes hard into the corner. As Kate stumbles back out of the corner, Kasey quickly rushes, leaps up to the middle rope, dives back, and connects with the Canberra Collapse. He quickly makes the cover

ONE…

TWO…

THR - BROKEN UP!

Both Risa and Anton are in to break up the pin and that quickly brings in Adrianna and Tanahashi. Adrianna and Anton start trading forearms as Risa and Minoru trade chops. Kate slowly gets to her feet and rakes the eyes of Kasey to take advantage. Minoru nearly levels Risa with one of the stiffest loudest chops ever heard. Her chest immediately turns red and starts to go purple as Adrianna drives Anton and herself out of the ring with a cactus clothesline. Kasey Kash has Kate set up for a ripcord, but with the ref focused on the other competitors, Kate brings a foot up and catches Kasey low allowing her to toss him out of the ring. Minoru catches Risa with a rope-assisted DDT, and with two people left in the ring, it looks like a bit of lucha tag rules as Kate and Minoru are deemed legal, only for Adrianna to hop back up on the apron, reach over the ropes and tag herself in. Adrianna turns away from her corner, her back facing House Crowley as she tells Tanahashi and Kash to stay out of the ring. Adrianna delivers a stiff kick to the midsection, then a few quick forearms before a snap suplex, float over, and 1 count. Adrianna stays on the attack with a sliding lariat and a quick leg drop, followed by another 1 count. Adrianna circles Kate for a few seconds and Minoru is almost able to reach in for a blind tag, but Adrianna is adamant about going alone and sidesteps. Kate is slowly getting to her feet when Adrianna catches her with a big boot that rocks the perseverance champion. Adriana looks for a Saito suplex, but Kate gouges her thumb into Adrianna’s eye, slips off, hits a big chop block to take the powerhouse to a knee, hits the ropes, charges to the other side, hits again, comes back, and absolutely crushes Adriana with the Expansion Pack. Kate quickly covers

ONE…

TWO…

THRE - KICK OUT!

Kate takes a few seconds to shake the cobwebs, then tags Risa in and they deliver a backbreaker/leg lariat combination. Risa is about to cover, but Anton shakes his head, points to his knee, and then motions to Risa to see that Adrianna has pulled herself to the ropes and is in perfect position for the Impact Crater. Risa charges full speed ahead and delivers a sickening knee strike to Adrianna. Risa makes the cover

ONE…

TWO…

THRE - FOOT ON THE ROPE!

Risa is shocked when the official stops the count as the crowd is going crazy for Adrianna’s sheer toughness and tenacity. Risa stays on the attack with a moonsault double knee drop right to the midsection of Adrianna, driving all the air out of her. Risa slowly pulls Adrianna up to her feet and gets an exploder suplex for her troubles. Adrianna takes a few seconds to recover and catch her breath but continues to stay away from her corner and a much-needed tag. Adrianna goes over to Risa, pulls her up, hits a few quick forearms then whips her across the ring. Adrianna pops Risa up into the air and gets caught with a hurricanrana roll-up and a close two count. Risa is pushed off towards her corner and Anton quickly tags himself in. Anton looks to end it with ad stellam matutinam, but Adrianna senses it, ducks shoves Anton into the ropes, and hits a big pop-up European uppercut. Adrianna stumbles back a bit, the earlier attacks still leaving her a little woozy. Anton starts to slowly get to his feet and Adrianna rushes right in catching him with the G.R.B (Gamma Ray Burst), almost ripping the Undisputed Champion in half. Adrianna pulls herself into the cover and hooks the leg

ONE…

TWO…

THRE - KICK OUT!

Adrianna rolls off and starts taking a few deep breaths when Minoru Tanahashi leans almost all the way over the ropes and just grazes the tips of her fingers to get back inside the ring. Adrianna gets up, furious as Minoru looks straight at her.

“IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!”

Tanahashi is a bit pissed as he points over towards Kasey Kash.

“Look me and the asshole there got reasons for wanting to fight these fuckers too. Cut the shit and let's work together.”

She looks at him, smirks, flips him off then goes to shoulder past him, but he shoves her backward into Anton as he’s slowly getting back up. Crowley catches Adrianna with The Fall as Cali-Kate grabs Kasey Kash off the apron and they start trading shots. Minoru charges Crowley with Akihabara Dreams, but he sidesteps and tags in Risa. Crowley goes to help Kate as Risa comes in, ducks under Kabukicho nights and looks for the spinning chop to the throat she had previously hit Minoru with. Minoru blocks it, drives a knee into the midsection of Risa, and hits the Black Lion Bomb. Kate and Crowley connect with a spear/spinning heel kick to Kasey Kash as Minoru has the cover

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Your winners as a result of a pin fall… KASEY KASH, ADRIANNA SALVATORE AND MINORU TANAHASHI

Miranda Augustino: NOOOO. No no no, come on. Anyone but that asshole. I don’t know-how in the hell House Crowley could lose this match, but of all the people to get the pin

Andrew Payne: A former Silver Mountain champion that took Anton to the absolute limit in one of those most insane and brutal matches we have seen in quite some time? AND the man who will be getting his rightful rematch for that Undisputed Championship at Manifest Destiny II!!

Miranda Augustino: Oh shut the fuck up and go slurp his balls while you’re at it. He’s a pitiful little jackass and he got lucky tonight.

Tanahashi doesn’t even wait around to have his hand raised as both Kate and Crowley are quickly in the ring. Tanahashi does glance over towards Kash and sort of apologizes that he got hung out to dry and took that double team, but when his hand is raised, he seems to shrug it off. Risa and Adrianna get to their feet at the same time and both look at Tanahashi with a bit of rage. He doesn’t care though, he just smiles and raises his hand as he walks off

Andrew Payne: Minoru Tanahashi getting a measure of revenge on House Crowley and I think most importantly for him, his former friend and tag partner, Risa Jackson. That's all we have for tonight, everyone! For Miranda Augustino, I'm Andrew Payne. Good night and we'll see you at Manifest Destiny II in two weeks!

Result: Via Pinfall