NFW Trauma #42 - Chicago, Illinois! 07/03/2021!

“You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out

You put your right hand in, and you shake it all about.”

The little girl that has been seen around the Collision Center these past few weeks seems to be moving back and forth as if on a swing, but there is no swing. She kicks her feet behind her and then stretches them out. Perhaps wherever she is, in the dark caverns of the Center’s underbelly, it’s just too hard to see the swing. Regardless, as she sings and swings, she’s cut off mid-chorus.

“You’re here.”

Once again, the small child has a blindfold over her eyes, wears an old tattered nightgown and has nothing on her feet. And yet, she turns her attention directly towards the camera as if she could see it.

“She once was a tiger, but now she’s a nova. Someone threw her away in the trashcan, but she found a way back. But can she connect the dots and win the prize? Highly unlikely. The tiger cannot see what’s behind her. She can only see what’s ahead, but the truth is the danger is always behind you. Just like the monster that lurks under the bed, waiting to devour the children as they go to sleep at night, so is the instability of the one who lurks within the halls, waiting for the moment to pounce.”

The little girl lets out a small giggle. She is distracted for a moment as she leans down and picks up a penny on the floor and holds it in front of her blindfold as if inspecting it.

“Shiny, like the tiger and the robot before her. In the end, they all fall. So, don’t get angry. The words can only hurt if you let them. Once the battle is over, there’ll be a little less shine on them. It always happens. She has that way about her. Then she will meet the concussion. I hope it doesn’t hurt anymore. If so, perhaps take a step back and turn around. The sun has no equal when it comes to the light. It’s overwhelming and all consuming, yet so many take it for granted. Unaware that one day, it just may no longer shine. What will you do then? We will soon find out.”

The girl slips the coin into her nightgown pocket, but the coin falls through a hole and lands back on the floor with a metallic clink, though to girl seems to no longer care about the penny.

“And then father, she wants you. She wants your shiny to go with her own. I hope you are listening. I hope you are paying attention. Even you cannot stop her.”

With those final words, the child turns around and walks back to where she came. She climbs back onto the imaginary swing and begins to rock back and forth.

“You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around (spin around)

And that’s what it’s all about!”

The shot cuts back to ringside with the camera panning over the ring and audience.

Miranda Augustino: Well, that ain’t creepy at all! Sarcasm heavily intended!!

Andrew Payne: Pretty out there, Mir!! Welcome to Trauma, ladies and gentlemen!! Buckle up because tonight’s gonna be wild!
We cut to the backstage area with Amy Connors looking into the camera with a smile on her face.

Amy Connors: Welcome from me to NFW Trauma, here with me right now is one of our newest signees, Mr NsFW himself... Marco Valintine.

Marco Valintine walks onto screen, shaking Amy's hand.

Amy Connors: Hello Mr Valintine, it's nice to meet you.

Marco Valintine: Nice to meet you also babe, and ya can call me Marco... no need to be so formal.

Amy Connors: Okay, now then... you started your run here in NFW not in the greatest way with a loss against Steele Matthews.

After hearing the name, Marco can't help but roll his eyes.

Marco Valintine: Yeah I did, but when you have a big gorilla as backup it's going to be difficult to get a clean win. All the guy proved was he couldn't hang with me without having to cheat and that is just sad.

Amy Connors: Well fair enough, now you are going to be facing Diamond Steele tonight, how are you feeling going into this contest?

Marco Valintine: I am amped up babe, this is way too much fun and I am gonna bring my best to this one. No offense to Diamond, but I'd like this win to get back into the swing of things fully and give the fans something they are going to be talking about when the show is done. Now, I got to go Amy and get ready for my match, keep on watching people... because I am going to give you the match of the night.

Marco walks off the screen leaving Amy Connors on her own.

Amy Connors: Back to you at ringside.

Match #1/Singles Match

Marco Valintine vs Diamond Steele

During the warm up before the bell, Marco Valintine took the time to strut his stuff and amp up the crowd, encouraging them to get loud. Once the bell rang, he had the crowd fully behind him which Diamond Steele didn’t take too kindly too. She yelled at the fans that Marco was no real rocker. The only true rocker in the ring was her. This started a sequence where Marco and Diamond took turns throwing up the horns to the crowd to differing reactions.

Marco threw up his hands, giving the horns!

Crowd: YAAAAAAY!!!

Diamond threw up her hands, giving the horns!

Crowd: BOOOOOOO!!!!

Marco gave the horns!

Crowd: YAAAAAAY!!!

Diamond gave the horns!

Crowd: BOOOOOOO!!!!

Marco gave the horns!

Crowd: YAAAAAAY!!!

Diamond gave the horns!

Crowd: BOOOOOOO!!!!

Marco gave the horns!

Crowd: YAAAAAAY!!!

Finally, Diamond Steele had clearly had enough and ran in at Marco as he was turning to let her take her turn at trying to rile the crowd up but as he did, she jumped in with a Cazador Rollup and caught him in a cover! Referee Ashley Campbell dropped down for the pin!

TWO!

But Marco used his size advantage to power up out of the cover and rolled back, pushing Diamond onto her back as he bent back into a bridge cover!! The referee restarted the count!

TWO!

THREE!

~DING DING DING!~

Miranda Augustino: HOLY SHIT!!!!

Andrew Payne: WHAT THE HELL?!

Miranda Augustino: HOOOOLY SHIT!!!

Thea Crawford: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, by pinfall: MARCO...VALINTINE!!!!!

“Supersonic Sex machine” played over the PA system as Marco rolled out of the ring and immediately went to celebrate with the crowd while Diamond sat up in the ring with a stunned look on her face. What the hell just happened?!

Andrew Payne: You wanna talk about a way to kick off Trauma?! There’s one hell of an example!!

Miranda Augustino: Diamond Steele does NOT look happy!

Andrew Payne: No, but Mr. Not safe For Work certainly does!!

Result: Pinfall

The scene opens backstage inside a locker room. Isis is sitting on a black steel folding chair where the back of the chair is facing the camera. She leans on it.

Isis: “Mister J, you said to my boyfriend on Twitter that fear is what’s needed from me. Question, is your definition of fear Mister J that I should run for the hills? Cower away from a fight I instigated? What if I told you I do feel fear... we all do. It’s how we handle fear that matters.”

“When I picked on Brea, the world called me a bully; likely due to the fact that I am bigger and stronger than her. Fair enough. Now is different. I am picking a fight with a man who is bigger and stronger than me. The adrenaline I felt last week when we tore each other apart, yes, that’s scary but exciting at the same time. If we don’t take on challenges bigger than us, what’s the point? If we don’t push through the fear we experience, we might as well be dead!

Isis cracks her knuckles.

Isis: Don’t expect me to rant up a storm about my former manager and my boyfriend being casualties a week ago due to the war I started. Mister J, my actions will do all the talking. And I’m done talking.

Isis glares at the camera. Message sent. The scene fades to black.

Match #2/Guardians Of The Pyramid Qualifier

FM Young vs Adrianna Salvatore

The bell sounds and the two women come near the center and bump fists in a show of quick respect before backing away and circling the ring before locking up. Adrianna uses her strength to force FM into the corner. She breaks on four and gives a pat on the chest of FM with a cocky little grin. She backs away, allowing FM out of the corner before the two of them lock up again. This time, FM is able to go behind Adrianna and lock in a waistlock. Adrianna reverses it and goes into a headlock. FM backs into the ropes and pushes Adrianna off and when Adrianna rebounds off the ropes, FM delivers a rolling forearm smash that staggers Adrianna, but doesn’t take her down. FM hits the ropes and delivers another forearm, but Adrianna still doesn’t go down. Adrianna then goes for a roundhouse kick, but Adrianna catches her leg and lifts her up and delivers a Blue Thunder Bomb! Adrianna goes for the pin, but only manages a two count. Adrianna picks FM up and sends her into the corner. Adrianna charges in, but FM gets a boot up and drives it into the face of Adrianna, causing her to stumble backwards. FM climbs to the middle turnbuckle and leaps, delivering a crossbody that takes Adrianna off her feet. FM gets up and brings Adrianna to her feet and delivers a swinging neckbreaker before going for a cover, only to get a two count.

FM sits Adrianna up and hits the ropes. She rebounds off and delivers a sliding forearm to Adrianna before picking her up and delivering a wheelbarrow driver and once again hooking the leg on Adrianna, only for her to kick out at two. FM grabs Adrianna and pulls her towards the corner. Once she has Adrianna set up, she goes for Negasonic Warhead, but Adrianna gets her knees up and drives them into the midsection of FM. Adrianna gets to her feet and grabs FM and brings her up, and delivers a Saito Suplex on her. Adrianna sets up in the corner as the crowd reacts to Faust coming down the rampway. Adrianna glances over at him, but as FM gets to her feet, Adrianna delivers a G.R.B. to her. Just as Adrianna is about to go for a cover, Faust hops up onto the ring apron and distracts Yumi as the crowd boos even more as Risa slides into the ring and grabs Adrianna and delivers Ground Zero Prime on Adrianna before dragging FM over Adrianna and slides out of the ring as Faust drops from the apron. Yumi turns around and counts the three.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner and final entrant into the Guardians of the Pyramid match, FM Young!

Andrew Payne: What the hell did we just see?! Risa costing Adrianna this match with her own finisher!

Miranda Augustino: As you can tell, Andy, this whole thing between Risa and Adrianna is personal and far from over.

Result: Pinfall

Mayumi Tanahashi: Volty and Mayumi are best friends. Capybara sticks with me to the very end. Capybaras are the best, yea and Volty is the king.

Outside of the Collision Center, Mayumi Tanahashi walks along with Volta the Capybara. Mayumi sings a little song before she leans down and gives him an ear scratch which receives a very satisfied honk, but then suddenly there’s a honk of alarm and Mayumi jolts up, looking behind her, then in front to see someone coming towards them. Mayumi looks ready to fight, already in new ring gear, rocking some blue pants with a pink and green fairy design on the right leg and a rainbow stripe down the left leg, with a blue top with three black claws marks running down the center. The figure comes into view and it’s Minoru Tanahashi clad in black pinstriped Armani pants, some basic black loafers, and a black lion bomb t-shirt.

Minoru Tanahashi: Here you are. Come on Mayumi, we gotta stick together. All the crap that happened last week, I don’t want you going off on your own.

Volta looks up at Minoru and honks.

Mayumi Tanahashi: That’s right Volty, you tell him. I wasn’t alone Oru. I have Volta right here with me, and even if I didn’t, I can take care of myself.

Minoru sighs slightly and shakes his head as he leans down and pets Volta.

Minoru Tanahashi: Okay you weren’t technically alone, but still. The Hive probably isn’t gonna come after you, but we still got the creepy clown chicks to deal with. Last week, they got me during the match. What if they decided to not even worry about the match this week? They could have taken you out and maybe hurt Volta.

Mayumi gasps leans down and wraps her arms around Volta.

Mayumi Tanahashi: They wouldn’t. Who could even think about attacking this adorable little fuzzy potato?

Minoru Tanahashi: Crazy people with no consciences who specialize in mind games. Reminds me, I should probably tell Effy to watch out for any of Crowley’s people. Although that Faust guy might still be in the hospital.

Minoru looks off, thinking for a bit and slightly smirking.

Minoru Tanahashi: Look, we just need to stick together. Plus I had gotten interview time with Amy.

Amy Connors: Yes, and then you ran off to find Mayumi.

Amy Connors walks up looking professional as always, although there’s a small bit of sweat on her brow and she takes a deep breath.

Mayumi Tanahashi: AMY-CHAN!

Mayumi quickly hugs her favorite interview and smiles.

Mayumi Tanahashi: Sorry I made you come find me.

Amy Connors: It’s Okay Mayumi. We can do the interview right here. I actually just had one question, although it’s two now seeing the new gear.

Mayumi smiles and spins, showing off the bright silver glitter TANAHASHI TWINS script along the back.

Mayumi Tanahashi: It’s neat right? Tanahashi Twins. Minoru got red, I got blue and we each have our little logo on the leg.

Amy Connors: I like it. Was that your idea or Minoru’s?

Minoru Tanahashi: Come on now Amy. Between the two of us, who is going to get custom double dragon inspired gear? Although the rainbow stripe and glitter script was her idea.

Mayumi Tanahashi: Collaborative effort.

Amy Connors: They are very neat, but tonight you find yourself in singles action against Santa Murta. Last week Lady Death was able to take down your brother, though there was a bit of controversy.

Minoru Tanahashi: You mean them using their weird freaky powers to turn off the lights, mess with my head, and well I got hit with something while the lights were out. Seriously, what is it with all the supernatural powers around here? Death god servants, demons, pretty sure there’s an outer god or whatever they’re called over on Collision.

Mayumi Tanahashi: It definitely ain’t nothing like what I dealt with back home. Tonight though, all I can do is go out there and give everything I have. I can’t worry about cheap tricks or supernatural antics.

Minoru Tanahashi: Trust me, I have a plan for that.

Mayumi Tanahashi: Okay, in that case, I will just focus on flying and of course I want all of you to...

Mayumi looks at Amy, Minoru, and Volta with a big smile. Volta scurries over as Amy goes to the left of Mayumi while Minoru rolls his eyes, shakes his head, and chuckles slightly before moving to her right.

Mayumi Tanahashi: FLY WITH MEEEE!

Mayumi hits the signature pose with Amy and Minoru following suit as Volta does his best to stand and pose with them before we fade out.

Match #3/Singles Match

Mayumi Tanahashi vs Santa Muerte

Mayumi fires off like a rocket the second she hears the bell and surprises Santa Muerta with a dropkick right in the corner. Mayumi followed with a Japanese style arm drag, kipped up, and caught Muerta with a sitting thrust kick. Mayumi covered, but Muerta kicked out at 1 and sat straight up. Muerta quickly got to her feet, but Mayumi caught her with an enziguri and a quick headscissors, sending Meurta into the corner. Mayumi hits a quick rope assisted DDT to plant Muerta, but she doesn’t cover instead she heads up top and attempts the Final Flight. It’s too early though and Santa Muerte drives her knees up into Mayumi’s back. With Mayumi clutching her back, Santa Muerta spins her around, rakes her eyes, and then delivers a tornado DDT of her own. Muerta covers, but it’s only a 2. Muerta hops to the top rope and hits a quick missile dropkick as Mayumi us up to her feet. Muerta then hauls Mayumi up and plants her back down in the middle of the ring with the Air Raid Siren. Muerta makes the cover

TWO…

THRE - KICK OUT!

Muerta glares at Nigel Potter and he starts looking like he’s ready to pull the yellow card. Muerta turns back to Mayumi, brings the Sky Child to her feet, and hits a basement dropkick before delivering a quick snap suplex. Mayumi is slow to get to her feet and Muerta is quick with the chop block as she is clearly looking to take out the legs of the flyer. Muerta looks to apply an STF, but before she goes for Mayumi’s head, she starts smacking her a bit. Muerta just smacks the back of Mayumi’s head, taunting as she leans into the leg lock, applying more pressure. Mayumi is starting to get a bit angry and when Muerta goes for the fish hook, Mayumi just goes and bites her. Nigel is quick to draw the yellow card on her and gives her a stern warning. She quickly says “Gomen” then turns and hits Muerta with a quick spinning heel kick. She gets up and goes over to Nigel and “Gomen’nasai, I won’t do anything like that again.” Mayumi’s distaste for fighting dirty proves to be disastrous as Muerta has shaken off that enziguri and goes right into a big Thesz press. Muerta rams down a few strikes before she goes into a choke. Nigel Potter is quick to bring out the yellow card this time and starts the count. “ONE… TWO…. TREE… FOUR…” He’s got his fingers on the red card when Muerta lets go. Mayumi struggles for air, giving Muerta plenty of time to head to the top rope. Mayumi slowly gets up, still sputtering and she walks right into a devastating blockbuster. Muerta makes the cover

TWO…

THRE - KICK OUT!

Muerta shrieks and grabs Nigel Potter by the shirt collar. He starts to reach into his pocket, but Muerta snatches the cards away tosses them and somehow they just fall apart. Nigel isn’t quite sure how to proceed. So he just tells her to focus on her opponent, who catches her with the Sukaihōkī right as she turns around. Mayumi doesn’t cover, she just lays there for a bit catching her breath. Mayumi is slower to get up and clutches her back as she does, but she shakes it off, pulls Santa Muerta up, and hits a quick corkscrew neckbreaker before she heads to the top. The lights suddenly go out again and the red and green lights start, but then there’s a bright flash and Minoru Tanahashi is holding up a road flare and his phone. He hits send on a message and all along the barricade and dropping from the floor on cables, road flares light up the building and Lady Death is on on the apron with Minoru’s cane in hand. Minoru jumps over the barricade and throws Lady death off the apron with a dragon suplex. Mayumi does a 450 over Lady Muerta, runs to the ropes, leaps off, and connects with the Kawaii Kutter. Minoru has Lady Death locked in The Highball Hangover on the outside as Mayumi climbs up top, raises her hand, and yells out to the crowd FLY WITH MEEEE! Before she leaps off the top rope with the Final Flight. Mayumi lands it perfectly, hooks the leg and Nigel dives down into the cover

TWO…

THREE!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Your winner as a result of a pin fall… MAYUMI TANAHASHI

Andrew Payne: Mayumi Tanahashi with the big win as Minoru Tanahashi is able to outsmart La Sirvientas de Yum Kimil. We’re still not sure how they control the lights, but the flares were a genius touch.

Miranda Augustino: They are a fire hazard is what they are. Minoru Tanahashi has put all of us in danger and I hope he is severely fined for both his negligent actions and his completely unprovoked attack on Lady Death. That man is a menace.

Minoru Tanahashi released the hold on Lady Death when the ball rang and quickly slid inside to raise her hand along with Nigel potter. Mayumi thanked Nigel Potter for his fair officiating and again apologized about the biting. The lights suddenly flash as all the flares go dead. The red and green lights begin flashing and a loud snapping sound is heard. The lights return to normal and La Sirvientas de Yum Kimil is nowhere to be seen. Inside the ring, Minoru’s custom cane is cracked, the lion head split apart from the rest, snapped like a twig. Minoru picks up the two pieces of the cane, shakes his head and it sounds like he says “shit.” before he hands Mayumi her ring jacket, smiles, and suggests a victory celebration. She nods, but then looks down at his cane, She takes a second then shrugs, and hops out of the ring.

Result: Via Pinfall

The screen begins to flicker after the previous match. The camera shifted from inside the arena, to inside the red desert where a woman and two wolves awaited the cameraman to guide him, to the one he was truly there for. The blood red eyes of the woman stared at the cameraman, as she turned away from him. The Wolves followed the woman, as she began walking leaving the cameraman stunned.

Legion: Quickly now, you don’t want to get lost within here, we did that once, luckily, he knew where to find us.

Legion motioned, lifting up her hand to the cameraman, as he followed her quickly not wanting to be left behind. The Desert led to an oasis which sat in the middle of it. Legion then sent the wolves off as they were not allowed within his place, she then flipped her hood down revealing her blonde hair. She led the cameraman to a cabin where Mister J sat watching her come across him, scratching him with her nails then she went inside her cabin. Mister J motioned for him to sit down, then he watched him carefully as he stood up.

Mister J: Last week, Miss Isis, you learned a valuable lesson when it came to the Hive and it came to me. You learned very quickly we do not like distractions, and anyone that you hold close becomes a target. Minoru, was just a casualty of the war that you and I have begun, and this will not stop until we settle it. Last week you and I were distracted, this week, besides her, my wolves will not be at ringside.

Mister J laughed a bit as he circled the fire going behind the cameraman, the cameraman shivering a bit as Mister J placed a hand on his shoulder digging it in for a moment, then he moved back to the other side of the fire.

Mister J: But then again, Miss Isis, neither will your annoyance of a manager… and that will definitely show us where we are. Two titans enter this match, one leaves the victor.

Mister J then picks up his axe, the cameraman watches as there are two clocks set up on either side. He slams the axe into one side, then into the other clock as he looks down at the frightened cameraman who has now gotten up to run away.

Mister J: Times up.

The Scene fades as the cameraman returns frightened into the arena as he had wondered about everything.
The scene is dark. There’s nothing blackness. No light, no sound.

Soon a match is struck, providing a small, dim, flickering orange light, illuminating the face of Derrick Vayden as he stares back at the flame, almost in a trance.

Derrick Vayden: Fire is such a fascinating thing. It’s so simple, so easy, yet… it’s vital to countless advancements in history. We would not be where we are if man had not discovered the tool way back when. It is such a helpful discovery.

Derrick takes his eyes off the flame creeping ever closer to his fingers to look up at the camera.

Derrick Vayden: But at the same time, it is unpredictable, destructive. Such a small flame can cause countless tragedies. If left unattended for long enough, a flame could bring the world to its knees. A tool that helps a man one minute could very easily kill him in the next.

Vayden returns to looking at the dancing flame in his hand.

Derrick Vayden: Kind of funny, when you think about it. Because people are the exact same. Someone you consider your friend could put a gun to your head and pull the trigger before you realize what’s happening. To everyone in this Guardians of the Pyramid match… I want you to know I will not do that to you. I won’t pretend like we’re the best of friends. I will look you dead in the eye and tell you exactly what I’m going to do. I will run through each and every one of you until I emerge victorious. Nothing personal, I assure you. However, I would be lying if I said I won’t enjoy it.

The flame continues to crawl down the match towards Derrick’s hand. Yet he doesn’t flinch at all.

Derrick Vayden: I only ask you to keep one thing in mind heading into this match… It doesn’t matter who you are. A champion or a well-known figure… Even myself. In the end…

For a brief moment, the entire room Derrick is in is bright orange as flames surround him. Vayden remains unphased, however.

Derrick Vayden: Everybody burns…

The room quickly darkens again as it returns to blackness. Derrick gives the camera an evil smile. At the very same moment, the flame finally reaches the bottom of the match and smothers itself out in Vayden’s hand, casting the scene into darkness once again.

Match #4/Singles Match

Isis vs Mr. J

This match never, officially, got underway as Thea Crawford stood in the ring ready to introduce the competitors when the crowd suddenly began getting riled up. The reason being that Isis came, more or less tumbling out of one of the tunnels like someone had hit or pushed her with violent force.

Miranda Augustino: Yo! What the fuck, homes?!

Andrew Payne: Hey, whoa! What the hell is…? That’s Isis. She’s supposed to have a match here right now and…!!

Andrew trailed off as Mr. J came storming out of the tunnel. The Utopian Female started getting to her feet but Mr. J hit her with a blatant kick up into the ribs and she went rolling down the steps. Mr. J stayed in hot pursuit, descending the steps and starting to lay into Isis with punches across the head as they slowly started making their way down the walkway. About halfway to the ring, Mr. J grabbed Isis in a bear hug and started ramming her back into the guard rails back and forth before Irish whipping her violently into the apron. He stood there taunting the fans, opening his arms out with a roar and snatching a fan’s “Utopian Goddess” sign to rip it in half before he pursued Isis again.

Andrew Payne: These two are supposed to have a match here but there may not be anything left!!

Miranda Augustino: Can we get some security out here? Get this big motherfucker off of her!!

By the time Mr. J got there, Isis had dug a chair out from under the ring and rose up onto her knees, slamming the edge right into his ribs. Once, twice then jerked out her arms to smash him right in the face with it as he doubled over. This sent him backwards, giving Isis the opportunity to get to her feet and she finally gave a full-on chair shot across the back. Mr. J straightened up at first and turned around to face Isis and she swung again, cracking him right over the head. Mr. J stumbled back, catching himself on the barricade as blood began to ooze down his forehead and over his face. Isis smacked the chair on the apron, telling him to bring that ass if he wanted some more. She reared up and started to come in for a third shot when security finally made it down the walkway and over the barricade, grabbing her to hold her back.

Miranda Augustino: Finally, gonna get this thing broken up! Are we gonna have a match still?!

Andrew Payne: I don’t think so! Referee Antonio Leone’s giving the signal! This match is a no contest! He’s throwing it out before it even starts--LOOK OUT, HERE COMES THE SHIELD OF THE HIVE!!!

Mr. J wasn’t ready to stop, as he came running at Isis and the grouping of security guards, diving as far as he could to get over them and at Isis!! Security guards went down and fists started flying between the two wrestlers before security started pulling them apart again. Finally, they got the two separated as General Manager Isabella Santiago came hurrying down to the ring, shouting out orders to get them away from ringside.

Andrew Payne: Our General Manager is not happy, Mir!

Miranda Augustino: I’m just glad I don’t gotta deal with it after the show! Sucks to be you, carnal!

Andrew Payne: Cute. Real cute.

The shot faded to a commercial as Isis was pulled up the walkway, pointing a finger and shouting obscenities towards Mr. J who was temporarily being kept back at ringside, laughing as blood trickled down his face.
We find Lana Corvin backstage. She is prepped and ready for her match later in the evening. She notices the camera and chuckles.

Lana Corvin: I get that everyone in NFW still considers me a rookie. Been ‘pro’ less than a year. But that does not mean that I am a rookie. I have been working between those ropes since I was old enough to run them. I’m willing to bet that I’ve put more time in that ring than half of the roster has as a professional. I come from a family that has made their name in this business.

Lana shakes her head.

Lana Corvin: I guess it has been too long since a Corvin was in a ring since you all seem to forget what we are about. Should I direct you all over to Collision? Their current dominating Silver Mountain Champion went to war with my uncle and had to almost kill him to beat him. NFW’s greatest World Champion was trained by my father and my Uncle. It’s fine, really. I get that people will claim that they do their ‘homework.’ They will say they know about someone in hopes it isn’t called out. If any of you had done your due diligence against me you would see what my family has done. What we are capable of when we feel we aren’t getting our due.

Lana grins into the camera.

Lana Corvin: Kind of like how I feel right now. I won not one but two matches to be a participant in a Perseverance Title match. What happened after that? There was a Perseverance Title match and I was not in it. Seems like thats a trend in this business anymore. Make someone win a chance at a title then never give it to them. Are you that afraid I’ll embarrass your current Perseverance ‘champion?” I get it, Her and the Undisputed Champion are the spooky overlords of Trauma. But, you see, that spooky stuff only works on the uninitiated. Sure, I will give Anton the credit he is due in that ring. You don’t win a title and hold it for over eight months without have skill and grit. But, give me a break. My dad and uncle were doin that spooky shit long before you were born.

She chuckles and shakes her head.

Lana Corvin: Don’t think that your impressive accomplishments make me intimidated by your consort. Kate had one sniff at the Undisputed title. She had to cash in a shot, against her man, after he had been through two matches. Then when he came calling for his title back, he got it. So what, you saw NFW had a new title and figured since you couldn’t cut it as the top you’d try your hand at gatekeeping for the new people?

Another chuckle.

Lana Corvin: And I thought the saying those who cannot do, teach was bad. But holy shit. Kate couldn’t cut the mustard and decided to try and bookend the real champion. I better get my fucking shot at that pretentous bitch at Sudden Death. It’ll be nice to show her what a real wrestling talent is.

Lana rubs her hands together slightly.

Lana Corvin: But I am getting ahead of myself. It seems that Isabella Santiago finally remembered that I was on the roster and booked me tonight. I get to face Stacy Jones. Someone with a long history in the business. A win over her would be a nice feather in the cap for anyone. Well, anyone without the last name Corvin.

An arrogant smirk creeps on Lana's face.

Lana Corvin: I know that you have probably heard a million times how someone is going to break the unbreakable. I won’t go there since you’ve obviously been broken more times than I could count. Though I would have hoped that if you were going to name yourself after a superhero movie you could at least have done it after an actual, legit one. Not some M. Night Shamalamadingdong convoluted mess. I just ask one favor. Do not come into this match underestimating me. Do not think that because I’m just “another rookie’ that this’ll be a cake walk. You do that and you will be in for a very rude awakening. Because if you do underestimate me you’ll learn that when a Corvin wins...

The smirk changes to a grin.

Lana Corvin: ...It ain’t luck.

Lana chuckles one last time and gives the camera a wink. She then walks off to finish preparing for her match.
The scene comes up in the main arena with the crowd buzzing. “Head Like A Hole” by Nine Inch Nails plays as the lights go down. Anton, Kate and Risa all step out onto the stage, with Kate at Anton's left and Risa at Anton's right. Anton and Kate heft their belts and Risa gives an unblinking deadly stare straight ahead. The group makes their way to the ring amid a chorus of boos and jeers from the crowd.

Miranda Augustino: Papi, Mami and Risa gracing us with their presence!

Andrew Payne: The House has been through some turmoil and you can bet none of them are happy.

Miranda Augustino: Well, Papi is only happy either when others fall, or when he's with Mami and my-

Andrew Payne: I swear to God, do not finish that sentence.

As the group gets to the ring, Anton and Risa climb the apron, while Kate takes the steps. Anton holds the ropes open for both Risa and Kate, stealing a quick kiss from Kate on her way through, before he climbs through himself. Risa has already called for mics and hands them to Kate and Anton as well as keeping one for herself. As the music fades, the boos get louder. Risa is the least bothered, but Kate is near beside herself.

Cali-Kate: You all think this is great stuff, watching two of our own get taken out last week like scraps on a fucking table. That must have made all of you glow with some shitty feeling of pride in Adrianna. But I said it last week and I'll say it one more time: Adrianna's attacks might have been smart, but they were still the acts of a coward. When she realized she couldn't actually fucking destroy Risa...

Kate smiles over at Risa who has a mean smirk on her face as well.

Cali-Kate: ... when she realized she couldn't take out any competitor within the House, she went for the non-competitors. Yes, Tia has competed before and competes elsewhere, but that is not currently her calling here within the House at NFW. She didn't go to finish the fucking job she started with Risa. She didn't come after me and try to draw Anton's ire, possibly even mess with his head. She didn't even go after him directly. I can forgive acts of treachery and underhandedness as a means to an end, but never fucking ever do I forgive cowardice or ineptitude.

Kate snarled a bit under her breath. Anton put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head at her.

Cali-Kate: That's a discussion that can pass at a later time. For now though, there is only one thing that I want to fucking stress. We don't take attacks against our family lightly. If you continue to refuse to learn your lesson Adrianna, you'll be forced to. And trust me when I say, what we have planned will make your "path of destruction" look like an annoying dripping faucet. You play with fire now Adrianna, and that will not pass. Watch us. See what happens.

Risa steps forward as Anton nods to her, the icy glare and smirk never leaving her face. The crowd continues to boo, but it has no effect on the SuperNova.

Supernova Risa: Anaquin Adams. The Undefeated United States Champion. Never pinned. Never submitted. And, quite honestly, never truly tested.

Risa begins to pace in front of Anton and Kate, lost in thought for a moment before she stops.

Supernova Risa: Do not misunderstand, Ana. You are a fantastic champion. A fighting champion who accepts all comers and defends her title with great pride.

The crowd cheers, and even the House claps politely.

Supernova Risa: But this time, you accepted a challenge from me. Salvatore tried to take me out, and look at her now. Lashing out at managers who don't even compete with the company because she tried to take out the smallest of us, myself, and couldn't even do that. And what did I do? I left that bitch in a pile of rubble in her own locker room.

Risa laughs, turning to stare into the camera.

Supernova Risa: This will be the greatest fight of your NFW career Ana. And it will also be your most humbling loss when I bring the US Title home to House Crowley, where it truly belongs.

Risa takes a step back, leaving the floor open to Anton. He steps forward and looks out over the crowd. They rain their animosity and hatred on him as he just smiles.

Anton Crowley: Ever since I won this title and claimed my crown as your King everyone has wanted their shot at me. Par the for the course, I know. But what amuses me is how so many of them claim to be doing it for all these great reasons. To prove themselves, to dethrone the evil tyrant, et cetera. They all have felt as if they are some holy crusader. Someone fighting on the side of ‘good.’ But all of them are the real villains.

The crowd impressively increases the volume of their hatred.

Anton Crowley: They all are so jealous. They come after me out of jealousy. They want what I have. They will make up lies and stories to repeat ad nauseum to justify their despicable motives. They cannot handle that I have gotten to where I am, where they want to be, on my own. They will hang on the fact I use every tool and weapon at my disposal to win. I won this title alone. I won it twice, alone. I have held it for over eight months. I have defended it more than any other to hold it. I have held it longer than other.

Anton starts to pace back and forth.

Anton Crowley: Lie about your King to make yourself feel better about your own failings. But when the histories are written, when our present is spoken about as glorious pasts, the truth shall be known. The truth that I am the greatest Undisputed Champion NFW has ever known! I have built this title, my EMPIRE, as I saw fit. You all have your success because I deemed it so! You owe me everything! Yet you want to act as if what I ask for in return for your well being is some horrible thing.

Anton stops and looks into the camera.

Anton Crowley: Bend the knee. That is all I ask. Swear your fealty to me and you shall live the lives of luxury. Stand in opposition to me and I shall destroy you. But remember, you always have the option to obey. Right up until that bell rings. Once that happens, You shall see the tyrant you desire. Then you should pray to whatever pathetic god you believe in that I show mercy. That I let you continue. If you need proof of my promise, look no further than the false warrior’s brother. Ask Nico Salvatore what the Demon King can do to those who oppose him. Bend the Knee, or be destroyed.

Anton lowers his mike and grins sinisterly into the camera. “Head Like A Hole” by Nine Inch Nails kicks up again. Kate moves next to Anton, standing close as he wraps an arm around her. SuperNova stands next to Anton opposite Kate. The trio grin wickedly into the camera.

Match #5/Strange Bedfellows Tag Team Match

Viola Mancini & Big Bubba vs Griffin Hawkins & Steele Matthews

As the bell sounds Viola points at Bubba and then poinst at their opponents as she screams at him to not fuck this up in her thick New York accent. Bubba just stares back at her, confused, his hands up. He starts to step around and back up towards the middle of the ring.

Across the way in the other corner, Griffin and Steele argue with each other until Steele sees Bubba backing out. Steele shoves Griffin and runs over to try for a flash roll-up on Bubba.

TWO!

BUBBA KICKS OUT!

Steele backs off as Bubba gets up to his feet. Griffin blind tags himself in and climbs to the top rope. He jumps off for a missile dropkick that puts Bubba on his back. As Griffin gets up, Steele tags himself in and runs past him to try and cover Bubba.

TWO!

BUBBA REVERSES INTO A CRADLE!

ONE!

TWO!

STEELE KICKS OUT!

Griffin laughs from his corner and Steele comes over to yell back. Griffin slaps him for a tag and goes to run by him. Steele smacks Griffin across the back of the head and Griffin stops. Steele steps out to the corner. Griffin comes back and Steele tags himself back in again. As the two argue in front of their corner, Bubba comes running in for a big avalanche that crunches both of them against the turnbuckles. Bubba drops down all fours and hits a double mule kick, each foot taking one man in the mouth. Steele goes down to the mat while Griffin falls against the turnbuckles again. Bubba jumps to his feet and clotheslines Griffin over the top to the floor. Steele egst to his feet and Bubba gives him a big forearm blast to the head and then pulls him in for the Bubba Bomb. Bubba snaps it off and then comes to the corner as Viola motions at him to do so. Bubba goes to the top, climbing up and as he launches himself into the BubbaSault, Viola tags his leg making herself legal. Bubba crashes down with all of his 365 pounds right onto Steele, hitting so hard he bounces off. Viola runs in and covers Steele.

TWO!

THREE!

~ DING DING DING ~

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners, by pinfall, Big Bubba Thompson and Viola Mancini!!

Andrew Payne: Well, they may not have the best chemistry but Bubba and Viola managed to pick up a win!!

Miranda Augustino: I guess that’s something!!

While Viola Mancini celebrated the win in the ring, Big Bubba came in to celebrate with her, jumping and clapping. He reached his arms out for a celebratory hug but Viola stuck her hands up with a forced smile and left Bubba in the ring. The big man looked confused at first but continued to celebrate on his own.

Result: Pinfall

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

Amy Connors: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… Stacy Jones.

The camera pans out a little to reveal Stacy Jones standing beside the interviewer dressed ready to compete along with her trademark leather jacket.

Amy Connors: Stacy, tonight you’re going one on one with Lana Corvin so I want to get your thoughts on the challenge she poses for you tonight?

Jones nods.

Stacy Jones: Yeah, I mean… Lana Corvin is a second generation wrestler… this business is in her blood much like it is mine. My adopted father who trained me, he too was a former wrestler before he retired and went into training others. So I understand that tonight's gonna be tough… but like I always say… I like the challenge! Getting the chance to go up against wrestlers I have never faced before? It’s one of the many reasons why I do this. One of the reasons why I love doing what I do. That makes all of the pain you deal with after every match you have worth it.

The Unbreakable One shoves her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

Stacy Jones: So yeah, I know that I’m in for a tough match tonight… and I’ll be aiming to walk away with the victory because after stepping up to Anaquin Adams and letting her know that I want a shot at her and the United States Championship? I need to rack up some victories to prove to everyone that I have what it takes to be the first person to defeat Anaquin, if she retains later tonight of course.

Amy Connors: Speaking of Anaquin Adams and what you just alluded to there. I presume you have a vested interest in that United States Championship match that sees Anaquin Adams putting her title on the line against Risa Jackson.

Jones nods again.

Stacy Jones: I do have an interest in that match… so much so that I’ve decided to take a front row seat for it. Because regardless of who wins that match? I’m next in line for a shot at that belt.

Amy Connors: Well Stacy, thanks for your time and good luck tonight.

The Unbreakable One nods and smiles before giving the interviewer a light pat on the arm before disappearing off camera as we cut elsewhere.

Match #6/Singles Match

Lana Corvin vs Stacy Jones

Corvin and Jones approach each other, both with a slight hesitation in their step. They draw closer and closer, eventually getting into a collar and elbow tie-up. The two struggle for control, before Corvin slips a hand from Jones’ shoulder to the back of the head, yanking the hair and sending Stacy falling back! The referee reprimands Corvin for this as she backs away with her hands raised. Jones scrambles back to on knee, darting a frustrated look towards Lana Corvin.

The two attempt to lock up again, but Corvin grabs the arm of Jones and twists it! Pained and thinking on her feet, Jones puts a foot over Corvin’s knee and uses the leverage to flip her over with an Arm Drag! Corvin lands on her feet, though, going for an Enzuigiri on Jones! But Jones has it well scouted, hooking the right leg as the left sails over her, landing Corvin in a wheelbarrow position. But Corvin shifts the weight forward, getting Jones into a victory roll pin!

TWO…!

Jones kicks out, as Corvin rolls away. Before a still kneeling Jones can straighten her bearings, Corvin’s right back on her, hitting a knee to the side of her head! Jones is left laid out on her back, and Corvin drags her prone body towards the corner of the ring. Corvin slingshots off the ropes, attempting an Arabian Press, but Jones rolls out of the way. Catching this, Corvin lands perfectly on her feet, bouncing off the mat with another moonsault to keep up the pace! But Jones puts up the knees to Corvin’s torso, sending her to the corner writhing in pain!

Corvin returns to feet in the corner as Stacy gets to her feet on the other side of the ring. She runs for Corvin in the corner, landing a huge European Uppercut across her chin! Corvin staggers out of the corner, just in time for Jones to start with her famous kick combo! First kicks to the right side, then the left! Stacy gets the spinning back kick to the gut, causing Corvin to fall to a knee, but when she goes for that buzzsaw kick, Corvin has it well scouted! She ducks underneath, causing Jones to spin all the way around, giving Corvin the opening for a schoolboy roll up!

TWO..!

Jones kicks out and both competitors get back to their feet almost instantly! Corvin is the first on the jump, twirling around a standing Jones to hit “Through The Veil”. Before Corvin can grab the head and drive it to the mat though, Jones pushes her away. Corvin lands on her feet, and in a last ditch effort, catches Jones with a kick to the gut. She hooks the arms, looking for The Glorifier! Corvin gets her up, but Jones is just barely able to wrap her legs around the head of Corvin! Jones gets a hurricanrana and wraps Corvins leg for a quick pin!

TWO…!

THREE…!

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner...Stacy! Jones!

Andrew Payne: And I think that was a close one for Stacy Jones!! She got the win but it could have ended badly for her!!

Miranda Augustino: You see how Lana Corvin stayed on that ass?! Lil girl is on fire!! Fire, I say!!! FI-YAH!!!!

Andrew Payne: I agree wholeheartedly, Mir!! Don’t snub that young lady, Lana Corvin, for one second! Not if you’re smart!

Result: Pinfall

Main Event/United States Championship

Risa Jackson vs Anaquin Adams ©

Before the bell rang, the fans and commentary team were slightly surprised as A Sound Of Thunder’s “I Will Not Break” kicked on over the PA system for the second time that night. As the music suggested, Stacy Jones came out from one of the tunnels, still in her ring gear but wearing one of her merch line shirts and carrying a bottle of water. Smirking with amusement, she made her way down to the ring, only to circle around it and join the commentary team. Anaquin Adams looked amused, herself as she and Stacy silently stared each other down but Risa Saito-Jackson told Anaquin she’d better focus on her, then made sure to tell Stacy that if she planned on challenging for the United States Title, it was going to be her she faced. Stacy gave a condescending clap and threw Risa a thumbs up before going into the commentary with Andrew Payne and Miranda Augustino as the bell rang.

Fans were totally ready for this one as they started a slow clap rhythm the moment leading up to the bell. The champion and challenger circled up in the ring, looking for a lockup but both seemed highly cautious about really going in for it. Finally, Anaquin offered up her hands for a strength test and the newly dubbed SuperNova stepped in, locking hands together. Anaquin started using her strength to push Nova back with a test of might. Nova was able to twist around and lock Anaquin’s arms up before kicking her in the midsection, repeatedly before coming off the ropes for a running forearm. Anaquin stumbled and Nova hit the ropes for another one but Adams caught her with a Japanese Arm Drag. Nova popped up to her feet as Anaquin ran in for an extremely early Tectonic Shift but Nova ducked the deadly backfist and sprang back off the ropes for a Tornado DDT and an early cover!

TW--KICKOUT!

As the match continued, Nova took an early advantage, not shy about going completely in on Anaquin with hard hitting chops, knee, forearms and palm strikes. Things started looking like Nova had the champion on the ropes as Stacy Jones and the commentators discussed the abilities of both competitors. When questioned as to which one Stacy would love to face if she got a shot at the title, she remarked how she’d love to be the one to break Anaquin’s win streak but a fight with SuperNova would be a great fight as well. Meanwhile, Anaquin started mounting a comeback against SuperNova in the ring, firing back with her own hard shots. While she was more of a high flyer, she had the weight advantage on SuperNova and could throw some nasty hits herself. She went for the Tectonic Shift again and while Nova ducked, Anaquin caught her with a knee to the jaw, standing her back up, then leveled her with a discus clothesline. Anaquin threw the horns, hit the ropes and hit a springboard moonsault for a cover of her own!

TWO!

NO!!!

Anaquin waited for SuperNova to get herself up enough and ran in with a Shining Wizard. Nova went down but immediately made it over onto her stomach and up onto her knees so Anaquin pulled her to her feet. She whipped the challenger into the corner and ran in but hit a feint, jumping over onto the apron where she kicked Nova’s legs out from under her, causing her to drop down onto her butt in the corner. From there, Anaquin slingshotted herself over the ropes into a low Dropkick. She immediately picked Nova up to her feet, throwing a couple of back elbows to keep her rocked before lifting her up onto the turnbuckle to set up for a Superplex. However, Nova started fighting out of the hold with punches to the ribs, followed by a European Uppercut that rocked Anaquin enough that Nova was able to hit an avalanche Destroyer piledriver and get a cover!!!

TWO!

TH--NO!!!

Stacy Jones continued to watch the match intensely as SuperNova began taking control back. Nova stepped back as Anaquin slowly sat up and went to pull herself up on the ropes but she stopped for a moment against the bottom rope, turning around and leaning back against it. Bit of a mistake as Nova came running in and caught her with the Impact Crater!! Anaquin dropped down to the mat again and Nova went for another cover.

TWO!

ROPE BREAK!

Anaquin got her hand on the ropes and SuperNova was absolutely furious! While she argued with the referee, Anaquin rolled out onto the apron, trying to get her second win but SuperNova stepped out in pursuit of her and pulled her up to her feet with the champion’s back to her. Fans and the commentary team knew what she was going for and could only look on as Nova hit Go The F*ck To Sleep to Anaquin right on the ring apron, causing both competitors to spill onto the floor. SuperNova was the first one up to her feet, however as Anaquin held the back of her neck on the ringside floor. The fans booed as SuperNova crawled back inside and stepped back to let the referee continue counting. She was planning on winning this match by countout?!?! Nova leaned back against the ropes, exhausted and in pain from the fight so far but a wicked smile on her face. The referee made it to 15 on the count as the crowd booed SuperNova; the commentary reminding everyone that the title could, indeed, change hands via a countout victory. Much to the fans delight, however, Anaquin pulled herself up at about 18 and made it up onto the ring apron. It was enough for the ref to call an end to the count but the crowd started getting riled up again as someone jumped over the barricade and grabbed Anaquin by the leg, yanking her back out to the floor!!

Andrew Payne: Hey!! What the he--?! SALVATORE!! ADRIANNA SALVATORE!!!!

Miranda Augustino: What the fuck is she doing?!

Stacy Jones: Oh this ain’t cool at all!!

Referee Yumi Akiyama immediately called for the bell, ending the match but Adrianna wasn’t focused on Anaquin Adams. No, instead, she immediately slid into the ring and was on her feet in a staredown with a furious SuperNova who realized what she did.

Miranda Augustino: Bitch just ruined a perfectly fine match and screwed Nova out of the U.S title!

Andrew Payne: I hate to say it, Mir, but what goes around comes around!!

Stacy Jones: You’ll forgive me if I’m a little disappointed!

Fuming, SuperNova came running at Adrianna but Adrianna darted off to the side, hit the ropes and caught SuperNova, thrown off by her odd choice of direction with a brutal spear!!!

Andrew Payne: GAMMA RAY BURST ON THE SUPERNOVA!!! YOU EVER WONDER WHAT SOMETHING LIKE THAT LOOKS LIKE? THERE IT IS, RIGHT THERE!!

Miranda Augustino: NOT FUNNY, DAMN IT!!!

Salvatore wasted no time in going for a ground and pound position, throwing angry punches down at SuperNova. In the scramble, Nova managed to grab hold of the bottom rope and pull herself out from under Salvatore, but the bigger woman powered her back to the center of the ring, yanking her by the legs. SuperNova struggled to get free as Adrianna relied solely on her brute strength to manhandle her back up to her feet, spun her around and delivered a kick to the midsection. As Nova doubled over, Adrianna set her up and tossed her into the air for the snap variation of--

Andrew Payne: GROUND ZERO!!!!!!!

Nova hit the mat as Salvatore sat out with the maneuver before popping up to her feet and yelling to the crowd.

Miranda Augustino: This is some bullshit, Andy!! She’s got no business being out here!

Andrew Payne: Well, you know what?! SuperNova had no goddamn business being out here earlier!!

Miranda Augustino: Yeah?! Well Adrianna had no business, last week, attac--

Andrew Payne: Oh you know what, Mir? Shut it! For once, when it comes to your bias against House Crowley! Shut it!!!

Miranda sat in her seat, looking suddenly struck as referees poured out to get control of the situation. Stacy Jones, at this point, had come off of commentary and was just shaking her head at the whole situation. Referee Yumi Akiayama handed Anaquin Adams the U.S Title. Referees started to climb into the ring, trying to coax Adrianna out as she leaned over SuperNova, screaming--

Adrianna Salvatore: That’s how it’s done, you little bitch!! THAT’S HOW IT’S FUCKING DONE!!

Then, much to the disgust of some, she inhaled deep and spat down into SuperNova’s face before swatting the referees’ hands out of her way so she could exit the ring. The show ended with SuperNova beginning to come around, wiping the wad of spit off her face, Anaquin Adams and Stacy Jones exchanged glances from opposite ends of ringside, and Adrianna Salvatore stood on the stage, throwing her pose up with a wicked grin on her face as the credits rolled….

Result: Disqualification