Vlad Blackheart Memorial IV Press Conference!

The camera opens up in the newly setup board room within the Collision Center. There's a stage erected in front of an audience of reporters and fans that have come to attend the press conference for the fourth annual Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. Seated at tables in front on either side, to the back of the stage are the twenty men and women. Two tables on each side, behind one another; five individuals to each table. The Collision participants on the audience’s left, Trauma’s participants on their right. Behind the stage is the main entrance to the Collision Center where the doors open as NFW Commissioner and Owner, Steven Brody walks out and approaches the stage. He is accompanied, respectively, by Collision and Trauma brand General Managers, Luthor Callaway and Isabella Santiago. Standing at the podium as they approach is NFW’s social media representative, Jessica Clarkson.
Jessica Clarkson: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning! I’m Jessica Clarkson: PR and Social Media Rep for New Frontier Wrestling. We’d like to welcome you to this press conference to discuss the fourth annual Vlad Blackheart Memorial tournament. Without further adieu, I’d like to turn the floor over to Chief Executive Officer, Steven Brody!

The audience applauds as the Commissioner moves up the center aisle, between the two sets of tables. The respective General Managers each take a seat at the inner ends of the front tables with the brands they manage. Jessica Clarkson elegantly steps aside as she joins the audience in their applause as Steven Brody steps up to the podium.





Steven Brody: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here. Think I see some familiar faces from last year and that means a lot, truly. Tomorrow begins one of our biggest events of the year. These men and women you see behind me are some of the finest talent that New Frontier Wrestling has to offer and they’re about to undergo the greatest test of skill and endurance, probably in their entire careers. They do so in honor of the man who drew enough eyes to New Frontier Wrestling to bring it from an upstart independent circuit to the global sensation that it’s become. Vlad Blackheart was a friend to us all and he dedicated just about every ounce of energy to professional wrestling. He gave to us and so, now, we give back to him. One of these competitors is going to face either the World Heavyweight or Undisputed Champion at WrestleWar 18, this year in Tokyo - a title that Vlad Blackheart has held a record five times, among other accolades and titles to his career. We’ll have to sit back, enjoy the wrestling and see exactly who it’s gonna be but right now, I’m gonna turn the floor over to the athletes as they’re all eager to tell you from their own mouths. So, with that being said….

Steven Brody steps away from the podium and motions to the tables before heading back to his seat.
Once the initial introductions were made concerning the event, Jonna Austin stood up and made her way to the podium. The woman had on a pair of tight leather pants, open-toed heels, a dark green halter top, and a leather half jacket. Around her waist was the World Wrestling Headquarters Affliction Championship that she had won nearly 2 months ago, the title belt shining brightly in the sun. When the Texas native reached the podium, she brushed a few strands of hair from her shoulder and cleared her throat, looking around the press that was there.

Jonna Austin: Now I could stand here and take questions like I’m sure some of my colleagues will, but that’s just not my style for anyone that hasn’t seen me before. Before I focus on the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament, and because I know people are wondering since I haven’t spoken out about it, I will touch on Cruel Summer for just a moment. Yes, I lost the match...I didn’t take the title from Damon Cross, but that doesn’t mean my quest for singles gold in NFW has ended. If it did, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.

Jonna paused for a moment, closely watching the press who seemed to be watching her extremely closely as well...oh the joys of being the first one up, right? The statuesque woman unhooked the WWH title from around her waist and placed it on the podium in front of the microphone.

Jonna Austin: Some may see me bringing this title to the event as unprofessional since it’s from another company, but I made sure to check with Luthor and Mr. Brody first; I wouldn’t dream of disrespecting them or NFW as a whole like that, not with how good they’ve been to me. But I brought it to prove a point about me. I may not have beaten Damon, who is a phenomenal competitor and champion, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t beat those considered the top people. This title proves that considering who I beat to win it in the first place, but that’s neither here nor there. This is my first time in the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament, and I plan to make it one Hell of a run.

Jonna paused again and looked up and down the tables on either side of the podium, seeing the tough competition that she’d have to go through. She nodded as she looked at the 19 other competitors, seeing some champions and former champions, all amazing in their own rights. After taking a moment, she looked back towards the press who seemed to be having a hard time holding back from trying to ask questions.

Jonna Austin: If I even tried to think that this month would be on anything but extremely difficult mode, I would be a very poor player, wouldn’t I? Hell, I’m going against the former Undisputed Champion in my first-round match! If going against Anton Crowley isn’t like a final boss fight then I’ll be damned as to what it actually is! Then you’ve got Stacy Jones, SuperNova, Adrianna Salvatore, Jansen Myrrh, Jessica Matthews, Ronnie Lester, Abigail Lyndsey, and Minoru Tanahashi just in A Block alone...along with myself, of course. Current and former champions, even future ones, whether it’s been in NFW or elsewhere. If that’s not a stacked competition then I’m not sure what would be. But whether the odds are against me or not, I will not falter in my quest to be at the top in some way. I will be the best fighter out of them all.

Jonna took a moment and opened a little bottle of water that was under the podium, taking a sip from it to moisten her mouth and throat. All of the talking had made them a little dry, and the last thing she wanted to do was start coughing, especially with all the uncertainty in the world because of the pandemic still going on. She cleared her throat and began speaking again.

Jonna Austin: While I won’t meet anyone from B Block right away, you can’t forget about any of them either...more current and former champions in and out of NFW that have busted their asses for their accomplishments as well as some that want to be in that class. Griffin Hawkins, fellow Kingdom member Jasmine Matthews, Cherry Addams, Cali-Kate, Leah Aguero, Sierra Silver, Solomon Graham, Cayla Phoenix, Casey Holliday, and Logan Bailey. I’ll be honest, there are a few people in B Block that I’m not at all concerned about...I doubt I’ll even have to deal with them at the end of the tournament, but there are some that I would be honored to face. I’ll let all of you figure it out as far as who is who.

Jonna smirked a bit as she looked at the B Block table, knowing at least a couple of people knew that she respected them and wasn’t referring to them in terms of concern. She took a sip of water again then grabbed the WWH Affliction championship, throwing it over her shoulder in the process. After moving her hair out of her face again, the woman leaned towards the microphone once more.

Jonna Austin: The Gamer Punk is ready to play...let’s hope the others are too. I’m ready for the ultimate boss fight. So let’s play and get this game going.

With that, Jonna turned on her heel and went back to her seat at the A Block table, her WWH title now on the table in front of her as she leaned back in her chair.
Sitting in his spot at the table, Ronnie “Wicked” Lester sits forward, setting his drink down on the table with a playful smirk.

Ronnie Lester: Just so y’all know, that really is water…

He nods as the assembled mass chuckles.

Ronnie Lester: First things first, I ain’t gonna bullshit y’all and say I’m really excited to be in this because of all the history behind it and all that. Nobody’d believe me if I said it anyway and I don't feel like tryin’ to start lyin’ to y’all now. I’ve been with this company for just over five months now.

He nods again.

Ronnie Lester: Before that I’d had like three matches in a couple of years because I had an unfortunate run-in with a certain Miss Terminator that ended with my head feelin’ like I’d been put through a damn blender and then it was a fight to get cleared.

Pausing, Ronnie looks down and nods to himself.

Ronnie Lester: I can sit here and admit, after that kind of a thing, my timing still ain’t rightly back yet. So why am I here?

He snickers knowingly.

Ronnie Lester: Originally, I wasn’t. I didn’t make it into the sign-up on time but then we had a drop out and somebody needed to take the spot. I figured…

He shrugs almost playfully.

Ronnie Lester: If I’m gonna be able to get my timing back, if I’m gonna get to where I used to be, if I’m gonna get to be better than I used to be, then I need to be in the ring…

He looks up to the people.

Ronnie Lester: And there ain’t no more “get in the ring” than this here tournament.

He nods as he looks down the table.

Ronnie Lester: Just look at the assembled talent here. You got world champions galore and that’s just the Rock Hearts and House Crowley! You look at Anton, Adriana, Risa, Minoru, Stacy, Jessica, Abigail, Jansen and Jonna and go, damn, that’s a bitch of a block right there with or without me. You toss me on top and that’s a lot of championship pedigree shoved into one damn block! That’s a helluva challenge! Then you look at the other block and you see Griffin, Kate, Solomon, Cayla, Casey, Sierra, Cherry, Logan, Leah and jasmine and that’s a second fuckin’ stacked ass block! Anybody who comes out of this a winner has done some damn work and that’s what I’m here to do!

He nods pointing to himself.

Ronnie Lester: I’m here to do some fuckin’ work and see where I’m at, how far I gotta go before I can rank at the top! For me, this is all about the competition and the test and there ain’t no better test…

He pauses and then nods to the rest of the table.

Ronnie Lester: Than all y’all!
Cali-Kate is introduced as speaking next and walks up to the stage. Her top shows off all her cleavage with a bustier bound in front. Her mid thigh leather skirt shows off her delicious edges and there as she struts confidently to the podium. She shakes her head.

Cali-Kate: When I woke up this morning and fucking realized I had to be here to talk to you people about the tournament, at first I felt disappointed. Because when I fucking speak, it seems to go in one ear and out the other as it is with everyone else. You saw me up here last year with the Undisputed title. Do you remember that? Well when I am done here, that's a sight you'll see again.

Kate sneers a bit as she thinks over the list.

Cali-Kate: I know that's something you can't quite comprehend just yet. Cali-Kate, a two-time Undisputed champion? It's unheard of. It's impossible. It can't happen. And as usual I say "I've built my fucking career on proving people wrong and doing the impossible. That's why I'm going to win this tournament.

Kate flashes a knowing grin at the audience.

Cali-Kate: Just think about it, I'm one of the most acclaimed superstars in NFW. I'm pretty much synonymous with it at this point. Even names like Griffin and Stacy and Jessica, and even the two current champs, Damon and… and FM, aren't making the draws like me. You can say all you want about it being about my thotting or my looks and sleeping to the top, but I still bust my ass in that ring for every fucking thing I get! And I'm going to prove it yet again.

Kate leans a little bit into the mic.

Cali-Kate: And for those of you wondering, I didn't have to come in here, opposite Anton and Risa. Just like them, I am doing this for my own personal gain. That is understood already between us. I'm going through this tournament on my block, taking every last one of them out like a stupid mob spawn they are. The only boss level here is me! The only high score will be mine!

She gives an almost evil smirk

Cali-Kate: And for once this year, the only thing that's gonna grace your screens is me! Watch me!
The NFW United States Champion, “Unbreakable” Stacy Jones makes her way over to the podium and sets her championship down as she looks out to the sea of reporters and fans in attendance with a smile on her face.

Stacy Jones: When I was fourteen years old, my adopted father took me to see my first live wrestling show. Ever since that show, I was completely hooked on this great sport known as professional wrestling and it was at that moment that I knew I wanted to become a professional wrestler. So my adopted father, who was a former wrestler in his own right, trained me to become one. I have now been in this industry for twelve years, I’ve wrestled all over the world for multiple different companies and won championships in every single one of them.

Some cheers and applause come from the people in attendance.

Stacy Jones: One of the many lessons my adopted father taught me when it comes to this sport is to always respect your peers and the many wrestlers who came before you. Because as much as you, the fans, are responsible for why we are able to do what we love for your entertainment… the wrestlers who came before us are also responsible for that too. That was one of the reasons why I signed up for this tournament. This is my way of paying tribute to the legendary Vlad Blackheart, and I hope to make him proud when I compete in this memorial for him.

More cheers and applause.

Stacy Jones: Now of course, another reason why I signed up for this is because I love to challenge myself. I love to step up and wrestle against anyone and everyone who is put up against me. And I want to follow in the footsteps of incredibly talented individuals who have won this very tournament in the past. People like my good friend and tag team partner, Griffin Hawkins…

The fans cheer as she briefly turns to look over to Hawkins as they nod to each other.

Stacy Jones: People like another good friend of mine, the extremely talented, Risa Jackson…

There is a lesser positive reaction from the fans and Jones holds up her hand to quieten them down.

Stacy Jones: No matter how you may feel about either of those two people I mentioned, nobody can deny how talented they are in that ring and they overcame a plethora of other extremely talented individuals to walk away as the winner of this memorial tournament. Which is exactly what I must do this month as I know that I will be stepping into the ring in my first three matches against the likes of Abigail Lindsay, my Resistance sister Jessica Matthews and the very woman who gave the Undisputed Champion a tough title defense recently, Jonna Austin. All three of those women are fantastic competitors in their own right, and if I am able to get past those three, I could find myself going up against many other big names such as Adrianna Salvatore, Ronnie Lester, Minoru Tanahashi, Jansen Myrrh, Anton Crowley and of course last years winner, Risa Jackson.

The Unbreakable One takes a quick drink of water from a bottle before continuing.

Stacy Jones: And then of course, if I am able to win Block A, I shall be meeting the winner of Block B in the finals who have some equally as talented names such as Solomon Graham, Cali-Kate, Cayla Phoenix, Casey Holliday, Sierra Silver, Cherry Addams, Logan Bailey, Leah Aguero, Jasmine Matthews and the man who won it two years ago, Griffin Hawkins.

Jones nods at the array of talent involved in the tournament with her.

Stacy Jones: Before I finish up. I want to tell you all a quick story. There have been many people in this business who I have found myself up against who have misconstrued the meaning behind my nickname, “Unbreakable”. The common thought that these people have is that it either refers to me not being able to suffer injury… or that because I wear my heart on my sleeve that I am easily broken mentally.

The United States Champion shakes her head.

Stacy Jones: I was given the “Unbreakable” nickname by a dear friend of mine many years ago, and she gave me this nickname because no matter what I have been through in life… both professionally and personally… I always come out of it on the other side a much stronger person. Now of course, I’m not going to stand here and pretend that I’m the only person on the planet who has not been through hardships, because that just isn’t true. Part of growing up is going through hardships in life, and some of these hardships are very difficult to overcome and come back from.

She picks her championship up and holds it in her hand.

Stacy Jones: This United States Championship right here? This was the first singles championship I had won in about two years. And I had one Hell of a mountain to climb to win it because I had to face off with the undefeated Anaquin Adams.

Jones places the championship over her shoulder.

Stacy Jones: Over this next month, I am going to show every single person in this tournament who I step into the ring with exactly why people call me “Unbreakable”. I am going to prove that I can not only hang with the best of the best but that I can beat the best of the best because I did what nobody was able to do and that was defeat Anaquin Adams to become the new United States Champion.

The Unbreakable One smirks.

Stacy Jones: Ladies and gentlemen, I am “Unbreakable” Stacy Jones! Your NFW United States Champion! And the next Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament winner!

She then raises her championship high above her head to cheers from the fans before she then walks away from the podium and retakes her seat to allow the next competitor to say their piece.
Griffin gets up and heads to the podium, the Perseverance Title around his shoulder. He takes off his sunglasses and looks at everyone in the tournament. He smiles before speaking.

Griffin Hawkins: Millions of dollars of talent all in one room!

He looks at everyone of them, knowing he'll have to fight them at some point.

Griffin Hawkins: It's a shame we all can't be winners, but only one of us can leave with a shot at the champion..and a chance to defeat them. I'm not going to go on and on about how I won the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament on my debut here...because that's the past. I'm not the kind of guy who rests on his laurels. I look to the future, I look to add more to resume. And with so many guys and gals here...I already know that I got my work cut out for me. I know I got a tough road ahead in the B Block....people like..Cali Kate.

He looks in her direction as she has her eyes set on him.

Griffin Hawkins: The same woman who I defeated for the Perseverance Title...strong feeling she wants to avenge her loss to me by preventing me from getting further in this tournament. Kate and I have been in the ring a lot of times and had a lot of wars...and we both want the Undisputed Title back in the worst way. She wants to reclaim her throne..and I want to reclaim my title and be the first athlete to hold both the Undisputed Title and Perseverance Title at once.

He looks around some more and sees a few others.

Griffin Hawkins: I also see some other familiar faces such as Jessica Matthews...a long time friend of mine. I wrestled her in what was supposed to be her last match as she goes home and enjoys the beautiful family. Who knew she'd come back? I mean, I don't practice Santeria, I ain't got no Crystal Ball...so there'd be no way I could've predicted this. But fans have been clamoring for a rematch between us since word came out that she came back. I know she's looking forward to this..because I am as well.

He looks a few seats down and notices someone else.

Griffin Hawkins: Sierra Silver. This girl has come a long way in her time here in NFW. She's proven she can mix it up with anyone no matter if they are big or small. She may look like a sweet innocent girl, but she is everything they say she is when she is true evil. Sierra is somebody who I know is gonna be hard to prepare for. And should we face off in this...I'm gonna bring everything I can to the table. In closing…

He adjusts the title on his shoulder.

Griffin Hawkins: In closing...I respect the whole lot of everybody in this room, even if some of them don't respect me back. I look VERY forward to this tournament. But I will say this, if I can win it once....I can damn sure win it again, and I will do EVERYTHING possible to do so.

He goes back to his seat.
The crowd becomes electric when Sierra Silver bounces up from her chair and takes energetic strides up to the podium. The excited crowd is noticeably young, but plenty of older voices cheering for the young, excited woman. She steps up onto a stool and adjusts the mic to her liking. She clears her throat and speaks slowly and carefully.

Sierra Silver: Um… hi. Before we start, I’ve always wanted to do this… It’s fun to stay at the!

On queue, the fans break into a YMCA chant, causing Sierra to break out in a wide, goofy smile.

Sierra Silver: Thank you! And now, back to bidness! Um…

…

Sierra pats rhythmically for a few moments to fill the awkward silence.

Sierra Silver: Look! This is going to be my first Vlad Blackheart tourney. I’m a rookie in a field of pros, regulars, and overall super duper good wrestlers! But for me? I’m still fairly new to this company, definitely new to this tourney, and I’m still fairly new to wrestling as a whole! I’m by no means a wrestling rookie, but I haven’t been in the biz for decades either! I’m facing an uphill battle in this tournament and I know that! But you know what? I’m ready!

The crowd lets out another excited cheer for Sierra’s confidence.

Sierra Silver: ...At least, I think I’m ready!

Another round of cheers, this time a little more subdued.

Sierra Silver: Really! I mean, I may not be a grizzled veteran, but I have been around the block a time or two! I won Splat’s Tournament of Mystery and defended its MultiUniversal championship for five months! And! And and and! Let’s not forget I am the reigning and defending RevoUno Sin World Heavyweight champion!!! So if you think I’m gonna go quietly into the night, you’ve clearly never met me! Because I never do anything quietly! Never ever!!!

Silver pauses to take a breath. Her expression softens a little bit. She is still happy and excited, but much more subdued now.

Sierra Silver: So… in all seriousness, I’m really excited for this. Ever since my first match, people have counted me out. I’m too short, too small, too immature, whatever the reason is. People take one look at me and they think I don’t have what it takes to be a super duper good wrestler. At first, it really bummed me out. I thought about hanging it up and focusing solely on becoming a teacher. But then I realized something! Wanna know what that was??

The crowd is excited to be included, they start chanting “yes” over and over again. Sierra’s smile grows very big once again.

Sierra Silver: I realized that all the people doubting me, all the negativity, that was fuel! It energized me! I chose that I wanted to prove the doubters wrong!

…

…

Sierra Silver: Actually… I decided that I wanted to turn those doubters into believers! I wanted to make those doubters feel so good and so happy that they couldn’t help but change their minds! So I set out to do just that! I set out to make everyone as happy as possible! And so, in short, that’s my goal for this entire tournament! I want to prove that, no matter what you look like, no matter how big or small you are, you can do anything you set your mind to! You can be just as good as anyone else if not even better! So that’s why I feel so good in this tourney! Of course I want to win. Everyone wants to win! But still, even if I don’t win it all, as long as I put out a good showing, I will be able to hold my head high! Thank you!

Sierra throws both fists into the air in celebration, drawing another deafening roar from the crowd. Sierra smiles at all of the fans cheering for her. She shows off her beaming smile for a few moments before finally turning and stepping down from the podium and walking off stage.
Casey Holliday: If you all don’t mind….

The room calms down quite a bit when Casey Holliday begins to speak into the microphone. She doesn’t seem like she’s in the greatest mood at the moment.

Casey Holliday: I’ve had to sit here and listen to everyone else talk so far and I think I’ve waited long enough. Thank you. So yeah, Casey Holliday here. I’m in this Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament too in case you haven’t noticed. Most likely you haven’t, considering that I’ve been a part of this company for a while now and I’ve gained… what traction? I was a winner in my last match, there is no denying that. And it’s fine, I guess. I’m coming into this tournament with a win and some small momentum on my side. But you know who is giving me a chance to be a contender in this tournament? Nobody. The way I see it, this tournament is the one true chance that I have to get noticed here. And to be honest, it’s quite an awful feeling knowing that, but oh well.

Every single one of you in this room right now, in some way, shape or form, is writing me off and I understand that. I’ve had what? Five matches here? Does that sound about right? Why would I be considered a contender? I hate that I even have to “shock the world” to even get noticed around here. Hell, I have seen a few of the wrestling nerds out there make prognostications on how the blocks are going to shake out and who is going to have what record and MOST of these ‘prognostications’ have me going 2-3 in my block… at BEST! There is even three of these ‘experts’ out there that has me going 0-5 with one of them even calling me the ‘worst wrestler in the tournament and the one that has no business being in it’.

Is that how obscure I am around here?

Is that how hard I’ve crashed?

Have I reached the point where I am being blatantly ignored, disrespected, treated as an afterthought and being labelled by just about anyone out there as ‘just another wrestler on the NFW roster’?

To hell with that and to hell with ANYONE that thinks that way. To HELL with being ‘just another wrestler’, because I am NOT that! Most of you in this room think that of me and those of you that do? Every single one of you are too chickenshit to say that you do. I didn’t come here to be forgotten about and left to be another Sam Tolson. I didn’t come here so I could just be thrown in show openers… and I don’t give a crap what people here say about the subject, I’m not changing my mindset on that, I will never see an opening match booking as a ‘good thing’… and just be forgotten about after the fact.

I came here to make an impact. I came here to show what I can do. I came here to show that Casey freaking Holliday DESERVES to be seen as FAR MORE than ‘just another wrestler’. That’s what I came here for! That’s what I’ve got to fight for. Show of hands. How many of you in this room right now think I can win three matches in this tournament? I’m not talking about winning the tournament or hell, even winning my block. But just THREE matches in this tournament?

Only one or two hands are raised in the room, further validating her point.

Casey Holliday: That’s what I am talking about right there. That disrespect. If that makes me a target… if that makes anyone up here want to kick my ass even more, so be it because I’m at the point where I’ve got nothing left to lose. At this point, there is not one person up here that’s going to damage me. I won’t guarantee that I’ll win this tournament or even my block. But what I AM going to say is that by the time this is over, you’re going to know how serious I am about being a success here and not being “JUST ANOTHER FACE ON THE ROSTER”... because I’m NOT… and I’m proving that at this tournament...

A reporter in the audience is about to raise his hand to ask a question.

Casey Holliday: Put that hand down, I’m not answering any questions...
House Crowley had been seated together. In the middle was the former Undisputed Champion Anton Crowley. His appearance has changed drastically since we last saw him after his post Sudden Death announcement. Gone in the self proclaimed Demon King’s usual black attire. He is decked out, head to toe, in all white. Shirt, coat, bowtie, slacks, and shoes. Even his hair is dyed blonde. The only color on him is on his lips which are a dark gray and a red swirl pattern on his forehead.

To his right sits Cali-Kate and to her right is SuperNova. To his left sits Tia Santos and to her left is Faust. Anton’s turn was announced and he didn’t move. Just before they called him again he nodded and Faust stood up. He straightened his suit jacket and his tie. He then moved up to the podium.

Faust: I will not be fielding any questions for Lord Crowley today. If you do not know who Lord Crowley is or what he stands for by now, that is a problem you will have to correct on your own. You are all supposed to be professionals. I believe Ms. Baumer could you do your jobs better than you can.

Faust cleared his throat and let any angry murmurs die down.

Faust: You all are probably wondering about Lord Crowley’s appearance. He has been told that he has an atonement to make. He has to rewalk his path to the throne. His path is clear. The mistakes known as to be corrected. Lord Crowley shall do what he must to reclaim what was stolen from him. Let the thief continue to think that she got away clean. Lord Crowley will strike when the time is right. None of you should worry. Lord Crowley shall once again take back his right. His rule will be confirmed and your prosperity shall be returned.

A wicked grin crept onto Faust’s face.

Faust: Remember that. Remember that Lord Crowley does what is best for all of his subjects. He does it because it is what should be done. He does it even as you all spit in his face. He still cares for you. Remember his choice he offers. Look to La Silencia if you need any more proof. She bent the knee. She was spared. That’s all it takes to have a prosperous career on NFW Trauma. Lord Crowly shall make his offer to all his opponents in this tournament. I would advise to accept. It would be in all of your best interests. Just remember. Bend the Knee or be destroyed.

Faust nods and then returns to his seat with the rest of House Crowley.
As Cherry's time approaches, she leaves her chair, and approaches the podium. Her eyes scan the room, stopping on someone with a raised hand.

Cherry Addams: Yeah, no. We're not doing this dance.

A wry grin crosses her face, her attention now shifting towards the tournament participants.

Cherry Addams: You know, you guys are like family. The Manson family, but...family. Leah, the WAR queen. Yeah, you're thinking world war three, looking like you're gearing up for a nerf war. Cherry Addams.

Cherry stops, raises an eyebrow, and shakes her head trying not to let her smile betray her.

Cherry Addams: Ugh, Cherry, what can I even say about that bitch? Lady, you're in a tournament with a title shot at the end, and you hate belts. The fuck are you even doing here, fucking idiot. Anton, I heard this...wild rumor about you, man. I heard, you have a massive dick.

Cherry makes a motion with her hands, to show size, her eyes growing as her hands get further apart.

Cherry Addams: Like this thing is so big, it can actually reach your ass hole. That's good, now go fuck yourself. Solomon Graham, dude, you have got to fire whoever the fuck your PR guy is. Why in the hell, does every picture I see of you, look like you have to take a shit, seriously? Stacy, Mrs. U.S. champion. You're a nice girl, but nice won't get you very far here, work on that.

Cherry shrugs, and takes a moment to collect her thoughts, before moving on to the next participant.

Cherry Addams: Griff, my man, nineteen eighty-five called, they want everything back...like all of it. Casey Holliday, we actually have a lot in common, mainly that neither of us can get booked for shit. Kate, another member of the house. I'll tell you, this woman hates free wins. Mino, I was actually excited to see that Tanahashi was in this thing, but come to find out it's you. Was your sister not available...or? Ah, Jasmine, the one who claims to be queen. I mean, you can claim that, but wasn't there a tournament awhile back to determine just that, who won that again?

Cherry cracks a grin, her gaze fixing on Jasmine for a few moments, as if waiting for an answer. However, before she could get one she just moved on.

Cherry Addams: Ronnie Lester, you're Wicked? If Wicked means, sleep on park benches, sure, you fit. Abigail, not going to lie, you're hot as fuck. Pity that face won't come out the other side, as pretty. Holy shit, is that an evil mastermind? No, wait, it's just Sierra. Cayla Phoenix, beautify these nuts, moving on. Logan, you got turned into a chick, your house burned down, and now you're a manager in a wrestling tournament. I can't roast you, any harder than life already has, SKIP. Austin, that name carries weight, unfortunately not with the name Joanna in front of it. Jansen, thank you, thanks for taking time of your busy schedule of getting beat down by Angel to be he…

Cherry stops and jumps back, her eyes growing wide, as if she was caught by surprise. Her hand shoots towards Jansen.

Cherry Addams: She's right behind you, look out!

Cherry drops the charade, and begins to laugh hysterically, before making her way back to the podium.

Cherry Addams: I'm just fuckin with ya. They say good things come, in small packages, Risa is proof...that is absolutely bullshit. Adriana, hey we still on for Thanksgiving? I had such a blast last time. Oh, and what's this Jessica Matthews has joined the party? Yeah, well, you'll want to save your progress, because this boss battle will take a lot of grinding to get through. In conclusion, fuck you, peace out.

Cherry pushes away from the podium, and casually makes her way back to her seat.
Minoru Tanahashi is up and The Black Lion has definitely added his signature flair to the classic grey suit, white shirt, black tie look. He has a black tie, only it has a colorful light green and pink paisley pattern. A classic black fedora, white pocket square, and silver Rolex complete the look. He steps up to the podium with a smile, takes one of the bottles of water sitting under it, opens it, and takes a quick sip.

Minoru Tanahashi: Kon'nichiwa, Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament press conference. I have thought about what I was going to say when I got up here, for quite a while. Do I talk about what I did in last year’s tournament? Do I look at all the other people in my block and try to run them down? Do I talk about how winning this tournament could be the thing that finally makes people see me as a top guy? Do I talk about how winning would mean a third chance to become the NFW Undisputed Champion and how they say the third time's the charm? There are so many ways to go, so many things to discuss, but when I really think about it, It’s not the title or the prestige that drives me. It’s not proving myself as a top-level talent. For me, winning this tournament doesn’t just mean I get another chance at the title. It means I would be in the main event of WrestleWar inside the one great Japanese wrestling venue that I have never had the pleasure of competing in. It would mean not just getting to wrestle in front of my family, my friends, my trainers, all of the people that supported me, and a little less importantly, the people that doubted me, but getting to wrestle in the main event.

He stops for a second, takes another sip of water, and looks out at the crowd gathered around.

Minoru Tanahashi: I have more I want to say about that, but before I start getting all emotional, let’s go with some questions. I don’t want to waste a lot of time, so let’s go with three questions, and to make it fair I’m gonna close my eyes and point to one of you.

Minoru does exactly that, points and opens his eyes to see a fairly average-looking man in a grey suit and black glasses.

Reporter 1: Ah, thank you, Kent Clarkson, with the Daily Globe. I wanted to ask how you feel your lack of success in singles matches could factor into this tournament. You haven’t won an actual one-on-one contest this entire year. In fact, my research shows that your last singles victory was on October twentieth, of two thousand twenty.

Minoru Tanahashi: That can’t be right at all.

Kent Clarkson: I was pretty thorough. There was a triple threat win and a decent number of tag team wins, you did have the one win at Wrestlestock, but that was by disqualification. Since October Twentieth of Two Thousand and Twenty, you have lost all but that one singles contest, including a very recent loss to Cass Baumer, and now you’re set for nine, potentially ten straight singles matches, though your track record would suggest nine. That has to be concerning?

Minoru doesn’t answer right away, he looks out among the crowd, takes a sip of water, and just nods his head.

Minoru Tanahashi: Honestly Kent, it was. I knew that my singles record wasn’t the best as of late. I certainly didn’t know it was that bad though. Still, I was aware of it and I think that’s part of what cost me some of those matches. I had to face some of my demons recently at Sudden Death, but that wasn’t one of them. I know I am good enough to win plenty of singles matches. I fully believe I am good enough to beat every person in this tournament. It wouldn’t be easy by any means, but that’s what makes it fun and rewarding. I could chalk those losses up to cheating, bad luck, being inside my head too much, or I could just admit that I got beat. It happens to all of us, and I’m done obsessing over it. That match with Cass Baumer, I’m not going to say I was happy to lose, but it didn’t drive me crazy. Plus, we had a pretty damn good match and she had one hell of a showing at Cruel Summer. Our match though, drove me to push harder. That’s why I wanted that match, Win or lose, I knew it would help me get into the right mindset to do what I have to do in this tournament. So now, I’m going into that ring every match knowing two things, I can win, and if I don’t, the people that truly care about me, they understand that sometimes you just get beat. Let’s move on and can the next one of you ask a question that won’t be such a buzzkill?

Minoru again closes his eyes, moves his finger around, and then pauses opening his eyes to see a very attractive redheaded woman, a nice professional dress, a notepad in one hand, and another reporter with glasses.

Reporter 2: Hello, Rachel Matthews with Wrestling News Weekly. The field for this year's tournament is stacked with talent, including a fair few newcomers. Is there anyone that isn’t in the tournament this year that you would have liked to see in the field? You don’t have to replace anyone or anything like that.

Minoru Tanahashi: That’s a great question. I gotta say that there are a few people I think would have been interesting additions. Personally, I wouldn’t mind mixing it up with Morgan Payne again. It would be interesting to see what that big dude TAURUS could do, Ollie Linkoln is a very interesting and underrated competitor in my personal opinion. Obviously, you can’t forget about Marilyn Matthews. Multi-time champion, year-long reign. That’s just on the Collision side. You look at Trauma and for me, the first name is FM Young. She’s a friend, a great competitor and we have had some good matches. I would hope to be in different blocks, but I can’t not mention the Utopian Female herself, Isis. Some people have said that the wrong Tanahashi is in this tournament. Marco Valintine would no doubt be a fun addition. Either of The Brothers Drake would be a welcome addition. La Silencia is a very dangerous competitor. Nathaniel Dixon’s cerebral style would probably serve him well. This could easily be a thirty-person tournament or we could have four blocks of ten. NFW has some of the best talents around, and that’s why whoever comes out of this thing as the winner, will have no doubt earned it. Great question. Let’s keep this rolling along with our last question.

Minoru once more closes his eyes, moves his finger around and when he opens his eyes he’s pointing at a slightly chubby bearded very obvious wrestling nerd wearing a Cornbread Mafia T-shirt, an NFW hat, and what looks like custom House Crowley sneakers.

Reporter 2: Thanks, Henry Thomas of the Grappling Guys podcast and blog. As we heard earlier, your singles record isn’t exactly great, it’s no secret that nobody has you as their favorite to win, a few have you penciled in as a dark horse, but not many. My question is, excluding yourself, who do you think will win this, who do you want to win this.

There’s another pause to get a sip of water along with a shake of the head.

Minoru Tanahashi: Okay, three things first. That was kind of a dick way to phrase things, that’s why people like Chris way more than you. Two, invest in some nice beard oil and wax. Your shit is all patchy and just looks bad. Three, that’s not a horrible question. If it’s not me, I would like to see someone I like win the whole damn thing. Sierra Silver, Stacy Jones, Lluvia Cane, Griffin Hawkins, all great people, and great wrestlers. If it’s not me, who do I think will win? Well, I think any of the four I mentioned could certainly win, but if I was really pressed, there are two people up here that stand out and I have no doubt many have one of them as the favorites. Much as I absolutely despise them, there’s no denying the talent of Anton Crowley or The Supernova Risa Jackson. You don’t win a match like the Tartarus Prison without being tough as fuck. You don’t go through five top-tier competitors in one night without being good. I would hate it if they won because of my personal feelings towards both of them, but it’s stupid to not single them out as potential winners and favorites. Then you have Adriana Salvatore who seems to be on the warpath and is always dangerous. Jansen Myrrh proved how dangerous and deranged she is at Cruel Summer. I look at both of the blocks and no disrespect anyone in Block B, but I would be shocked if the winner of this whole damn thing doesn’t come out of A Block.

He pauses again, takes a sip of water, and takes a deep breath.

Minoru Tanahashi: Solid questions all the way around, though I would say Miss Matthews had the best one. I said earlier I would talk more about why winning this tournament means more than just earning a title match. I said that The Tokyo Dome, the home of WrestleWar, is the one great Japanese venue I have not had the joy of competing in. It’s a fair bet that no matter the outcome I’ll still be in there, but the dream is the big match. That place, the big egg as some people call it… it’s a special place. I have seen hundreds of matches there and as a kid, I always dreamt of wrestling there one day. Wrestlers here in America, it’s Madison Square Garden. For luchadores, it’s Arena Mexico, but for me, there is nowhere like The Tokyo Dome. This is about more than a tournament, a trophy, or a title for me. I can achieve a lifelong dream by winning this tournament and I will let no one stand in my way. You will get my very damn best every time I step into that ring, I promise you that. I am going out there each and every night with that goal in mind. My memories of watching the greats walk out and stand in the ring in front of fifty-five thousand will help drive me. The dream of standing tall with that title over my head and making my family proud, that’s what will push me through every match. Minasan, arigatōgozaimashita. Subarashī tsuitachi o.

Tanahashi gives a friendly wave as he ends with a thank you in his native tongue before stepping away.
Jansen is dressed in a blouse and some jeans. She’s not snazzing it up for any press op, if that’s what people were expecting. She gets up from her seat and makes her way to the podium. She glances out at the press gathered and leans down towards the microphone.

Jansen Myrrh: Well, if it ain’t fuck all here. Manager Kwon was going to come up here and spout the wonders of Jansen Myrrh, but I told her to stay at her vacation for a few more days and show up on the 6th, because I sure as fuck can speak for myself. As much as I appreciate her, there’s no one better to talk about Jansen Myrrh, than Jansen Myrrh. The today, Jansen Myrrh is going to lay some truth down on your goddamn souls.

Jansen smirks as she glances from side to side, to the competitors of the tournament seated all around.

Jansen Myrrh: Last year, I stood up here at this very podium and told you about how I was going to save you from the dull, the unexciting. How I was going to single handedly win the VBMT. I sounded like a goddamned preacher up here because I was certain it was going to be my year. In the end, I wasn’t as focused as I should have been. I was lucky to be at the mid-way point when all was said and done. I completely failed at my goal and it was entirely my fault. I was arrogant, cocky, conceited and way too self-assured. This year, while everyone is posting on their time line about who’s they’re fucking, who their crush is, making marriage plans, and whatever bullshit the Kingdom is posting about these days -- who can fucking tell anymore -- I have been in the gym, doing absolutely nothing but training. People act like professional wrestling is a goddamn hobby.

Jansen slams her fist down on the podium.

Jansen Myrrh: It’s not a fucking joke. It’s not something you do on your off time from your real life. It’s not a video game. It’s not a part-time job. At least not for me. Professional wrestling is all I have and all I will ever have. I don’t fucking do relationships because nothing comes before professional wrestling. I don’t often go out and party, or go to the movies, or date. I don’t do drugs. I don’t brag about doing goddamn drugs. I don’t have time for it. I don’t want time for it. I eat, sleep and breathe this thing we call professional wrestling. I don’t have time for any of that other nonsense. I want to win this tournament more than anyone could possibly ever know. Look at what went down between myself and Kusanagi. There was absolutely nothing on the line. Nothing except pride. Pride? I have an abundance of pride. I am fucking all pride. We fought like our lives were on the line over pride. Just think of what I’ll do when there’s actually something precious on the line. A trophy? A World Title shot? Bring them on. The first week will be rough. Tanahashi? He’s a tough bastard, but I think I can beat him. Crowley? Goddamn, I’m going to need to be my absolute best to even stay in the ring with that dude. Now, Lindsay? She wants to play fucking tiddly-winks. I’m going to murder that bitch. I may win some and I may lose some in this tournament, but all I have to do is win enough. I need to win more than everyone else in this tournament to take this tournament. I’m gonna make this tournament my bitch this year.

Jansen leans into the microphone to add.

Jansen Myrrh: You better count on that, fuckers.

With that, she takes a step back and heads to her seat.
The scene opens up, as Cayla Phoenix is seen wearing some new gear which has a bit of a Hyperion corporation yellow and black scheme, as she was flanked by her manager, Grace Moretti, who was seen in a much more luxurious creme colored dress with gold earrings with emeralds embedded in them. She had never been involved in a press conference before, and looked a bit nervous while Grace reached over to hold her hand to help her build her confidence.

Cayla Phoenix: "Hel.. Hello. It's my pleasure to be part of the fourth annual Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament, and today is the official press conference for you all to address your questions…"

Grace Moretti: "And people of the press, I implore you, please keep on the topic at hand. There's no need to discuss projects outside of the ring. I shall be moderating on Ms. Phoenix's behalf."

She said, automatically shooing people away from the potential of asking about the OnlyFans news that happened previous to this recording. Grace would then point to a woman in her early thirties with auburn hair, as she stands up.

Victoria Vale: "Victoria Vale of Ring Scene. Cayla, this is your first federation wide tournament since the Rookie X Cup of 2015, how are your nerves for this match?"

Cayla would nod a bit, as she thought briefly, before answering.

Cayla Phoenix: "If I'm honest with myself, yes, I am a bit nervous. My career has been a big roller coaster, with highs early in my days with Extreme Wrestling Entertainment, and then the plane crash that had taken several years of experience from me… World Wrestling Revolution felt like my resurgence, but, that door closed right when I felt my momentum was really building up. Coming to New Frontier, admittedly, I haven't had the chance to prove what I could do on my own. That's what this tournament means to me… I call myself the Siren of Violence, and it's time I'm able to prove it."

She said with people murmuring, as standing up is DJ from the ATL, butting in for his own question.

DJ from the ATL: "Yoooooo! It's ya boy, DJ from the ATL, host of the Behind the Curtain podcast and the voice of the YWC!"

The interruption garnered some dirty looks from actual sports press there, as Grace tries to silence him.

Grace Moretti: "Sir, this is for actual reporters, not armchair bookers…"

DJ from the ATL: "Yo! Hey! Cayla has at least a tiny iota of talent, but you?! You're just some big tiddy bimbo NFW hired as eye candy and to get that 18-34 demo that likes milfs!"

Grace Moretti: "Um, excuse me… I am one of the biggest names in the Spanish wrestling circuit from my debut in 2003, until retirement in 2011. I am not going to be disrespected by a manchild that represents the neckbeards that drag down the wrestling Fandom as a whole!"

Grace said, putting him in his place and gaining some applause, before DJ retorted.

DJ from the ATL: "Ha! You liar! I've followed every Lucha Libre federation in Mexico, and you've never popped up there once!"

He said boastful, as a few people murmur on the background, as Grace blinked in just sheer surprise at his confidence and ignorance. She leaned into the mic and said calmly.

Grace Moretti: "Um… is anyone gonna tell him Spain isn't in Mexico?"

The crowd laughed a bit at his expense, as Grace lets him soak in the embarrassment a little bit.

Grace Moretti: "Either way, this is a tournament for winners, and not a place for losers like you. Would security get this bum out of here, please?"

Security would begin to grab DJ, as they drag him away kicking and screaming as a woman would raise her hand up, as Grace pointed to her.

Chloe Van Horn: "Chloe Van Horn of Blush Magazine. Cayla, we have to ask… everyone else has shown up in formal, or at least casual attire. Why are you here in your wrestling gear?"

Grace Moretti: "Believe me, I tried asking the same…"

Grace said, as Cayla gives her a bit of a death glare, which silenced her, as Cayla answered the question.

Cayla Phoenix: "The world's seen me dressed up and dressed down as a member of the Beautification Movement for my whole career. Yes, I know that's a lot of my Fandom, but, I don't want to be defined by it. I already know people are going to write me off as some fashion obsessed bimbo and that I'm no threat to them… but, it's the farthest thing from the truth. I'm a serious competitor, and I don't want these people to forget it. I will batter them, make them tap, and rack up wins in this tournament, and that is a guaran-damn-tee."

Cayla stated, as a bald man in his mid 30's with a bowling shirt raised his hand up, as Grace pointed to him.

Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe: "Yeah. Bulldog Briscoe from KACL Sports Radio, here. Not gonna sugar coat it, people see you as a dark horse at best. What kind of an X-Factor do you have to make you a viable threat?"

Cayla Phoenix: "A lot of people in NFW are going to assume I'm just a tag specialist. They don't understand that for the first three years of my career I worked as a singles act. But, as for surprises, well… you can't really spoil them, now can you?"

She said with a mischievous giggle, getting a little more confidence, as Grace pointed over to a blonde bearded man who rose up with his question.

Richard Mychinko: "Richard Mychinko of Squared Circle dot com. How prepared are you for the opposition in the tournament?"

Grace Moretti: "I can answer this one…"

Grace said, before pulling out a big Manila dossier with page after page of information on everyone else involved.

Grace Moretti: "I've done my research for this, and we will analyze and read everyone in this fight to find ways to break them down piece by piece. Believe me, Cayla is beyond prepared."

Grace said, as she pointed to another person in the audience, and announced to them.

Grace Moretti: "We're running low on time, so this is the last one."

Terri Mizrahi: "Terri Mizrahi, talent scout and founder of the Matwork by Numbers podcast. Is there anyone in your block that you feel is a threat to you?"

Cayla Phoenix: "How I feel about them is irrelevant. I'm going to face them all eventually. Are there some I absolutely want to beat in the ring? Of course! I'd love to put some of those overrated wastes like Griffin Hawkins and Jasmine Matthews down a peg, because I know no one wants to take me seriously alone. But I'm going to maul them. I'm going into that ring like a proverbial time bomb, and absolutely decimating whoever they put me against. This tournament is my moment, and I'm not going down quietly. No more questions, please. I've got work to do."

She said, as Cayla and Grace get out of their seats, as their press conference comes to an end.
With a lean back in his chair, Faye Brown's manager and fiance Logan Bailey takes a breath before grabbing a microphone and beginning his speech. Brown, still with a sling over her left shoulder and arm, pats Logan on his right shoulder.

Logan Bailey: There are so many talented people in this tournament. I even went over that on Twitter. There's the defending tournament winner... Nearly every single champion NFW has to offer's in it, too. Lot of former champions as well. More people with their own talent. If ever a field was STACKED, this one's it. And you can put "stacked" in caps on the transcript. Now would be a really bad time to be someone like me in a tournament, right? Well, guess who went and decided to declare for it knowing this!

Bailey points at his face with a toothy grin. Brown looks to Bailey and mouths "fuckin' idiot."

Logan Bailey: That's right, me! A manager playing wrestler who sometimes looks like a goofball, who sometimes looks like a blonde pepper, with the demeanor of a PG-13 Animaniac either way. A man or woman depending on magic who has wrestled precisely two matches prior to this tournament.

The Animated Maniac simply shrugs as he continues.

Logan Bailey: I don't belong in the ring comparatively, I belong in the back cheering on the actual wrestler between me and my fiancee Faye Brown. She could probably win her fair share of matches in the VBMT, if it weren't for her broken arm. Meanwhile, the one actual match I was in, I lost. It wasn't particularly close, either, no matter what everyone tells me. Anaquin Adams beat me outright, and that's fine.

Logan holds a hand up towards the crowd.

Logan Bailey: I'm telling you this because unlike others here, who are in the tournament to win a shot at the World Heavyweight or Undisputed Championships... you know, a wrestling-related reason... I know what I am, and I'm not gonna lie to anyone about it. About being better than that. And that's no disrespect to everyone else, nor is it to say anyone's lying about their chances. But I know what my chances are and. What they aren't is high. Mine are inherently lower due to my inexperience, especially compared to the rest of this field. I expect to take a lot of licks. I expect to take a lot of punishment. I expect to lose a lot, no matter how I look, because there are people here who are just flat-out better than me in every aspect. That's why they signed up, because we know what they've done and can do. I can't match up with that and I know it.

Another shrug, as Bailey's eyebrows bounce a bit. This shrug is slower than the last one.

Logan Bailey: After all, I'm a goofy manager playing wrestler. I'm the man among gods here. The one mortal beholding the other nineteen immortals.

Another eyebrow bounce, though it's only his right one as he nods a little to the crowd.

Logan Bailey: All you can ask of a man is to try. That's my plan. Try. Because I have a wedding to try and bankroll.

Faye whispers something into Logan's ear, which lights his face up once she's done.

Logan Bailey: Aaaaand you're all invited! Kyoto, Japan, all 19 of you plus any plus-one you choose! That's why I signed up for this tournament. Not to win the Undisputed Title, I know I can't win that from FM Young. Not to win the World Heavyweight Title, I can't beat Damon Cross for it. But I plan on marrying the woman of my dreams on December 20th, five days after this coming WrestleWar. Which costs money. Money I technically don't have since the engagement ring cost five-thousand dollars. There are enough matches in this tournament to where I can earn enough money to bankroll a wedding like what I have envisioned.

His happy look fades a bit as he regains some semblance of seriousness.

Logan Bailey: So that many dates of getting tossed around like a ragdoll with the reward of having the funds to get to marry my best friend and partner? That... that's worth so much more to me than any title you show me. And that's why I'm here. That's why I get to try as the man among gods.

Bailey sits his microphone down and leans back in his chair as Brown tells him "good speech, babe."




It was a bittersweet day for the wrestling industry.

The fans, the wrestlers, the crewmates, and the staff were heartbroken not only by the closure of the long-running wrestling company, but the last time Jessica would be in a wrestling ring. It was quite a shock. At age twenty-four, she was done. She hung up her “wrestling boots” (her Green Lantern glow-in-the-dark Converse sneakers), put her Avengers: Endgame Captain America Shield away for safekeeping, and settled down with her family. Her husband, Dean Matthews, their twins, David and Odelia, and their furry companions, Daryl and Brutus, welcomed her home. She was satisfied.

Jessica wasn’t always a wrestling fan. She wasn’t even a fighter; she was a pacifist. For most of her childhood, she had no idea how to defend herself. All she could do was swing her textbook bag at a bully. Her older brother, Zachary Sears, and their closest friends protected her. It wasn’t until one Afternoon Aggregation show at the Knoxville Wrestling Institute… Her best friend, Rosalyn Pryce, and Zachary’s boyfriend, Les Grisham, were viciously attacked and hospitalized by a young man named Alexander Crowe. It was a horrifying sight. Jessica felt how weak and powerless she truly was. She’s never been able to protect her loved ones.

She refused to feel such weakness and powerlessness ever again.

“The Strong Style Saint” Jaime Alejandro was the first person to see her untapped potential. He was determined to help her become a fighter -- a wrestler -- and teach her how to square up. It was later when “Pretty” Ricky Valero carried on with the task of mentoring the young woman. Despite her older brother’s protests, Jessica wanted to see this through and she began to learn the art of wrestling. Her agility, tenacity, and photographic memory served well to make her professional debut in Empire Wrestling. However, her presence in Indy Pro Wrestling was where she made her biggest impression: Jessica dethroned the undefeated Jacob Daniels and became the IPW Heavyweight Champion. In her rookie year, she was at the top of the company.

Empire Wrestling.
Indy Pro Wrestling.
Spirit and Pride Wrestling.
New Generation Wrestling.
HYBRID Wrestling.

Over six years, she left her mark in every company she was a part of. She became a member of the Guardians, a member of the Resistance, and fought in wrestling wars so intense and life-changing. The Guardians disbanded the Destroyers. The Resistance survived against the Children of Nephilim. She fought in a grueling war with the late Danika Bayne to free the man who would become her husband. She was the longest-reigning SAP X Champion, the recipient of a few NGW Mid-Year Awards in 2018, a finalist in the 2018 “Rey de Vuelos” Tournament, a two-time HYBRID Wrestling Duality Champion, and a one-time HYBRID Grand Champion.

Extinction Event was supposed to be The End.

So then why…?



Jessica Matthews: Before I open the floor to the reporters and the media...

Standing before the podium with the microphone leveled to her height, the Eternal Paladin looks over the small gathering of the press and the media. There’s some flash photography, of course, and despite the time away, she seems comfortable with them. She lifts her right hand up towards her hair and places her left hand on her hip. It’s a picture-perfect moment.

The Nerd Nation may find her outfit of choice to be out of the ordinary, but their Leading Lady is beautiful. She offers a soft smile to the crowd and relaxes.

Jessica Matthews: I wish to be completely honest. I don’t really know who Vlad Blackheart was. I’m not going to pretend that I do. I’m not here to proclaim that my performance in his memorial tournament is dedicated to him.

It almost sounds blunt. Before anyone says a word, she lifts her right index finger before her soft pink lips to gesture for quiet.

Jessica Matthews: However, I did a little research. I talked to Mr. Brody in private and asked him about Mr. Blackheart. He was the Face of New Frontier Wrestling. He was even known outside of the wrestling industry. The majority of the world recognized his name the moment it was said. Vlad Blackheart was also known as Easy V, Vlad the Impaler, and pro wrestling’s Dr. Feelgood. He was a legend in this sport who sadly lost his life in an airplane crash. The industry mourned for him. He left such an impact that Steven Brody created the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament four years ago.

She folds her hands in front of her and gauges the media. There’s some chatter, a few words exchanged between reporters, but there isn’t a single objection. She presses on.

Jessica Matthews: In the end, Mr. Blackheart was a man of honor and respect. Honor and respect have become scarce over the years. The Chaos is almost overwhelming. The Order has been weakened and the Balance is completely off. I want to re-establish honor and respect in the wrestling industry. I wish to help strengthen the Order, level out the Chaos, and bring the Balance back to NFW. What better way to start than participating in the fourth installment of this tournament?

A genuine smile crosses her face. While the flash photography continues, she raises her left hand to gesture for questions.

Jessica Matthews: The floor is yours.

There’s quite the breakout of reporters who wish to be the first to ask Jessica a question. One of them decides to stand behind the floor’s microphone and she speaks up.

Reporter: Mrs. Matthews, I’m Leona Redfield with Fox News. Your return to the wrestling industry shocked viewers everywhere. Why did you choose NFW?

Jessica Matthews: It wasn’t a spontaneous decision. I’ve been tuned into NFW since the second Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament and the 2019 Queen of the Frontier. I was performing for HYBRID Wrestling and I chose to become an exclusive wrestler there. That’s why I never joined. But even after my “retirement”, I was still an avid wrestling fan. The more I watched Collision and Trauma, the more attuned I became. Don’t get me wrong -- I pay attention to other wrestling companies. But there was something about NFW… I gravitated towards it.

Leona Redfield: And so you made the executive decision to join?

Jessica Matthews: Yes ma’am.

Before Redfield could continue, another reporter stepped up to the microphone. He’s an eager youth who sort of needs a refresher course in manners. He must be new. Redfield doesn’t look pleased, but she doesn’t want to cause an issue.

Reporter: Hello, Jessica! Billy Valentine from NBC News. I’m a big fan! Oh! Sorry, I’m a little nervous.

Jessica Matthews: It’s alright, sir. Um… would you kindly hold your question for a moment? Ma’am, was there anything else you wished to ask me?

Leona Redfield: Actually, yes. Thank you, Mrs. Matthews. What are your goals and aspirations in NFW? I understand you wish to restore the balance…?

Jessica Matthews: Yes ma’am. I know it’s a little unorthodox, but I’ve always been a wrestler of honor and respect. I learned the importance of those elements in the wrestling industry from Bruce Chen, “Howlin’ Mad” Murdock, and yes, “The Dropkick King” Adrien Cochrane. Have there been times where I’ve faltered? Admittedly, yes. I’m not perfect. I wear my heart on my sleeve and my emotions drive me. But I’ve always kept my paladin’s oaths, so to speak. Now more than ever, I’m filled with determination.

Redfield seems to like this answer. She thanks Matthews and dismisses herself. Valentine steps back up to the microphone with such eagerness.

Billy Valentine: So! You find yourself in the A Block of the tournament. There’s yourself, the United States Champion Stacy Jones, Abigail Lindsay of Salacious Intent, Ronnie Lester of the Crusade, Adrianna Salvatore, Jansen Myrrh, Minoru Tanahashi of the Tanahashi Twins, the former Undisputed Champion Anton Crowley, Jonna Austin of the Kingdom, and SuperNova of House Crowley. Who are you looking forward to wrestling the most? If you make it to the finals, who do you wish to face from B Block?

Jessica Matthews: Wow, those are a couple of pretty good questions. I’m actually going to offer three names for each question because... I can’t just pick one!

She softly chuckles. Her honesty draws positive energy from the media. Valentine seems happy to accept this, so Matthews continues.

Jessica Matthews: Anton Crowley. He’s the longest reigning NFW Undisputed Champion. Need I say more? Stacy Jones. I’ve only wrestled my Resistance sis once and it was one of the best matches of my career. Adrianna Salvatore. She’s a survivor of death matches, a category of matches I hope to never participate in ever again, and she’s one of the fiercest wrestlers I’ve seen. I love challenges.

Now if I make it to the finals? Jasmine Matthews. She’s one of the best wrestlers in the industry, but to be honest? Legally beating the HP out of my sister-in-law and teaching her some damn humility would be fantastic. Griffin Hawkins. He was my final challenger in HYBRID Wrestling and he took the Grand Championship home. I’d like to even the score; Captain America versus Thor. Solomon Graham. How cool would a Guardians Final be? It would be a lot of fun and super competitive if you ask me.

There’s quite a stir within the crowd, but the reporters and the media seem content with her answers. While Valentine thanks her and fanboys away, another reporter in a “loud” magenta suit steps up to the mic. He pushes his dark-rimmed glasses up with his right middle finger and smirks.

Reporter: Mrs. Jessica Matthews… I am Miles Edgerton from BBC Worldwide. It was quite the surprise when you made your return to professional wrestling. Then again, you’re about as subtle as a gun.

Once again, the media stirs. Matthews raises an eyebrow.

Jessica Matthews: I’m sorry?

Miles Edgerton: You’re predictable. Everything was leading up to your return. Your Twitch streams, your live reactions to Collision and Trauma, your engagements with the superstars, your appearance at UGWC’s WrestleStock, your feeling of complacency…

Your mother’s death.

Matthews visibly flinches at the harshness of the last remark. Before another reporter can object, a large man in a green trenchcoat stands in his way, giving him a dirty look. The now-scared reporter backs off, allowing Edgerton to continue.

Miles Edgerton: Poor little girl. Now without your dear Papa and your dear Mama. It must be killing you on the inside. Oh, tell us about your scars and your low self-esteem. You believe you don’t compare to your older siblings, Zachary and Everalda. Well, you’re absolutely right; you don’t. You’re inferior in every way. I wouldn’t be surprised if your dear husband was sleeping with a far more beautiful woman in secret--

Jessica Matthews: That’s enough.

The nearby camera regards the Eternal Paladin once again. Even though her facial features are stern, there’s a hint of sadness in her soft blue eyes. Her hands are clenched into fists.

Jessica Matthews: Ask your question, get your answer, and leave.

It seems as though Edgerton’s smirk grows.

Miles Edgerton: Heh. Very well. When you fail to win this tournament, when you fail to perform on Collision, when you’re exposed as the weakling you truly are… Do you see yourself quitting when you let all of your loved ones down?

Jessica Matthews: Never.

How forward she is when he finally asks his question. There’s a look of determination on her face and a fire in her eyes.

Jessica Matthews: I may not win this tournament. I may lose some of my matches on Collision. I may be exposed and vulnerable. But in the end? I will never quit, Mr. Edgerton. I’ll never give up, surrender, or relent. I’ll get knocked down, but I’ll get up again. I may lose a life, but I’ve got plenty of lives to spare.

I am Jessica Sears-Matthews.

I am the Eternal Paladin.

I am the Paladin of the Guardians.

I am the Guardian of the Galaxy.

I am the Protégé of Ricky Valero.

With every emphasis of her name and her titles, the cameras flash for more photography. This is the CuteGamingBlond the wrestling and gaming industries know and love. Matthews steps away from the podium, jumps down from the stage, and walks up to the microphone Edgerton stands before. Even though he doesn’t back down and his bodyguard becomes defensive, she carefully takes the mic and brings it towards herself with a smile.

Jessica Matthews: It’s game time.

Mic.
Drop.

The crackle of static briefly resonates before she heel turns with sass and walks away. Edgerton narrows his eyes, furrows his eyebrows, and stands there in absolute silence as the rest of the reporters and the media try to get a word from Matthews.

But there’s nothing more she needs to say after that statement.

Abigail Lindsay is the next competitor to step up to the podium. On this day she is wearing a red chest. She isn’t shy about letting her cleavage show. The dress is well above the ankles. She waves for the cast in attendance.

Abigail Lindsey: “HI EVERYBODY”

Abigail rolls her eyes, betraying the enthusiastic hi she shouted at everyone in attendance.

Abigail Lindsey: “Lets get the pleasantries out the way; I didn’t know Vlad Blackheart. He musta been a swell guy to have an entire tournament dedicated in his honor. As much of a monster most people likely believe me to be, disrespecting the fallen is not in my wheelhouse. Even monsters have rules. No attacking children. No disrespecting the fallen. Unless you're my dad, he deserves all my disrespect. No, I’m not a little girl with daddy issues, I barely knew the guy, if you knew the facts of my life, it's undisputed why he deserves nothing more than my contempt for what he put my family through. Moving along...”

Abigail takes a deep breath, the normally serene redhead is clearly agitated. A smirk forms on her face as she looks out into the crowd.

Abigail Lindsey: “There is a bone I wish to pick.

Abigail points to Jessica Clarkson.

Abigail Lindsey: “You’re the one I wish to address. You are NFW’s social media representative, it is your job to promote everyone who chose to participate in the Vlad Memorial. But when it came to little ole me, did you sufficiently hype me up?

Abigail shakes her head.

Abigail Lindsey: “No. It took until the last line of the tweet that announced me as a participant for you to actually mention my name. Most of the tweet was about Sela and me being a part of Salicious Intent. Don’t be mistaken, being Sela’s partner in and outside the ring is a thrill unlike none other. I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world. However...”

“... what I took offense to young lady is me not being promoted as an individual. It’s just lil ole me in the tournament. No tag partner. No threesome with Milisandre. I am the one left to her own devices. You had ONE job sweetie, accurately introducing me to the world at large. I may not have known Vlad Blackheart, it doesn’t take being Sherlock Holmes to deduce that this tournament is the biggest stage I’ve been on in my short NFW career.”

Abigail clears her throat.

Abigail Lindsey: “I am woman enough to admit not everything has gone to plan. There were moments I felt I let Sela down, she doesn’t believe that I have. That’s sweet of her. Before any of you knew me, I won the World Championship not once but twice. I was a woman who had a reputation for mischief, debauchery, my peers used to have eyes in the back of their head when I walked into a locker room. One excuse might be, well Abigail, New Frontier Wrestling has a different breed of competitor. And to that I say NAY! I don’t believe anyone in this company is any more special than the men and women I have crossed over the course of my career.”

“Each and every single one of you fawned over the return of Jessica Matthews. Not denying she’s talented but she is just another do-gooder looking to save the day. Nothing special about The Guardian. Oh, and Johnny Towers. Pfft! Another bargain basement psychopath of the month you all wish to hype like he is the next eater of worlds. Wow, he has barely been here, goes after the world champion. What happens when Damon puts that kid in his place? Rendered irrelevant, that’s what.”

Abigail snaps her fingers.

Abigail Lindsey: “I have been off my game. I don’t know why. My first priority beyond all else is to use this tournament to get my groove back. I am in the ideal block of this tournament to achieve my goal. Starting with Stacy Jones, the current United States Champion. Adrianna Salvore, a former United States Champion and certified badass that would break almost anyone. Except The Supernova, who won the tournament last year as her lesser half. Now? She’s almost perfect. No one is. Then there is her Demon King, Anton. Impressive guy. Jansen may be intellectually challenged. An ass kicker she is. I have a score to settle with Joanna Austin. Last but not least, our favorite Guardian, a woman you rolled out the red carpet for; Jessica Mattews.”

“By the time the Vlad Memorial is over, I won’t be a footnote in my own tournament announcement. You will remember the name Abigail ‘Serenity’ Lindsay.

Abigail flashes a cheerful smile on her face.

Abigail Lindsey: “BYE EVERYBODY!!

Abigail waves like a little kid waving goodbye to all the adults. She stops. Blows a kiss to everyone, turns on her feels then walks off.
There’s a pause as an uncomfortable silence starts to hang over the crowd of reporters and roster members alike. Just when the three heads of management look like they’re about to say something, Adrianna Salvatore slowly rises from her seat and steps towards the podium. She’s dressed remarkably well for the occasion, considering how she’s normally seen. The tight black dress that hugs her curves makes her look more...shall we say ladylike, rather than the rampaging machine she usually carries herself as. The second generation superstar carries herself down the aisle, all the way from the back row of tables where the tournament participants are seated. She closes the distance from there to the podium quietly, slowly, yet swiftly. Her long strides make up for the leisurely, almost nonchalant pace she moves at. Her heels click against the elevated stage under her feet like the hand of a clock, ticking down to the eleventh hour. Adrianna reaches the podium and stands in silence with her gaze lowered at her feet. Her broad yet still sleek shoulders slowly rise and fall with a deep inhale. She places her hands on the podium, staring down at it for a long, tense moment. Her eyes close for a few seconds before, finally, she raises them to the gathering of journalists standing on the floor before her. There’s a look in her eyes; something which hasn’t been seen even from those who have followed the company since the day of it’s re-inception. It’s as if all sense of remorse and outright humanity has left her. All that’s left is someone with one single purpose. Absolute, utter, total destruction. When she speaks, her tone is perhaps the coldest it’s ever been; filled with venomous intent as those burning eyes sweep across the mass of suits.

Adrianna Salvatore: In every cataclysm...there are those who tell of its horrors. Every tragedy has its survivors who tell of how their very world was shook to its core before it crumbled from the tremors. Before the sea carried it away in pieces. You.

She continues to look across the journalists who have lowered their writing tools and recording devices. Just the way she’s looking and speaking to them seems to have their blood running cold.

Adrianna Salvatore: You will be the scribes that record this armageddon. The ones who document what comes for those who try to withstand it. Their names will not be spoken as they will be purged from existence. This is the last day on Earth for many. For the rats.

Her eyes shift and turn to the camera again; her black lips curling into a wicked smirk as she says that word. Rats. Long time fans may remember it.

Adrianna Salvatore: Tomorrow. Apocalypse.

She leans back, straightening her posture as her hands slide back from the podium. Adrianna turns and as swiftly as she had approached the podium, she walks to the back table again, taking her seat once more.
The final competitor for this year's Vlad Blackheart Memorial tournament rises from her seat, dressed rather plainly in a dark purple dress with black boots, carrying over her shoulder the trophy she won last year. Having sat through all of the other competitors' speeches, and despite the angry glare she gave Adrianna Salvatore who'd immediately preceded her, her face is an emotionless mask. She puts the trophy up on the podium, looking up at it before stepping to the side and taking a microphone in her hand.

Risa Jackson: You all know who I am. Introducing myself is pointless. If you don't know who I am, then thank you for crawling out from under your rock today.

She looks back up at the trophy, still not looking out over the gathered crowd.

Risa Jackson: Last year, I came up here before all of you talking about honor, love, and how I had a will to win that was even stronger than my fellow competitors. Each and every one of you ate that shit out of my hand like a goat in a petting zoo. I'd call you idiots for your blind devotion to the Super Tiger, but…

She gestures up at the trophy with a smirk.

Risa Jackson: ...well, the results speak for themselves. Last year my name was in the mouth of over half the field. I was a dream match. I was the one they wanted to face and beat in the final of either our block, or the tournament as a whole. Well, that didn't happen for any of you, now did it?

She sneers, turning toward the camera.

Risa Jackson: Still don't think I'm hungry enough to take the tournament?

She turns to Adrianna, who rises from her chair.

Risa Jackson: Still don't think I have what it takes to hang with the most dangerous NFW has to offer?

She turns back out to the crowd.

Risa Jackson: None of you believed in me when I took off that stupid fucking mask. None, but two.

Risa points to Anton Crowley and Cali-Kate.

Risa Jackson: House Crowley knew what I was capable of while the rest of you were either overlooking me, or ignoring me completely.

She takes the trophy in her hand, setting it down on the stage in front of her.

Risa Jackson: I'm entering the tournament this year for exactly one person. Me. Risa fucking Jackson. I will always support my Lord and his House, but he knows what this means to me.

She tosses her hair over her shoulder, clenching her free hand into a fist as her eyes, last year so full of sparkling hope, darken with intense rage and determination.

Risa Jackson: I will win the Vlad Blackheart Memorial tournament again this year, becoming not only your first two time winner, but also your first back to back winner. Then I will go on to main event WrestleWar yet again this year, but the results will be different. Whoever holds the Undisputed Title, be it FM Young, Anaquin Adams, or the fucking Soz, I'm going to climb into the ring, introduce my opponent to the Impact Crater, and walk out NEW Undisputed Champion.

Once Risa finishes, there’s a buzzing of voices as the reporters try to call for her attention to get a question in. One reporter in particular looks...pretty familiar. Wait. Is that Miranda Augustino?! Up on the stage, the CEO and Trauma’s General Manager both seem to notice her and their reactions say they weren’t expecting her there.

Reporter #1: Risa Jackson! Tell us, what makes you think you’re so sure you’ll win thi--

Miranda elbows the man in the ribs, almost knocking the wind out of him.

Miranda Augustino: Oye, chica!

She tucks her bottom lip in and lets out a chola whistle chirp through her teeth to get Risa’s attention, bringing a pad and pen up.

Miranda Augustino: Tell these bitches how you’re gonna fuck up everyone up and sweep A Block!

Risa turns, hearing Miranda's voice. She grins, and nods to her.

Risa Jackson: How badly am I going to steamroll my Block? Simple. Take a look at Sudden Death II. Ask Adrianna what happens when you call me out and expect to claim a victory just because you think you have an advantage.

She looks out over the assembled competitors, holding her arms wide.

Risa Jackson: I swept this whole damned tournament last year, with the exception of one of you.

She laughs, shaking her head.

Risa Jackson: Damon Cross. And, what's that? World Heavyweight champion material? If he's the champion on Collision, and I couldn't even capture the Undisputed Title from my Lord, what does that say about the rest of the other shows roster?

She looks out over the reporters, all clamoring to ask their own questions, before pointing to Miranda again.

Risa Jackson: Mir. You have another question?

Miranda starts to open her mouth when a woman on the other side of her starts to speak up.

Reporter #2: But there are many new names this year. What about--OW!!! MOTHERF---

The woman starts hopping around after Miranda stomps on her foot with her boot.

Miranda Augustino: ¡Ten cuidado con cómo hablas con la Hoja Ardiente de la Casa Crowley! ¡Puta!

She then turns right back up to Risa as if nothing happened.

Miranda Augustino: Alright, sweets, I’mma play devil’s advocate here, please forgive; but who do you think is gonna be the toughest opponent?

She doesn't hesitate with her answer, turning to point a finger at none other than Anton himself.

Risa Jackson: Is there any question Miranda? My Lord is the greatest talent that NFW has to offer. He nearly won Guardians of the Pyramid from the opening bell. He is a record setting Undisputed Champion. He has retired people with his dangerous arm bar. If I am to overcome anyone in this field, he is the pinnacle of talent here.

Risa turns back to the crowd.

Risa Jackson: But it is something I must do. And Anton understands that.

Anton nods, almost imperceptibly, as Risa continues.

Risa Jackson: I have time for one more question.

Reporter #3: Yes, please! Wh--

Miranda Augustino: Dawg, I swear to fucking god, if you don’t shut your cock holster.

The man goes quiet and looks at Miranda like a deer in headlights as the Trauma commentator looks back to Risa with a flip of her hair and a smug ass smirk on her lips.

Miranda Augustino: I’ll take that question, bonita! Real simple.

Miranda leans to the side, looking at the rest of the participants on A Block’s side. She leans the other way to look at B Block. Finally, she comes to the center point again.

Miranda Augustino: Any final words to these hombres and chicas behind you?

Risa thinks for a moment, lowering her head. She's quiet for a number of moments before raising her head to speak.

Risa Jackson: If any of you have any kind of foolish notion that you will be the one taking the trophy and championship match by winning this tournament, you may as well toss that idea aside, and find a backup plan for WrestleWar. I will defeat anyone put against me. I WILL win my block, and this tournament.

She grabs her trophy, holding it high over her head.

Risa Jackson: I WILL BE UNDISPUTED CHAMPION AT THE END OF WRESTLEWAR!

She lowers the trophy, looking out over the crowd one last time before giving Miranda a wink and returning to her seat next to Anton.