NFW Collision #109! 10/19/2021!

A vignette opens with archive footage, showing fans filing into what appears to be Korakuen Hall for a wrestling event in the late 90s. A somber piano melody plays as the clip cuts to show Toru Saito in the ring with a microphone, addressing the crowd. There’s no audio for the actual clip; we’re given a narration instead.


A quick cut shows another old clip of Toru Saito sitting at a commentary table, very animated as he calls a match going on.


An archive shot is shown of Sakura Saito under her White Swan masked persona as she hits her finisher on an opponent and hooks the leg. The crowd goes wild in their seats as she tearfully raises a title belt in the air.


A series of clips and pictures are shown: Toru and Sakura at their wedding. Toru and a pregnant Sakura standing together in front of their newly built wrestling school. Sakura sitting in the gym’s ring with their toddler daughter, posing for the camera. Further clips show Toru and Sakura training students and hosting shows. Faces some might recognize during match clips are Japanese stars like Dokueki, Yukiko Kusanagi and the members of SBS. Recognized in a lot of the pictures is NFW CEO Steven Brody standing with the Saito family. They appear to be friends more than just business partners. As their child begins to age through the clips, she is easily recognized as Risa Saito-Jackson. Some pictures even have a little Risa hanging off of Steven Brody. There’s a sort of uncle-niece vibe here. Eventually, Risa begins to hide her face in pictures with a cheeky smile before the pictures start to show her in her Super Tiger Mask. Clips are shown of Super Tiger in her early matches as a teenager. More pictures are shown of Toru, Sakura and their daughter together before Super Tiger no longer appears in the pictures, as she had left to wrestle abroad.


News clips show footage of the Saito family’s venue completely ablaze with first responders trying to put out the fire. Further clips show reports that Toru and Sakura Saito tragically passed during the accident. Video footage of their funeral service shows a massive turnout with hundreds of wrestling talents across the country. When the archive reel ends, we’re brought out in front of the newly built Saito Memorial Hall arena where the entirety of the NFW roster, referees, commentators and management stand out in front, around a massive statue depicting Toru Saito standing with Sakura in her White Swan gear, minus her mask which she holds in one hand. Standing center stage of the scene is NFW CEO Steven Brody and Trauma competitor, Risa Saito-Jackson. We realize, now, it’s been Steven Brody’s voice doing the narration.

Steven Brody: Therefore, it is the honor of myself and all those within New Frontier Wrestling, that we welcome wrestling fans of Japan to the newest professional wrestling venue, in honor of our dearly departed friends, Toru and Sakura. We give you, Saito Memorial Hall!

Steven presents Risa with a pair of ceremonial scissors which she takes and uses to cut the white ribbon in front of the statue, symbolizing the official grand opening of the arena! The shot then fades to the Collision intro….


The shot returns, showing the inside of Saito Memorial Hall. The ring is set up, there’s a pair of tunnels upon a stage, leading down to a walkway, much like the Collision Center. A large banner depicting Toru and Sakura Saito hangs above the center in between the two tunnels. The seats are packed with Kyoto fans holding up their signs and homemade banners as the camera sweeps over the crowd.

Nick Hanson: Hello and good evening, folks! Welcome back to regular, weekly NFW broadcasting! I’m Nick Hanson, joined by Jim Reynolds and this is New Frontier Wrestling, Tuesday Night Collision!

Jim Reynolds: So good to be back, Nicky! And we’re in fucking Japan, too! This entire country is like holy ground for pro wrestling! I love it!

Nick Hanson: And, we’re on the Road to Wrestle War, as well!! Gonna be one hell of a ride, folks! We’re kicking our Japan tour off in the newly opened Saito Memorial Hall and it is time for the action start!

Nick Hanson and Jim Reynolds get settled in as the music for the first match starts and special guest ring announcer, Yuusuke Takeda begins the opening announcement!

Rayola Davine vs Sierra Silver

The bell sounds and the two combatants lock-up in a traditional collar and elbow tie-up. Rayola quickly uses her strength advantage to start to move Sierra back. Sierra drops down and rolls into a modified monkey flip. Rayola lands on her feet facing the ropes. Sierra pops up and jumps up into a victory roll.

Rayola kicks out.

Sierra gets up and runs across the ring away from Rayola. Rayola gets up and runs, looking for a Needle and Thread. Sierra ducks under and keeps running as Rayola passes over her. Rayola gets back up and Sierra springboards up into a crossbody. She catches Rayola and holds for the cover.

Rayola kicks out.

Rayola rolls Sierra over into a cradle.

Sierra kicks out.

As the two rise to their feet, Rayola grabs Sierra in a waistlock and runs her into an O’Connor roll.

Sierra kicks out.

Rayola goes to the ropes and jumps into a springboard for the Sunspot. Sierra catches her in perfect timing for the Greenheart. Sierra covers.

Rayola barely gets a shoulder up.

Sierra gets up and sets for a big kick while Rayola looks unstable on her feet. Sierra gives her a flurry of kicks and Rayola ends up across the bottom rope. Sierra runs across the ring again, rebounds back and hits the Si-1-9! Rayola flops onto the mat and Sierra goes up to the top. She nods and then goes for the Silver Rising Sun. Knowing it was coming, Rayola rolls out of the way. Sierra crashes to the mat. Rayola tries for a cover.

Sierra kicks out.

Sierra reverses into a cradle.

Rayola kicks out.

As the two rise, they start to trade shots. Rayola staggers back from a punch combo from Sierra and then eats a kick. Rayola plants and hits the Ray-nbow. Sierra goes down like she’s been taken out by a hidden sniper shot. Rayola goes to the corner and climbs to the top. She laps for the Divine Ray, crashing down onto Sierra for the cover.


Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu, pinfōru de, Rayola Davine!

Nick Hanson: What an opener for the start of the tour!! Great performance by both wrestlers and a great win by Rayola!

Jim Reynolds: Awesome opener. Right at the start of the card where--

Nick Hanson: Don’t you say it!

Jim Reynolds: I said nothing!

Nick Hanson: You were going to!


A rather posh looking limo pulls up outside the entrance to the Saito Memorial Hall and by posh this writer means gawdy. Of course it's red, brightly polished, and houses a line of what appear to be diamonds running along the side. They could be fake because who would drive such a thing? Or be ridden in one? Well, as the window rolls down we see that it's Pet looking rather disgusted by what she sees. It isn't long until a blond that's sitting next to her does similar out the same window.

Pet: Ugh. Look at them, Dolly, every single one of them a leech.

It's already shaded over but we're still just going to blur out Dolly's chest.

Pet: You know there are fans there that cheer for others?

Dolly shakes her head in utter disdain.

Pet: Not to mention the company uses my good name on their marquee. They don't make their announcements flagging Etsuko, no. They do so throwing my name into the lot. Like I enjoy being treated like another of their dried up tissues in a bin after my pictorials go viral.

Thinking she means Twitter tags but whatever.

Pet: All it does is encourage others to start yelling things at me. Things like how I mistreat Etsuko. Like how I treat her like my own personal problem solver. Well, if the company were to address peoples attention to HER then we wouldn't have these issues.

She pauses to let out a prolonged sigh of sighs.

Pet: Whatever. Let them think what they want. It's a free country. For now.

She threatens, which seems to impress Dolly a fair bit.

Pet: In fact, Etsuko is going to show them all. She's going to show my kind and caring side that I, Anya Clarice Paige, took in such a guttered performer that the world gave up on. Soon, everyone won't be saying “Why don't you let her speak?” they'll be asking “May I have your autograph?” The world will cower at my feet whenever I walk by.

With a smirk now, she turns to her cohort in the Harem.

Pet: Dolly, our time will come where the Harem will be the only true power in the world. First, we show them my kindness. Then, we send those who have accepted my gift upon those who spit upon it. Then, the redheads, Dolly! We go after them all! Alright.

Yes. First things first as she stares across from her in the limo.

Pet: Shit, we left her to hold our things at the salon, didn't we?

She waves for the driver to go as she rolls the window back up.
We open up in Saito Memorial Hall! The fans are ranting, raving, and ready for action! The cheers of the crowd are intercepted by the words of Yuusuke Takeda!

Yuusuke Takeda: Ladies and gentlemen...Kai Morgan…

The atmosphere in the arena completely changes at the utterance of that name. Every single fan in attendance replies to the announcement with thunderous boos, the likes of which only escalate as Kai Morgan finally makes his way out, dressed in his street clothes. The ire that he’s picked up for his treacherous actions transcends to all members of NFW staff, with the production crew not even bothering to play his music, display his titantron, or even send him out to the ring with a microphone.

He looks around the sea of fans in the Hall with a snide expression, each and every single one of them giving him every last drop of their hate! He slowly makes his way down the entrance ramp, along the way completely ignoring the fans in the front row yelling swears and hateful comments directly into his face as he looks towards the ring. He reaches the ring, hopping in as the booing doesn’t even seem close to dying down! He looks around with the crowd even starting to make chants at him

Crowd: FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

clap clap clap clap clap

FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

clap clap clap clap clap

FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

clap clap clap clap clap

FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

clap clap clap clap clap

Morgan still ignores all this, maintaining his snide demeanor as looks upon all the people in attendance. He reaches out of the ring for a microphone, yet no one hands him one. He waits for a solid minute before eventually stepping outside of the ring and grabbing one from the timekeeper’s area himself! He steps back into the ring before proceeding to try and speak!

Kai Morgan: ...

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

The crowd interrupts The Man of 1000 Words, drowning him out with their vitriol! He looks down with a smirk, before proceeding to make another attempt at communication.

Kai Morgan: ...

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The crowd interrupts again, before breaking off into dueling, yet equally insulting chants.

Crowd: FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

Crowd: ZI-ON SUCKS!

Crowd: FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

Crowd: ZI-ON SUCKS!

Crowd: FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

Crowd: ZI-ON SUCKS!

Crowd: FUCK KAI MOR-GAN!

Crowd: ZI-ON SUCKS!

Morgan snickers now, obviously annoyed. But he’s not standing down, now sitting criss-cross in the center of the ring with his microphone. He sarcastically and condescendly looks out to the fans with hopeful eyes, waiting for them to shut up, but they JUST. WON’T. STOP.

Finally, Morgan comes to his resolution, as he stands up, lightly sets his microphone down in the center of the ring, and walks out. He slowly walks up the ramp the same way he entered, snidely looking ahead as the fans boo him to his face once again. He walks back through the gorilla position, not having said a single word as we carry on with the show.
In the backstage hallway of the Saito Memorial Hall, a camera finds Rayola Davine walking. She rounds a corner and none other than Marilyn Matthews is leaning against a small stack of storage crates. She grins upon seeing Rayola. She gives a little condescending golf clap.

Marilyn Matthews: Congratulations! Looks like you CAN win matches in NFW. Just not when they matter?

Rayola stops and rolls her eyes with a sigh.

Rayola Davine: Do you-

Mary cuts her off instantly.

Marilyn Matthews: I saw your little win. My point still stands. Can’t win in NFW when it matters.

Rayola Davine: That was be-

Once again Mary cuts her off.

Marilyn Matthews: If you were worth a damn you could have won that match on your own. Well, maybe not THAT match, cause Kingdom. But any other tag match where your partner bails? Yeah, totally doable.

Rayola Davine: You really thi-

The former World Champion cuts her off again.

Marilyn Matthews: Yes I do. Because we are the best. NFW is synonymous with The Kingdom. Ain’t no one in NFW that is better. Period.

Rayola Davine: You know what?

Rayola glares at Mary who just smiles back at her. With a deep aggravated breath, Rayola shakes her head and walks off. Mary chuckles and smiles watching her go.

Jamie Austin w/Lluvia Cane vs. Abigail Lindsey w/Sela Rica-Lark

The bell sounds and Abigail and Jamie lock up and Jamie forces Abigail into the corner as Hiroki calls for a break and Jamie backs away, but Abigail comes out with a poke to the eyes of Jamie before following up with spinning heel kick that drops Jamie to the mat. Abigail goes for a quick cover, but only gets a one count. Abigail picks Jamie up and sends her into the ropes. Jamie rebounds off the ropes and gets taken down by a discus clothesline by Abigail. Abigail picks Jamie up and sends her into the corner. Abigail charges in, but Jamie is able to get a boot up and force Abigail back. Jamie fires out of the corner and takes Abigail down with a clothesline of her own. Jamie hits the ropes, but Sela reaches up and tries to trip Jamie and this causes Jamie to turn around and yell something at Sela. Abigail grabs the distracted Jamie and rolls her up, getting a two count.

Abigail once again sends Jamie into the corner and charges in, delivering a splash in the corner as Jamie falls into a seated position. Abigail takes her boot and begins to choke Jamie as Hiroki administers his five count and Abigail grabs his attention as she backs out and Sela is right there, continuing to choke Jamie as Lluvia begins to circle around to that side and Hiroku immediately tells her to get back in her own corner as Lluvia looks to be seething as she does so. Abigail picks Jamie up and throws her out of the ring before once again grabbing the attention of Hiroki and Sela begins to stomp away at Jamie. Lluvia comes flying off the ring steps though and takes Sela down and begins a beatdown on her. Abigail comes out to try and break it up, but Jamie gets up and delivers a spear to Abigail as Hiroku continues to count and eventually reaches the count of twenty and has no choice but to ring the bell. The four ladies spill into the crowd as they all continue to brawl and fight with one another.

Nick Hanson: And this match is gonna go to a double countout!! They’re spilling right into this Kyoto crowd!!

Jim Reynolds: Saito Memorial Hall’s loving it!

Nick Hanson: Well, we need to get these four under control!

We see a rental car pulling into a gas station, as Malaya would exit the vehicle with Cassie as she had just finished racing down the mountain, as she was enjoying the new roads to travel in Japan.

Malaya Diyosa "Oh man, just wish I had my car back home here…"

Cassie Mason: “Me too.”

Malaya Diyosa "Hope the rental insurance place won't be so mad I put the work in their tires."

She said with a bit of a chuckle, as she started to fuel up her car.

Malaya Diyosa "So glad we can get back in the ring again… there's a lot of unfinished business between us."

Cassie solemnly nods.

Cassie Mason: “Those Pages bitches are going to get what’s coming. Can’t believe Vanessa would betray you like that.”

Malaya Diyosa "Me either. I'm not surprised about Danielle, though. Just wish that Vanessa didn't end up just like her."

She said with a bit of a frown, disappointed by their betrayal and them being shelved for awhile. Cassie hugs Malaya, as she comforted her.

Cassie Mason: “We’ll make this right, promise.”

Malaya Diyosa "I hope so. It just feels like I've been struggling a lot lately after getting away from the girls, you know?"

She said, resting into Cassie, as Malaya was needing to bounce back soon.

Cassie Mason: “Yeah, I know. No one said it was going to be easy. Hasn’t been for me either. I am trying to be strong enough for the both of us. There are days I feel like that isn’t enough. I came into your life promising everything was going to be better. It’s my fault you broke away from them. Now they are tag champions elsewhere. I feel I failed you.”

Malaya would hold Cassie and reassure her.

Malaya Diyosa "You never failed me, hun. They were toxic and kept me down. I love you… and we're going to get over this, together. We've got a show to make, babe. Wanna go pay us out?"

Cassie nods. A smile forms on her face.

Cassie Mason: “Of course.”

As she watched Cassie make her way to the clerk, she looked at her and smiled, as Malaya would then get a serious look on her face. Messing with her was one thing, but the Socialites hurting Cassie was another. She was going to get them back, no matter what it takes.

Jansen Myrrh vs Julianna Mendoza w/Grace Moretti

Jansen is ready to fight and calls for Juliana to meet her in the middle of the ring, but THE Lady of Lucha Libre just flips her hair and stays in her corner. Jansen looks right at her and yells “COME FIGHT ME YA FUCKING WALKING TALKING FISH MARKET!” That gets Juliana and she moves forward to fight Jansen. Juliana comes in with a forearm and gets blasted with one right back which sends her stumbling and scurrying towards the ropes. Juliana ducks between the top and middle rope as Grace Moretti is right there to check her cheek before she yells at El Alguacil about the supposed illegal attack. Jansen goes to grab Juliana, but El Alguacil has to stop her and back her up. Grace starts yelling at Jansen now and That Bitch’s attention is drawn “Shut the fuck up botox barbie.” That distraction allows Juliana to grab Jansen’s gear and pull her forward smacking Jansen’s head against the turnbuckle. Juliana follows with a quick enziguri that has Jansen a bit woozy. A rolling snapmare is up next, Juliana pops up, hits the ropes, and delivers a basement dropkick. Jansen slowly gets up, gets whipped into the ropes and hip tossed, which is followed by a running hip attack. Juliana again brings Jansen up and quickly delivers the Beauty Mark. THE Lady of Lucha Libre covers

TWO...

THR- KICK OUT

Juliana looks up at El Alguacil with absolute fury. She gets up at him and starts screaming “UNO, DOS, TRES! It’s not that difficult” As Juliana berates El Alguacil, Jansen gets to her feet and floors Mendoza from behind with a clothesline. A body slam comes next and a quick elbow drop follows before a cover that gets a 2 count. Jansen pulls Juliana up by her hair which gets a scream from Mendoza and anger from Grace Moretti. Jansen then slams Juliana straight back down to the mat, hits a knee drop, and covers for another 2 count. Juliana is again pulled up by her hair and gets several stiff forearm shots for her trouble. Juliana is backed into the ropes and her chest is soon red after several stiff chops. Jansen stays on the offensive by biting Juliana’s nose before she drags her face across the top rope and hits an inverted DDT. Grace is over to check on Juliana when Jansen kicks at her to knock her back so she can grab the legs of Juliana and hits a slingshot sending Juliana throat first into the bottom rope. Jansen pulls Juliana away from the ropes and gets another near fall. Jansen again grabs Juliana by the hair and El Alguacil finally admonishes her, but she ignores him, hits a big right hand that spins Juliana around, and hits the big back suplex. Jansen shows that she has some technical skill as she rolls through, brings Juliana up, and hits another high-angle back suplex. Jansen keeps going and hits a third before she makes the cover

TWO...

THRE- KICK OUT

Juliana just barely kicks out, rolling her shoulder up at the last possible second. Jansen isn’t gonna waste time with the ref, she just gets set for a big strike, allowing Juliana to stumble and stagger as she slowly gets to her feet. Jansen hits the ropes and That Bitch just stops as Grace Moretti grabs her foot. El Alguacil turns to see Grace Moretti just letting go of Jansen’s foot and warns her as Juliana runs in and catches Jansen with a monkey flip. Juliana hits a big huricanrana that sends Jansen across the ring. Jansen is up and gets caught with a quick arm drag. Jansen blocks the second arm drag attempt, rakes the eyes, and hits a snap suplex. Jansen goes right back to the hair to pull Juliana up and El Alguacil is quick to admonish her this time. That allows Juliana to rake the eyes and hit the second arm drag. Juliana looks to transition into the armbar, but Jansen hits a back elbow that stuns Juliana. Jansen looks for the massive lariat, but it’s ducked at the last second. Juliana hits the ropes and comes back with a leaping hip attack. Jansen is stunned and then dropped with a tornado DDT. Juliana goes up and over the ropes and waits for Jansen. Jansen gets up and then is put right back down courtesy of a Mendoza Missile to the face. Juliana makes the cover

TWO...

THR- KICK OUT

Juliana is furious as she gets up and grabs El Alguacil by his collar. She yells at him to stop counting slow and warns him that she’ll get her dad to come to the next show and kick his ass like he used to do. All that does is allow Jansen Myrrh time to recover and That Bitch is quickly behind Juliana to lock in The Confessional. Grace Moretti jumps up onto the apron and grabs Juliana’s hand to help her get the rope break. Grace is warned by El Alguacil as Juliana delivers a mule kick to Jansen and yes that hurts women as well. Juliana all smiles as the crowd boos a bit. Juliana hits a quick corkscrew neckbreaker and makes the cover, but it only gets her a 2 count. Juliana goes up and over again, this time she connects with a springboard crossbody and goes right into the cover for another 2 count. Juliana rolls off and clutches her knee, bringing El Alguacil over to her as Grace gets back on the ring apron, perfume in hand. Grace is readying to spray Jansen in the face when El Alguacil looks back and notices her. He’s finally had enough and tosses her out, much to the delight of the fans and the fury of Juliana who seems to have made a miraculous recovery. Juliana starts screaming at El Alguacil, right until she’s completely rocked by a spinning backfist which is followed by the Myrrh-driver. Jansen makes the cover, starts to hook the leg, but then doesn’t in a very clear sign of disrespect

TWO...

THREE

~DING DING DING~

Yuusuke Takeda: Pinfōru no kekka to shite no anata no shōsha… JANSEN MIRURA!

Jim Reynolds: Jansen Mirura with the big win tonight. Juliana and Grace Moretti had a plan, but Jansen was not afraid to use the dirty tactics and she hits like a goddamn freight train.

Nick Hanson: Did you really say that? Just say Jansen Myrrh. I really don’t want to lose a job because you’re dumb. You are right about Jansen Myrrh hitting like a freight train and not being afraid of using dirty tactics.

Jim Reynolds: I thought it was fucking funny. Jansen Myrrh did win, but let’s not ignore that Juliana showed she is a great wrestler, that Lucha style, and her own willingness to use the cheap tricks kept her in this match.

As El Auguacil raises Jansen’s hand, Grace Moretti and Cayla Phoenix both come down the ramp. Grace is quick to check on Juliana while Cayla slides into the ring and rushes at Jansen with some hard forearms. Cayla hits a hard kick to the midsection and looks for a rolling elbow, but it’s ducked, Jansen hits the ropes and comes back with a massive lariat from hell that wipes out The Siren of Violence. TAURUS is down now, slides into the ring, ducks another lariat attempt, and levels Jansen Myrrh with the Nail Gun, sending her out of the ring. TAURUS goes to check on Cayla as Grace and Juliana roll into the ring. The ladies help Cayla up as TAURUS turns back to Jansen, staring up at him from the ramp as she clutches her jaw. TAURUS stares down at her right against the ropes and motions for her to come back in the ring as he yells “Bring that shit to me next time!”

Result: Pinfall

The scene starts out pitch black. Slowly the deep, hollow, sound of water bubbling deep down builds. A blue glow starts to cut through the darkness. Three shadowy figures appear and take form. The one in the center steps forward to reveal herself as the New Silver Mountain Champion Milisandre Crowthorne. She has the Silver Mountain Title slung over her shoulder. She grins and looks into the camera.

Milisandre Crowthorne: You all doubted. You all didn’t believe. I told you He said this would happen. Had you all had listened, followed the whispers, things wouldn’t have been this bad. Things happened the way they did because of all of your lack of faith.

Milisandre grins

Milisandre Crowthorne: Overconfidence and diminishing humility brought down the woman who sat atop the Silver Mountain. She was given ultimate proof yet still she refused to believe. She lacked faith and she paid for it. Pride always comes before the fall.

That grin turns into a smirk. The two people behind Mil become recognizable as Sela Rica’Lark and Abigail Lindsay.

Milisandre Crowthorne: I proved his words to be the Truth. I showed that no matter how high the perch no one is untouchable. That erosion will always win out in the end. Now that I hold this title, that I am this champion, there is no longer a Silver Mountain to climb. You want to take this title from me? It’s not a climb you have to make. You will have to delve deep. You will have to be able to withstand crushing pressure in the dark. The Silver Mountain has crumbled. All that remains is a trench and I am its Champion. Hand-picked by him. You want this? Dive down and try to take it from me. Try and take...

That blue light deepens and those whale calls start to fill the space.

Milisandre Crowthorne: The Mariana Trench Title.

The trio starts to laugh as the blue light deepens. It reverses it’s course from the start and the scene fades to black.
Immediately the lights come on. Sitting down on a steel folding chair in an unknown location backstage is Donovan Cunningham. He’s wearing a grey double breasted suit. Standing behind him with her hands resting on his shoulder is Alexandra Caldwell. She’s wearing all black.

Donovan Cunningham: “Shocked to see me? I don’t blame you. Sometime ago, I tweeted on social media that I wasn’t going to make the trip to Japan. No reason for me to come initially. I have been a man without a client since I decided I was a detriment to the career of the Utopian Female known to the world as ISIS. I still stand by my decision, no doubt she’s going to accomplish great things, mark my words. I expected to rebound like the baller I am. Get back on my feet. Find another client. Push forward like only I can... the problem with my good natured optimism... MY faith wasn’t rewarded.”

Donovan sighs. Alexandra pats his right shoulder. Donovan points at the camera.

Donovan Cunningham: All of YOU forgot about me, except Danni Anderson. She was the only one who offered me words of encouragement. But the rest of YOU? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I drowned, and I drowned, and I drowned every single night looking at the bottom of an empty glass I drank from, wondering what life line was going to save me... from me. An angel from above came in the form of a woman who felt the exact same pain that I did. Her name is ALEXANDRA CALD-WELL.

Donovan looks over his shoulder in appreciation to the woman who saved him. She nods. He returns his focus to the camera.

Donovan Cunningham: “Alex is a woman who knows full well what is it like to be forgotten. This is a very talented woman. Got all the tools. One of the strongest, fastest, meaninest women on the face of planet Earth. Have any of you given Alexandra the attention, the praise, the recognition she deserves? Of course not. Yall focus on different aspects of her, like her train wreck of a personal life. Or yall bend the knee to the newest flavor of the month or women who are the personification of the word Karen. Or some invasion attempt spearheaded by a gremlin on this roster.”

“Alex and I share one thing in common. We don’t want to be forgotten. We don’t want to be overlooked, passed over like some cruel joke. She deserves success just like I do. She should be a champion like some of her so-called friends. The spotlight others can’t seem to let go of should be strangled by Ms. Caldwell. It is my privilege to assist in her endeavour of being Dat Girl like she was destined to become. Quote me on that. Soon, very soon, you are going to scream from the rooftops---

Alex leans in.

Alexandra Caldwell: “All. Hail. Alexandra.”

Alexandra Caldwell winks. Donovan chuckles as the scene fades to black.

Gallus Mag vs K.I.S.S

The bell sounds and Bruiser steps out to meet Bethany in the middle of the ring. The two nod to each other and then circle before locking up in a traditional collar and elbow tie-up. Bethany drops down and rolls into a leg scissor takedown that leaves Bruiser on her stomach and Bethany grabbing at the larger woman’s ankle. Bruiser kicks at Bethany to stop her from grabbing at Bruiser’s bad leg. Bethany goes to the other leg and Bruiser moves to get into a counter that Bethany turns into an inside cradle.

Bruiser reverses.

Bethany kicks out.

Bruiser goes for a clothesline as the two rise but Bethany ducks and then jumps into an attempt at a crucifix pin. Bruiser drops back into a Samoan drop but Bethany is able to roll out of it and over into the crucifix position after the impact.

Bruiser kicks out.

As they rise, Bruiser catches Bethany and spins into a spinebuster. Bruiser jumps up and tags in Psycho. Psycho pounces for a pin and Bethany cradles her.

Psycho kicks out.

As they get up, Psycho hits a rising kene and then starts kicking at Bethany’s legs. She alternates between each leg until Bethany moves back to the ropes in avoidance. Psycho tags in Bruiser and then kicks Bethany in the midsection. Bruiser grabs Bethany and hips her into the corner. Bruiser follows with a clothesline and then drops to all fours. Psycho runs in and hits Air Psycho. Bethany drops to the mat and Bruiser covers.

Bethany kicks out.

Psycho and Bruiser work over Bethany until a miscue between them allows Bethany to roll over and tag in Ashley. Ashley jumps in and blasts both of them, knocking Bruiser back into their corner and catches Psycho as the smaller woman tries for a kick set again. Ashley tosses Psycho to the center of the ring and Bethany goes to the top of the corner. Ashley runs over and drops Bruier before climbing their corner. The Kenyon Sisters jump off for the Weapons Grade and Ashley goes for the cover on Psycho. Bruiser comes over and knocks Ashley off Psycho. Bethany comes running over and Bruiser dumps her by the ropes with a backdrop. Bethany trunks around and Bruiser knocks her off the apron to the floor. Ashley tries for the Kiss Off but Bruiser ducks it. As Ashley lands on her feet again, Psycho steps up and hits Gealtachta. Ashley goes down like she’s been shot and Bruiser covers.


Yuusuke Takeda: Pinfōru, Saoirse, Becca Maguire ni yoru shōsha wa tsugi no tōridesu... GALLUS MAGU!!

Nick Hanson: Well, it looks like these two teams may have officially found out who the better team is!

Jim Reynolds: Is that really saying much, Nick?!

Nick Hanson: Watch it now, Jim.

In the backstage of Saito Memorial Hall, the Gaijin Nightmare strolls casually, his kendo stick slung over his shoulder with his black and blood-red oni mask hanging off and some new gear, going back to the long black tights with what looks like blood-red serpents encircling the legs of Shields, his right knee pad bears the death kanji (死) his other bears an x-ray of a shattered knee cap with blood dripping along the edge. The kick pads are very simple, black with blood splattered around to really go with the crazy-ass theme. What completes it is the black Haori, lined in bright red, orange, yellow, and white hellfire flames, which he made sure to show off. Most of the NFW crew that had traveled over kept pretty clear of Shields, but the Kyoto crew that were working seemed to know him well. He gave a few a nod, but quickly made his way to the private locker rooms and found the one listed as belonging to Minoru Yamamoto. He went to knock, stopped, and reached for his mask, then shook his head and decided not to, instead he knocked and waited. When the door opened, the absolute strangest thing in the world happened, Matt Shields smiled, he didn’t smirk or sneer or do some creepy thing with his tongue like every time he ever does anything, he smiled.

Matt Shields: Mi no musuko.

Minoru Yamamoto-Page: Matto-Dad!

Shields dropped down his kendo stick, leaned down, and hugged his son. Minoru then suddenly grabbed Matt’s arm, gave it a wrench, a twist and he had him on his knees with the hammerlock applied.

Minoru Yamamoto-Page: Tap out!

Matt looked up at Hikaru and decided to go ahead and tap.

Matt Shields: That was good Musuko. You caught me off guard. In a real match though, apply some pressure and when you have someone down like that, try and do the move I do, or think up your own cool thing.

Shields smiled and gave Minoru a fist bump, and then held up a big bag in his other hand seemingly out of nowhere. It was bright and gold and he smiled again, it was almost creepy.

Matt Shields: What you really should have done was taken this bag from me and checked out the special one of a kind gift in there.

Minoru seemed shocked, but he took the bag, ran over to the couch, plopped down, ripped out the paper, and pulled out what can only be described as a Matt Shields brawling buddy.

Minoru Yamamoto-Page: Matto-Dad pillow!

Matt Shields: It’s durable, you can practice chops by hitting it. Matto-Dad training dummy.

Looking on, the young woman folds her hands on her lap and smiles. Any fan of HYBRID Wrestling should know who Hikaru Yamamoto-Page is: The beautiful Japanese Interviewer and the Hostess of Hikaru’s Haven. She gauges her son’s reaction and giggles.

Hikaru Yamamoto: As always, you are very creative, Matthew-san. Minoru-kun, what do you say?

The little man stands up straight and politely bows.

Minoru Yamamoto-Page: Arigato, otōsan!

Matt Shields: Dōitashimashite, musuko.

Matt politely bows, then picks up his kendo stick and mask, resting them against an end table.

Matt Shields: Always wonderful to see you, Hikaru. I wanted to make sure you were okay with Minoru being out there for the match. Towers is a… .Kuso yarō, and I got a little bit of rage to let out. This is going to get bloody.

Shields’ good mood has seemed to fade a bit as he thinks over the last few days. He reaches out towards his kendo stick, shakes his head, and sighs. Hikaru’s known him for a long time. They have a history together. After all, they are Minoru’s biological parents. She notices the sign of weakness and her golden-brown eyes soften.

Hikaru Yamamoto: Minoru-kun will be turning nine on the 31st. He’s very mature for his age. He can handle what we are going to see. Just focus on the wrestling, Matthew-san.

The almost-birthday boy looks between the two of them and firmly nods. He sets aside the gift he’s just received and steps up to his father. A look of determination covers his entire face.

Minoru Yamamoto-Page: It is no disqualification, hai? Don’t do the bad stuff! Like no eye poking or low blowing. I mean weapons are okay, but try not to use them unless Towers-bobo does.

Matt looks down at his kendo stick, then over to Minoru and nods.

Matt Shields: For you Minoru, No eye pokes, rakes, chokes, I will only use three weapons the whole match, and I will not low blow him unless he hits me low first. If he does that then it’s only fair I get one in return. Plus, he’s a bad bad man.

Matt looks at Hikaru for a second, then to Minoru, then Hikaru, Minoru, and both of them just look at him like he has the right to say that.

Matt Shields: Okay, I know. I will not use any cheap tactics, I will only use three weapons, and I will only use a low blow if he does first. I can hurt him plenty without any of that extra stuff.

A smile crosses their son’s face. Since the last time he was seen on television like this, his hair has grown out. It gives him quite the resemblance to both Matthew and Hikaru. To think he’s turning nine in less than two weeks… Hikaru certainly can’t believe it. She offers a weak yet warm smile and reaches out to pick up her cup of green tea.

Hikaru Yamamoto: I have faith, Matthew-san.

Quietly, she takes a sip of her tea and releases a content sigh. Shields nods, picks up his kendo stick, and looks at his mask.

Matt Shields: Time to remind people why the Gaijin Nightmare was truly feared.

Shields smirks this time, places the mask on, and raises it on top of his head. He looks over at Minoru and nods.

Matt Shields: Mi no musuko, I am probably going to get bloody in this, and hurt, but ain’t no way Towers is winning this with my son watching.

Shields again seems to possess magic powers as he lowers his mask, spins, and presents Minoru with his own smaller versions, his mask orange and red, the kendo stick solid white. Shields brings his kendo stick up and Minoru does the same after putting his mask on. They tap the sticks and Shields makes his exit to finish his match preparations.
We open up in a familiar dark, empty lot. We hear the sounds of the pipe organ playing creepy circus style music as we see the black and white big top in the distance. We move in, clowns begin to pop out, laughing hysterically as the camera begins to shake a little bit. We finally get inside of the tent where darkness surrounds us and the music grows louder, along with the sound of a crowd inside of the tent. The anticipation from the crowd swells and gets louder as the music gets louder yet before a spotlight shines in the middle of the tent and there, we see three familiar faces, the faces of The Ringmaster, Ringmistress, and Mister Gigglesworth. The clown is skipping around the other two, a huge smile on his face as Ringmistress, dressed to look like Pennywise, giggles and hops up and down right beside Ringmaster who is sporting his striped coat, top hat, and cane. He slams the butt of the cane on the ground three times and it echoes throughout the tent as the crowd noise dies down along with the music.

Ringmaster: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, people of all ages, welcome to the most evil show on Earth, The Chaos Circus!

The phantom crowd erupts as Gigglesworth claps and continues to skip as Ringmistress dances around Ringmaster before kneeling in front of him with a twisted smile on her face.

Ringmaster: The Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament has come and gone and what a fantastic sight it was! But now, we head overseas to the Land of the Rising Sun as we gear up for WrestleWar!

The crowd once again applauded and picks up in volume as Ringmaster stands there, a grin on his face.

Ringmaster: The last time you saw me, I was standing over Casey Holliday in the middle of the ring, as I defeated her. Casey, you had a honorable showing in the tournament, but I know you still want to try and get payback on me for defeating you soundly in the middle of that ring!

Ringmistress: Lady needs needs to move on!

Ringmaster: Now, now Ringmistress, Casey wants one more shot at me and who I am to disappoint my adoring fan? There’s only one catch though, you face me, when I say, and on my terms. If you dare to accept, I will be waiting to reveal what the hand of fate has dealt you. Now, on with the show!

Ringmaster slams his cane on the ground one more time as it echoes throughout the tent and the spotlight that was shining on the three members of the Circus goes out and we fade out.

Matt Shields vs. Johnny F’n Towers

When the bell rings, Matt Shields takes his kendo stick, drops it over the top rope, marches to the middle of the ring, flips Johnny Towers off, and puts his hands behind his back. “First shot’s free, fucko.” Towers doesn't hesitate for a second, he walks right up to Shields and fires off a blistering chop. Shields grimaces, but absorbs it, steps back up, and asks for another. Towers fires off a vicious forearm that sends Shields back a few steps before he comes right back with a forearm of his own, staggering Towers for a second. Towers is able to absorb that and comes back with another chop. Shields clearly feels it, but he comes back with one of his own, both men just laying in with every chop and forearm. Both men take a step back and step into forearm strikes, rocking each other a bit. Both take a few steps with Shields getting his wits back first. Shields is about to rake his eyes, but he stops himself and Johnny rakes his eyes instead. Johnny hits a few quick forearms, then a straight right that spins Shields and sets Johnny up to hit a German suplex. Shields powers himself up to the delight of the crowd and hits a big running high knee. Now Towers is staggered and Shields hits a Saito Suplex which gets another cheer from the enthusiastic Kyoto fans. Shields looks around for a few seconds, nods, then looks over at his son Minoru sitting in the front row with his mother Hikaru, and Leina. Matt gives Minoru a thumbs up and Minoru cheers as well. The cheers quickly turn to boos as Johnny Towers hits Shields between the legs. Towers laughs and flips off Minoru before he rolls to the outside and starts tossing in some weapons. Chairs come first, followed by kendo sticks, then a spool of barbed wire, one of the cheese graters he no doubt stashed earlier, and a couple of light tubes. Johnny slides in and smashes a light tube over Shields’s head, followed by a Russian leg sweep with a kendo stick. Towers revels in the boos of the crowd as he starts wrapping barbed wire around his own arm. Shields is a little stunned and then absolutely flood when he gets smashed with a barbed wire discus lariat! Towers shakes his head and just pins Shields right there


Towers grabs a chair and sets one up in the corner wedged between the ropes, he opens up another and sets it in front of a corner before he goes back to the outside to grab more light tubes, a few Japanese stop signs, looking at the red triangles for a second before he tosses them inside the ring. Towers slides back inside and as he gets up he’s met with a running European uppercut. Shields follows that with a quick swinging neckbreaker, brings Towers back up, wrenches the arm of Towers, and slips right into the hammerlock. Shields cranks back on the move before he transitions again, going right beside Towers while keeping the arm trapped before Shields drives all of Towers’ weight down onto the arm with a Russian leg sweep. Shields looks out at the crowd for a few seconds, then grabs the arm, applies a seated hammerlock, steps through to keep the arm pinned down as he takes Tower’s other hand, brings the arm up, and then drops straight back. Shields looks right into the camera and smirks as he says “How’s that for real wrestling.” Shields stays on the arm of Towers, wanting to make a statement of some kind as he hits a hammerlock DDT. Shields looks at the chairs for a second, then gets an idea. He grabs a chair, pulls Johnny up, places the chair behind Johnny’s back, Shields then locks the arm behind the chair, takes Johnny’s other arm, and hits an absolutely vicious arm trapped Northern Lights Suplex with the chair. Shields bridges into the pin


Shields is a little bit surprised at the kick-out but looks to stay on the attack until Johnny rolls out of the ring. Shields looks over at his son, holds up one finger and both say “Ichi.” Shields heads to the outside and yanks him pants first towards the ring post. Shields crashes headfirst into the steel and the bad gets worse as he gets dragon suplexed right on the floor. Johnny doesn’t stay on the attack now, he goes under the ring, searches for a few seconds, and then pulls out a clear plastic bag filled with bamboo skewers. Towers tosses the bag into the ring, grabs Shields, and throws him back inside the ring. Towers picks up a light tube and smashes it across the back of Shields before he dents a stop sign over the head of Shields. Towers decides to show off his own wrestling skill as he hits a snap suplex to Shields, dropping him across some of the broken glass from the light tubes. Towers picks Shields up and whips him into the corner with the chair set up. Towers hits a big corner clothesline, then hits an exploder suplex that once again sends Shields into the glass. Towers decides to get the bamboo skewers now and pulls out a handful. As Shields is working to his feet Towers hits a sliding forearm. Towers grabs Shields by his hair, picks his spot, and just smashes the skewers right into the forehead of Shields, right at his hairline. Some of the skewers fall away, but there are quite a few lodged into the cranium of Matt Shields. Towers isn’t done yet, he hits the ropes and drives his boot right into the skewers, sending them deeper into Shields skull and the maniacal motherfucker goes down in a heap. Towers looks down at Shields, grabs his arm, and just spits before he makes the cover


Shields just manages to kick out, rolling his shoulder up and himself towards the ropes. The camera can now pick up that a lot of the skewers splintered and split, more of them fell out. Shields starts to pull a few more of them from his skull, the blood really starting to flow when Towers comes over, grabs Shields by the hair, yanks the rest of the skewers out, and pours a dark amber liquid right over the bloody wound before he takes a sip of the Suntory whiskey. With the bottle empty, Towers smashes it across the skull of Shields and the Monarch of The Mat is a bloody mess. Towers pulls Shields back in by his hair, whips him into the corner, places the chair in front of Shields, goes to the opposite corner, charges in, and uses the chair to springboard up, and hits a forearm before he sends Shields up and over with a belly to back suplex across the unfolded chair. Towers decides to go out and bring one of the tables into the ring. Towers slides in after, sets the table up, and turns around into a step-up enziguri and a pumphandle neckbreaker, this time dropping Towers on the glass. Both men lay on the mat for a few seconds, Shields bleeding from his forehead and back, while Johnny’s back has been cut open by the glass. Shields moves to the ropes to pull himself up while Johnny slowly stands. Towers jabs his thumb into the eye of Shields to cut off any kind of attack, then it’s cheese crater time as Johnny picks it up and just bashes it into the face of Shields, tearing up his forehead even more. A shot to the midsection takes all the air out of Shields and sets him up perfectly for a jackknife powerbomb right through the notoriously hard to break Japanese table. Towers shoves away the wreckage and again covers Shields


Ever the ring general, Shields drapes his foot over the bottom rope, that rule still applying even in this environment. Shields grabs the rope and pulls himself out, getting a bit of separation and slowly moving towards the kendo stick. Towers looks at Hiroki Tanaka and holds up three fingers, but the veteran Japanese official shakes his head and points to the bottom rope. Towers flips him off and go to the outside, but he doesn’t head for Shields. Instead, Towers moves towards Minoru’s section. Towers looks at the kid and then grabs one of the bloody bamboo skewers to try and give to him as a gift. Minoru smacks it out of his hand and Towers looks ready to punch the young man, but instead, he goes back under the ring and brings out his signature brass knuckles covered with thumbtacks. Towers puts them on and is set to hit Shields when instead he turns back to Minoru and snatches away the special Matt Shields brawling buddy that Shields had given his son. Towers yells at Minoru, that this is what he’s gonna do to his bitch father, right before he catches a kendo stick shot between the legs. Shields is up and hits a big half-nelson neckbreaker. Shields pulls himself up in front of Minoru, clinging to the barricade, his face bloody as he smiled and they both held up two fingers and said “Ni”. Shields picked up Minioru’s present and gave it back to him, then nodded to Hikaru, and didn’t even look at Leina before he spun around and floored Towers with 40 Legions! Shields pulled Towers’ up and tossed him back inside the ring before he grabbed a table of his own. Shields slid the table in and came back in the ring. Shields hit a sliding European uppercut and then it was revenge time as Shields hit at least a dozen neckbreakers, Argentine, butterfly, corkscrew, one where he put Towers in a half straight jacket after doubling him over, went to his side, leaped up, and pulled Towers back, using his knee to deliver the devastating neckbreaker. Shields was clearly showing off his vast arsenal of moves while also getting a bit of payback on Towers. Shields grabs Towers and brings him towards the table before he picks him up and delivers Majo No Toki. Shields keeps Towers standing and rolls him onto the table before he climbs up top. Shields stretches out his arms as he’s perched on the top rope and instead of his usual line he yells “Akumu no guntai, jōshō!” and several fans stand to the feet including Minoru, cheering Shields off as he crashes through Johnny Towers and the table with Year Zero. It takes a bit for Hiroki to clear away the wreckage so he can make the count.


Shields looks up at Hiroki with a bit of disappointment, but he shakes it off, looks at Minoru, and raises up three fingers, both saying “San”. Shields nods, stands up from the table, pulls Johnny up, and hits a quick jumping double knee armbreaker, going back to the well and inflicting plenty of pain while wrestling completely clean. An arm trapped scoop slam was next and then finally Shields was set to end it with the Whispers of Azathoth, only to have a light tube smashed into his face. Shields staggers and stumbles back and Towers takes him down with a Thesz press and rains down a few hammer blows. Towers is going back to the weapons as he grabs Shields personal kendo stick, a cheese grater, a few more chairs, and for some reason a plane of glass. Towers slides into the ring, sets up the chairs, positions the glass over them and a devious smile appears on his face before he’s caught with a belly-to-back suplex, no no, Shields turns it into a devastating neckbreaker. Shields lays into towers with vicious chops and forearms before he gits a rolling elbow that spins Towers and allows him to deliver Frailty. Shields maintains wrist control, sees the glass set up across the chairs looks at Minoru seemingly asking for one more weapon and Minoru holds up for fingers and yells “YON!” Shields seems almost giddy as he sets Hellhound’s Bite. The fans start to cheer and a few yell MATTOSLIIIDE! The arena is clapping and cheering as they chant for the Ma-tto-slide! Ma-tto-slide! Ma-tto-slide! Shields turns to face the glass and drives Johnny Towers forward with an absolutely sickening backslide driver. Towers crashes through the glass, the back of his head hitting one of the chairs as it falls under him during the crash. The glass cuts up both men, but Shields goes directly into the pin


Yuusuke Takeda: Pinfōru no kekka to shite no anata no shōsha…MATTO SHIRUDO!

Jim Reynolds: What the fuck? Wait a damn second, people like Shields over here? And that move was... He put him through a plane of glass with… that was insane.

Nick Hanson: That was the Mattslide, a move Shields has not used for quite some time, and he is very popular in Japan especially here in Kyoto. That move through the glass was brutal, but he secured himself the win and he did it with wrestling, no cheap tactics, and minimal strategic use of weapons.

Jim Reynolds: He did. I thought the playing it clean thing was gonna cost him, but it was Johnny Towers that should have focused more on wrestling and less on weapons. He’s a dangerously deranged bastard for sure, Towers just came up against what might be the most dangerous version of Matt Shields.

Nick Hanson: Johnny Towers actually seemed upset that Shields wasn’t going full-on deathmatch. Maybe that’s why he was so focused on the weapons. Or he just enjoys carnage and bloodshed

Shields has his hand raised, then snatches a towel from one of the ringside attendants, then points to a closeby vendor. The attendant goes over and gets him a Pocari sweat. Shields chugs down half of the drink before he heads over to his son, gets a high five, talks for a little bit, and then heads off to no doubt get bandaged and stitched up, drinking the rest of his drink along the way.

Result: Pinfall

The main event looms, and in the locker room area, the Crusade are all preparing for their main event tag match in their own special way. Ronnie Lester is kicked back on the sofa with a pair of earbuds in, bobbing his head to some tunes. Damon Cross, the World Heavyweight Champion, is limbering up in an otherwise empty corner of the room as Danni and Leina Anderson look on, quietly chatting with each other. And Sylvia Lopez? She is… playing with dolls. Dolls that look suspiciously like effigies of the Socialites. And she is treating them with all the care that a thresher machine has for a field of corn. Ronnie happens to glance over at the display, chuckling and tapping one of the earbuds to pause the music.

Ronnie Lester: “Get it out of your system now, Timber, yeah? If you do that to those brats in the ring, we’ll get disqualified!”

Lopez glances over to Lester and giggles as she wraps her teeth around the head of one of the dolls and pulls it off, spitting it out onto the floor in front of her. Leina looks over at this point and, strangely enough, starts giggling. Danni, at least for a moment, looks a bit… well… aghast!

Leina Rael-Anderson: Awesome!

Brought out of his focus on loosening up, Damon turns around in time to see the rolling, blonde head tumbling across the floor to stop near the door. The Redeemer cannot help but laugh.

Damon Cross: ”Someone get a camera in here. Our opponents need to see this. They need to be afraid.”

Ronnie Lester: “What makes ya say that, Dame?”

Damon Cross: ”Easy. It’s the only way they’ll learn.”

Sylvia Lopez: ”They will learn! They will learn!!! THEY WILL LEARN!!!

At around that point, Josh Davidson knocks on the door and, getting the go-ahead from Damon, comes into the room with microphone in hand. He stops to smile and nod at the collected Crusade when he feels himself about to step on something. Moving his foot, he sees the head of the eviscerated doll and freezes. Ronnie facepalms, Sylvia cackles and Damon just shakes his head with a smile.

Damon Cross: ”At your own risk, Mr. Davidson.”

Josh Davidson: Well, tonight on the return episode of Collision after a very successful Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament, we find ourselves here in Japan on our overseas tour and you’re in the main event against the Socialites. What are your thoughts on facing the Page sisters tonight?

The Bellevue Banshee immediately jumps to her feet and charges over to the interviewer and grabs hold of his collar.

Sylvia Lopez: Can you smell it?! Can you taste it?! That coppery smell! That taste! The smell and taste of blood that will soon fill the nostrils and mouths of the Wolves of Justice!

Damon calms Sylvia, at least a little, by putting his hands gently on her shoulders. The Redeemer has that way about him now where, once upon a time, he would instead push the buttons that would have the Bellevue Banshee try to eat this interviewer alive. She’s still quite eager to mete out suffering, but at least Josh is free.

Damon Cross: ”This, for us, Josh, is pure fun. How many cliches can we come up with? We’re getting the band back together. It’s just like old times. It’s like we never went our separate ways. I could go on.”

He gives the camera a knowing wink… and sends most of the women in the crowd into conniptions in the process. But it’s time to do business.

Damon Cross: ”Allow me to be forthright: we have all seen what the Socialites have gotten up to since they arrived in NFW, how they’ve tried to ‘do business’ and their other antics. The Crusade?”

He looks at Sylvia and Ronnie, nods, then turns back to the camera.

Damon Cross: ”We don’t approve.”

Ronnie Lester: “We had our time, buckin’ the system and makin’ a mess, and we were damn good at it. But things change. People change. We’re still the fiery folks who ran wild in the past, but now with the benefit of maturity and experience. The Socialites think they’re hot shit. We’re about to show ‘em otherwise. The Wolves of Justice? We don’t take prisoners. Tell ‘em, Timber.”

Josh, somewhat meekly, turns the microphone back to Sylvia.

Sylvia Lopez: Sylvia likes to play with dolls! It makes Sylvia happy! The Page sisters believe themselves to be perfect! That they have perfect hair! Perfect skin! Perfect bodies! Well Sylvia’s going to pull out their perfect hair! Scratch their perfect skin! And break their perfect bodies!

Lopez giggles and starts to clap her hands with glee as she bounces up and down on the spot in front of the interviewer.

Josh Davidson: ”You… certainly sound ready.”

Ronnie Lester: “We’re at the top of our game right now, Joshy. Sylvia? She’s living her best life right now. Got a family that cares about her and people to hurt. Opponents like these bring out the best in her… well, from our perspective. Bettin’ the Socialites won’t think so after she treats them like a lawnmower treats action figures.”

He grins in a lopsided way, looking over to a suddenly-intense Damon.

Damon Cross: ”By their silence, you can tell that the Page sisters know exactly what’s coming for them. Or rather… who. The Wicked One, Ronnie Lester… one of the toughest high-fliers out there, a man who knows how to bring an opponent down from the air, the mat or anywhere else he chooses. And the Bellevue Banshee, Sylvia Lopez… one of the hardest people in the business, bar none. She’ll outlast you before you come close to bringing her down and take years off your career for just a few minutes of fun. And, of course… me.”

He holds up the World Heavyweight Championship, as if that says it all. And it does.

Damon Cross: ”No one will dispute the dominance of the Kingdom. And there’s a number of other groups and teams out here worth their salt. But this? This is the by-God Crusade. We’re a force of nature. And a trio of plastically-enhanced frankenhooters? They’re going to be brought down. Hard. Righteously. By one of the most dangerous teams in the business today. Better start believing.”

All three knock fists together before dispersing, Danni and Leina giving Davidson a little wave as they move to follow. All that’s left is the wreckage of the dolls and a promise you can’t help but believe.
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page comes walking over to Josh Davidson and smiles at him.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page: Hand over the microphone please.

Josh Davidson: Seriously?

Tiffany shakes her head yes.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page: Joshy, the people don’t watch Collision to see you. The viewing audience wants to see my sister and I. So run along.

Josh rolls his eyes.

Josh Davidson: Whatever.

Josh hands Tiffany the microphone and walks away.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page: Before I get to tonight’s main event I must address Malaya and her little shadow, Cassie. You two two hippos who can only wish she were a Socialite. You two have the audacity to try and attack us with weapons. It is down right despicable. We put you two out of action for a couple months and you two know that the only way you can measure up to us. Let this be a warning but stay out of our way or we’ll put the two of you out of wrestling for good.

Tiffany pauses for a moment.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page: Now onto more important things. I know what you are all thinking, what isn’t more important than Malaya? So I’ll narrow that down for you sycophants, I of course speak of tonight’s main event. Tonight is not only big because we are in Japan or that we are in the main event but tonight my sisters are stepping into the ring with the team that is led by the NFW World Heavyweight champion. A man who is ranked in the top three World Champions in the entire world. Needless to say we are taking this match much more seriously then we might most opponents because we know being able to beat the World Champion under any circumstances is huge. It will solidify us as a major force not only in the Trios division but also in NFW. Which is why we have to walk out of here tonight with a victory over the Crusade. Don’t get me wrong, we are in no way taking neither Ronnie nor Sylvia lightly so get that out of your minds right now but we will be damned if we are going to let the World champion beat us. The only real question is if Sylvia or Ronnie have what it takes to step up and beat us. I personally don’t think so. While you may have every intention of proving me wrong we simply won’t allow that to happen.

Tiffany walks over to Josh who was standing just off of the camera shot and she slams the microphone on Josh’s chest then walks off.
Sitting in a well appointed private locker room we find Xander Fillmore relaxing in the sitting area playing Super Smash Bros. on his Switch. The sound of someone showering can be heard and Rayola Davine is singing along to the aggressive part in “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Elilish rather loudly in the background. A sudden knock on the door is heard and Xander closes the door to the shower before answering the interruption. At the door is Josh Davidson and a camera crew. He has a huge smile on his face and his body language states that he’s excited for this interview.

Josh Davidson: ]Just the man I was looking for, you got a few mins for a couple of questions, Xander?

Xan gives Josh a smirk, nods, and invites them into the locker room. He enters the shower room and the music abruptly turns off. The crew has set up at the same couch Xander was sitting at moments ago.

Xander Fillmore: I always have time for my favorite interviewer, Josh! Whatcha got today, my friend?

Josh: Thanks for the compliment, Xander, but I imagine what I’d like to talk about is a huge surprise. At the tourney finals we all know what happened. It’s reported on at great length, but you really haven’t given an official response to the disrespectful actions of both Kai Morgan or his employees from Zion Wrestling.

Davidson looks a bit nervous asking Xander so directly but it’s widely known that’s how Xander prefers to have his questions.

Xander: I love not beating around the bush and getting right to it, Josh. Well… I’m past what those three did to me physically because I’m a fighter and that’s what we do. But, what I can’t get past is, like you said, the disrespect to both the memory of Vlad and the spirit of fair competition.

Xander grabs a bottle of water and takes a huge swig.

Xander: I know in my time here in professional wrestling that this isn’t and will never have the honor that most have in the MMA game. But, when I have a fight with another competitor I expect to know who my potential adversaries are. Ray and I very plainly showed Mr. Morgan our cards and he knew that my beautiful wife was present for my moral support. Very transparent…

He takes a second swig.

Xander: On the other hand, Kai, he has no one in NFW that would ever come to his aid except that hair girl, whatever her name is. So the Jerk Off decided like the cheating rat he is to invite a couple from the ugly stepsister to do his dirty work. The two he chose are a blatant slap in the face to both me and my wife and I’ll never forgive him for that. It’s been well reported my disdain for Porter and his girl Ashlynn. She’s a mouthy one and he’s the guy… Well we all know what he did!

Josh: Yes, it seems that Kai specifically targeted you in the choice of saviors he chose. Because you certainly had him beat and looked to win the match when you taught him “The Lesson” as you call it.

Out from the shower room walks a fully clothed Rayola. She smiles at Josh and blows a kiss to Xan before starting to brush her hair out off camera.

Xander: You see my dood, I- Well we in TRIOCS believe in fair competition and when you have a few thugs that don’t even go here do you dirty work it pisses a few people off. ESPECALLY on a night so important to this company!! Kai knows what he did and to be honest it was exactly what he needed to become one of the top dickheads in the biz. I can’t stand the guy but I guess everyone needs their Joker, I suppose?

Josh chuckles at the reference.

Xander: But, I’m no Batman, I’m more of a Red Hood kinda guy or hell on bad days maybe even The Batman Who Laughs! I WILL take the vengeance needed to rid scum like Kai Morgan and his henchman, and even all of Zion Wrestling as a whole from breaching the doors of the best federation in the world N… F… W!!!

Josh: I love the spirited and a bit of a nerdy response, Xan. So it sounds like you have a plan for the situation?

Fillmore looks over to his wife with a wry smile and she giggles a bit.

Xander: Yeah Joshua… We got a plan!!! I’d pay attention to any and everywhere. Because Kai’s not the only one that has friends in rival feds. We good here? I’m over about talking about this, bud.

Josh: Yeah, I think we’re good...

Ryleigh Ruin vs. Etsuko Mitsuzaka

The moment the bell rang, Ryleigh Ruin and Etsuko Mitsuzaka squared up in the middle of the ring. Ryleigh took a moment to put out her fists for a bump, which Etsuko respectfully gave back and the two began circling, feeling each other out with feigned kicks and lunges. At ringside, Pet slapped the mat and shouted for Etsuko to just go in on Ryleigh and “break her”, “destroy her”, “hurt her!” Eventually, Ryleigh and Etsuko locked up, collar and elbow and tested who was stronger. Ryleigh got Etsuko back a few steps but Etsuko dropped to a knee and pushed up, powering Ryleigh back towards a corner. Ryleigh stuck a foot back to give herself some leverage to push herself back out and hit a step around armdrag into an armbar to go right for an early submission that Etsuko writhed out of. Ryleigh went for a quick follow up but Etsuko leaned back through the ropes, causing a break which Ryleigh obliged the ref’s call on. Pet came over to chastise Etsuko for not taking control of the situation but Etsuko silently went back to the match to engage Ryleigh again. Once more, they locked up and this time, Ryleigh began going for takedowns and holds but the Red Oni used her power and vicious striking to break free of the Little Monster’s attempts and eventually caught her off guard with a stiff Thrust Kick that rocked the BJJ champion and left her open to a series kicks, chops and clotheslines, followed by a Top Rope Tornado DDT and a cover.


But Ryleigh kicked out and threw her hips up with enough force that she wound up sitting over Etsuko and wrenching her leg up for a counter pin.


Etsuko kicked out of it and forced Ryleigh off of her, rolling up to her feet for a back thrust kick to the jaw when Ryleigh came up onto her knees. Ryleigh swayed as Etsuko pulled her up to her feet to hit a Belly to Belly Suplex. Etsuko had the control that Pet had been demanding she find over Ryleigh as she went to work with her brutal kicks, wearing the Little Monster down. She got Ryleigh up to her feet again, and whipped her into the ropes and sought to catch her on the way back but Ryleigh took advantage of her own shortness and lightweight and twisted her body around Etsuko’s in a tilt-a-whirl motion before she wound up catching the Red Oni in the Excruciating Situation. Ryleigh put full torque on the hold immediately, wrenching back Etsuko’s arm as far as she could. Etsuko writhed and struggled to get free before she decided to opt for self preservation and tapped out, against Ryleigh’s leg.


Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu, teishutsu ni yotte... RYLEIGH RUIN!!

Nick Hanson: What a victory for Ryleigh Ruin!!

Jim Reynolds: Preposterous!! Inconceivable!! Absolute bullshit!!

While Ryleigh Ruin was celebrating her win, Pet climbed into the ring and threw her hands up at Etsuko while she got to her feet. Then, Pet quickly moved over to Ryleigh and grabbed her by the shoulder, spinning her around. Ryleigh sized Pet up as her music abruptly cut off.

Nick Hanson: Uh-oh! Watch it now, missy!

Jim Reynolds: Watch what?! Ruin can’t do nothing!

Nick Hanson: Not yet!

Pet stood there, berating Ryleigh, jabbing a finger in her chest until Ryleigh swatted her hand away. Pet’s jaw dropped and she SLAPPED Ryleigh across the face!

Crowd: Oooooooooh!!!!!

Nick Hanson: Ohhhhhh noooo!!

Jim Reynolds: Yeah, you tell her, Pet! Respect the Goddess!!!

Ryleigh got a look in her eyes as her head slowly turned back towards Pet, whose eyes slowly widened as she realized she might have made a mistake. Pet let out a loud, squeaky yelp as Ryleigh reached out and grabbed her by the back of the hair, yanking her head back. Ryleigh cocked back a hand--

Jim Reynolds: Don’t you touch her, you little monster!

--and BOOM!! Etsuko caught Ryleigh with a blindsided forearm to the side of the head. Ryleigh went down, banging her head against the ropes before hitting the mat. Pet jumped behind Etsuko, pointing and yelling for her client to finish the job.

Nick Hanson: Nooooo no, that’s enough. You’ve been saved, now just leave!

Jim Reynolds: Ryleigh Ruin needs to learn some respect, Nicky!

Nick Hanson: What the hell is she doing--oh no! No!

Pet ran over to Etsuko’s beginning corner and grabbed her arnis stick, bringing it over, telling Etsuko to use it on Ruin. Etsuko took it and, while hesitant, began stepping towards Ryleigh when the crowd suddenly let out a pop as Casey Holliday came running down to the ring! She hit a baseball slide under the bottom rope while Pet was yelling for Etsuko to watch out. Pet made a quick escape from the ring. Etsuko rushed at Casey, swinging the stick but Casey ducked under, ran to the ropes and sprang off with a dropkick that sent Etsuko to the mat. The Red Oni rolled up to her feet, leaning back against the ropes where Casey ran in and clotheslined her over the top and out to the floor. She then picked up Etsuko’s stick and chucked it out of the ring at her and Pet, almost nailing them with it.

Nick Hanson: Thank god for Casey Holliday coming to the rescue!

Jim Reynolds: She’s got no business being out here, Nicky! This is unfair! Two on one!

Nick Hanson: Oh, don’t give me that!

Ryleigh looks up from the mat still a bit crosseyed and loopy from the beating she just took and only sees a figure in front of her. She immediately tries to defend herself when Casey tries to help her to her feet. Seeing that Ry doesn’t have all of her facilities, she lets her go and takes a few steps backwards where she’s handed a microphone.

Casey: Whoa… Ryleigh… She's gone! You don’t need to defend yourself any further. I made sure that you weren’t going to be assaulted any further. There’s no way I can sit back and allow that considering what’s been happening here lately…

Ruin shakes her head a few times before her ocular clarity returns and notices a fellow Seattle native across from her. This is a woman that she’s had as a guest trainer at TRIOCS in the past. Ry grabs her head and just looks a bit confused from first the beatdown and second that it’s Casey and not one of her teammates that made the save. She motions for Miss Holliday to hand her the mic in which Casey obliges.

Ryleigh: You’re not the one I’d expect to see out here right now! But, to be honest, I’ve been meaning to come and talk to you.

The crew hands a second mic to Casey.

Casey: Oh really? I guess that makes two of us that have something unexpected happening right now.

Ryleigh: I’m sorry… Did I miss something I was preparing for my match? I did not watch the show before I came to the ring.

Casey: Shoot, are you sure you’re okay? You seem like you are still out of it. I wasn’t referring to you missing anything. I was just acknowledging that you had wanted to talk to me and… well… I am surprised that you would.

Ryleigh takes a second to clear the cobwebs fully and just stares at her friend.

Ryleigh: Why wouldn’t I want to speak to you, Case? You’re the best wrestler from Seattle that’s not a part of my team!

Casey raises her eyebrows, surprised by what she just heard. Granted, she does get past this surprise rather quickly

Casey: I’m surprised but also flattered to hear that, especially coming from you and all of the good things I’ve heard about you from… well… a ‘mutual friend’ to say the least. I came out here to make sure you weren’t going to be attacked any longer, but… what is this thing you want to talk to me about?

Ryleigh: Come join us, Casey, join the most elite team in all of wrestling! I’m asking for you to join TRIOCS because I’ve worked lightly with you, but just like Vic did for you she’s suggested for quite a while that she thinks you’d be perfect for my brand.

Again, Casey is finding herself in a state of surprise. Her body language indicates that she’s touched by this, but she doesn’t keep this feeling for long. Her eyes shift to a more focused, business like demeanor as she responds.

Casey: I know things were getting off to a rough start for me in NFW, especially with the tournament. But, I really have turned it around and while I believed things were beginning to look up already… with this now...

Ryleigh: Well sis, it’s not gonna get any easier if you take my offer because if you didn’t notice we in TRIOCS are in the middle of a multi brand war right now! So what do you think?

Ry puts out a hand to Casey to seal the deal for the newest member of Team TRIOCS. The crowd's noise grows in anticipation of the answer.

Casey: What do I think? I think you’ve got yourself a brand new member, that’s what the fuck I think! Because believe me, I am not some bitch that backs down from ANYTHING… including any kind of war…

Casey shakes Ryleigh’s hand, finalizing the agreement for her to be an official member of Team TRIOCS, which only increases the positive crowd noise. The Little Monster looks at the ground and then pulls her hand back right at the end. Casey loses her balance and falls into Ry-Ry’s arms. Casey isn’t too sure if she wants to return an embrace or not, but she does even if it comes off as somewhat awkward for her. She breaks from the embrace at this point and takes it in stride, smirking with some confidence.

Ryleigh: Gotcha!!!

Casey: Um… right then. Awkward!

Casey laughs a bit, still not knowing what to make of this.

Casey: But you know what? I already know I am NOT going to regret the decision I just made!

Ryleigh: Then tell them!?!

Casey delivers a quick nod at Ryleigh, acknowledging her in a way that lets her know she’ll take it from there.

Casey: Ringmaster… last time you faced me? You faced me while I was alone and while I was weak and even THEN it took interference for you to beat me. It turns out that the weak one wasn’t ME that night, it was YOU. I shouldn’t have ever let you break my confidence going into the Vlad Blackheart Memorial tournament to begin with. The fact of the matter is that you were very fortunate that I was not in the right headspace. And now that I am? Now that I have completely turned things around here in NFW and I am starting to hit my stride, you want to tuck tail? You want to hide from me, bitch boy? You FINALLY speak up tonight and you want a rematch between us to be on YOUR terms and conditions? Yeah, that is what you call being someone who is not only AFRAID OF ME but also someone who KNOWS that they only beat me because they preyed upon a weakness I was dealing with at the time. You know what, Ringmaster? Have your fucking terms and conditions. Any match. Any stipulation. Any time. You fucking name it because I know deep down that someone like YOU… who leans more toward being a NOTHINGBURGER more than anything… is not capable of beating someone like me when things are fair and balanced. Name your terms, Ringmaster! You’ve got until next week to do so. There is nothing you can do to break me… because as far as NFW is concerned? I’ve already survived and endured rock bottom. Try me when I’m at the strongest that I’ve ever been. Because now? I’m not weak. I’m sure as hell not alone anymore. You don’t get to take advantage of my weakness again…

Ryleigh: Well that’s a thing… Just enough my friend…

Ry jumps to her feet and takes her hand.

Ryleigh: Thank you Kyoto… We’re gonna go let the rest of the team meet our girl…

Ruin flips the mic then holds up Casey’s hand held in hers.

Nick Hanson: Did I just see and hear that right?! Casey Holliday has joined Team TRIOCS!!

Jim Reynolds: Oh yay, another loser for a team of losers!

Nick Hanson: Aw, let up, Jim! Casey’s proven herself to be a viable competitor as have the rest of TRIOCS. Others would do well to acknowledge!

Jim Reynolds: I’ll acknowledge it when they realize what their lane is.
We open up in Maruyama Park as the sun begins to rise over the horizon. The park is still empty as we see the fall foliage surrounding the park. At a bench, we see two familiar faces, one of a petite, blue haired woman, and one of a taller, redhead, Lilith Meadows and Christina Olson. The two of them are sitting there, enjoying the sunrise and the view as the camera approaches them.

Christina Olson: It’s been a while since we’ve been to Japan, Lil. I honestly missed this beautiful country.

Lilith Meadows: We do too. And they got lotsa awesome candy that we can’t find back home that we can take home and store!

Christina shakes her head as Lilith giggles licks her lips.

Lilith Meadows: Don’t judge us, Chrissy! We like candy and sugar!

Christina Olson: I know, Lily, everyone knows. I still can’t figure out how you’re not like three hundred pounds with as much as you eat. You’re as bad as Risa when it comes to your appetite.

Lilith Meadows: We bet we could easily beat Risa in a eatin contest!

Christina Olson: I am not cooking for that or paying that damn bill. Holy shit, that would be a ton of food.

Lilith just giggles as she rubs her stomach.

Christina Olson: But that can wait for right now, Lily. Something has been bothering me, ever since we won the Tag Titles last year at WrestleWar. It’s been eating me up inside and I just can’t shake it.

Lilith Meadows: Bad sushi?

Christina laughs as she shakes her head.

Christina Olson: No, Lily. It’s the fact that we can’t definitively say that we’re the best damn tag team in NFW, let alone the world because there’s one team here that we’ve never actually pinned in the middle of the damn ring.

Lilith Meadows: You’re talkin about Second City Riot Squad, ain’t ya, Chrissy?

Christina Olson: The one and only. Layla, Leah, we’ve had some wars between the four of us. Hell, last year, I’d say the four of us stole the damn show with that ladder match we put on. But, for all the epic battles we’ve had, there’s something missing for Lil and me, and that’s the fact that in that ring, the two of us, we’ve never actually pinned you guys. So, here’s the deal you two, Lil and me, we’re challenging the two of you to a best of seven series to find out once and for all, who the best damn team is in NFW. Let’s rekindle the hottest rivalry in NFW last year for one more epic clash to settle this once and for all, what do y’all say?

Lilith looks over at Christina as she holds her stomach.

Lilith Meadows: We need second breakfast, Chrissy, let’s go find some food!

Christina shakes her head as the two of them stand up and walk off as the scene cuts out.

The Socialites vs. The Crusade

The bell sounds and Sylvia charges across the ring before anyone can stop her. All three Page Sisters catch her for a triple flapjack. Bianca jumps on top for the cover while Danielle and Vanessa look to play obstruction.

Sylvia kicks out.

Just as she gets out of it, Ronnie and Damon smash into Danielle and Vanessa, dropping both with clotheslines. Bianca rolls out to the floor and Sylvia gives chase. Bianca turns a corner and rolls into the ring. The referee looks to get only one Page Sister in the ring. As the referee is focused on Bianca, Sylvia comes around that corner and gets drilled in the face by Tiffany Lynn Page. Sylvia goes down and little Leina jumps up from by the commentary desk to scream at Tiffany Lynn. Tiffany Lynn grins at her and Leina becomes even more incensed. Danni goes over to keep the little girl from doing anything drastic and order is quickly restored as the Page Sisters dump Sylvia back into the ring. Danielle and Vanessa go to their corner while Damon and Ronnie go to theirs. Bianca drops an elbow and covers Sylvia.

Sylvia kicks out.

The Socialites trade who gets to smack Sylvia around until Sylvia bites Vanessa on the arm. Vanessa cries out and then tags out. Danielle comes in and Sylvia bites her as well. Danielle cries out and then tags out to Bianca. Before Bianca can get anything, Sylvia gets away and tags in Ronnie. Ronnie gets a drop toehold on Bianca and Sylvia jumps on, biting at her with Timber’s Bite. Vanessa and Danielle come running over and Damon comes in with a clothesline. Tiffany Lynn jumps up onto the apron and Ronnie looks to meet her with Damona and Sylvia dealing with her sisters. Bianca catches Ronnie from behind for roll up.

Ronnie kicks out.

Tiffany Lynn looks to line up somebody else when, suddenly, Malaya Diyosa comes running down and pulls Tiffany Lynn clean off the apron. With her out of the way, Ronnie gets a chop block on Bianca. Damon comes in and hits the Dragonfire DDT on Bianca. Ronnie goes to the top and comes off with the Scarlet Letter finishing off the Scarlet Redemption. He covers as Damon goes back to the corner.

Danielle makes the save!

Vanessa and Sylvia tumblies through the ropes to the floor. Ronnie gets to his feet and hooks Danielle up for the Guilt Trip. He releases her and then tags in Damon. Damon comes over and grabs Bianca. He gets her up and hits the Weight of the World. Damon covers Bianca.


Yuusuke Takeda: Shirubia Ropesu, ronī resutā, soshite sekai hebī kyūōja no deimon kurosu no chīmu...Jūjigun!!!

Nick Hanson: Well, that’s a neat little translation for The Crusade!

Jim Reynolds: Jujigun? That’s not their damn name, ya moron!

Leina Rael: It technically is, Jimbo! Shut the hell up!

Nick Hanson: Hah, she told you!

Jim Reynolds: Fuck you, Nicky!

While The Crusade stand in the ring, celebrating their victory, complete with the presence of Danni Deballion and Leina Rael, the fans in Saito Memorial Hall are on their feet, showing their appreciation to both teams. The Crusade stands victorious, while The Socialites retreat towards the back, arguing amongst themselves as to what happened, all the while looking for where Malaya Diyosa slipped away to. As they step through one tunnel, General Manager Luthor Callaway comes walking out of the other and throws his arms up to the audience.

Nick Hanson: Here comes the boss!

Jim Reynolds: Gotta address the audience again!

Luthor Callaway: Now then, that’s what I call a main event! How about that?!

There’s a pop from the crowd while Luthor looks towards the tunnel the Socialites went through then turns back to the crowd.

Luthor Callaway: I’m sure I’m gonna hear about that later, but onto business. Damon! Damon Cross.

The Crusade all turn towards the General Manager. Leina jumps up and down, waving her hand. She can be heard yelling “Hi Lu!” Luthor smiles and points to her before continuing.

Luthor Callaway: Damon, I came out here to address an issue that I know everyone’s asking. For the second year in a row, Trauma took the Vlad Blackheart Memorial trophy and the main event on Night 2 of Wrestle War. So! What does management have in store for the World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle War? Is Damon Cross just gonna get the night off?

There’s a rumble through the crowd. Inside the ring, the members of the Crusade all make various faces. All pretty much agreeing that would be a stupid idea.

Luthor Callaway: I don’t think the fans would want that. I don’t think the champ, himself, would want that!

Damon adjusts his title on his shoulder, shaking his head. Leina calls out “give him a match, Lu!” Sylvia nods her head excitedly, saying “Do it! Do it!” Luthor smiles and nods.

Luthor Callaway: So, I came out here because y’all know I’m not one to waste time to beat around the bush. Damon Cross, I’ve got you an opponent for Wrestle War. I’ve got you a defense for your World Heavyweight Championship and they’re gonna be here, next week, at Hokkaido!

Jim Reynolds: Whoa! Who is it?!

Nick Hanson: Who knows?!

Jim Reynolds: Well, Luthor obviously knows! Dish, boss! Dish!

Luthor paces the stage for a moment before continuing, looking down at the ring at Damon and the others.

Luthor Callaway: And believe me. I have faith, Damon. I have faith that this will be, not only match of the night, but I’ll go so damn far as to say match of the event. Because you are, without a doubt, one of the greatest performers this business has ever seen. You are one of the greatest damn champions that this company has ever had and as for your opponent? They are one...bad...motherfucker.


Damon Cross’ music plays as Luthor Callaway raises his arms in a farewell to the crowd and the man turns to leave through the tunnel as abruptly as he came out. This leaves Damon Cross, Danni Deballion, Leina Rael and the rest of the Crusade at a bit of a loss for words. They start to talk amongst themselves as the credits begin to roll.

Nick Hanson: Did you hear that, folks?! Luthor Callaway has a challenger for Damon Cross’ World Heavyweight Title and they’re gonna be here next week!

Jim Reynolds: But who is it? What’s his name? What’s her name?!

Nick Hanson: We’ll have to wait and find out, Jim, but that’s all for tonight folks! This is Jim Reynolds and Nick Hanson, signing off! We’ll see you in Hokkaido, next week! So long, ladies and gentlemen!