NFW Collision #121! 02/15/2022!

Ryan Peters vs. Etsuko Mitzusaka

The show opens with Ryan Peters making his first NFW entrance to the ring, followed by Etsuko Mitzusaka being led by Pet. As the two warm up in their corners, Pet points to Peters, instructing Etsuko on a course of action before the bell rings and the two meet in the center to begin. Ryan and Etsuko lock up and start jarring for position which turns into a series of reversal holds. It’s an impressive display of wrist locks, hammerlocks and waist locks as the two have clearly scouted one another in preparation for their confrontation. They lock up again and Etsuko gets a headlock on but Peters shoves her into the ropes and she comes back with a shoulder block, staggering him back a couple steps. The young, second generation upstart makes a display of brushing his shoulder off and motions for Etsuko to give him some more, prompting some intrigued sounds from the crowd. Etsuko runs off the ropes again and drives her shoulder into his, sending him into the ropes. Ryan uses the momentum to come off and get right in Etsuko’s face, goading her to do more until she goes for a third. This time, he catches her on the way in and drives her into the mat with a Snap Scoop Powerslam and covers.


But Etsuko throws her shoulder up and Peters picks her up into a double underhook hold, delivering a Butterfly Suplex to which Etsuko keeps the momentum on the mat going and rolls out to ringside. Pet immediately comes around the corner, chiding her client to get back in and finish the young rookie. As she tal–screams–at the Red Oni, she closes in while Peters hits the ropes inside the ring and goes for a Suicide Dive through the ropes. Pet has just enough time to shove Etsuko back and get out of the way herself, causing Peters to just CRASH into the barricade.The fans boo Pet for this while the referee yells at her to back the hell off. Even Etsuko looks disgruntled at her manager's interference but she picks Peters up and throws him back into the ring. As Peters sits up, Etsuko drives a stiff kick into his back, causing him to tense up. She immediately follows it with another kick to the chest. Etsuko proceeds to ping kicks off of the young man’s back and chest before hitting the ropes and charging in with a nasty single leg dropkick, driving Peters back against the mat where she now covers him.


Etsuko pulls Peters to sit up and throws on a chin lock, looking to wear him down. He signals to the ref that he’s not giving up from this and manages to fight to his feet. He throws a couple of shots into Etsuko’s midsection but she drives a knee into his and sets up for a Suplex. Peters blocks with the leg and throws a couple more heavy shots to the ribs of Etsuko before she shoves him back and goes for an overhead chop but Peters steps in, grabs her and tosses her up and over with an Exploder Suplex. He climbs to his feet, yelling, getting fired up and motions to Etsuko as he starts backing up. It looks like he’s about to go for Stay Fucked (Curb Stomp) but as he hits the ropes, there’s Pet again, grabbing him by the foot to stop him and he turns his back on his opponent, starting to jawjack with the self proclaimed Goddess. Pet’s mouth prompts Peters to grab at her, causing her to back up and point a finger at him, chiding him for the nerve to try and lay a hand on her. Peters is in the middle of warning her to keep her nose out of the match, as is the referee when Etsuko rushes in and lays Ryan out with a Belly to Back Suplex. The crowd pops then as the referee’s had enough and ejects Pet from ringside which makes her absolutely furious! Etsuko, in the meantime has Ryan up and drills him into the mat with the Mitzusaka Driver and goes for the cover! The referee gives Pet one more quick warning to get back to the locker rooms before baseball sliding into position to make the count!


Peters FIRES the shoulder up at the last possible second and Etsuko snaps up in disbelief! She pulls Peters up by the head, leaving him standing groggy and hits the ropes but as she comes charging in, Peters suddenly catches her with KTFO (Rocket Kick)! Etsuko staggers back, holding her jaw and as she turns back around, Peters pivots sharply on his heel and pops her again, this time with Neurotoxin v3 (Spinning Back Fist, transitioned into a Ripcord Lariat)! He hooks the leg, the ref drops and–


“Break Free” by Of Mice & Men plays as Ryan Peters sits up, shouting victoriously as the ref raises his arm. He yanks his hand free and looks right into the hard cam, yelling that he did this on his own. He didn’t need his father, Oliver Peters, for it.

Nick Hanson: Kid’s got a bit of a chip on his shoulder, don’t he?

Jim Reynolds: I like it!! I wanna see more!

Nick Hanson: Well, here’s hoping we do get to see more, all things considered…

Jim Reynolds: Chin the fuck up, Nicky. We haven’t lost yet. Invasion hasn’t even begun!

As the scene opens, we see Kwon scrolling through her phone. A loud thud and a cry is heard off screen. The noise causes Kwon to glance up, then shake her head. It’s been the same all day long. The door to the cage opens up and a man steps out, blood running down his nose. He takes one look at Kwon and then heads to the locker room, obviously upset.

Seo-Hyung Kwon: Jansen, that was the last one. How about you call it a day, hm?

Jansen walks out of the cage. She’s got blood splattered all over her, though none of it appears to be hers. She looks a litle winded and sweaty, but otherwise appears to be in great shape.

Jansen Myrrh: So, who’s next?

Jansen grabs the water bottle and looks at Kwon, taking a drink.

Seo-Hyung Kwon: You’re gone through everyone we talking into coming. They’ve all gone home, Jansen. There isn’t anyone left. I think you’ve done all you can do.

Jansen Myrrh: I need more. I’ve been out of action for a couple of months. I need to be ready.

Seo-Hyung Kwon: Are you alright? I haven’t seen you like this before. Are you… nervous?

Jansen eyeballs Kwon.

Jansen Myrrh: What did you just call me?

Seo-Hyung Kwon: I didn’t call you anything. I asked if you were nervous about this match coming up.

Jansen Myrrh: Why would I be nervous fighting a pirate?

Seo-Hyung Kwon: I’m not talking about the pirate, Jansen. I’m talking about the match against Zion.

Jansen Myrrh: First of all, I can beat any pirate, any day. Second, why would I be nervous about fighting Zion? The total IQ of that roster doesn’t break double digits. They follows that fuckup, Kai Morgan, around like a bunch of lemmings and he’s going to walk them motherfuckers off the goddamned cliff. What makes me nervous? Fucking Brody putting the goddamned company on the line though. What type of shitty decision was that? What if somehow we do fucking lose? Not my match, of course, but those other motherfuckers could cost us this entire fucking thing…

Jansen finds herself rambling and Kwon holds up her hand.

Seo-Hyung Kwon: Jansen.

Jansen Myrrh: Fuck! What?

Seo-Hyung Kwon: It’s gonna be fine. It’s not like you can’t find another job. I get it, you like this place. But, it’s not like you can’t find another job. Companies have been calling me left and right, but I turn them down because you told me you only want to fight in NFW. Fine. But, there are options. So, calm down, take a deep breath and just do your best. You can’t control what the others do. Focus on your match and making sure you’re ready. Fair?

Jansen is silent for a moment then nods her head.

Jansen Myrrh: Fine. Fair. You better have some more guys on Wednesday though. Tomorrow, I’ll beat the pirate. After that, I need more sparring partners. As many as you can fine. I’m heading to the shower and then let’s go eat.

Jansen grabs a towel and takes off to the locker room as she wipes the sweat from her forehead.

Seo-Hyung Kwon: Where do I get more sparring partners? I already found as many as I could.

Capt. Inarra Black vs. Jansen Myrrh

Inarra prances across the ring and grins at Jansen. Jansen grins back and Inarra slaps her, somewhere between serious and playful. Jansen recoils from the slap and takes a second to shrug before turning and almost taking Inarra’s head off with a Lariat From Hell. Jansen drops to cover Inarra.

Inarra kicks out.

Inarra rolls Jansen over into a cradle.

Jansen kicks out.

Inarra rolls back to the ropes and slips out to the apron. She waits for Jansen to stand up and then launches herself into a springboard Wellerman, holding for the cover.

Jansen kicks out.

Inarra rolls away and goes to the corner. Jansen runs in looking for another big lariat. Inarra jumps up, allowing Jansen to pass underneath her. Jansen crashes into the turnbuckles but doesn’t quite go all the way through to the post. Inarra drops her legs down and then rolls into a sunset flip cover.

Jansen kicks out.

As they get back up, Inarra catches Jansen for the Heave Ho and follows with the Keelhaul. Jansen staggers to her feet, wobbling around like a drunkard after a few too many at the local watering hole with the Captain. Inarra catches her for a ddt and covers.

Jansen gets a shoulder up.

Inarra goes for Dead Men Tell No Tales but Jansen picks her up and turns it into a running powerslam. Jansen holds for the cover.

Inarra kicks out.

Inarra rolls Jansen over into a cradle again.

Jansen kicks out.

Both competitors get to their feet and Jansen goes for the Lariat From Hell again. Inarra ducks under it and then jumps up into a crucifix. Jansen reverses down into a Samoan drop. Jansen covers.

Inarra gets a shoulder up.

Jansen pulls Inarra up and sets for a high back suplex. Inarra executes a standing switch and goes for an O’Connor roll. Jansen reverses at the last second so that she takes the O’Connor roll on Inarra instead.

Capt. Inarra "Applejacks" Black: “Aye, I jus’ got m’ ass beat by Jansen. An’ tha’s fine by me. I knew goin’ int’ tha’ match tha’ I was goin’ t’ have a fight on me hands! An’ I took her far too lightly. No’ a mistake I’ll do e’er ‘gain when it comes t’ her.”

The Pirate Captain turned to look at the camera and it was very clear that she was not a happy woman.

Capt. Inarra "Applejacks" Black: “Howe’er, much as ‘m givin’ Jansen her proper respect… I wanna talk ‘bout this war comin’ up.”

She reaches out and grabs the camera and pulls it closer to her.

Capt. Inarra "Applejacks" Black: “Get. Yer. Shite….T’-FUCKIN’-GETHER!!”

She tossed the camera “away” from her and began to pace back and forth. Her identical twin sister, Elizabeth, and her lifemate, Capt. Nehemiah Hawthorne, stood just behind her as she paced.

Capt. Inarra "Applejacks" Black: “All o’ ye prissy an’ petty cunts goin’ on ‘bout how ‘tis person ‘r tha’ one are more worried ‘bout gettin’ one up on tha other.. When ye should be fuckin’ focusin’ on Zion! They are fuckin’ ownin’ us right now! An’ seems like none ‘o ye are takin’ ‘tis shite seriously! Who gives a fuck ‘bout who wants t’ fuck whom! Who gives a fuck ‘bout who ‘tis related t’ whom!”

She stops pacing and looks back to the camera once again.

Capt. Inarra "Applejacks" Black: “We lose ‘tis war an’ we lose NFW all t’gether.”

She releases a sigh she didn’t know she was holding.

Capt. Inarra "Applejacks" Black: “‘Nd none o’ us want tha’...”

She motions towards Elizabeth and Nehemiah and they all turn to head off down the hallway…

The tail-feathers of the Emu fading into static.
The pre taped scene opens in a church of all places. Becomes even more strange to see Abigail Lindsay and Sela Rica-Lark sitting in a pew at the front of the church. Abigail cups her hands as if she is praying to a higher power. She bows her head in apparent reverence.

Abigail Lindsay: Sela, can you imagine this could be the last NFW Collision ever?

Abigail breaks out laughing. She takes a moment to compose herself. Lifting up her head she opens her eyes. A wave of contenness washes over here.

Abigail Lindsay: I shouldn’t be laughing at a time like this. I can’t help it. It should warm my heart that everyone on the NFW roster is inspired by the notion that we could all be out of a job when the lights go out on the Invasion super show. As heartwarming as the rest of the roster coming together in uncertain times is, I am a woman of perspective. Remember the Latin phrase Memento Mori, translated it means, remember you have to die. The intent of the phrase isn’t to remind us nothing matters, on the contrary, appreciating your life, knowing it can end at any moment should inspire you to live each day to the fullest. I find it comical with the fate of NFW uncertain, now people appear to appreciate NFW and its history. I don’t. I hold no attachment to this NFW. This is the second Invasion in a row where Salacious Intent was purposely left out of any of the major battles. The thought of Cass Baumer being responsible for NFW’s fate makes me feel dead inside.

Abigail looks like she’s going to throw up.

Abigail Lindsay: In any event, whether NFW dies like we all will eventually, I am in the mood to have a little fun along the way. Christina. Lilith. As much as I admire the both of you for your uniqueness, let's call a spade of spade. It doesn’t matter in the long run whether you are Zion’s tag team champions. You’re no better than the team who beat you in the Best of Seven. Both of you lost your respective NFW prizes, both of you went to another company to claim tag team gold. Both of you are twiddling your thumbs, refusing to hunt down Gallus Mag. All that hard work to prove who the better team was between you and The Riot Squad gone to waste. Quite a shame. Honestly. Suppose it's up to Sela and I to pick up the slack... assuming we win the war. Hey. At least we’ll go out saying we beat the best tag team in NFW history right? What a way to potentially go out, putting another dent in the mystique of The Kingdom.

Abigail grabs Sela’s hand and holds it. Sela's eyes snap open on her own. She smirks a bit.

Sela Rica-Lark: Last time we faced off against the Kingdom we sent them back in tatters. But they were just a vanguard. Now we face the Valkyries. Considered the best team in NFW history, but as Abi said, what are they doing now? If all that matters is what happens here as their comrade in their Guard suggests then what have we to fear from them now.

Sela winks seductively at the camera.

Sela Rica-Lark: And what have they to say now? They know that it does matter. What happens in Zion, what happens anywhere, it's all connected. It all matters. It only doesn't when it's against them and their Queen. Worry not, the only thing we're focused on is overcoming this challenge. Then we'll look to the war that's upon us.

Sela snaps to a serious face.

Sela Rica-Lark: You're going to see another side to all of them. Civility doesn't matter when everything they care for is on the line. Once again, the monsters walk among you as I have always said. You chose not to listen then. And when it happens now, how did it come to this is all you will say. Regardless we will still have the last laugh. Because no matter what happens, we were still right. Good luck to you all, but just know if you had been more considerate before, we wouldn't be here now. Let that be your last thoughts.

Sela snaps and knocks the camera to the ground. She storms from the church, the camera flickering but catching her walking away.

Salacious Intent vs. The Last of the Valkyries

Abigail and Sela-Rica stare across the ring at Lilith and Christina. Lilith and Christina look to each other and then turn, running to the middle of the ring. Abigail and Sela-Rica do the same. The four meet each other in the center and start throwing punches as the crowd cheers on the fight. They hammer away on each other until Lilith ducks one from Sela-Rica and jumps into a victory roll on Abigail. Christina does the same to Sela-Rica and both end up on top of covers.

Salacious Intent kicks out.

Everyone starts to get up and the Valkyries jump into hurricanranas in stereo, taking both Abigail and Sela-Rica over into covers at the same time again.

Salacious Intent kicks out.

Again, everyone gets up but this time, Salacious Intent grabs the Valkyries and throws them over the top rope out onto the apron. Abigail hits a cannonball on Christina that sends her flying off the apron to the floor, smashing into the barricade. Sela-Rica grabs Lilith and hooks her for a vertical suplex over the top rope back into the ring. Abigail catches Lilith on the way down and Salacious Intent drops into a Power Plex. Sela-Rica rolls away to their corner as Abigail holds for the corner.

Lilith kicks out.

Abigail gets up, pulls Lilith with her and then tags in Sela-Rica. Salacious Intent knocks Lilith down into the corner. Abigail executes a cannonball into the corner and then rolls out under the bottom rope. Sela-Rica follows with a bement dropkick and then pulls Lilith from the corner for a cover.

Lilith gets a shoulder up.

Christina comes up behind Abigail and pulls her down into an inverted atomic drop on the floor off the apron. Abigail almost jumps away from the impact and gets pulled into a gutbuster across Christina’s knee. Christina leaves her there on the floor and then dives back into the ring for a big boot on Sela-Rica. Lilith rolls Sela-Rica up from behind after the impact from the boot.

Sela-Rica kicks out.

Christina gets Sela-Rica up for a rolling Death Valley Driver. Lilith goes to the top and executes the top rope leg drop. Christina goes up to finish off the Ride To Valhalla but Abigail pushes Christina off the top so that she flies down and bounces face first off the barricade. Abigail climbs to the top as Sela-Rica staggers up, wobbling just as much as Lilith is. Sela-Rica hooks her and spins into the falling neckbreaker. Abigail follows with the diving splash to complete Sensuous Destruction. Abigail moves and Sela-Rica covers.

Salacious Intent stand in the ring, celebrating their victory over Last of the Valkyries with “I Like It Heavy” blasting from the PA system. The fans are so hyped after the match that it takes everyone a moment to notice an individual standing at ringside.

Nick Hanson: Who the hell is that?

Jjim Reynolds: Is that…that’s one of Zion’s people!

Nick Hanson: Penelope of the Immortal Atrocities!

Jjim Reynolds: What the fuck is she doing here?!

It isn’t long before the person is recognized as Zion Wrestling’s Penelope. She stands at the foot of the walkway, grinning ear to ear at Sela and Abigail. The pair both take notice and come to the center of the ring, staring back at her. Both look a little quizzical as they gesture to Penelope, wondering what her business with them is. Penelope grins wider, giggling, shrugs her shoulders…and the lights go out.

Nick Hanson: Oh wait a minute, now! What the hell’s going on?

Jjim Reynolds: I don’t like when the lights go out, Nicky!

A moment passes, the lights come back on and–

Nick Hanson: OH MY GOD!!!!! IS THAT…?!

Jjim Reynolds: WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!

Nick Hanson: JIM THAT…THAT’S LEYTRIX!!!!

Jjim Reynolds: WHAT THE HELL IS A LEYTRIX?!

–standing behind Salacious Intent, inside the ring is a fiendish looking woman - the demoness known as Leytrix! Black ichor dribbles disgustingly from her mouth as she stands with a neutral posture, watching the pair with a malicious curiosity. The crowd goes wild, trying to get Sela and Abigail to turn around. Abigail’s the first one to do so and has a split second to notice the terrifying woman right behind them before Leytrix lurches forward and spews a projectile of that black ichor right into her face. Abigail grabs her face and hits the mat, shrieking at the top of her lungs. Sela sees her partner and lover go down and immediately drops down beside her, shocked and confused at her state before looking up and seeing Leytrix for herself. Sela’s eyes go wide with surprise but her expression quickly starts turning to unbridled rage.

Nick Hanson: The Immortal Atrocities have just struck against Salacious Intent!!

Jjim Reynolds: Sela-Rica Lark doesn’t look happy!! C’mon, Underground Queen!!!! Take it to her!!!

Sela stands to her feet and puts herself between Leytrix and Abigail. There’s a tense standoff between the two as Penelope cackles maniacally at the maneuver. Sela finally lunges at Leytrix and the lights go out again. They come back a moment later and both members of Immortal Atrocities are gone. Sela immediately goes back to Abigail’s side as the referee comes into the ring with a bottle of water, trying to help rinse her face and eyes.

Nick Hanson: I don’t like this Jim. I hope Abigail Lindsay/s alright…

Jjim Reynolds: What the hell was that stuff?!

The scene cuts away then with Abigail still rubbing at her eyes in pain.
We head to the back where Griffin Hawkins is backstage, dressed in black jeans and a Behemoth T-Shirt. He's strumming his guitar Norma Jean before looking up at the camera.

Griffin Hawkins: Last week...I beat Curtis Hughes...a mountain of a man. But on social media I had Hayley and her fellow sycophants whine and moan and complain about the match being restarted. They said their piece..so allow me to counterpoint.. They said the match shouldn't have been restarted...but this wouldn't have been a problem if Hayley Halsey hadn't interfered and struck me from behind with that Perseverance Title. If you watch that match..you'll see that I took the best Hughes could throw at me, and I was still standing. If Hayley wants to blame somebody for this..she should blame herself. The fact is...I beat Hughes 1..2...3...in the middle of the ring, giving me the opportunity to choose my stipulation...and there isn't anything Hayley..or her roid freak of a bodyguard..or her ballsless simp of a boyfriend..or even that brown nosing ass kissing stooge Kai Morgan can do about it.

He sets his guitar aside.

Griffin Hawkins: As for my stipulation...I thought long and hard about it...and I realized that what Hayley does best is run. That's what her main talent is. I don't want this to just be some wrestling match, because I know in my heart of hearts I could beat her one on one..and deep down inside even she knows it. So I want to have a little fun. What I have in mind for this.....is a match involving Tables....Ladders....and Chairs. What I want is a TLC Match! Just me and Hayley...one on one. She doesn't have to pin me..she doesn't have to make me submit, all she has to do is run around that ring long enough...and if she beats me up the ladder to get the title..then she wins. But that's not going to be easy. Because this is a one on one match, not a Triple Threat Match...nobody for her to hide behind as they do all the work while she slides in for an easy victory. She can't do any of that...me and her..for the gold....Tables...Ladders..and Chairs.

He smiles and continues strumming Norma Jean as we head back to the ring.

Jonna Austin vs. Ronnie Lester

Jonna and Ronnie lock-up and Ronnie throws her back against the ropes. Ronnie runs over and hits a high leg lariat that sends Jonna through the ropes to the floor. Ronnei waits for her to stand up and then runs across the ring. He rebounds back and launches himself over the top for a suicide dive that drives Jonna had into the barricade. Ronnie staggers up and raises his arms, pumping his fists before rolling back into the ring. He ascends to the top and pauses. Jonna staggers up and Ronnie jumps for Suicidal Tendencies. The crowd loses its mind as Ronnie comes crashing down onto Jonna again. Ronnie rolls away and then pulls himself up to his feet against the edge of the ring. He staggers ovr, grabs Jonna and rolls her into the ring. He follows and Jonna catches him in an inside cradle.

Ronnie kicks out.

As they stand up, Ronnie jumps into Something Wicked.

Jonna kicks out.

They both get up and Ronnie hits the Mark of Cain. Jonna stumbles back into the corner and Ronnie follows her in with Wicked Air. He goes all the way over the top out onto the apron while Jonna falls down onto the mat. Ronnie goes to the top and jumps off into the Scarlet Letter.

Jonna gets a shoulder up.

Ronnie scoops Jonna up and looks for the Guilt Trip. Jonna reverses over into a sunset flip.

Ronnie kicks out.

As they stand up, Jonna runs in for the Secret Strength spear. She covers Ronnie.

Ronnie kicks out.

Jonna gets Devilish Love and then follows with the Returned Fate. She drops down for the cover.

Ronnie gets a shoulder up.

As she pulls Ronnie up, Ronnie steps into a side Russian leg sweep and then pulls her up to go for the Guilt Trip again. Jonna swings around into the G2 Stunner and then covers.

Collision cuts to the locker room where NFW Perseverance Champion Hayley Halsey holds her championship over her shoulder and for all intents and purposes, following the announcement of the stipulation by Griffin Hawkins, she’s fuming pissed. The look in her eyes indicates nothing but pure bitterness, not just for the entire situation at hand, but also for Griffin Hawkins in general. Hayley tries to keep herself composed to the best of her ability as she begins to speak.

Hayley Halsey: None of this is fair! NONE OF THIS IS FAIR! I should’ve been DONE with Griffin Hawkins after I fucked him at WrestleWar and came away with this NFW Perserverance Championship. Every action that I have taken since then is an action to defend myself against the CONSPIRACY that has been thrown at me from the moment I won this championship. I just wanted to have a peaceful, dominant reign because I’m the PRODIGY of this business that is CAPABLE of having that sort of reign but NO, there was COLLUSION by Calloway and Santiago to have Griffin Hawkins FUCK ME out of this championship from day one with that STUPID trade that wasn’t even NECESSARY! He lost this title. He FAILED! He HAD his chance to regain it and he FAILED! What Hughes did to him was carry out JUSTICE! PERIOD! Of COURSE they want Griffin to win this title back. No DUH do they give him his rematch right out of the gate! UGH! I can’t take this anymore!

Hayley pauses and lets out an angry sigh.

Hayley Halsey: THEN… to make matters so much worse… he assaults my BOYFRIEND… a NON-WRESTLER! GRIFFIN HAWKINS SHOULD BE IN JAIL! He had no business even being in a match with Hughes to begin with in regards to this stipulation crap and last week, HUGHES WON! That means I should be the one picking the stipulation, NOT HIM! BUT NO… Steven Brody comes out and CONTINUES THE CONSPIRACY by restarting the match. SERIOUSLY! Do you IDIOTS have ANY idea how many matches in NFW ended the way THAT match last week did? NO? Well, I bet you know how many matches that have ended in that fashion have been overturned and restarted. The answer? ZERO! Oh but because I’M affected by it, they find a way to FUCK ME! OF COURSE! Because Griffin Hawkins HAS to be the golden boy all because he has 70 million Twitter followers and is supposedly world famous! FUCK THAT! This is NOT FAIR! This has been UNFAIR from the beginning! I don’t give a crap about the “restarted match”... because the bottom line is that HUGHES WON!!!! PERIOD! Pure and simple FACT! I don’t give a crap if Griffin picked the stipulation. To me, that stipulation is INVALID! SO… I’m announcing the stipulation… PER HUGHES WINNING LAST WEEK…

This match shall be a HAYLEY’S RULES MATCH!

The rules are the following:

Rule ONE: WHEN Griffin loses, he can NEVER challenge for the Perseverance title as long as I hold it!

Rule Two: Griffin can NEVER face me in a wrestling match again

Rule three: ALL weapons are BANNED and ANY use of weapons in ANY way, even if it’s just putting someone through a table or drop kicking a chair into someone’s face is an INSTANT DISQUALIFICATION!

Rule four: I am allowed up to FIVE low blows, three eye rakes and a free removal of the turnbuckle that I can use whenever I want without any repercussions.

And finally… rule FIVE: There is a ONE MINUTE TIME LIMIT!!!!! YEAH! ONE MINUTE! If Griffin doesn’t win in one minute… I AUTOMATICALLY WIN AND GRIFFIN CAN NEVER WRESTLE ME AGAIN PER RULE TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hayley suddenly lets out this borderline demonic, evil laugh as someone in the production truck decides to be a smartass and play a booming thunder sound effect.

Hayley Halsey: Of course there’s the legal red tape and everything and I am waiting for the judge to rule in my favor… like… he has to rule that what happened last week was a screwjob giving him the power to NULLIFY THE RESULT and RESTORE Hughes’s victory which will MAKE MY STIPULATION OFFICIAL! So GRIFFIN… START CRYING! The judge is going to make his ruling TOMORROW MORNING and when he RESTORES HUGHES’S VICTORY YOU ARE SCREWED!

I guess it’s fitting that it ends this way… because Griffin… when this is over… the world will see that… well… you really WERE a one minute man all along…

…just ask your WIFE…

Hayley leaves the locker room hearing boos from the audience as the scene fades to black

Jessi Ozborne vs. River Chance

The bell rings and the two women come out to the center of the ring with River Chance extending a hand to Jessi Ozborne as a sign of sportsmanship. Jessi seems a little nervous, perhaps intimidated just a bit by the size of River but she eventually accepts and they shake. It’s a rather adorable, almost somewhat comical display as Jessi seems to realize the grip River has and her nervous smile grows but River doesn’t do anything tricky and lets Jessi’s hand go when the handshake is over. They circle the mat, lock up and River has the clear advantage as she starts powering the smaller girl back in place, almost bending her backwards and Jessi twists through it and catches River in a hammerlock. River rather easily powers her arm back out and twists around, going for a clothesline but Jessi jukes behind her and catches her in a waistlock. Jessi goes for a German Suplex but River plants her feet, tucks her thumbs into Jessi’s wrists and pries her hands outward, thrusting her hips back to get Jessi off of her. The Soul Punk quickly steps in and catches one of River’s wrists again and turns her out, striking her hard with a Ripcord Bicycle Knee. The impact pops and River sways back, blinking rapidly as if she might be seeing stars. Jessi stands there with eyes wide as saucers, partially in shock that she landed that one as well as she did. River clears her vision and starts to give Jessi the same look she gave Trina Tanaka a couple weeks back before having metaphorically murdered her. Jessi recognizes this look and her own expression turns to a comical one of “Oh Shit…” as River suddenly lunges for her. Jessi dips underneath her and hits the ropes, coming back off the ropes with a Handspring Stunner. River staggers again and Jessi runs in with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb, and rolls through it with her body bending backwards over River to add extra leverage into a bridge cover.


River thrusts her hips up to kick out and the little 106lb Teenage Dream is launched up and forward, hitting the top ropes and almost going over. Jessi “Skins The Cat” but right as she lands her feet back on the mat, River’s waiting behind her to catch her right into a Release German Suplex that launches her clear across the ring. Now Jessi’s the one who looks a little dazed and confused as she pulls herself up on the ropes just in time for River to come charging in and clothesline her over the top rope. River wastes no time in rolling out of the ring, getting Jessi up and getting her back inside. River gets Jessi up to her feet and effortlessly lifts her into a Running Powerslam before hooking the leg.


Jessi fires the shoulder up and keeps the match going. River gets up and immediately pulls Jessi with her, setting her up for a Stalling Vertical Suplex. While River’s showcasing her power, Jessi kicks her legs and manages to drop back down in front of her and blasts her in the jaw with a forearm. River shakes the cobwebs out of her head and flattens Jessi - literally onto the mat - with a big backhand chop to the chest. River reaches down and lifts Jessi’s legs onto her shoulders before hoisting her up right off the mat for a powerbomb. Jessi sees the danger she’s in and starts wriggling frantically to get free. Her legs slip off and she hooks River’s head, dropping down for a reversal DDT but River widens her stance and keeps herself from being dropped down. Instead, she grabs Jessi around the legs and goes for a Northern Lights Suplex but Jessi rolls through with her momentum and lands right on her feet. She hits the ropes and as River sits up off the mat, Jessi hits a Rolling Neck Snap. She hits the ropes again and goes for a Lionsault but River gets her knees up BUT Jessi lands on her feet, scouting it and quickly brings her leg up as if for an axe kick, dropping down into a split style leg drop right across River’s chest. She floats over quickly into a cover–


–and gets tossed right off like a squealing rag doll. River’s looking rocked, however, as she sits up, nursing her jaw and chest. Her opponent might be small but she’s definitely bringing the fight to her. Jessi’s quick to get to her feet as River makes it up to hers, doubled over still and the young up and comer rushes in to attempt FOWL (From Ozborne With Lust). She lands the Axe Kick. She nails with the Discus Forearm. She goes for the Full Nelson Suplex finale but River just barely plants her feet and slowly pulls her arms down. River twists around for a Discus Lariat but Jessi jukes behind her and catches her around the neck with an arm. Jessi’s going for Dropped Out (Storm One) but as River rolls back, she lands on her feet again and comes up with Jessi right across her shoulders, falling back for a smooth transition into a Samoan Drop! River staggers up while Jessi’s got the wind knocked out of her and doesn’t waste time before hitting a signature jumping Leg Drop right there. She drags Jessi up to her feet, whips her off the ropes and delivers the Pommel Strike (Arn Anderson Spinebuster)! Hook of the leg and–


–it’s over as “No Easy Way Out” by Bullet For My Valentine plays and River has her arm raised. Jessi sits up, looking a little upset at the loss but she looks up at River as the big woman offers a hand down to help her up. Jessi takes the hand and River pulls her to her feet effortlessly and gives her another handshake with a half hearted, somewhat shy hug, visibly telling her “you did extremely well!” Jessi smiles big, finding her excitement again and jumps into a hug around River’s neck. River doesn’t seem sure what to make of it but she slowly just hugs Jessi around the back as we cut away.

Isa’s French Bistro in Asheville, North Carolina… one of the many fine-dining options in a city that has long held the title of Melting Pot of the South. On a pleasantly cool evening, we get a nice outside view of the place, drawn away when a black Cadillac arrives, polished to a near-perfect shine. And from the driver’s seat emerges the one and only Damon Cross in an impeccable black suit. His dark hair is drawn back and bound at the base of his neck, sunglasses masking his eyes. Sunset is only a little while away, but light still peeks over the Appalachians in the distance. He spots the camera and smirks before walking around to the passenger side door and opening it, allowing his wife, Danielle Anderson, to exit as well. She’s dressed to the nine in a vintage pink frilly dress, nylons that compliment her alabaster skin, and a pair of pink open-toed high heels. Her pink-twisted purple hair is nicely styled in an updo and her bangs are out of her face.

Only when the lady of the evening is out and the door closed does Damon deem it proper to address the camera.

Damon Cross: War. War never changes.

He lets out a laugh, then dusts off his shoulder and offers his right arm to Danni who happily accepts it with a giggle.. Complimented by the beauty at his side, Damon leads her towards the front doors of Isa’s.

Damon Cross: And neither does ignorance, stupidity or arrogance. Only the source changes, and perhaps the expression of it. But to a point, they are all the same: a waste of energy. There is no excuse for ignorance with all the information in the world at your fingertips, Zion Wrestling… and especially Cherry and Mai in this case. Stupidity? I don’t buy the ‘born that way’ excuse. If you are stupid in this day in age, you chose to be so out of laziness or lack of motivation. Arrogance? Well…

Shrugging a little, he holds the door for his wife to enter, then glances over his shoulder at the camera.

Damon Cross: I’ve been guilty of that before. But much like you haven’t, and much like your boss, Kai Morgan hasn’t, I learned from my mistakes. The two of you? Are going to learn whether you like it or not. At Collision, we’re going to give you a message to take back to your boss. I guarantee none of you will like it.

Once her husband follows after her, they make their way inside of the French bistro. Perhaps to the surprise of many, there aren’t a lot of people in the waiting lounge. It’s Danielle’s turn to regard the camera now, smiling all the while they’re joined at the hip.

Danni Anderson: I don’t like to play mind games. I’m not very good at them.

She shakes her head a little, her hair lightly swaying with her movements.

Danni Anderson: I prefer to just be honest. No, I’m not a part of the war. No, I don’t want any part of it. No… that doesn’t make me a coward.

There’s a slight bristle at the last word. It’s clear that the Sweetheart Esper remembers Adrianna Salvatore’s words on the last Trauma.

Danni Anderson: The whole thing is a mess. Zachary Porter, Rayola Davine-Fillmore, Xander Fillmore, and Kai Morgan refuse to take responsibility for their mess. Now it’s escalated into major bad juju for everybody else and I don’t like it one bit. My husband knows it.

Lifting her head up towards Damon, Danielle cutely sticks her tongue out at him. He shrugs and grins in a way that makes her giggle, though she tries to downplay that reaction. With a slight wrinkle of her nose, she faces the camera again.

Danni Anderson: Mr. Brody knows it. Mr. Morgan knows it. Just recently, things have taken a turn for the worse. New Frontier Wrestling is on the line. Everybody who works for the company? Their jobs are on the line. Still, Mr. Brody has faith in everyone fighting in the war. I have faith in them. Not everybody in either company can participate in the war. That’s okay. Some of us chose to stay neutral from the beginning and you know what? That’s perfectly fine.

Even in her high heels, she lightly toe-kicks the floor. Now this time, she sticks her tongue out at the camera.

Danni Anderson: I’m not falling for that bully tactic. Mai thinks I’ll go down easy, but guess what? I was the one who won the NFW World Heavyweight Championship from Mary Matthews when nobody else could. I was the one who ended her year-plus long reign. I’m one of the only four World Heavyweight Champions in the company. I may be little, but I am fierce, and I’ll give you a fight you’re not ready for!

Damon Cross: What you did will stand in the history books of NFW for some time, my queen. Marilyn was one of the best champions in NFW history, right up there with Anton Crowley. Two people who personified the best of what this company has to offer. And I’ve beaten both. Mai and Cherry can think whatever they want. It’s a free country for the moment.

Probably not a good idea to get political, so Damon leaves THAT comment where it stands. He turns instead and tilts Danni’s chin so that they’re looking into one another’s eyes.

Damon Cross: What those two ingrates can’t do is downplay our accomplishments. We are the Royal Couple of NFW, with all due respect to the Kingdom. Our chemistry is unparalleled. Our skills are legendary. And our bond is unbreakable. The two of you may be very, very good… but you’re on our turf, playing our game. The odds were stacked against you the moment Kai trotted you out as his meat shields. You won’t stop us, you won’t slow us down. Danielle, she has chosen her spot outside of this war and I respect that.

He finally turns back to the camera, dark eyes narrowed.

Damon Cross: Violence is not her way. Me, on the other hand? War is something I am very intimate with. I’ve been on both sides of the philosophical fence, fighting for right… and for wrong. Kai Morgan brought this on Zion. He thinks by raising the stakes and putting New Frontier Wrestling’s existence on the line, he will demoralize us, crack our armor and have us in disarray. That’s because he’s a short-sighted idiot. And you two? You’re no less thick for trying to do his dirty work. All he’s done is motivate us further to succeed. And success… it’s kind of our thing, savvy?

The two move towards their reserved table and Damon pulls the chair out for his wife, pushing it in before taking his own. Danni blushes and giggles, allowing herself this moment of free emotion. When she faces the camera one more time, however, complete determination takes over her features.

Danni Anderson: Despite what you think, I’ve never underestimated anybody in my life. I’m not about to begin anytime soon. If there’s one thing Kai and I agree on, it’s that Zion Wrestling has an incredible roster. Fusion, Mayhem, everybody there is talented. That includes you, Mai, Cherry. He was right when he said you two are the future of the industry. But you still have a lot to learn about wrestling. We’ll be your teachers.

A coy smile crosses her face.

Danni Anderson: Your first lesson is tomorrow night on Collision. I hope you’re ready. Ooh rah!

Of course, being inside of a restaurant, she doesn’t shout her battle cry. She simply exclaims it just clear enough for the camera’s microphone to pick up. Damon sets a hand on hers, then turns to the camera as well.

Damon Cross: Say our names.

She turns her hand to clasp that of her husband as the view backs off, eventually fading to black as the two prepare to order dinner..

Damon Cross & Danni Anderson vs. Cherry Addams & Mai Blackman

Cherry Addams and Mai Blackman are the first to make their entrance known. The fans boo them loudly, even going so far as to chant “TRAITOR ADDAMS!” Cherry seems to find amusement in this. Accompanied by their stepdaughter Leina Rael, Damon Cross and Danni Anderson of the Crusade make their entrance. But then suddenly, Cherry and Mai charge towards them! Damon and Danni are quick to move in front of Leina and meet their opponents head-on, battling it out on the steel ramp. Leina swiftly moves out of the way and joins Nick Hansen and Jim Reynolds at the commentary table.

While Leina and Jim curse at Cherry and Mai, the duo continues to fight the Crusade outside of the ring. Mai and Danni are trading blows, while Damon and Cherry are laying into one another with stiff shots. In a cruel twist, Cherry kicks Damon below the belt, causing him to fall on his knees! Danni tries to intercept, but Mai seizes her pink-twisted purple hair and THROWS her into the steel steps! The fans boo and referee James Greer has to yell at them to “get in the damn ring!” Cherry grins, Mai smirks, and soon Mai grabs ahold of Danni and rolls her into the ring.

Finally, the bell rings and the official match is underway despite the underhanded tactics. Mai antagonizes Danni and she clearly enjoys it, laying into her with vicious blows. Cherry moves over to their corner of the ring while “innocently” whistling. Seeing all of this, Damon grits his teeth and forces himself to move towards the ring. Danni is trying her best to fight back, but Mai doesn’t give her an opportunity, driving her onto the mat with a bridging German suplex. The referee counts, but Damon breaks it up. James argues with Damon about how he’s not the legal man. This provides a distraction and Mai blatantly and illegally chokes Danni with one hand! Danni struggles for air before she forces Mai off of her with kicks.

Cross’ frustration and concern build as Blackman continues to bully his wife. She tags in Addams when she needs a “break” and this allows Addams to lay into Anderson with “Rage” (Muay Thai Clench followed by Rapid Knees to the ribs)! Anderson’s struggling to defend herself. Once again, Cross intervenes to break things up, but Greer keeps scolding him. Addams pulls Anderson up, but the Sweetheart Esper surprises her out of nowhere with “Stars-a-Dancing” (Sitout Facebuster)! Anderson goes for the cover, but the referee’s still distracted! Blackman comes in and pulls Anderson away from Addams who rolls out of the ring. Before Anderson can retaliate, Blackman seizes her right arm and forces her into her signature Modified Sitting Fujiwara Armbar! Greer turns around to focus on the action. Hansen, Reynolds, and Rael look on in terror as Anderson screams in pain. The torque Blackman is putting on is intense and Anderson’s kicking the mat, but she refuses to tap out. Cross grits his teeth and the fans begin to rally behind his wife in full support. After excruciating seconds, Anderson’s able to fight her way out, nailing Blackman with repeated elbows to the temple.

When Mai tries to grab ahold of Danni, Danni counters with a step-up enzuigiri and floors her. Finally, Danni’s able to make the tag to her husband! Damon’s anger is focused as he viciously attacks Mai, looking to return the damage inflicted on Danni. Despite Mai’s efforts to fight back, Damon drives his knees into her midsection with constant hits before he levels her with his tribute to Eric Donavan, “Dragonfire DDT” (Double-Arm DDT)! Cross goes for the cover, but Addams suddenly breaks up the count. Now Greer argues with Addams to get out of the ring. Cross pulls Blackman up and sends her onto the mat with a snap suplex. He quickly forces her onto her feet and tries to lock in “Father’s Sin” (Katahajime), but Blackman escapes and Irish whips Cross towards the ropes. She shocks him with a discus forearm upon his return and Cross falls onto the mat. She takes this opportunity to tag in her beloved.

Cherry ascends the top turnbuckle immediately after she’s tagged in. Once he rises to his feet, Cherry sends him crashing down with her signature Missile Dropkick! Cherry goes for the cover, but he kicks out at two. Smirking, Cherry hones in on Damon and unleashes focused strikes on him. They’re quick and stiff, attempting to find a weakness within Damon. Damon, however, fights back and the two exchange blows. He manages to catch Cherry off guard with a swinging DDT, but he doesn’t go for the pin attempt. Damon makes his move, and out on the ring apron, Damon grabs ahold of the top rope and launches himself, searching for “White Redemption” (Springboard Swanton Bomb)! Unfortunately for him, Cherry gets her knees up at the last second! Damon crashes onto her knees and he falls to the side in pain. Rising to her feet, Cherry waits for Damon to get up before nailing him with her signature Axe Kick! Right after Damon falls onto the mat, Cherry goes for the cover. However, for the first time in this match, Danni interrupts the count! There’s absolute chaos all over the ring as Mai charges at Danni. Unafraid, Danni meets Mai in the middle of the ring, and the two exchange blows.

Alas, Addams joins her beloved and quickly makes this a two-on-one fight. Greer can’t seem to stop this madness. Anderson grits her teeth and tries her best to defend herself, while Cross rises to his feet. He rushes to his wife’s aid and seizes Addams, launching her across the ring with a Greco-Roman throw. Addams hits the mat and hisses through her teeth. Blackman sharply backhands Anderson and sends her staggering against the ropes. Blood starts to trickle from the right corner of Anderson’s mouth. Cross moves in to attack Blackman, but she sidesteps him and retaliates with “Chicago Kiss” (Stiff Headbutt)! Cross falls onto the mat with a thud. Blackman smirks, pleased to have taken the former NFW World Heavyweight Champion down. As soon as she turns around, however, Anderson suddenly hits Blackman with “Crack Shoot!” (Terry’s Front-Flip Kick), sending her through the ropes and out of the ring! Blackman lands on the outside with a groan. Cross is doing his best to shake off the cobwebs. Before Anderson can go to check on her husband, Addams turns her around and levels her with “Core Breach” (Lightning Spiral)! Anderson hits the mat HARD and Addams stalks her, but Cross intervenes with a yakuza kick and stuns Addams. Cross then pulls Addams up and swiftly plants her onto the mat with “Weight of the World” (Omega Driver)! The Redeemer covers Glitch and Blackman’s unable to stop him from scoring the three-count!

Ding, ding, ding!

Roger Arden: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match… Damon Cross and Danni Anderson, THE CRUSADE!

Leina Rael: Ha! Serves you b*tches right for trying to ambush Mom and Pops!

Jim Reynolds: Yeah! You tell ‘em, squirt!

Nick Hanson: The fact that you two are actually on the same side is amazing, but I’m glad!

As “Rise” by State of Mine barely begins to play from the PA system, Mai growls and attacks Damon! The fans boo, watching as Mai starts to lay into Damon -- when suddenly, Danni spears Mai away from her husband! The fans erupt into loud cheers as Danni lays into Mai now, but to everyone’s surprise, Damon pulls her off and swiftly exits the ring. “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” resonate throughout the arena as Damon and Danni head up the ramp.

Leina Rael: That’s my cue. See ya!

With a two-finger salute, Leina hops off of commentary and joins her parents. Mai rises to her feet, enraged, but she doesn’t pursue them and checks on Cherry instead. Cherry’s sitting up, rubbing the back of her head. The Zion wrestlers of the war glare at the NFW wrestlers, even as Leina flips them both off in the retreat.

Nick Hanson: Well, Hell hath no fury like an angry ten-year-old!

Jim Reynolds: I’m kinda starting to like the little brat.

Nick Hanson: And that’s officially on the record, Jim.

Jim Reynolds: God damnit! Whatever. Damon should’ve let Danni and Mai fight, but I get it. We’ve got a war to win next week!

Nick Hanson: Yes we do! I hope we still have our jobs when the dust settles!

Winner: The Crusade
Result: Pinfall

The show returns from the final commercial break after the main event match where we find Steven Brody standing in the center of the ring with a microphone in his hand.

Nick Hanson: Welcome back, folks. CEO Steven Brody is with us in the ring. No doubt he has something important to say.

Jim Reynolds: You’re telling me! He put everyone’s jobs on the goddamn line, Nicky!

Nick Hanson: There is a lot at risk, yes.

Jim Reynolds: Hope he knows what he’s doing!

The camera cuts to the inside of the ring as Steven Brody brings the microphone up to speak.

Steven Brody: I know a lot of people have questions about decisions that have been made over recent days. A lot of the men and women on the roster are wondering - a lot of you sitting here and those fans watching at home are wondering - why did I agree to the stipulation to put NFW’s future on the line. I’ve been hearing people say I was “baited” into accepting his clause.

He pauses, looking around at the audience. Even among them there’s some mixed reactions of fans with some who stand behind while others seem to be asking “why, Brody, why?!” The NFW owner brings the microphone back up.

Steven Brody: Well, let me assure you, I’ve let Kai Morgan bait me into nothing. I made such a decision because I am confident, ladies and gentlemen. I am confident in the abilities of each and every one of the professional wrestlers that are employed by New Frontier Wrestling. Believe me, if I weren’t - and I’ll get right down to brass tacks - they wouldn’t be here. When you wrestle for NFW, you step into the ring with some of the best of the business. You step into the ring to do battle with some of the finest professional wrestlers this sport has ever seen. Zion has that as well!

Brody pauses again, stressing a point with a hand coming up to silence anybody that might think he’s underestimating their opposition.

Steven Brody: In just under a week, the wrestling world is going to witness two companies that employ some of the very best step into foreign territory and go toe to toe. For Zion Wrestling, it’s a battle for supremacy. They feel as though they’ve been slighted. Insulted. Dishonored. They most certainly have. But all the same? So have we.

He pauses again as the crowd cheers a bit more in unison now.

Steven Brody: I won’t bore you all with what you already know. Everyone knows how we got here. It’s not about egoes. It’s not about puffing out our chests. It’s about a matter of honor. Zion is fighting for supremacy and they are fighting for their honor. Honor can be regained in many ways. If Zion loses next week at Invasion, they’ll pick themselves up, lick their wounds, they’ll carry on. They will endure. They will continue. I have no doubt about that. But they will remember the name of their adversary and they will come to respect what they have mocked. The New Frontier on the other hand? New Frontier Wrestling is fighting for honor. We are fighting for supremacy. We are fighting for SURVIVAL! Now, you can say I’ve become…merciless. You might say I took an unnecessary step in accepting the offer laid out to me. To us. But extreme situations…call for extreme measures. Extreme tactics. When your livelihood is on the line, when you are at risk of losing everything, that’s when you are at your best. That’s when you think smarter. That…is when you fight harder. It’s when you’re able to dig deep down and conquer your fears. Ladies and gentlemen. Competitors of NFW. Kai Morgan tried to play his mind games and play on fear. Well…

Brody turns directly towards the hard cam, hardening his expression, almost angrily. It’s the first time in a long while that we’ve ever seen him with such anger on his face.

Steven Brody: I am not afraid of Kai Morgan. And neither should any of you be! Kai Morgan is a talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. Zion Wrestling is on the path to becoming legendary in the business. Kai Morgan is on the path to becoming one of the greatest wrestlers in the world… But you’ve still got a lot to learn, kid. You’ve got a lot to learn and as it currently stands, I will happily be the one to educate you! In six days, this war begins. In seven days, this war ends. And as fate would have it…in seven days, New Frontier Wrestling will be celebrating it’s 4th anniversary since it’s resurgence.

He pauses again to let that realization sink in to the crowd and there’s a bit of a cheer from them with an “N-F-W” chant filling the arena.

Steven Brody: It will be four years since we have come back. Four years since we rose from the ashes and rubble that was and if I’m being honest with myself and everyone here? I can’t think of a better anniversary gift than seeing the men and women that I have faith in, kick the everloving, goddamn CRAP out of the talent that you think are going to come into OUR city, come into OUR house, come into OUR territory and piss on our doorstep! This isn’t some small, upstart company barely making ends meet. This isn’t a place where rookies come to train and hone their skills so that they can venture out and show the world what they can do. No, no. This is where hungry, talented, ready and willing professionals come to show the world what they are capable of! This is where wrestlers’ names are immortalized. This is where legends are made. This is NEW…FRONTIER…WRESTLING!!

This is a side of Steven Brody we’ve never seen before: fired up and ready to fight as he throws out his arms to the sides and lets the crowd roar around him.

Nick Hanson: YEEESSSS!!!!!!

Jim Reynolds: YOU FUCKING TELL THEM, BOSS MAN!!!!!

Nick Hanson: You believe in Steven Brody now, Jim?!

Jim Reynolds: I do, Nicky!!! I’m loving it!!!!

Brody lowers his arms slowly and his demeanor returns to that relaxed state. He smiles coolly, smooths a hand over his silvery white hair and raises the microphone again.

Steven Brody: Now. Do I expect this to be an easy war to win? Absolutely not. Are we going to have to dig down deep and fight harder than we ever have? Absolutely! That’s why after the opening skirmishes have passed, after the mat here under my feet may very well be already soaked in blood, after our champions and our frontlines have beat the hell out of each other, Kai, we come to the final battle. The ultimate battle. Ultimate Battleground. Six of our very best, squaring up in the ring. No disqualification. No rules. Anything goes. Twelve men and women, two rings, one cage. Each team being led by a captain that will carry NFW’s and Zion’s banners into the battlefield. I have no doubt of Zion’s abilities, Mr. Morgan. Your people will bring everything they have against mine, Mr. Morgan. However, I’ve prepared for this better than you may realize, because I have an ace in the hole. I’ve chosen one of my very best to lead the troops into battle and I must say, I am very impressed by the talents that have been selected. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the ring at this time…Team NFW!!

Brody turns towards the stage and motions an arm out as, one by one, the five named wrestlers for NFW’s Ultimate Battleground begin to make their way to the ring.

First, “Bulletproof” by Godsmack comes on over the PA and the crowd goes wild. Out from the tunnel, Dona Rotten walks out onto the stage, accompanied by her manager and girlfriend, Alice Chambers. Alice gets the crowd amped up and loud as Dona pauses on the stage and raises the horns to their fans. Dona and Alice make their way down the walkway, approaching the ring. Alice taunts the camera, slinging shade at Zion while fans in the front row reach out for Dona. She slaps some of their hands while others pat her on the shoulders. The pair make it to the ring where Dona sits on the middle rope for her girlfriend. Alice makes her usual, fliracious display of bending over the middle rope, licking her teeth and winking at the camera. Once they’re both in, they shake hands with Steven Brody.

Nick Hanson: Well, Jim, who better to stand against a powerful adversary than the Scream Queen? She just scored a victory over our World Heavyweight Champion last week!

Jim Reynolds: I still call shenanigans and I agree with Hayley Halsey that decision should have been reversed but for now, yeah I can support Dona Rotten in this! Let's go Venom!

Second, “Funeral For Yesterday” by Kittie blasts on over the speakers. The crowd, normally apt to boo this music, pops as Lana Corvin comes strolling out of the tunnel, hands out to her sides with that Corvin family arrogance oozing from her. She stands at the top of the ramp, throwing her hands up, practically demanding the crowd get louder before she takes another step. When she’s satisfied, she approaches the ring. She doesn’t give any hand slaps but she continues calling for the crowd to acknowledge her and throwing a middle finger at the camera towards Zion. She gets into the ring, taking a moment to climb the turnbuckle for her pose before joining the CEO and Dona in the center of the ring. She shakes Brody’s hand, even fist pounds Dona and comes to stand in her place.

Nick Hanson: Now that's someone you want on an Ultimate Battleground team!

Jim Reynolds: Second gen star in the making from the Corvin Dynasty baby!! I used to watch her old man throw bombs and zingers on motherfuckers back in the day!

Nick Hanson: Apple hasn't fallen far from the tree at all!

“Breathe Into Me (Remix Acustica)” by Red flows throughout the arena. Again, where there would normally be boos, cheers are given as Nathaniel Dixon emerges calmly out onto the stage. He’s not competing tonight, obviously, so he’s dressed in one of his finest suits, worn well with that icy, serpentine smile. As a matter of fact, he resembles Agent 47 from the Hitman franchise! From the stage to the ring, he maintains that smooth pace as he passes between the rows of fans behind the barricades. Nathaniel ascends the steps, wipes his feet off on the apron and coolly steps into the ring, taking a moment to adjust his red tie as he approaches Steven Brody for a gentleman’s handshake.

Jim Reynolds: Hahaaaaa, I recognize that reference, Nicky!! Nice suit there, Dixon!

Nick Hanson: I dare say folks, Nathaniel Dixon could be "lethal" in more ways than one next week and he's sending a message for sure, here tonight!

The crowd’s voices rise again as the familiar intro to Queens of the Stone Age’s “Smooth Sailing” is heard and Cass Baumer walks out on stage; her first appearance on TV in over a month since her vicious beatdown on Zion Fusion. Cass pauses on stage, smirking at the ovation from the crowd before slowly turning around to reveal the back of her jacket. Both company logos are emblazoned on the back. NFW’s on top of Zion’s. Right above NFW’s logo is a print of the “thumbs up” emoji while beneath Zion’s is one of the “thumbs down”. Some of the crowd get behind this image as Cass spins back around on her heel to face the camera, nodding and smirking. She descends the steps and makes her way to the ring. She jogs up the steps and onto the apron, getting in and greets Steven Brody as the others have. Brody shakes her hand and gives her a pat on the shoulder, seemingly asking her how she’s feeling. Cass nods, gives a thumbs up and turns to stand with her teammates.

Nick Hanson: Listen to this crowd give it up for the Headliner!!

Jim Reynolds: You know something? I never thought I'd be happy to see Cass Baumer... Still not sure I am.

Nick Hanson: Hey now, she's a good pick. She's not the biggest or the strongest but she's got the heart of someone who's willing to fight to the end.

Jim Reynolds: Eh, true....

The familiar voiceover of Travis Fimmel pours through the speakers, building to a crescendo. Tupac’s shout of “Fuck ‘Em All” leads into the remix of Tech N9ne’s “Till I Die Pt. 2” as the monstrous Atlas walks through the tunnel with a look of intensity in his eyes. He pauses on stage before throwing his massive arms up, fists clenched and roars to get the crowd amped again. It definitely works and he comes down towards the ring, paying no attention to gestures or extended hands. He moves past the camera, suddenly throwing up his arm as if to say “get back”, prompting the cameraman to quickly move out of his way. Atlas climbs up onto the apron from the floor and steps over the top rope, steps to the center of the ring and flexes his massive arms up for the audience. Afterwards, he turns to see Brody extending his hand. Atlas pauses, looks the CEO up and down and holds out a fist, nodding out at the man with his chin. Brody gives an amused smirk and humors the man, returning the fist bump.

Jim Reynolds: Now THAT's a pick you want for Ultimate Battleground! Who better than someone that can carry the entire world on his shoulders?!

Nick Hanson: The Titan, ladies and gentlemen! Big Trey Johnson! Atlas! It'll take a monumental feat to stop this man's momentum. An unstoppable force and immovable object, all in one!

Jim Reynolds: Let's just hope that he and Nathaniel Dixon can uhh...well, I won't say get along...let's say "be cordial" with one another?

With the five picks for Ultimate Battleground inside the ring, Steven Brody brings the microphone up and looks into the hardcam. He thumbs over his shoulder then steps aside and motions with his entire arm.

Steven Brody: This. Right here. This is what you’re up against, Zion - Mr. Morgan. Five top athletes who know how to get the job done. Who aren’t afraid to get down in the trenches if they need to. It’s perfectly obvious I’m not the only one who sees this in them because, as I’ve said, while I endorse each and every one of these selections? I’m not the one who pulled their names.

He turns, then, to the five who’ve come to join him in the ring.

Steven Brody: You’ve all been chosen to ensure victory for NFW. I took it upon myself to seek out someone I thought capable of rallying the best soldiers. I left it up to them to build their army. You two.

Brody pauses a moment and looks directly at Atlas and Nathaniel Dixon.

Steven Brody: You find yourselves in a precarious situation. You don’t see eye to eye on most things, if any. I get that. I need that to go on the back shelf for now. Afterwards? Well, I’ll let your General Manager, Isabella Santiago, handle that how she sees fit. All of you.

Now he’s addressing all five of them.

Steven Brody: All of you have been chosen because one of your peers in the locker room feels confident that you can work together and ensure New Frontier Wrestling remains. Which, at this point, I’m sure you’re all curious. You’re probably eager to find out who it is. As are all of you!

Brody turns around, addressing the crowd now.

Steven Brody: Are you all ready to see what this team looks like as a whole?!

The crowd pops loudly. Brody brings a finger up to his ear with a wry smile. He doesn’t say another word. He simply extends his arm out towards the stage and…

The single opening note of Aseop Rock's "Gauze" hits the arena's PA system. The expression of everyone currently occupying the ring turns from that of excitement to annoyance as everyone recognizes that single note as a signal of Kai Morgan's arrival. Just as the realization hits, the crowd's unanimous cheers turn to boos, as Kai Morgan makes his way out flanked by the rest of Team Zion. To his left stands Ashlynn Cassidy, to his right Diamond Steele and Chris Matthews, and behind him, towering over all four, is the Demon of Zion Dante Diablo. Morgan, as a nod to his usual abuse of NFW's audio equipment, comes out donning a Zion branded microphone, proceeding to speak through it.

Kai Morgan: Oh...I'm sorry...we didn't interrupt anything, did we?

The crowd whip into an uproar, giving the Zion CEO a wall of boos. Morgan is having none of it tonight, however, quickly interrupting them.

Kai Morgan: Shut the fuck up!

Normally, the fans wouldn't take this demand from Morgan seriously. But seeing the giant Dante Diablo behind him, and knowing the type of things Kai would be willing to do, they silence themselves a bit out of fear.

Kai Morgan: Listen, I could really stand to listen to this little kumbaya session for ages, I really could. But I couldn't just sit back and let you do your little show-and-tell without finding a way to get my turn.

See, you have your adorable ragtag group of misfits. But as you can see, while you have 1-2-3-4-5, with sixth on the way, there's only four people standing around me. So Imma let you finish, just after I get done revealing my final picks for my team.

First off, there's the team captain...

Morgan starts to look around and everyone on the team, all of which could honestly have a solid case for leading it before looking back to Brody in the ring.

Kai Morgan: My team captain...is me! Now people'll hear that and think "Wow. He has no faith in his team. Blah blah blah." But those people have it twisted. See, the thing is Steve, this is just the type of shit that an actual leader does. A leader doesn't sit on the sidelines and watch his troops fight for him. A leader stands beside his people and ensures greatness by any means necessary. I am going to lead Team Zion to victory and I am going to lead NFW to its demise, by any. Means. Necessary.

Brody raises a microphone to protest Morgan's words, only for The Bastard King to interrupt him.

Kai Morgan: Shut the fuck up! I wasn't finished. Now with that out of the way, that still leaves the question: There's still only five of you out here, where's your sixth? And that answer will be coming right about...

Morgan takes a look down at his wrist as though he's checking a non-existent watch, before looking past Brody and the rest of Team NFW. What comes out of his mouth next comes off very much as though he's cuing something.

Kai Morgan: ...NOW!

As Kai lowers the microphone, leaving Team NFW slightly baffled by his words, a commotion starts to rise from the crowd behind them as a woman with green hair, clad in black, hops the barricade weilding a kendo stick.

Nick Hanson: Hey wait a minute! Wait a minute!! Wait a minute!!

Jim Reynolds: What the hell?! That’s Zara Ivory! She’s one of ours on Trauma! Is she our Team Captain?!

Zara Ivory slides into the ring, popping up behind Team NFW! She cocks the kendo stick back–

Nick Hanson: She’s also on Zion’s Fusion! I don’t think she–

Jim Reynolds: & Nick Hanson: OHHH MAN!!!!

–and cracks Nathaniel right across the back of his legs!! Nathaniel goes down and, as Zara brings the kendo stick down across his head, Kai and the rest of Team Zion all spring into action and converge on Team NFW and the brawl is on! In the span of just a couple of seconds, Atlas grabs Steven Brody and throws him violently across the mat behind them. The NFW CEO rolls out of the ring and hits the ringside floor, down but more or less safe from the chaos starting to ensue. At the same time, Diamond Steele throws herself right at Cass Baumer and starts teeing off on her. Chris Matthews and Dona Rotten square up and start throwing rapid fire shots with Matthews backing Rotten into a corner. Ashlyn Cassidy spears Lana Corvin into another corner, starting to shoulder ram her in the ribs while Lana starts throwing elbows and forearms across her back to get her back. Kai Morgan jumps on the downed Nathaniel Dixon and starts throwing shots across his head, MMA ground pound style. Zara Ivory runs over to start helping Diamond Steele lay into Cass Baumer. The two big men - Atlas and Dante Diablo square up in the center of the ring, throwing bombs at one another, both men refusing to go down.

Nick Hanson: I don’t believe this, Jim Reynolds! Zara Ivory has defected to Zion with the sneak attack!!

Jim Reynolds: This is outta control, Nicky! We were supposed to meet the final member of Team NFW but Zion had to ruin another big moment!

Nick Hanson: This is straight up gang style warfare, Jim Reynolds! This ring can barely contain the chaos!

Jim Reynolds: That’s why there’s gonna be two rings at Invasion!!

Suddenly, before anyone else can get another word out, music erupts through the arena.





The lights go out, shrouding the arena in darkness as the opening riff to The Amity Affliction’s "Pittsburgh" tears through the speakers. As soon as the guitar riff starts, the video wall comes to life with the BEHOLD THE KINGDOM banner while the back wall screen comes to life with a combined static and barbed wire design.



The crowd sees the banner on the tron, sitting in stunned silence and confusion first until the figure that comes out onto the stage sends them into an absolute frenzy. Dressed in all black consisting of ripped jeans,Timbaland boots, tank top, and a leather jacket, her long hair twisted into a pair of braids running down her back, with a “Dal Primo Giorno” skullcap over her head, the woman stares lasers down at the ring.

Jim Reynolds: Nicky!!! Nicky, look!!!!!

Nick Hanson: Ohhhhhh mmmyyyyyy GOD!!!!!! Do my eyes deceive me?!?!?

Jim Reynolds: She’s back!!!!! She’s back!!!! MORGAN…FUCKING…PAYNE!!!! BEHOLD…THE FUCKING…KINGDOM!!!!

Nick Hanson: I might be inclined to agree with you this time, partner!! We haven’t seen her in months but what a moment to make a return!!!

Morgan steps down off of the stage and starts storming down the walkway to the ring. Her eyes don’t leave the ring for an instant as she moves like a woman on a mission.

Jim Reynolds: Hey!! Hey, wait a minute!! Is she…is she…?!

Nick Hanson: I think she is!! Morgan Payne is our team captain for Ultimate Battleground!!

Jim Reynolds: YEEESSSSS!!!! GO GET ‘EM, MORG!!!!

Nick Hanson: Steven Brody said he had an ace in the hole and–whoa look out, here she comes!!!

Morgan gets about halfway down the walkway before she pulls off her jacket, letting it drop to the floor and breaks into a full on sprint to the ring and joins the fray between Zion and NFW!

Morgan Payne baseball slides into the ring and pops to her feet. Zara Ivory steps away from helping Diamond Steele with Cass Baumer and comes out swinging wide. Morgan jukes under, hits the ropes and comes back in with a Khao Loi (Flying Muay Thai Knee) to Zara! She quickly turns and hones in on Atlas and Dante Diablo. Morgan hits the ropes and comes in with a Tastes Like Timbaland Boot, Bitch (Brogue Kick) which acts more like a leaping push kick to Dante’s chest. It doesn’t do much but it staggers him back enough that Atlas can charge in and clotheslines the massive Demon of Zion, sending them both toppling over the top rope and to the floor. Cass Baumer starts fighting back against Diamond Steele, grabbing her by the hair and throwing brutal closed fists at her. Dona Rotten’s being stomped in a corner but a brief hesitation from Chris Matthews to survey the new arrival gives her the opportunity to roll out of the ring, grab his feet and yank him outside of the ring.

Nick Hanson: The battle lines are drawn! The sides are evened out!! This is getting crazier by the second–Ohhhhhhhh look at THIS!!

Jim Reynolds: Hahaaaaaa!!!! Oh Captain, my Captain!!!! Here we go baby!!!!

As everyone else is splitting off, taking the fight to ringside, Kai Morgan stands up and turns away from Nathaniel Dixon. His eyes fall right on Morgan Payne and go wide with an almost crazed excitement. We get the feeling he’s anticipated this moment for a long time. The crowd’s definitely loving it as they get even louder. Words start flying between the two team captains, intensity building before Kai cocks back for a shot but Morgan fires from the hip and jabs him right in the jaw. Kai sways and fires right back and blasts Morgan with a forearm and the two start teeing off on each other with forearms back and forth. From behind Kai then, Nathaniel Dixon makes it up to his feet, seething as he pulls off his suit jacket. He throws an arm around Kai’s neck from behind, going for a Rear Naked Choke. Kai steps back, pushing Nathaniel into the ropes and starts throwing elbows at Nathaniel until he can get turned around and now those two are brawling. Meanwhile, Morgan Payne has just enough time to turn around before Zara Ivory shoots in for her legs to take her down but Morgan sprawls out and starts throwing fists into her ribs. Zara wriggles out of the sprawl and now those two start teeing off on each other as the credits roll on the bottom of the screen.

Nick Hanson: This is insane but we’re out of time, ladies and gentlemen!! I’m sorry!!! We’re gonna have to say good night for now while security tries to get this under control!!

Jim Reynolds: You and I might wanna get the hell outta Dodge, before we become casualties of war, Nicky!!

Nick Hanson: Nick Hanson and Jim Reynolds!! So long, everyone!!!

Fade out as the brawl continues and security finally makes it to the ring.