NFW Collision #129! 04/19/2022!

The stage bursts to life with fireworks and flames as the song kicks into gear!


Jim Reynolds: Ho-lyyy shit! It can’t be!!

Nick Hanson: I don’t believe it! She’s back!! VALKYRIE IS BACK ON COLLISION!!!

As the second part of the song kicks in, Robi “Valkyrie” Sorrenson steps onto the stage. It was very easy to tell that she was still dealing with a lot of issues from her accident, and coma, as she was wearing a full-leg walking cast, a full-upper torso brace that wrapped around her upper body and a hard-plastic brace around her neck.

But damn if the woman didn’t look good!


Joining her on stage was every single Wolf of Odinn who could make it to Chicago. Memphis Bondurant, Robi’s daughters Shanna Mitchell and Hadlee Webb, their boyfriends Ram and Rav. “Lyric” was there. Along with Ulf Westergaard, Priscilla White, Cela and Diesel White. Most of the Baton Rouge charter, most of the Las Vegas charter, same with the New York Charter. As well as those from Salem, OR, Norway and Minnesota.

Then in a show of solidarity and loyalty, every single Shieldmaiden that was on the NFW roster, and some who weren’t, stepped out with them. Hell, even some of the Chrome Dragons joined them all on stage.

It was very easy to see that “Valkyrie” had the love and support of every single person on the stage with her. The fans, however, were a different story. There was a mixture of boos, hisses and cheering. Even some chants of “This is Awesome!”

As Robi made her way to the center of the stage, she was guided and helped by Memphis and Alex Carjabal, the President of the New Orleans charter of the Shieldmaidens.

Once she reached the spot she’d chosen, she stopped, smiled at them both and had them take a step back as she lifted the mic up to speak as the music began to fade.

”Valkyrie”: Hailsa, New Frontier!! As you can see… I’m awake.

She fell silent as the crowd came to life once again. Once they died down, she began to speak once more.

”Valkyrie”: I know I’ve been gone for a little bit, and that is something that will be changing. Now, as you can see.. I’m not fully back to wrestling condition… Yet. You see, I’ve had some things on my mind since I woke up from my coma. I’ve seen things that have both made me laugh and made me sick. And well, thank you to the ones who’ve made me laugh.

She paused for a moment.

”Valkyrie”: But, for the one that made me sick… I have a message for you… Hayley Halfwit.

The crowd began to chat out, “OH, SHIT! OH, SHIT!” and “THIS IS AWESOME!”

”Valkyrie”: You see, Hayley, I’ve been witness to some truly fucked up things in my life. Hel, I’ve done some fucked up things in my life… But you? You’re truly on a different level of ”stupid cunt”.

Robi shifted her position slightly before she continued speaking.

”Valkyrie”: You see, being in an accident that should’ve been fatal tends to give clarity to people. And well, I’ve had some pretty intense clarity hitting me in the face lately.

She paused once more. Searching for the words that she wanted to say. That she’s been wanting to say for months now.

”Valkyrie”: I know that she’ll probably never see this… And that’s ok… But, I do want to issue a formal apology to Savannah Sunshine for the words I spoke. They were said out of pure anger and frustration. They are words I never should’ve said. And for that, I do apologize. I have no problems admitting that I was wrong for what I said. And, maybe one day, you will be willing to sit down so I can apologize to you in person. Until that day comes… This is the only way I can do that.

She shifted her weight again. It was becoming clear that she was starting to tire out and her body was starting to cause her pain.

”Valkyrie”: But for now… My warning to you, Hayley, is this… Come Invasion V, next year… You’ll want to do one thing.. And one thing only.

The lights grow dim and on the tron behind Robi and the other Wolves, Shieldmaidens and Chrome Dragons, a pair of wolf’s eyes appear.

”Valkyrie”: ...Run…

Then the haunting sound of everyone on stage could be heard howling as Robi was helped backstage where she was met by Luthor and Morgan. Luthor came up to Robi, wrapped her into a tender hug and kissed her cheek softly.

Luthor Callaway: Hey, Beautiful. You’re looking amazing.

Robi smiled up at Luthor and placed a hand to his cheek.

”Valkyrie”: And you’re just as handsome as always.

Then, just as she was stepping away from Luthor, Morgan pushed her way to the front of the crowd and, like Luthor, wrapped Robi up in a tender hug. The Kingdom’s resident Yinzer even lets out a betraying little whimper before letting go to look at her friend; tears in her eyes.

Morgan Payne: Ohmigah…how you doin’?

Robi hugged back as tight as she could and pressed her hand to Morgan’s cheek lightly.

”Valkyrie”: Hey hey, now. None of that. No tears over me.

Robi smiled lightly at Morgan.

”Valkyrie”: I’m healing. And awake. Question is… How are you doing? Shan, Lyric and Memphis have kept me up to date on pretty much everything. You holding up ok?

Morgan wiped her eyes, steeling herself again and nodded with a half shrug.

Morgan Payne: M’aight. Admit, almost slipped off a couple times…but they been there for me. M’still pushin’ forward. Got my own shit arahnd ‘ere between former friends an’ a splintering family.

Morgan almost cracks again but manages to suck it up. She manages a smirk and claps Robi, albeit gently, on the arm.

Morgan Payne: Lookin’ forward t’you stompin’ ass next year.

Robi smiled at Morgan, again. Only this time, with pride.

”Valkyrie”: But, you didn’t slip. So, that counts for something. I’m so very proud of you, Morgan.

She really was. And it showed. But, her tiredness and pain was starting to show through as she wavered a little bit. Only to have Memphis come up and wrap his arm around her waist.

Memphis Bondurant: Ok, time to get you back to the hotel and back in bed.

Robi gave Morgan a playful look at Memphis being a “mother hen”.

”Valkyrie”: I think he missed his calling as a doctor or EMT or something.

She stepped in to hug Morgan again just before she was swept away by Memphis and the other Wolves.
We come into focus and tonight we are taken to the backstage area. We see Crystal Zdunich with a wicked grin on her face along with a Black Out t shirt on. She is all smiles as she looks right into the camera and begins to speak

Crystal Zdunich: Long before this is the moment we have been waiting for isn’t it?! You see tonight is the go home show and I see that River Chance will be wrestling in a tag team match with Bubba to take on the Ding Dongs.

Crystal shakes her head with a disgust as she continues to share her heart.

Crystal Zdunich: To be honest I feel a lot right now, and I am beyond pissed off. I can’t stand the Kingdom or anything they stand for, and I didn’t appreciate dropping a match to Morgan and River. It’s whatever. Everybody knows tag team wrestling really isn’t my thing. Although if you pay attention to what’s happening in the Gemini One tournament might say differently. Anyway my focus is solely on River and what it more importantly than everything right now is walking into this huge super show and finally emerging with the big win at a big show that I have been waiting for.

She takes a deep breath as she continues to share her heart.

Crystal Zdunich: I don’t care how big River is, and I really don’t care about her toughness. The only thing on my mind is being able to step into the ring with her and prove why I am better than her. I have to put her in her place, and I have to showcase why I am the best wrestler in the world today. When I tell everybody that I am the best of the best it’s not bullshit. It is something that I have been busting my ass to prove, and I need to showcase that right here in NFW.

Crystal forms a serious expression as she explains her heart some more.

Crystal Zdunich: That won’t be any different here. River you have said so much about me. You have disrespected my marriage and you basically said in your own words that you all pretty much *BEEP* better than I do. I am sure if you ask Seleana or Alexandra they will tell you how I am and why I am good, but I am not going to justify what I can do in bed. Instead I rather justify why I am going to be better than you and why I am simply going to beat you. I have been in some high profile matches in this company. Matches against Marilyn and Cass, and I just haven’t managed to get my footing. By next week things will be different because I will beat you. I know you could have broken my neck if you really wanted. You could have did so much more but security got involved and they stopped it. Your biggest mistake was making sure you didn’t finish me off before they got involved.

Crystal forms a serious expression as she speaks some more.

Crystal Zdunich: It’s time to show you why I am the rose that refuses to wither away. I will beat you and I will go on to get involved in something big in this company. You are that roadblock but I will go through you. Just wait and see. Tonight I will get a close eye on you… Mark my words on that

Crystal walks away as we fade out.
Backstage, the camera finds the Cornbread Mafia, Cameron Worley, Shawn Worley and Big Bubba Thompson, standing by a table in a side room.

Cameron Worley: Y’all gonna have fun today, Bubba. You get to team with River.

Shawn nods his agreement.

Shawn Worley: And she's actually been ornery lately…

Allowing himself a slight chuckle, Cameron nods in amazement.

Cameron Worley: I didn’t know she got ornery!

Shawn Worley: Apparently she does and Hayley Halsey done pushed her fuck ‘roudn an’ find th’ fuck out button!

Cameron shakes his head.

Cameron Worley: I would not wanna be the one to find the fightin’ side of her!

Shawn Worley: Me either!

Just then, the aforementioned River Chance walks into the doorway.

Big Bubba Thompson: RIVVY!!!!!

Quickly Cameron raises his hand to slow his cousin down.

Cameron Worley: Now, Bubba… we done talked about this…

Shawn is quick to jump in, trying not to let his voice sound too angry so as to avoid hurting the big man’s feelings.

Shawn Worley: What did we say about huggin’ folks without askin’ first?

Bubba suddenly looks horrified, terrified and sad all at the same time.

Big Bubba Thompson: I… I’m… sorry….

Before he can look away, River speaks up.

River Chance: I welcome your physical contact greeting.

Looking up in surprise, Bubba happily walks over to her and hugs her.

Cameron smirks playfully.

Cameron Worley: Y’all have fun tonight with them Ding Dongs now!

Following the opening match, things begin to settle down just as “Pittsburgh” by The Amity Affliction rips through the PA system, sending the Chicago crowd into a chorus of boos.

Nick Hanson: Uh-oh…

Jim Reynolds: Oh yeah!!!! Here comes The Ace!

Nick Hanson: For what though?

Jim Reynolds: Who cares?! Behold and bask, motherfucker!

As the commentary happens, Morgan Payne emerges out of the tunnel, rocking a backwards Behold The Kingdom flatbill, baggy black jeans that hang around her hips, her Timbs and a sleeveless “The Kingdom. Est. 2018” t-shirt. She comes down the steps to the stage and approaches the ring with a smug little smirk on her lips as the fans hold their thumbs down and shoot jeers at her. When she reaches ringside, she simply spreads out her arms and does a turn, flashing the new emblem on her shirt to the audience as a silent “fuck you” to the crowd. She climbs the steps and gets into the ring, taking a moment to gloat up on the turnbuckle for a moment before hopping down and moving to the corner of the ring closest to the timekeeper and ring announcer. Her music just continues blasting as she rests her hands on her hips and raises an eyebrow. It takes a second before Roger Arden gets the hint and hands her a microphone. Morgan takes it and looks at the timekeeper. He stares back at her. She looks back towards the center of the ring and back at him. Slowly, warily, the man gets up and picks up a spare chair, approaching the ring with it. As he starts to hand it up to Morgan, the self proclaimed Ace of NFW sits on the middle rope and holds the top rope up with a conniving grin.

Nick Hanson: Oh give me a damn break…

Jim Reynolds: Hey, who says a lady can’t hold the ropes for a gentleman?

Nick Hanson: Shut up, Jim!

The timekeeper climbs up onto the apron and slowly gets into the ring. He unfolds the chair and sets it down in the center of the ring. Morgan gets up off of the ropes with a smile and offers up a high five but when the timekeeper goes to carefully accept it, she feigns a lunge and sends him running from the ring.

Nick Hanson: Why does she terrorize that poor man every chance she gets?

Jim Reynolds: He’s a slacker!

Finally, the music dies down and Morgan sits down in the chair, facing the stage. She props an elbow up on her knee and brings the mic to her lips as she licks them and gazes around at the crowd.

Morgan Payne: Heh…hey, whatchins up to?

Crowd: FUCK YOU MOR-GAN!
Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap
FUCK YOU MOR-GAN!
Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap
FUCK YOU MOR-GAN!
Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap
FUCK YOU MOR-GAN!
Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap

Morgan sits back against the backrest of the chair and shakes with a little laugh. She pats her chest with her other hand.

Morgan Payne: A’ight, yeah. I feel you. Yinz hate me. Dat’s cool. But why? Do yinz even know? I don’t think yinz do. See, there’s a reason for everything. Lotta motherfuckers just don’t know. Most times, they don’t even ask. For da past few weeks, people been wonderin’, people been askin’ me: “Why, Morgan? Why? Why’d you do Cass like dat? I thought yinz was friends.” Funny thing ‘bout dat though? Da one person who prolly shoulda asked that question…didn’t. Shit, she straight up admitted to da world: she’s scared. Well, s’time t’face ya fears, Baumer. Tune up ya music, do ya lil strut, I don’t care. Get ya fuckin’ ass out here to da ring or s’gonna be a long night o’these jagoffs watchin’ me sit on my ass.

She lowers the microphone from her lips and hangs that arm off her knee. Her other hand props up on her other knee as she just watches the stage. Waiting.

As the vocals of Queens Of The Stone Age burst through the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum speakers, the crowd stands to their feet when a blue spotlight beams down at the entryway. The camera cuts to the whirling, descending live stream of a camera drone slowly moving down to gradually reveal Cass Baumer with a small controller in her hands. The old-school brawler doesn’t look like she’s here to have fun, though.

Nick Hanson: And here she is! Cass Baumer!

She struts down the aisle in a light blue leather jacket over a black tank top with the word “Filthy” in big bold diagonal letters, white and grungy in style. Baumer’s got a pair of ripped jeans, too. Soon, she nears the center of the clearing. Instead of spinning to show the back of her coat, she eyes Morgan from the outside with a curious expression, as if she’s trying to get a gauge on what her former friend is feeling right now. In the ring, Morgan sits in her chair, hunched forward, elbows on her knees with a dark, wolfish grin on her face.

Nick Hanson: It looks like she doesn’t even know how to react to Morgan anymore.

Jim Reynolds: I’m sure she’s jealous she’ll never be able to become the Ace of NFW, or anywhere else for that matter. She always was a tryhard who couldn’t get it done when it mattered.

Nick Hanson: Let’s not forget that Cass was a member of the winning Team NFW at INVASION against Team Zion, though.

Jim Reynolds: And she was utterly overshowed by Morgan in that match, too. Not everyone can be an Ace, Nick. Some people need to just settle for their lot in life.

"Smooth Sailing" continues while Baumer's head turns to the side 'til she nears the apron. She stops at the steel steps to survey the crowd with a smile, and then she glances towards Roger Arden. The timekeeper seems confused when Cass drives her drone to show his face. Then, Baumer raises his arm as if he's won a match, pointing in his direction with the other hand to get the audience to cheer for the underappreciated NFW crew member. It works. From her chair, Morgan rolls her eyes and sits back against the backrest, getting a little impatient.

Cass lands the drone safely on a small landing pad near the time keeper's area. The camera cuts back to a standard camera operator while the drone shuts down. Grabbing a microphone from a nearby ringside official, she follows it up by sliding into the ring. The palpable cheers grow in intensity as she bounces back to her feet and stares a hole through Morgan with intensity.

Cass Baumer: Here’s the thing, Morg. I am scared. Not of you. Although, everyone watching knows you're a killer in the ring. Yeah, nah, I'm all for taking ownership of my flaws so I can improve, but this ain't about constructive criticism. You're gonna drag me and talk shit like I'm dead weight to my face. You're gonna mention ambition, then act like I haven't been showin' respect for the Kingdom since literal day one. You're gonna rip me to shreds to try to justify yourself, and I know the buddies you've still got will eat it up, too. So why would I voluntarily ask 'why' when we both know what happens next? Why would I want to watch as you pat yourself on the back and jill yourself off in public with a big monologue to convince yourself that betraying me makes even the slightest amount of sense? I'm no masochist.

Cass's blue-green eyes sparkle against the arena lights. Morgan sits in her seat, looking up at Cass with coldness in her eyes. However, she’s listening. That much can be said.

Cass Baumer: You know what, though? Go ahead. Spill the tea. Get on with it. I've already accepted that I lost a best friend, a sister. Might as well tear off the band-aid fast before I lose my nerve. I can’t stop you.

Baumer clears her throat, and gestures toward Morgan as if she has the stage.

Cass Baumer: Why?

There’s a long pause as Morgan just stares up at Cass to the point the crowd starts chanting.

Crowd: WHY, MORGAN, WHY?
WHY, MORGAN, WHY?
WHY, MORGAN, WHY?
WHY, MORGAN, WHY?

This turns to a sudden “oooooooh” as Morgan abruptly gets up out of her chair and comes nose to nose with her former best friend. The camera slowly pans around beside them as Morgan’s microphone comes up under her lips.

Morgan Payne: Respect…?

There’s a pause and Morgan visibly scoffs.

Morgan Payne: You talkin’ ‘bout, you “respect” da Kingdom? Since when? Huh? SINCE WHEN?!

Morgan literally screams it in Cass’ face. The Death Dojo alumni twitches just a tad and closes her eyes but she doesn’t back down.

Morgan Payne: Define respect to me, Cass. How exactly you been showin’ respect to us? I mean, sure…

She puts a hand to her own chest, gives the crowd a quick look then turns back to Cass.

Morgan Payne: Me, maybe, sure. Cuz let’s face it. We got our history…an’ you know it…

Morgan’s tone is very…suggestive...as she looks at Cass and half grins with one side of her mouth lifting. The crowd reacts with curious anticipation before Morgan continues.

Morgan Payne: But see, I noticed dat ‘bout you. You just like errybody else ‘round us. Yinz got dis misconception o’what we, da Kingdom, are. What we, da Collective, are. So much dat you went lookin’ for what we had…

She motions between herself and Cass, backing up a bit, surprisingly to give Cass a little breathing room.

Morgan Payne: ...with others in da group. But, here’s da thing, chick. You an’ me? Yeah..we were…us. But the rest o’da Kingdom? Dat’s my family. I’m loyal to family. I’m consistent. You? You tow da fuckin’ line between friend and enemy like a gahdamn circus monkey. Don’t forget all da times you claimed t’be a friend t’us then you go an’ jump on da bandwagon, takin’ shots along wif da rest o’da jagoffs. TRIOCS. FM Young. Even Salacious Intent. I’ve had t’sit by and watch you sit on da fuckin’ fence, leanin’ towards different sides based on when and where it suits you best. Yinz wanna sit there and call me a dog on a chain for havin’ love and loyalty to da people who pulled me outta da gutter. Who waited for me, for THREE FUCKING MONTHS–

She shoves a hand up in Cass’ face with her thumb and index finger bent, showing three fingers.

Morgan Payne: --when I hit da lowest point in my life since childhood. Ya wanna jump on da bandwagon with a broke down, reclusive bitch who lives in a compound up North, and discredit everything dat da Matthews family has done. Ya wanna sit there and make a mockery o’the greatest World Champion, since Vlad Blackheart, dat dis company has ever seen…

Morgan furrows her brow as she steps in towards Cass again, looking incredulous at her.

Morgan Payne: ...and you wanna say dat you “respect”...da Kingdom? I got a question for you now, C and dat’s quite simply…who…da fuck…is you?

Morgan lowers the microphone and stands there, waiting for an answer.

Cass Baumer: Hold up! You’re misquoting me. I’ve never once said you’re a ‘dog on a chain,’ or anything like that! Ain’t nothing wrong with being in love and bein’ loyal. Though, I’ve gotta wonder how you’re gonna explain your ‘consistant’ ‘love’ and ‘loyalty’ to Chrissy lately when she’s clearly needed a friend after Lil’s transformation turned her world upside down. For that matter, you don’t seem to give a shit about Lil these days either.

Morgan suddenly lunges forward, right up in Cass’ face, bringing a finger up right beside her.

Morgan Payne: YOU KEEP! THEIR NAMES! OUT YA FUCKIN’ MOUTH!

Morgan stands there seething.

Cass Baumer: MAYBE YOU OUGHTA KEEP THEIR NAMES IN YOURS!

Morgan Payne: You and every other STUPID MOTHERFUCKER wanna sit and act like if it ain’t happenin’ on a social media screen, dat we ain’t doin’ shit!! You think we ain’t?! Go ask Chrissy how many fuckin’ missed calls she’s got from me! Why don’chu ask arahnd Asheville and Chicago how many people we been askin’ if they seen Lil arahnd anywhere? But nah, if ya don’t see it on Twitter, then it must not be happenin’. You ‘bout as fuckin’ stupid as FM Young and da rest o’her fucking TRIOCS jagoffs who couldn’t cut it in the fuckin’ company so they had to tuck tail and fuckin’ run. We’re doin’ somethin’ ‘bout it Cass. There’s shit needs done and we take care of it. WE DO! Nobody us. Not you. Nobody else in da fuckin’ back. WE DO! And whattayinz do? Ya sit there and criticize us for it.

Morgan pauses, her shoulders rising and falling with how heavy she’s breathing.

Morgan Payne: And because o’dat…instead o’bein’ there to help do what needs done…because errybody feels so fuckin self entitled. Lilith is gone…Chrissy’s gone…Jasmine may never set foot in a ring again…and none o’yinz who claim t’be friends to da Kingdom…did a god…damn…fucking…thing about it…

Cass looks down at her feet, as if truly taken aback by all that Morgan said.

Cass Baumer: Look, man. I appreciate the effort you’re putting in here. Really. I do. You’re going through a lot right now, and so is the rest of The Kingdom. I get tempers are high. I just…

Baumer pauses for just a second to try to find the words.

Cass Baumer: I’ve made mistakes. I’ve bandwagoned a few times. I haven’t done the best I could to help in situations like these. And for that, I’m sorry. You’re supposed to be my sister, but I’ve been a shitty sibling ever since Ireland. I’ve tried, though. I checked in whenever it seemed like something was on your mind. We spent nights just talking and laughing about the stupidest shit sometimes. And when you attacked me, I just remember thinking to myself “I hope Morgan’s okay,” instead of giving a shit about myself.

Cass takes a step back, looking at the crowd and then back at Morgan.

Cass Baumer: You wanna kick my ass? I deserve it, but the moment you try, I’m gonna hit fifty Bleeding Edge kicks on you if that’s what it takes to snap you out of this phase, aye?

Morgan stands there the entire time, as Cass speaks, watching her intently. A couple of times, there’s even a tiny smirk with a nod that escape her but mostly, she remains cold and stoic until Cass finishes speaking. When she’s finished, Morgan nods, dragging a hand down her mouth and scratches her chin like she’s considering her response.

Morgan Payne: See, ya almost flip flopped again. Ya almost tried t’damage control like ya do when ya get called on not payin’ attention, but I’mma give you credit where da shit’s due, Cass. I almost feel like you’re learning. But me? Shit, I dunno what’chu worryin’ ‘bout me for, cuz I’m good. I’m great. I’m better than I ever been. No thanks t’you or certain others who claimed t’give a fuck.

Morgan takes a quick turn towards the camera and “waves” but her wave more resembles the clawing of a cat…or a tiger…before she looks back at Cass.

Cass Baumer: I DO give a fuck!

Baumer shouts the words instinctively without thinking, as if it was automatic. She doesn’t even raise her microphone to her lips. Morgan’s hand shoots up in front of her face to stop her before lowering down again.

Morgan Payne: Words don’t mean shit t’me anymore, Cass. Actions have always spoken louder, and yanno what? Dat’s a lesson I learned a long time ago dat I shoulda remembered when it counted da most, but better late than never. You do alotta talkin’. S’what you’re good at. But you turn arahnd and ya actions prove different. You wanna talk about consistency, n’at? Show me. Just a few seconds ago, you said if I was gon’ try an’ kick your ass dat you was gonna kick mine. Well why don’chu put ya money where ya mouth is and instead of runnin’ ya mouth, ya start throwing hands? Or maybe ya need a little incentive, so here. Lemme do like a good “sister” would an’ motivate you.

The words barely leave Morgan’s mouth before her hand flies up again and just open hand slaps Cass, right across the cheek. SMACK! The crowd reacts in shock as Morgan stands there, staring daggers at the newly brown haired woman. Waiting. Cass looks like she’s about to cry until she retaliates with a slap of her own. SMACK! She doesn’t stop, though. With eyes closed and tears rolling down the Kiwi’s cheeks, she lands a few body shots and some wild emotional punches. Morgan fires right back, grabbing at Cass’ jacket and firing off return punches and it’s a full on brawl, with the crowd erupting into a roar of noise. Arm dragging Morgan into a seated position in the center of the ring, Baumer bounces off the ropes and tries to hit her Bleeding Edge instep drive penalty kick when Morgan flattens herself back on the mat. Cass’ leg swings right over Morgan as the Kingdom member rolls out of the ring to safety, grabbing her microphone with her. Panting and laughing from the excitement - and sounding a tad crazed as she does - Morgan circles around the ring to the foot of the walkway leading up towards the stage.

Morgan Payne: Hah!!! There you go, Cass! THERE YOU FUCKIN’ GO!

Morgan watches Cass up in the ring, wide eyed and grinning like the wild bitch she is.

Morgan Payne: Dat all you got, though? Or you got some more? I been askin’ you - I been beggin you - t’show me some fuckin’ fire…show me some conviction. You obviously wanna go, so let’s fuckin’ go! Whatchu say, Cass? C’mon. How ‘bout it? Round two. You…and me…

Morgan leans forward, hands on her knees, licking her teeth as she awaits an answer. With Cass’s hands on the ropes from inside the ring, she nods to the audience’s loud approval. Baumer wipes her cheeks with her jacket sleeve.

Cass Baumer: I thought you’d never ask!

Morgan clenches her teeth tightly, shaking with laughter. Cass’ acceptance has her absolutely gleeful as she straightens her stance and brings the mic up again.

Morgan Payne: A’ight, BET! You an’ me. Next week. Right fuckin’ there.

She points up at a big Ascension 3 advertisement banner and looks back towards Cass.

Morgan Payne: And C, lemme give ya one final warning. You better be ready dis time. Last time, you wasn’t. I showed pity though. Consider yaself fortunate, cuz you got da last ounce o’pity I had for anyone dat ain’t one o’mine. You come to Ascension, ready t’go t’war again. Cuz I ain’t lookin’ t’just beat a lesson into you. Next week? Bitch…I’mma fuckin’ end you…

Morgan tosses the microphone aside and backs up the walkway towards the stage as the shot cuts away with Cass opening out her arms and mouthing to Morgan that the fight is on! They’ll see each other next week!
The scene opens up in the parking lot of Vlad Blackheart Colosseum. The ladies of Salacious Intent are sitting on a motorcycle. Sela is sitting up front while Abigail is sitting behind her beloved with her arms wrapped around her waist.

Abigail Lindsay: Becca. You thought you accomplished something taking me on a joyride from hell? I have no intention of being dragged around on the ground attached to a motorcycle ever again...

A sadistic smile forms on Abigail’s face.

Abigail Lindsay: ... you inspired me. The last time our teams fought, you and your wife chose the rules of engagement. Was quite disappointed in your unimaginative choice of the conditions of battles. So, here is what I propose. Number one, we fight in the parking lot. That’s not all. We will fight in a circle of the one thing the four of us share in common, motorcycles. To ensure no one can escape, not that we’d want to, fighting in an enclosed space makes the bloodbath that is bound to happen all the more pleasurable, there will be an assortment of enforcers to ensure the fun doesn’t escape the circle. But how do we win a match like this? Hm. Sela... tell me how we are going to leave Ascension III as the World Tag Team Champions...

Sela Rica-Lark: Oh, certainly. You see, the only way to win this particular match is to make sure both team members are knocked out. It can’t be just being down and not answering a ten count or something so plain. No, you see Gallus Mag, the one thing you have thought to do is keep us down. Us as in Abigail and myself. The two Pain Queens of NFW. No no, you know the extremes you would have to go to for that. And you simply don’t have the combined stomachs for it.

Sela shifts as she leans back against Abigail lightly.

Abigail Lindsay: Welcome to Full Throttle Mayhem, Gallus, if... heh... when you accept the conditions of your own execution. Hey, that’s Ascension III. Tonight... don’t think we have forgotten about you Jonna. You’re just an appetizer. Nothing more. Food to play with until we skin the hide of Gallus Mag.

Sela Rica-Lark: And there’s nothing that I personally love more than my Playtime Jonna. Your lucky streak ends tonight.

Sela’s smile hints at both whimsy and malice as she leans against Abigail even more.
We cut backstage to find Sylvia Lopez pacing back and forth as she pulls at her hair seething.

Sylvia Lopez: All work and no play makes Sylvia a dull girl! All work and no play makes Sylvia a dull girl!!! ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES SYLVIA A DULL GIRL!!!

She suddenly turns to the camera, her eyes wide with her teeth on full display, like a hungry wolf ready to pounce.

Sylvia Lopez: With Damon off recovering and Ronnie going to Destiny! Have those on Collision forgotten about Sylvia?! Have you forgotten how Sylvia nearly beat Morgan Payne for her shiny?! Have you forgotten how Sylvia destroyed Matt Shields?! Or how Sylvia took the fight to Johnny Towers?!

The Bellevue Banshee continues to pace.

Sylvia Lopez: Sylvia will make them remember! Yes!

She shakes her head, still pulling at her hair.

Sylvia Lopez: Sylvia will remind the whole of Collision how dangerous she can be!

Lopez grabs the camera and pulls it up close to her face as she grins widely into it.

Sylvia Lopez: Time to play!

She then tosses her head back and lets out a maniacal laugh before pushing the camera back as we cut elsewhere.
Amanda Thorn is walking backstage, she seems to find Griffin who is sitting against the wall lost in thought, dressed in a Cannibal Corpse T-Shirt and black ripped jeans.

Amanda Thorn: Griffin...this thing with you and the Perseverance Champion Hayley Halsey is about to come to a head...we are one show away from Ascension III....did you think it'd come to this?

He slowly gets up.

Griffin Hawkins: I half expected it. At WrestleWar....Hayley became the Perseverance Champion...that's no one's fault but mine. I take full responsibility for that. For the last few months Hayley has done everything and anything to get out of facing me for that title..from sending her boyfriend after me, to sending her bodyguard after me, to going to a court room to get a match decision reversed, to selfishly hope that this company goes under just so our match gets canceled. Any other person would give up by now...but I'm not doing that. When I walked through these doors years ago I promised that I would become the best in the company and I would not back down. I chose a TLC Match because I am willing to my body on the line just to prove that I am worthy enough to hold that belt. I realize that I'm not going to be doing this forever...I have a family to think about, I want to see my kids grow up. Before I leave this sport, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that I am remembered. Perseverance...that's what I have done my whole life. I've been told to my face that I can never be a World Champion, I was told that I was some gimmick...I rose above all that and fought through it all. I held that belt and treated it like it was a World Title because I respect it...all Hayley is holding it for is bragging rights. She's more concerned with being an online twitter troll..acting like a 13 year old as she thinks being hated will improve her stock. The difference between me and her is I don't need to rely on troll tactics and other parlor tricks to be taken seriously. This is a do or die situation for me...either win or go home. I can't make a prediction, but at Ascension III...I am going to do everything I can to leave that arena as the first ever two time Perseverance Champion. And all Hayley will be left with is a river of tears as she's throwing another temper tantrum like a sniveling little....

Just then he is hit from behind by Curtis Hughes! He grabs Hawkins by the throat, raising him high with both arms, choking him as Hayley is barking orders to him.

Hayley Halsey: Do it! Break his neck! Break his fucking neck!

Suddenly Hughes is hit in the back by a steel chair by Jansen Myrrrh! He drops Hawkins as he falls to the floor, Hayley helps Hughes up and quickly rushes off. Jansen glares after them.

Jansen Myrrh: You better run you fucking cowards!

She goes over to check on Griffin as we head back to the ring.
We cut backstage to find the NFW Tag Team Champions, Gallus Mag, standing in front of an NFW Collision and Shieldmaidens backdrop with their championships resting over their shoulders as Becca “Bruiser” Maguire glances over to her partner and wife, “Psycho” Saoirse Maguire.

Becca "Bruiser" Maguire: So not only are Salacious Intent cryin’ foul over the fun I had with Lindsay last week when I got my revenge for the bitch throwin’ a fireball in my fuckin’ face… but now they’re challengin’ us to what they like to call a Full Throttle match at Ascension III, lass?

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: Aye, whot kin ye bae doin’ about it?

Bruiser shrugs as she turns her attention to the camera.

Becca "Bruiser" Maguire: Well we’ve always been fightin’ champions… so if ya’ll wanna do battle with the two o’ us for these belts in that kinda match, lasses? Well we fuckin’ accept!

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: Aye, tha we bae! We bae ready tae fight whotevea ye bae wanton’ tae fight!

Becca "Bruiser" Maguire: Now o’ course, that’s Ascension III… tonight we got ourselves a fuckin’ handicap match against Salacious Intent’s little sea bitch! The SILVER MOUNTAIN CHAMPION, Milisandre Crowthorne… and aye, lass… I called ya’ll the Silver Mountain Champion coz that’s what it’s fuckin’ called and I don’t appreciate ya’ll disrespectin’ that title by renamin’ it whatever ya’ll wanna rename it too!

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: About as much as she enjoyed it when th’ Cool Kids mispronounced her beloved Cthulhu’s name, aye?

Bruiser shakes her head.

Becca "Bruiser" Maguire: We couldn’t give a flyin’ fuck about ya Cthulhu or Ursula or Atlantis or whatever the fuck ya’ll keep runnin’ ya mouth about, lass! As far as we’re concerned? Tonight, ya’ll are nothin’ but our next opponent and ya’ll can bet we’ll be makin’ a fuckin’ example out o’ ya and sendin’ a message to those bitches ya run with!

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: We’ve met tings tha bae from the dark before, Lass… an’ survived whot they kin bae doin’! Now, we bae ready tae pay th’ dark back!

Bruiser nods as she puts her hood up over her head.

Becca "Bruiser" Maguire: Aye! Coz Hell is empty…

The older Shieldmaiden then puts her face mask up over her nose and mouth.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: An’ th’ Maidens bae haer!

The two women then clink their titles together before walking off camera as we cut elsewhere.
Collision cuts to NFW Perseverance Champion Hayley Halsey. She has her title belt with her and she’s sitting in an empty jail cell while she’s locked in it. Hayley herself has not been incarcerated or anything of that nature. She just happens to be here to try to make a point. The fans don’t seem to care as they boo her louder than ever. Yet, Hayley herself does not care for their reactions as she begins to speak her mind.

Hayley Halsey: I suppose it’s fitting, right? At Ascension? I am going to leave that event as one of two things: a champion, or a martyr. It’s like I’ve been saying, I’M the victim here. I’ve ALWAYS been the victim! ME! This business has had it out for me for years! Ever since that one California company screwed me over by making me defend a title that I had week after week until I got physically exhausted and a lesser wrestler than me took advantage of the GRADUAL SCREWJOB that they put me through, I have ALWAYS been a victim! Every company I wrestle for treats me like I am TRASH! It’s UNBELIEVABLE! And yet, the ONE constant for SO long has been GRIFFIN HAWKINS! He has stalked me everywhere I’ve gone: Empire Wrestling, AGW and now HERE! GRIFFIN HAWKINS started all of this in Empire Wrestling when he expressed interest in a title I wanted! This is HIS fault. If he would’ve just left me alone, NONE of this would’ve ever happened. But, he has continued to creep and stalk and harass me all the way to the bank because his wife doesn’t jerk him off enough and I’m the object of his… OH GOD, I don’t even want to THINK about that…

Hell, I’ll even say he’s a worse stalker than Ryleigh Ruin, which is SAYING SOMETHING by the way…

The idiots in charge of this company signed me and then they thought it was funny to throw me in a match with Maiko or whatever the fuck her name is just two matches in. I forget her name. It’s not important anyway. When they put me in the Perseverance title match back at WrestleWar, they didn’t do it because I earned it. They did it because they thought it would be FUNNY to see GRIFFIN beat the hell out of me. They thought ‘let’s give our boy a bone’ and they figured he’d win… BUT HE DIDN’T! I RUINED THEIR PLANS TO LAUGH AT ME! It BACKFIRED! I BEAT THE MACHINE! I BEAT THE CONSPIRACY and ever since then, the CONSPIRACY has grown WORSE! I am in the process of recovering SECRET TEXT MESSAGES that WILL be revealed at Ascension that will PROVE that they have had it in for me from the start! I mean SERIOUSLY! Look at the pieces here…

They sign me KNOWING that the whole roster wants to kill me and that’s probably the only reason WHY they did to begin with all because I bashed this company for employing people like TRIOCS and Griffin Hawkins and Casey Holliday and seeing names like THAT made me KNOW that this company was a company that I felt was low quality hiring people like that. And you know what? Only GRIFFIN remains of that group. Ryleigh got FIRED and hopefully she will never wrestle again, Casey quit and that leaves GRIFFIN… my CAREER LONG ARCH NEMESIS! The powers that be may be JAMMED UP YOUR ASS but I defeated the conspiracy before and I WILL defeat it again. But DAMN… they’ve tried SO HARD to fuck me…

Hayley takes a pause and starts to get angry in her own delusion before she runs down some examples.

Hayley Halsey: They SPECIFICALLY trade Griffin to Collision after the draft was over. They IMMEDIATELY give him a rematch. They then give him ANOTHER rematch after I WON that triple threat he was unfortunately TOO SLOW to arrive at, hint hint wink wink… and to make matters even MORE absurd, they include this pirate bitch that stole the OLD Perseverance title as an enforcer which… well… COME ON! It’s SO OBVIOUS that they planted her there to try and screw me! I am NOT the bully here! I am a VICTIM! I am a MARTYR! I am a SCIENTOLOGIST… wait… um… not that last one… BUT STILL!!!!! This is all a web of CONSPIRACY and it always has been… and at Ascension I WILL have ALL the PROOF… and the FBI CAN’T STOP ME LIKE THEY DID TONIGHT! BITCHES!

I bet they’re in on the conspiracy too…

I am a PRISONER… as you see… a PRISONER that is being held captive by THE MAN because they want to lock me in and suppress my GREATNESS! But not to worry! At Ascension, it’s PRISON BREAK!

And I will show you an example of how I will ESCAPE the CELL that NFW is trying to lock me in!

Hayley goes to open the cell, but can’t.

Hayley Halsey: Um… hold on a second…

She tries to open the jail cell again, but it won’t open.

Hayley Halsey: AM I FUCKING LOCKED IN?!?!?!

Hayley tries to REALLY open the cell, but because it’s locked, it’s not possible

Hayley Halsey: NO!!!!!!! HOW THE FUCK AM I LOCKED IN?!?!? Guard… GUARD?!?!?!?!

The camera quickly cuts to a shot of a sleeping guard.

Hayley Halsey: ...GOD DAMN IT!!!!!!!! HOW THE FUCK DID I LOCK MYSELF IN HERE?!?!?!?! FUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP YOU STUPID MOTHERFUCKER! YOU’RE IN ON THE CONSPIRACY TOO AREN’T YOU?!?!?! I BET GRIFFIN IS BEHIND IT! OPEN THE CELL! DAMN IT! UNLOCK ME…. waaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiit….

Hayley has a smirk on her face.

Hayley Halsey: If I “INCOVENIENTLY” can’t get out of here… then I can’t make it to Ascension… and then they have to cancel the match…. YEEEEEESSSSSSSS! I have stumbled into a GRAND MASTER PLAN!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! I’M SO SORRY GRIFFIN! I CAN’T MAKE IT! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW BITCH!?!?!?!!!!

…and… all of Hayley’s screaming and yelling wakes up the guard and he immediately walks over to Hayley’s cell, unlocking the door and pushing the cell open…

Hayley is stunned silent as the scene ends….
We cut backstage where we see Christina Olson walking down one of the backstage hallways, humming to herself. She seems to be in somewhat decent spirits despite everything that has been happening lately. She turns the corner and as she does, a loud bang against the wall is heard and a scream echoes through the hall as the camera rushes around the corner and as they do, they see Christina pressed up against the wall and what looks like a light truss resting against the wall, just inches from her head. Christina is breathing heavily as the familiar laugh of Arianrhod is heard in the distance.

Christina Olson: Fine, you want to try and keep on hurting me you little psycho bitch? You want to try and take me out? Ascension, you and me, one on one. Fight me in person, you coward!

Arianrhod: Oh, we finally get the first taste, this opportunity, we will not waste! Ascension will be our start, then we slowly dissolve the heart!

Arianrhod’s laugh echoes out again as Christina just stands there for a moment, making sure nothing else was going to happen before she breathes a sigh of relief and walks back down the hall the way she had come.
The feed cuts in, but the camera is not within the arena. Instead, Collision fans are looking at a tastefully-decorated office with a large, hardwood desk upon which a laptop, closed, rests in the middle, equidistant from all sides. A few picture frames, a fancy set of pens, a phone… and a nameplate front and center.


Windows behind the desk show a lovely view of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance under a blue sky. It is not quite night yet, though the darkness is encroaching from above. The leather chair is empty for the first minute or two, but after a door opens and closes and footsteps sound, the man to whom the space belongs walks into view and takes a seat. The fans cheer, though the Redeemer cannot hear it, being over a thousand miles away. He settles himself and folds his hands before him, gazing into the camera. Sharp eyes can see his motions and how they are a bit slowed, a little ginger. And there are still remnants of the horrid beatdown offered him by Johnny Towers and his hired help.

The former two-time World Heavyweight Champion looks, in a word, forlorn. Older. Slower. Not like the hero that NFW once looked up to. Not anymore. Leina Rael-Anderson enters with her stepfather, and it is a small wonder that she isn’t helping him along. Damon has not been up and mobile for very long at this point, and ribs are notoriously slow to heal… as is head damage. She stands by his side as he sits, about to address the camera.

Damon Cross: I’d love to sit here and say… I’m back, and I’m coming for Towers and the championship… but…

A wan smile. Leina isn’t smiling at all. She looks furious but worried. Damon, shaking his head slightly, runs a hand through his long, dark hair and shrugs.

Damon Cross: That would be telling it false. I spent weeks laid up after John and his cronies decided that I was too much of a warrior to be faced head-on and that they needed to put me on the shelf for good. Only recently, thanks to the help of loving souls…

He turns to Leina, putting a hand on hers. She briefly smiles, but still looks severe.

Damon Cross: ...have I been able to resume something of a normal life. But training is still out of the question. In-ring combat… even more so. As a matter of fact, my doctor is telling me that…

Another pause. His fingers clenched tightly around one another, fists made fiercely enough to turn his knuckles white. But after a breath, he loosens his grip. His voice drops a note.

Damon Cross: ...that I should call it a career.

He does not need to hear the fans. He already knows how they’re responding as this plays out on the big screen. So does Li.

Damon Cross: What pains me is that I feel like he might be right. To that end… I am considering whether or not my time is up. Whether I should walk away from the ring. As much as I love wrestling, I loathe the idea of Towers or someone else trying to do even more damage, robbing me of an ambulatory future with my family. Now, I know people don’t like the sound of that, because I damn sure don’t, but what is more important: beating the hell out of someone for money, gold, and adulation, or walking your daughter down the aisle… playing with your grandchildren… or just taking walks with that special someone? Sappy? You’re damn right. Important? Even more so. At least to me. You can draw your own conclusions. And I’ll be damned if I let someone like Towers and his scummy pals take that from me!

He slams a fist down against the desk, the expensive lamp rattling, one of the picture frames falling over. Li goes from severe to worried, but Damon assures her gently that he’s fine.

Damon Cross: My family is set for life. I learned early on how to save and invest properly. If I choose to never work again, the people I care about will still be supported. So this isn’t about money. Pride, though, is something I can’t afford. Pride is what gets you hurt. It’s fine to be pleased with your accomplishments and your place in wrestling history, but take it too far and you become history. Get the point?

Calmer now, more composed, despite how upset Li is at the thought of him doing this, Damon leans back, the leather of the chair creaking appropriately.

Damon Cross: So I have a lot to think about. Is this the end? Do I have the proverbial “one more match” in me? Or is there enough in the tank, the heart and soul, to make another run at the top? Questions… so many questions. And I don’t like the answers I’m getting. And if this IS the end?

Damon gets to his feet, his hand on Leina’s shoulder, though whether this is for support or reassurance is hard to say.

Damon Cross: Thank you all. For everything.

He walks out of sight and the view fades to black.
We cut to the backstage area and a torrent of boos are heard from the crowd as Johnny Towers is seen on screen with a phone in his hand.

Johnny Towers: Look get three strippers, plenty of london pride and takis fuegos because we got a reason to celebrate tonight and we are…

He stops as Josh Davidson walks onto the screen microphone in hand looking a bit nervous.

Johnny Towers: Fucking hell i gotta go bro a daffy wanker just rocked up, yeah it is, later.

He hangs up and puts the phone in his pocket.

Johnny Towers: Josh my old china ya happen to be catching me in a good mood so i'll tolerate some questions right now.

Josh Davidson: Ok, well first sorry for interrupting it sounded like you're planning a celebration.

Towers laughs at these words looking genuinely happy.

Johnny Towers: Of course i am my man, glorious times are to be fucking had because of the wonderous news.

Josh Davidson: What news?

Johnny Towers: What news, ya having a giraffe ya plonker?

Josh just stands there looking confused and shrugs.

Johnny Towers: Fucking hell the twat is so boring even you didnt watch it, I am talking about that fucking arse licker Damon Crosses retirement speach. Kept on telling the fucker not to mess with me and now look at it, he will probably never wrestle again and that to me is reason enough to celebrate because I am the one that put out a so called legend on the shelf, permanently.

Towers starts to laugh again, a little madness in his laugh making it feel cold.

Josh Davidson: You are celebrating someone having to retire, don't you think that's a bit harsh?

With a look of “why did I ask that” as soon as he said it Josh takes a small step backwards.

Johnny Towers: Fuck nah man it aint harsh at all, that fucking cunt has been taking shots at me since i first turned up here because he cant bear someone mentioning his name and now he’s the example for all to see, dont fuck with the Townsend firm.

Josh Davidson: Ok then, now you are going into a match tonight against Donna Rotten, a woman who you haven't had a shortage of words for on social media.

Johnny Towers: Oh yeah the biker bint, her and the maidenless or whatever the fuck they call themselves I couldnt care less.

Josh Davidson: The Shieldmaidens.

Johnny Towers: That's the one, that was gonna bug me all of five seconds if i didn't know that one, yeah that Donna cow has been flapping her gums at me a little bit, didnt say a fucking thing before now even with us being in the main event at ascension, I wonder why that is aye Josh?

Josh Davidson: Maybe she's been busy?

Johnny Towers: Busy, nah mate shes been wanting to duck me thats what it is, shes seen what I do to fuckers who try to talk shit before and didnt want any of this but now shes facing me tonight shes chimed up because shes got no other choice but to look tough in front of all those other trogladites in her little club.

Johnny walks forward and grabs the microphone from Josh and stares at the camera.

Johnny Towers: Look Donna I will make this plain and fucking simple for ya, I am going to step out into this arena of fuckwits we call fans and I am going to give you a taste of what type of pain you are all going to fucking experince at the pay per view, you all think I am vicious and sadistic now? Well I've got an inconvenient truth for you all. I'm only getting started in this circus of pain and punishment we call wrestling, I have no fucking limits to how far I will go and when you step into the ring with me its my game you will be playing and all you have to do is hope and FUCKING pray that you survive in enough pieces to be able to make it to ascension because with everything else that has been going on in the last couple of weeks I am going to make you the fucking example, the starting course of violence to the main course of blood and pain that I will show when that title is on the line. So I invite you to play my game, but don't expect to survive. So goodnight and fuck you, see you out there.

Johnny throws the microphone over his head sticking his middle finger up at the camera before walking off screen laughing his head off.