NFW Trauma #70! 05/14/2022!

Robert Marino: Well, everything seems to be under control here. Mr. Brody and Ms. Santiago would be proud of our due diligence.

Robert Marino, NFW Head of Security, surveys his surroundings as he stands guard just outside the back door. The parking garage is filled with cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other automobiles. They all range from flashy to trashy, a sight the camera makes sure to catch. Other members of security surround Robert, though none of them notices the woman seated against the landing below with stairs just a few feet to the right. Her knee's bent, and her other leg's extended with a casual arm resting across the bend. Her wrist is loosely down while her vacant smokey eyes stare forward without a word. A face mask covers her mouth and nose, obscuring her expression. Of course, it's Trauma's own CODA unwillingly listening in on a conversation she wasn't meant to hear.

Stagehand Dorian: We’ll have to keep making our usual rounds, but I’ve seen no sign of trouble so far. How ‘bout you, Kori?

Stagehand Kori: It’s all on the up and up! Well… Except…

Robert senses the hesitation in the woman's voice as the stagehand looks down to fiddle at her belt. Her standard security uniform matched the others, albeit with a touch of feminity to fit her small frame. All the while, CODA continues to sit out of view with her ears perked.

Robert Marino: What happened, Kori? You saw something?!

He was much too intense. CODA's fists clenched at the sudden loud noise in the middle of the otherwise calm evening.

Stagehand Kori: The lights started to flicker in the back hallway near the locker rooms! I thought it was the work of the Children of Nephilim, sir!

Robert Marino: Are you hurt?! Did anybody speak with you? Give you some kind of message?

Again with the yelling. There's a short awkward pause as shame covers Kori's blushed face.

Stagehand Kori: No, it… It wasn't the Children of Nephilim after all. I talked to an engineering specialist, and he said the socket naturally corroded over time. He's fixed it since, sir.

Robert Marino: Excellent, excellent. Well, with that fixed, do we have our regulars guarding the entranceway during the regularly scheduled matches tonight to ensure no one interferes?

Kori and Dorian both freeze now. The pair look at each other with surprise, then glance back towards their superior.

Stagehand Dorian: Carlos called in sick again, and Elisabeth is still on her honeymoon, sir.

Robert Marino: Honeymoon? Elisabeth was married in February!

CODA: Enough.

As she climbs the steps, CODA stares daggers through the NFW Head of Security with a wave of unrivalled righteous anger. She's wearing a "Small Match Ibbie" t-shirt with the words written on the front with Ibbie's picture underneath.

CODA: You and your group are incompetent. Week after week, things are stolen backstage, third parties meddle in matches that do not involve them, and good people get severely hurt because you were not fast enough to stop it.

While Robert Marino is much taller than the Kawaii Kaiju, her body language controls the stage as she backs him against the wall beside the door. Kori and Dorian watch with worried wide eyes, unsure of what will happen. Naturally, though, neither of them intervenes.

CODA: Worst of all…

She pauses for less than two seconds as the two security sidekicks lean forward in anticipation. Marino looks less amused.

CODA: I left the loud colosseum to mentally prepare for my match with Asmodeus in peaceful seclusion, yet you kept yelling. I cannot handle this! You have no reason to yell! She is four feet in front of you!

Robert looks panicked until the lightly bulging vein on CODA's neck starts to subside.

CODA: Do better. Be quiet. I have a match to win, and I am not content with failure like you three tend to be.

Kori, Dorian, and Robert's backs are shown as CODA swings open the back door and steps inside. The show continues.
Oh no, it's another backstage interview. These days, these usually result in a certain vehicle-inclined group getting their asses kicked. Poor Dakota Winters has the task of having to try and interview the one and only Subie Bruh this time around.

Dakota Winters: Ladies and gentlemen... god help me, it's Subie Bruh and Ford Tough.

Naturally, the Vapemeister walks up with... just Neon Bitch this time. El Honda Civic is nowhere to be seen. But this doesn't bother Subie for some surely inane reason.

Subie Bruh: dude bruh, kasey angel and jessica don't even like... have a team name, bruh.

Dakota Winters: They're not a proper team, Subie.

Subie Bruh: bruh, like... what if we came up with a name for 'em, bruh? y'know help out and shit?

Dakota Winters: I don't think they really want to do that, Subie.

Subie Bruh: sure they do, bruh, like... how can you be a team without a name, bruh? even me and neon here have a name, bruh

Dakota Winters: OK, then what do you suggest?

Subie Bruh: so like... bruh, kasey angel's australian, right?

Dakota Winters: Right.

Subie Bruh: and like... jessica's last name is osbourne, right?

Dakota Winters: What about it?

Subie Bruh: bruh... aussie osbourne.

There's a brief pause, as Subie's pun is so unfunny that it just quiets down everyone.

Dakota Winters: ...get out of my sight, go get your asses beat. Back to you two.

Subie Bruh: bruh, i'm gonna, like... suggest that to them before the bell rings, bruh.
CODA: ”Asmodeus.” "Maiko." "The Demon of Temptation." "Lucifer's Chosen." Sometimes she is a little brat with neon pink hair. In other instances, she is a grown, scantily clad woman attempting to live up to her assigned role as tempter. I like her most when she wears her face paint and abandons all pretense of civility. This is when she intends to sprain ligaments, break bones, and cause concussions. Satisfied opponents without an upset rumble in their tummies get sent to the ER while Asmodeus soaks in her blood.

Despite the words themselves, CODA delivers it all with a low, quiet voice that’s still higher pitched than most. She doesn’t seem interested, though there’s a spark in her eyes that says differently. CODA notably has her middle finger on her left hand taped.

CODA: Even with a broken middle finger from getting stomped repeatedly on the steel ring steps by Matthew Knox at last month's UPRISING's EQUINOX event, this is who I wish to fight. No one less.

She pauses for a moment, adjusting her Ibbie t-shirt.

CODA: So go ahead, Asmodeus. Go for the throat. Aim for the jugular. Attempt to shatter the other nine fingers. Bloody me to unconsciousness. Make this bout interesting, or do not bother to show up at all. I beg of you. Please. Another bog-standard fight just will just not do.

Her head slumps down, brown hair covering her face until she looks back into the camera with a dazed look about her.

CODA: I know you are capable. I know you are dangerous. Now give me a taste of that Mist so I can sleep well tonight. Extend this battle as long as possible. Then… you must win so I no longer grow bored…
The camera fades to Ayu Megumi, Ayu Megumi is warming up for her upcoming match as this is her first tag team match since stepping into the NFW, with her tag team partner Ibbie, she is very excited for tag team with Ibbie tonight, as can be seen from the smile on her face.

Dakota Winters: Ayu! Congratulations on your victory last week. And most recently, you signed a contract with Zion Wrestling! Many people are shocked by what happened, what was the reason why you chose to sign with Zion Wrestling, despite the fact that we know that between these two promotions there is a problem with each other.

Ayu looked at the camera with a smile and a confidence and happiness was evident on her face. She already knew that she was going to be asked this kind of question and that wasn't her problem as she was already prepared to answer that question.

Ayu Megumi: I know that Zion and NFW have issues I know and I know that because I was sitting there watching the match with the audience up there but I believe the problem can be solved. There is no one who will always be enemies, right? And someone with a dream like me wouldn't stop at one place, but if there was another war, I wouldn't hesitate to choose to side with the person who gave me a chance, so I don't think there will be any problem. As I choose to work for both NFW and Zion, I definitely respect both of these promotions and I highly expect the fans or everyone here to understand my decision. Because it's not just me working for two great promotions and of course my goal is to be a champion and maybe that means to be a champion of both promotions but ok my path has just begun. I still have a lot of time to prove myself here. I have no pressure, unlike being at Zion where my sister was a champion. I know how much pressure it will be but that's not my problem. I have no problem proving myself in Zion because I am not my sister, I am Megumi, the only difference is me. I'm only afraid, I'm afraid people will hate me. But I want to be successful and if I can hold both the NFW and Zion championships like Faye did it would be great. I know it's hard to be great like that, but I'll try my best. Do as much as I can and for NFW of course my ultimate goal is to succeed here. I love this place! Of course, I don't forget who gave me a chance. So after this, let's try together! Let's see if I can be successful or not?

Dakota Winters: Great answers Ayu, how does it feel tonight you'll be teaming up with Ibbie tonight? I can see you being good friends even though you guys fought in the ring. So I wanted to know what can we expect from both of you?

After Dakota finished asking, Ayu smiled happily once more, she smiled at Dakota and the camera again before picking up the mic to answer the question.

Ayu Megumi: Of course Ibbie and I are friends, although we used to fight in the ring but it was a really fun match for me. I'm really excited and ready to tag along with Ibbie because she's my friend. We had a wonderful time in that ring. I feel like we're going to be a great team for sure, I'm excited to be partnering with Ibbie and of course our opponents are going to have a tough time. This is the first time Ibbie and I will be teaming up, but of course I have no worries as I know Ibbie is a lovely person and I can count on her for sure. I had no pressure and fear in this match because I had my friends behind me. I don't know how much our opponents will prepare for this match, but Ibbie and I never stop improving and we will definitely do the best we can to win the week. this And this definitely won't be the last time for both of us. I don't know what the future holds, but we're friends now, that's the most important thing. Our paths are always related, today we are friends, in the future we will definitely return to each other. But this match has no time to think about how to beat Ibbie! Working together is the best option, after that let's see how far the two of us can go! This match Ibbie and I want the same thing. Of course, what we want is to win without a doubt. I and Ibbie are so prepared for this match we have no choice but to win and of course we will do our best as our fans expect. Thank you for the love you have. I will bring victory to all of you. Thank you for all your support!

As Ayu finishes her statement, Ibbie walks into the scene shaking hands with her partner for the night.

Ibbie: Hi, I'm Ibbie!

Dakota backs up slightly to give Ibbie room next to Ayu and Ibbie extends her hand to Dakota.

Ibbie: Hi, I'm Ibbie and you are Dakota Winters! Sorry about last interview, it seems I'm not very good at them, but I'm also still Ibbie.

Dakota Winters: Hi, Ibbie, I'm Dakota. I asked--

Ibbie: I know, you're Dakota, you've interviewed me before.

Dakota looks slightly annoyed by the interruption, but continues.

Dakota Winters: I asked Ayu about your tag match and what we can expect from you both tonight, so I am asking you the same question.

Ibbie looks a little confused.

Ibbie:  Y-you didn't actually ask me a question...

Dakota sighs and then proceeds to ask, but is again interrupted by Ibbie.

Ibbie: Oh! I get it now you were telling me about a question you already asked!

Ibbie clears her throat and proceeds to answer as Dakota holds the mic up to her.

Ibbie: Ayu Megumi is the talented competitor standing beside me now just like she will be standing beside me in the ring tonight. She and I met at Trauma #65 for the first time in a one-on-one match. We fought hard and brought the best out of each other that night, but neither got the upper hand and the match ended in a draw. The next week at Trauma #65, the two of us were part of a four-way match to determine the next number one contender for the Genesis Title. We each pinned an opponent at the same time resulting in us both going forward to face Alexandra Caldwell at Trauma #67. That match, unfortunately ended in another draw. Then, last week, both of us were victorious in our separate matches. What is the point being made here? I believe Ayu already said it when she stated our paths are always related. Yes, we've come down the same path to get to this point and beyond. Yes, I'm Ayu's friend, also still Ibbie, and I will always be her friend even after one of us gets the upper hand over the other in a match sometime in the future. Tonight, our friendship becomes stronger as we show NFW what the two of us can do together in the ring. Who better to call my team mate, my partner, my friend, than someone who can match me move for move in the ring in any match. Tonight we will defeat our opponents and win a victory together. Just like Ayu is confident in me, that confidence is shared on my side and above all else, I know Ayu is someone I can trust in a tag match tonight and any other night. From here, we may tag again in the future or have another match against each other. Tonight, though, all the Ayu and Ibbie fans get to celebrate together as we pull off the victory in our match. NFW management, I hope you are watching and see just how strong this force of two competitors who have yet to defeat one another will be tonight on NFW: Trauma, home of me! Ibb-- No, home of us, Ayu and Ibbie!

Scene fade to black
The lights in the arena go dark in the main hall when


comes up on the screen. There's a fade in voice as Koda Kumi's "W Face" fades in.


The screen flashes


The main tune hits and the lights come back up showing Kate on the stage with a ladder in hand. She skips her usual fanfare from the stage and just heads straight for the ring with the ladder.

Lips lined, beautiful

She's fine, itsumo

matou BE-RU

furimuku Everyone"

Miranda Augustino: Mamí come to visit us again. Ayo!

Seth Ernst: ... but what the hell is she doing with a ladder right now? Is this another announcement from the Wildcard of some kind? The last time she was out here like this she put herself in the VBMT.

Miranda Augustino: Don't really know. I mean that's definitely weird. You don't just walk around with ladders.

Seth Ernst: But if we know anything about Kate, she doesn't just do anything. She's always got a reason.

Kate casually approaches the ring and leans the ladder against the ropes and the apron, telling the ringside crew to watch out as she makes sure the ladder will not tip over. She nods when she is satisfied and climbs on the apron. She gives her normal entrance routine from here, climbing on the apron and shaking her ass at the audience.

futatsu kasanari watashi ni nareru

mite hoshii watashi to

minna ga shiranai watashi

Inside & outside, which do you like?

Yass bitch, yass bitch, yass bitch, slay

Yass bitch, yass bitch, yass bitch, slay

Yass bitch, yass bitch, yass bitch"

Seth Ernst: Kate seems to be in a fair mood. That… could be a good thing.

Miranda Augustino: Always more than meets the eye with Mamí. Can't underestimate her at all.

Seth Ernst: Maybe we'll get an explanation in a bit.

Kate looks over her shoulder and gives a wink out to the camera before she hops into the ring. She gives one more slow and seductive dance in the ring but as the beat takes back again, she slaps her ass at the audience. Another pose later, under a shower of boos and Kate's music fades out. Kate grabs a mic and the lights fade out to a spotlight on Cali-Kate alone.

Cali-Kate: Pay no attention to the ladder outside the ring. Right now, I'm what's important in your fucking worlds right now.

The audience is not amused by Kate's actions, but similarly, Kate shows no regard for them either.

Cali-Kate: If I had to put the last few weeks into words, the appropriate response would be fucking tumultuous. To say the least, I've been on the rollercoaster from hell and the thing with that shit is there's a lot more downs than ups. And you've seen that play out over the last few weeks. No booking, losing matches, barred from confronting the Children. Yea, I'm in a fucking mood for a good reason.

Kate takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment.

Cali-Kate: But… there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Or at the very least, this ride is gonna come to an end hopefully in at least the same damn place it fucking started. That's how it's supposed to work, right? That's what is supposed to happen. Balance in all things. Good and bad things happen. They all happen for a reason, blah, blahblah, blah, blah, blah, all the philosophical shit I think most of you are intelligent enough to know.

The boos rain down on Kate and she just shrugs it off.

Cali-Kate: I said last time I was out here that I was gonna start doing things bigger and better. I also said elsewhere that I was going to prove my loyalty to my family. Well, if you aren't convinced of my sincerity in this I can definitely show you assholes exactly how sincere I am in this.

Kate drops the mic and goes for the ladder she brought out earlier. It's easily a 12 footer and even when she sets it up near the opposite side of the ring after a couple minutes it towers over her small frame.

Cali-Kate: This is what is called symbolism. I'm going to go over some events and I want everyone to follow along here. Basically, this is what's gonna happen, as I talk I'm gonna climb this ladder.

Seth Ernst: The hell is this all about?

Miranda Augustino: This is… this is insane. Even for Kate. She's gone toda loca.

Seth Ernst: Kate, that is a long way up though.

Kate starts the perilous climb.

Cali-Kate: We start by the fact that I made a lot of friends in this business. That also tends to make a lot of enemies. Sometimes those enemies get the better of you. Sometimes you find ways to deal with them. Sometimes, you find your moments of peace and loyalty and then they are shattered from your grasp. And then other times you manage to find that happiness and it helps you realize the fool you were.

By this moment she is nearly to the top.

Cali-Kate: Things can build and crumble. Things come together and fall apart. Change is the only constant. But the one thing no one, and I do mean no one, should ever question, is no matter how someone feels, even in the deepest locked away parts of their heart and soul, is that the actions they do are anything but genuine. When someone has the fucking gall to question years of loyalty because of one feeling, no matter how powerful…

Kate stops and climbs to just before the top step. She looks down at the announce table at that moment.

Cali-Kate: You two are going to want to move.

The camera pans to Miranda and Seth who look at Kate completely confused.

Seth Ernst: Wait, what?

Cali-Kate: I know you heard me.

Seth Ernst: She's meaning us?

Miranda Augustino: Yea, I think so, but…

Kate climbs to the top and shouts into the mic.

Cali-Kate: I SAID MOVE!

Seth Ernst: Okay, okay…

Seth and Miranda both get out of their chairs and move away.

Seth Ernst: I don't get-

Miranda Augustino: Yea, I'm just-, oh wait, Mamí don't do it!

Seth Ernst: Kate, what are you!-

Seth and Miranda react to the fact that Kate has now dropped the mic and perched herself completely on top of the ladder. She has turned to face the announce table. There's an air of suspense only broken by the exasperation of the audience as well as Seth and Miranda's pleading.

Seth Ernst: KATE NO! COME ON DON'T-

Miranda Augustino: KATE YOU CAN'T! DIOS MIO MAMÍ!

Kate launches herself from the ladder and Sentons into the announce table which crumbles under the force of the impact. Kate crumples into the heap.

Seth Ernst: GODDAMMIT!

Miranda Augustino: KATE! HOLY SHIT!

The audience is completely shocked by the action. There's a nearly stunned silence for a moment just before the first EMTs arrive. The audience begins to buzz a little.

Miranda Augustino: The fuck was that for? Why the fuck would she do that?!

Seth Ernst: I- I'm… I'm… Ladies and gentlemen, this is… absolute shock. Near terror. That was… an easily 15, 16 foot drop.

Miranda Augustino: But for what?!

The EMTs check out Kate as she lays there. Little bits of the conversation are heard as they check out Kate's responsiveness. A stretcher is wheeled out right as Kate waves off the EMTs. They try to assist her but she is heard shouting "Get me the damn mic!" Someone goes and retrieves the mic she dropped earlier and brings it back to her. The mic only catches her hard breathing at first. The EMTs continue to try to attend.

Cali-Kate: GET OFF ME, FUCKING ASSHOLES!

The EMTs step back again, but stay really close as Kate manages to struggle to a leaning up base, just enough to be defiant in the face of her action.

Cali-Kate: That… huuuhh ffft huuuhh… is what I... huuuhh haaahh… fffff haaahh… am willing... huuuhh… … … to sacrifice…

Kate drops the mic and gently lays back down allowing the EMTs to do their jobs now. They get a neck brace on Kate and move her to the stretcher finally.

Seth Ernst: And the EMTs out here, finally going to get Kate checked out backstage. That was…

Miranda Augustino: You don't really need to say anything about it. I've never seen Kate that reckless.

Seth Ernst: It seems there's a lot going on inside Kate right now and it's not looking good.

Miranda Augustino: All just to send a message about what she will do for anyone she considers family. She's definitely taken it a step too far this time.

The camera stays with the EMT crew getting shots of Kate as the EMTs start to roll her to the back. Going up the ramp the camera gets a good shot of Kate's face which just blankly stares upwards. Not following the passing rafters or lights, not looking at any of the EMTs in particular, just looking straight upward.
The solo violin of Danse Macabre resonates through the hallway.

“...this is clearly a scheme.”

Looking up, the familiar face of Maximilian Dixon studies his older brother’s features while he plays his Stradivarius.

Maximilian Dixon: What do you mean?

Nathaniel Dixon: The main event. That’s what I mean. Ms. Isabella Santiago is well aware of my record with tag-team matches. Do you know what it is?

Maximilian Dixon: Um…

Before Maximilian can even consider it, Nathaniel continues on without waiting.

Nathaniel Dixon: It’s abysmal. That’s what it is. When it comes to tag team matches, I’ve made two exceptions to the rule: Keiji-san and Team NFW. The former because he’s my boyfriend…

This is perhaps the first time the Lord of Charisma has openly spoken of his relationship with Keiji Sugiwara. It is a romantic one after all. Some of the fans are disappointed, but some are happy for them. One of them is even holding up a #Sugixon sign decorated with hearts and pictures of the couple.

Nathaniel Dixon: ...and the latter because the entirety of New Frontier Wrestling was at stake. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not an uncooperative person, but I prefer to work alone in this business. Right, Team Fate was another exception…

He speaks, of course, of the United Global Wrestling Coalition Outlast Tournament. He was aligned with Anthony Savage, Lucy Wylde, and Rogan MacLean. Shaking his head, Nathaniel continues to play with such vigor. Maximilian seems a little concerned.

Maximilian Dixon: So… you’re clearly uncomfortable with the position you’re in? Once again teaming up with Mr. Trey Johnson…

Nathaniel Dixon: Who will, of course, spew nonsense with that awful way of speaking… “Nah, dawg. I’ve got snow bunnies to fuck. Ya heard?” Bloody Hell.

Oh, the intentional mockery! Maximilian stifles a chuckle, but he stops when he notices how intense Nathaniel is playing the classical piece.

Nathaniel Dixon: I understand the concept. The champions battle their respective challengers in a tag-team match to build up toward Manifest Destiny. But it's the same old thing in the position I’m in. “Blah, blah, blah. Posh and arrogant! Blah, blah, blah. Egomaniac and tea drinker!” It’s boring me. I expected better from Ms. Adrianna Salvatore. Mrs. Faye Bailey, on the other hand? Typical. Such a predictable donkey.

There’s a rolling of his earth-colored eyes. His younger brother scratches the back of his head, a little taken aback by Nathaniel’s forwardness.

Maximilian Dixon: It’s… never a good thing when you’re bored.

Further down the hallway, NFW Trauma Interviewer Dakota Winters picks up on the music and makes her way toward the sharply-dressed Dixon Brothers. Maximilian notices her first and offers a polite smile.

Maximilian Dixon: Ah, good day to you, ma’am.

Dakota Winters: Hello. I was wondering if I could ask Mr. Nathaniel Dixon a few questions?

Suddenly, Nathaniel raises the bow from the strings and the music of Danse Macabre stops. He tilts his head at Dakota and lowers his bow and Stradivarius at his sides.

Nathaniel Dixon: My apologies, Miss Winters, but I prefer to organize interviews with my niece.

Dakota pauses and looks over at Maximilian. He, in turn, raises an eyebrow and studies her face. She then faces Nathaniel and clears her throat.

Dakota Winters: Well, that’s the thing, Mr. Dixon… Miss Ami Kennedy isn’t here. That’s why I’m…

She pauses again when the Intellectual Evolution gives her a peculiar look.

Nathaniel Dixon: ...pardon? She said she was going to be here at the Colosseum.

Dakota Winters: I-I don’t know the details, but she hasn’t been here at all today.

Placing his bow in his left hand alongside his musical instrument allows him to reach into his pocket for his smartphone. Even with one hand, he seems to be navigating the mobile device just fine. There’s a point where his eyes narrow and he shakes his head slowly.

Nathaniel Dixon: ...She’s in Dallas with that bloody cowboy.

His tone is venomous. Dakota takes a step back while Maximilian’s eyes widen. The younger Dixon brother moves to direct Winters elsewhere. Anywhere but here.

Maximilian Dixon: My apologies, ma’am. You really should try the Soul Garden catering. Mister and Missus Donavan are fantastic culinary artists.

Dakota Winters: A-ah, okay. Thank you for your time, I guess?

So much for an interview. Placing his smartphone back in the pocket it came from, Nathaniel’s free hand massages his temples slowly and he groans. After Dakota leaves, Maximilian sighs softly and turns back toward his older brother.

Nathaniel Dixon: ...it is unfortunate for the United States and Undisputed Champions of Trauma that I have unyielding rage.

With carefulness, he hands off his fine instrument to his younger brother before he makes his way into his locker room nearby. The door is SLAMMED closed behind him. Maximilian flinches a little before he runs his free hand through his hair.

Maximilian Dixon: I need a smoke… and a Gin martini. Extra dry.

The Dixon Family Lawyer makes his leave before the perspective changes.
Backstage, the members of Arsenal, Bethany Kenyon, Ashley Knyon, Jeszika Gautier and manager Nikki Peltier standing together in a room, all looking at each other as if a great discussion is going on.

Nikki Peltier: We have to be ready for this if we want to climb back on top. There’s only been four sets of Trios Champions in NFW and two of them fight tonight for the right to challenge the fourth!

Bethany, Ashley and Jeszika all nod though Ashley looks slightly annoyed.

Jeszika Gautier: It was us, SCRS, Las Sirvientas and now the Socialites, right?

Nikki nods and Bethany sits back in her chair.

Bethany Kenyon: So if we want the shot, we gotta be ready for Lady Death and Santa Muerta tonight. .

Jeszika nods.

Jeszika Gautier: Profeta always has them do the dirty work.

Ashley shakes her head.

Ashley Kenyon: How good a team do they have to be to win a Trios Championship from SCRS with no real third teammate? SCRS ain’t no bullshit and they won the titles off them with that woman standing on the apron waiting for the win to be gift wrapped for her!

Jeszika shrugs.

Jeszika Gautier: Lady Death and Santa Muerta ain’t no bullshit either, Ash. If they were on Collision, they’d probably have a good shot at the regular tag titles.

Ashley nods in acknowledgment while Bethany looks at her partners.

Bethany Kenyon: So do we have a plan?

Ashley almost laughs.

Ashley Kenyon: Nik’s breathing, of course we have a plan.

Bethany and Jeszika both laugh as Nikki shrugs.

Nikki Peltier: I think we have a gameplan for this, yes.

Ashley points at Nikki while looking at her sister.

Ashley Kenyon: See!

Bethany and Jeszika both laugh again.

Jeszika Gautier: Yeah, we see.

Bethany Kenyon: We should be ready then.

Nikki nods and the three continue discussing what needs to be done.
The scene comes up backstage with Dakota Winters standing by.

Dakota Winters: Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time, Amanda Stafford and her client The Titan, Atlas.

Amanda and Titan step up in front of the camera. Amanda has a big smile on her face as they come up. Titan, on the other hand, is stoic, focused straight ahead.

Dakota Winters: Hello Amanda, I don't think the NFW universe has gotten to know you very well. Why don't you tell us about yourself.

Amanda Stafford: Oh, me, I'm just a high school friend of Atlas'. He and I ran in the same crew, but I started going down another path after high school. Short story, I got married, found out that guy was an asshole, divorced him and came back to Titan, where I belong.

Dakota shakes her head in a little confusion.

Amanda Stafford: Well, call it what you want, I've been running with Atlas for years before any of this and then seeing him on TV made me realize after my divorce that I needed to be by his side, become the bunny I was meant to be.

Dakota's face still shows nothing but confusion, The massive Titan standing beside the blonde beauty however gave a smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth and winked down at her.

Amanda Stafford: You need to expand your horizons a little, but that's the overall story in a nutshell. I'm putting my own experience to work to promote and help Atlas where I can now, keeping in mind the Squad has other goals in mind as well.

Dakota Winters: Well how is Atlas feeling then, once again teaming with Nathaniel Dixon to take on the US and Undisputed champs, Faye Brown and Adrianna Salvatore.

Amanda Stafford: Atlas asked me to relay a pretty simple message. And I quote: "Stay outta my way and we can both handle our biz." Atlas's got no personal vendetta against Faye or Adrianna. They're just the next fools in the way to Atlas' inevitable ascension. The real issue is if he can put his trust into Nathaniel.

Amanda's lips twitch a bit. Atlas looks at her and nods.

Amanda Stafford: Because the last time they teamed it didn't turn out well. In fact, it is fair to say it was a disaster, and to be fair both of them saw it coming. So to put these two bulls in the ring again-

Atlas lays a hand on Amanda's shoulder and shakes his head. Amanda nods an unspoken understanding.

Amanda Stafford: Sorry, to put the bull once again in the ring to partner with a calf is basically the same as asking Atlas to fight with his feet tied together. Handicapped and falling over each other. Of course, Atlas will do his utmost to hold to his end of the bargain as before as well, but it will only work of course if Nathaniel can work with him.

Amanda looks at Atlas one more time who gives one more nod.

Amanda Stafford: If this can happen, we're very certain a clear message can be sent to the champs… as well as to anyone else out there who might just be thinking about and waiting, trying to pull some bullshit against Atlas.

At that moment, Atlas steps forward.

Atlas: Mah girl is far more Eloquent than Yo Boy is. One of her better attributes, well that you all lil fucks get to actually experiance first hand. The other ones? They are reserved for the real deal, You feel me?

Trey offered another smirk and glanced over at Amanda briefly and then back at Dakota.

Atlas: I’ve taken a month or so to think about where things go from here and the Squad’s got a plan now. A goal in mind. It doesn't have shit to do with this. This here? Just another stepping stone. Yo Boy’s eyes are on a bigger target. As for my so-called partner? Nah Dawg, no love. None. When this is all said and done? Even if we squash the beef mother fucker, I aint touchin yo hand, you feel me? Now, if ya’ll excuse me? I got shit to do,

Ya Heard?
As the two teams are in the ring, “Work Bitch” by Britney Spears begins to play. All six competitors, the referee, and the fans look towards the entrance as Vanessa, Bianca, Danielle Page walk out to the top of the entrance way. They are all in high end couture clothes and each woman has their Trios championship belt.

Vanessa Page: Hello ladies!!!

Vanessa, Danielle, and Bianca wave at the competitors in the ring.

“Classy” Bianca Page: We felt that we needed to calm out here tonight to see how this match goes.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: That’s right, B. Everyone has seen how dominant we have been as of late and can understand why we have these title belts with us.

Vanessa Page: Which is why we are so interested in this match. Obviously we want to see who will become the number one contenders to our championship…

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: ...And to see who we will successfully defend our titles against next.

“Classy” Bianca Page: We get that both teams have both been former Trios Champions.

Vanessa Page: And we emphasize the word, FORMER.

“Classy” Bianca Page: Unlike both of the teams currently in the ring right now, we aren’t ever going to be former Trios Champions. We are going to be the NFW Trios Champions forever because we all know that we are the best Trios team of all time.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: So go ahead and beat the shit out of yourselves for being second best but you can rest assured we won’t be lowering yourselves to your pathetic standards.

Vanessa Page: You can try to raise your standards to ours but that just isn’t possible. Go ahead and do your best, your worst, or whatever. We are going to be sitting over here enjoying how pathetic both of you teams are.

The crowd boos loudly as the three women have a sit at the top of the entrance way.
The view fades to the locker room of the dual champion herself, Faye Brown. Rocking the gear you all usually see in the graphics that involve her; red, black, with chains on the right breast, and black tights that simply read "BAD BOY 4 LIFE" on the right leg, Brown actually brings out a chair. A leather chair with five names crossed out on it. All five names are of the Privileged Elite in Zion Wrestling, from Jessica Anderson to Angel Kash. Usually, this chair is reserved for something called a "killshot."

Faye Brown: In this main event, you've got a giant man who steals cars and blondes for a living... you've got the nigh-unbeatable Undisputed Champion, which I should know... you've got a posh shithead who honestly puts Bastion Misawa to shame with how posh, shit, and head he is... then you've got me: a loudmouth New Yorker too stubborn to admit when she has to fold.

The Zion Wrestling Champion shrugs a little, slowly nodding her head to her right.

Faye Brown: Now, does saying that mean I'm going to finally change my ways?

Pause for effect...

Faye Brown: Well, I'll just answer that with "I'm not the one who needs soul searching, I'm not the one who admits to needing answers for all the bullshit they've caused, and I'm not the one who blatantly won't actually start their search." I already did all of that five years ago, and I'm still pretty damn far from perfect.

The United States Champion sniffs a bit, seemingly ready to dish out some verbal barbs.

Faye Brown: I was gonna save this for Manifest Destiny, but honestly, just thinking about Nate Dixon pisses me off. This is a man who refuses to grow and refuses to actually learn from his past transgressions... but expects forgiveness for them anyway. This is a man who hides the fact that his life is actually really shitty behind this facade of being a posh shithead.

Brown shakes her head no about the #1 Contender to her US Title.

Faye Brown: In fact, he's so uptight about his name... I'm not even gonna call him by his name anymore. Henceforth, Nathaniel Dixon's name is Posh F. Shithead, Esquire. You can probably guess what the F stands for, but here's a hint: he and Jesus Christ share a middle name.

Faye quickly raises her hand, to redirect to her overall point.

Faye Brown: Anyway, literally anything Posh does has this shady undercurrent of "I only want to move myself forward, even if it means sabotaging the rest of the competition." This is why I yelled for Stacy to not accept Posh's quote-enquote "help" a little while back. He can say "mmmm, that's my family!" all he wants, but the fact remains Stacy's the former US Champion... and I'm sure she'll be wanting her title back when she's recovered and ready.

The Scrap-Iron Scarecrow slowly shrugs.

Faye Brown: So why not take out any and all competition before your own shot at taking the title? Hell, in a past life, that's exactly what I'd do. In one before that, that's what I'd do to Stacy in particular. But sometime between robbing the local Bridge Fresh and my signing with Transcontinental, you wanna know what I realized? If you put in the work and you put 100% of your true self into everything you do... you'll see results more often than not. I put in the work to better myself, to be worth forgiven for my past transgressions. Even then, it took me a few years beyond that to find my true footing in life... and it just so happened to be wrestling. The Faye Brown you see before you today... you know, the dual champion Scrap-Iron Scarecrow Faye Brown? She might as well only share a name with the Faye Brown from six years ago... the oft-roofless petty thief who made a home in an abandoned subway terminal.

Faye finally starts yelling to the camera, working ever harder to get her point across.

Faye Brown: You haven't done any of that, Posh! You can fancy yourself as better than me all you want... you ain't. You're just me when I was living at the Chambers Street terminal combined with the circumstances I have now. You aren't a good person. Stop lying about what you are. Every single time you try to defend your shitty actions upon others, it's a slap in the face to everyone who actually loves you. Every single time you try to come around and offer quote-enquote "help" to someone I've known longer than you under the excuse of "that's my family" is a slap in my face...

But right there, Brown pauses a little, figuring how to word her final point.

Faye Brown: You know... I don't truly outright hate many people. I poke fun at a lot of people, but I don't actually hate a lot of those I poke fun at. I don't even think it's inherently a bad thing to just look out for yourself and your own career. In fact, I can relate to that. Me and Logan share a bed, but we don't really share careers anymore. I hate La Siervientas de Yum Kimil for the same reason you hate whoever hurt Keiji, OK? I can relate to that. But none of that... not one single iota of that means I don't hate you.

Brown glares right to the lens, stopping her yelling and quieting down.

Faye Brown: In fact, don't even get that twisted. I fucking hate you. With every fiber of my being. I hate that you have the sheer audacity to pretend that you're so much better than everyone around you when you've proven time and again, in or out of the ring, that you're no better than any of the rosters you infect. I hate the complete and utter arrogance that you portray, even when everything in your life is collapsing around you. It's never your fault that your own actions are every reason for your constant downfalls.

Said camera lens cuts to a closer shot of Faye.

Faye Brown: But most of all... I hate that even with all that going against you, you honestly still think that you're better than me in every single facet, because buddy? All I really am is a better you. But please: continue being the unwitting pharisee everyone else already knows you are. It'll go down reaaaal well as this scarecrow takes you to the void.

With a flick of her finger gun, the Killshot Kid walks out of view and to the locker room door. Brown opens it, and we hear it shut, but we also hear footsteps approaching. As quickly as she'd left, Faye's back in view, shaking her head with a bit of a doofy smirk to her. She pops her black lips as she restarts.

Faye Brown: OK, I don't know how, but I forgot Atlas is part of the other side, too.

Now somewhat embarrassed, Brown just sheepishly chuckles before continuing.

Faye Brown: You know... I got nothing against him. He's fine. Perhaps fighting a losing battle against Adrianna, but he's fine. Word of advice for when your shot comes, Atlas? Take whatever I did against Adrianna, and jus-just throw it out, because none of that's good tape to really scout. And once you're done, go find that female Logan and make her yours.

Brown nods and points up a little.

Faye Brown: OK, nooooow I'm gonna go to the match.

Which, yeah, she does so. How awkward. The view then fades to the ring.