NFW Trauma #73! 06/11/2022!

We cut backstage to the TRAUMA interview set, with Dakota Winters standing by.

Dakota Winters: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time…Jessi Ozborne.

Jessi Ozborne walks into frame, flanked by her new representative, Marina Flores.

Dakota Winters: Now Jessi, two weeks ago at Manifest Destiny III, you no doubt shocked the New Frontier faithful when you turned your back on the fans and joined the Chaos Circus. Many people have tried making overtures to you, trying to understand why you took this path. Now that I have you here, can I please get some answers from you?

Jessi Ozborne: ah ma douce petite fille chérie Dakota... J'ai expliqué jusqu'à la nausée pourquoi j'ai fait ce que j'ai fait. Je me suis dit qu'en tant que "journaliste", tu aurais déjà ce scoop…
Ah my sweet darling little girl Dakota... I explained to the point of nausea why I did what I did. I thought that as a "journalist", you would already have this scoop…

Jessi turns her gaze over to Marina, who speaks into the microphone in her stead.

Marina Flores: …Hi…Dakota.

She says in a disgusted tone.

Marina Flores: Why is it that whenever someone does something the "fans" don't like it's because they turned their back on them? Maybe it's the other way around? Maybe someone like my client Jessi here has just been disgusted by them? There's a reason why I've taken her on as a client. It's pretty simple. She can deliver. And whether the fans like it or not, she doesn't need their approval. Got any other "hard hitters?"

Ayu Megumi runs into the camera and accidently bumps into Jessi Ozborne and her pepsi falls down to the floor. Ayu looked shocked! Ayu eyed are wided!

Ayu Megumi: S-... S-... Sorry, Jessi! It's an accident! I need to hurry back to my locker room. Uh eh-... Sorry! Ah… I need to say something to you, Jessi.

Ayu Megumi: You think turning your back on the fans is the right choice. But I will tell you that when you fall they are always by your side. You should think more about them. Do you think what you are doing will really help you become stronger? You will feel fun just now. You help others become champions. Does that really make you happy, Jessi? I don't think that's your happiness. That's the excuse of a failure, and it's the funniest excuse I've ever been born with. I don't believe what you're doing is right. Even if it's the same thing my sister does. But where is it better? No, nothing makes you better, Jessi, except pretend you're better. You're just a part of someone else's success. While you're fooling yourself that you're better I ask you if you really feel that way? Are you really satisfied with being just a tiny dot in someone else's success? Unfortunately your talent If this is your fracture It would probably be the funniest fracture. And you've done what I'm going to do as the last thing, betray the fans. You leave behind the people who cheered you on when you fell. Our match tonight I don't need much, Jessi, just beat you, that's all I want. to let you know you're wrong To make you realize that I am stronger than you, even if you think how strong you are. But it's time to have someone tell you that what you're doing is wrong. You're lost, Jessi. I hope you find the light someday. I used to appreciate you But now I can't do that. But I'll get you out of your own world tonight. See you in the ring, Jessi.

Ayu Megumi: Need a break before our match tonight? I hope you can figure out that you are lost, Jessi. I pray that I think you still think you are doing the right thing and I warn that if you are going to compare you to my sister. Please, Jessi, watch your mouth and don't cross the line to touch my family. I don't believe that turning your back on the fans is the best thing from the start when you turn your back on the fans. There's nothing that I should have to admire you no matter how much I used to like you. Have fun fooling yourself, Jessi, because you won't be having fun again if you're going to fail again.

Jessi looks at Ayu, almost moved by the words Ayu is saying. Eventually however, she address Ayu with as much snark as she does everything else.

Jessi Ozborne: Dites-moi quelque chose que je n'ai pas entendu un million de fois, mademoiselle. Je te l'ai déjà dit, et je vais te le dire maintenant. C'EST moi... et je suis incroyable. Au revoir.
Tell me something I haven’t heard a million times, Miss. I told you before and I’ll tell you now. This IS me…and I’m fucking amazing. Goodbye.

Jessi walks away, leaving Marina to sign off.

Marina Flores: My client will see you in the ring, Ms. Megumi.

The two walk away, leaving a despondent Ayu behind.
The scene opens with the manager of the Heroes for Hire, Gregory Murphy, standing in front of a Trauma logo'd backdrop. He has his signature smiley grin stretching across his face, as he clasps his hands together and addresses the viewers.

Gregory Murphy: "This right here, this is what it's all about."

Emerging behind him are his client, the Heroes for Hire; Strike 2 Kill's Liam Richardson and Miles Watson, and The Golden Ace, Takashi Shinobu.

Gregory Murphy: "We've signed the dotted line, put our names out there and now it's time make our intentions clear. We're not here on some of vacation or resort, this right here, is business - and what's best for business for New Frontier Wrestling. What they've done, is acquired three of the hottest names in all of professional wrestling in the world today, three members of the Heroes for Hire faction."

The camera zooms in on the trio lingering in the background, warming up for their match that's about to kick off the show.

Gregory Murphy: "We are here to conquer New Frontier Wrestling and to specifically, take those Trio's Championships away from The Socialites. I guess you could say it's a goal of ours... but it's the first of many."

The scene abruptly cuts.
Robert Marino was backstage with his daughter, Adalynne, walking down the hallway of the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum. The little girl was wearing a pair of white sandals with a lavender, tank top style dress with her hair up in a high ponytail along with a lavender bow to match her dress. Rob was already in his ring gear, getting prepared for his match against Yui Watanabe. It had been a few years since his brief run in the ring, but the itch to return to the ring had been growing since he got involved in the business again.

Adalynne Marino: I don’t understand why I can’t come to ringside, daddy. I’ve watched Collision with you and I’ve seen that other girl go to ringside with her parents.

Robert Marino: Addy, honey, Leina is also older than you are. And I know you want to go to ringside, but I’d rather have Llu watch you. You know and like her, and I’d be too worried about you potentially getting hurt.

Adalynne Marino: But Ms. Kaede can keep me safe!

Rob sighed softly as the pair came to a pause in their journey. He knelt down to be at his daughter’s level, giving her a soft smile as he looked at her. He straightened her dress a little and put his hand on her cheek, trying to hold back a small chuckle at her pouting face.

Robert Marino: Babydoll…Ms. Kaede is out there to make sure things with the match go correctly. She’s out there to make sure things are fair for me and to ensure that daddy’s not cheated out of anything he rightfully deserves. Now she can’t properly keep an eye on you and the match at the same time, could she?

Adalynne Marino: I guess not…well…at least it’s Ms. Lluvia and not some random weirdo!

Robert Marino: Young lady…I’ve told you about calling people names before. Yes, NFW has eccentric people, but that doesn’t mean you can call them weird or something else like that. It’s not nice, and I’m raising you to be better than that.

Addy frowned as Rob scolded her, causing him to sigh again as he stood up. The two continued their walk towards Lluvia’s locker room, him knocking on the door when they got to it. Once Llu opened the door, Addy wasted no time in running towards the woman and clinging to her legs in a death grip hug.

Lluvia Cane: Woah! Hey there, kiddo…come on in. I’ve got some coloring books and crayons on the table for you along with a snack.

Adalynne smiled at Lluvia before running to the little table that had been set up for her. Rob stared at his daughter for a moment before looking at Llu.

Robert Marino: Thanks for keeping an eye on her for me, Llu. And just a warning, she’ll probably complain about me when I leave. I just had to reprimand her and had to do a little tough love to make her realize why she couldn’t come to ringside with Kaede and I.

Lluvia Cane: No worries, Rob…and that’s a woman’s prerogative. We always end up complaining about the men in our lives for one reason or another. But I’ll see what I can do about helping it sink in why she’s safer back here with me during your matches. I was the same way with the twins for a while when I first signed with NFW.

Robert Marino: Yeah but they were also older…they were 10 when you signed, she’s only 7. But either way…I’ve got to go meet up with Kaede to talk strategy for tonight. I’ll come to get her after I clean up from my match if that’s fine.

Lluvia nodded a bit as she looked back at the little girl again, a sad smile on her face as she thought about her own children. She glanced back at Rob, the sad smile still on her face as she spoke.

Lluvia Cane: Yeah, that’s fine. We’ll hang out and have some fun. Good luck against Yui tonight…I’m sure your re-debut in the wrestling world will go great.

Rob gave her a smile in return and nodded before giving his daughter a little wave, the wave seemingly being ignored by the little girl who was now busy with the coloring book that was out for her. He shook his head a little before walking away to find Kaede and discuss his Trauma debut match. He briefly spoke to himself as he made his way down the hall.

Robert Marino: I hope you’re prepared, Yui…I know I will be.
With the previous match wrapped up and the crowd beginning to take a break, "New Soul" starts to play. The crowd stops what they are doing and starts to cheer as Ibbie comes out to the ring, earlier than expected, and accompanied by her manager, Loree Merope. She gets into the ring and looks around while nervously twirling a little of her hair between her fingers and Loree requests a mic. A ringside assistant hands a t-shirt cannon to Ibbie who smiles, introduces herself to him with a handshake, and thanks him. Ibbie is wearing a Podunky Dunk Nation T-shirt over her ring gear tonight and smiles at everyone while holding the cannon. Loree makes it over to Ibbie and holds the mic for her as she beings to speak.

Ibbie: H.. Hi, I'm Ibbie!

This time the crowd says it along with Ibbie in addition to answering her back by saying, "HI, Ibbie!" As per usual, Ibbie giggles a little into the mic before continuing. The cheering finally dies down enough for Ibbie to continue.

Ibbie: You are you and tonight some of you are getting t-shirts!

The crowd starts cheering and actually chanting for t-shirts. Loree raises an eyebrow then looks over at Ibbie who is smiling and laughing.

Ibbie: But don't get confused, you are also still my fans!

The crowd cheers again and Ibbie gets the cannon loaded with the help of the ringside assistant while Loree speaks on the mic.

Loree Merope: Ok, who wants a t-shirt? Ibbie will go to whichever side of the arena makes the most noise!

The crowd starts to get louder as Ibbie teases them by going from one side of the ring and aiming to the crowd, then to the other side. She finally decides and shoots a t-shirt out to a lucky kid in the audience. She continues this for a few more minutes before returning the cannon to the assistant and joining Loree in the middle of the ring.

Loree Merope: Everyone tonight, that was Ibbie's idea to do this because she wanted to share some of her merchandise and wanted to have fun with you, her fans.

The crowd cheers and chants Ibbie's name as Ibbie looks around, bows slightly, and blushes with a smile.

Loree Merope: You know, last week, Ibbie faced off against Zoey Madison and was victorious. Ibbie was the most focused I've ever seen her even more than when she was facing Ayu Megumi. Speaking of Ayu, tonight, Ibbie once again goes down the same path as Miss Megumi as she will face her opponent from last week being Coda. I meant what I said on social media and that is her opposition will tap out one by one. That started last week and continues tonight.

Loree hands the mic over to Ibbie who is still smiling from before.

Ibbie: Hi, I'm Ibbie!

The crowd responds once again with "Hi, Ibbie!" and cheers due to having a chance to hear their beloved indy darling say it a second time.

Ibbie: Coda, yes, you face me tonight in the ring provided you are able to get medical clearance and heal up enough to make it to the match. I hope so because I wish the best for all of my opponents despite what they may wish for me. Coda, tonight we gave away t-shirts to fans and I noticed you once wore one of my shirts as well. I thank you for supporting and believing in me! Ibbie! Coda, despite your losses, your injuries, any other obstacle you may be dealing with in your life, I want you to keep staying strong as I know you are strong and have a heart for battle. Stay competitive as I know you have a competitive spirit. Stay honorable as I know you have honor in your soul. Coda, if you are ever unable to find these things within yourself, seek encouragement from others who believe in you. You may have more friends than enemies in this sport. I know I do and just as you support and believed in me, I want you to know, Coda... Yuri. I believe in you and support you as well. I know you will make it out tonight to our match because of all of these facts I've stated about you. I just hope you are completely ready to face me. Don't let your honor cloud your intelligence because I'd rather you fight me another day than do it tonight and not be able to fight anyone after.

The crowd starts to chant for Coda as Ibbie nods and smiles.

Ibbie: With all of that being said... Coda. I will not go easy on you tonight in our match and I know you wouldn't want me to either. You have an issue with your lower back according to your tweets yesterday and that's bad for you and good for me. The majority of my offense is targeted at the backs of my opponents. Come to the ring and face me tonight, Coda, do the honorable thing like I know you will, but if I get you into a situation where you have to tap out. Please don't delay. Not for the sake of giving me the win tonight, but for the sake of your own personal health. Come on out and let's have a nice honorable, competitive, and enjoyable match for the two of us and these fans of ours tonight.

The crowd cheers once again as Loree takes her spot outside the ring. The cameras closes up on Ibbie's face.

Ibbie: Coda, I'm focused, I'm ready to face you, I'm waiting, I'm hoping you come out here and are careful, I'm hoping for a great match with you and...

The crowd almost says it before Ibbie does...

Ibbie: I'm also still Ibbie!

The crowd goes crazy, but Ibbie quickly hushes them with a raised up hand.

Ibbie: Coda, come out tonight and yes, we will fight. We will fight, but with honor and respect for one another.

Ibbie gives the mic up and removes her t-shirt to get read for the match.
We open up in the familiar, desolate area that houses the old, worn out circus tent that is home of The Ringmaster. We hear the circus music playing from inside of the tent as we move inside and there, we see a spotlight already on in the center of the room and there, we see the familiar look of a tophat, suit, and cane that comes from The Ringmaster and he has the Genesis Championship around his waist.

The Ringmistress: Boo!

The camera shakes and moves back a couple of inches as Ringmistress pops up right in front of the camera, laughing away before she skips over to Ringmaster and sits on the ground, wrapping her arms around his leg. Ringmaster just grins as he reaches down and pats Ringmistress on the head.

The Ringmaster: Tonight, I defend the championship that signals the beginning of the rise of the Circus! Tonight, I show the world why at Manifest Destiny, it was the beginning of a new era on Trauma, one run by me and my Circus! I have forged an unstoppable army now, my Temptress, my Liontamer, and my Vain Daredevil, all three have seen the truth and all three have shown me who they truly are. I couldn’t be prouder of them. My win, it was just the beginning of a new dawn. Soon, all of us are going to be standing tall, showing the world why chaos reigns supreme.

Cherry, that brings me to you. Tonight, I walk into that ring and I know I’m going to get a fight, one that will leave both of us craving more violence and destruction. Tonight, you fight for your new beginning, but alas, you will only come up short. Cherry, just imagine how much better you could be if you joined me, joined US! The Circus is a family, we protect one another and we fight as one. You are a lone soldier, but you could be so much more, so much better, but tonight, I have to show you why I am the Alpha, the beginning. Tonight, you will fall, but it won’t be without a fight, that much I know. Cherry, think about it, think about all the possibilities if you joined our family. Nobody is here against their will, they all have decided family is all that matters.

Ringmaster grins as he taps his cane on the ground and lights go out, leaving us in complete darkness.
'I Am The Fire' by Halestorm plays over the loudspeaker. The now FORMER NFW Genesis Champion walks out first. She doesn’t walk far, stopping to take in the boos coming from the Chicago crowd. She looks down at her waist, realizing it is missing one very important thing, championship gold. Out next is Donovan Cunningham. He doesn’t walk with his normal swagger. He stands next to Alex. She gives him a non committal expression and walks down to the ring ahead of him as he flanks behind.

She walks up the ring steps, across the apron. Donovan is quick to open the ropes for her. She hesitates before accepting his gentlemanly gesture. She walks over to where the ring announcer would be, motions to hand her two microphones. She joins Donovan in the center of the ring. Handing him a mic, she motions for his music to be cut.

Alexandra Caldwell: “Here we are, Donnie. The moment of truth has arrived. Everyone and their mommy’s mommy wants to know the fate of our partnership. And I couldn’t think of a better way to decide your fate than right in front of the world. Don’t you agree?”

Alexandra flashes a mischievous smile at her current manager. All he offers is a sly smirk.

Donovan Cunningham: “Controversy does create cash, right?”

Alexandra nods.

Alexandra Caldwell: ”Yeah. Something like that. Can’t truly vouch for that maxim being true. I only care about kicking ass, taking names, going home to my two wives. I am living a pretty charmed life don’t you think minus one very important detail. I should be main eventing, defending MY Genesis Championship, but that is not what I want to focus on.”

“For two weeks I have been thinking a lot actually. About us. Whether after Manifest Destiny III if our partnership is what is best for my professional career. I could easily get Crystal to manage me--”

Donovan Cunningham: “Really, you gonna trust her over me?”

The crowd murmurs at the guts it took for Donovan, knowing he is on the chopping block, to question Alex’s judgment. She raises an eyebrow. Instead of reacting, she allows him to speak.

Donovan Cunningham: “No offense, she can’t get her NFW career in order. Or her wrestling career on stable ground in the multiple companies she competes in. Can she interfere in a couple matches? Sure. You and I both know Alex, the reason why you didn’t want to become too tightly involved in her career affairs until that Gemini Tournament was because you wanted to establish your own brand. The Alexandra Caldwell brand. And you can’t do that with your wife running around ring side siphoning away your screen time, can you?”

The capacity crowd continues to cheer Donovan’s gumption. If looks could kill, Alexandra would have wiped Donovan out of existence by now.

Alexandra Caldwell: “Careful!”

Donovan Cunningham: “And why should I be?

Donovan scoffs.

Donovan Cunningham: “Might as well go out in a blaze of glory if you’re gonna fire me anyway? I don’t regret a goddamn thing I did at Manifest Destiny. Look how everything played out. Jessi being over the moon about joining the Chaos Circle. Isabella forced you into a conflict you had no business being a part of. Almost as if no one has your best interest at heart, except me of course. The Genesis Championship served its purpose. You are a bigger star now than you were before you got here.”

“Remember that other company that gave you the runaround. You didn’t have me over there to smooth things over. As passionate and fiery as you are, what you need more than anything is a business mind. That’s me. I will do whatever it takes to protect your best interest. Now. Go ahead. Get it over with.”

The crowd buzzes with anticipation to see how Alexandra Caldwell will react to Donovan speaking up for himself. She takes a deep breath, allowing the anticipation to build. She draws the microphone to her lips.

Alexandra Caldwell: “Donovan... yooooooooooooooooooooooour--”

The former Genesis Champion cracks a smile.

Alexandra Caldwell: “-- not going anywhere!”

This catches the crowd and Donovan off guard.

Alexandra Caldwell: “Don’t get me wrong, I am still pissed about Manifest Destiny. And I don’t take too kindly to you speaking that way about Crystal... but with that said, you’re right. I am honest enough to admit my passion can get the best of me, sometimes. I don’t always see the big picture. I want to come out here, whoop ass, show the world what a great athlete I am. Don’t have much time to deal with the contracts, the annoying politics that can make or break you. Plus, I need someone to stand up to me. If I wanted a cheerleader I’d hire one. Next time you make an executive decision on one of my matches, you need to clear that with me first. Understood?”

Donovan nods his head.

Donovan Cunningham: “Yes Alex. Of course.” ”

Donovan drops the mic. He opens up his arms welcoming Alexandra in for a hug. She offers a smile before accepting his embrace. The two hug in the middle of the ring. While both of these individuals aren’t fan favorites in the eyes of the NFW faithful, the warm moment does elicit some positive reaction from the audience.

'I Am The Fire' by Halestorm plays as the scene cuts somewhere else.