Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Apr 15, 2018 15:50:41 GMT -8
The show kicks off with its montage of the roster to Ozzy’s Let Me Hear You Scream. As we cut ringside, we are treated to the opening pyro show.
Reynolds: “N-F-FUCKIN’-W BABY! LET’S GET READY TO BLOW THE ROOF OFF OF THE PPG PAINTS ARENA!”
Hanson: “You said it, Jimmy! Welcome everyone, we are live in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Strap yourselves in tight because it’s time for your weekly roller coaster through the New Frontier of professional wrestling!”
As everything dies down, the sound of Danzig’s “Circle Of Snakes” assaults the speakers. At the sound of the first drum beat, the lights go dark, taking on an eerie flickering down the entrance walkway. The tron screen plays a video showing four clips of notoriously deadly snakes - one clip showing a pair of the same species before an eerie shot of five figures moving through a fog of smoke in slow motion.
Reynolds: “Oh shit. Well, talk about kicking things off big, Nicky. We starting the first match already?”
Hanson: “Seems like it. We’re expecting GreyWolfe and the Young Bucks. Wait, no. What’s this?”
As Hanson makes his inquiry, the entire stable of the Circle of Snakes - plus their unexpected ally - come walking through the smoke filling the entry way. Among them, the Women’s Champion, Apocalypta, carries her title down at her side by the base of the strap; dressed for now in streetwear of tight black jeans that accentuate her form, sporting rips in the upper legs. She also wears a sleeveless grey button up with the buttons undone halfway down, underneath a black hooded, sleeveless senim jacket, keeping her tattoo covered arms exposed. She might have looked like a normal every day grunge/goth girl if not for her fully painted face. As their entrance music grinds on, she stands to the side and raises her title just up beside her head, slowly looking from it and towards the camera that hones in on them.
As noted, Mia Hayashi was with them, seemingly a new partner-in-crime to the group, if not a full-fledged member. She had a devious grin on her otherwise sweet face, and was dressed as Elsa (from Frozen), but as a goth. Prancing down alongside Apocalypta, she hopped up onto the ring apron, holding the ropes open for the leader of the group, Abaddon. The thick, muscular man looked almost stoic behind the black and white facepaint he wore, hair hanging slightly in his eyes.
Tyler Grey and Chris Wolfe both slid in under the ropes, before big Belphegor simply stepped OVER the ropes to enter the ring.
Abaddon was given the microphone, and began to speak softly, but with a dark tremor to his tone. "Please... spare a thought for this week's victims of The Circle of Snakes. Nico Salvatore will be the latest sacrifice to the unstoppable Belphegor... the Jackson brothers will fall to Tyler Grey and Chris Wolfe, Colt Shields will be easily dismantled by myself.... and the latest thorn in our side, 'Kid Cthulu', will be taken care of once and for all by the Women's World Champion.... our darling Apocalypta."
From her position in front of Abaddon, poised on one knee with the other black boot planted on the mat, Apocalypta reaches up and takes the mic from the master of the Circle. Her other hand removes the strap of her title from between her teeth where she held it when she slid backwards into the ring in the position she currently holds.
“You see...the thing about rats...they always swarm to where they smell scraps. Even if it brings them right into the danger zone. They can watch the others in the colony be consumed...devoured...eaten alive...but they still have that one track mind. Call it stubbornness...I call it foolishness. You, Kid Cthulhu...you pose as an ancient one. You pretend to be the Great Dreamer. You’re just a little girl in a mask...playing dress up like it’s All Hallow’s Eve.”
Apocalypta pushes herself to her feet with her planted foot and steps aside so as not to block Abaddon. “By the end of tonight...I will show you the true meaning of destruction. I will burn your world to the ground and reduce your very existence to ashes in the wind. You’re just a small hurdle that needs to be stepped over. And once you’re no longer an issue...the real torment can begin.”
Mia couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slowly, listening to Abaddon and then Apocalypta speak. "Wow. You two need a Snickers or something. Jeebus. But hey... if I gotta have someone watching my back, I could do a hell of a lot worse than this crew. Abaddon's gone and put together one bad-ass group here. We got possibly the best tag team in the world right now, We got a completely batshit chick with both wrestling ability and power out the wazoo. And this!!!" She flailed cutely, motioning to the huge Belphegor, "Look at this big sunuvabitch! His wang is probably bigger than my arm! I've legit seen him lift more than three people combined can. So excuse me for not exactly being scared over what Lara Blackheart feels about me right now. She's a joke. An overhyped nothing, just like her dead daddy."
Hanson: “Oh come on, now THAT wasn’t necessary.”
Reynolds: “Even *I* don’t stoop to that level.”
Raising the mic again, Apocalypta moved to around the ring slowly, addressing the crowd. “Be ready...all of you. Because when we’re done with America’s Sweetheart...the only thing any of you rats will be able to do...is sit and watch...as another Blackheart crashes...and burns.” She lets the mic fall from her hand to the mat. The crowd goes absolutely silent. Enough that we can detect sporadic comments from audience members.
“You fucking bitch!”
“What the hell is wrong with you?!”
Hanson: “My god, Jim. I think I’m gonna be sick.”
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Tyler Grey and Chris Wolfe defeated The Young Bucks by pinfall in 26:10 after an amazing match which saw neither team keep more than a momentary advantage over the other. Finishers were hit one after another, with the partners there to hurriedly break up pin attempts, until the Bucks attempted a double superkick on Grey, who ducked and took Matt Jackson down as Nick Jackson walked right into a Direwolfe by Chris Wolfe, followed by the pin.
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As the show came back from commercial, the Pittsburgh crowd immediately popped huge as Wiz Khalifa's "Black & Yellow (G-Mix)" suddenly began to play, the logo of The House of Payne appearing on the video wall as the new, 2018 version of the stable made it's way out onto the ramp. Big Daddy Payne and Andrew "The Punisher" Payne led the way, followed by Marissa Payne and Shelton Benjamin.
"Cut the music!" BDP yelled with a cocky smirk, dressed as usual from head to toe in Pittsburgh black and gold, a Steelers knit cap atop his head and wearing an old Eddie Guerrero tee. "We were al gonna just do our own thing around here... but with all the shit going on in this promotion right now? Fuck that... The House of Payne is back, baby!"
As BDP pauses in his words, the crowd erupts into a “HOUSE OF PAYNE” chant. Pacing slowly around the ring, The Punisher Andrew Payne lifts his own mic up. “We’ve seen a lot of young talent coming up since the rebirth of this company. Some faces we’ve known about...we’ve seen them back when they got their start. Others? Complete strangers. They all have skill, though. They have what it takes to make it to the top.”
He pauses, his content expression growing into an angry glare. “Which is why I don’t get last week. You people witnessed a main event that was an easy five star match. I’d put it up there as a nominee for match of the year - and that’s with our own boy coming up short of a win. But it was a great match. Shit, it even had a clean finish! So why...why exactly...Abaddon...did you think it was a good idea to call in your boys and turn the end of the show into a war zone?!”
"Because he's a fucking idiot." Marissa cut in, crossing her arms over her chest angrily. "That much is obvious. You guys don't know Lara like I do. They keep pushing her, and pushing her... this is gonna end really badly. For everyone." She shook her head, rolling her eyes once. "And speaking of idiots. Let's talk about Angel. And how she thought it was so amusing to nearly kill my best friend. Not so funny now that I'm determined to kick your face right off your fucking head, is it? And believe me... later tonight? I am going to kick your pasty ass so badly that you'll think twice about EVER fucking with The House of Payne again."
Shelton Benjamin just widened his eyes, shaking his head. "With anger issues like this, I don't think anyone would ever question who's kid you are. Damn." He held back laughter for a moment, before BDP took the mic back.
"This right here... this is family. Some are blood, some are not. But they are FAMILY. And everyone on this ramp would gladly die for anyone else in this group. Whatever the hell The Circle of Snakes is up to? Yo.... you do you, ok? Stay out of our business and we'll stay out of yours."
“The last thing you punks want is to make an enemy of us.” Andy cut in, raising the second mic. “We got our licks in on the Circle last week. We took our bumps. We’ll call it even there. HOWEVER!” He raises a finger. “Like my niece said; Angel? What you did a month ago - a MONTH ago - is still sitting sour in my stomach. You and and that piece of shit mentor, manager, whatever the fuck he is, can be damn sure that the House has a score to settle with you. I may not he able to lay hands on your little whack job, Tanaka, but I don’t have to pull Marissa off when she’s beating her ass like the boys did Kansas City in ‘06.” The crowd pops at the Punisher’s football reference. “As for you? You can bet your ass that I’m gonna get my hands on you sooner or later and you’re gonna learn a valuable lesson in the most painful way possible!” He raises his other arm to the crowd. “Say it with me, motherfuckers...” the crowd joins Andy, “NON FACCIAMO!!!”
The crowd yells along with Andy, "ALTRO... VINTO!"
The four superstars bumped fists as their music began to play again, as Marissa looked into the camera and mouthed the words "I'm coming to end you, bitch"
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Belphegor continued his reign of destruction, this time defeating Nico Salvatore in just under two minutes after hitting two chokeslams, followed by a brutal spear and The Ninth Circle for the pin at 1:54.
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The camera cuts to the home of Lara Blackheart, in Chicago IL, the words "Taped Yesterday" appearing on the screen. For the second straight week, she is home instead of at the arena with the other NFW stars, although the presence of the cameras, as well as of interviewer Alex Brody, makes it obvious that, if nothing else, she was ready to break her silence. She sat on her sofa, curled up with a cup of coffee, dressed down in baggy pink pajama bottoms and an old, faded Motley Crue tee that was likely older than she was.
Brushing her long black hair back, Alex sat down across from the young wrestler, a sympathetic look on her face as she was clearly looking at a girl who felt like her entire world was coming down around her.
Shelley had been spending a lot of time with Lara lately. Mostly because Chicago was a lot closer to Detroit than Seattle, in case she needed to run off to do any reshoots. She cared about the younger girl, and her new mission in life was to build Lara up.
As Alex got ready to do the interview, Shelley appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and sat with her friend, wrapping her arms around the younger girl.
Alex couldn’t help but smile at that gesture, happy that Lara had a real support system here. The beautiful young interviewer reached over to pat Lara’s hand lightly before starting.
“Alex Brody, here in Chicago, with the first statement from Lara Blackheart since the brutal attack she suffered at the hands of Mia Hayashi and Apocalypta two weeks ago. Lara… from what we saw, the attack, while uncalled for and definitely extreme, wasn’t something that should have had you missing two weeks worth of action. Were you injured in some way?”
Lara snuggled into Shelley, silently thinking of what her first words would be. She had a lot to say about this… but she needed to make every word count. “Alex… outside of some bruises and a dislocated shoulder, I’m fine. Physically. But that attack was more than physical. It was a statement. A statement from a girl I grew up with… a girl I had my first relationship ever with… that from this moment on, war was declared. I had hoped we could eventually patch things up. That maybe I could smack some sense into her, and after a while, things would be alright. And what she did last week was quite literally a statement that she felt the exact opposite. She embarrassed me in front of my mother. She cost me a match I’d dedicated to my father. She beat me down with a ferocity typically saved for your most hated enemy. She even partnered herself up with the Circle of Snakes to do it. Well… I had to think. I had to decide how I was going to handle being betrayed by someone I genuinely loved. And Shelley here was amazing enough to stay with me while I sat here lost in thought. Well… here’s what I decided: Mia? You want a war? You’ve got one. I will not stop until I’ve given back everything you did to me fivefold.”
She paused, glaring into the camera for a second. “And speaking of the Circle… I’m sorry, but I have to say this: REALLY? ‘Apocalypta’.... Whatever the hell you call yourself now… really, Adrianna? You didn’t have to take a side at all in this. I know we’ve never been best pals or anything. But in one very strong sense, we are family. And what you helped Mia do… no. I’m telling you right now, Adrianna. Real talk here. To quote Luke Skywalker, this is not going to end the way you think. This is going to get far worse before it gets any better for any of us.”
Alex blinked, a little shocked at the coldness in Lara’s voice, before composing herself and looking to Shelley. “Shelley Silver… last week you were supposed to team with Marissa Payne in a tag team match, but chose to stay here with Lara. What are you thoughts about the missed match? Do you have anything to say to Marissa, or to Kid Cthulu, who stepped in to take your place?”
Shelley took a deep breath and wet her lips. “Well first of all, I would like to apologize. I am not normally the type to leave someone high and dry, regardless of any possible personal feelings. I know that I haven't been absolutely living up to my reputation since I have joined NFW, but I do promise that will be changing in the very near future.” She did her best to appear as professional and neutral as possible all while the wheels were turning inside her very creative mind. “I know that you didn't ask, but as for Apocalypta? You will learn that you should have never stuck your nose in business that was not yours to begin with.”
“We *will* be back next week, Alex.” Lara said, squeezing Shelley’s hand in gratitude. “And trust me… for those that are pulling for us here? The wait… will be worth it. Like I said…. War has begun. And this is a war the Circle will not win. Either they will lose…. Or we ALL will lose. It’s called the Nuclear Option, ladies. And if they force my hand? And I take the nuclear option? Then I will say this: may God help every… last… one of us.”
Alex gave a soft gulp at the chilling tone to the normally chipper girl’s voice. “Th-thank you, Lara Blackheart and Shelley Silver. This is Alex Brody, for NFW Wrestling.”
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Matt Klazzic and Katsuya Kitamura fought to a double countout in 8:22
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Standing outside the Den of Decay, Amy Connors is poised to interview Rosemary. “So” she starts “ we hope to get some insight into the match with Erin Mercer this week from Pittsburgh.”
Turning the corner she walks into the area where Rosemary has cut every promo, and is followed in by Rick Dickulous.
*Rick holds his hands up apologetically as he follows Amy in*
“Hey there….guy? I know you saw all that commotion last week, and I’m not here to cause any shit….I just have a few questions, and usually the *Rick makes air quotes* “slightly unhinged” people seem to know the skinny on a lot of shit….”
“The hive does tells us things, what exactly would you like to know” she says without even looking up as she continues to stroke Vincent's hair.
*Rick looks at the two of them and smiles*
“Well, that’s a little refreshing, I mean, you’re the first one I came to, being another Canadian and all….I figured our maple syrup addiction would give us a little common ground.”
She looks up at him and slightly scowls “ Oh, it’s you. While we were both trained on Canadian soil, I have never seen you at the CanUsa Classic, so when you become a real wrestler, we can be … equals.. Until then ask your questions and please leave.”
The fire from the ever burning barrel sends them all in an eerie light with shadows that almost seem….. inhuman.
“But, we are equals, guy! I mean, I’m all about equality. Not feminazism, no...but equality! Regardless, it’s clear to me that Anne has been kidnapped, eh? I was curious if you may have seen that rat bastard El Piso Mojado running around this place high as fuck…..”
She smiles at the big man ”We may know of who you speak, but ask your subservient twin, who do you think stole your girlfriend? Who has the most to gain from your loss?”
*Rick pauses, obviously trying to process what was just said*
“Uhhhhh….right. There’s not anyone I can think of who would gain from my loss, buddy. But I saw the tapes, and it’s clear to me that the culprit is El Piso Mojado dressed as Adam Cole dressed as El Piso Mojado. Jesus, didn’t you ever watch the acid trip known as Scooby Doo?”
“Ask yourself this, did you wrestle Adam Cole or .. whoever you just said?”
*Rick shakes his head and closes his eyes*
“Really?”
*He opens his eyes and holds his temples*
“You’re asking me if I wrestled a cartoon? Come on, friend….that’s ludicrous! This isn’t that really shitty movie from the 90’s….remember Cool World?? That movie was fucking AMAZEBALLS!”
She just looks at him like she is waiting for him to leave, or at the very least ask the next question.
“No? And No? You’re missing out. Honestly, I’ll burn you a copy, you and Vinny can watch it together. You have to supply your own party favours though, just sayin.”
*Rick holds up two fingers*
“So, question b is where’s the nearest hardware store.”
Getting visibly irritated and then she smiles “ We think there is a store at two ten grant street” she says after pulling up a phone and pulling up the address for the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center. “ Go there, you will find all the hardware you could ever want. “
“FANTASTIC!! I gotta go get me a lock to keep *finger quotes* “undesireables” out of my dressing room in the future! Thanks, friend, and really sorry about taking up a bunch of your time….I can see myself out, I have another meeting before I go check out that hardware store. Regardless of what other people may think, you’re alright in my books, Rosie.”
*Rick shoots her finger guns and walks off camera*
Amy Connors excuses the interruption and looks at both Rosemary and Vincent Stone. Rosemary is sitting with Vincent’s head in her lap, running her hand through his hair. The scene is much the same, the meat cleavers in the wall, and the fire burning in the metal barrel.
“So Rosemary, I wanted to ask you about the match with -- “
“Our match with Candi, yes we know”
Amy looks flustered as Rosemary continues.
“Our match is coming up soon, and she likely thinks she can beat us, they all do. Sadly the joke is on them, we are ready for anything she can bring to the table, trust us. We are so close to accomplishing our goal, that all it takes is a few more masterful strokes and all of the pieces are in place. We rescued Stoney here from being mundane, with our help he won his first match here, don’t believe us, just ask him.”
She looks down at him and smiles and strokes his hair some, like a loving mother, letting his talk for himself.
Amy Connors looks somewhat confused as she looks down at where Stone lies and back up at Rosemary. “But...with all due respect, he *did* win his debut match over a month ago.”
“Didn’t count.”
Amy, almost taken aback by Stone breaking his silence, looks back down at the changed man. Again, he has his face painted up that eerie yellow with black around his eyes and another new t-shirt design. This week, it’s an anime-styled drawing of his new ‘gimmick’ grabbing his hair with a deranged smile. The text ‘HANDS OF DECAY’ are written above while ‘SOUNDS OF MADNESS’ go across the bottom.
“Forgive me, Stone.” Amy says. “But...what do you mean it didn’t count?”
She offers the mic to him. Stone remains with his head in Rosemary’s lap, staring off into the distance as he continues. “It didn’t count. That first match. It was...boring. Last week, though...that was fun….”
“Of course it was” Rosemary says titling up the microphone just a little, while letting him hold on to the base “All of it was. We even made a memorable moment didn’t we? Life they said is filled with them, and we promise to make many more moments to come. All of that said, we are happy to discuss our match with Candi with you. So ask away Amy?”
“But what about your match with Er ---” Amy tries to get out.
“Erin who” is Rosemary’s reply. “ Ya know son, we should submit that to marketing, a picture of her on the front of the jersey, and t-shirt and a picture of the question mark on the back, what are your thoughts??”
Stone’s expression goes thoughtful as he slowly shakes his head. “...Would anyone buy it? Merchandise from irrelevant people usually never sells….”
Rosemary cackles and throws her head back “Very good point, actually. So about those questions about Candi?
Amy, who has been confused since she entered, just shakes her head and asks about Candi instead.
“So… Inferno match? Why?”
“The level and calibre of women’s wrestling has risen in the last few years, so we thought to ourselves. What better way to prove to the world the Demon Assassin, the Mother to the Hive, is the baddest in the building. Cage matches have been done, so that is boring. Barbed wire matches, hmm maybe. Monster’s Ball, our beloved Blue and us have done that. Scaffold matches, no thank you, too eighties and we don’t carry tennis rackets. So Inferno match it is.
When we burn you, and burn you we will our little pez dispenser, Soon.”
“Still seems, pointless to attack the whole women’s division when you have legitimate beefs t settle.” Amy responds.
Rosemary shrugs. “ About the < she giggles> women’s division. You will see what our plan is, in all due time to cement our place in history.”
“Stone, tells us about your match with Connor K. Do you think you can continue the winning streak?
Stone closes his yellow eyes and scoffs. “Connor doesn’t worry me. He’s…” He turns onto his back, keeping his Demon Mother’s lap as his pillow, looking to be in deep thought as he continues. “He’s like that lonely little kid on the playground that tries so hard to fit in with everybody else, but he just doesn’t know his place. Instead of being accepted, he’s the one everyone laughs at and likes to beat up. I almost wanna say I feel sorry for him...but mother said it’s not nice to tell a lie. So, instead of beating him tonight...I wanna give him a present. I’ve been thinking reeeeaally hard on it but I finally figured it out: tonight, I’m gonna give Connor a birthday present!”
Amy hesitates, looking to the camera warily then back to Stone. “So...it’s Connors birthday?”
Stone shrugs his shoulders. “No idea. Call it an early present...a late present...he definitely deserves one, though. So, I’m gonna give him a play date...and the gift of a release from his misery.” Stone sits up, finally, turning himself so that he’s sitting side by side with Rosemary and looks at Amy Connors and the audience through the camera. “I just need to make sure first, Connor.” He grins sadistically. “Tonight...can you come out to play?”
Amy gets a sickened look on her face for a moment before she asks her next question. “Tell us why you went through with the beating last week?”
Stone rolls his eyes. “Beating? No. Mother doesn’t beat. She disciplines.” He looks directly at Amy this time. “Up until two weeks ago, I was the wayward son. The disobedient child who refused to listen to what he was told. And look where it got me. A mother knows what’s best for her children. I didn’t listen...and it got me hurt. Finally, I decided to listen...and last week I was disciplined like all troubled children should be. Weakness. That’s what my problem was. And Mother here…” He lays his head back down in Rosemary’s lap. “...She’s helping me remove that weakness. To put it behind me...to bury it. And when all is said and done…the world is going to see an entirely different...me.”
Amy turns to look back to Rosemary “Are you sure you don’t have anything to say to Erin, other than witty remarks about not knowing who she is? She did have a lot to say about you recently, it maybe good to address some of that at least.”
“We truly don’t care….. She is not part of the endgame. Other’s are, she isn’t. As far as our match goes, the after match celebrations we have in mind will be more memorable than us carrying her through the match”
“The bottom line is…” Stone adds. “Nobody will stand in our way. Mine...or mother’s. Those who try will know agony...suffering...decay...decay…” Suddenly, Stone rolls out of Rosemary’s lap and poises on his hands and feet in a crouched posture, his face right up in the camera. “Decay…!” Like all of their promos previously, the screen is filled with static as the word ‘HIVE’ appears in yellow and red text before the shot cuts to black.
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Marissa Payne defeated Angel by disqualification at the 6:19 point in the match when Eido Tanaka passed something small to his protegé while she was recovering in the corner. From here, Marissa marched over and whipped her out of the corner and hopped up onto the middle turnbuckle, setting up for a variation of the Bitch Killa. Angel turned and threw the object - a handful of crushed white powder - right into her opponent’s face. As Marissa frantically rubbed at her eyes, the referee ringing the bell, Angel grabbed her off of the turnbuckle and drilled her down to the mat with a variation of the Muscle Buster known as the Osaka Sunset.
Eido Tanaka walks up the steps, entering the ring with a chair in hand as Angel grabs the female referee and slings her out under the bottom rope by her hair.
Hanson: “Oh come on! She’s not a wrestler, she’s an official! Angel needs to be fined!”
Taking the chair from Eido, Angel brings it down with savage strikes across Marissa’s back. Over and over and over.
Reynolds: “Damn those sound like they hurt!”
Hanson: “Ya think?! What the hell’s she doing now?”
Hanson asks as Angel kneels down and begins setting Marissa up with one of her legs wedged between the folding point in the chair.
Reynolds: “Oh, this is *really* gonna hurt!”
Hanson: “No shit, Jim! She’s gonna break her damn leg!”
Angel climbs to the middle turnbuckle, looks to Eido as he holds Marissa’s arms down to keep her from removing the chair. A command in Japanese leaves his lips and Angel climbs higher up onto the top turnbuckle.
Hanson: “NO! GET HER DOWN!”
A male referee comes running from backstage and slides into the ring, approaching Angel in the corner, waving at her to get down. Eido Tanaka spins him around and drills him with a DDT. He steps out of the way, gesturing for Angel to finish the job on Marissa when....
The explosive intro to Battle Beast’s cover of “Push It To The Limit” explodes throughout the arena.
Reynolds: “What the hell?”
Hanson: “I have no idea, Jim, but I can only hope— OH MY GOD!!”
The crowd gives a deafening pop, jumping to their feet as MORGAN PAYNE runs out on stage. Dressed in street clothes consisting of her backwards Steelers flatbill, low rise baggy jeans (unsurprisingly giving a peek at the straps of a black and gold thong), and a black t-shirt designed to look like the infamous Scarface movie poster, however the image is of her with the red text reading ‘BAD BITCH’ and her black jacket.
Hanson: “MORGAN PAYNE! IT’S MORGAN PAYNE! MORGAN PAYNE IS BACK!! AND HER HOMETOWN IS GOING NUTS!!”
Reynolds: “AND THE WOMAN WHO PUT HER OUT OF ACTION FOR A MONTH IS RIGHT THERE IN THE RING!”
Amped up, Morgan bounces from side to side on her boots, glaring down at the ring to Angel. She wastes no time in sprinting down and sliding into the ring. Eido Tanaka attempts to block her path and gets a stiff elbow in the jaw for his troubles. As Morgan then approaches Angel on the turnbuckle, Angel hops down and goes for a clothesline. Morgan ducks underneath it and lifts Angel up onto her shoulders.
Hanson: “LOOKS LIKE ANGEL’S GOING ON A TRIP! WHERE’S SHE GOING JIM?!”
Reynolds: “LOOKS LIKE DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK, NICKY!!”
Before Morgan can finish the move, Eido grabs Angel by the arm and pulls her down with both of them escaping the ring as Morgan runs and kicks the bottom rope, missing a shot at Angel’s head.
As they retreat, Morgan turns her attention to Marissa and helps her friend to her feet. Still clearing her vision, Marissa cocks back her fist but Morgan catches it with one hand before making her look up at her. We can see her mouthing to her friend....
“It’s me! Mari, it’s me!”
Obviously recognizing the voice, Marissa relaxes and jumps into Morgan with a hug. For the first time in weeks, we see the woman smile. Rubbing the rest of the powder out of her eyes, Marissa joins Morgan in standing by the ropes closest to the ramp while Morgan stands with one foot on the bottom, one on the middle, yelling and pointing at Angel. This time we can hear her clearly.
“GONNA KICK YA FUCKIN’ TEETH IN, YA CRAY CRAY BITCH!!”
She steps back next to Marissa then, opening her arms out defiantly, still yelling at the woman who left her injured her. “I’M BACK, BITCH! I’M-FUCKIN’-BACK!!” The shot cuts briefly to Angel, sneering at both women from the stage before focusing on Marissa and Morgan, hugging again before bumping fists and circling the ring, riling up the Pittsburgh crowd as the shot fades out to a commercial break
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The camera cuts to the backstage area where Amy Connors stands with Erin Mercer in a blue and silver lined variation of her ring gear with her jacket over it. Her usual cheerful smile is gone, replaced bu a stern look of determination.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I’m here with Erin Mercer, and we’re here to get a brief word about her match tonight.” Amy smiles at the camera, turning to Erin then. “Erin, we all saw your social media video. We heard what was on your mind. Needless to say, this match...it’s a little personal for you, am I right?”
“You’re damn right, it’s personal, Amy.” Erin says; her expression faltering not one bit. “I’ve spent my career trying to be the nice girl. Trying to be real. What you see on your TV screen is what you get if you bump into me on the street. But you know what, the same goes for this right here.” She points to herself. “I can be laid back. I can be cool. I can smile and laugh all day. I can be fun. But when you mess with someone I care about? Family. Friends. It doesn’t matter; I can and will become your worst nightmare.”
Amy nods, empathetically. “Let’s talk for a minute about Rosemary. She’s been shunning you left and right since our weekly broadcasts started but, that’s not what you’re concerned about, is it?”
Erin shakes her head with a look that says she couldn’t care less. “I came here for the fans and for me. To be honest, I couldn’t give two shits if she notices me from the sidelines. But after the past two weeks? She better be watching her back because I’m not giving up until she does.”
“When you talk about her giving up, I’m sure you mean her recent alliance with Vincent Stone. We’ve definitely seen a change in him recently. His match last week was particularly uncomfortable to watch. Then of course, moments ago we saw him in his match against Connor K. This isn’t the man you know, is it?”
Erin frowns, as if the answer is obvious. “Hell no, it isn’t! He was never like this? Lashing out after a loss? Looking to actually try and hurt people? Yeah, Vin’s offense is brutal. He takes his arsenal from a lot of his favorites that made themselves known in Japan. But this is a completely different side of him. No, scratch that, this isn’t him at all. So I’m putting out a warning right now. Rosemary? You either do whatever freaky little shit you need to do to snap him out of this...daze...spell...whatever it is that you have him under...or I will make your life a living hell. Win, lose or draw tonight, I will not stop until I get my friend back. Until these people here get the REAL Vincent Stone back!” She says, pointing off to the side in the direction of the entrance area. “And if you’re not willing to do that? Then you better be ready to put me out of commission, permanently. Because as long as I’m still standing — as long as I’m still *breathing* — I’m gonna bring the fight to you harder than anyone you’ve ever been in the ring with.”
Amy Connors gives an uneasy smile to Erin then to the camera. “Thank you Erin Mercer. With that being said, let’s head back to—“
*Loud clapping can be heard off camera as Rick Dickulous steps into the shot, his hands repeatedly coming together. He wears his ring gear, along with a brown deerstalker hat, and carrying a large pipe in his mouth. As he stops clapping, he removes the pipe from his mouth*
"Oh, very well said, Miss?...Mercer...guy? I also miss the old Vincent Stone, because I need someone else to dance with, and he's a good dancer."
*Amy Connors turns to Rick with a confused look on her face*
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems Rick Dickulous has joined us, completely unscheduled...
*Rick looks down at Amy*
"Now, Miss Connors, what kind of investigator would I be if I showed up on schedule, buddy?"
*Amy Connors shakes her head in agreement as Rick takes a stack of McDonald's napkins and a pen out of his kilt, and turns to Erin Mercer*
"So, I'm sure you heard about Anne being kidnapped? My beautiful, sweet, irreplaceable....other half. She's only my other half because I haven't found a place I can marry inanimate objects, that's how close we are."
Erin Mercer looks anything but humored by Rick’s sudden appearance...and interruption. She puts a hand to her temple, closing her eyes for a second. Erin looks up at the towering form of Rick, then.
“Okay, first of all. I’m gonna ignore that bit about marrying an inanimate object. And as far as the rest? I’m pretty sure everyone saw the kidnapping when it was broadcasted for everyone! If you wanna find your bong? You might wanna try Adam Cole. His locker room’s right down that way.” She points down the hall, then looks up at Rick. “Pretty obvious that it was him under that mask.”
*Rick shakes his head and points at Erin with his pipe*
"I saw that footage too. But, I know for a fact it was NOT Adam Cole who took sweet Anne."
*Rick draws on his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke towards Amy Connors. She waves her hand in front of her face and coughs*
"That's definitely not tob--"
*Rick places a finger to her lips*
"You're right. Don't tell Anne I'm cheating on her."
*He turns back to Erin Mercer*
"It's obvious that the culprit wanted me to BELIEVE that it was Adam Cole, eh? From what I could see, however, that was CLEARLY El Piso Mojado dressed as Adam Cole dressed as El Piso Mojado. So, my question to you is this: Have you seen either El Piso Mojado, or a taco truck around, guy?"
Erin blinks. “First of all, do I look like a guy to you?” She holds a hand up to stop Rick from answering because if he gives her a smartassed answer, she’s probably gonna hurt him. “No Rick...I haven’t seen him. Probably because oh, I don’t know, he’s not signed with the company!” She rolls her eyes then looks, confused at Rick. “And a taco truck? Really? I’m not gonna even gonna touch that one.”
*Rick looks at Erin apologetically*
"I'm sorry....I just realized how insensitive that sounded....friend. I should have specified that I'm looking for a taco truck because I have a serious case of the munchies...."
*Rick slowly backs out of the frame, his voice can still be heard off camera*
"Sorry for bothering you...uhh, good luck with kicking Angel's ass."
*Ricks voice trails off*
"Where can a guy find a taco truck around here....."
Erin scrunches her face in confusion. “Ang—...what? Rosemary, Rick! ROSEMARY! Angel’s wrestling—“ Erin grunts in frustration, looking to Amy who’s still coughing up a lung before storming off camera herself. “So high he can’t even tell two redheads apart...”
The shot fades out as Amy composes herself and looks around, wondering what the hell just transpired
----------------------------------------------------
Vincent Stone defeated Connor K by pinfall in 11:30 after hitting him with The Disasterpiece. Following the match, Stone kicked at Connor K repeatedly until he got the man to roll out of the ring. The man then returned to the center and watched Rosemary, calmly, as she slinked out on the other side to the ringside floor and crawled under the ring apron.
Hanson: “Oh lord, what now?”
Reynolds: “She’s not going for the kendo stick again, is she?”
Hanson: “God, I hope not.”
Reynolds: “If she is, I’m outta here.”
Hanson: “Wait, here she comes again.”
Rosemary crawls out from under the ring, clutching something in her hand. She raises it high over head with a faintly audible electric crackle.
Hanson: “What is she—OH MY GOD!”
Reynolds: “Nicky, what the fuck is that?”
Reynolds asks rhetorically, more so uneasy as Rosemary sparks a cattle prod a few times before sliding back into the ring. Vincent Stone drops to his knees...smiling...and opens his arms out like a son asking for a mother’s affection.
Hanson: “What the hell is wrong with these two?”
Reynolds: “Well, Rosemary’s batshit insane. Stone? I have no clue what’s gotten into him!”
Rosemary slowly approaches Stone, smiling with her head tilting back and forth from side to side. She gives an inaudible giggle as she reaches out and pets the side of his face. We can see her mouth: ‘there’s a good boy. Mother’s sweet boy’ before suddenly jabbing him in the chest with the cattle prod. We hear the electric crackling as Stone falls back and goes into convulsions. Laughing, Rosemary circles around him, tagging him over and over.
Women and children can be seen crying in the audience while men look on with shocked reactions. Nobody knows what to think. A short moment later, however, the crowd gives a loud pop
Hanson: “AND HERE COMES ERIN MERCER! SHE’S GOT A MATCH WITH ROSEMARY A LITTLE LATER BUT SHE’S SEEN ENOUGH OF THIS!!”
Erin Mercer hits the ring running. She crowd roars their approval as she slides into the ring behind Rosemary. As soon as she’s on her feet, she spins Rosemary around and nails her with repeated elbows. The cattle prod falls to the mat as Erin continues taking her anger out on her opponent for later in the evening.
Meanwhile, behind Erin, Stone recovers and climbs to his feet. He grabs Erin and whips her around to face him. At first, she looks ready to hit him until she sees who it is. She stops. Her posture relaxes as she opens her arms out, mouthing: “Vin! Snap out of it! It’s me!” She brings her hands to her chest. “Look at me!”
Stone stares at her, tilting his head, inquisitively. Erin steps closer. “This isn’t you!” We see her mouth. “You know me!” She looks at him, pleadingly. After a moment, Stone’s eyes widen with recollection. “...Erin?” He mouths. Erin nods affirmatively. “Yes! It’s me!”
Stone slowly smiles. A warm smile. One of relief that Erin returns as he reaches out for her. As Erin goes to hug him...he grabs her and spins her around to face Rosemary, hooking his arms around hers.
Hanson: “WHAT THE HELL?! NO! YOU TWISTED SON OF A BITCH!”
Reynolds: “I don’t think there’s any saving him at this point!”
Laughing, Rosemary picks up the cattle prod and tags Erin Mercer right in the center of her chest with it. Stone holds onto her, taking part of the shock to ensure Erin cannot escape. When Rosemary finally withdraws the prod, Erin falls to the mat, motionless as Stone drops to one knee...grinning wickedly again as Rosemary comes to hug his head against her stomach. His arms go around her waist.
Hanson: “Jim, what did we just witness?”
Reynolds: “I think it’s safe to say, Nicky; Stone is done. He’s gone. Whoever the hell this is? I have no clue....”
The shot fades out on Stone following Rosemary up the ramp as Erin Mercer lies motionless in the background in the middle of the ring
---------------------------------------------------
Kenny Omega defeated Tyson Law by pinfall in 20:14 after giving him The One-Winged Angel.
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Rosemary defeated Erin Mercer by forfeit when Mercer was unable to come to the ring for the match.
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Abaddon defeated Colt Shields by pinfall in 5:08 after giving him the Nativity In Black.
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Kid Cthulu gave Apocalypta an unexpectedly tough battle,at one point almost pinning her after hitting a dragonrana. Even when Apocalypta finally had her beaten down, the girl refused to STAY down, even managing a last-second kickout after being given Ground Zero. Undaunted, Apocalypta picked the nearly unconcious girl up and gave her a second Ground Zero, this time keeping her down for the three-count at 17:15.
Reynolds: “N-F-FUCKIN’-W BABY! LET’S GET READY TO BLOW THE ROOF OFF OF THE PPG PAINTS ARENA!”
Hanson: “You said it, Jimmy! Welcome everyone, we are live in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Strap yourselves in tight because it’s time for your weekly roller coaster through the New Frontier of professional wrestling!”
As everything dies down, the sound of Danzig’s “Circle Of Snakes” assaults the speakers. At the sound of the first drum beat, the lights go dark, taking on an eerie flickering down the entrance walkway. The tron screen plays a video showing four clips of notoriously deadly snakes - one clip showing a pair of the same species before an eerie shot of five figures moving through a fog of smoke in slow motion.
Reynolds: “Oh shit. Well, talk about kicking things off big, Nicky. We starting the first match already?”
Hanson: “Seems like it. We’re expecting GreyWolfe and the Young Bucks. Wait, no. What’s this?”
As Hanson makes his inquiry, the entire stable of the Circle of Snakes - plus their unexpected ally - come walking through the smoke filling the entry way. Among them, the Women’s Champion, Apocalypta, carries her title down at her side by the base of the strap; dressed for now in streetwear of tight black jeans that accentuate her form, sporting rips in the upper legs. She also wears a sleeveless grey button up with the buttons undone halfway down, underneath a black hooded, sleeveless senim jacket, keeping her tattoo covered arms exposed. She might have looked like a normal every day grunge/goth girl if not for her fully painted face. As their entrance music grinds on, she stands to the side and raises her title just up beside her head, slowly looking from it and towards the camera that hones in on them.
As noted, Mia Hayashi was with them, seemingly a new partner-in-crime to the group, if not a full-fledged member. She had a devious grin on her otherwise sweet face, and was dressed as Elsa (from Frozen), but as a goth. Prancing down alongside Apocalypta, she hopped up onto the ring apron, holding the ropes open for the leader of the group, Abaddon. The thick, muscular man looked almost stoic behind the black and white facepaint he wore, hair hanging slightly in his eyes.
Tyler Grey and Chris Wolfe both slid in under the ropes, before big Belphegor simply stepped OVER the ropes to enter the ring.
Abaddon was given the microphone, and began to speak softly, but with a dark tremor to his tone. "Please... spare a thought for this week's victims of The Circle of Snakes. Nico Salvatore will be the latest sacrifice to the unstoppable Belphegor... the Jackson brothers will fall to Tyler Grey and Chris Wolfe, Colt Shields will be easily dismantled by myself.... and the latest thorn in our side, 'Kid Cthulu', will be taken care of once and for all by the Women's World Champion.... our darling Apocalypta."
From her position in front of Abaddon, poised on one knee with the other black boot planted on the mat, Apocalypta reaches up and takes the mic from the master of the Circle. Her other hand removes the strap of her title from between her teeth where she held it when she slid backwards into the ring in the position she currently holds.
“You see...the thing about rats...they always swarm to where they smell scraps. Even if it brings them right into the danger zone. They can watch the others in the colony be consumed...devoured...eaten alive...but they still have that one track mind. Call it stubbornness...I call it foolishness. You, Kid Cthulhu...you pose as an ancient one. You pretend to be the Great Dreamer. You’re just a little girl in a mask...playing dress up like it’s All Hallow’s Eve.”
Apocalypta pushes herself to her feet with her planted foot and steps aside so as not to block Abaddon. “By the end of tonight...I will show you the true meaning of destruction. I will burn your world to the ground and reduce your very existence to ashes in the wind. You’re just a small hurdle that needs to be stepped over. And once you’re no longer an issue...the real torment can begin.”
Mia couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slowly, listening to Abaddon and then Apocalypta speak. "Wow. You two need a Snickers or something. Jeebus. But hey... if I gotta have someone watching my back, I could do a hell of a lot worse than this crew. Abaddon's gone and put together one bad-ass group here. We got possibly the best tag team in the world right now, We got a completely batshit chick with both wrestling ability and power out the wazoo. And this!!!" She flailed cutely, motioning to the huge Belphegor, "Look at this big sunuvabitch! His wang is probably bigger than my arm! I've legit seen him lift more than three people combined can. So excuse me for not exactly being scared over what Lara Blackheart feels about me right now. She's a joke. An overhyped nothing, just like her dead daddy."
Hanson: “Oh come on, now THAT wasn’t necessary.”
Reynolds: “Even *I* don’t stoop to that level.”
Raising the mic again, Apocalypta moved to around the ring slowly, addressing the crowd. “Be ready...all of you. Because when we’re done with America’s Sweetheart...the only thing any of you rats will be able to do...is sit and watch...as another Blackheart crashes...and burns.” She lets the mic fall from her hand to the mat. The crowd goes absolutely silent. Enough that we can detect sporadic comments from audience members.
“You fucking bitch!”
“What the hell is wrong with you?!”
Hanson: “My god, Jim. I think I’m gonna be sick.”
----------------------------------------------------
Tyler Grey and Chris Wolfe defeated The Young Bucks by pinfall in 26:10 after an amazing match which saw neither team keep more than a momentary advantage over the other. Finishers were hit one after another, with the partners there to hurriedly break up pin attempts, until the Bucks attempted a double superkick on Grey, who ducked and took Matt Jackson down as Nick Jackson walked right into a Direwolfe by Chris Wolfe, followed by the pin.
--------------------------------------------------------------
As the show came back from commercial, the Pittsburgh crowd immediately popped huge as Wiz Khalifa's "Black & Yellow (G-Mix)" suddenly began to play, the logo of The House of Payne appearing on the video wall as the new, 2018 version of the stable made it's way out onto the ramp. Big Daddy Payne and Andrew "The Punisher" Payne led the way, followed by Marissa Payne and Shelton Benjamin.
"Cut the music!" BDP yelled with a cocky smirk, dressed as usual from head to toe in Pittsburgh black and gold, a Steelers knit cap atop his head and wearing an old Eddie Guerrero tee. "We were al gonna just do our own thing around here... but with all the shit going on in this promotion right now? Fuck that... The House of Payne is back, baby!"
As BDP pauses in his words, the crowd erupts into a “HOUSE OF PAYNE” chant. Pacing slowly around the ring, The Punisher Andrew Payne lifts his own mic up. “We’ve seen a lot of young talent coming up since the rebirth of this company. Some faces we’ve known about...we’ve seen them back when they got their start. Others? Complete strangers. They all have skill, though. They have what it takes to make it to the top.”
He pauses, his content expression growing into an angry glare. “Which is why I don’t get last week. You people witnessed a main event that was an easy five star match. I’d put it up there as a nominee for match of the year - and that’s with our own boy coming up short of a win. But it was a great match. Shit, it even had a clean finish! So why...why exactly...Abaddon...did you think it was a good idea to call in your boys and turn the end of the show into a war zone?!”
"Because he's a fucking idiot." Marissa cut in, crossing her arms over her chest angrily. "That much is obvious. You guys don't know Lara like I do. They keep pushing her, and pushing her... this is gonna end really badly. For everyone." She shook her head, rolling her eyes once. "And speaking of idiots. Let's talk about Angel. And how she thought it was so amusing to nearly kill my best friend. Not so funny now that I'm determined to kick your face right off your fucking head, is it? And believe me... later tonight? I am going to kick your pasty ass so badly that you'll think twice about EVER fucking with The House of Payne again."
Shelton Benjamin just widened his eyes, shaking his head. "With anger issues like this, I don't think anyone would ever question who's kid you are. Damn." He held back laughter for a moment, before BDP took the mic back.
"This right here... this is family. Some are blood, some are not. But they are FAMILY. And everyone on this ramp would gladly die for anyone else in this group. Whatever the hell The Circle of Snakes is up to? Yo.... you do you, ok? Stay out of our business and we'll stay out of yours."
“The last thing you punks want is to make an enemy of us.” Andy cut in, raising the second mic. “We got our licks in on the Circle last week. We took our bumps. We’ll call it even there. HOWEVER!” He raises a finger. “Like my niece said; Angel? What you did a month ago - a MONTH ago - is still sitting sour in my stomach. You and and that piece of shit mentor, manager, whatever the fuck he is, can be damn sure that the House has a score to settle with you. I may not he able to lay hands on your little whack job, Tanaka, but I don’t have to pull Marissa off when she’s beating her ass like the boys did Kansas City in ‘06.” The crowd pops at the Punisher’s football reference. “As for you? You can bet your ass that I’m gonna get my hands on you sooner or later and you’re gonna learn a valuable lesson in the most painful way possible!” He raises his other arm to the crowd. “Say it with me, motherfuckers...” the crowd joins Andy, “NON FACCIAMO!!!”
The crowd yells along with Andy, "ALTRO... VINTO!"
The four superstars bumped fists as their music began to play again, as Marissa looked into the camera and mouthed the words "I'm coming to end you, bitch"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Belphegor continued his reign of destruction, this time defeating Nico Salvatore in just under two minutes after hitting two chokeslams, followed by a brutal spear and The Ninth Circle for the pin at 1:54.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The camera cuts to the home of Lara Blackheart, in Chicago IL, the words "Taped Yesterday" appearing on the screen. For the second straight week, she is home instead of at the arena with the other NFW stars, although the presence of the cameras, as well as of interviewer Alex Brody, makes it obvious that, if nothing else, she was ready to break her silence. She sat on her sofa, curled up with a cup of coffee, dressed down in baggy pink pajama bottoms and an old, faded Motley Crue tee that was likely older than she was.
Brushing her long black hair back, Alex sat down across from the young wrestler, a sympathetic look on her face as she was clearly looking at a girl who felt like her entire world was coming down around her.
Shelley had been spending a lot of time with Lara lately. Mostly because Chicago was a lot closer to Detroit than Seattle, in case she needed to run off to do any reshoots. She cared about the younger girl, and her new mission in life was to build Lara up.
As Alex got ready to do the interview, Shelley appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and sat with her friend, wrapping her arms around the younger girl.
Alex couldn’t help but smile at that gesture, happy that Lara had a real support system here. The beautiful young interviewer reached over to pat Lara’s hand lightly before starting.
“Alex Brody, here in Chicago, with the first statement from Lara Blackheart since the brutal attack she suffered at the hands of Mia Hayashi and Apocalypta two weeks ago. Lara… from what we saw, the attack, while uncalled for and definitely extreme, wasn’t something that should have had you missing two weeks worth of action. Were you injured in some way?”
Lara snuggled into Shelley, silently thinking of what her first words would be. She had a lot to say about this… but she needed to make every word count. “Alex… outside of some bruises and a dislocated shoulder, I’m fine. Physically. But that attack was more than physical. It was a statement. A statement from a girl I grew up with… a girl I had my first relationship ever with… that from this moment on, war was declared. I had hoped we could eventually patch things up. That maybe I could smack some sense into her, and after a while, things would be alright. And what she did last week was quite literally a statement that she felt the exact opposite. She embarrassed me in front of my mother. She cost me a match I’d dedicated to my father. She beat me down with a ferocity typically saved for your most hated enemy. She even partnered herself up with the Circle of Snakes to do it. Well… I had to think. I had to decide how I was going to handle being betrayed by someone I genuinely loved. And Shelley here was amazing enough to stay with me while I sat here lost in thought. Well… here’s what I decided: Mia? You want a war? You’ve got one. I will not stop until I’ve given back everything you did to me fivefold.”
She paused, glaring into the camera for a second. “And speaking of the Circle… I’m sorry, but I have to say this: REALLY? ‘Apocalypta’.... Whatever the hell you call yourself now… really, Adrianna? You didn’t have to take a side at all in this. I know we’ve never been best pals or anything. But in one very strong sense, we are family. And what you helped Mia do… no. I’m telling you right now, Adrianna. Real talk here. To quote Luke Skywalker, this is not going to end the way you think. This is going to get far worse before it gets any better for any of us.”
Alex blinked, a little shocked at the coldness in Lara’s voice, before composing herself and looking to Shelley. “Shelley Silver… last week you were supposed to team with Marissa Payne in a tag team match, but chose to stay here with Lara. What are you thoughts about the missed match? Do you have anything to say to Marissa, or to Kid Cthulu, who stepped in to take your place?”
Shelley took a deep breath and wet her lips. “Well first of all, I would like to apologize. I am not normally the type to leave someone high and dry, regardless of any possible personal feelings. I know that I haven't been absolutely living up to my reputation since I have joined NFW, but I do promise that will be changing in the very near future.” She did her best to appear as professional and neutral as possible all while the wheels were turning inside her very creative mind. “I know that you didn't ask, but as for Apocalypta? You will learn that you should have never stuck your nose in business that was not yours to begin with.”
“We *will* be back next week, Alex.” Lara said, squeezing Shelley’s hand in gratitude. “And trust me… for those that are pulling for us here? The wait… will be worth it. Like I said…. War has begun. And this is a war the Circle will not win. Either they will lose…. Or we ALL will lose. It’s called the Nuclear Option, ladies. And if they force my hand? And I take the nuclear option? Then I will say this: may God help every… last… one of us.”
Alex gave a soft gulp at the chilling tone to the normally chipper girl’s voice. “Th-thank you, Lara Blackheart and Shelley Silver. This is Alex Brody, for NFW Wrestling.”
------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Klazzic and Katsuya Kitamura fought to a double countout in 8:22
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Standing outside the Den of Decay, Amy Connors is poised to interview Rosemary. “So” she starts “ we hope to get some insight into the match with Erin Mercer this week from Pittsburgh.”
Turning the corner she walks into the area where Rosemary has cut every promo, and is followed in by Rick Dickulous.
*Rick holds his hands up apologetically as he follows Amy in*
“Hey there….guy? I know you saw all that commotion last week, and I’m not here to cause any shit….I just have a few questions, and usually the *Rick makes air quotes* “slightly unhinged” people seem to know the skinny on a lot of shit….”
“The hive does tells us things, what exactly would you like to know” she says without even looking up as she continues to stroke Vincent's hair.
*Rick looks at the two of them and smiles*
“Well, that’s a little refreshing, I mean, you’re the first one I came to, being another Canadian and all….I figured our maple syrup addiction would give us a little common ground.”
She looks up at him and slightly scowls “ Oh, it’s you. While we were both trained on Canadian soil, I have never seen you at the CanUsa Classic, so when you become a real wrestler, we can be … equals.. Until then ask your questions and please leave.”
The fire from the ever burning barrel sends them all in an eerie light with shadows that almost seem….. inhuman.
“But, we are equals, guy! I mean, I’m all about equality. Not feminazism, no...but equality! Regardless, it’s clear to me that Anne has been kidnapped, eh? I was curious if you may have seen that rat bastard El Piso Mojado running around this place high as fuck…..”
She smiles at the big man ”We may know of who you speak, but ask your subservient twin, who do you think stole your girlfriend? Who has the most to gain from your loss?”
*Rick pauses, obviously trying to process what was just said*
“Uhhhhh….right. There’s not anyone I can think of who would gain from my loss, buddy. But I saw the tapes, and it’s clear to me that the culprit is El Piso Mojado dressed as Adam Cole dressed as El Piso Mojado. Jesus, didn’t you ever watch the acid trip known as Scooby Doo?”
“Ask yourself this, did you wrestle Adam Cole or .. whoever you just said?”
*Rick shakes his head and closes his eyes*
“Really?”
*He opens his eyes and holds his temples*
“You’re asking me if I wrestled a cartoon? Come on, friend….that’s ludicrous! This isn’t that really shitty movie from the 90’s….remember Cool World?? That movie was fucking AMAZEBALLS!”
She just looks at him like she is waiting for him to leave, or at the very least ask the next question.
“No? And No? You’re missing out. Honestly, I’ll burn you a copy, you and Vinny can watch it together. You have to supply your own party favours though, just sayin.”
*Rick holds up two fingers*
“So, question b is where’s the nearest hardware store.”
Getting visibly irritated and then she smiles “ We think there is a store at two ten grant street” she says after pulling up a phone and pulling up the address for the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center. “ Go there, you will find all the hardware you could ever want. “
“FANTASTIC!! I gotta go get me a lock to keep *finger quotes* “undesireables” out of my dressing room in the future! Thanks, friend, and really sorry about taking up a bunch of your time….I can see myself out, I have another meeting before I go check out that hardware store. Regardless of what other people may think, you’re alright in my books, Rosie.”
*Rick shoots her finger guns and walks off camera*
Amy Connors excuses the interruption and looks at both Rosemary and Vincent Stone. Rosemary is sitting with Vincent’s head in her lap, running her hand through his hair. The scene is much the same, the meat cleavers in the wall, and the fire burning in the metal barrel.
“So Rosemary, I wanted to ask you about the match with -- “
“Our match with Candi, yes we know”
Amy looks flustered as Rosemary continues.
“Our match is coming up soon, and she likely thinks she can beat us, they all do. Sadly the joke is on them, we are ready for anything she can bring to the table, trust us. We are so close to accomplishing our goal, that all it takes is a few more masterful strokes and all of the pieces are in place. We rescued Stoney here from being mundane, with our help he won his first match here, don’t believe us, just ask him.”
She looks down at him and smiles and strokes his hair some, like a loving mother, letting his talk for himself.
Amy Connors looks somewhat confused as she looks down at where Stone lies and back up at Rosemary. “But...with all due respect, he *did* win his debut match over a month ago.”
“Didn’t count.”
Amy, almost taken aback by Stone breaking his silence, looks back down at the changed man. Again, he has his face painted up that eerie yellow with black around his eyes and another new t-shirt design. This week, it’s an anime-styled drawing of his new ‘gimmick’ grabbing his hair with a deranged smile. The text ‘HANDS OF DECAY’ are written above while ‘SOUNDS OF MADNESS’ go across the bottom.
“Forgive me, Stone.” Amy says. “But...what do you mean it didn’t count?”
She offers the mic to him. Stone remains with his head in Rosemary’s lap, staring off into the distance as he continues. “It didn’t count. That first match. It was...boring. Last week, though...that was fun….”
“Of course it was” Rosemary says titling up the microphone just a little, while letting him hold on to the base “All of it was. We even made a memorable moment didn’t we? Life they said is filled with them, and we promise to make many more moments to come. All of that said, we are happy to discuss our match with Candi with you. So ask away Amy?”
“But what about your match with Er ---” Amy tries to get out.
“Erin who” is Rosemary’s reply. “ Ya know son, we should submit that to marketing, a picture of her on the front of the jersey, and t-shirt and a picture of the question mark on the back, what are your thoughts??”
Stone’s expression goes thoughtful as he slowly shakes his head. “...Would anyone buy it? Merchandise from irrelevant people usually never sells….”
Rosemary cackles and throws her head back “Very good point, actually. So about those questions about Candi?
Amy, who has been confused since she entered, just shakes her head and asks about Candi instead.
“So… Inferno match? Why?”
“The level and calibre of women’s wrestling has risen in the last few years, so we thought to ourselves. What better way to prove to the world the Demon Assassin, the Mother to the Hive, is the baddest in the building. Cage matches have been done, so that is boring. Barbed wire matches, hmm maybe. Monster’s Ball, our beloved Blue and us have done that. Scaffold matches, no thank you, too eighties and we don’t carry tennis rackets. So Inferno match it is.
When we burn you, and burn you we will our little pez dispenser, Soon.”
“Still seems, pointless to attack the whole women’s division when you have legitimate beefs t settle.” Amy responds.
Rosemary shrugs. “ About the < she giggles> women’s division. You will see what our plan is, in all due time to cement our place in history.”
“Stone, tells us about your match with Connor K. Do you think you can continue the winning streak?
Stone closes his yellow eyes and scoffs. “Connor doesn’t worry me. He’s…” He turns onto his back, keeping his Demon Mother’s lap as his pillow, looking to be in deep thought as he continues. “He’s like that lonely little kid on the playground that tries so hard to fit in with everybody else, but he just doesn’t know his place. Instead of being accepted, he’s the one everyone laughs at and likes to beat up. I almost wanna say I feel sorry for him...but mother said it’s not nice to tell a lie. So, instead of beating him tonight...I wanna give him a present. I’ve been thinking reeeeaally hard on it but I finally figured it out: tonight, I’m gonna give Connor a birthday present!”
Amy hesitates, looking to the camera warily then back to Stone. “So...it’s Connors birthday?”
Stone shrugs his shoulders. “No idea. Call it an early present...a late present...he definitely deserves one, though. So, I’m gonna give him a play date...and the gift of a release from his misery.” Stone sits up, finally, turning himself so that he’s sitting side by side with Rosemary and looks at Amy Connors and the audience through the camera. “I just need to make sure first, Connor.” He grins sadistically. “Tonight...can you come out to play?”
Amy gets a sickened look on her face for a moment before she asks her next question. “Tell us why you went through with the beating last week?”
Stone rolls his eyes. “Beating? No. Mother doesn’t beat. She disciplines.” He looks directly at Amy this time. “Up until two weeks ago, I was the wayward son. The disobedient child who refused to listen to what he was told. And look where it got me. A mother knows what’s best for her children. I didn’t listen...and it got me hurt. Finally, I decided to listen...and last week I was disciplined like all troubled children should be. Weakness. That’s what my problem was. And Mother here…” He lays his head back down in Rosemary’s lap. “...She’s helping me remove that weakness. To put it behind me...to bury it. And when all is said and done…the world is going to see an entirely different...me.”
Amy turns to look back to Rosemary “Are you sure you don’t have anything to say to Erin, other than witty remarks about not knowing who she is? She did have a lot to say about you recently, it maybe good to address some of that at least.”
“We truly don’t care….. She is not part of the endgame. Other’s are, she isn’t. As far as our match goes, the after match celebrations we have in mind will be more memorable than us carrying her through the match”
“The bottom line is…” Stone adds. “Nobody will stand in our way. Mine...or mother’s. Those who try will know agony...suffering...decay...decay…” Suddenly, Stone rolls out of Rosemary’s lap and poises on his hands and feet in a crouched posture, his face right up in the camera. “Decay…!” Like all of their promos previously, the screen is filled with static as the word ‘HIVE’ appears in yellow and red text before the shot cuts to black.
----------------------------------------------------
Marissa Payne defeated Angel by disqualification at the 6:19 point in the match when Eido Tanaka passed something small to his protegé while she was recovering in the corner. From here, Marissa marched over and whipped her out of the corner and hopped up onto the middle turnbuckle, setting up for a variation of the Bitch Killa. Angel turned and threw the object - a handful of crushed white powder - right into her opponent’s face. As Marissa frantically rubbed at her eyes, the referee ringing the bell, Angel grabbed her off of the turnbuckle and drilled her down to the mat with a variation of the Muscle Buster known as the Osaka Sunset.
Eido Tanaka walks up the steps, entering the ring with a chair in hand as Angel grabs the female referee and slings her out under the bottom rope by her hair.
Hanson: “Oh come on! She’s not a wrestler, she’s an official! Angel needs to be fined!”
Taking the chair from Eido, Angel brings it down with savage strikes across Marissa’s back. Over and over and over.
Reynolds: “Damn those sound like they hurt!”
Hanson: “Ya think?! What the hell’s she doing now?”
Hanson asks as Angel kneels down and begins setting Marissa up with one of her legs wedged between the folding point in the chair.
Reynolds: “Oh, this is *really* gonna hurt!”
Hanson: “No shit, Jim! She’s gonna break her damn leg!”
Angel climbs to the middle turnbuckle, looks to Eido as he holds Marissa’s arms down to keep her from removing the chair. A command in Japanese leaves his lips and Angel climbs higher up onto the top turnbuckle.
Hanson: “NO! GET HER DOWN!”
A male referee comes running from backstage and slides into the ring, approaching Angel in the corner, waving at her to get down. Eido Tanaka spins him around and drills him with a DDT. He steps out of the way, gesturing for Angel to finish the job on Marissa when....
The explosive intro to Battle Beast’s cover of “Push It To The Limit” explodes throughout the arena.
Reynolds: “What the hell?”
Hanson: “I have no idea, Jim, but I can only hope— OH MY GOD!!”
The crowd gives a deafening pop, jumping to their feet as MORGAN PAYNE runs out on stage. Dressed in street clothes consisting of her backwards Steelers flatbill, low rise baggy jeans (unsurprisingly giving a peek at the straps of a black and gold thong), and a black t-shirt designed to look like the infamous Scarface movie poster, however the image is of her with the red text reading ‘BAD BITCH’ and her black jacket.
Hanson: “MORGAN PAYNE! IT’S MORGAN PAYNE! MORGAN PAYNE IS BACK!! AND HER HOMETOWN IS GOING NUTS!!”
Reynolds: “AND THE WOMAN WHO PUT HER OUT OF ACTION FOR A MONTH IS RIGHT THERE IN THE RING!”
Amped up, Morgan bounces from side to side on her boots, glaring down at the ring to Angel. She wastes no time in sprinting down and sliding into the ring. Eido Tanaka attempts to block her path and gets a stiff elbow in the jaw for his troubles. As Morgan then approaches Angel on the turnbuckle, Angel hops down and goes for a clothesline. Morgan ducks underneath it and lifts Angel up onto her shoulders.
Hanson: “LOOKS LIKE ANGEL’S GOING ON A TRIP! WHERE’S SHE GOING JIM?!”
Reynolds: “LOOKS LIKE DOWNTOWN AFTER DARK, NICKY!!”
Before Morgan can finish the move, Eido grabs Angel by the arm and pulls her down with both of them escaping the ring as Morgan runs and kicks the bottom rope, missing a shot at Angel’s head.
As they retreat, Morgan turns her attention to Marissa and helps her friend to her feet. Still clearing her vision, Marissa cocks back her fist but Morgan catches it with one hand before making her look up at her. We can see her mouthing to her friend....
“It’s me! Mari, it’s me!”
Obviously recognizing the voice, Marissa relaxes and jumps into Morgan with a hug. For the first time in weeks, we see the woman smile. Rubbing the rest of the powder out of her eyes, Marissa joins Morgan in standing by the ropes closest to the ramp while Morgan stands with one foot on the bottom, one on the middle, yelling and pointing at Angel. This time we can hear her clearly.
“GONNA KICK YA FUCKIN’ TEETH IN, YA CRAY CRAY BITCH!!”
She steps back next to Marissa then, opening her arms out defiantly, still yelling at the woman who left her injured her. “I’M BACK, BITCH! I’M-FUCKIN’-BACK!!” The shot cuts briefly to Angel, sneering at both women from the stage before focusing on Marissa and Morgan, hugging again before bumping fists and circling the ring, riling up the Pittsburgh crowd as the shot fades out to a commercial break
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The camera cuts to the backstage area where Amy Connors stands with Erin Mercer in a blue and silver lined variation of her ring gear with her jacket over it. Her usual cheerful smile is gone, replaced bu a stern look of determination.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I’m here with Erin Mercer, and we’re here to get a brief word about her match tonight.” Amy smiles at the camera, turning to Erin then. “Erin, we all saw your social media video. We heard what was on your mind. Needless to say, this match...it’s a little personal for you, am I right?”
“You’re damn right, it’s personal, Amy.” Erin says; her expression faltering not one bit. “I’ve spent my career trying to be the nice girl. Trying to be real. What you see on your TV screen is what you get if you bump into me on the street. But you know what, the same goes for this right here.” She points to herself. “I can be laid back. I can be cool. I can smile and laugh all day. I can be fun. But when you mess with someone I care about? Family. Friends. It doesn’t matter; I can and will become your worst nightmare.”
Amy nods, empathetically. “Let’s talk for a minute about Rosemary. She’s been shunning you left and right since our weekly broadcasts started but, that’s not what you’re concerned about, is it?”
Erin shakes her head with a look that says she couldn’t care less. “I came here for the fans and for me. To be honest, I couldn’t give two shits if she notices me from the sidelines. But after the past two weeks? She better be watching her back because I’m not giving up until she does.”
“When you talk about her giving up, I’m sure you mean her recent alliance with Vincent Stone. We’ve definitely seen a change in him recently. His match last week was particularly uncomfortable to watch. Then of course, moments ago we saw him in his match against Connor K. This isn’t the man you know, is it?”
Erin frowns, as if the answer is obvious. “Hell no, it isn’t! He was never like this? Lashing out after a loss? Looking to actually try and hurt people? Yeah, Vin’s offense is brutal. He takes his arsenal from a lot of his favorites that made themselves known in Japan. But this is a completely different side of him. No, scratch that, this isn’t him at all. So I’m putting out a warning right now. Rosemary? You either do whatever freaky little shit you need to do to snap him out of this...daze...spell...whatever it is that you have him under...or I will make your life a living hell. Win, lose or draw tonight, I will not stop until I get my friend back. Until these people here get the REAL Vincent Stone back!” She says, pointing off to the side in the direction of the entrance area. “And if you’re not willing to do that? Then you better be ready to put me out of commission, permanently. Because as long as I’m still standing — as long as I’m still *breathing* — I’m gonna bring the fight to you harder than anyone you’ve ever been in the ring with.”
Amy Connors gives an uneasy smile to Erin then to the camera. “Thank you Erin Mercer. With that being said, let’s head back to—“
*Loud clapping can be heard off camera as Rick Dickulous steps into the shot, his hands repeatedly coming together. He wears his ring gear, along with a brown deerstalker hat, and carrying a large pipe in his mouth. As he stops clapping, he removes the pipe from his mouth*
"Oh, very well said, Miss?...Mercer...guy? I also miss the old Vincent Stone, because I need someone else to dance with, and he's a good dancer."
*Amy Connors turns to Rick with a confused look on her face*
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems Rick Dickulous has joined us, completely unscheduled...
*Rick looks down at Amy*
"Now, Miss Connors, what kind of investigator would I be if I showed up on schedule, buddy?"
*Amy Connors shakes her head in agreement as Rick takes a stack of McDonald's napkins and a pen out of his kilt, and turns to Erin Mercer*
"So, I'm sure you heard about Anne being kidnapped? My beautiful, sweet, irreplaceable....other half. She's only my other half because I haven't found a place I can marry inanimate objects, that's how close we are."
Erin Mercer looks anything but humored by Rick’s sudden appearance...and interruption. She puts a hand to her temple, closing her eyes for a second. Erin looks up at the towering form of Rick, then.
“Okay, first of all. I’m gonna ignore that bit about marrying an inanimate object. And as far as the rest? I’m pretty sure everyone saw the kidnapping when it was broadcasted for everyone! If you wanna find your bong? You might wanna try Adam Cole. His locker room’s right down that way.” She points down the hall, then looks up at Rick. “Pretty obvious that it was him under that mask.”
*Rick shakes his head and points at Erin with his pipe*
"I saw that footage too. But, I know for a fact it was NOT Adam Cole who took sweet Anne."
*Rick draws on his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke towards Amy Connors. She waves her hand in front of her face and coughs*
"That's definitely not tob--"
*Rick places a finger to her lips*
"You're right. Don't tell Anne I'm cheating on her."
*He turns back to Erin Mercer*
"It's obvious that the culprit wanted me to BELIEVE that it was Adam Cole, eh? From what I could see, however, that was CLEARLY El Piso Mojado dressed as Adam Cole dressed as El Piso Mojado. So, my question to you is this: Have you seen either El Piso Mojado, or a taco truck around, guy?"
Erin blinks. “First of all, do I look like a guy to you?” She holds a hand up to stop Rick from answering because if he gives her a smartassed answer, she’s probably gonna hurt him. “No Rick...I haven’t seen him. Probably because oh, I don’t know, he’s not signed with the company!” She rolls her eyes then looks, confused at Rick. “And a taco truck? Really? I’m not gonna even gonna touch that one.”
*Rick looks at Erin apologetically*
"I'm sorry....I just realized how insensitive that sounded....friend. I should have specified that I'm looking for a taco truck because I have a serious case of the munchies...."
*Rick slowly backs out of the frame, his voice can still be heard off camera*
"Sorry for bothering you...uhh, good luck with kicking Angel's ass."
*Ricks voice trails off*
"Where can a guy find a taco truck around here....."
Erin scrunches her face in confusion. “Ang—...what? Rosemary, Rick! ROSEMARY! Angel’s wrestling—“ Erin grunts in frustration, looking to Amy who’s still coughing up a lung before storming off camera herself. “So high he can’t even tell two redheads apart...”
The shot fades out as Amy composes herself and looks around, wondering what the hell just transpired
----------------------------------------------------
Vincent Stone defeated Connor K by pinfall in 11:30 after hitting him with The Disasterpiece. Following the match, Stone kicked at Connor K repeatedly until he got the man to roll out of the ring. The man then returned to the center and watched Rosemary, calmly, as she slinked out on the other side to the ringside floor and crawled under the ring apron.
Hanson: “Oh lord, what now?”
Reynolds: “She’s not going for the kendo stick again, is she?”
Hanson: “God, I hope not.”
Reynolds: “If she is, I’m outta here.”
Hanson: “Wait, here she comes again.”
Rosemary crawls out from under the ring, clutching something in her hand. She raises it high over head with a faintly audible electric crackle.
Hanson: “What is she—OH MY GOD!”
Reynolds: “Nicky, what the fuck is that?”
Reynolds asks rhetorically, more so uneasy as Rosemary sparks a cattle prod a few times before sliding back into the ring. Vincent Stone drops to his knees...smiling...and opens his arms out like a son asking for a mother’s affection.
Hanson: “What the hell is wrong with these two?”
Reynolds: “Well, Rosemary’s batshit insane. Stone? I have no clue what’s gotten into him!”
Rosemary slowly approaches Stone, smiling with her head tilting back and forth from side to side. She gives an inaudible giggle as she reaches out and pets the side of his face. We can see her mouth: ‘there’s a good boy. Mother’s sweet boy’ before suddenly jabbing him in the chest with the cattle prod. We hear the electric crackling as Stone falls back and goes into convulsions. Laughing, Rosemary circles around him, tagging him over and over.
Women and children can be seen crying in the audience while men look on with shocked reactions. Nobody knows what to think. A short moment later, however, the crowd gives a loud pop
Hanson: “AND HERE COMES ERIN MERCER! SHE’S GOT A MATCH WITH ROSEMARY A LITTLE LATER BUT SHE’S SEEN ENOUGH OF THIS!!”
Erin Mercer hits the ring running. She crowd roars their approval as she slides into the ring behind Rosemary. As soon as she’s on her feet, she spins Rosemary around and nails her with repeated elbows. The cattle prod falls to the mat as Erin continues taking her anger out on her opponent for later in the evening.
Meanwhile, behind Erin, Stone recovers and climbs to his feet. He grabs Erin and whips her around to face him. At first, she looks ready to hit him until she sees who it is. She stops. Her posture relaxes as she opens her arms out, mouthing: “Vin! Snap out of it! It’s me!” She brings her hands to her chest. “Look at me!”
Stone stares at her, tilting his head, inquisitively. Erin steps closer. “This isn’t you!” We see her mouth. “You know me!” She looks at him, pleadingly. After a moment, Stone’s eyes widen with recollection. “...Erin?” He mouths. Erin nods affirmatively. “Yes! It’s me!”
Stone slowly smiles. A warm smile. One of relief that Erin returns as he reaches out for her. As Erin goes to hug him...he grabs her and spins her around to face Rosemary, hooking his arms around hers.
Hanson: “WHAT THE HELL?! NO! YOU TWISTED SON OF A BITCH!”
Reynolds: “I don’t think there’s any saving him at this point!”
Laughing, Rosemary picks up the cattle prod and tags Erin Mercer right in the center of her chest with it. Stone holds onto her, taking part of the shock to ensure Erin cannot escape. When Rosemary finally withdraws the prod, Erin falls to the mat, motionless as Stone drops to one knee...grinning wickedly again as Rosemary comes to hug his head against her stomach. His arms go around her waist.
Hanson: “Jim, what did we just witness?”
Reynolds: “I think it’s safe to say, Nicky; Stone is done. He’s gone. Whoever the hell this is? I have no clue....”
The shot fades out on Stone following Rosemary up the ramp as Erin Mercer lies motionless in the background in the middle of the ring
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Kenny Omega defeated Tyson Law by pinfall in 20:14 after giving him The One-Winged Angel.
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Rosemary defeated Erin Mercer by forfeit when Mercer was unable to come to the ring for the match.
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Abaddon defeated Colt Shields by pinfall in 5:08 after giving him the Nativity In Black.
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Kid Cthulu gave Apocalypta an unexpectedly tough battle,at one point almost pinning her after hitting a dragonrana. Even when Apocalypta finally had her beaten down, the girl refused to STAY down, even managing a last-second kickout after being given Ground Zero. Undaunted, Apocalypta picked the nearly unconcious girl up and gave her a second Ground Zero, this time keeping her down for the three-count at 17:15.
