NFW Collision #146 - 10/25/2022!

Jim Reynolds: We’re starting things off right as the champ is in the building!

Nick Hanson: Myrrh had some choice words for her Wrestle War challenger, Morgan Payne, last week. But… now wait one second…

As the music play, the fans start to boo when Jansen Myrrh doesn’t appear on stage but it's her manager, Seo-hyung Kwon. She heads to the ring.

Jim Reynolds: We haven’t seen Kwon in front of an NFW crowd for months! What’s she doing here and where’s the champ?

Nick Hanson: Not to point out the obvious, but I think we’re about to find out.

Kwon walks into the ring and takes place in the center.

Seo-hyung Kwon: Good evening. I wasn’t expecting to be back inside of a wrestling ring this soon. I do prefer to be more behind the scenes, however, Jansen Myrrh, your World’s Heavyweight Champion called me here for assistance. In fact, she was appalled to have been forced to come to Amsterdam in the first place…

Boos rain down on Kwon as she is forced to stop speaking until the noise dies down.

Seo-hyung Kwon: If you’re quite finished, I’d like to continue. As I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted. Jansen was not booked for this card, but management wanted her to address the crowd. She refused and instead has decided to take the evening off to relax from the grueling schedule she was forced to endure during the Blackheart Memorial Tournament.

Jim Reynolds: Now wait a second. Myrrh had the entire month off up until the finale!

Nick Hanson: Might want to keep your mouth shut unless you want to get sued.

Seo-hyung Kwon: The reason for my presence tonight is to address Jansen’s challenger at Wrestle War, the winner of the VBMT tournament, Morgan Payne.

The crowd pops at the mention of Payne.

Seo-hyung Kwon: ... and her ilk. It’s well documented that this group of neanderthals that Ms. Payne runs around with are nothing more than thugs and hooligans. To be frank, this group is nothing more than common bullies.

More boos.

Seo-hyung Kwon: And now I see why my client refused to be in front of this ill-mannered group of people. If I may finish without further interruption, it would be appreciated. As I was saying. Since Wrestle War will be held at Wembley Stadium this year, we will petition the English court to issue an injunction, barring the entire collective known as The Kingdom from coming to ringside for their contest. Also, we will petition NFW management to bar any member of the so-called Kingdom from approaching Jansen Myrrh in any manner unless in a sanctioned match. We will take it up as far as the King, if necessary. We will not be bullied by the Kingdom. Morgan Payne can deny it all they want, but the fact is, The Kingdom has long been known as a stable of nothing more than common gang members. Jansen’s reign as champion will not end due to their shenanigans. That is all.

As Jansen’s music plays again, Kwon drops the microphone in the ring and exits.

Jim Reynolds: I don’t know if Myrrh and Kwon really want to go around pissing off the Kingdom.

Nick Hanson: You heard Kwon! She’s ready to take it to King Philip if necessary!
Josh Davidson and Jordan Majors appear on screen backstage, prompting a mixed reaction from a crowd still grappling with what they saw last week when Jordan intervened and stopped the Queens of Chaos from further assaulting High Society.

Josh Davidson: Jordan, all of NFW was surprised when you suddenly appeared on Collision last week in Berlin at the aide of High Society. And furthermore, they were shocked that your appearance pitted you against someone most believed to be a close friend of yours in Jessi Ozborne. Can you explain what happened last week?

Jordan smirks at Josh for a moment and then puts her hand out as she awaits Josh to give her his microphone. He looks confused as he puts the microphone in her hand and then backs away. She waits until he’s out of frame before she turns back to the camera.

Jordan Majors: AMSTERDAM! MAMI’S HERE!!

The mention of the city gets a little pop from the crowd, prompting a smile from Jordan.

Jordan Majors: Let’s talk about why I did what I did last week, shall we? But first, let’s go back even further. Almost 10 years ago I was stuck in a bad place. Just a kid, but living in an environment that no child should EVER be in. I don’t want to dwell on that. But the point is, I got out of it. I fought and I fought and I fought for what I thought was right. It got me some accolades along the way. A few pieces of gold to call my own. So that’s a long way of saying that I know Jessi Ozborne because I WAS Jessi Ozborne.

Jordan pauses for a moment as the crowd reacts in confusion.

Jordan Majors: When I was 19 years old, I too was taking every gig imaginable because many of the best places to work in this industry told me I wasn’t good enough. They told me I would never amount to anything. One even told me, and I quote: “you’re one of the shittiest performers I’ve ever seen.” He went on to tell me to never send him another tape. Now, that’s where things change between Jessi and me. She’s been going around and taking whatever steps necessary to win any championship she can get. Right now, Jessi is God’s gift to the indy wrestling scene. Me? I was never first on anyone’s list. I had to work for this. Look at what I had to do in Zion Wrestling JUST to get a freaking opportunity?

Jordan pulls the microphone down for a moment and runs a hand through her hair.

Jordan Majors: I don’t blame Jessi for taking every opportunity she can to add to her young legacy. But when she showed up on Collision a few weeks ago, I felt like she was taking what should be MY opportunity. I’m 26 years old and frankly, I know I have so much more to give this business. When I was down in Destiny I was doing everything I could to put that show on the map. I outperformed expectations in a Val Blackheart Memorial Tournament that she couldn’t even bother to be a part of. Her hero Kai Morgan? I beat him this summer. So where was my opportunity all along? Huh?

The reaction from the crowd is truly mixed now as they can hardly gather what to make of this speech from Jordan.

Jordan Majors: I’ve been patient for a long time in this business. Waiting my turn. Watching others step past me because I dared to play the game the way I was taught it was meant to be played. But that’s over now. I’ve learned that when you want something in this business, you HAVE to take it. So that’s what I’m going to do. Instead of waiting for change, I AM the change. When I want something to happen, I will MAKE it happen. Tonight? It’s just the beginning of what’s to come. Sanada will learn that Jordan Majors IS money. And when I say that I’m going to do something? You can take it to the bank.

Jordan smiles and then adds in a shrug.

Jordan Majors:This little war between the Queens and High Society. I’m the catalyst. I WILL be the reason they come out on top. You can take THAT to the bank.

Jordan tosses the microphone to the side and walks off.
We open up from the backstage area in Amsterdam and our image is on that of Crystal Caldwell. Crystal’s long blue hair cascades down her back. She is clad in a #FreeSeleana t shirt. She takes a deep breath as she appears to be holding something in her hands. That something happens to be a “someone” and it is none other than her granddaughter Isabella Hilton. The 14th month old bounces around excitedly as she tries to pull away from Crystal. She looks at her grandmother and waves her hands about.

Isabella Hilton: MaMA!!!

Crystal Caldwell: That’s right my little snuggletoes you love MAMA Christina don’t you?! Don’t worry because I love you too. You are the best grandchild in the entire world.

Crystal holds her granddaughter tightly as she looks right into the camera. She shakes her head a bit as she begins to speak.

Crystal Caldwell: Good evening to everybody watching Collision. We are in Amsterdam tonight and can I just say that I feel so happy to be here tonight. I am going to officially go on the record to openly admit that this weekend was terrible for me. I am thick in the middle of being in the World Series of Wrestling and the challenge was me to craft up a promo against my selection of a dream opponent. I did exactly what the challenge had entailed and I know who my choice of dream opponent is. It will and has always been my very own wife Diamond Caldwell. I know a lot of bad things might have been said in midst of the passion of what I have been called to do but the honest truth is that I love my wife. Diamond, and of course Seleana are everything to me.

Crystal looks down at her granddaughter who tries to go away but she keeps her close.

Crystal Caldwell: I know the message may not have come across like that but my wife is certainly a dream and she is a bad ass bitch who truly is Dat Girl! I have constantly told Diamond that she is the best wrestler in the world and that she is much better than me especially where I am currently at in my career. It didn’t come out like that and I have to live with the consequences of the way I word things. That’s my cross to bear. The reality is I used to be the very best. Back in 2011 I was acknowledged in polls as being the very best women’s wrestler in the world. However that was over 11 years and times have certainly changed. I am nowhere near to where I was. This might be the most selfish thing that I will ever say but it’s completely honest. I was hoping that by talking about Diamond that some of what she has would have rubbed off on me. It would bring me my relevance and it would inch me a bit in the spotlight.

Crystal keeps her eyes locked on the camera as she speaks more.

Crystal Caldwell: I need to have the spotlight just to stay on the mind of people. I don’t want to be forgotten. So what I didn’t expect was for the world to light me up like a Christmas tree. It was the case of being ganged up on and hearing everybody chant for #FreeSeleana and of course #FreeDiamond. Just hearing that drove me into dark places. At first I thought the only way that could soothe any of that pain would be to drown myself in alcohol, that seems fitting for a recovering alcoholic. I even thought about picking up some drug use but for a woman who has had to conquer her demons I knew that wasn’t the way. I knew it wasn’t the way when I came face to face with this little angel in Isabella that is in my hands. Thank God for me having the best son ever in Brayden and best daughter in law in Sofia that was right by my side when I needed them. As a grandmother who this little girl is looking up to as Mama I couldn’t let me become my own worst enemy. I know I am better than that…

Crystal nods her head as she continues to speak some more.

Crystal Caldwell: You see the reality is Isabella wants me to do something special and I just give in now that would make me a quitter. #FreeSeleana and definitely #FreeDiamond but I believe in those statements but not for the reasons everybody thinks I want them to be freed from the statements that they are nothing more than my wives. They are each special in their unique way and as I told them both I feel like I am the worst wrestler in our household. Seleana just submit me in a wrestling ring in another company and I want her to live up to her true potential and showcase why she was a World Champion in the first place, and of course Diamond is the best in the world. In my mind I was hoping that lighting a flame in her would in turn cause her to light up a spark in me. The same type of spark we had when we were teaming up with one another in the Gemini Tournament. I wanted her to get me to that level but it never came out right…

Crystal is more passionate as her son Brayden can be seen on camera but Crystal immediately hands Isabella off to him as she looks into the camera.

Crystal Caldwell: Hell I have even went as far to wrestle under her name of Caldwell because she is the best, and she wants to still go through the hoops to beat the unholy hell out of me by all means I hope she does because I know she would beat me, but just like a Sayjin the more I get beat up is the more I pick myself up and get stronger, faster, and better. Dat’s the girl that I am… The real crime in all of this is that I didn’t name Jessi Ozborne as being that dream match, and the reason I didn’t is because I know it would just make her that of Starro from the DC universe. It doesn’t matter what type of energy anybody puts out there. She’s just going to suck it up and get more powerful than what she already is. She is that much a threat.

Crystal is absolutely focused as she shares more of her heart.

Crystal Caldwell: She has come on the scene and everything she touches she makes it about her. She changes her name on Twitter every single day. She has now changed her hair color yet again, and I really couldn’t believe that the same woman that was talking all of that shit on Trauma is actually on Collision. To be completely honest it took me by surprise because now all of that stuff I was popping off at the mouth months ago I actually have to back it up. Whereas I am trying to figure out ways to be relevant and I am thankful for the Foundation because with the High Society they made me out to be more important than what I actually am. Queen Papi, Jessi, whatever she wants to call herself has become a household name. She has been enrolling in company after company and is one serious threat. Who she is at the age of 19 is who I was 11 years ago in 2011 when I was 24 and that scares the shit out of me. She is a better Crystal Hilton than I ever was and this bitch just keeps getting better and better.

Crystal paces around as she continues to speak more.

Crystal Caldwell: A few weeks ago I really wanted to do the right thing. I am a woman who doesn’t have many friends. The only legit friend I have in this entire company is Zoey and I am thankful that she is on Collision with me. When I went to the Catacombs it was with the intention to make new friends. It was show Morgan and even rub off on that Marilyn that I have decided to put all of the thirsty shit behind me when I was the owner of the Detroit Rampage LFL team. It was to make amends and show true respect that I was happy that Morgan was cementing herself as a dominant wrestler in this company. However I don’t even get the chance to really showcase my sincerity because this evil with in Jessi has to be so nagging. She is the one who had to be in my air all freaking day. She was just a serious nuisance that I lost my cool and I put my hands on her…

Crystal actually laughs as she is more passionate.

Crystal Caldwell: She rocked me. She knocked me the fuck out and laid me on my ass. Everybody jumps on me that I am the bad one and I was left embarrassed. I was much further away from what I wanted to actually accomplish and it because of Jessi. You want to change your hair color constantly, your Twitter name and everything else?! Fine… But I am not going to let what you did to me stand. You can’t be a better Crystal Hilton than the original ever was. I am going to hurt you, and I am going to prove to the entire world that I have what it takes to really take off in this company! If everyone wants to acknowledge that everything that Cass Baumer and River said about me is true by all means go for it…. Diamond and Seleana know the me behind the closed doors they know how the woman behind the makeup and costume Christina Rose Lopez-Hilton truly feels. They know who I am…

Crystal forms a serious expression as she keeps speaking.

Crystal Caldwell: However you are going to get a taste of the real me too. You want a fight?! You are going to get a war. Call me Crystalina… Call me Rose, Lopez, Hilton, Williams, Zdunich, Caldwell… Call me whatever the hell you want too because when I am done I won’t be acknowledging you as Queen Papi…. Bitch you are going to call me DADDY because I am going to rock your shit. I am going to unleash all my frustration upon you. You have my attention and for the first time in a long time I am going to take Collision very seriously. The brand will be hearing from me A LOT MORE! They are going to see me A LOT MORE and it doesn’t matter if I am booked or not. It’s time for people to take me seriously and only living on the major win of River Chance isn’t going to cut it. It’s time to step up and be who I can be…

Crystal takes off her #FreeSeleana shirt and showcases a shirt that reads #FreeCrystalHilton…. She turns around and we are able to see fire designs on the shirt.

Crystal Caldwell: It’s time to be freed from myself and I won’t hold back anymorey. Crystal Hilton is going to be let out and she is going to show you that same energy that one could expect from a Caldwell… I AM THE FIRE…. I am the Burning Rose and I am going to enjoy watching you burn. See you soon… Flame On… It’s showtime…

With that Crystal looks at the camera as we fade out on this image.
At the front of the Ziggo Dome, 840,000 LEDs surround the building in a magnificent display! With the NFW Collision logo proud on display, stars like the in-ring debuting Zoey Madigan-Star and the rising star Dane Preston face each other in fighting stances. The pair loom large above street level at ninety-eight feet, until they’re replaced periodically with other big names of the Collision brand. 2022 Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament winner Morgan Payne, NFW World Heavyweight Champ Jansen Myrrh, and the outspoken "Queen Papi" Jessi Ozborne, just to name a few. All of its seen from a low angle, their portraits imposing and dominant. Then, the drone camera slowly descends to see Cass Baumer sitting in their shadow on the edge of her dirty mobile studio RV with her legs dangling off the edge.

Cass Baumer: On October 21st, I watched the man I admire most in this world— the man I once called my boyfriend— compete in a Yamashi Pro Double Electric Chair Deathmatch. Josh Kennedy wanted to turn things around in his career so much that he was willing to fry himself alive in that frickin’ deathtrap just to prove he’s still the Ace.

Baumer sets the complicated drone controller beside her, though it stays in place.

Cass Baumer: I saw him get electrocuted on live TV. Then, I immediately boarded the first train I could for Japan. I didn’t know if he’d be alive by the time I touched ground, but thankfully, he’s still breathing. He was unconscious when I had to leave to compete tonight in Amsterdam but I just got the good news that he woke up recently. ああ、助かった!

Baumer says the Japanese words with a relieved wipe of her forehead, flicking the sweat off her crusty yellow blazer sleeve. The former champion takes a deep breath as the opposing figures continue to loom over her.

Cass Baumer: As horrifying as it was to see him on the brink of death, it helped remind me that none of us have an unlimited amount of time doing what we do. … And I wanna use the time I’ve got to push myself to the limit like he does.

With a straight arm and her hand flat behind her, Cass turns to look at the faces of Collision casting their bright LED glow on her Polynesian skin. Grabbing the controller, she changes the camera angle while she’s at it.

Cass Baumer: I don’t need a harem of pussies like Pet, who tries to take advantage of the vulnerable, like Chrissy. I don’t need to brainwash a paladin for months. I don’t need to abandon friends or disrespect the fans who stood by me from the start to show that I’m a goddamn force to be reckoned with, マザーファッカーズ! I’m makin’ the best out of the time I’ve got, and you’ll be sayin’ my name in the main event conversation in no time.

With confidence and an abundance of energy, Baumer’s animated in her arm movements as she talks. She’s standing on top of the recreational vehicle while the crimson lights swirl against her visage now.

Cass Baumer: With Chrissy as my opponent tonight, I ain’t holdin’ back. I sure as hell know she won’t. She’s said so herself. She’s come to slay anybody who steps in her path. She’s tryna prove she ain’t what Pet and her subs think she is — someone who would join in on the sexcepades the moment their leader says kneel. Bitch, Christina’s goin’ through a hard time but if there’s one thing she’ll never be, it’s willing to be an obedient good girl!

Cass winks suggestively.

Cass Baumer: You wanna know what else she’ll never be? Cass Baumer. Yeah, I said it. I love her as a friend. Really, I do. But she’s still a tag team wrestler. Let’s face facts. When Lilly returns, and she’s back by Chrissy’s side as the world should be, she’ll have a lengthy reign as tag team champ again, but we ain’t there yet. Unfortunately.

Baumer shakes her head solemnly while she walks along the stationary RV.

Cass Baumer: When I asked her months ago if she thought it was time to start considering herself a singles competitor, she said nah. She wasn’t ready to give up hope on Lilly. She probably still isn’t. Which I get it as a friend. I’m not willing to give up either, but that still doesn’t bode well for her match against me tonight, aye? I mean, she’s in a boat up Waikato River without a paddle. It doesn’t take a hydrologist to figure out she’s gonna wash up on shore without a clue what happened.

She starts to climb down the RV’s ladder, and then unlocks the front door with a key in her slack pocket.

Cass Baumer: We’ve only got so much time on this planet. Life’s far too short to spend it afraid. What happens, happens. I’m willing to live with the consequences.

Climbing into the RV’s front seat, she keeps the drone’s camera rolling. The door’s still open.

Cass Baumer: Oh! And if Pet and her squad try to ruin this one too, I’mma beat their asses side by side with Chrissy.

Slamming the door, the RV slides out of the parking spot in a screeching turn that sets her out of the shadow of her co-workers on the LED screen.
Despite not having a match that evening, Jonna Austin was at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, a fierce and determined look on her face. After the week before in Berlin, anyone that had seen what happened knew exactly what she was doing there…she was hunting Johnny Towers for what he and Desdemona had done to Harper the week prior. The Silver Mountain Champion had been stalking through the arena since before the show had even started, knowing that his new bitch wouldn’t be at the arena but unsure if he would be or not. Just as she was about to go down a hallway that she hadn’t searched yet, a familiar voice called out to her.

Alexa Marcus: He’s not here tonight, Jo. I already checked for who came in for the show.

Jonna paused and turned on her the heel of her well-worn, slate-gray cowboy boots that were covered by a pair of old, faded dark blue jeans with an old belt strung through the loops with a plain black t-shirt whose bottom hem just barely met the waistband of her jeans. The woman saw Alexa walking up to her, the head of security, and her friend, dressed in a, somewhat tight fitting, shirt that said security in bold letters along with a pair of jeans and knee-high heeled boots of her own. She was carrying a small envelope with her, a frown on her face as she looked at the champion for a moment once she was in front of her.

Alexa Marcus: I told you to let it be dealt with properly. Getting involved in his match last week doesn’t help you and didn’t help Harper.

Jonna Austin: It sure as Hell let me get out a minuscule fraction of the rage. But like I told you last week…nothing you or I can do will help Harper right now. It’s why I sent her back stateside for a little while. And of course, he wouldn’t be here…being the insufferable little fucking pissant that he is.

Alexa sighed but that didn’t keep her from noticing Jonna’s gaze falling to the envelope that she was holding. Looking down at it, she licked her lips briefly before eventually holding it out to the champion. When Jonna didn’t take it at first, Alexa sighed again.

Alexa Marcus: It was delivered to the arena before the show got started…before most of the roster got here. We checked it out to make sure it was nothing dangerous since the stagehand didn’t recognize who gave it to him. We’re assuming the delivery was planned ahead of time. It’s…well, it’s not pretty, and I wish I wouldn’t have seen it…but it’s for you.

Jonna raised an eyebrow as she took the envelope from her friend and then turned it over in her hand to open it, revealing a USB drive with a little note written in feminine handwriting.

𝓔𝓷𝓳𝓸𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀, 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓻.

Jonna Austin: My laptop is at the hotel. Take me to a computer…I know there’s one here since you said you watched it. Take me to it. Now.
Humming a merry tune, Zoey Madigan-Star is heard before she is seen. The camera comes round the door and spots her at one of the lighted mirrors, her back to the door. Her full attention is on her reflection, touch-ups being done to her skillfully-applied cosmetics. However, the moment a toe slips past the threshold, Zoey is already gazing at the owner via the mirror, smirking slightly before offering a wink and going back to her preparations.

Zoey Madigan-Star: So… in the first place, I’m a nobody in need of a lesson, set to crash and burn.

Her tone keeps a musing lilt to it. For a moment, Zoey lowers her hand from the application of her mascara, picking up a small palette from the counter…

…except she never takes her eyes off the mirror, and the little mascara wand never stops moving despite her hand not touching it!

Zoey Madigan-Star: Then I’m an inattentive nobody destined to be made an example of.

Still that gentle lilt as Zoey applies some eye shadow to a small brush, touching up the already-impressive work done.

Zoey Madigan-Star: There was something else, too, wasn’t there…?

Pausing to consider, she takes the independent mascara wand out of the air and puts it back in the bottle… but it is only to refresh the cosmetic before she does her other eye, taking a moment before… just… letting the wand move on its own! Again!

Zoey Madigan-Star: Ah, of course!

Plucking the wand out of the air after a few moments, she puts it away along with the rest of her things… and by that, we mean it just disappears in a puff of smoke!

Zoey Madigan-Star: ”A little lady suffering from delusions of self-import” ready to be “broken of the habit”!

Turning around, Zoey eases herself onto the edge of the counter, swinging one long, nylon-attired leg over the other with immaculate poise. Her smile is equal parts sugary-sweet and dangerously predatory. Her eyes seem to sparkle unnaturally, too, though that could just be the lights playing off their naturally-golden hue.

I mean… it COULD be!

Zoey Madigan-Star: Tell me, Dane: did I forget anything? I wouldn’t want to misquote you or anything. And I certainly want the fans and locker room getting the wrong impression going into our main event match tonight.

That crossed leg bounces a little, showing only partially-feigned impatience. Shrugging and sighing, Zoey affects another smile, though slighter in potency, and snatches her top hat out of nowhere. She sets it down reverently, digging in and taking out a pair of pristine white gloves, tugging the first onto her left hand with a sort of… detached attitude.

Zoey Madigan-Star: They deserve to know the truth.

Pulling on her other glove now, Zoey admires the accessories for a moment, her hand held out still as her eyes flick toward the camera. Yes, that was definitely a sparkle.

Zoey Madigan-Star: And what ISthe truth, you may be asking? Why, it’s simple! The truth… is that you clearly don’t know who I am. If you did, you’d put more reverence behind my name and less bass in your voice when addressing me, young man. But then… who would expect a punk like you to know the first thing about respect? Not that most of the clowns in this business know the definition, much less how to properly express it, these days. It truly is a lost art.

Ah, but I had a point to make, didn’t I?

Yep. What she’s been saying on social media of late is definitely the truth:

This ain’t your momma’s Zoey Madigan-Star.

Zoey Madigan-Star: When it comes to accolades, Dane, you’re not on my level. When it comes to knowledge of how the body operates and how to both heal AND punish it, you can’t touch me. And in terms of straight-up charisma, showmanship, stamina and fighting ability? I’m leagues beyond you. On paper, tonight’s match between us is a foregone conclusion: either you’re helped to the back with a splitting headache, seeing triple of everything… or I twist your arm in a direction that is an affront to nature while you scream for mercy in several forgotten languages while I go selectively deaf. As even you can plainly understand, neither of those would be pleasant. For you.

She reaches into the hat again, but does not immediately pull anything out. For that matter, it seems like she’s stuck. There’s some tugging and cutely-irritated sounds before she finally wrenches her hand free… in her grip a frustrated-looking rabbit.

Zoey Madigan-Star: Ugh… honestly, Lester!

Stuffing the rabbit back in, Zoey digs in a second time and comes up with silk flowers that, when she tosses them aside in minor frustration, turn into a cloud of soap bubbles that pop as they ascend.

Zoey Madigan-Star: It’s in here somewhere… a-ha!

Third time’s the charm: Zoey plucks her wand from the milliner’s nightmare and gives it a twirl before flicking it away from the camera, causing sparks to shoot out like tiny fireworks! Satisfied, she taps the other end against her gloved hand and chuckles softly.

Zoey Madigan-Star: But stranger things have happened. You could very well beat me tonight. Instead of becoming the next Damian Knight, you could become the next Constance Chapin, the first person to ever beat me in the middle of the ring… no, I take that back. You’d never be confused with a classy warrior like that. However… it COULD happen. Except, even if it does, you’ve already ruined it for yourself. Because you forgot one of the ages-old rules of this business:

The wand is pointed at the camera.

Zoey Madigan-Star: If you completely trash your opponent and win, then all you did was diminish your own victory because, in your words and mind, you only defeated trash. And if you lose? Then you just got beaten by trash. See the conundrum, Dane? Are you feeling stupid yet? You should be. The only one who believes the nonsense you spewed about me is you. Even the fans, who would turn on someone on a freaking dime, know better than you. And that says nothing of our peers in the locker room. The way I see it, you’re damned no matter what happens tonight.

Ah, but where does that leave me?

Tapping the tip of the steel implement against her chin, Zoey shrugs beautifully.

Zoey Madigan-Star: If I lose, it gets chalked up to a hiatus, shaking off the ring rust. Because those who know me and my accolades know that I always rise to the top eventually, no matter what it takes. That’s how it goes with talent, hard work and dedication. And if I win? Or more likely WHEN I win? That’s just Zoey being Zoey. The Sorceress Supreme of Professional Wrestling wins another battle on her way to the top. And believe me when I say it, Dane: the top is where I’m going… no matter how tonight ends.

Unfolding one leg from atop the other, Zoey slides artfully from the counter and into a standing position. She whips her jacket from the hat and puts it on before flipping the lid into the air so that it lands neatly atop her head.

Zoey Madigan-Star: I don’t damage people, Dane, I teach lessons. I make believers out of deniers. I’ve been doing it for years, both on the stage and in the ring. And, up until recently, I did it with a light heart and a happy smile. But that’s another time and another girl. I’m a different woman these days, one who finally has her head on straight. One who realizes that the ONLY person in this business who she can rely on is herself.

For the first time, the smile goes away. But what is left on her face? Bitterness? Anger? Frustration? Suffering? There’s not enough time to discover the source in the few moments that she looks in such a way before the smile is back, brighter than before. Except… well… now we kinda know that it isn’t 100%, don’t we?

Zoey Madigan-Star: You’re gonna believe in me after tonight, Dane, and it will be the show of a lifetime.

With a snap of her gloved fingers, Zoey disappears in a puff of purple smoke.
The camera finds “Psycho” Saoirse Maguire standing with her arms crossed in front of an NFW logo on the wall.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye, I bae ready tae fight.

A grimace comes over her face.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Haruka, I know people tend tae dismiss ye. They look down on ye because ye was a manager they dinna sae ye as ennithin naer a proper competitor…

She shakes her head.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Tha bae their mistake, yeah?

Psycho nods, disgust etched on her face.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: They all bae underestimatin’ ye an’ they bae payin’ fer tha mistake wit a proper baetdown.

She points into the camera.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Ye bae a quite proficient submission artist an’ anyone who say otherwise bae aeither feckin’ stupid or a feckin’ liar!

She shakes her ehad all over again.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Gammy feckin’ bastards, we’re gonna show them when we fight tooth an’ feckin’ nail!

Psycho points to herself.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: I know whot bae comin’ s’let’s get tae it, yeah?
It was nearing the end of the night when a camera caught back up to Jonna Austin and Alexa Marcus, the pair in a small room. Alexa was sitting in front of a computer, the content of the flash drive pulled up on the screen, while Jonna was standing behind her, a firm grip on the back of the chair that the head of security was sitting in. The champion’s eyes were focused on the screen which showed a video and Harper right in the middle of the opening of it. Alexa turned around in the chair and looked at the woman standing behind her.

Alexa Marcus: Jo…are you sure you want to watch this? Especially without anyone? When I said this wasn’t pretty, I meant it.

Jonna Austin: The others have enough on their plates, my sister is still out on injury, Lluv is on Trauma, who the fuck knows what’s going on with Chrissy, and I’m not taking Bella away from planning the twins’ birthday. With Harper being gone, other than you, I don’t have anyone else. I’m a big girl, Alexa. Just play the damn video.

Alexa sighed reluctantly as she turned around and pressed play. She had the volume turned down, which made it hard for the camera to catch all of the audio, but it didn’t matter to Jonna…she could hear it perfectly. The feminine laugh was the first thing that caught her ear as she watched Johnny Towers and Desdemona Shelley burst into her locker room the week before, presumably not long after she had left it to head to the curtain…Harper had told her that she’d be right behind her. Still focused on the computer screen, the camera showed as Harper looked between the two people in the room, not knowing what Desdemona would bring to the table but knowing quite well how Johnny could be. The camera moved to show Jonna’s face as she watched her ex keep her friend’s attention on him as Desdemona inched behind Harper. The champion’s grip tightened on the back of the chair as she spoke in a quiet voice.

Jonna Austin: I taught her better than that…Hell, Uncle Steve taught her too.

The camera turned back to the screen just as Desdemona grabbed Harper’s arms, holding them behind her to make it harder for her to fight. The video continued, showing Shelley sending a kick to the back of Harper’s knees, taking her legs from under her, as Johnny laughed and began taking stuff out of the bag he had with him. To Harper’s credit, she had been struggling against Shelley the entire time and hadn’t given them any noise of pain from the kick or anything to give them any kind of satisfaction so far. When the barbed wire was pulled from the bag, the camera turned back towards Jonna and Alexa.

Jonna Austin: I’m going to kill the fucker. For what he did to her, for sending this to me…

Alexa Marcus: Jo…I can turn it off. You don’t have to watch it.

Jonna shook her head, unable to tear her eyes away from the screen. The expression on her face was enough to tell the camera not to turn back toward the screen for the sake of any young viewers/audience members. The Texas native’s, mostly, expressionless face slowly morphed into one of anger then pure rage as the sounds from the video changed from Harper being mocked to whimpers of pain coming through then slowly turn into painful screams. The woman’s knuckles had turned white and her fingers were beginning to ache from how hard she was gripping the chair, her whole body trembling as the video continued. Alexa had turned away, unable to watch the attack happen a 2nd time around, but she watched the member of The Kingdom closely from the corner of her eye, ready to jump up to the woman’s aid if it was needed. The two remained in silence as Jonna remained fixated on the computer still, not wanting to watch anymore but unable to bring herself to tell Alexa to turn it off.

Alexa Marcus: Jonna…you’ve seen enough of it.

The Gamer Punk slowly shook her head, telling Alexa no despite her emotions yelling at her to agree. As Johnny’s voice came from the computer, the camera slowly turned back to the screen, showing a grinning Towers and Shelley as they looked down at their handiwork.

Johnny Towers: Jonna started this. I’m just returning the favor.

He laughed as he leaned down, a piece of paper in one hand and a stapler in the other. The anarchy A was already cut into Harper’s arm, and it appeared that she was just completely wiped out from fighting against the two. While Johnny’s face couldn’t be seen, Jonna knew he had a smirk on it as he held the paper to Harper’s head and forced the stapler against her skin, securing the paper to her. Alexa closed the video as Johnny and Desdemona left the locker room, smirks on their faces as they walked out.

Jonna Austin: He’s lucky he’s not here. He’d be leaving on a stretcher.

Without another word, Jonna turned on the heel of her boot and walked out of the room, shoving passed the single camera and camera operator in the process. The camera watched the champion walk down the hallway, disappearing from view.
We cut to the backstage area of the Ziggo Dome, with Jessi Ozborne, Kaya Parker, and Lilith Parker all sitting around production crates as they try to mend their wounds from earlier in the night.

Kaya Parker: Those stupid High Society fucks got the upper hand on us again! How the hell does it keep on happening?!

Jessi Ozborne: Alright, Kaya. We get it. Calm down.

Lilith Parker: This wasn’t supposed to go like this, Jess. What happened to us getting rid of Crystal?!

Jessi Ozborne: Jesus fuck, not you too, Lil. Look, no plan is ever perfect. We may have got a wrench thrown in, but the last thing we need to be doing is losing our shi–

Just then, Jessi is interrupted by the sight of a steel chair being thrown into the wall from off-screen! Immediately after, Sanada walks into frame, pacing around the scene angrily!

Sanada: Ano baka shōfu! Kanojo no kuso atama ga hoshī! Watashi wa kanojo o shukketsu sa seru tsumoridesu!
That stupid whore! I want her fucking head! I’m going to make her bleed!

Sanada: I can say that next time I will have her blood on my hands. It's not over, it's definitely not over yet. Next time it's my redemption, so next time we fight her. I will do worse things, and more than that, I will do anything to have her blood on my hands. I'm not threatening because I'm really going to do it. Or maybe there will be some unlucky girl who will suffer karma because I will definitely not stop here. My next attack is the next level. This time they survived, but next time they definitely won't be that lucky.

Kaya Parker: Jess…you have to do something…

Jessi Ozborne: Alright, alright…

The rest of the Queens continue to chatter, causing Jessi to become a bit overwhelmed.

Jessi Ozborne: WILL EVERYONE JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LET ME THINK?!?!

The Queens go silent, with Jessi’s mood adjusting as she realizes what she’s just done.

Jessi Ozborne: Alright look…I’m sorry…just…I’ll be back. I got just the way to fix this.

Jessi starts to walk off, realizing that the three are beginning to follow her as well.

Jessi Ozborne: No! I got this, okay? You three stay put!

The three look confused at first, eventually volunteering to hang back. Jessi makes her way down the corridor, passing by multiple doors before landing on one in particular. She swings it open, immediately facing a person that’s inside the room that cannot be seen.

Jessi Ozborne: Hey!

Jessi takes a defensive pose now, with the person inside the room presumably getting ready to fight her off!

Jessi Ozborne: Whoa! Chill the fuck out! I’m here alone. No one else is outside. No one else is coming.

Jessi’s defensive pose wanes, as we can assure that the person in the room with her has relaxed themselves.

Jessi Ozborne: Good. Now I’m gonna close this door, and you and I are gonna have a chat. Feel like you and I can come to an understanding on something.

Jessi attempts to close the door, with the cameraman hurrying to get inside the room. He’s just about to turn the camera’s lens towards the person in the room with Jessi, but she intervenes, putting her hand over it.

Jessi Ozborne: Get the fuck outta here, cunt!

The cameraman gets shoved back, with the first clear visual the camera sees after Jessi’s push being the door to the room slamming in front of it. We fade elsewhere following the clanking sound of the door’s lock being used.