NFW Trauma #94 - 01/28/2023!

We begin tonight’s Trauma as ”1984” by Slaughter to Prevail begins to play. The fans instantly recognize this as Kasey Kash’s music, popping up to their feet upon hearing it and cheering in anticipation of the former Undisputed Champion’s unexpected arrival.

Seth Ernst: There’s absolutely no way, Mir! Could it be?!

Miranda Augustino: The music and the tron definitely say so, Seth! Kasey Kash might not be killed just yet!

For a moment, no one is seen on the stage. This doesn’t hamper the excitement of the fans however, who continue to cheer for the former. Those cheers eventually turn to boos, however, as instead of Kash, it’s the current Undisputed Champion, Kai Morgan, donned in a casual suit and sunglasses. Flanking him is none other than his representative, Nova Juaquin, carrying the Undisputed Championship over her shoulder as they soak in the soured reaction of the fans on the stage.

Seth Ernst: Oh you have gotta be kidding me! The man already cost Kasey Kash his job, does he really have to be this petty?

Miranda Augustino: He’s the Undisputed Champion, he can do whatever he wants, Seth! I will say though, he ain’t shit for doing that!

The two stroll down to the ring, with Nova raising the Undisputed Championship in the air for all in attendance to see. Upon making it to the ring apron, Kai steps up ahead of his manager, holding the ropes open for her to come through. The two stand in the ring together, just listening and snickering to one another as the chants begin to roll in.

Crowd: FUCK! KAI! MOR-GAN!
clap clap clap clap clap
FUCK! KAI! MOR-GAN!
clap clap clap clap clap

Nova makes her way to the side of the ring, requesting a microphone from one of the ringside technicians. All the while, the champion just stands there, listening to the crowd as they start to mix up their chanting, interrupting Nova as she tries to speak.

Crowd: FUCK! KAI! MOR-GAN!
KA-SEY! KASH!
FUCK! KAI! MOR-GAN!
KA-SEY! KASH!

The crowd doesn’t let up whatsoever, with Nova deciding to speak over them anyway.

Nova Juaquin: The fact that you idiots really believed that loser was here is really quite amusing. Kash's NFW career is DEAD just as it should be! And this man is at the top of the mountain as he deserves!

Nova motioned to Kai at the end, ignoring the increase of boos and jeers from the crowd. If anything, it only seemed to fuel her on more.

Nova Juaquin: Trauma was sorely lacking in many aspects. We took care of one, but it seems like this show just can't stay out of Chaos when Kai isn't on it. And it seems like our new general manager enjoys ignoring the proper way to treat her top champion by putting him in the farce of a match he has this evening.

Kai takes the microphone from Nova, before beginning his proclamation.

Kai Morgan: It seems as though being gone for a week has made people forget who’s show this is. It seems as though, people can’t seem to fathom what Trauma is now. Let me jog your memory. Trauma is MY show. This ring is mine. This microphone is mine. The chairs you’re all currently sitting in, are mine. The camera that’s filming me right now is mine. TRAUMA IS KAI! MORGAN’S! SHOW!

The booing increases with Kai’s aggressive tone.

Kai Morgan: And yet tonight, our oh so special new general manager not only saw fit that I take on one of the three stooges, but to give the main event spot that should belong to me to the lowest tier of champion on this brand. But that’s no problem. If the people here want a victim, I’ll give them one. Not a problem at all. I’ll make an example out of as many people as I need to in order to get the respect I deserve as champion around here. Hell, if Steven Brody needs more money to spend on diapers, I’ll even send a few people packing like I did Kasey Kash! Give him a few less paychecks to write!

Nova laughed and smirked before she took the microphone back, much to the ever growing displeasure of the crowd.

Nova Juaquin: Of course that brings us around to the contendership match that's later this evening. Damon Cross…a man that couldn't get the job done when a lesser champion held the title. And Bethany Kenyon…a former Trios champion that seems to be going after a singles run now. But neither of those two have what it takes to take this title from Kai. Tonight he makes a victim out of Miles then he makes a victim out of one of those two. Watch closely tonight. Hell, take notes if you want to, and then maybe, just maybe, everyone will remember that Trauma is NOTHING without him on it.

Nova hands the Undisputed Championship belt to Kai, who raises it over his head as ”Pretty Picture” by The Used plays to sign the two off.

Seth Ernst: Some bold words by the Undisputed Champion and his representative to start off tonight’s Trauma!

Miranda Augustino: Powerful statement indeed, Seth! But if history has taught us anything, it’s that this union of Kai Morgan and Nova Juaquin has what it takes to back up every single word.

The two make their exit from the ring, with Kai once again holding open the ropes to let Nova out. The two walk up the ramp, with Nova talking up her client as they ascend up the rampway.
Vanessa Page and her sister “Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page are walking into the Vlad Blackhart arena.

"Too Sexy" Tiffany Lynn Page: As much as the world hates to see it you, Danielle, and Bianca are on a roll once again.

Vanessa Page: We most certainly are. Everyone got to see us shock the world when we once again become the number one contenders to our NFW Trios titles.

"Too Sexy" Tiffany Lynn Page: And soon enough the Trios Championships will be back in your hands.

Vanessa Page: Damn right they will be but until then I am going to show this Aisha that she has messed around with the wrong woman and that she isn’t in the minor leagues anymore.

"Too Sexy" Tiffany Lynn Page: Just because she is a big deal in Portugal this Aisha thinks she can come into NFW and make a name for herself?

Vanessa Page: As if, girl. When I am done with you, you’ll be singing on the streets of Portugal for spare change because I’m #Flawless and you are merely you.

Vanessa and Tiffany giggle as they walk away.
Back in the dressing room area, Ibbie is seen lacing up her boots while Loree is standing in the background on her cell. She wraps up the call she was on and turns her attention to her client.

Loree Merope: Ibbie, last week, you told me you were fine to compete and then you just let her loose again. You have got to keep her in check!

Ibbie: I tried my best, Miss Loree, but it's tougher some days than others. Like today, it's easier, so I'm sure I can keep her away.

Loree Merope: I certainly hope so, my dear child.

Loree puts a hand on one of Ibbie's shoulders.

Loree Merope: You just worry me is all. I've already got my hands full with Lorna and her issues, I can't have you breaking down on me too.

Ibbie puts her hand on Loree's and smiles at her.

Ibbie: Don't worry, I'm not as far gone as Lorna.

Ibbie gets up to her feet and stands facing Loree.

Ibbie: Besides, you were able to make Lorna break out enough to compete in the ring instead of staying locked away. That's something, isn't it?

Loree nods to Ibbie while opening the door to exit the dressing room area. Ibbie follows, but both are stopped by a man who is wearing a VIP badge with a cameraman right behind him.

Man: Ibbie, I'm a reporter with--

Loree interrupts him by putting her hand up between the two of them which works for a brief moment, but the reporter is persistent.

Reporter: Please accept my apologies, Ms Merope, I really need to get some comments from Ibbie about what happened with her match last week.

Loree Merope: Is this about Aisha? If it is, then we have nothing to say about it. She took away an opportunity by getting involved in Ibbie's match last week and what's done is done, so my client and I would like to move on.

Ibbie clears her throat.

Ibbie: What is your name?

Reporter: My name is Bill, why?

Ibbie offers her hand to the reporter.

Ibbie: Hi, Mr. Bill, I'm Ibbie! Oh noooo...

He reluctantly shakes her hand as Ibbie smiles and giggles at the man.

Ibbie: Now, as far as last week goes. I was making my return to NFW and already having a hard time because I'm still Ibbie, but wasn't when facing Ayu Megumi. I hurt her feelings pretty badly from what I said to her and I want to make sure she knows I'm sorry because I'm saying it right now. I'm sorry, Ayu, for the words I said before the match and my conduct during our match. That was not like me... Ibbie!

Reporter: Ibbie, I wanted to ask you about Aisha who made her way into your match at the end of the show after having her own match at the beginning. Why do you think Aisha went after you of all people? Why wouldn't she go after your opponent for that night, the United States champion?

Loree, clearly annoyed rolls her eyes at the question.

Loree Merope: Aisha may be a celebrity outside of this sport, but that's a wrestling ring out there, not a red carpet. She claims her goal was to ruin the main event last week because of NFW failing to promote a tweet?! What a childish thing to do... and at the expense of my client's opportunity to regain the title she had to vacate due to health reasons! Ibbie has other matters to attend to tonight like her match against Crystal Caldwell and your question is best directed to Aisha herself.

Ibbie smiles at the cameraman while twirling her hair with one hand. She starts to talk even though the reporter and Loree were still engaging.

Ibbie: Christina messaged me on twitter to tell me Crystal would face me in the ring. I think she said we were supposed to dance, but that doesn't sound correct. I can't dance, I've tried. It's not good to see. I think I may need JAHJAH to teach me how. JAHJAH, baes, if you're watching, I need dance lessons. Anyway, Crystal, I've faced your wife before and she was tough. I couldn't defeat her in a submission match and I'm a submission wrestler! If you're that tough, then tonight may end up a loss for me, but I'm determined to win and I'm going to try my best. You do seem friendlier than her, so I'm still going to reach out my hand to shake yours and hopefully you'll shake it just like you shook Jessi Osborne's hand after your match with her at Wrestle War. Let's go out and put on a good match, as they say. You wished me the best of luck on social media and I'm wishing you the best of luck right now.

Reporter: Thank you for your time, Ibbie.

Ibbie: Wait! I wasn't finished... I'm a submission wrestler, I'm determined to win, I'm going to try my best, I'm still going to reach out my hand to shake Crystal's before the match, I'm wishing Crystal the best of luck, and I'm also still Ibbie!

She waves off the reporter and walks off with Loree. The reporter is looking somewhat satisfied with the interview, but scratches his head while looking over his notes and then to the cameraman.

Reporter: She didn't answer all my questions.

The scene fades into the next.
We are taken to the backstage area and the very moment that we are is the same moment that we are treated to a warm welcome for Crystal Caldwell. Chicago begins to cheer loudly for the blue haired vixen. She smirks as she looks into the camera and is clad in her cosplay attire. Today she looks like Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho. She has a long Rose Whip in her hands as she smacks it all over the ground.

Crystal Caldwell: Hello everyone! Ladies and gentlemen can I just say that I feel absolutely amazing tonight. This is the big debut of yours truly. I am the amazing actress, and the charismatic cosplayer Crystal Caldwell and tonight I am officially on Saturdays. I am on Trauma and I feel so happy to be on this show. There’s many reasons to be happy but I guess one thing I am happy about is that I on the same brand with my wife!

The crowd in the background has mixed reactions but she just shrugs her shoulders.

Crystal Caldwell: Look I love my wife. Alexandra will always be my everything, along with Seleana but when it comes to Stacy I respect the hell out of that woman. I am letting it be known that I am not involved in any of that. That is Alex’s business and mine is on being the best wrestler I can on Trauma. I want to take this time to give some shout outs to some amazing women. I want to say hi to Jessica Matthews and a huge hello to my best friend Zoey Madigan Star. We will have our MAGICAL boardwalk Angel connection in the GFL. The Brawlers will brawl and it won’t be long until we can connect and we become the best QB and WR tandem in the entire league. Mark my words on that. Angels will fly and so shall we. Just watch and see.

Crystal grins as she chuckles and speaks some more.

Crystal Caldwell: Anyway tonight is a new journey for me. I can sit here and talk out emotions or how it feels to be right here on Trauma but I think first impressions are definitely the best way to go. I got a big match with Ibbie and I am just going to have some fun tonight. Let this match be the start of something fantastic. My rose will always blossom. See you soon. Tonight my rose will blossom and I will get that first big win on Trauma. See you all!
Aisha walks the halls surrounded by her crew of ten still dressed in the ring gear she had on for her match. It doesn't take long before she runs into the same reporter who interviewed Ibbie earlier.

Reporter: Excuse me, Aisha, I was needing to ask you a few questions. I'm a reporter from Los Angeles for the--

Aisha stops her stride and has one of her male crew members stand in the reporter's face which causes him to stop talking. Aisha then turns in his direction and gets in his face.

Aisha: Excuse me, Imma ignore your rudeness and gon letcha know one time. I don't do interviews with just anybody and just cuz you say you're with someone don't mean it's true. Imma need to peep ya cred, sir.

The reporter looks confused, but the male crew member in front of him rips the pass from around the man's neck and shows it to Aisha. She looks disgusted and just turns her back on the reporter while her crew all laugh. The crew member with the pass gives it back by pushing it against the reporter's chest. The crew continue laughing until Aisha puts her hand up silencing them all.

Aisha: Look, I ain't got time to answer stupid questions from a stupid reporter from some 2-bit celebrity gossip website.

Reporter: I just wanted to know why you got involved in Ibbie's match last week.

Aisha: If you used your eyes, you'd read what I said on Twitter. NFW didn't promote me, I ruined their main event, simple as that.

Reporter: Wouldn't Ayu Megumi, the champion, be the better target between the two in that match? Why didn't you get involved with the United States champion instead of the challenger?

Aisha: Smarter than you look cuz that's a good question, but I ain't gon answer your questions, I done told you. If you want answers, you gon get them with everybody else on my time, ya dig, yo? So, take your little cameraman and go back under that rock you came out from under. You've done wasted my time and my time is not here to be wasted. Bet!

Aisha walks off and her crew stays behind to hold the reporter and his cameraman back and away from her. The NFW cameras continue to catch her walking further from everyone and then stopping short and grinning. The camera pans back and shows Aisha standing right behind Ibbie who has her back to her.

Aisha: Wrong place, wrong time, again!

Ibbie turns around after hearing Aisha's voice, but turns right into Aisha's fist swinging at her face! Ibbie doubles over while holding her jaw and Aisha takes the opportunity to deliver a knee to her face.

Miranda Augustino: Oooh get'er, girl!

Seth Ernst: What? Why is Aisha attacking Ibbie?!

Miranda Augustino: Didn't you hear her? Ibbie was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Aisha continues the assault on Ibbie delivering the Aisha Combination followed by a hard whip launching Ibbie into a wall causing her to fall into a seated position. Aisha hops backward a couple times getting some distance to survey the damage she caused and then looks over and pulls a luggage cart from behind her wheeling it forcefully at Ibbie letting it go! Ibbie gets crushed by the moving cart and pinned against the wall.

Seth Ernst: Somebody has to stop this. Is Loree not around?

Aisha unplugs a nearby plug, jumps behind the luggage cart as cameras follow. Aisha then wraps the cord around Ibbie's neck choking her out.

Aisha: Take what's mine and Imma make you pay, you loveable little bitch. Bet!

Ibbie's nose is bleeding as her face starts to turn red and her eyes close. Officials show up, as does Loree Merope, and Aisha is eventually pulled away from Ibbie. The camera closes in showing Ibbie is out cold and Loree runs over to try to be of some help. The medics finally arrive and push the cameras back as the scene cuts over to Miranda and Seth at ringside.

Miranda Augustino: I'm not sure what that was all about, but damn was that entertaining to watch.

Seth Ernst: Mir, have some decency. Ibbie is out in the back with medics attending to her, but what was Aisha talking about? Also, what does this attack mean for Crystal Caldwell who has a match against Ibbie next?

Miranda Augustino: Wrong place, wrong time for Ibbie... Right place, right time for Crystal!
As the previous match settles down, the ring crew are barely finished fixing up ringside when the lights dim down and Lacuna Coil’s “Swamped” rips through the speakers, sending the NFW mainstay crowd into a frenzy.

Seth Ernst: Ohhhhhhhh boy, Miranda!! This is unexpected!

Miranda Augustino: We don’t usually see our head honcho out here, Seth!

Seth Ernst: But this is a new head honcho and she said things were about to change around here.

The lighting is not unlike her old entrance, flickerings of red and violet in an otherwise dark setting with smoke filling the entryway. Some might almost expect her to appear in her gear but General Manager LeeAnn Viskan comes stepping out onto the stage in black skinny jeans, knee high leather boots, a band shirt and a rib cropped leather jacket. Her black painted lips form a scowl across her face as she wastes no time in coming down the aisle towards the ring.

Thea Crawford: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Trauma’s General Manager: LeeAnn Viskan!

Seth Ernst: She does NOT look happy, Mir!!

Miranda Augustino: She does not, that’s why I’m about to shut my mouth and open my ears.

Seth Ernst: Right there with ya!

LeeAnn ascends the steps, enters the ring and plays to the crowd for a moment, climbing the middle turnbuckle and throwing her arms out with the horns to the side. The pop from the crowd turns her scowl into a small smirk for but a moment before he drops the smirk and her arms and steps back down to the mat. LeeAnn takes the microphone from Thea Crawford and dismisses her from the ring as she comes to the center. The music fades out and the lights fade back to normal.

LeeAnn Viskan: Cut that shit off and I’ll make this nice and quick. For starters…

Crowd: VISKAN! VISKAN! VISKAN! VISKAN! VISKAN! VISKAN!

LeeAnn cracks another smile, this one a little somber as she looks around at the thunderous audience.

LeeAnn Viskan: ...I missed you guys, too. Really. I hear your voices and I can tell the majority of you here remember what I’m about. Seems as though, these days, that’s not enough. Especially in this new position. We got a roster of over a hundred names in wrestlers alone here in NFW. About a third of you, or more, fall under my jurisdiction. Out of all of those, I can count three of you, yeah three.

She holds up her other hand with her pinky, ring and middle finger up at the crowd.

LeeAnn Viskan: Three of you were here when I was still here lacing up the boots, turning kids half my age into pretzels saltier than at a carny show. So, I digress, please allow me to re-introduce myself.

She turns directly to the camera at the corner of the ring now and closes in as she slows her speech down so she’s crystal clear.

LeeAnn Viskan: My name is LeeAnn Viskan and this is now my fucking show!

She lowers the microphone down, pausing as she stares into the camera. She hasn’t raised her tone. She hasn’t made any motions that might suggest she’s angry. Her voice is eerily calm and chilling but a glimmer can be seen in her eyes as she continues.

LeeAnn Viskan: Let me repeat that. This is MY show. It ain’t anybody else’s on this roster, and if any of you in the back feel otherwise or care to disagree? I cordially invite you to come out here and share your feelings.

With that, she lowers the microphone and turns towards the stage, waiting a few breaths in silence with the crowd. LeeAnn looks around. She raises her eyebrows, almost expectantly as the crowd gets a chant going.

Crowd: YOU WON’T DO IT!
Clap, clap, clapclapclap!
YOU WON’T DO IT!
Clap, clap, clapclapclap!
YOU WON’T DO IT!
Clap, clap, clapclapclap!
YOU WON’T DO IT!
Clap, clap, clapclapclap!

LeeAnn slowly raises her arm to the side with the microphone extended out to pick up some of the noise coming out of the audience. Her eyes never leave the stage as she smoothly rings her arm in and the mic back to her lips.

LeeAnn Viskan: Now that that’s out of the way, I’ll continue.

Seth Ernst: I’m getting goosebumps, Mir.

Miranda Augustino: This woman hasn’t lost her stride, Seth. Goddamn!

LeeAnn Viskan: Last week, I didn’t say nor do much when I took a seat in the office. I wanted to sit back and see what I had to work with and oh did I get a good goddamn look. Now, I got all the respect in the world for my predecessor, Miss Santiago, but I’ll be the first one to admit her hand’s been, what I like to call…a little light. She put a lot of trust and faith in her roster and what makes me sick to my stomach is how the majority of you back there took advantage of her leniency. Trust me, kiddies: I welcome you to try the same with me. I flat out fucking dare you, but apparently, as just proven a moment ago, I have all of your attention. So here’s what’s gonna happen.

LeeAnn pauses, idly brushing some of her red hair out of her eyes before continuing.

LeeAnn Viskan: Everyone that wrestles here on Trauma is contractually obligated to be here during a broadcast. I’m enforcing that obligation from here on out. I don’t care if you got a hot date. I don’t care if you’re not booked. If it isn’t a family emergency or if you don’t have any other signed booking you have to be at, your ass will be HERE at the Colosseum on Saturday Nights. It’s what you get paid for. Things change on the fly just like that.

She snaps her fingers into the microphone so the speakers pick up the sound.

LeeAnn Viskan: Next, let’s talk about the action around here. I mean, it’s been pretty solid, right? I’ve got no complaints, really. Any of you?

The crowd responds in agreement. They can’t really think of anything lacking but something about LeeAnn’s expression says there is.

LeeAnn Viskan: It feels like we could spice things up, though, so that’s what we’re gonna do. See, I didn’t garner my reputation in this industry by playing patty cake with soft babyback bitches. I had a knack for the more violent side of things and personally, I think Trauma could live up more to it’s name. So! Referee’s, I wanna ask you to indulge your General Manager a little bit. I want you to lengthen the leash on disqualifications to an extent. They wanna hit each other with a chair? They wanna drop one another through a table? You fucking let them! This isn’t powderpuff football. This isn’t little league baseball. This is NFW Saturday Night Trauma so show me TRAUMA!! Starting next week, I wanna see you all absolutely rain hell on each other!!

Miranda Augustino: Wooooooowww! Is she serious?!

Seth Ernst: She wants to see things turned up a notch here!

LeeAnn Viskan: Let’s see, what’s next on the list? Ah, yes. On the flipside of that, let’s talk about something that’s been getting out of hand for a while now. In fact, it’s being downright abused. You thirty to forty some odd men and women back there? You’re all wrestlers. Professional fighters. You get paid to kick the absolute hell out of each other. You know who you don’t get paid to lay hands on? Here’s a few exhibits.

Without missing a beat, LeeAnn turns to point a finger out at Thea Crawford.

LeeAnn Viskan: Her.

She turns to the timekeeper next.

LeeAnn Viskan: Him.

She points to the commentary team.

LeeAnn Viskan: Them.

She swings her arm around and points to the referee for the next scheduled match, standing at ringside.

LeeAnn Viskan: Anyone wearing that goddamn shirt.

Then points to the stage again, motioning backstage.

LeeAnn Viskan: Anybody in the back carrying a microphone around that might stop you to get a few words about your next match. They’re doing their job, just like you’re here to do yours. You don’t lay a damn finger on them. I’ve sat back at home and watched these shows with my family over the past few years and frankly, now that I’m in a position to do something, I’m not gonna stand for it, so everyone backstage in the locker room, clean out your ears and make sure you hear this. You intentionally lay hands on anybody not signed to compete in this ring, you’re not gonna lose any percentage of your paycheck. No. I’m not gonna fine you. I’m gonna flat out FIRE you!

Crowd: Whoooooaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Seth Ernst: Hooooooly…!!

Miranda Augustino: Boss lady laying down the Law of the Land, Seth!

LeeAnn lets that sink in for a moment before grinning wickedly and shrugs her shoulders.

LeeAnn Viskan: Of course…again, if anybody doesn’t like it, my door’s always open. I’ll be happy to sort out any grievances this causes you. Just ask yourself one question: what’s a better situation? Exercising some common decency and continuing to rake in that very nice salary of yours, or being carted out here without a dime to your name while you’re unable to walk?

The General Manager backs away from the ropes and back to the center of the ring, turning and pacing now.

LeeAnn Viskan: Last but not least. As I said, you’re all competitors in a combat sport. You walk down that aisle. You limber up. The bell rings. You beat the hell out of each other. One of you pins or taps out the other. The bell rings. Match is over. That. Is. It. At least that’s how it should be but some of you around here like to take matters into your own hands. Look, I get it. You win some. Great. You lose some. It sucks. Losing’s never easy to swallow. But attacking your opponent before or after the match and beating them to the point they need to be taken to the emergency room? Not happening! Not on this bitch’s watch. I said there were gonna be changes. I said there were gonna be repercussions. Yeah, Diamond Caldwell? Aisha? I’m talking to you two. You wanna hospitalize one of my roster and act like nothing’s gonna come of it? Think again, buttercup. Time for your asses to pay the rent. Starting with you Diamond. Aisha? Grab some water. I'm gonna let you sweat a bit.

Seth Ernst: Seven days?

Miranda Augustino: Probably means something for next week, Seth.

LeeAnn turns to the crowd again as she continues.

LeeAnn Viskan: We’re a few weeks from Rise of Legends, February 28th but personally? I’m just a smidge more excited for what comes after that. It’s been my favorite supercard since Isabella Santiago took over so you can bet your asses, I’m keeping with it. Yes, I’m talking about March Mayhem.

The crowd pops at the mention of Trauma’s traditional, first exclusive supercard of every year, bringing a grin to LeeAnn’s face. She even nods a little as she brings her mic back up.

LeeAnn Viskan: Damn right. March Mayhem and the Wheel of Mayhem. Anything can happen with just one little spin. Competitors can find themselves in any type of match possible. They’ve gotta be on their toes. So here’s what’s gonna happen, Diamond. You’re gonna be the first in a long celebration of my favorite event of the year. Your ass is gonna have a match next week. You’re not gonna know what it is. These fans aren’t gonna know what it is. I don’t even know what it is…because it’s gonna be decided by the Wheel of Mayhem.

Seth Ernst: WHAT?!

Miranda Augustino: Ayyyy cabron!

The crowd pops again as LeeAnn opens her arms out to the sides, subsequently picking up more noise into the microphone. She goes on to add…

LeeAnn Viskan: Once a week, every week. One match will be decided by the Wheel of Mayhem. Starting with you Diamond. I’m definitely gonna punish you but I’m gonna leave it up to fate to decide. One spin of the wheel’s gonna decide your fate to be carried out in front of all of Chicago and the rest of the world watching. So, see you next week, sparky, right here in the Main Event. Oh…and while I stand here as your judge and jury…your executioner?

She pauses, leering at the camera before slowly bringing up the mic again.

LeeAnn Viskan: Will be none other than The Walking Apocalypse…Adrianna Salvatore.

Seth Ernst: WHOOOAAAAAAAA MAAAAAN!!

Miranda Augustino: Diamond Caldwell’s gotta face Adrianna Salvatore with no knowledge of what type of match it’ll be?!

LeeAnn Viskan: You all enjoy the rest of the show….

She passes the mic back through the ropes to Thea Crawford as “Swamped” comes on again and LeeAnn leaves the ring, heading back up the ramp.

Seth Ernst: General Manager, LeeAnn Viskan laying it all down, folks!

Miranda Augustino: There’s most definitely a new sheriff in town!
The camera opens upon Bethany Kenyon seemingly ready for her match to get going.

Bethany Kenyon: Damon Cross…

A smile crosses her face at the name on her lips.

Bethany Kenyon: I remember hearing about you in Hybrid. You were supposed to be this awesome competitor that had a history with Eric Donavan and Hiashi Shinsuma, which in Hybrid meant something, since Eric was the Boss and Hiashi ran the training school.

She nods slowly in acknowledgement.

Bethany Kenyon: You were supposed to be the best of everyone, better than Hiashi, better than Donavan, better than all their students combined.

The smile fades slightly.

Bethany Kenyon: Then you came in and looked like you’d lost your mind. You put together the Crusade and tried to take over the one show and the school while constantly talking about how they’d done you wrong. Along the way, you made friends you still have in Ronnie Lester and Sylvia Lopez and…

She pauses and can’t help nod to herself while looking down at her feet.

Bethany Kenyon: Gotta amit, y’all always looked like a force to reckon with.

Looking back up to the camera, Bethany right down the barrel of the lens.

Bethany Kenyon: So then that place closed, and we both came here with our old accomplishments and we both made new ones here. We’ve both won a ton but somehow, up until now, we’ve never had to face off against each other in any place and I gotta admit, it’s kind of exciting.

A look of determination comes over her face.

Bethany Kenyon: You've been the man on Collision. You’ve come to Trauma to stake your claim to it here too and make history that way and anybody who says you can’t, well they just ain’t been paying attention!

She nods to the camera again, determination and respect practically just wafting off of her.

Bethany Kenyon: I never expected to get an opportunity like this but I promise you and everyone else watching, that I’m gonna bring everything I’ve got to making the most of this! No way this is gonna be anything other than a complete battle but that’s what a number one contender match to the top prize should be! Here I come, Damon, let’s go take this together and make sure whoever wins damn well earned it!

The smile brightening, she nods to the camera.

Bethany Kenyon: See ya out there.
We come back from commercial break with Diamond Caldwell sitting on a steel folding chair in the center of the ring. By the way the crowd is booing her to death, they were like this prior to the cameras rolling. They’re pretty passionate. Their love for Stacy Jones shining through, the noise dies down just a little so Diamond can sneak in the following...

Diamond Caldwell: “Do I have everybody's attention now?”

The blank expression she had on her face when the cameras rolled turns into a grin. She soaks in more disdain from the Chicago audience. Dat Girl stands up.

Diamond Caldwell: “You know what’s sad? It took me beating the ever living hell out of Stacy Jones to get your attention. I’ll admit. After I went to the back to collect my thoughts, part of me wanted to come out here, tell everyone that I am sorry for losing my cool. There was no excuse for what I did. We all have moments where we act in a way that’s unbecoming. The minute I hopped on Twitter to soak in all your disapproval, whatever guilt I had washed away in an instant.”

“I don’t remember any of you being this outraged when I was assaulted in the back by Lana.”

“Where were your cries for justice then?”

“Or, when the Queens of Chaos dismantled my wife live on television. Where was your vitriol?”

“Right. I didn’t see any!”

“Pleading for forgiveness from all of you... don’t expect it. Not going to happen.”

Diamond wags her finger.

Diamond Caldwell: “I WAS the longest reigning Genesis Champion in history damn it. I was undefeated, had not taken a clear undisputed loss in ages. Where were my flowers? Where was my respect? Where was my praise? Where was I on your dream match list? No where. I should be. I am the best pure athlete in all of professional wrestling, I shouldn’t need to toot my own horn. Hey. That was my mistake.”

“Remember when I walked out during the Vlad Blackheart Memorial, poured my heart out to each and every single one of you? I expressed my wildest fears. Told you a story of a woman from Compton who felt she needed to be a killer cause lets face it, people like me need to work twice as hard just to gain an inch.”

“Tell me I’m wrong. Look at our society, do you see many women like me get the same passes others do? No. We all know that’s true. But I wanted to do the responsible thing. I was so afraid of becoming a monster. I didn’t want to become your typical story of the woman who allowed the drive of success to tear down everything around them. I didn’t want to be a piece of shit... the minute I took my foot off the gas, Lana made me tap out at Wrestle War.”

Diamond grits her teeth remembering what in her mind was one of the most humiliating moments of her career. Doesn’t set right with her that Lana was the first person to pin her, cost her a chance to become Undisputed Champion and make her tap out. Knowing it will irk Diamond, the crowd chants “you tapped out” several times. Dat Girl takes a deep breath, calming herself enough to push through what she needs to say.

Diamond Caldwell: “Stacy beating me didn’t help. Yeah, I made a decision. In that moment a little regret. Not anymore. I know what I need to do now. I want to become the Undisputed Champion. If I need to eliminate any obstacle in front of me to get the job done, so be it. I am not taking my foot off the gas anymore, consequences be damned!”

Now Diamond looks straight into the camera as if she was looking at Stacy directly.

Diamond Caldwell: “Stacy, I know you’re watching. Take solace in the fact I don’t hate you. Due to the respect I still have for you, I am giving you a stern warning. Don’t. Come. Back. Because if you do, I will make sure you are unable to make a return. Don’t worry, you have a thousand simps a mile long who will go as far as drinking your bath water. You’ll be ok. Stay away for your own mental and physical well being. If I ever see your face again, you’ll wish we never crossed paths to begin with. Understood? Please. Don’t make me, make you, a paraphyletic. Don’t put that on my conscience. Trust me, I am Dat Girl who could make it happen.”

The crowd doesn’t react favorably to the threat tossed in Stacy’s direction. “I Am The Fire” by Halestorm plays. Diamond drops the mic. She exits the ring not caring that she has become one of the most hated people on the NFW roster. Not bothering to acknowledge the crowd she walks through the curtain a woman on a mission.
Backstage, the camera opens upon Ashley Kenyon standing in a broom closet with a lone naked bulb dangling over her.

Ashley Kenyon: Yeah, yeah, I know, Ash, you ain’t gotta be hiding in the closet anymore because we’re not in Hybrid anymore and you ain’t got a rep for attacking people namby pamby here.

She nods knowingly.

Ashley Kenyon: Yeah… I’m aware… but…

She looks up at the bulb glowing above her and a wry smile comes to her face.

Ashley Kenyon: Just somethin’ about the place…

Looking up to the camera again, the wry smile turns into a full blown smirk.

Ashley Kenyon: It just feels like home and I kinda got used to the place. I kinda like it in here, just me and my thoughts an nobody to try and slow me the fuck down!

She steps back and leans against the wall.

Ashley Kenyon: So I get one of the Queens in the main event for her championship and you know what?

She nods, excitement almost taking over.

Ashley Kenyon: This is gonna be fun! Alexandra Calaway’s got some attitude on her and I fucking love that! We’re gonna go out there and tear this motherfucker down and when we’re done, whoever’s holding that gold is gonna have goddamn well fucking earned it!

She slams her hands down on the shelf in front of her.

Ashley Kenyon: Let’s fucking go!