NFW Collision #170!

The camera opens Trixie Decker sitting on the hood of a car in a parking lot, still in street clothing, with the Perseverance Title over her shoulder. She finishes a beer and hurls it into a nearby dumpster.

Trixie: “I dunno, but I’m feeling pretty good about myself. Maybe it’s cuz, on Saturday, I pinned a man almost three times my weight. Maybe it’s just life is going nice. But I’m excited about tonight.”

Trixie slides off the hood of the car and starts walking towards the arena, the camera following her.

Trixie: “Seriously, I’m proud of myself for getting Ricky Ray down for a pin. Tournaments aren’t usually something I excel in. And then there’s tonight. A three-way with the other Collision title holders. And let’s look at who all’s involved.”

Trixie stops and looks at the camera, raising a finger.

Trixie: “First off, our World Champion, Donna Rotten. A woman after my own heart. If she asked nicely, I’d let her be after a few other parts of me, too. A little spooky, a lotta insane. The kinda woman who, if you told me had a collection of teeth and hair from people she’s beaten up, I’d say, ‘that makes sense.’”

Trixie raises a second finger.

Trixie: “The Silver Mountain Champion, Saoirse Maguire. I mean, fuck, just look at how she took that title, how absolutely bloody that match was. It was a violent little opera and I loved every second of it.”

Trixie resumes walking to the arena again.

Trixie: “Honestly, the three of us should be let loose in a warehouse full of weapons, the lights dimmed, to just see how fucking hellish it could go. Or teamed up and thrown at people. Either would be fun. So, yeah, I’m expecting tonight to be a hellish bloodbath that, if all goes well, we’ll all have to be carried away from.”

She stops again, grimacing.

Trixie: “Assuming a certain faerie or autotuned punk start don’t pop up. I mean, Tinkerhell is probably a little grumpy still about me costing her that win against Diamond. In my defense, I was hoping to knock both of them out so neither would win.”

Trixie shrugs.

Trixie: “I’m sure it’ll bite me in the ass, but as long as Donna’s doing the nib--” (Trixie stops herself.) “Know what? I’ve already got two opponents tonight. Let’s not add an HR visit to the mix. But tonight, win or lose, I plan on hurting and being hurt. It’s time to bleed out for the masses. It’s just a matter of who bleeds most.”

Trixie blows a kiss before walking off camera.
We cut back to the arena the fans cheering as the camera pans around them.

Nick Hanson: Welcome back to NFW Collision we still have plenty of action for you all.

He gets cut off as the lights go out and a voice is heard on the sound system.


The lights come back on as “Chaos is my life” by The Exploited starts to blast out the speakers and the fans start to boo as Johnny Towers is seen walking through the crowd.

Nick Hanson: Oh god what the hell does he want, didn't he do enough before.

Jim Reynolds: He can do whatever he wants, who' gonna stop him.

Nick Hanson: Well our general manager for one, and Psycho also said.

He stops talking as Towers has already gotten over the barricade and is seen walking nearby to them in a clearly foul mood taking a microphone off the table before sliding into the ring as his music fades out the fans get louder with their boos.

Johnny Towers: Oh shut up ya wankers i aint got time to put up with you mother fuckers tonight I have things I need ta natter on about something important.

He pauses a moment taking a breath as the fans keep on booing him.

Johnny Towers: Ya know what I've heard a lot of ya berkeley hunts talk a load of crap about me since what I did saying oh why didn't he just ask for the rematch? Why does he have to do that? HAVE YOU FUCKING PEOPLE FORGOTTEN WHO I AM!?

They start to boo and jeer but Towers just throws up the middle finger at them.

Johnny Towers: Ya know that was a rhetorical fucking question I dont give a shit about what ya think, thing is I did consider just coming up to ya and demand my rematch but something hit me, im Johnny fucking Towers bitch. This is not how I do things, many others would just try and get into your face about this sorta thing but no. I went into our match different ya see, i went into it thinking let's give them a war they will never forget and guess what I got for my troubles a fluke loss to you Psycho so I thought what would I do, what would I do to turn things around and ya know what as much as we got into each others faces before it just wasn't me, I go around and take EVERYTHING! My opponent holds dear and I make you hurt as much as possible but somewhere along the line last time I forgot about that. I sow discord, I cause chaos and anarchy and become a bunch of barney rubble for my opponents, and now I have remembered just who the fuck I am Psycho and that aint good for you.

He pauses again as half the crowd are booing and the other half are chanting “Psycho”.

Johnny Towers: Oh shut the fuck up ya daffy bastards I ain’t done talking yet.

With the lights dimmed, the Shieldmaidens’ motto, “Hell is empty and the Maidens are here!” comes up on the Tron. Slipknot's “Psychosocial” hits and “Psycho” Saoirse Maguire comes walking through the entryway microphone in hand.

”Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Oi, whot are ya feckin’ on about this time, ye gammy feckin’ bastard? I’ve got a feckin’ main event tae get ready fer…

He just laughs and sticks up his middle finger at her.

Johnny Towers: Then why dont ya fuck off and get ready for it ya dental flosser, better yet ya better get that title all nice and shiny for when i’m gonna take it off ya.

”Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Whot do ye bloody want now?

Johnny Towers: What I want is to prove a point, that is that last time what you did was nothing more than dumb fucking luck, you took something from me that was precious to me and you know what I am going to take it back from your cold dead hands if needs be. Nobody asked for ya to fucking butt in here so once again why dont ya just fuck off back up to your little bitch of a sister and leave me be or do you not wanna make it too the main event tonight?

Psycho smirks.

”Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Ye know, fer a man tha says he hates tae repeat himself, ye do it quite a lot. So aither get tae th’ feckin’ point or shut yer feckin hole an’ stop wastin’ everyone’s time!

Johnny Towers: Ya know what, fuck it you're too fucking stupid to understand plain english so I am gonna put it in the only way you can understand.

Towers then hurls the microphone in his hand at Psycho’s head. Psycho just looks at him as he charges at her. She drops her microphone and meets him coming in with an umbrella in his hand he grabbed from some old lady in the ringside front row. Psycho swings her foot around as if going for Gealtachta. Johnny ducks out of the way so that her foot goes whizzing by just short of its intended target. Security rushes in to split them up and the crowd starts booing and chanting to let them fight.

Nick Hanson: Well, we’re gonna see them fight again sooner or later…

Jim Reynolds: Doesn’t look like they want to wait.

Olivia Mayfaire: Johnny F’n Towers seems bound and determined to prove he should still be champion but who knows how he’s gonna go about that. It could be anything!
We open up backstage where we see Lilith Meadows sitting on a production crate, giggling and kicking her legs as she looks around before looking right at the camera and motioning for it to come closer to her. The camera moves in as Lilith hops down off the crate, looking right into it.

Lilith Meadows: Shhhhhhh… we’re huntin diamonds!

Lilith looks around before she sees Diamond Steele walking down the hallway towards the locker rooms. Lilith giggles before she slinks off into the shadows as the camera keeps its focus on Diamond. Diamond reaches her locker room and she turns the knob, trying to open the door. She gives it one big pull and as she does, a loud bang is heard and a puff of white powder fills the air and as it settles, Diamond is seen covered in flour. She’s visibly angered and frustrated as she lets out a scream and Lilith is heard laughing loudly as she steps out of the shadows, pointing at Diamond who stares right at her.

Diamond Steele: I’m going to murder you!

Lilith Meadows: And that’s our cue to run away!

Lilith laughs as she turns and darts away, her giggling echoing out as she disappears from view and Diamond lets out an angry scream before she stomps her way into the locker room.
NFW Collison returns from a commercial break already in the ring. Abigail Lindsay is sitting down on a black steel folding chair. Her legs are crossed. Waving at the fans in attendance she opens up telling them.

Abigail Lindsay: Hello Chicago...

The crowd cheers. This brings a smile to Abigail’s face. She continues.

Abigail Lindsay: I didn’t come out here to bore you with a twenty minute monologue. Who loves the sound of their own voice that much? That was a rhetorical question by the way. Let's get down to business. Sylvia Lopez, come on down. You’re the next contestant on the Price is Right... well... not really. But you get the point.

Abigail shifts the position of the chair so it's facing the entrance. She waits patiently for Sylvia to make her arrival.

Nick Hanson: Well this is surely going to be interesting.

The wait continues to the point where Abi is about to speak further when suddenly the fans begin to cheer as the camera picks up Sylvia coming through the crowd. Climbing over the barricade beside the announce table, she starts messing with the papers and water bottles on the announce table.

Olivia Mayfaire: What the Hell is wrong with this cra--

Jim Reynolds is quick to put his hand over Olivia’s mouth before she finishes that sentence as Sylvia stops and glares at her briefly. Eventually she starts laughing hysterically again and then grabs a microphone before rolling into the ring and begins waving vigorously at Abigail.

Jim Reynolds: Now that we’re safe after Olivia here nearly sent us to an early grave… let’s see what happens between these two.

With Sylvia in the ring, Abigail addresses her.

Abigail Lindsay: Know what I find amazing? This is the first time we have ever stood across the ring from each other in the two years I have been in NFW. I think. Lets not let facts get in the way of a good story, hm?

The Bellevue Banshee begins bouncing up and down on the spot.

Abigail Lindsay: Anywho, I could continue pretending that I didn’t know it was you two weeks ago that returned my coffee cup to me. Nice of you by the way. Appreciate it. This is a live show, I was bound to watch the replay at some point. I wasn’t to be honest. I was enjoying the mystery. That pesky bird app has a ton of people blowing up my dms asking me about you, I was kinda forced to look back into the archives. If you wanted to be my secret admirer you should have done a better job. Just saying.

Abigail rises from the steel chair. She looks down at the much smaller Sylvia.

Abigail Lindsay: Anywho. What do you want from me?

Sylvia points and laughs at Abi.

Sylvia Lopez: Sylvia wants to play! Sylvia wants to play!!! SYLVIA WANTS TO PLAY!!!

Abigail tilts her head to the side.

Abigail Lindsay: Chess? Checkers? Mario Kart? No one beats me at Mario Kart.

Now it’s Sylvia’s turn to tilt her head, however this is one of confusion.

Sylvia Lopez: Sylvia does not understand!

Abigail taps her own chin. This is the first time she has ever interacted with Sylvia. Communicating with her is a brand new experience. A smile forms on her face.

Abigail Lindsay: How about this. There are plenty of people in the back who need playmates. We can play with them. So what do you say? You. Me. We can play with all the lonely people in the back. How does that sound?

Now Sylvia’s expression turns from confusion to trepidation as she begins to pull at her hair a little.

Sylvia Lopez: Sylvia does not know you! Sylvia does not know if she can trust you! Sylvia struggles to trust people!

Abigail reaches for the locket that is around her neck. She presents it to Slyvia.

Abigail Lindsay: My mom gave me this when I graduated high school. One of the few Momentos that mean the world to me. Here. I'm willing to take a chance on you keeping this safe. Least you can do is take a chance on me right?

Sylvia snatches the locket from Abigail and spends some time analyzing it before looking back up to the woman it belongs to.

Sylvia Lopez: If you destroy Sylvia’s trust?! Sylvia will destroy the shiny locket!

Abi nods. She extends her hand to Slyvia.

Abigail Lindsay: Deal.

Sylvia looks down at the hand and slowly takes hold of it and shakes Abigail’s hand.

Sylvia Lopez: Deal!

The scene ends with both women looking at each other as the crowd murmurs on what this can actually mean.
As the match ends and Darlyn Fajardo announces the winner, Morgan stands up to her feet, turning immediately to stare down Pet at ringside. Beside her, she holds Christina Olson by the chain attached to her collar and pulls her servant closer to her, scowling back up at the woman in the ring. Morgan opens her arms out as if to ask Pet what else she’s got to throw at her. She can also be heard on the camera mic as she says–

Morgan Payne: What now, bitch? You give up yet?! Huh? When you gonna learn that I ain’t gonna stop, till you let her go?!

Morgan meets Christina’s gaze and the collared redhead just stares back up at her with sad, broken eyes. Meanwhile, Pet’s scowl grows, slowly, into a smirk as the crowd starts making noise around the arena while figures from the audience start jumping the barricade and sliding into the ring.

Nick Hanson: Hey, wait a minute! Right out here in front of us! It’s The Harem!

Jim Reynolds: She earned the ire of the Goddess!!

Olivia Mayfaire: Turn around Morgan!

It’s the smile from Pet that gives the plan away as Morgan spins around just as The Harem are starting to close in on her. The first attacker is met with a hard right that knocks her off her feet. The next one eats a hard backhand chop across the chest before Morgan takes her down with a lariat, while bringing a third down with a Running Bulldog at the same time. Morgan clears the ring of The Harem members currently present and slides out to ringside, staring down Pet. As she starts to close in on her, the Goddess hides behind Christina Olson and commands her to defend her loving Goddess. She shoves Christina right at Morgan who catches her by the shoulders and pushes her aside. Pet drops the leash in her hand and takes off running around the ring with Morgan hot on her heels. She turns two corners before scurrying into the ring like a cat trying to avoid a rabid dog. This time, as Morgan closes in, Etsuko Mitzusaka’s back up and nails Morgan right in the ribs with her Anis stick.

Olivia Mayfaire: Oh she almost had her! Damn it!!

Nick Hanson: That shot with that club saved Pet’s skin!

The fallen members of The Harem are back in the ring now, starting to put the boots to Morgan as the rest of the members begin hopping the barricade and climbing into the ring, mainly the two hulks of muscle from Pet’s loyal forces.

Olivia Mayfaire: Morgan’s outnumbered here, where the hell’s her help at?!

Nick Hanson: You’d expect The Kingdom or even Zoey Madigan-Star to be hurrying out here to put a stop to this by now!

Jim Reynolds: They must realize you can’t beat a Goddess!

Olivia Mayfaire: Oh shut up, Jim!

After Morgan has been beaten to the point of barely being able to rise, Pet comes back into the ring with a microphone in her hand and stands over Morgan, planting a boot on her chest.

Pet: Aww, I’m sorry! Were you expecting your fellow little insects to save you? Forget all about that, because your Goddess has made sure that won’t be happening!

Olivia Mayfaire: What the hell is she talking about, guys?!

Nick Hanson: I don’t know! Can we get someone back there to make sure everyone’s okay?

A brief cut of the camera shows the locker room doors to The Kingdom and Zoey Madigan-Star have been blocked off with heavy equipment crates in front of Zoey’s and a miniature handtruck wedged between the door and the opposite wall, preventing them from being opened. The camera jumps back to the ring where Pet stands over Morgan, laughing.

Pet: Tell you what. I’ll make you a deal, because as much of an annoyance as you are, I’ll admit that you have a gumption unmatched by most that I’ve dealt with in the past! Christina! Get in here! Come to your Goddess!

Not needing to be told twice, Christina Olson slides into the ring and literally crawls on her hands and knees towards Pet and The Harem. Pet smiles as she takes the leash in her hand and pulls Christina up to her knees.

Pet: That a girl. That’s my good little slave.

She holds the leash right at the base of the collar as she turns to Morgan again.

Pet: You wish to be at Christina’s side again? All you have to do…is acknowledge me as your Goddess. Kneel before me…and kiss my feet. Join my Harem. I’ll let you play with my toys sometimes.

Jim Reynolds: That’s a benevolent offer!

Olivia Mayfaire: This is disgusting!

Nick Hanson: And neither The Kingdom nor Zoey Madigan-Star can do anything about it!

Pet lifts her boot off of Morgan’s chest, allowing her to sit up. Morgan rises up onto her knees and looks up at her. Pet glares back down at her and leans in closer.

Pet: Do it, insect! Kiss. My. Feet.

Morgan sags her shoulders in apparent defeat…then SLAPS Pet hard across the face! Chicago cheers but then boos as the surrounding Harem members begin to hammer and stomp on Morgan again until Pet turns back to her, absolutely furious.

Pet: No! No! Stop! Enough! Hold her up!

She commands the two powerhouses who each take Morgan by an arm and hold her up on her knees. She motions to another of the Harem.

Pet: Get a chair!

Nick Hanson: Oh no…

Olivia Mayfaire: What?!

Jim Reynolds: She had her chance!

Olivia Mayfaire: Shut up, Jim!

A chair is brought into the ring and Pet pulls Christina Olson up to her feet, motioning to the Harem member holding it.

Pet: Give it to Christina.

Christina takes the chair, hesitantly and looks towards Pet who leans down closer to Morgan’s face again.

Pet: I am a wrathful Goddess, but I am also a benevolent Goddess. A forgiving Goddess. So I’m going to give you one last chance to acknowledge me before I have you ended right here in front of the rest of this FILTH!

Morgan draws in a heavy snort through her nose…and let’s a wad of phlegm fly right into Pet’s face. The Goddess shrieks in unbridled rage, frantically wiping the spit from her face as if it burns. She looks down at Morgan with a fire in her eyes.

Pet: THAT’S IT!!!!! YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE!!!! CHRISTINA!!!! DO IT!!!!!

Pet and the rest of The Harem step out of the way, giving Christina a wide berth with the chair as she’s pulled by Pet to stand in front of Morgan. Morgan looks up at her, arms still stretched out to her sides by the two larger women of The Harem. Her expression changes from disgust towards Pet to a softer look towards Christina. It’s hard to tell if it’s pleading…or acceptance.

Pet: Do it, Christina! Now!

Olivia Mayfaire: Chrissy don’t do it. Come on!

Christina shakes her head in disappointment at Morgan as she takes the chair in both hands and weighs it in her grasp. She starts to raise it as she stares hard and emotionless at Morgan now. Morgan doesn’t try to pull away from her captors. Instead, she stares right back up at Christina and says low, under the mic.

Morgan Payne: It’s okay… I love you…

Nick Hanson: I can’t watch this…

Christina shakes her head again and cocks the chair back over one shoulder, about to swing for the fences. Morgan closes her eyes and lifts her head more, ready to take the blow head-on…and Christina lets out a gasping sob as she throws the chair to the mat.

Jim Reynolds: What?!

Nick Hanson: She can’t do it!! Christina Olson can’t do it!!

Olivia Mayfaire: Thank god!!

Jim Reynolds: Is she outta her mind?!

Nick Hanson: That’s one of her best friends, Jim!!

Chicago lets out a sigh of relief as Pet looks incredulously at the redhead. She throws the microphone down and grabs Christina by the face, forcing her down to her knees.

Pet: What are you doing?! What. Are. You. Doing?! You useless! Little! Shit!

Pet starts slapping a sobbing Christina across the face over and over and over until she finally gets out of the ring and pulls the chain leash, practically dragging her out of the ring. She waves a command to The Harem and the majority of them exit the ring to join her on the ramp. Meanwhile, the two holding Morgan stay inside with one of them picking up the steel chair and positioning it in the center of the mat.

Nick Hanson: Oh no. What are they doing now?

The other member still holding onto Morgan pulls her into position and hooks her arms under Morgan’s then lifts her up by the legs, delivering a Package Piledriver to the Ace of NFW right onto the steel chair! The crowd gasps emphatically as Morgan falls limp to the mat and the two hulking, brutish women stand over her, fist bumping each other at their handiwork before exiting to reconvene with Pet and The Harem.

Nick Hanson: Call it a silver lining in the dark cloud but we still need some help out here for Morgan Payne!

Olivia Mayfaire: And somebody get those damn doors open!

The shot fades out with an image of Morgan laid out, unconscious, in the ring.
Tanja Devereaux was seated away from the main area of catering while with a Laptop computer on hand while in a more casual attire then what she was known for in the past. The Cajun was working with her laptop for a piece for a website when Celeste St. Laurent joined Tanja for a moment.

Celeste St. Laurent Is there something I am missing? It is rare to see you like this in a more casual manner with your laptop on the road.

Tanja Devereaux You know how my Loa guide can be and she tends to not want me on the road with it. She is a bit overbearing in making sure that my duties to the tribe are maintained over anything else.

Celeste St. Laurent She actually allowed you to have control? I am surprised she allowed you to do so.

Tanja Devereaux You know how she can be a lot of the time, very emotional and highly volatile. She was a bit more upset about the fact that we lost the match against Nikita for the title.

Celeste arched her brow about the situation but, like Lucien, knew about what was going on with Tanja and one of the patron Loa of the Tribe that was associated with the Barons of death as a guide for the tribe with the Manaloa of the tribe. The spirit was closer to Tanja than past Manaloas as Tanja had a better understanding of the world of Voudou than most and she wanted to spread the path of the crossroads and death to as many as possible.

Tanja Devereaux Miriam was called back by Baron Criminal so that he can remind her what her role was with me when she is the one that is in the forefront. She forgot to curb her anger after the loss and wanted to go on a warpath but Baron Criminal would not allow her to do that. For the time being, I thought it would be nice to get back to my roots as a sports journalist. It is nice to be able to write the piece about a Trauma roster member being on an episode of Collision for the first round of the Event Horizon Tournament.

Celeste St. Laurent I remember how much you enjoyed doing the day job of a journalist before you obtained the position of Manaloa. It is nice to know you are able to juggle all 3 places you have in the world..

Tanja saved her piece and closed her laptop and placed it in the bag that contained her gear. Tanja’s eyes flickered to Celeste but she kept her own volatile emotions in check.

Tanja Devereaux I have always known how to involve myself with the time management for all three of my jobs. You should remember that Miriam is not the only one with a strong emotional state. My opponent in the first round may be representing Collision but she will realize that the members of the Trauma roster are not so easily brushed aside. Not everything is given out on a silver platter and has to be EARNED!.

Tanja neared her gaze to Celeste in a coldness like Miriam would do from time to time.

Tanja Devereaux Now remember Celeste, you are only here to help me and Miriam when the need is there, whether it be in the spiritual sense or at ringside. Insubordination will not be tolerated.

The Cajun returned to the seat she was in and pulled out the laptop so she could return to the piece she was writing before she would prepare for her match.
Collision makes its return from a promotional break and immediately the fans pop for the smooth beats and melodies of Sad Boy Loko's "I Want It All" hitting the speakers!

Darlyn Fajardo Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the number one contenders to the NFW Tag Team Championships… THE CORTEZ DYNASTY!

Spotlights center on the stage and the arena lights go up in red and blue, those colors pulsing to the beat of the track. Shortly after, Juan and Javier Cortez make their entrance, joined by the lovely-and-dangerous Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez. The threesome stops at the top of the stage with the brothers getting the fans pumped up till they're moving along with the music. Standing between them, Carmen gestures to the pair with pride, laying a kiss on the cheek of her husband, Javier, while Juan keeps his attention on the fans.

Jim Reynolds: I don’t get what people see in these two. They’re a couple of street punks with a hot manager! These morons wouldn’t even know their names if it weren’t for Damon Cross!

Nick Hanson: Could you be any more insulting?!

Jim Reynolds: Am I wrong? They’ve barely had a cup of coffee in the big leagues!

Nick Hanson: And yet they’re already in contention for the tag team titles! That should tell you plenty!

They start heading down the ramp, still exhorting the fans to keep movin' and vibin'. Reaching the ring, the brothers leap onto the apron and each take one of Carmen's arms, lifting her up as well. She sits on the middle rope, allowing the brothers to step through together where they then climb the buckles, getting more pumped up with every passing moment. The brothers are dressed with a bit of swag this evening, Javier in a buttoned red silk shirt over black jeans, his brother Juan in an open, patterned top with the Cuban flag emblazoned on it over a black tank and worn blue denim. Carmen is dressed to impress, though, in a wide-brimmed black hat and a well-tailored white jacket and skirt over four-inch black heels. She stands between the brothers as they’re up on the buckles, soaking in the fan reaction.

Nick Hanson: Despite nearly dropping off the map for a while, Juan and Javier have kept fighting and moving forward. Now they’re heading for a shot at the Emperor Aces, and neither team has been silent on Twitter!

Jim Reynolds: Which is a shame, because even a looker like Carmen can’t make these two sound interesting.

Nick Hanson: You really don’t care who you piss off, do you? Have you even spoken to them before?!

Both drop back down and Javier gathers a trio of microphones, passing one to Carmen and tossing another to Juan. “I Want It All” fades out as the trio stands mid-ring. The fans give them a little quiet to say their piece, and Carmen starts things off.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez Our old friend, the jefe, Damon Cross, mentioned an important trait over the last few weeks, both on social media and on Trauma. Do you recall what that trait is, ladies and gentlemen?

The fans murmur a little as Juan lifts his mic.

Juan Cortez: Humility.

Javier steps up next to his brother, putting an arm on his shoulder.

Javier Cortez: For y’all that don’t know, it means having a modest view of yourself. A similar word would be “humble”.

Juan Cortez: It’s a trait sorely lackin’ in this business, ya heard? That’s even more apparent here in NFW. Now, don’t go takin’ that the wrong way, cause we love this place. They gave us a shot when others might not have. And for that, we’re grateful. But real gotta call out real.

Nodding sagely, Carmen speaks up again.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez And the reality is that around here, no matter the brand, no matter the show, humility is in short supply. People think they deserve this and that without putting in effort. They think the world owes them something. Except no one is owed anything. If you want something, you need to work for it. You need to go out and earn it!

She emphasizes that statement and the fans get riled up again!

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez Each and every one of you in the crowd tonight? You go and work your butts off each and every day to make a living, to take care of your families. Tickets to the show tonight? You earned those. You earned the right to have a good time and see some action, did you not?!

Another roar from the packed house in the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum!

Juan Cortez: That’s what we’re all about, too! We didn’t luck into wrestling. For damn sure some folks gave us a helping hand, but we still fought tooth and nail, working day in and day out to get to where we are. When we say we’re proud, we’ve damn well earned that, too!

Javier Cortez: Emigrating to the United States? We earned that opportunity. Enrolling in and graduating from the University of Miami? We earned that! Our shot at the NFW Tag Team Championships at Reckoning Day? We earned that!

The fans seem to be in agreement with all of this, even more so as the brothers get riled up also! They keep it cool, though… just enough to not be overpowering. Carmen speaks up again.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez But some folks don’t see that. They see our opportunity as an affront. We’re discounted from the start, told that it’ll be another slam dunk defense for them. I’m sure you know to who we’re referring?

Without a doubt, it is the Emperor Aces that are being spoken of. Jordan Majors and Sanada, the reigning champions. Clearly the fans are following Twitter as well, because even peripherally mentioning the champs changes their reaction to things. The brothers nod in quiet agreement.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez And if that’s their prerogative, then so be it. We won’t tell them how to think or act. What we WILL do, however, is show them what we’re made of. Before NFW, we held our share of gold, and did so with pride. And when, not if but WHEN we become NFW Tag Team Champions, we’ll by God do the same! That means at Reckoning Day-

But before Carmen can say another word, “Bow Down” by I Prevail starts up and the fans heap discontent on the arriving tag champs, the Emperor Aces, as they come out onto the stage!

Jim Reynolds: Finally, someone is here to talk sense! I swear, if I had to listen to more of that “rah-rah-go-get-’em” stuff from these three, I was gonna die of boredom!

Nick Hanson: You’re an idiot…

Sanada stepped ahead of the Jordan Majors with her mic on. She tapped her mic slightly before shrugging the shoulders at The Cortez Dynasty in the ring even less afraid of them.

Sanada: Have all of you said enough?

Sanada finished speaking before she lowered the mic before she looked at the trio in front of her before she headed to the only woman on her challenger team. She continued to make annoyed faces at her opponents before she picked up the mic to speak again.

Sanada: I've listened enough to Carmen and I thought they were mute because she kept talking for them when I said she had almost nothing to do with the match. Well, if you're the only one who has a mouth to talk this much, I'll tell you clearly that Your boys will not become the new champions. Because guess who has been here longer than us? Why haven't your boys ever won a tag team championship? You said they would become the new champions. It's easy to just say that. But it's hard to come true. Because, as we've always said, The Queens of Chaos isn't here to be anyone's prop. But we're here to occupy everything and that means NFW Tag Team Champions as well. No matter how much your boys claim they'll become the new champs, Jordan and I will show that it's just going to be the NFW Tag Team Champions. just a dream I want you to see it up close, Carmen, every second your boys fall. I'll show you exactly how they lost. And I'll show you that The Cortez Dynasty isn't even close to the level of The Emperor Aces. It's too early for you to dream that your boys will succeed. Well, I'll let my friends have their say.

Jordan looks at her tag team partner with a smile beaming on her face. She takes a step closer and leans her arm against Sanada’s shoulder as she sizes up the challengers. She nods her head, to herself, as she brings the microphone.

Jordan Majors: I don’t typically come across as strongly as Sanada does, so let me divert a bit from what my friend was saying. Your story, all of you… it’s fantastic. It’s the stuff of dreams. You’ve all overcome so much. Your story is fantastic. Everyone deserves to know your story. But everyone has a story…

Jordan drops her arm off of Sanada and she walks toward Juan and Javier, only to stop short of them by a few feet. She looks at them both and continues as she looks between them.

Jordan Majors: And not every story has a happy ending. You think we didn’t earn these? Shit, no one thought we were going to win these. In case you were living under a rock a few months ago, we beat the next big things before their reign even really got started. And I’m not so naive that I don’t think it can happen to us, too. But us talking about beating you, it’s not because we don’t respect you. You’re more than capable. You’d be a great story for this company. But us? We’re a damn good story, too. Because we might be Queens of Chaos, but in that ring? We’re just the Emperor Aces. We’ve done this all on our own, proving that we can overcome everything that’s put in front of us so far. When we were doubted, we smashed through the barriers put in front of us. When we won the titles, we declared we intended to raise these belts to new heights again. Yes, we just saw one of the greatest tag team reigns in this company’s history with Salacious Intent. But we want to take it even further. It’s not about putting you down Juan and Javier. You either, Carmen. Y’all been out to make us look like the villains here because we want to stay champions. That’s just hilarious to me. No matter how good you think your story is, ours is better. It’s just barely been written and we have a whole hell of a lot more we want to accomplish as NFW tag champions.

Jordan nods and the crowd cheers, getting squarely behind her words as tensions continue to rise between the groups. Sanada steps up slightly behind her as Jordan stays where she stands between the challengers.

Jordan Majors: You talk about humility like we’ve never shown an ounce of it. I’ve made my entire career in this company overcoming impossible odds while constantly showing my opponents the respect I thought they deserved. I don’t know about Sanada specifically. But me? I’m probably almost too humble. I know damn well I’m not the best person in the ring. But I consistently outwork everyone in the ring and I constantly surprise people with what I manage to accomplish. What the Emperor Aces will accomplish against the two of you, against The Cortez Dynasty… is another successful title defense. We’re just getting started, boys. And whether we have to beat y’all once or take you down 100 more times, we’re not going anywhere, any time soon. You can take that to the bank, because the Emperor Aces are Money!!

Jordan tosses her own microphone behind her and stands confidently in front of the challengers. Juan and Javier exchange looks briefly while Carmen keeps her eyes on Jordan, occasionally averting towards Sanada. A small smile forms and she starts to lift the mic but before she can, Juan has her pause so that he and his brother can speak instead, which Carmen nods to.

Juan Cortez: See? That right there? We get that. Now, Jordan, you’re talkin’ our language. Your little buddy here, though? That don’t seem to be what she’s about. Y’all? You ain’t on the save wavelength, ya dig?

His slightly-bigger brother nods in agreement.

Javier Cortez: Don’t think for a second that we ain’t impressed with y’all. You wouldn’t be champions by lucking into it. Not around here. That kinda thing wouldn’t fly. Like my brother said, Jordan: we get you. The urge to fight, to be better, to prove what you got night in and night out, to make them titles the most important thing goin’ in the game? That’s us to a T. It ain’t about just being NFW Tag Team Champions Cortez Dynasty… nah, it’s about being Cortez Dynasty, NFW Tag Team Champions. Think about it for a second, cause the difference? It ain’t just semantics.

Juan Cortez: Ya girl here? We don’t get that vibe from her. Her head’s all blown up, ya feel? She thinks we’re a joke, that y’all beatin’ us is inevitable, like death and taxes. You’re willin’ to give us a bit of credit while maintainin’ your confidence and drive. Get where we’re comin’ from? That discrepancy right there? That’s the sorta thing that brings eras to an end.

The brothers put their attention on Sanada.

Juan Cortez: You oughta listen to your partner, Sanada. She’s the cool-headed one. She’s gonna be the reason y’all succeed. You keep walkin’ the road the way ya do right now? It’s gonna be a long fall when the time comes.

Javier Cortez: See, we’re realists. We know good an’ well that the titles might not come our way at Reckoning Day. But because we’re aware of the possibility doesn’t mean that we’ll willingly entertain it, feel us? That would be acceptance of failure before the effort is even made. No, we’re gonna keep doing what we’ve been doing, what brought us to this point, stepping it up each and every time until that gold?

He points at the belts over their shoulders.

Javier Cortez: Till it’s ours. And after that? We’re goin’ to a whole other level. ‘Cause as soon as the gold is ours, that’s when the hard work really starts. Y’all are gonna see just how hard real soon. For now, though, everything’s out in the open. Like it should be. So let the best team win. Time enough for this to get mean and physical when Reckoning Day comes ‘round.

Stepping away from their spots next to Carmen, Juan and Javier extend their hands to the champions.

Nick Hanson: The champions make a very good case for their desires and motivations. The challengers sound more than ready to do whatever it takes to get where they want to be and beyond. Now the question is… can the violence wait till Reckoning Day?

Jim Reynolds: In NFW? Have you been digging into my snacks again? You know good and well this is gonna turn into a brawl sooner or later!

Nick Hanson: Unfortunately, you’re probably right.

However, the Aces do not accept the gesture. Instead, Sanada and Jordan leave the ring without a word, holding up the titles as they back up the ramp. “Bow Down” starts up again and the Cortez Dynasty remains in the ring. Carmen folds her arms and shakes her head in disappointment while Juan and Javier shrug it off. When the champions are backstage, “I Want it All” begins to play again and the Dynasty leaves the ring, holding the ropes for Carmen on their way out.

Nick Hanson: Looks like the champs aren’t interested in the sentiments of the challengers. Can’t say I’m surprised.

Jim Reynolds: Why should they be? The Dynasty just insulted them by claiming that they weren’t on the same page.

Nick Hanson: No, they called it as they saw it, Jim. And the champs didn’t like that. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here, though.
As the previous match comes to an end, the cameras find the Colosseum’s medical room where Doctor Jordan Westergaard is shining a light into the eyes of Morgan Payne as she sits on the bench.

Dr. Jordan Westergaard: Not bad. Follow this with your eyes only.

She moves a pen in front of Morgan’s face, first from side to side, then up and down, then slowly moves it in towards her nose. The Doctor nods and makes note on a clipboard.

Dr. Jordan Westergaard: Good news, no sign of a concussion. Let myself and Mrs. Morian know if anything changes.

Morgan Payne: Thanks, Doc…

The Doctor slaps her on the shoulder and excuses herself from the room as Morgan brings an ice pack to her head again, muttering curses under her breath. There’s a pause before the door closes, though, followed by two sets of footsteps. A furious-looking Marilyn Matthews and an intense-looking Zoey Madigan-Star make their way into the room, with Zoey immediately going to check Morgan over unobtrusively while speaking in a very chilly tone.

Zoey Madigan-Star: Sorry, Morgan. I didn’t expect Pet to grow a brain. Guess we slapped her and hers around just enough to wake them up to the fact that we are, indeed, a threat.

There’s a brief pause, then:

Zoey Madigan-Star: May I?

The magician indicates her desire to give Morgan a once-over personally. Morgan looks up at the sound of Zoey’s voice.

Morgan Payne: Hey, Zo. Be my guest.

While Zoey gets to work, Marilyn paces around, obviously pissed.

Marilyn Matthews: These stupid ass hos. They still don’t have a brain. Simply because they don’t know who the fuck anyone outside of their little circle jerk are. But that’s fine. It’s totally fine.

Mary pauses.

Marilyn Matthews: Those dumb tramps want to learn shit the hard way? Well, guess what, I’m the perfect teacher for that type of lesson. They have gone and fucked around. Now?

Mary stops her pacing and grins.

Marilyn Matthews: Now they get to find the fuck out.

Zoey hears this and while her focus is on making sure that the doctor didn’t miss any details when checking out Morgan, a small smile creeps across her face. Morgan manages a smile, too, as she reaches out and takes Mary by the hand.

Morgan Payne: Hey. S’aight, Boo. Yinz catch what I caught aht there?

Zoey Madigan-Star: That I did…

She steps back for a few moments and nods.

Zoey Madigan-Star: ...shouldn’t be any lasting damage other than a little soreness. The ice will help with that.

Marilyn Matthews: Oh, I saw that Chrissy is finally starting to come around to her right senses. She ain’t who I’m pissed at. It’s that gaggle of cock gobblers that need their heads scrambled.

Mary takes a deep breath and slow exhales.

Marilyn Matthews: But they’ll get theirs. Dumb cunts like them ALWAYS get their comeuppance.

Morgan Payne: They will. Just gotta figure tha next step, s’all.

The door to the room can be heard opening again and a voice rings out.

Lilith Meadows: Morggy!

Lilith comes bouncing into frame, hugging the woman with concern on her face. Morgan hugs her back, softly “shhh”ing her. Lluvia Salvatore and Abigail Lindsay also come into the frame, each giving Zoey a friendly wave. Another moment passes barely before Jasmine Matthews comes looming into frame, standing beside Marilyn.

Jasmine Matthews: Zoey.

Zoey Madigan-Star: Jasmine.

She greets the magician, who returns the greeting as well as the waves of the others, before cordially before turning to Marilyn.

Jasmine Matthews: How is she?

Zoey Madigan-Star: Just fine. Morgan’s tough enough to handle anything those surgically-enhanced trollops can throw at her.

Marilyn Matthews: Yeah, Morg will be fine. It’s those tramps that will need help when this is all said and done.

Mary put a reassuring hand on Jasmine’s shoulder and smiles at Morg.

Marilyn Matthews: All I got left to say about this is…

She shoots Morgan a wink.

Marilyn Matthews: Regulators…

Morgan smirks back and sticks out a fist which Mary bumps.

Morgan Payne: ...Mount Up!

At that point, the Queen of the Kingdom lifts her chin some with her own hint of a smirk forming. She gives the two a look, side pans to Zoey, then turns to excuse herself from the room with Lluvia, Lilith and Abigail following after her.

Jasmine Matthews: Bring her back.

For a moment, Zoey’s expression shifts slightly, though it is difficult to tell what it means. It is gone as quickly as it appears and she nods in agreement to the others, remaining silent.