NFW Collision #178!

Austin Ramsey strolls into the Osaka-jo Hall holding hands with his wife. The two are not in-ring attire, but Austin pulls a wheeled suitcase behind him. Fans immediately surround Todrick, and Austin kisses her on the cheek before heading toward the locker room area. He summons a camera crew on his way. He pushes the door open with his foot and walks straight toward the locker marked Myriad. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a vial of blood, and smears it all over Myriad’s name. Satisfied with his work, he rubs the remaining blood on his face, and does nothing about the blood dripping off of his hands onto the floor.

Austin Ramsey: Myriad! I’m so happy that you are here tonight. It seems like we just danced yesterday, and you keep allowing me to live to tell the tale of the beautiful symphonies that we have conducted. I do hope you have been enjoying the gifts that I have been sending to you every day. They truly are from the heart. Tonight, I wanted to give you the gift that I know you crave, the gift of my blood. I hope it both motivates and terrifies you. You know that it is not the blood of a quitter; it is the blood of a man that you can’t seem to put down for good.

I am like a shark that smells blood in the water; do you know why that is? For all your violence, darkness, and malice, I’ve peered into your soul, and do you know what I saw? I saw doubt; you doubted that you had what it takes to keep me down on that mat and bury me as you have done to so many. I saw it when we first danced at the Event Horizon Tournament. You hit me with things that have put down men much larger and stronger than me. You hesitated, and I saw it as I peered through your pupils. I saw it again at Trauma when I dared to do the unthinkable and put myself in your path again.

You see, the thing about my blood is that I am not squeamish at the sight, taste, or feel of it. When that warm liquid begins to flow, I transform and evolve into a man possessed with being unstoppable. I am not capable of quitting; I must continue even if it means I pass out from the loss. But I will always take you with me, which causes the glimmer of doubt within you that continues to grow with each passing day. Now the doubt in you grows because you never know where I will appear or what I will do when I make that appearance. Sure, everyone knows that when you are a champion, you have a bullseye on your back, but an Austin Ramsey bullseye is a terrifying thought.

Austin Ramsey is a man known in this industry to be unhinged on a good day and is dangerous when he is having a bad one. Dangerous when he sets his sights on something or someone. I have my sights on you, Myriad; I cannot leave the dance empty-handed, so I decided I want you to know that I am here tonight. I decided to give you some of the blood that you are so curious about and that you love to see flowing down my face. Will he or won’t he join the Event Horizon Championship match against Vixsin tonight? Did he have a good day or a bad day? All questions you should ask yourself.

I’ve already bled for you once tonight; consider it foreplay for things about to come. I do so hate being a tease, but I just wanted to give you a little taste. Hold that title close and kiss it because I will always lurk from the shadows and strike when you least expect it. I do hope you enjoy the gift; my courtship in this dark relationship is just beginning. Good luck tonight.

Austin laughs and licks the blood from his hand as he flashes a sinister smile at the camera before walking out of the locker room.
Cass Baumer: I love you, Lily.

Within Osaka-jo Hall's backstage women's bathroom, the New Zealander finds her spot on the tiled floor. Seated with her back against the wall, she folds one knee, draping her arm over it in a relaxed slouch. The modest acoustics of the bathroom subtly amplify her voice, adding a hint of an echo to her words.

Cass Baumer: I know that’s not what I’m supposed to say, but it’s true — platonically. Or rather, maybe I just love the mask you’ve created for yourself. On the outside lookin’ in, you’re a pretty, fun-loving, ditzy blonde with a sprinkle of magic thrown in, yeah? You’re pullin’ pranks. You’re eatin’ like a garbage disposal. You’re cute personified — an anime magical girl who stepped out of the screen to become recognised as one half of the duo holding the NFW Tag Team Champions title for the longest combined number of days. Except, here’s the thing — there’s more to you than that, eh?

There’s a slight shift in the atmosphere as her expression morphs into something serious.

Cass Baumer: The Bloody Fairytale met a grim ending. The Last of the Valkyries became extinct. After Asmodeus's attack unleashed The Dark Faerie, Arianrhod, you turned your back on Chrissy and your Kingdom. You couldn’t even give a shit enough to cheer for Chrissy when she squared off against Danni Anderson at Cruel Summer '20, the biggest match of her life for the top title of her brand. Then, your constant assaults and berating of that former tag team partner you supposedly loved left deeper scars than anything I could ever dish out. And now, even as you claim to have found yourself again, you're cozying up to Chasity Cage, calling her your BFF like that ain’t the biggest dagger to Chrissy’s heart in the world.

A small laugh punctuates her words, followed by a simple shake of her head.

Cass Baumer: Lily, you sat there watching your own wife, Morgan Payne, spiraling into alcoholism and did nothing until it was too late, after Milisandre Crowthorne pushed her over the edge. You burned down the spot in the woods that you’ve both said was the place where you both called your own. Even if you've recreated it with a magic snap down to the quantum level, it's still not the same. It's just an imitation. Yet, you’ll still cuddle up with her like none of that happened. You’ll still act like you love her — defend her on a high horse when all I did was hit her with a goddamn chair! She was still able to fight the next frickin’ day, Lily! You ruined her permanently, and all I did was make her a little sad! That’s not to mention all the other depraved shit you’ve done under the guise of Arianrhod, but go on. Act morally above me. Pretend like I’m the villain. Call me the Enemy of the People, the Scourge of the frickin’ Earth. It won’t erase what happened. It won’t make you feel better. You’re still garbage in Lily’s clothes, a lost cause that tries to act like everything’s normal when it’s not.

With newfound confidence, she hauls herself up from the cold tile floor. She stands defiant under the harsh bathroom lights, while a female backstage crew member makes her way into a stall.

Cass Baumer: I said I love you, Lily. And I meant it. ‘Cept, you’re not Lily anymore. Lily’s dead, and you’re Arianrhod in her re-animated corpse.

Pausing briefly, she glances at her reflection in the mirror above the sink.

Cass Baumer: You wanna talk about me bein’ lost in the void ‘cause I took some short social media breaks?

A smirk plays at the corner of her mouth as she looks back at the camera.

Cass Baumer: Lily’s been in the void since Summer ‘20, and she’s never comin’ back.

Baumer crosses her arms, leaning against the wall again.

Cass Baumer: See ya out there, Arianrhod. Ya sick monster.
Alastair rarely spent time in Japan but he had taken time to explore the country before arriving at the arena for the Japanese tour of NFW. He threw his duffle bag into the corner of his personal space before he began checking on emails from the base.

Alastair Frost: People may be questioning why I did what I did against Dona during our tag match but it should be obvious. I absolutely hate her and her antics and I was only returning the favor to her. She likes going after people for whatever reason and she wants to try and keep the title in her possession. She ruined the last singles match I had and my anger will hold no bounds on Cruel Summer.

He snarled at what Dona had done after he called her out and she didn’t like the fact he wanted another shot at the title at Cruel Summer.

Alastair Frost: I made my point by showing her that not everyone will be afraid of her. I stood up to her after she used her tactics to keep the title and came after her to remain in contention. She made her issues clear but I really don’t give a shit!

He knew he had to focus himself on the match on Collision with his opponent in Elijah while dealing with Dona.

Alastair Frost: Until Cruel Summer, I have to deal with this egomaniac piece of shit Elijah Copeland. From what I have heard and seen, his ego, like Dona’s, holds no bounds. If he had the talent, he would be higher in the card more often. His ego reminds me of a terrorist that wants to force himself on others but as a marine, I will not allow him to spread his mindset to the world.

He put his phone away after finishing his emails so he can get some last minute stretches before the main event.

Alastair Frost: The Master Strategist may have a lot on his plate at this time but I have great time management skills with my time in the military. Elijah has no respect for anyone and I will force some respect to him tonight whether he likes it or not..

He finally took the time to change into his gear before heading away from the locker room and grab a bottle of water.
Nick Hanson: IWell you gotta admit, it was one hell of a match.

Olivia Mayfaire: No doubt there, Nick!

Jim Reynolds: I just wonder if–

Abigail Lindsay: “Sylvia... oh Sylvia...”

The voice of Abigail Lindsay can be heard in the arena. Everyone, including Sylvia, tries to search for where Abigail is located. Their question is soon answered, she appears on the tron above the entrance. Abigail is backstage. She waves to her former friend.

Abigail Lindsay: “Thought I was going to remain silent, bestie?”

“I’ve had some time to reflect. I could march down to that ring right now. We brawl. Security breaks up the dance party. Hey, what fun would that be? We have plenty of time to play as you love to say. We... until you broke my heart for no good reason. A lot of people have played with my heart the past couple years. Last year especially. Don’t get me started. I tried to be a good person. Forgiveness is the key to life, right? No more. No more passes. It is about time the world learns when you cross Abigail, Serenity is not too far behind. So, this is a message for you and anyone else that toying with MY heart comes with a price. NFW production crew... roll the footage.”

--
--

The arena falls silent of what they have just seen. No one has seen the fun loving personable Abigail Lindsay like that before. Predictably Sylvia is beside herself being forced to watch her good friend tortured mentally by Abigail. Unlike the video the world saw, Abigail does flash a vindictive smirk on her face.

Abigail Lindsay: “Now do you comprehend the consequences of your actions Sylvia? Do you?! This was just the beginning. Serenity... Now!”

Abigail snaps her fingers. The tron goes black. The world is still in disbelief of Abigail’s unjustifiable actions.

Nick Hanson: Did that really just happen?

Jim Reynolds: Sylvia shouldn’t have messed with Abi’s friendship, Nick. The crazy bitch hasn’t even explained why she did what she did to Abi… or should I now say Serenity.

Olivia Mayfaire: While I agree that what Sylvia did wasn’t exactly fair… toying with an innocent woman who isn’t even a wrestler is just evil, Jim!

Lopez just drops to her knees, her face expressionless as if she were in some sort of trance as she falls forward onto the mat, appearing to be in the same sort of position that her friend was in after Serenity did what she did to her.

Nick Hanson: Is she okay? Maybe somebody should go check on her…

Jim Reynolds: Ha! Go ahead, Nick! I ain’t going anywhere near that whack job!

Olivia Mayfaire: I’m with Jim, here… even if he is an asshole.

Suddenly the Bellevue Banshee lets out a blood curdling shriek before rolling out of the ring near the announce table and she kicks the steel steps in rage before marching over to the announce table and rips the top of it off, the commentators quickly getting as far away from the woman as possible and Lopez flips the table over before making a beeline for the ramp, shoving the cameraman out of the way in the process causing him to fall as we cut to static.
Coco St. Cloud stands alongside Azurine Vebbins. The Main Character wears a pair of form-fitting dark blue high-waisted jeans with a “HER MAIN SQUEEZER” shirt on and tucked in, stylishly. Her bob style hair is neatly tucked behind an ear, with a manicured hand riding along some items on a wooden table. Vebbins, meanwhile, sports a full-length “HER SIDE PIECE” sleepshirt with both hands folded in front of herself.

Coco St. Cloud: Okay, hear me out, because unlike the rest of these crazies around here - you actually have been the only one with any shred of sense when it comes to ME being hunted by a witch for being REASONABLY upset about her ruining my couture and then laughing in my face about it and then FURTHER deciding that her best course of action is ruining my life, alright?

Coco said, batting her lengthy eyelashes.

Coco St. Cloud: I just don’t think it’s fair for her to come at me for feeling some type of way about what she did, and the fact that she’s got NO remorse? Honestly, she just picked me to victimize then gets mad that I don’t take it? No. I’m proactive, and I always have been. So I made this entire anti-Sabrina, the crispy bitch kit to keep ME safe from someone as unhinged as she is.

Coco grabs a netted bag, dangling it about for Azzy.

Coco St. Cloud: Garlic. Witches HATE garlic, probably because it’s good for your immune system and she’s clearly sick and deranged.

Azurine Vebbins: Pretty sure dat’s in Zoey’s top dree toppin’s for pizza…

Coco St. Cloud: Baby girl, please… I put a lot of work into this. A lot of research, a lot of shopping my assistants had to do for me.

Coco said, holding a vial up.

Coco St. Cloud: Holy water. Honestly, as NFW’s closest thing to Jesus, it’s my bath water. But it does in a pinch. Look how clean. Look how perfect.

Azurine Vebbins: Like scrubbin’ in da shower after finishin’ a frenetic flamenco. It’s just dat holy water’s more for Morticia dan Winifred Sanderson…

Coco St. Cloud: Az, boo… please. This is a big ace in the hole here. A sunlamp. Witches HATE the sun. Look how pale that girl is! She’d make one of those creepy Victorian girls look absolutely sunkissed.

Coco said, flipping the blinding lamp off and back on, the device humming with each on flip of its switch.

Coco St. Cloud: And finally… the pièce de résistance, if for some reason that extra crispy conjurer manages to get past ALL of this? Bam! Jab!

Coco grabs hold of a wooden stake on the table, filed to a sharp point at its end. She makes a stabbing motion at the air in front of her, much more confident and skilled than her usual shenanigans in-ring happen to be.

Coco St. Cloud: Stake through the heart. She bursts into a thousand bats, flies away into the night, never to be seen again. And that’s what she deserves for messing with me.

Confidently and coyly, Coco turns her attention to Azzy who had been chastised for her interruptions to this point. The expression on the redhead’s face made it very clear that she had points which needed to be made. The fashionista obliged, with a delicate roll of the wrist.

Coco St. Cloud: The floor is now open to questions.

Azurine Vebbins: Are you sure you haven’t built an anti-vamp kit? Would you be willin’ to rub some sunscreen on me so I don’t turn into one of dem creepy Victorian gals? Isn’t da stake a bit overkill? What were you imaginin’ in terms of matchin’ grapplin’ gear for Cruel Summer IV? I…I…I may have more, but dose are my first four…

Azurine blushes and double blinks at Coco. She’s trying her best to be St. Cloud’s “supporting character.” A beat. Coco looks at the stake, then back to Azurine, an expression washing over her face of pure annoyance.

Coco St. Cloud: You mean they’re not the same thing…?

Coco drops the stake, frustration building.

Coco St. Cloud: Because if they’re not the same thing, then that would mean that I did ALL of this for absolutely nothing, and I just hate, hate, HAAAATEEE the sound of that!

She sulked, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. Arms folded under her chest, her head lowering. However, one of Azzy’s questions does linger in her mind, answering with a heavy amount of reluctance in her voice.

Coco St. Cloud: Yellow and orange… I think those colors would really complement both of us…

Azurine Vebbins: Dey aren’t da same, but you made an effort and dat’s word-while. Dose colors really would complement us. Plus, I believed tossin’ in dat question might help brighten da mood. Speakin’ of mood, would you be interested in sharin’ a frozen zucchini custard? Greens generate glow, but b-flat honest, dat dessert pales in creaminess to you, Coco-kins.

Coco St. Cloud: I know…

Even in her wallowing in self-pity, Coco certainly couldn’t resist a compliment. Especially not when they came so freely at Azurine’s hand. Her arms folded under her chest, her eyes heavy in misery due to her wasted efforts.

Coco St. Cloud: Do witches hate frozen zucchini custard? Please say yes, boo. I need the dub here…

Vebbins nods submissively as she hopes this will lead St. Cloud towards taking her hand and leading them to a local froyo shop.
The cameras move backstage where we find a number of NFW employees, including roster members, enhancement talent, and backstage staff all in catering, sitting at their seats, enjoying their food. The focus of the shot seems to be on Cass Baumer, specifically, however, as the woman who has been making waves throughout the company in the past several weeks with her change in attitude comes into the room, changed and showered after her match earlier in the night. A smug smile on her face as she saunters past everyone, just walking through the room like she owns the place.

Olivia Mayfaire: The nerve this woman has to just strut around like she does.

Jim Reynolds: All eyes on Cass Baumer! Her hard work’s paying off, she’s finally getting recognized!

Cass moves to the serving table and picks up a plate to begin fixing herself something from the delectable choices offered by Soul Garden. She gets an entree and another one or two pieces on the plate when the sound of a door bursting open somewhere offscreen is heard. A couple of audible reactions follow followed by some backstage attendants speaking out.

Backstage Attendant: Whoa whoa whoa, wait a minute now!

It’s at this point that Cass’ attention is drawn and she starts to turn around when she’s suddenly just slammed into by a furious Morgan Payne!! Cass’ plate falls to the floor as Morgan grabs hold of her by the back of her head and starts laying into her with shot after shot after shot. Cass shoves her off and immediately goes for an empty chair as a weapon but Morgan pounces right back on her and starts raining shots again.

Backstage Attendant: Morgan! Cass! C’mon! Break it up, will ya?!

The pair’s not listening as Morgan slams Cass’ face into the serving table, scattering some of the food around. She pulls her back up and clocks her with another shot to the face. Cass stumbles away and into another door, taking her out of catering. Before anybody can grab Morgan, the raging Yinzer storms out after Cass in hot pursuit. The camera follows them and now they’re in the parking lot.

Jim Reynolds: Somebody get security, quick!

Olivia Mayfaire: To hell with that! Get you some, Payne!

Nick Hanson: We got a straight up fight out here in the parking lot of Osaka-jo Hall, folks!

Morgan Payne: Where you goin’, huh?! WHERE YA GOIN’?!

Morgan shouts before charging in, at the stumbling Cass and tackles her up onto the hood of a car. Punches start flying again, this time with Cass reciprocating a little but Morgan straddles her on the hood and starts laying into her more with hard rights. Cass reaches up and grabs her by the hair and the two go rolling off of the car, smacking against the concrete floor. Morgan climbs to her feet as Cass back crawls along beside the car and as Morgan advances, Cass catches her in the midsection with a desperation kick. Morgan has the wind knocked out of her as she keels over. This gives Cass enough time to reach up, grab the door handle of the car on that side and she swings the door hard into Morgan, taking her off balance again. Before Morgan can steady herself, Cass is back on her feet and she swings the door out again. This time, the window of the door SHATTERS against Morgan’s head and sends her back to the floor.

Nick Hanson: OH MY GOD!!

Olivia Mayfaire: HOLY SHIT!!

Jim Reynolds: Eh, I’m sure they’re insured.

Cass SLAMS the car door shut, glaring like a madwoman now as the tables are turned and she stalks towards Morgan. She grabs her up by the hair and slams her face against the door of the car.

Cass Baumer: What’s the matter, eh? Can’t handle the truth, Morg? Too much for you?!

And she throws Morgan up onto the hood of the car once more. Cass backs up and waits for Morgan to start sitting up before she comes charging in. She runs, steps up onto the front bumper and launches herself up! “BLEEDING EDGE (Instep Penalty Kick)” to the face of Morgan Payne! Her head jerks back and SLAMS against the windshield, spider webbing it from the impact. Cass rolls off of the hood, onto her feet as arena security finally come rushing onto the scene to prevent the chaos from going on further. Cass cracks a cocky grin and adjusts her clothing.

Cass Baumer walks back through the door into catering again as the backstage attendants attempt to tend to Morgan Payne, bloodied, lying on the hood of the car as the shot fades.

Nick Hanson: This is getting out of control!

Jim Reynolds: Hey, Morgan started it!

Olivia Mayfaire: Shut up, Jim! Let’s just get some help out there. Damn it!
Backstage after a brief promotional break, Amanda Thorn is standing by, microphone in hand.

Amanda Thorn: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Collision! Last time, there was a bit of a block party going on outside the Saito Memorial Hall, courtesy of the Cortez Dynasty! But out of that fun and good food came a challenge, one that was accepted for Cruel Summer!

Clips take us back to that moment, where the aforementioned barbeque was interrupted by none other than the Astro Creeps, including Pisces, Kosnar and Daedalus. The festivities came to a stop, and a tense conversation was had:


The fans react to this and Amanda gives it a moment before she turns to the camera again, the clip having played out on the suspended monitor behind her.

Amanda Thorn: Much has been made of the Cortez Dynasty willingly accepting this certainly violent challenge from one of the most feared teams in Collision. And clearly they’ve heard the naysayers, because joining me right now are Juan and Javier Cortez, along with Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez, the Cortez Dynasty, to say their piece!

The camera pans over a bit, showing those very three standing there. Juan and Javier are in black jeans and red and blue tops respectively, while Carmen is in a striking white business suit, including jacket and skirt, accented with gold. And all three are wearing serious expressions.

Amanda Thorn: Let’s get right to the point, if we may?

Juan nods, gesturing for Amanda to bring the microphone his way.

Juan Cortez: We done heard it all Amanda, feel me? From people the Creeps done put down to fans worryin’ ‘bout whether we gonna come out the same an’ all that. And on the one side, hey, we appreciate the concern. It’s nice knowin’ folks got some love for us out there.

The fans cheer in response, thanks to the translated subtitles on the screen. Juan allows a brief smile for a moment, then presses on while Javier looks on stoically, arms folded across his chest.

Juan Cortez: But y’all worryin’ for nothin’ ya heard? We said it before, we gonna say it again: the Creeps are human. Same as anyone else. They ain’t unbeatable, they ain’t unbreakable. They’re mortal, same as us. They feel pain, ya dig? We gonna prove that at Cruel Summer. But see… we’ve said the like before. And most folks, even those on our side? They think we’re fuckin’ loco!

Shaking his head, a somewhat-wild grin on his face, Juan takes a step back as Javier moves in, all but glaring into the camera.

Javier Cortez: We ain’t crazy. We’re fearless.

Bit of a pop for that one. The man speaks with conviction. He lets the roar go on for a moment, then continues.

Javier Cortez: Astro Creeps, they get their props for their successes. We won’t take nothin’ from ‘em. And this fight comin’ at Cruel Summer? We’re gonna get hurt. We’re gonna suffer. But so are they. An’ that’s the difference, ya feel me? See, Pisces, Kosnar, Daedalus? Y’all too used to dishin’ out the pain. Y’all get them other teams quakin’ in their boots, takin’ ‘em off they game, then you just roll on ‘em. Bust ‘em up an’ open, leave ‘em layin’, tellin’ ‘em all to fear your name. Hell, y’all beat us down once upon a time, too. We ain’t forgot.

Juan Cortez: Do we look afraid? Do we look worried?

Javier Cortez: Fear ain’t a beatdown, y’all. Fear is layin’ your head on your pillow an’ wonderin’ if you gonna wake up the next mornin’. Fear is walkin’ down the street ya grew up on, wonderin’ if some war that ain’t yours is gonna take you or someone you love before their time. Fear is crossin’ the rushin’ waters to a new damn country with no fallback, no safety net. THAT is fear!

Juan Cortez: You expect us, havin’ lived that, to be afraid of gettin’ busted up? Like we done said: nothin’ but respect for what y’all do… IN THE RING. But if y’all tried talkin’ your shit, walkin’ down the streets we was raised on? You’d’ve been past tense long before now, ya dig?

There’s weight to their words that can only come from experience. Both brothers would fight right this damn moment, silk shirts and polished shoes be damned. But they gotta wait for Cruel Summer. Carmen smartly steps in for them, gently bringing the microphone her way.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Amanda, you heard it here. These gentlemen will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, in any way you see fit. Because fighting is what they know and they do it like few others can. They won’t promise victory because nothing is guaranteed. But they swear by the credo of “no fear, no mercy, no matter what”. You’re gonna see that from them every time out. As for me, I support them in all ways. If the Astro Creeps try anything foolish, such as, say, Daedalus trying to get physical? Well… I have no problem throwing hands myself.

Both brothers put a hand on one of her shoulders, nodding in agreement. Carmen’s training is well-known, no doubt.

Amanda Thorn: You’re trained in BJJ, correct?

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: I very much am.

Amanda nods seriously, posing another question.

Amanda Thorn: And after Cruel Summer, what happens then? Is there a plan for the Cortez Dynasty?

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Same thing we should have had before the Astro Creeps decided to act foolishly: we want a chance to earn a tag team title shot. Square one once again, but that has never stopped us before. We’ll earn it, we’ll make the most of it, and we WILL be champions one day. Now, if you’ll excuse us…

Carmen links her arm with Javier’s and they move off. Juan, on the other hand, takes Amanda’s non-microphone hand and kisses the back of it, giving her a wink full of Latin charm.

Juan Cortez: Always a pleasure, Miss Thorn.

Flustered and blushing, Amanda stares after them as they walk off, trying to compose herself.

Amanda Thorn: A-Ah… well… um, b-back to you guys!
The screen goes to static briefly, returning in black and white. The images shown are of Coco St. Cloud going about her business in the arena during Collision. Except she clearly doesn’t know that she’s being recorded. There’s little sound other than gentle-yet-audible breathing from behind the camera, sometimes opened up by laughter, usually when Coco is being… well… Coco. Berating backstage workers, ordering others out her way, making threats to people being in her air space.

You know… Coco things.

Then a voice cuts in as the clips start to repeat, working on a loop. Except that loop is broken up by a familiar masked face wearing a wicked smile beneath, at least from what we can tell since it covers so much. Presumably, both face and voice belong to Zoey Madigan-Star, but there’s no certainty…

Zoey Madigan-Star?: You never change, Coco. But I don’t want you to change. Because if you change, that wouldn’t be fun for me.

A too-sweet, too-sinister giggle emits from Zoey, breathing getting heavy before she carries on.

Zoey Madigan-Star?: If you were to suddenly see the error of your ways, become charitable, put on a nice face and apologize… well, it would make getting you back for my damaged face hard. Not impossible, but hard.

Wouldn’t stop me, though.

That is… definitely menacing. Very un-Zoey-like.

Zoey Madigan-Star?: I know later you’re going to see this, and I know how you’ll react. You’ll demand more security. You’ll want me watched out for. You’ll show your fear of having to answer for your crimes. And that’s what I want, dear. Until Cruel Summer, I want you looking under your bed and in the closet every night. I want to be the first thing you see when you close your eyes… and the last thing you see before opening them. I want your every thought to be of me, wondering when it’s going to end.

A deep breath is taken, the clips changing a bit to give more of the masked features of Zoey before changing to a repeat of the damage she took at Brawl of America. This time, though, we see the damage fully. The plucking of glass from Zoey’s burned, ravaged face. Blood mingled with hot coffee. The stitches. The blistered flesh.

It’s gruesome. And suddenly, we’re not so worried about Zoey even in this mood she’s in. No, we’re worried about Coco. Whether she deserves the concern or not.

Zoey Madigan-Star?: And there WILL be an ending, Coco. But it won’t be a happy one. Not for you. But you have a chance to make things… well… not so hard on yourself. You see, I’ll be at Collision #179 at the legendary Korakuen Hall in beautiful Tokyo, Japan… and I’ll be in the middle of the ring, where everyone, including you, can see. And you’ll have the chance to get down on your knees and apologize for what you did. And if you do? Then our eventual match at Cruel Summer will be kept calm and professional. Oh, I’ll still beat the dog out of you, sweetheart, but I won’t be mean about it.

Another soft giggle, but then her voice is akin to a snarl.

Zoey Madigan-Star?: But if you don’t? I’m gonna take you on a little trip back in time, to a little place called LAW, where the first-ever Boardwalk Brawl took place. And if it goes to that level, dear, then you either live up to this sham of a “Hardcore Icon” title you hang around your neck, or you get shown a taste of how mean girls from Jersey throw down. I promise you that it won’t be to your liking. So consider carefully, ‘kay?

Static once again, but it quickly gives way to reveal the masked Zoey, staring right into the camera, eyes darker than usual, the snarl in her voice on her lips as well. Until it gives way to a startling smile.

Zoey Madigan-Star?: Because there’s no going back. And this show of a lifetime that you’ve got coming? It may very well change the course of your lifetime forevermore.

See you in Tokyo, Coco. Or else.

And in a burst of purple smoke, the masked woman is gone, leaving her warning hanging in the air.
Nick Hanson: Hell of a victory! What do you say champ?

Dona Rotten: Scrappy motherfucker. I got something for him.

The headset rustles as Dona throws her headset off, grabs the World Championship belt from the table and stands up, heading over to grab a mic.

Olivia Mayfaire: What’s she doing now?

Jim Reynolds: Shhh! The champ’s about to speak! Have some respect!

Olivia Mayfaire: Oh eat shit and die, Jimmy.

A shrill whistle rings throughout the arena as Dona whistles into the mic to get Alastair’s attention.

Dona Rotten: You go, Frosty boy! You’re a scrappy motherfucker, huh? See, that’s what I like about you! That’s why we got so much in common! So I was thinking…we’re gonna do this whole song and dance again? It’s Cruel Summer, motherfucker, how about we do it right? What do you say? Huh?

As Dona talks, a figure comes hopping over the guardrail on the other side of the ring and slides in behind Alastair.

Nick Hanson: Hey, wait a minute!!

Olivia Mayfaire: Alice Chambers! Of course, damn it! Turn around Frost!

Alice steps in, drops to a knee and goes for a low blow but Frost suddenly reaches down and catches her by the wrist. He steps over and turns around, glaring right down at the young woman who, for once, actually looks terrified.

Olivia Mayfaire: Haha!! Get her, Frost!!!

Nick Hanson: Wait a minute, what’s Dona doing?

With Frost’s back now to Dona, the champion moves swiftly, setting her title and mic on the apron, reaching under the ring, then slides inside with the handle of a crank jack in hand. She runs in and just whacks Frost across the back of the head with it, forcing him to let Alice go as he drops. Alice drops the ruse and laughs as her girlfriend proceeds to beat Frost mercilessly across the sides and torso with the jack handle. Frost rolls over onto his stomach to do his best to protect his internal organs but Dona just uses the opportunity to apply a Camel Clutch with the jack handle across his throat. She tells Alice to go get the microphone, which she does and holds it in front of Dona’s mouth.

Dona Rotten: Pretty fucking handy, right?! You picking up what I’m laying down yet?! No?! Get up, motherfucker!

Dona pulls Frost up to his feet and drops the jack handle, clutching him into position and drops him with the “Punk Plex” (Half Nelson Suplex)!!! She gets back to her feet, grabs the jack handle and takes the microphone from Alice, who goes over and grabs the World Championship.

Dona Rotten: Here’s the deal, Frosty. See, I’m a Portland gal, born and raised…but I’ve made my home right here in Osaka. Matter of fact, I guarantee my kids just watched me lay your ass out. Hello babies!

Dona smiles wickedly into the camera before turning her attention back to her challenger in two weeks.

Dona Rotten: I’m not much for sandy beaches…so, you want this?

She taps the World Championship with the jack handle with an audible clink sound.

Dona Rotten: You meet me right here, back in Osaka on the 22nd. In my Scrapyard. We do this right…like a couple of fucking nomads. Jikai made Sokode o ai shimashou.

“Bulletproof” by Godsmack plays as Dona drops the microphone to the mat and takes the title belt from Alice, raising it up to the booing crowd.

Olivia Mayfaire: What the hell is she talking about?

Nick Hanson: I think Dona Rotten just challenged the number one contender, Alastair Frost to a fight inside her own personally owned scrapyard for Cruel Summer!

Jim Reynolds: Ohhh, I love a good brawl, you two!

Nick Hanson: I’m sure Alastair Frost loves one as much as the next tough as nails fighter but something’s gotta give here! That’s all the time we’ve got for tonight, though. For Jim Reynolds and Olivia Mayfaire, I’m Nick Hanson! So long, ladies and gentlemen!