NFW Collision #180!

Josh Davidson: Ladies and gentleman, joining me at this time, please welcome El To--

The massive paw of El Toro Violento palms the head of the microphone, taking it slowly out of Josh’s hand, one finger pressed to his lips. Toro begins to speak, his voice low.

El Toro Violento: Silencio, hombrecito.

Josh holds his hands up defensively, taking a step back from the massive Hispanic man. El Toro’s voice is heavily accented, but the English is understandable.

El Toro Violento: At Cruel Summer, El Toro Violento was supposed to fight for a fancy title. That match was removed, however, and it left me sitting in Japan with nothing to do.

Dressed the same as he was at Cruel Summer, shirtless with sweats and a pair of clean white tennis shoes, the masked monster lowers his head to continue.

El Toro Violento: And then Leticia informs me of the battle royal that opened the show, for a chance at the Event Horizon championship. The rules of this division are quite clear. Anyone may enter themselves into combat at any time. So I did just that.

Leticia, who has since arrived, stands behind El Toro Violento, one hand on his shoulder, a smug grin on her face.

El Toro Violento: To say that I won would be an understatement. No one in that match held even a candle to me. I destroyed everyone who stood before me, and took what was rightfully mine.

Lety nods, clapping her hands and whispering to the massive minotaur in Spanish. He holds up a hand, and she stops speaking.

El Toro Violento: Austin Ramsey. I am the number one contender for your title. You have toyed around with Myriad for far too long. It is time you fought a different kind of monster. The kind that you have no hope to defeat. It would be in your best interest to come to the ring, and lay the belt at my feet.

With that, El Toro Violento hands the microphone back to Josh, ruffling his hair as if he were only a child. He turns to leave, and nearly runs into Killian Oliver. The two men stare at one another with an intensity, bull snout to nose. As Killian Oliver and El Toro Violento continue their staredown, interviewer Josh Davidson is keeping his distance in case things blow up.

Killian Oliver: You waiting for a kiss from me there, big guy? Coz I hate to break it to you but I don’t swing that way and I have a girlfriend.

Silence from the Mexican.

Killian Oliver: Not much of a talker I see. Well you know… I hear the Chicago Bulls are looking for a new mascot.

El Toro simply just turns and walks away from Oliver as the Washington native chuckles and then turns his attention to Davidson.

Killian Oliver: Oh great, you’re still here.

Oliver rolls his eyes and sighs before folding his arms across his chest.

Josh Davidson: Well Killian, tonight you’re making your in ring NFW debut against Jimmy Bones and--

Killian Oliver: And what? You’re going to ask me how I’m feeling? What my strategy is going to be? Some other dumb question the one brain cell you have can think of?

Oliver shakes his head.

Killian Oliver: Here’s the deal, Josh. I don’t need to wear a stupid mask… or go by some dumb ring name to get over. I don’t need to be a second or third generation wrestler… or have a long ass list of accomplishments already to make a name for myself. And I sure as Hell don’t need to kiss the ass of these morons and neckbeards or the pencil pushers in the office to make it.

The Washington native unfolds his arms.

Killian Oliver: I just need to go out there and be me and fight! Jimmy Bones is a nobody! I, Killian Oliver, am a somebody! And tonight, I am going out there to send a message to everyone! And that message is simple! That Killian Oliver is here and he is the future of NFW!

Oliver then proceeds to disappear off camera, brushing past the interviewer as we cut elsewhere.
Ayu Megumi was in her black tracksuit for the Press Conference. She sat looking around with a big smile on her face. She is trying to keep her excitement as low as possible out of the many wrestlers attending VBMT this year. Ayu is super excited. As can be seen from her gestures, one could tell that she was nervous and of course Ayu was waiting for a signal for her so that she could stand up and say something. Before they gave her a signal she smiled at them before she rose from her chair with the mic in her hand looking around, smiling at Morgan Payne, Moe Renhuan, and several others in the place. before she raised up the mic to say something that's going on in her head.

Ayu Megumi: Ayu Megumi I am very happy to participate in VBMT again this year. I have to say that this tournament is really important to me. As everyone knows I won my first championship in NFW during the VBMT tournament, of course I will never forget the day that a little girl from Japan became NFW United States Champion. Last time I didn't expect to win this tournament because I'm too new with the New Frontier Wrestling. And of course it was quite difficult for me to win this tournament last year because I thought I wasn't strong enough. But last year I thought I was able to do the best I could. Last year was my first time attending this tournament and it gave me the thrill of going up against so many opponents that I've faced or some I've never faced. Last year I exceeded my expectations so much that I finished the last day of VBMT as the NFW United States Champion. Last year I only watched the finals from the backstage. I admire them for making the finals great. I admired both Kai Morgan and Morgan Payne last year. They're both amazing and last year's VBMT made me shine more than a lot of people here and I'm thankful for all the appreciation in me. What happened in VBMT last year turned me into an Ayu Megumi like today and I really enjoyed all the compliments. But now the situation is different. That's what I can feel.

Ayu Megumi: My own expectations this year have changed. How I look at myself differently from last year. I've always thought to myself since becoming NFW United States Champion that I'm going to aim higher. of this tournament But this year it was different after I had more experience but of course not as much as many people here. But I expect more of myself than last year. after everything that has happened It gives me more hope, and this year I think I have more opportunities from last year. Of course, I know that it is still difficult to me, but it is always challenging me. Difficulty has always been a challenge for me and of course what just happened to me in Sudden Death IV made me think that I had a small chance of winning this tournament. And this year I'm still in Block B. I'm still as excited as last year but I think from my experience last year I think I'm more ready than last year. This year's Ayu Megumi is better than last year's Ayu Megumi. I'm more ready than last year and I think I'm can do better than last year Now I can say that the situation is completely different. Last year no one expected this little girl from Japan. But this year everything changed after my last period. I can feel people expecting me to do better this year. And when I announced that I would be joining this year's VBMT, people expected me to become the winner of this year's tournament. That's why I find it difficult to promise me a winner this year. But what I can do now is I promise I will do the best I can. I will not deny that I do not look to win this match. Of course I hope And I will make it happen no matter who I face in this tournament. I will make my success this year... thank you.

Ayu finished her words once again she bowed to everyone and sits down to her own chair and smiled…
Having listened to the others speak, Lluvia made her way to the podium when she was introduced. Giving a quiet thank you and a small nod, she cleared her throat before she began to speak.

Lluvia Salvatore: Ever since I signed with NFW over 4 years ago, I’ve seized every opportunity that I’ve been given. Whether it be chances at singles gold, tag team gold, or being a part of various tournaments that have happened throughout my tenure so far. I’m honored to say that this is also my 4th year taking part in the memorial tournament for Vlad Blackheart.

Pausing for a moment to take a few sips of water, Lluv looked around at the other competitors then turned her gaze out to the reporters in the crowd.

Lluvia Salvatore: Obviously I can’t speak for my fellow competitors when it comes to those that haven’t spoken yet, but I won’t be taking questions today. I also won’t be touching base on my competitors as individuals. In the past, I’ve spoken on those that signed up for this tournament, but this year, I feel like it would be best if I simply kept it short and sweet this year.

She brushed a few strands of hair out of her face as she paused again then went to continue.

Lluvia Salvatore: For 4 years, I’ve been taking part in the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. Some of the competitors this year, I’ve faced in other years, in other tournaments, on regular cards, or not at all. There is no secret about what this tournament means to The Kingdom because of who Vlad was to Morgan. I wish I had been able to meet the man, but it obviously wasn’t something that was meant to be.

Lluvia glanced back at her wife, a small smile on her face when she did so. Her attention and gaze went back to the reporters in front of her as she continued speaking yet again.

Lluvia Salvatore: As I mentioned, I’m honored to be able to take part in this tournament and to honor Vlad Blackheart. While some only take part with the goal to win it all, including the top gold of their respective brand, that is not my primary intention when I take part. Yes, I always have the hope of winning the entire tournament along with some gold, but my only goal is to go out there and properly honor someone that meant a lot to the family that I’ve been lucky enough to be able to be a part of. If I’m able to go out there and put on an amazing match no matter who I’m against then my goal is met each and every time I have a match in this tournament. To those that are taking part, good luck this year. With the stacked brackets, we’ll all need it.

With that, Lluvia stepped away from the podium and gave the reporters a little bow out of respect before she went back to her seat.
We cut back to ringside, where we see the old “Queen’s Court” set in the ring. The large neon sign illuminated the gigantic single-seated throne sat to one side, and the just as enormous couch-like throne next to it. The nicely dressed coffee tables set in front of them sat on top of a decorative carpet draped over the standard ring mat, and really tied the whole thing together. Eventually, Darlyn Fajardo pipes up to give her introduction.

Darlyn Fajardo: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome…the host of The Queen’s Court…Jessi! Ozborne!

“Bones Exposed” by Of Mice & Men blares over the speakers, with Jessi Ozborne running out of the entry tunnel to greet the fans! She’s dressed a lot more fancy than on usual occasions, with a blazer being fitted over her brasserie top and jeans. She jumps into her throne, dancing with giddiness as you can tell she really, REALLY wanted to host this show again. She grabs up a microphone and starts things off.

Jessi Ozborne: Hello, Okinawa…

Crowd: PAPI’S HOME!!!

Jessi Ozborne: Oh, come on! I haven’t been able to drop that little number into a live mic in a hot minute and that’s all you’ve got for me?! I said, “HELLO, OKINAWA!!”

Crowd: PAPI’S HOME!!!!

The crowd continues to cheer as Jessi dances around in her seat some more.

Jessi Ozborne: And those words have never felt truer, because I do indeed feel at home right now. See, we haven’t hosted The Queen’s Court since December of last year! That’s a long time not to do a thing, but I’ve been a bit busy chasing other things, being chased by other things. A lot of chasing has been going on in my life for the last eight months. But then, because of recent events, I decided it’s about time I just stood still for a hot minute, y’know?

Jessi pauses to get a reaction from the crowd before continuing.

Jessi Ozborne: And that brings me to my guests tonight, because I realize that in doing all that chasing, it hasn’t come across to you folks here in the New Frontier that we’re a united front. But we’re here to show you that that couldn’t be any further from the truth. So, without further adieu, let me introduce you all to those guests. My closest friends, my sisters, and the most talented group of women I know: Jordan Majors, Morganna Bilson, and Sanada!

Sanada entered the ring first as the crowd went wild and chanted her name “Sanada! Sanada! Sanada!” but not even have a smile on her face… Sanada walked towards Jessi with a serious expression after the loss in Cruel Summer… another loss of hers since the Japan tour… Sanada can't be happy about it… Sanada walked to Jessi and grabbed the mic before walked to the center of the ring as the crowd continued to cheers her loudly but as Sanada looked at them and no one can expected her this time they voices slowly die down as the arena covered in silent as Sanada slowly raised the mic up for say something…

Sanada: Okinawa… I want to say something to you all even I have a bad performance in this fucking tour… I'm really sad comeback to Japan this time is fucking disaster… I'm still hurt… but if you asked me I hurt from losing the NFW World Tag Team Champion? My answer is no… but yeah that's the point but another reason is I let my bestie, Jordan… take a bullet for me… when they send Jordan through the flame table… I'm shocked… hurt… and speechless… yeah I don't know what I can do for her… I can't even say thank you for saving me when I see her get burned like that… past week… I lost everything… EVERYTHING I GOT… but yeah I think you all need me to move on? Yeah I have my own goal… very soon everyone will know what is in my mind right now.

Jordan walks out from the back while Sanada is busy talking and makes her way down the ramp. As Sanada finishes, she climbs into the ring and walks over to Jessi. She whispers something to her and just smiles before she walks over to Sanada and grabs the microphone.

Jordan Majors: I just told her I was going to embarrass her a bit. Everyone congratulate this girl! She’s engaged!!

The crowd roars for Jessi and Jordan looks at her and smiles. She then looks at Sanada and nods.

Jordan Majors: Yeah, so… Cruel Summer went well for some of us and not so well for others. But we’re not going to focus on it too much. The Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament is coming up and I know for me, I’m gonna treat this like the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s among my favorite times of the year in this company and I’m going to do what it takes to represent the Queens of Chaos and empower this group of sisters in NFW. Our time is coming. And when it does, all those who doubted this sisterhood will be left to stand and watch as we dominate this industry. We’re gonna have a little fun along the way, too. You know us.

Morganna Bilson walks out from the back wearing a leather jacket as she starts looking around the arena and stands before joining and standing besides Sanada, Jessi Ozborne, and Jordon Majors.

[font color=”19e621”Morgonna Bilson:[/font] I am still slightly upset that I am not slightly disappointed with myself. I mean I failed to capture the Perseverance Championship in the Ultimate Livewire Match. I did try everything that I thought was within my power to do. I understand that some of you will and are rightfully mad with me for that failure. I will do anything and everything in my power to correct this failure.

Morganna pauses, as she starts looking visibly upset with herself and for disappointing her sisters within the Queens of Chaos.

[font color=”19e621”Morgonna Bilson:[/font] But this is really supposed to be more of a party isn’t it?

Jessi Ozborne: Yes, it is! And that reminds me…

Jessi gets up from her seat at that question, before grabbing a huge glass bottle from behind her chair, along with a set of wine glasses. The crowd “Ooo” at the sight of all this.

Jessi Ozborne: Oh calm ya titties, it’s just sparkling grape juice! Like I’d ever display my alcoholism on live TV!

Jessi opens the sparkling juice and pours each woman a glass.

Jessi Ozborne: All that matters is that the point of the gesture, and that’s why I brought the three of you here today. We’ve all been through a lot. We’ve won a lot, we’ve lost a lot. We’ve had our best days, and we’ve had days where we’ve been hurt like you couldn’t believe. But the best part about hitting the bottom is that there’s nowhere to go but up. For a long time, as far as here goes, we’ve been doing it apart. That ends today. We’re gonna get back to the top, we’re gonna do it together, and it’s all gonna start as Jordan here makes each and every single person in the VBMT her bitch!

Jessi raises her glass to the women.

Jessi Ozborne: To the motherfucking Queen’s era!

The four toast to Jessi’s proclamation, with their music once again playing as we fade.
“Bodies” by Drowning Pool is heard blasting as Alastair comes onto the ramp while the NFW World Championship belt is resting on his shoulder. He didn’t have his sunglasses on but in more business casual attire and is holding a small bag in his right hand. He places the bag at the steps before entering the ring and taking a microphone.

Alastair Frost: It is a surprise to many that I obtained the World title after I failed my first attempt back at Reckoning Day. I kept Dona on her toes as every challenger should so that a Champion should always be prepared. I already know that Dona wants to attempt to get the title back but she has had her chance for the title and she will need to go to the BACK OF THE LINE. Cass may have shared her thoughts on Twitter that she wants to come after me but like all other enemies, she has to EARN her place against the champion..

Alastair adjusts the title on his shoulder as the crowd was not booing him for once as they wanted to hear what the champion wanted to say. He still sneered at them as he placed the bag he carried with him into the ring and to his feet.

Alastair Frost: During my rounds as the new champion, I have been asked about why I had the meeting with a member of a different company. There are my reasons for that and now I will give everyone an eye experience.

'Bad' by Royal Deluxe plays from the loud speaker. The crowd is instantly shocked to see ISIS, the Zion Wrestling Hardcore Champion, walk with purpose down to the ring. Alastair watched as Isis made her way down to the ring as the crowd was surprised to see Isis back in an NFW ring and they were booing her as she was speaking.

ISIS: “Never know what Fate has in store, huh?

Alastair Frost: How dare you react that way to a visitor to NFWf? Regardless of what the rest of you think, Isis it is nice to see that you have agreed to be here in the ring with me with your busy schedule after our original meeting.

Alastair had his plans set for sometime and expanding things for his branch of the Wolves but he knew he had to be diligent about the matter with the history of the Wolves.

Alastair Frost: I am content that you have considered my proposition and you have come here to give your response. .

ISIS: “I have. My decision is a no brainer. Thanks to The Wolves, the love of my life Calypso is the woman she is now. I needed someone like her to drag me out the darkness when I felt the world was playing a cruel joke at my expense. Without her; who knows where I’d be. I have seen the wonders The Wolves have done for Trixie. Thicc Attack. And yourself. I consider it an honor you would officially offer me a place within The Wolves of Odinn. This is Fate. Of course, my answer is yes.”

Alastair and the crowd listened to Isis and her words taking them in while Alastair held the mic and his free hand on the title.He lowered the microphone and opened the bag, revealing a Wolves of Odin Kutte. He presented it to her for putting on and spoke..

Alastair Frost: I would like to introduce everyone to Destroyer, the newest addition to the Nomad charter of the Wolves of Odin. She is not just a regular member of this charter but she will be the Vice President of this charter.

The normally stoic ISIS has a smile on her face from ear to ear. The crowd doesn’t share the same exuberance Alastair and ISIS do. Neither of them care. This moment is about them and The Wolves.

Alastair puts down the microphone and used both hands to adjust the kutte to allow Isis to finally wear it. He picked up the microphone and snarled at the boos of the crowd.

Alastair Frost: The newest Wolf is now prepared to hunt and Destroyer, like the Lone Wolf, is looking for her prey.
Rising from her chair, Morgan Payne removes her blazer jacket and hangs it over the back of her seat. She steps out from behind the table her row is at and approaches the podium, dressed in neat, pressed, gray slacks, dress shoes and a form fitting, turtleneck, black shirt. She keeps her sunglasses on over her face as she walks up and takes the microphone right out of the holder. She gives the mouthpiece a tap before raising it up to speak.

Morgan Payne: Bear wif me, I’m a lil worked up. Sittin’ still ain’t easy for me, right now.

She starts to pace, slowly, along the front of the stage, walking along and looking across the faces at the B Block table. She turns around and moves the other way, doing the same to the A Block table. Finally, she begins.

Morgan Payne: Now, what I’m ‘bout t’say, s’prolly gonna chap some asses sittin’ at these tables. I’ma give a disclaimer and say it ain’t abaht everybody here, but if you feel like it is? Then it prolly is.

She pauses again, brushes her nose with a finger and sighs, shrugging her empty hand up.

Morgan Payne: Some o’tha people sittin’ in these chairs?

She motions with a finger across both sides.

Morgan Payne: Yinz don’t even deserve t’be takin’ part in dis. Some do, don’t gemme wrong. Most o’yinz here are some o’tha hottest athletes t’step into a wrestlin’ ring. Others of yinz are sleepers. Unsung stars dat haven’t gotten your moment yet and may very well get it here. Somewhat. Cuz let’s be real, we look at my track record in dis event? I’ve only ever gone up. Dis’ll be my third VBMT I’m participatin’ in and if history’s anything t’go by, tha proof is right there. I made runner up in my first one. VBMT3. I ain’t win tha trophy but I did win the ladder match and I went onto Wrestle War 17 to win tha Silver Mountain Championship. My next one was just last year. I won tha block. I won tha trophy. I went on t’win the World Championship in a match that got voted Match of the Year.

From the crowd, one of the press members calls out a question.

Press Member: What about the Queen of the Frontier, 2019?

Morgan points in the general direction of the voice and shakes her finger.

Morgan Payne: Yeah, we’ll count dat. Look at it. I did halfway decent in my first round robin tournament. Then I got better…and I got better. Which brings us t’now. Tha sixth tournament. If what they say’s true and you can only go up, how can I get better than last year? Shit, maybe I do like Kai Morgan did and I sweep tha block. Maybe I make history and become tha first person t’win two Vlad Blackheart Memorials. Not just two. But two back to back. What are tha chances? Slim to nil but if anybody can do it? You’re fuckin’ lookin’ at her. You’re lookin’ at tha Ace of NFW. A name dat started aht as gettin’ high off my own kool-aid but as time went ahn, it became a reality. Fans accept it. Staff accept it. Tha locker room, shit, everybody at these gahdamn tables know it.

She sweeps her finger across the tables of the other nineteen tournament competitors.

Morgan Payne: Now, don’t gemme wrong. I’m sayin’ it’s possible. However, comma, I ain’t sayin’ it’s easy. There’s alotta tough wrestlers in dis block dis year. Jordan Majors, you an’ me locked up last year. You gave me a run for my money. I’m lookin’ forward t’seein’ what’chu bring dis year.

She starts going over the B Block table.

Morgan Payne: Arley Kirk. You an’ me ain’t never squared up before but if wrestlin’ you’s anything like Lash - rest in peace - I know I’m in for one fuck of a fight.

She moves on.

Morgan Payne: Dane Preston? Man, we both knew Robi. We both almost squared up before but uhhh….yeah, some shit obviously got in tha way. So dis is a first for both of us. You bring your A game. I’ma bring mine.

Morgan looks over the rest of the table. Mostly Trauma members that she’s never shared a locker room with.

Morgan Payne: Can’t say much on most o’yinz. Issa mystery. All I got is what I seen watchin’ yer matches. Now, Mojo? I feel like we know each other like tha backs of our hands but at tha same time, we ain’t never done dis before. Five years ago, I’da hated the idea o’havin’ t’wrestle someone I kiss good mornin’ an’ goodnight but now I realize, s’just part o’tha job. Smart woman taught me dat, an’ ahnno she watchin’. Shout aht t’you Chrissy.

Morgan moves on down the table and stops on VixSin. She snorts and flicks her nose with her thumb.

Morgan Payne: Bitch. I’m surprised they ain’t bring you here in a cage. I’m surprised you came here at all. I’ma tune yo ass up.like a Strato. Gemme a fuckin’ rabies shot after cuz gahd knows you gon’ bite my ass.

Moving on, her eyes fall directly on Cass Baumer. There’s a long, almost uncomfortable silence before Morgan simply taps the side of her nose twice, looking right at her. After that, she turns back to the press.

Morgan Payne: What’s left t’say, other than see yinz at tha tournament. I’m comin’ into dis for my third run and I got all tha motivation in tha world to succeed, back to back. Mostly cuz ahnno there’s people dat still don’t think I work for what I get and dat winnin’ dis a second time will piss those motherfuckers ahff. To any of them watchin’ dis? I will happily drink from dat river of your tears by, once again, remindin’ each an’ every one o’you just who tha fuck I am.

She sticks the microphone back in the holder and returns to her seat.
Tanja had been watching the press conference with interest as there were people from both Trauma AND Collision. She had not dealt with a blending of the rosters on a matter since the tournament that determined the 1st ever Event Horizons champion.She listened to each word of the participants before her but she was informed that her turn was coming up soon. The Cajun clutched a small cloth bag that was dangling from her belt before she headed to the podium.

Tanja Devereaux: This tournament is a very special one for every participant in this tournament, no matter which brand they are on. We were not in last year’s tournament for personal reasons but this year we will not miss out of the chance to represent Trauma in this tournament.

Tanja could tell some of the Japanese reporters were looking at her with confusion as they haven’t seen a foreigner like her before. She knew that her eccentric and supernatural nature is something she would deal with regularly but she really didn’t give a fuck.

Tanja Devereaux: The Barons of Death and Papa Legba have reminded us that the memory of the dead is just as important as those of the living being around to remember those who came before us..

Tanja grabbed onto the cloth bag and gave a small prayer to the dead, including recent deaths in the world of professional wrestling that hit many hard.

Tanja Devereaux: We may not have stepped into the ring with Vlad himself, we will be honored to represent him during this tournament, no matter how long we last in it. The living will need to remember that even those who are gone will have a lot to say and have a lot of influence on what will happen. Our way of life will not be denied to the ignorant or to the uneducated. We will give the lesson to all of them while crushing each participant of the tournament.

Before Tanja could take any questions from the reporters, she gave a cold and stoic gaze to all of them and walked off the stage; not before leaving the small cloth bag of Gris Gris on the pedestal.
As Cass Baumer rises from her seat, a chorus of boos immediately erupts from the crowd. Both fans and journalists alike can't hold back their disdain for the self-professed Scourge of the Earth, who's recently become everyone's favorite topic of controversy in NFW. Rather than shying away, Baumer basks in the moment with a smirk. She cheekily takes her seat, waiting for the noise to die down. But as she stands up again, the boos return even louder. She repeats the tease, amplifying the Chicago audience’s frenzy again and again until Steven Brody shoots Baumer a look of annoyance. So, one last time, Cass stands and clears her throat. Brushing away the specks from her worn teal blazer, she saunters towards the podium with a swagger in her step.

Cass Baumer: Kia ora koutou. Kon'nichiwa. Cheers for comin’ to this shindig. I know it’s been a long day. So bare with me for a sec, kay? We’re almost done. So, let’s get right into it.

Just as everybody expects her to speak, Cass pauses. The atmosphere thickens with tension as the crowd’s attention is drawn towards the European New Zealander behind the podium dressed in an oversized jacket over a t-shirt and ripped jeans. Expectations reach a fever pitch as Baumer draws a deep breath, until…

Cass Baumer: Everyone else in this year’s Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament sucks but me!

The impact of her words hits hard, sparking an uproar of boos and jeers from the crowd. Unfazed, Cass’s eyes shimmer with mischief as she confidently adjusts the French braid draped over her shoulder.

Cass Baumer: What? You think I’m full of shit? Let’s look at the evidence: At #VBMT3 in 2020, I nearly clinched the finals for Block B. I was right there, lockstep point for point with that batshit lunatic Anton Crowley (or Lucifer, as he’s known now). If it wasn’t for one loss to someone who isn’t even contracted to this promotion anymore on the day right before the finale, I would have gone on to beat “Super Tiger” Risa Lemon in what some close-minded jerkoffs would have called an upset. I would have put the trophy in my bedroom, headlined WrestleWar, and humiliated Lord Lucifer in Madison Square fuckin’ Garden!

Some heckling circulates through the room at Baumer’s blatant arrogance.

Cass Baumer: You might argue that’s ancient history. In wrestling, three years ago might as well be a century - especially with pandemic time taken into account. So, let’s focus on the present, then. Each participant. One by one.

She chuckles, the sound slicing through the conference room’s tense atmosphere. A handful join in with hesitant laughter while most cast disapproving glares at Cass.

Cass Baumer: #VBMT5 winner Morgan Payne won her trophy against Old Man Kai Morgan, whose current claim to fame is bein’ called Daddy (alongside Kasey Kash) by Jessi Ozbourne. Hell, Kai’s body doesn’t even work enough to wrestle anymore. He’s an aging stay-at-home father supporting NFW’s hair/makeup chick who wants to kick my ass, Teresa Morgan. Is that supposed to be impressive? Beatin’ a now retiree who didn’t even wanna get his hands dirty when he fired me from Zion Wrestling? Then at Ascension IV, Payne lost to “Scream Queen” Dona Rotten — a woman once known as the joke of Filth Parade, which is sayin’ somethin’ since I was an honoury Filth Parade member. A reign that was supposed to last for over a year prematurely climaxed with a self-identified demon who made hot dogs with a silly moustache. And yeah, sure, Dona improved since she lit a fire under herself to be considered one of the best to ever do it in Chicago, but that doesn’t retroactively erase what happened before.

Boos target Cass from all around the boardroom.

Cass Baumer: Then we’ve got the drug-addled Moe Renhuan, who really needs to learn her manners. When I tried to ask her how she was doing in the privacy of a DM on Twixxler, she went off on me. How dare I, a former journalist and supposed friend of hers, want to know what she’s been up to in the year plus she’s been absent from the public eye! That’s how she framed it. Like I was some monster for wantin’ to know if she was alright. So, to teach Renhuan a valuable lesson, I decided to be a good samaritan and told Fumagalli — someone you might remember as the unlucky sap who got his forearm broken by Moe when he opened his big mouth about it after their tag team match. He hasn’t been seen since. His career’s more than likely done, much like Moe’s chance of ever getting custody of her little brother back after that violent outburst. Maybe she’ll still win #VBMT6, though, eh? Probably not.

Cass folds her arms defiantly across her chest.

Cass Baumer: Nakita Niles has it out for me, too. She made another of her typical thot posts with faux inspirational gobbledygook, then got real butthurt when I replied. For someone so sure of themselves on the surface, she might be the most insecure jerkoff in this entire tournament. All I did was mention how for all the talk she does of winning, the only thing she’s backed up is that asstastic meal of hers right in front of that camera lens. I’d love to make her butt hurt for real, but we should move on to the next.

The edges of her mouth tug into a smile.

Cass Baumer: Speakin’ of great butts I’d like to hurt, Jordan Majors is in this too.

She pauses to playfully wave to the camera.

Cass Baumer: Hi, Yennefer Filth. Hi, Sanada Seryu. I know you’re watching right now!

Baumer clears her throat and continues.

Cass Baumer: The Zion World Champion, Jordan Majors, is one of the hottest commodities in all of wrestling in every meaning of the phrase. Still, she hasn’t done much in NFW yet. Yes, she had that nice run with the Emperor Aces alongside Sanada Seryu (who’s probably furiously steaming as she hears this), but the two lost to Thicc Attack at #CruelSummerIV. And what about her singles career here? Nothing special. The only difference between Jordan Majors and me is that luck smiled in her direction when she challenged for the Zion World Championship 253 days after I did. Imagine if I had beaten Daria Dorsey on January 21st, 2022’s Fusion: Episode 28 (months before Jordan was even remotely in the main event title picture). In that case, I’d still have the Zion World Championship today! It’d be a historic 580+ day reign. I’d be on the posters, the banners, and the Fusion intro. The entire wrestling landscape would be different. And when Jordan earned her chance to challenge for the Zion World Championship in my possession, she’d fail right in front of that Zion Wrestling Stadium audience who would shower me with garbage and half-eaten food. Ah, what a dream! Since we unfortunately don’t live in that reality, I’ll have to settle for winning the #VBMT6 instead.

A stifled snicker escapes her lips as she thinks about what she’s about to say next.

Cass Baumer: Jordan Majors? More like Jordan Minors, amirite?

No one laughs except for Baumer. A tumbleweed would have rolled across the stage if this was in the desert.

Cass Baumer: Next, I wanna talk about Arley Kirk. The Kawaii Trash Panda Go member recently returned to wrestling, to NFW, and she’s been on a steady rise since. She’s got what it takes to be NFW New Frontier Champion after “The Unbreakable” Stacy Jones gets broken again.

Cass pauses so she can refocus on the topic at hand.

Cass Baumer: What’s there to say about Arley? We used to be so close, but immediately after I started to go down a path she didn’t like, she threw all that out the window. Much like Ayu Megumi, now that I think about it. The two of them act like if self-righteousness was their only personality trait. Like I’m suddenly not me anymore. Like I’m not the same person who supported them both, even when things were difficult. And that hurts, to tell the truth. It sucks to know a friendship wasn’t as solid as I thought, but if this is the path they wanna take? I’ll take ‘em out. Arley. Ayu. Everybody who wants a piece of me can have it, but I’m gonna take a piece of them while I’m at it. Nami Megumi and Maki Megumi, too.

The feeling in the room shifts as fans and reporters alike exchange glances. More whispers and murmurs echo throughout, but Cass Baumer isn’t done.

Cass Baumer: VixSin and Myriad are two of the scariest individuals in #VBMT6. No one in their right mind would doubt their toughness. Still, the fact is that the last time we saw them at #CruelSummerIV, it proved they’re beatable. VixSin burned in a wicker casket, while Myriad lost to Austin Ramsey in one of the most disgustingly awesome matches I’ve ever witnessed! What I’m trying to say is that two flesh and blood humans are underneath all that terrifying monster. Now, that’s something I can handle.

She pauses again, checking her smartwatch.

Cass Baumer: And as for Jaxson King and Takashi Shinobu, I’m sure I’ll find a reason to hate ‘cha soon. Dane Preston won’t win Block B, either. Crystal Hilton is still an annoying twat, and Johnny Towers won’t give me fun banter, so fuck him. Lluvia dropped off. Arianrhod is still possessing a walking corpse. Damon Cross is a has-been trying to relive his glory days. And nobody on the planet actually thinks Sean Curley or Tanja Devereaux will walk out with the #VBMT6 trophy, aye?

With that lightning round complete, Cass clears her throat.

Cass Baumer: In conclusion…

A sinister smile rises to her lips as the crowd starts to boo with furiosity.

Cass Baumer: Everyone else in this year’s Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament sucks but me! Thank you!!

The fans and reporters show their displeasure louder than ever as Cass triumphantly raises her arms. Then, she starts to walk back to her seat to sit down.