NFW Trauma #135 - 12/09/2023!

As the show opens, the camera sees three members of Legacies, Adrianna Salvatore, Jamie Austin and Cherry Blackman, walking towards the building from the parking lot. All three wear smirks that scream out that they know they’re the baddest bitches on the planet and just better than you at everything. As they get nearly to the curb, they turn to see the members of the NFW Trios Champions, Arsenal, Ashley Kenyon, Bethany Kenyon and Jeszika Gautier come rushing at them fists flying. Jeszika crashes into Cherry, Bethany into Jamie and Ashley into Adrianna. All six start fighting with a level of intensity that borders on insanity. Within seconds, all six are bleeding and yet still fighting as if they all think somebody just robbed their entire families. Security comes rushing up to the women and jumps on all of them. Arsenal and Legacies both turn on the security while still trying to maintain the fight with each other.

Seth Ernst: My God, they’re trying to destroy each other!

Miranda Augustino: ¡Ay chihuahua!

Lucas Knox: After last week, can you blame them?

Seth Ernst: What Legacies did to Nikki Peltier was just deplorable!

Miranda Augustino: Poor Mami.

Lucas Knox: And now here comes the pain!

The six combatants continue alternating between fighting with each other and fighting with security personnel. Jeszika nails a security guard. Adrianna nails one. Ashley nails one. Jaime hits one. Bethany hits one. Cherry hits one. Legacies and Arsenal turn and almost immediately start fighting again. More security rushes in to join the others there already. Security jumps on the both factions and tackles them all, pulling them down and slapping flex cuffs on them.

Seth Ernst: Are they being arrested?

Miranda Augustino: They’re dragging them off but it’s towards the building!

Lucas Knox: Maybe… I… I don’t know!

Seth Ernst: They definitely don’t want them in jail this close to Wrestlewar!

Miranda Augustino: No…

Lucas Knox: They better hope that doesn’t happen, we need to see this fight!
The screen cuts to the backstage area where the Phantom Troupe usually is and we find ourselves looking at none other than the man behind the mayhem, Devon Slayton himself, sitting in his usual spot in the room with a faint grin on his bearded face as he looks at the camera with the rest of the Troupe arrayed around him, dressed and ready for battle..

Devon Slayton: I fully accept that these past few weeks have been full of ups and downs, more downs than anything, like my charges have said time and time again here on NFW television and in such straight perfect words that even the lowest hanging fruit of the evolutionary tree can understand it.

Devon’s faint grin becomes a rather twisted smile.

Devon Slayton: And by that I do mean you, my dear Jaime Austin. Because I have seen your actions and heard your intentions but most importantly I know an egotistical little pedantic twat when I run into them and I have ran into my fair share because right now, you’re watching this with a smug little smile on your face and declaring this way and that just because your little glitch dumb lucked her way into a win over Zach a couple of weeks back means that your little band is superior.

But it’s not, Jaime. Because you’re looking at the superior brand and you’re just too arrogant to see the reality of it.

Zack Stryfe: The crew is only as strong as its captain. If your captain be weak in the mind, then you’re all screwed.

This brings a collective sound of agreement from the entire Phantom Troupe, but then Devon raises his left hand to forestall anything further as the grin disappears from his face and he leans forward in his seat, fixing his gaze onto the camera.

Devon Slayton: But again, I won’t lie. Yes these past few weeks have been full of ups and downs for my Troupe, but that was expected because you can’t be successful a hundred percent of the time because that breeds discontent and a kind of arrogance that I understand all too well from my own time at the very top of this industry.

But what would’ve started to crack a lesser unit has only served to make this one even better, hungrier even…and our loss last week helped to serve as a siren’s call so to speak.

David Striker: A call that will nonetheless be answered with the very best violence and mayhem because when it comes to this unit, you should not expect anything less.

Dylan Maverick: Not unless you want to be led around by the nose of some talentless little bint with delusions of grandeur like some kind of pack of sickly show poodles..

A low chuckle starts to cross throughout the room, complete with Zack and Dylan bumping fists before David lets out a low growl which causes everyone in the room to turn towards him.

David Striker: Look, the point of the matter is that we can all keep on doing this..

David then uses his hands to mime talking before lowering them in disgust.

David Striker: Or we can go out there and do what we do best, because I don’t know about you two…but I’m feeling a little bit froggy if you get my meaning.

Devon then stands up and brotherly punches David in the right shoulder with a look of pride on his face.

Devon Slayton: I could not have said it better myself, David. Now let us not forget one of my father’s favorite sayings shall we?

Zack Stryfe: And what was that, Devon?

Devon gets a very wicked smile on his face.

Devon Slayton: Do unto others…and ENJOY IT!!

The group then leaves the locker room with Devon hanging back just long enough to turn his face to the camera, his smile becoming much more sinister as he focuses his gaze past the camera and towards one person in particular.

Devon Slayton: My family also has another saying we’re infamous for, Jaime Austin. One that has proven very bloody and true time and time again and that is don’t ever give a Slayton a reason to start hunting you..drawing their attention is costly.

Devon then licks his teeth before grinning at the camera an even more sinister grin.

Devon Slayton: I hope that you’re fine with this butcher’s bill, Jaime. Time’s coming to pay the bill.

The screen then cuts back to ringside as Devon turns to leave the scene.
“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page is walking down the steps of her private jet in Buenos Aires. She strolls over to the Maybach that is waiting for her.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: It feels so nice to be back here in Argentina. I wish I could say I was here merely for pleasure but I’m obviously here to deal with a couple great big oak trees on Trauma. Which is probably why I’m an underdog going into Trauma and that’s fine because I obviously don’t need the recognition of the marks or the so-called oddsmakers.

Voice from the jet is heard. Danielle looks up towards the top of the steps. Vanessa Page emerges from the jet. Danielle smiles as Vanessa walks down the steps of the jet.

Vanessa Page: Absolutely #Flawless…

Vanessa looks around.

Vanessa Page: And Argentina is alright too!

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: Girl, quit playing! Let’s go.

Vanessa walks up to Danielle.

Vanessa Page: You know I’m flawless.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: I know, I know, but we came here for business.

Vanessa Page: You got this, girl.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: Manifest it, V! I hope both Nakita and Pandemonia both probably have these delusions of grandeur as to where and how their time in NFW is going. And I mean sure Nakita had forty nine underwhelming days as Genesis Champion. Now she thinks she is hot shit!

Danielle and Vanessa get into the backseat of the Maybach. The chauffeur starts the car and begins to drive off the tarmac.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: As we have all seen Pandemonia has been on a hot streak since arriving here in NFW. Which is very impressive because not everyone will make an impact here.

Vanessa Page:That allows Bianca’s favorite person and Pandemonia’s manager is over the moon on how destructive Pandemonia has been.

"Diamond Princess" Danielle Page: That I can appreciate. It’s true and I know both of you ladies have your sights set on all of your goals but don’t forget so do we. Not just me, not just V, the Socialites but the Influencers as a whole. Which we will continue to do and I’ll get mine here in Buenos Aires.
The scene cuts backstage to a shot of Simple Simon, page boy for ‘Queen’ Bianca Davis standing at the counter of the cafeteria. He is holding a bottle of spring water and is clearly annoyed.

Simple Simon: No no no. This water needs to be exactly 3 degrees. Not too cold to chill her tongue, but not even slightly warm or she’ll bring it back. So you need to go back there and find a bottle of water that my Queen can drink. Right now!

The attendant arches an eyebrow, but then her gaze turns from Simon to look over his shoulder.

Attendant: Can I help you, Sir?

Simple Simon: Who could you possibly think is mo—

Simon turns and his face falls, fear creeping into his gaze as the camera pans back to reveal ‘The Dragon’ Travis Levitt standing there. Travis has on his latest ‘The Dragon Burns’ merch shirt and some jeans, and he smiles as he glances at Simon and then looks over at the attendant.

Travis Levitt: I’ll have a bag of cheetos please.

The attendant nods and turns to get it, while Travis turns his attention to the Simon. Reaching up, Travis pats Simon’s fuschia flowered tie, and then softly tugging on it gently before his gaze meets Simon again.

Travis Levitt: Simon. Love the tie. You’re just the man I was looking for actually.

Simple Simon: Me? W–Why would you want to see me?

Travis Levitt: Well, you see, a couple of weeks ago you and I had a conversation. Not sure if you remember it. I told you, that if you stuck your nose into my match with Bianca, there would be consequences.

Simon’s eyes scream terror as the much bigger Travis has still got a firm hold of his tie. Travis starts tugging on the tie, tightening it and Simon can be heard trying to clear his throat, his face reddening slowly.

Simple Simon: I r—remember. B—but if my Q—Q—Queen needs it…..

Travis Levitt: Oh I know, I know. If your Queen needs it, you’ll do whatever needs to be done. Frankly, your loyalty to her is adorable. Its nice to know Bianca can actually have friends.

Travis pauses as he looks past Simon and sees the attendant waiting. Letting go of Simon’s tie, he reaches up to pat his red cheek and then steps past to pay for his Cheetos. Simon reaches for his tie to try and loosen the tight knot, just as Travis steps back in front of him, his cheetos already opened, and The Dragon taking a mouthful while watching Simon fiddle with his tie.

Travis Levitt: Come now Simon. You should never make a tie that tight, it could cut off your air. Sheesh.

Simple Simon: T—-Thank you for the a—a—advice.

Travis nods and goes to walk away but then stops, finishing off a few more cheetos and then turning back to him and smiling softly.

Travis Levitt: Oh, one other piece of advice, Page Boy. Next week is Wrestle War II. Its a title match. So if you try and poke your nose in, you risk pissing off not just me, but the current champion, and a robot woman that would eat you alive. I felt Pandemonia’s might last week. You don’t want to piss her off. So maybe you should talk to Tasha, and the both of you can be smart. Stay backstage. Okay? Good talk.

Travis takes another bite of some cheetos, and then reaches up, wiping his cheeto dust covered fingers off on SImon’s tie. Travis flashes him a final smile and then turns to leave. He clears his throat for a moment though and then turns back to Simon.

Travis Levitt: Damn. All those cheetos. I’m parched. Do you mind…..

Travis reaches for the water still in Simon’s hand, lifting it and taking a deep sip, and then swallowing with a smile.

Travis Levitt: Much better. Water tastes great to me, but hey. Why don’t you try some yourself?

And with that, The Dragon raises the water and slowly pours it down over Simon’s head. The page boy standing there with a slight shiver as he glares at Travis, now drenched and his tie covered in cheeto dust. The Dragon merely smiles as he tosses aside the bottle of water and then looks back at Simon, his friendly smirk replaced now by a firm steely gaze.

Travis Levitt: This is me being nice, Simon. Friendly almost. But if you or Tasha cost me that Genesis Championship…….thats when you find out how cruel and nasty this Dragon can be. Now, go be a good boy and let Bianca know that I’m looking forward to seeing her at Wrestle War II. Make sure she knows just how determined and dangerous I’m going to be.

And with that The Dragon turns and walks away, leaving behind a messy and dishevelled Simon behind him.
We cut to backstage area following the last match, where we see Jaxson King and KJ Lindsay getting ready for their match tonight in silence. Cutting into that silence, a knock is heard at the door. Jaxson and KJ give each other a look, before looking towards the door.

Jaxson King: Come on in!

The door creaks open, and in walks Rylie Page, an enigmatic smirk playing on her lips.

Rylie Page: (leaning against the doorframe) Hope I'm not interrupting anything important, boys. Just thought I'd drop by and see what all the silence is about.

KJ looks at Jaxson, then at Rylie as he pushes himself off the production crate he was sitting on.

KJ Lindsay: Aye listen, brah. This a big step for you, yeah? We’s just tryna make you understand what it is we tryna do in this company. Me and Jax tryna take over this whole joint. You get what our mission is with The Tribe, yeah?

Rylie Page: Big step? Nah, this is just the beginning. I get it, KJ. I get what The Tribe is about. It's not just a mission; it's a takeover. You and Jax are aiming for the crown, and I respect that. But just remember, I'm not here to follow. I'm here to carve my own path, and if our paths align for a moment, well, let's make sure it's a damn impactful one.

Jaxson King: Listen, no matter what goes down tonight, as long as we’re all on the same page, we shouldn’t have any problems. The Phantom Troupe have been taking all week as if they gotta chance. Like they have the upper hand on us. They think they’re about to step into the ring with three other human beings. But what I see around this room, is three instruments of destruction.

Rylie Page: Look, KJ, Jax, I respect what you're building with The Tribe. It's your thing, and I get it. But let's get one thing straight – I don't care about Phantom Troupe, The Tribe, or any other group trying to run the show.

She leans in, a cold intensity in her eyes.

Rylie Page: I'm here for one reason – to wreak havoc, to cause chaos, and to leave my mark. Whether it aligns with your mission or not, it doesn't matter to me. I'm not playing nice or pledging allegiance. I'm here to dominate, with or without a tribe.

Rylie straightens up, a defiant smirk on her face.

Rylie Page: So, do what you gotta do, build your empire. But don't expect me to follow. I'm the Queen of Violence, and I play by my own rules. Let the chaos begin.

Rylie makes her exit, leaving KJ and Jaxson to look at each other with confusion as we fade.
Tanja had stepped into the arena with a coy but proud smile on her face as she was seen wearing the Event Horizon title belt around her waist with Celeste and Lucian walking behind her. She was insistent on walking into Chicago on the first Trauma of her reign alone but they were equally insistent on being there on hand so that there weren’t any sudden shenanigans during the evening. She headed to the ringside as “Voodoo” by Godsmack is heard blasting throughout Trauma. Tanja steps into the ring and grabs a microphone from the sound technician at ringside as “Voodoo” begins to fade.

Tanja Devereaux: We have made it as we said that we would if we were given the chance to go after it, claim the Event Horizon title. The Era of Death waits for no one and we are to begin that Era on the proper footing!

The Cajun smirks as she hears the loud jeers and boos coming down on her as she talks. She knew the boos would feed her and her ways as champion and she could care less about what they thought of her.

Tanja Devereaux: You can boo us all you want but remember this, we have given a special honor to Trauma brand when we won this title from El Toro Violento as we have become the first person from the blue brand to win the title. We also brought another special honor to the Event Horizon Title, we are the first woman to ever hold the title in the short history of the title.

Lucian and Celeste gave silent claps to Tanja at ring side as she reminded the crowd the accolades she added to the Event Horizon title while the fans were booing even louder than before.

Tanja Devereaux: Even before the time we became the Death Bringer and brought notice to the Event Horizon division, we have had experience in dealing with the extreme and death match styles and we have the scars to prove it. Should anyone wish to TRY and take the Event Horizon title from us in the new year, make sure to be prepared for the respect the call of Death and energy of darker Gris Gris we may call against any of you. The weak members of the living are UNWORTHY of the title we hold and we will curse anyone who tries to take it from us!.

“Voodoo” begins to blast as Tanja drops the microphone and removes the title from her waist, showing it off for everyone to see. Lucian helps Tanja out of the ring as the 3 head backstage and the boos fill Tanja’s ears.
The cameras cut backstage to show the United States Champion Lana Corvin standing with Dominique Ciotti. Lana was dressed casually with a #FreeSeleana shirt, the US title was draped over her shoulder. She had a smile on her face and looked into the camera.

Dominique Ciotti: I’m here tonight with the United States Champion, and leader of Legacies, Lana Corvin. Thank you for being here. Do you think you’re ready for your title defense at Wrestle War?

Lana adjusted the title belt on her shoulder and chuckled a bit.

Lana Corvin: I figured Trauma could use the ratings boost they get when I’m on screen. As far as my match goes, it shouldn’t even be happening!

Dominique Ciotti: Miss Viskan said she wanted to see it. So it is happening and it is official.

Lana Corvin: Which is bullshit. Crystal couldn’t beat me. She couldn’t beat me with her best! What does LeeAnn think she is doing? Does she really want me to embarrass ANOTHER person out of the company?

Dominique Ciotti: Another?

Dominique asked, raising a brow. Lana looked at her for a moment and shook her head.

Lana Corvin: Yeah, another. I bullied Crystal’s wif… Sorry, I mean ex-wife out of here. I whooped her so bad she quit wrestling altogether! But if LeeAnn wants Crystal gone bad enough, I would happily oblige.

Lana smiled and waved at the camera.

Dominique Ciotti: Lana, coming up in a few days you’ll have taken the spot of longest reigning United States champion from your fellow legacies member, Adrianna. That hasn’t caused any problems, does it?

Lana Corvin: Of course not! We aren’t so petty about that kind of thing in Legacies. We HOPE our members beat each other records. It just means that soon we will hold all the records. It’s just going to show how we are the future of this business. That we are the best.

She smirked and patted the United States title on her shoulder.

Dominique Ciotti: If things go well for you guys after Wrestle War Legacies will have almost a complete stranglehold on the Trauma titles. Any comment on that?

Lana Corvin: Of course I do! There isn’t any chance we won’t walk out of this year with most of the titles. We are the reason people tune in. We are the reason that NFW is doing so well. We are the reason…

Lana is cut off by Crystal Hilton, who walked into the shot wearing a #FreeUSChampionship shirt. The blue-haired vixen grinned as she looked right up into Lana’s eyes as she began to speak.

Crystal Hilton: Talk, talk, talk. All you ever seem to do is talk! Well, let me tell you some stuff. I am sick and tired of you running your mouth about things you don’t have any idea about. If I told you once I will tell you again. Keep Diamond’s name out of your mouth. We managed to work things out. Seleana, myself, and her are all one happy family so I would appreciate it if you took that stupid shirt off.

Crystal took a deep breath as she continued to speak.

Crystal Hilton: Don’t count your chickens before they even hatch. You won’t be leaving anything with a title. You won’t get past me. I have waited too damn long for this. I have been through hell and back. If there was ever a moment to step up and pull out the unthinkable. It’s going to be against you Lana. You are talented but I KNOW I can beat you. It’s as simple as that!

Lana rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Lana Corvin: I honestly couldn’t care less about what’s going on in your life. It’s literally worse than a shittily and hastily written soap opera. I have watched YouTube student projects that make more sense than you do. At this point, I think you’re just throwing darts at a board of things to see what to do next. I am just stating the truth, Rhinestone, I embarrassed Alexandria. I made her see the truth and showed her she didn’t belong in this sport.

Lana looked at Crystal apathetically,

Lana Corvin: Which one of us has been chasing who, Rhinestone? Which one of us has done nothing but talk? That’s all you’re fucking good at! You run your mouth and then when it comes time to pay up you turn into “little miss can’t get the job done. I’ve already shown I can beat you. You got what you wanted and failed. The only reason you have this match is because LeeAnn decided to take pity on you. Or, more likely, she wanted to see you fail again on a bigger stage.

Crystal Hilton: Or it’s more so she wants to see what I will do when everything is on the line. All you have ever managed to do was duck me. You told me I wasn’t worthy, that I don’t belong in the ring with you. Even if it was a losing effort I proved to everybody that I do belong. When I step into the ring with you with everything on the line I feel like things are going to be different. I will end your long reign and I am going to start my own. This is my moment and it’s time the world can witness what I truly bring to the table.

Hilton kept her eyes locked on Lana.

Crystal Hilton: You can make fun of me as much as you want. Hell, it doesn’t matter if I try to make stuff stick, the only thing that will matter is when I take away the one thing that means more to you than anything else in the world. Well two things to be fair, that title and of course your pride.

Lana started to laugh loudly. It took her a moment to calm back down.

Lana Corvin: Holy shit that was funny. First off, I have to ask, did your parents ever have any kids that lived? Because holy shit, I can’t believe you’re a broken record in person as well. I proved that you don’t belong in a ring with me. Remember what happened three weeks ago? You even said it. You failed. But that’s just it, YOU wanted a match with me. I didn’t, nor do I now, care about you. All you are is some glory-chaser. That’s all you’ve been doing for months. Begging me to give you attention. You’re like some needy girlfriend. Always wanting attention. Look at me look at me, I’m Crystal Hilton! I run around on the woman I’m married to and force our relationship to change to give me what I want. Cause I don’t care what she wants. Ever.

Lana paused and took a deep breath.

Lana Corvin: You can never take from me what matters most to me. It isn’t this title or even my pride. More titles will come and go. No one has ever died if their pride got bruised. You can’t take my wife away from me. Because unlike you, we are both faithful. Which is more than you will ever be able to say.

Crystal didn’t allow Lana to finish her statement as she quickly slapped Lana as hard as she could, leaving a red palm print.

Crystal Hilton: Do not say that I am unfaithful. You don’t know me and you damn sure don’t walk a day in my shoes. Stop talking about my personal life!

Lana huffed after the slap and casually looked back at Crystal.

Lana Corvin: Everyone knows about your personal life. It’s always out in the fucking open! You constantly push out your shortcomings wanting sympathy before turning around and claiming you’re the best and better than everyone. Watching you makes people’s heads spin. You’re the living embodiment of that song Hot and Cold.

Lana smirked.

Lana Corvin: I mean, you were the one that tried to take a cheap shot at me. You’re just pissed I reacted quickly. But here we are, however many weeks and months later and you are STILL trying to spin that as me going after you. You are faker than the entire Kardashian family.

Crystal wasn’t grinning as she made sure to take her earrings off and throw them to the side. Then she started to take her heels off, tossing them away.

Crystal Hilton: ...I am tired of all of this talking. Why don’t we just settle this right now, Christmas can come early.

With that Crystal tries to spear the bigger woman to the ground. She was stopped by a big boot from Adrianna Salvatore. The rest of Legacies appear from seemingly nowhere and start beating on Crystal. The United States challenger was trying to cover up and protect herself as much as possible. Meanwhile, Lana is just standing there watching. She leans down after Adrianna gets a handful of Crystal’s blue hair.

Lana Corvin: That’s what a proper sneak attack is. Now I gave you a reason to keep saying that. You’re welcome. And you’ll be welcome for the little bit of notoriety you get from me beating you and shutting down your dreams.

Adrianna let go of Crystal and Legacies started to walk off as security arrived. They leave with their hands up. Lana laughing all the way.
Backstage in La Bambonera, Zara Ivory and Tala Divata were standing near the curtain area awaiting Zara’s turn to go out to the ring. The Chaotic Nightmare was hyping herself up to be a part of the main event with Arley Kirk when a camera person showed up in front of them. They both smiled when they heard the loud cheer from the crowd that was just feet away from them, and Zara nodded a little as she listened to the crowd for a moment.

Zara Ivory: That…that is what all of this about. Going out there and putting on a banger of a match for everyone that comes out to watch the shows, for the fans that are watching in their homes.

Zara paused for a minute, running her hand over her head where her hair was growing back from her match a couple of months ago with Bianca Davis. She looked at Tala for a second before turning back to the camera and licking her lips before continuing.

Zara Ivory: It’s not about the money or the titles, though holding a title is an honor and exceptionally fun. Even as focused on this aspect as wrestling is since it’s about beating the crap out of each other, it’s not even really about that either.

Looking towards the curtain once more, listening to the crowd some more, Zara smiled brightly as she continued.

Zara Ivory: It’s about the fans. Without them, we don’t have shows; we don’t have a reason to be in the ring. Hell, without the fans, we don’t have jobs, period, end of story. The fans make up the reason for us to be in these rings, to be on television. We owe them everything, in all reality.

Zara let out a laugh as the crowd grew louder, and she shook her head for a moment. Her gaze returned to the camera, and she continued speaking.

Zara Ivory: Arley, I already know you’re an amazing competitor. I’m not going to stand here and try to shit talk you or anything else. You care about the fans almost as much as I do, so let’s give them their money’s worth. We can both go in the ring as much as the top people, so let’s show it tonight! I look forward to meeting you in that ring in a few minutes.

With that, Zara turned towards the curtain with Tala and waited for her music to hit, signaling that she was down with the impromptu camera time.
We cut to the ring where Trauma commentator, Seth Ernst, is standing with a microphone in one hand and a contract in the other and behind him is a table with two microphones resting on top of it and two black recliners placed either side of it.

Seth Ernst: Ladies and gentlemen, we are just over a week away from our biggest show of the year, WrestleWar XX! The Main Event of night two will see a clash between two of the biggest stars to ever step foot into this ring with our biggest prize on the line when the NFW Champion, Stacy Jones takes on the winner of this year’s Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament, Damon Cross in a sixty minute Iron Person match!

Ernst pauses briefly as the fans cheer wildly.

Seth Ernst: In my hand, I hold the contract for said match that has already been signed off on by Trauma General Manager, LeeAnn Viskan… and all that’s left is the signatures of the two competitors. So without further ado… please welcome first the challenger… DAMON CROSS!

The arena goes dark, as per usual, and “God is Dead?” by Black Sabbath starts up. Damon, in an all-black suit, walks out onto the ramp, hat titled just so, cane in hand. He pauses at the top of the path, soaking in the mixed reaction, then heads down to the ring. Upon entering, he takes a seat at the far end of the table, removing his hat and setting his cane aside. He looks utterly placid and calm as his theme fades out and the queue is given for the champion.

Seth Ernst: And now… please welcome the NFW Champion… STACY JONES!

“Unbreakable” by Kingdom Collapse blasts out of the PA system bringing the fans to their feet as the NFW Champion, Stacy Jones bursts out onto the stage. She gets the crowd pumped up by raising her championship up above her head on either side of the stage before then placing it over her shoulder and then starts to make her way down the ramp, her focus on one person and one person only, that being her challenger already in the ring.

Miranda Augustino: Stacy looks extremely focused and determined, Lucas.

Lucas Knox: Because she has to be, Mir. She’s going up against a very game Damon Cross for the richest prize on the Trauma brand in the Main Event of our biggest show of the year.

Once she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she makes her way up the steel steps and climbs through the ropes and immediately climbs the turnbuckle to raise her title up over her head again for the fans to see before she climbs back down and takes a seat opposite Cross.

Seth Ernst: Now, Stacy… Damon… before you both officially sign the contract for your match… as you can see… you have a microphone each for you to say any final words to one another before signing. Stacy? Since you are the NFW Champion… you get to go first.

The fans cheer in anticipation as Jones reaches for her microphone and picks it up before lifting to her mouth.

Stacy Jones: I’ve said my piece already to you, Damon… and I know that whatever I say to you now? You’re just going to contradict or make it seem meaningless as it goes against your own plans for WrestleWar. I get it of course… but as far as I’m concerned? The time for talk is over.

The Unbreakable One then places her microphone back down onto the table before reaching for the contract, she opens it up to the correct page and removes the pen from its binder and signs her name, closing it back up she then slides it across the table towards The Unforgiven. Damon watches and listens, his expression not changing. His eyes are on the champion’s hands as they sign the contract and push it his way. Leaning forward, he reaches for the microphone and brings it to his lips, but says nothing. Oh, he’s considering, pondering… but after a moment, he puts the microphone down and picks up the pen instead.

Miranda Augustino: Damon Cross with nothing to say? Did Stacy strike a nerve? Or is there really nothing left to talk about?!

Lucas Knox: There’s something on Damon’s mind. I’m sure of it. But will he give those concerns words?

A quick scribble and a flourish to finish; Damon signs the document and places the pen atop the completed contract. Seth picks up both, holding the contract high.

Seth Ernst: And it’s official, folks! WrestleWar XX’s Night Two main event is signed! Now-

Damon Cross: You may leave, Seth.

Having picked up the microphone again, Damon cuts off Seth’s excited announcement. He’s not even looking at the man, though; he’s staring at the champion. The fans are excited to see how this final confrontation pans out and Damon, remaining in his seat, starts to address Stacy.

Damon Cross: Stacy…

Taking a breath, Damon gets to his feet, wanting to make sure he’s looking the champion in the eye. She rises as well, but a little defensively.

Damon Cross: ...you’re smarter than this. You’re better than this. The truth shouldn’t hurt someone like you because you’re already honest to a fault. I’m not trying to hurt you, but help you. To give you all the tools you need to be the best champion that you can be, to perhaps even defeat me at WrestleWar and continue your impressive reign. I’m sure that sounds pretty silly since I’m facing you for that title, and that I want it more than anything-

Staring at the title, the Unforgiven’s calm expression becomes a glare. It loosens in intensity before he turns back to the champion, though.

Damon Cross: -but people like you and me thrive on competition and being the best we can be. Iron sharpens iron and all that. This is how we get better, Stacy. This is how people like us stay on top of this business, whether we’re cheered or hated. But it feels like you’re throwing that back in my face. And if that’s the case, then so be it. But I never want to hear it said that I did not do my part to make this a war to be remembered.

He lowers the microphone, awaiting Stacy’s response… if there is one. Jones smirks slightly and almost lets out a chuckle before removing her championship from over her shoulder and placing it down onto the table. She then proceeds to walk around to the side of the table, as does Cross, causing the gap between the two to close. The Unbreakable One then simply offers her hand towards her challenger, which The Unforgiven accepts. No words said between either, just a simple handshake. But as Jones moves to pick her championship back up, she suddenly nails Cross with a Bat-Hammer from out of nowhere, much to the surprise of everyone watching as she picks up the microphone again.

Stacy Jones: How’s that for having something thrown in your face, Damon?! See you at WrestleWar!

The NFW Champion then drops the microphone and picks her championship back up, slinging it over her shoulder as “Unbreakable” blasts out of the PA system again as she exits the ring and begins to make her way up the ramp. She’s up and gone before Damon fully sits up and recognizes what just happened, which he does a few moments later. A couple referees and an agent move in but Damon simply holds up his hand and gets to his feet on his own. He rubs at his jaw a little, wincing very slightly, then takes a moment to compose himself…

…and picks up the microphone.

Damon Cross: ...the hard way, then.

And he drops the microphone, which hits the carpeted canvas with a burst of static. “God is Dead?” starts up again and Damon gathers his hat and cane, donning the former before leaving the ring and heading up the ramp.

Miranda Augustino: Stacy rung the challenger’s bell damn hard there, Lucas! She caught everyone by surprise with that one… not just Damon!

Lucas Knox: Well, Damon struck a nerve! Stacy’s probably tired of hearing him pontificate and try to tell her what’s what! Others would do the same!

Miranda Augustino: If you ask me, she might come to regret that! You heard what he said: “the hard way”. What do you think that means?

Lucas Knox: Look, it couldn’t be any other way if Damon wants to be champion! But as determined as Stacy is, I don’t think ANYONE could take that title from her on the biggest night of the year!