NFW Trauma #146 - 04/20/2024!

With the crowd seated and pumped for the latest episode of Trauma, there’s a few long panning shows of the crowd, and across the crowd signs. THIS ROSE HAS BLOSSOMED! I’M CLASSIER THAN BIANCA! THOR FEARS KUALI’I! I CAN MAKE A DUCHESS STEW! You know. The usual kinds of crowd signs. Before we can head to ringside where commentary is waiting though, the lights darken and a familiar guitar riff roars through the PA System.


‘Through the Fire and the Flames’ roars throughout the PA system, with some yellow and orange strobe lights racing around the stage. After a long few moments from the back out bursts ‘The Dragon’ Travis Levitt, dressed in his usual merch shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Travis dashes across to one side of the stage to slap some hands, and then bounces across to the other side and slaps hands again before coming back to the center as the chorus is kicking in. Grinning as he looks towards a nearby camera and gives a gentle nod, and then kneels down.


And as the words finish Travis bursts straight up, fists raised high and two pillars of fire pyro exploding alongside him, as Travis screams out “FLAME ON!”. After a moments pause Travis starts making his way down the ramp, slapping some hands as he goes, while the scene switches to Seth, Miranda and Lucas at ringside.

Seth Ernst: We ended last weeks show with that man, and tonight he’s kicking us off here at Trauma!

Miranda Augustino: Travis took a huge step forward in his NFW career last week when he beat Bianca Page. He’s already made it clear he wants a shot at Damon, but does he deserve it?

Lucas Knox: Maybe that's what he’s out here to call for?

Travis has reached the ring, and he takes a microphone off a roadie and then slides into the ring. Climbing to his feet, Travis dashes over to a far corner, jumping to the middle rope and pointing out at the crowd, and waving them on and up as Chicago roars with him. After another moment, Levitt hops down and the lights come back on, with The Dragon standing in the center of the ring, microphone loose in his hand but a smile on his face as he turns slightly but then raises the microphone.

Travis Levitt: I’ve got some serious business out here guys and gals, but before we can get on to ANYTHING else, there’s a little business to take care of right now. Chicago! With me! Its time to FLAME ON, DRAGONITES!

Travis’s words are echoed by a decent portion of the crowd and he grins as he glances around with a soft smile. After an extra moment he turns to the nearby camera and steps closer speaking softly.

Travis Levitt: Still no lawsuits from Marvel or Nintendo. I think I’m okay.

With another chuckle, The Dragon moves back to the center of the ring and re-raises his microphone, glancing around at the fans for a few moments before he speaks.

Travis Levitt: So last week was a big week for me. Last week, I came out to this ring, and I beat Bianca Page. And there’s plenty of things you can call Bianca. Some of them are even nice. But one thing that EVERYONE can agree on, is how tough a competitor she is. So when that bell rang, and I had the victory, I took a moment to just enjoy it. Because this year Dragonites….it hasn’t gone the way I would have hoped so far. I mean, I started it as your NFW Genesis Champion. And then one month in, I underestimated Davis, and it cost me my gold. And then a month later, Kuali’i put me down with an exploding baseball bat. That one hurt. I’ve still got some scars to prove it.

Travis hesitates for a moment as he rubs across his ribs but then sighs and starts speaking again.

Travis Levitt: So when I beat Page, I started thinking about what I can do next. Where to for Thy Dragon. And I got to thinking about the man I’d seen just a little earlier that night. I got to thinking about the New Frontier Championship. And I realised that I had just beaten one of Damon’s last challengers for the title. His former number one contender. And so I started wondering…..am I good enough? Could I earn myself a shot at the title? Can I beat Damon Cross?

Travis pauses again as he heads for the ropes, leaning on the top one with both arms crossed and giving a slight glance left and right before he smiles and pushes back up smiling.

Travis Levitt: Its been a long time since I was World Champion. Almost five years. But I have been to the top of the mountain. I have the skills to be World Champion. And if one thing I’ve proven since the day I walked through those New Frontier doors, I am more than willing to call out for my shot. So Damon Cross, consider this me telling you, that as of right now, The Dragon….has not done enough to earn a NFW Title shot.

Travis pauses for a moment, and the crowd go from buzzing excitedly, to jeering at the wind being taken from them so suddenly. Levitt turns and slowly starts to circle the ring, reaching up to rub at his jaw but then raising his mic with one hand, and an open palm with the other.

Travis Levitt: Hold on. Give me a minute. See, I don’t want there to be any doubt when I get this shot. When I earn the right to fight Damon Cross, I want both Damon, and you fans to recognise that I deserve my shot. Which is why, next week, I’m putting out the challenge. LIVE right here at the Vlad Blackheart Coliseum, on Trauma 147. I want it to be ‘The Dragon’ Travis Levitt versus….THE WORLD BEATER HIMSELF, KAI MORGAN!

Seth Ernst: WAIT WHAT?

The crowd roars at that as well, with Travis pacing more excitedly and running a hand through his hair as he gives just a few moments before he cuts through the buzzing to speak again.

Travis Levitt: I’m walking YOUR path, Cross! I’m beating the people you have already defended that title against. Last week was Bianca. Next week, I want Kai. And if….no. No. When. WHEN I beat Kai Morgan, in the middle of this ring, I will have shown YOU! I will have shown THEM! And I will make myself the best case possible to BE the Number One Contender! I’m coming for that Gold, Damon! And I don’t care WHO I need to beat to get my shot! I’m coming Damon! I’m CALLING my shot. CALLING for my chance. And after Manifest Destiny, you WILL be CALLING me the NEEEEEEEEEW New Frontier Champion!

And with that, Travis spikes down the mat, racing to a corner and beating his chest, jumping to the middle rope and making the belt motion as an excited Coliseum cheers him on. Travis hops down and drops to move around ringside, slapping some fans hands before reaching one young girl standing near the front row with an ‘IM A DRAGONITE’ sign. Travis stares at it and laughs, before moving to stand beside her, letting someone else take a picture of him and the fan with the sign between them, and we cut to commentary.

Seth Ernst: A fired up Dragon just called for his shot, and if he can actually get it…..well, it’s going to be something thats for damn sure.

Miranda Augustino: But to call out Kai Morgan? To actually call The World Beater himself out for a match? What is he thinking?

Lucas Knox: I don’t think he IS thinking, Miranda. Travis is running on adrenaline and ego, and he may have cashed a check his ass can’t match now!
The screen static cuts to somewhere in the arena where we find the members of the Phantom Troupe in their usual spot with Irvine standing close by to David Striker who seems a little bit distracted.

DJ Hunter: So

Dylan looks down and away for a couple of minutes, a look of total frustration is evident on his face as he tries to keep his calm, but eventually he turns and looks at his fellow Troupe members.

Dylan Maverick: Look, I know that I got a little bit too hot under the collar and it lead me to getting trapped by the Sedition. Our loss is all on me, I'll take that blame!

DJ turns and looks over at Dylan before walking over to the younger wrestler and placing his hands on both of Dylan's shoulders and looking him dead in the eyes.

DJ Hunter: While I appreciate you wanting to take full responsibility for what went down, Dylan, I can respect that but that's not where we went wrong, my brother. What went wrong was the fact that even though an entirely different line up went up against the champions, one with the OG Phantom Troupe at the helm of things, we were still playing by the Devon Slayton playbook. We were still using his tactics and not our own.

Dylan, David, and Irvine all three look at each other for a moment before they silently nod in agreement.

David Striker: We'll agree with you on that, DJ. I mean he is the manager and he's the more experienced veteran. You taught me that it would be bad if we didn't use all of the tools at our disposal, true?

DJ Hunter: No, I did say that but I've worked with Devon before over in the Universal Wrestling Corporation back in the day and his playbook is based off of his old tactics as the head of the Dominion stable there. But this isn't the Dominion and NFW sure as *SHIT* is not the UWC. New Frontier Wrestling has a whole different evolutionary pattern of predators here and if we're going to show that the Phantom Troupe is the apex level of this new evolution...then we can't be following some almost two decade old playbook.

David and Dylan look at each other for a moment before Dylan slowly nods in agreement as his face grows serious.

Dylan Maverick: DJ has a solid point, David. Look, you know my history with Devon and I can make the argument with him...but this doesn't go anywhere without you signing off on it...Front Man.
David in turn looked into each of the eyes of the members of the Troupe, looking for something before eventually nodding in agreement.

David Striker: Alright, but if we do this then we do it right! Starting tonight against the Kerrys, we throw Devon’s book out of the car window and we use the one that took DJ and me to the Project Honor tag straps!

The entire unit seems on board with this until Irvine suddenly gets a worried look on his face.

Irvine: This plan sounds great and all, but what about Devon?

David Striker: We’ll let Dylan talk to him because like my brother here said, they got history…but it’s past time that the Troupe here in NFW caught up with how we’re doing everywhere else and this…*THIS*, Irvine.

David indicates the four men that were currently in the room.

David Striker: This is the core of the Phantom Troupe, the heart and soul if you will, and while we’ll be thankful to Devon for gathering us together, getting us the contracts, and all of that shit…there comes a time when you have to break away and do your own thing. He did that back in the twenty tens with his old Dominion group and the Troupe is doing it here and now. Can you feel me?

David then offers up a hand which Irvine takes without hesitation, the two men clasping forearms and shaking hard on it.

Irvine: I feel you, bossman. Sorry if it sounded like I was trying to cause a problem or anything.

David Striker: It’s cool, Irvine. I knew that you were more concerned about the group as a whole when you asked that than anything, that’s how I know that I can trust you to watch my back.Now, we’ve got bigger things to focus on..like repaying a bad turn or two to the Kerrys.

The group agrees to this as the screen static jumps to another location.
Backstage at the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum. The Kerrys with Kaydence backstage. Jericho's arm around Kaydence.

Deedray: Phantom Troupe. Freak shows. Clown towns. And all that shit going on on Collision. Remember when we were just taking on some sassy bitches?

Jericho: Well its been nothing if not interesting at least.

Deedray: But see I know how to deal with sassy bitches. What do you do when the people you face are balls to the wall batshit crazy?

Jericho: We dealt with them already. We just stick together, and take a couple cues from Kaydence, and well be fine.

Valereigh: I hope these adjustments work. The Phantom Troupe will be ready for us too.

Jericho: Ya which is why well need to be a little more unpredictable.

Kaydence: Nothing wrong with a little bit of chaos, right?

Kaydence smiles for a second. Then her mood turns sour.

Kaydence: If I can be frank, it’s not fair you guys haven’t gotten a shot at the Alliance Championship. Stacy is allowed to jump the line. Why? I don’t understand. You’ve been on a roll since your return. Is management blind?

Kaydence rolls her eyes. Jericho shrugs. Deedray nods.

Deedray: Like its fair to ask though. Because we've been here. You gave the former Genesis champ a battle, bro.

Valereigh: And just to face the Phantom Troupe twice?

Jericho: Look, dad and gramps used to have to wait longer than deserved too. It wasn't fair then either but right now isn't the time. Well get our Alliance title shots. And we'll make our legacy.

Kaydence nods. She grabs Jericho’s hand.
Kaydence: I have all the faith you guys will. I’ll try not to be a downer, I swear. Being allowed to be backstage has opened my eyes. A lot different from being a spectator sitting out there in the crowd. All the politics, just not a fan of Stacy and her team jumping the line. I’ll chill. We focus on the Phantom Troupe. Jericho is right, you guys will get your shot. Your legacy will be remembered for all time.

Jericho grabs Kaydences hand.

Jericho: Lets do this fam!

Deedray: Oh ya, bring it on!

Fade
The arena fades to black and as it does we are treated to the loud sounds of “Real Emotion” by FamilyJules blasting all across the speakers. We are treated to fog filling the arena that looks like mist and snow flurries begin to fall from the ceiling. As the music picks up we can see two figures emerging through the curtain. Those figures are the Zdunichs. Seleana claps for her wife as Crystal emerges out in blue top with white ruffles on the front and extended down to her knee on the left side. She wears a short, black lace skirt with a white belt. She wears blue glovelets fastened by black straps. She has black ribbons on her upper arms and knee-high brown UGG Style boots with no heels. Crystal smirks as she has a white rose in her hand and she smells it bringing a smile to her face.

Madoka Kawada: Making her way to the ring being accompanied by Seleana Zdunich born in Detroit Michigan representing Los Angeles, California she is the NFW United States Champion, “The Winter Rose” Crystal Hilton!!!


Crystal walks down the aisle all smiles. She claps the hands of the outstretched fans as she stops and hands her white rose to a special little girl in the audience. She finally makes it to the ring where she does a split to enter the ring. She rises back up and blows kisses to all of the fans that are cheering her on. Crystal smiles as she raises her US Championship high into the air and calls for a microphone.

Crystal Hilton: What’s happening everybody! It’s your US Champion and can I just say that it feels so amazing to be here tonight. Everybody is going to be in for a major treat because we are going to find out who is next to challenge for my US Championship. It’s very exciting and there are four challengers who each are going to do everything in their power to come out on top. I don’t have a favorite on who I want to be in the ring with. I just want to be in a competitive match and I await to see who is going to showcase that they really want it the most!

Suddenly “Numbers” by Melanie Martinez blasts through the PA system and the talent that's called Silly Girl skips out onto the stage smiling from ear to ear with a microphone.

Ailyn Darrington: Heya what's up, Champ?

Crystal turns her attention to the girl before shaking her head at her.

Crystal Hilton: I know it must be exciting to come out here and after all you will be competing for a chance to face me but I was actually in the middle of something. It’s not nice to interrupt someone while they are talking.

Ailyn Darrington: But, what if they just wanted to have a front row seat next to see the champ and her work? I'm so very sorry if I was being rude. I'm just an excitable girl that wants to face the best and you my friend are one of the best here in NFW, right??

The crowd response is massive as the girl in the bright colored gear gestures towards Crystal Crystal smiles as she nods her head.

Crystal Hilton: Well I would like to imagine myself as being one of the best. I mean I did beat Lana and that damn near took everything I had to get it done. She was one of the very best and had an amazing year. I do have the title so that makes me really close to being one of the best. You can get a front row seat but to be honest I am the one that’s here for the seat because I am looking forward to seeing what you and the three others do in that ring.

Ailyn Darrington: Do you even know who is standing before you? Because, I'm not sure we've had the pleasure of meeting each other quite yet.

Crystal shrugs her shoulders as she looks back at the woman.

Crystal Hilton: Not really, but I am sure you are going to enlighten me. So by all means be the nice one and tell me what you are about.

Ai looks up towards the ring a little confused as Crystal speaks to her.

Ailyn Darrington: Well, my name is Ailyn Darrington and I'm the youngest talent here in NFW. Are you truly wanting to know about me or placating me like many of the others here??

Ailyn begins to walk down the ramp to the ring giving a few high fives on the way.

Ailyn Darrington: Like the horrible girl you took that belt from, I'm a generational talent that's trying to make her mark after those before her. Tbh, I've had a heck of a time trying to gain traction here and besides the gift of a Genesis title shot I had in my debut against my very good friend and mentor Travis Levitt. I've mostly been a curtain jerker here in the Fed. So, I called my shot and nearly had to demand a spot in VBMT to get Miss Viskan’s attention. While I know it's a lofty goal it's mine and this shot to face you I feel is a byproduct of my bold goals. Just sayin'!!

Ai has reached the ring and smiles once again sweetly at the champ.

Ailyn Darrington: May I join you? I'd hate to intrude.

Crystal nods her head smiling at the girl.

Crystal Hilton: You can do whatever you want to do but know that you remind me of my daughter and she’s a third generational star. Hell you might have seen my son on Collision. He's a third generational star who is the mouthpiece for my daughter in-law. As much as I want to stand here and respect you. I am a second generation star as well. I had to my call my share of shots and spots to get to where I am. As much as I appreciate your grind and your boldness it took me damn near three years to get here. All of those feuds that I lost but it built me up to be to where I am. You got spunk, but don’t let it push you to think that you are going to waltz in and claim MY SPOT. I am a cosplaying queen, I am a gaming girl but I am also a Hollywood attraction, and you seem more like a bargain bin clearance sale before she even gets started. You have to keep working if you are to get this.

Crystal raises her title high into the air as her intention is back on Ailyn.

Ailyn Darrington: That's all very impressive and I myself am a third Gen TRIOCS trained star. So, if my goals seem a bit elevated it's only because I've been groomed since I could walk for this job, Champ. I truly hope it does take me three years to grind to your spot here in NFW. Actually, I've already won a World Championship elsewhere and unfortunately that was short lived. Quite frankly, I'm not ready to be the face of a brand yet. But, that mid card strap you hold would look quite good around my waist.

Ai points to the belt Crystal's now put over her shoulder.

Ailyn Darrington: Sorry not sorry for the massive amount of confidence, but my family trained me to be the best and that's exactly what I expect to become!!

Crystal Hilton: Well if you really want to showcase who you are, and you want what I have you know what you have to do tonight. I will be watching, the whole world is watching. You just need to win and then it’s you and I for this title.

Ailyn Darrington: I plan to do that very thing and it will be a pleasure to share a ring with you at a later date, Mrs. Hilton! Now, let's get this match going because I'm hyped up and ready to impress you…

The Silly Girl does a few stretches before holding the ropes open for the Champ on the far side of the ring. Crystal exits the squared circle as she takes a seat waiting for the match to begin.
Footage from early today shows Orphynn in a gym bench pressing. She finishes her set and sits up looking at the camera.

Orphynn: Last week, I faced Morganna Bilson and showed her that I was prepared to face her by getting the victory. Preparation is the most important thing needed to overcome any opponent. Another is experience and, of course, skill. My opponent tonight, Jimmy Bones, has the skill and as of our last encounter, has the experience. He will face me tonight for the second time to test his skill and see if he's able to best me. If he does, NFW management has to recognize him as an official part of the roster and not just enhancement. If he doesn't, then he has one last chance. I know he has the ability to defeat me, but will he be able to bring that out tonight? It depends on if he has prepared for tonight or not.

Orphynn wipes her brow with a towel before getting up to walk around the gym.

Orphynn: Jimmy, you called your shot and said you were ready to face me a second time. I couldn't believe how quickly NFW management scheduled the match. You know, I'm always ready to face you and being willing to put my own image on the line to take a loss to enhancement was something I had to do. The way I see it is if you defeat me you are no longer enhancement talent.

Orphynn bends down getting her bags and water bottle then comes back up.

Orphynn: So, Jimmy, let's do this again tonight. I'm ready, you're hopefully ready, and everyone else is watching and pulling for you. You have an increased fan base and I'm honestly with them. I'm not going to go easy on you because that would only water down your victory and it wouldn't be fair to you.

Orphynn walks off, but glances over her shoulder slightly with the camera to her back.

Orphynn: So, bring your best, Jimmy, because I am doing the same. Best of luck to you, much love, and respect too.
A singular voice and piano fills the arena. On the tron, dozens of hands holding candles can be seen.


As ‘Use My Voice’ really kicks in with the rest of the band, a band of spotlights move to a point at the entry. Eavan Maloney walks out carrying a bag over her shoulder, looking back at the tron behind her as a chorus of girls start into the second verse.


As the song goes to chorus, on the tron stands all of Eavan's 'girls' from the Krigarakademin singing along to the song, as American Murder Log plays the tune. Eavan turns around and watches, blowing a kiss to the tron before walking to the ring. As she claps hands with fans who engage, she is handed a microphone as she steps through the ropes. Her smile immediately turns to a sneer as she calls for the music to end.

Eavan Maloney: I know today is Four Twenty, but trust me, yous ain’t just smoking the good shit. The Mistress of Mayhem took a detour from Collision and showed up on Trauma. Now, as you can see, I don’t have my Mayhem 2.0 sisters with me. I came down here tonight to talk directly to that gothic muppet, Adrianna Salvatore. Well, not directly directly, I plan on being STONED tonight, not turned TO stone.

Eavan paces the ring, putting the bag down as she does so.

Eavan Maloney: When I asked for this match, I went to you, and to management, out of respect. Two teams, both with second-generation wrestlers on it, in a battle for the Alliance Titles. Instead, YOU made it personal. And it took me a while to understand WHY you did it. It was because for years, you got away with looking like a badass, talking like a badass, and nobody questioning your standing… until I came back. And I get it, now you have to try that much harder, like you have something to prove again, because you do. In the back of that hamster-driven brain of yours, that reminder creeps up. That reminder that you could never measure up to me. You want to make things personal, Addy? You came for the wrong woman.

The crowd is shocked at Eavan’s words, before Eavan picks up the bag and opens it. She pulls out a championship to a decent surprise pop from the crowd before putting it over her shoulder.

Eavan Maloney: This here is the New Frontier Wrestling Women’s Television Championship. Well, technically a replica. Every championship I’ve ever won, I had a version made for me. A reminder of my successes so when toothless pups start calling me irrelevant, I have at least a dozen reasons on my wall alone that proves mouthy bitches wrong. Hi Shanna, go fuck yourself. She’s a Collision matter, even if she doesn’t. What matters right now is me, this title, and you, Adrianna. You should remember this title, don’t you? Yukiko found the winning formula on her second attempt and beat me for this. How many times did YOU try, Adrianna? Three? Four? I don’t want to sound like that girl, but maybe just maybe… nah, I won’t go for the killshot here and risk you fucking off before Ascension.

Eavan tosses the title onto the bag and laughs to herself.

Eavan Maloney: The title thing was more for my own entertainment. Knowing how much it pisses you off that I bring up that piece of history is more than enough reason for me to bring it up. So let’s talk about last Collision where you guys came over to harass, wait for it folks, a ring announcer. Three trained wrestlers came to MY show to terrify Darlyn Fajardo, knowing full-well she is part of my family, part of Stacy’s family, thus making her part of Mayhem 2.0’s family. Wow, did you learn that in Badass School after the Going Goth for Dummies course or before? The Adrianna I knew back then wouldn’t have had to stoop that low for attention, and you say you’ve gotten BETTER?

Eavan aims a finger gun at the camera with a smirk on her face, while her eyes show nothing but anger in them.

Eavan Maloney: Jokes aside, I do realize the hypocrisy in what I’m saying, attacking your looks and all. We were both blondes back in the day. You went emo, I went punk. You stayed here in NFW while I toured the world and won titles and got into Halls of Fame. And now I’m back to fulfill the one thing I’ve yet to do in my career and that is to be a tag champion. Now, before Brody, Viskan or Morian call me into their offices, that wasn’t a shot at NFW. I simply had to walk away and find myself before I could come back better than I was.

A crew member gets Eavan’s attention and motions to her to hurry things along.

Eavan Maloney: Some jackass at ringside’s telling me to wrap things up, but I ain’t done yet. As much as I’d rather be on the Red brand due to some questionable talent here, I needed to get this off my chest. Adrianna, you said on Collision your old man… Nico is it? Nah, that’s your brother. Ah, Doomsday, that’s what his name was. Sounds like an hour after Taco Bell but I digress. Real name redacted because he realized he was YOUR father. I don’t blame him. You said his motto was “No Mercy For All”. What a stupid phrase. It’s like saying “No Ketchup For Monkeys”, it makes no sense but it made me reflect on what my own fathers told me. Yes, fathers. Plural. I have three. Ryan Maloney, the man who stepped up to raise me, always told me “Protect your family at all costs”. My biological father, Randall “Black Wolf” Kash, told me “Take no shit from anyone”. And the best father figure I ever had, the one who GAVE me the nickname Gnat… and Anton I swear to everything unholy, I am NOT talking about you. As much as the joke is right there, Imma let it slide but Lucifer would tell me “Hate your enemy with a whole heart. If they smite you on one cheek, SMASH them on the other”.

Eavan leans on the ropes looking up the ramp.

Eavan Maloney: Sedition Rising, at Ascension, not only does your reign as Alliance champions end? So do your legacies. WE rise… YOU fall.

Eavan tosses the microphone and walks away.
We cut backstage to the office of Trauma General Manager, LeeAnn Viskan who is sitting behind her desk filling out some paperwork when her attention is suddenly diverted to someone barging into her office. It soon becomes apparent that that ‘someone’ is Stacy Jones, who marches up to Viskan’s desk with Ashley Kenyon following behind her, and she slams her fists down on the desk with a look of pure anger on her face.

Stacy Jones: Where the fuck are they?! Are they here?!

The General Manager looks up with an alarmed look on her face at first. Pure instinct, before she registers Jones and Kenyon in which she stands out of her chair, looking the furthest from amused.

LeeAnn Viskan: Hey! First off, cool your fucking jets before you decide it’s a bright idea to come kicking in my door like that! Fuck’s your problem?!

LeeAnn places her hands on the desk, leaning forward towards the Unbreakable One.

LeeAnn Viskan: Now…is who here?

Stacy Jones: Sedition Rising! Those fucking bullies terrorized my sister-in-law on Collision and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let them get away with it! I don’t care about the fact they didn’t actually harm her physically… she was in tears! She almost quit after what happened! Nobody fucks with my family!

LeeAnn stands in silence, for a moment. She listens to Jones’ words, letting her own sense of calm return to her.

LeeAnn Viskan: Well, they goddamn well better be. Everybody on this roster should be here, booked or not. I don’t let you’s all run around like animals in a zoo the way Little Miss Softy on Collision does.

She sighs, her eyes glancing to Kenyon for a second before back to Jones again.

LeeAnn Viskan: One sec.

The General Manager checks something on her computer and sighs again. She reaches over to her phone, pushes the speaker button then a couple of other buttons. It rings…and rings…and ri–

Gwen: Thank you for calling New Frontier Wrestling! This is Gwen speaking! How may I–

LeeAnn Viskan: Gwen.

Gwen: Oh! Good evening, Ms. Viskan! What can I–

LeeAnn Viskan: Where the hell’s the accountability sheet for tonight?

Gwen: Oh my goodness! You need that don’t you!

LeeAnn’s jaw tightens and the muscle in her cheek twitches.

LeeAnn Viskan: Yes. Yes, I do. Now.

Gwen: Oh my goodness! I am soooo sorry! I meant to send it to you but I–

LeeAnn Viskan: Just send me the goddamn sheet, will you? Now.

Gwen: O-oh! Yes ma’am! Right away ma’--

LeeAnn pushes the button to end the call and hangs her head, drumming her fingers atop her desk. She holds up a finger, bidding Jones and Kenyon wait just a moment. Something on her computer dings and she looks over, moving the mouse and making a couple of clicks. Her eyes scan the monitor before she rests her hand back on the desk.

LeeAnn Viskan: They’re checked in, according to this.

She goes silent, looking back at the two women with a suspicious look in her eyes.

LeeAnn Viskan: Do I even wanna know what you’re planning? What’s she even got to do with any of this?

She asks Jones, never taking her eyes off of her as she motions with her head to Kenyon. However as soon as the General Manager said they were checked in, the expression on Jones’ face changed and her eyes almost appeared to glaze over so she likely didn’t catch Viskan’s question as she simply just nods and then begins to make her way to the office door.

Ashley Kenyon: I know what that look means…

LeeAnn narrows her eyes, balling her hands into fists upon her desk.

LeeAnn Viskan: Well then, maybe you’d better make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.

Kenyon doesn’t say a word as she just follows Jones out, leaving the camera to pan in on LeeAnn’s face. Despite what’s just transpired, there’s a tiny, dark, amused smile that creeps across her features as she starts to chew on the corner of her lip before the scene cuts away.
The scene comes up in the middle of the ring as Nakita Niles is standing there in her ring gear. She knew that if she wanted to be taken seriously, she had to get in matches. She looks at the camera and starts to speak. She couldn’t even get a word out as they cheered.

Nakita Niles: You know I love to hear you people cheer for me. Each week, I come out and speak to you guys and gals who come in and pay for tickets using your hard earned money to see this show every week.

She gives off a smile.

Nakita Niles: I come out week after week be it to speak to you fans or fight. Lately, I haven’t been doing a lot of fighting. Week after week, I hear your voices speaking that you want me to fight but management doesn’t. When I come back to the old me, I had one match which I won, but what have I done since? Nothing. I sit back there in catering enjoying the food, but not out here fighting. But that’s all about to change. Tonight, I’m setting an open challenge to anyone in the back who wants to fight. I don’t care who it is. If you want to fight me, get out here and let's fight.

She drops the mic out of the ring and looks at the stage. Then Ehan Cement the Talented One comes running down the ramp and entering the ring.
Ehan Cement starts to taunt Nakita who ends up running and taking him down with a clothesline. She looks at him and picks him up and whips him into the corner. She charges at him and hits a shining wizard to his face and in turns hits him with a bulldog. Ehan holds his face as he stands up but is taken down again with a dropkick from Nakita.

She picks him up and hits a snap suplex. He rolls out of the ring holding his back. That’s when Nakita runs towards the ropes and bounced off them as she charged again and hits a suicide dive that forced him to hit the the edge of the announcers table. Nakita smiles as she grabs him and throws him back into the ring. She climbed up the side of the ring and climbed the turnbuckle. Ehan gets up and turns around as Nakita dives off the top turnbuckle and hits a diving clothesline.

She looks at him as the crowd cheers her name. She picks up and quickly takes him down with One arm headlock driver. She quickly follows up as she locks in her Semper Gumby. The ref gets to him and asks if he wants to quit. He quickly taps out which forces Nakita to let go of the hold.
Madoka Kawada: Here is your winner, by way of Submission, NAKITA NILES!

Miranda Augustino: An Impressive match to say the least for Nakita.

Seth Ernst: Love seeing her in action as always. She’s definitely one of my favorites to see.

She stands up and looks at the crowd as she smiles at them and salutes them.

In the locker room, cameras catch up to T1ck3t who is speaking with her two clients, Caelynna and Pandemonia. Pandemonia is standing in front of T1ck3t while Caelynna is seen off in the background rummaging through other people's stuff.

T1ck3t: Last time NFW saw you both, you were failures and I was ready to discontinue our contracts because you were humans who failed to perform to your specifications. This is no different for how humanity treats electronics that fail. Something not functioning correctly needs to be replaced with a more effective version.

Pandemonia: But we...

T1ck3t: There are no excuses, Odessa. Between the two of you, Caelynna performed the best. She at least got put through a table in her loss. You took your loss by taking your eyes off the prize and chasing one of Bianca Davis' goons. Thus leaving the ring and not returning in time to save the title from going to Travis Levitt. Now, we're back and Levitt is no longer the champion, but is onward to bigger titles. That could've been you, Odessa. You had three chances at the Genesis title and failed EVERY time. You failed so hard that while we were gone, NFW had you replaced by a better version known as Orphynn. So now you're not the only powerhouse on Trauma.

Pandemonia: That doesn't...

T1ck3t: Why manage you when I could just go manage her instead? I'd probably already have a champion for a client.

Unable to take much more, Pandemonia, enrages and charges at T1cket, picking her up off the ground by the neck. She holds her up over her head and slams the AI robot against one of the cement walls. Circuitry can be heard buzzing and sparks fly from her chassis as metal meets cement.

Pandemonia: Maybe WE no longer need YOU!

With those words, The One Woman Horde squeezes T1ck3t's neck to the point that the wires pop out with shooting sparks and her head snaps off cleanly and rolls onto the floor. Pandemonia smiles with satisfaction as she holds the headless body of the robot by what's left of her neck. With her final blows, she rips circuit boards from T1ck3t's back as her entire body smokes and sparks. When the dismantling is finished, all that is left of the chassis scraps of metal. Pandemonia then looks over to Caelynna.

Pandemonia: Come, little one, we didn't need to hear what she had to say anyway and we don't need her. Let's forge our own paths from this point forward.

Caelynna looks at the carnage left from what just ensued then looks up at the One Woman Horde and nods.

Caelynna: The chaos we now bring will be our own, yuh-yuh!

They both leave the scene, but after a few seconds, Caelynna is seen rushing back into the room where she grabs a wrestler's bag, dumps out its contents, then stuffs T1ck3t's head in it and walks off.
Cameras go backstage to Dominique Ciotti in front of the men’s locker room, standing at the ready with a microphone.

Dominique Ciotti: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Dominique Ciotti here, ready to get a word with one of the competitors from our next contest!

Just as she says this, the door opens and Jimmy Bones comes walking out with his airpods in. Dominique stops him with a tap to the shoulder.

Dominique Ciotti: Jimmy! Jimmy, wait!

Snapped out of his daze, he looks back at her and pops one of the pods out of his ears.

Jimmy Bones: Huh? Oh hey, D. What’s up?

Dominique Ciotti: Can I get a quick interview?

Jimmy pauses, looking around and gives a somewhat unsure, sheepish smile as he points to himself.

Jimmy Bones: You wanna interview me?

Dominique nods and Jimmy taps a button on his phone to pause his music, standing ready for questions.

Dominique Ciotti: So, fans have been buzzing all over since your last match. You went one on one with Orphynn in your first ever supercard singles match. Now, while you weren’t successful in the end, you caught people’s attention.

Jimmy thinks for a second and nods, trying to form his words.

Jimmy Bones: I mean, yeah, I guess I did. I’ve been working here, wrestling on and off or about five years now and honestly? Everyone’s been cool, well…mostly everyone. There’s a couple of major dicks in both locker rooms but that’s to be expected. Orphynn’s not one of those people, though. She’s far from it. The fact that she’s the first person to wanna see what I got when she’s so new here herself. That says a lot about her. So while I owe people in the offices like LeeAnn Viskan, Jessica Morian, Steven Brody, a whole lotta gratitude, I owe a lot of it to her too. This challenge she has me facing, it’s motivated me to improve on what I already know. Guess you can say before that I was a little complacent in my craft. I was content just going out there when they needed me against someone I knew was very likely gonna kick my ass. Now though? I wanna see where my real potential lies.

Dominique Ciotti: Awesome! Well, you’re about to step into the ring with Orphynn for your second match. It could be the last in the series. She’s said this series is over after either three matches or if you can score a win against her. Tell me, tell the fans, tell the world, do you think tonight will have a different outcome than at March Mayhem?

Jimmy tucks his hands into his jacket pocket and half grins for a moment.

Jimmy Bones: Look, I’m not gonna say that I’m about to go out there and clean house. Orphynn’s tough as nails. She’s strong as hell. Ever since March Mayhem though, I’ve been watching that match back, looking for where I need to improve. I’ve been scouting some of her own openings. I’ve been doubling up on ring drills. I’ve never felt more ready for a match and tonight, Today’s Warrior is gonna see a whole new Jimmy Bones.

Dominique Ciotti: Alright! Awesome! Well, we look forward to it! Thanks for your time!

Jimmy Bones: No problem! Thanks, D!

He sticks his airpod back in his ear and walks off towards Gorilla. Dominique watches him go and sighs a little.

Dominique Ciotti: He’s gonna die…

Just before the camera cuts back to the ring.
After a short ad break, the cameras return to ringside where Marilyn Manson’s “Personal Jesus” is playing as Alliance Champions, Sedition Rising are reaching the ring.

Seth Ernst: Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to NFW Trauma and we’re being joined now by the Alliance Champions.

Lucas Knox: Yeah, and look who they’ve got with them.

Walking amongst Sedition Rising with her head down, practically cowering in fear is Collision’s ring announcer, Darlyn Fajardo. As Sedition Rising strike their pose on the apron, Adrianna Salvatore wraps an arm around the front of Darlyn, similar to how she usually does with Otto Nova whom - like Lana Corvin - isn’t out here at this moment. Darlyn stands frozen as Adrianna leans into her ear and the camera gets close enough to hear her tell the woman–

Adrianna Salvatore: Now, you be a dear and go bring us a microphone.

Darlyn mopes off, biting her lip nervously as she goes over to the timekeeper and Madoka Kawada’s spot, getting a mic and bringing it over to the ring. Adrianna takes it from her through the ropes and steps back into the ring, setting her championship belt on her shoulder as she brings the mic up to her lips.

Adrianna Salvatore: You just wait right there, Dars. We’ll be with you shortly.

“Personal Jesus” fades out and we can hear the crowd booing as the three Alliance Champions all laugh.

Adrianna Salvatore: Chicago…Chicago, Chicago. I gotta say…this response? You make me sick to my stomach.

The crowd boos louder before Adrianna snaps into the microphone.

Adrianna Salvatore: SHUT UP!

Somehow, it actually seems to work with the majority of the boos before she continues.

Adrianna Salvatore: Now before anyone starts to use dumbass terms like “cheap heat,” let me explain something. The three of us? We stand here as champions of the tag team division in a wrestling organization built and grounded right here in your city. All anyone ever talks about when it comes to this place is how Chicagoans love their people. Shit, I made this city my home. Cherry here?

She points to Cherry Blackman who stands with Jamie Austin, chin up and scowling in front of her.

Adrianna Salvatore: She plays for your fucking women’s football team. The one owned by the man that owns this company! But all you people can do – all you Rats can do – is boo…and moan…and bitch…and whine…because despite all that, let’s be honest. It just gets under your skin that we’re the baddest fucking collection of ass kickers this company has seen in a long time. And you know what? We’re fine with that. We don’t mind getting under people’s skin. In fact? We actually love it. We enjoy getting under people’s skin and speaking of that!

Adrianna looks to Jamie and Cherry who grin at her before she looks right into the camera.

Adrianna Salvatore: I heard there’s a few people in the locker room whose skin we’ve gotten under as of just a few days ago!

She grins wickedly, laughing into the microphone.

Adrianna Salvatore: Hi Stacy! I heard you were looking for us! You and those two little shits who like to run off at the mouth about how much better they are than us. Yet, here we are, the ones holding the Alliance titles. Here we are, right out here now. Here we were, just earlier this week on Collision - their show - and none of you did a fucking thing about it. None of you will do anything about it because you’ve already exposed yourselves as the cowardly little fucking rats you are. Here we are, right now! We’ve even got your dear sister-in-law with us and you don’t have the goddamn guts to come out here and try to save her. Irony’s a bitch, isn’t it Stacy? You wanted us. You demanded us. Now that it’s been delivered? You’re nowhere to be found. Maybe you need a little incentive. Dars!

Adrianna turns from the camera to the Collision ring announcer standing at ringside.

Adrianna Salvatore: Dars, come here. Now.

Darlyn Fajardo stands now with her back to the ring, her down, hugging herself tightly and trembling. But she doesn’t move. Adrianna stares at her for a moment, waiting.

Adrianna Salvatore: Darlyn? Daaaaarlyyyyyyn… Don’t make us have to come out there for you. Get. In the ring. Right. Fucking. Now.

Darlyn trembles more and lowers her head. Her shoulders began to shake softly.

Miranda Augustino: Aww jeez, stop this! Look at her! She’s sobbing!

Seth Ernst: I’ve seen Sedition Rising stoop low. Hell, I’ve seen Adrianna Salvatore alone stoop pretty low. But this is just wrong!

Adrianna’s jaw tightens as she grips the microphone in her hand and she shakes her head.

Adrianna Salvatore: Jamie, bring this bitch in here.

Jamie Austin climbs out of the ring and storms over towards Darlyn Fajardo by the timekeeper’s table.

Jamie Austin: Hey! You ain’t hear what she said? You must be some kind of dumbass!

Jamie reaches out and grabs Darlyn by her brown hair and yanks back to pull her towards the ring but the brown hair comes right off her head, revealing another full layer of black hair tied up in a messy bun.The figure with black hair whirls around and takes Jamie right in the jaw with a forearm, knocking her to the floor! The crowd pops as the camera focuses on the woman. It’s not Darlyn Fajardo, though. It’s—

Lucas Knox: STACY JONES!!!!!

Miranda Augustino: WHAT?!

Seth Ernst: WE DIDN’T EVEN SEE THE SWITCH!!!

Adrianna and Cherry barely have time to react as Stacy slides into the ring and takes Cherry down with a “Bat-Hammer (Jumping Tornado Roundhouse)” taking her to the mat! As Stacy lands on her feet, Adrianna drops the mic and her title belt to the mat and rushes in. The two women start going at each other, fists flying! Chicago’s going nuts! During the brawl, the camera spots Stacy’s fiance Harley Ellis, rushing the real Darlyn Fajardo through the crowd away from the scene.

Seth Ernst: There’s Harley Ellis with Darlyn!

Miranda Augustino: Yeah, get her outta here chica! Go go go!

Inside the ring, Stacy and Adrianna are still slugging it out with The Unbreakable One starting to really rock The Walking Apocalypse. It doesn’t last long before Cherry Blackman is back on her feet as Jamie Austin slides back into the ring and the two jump on Stacy from behind, starting a three on one beat down!

Lucas Knox: It’s three on one now! I don’t think Stacy Jones planned this out right!

Miranda Augustino: I think she just wanted to get Darlyn to safety! Damn her own well being!

Seth Ernst: Hey, wait a minute!

Just then, from opposite sides of the ring, Saoirse Maguire and Eavan Maloney - The Killer Smurfs - pop up from behind the barricade, jump over and slide into the ring to enter the fray! It’s three on one now as Eavan squares off with Jamie and Saoirse squares off with Cherry! The brawl continues back and forth until Eavan catches Jamie with the “Sykobitty Stunner (RKO)”, Saoirse drops Cherry with the “Gealtachta (Black Mass)” and Stacy counters an Irish Whip from Adrianna into the corner and catches her with “Unbowed (Inverted Somersault Cutter)!” Sedition Rising all roll out of the ring as Stacy, Eavan and Saoirse - collectively known as Mayhem 2.0 - all grab up the Alliance Championships and taunt the champions with them while Halestorm - “Mayhem” starts to play. Sedition Rising stand on the ramp, glaring up at their challengers for Ascension V as the crowd roars in support of Mayhem 2.0. Referees and security rush down to the ring to get between the two teams to prevent another skirmish from breaking out as the shot fades out.

Seth Ernst: Oh, it is gonna be one hell of a match between these two teams come Ascension!!

Miranda Augustino: It ain’t just for the gold now, bitches! This shit’s personal!

Lucas Knox: Sedition Rising has nobody to blame but themselves at this point!