NFW Trauma #150 - 05/18/2024!

Saturday Night Trauma starts after the opening reel with the cameras bringing us to ringside as “We Own The Night” by Hollywood Undead continues playing. Already standing in the ring are Orphynn, Jimmy Bones and Trauma General Manager, LeeAnn Viskan with a microphone in her hand. Orphynn is dressed in her usual casual attire consisting of a tank, jeans, boots, and a jacket with sunglasses in her hair. Jimmy, once again, is in his backstage work uniform while LeeAnn is dressed in a pair of tight black leggings, thigh high boots and a crimson blouse under her leather jacket.She raises the microphone up as things begin to quiet down.

LeeAnn Viskan: Welcome, all, to Saturday Night Trauma. Now, let’s get right to the point of why I’m out here. With them.

She thumbs over her shoulder to Orphynn and Jimmy Bones standing side by side behind her, her expression none too happy.

LeeAnn Viskan: From the day this company reopened its doors, six years ago, NFW has been “the land of opportunity” for professional wrestlers. For the hardest working men and women to ever set foot into a ring, looking to make their mark on the industry and put in the work to do just that. Now, standing behind me are two such individuals who, ever since they first walked down that aisle and stepped into this ring, have put in that work, they’ve busted ass and they’ve never once pissed, bitched or moaned about anything. One of these two…

She thumbs behind her shoulder where Jimmy Bones is standing.

LeeAnn Viskan: Has been grinding it out for over five damn years in between working on a per appearance deal while he does his day job helping make sure the rest of the shows here look as good as they do. Jimmy here works ring repair, he works back in production, he works with a crew on stage setup every week. He does all that while still having time to come out here and leave his heart in the ring and I admire that about the kid.

LeeAnn switches hands with the mic and thumbs over her other shoulder to Orphynn.

LeeAnn Viskan: Then there’s Orphynn. Like most of the new talent, she got signed off the indies after being discovered by our talent scouts. She laces up her boots, she comes out here and she kicks ass. Very well, I might add. Between appearances in the ring, she takes the time to interact with the fans and help the community as much as she can.

She switches the mic back to her dominant hand and pauses for some effect, looking annoyed next before she continues speaking.

LeeAnn Viskan: Now, somewhere along the line These two agreed on a series of matches with each other. Three to be exact, on a deal that I signed off on because as someone who’s been involved in this business for almost thirty years, I wanted to see where it would go. I wanted to see how much drive a person could find. Call me a sucker for great ideas. Now…they had their third match last week which would constitute the end of the challenge, some would think. Well, for anyone who thinks that, let me be quite honest…

She looks down, smiling to herself. She lets out a little chuckle and shakes her head.

LeeAnn Viskan: You’re a fucking idiot. I said from the moment I walked back through those doors and into position as General Manager that this was my goddamn ballpark. You step into this ring? You’re just one of the players. As a player, you can either play ball or you can fuck around and find out. See, there’s another indie star that we signed to NFW late last year that showed promise, but one thing that some people don’t realize is this isn’t your grandpa’s pro wrestling company. This is N-F-Fuckin’-W. We’ve got some of the meanest, the baddest, frankly, the best professional wrestlers in this sport. That being said, we’ve also got some of the sneakiest. Some people come in here and they soar like eagles. Others might have to climb carefully like a mountain. Then you got some who lose their footing and they fall. Now, we all know I’m talking about Pandemonia. Kid came in here, she hit the ground running just like her agent said she would and at some point she hit a wall. It happens. What matters more is what you do after you hit said wall. Unfortunately for her, her agent asked for her release. It was granted. No hard feelings. There never were any. When her representation came back and wanted to negotiate a deal for a return, the agreement was finished within the hour. I wanted Pandemonia back. I wanted The One Woman Horde to come back in here and start kicking ass again! The problem is, she decided to…

She makes a slice motion with her hand across her throat.

LeeAnn Viskan: Her representation and go into business for herself and that’s not how this bitch here plays ball. Pandemonia, you wanna come at me over social media and talk about how I “used” to be a badass and how I “used” to do things like you do. How now I’m “nothing more than a clone of my predecessor.” Bitch, no. Let me tell you something and you listen very fucking close. You know why I got away with the shit that I did? You know why the Dominion of Pain had free reign over the locker room and rarely if ever suffered for it?

She pauses her words and moves towards the ropes, climbing up with her foot on the bottom as she grabs the top with one hand and leans forward, looking into the hardcam.

LeeAnn Viskan: Because NFW didn’t have a General Manager like the one standing in this ring right now. The first breath of fresh air in terms of leadership this company had running a show was Luthor Callaway - we miss you brother, rest easy. Now? There’s me. You kids in the back wanna talk about I’m not deserving of being called The Mistress of Pain anymore, you should be glad! You don’t WANT the Mistress of Pain anymore! You can’t fucking HANDLE the Mistress of Pain….but unfortunately for you? Thank Pandemonia, because she dared me to call her bluff and bitch, I live in Vegas. All I do is gamble and I’m damn good at it. You want the Mistress of Pain? You got her. Now!

She clears her throat and turns to Orphynn and Jimmy Bones, motioning apologetically to them with a hand.

LeeAnn Viskan: Back on track, pardon me. Orphynn. Jimmy. Last week was a crock of shit. You know it. I know it. Chicago knows it. That’s why, as General Manager of Trauma, I’m striking that match from the records. It went down as a No Contest anyway, so as far as I’m concerned. It never happened. What is gonna happen is next week, you two are gonna get your third and final match in this challenge. Jimmy Bones…versus Orphynn…one on one…at Manifest Destiny.

LeeAnn pauses to let the crowd take it in. Standing beside Orphynn, Jimmy Bones looks taken aback at another opportunity for a supershow appearance. Orphynn, after hearing the news, smiles hugely and runs over to Jimmy Bones lightly punching him in the arm in her excitement. LeeAnn raises her mic back up and continues.

LeeAnn Viskan: And to make sure there’s no…

She searches for the word before shrugging.

LeeAnn Viskan: To make sure there’s no bullshit, I’m gonna take an extra precaution to keep any outside interference from taking place. Now, I know I can sit here and say if anyone comes down to the ring during this match they’ll be suspended, fired, whatever. They’ll still do it. They’ll still ruin this match. Some of you - not all of you - but some, are just that goddamn stubborn and stupid enough to test me so I’m gonna do one better. I’m gonna make it so you physically can’t get inside the ring if you’re not one of these two.

She motions between Jimmy and Orphynn.

LeeAnn Viskan: At Manifest Destiny, it’s gonna be Orphynn…versus Jimmy Bones…inside a Steel Cage.

Almost on cue, "Beast" by David Klemencz begins to play. With everyone's attention on the entrance way, out from the back comes Caelynna smiling and waving, but Pandemonia who was expected to follow after, instead climbs over the barricade and into the ring, right behind the group. She's visibly pissed off and breathing heavily as she approaches Trauma's general manager, spins her around, and gets up in her face. She says a few words not picked up by the cameras and then takes a few steps back throwing her arms out on either side of her body and saying something else that very much gets picked up.

Pandemonia: Take your shot, Mistress!

Seth Ernst: Oh come on, don’t do this.

Lucas Knox: This woman is a menace! Has she no shame?!

LeeAnn stands right where she is, taking a breath. Jimmy Bones shifts in his posture but, without even looking at him and Orphynn, LeeAnn sticks out an arm, bidding them to hold off. Pandemonia scoffs and steps forward again, shoving the General Manager backwards, so hard, only the ropes stop her. LeeAnn steps back to the center of the ring but Pandemonia bullies her back again, causing the mic to fall out of her hand…

Miranda Augustino: ­¡Hijueputa! This is going too damn far—AYO!!

…and LeeAnn suddenly shoots in with a quickness most wouldn’t expect one of her age to have as she takes Pandemonia to the mat with a Double Leg Takedown! Before anyone can fully register what’s going on, LeeAnn steps her leg around one of Pandemonia’s, grapevines the One Woman Horde’s together and flips her over, arching downward!!

Miranda Augustino: Holy shit?! Holy shit!!!!!

Seth Ernst: Chemical Wedding!!! LeeAnn Viskan’s got the Chemical Wedding locked in!!!!

Lucas Knox: She might break something!!

Just on cue then, LeeAnn Viskan looks down and back at her aggressor with a long unseen yet familiar darkness in her eyes as she snarls angrily.

LeeAnn Viskan: I’ll break your fucking legs bitch!!!!

Pandemonia claws at the mat as the crowd goes nuts, jumping out of their seats! Caelynna starts to rush the ring but Orphynn and Jimmy spring into action and form a wall to keep her out. Meanwhile, amidst the struggle between Pandemonia and LeeAnn, the former manages to harness her strength and power free of the hold where she hastily rolls out of the ring and looks up at the General Manager, wide eyed. Her lips quiver into a snarl as, inside the ring, LeeAnn pulls off her jacket and throws it to the mat, begging for her to come back in and get some. That sneer on Pandemonia’s lips trembles into a twisted smile and she starts to laugh, nodding as she and Caelynna back up the aisle. “Swamped XX” by Lacuna Coil blasts over the PA as LeeAnn comes to stand by the ropes, flanked by Orphynn and Jimmy who look just as surprised as Chicago.

Seth Ernst: You wanted The Mistress Of Pain? Here she is!!

The General Manager locks eyes with Pandemonia, slowly forming her own twisted smile as the chaos settles down and the shot cuts away.
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, are you sure that you don’t want to go out there with Davey tonight, DJ? I mean he is your usual partner in these things.

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: Nah man, everything’s cool on that front. And besides, sometimes a little bit of change is good for the soul and maybe, just maybe you and I can push those chaos making boundaries past what David here and I can do, sound good?

Dylan, David, and Irvine all three look at each other for a moment before they silently nod in agreement with Dylan’s face cracking into a bit of a smile.

David Striker: Besides, we don’t know why the front office picked the two of you to be out there against these sisters, and besides, I’m with DJ on this one as I’m kind of curious just how far the two of you can push those chaotic boundaries. I mean yeah, DJ and I have set them pretty high for this group, haven’t we?

DJ Hunter: No shit, brother. Besides Dylan, we’ve all the extra work that we’ve been putting in on trying to improve everything since Zach left to focus more on himself and a singles career outside of the Troupe, sometimes you just got to step back and cut loose every so often. So come on and stop worrying about if things are cool between us, alright?

DJ offers up a fist and Dylan looks at his fellow Troupe member for a moment, his eyes checking the older man’s seriously for a moment before he returns the fist bump.

Dylan Maverick: You got a good point man. I was just raised that if you do something wrong to your family, you man up and you take responsibility for it and I just feel like I’ve let you both down too much lately.

David looks at Dylan hard for a second before he starts to chuckle for a couple of seconds before he stops and draps a brotherly arm across the Hawaiian’s broad shoulders.

David Striker: Look Dylan, out of all the members of this family that be taking shit too seriously it’s me and not you. I mean you’re usually the one leading the charge to the fucking bar or the nearest fucking Chilis when things start getting too seriously everywhere else, so when did you decide to try and do my tropes as well, brother? Look, the point of the matter is that tonight is just another tag match which you and DJ have got this covered, right Irvine?

The trio then looks over at the “Bruiser from Borger” who is leaning against the wall with a can of Liquid Death almost to his lips and trying not to look guilty for some reason.

Irvine: Um…sure bossman…to be honest, I’m not entirely sure what we’re talking about at the moment…

The trio look at Irvine hard for a few seconds there before they breakdown in a fit of total humor, with DJ grabbing at his stomach with how hard he is laughing as the embarrassed look on Irvine’s face simply grows by leaps and bounds which only causes the laughter to escalate just a little bit further before finally David gets himself composed enough that he pulls himself out of the laughter as he looks at his two cohorts.

David Striker: Well Irvine’s glowing “faith” aside, my friends, everything will be cool tonight and we’ll finally get this whole streak dealt with because no matter what happens, gentlemen.

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

David Striker: This right here, along with the Express, Dumont, and Kyle…this is something that groups like the Kerry Family and Sedition wishes it could be-a actual fucking brotherhood of steel, but more importantly one that doesn’t run on ego…even though some of us can’t help but go on ego trips involving wins at Smash Brothers..

David then offers a mock “pissed off” look over at Irvine who lets out a dark chuckle as he takes a pull from his drink.

Irvine: Hey, it’s not my fault that I can own you with Doctor Mario!

David Striker: It’s cool, Irvine. But sooner or later I’m gonna beat your bloody palate swap of Mario Prime and we’ll see how smug you are then! But at any rate, tonight guys is the night that we get this shit turned around and then we hit up one of the local pups for some nachos and a few pints..all on Irvine’s dime of course!

Dylan and DJ do a quick fist bump with David and then they share one each with Irvine as they head out of the locker room at which point something slowly starts to dawn on the “youngest member” of the Phantom Troupe.

Irvine: Oi, wait a fucking a minute!!

The screen then static jumps back to ringside.
The scene comes up backstage where Dominique Ciotti is seen standing there and looking at the camera. She gives off a slight little smile with the mic up to her mouth. She stands there wearing a casual dress and matching casual heels.

.Dominique Ciotti: ladies and gentlemen, tonight, you’re going to see a match between two members of Queens of Chaos and The Kingdom. Both are the muscles of the groups. And we have one of those members with us right now and that’s Nakita Niles.

The camera zooms out and Nakita is seen standing there wearing her ring gear. She was ready for tonight and knows that she’s going into a tough battle against a member of The Kingdom.

Dominique Ciotti: Nakita, tonight you face a member of The Kingdom, River Chance. You two are known as the muscle and powerhouse of your groups. How did you think you will be against her?

Nakita Niles: You can never count out a member of the Kingdom, Dominique. They are someone that is fierce and powerful. But River is the powerhouse of the group and I know that. I know that she’s going to bring something that everyone wants to see. But what she's going to find out is that I’m just as powerful. I stand here and will fight anyone that wants to step in that twenty by twenty ring.

Dominique Ciotti: Do you have any feelings that members will get involved in this match?

Nakita Niles: No. I don’t think they will. If they want to see who is tough, they would stay out of it. Everyone wants to see two powerhouse go at it in a fair contest. I believe that fighting a fair fight shows who is better in a match. There are people around here that want to get cheap underhanded tactics to get ahead, but everyone who knows me, knows that I fight fair unless you interfere and get on my bad side. Any people who sees that, won’t like what they see. Anyways, River is a hell of a fighter and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the match. River, you and I may be in different groups, but I’m going to say that I respect you and I can’t wait to see what you have tonight.

OOH-RAH!

Crowd: OOH-RAH!

Nakita gives off a little smile as she walks away from the camera leaving Dominique by herself as the scene fades to black.
Everything comes into focus and as it does we are treated to the sight of Crystal Hilton with a smile on her lips. She is holding her US Championship as she nods her head and begins to speak.

Crystal Hilton: Well look what we have up on the horizon. It wasn’t that long ago when four individuals had stepped into the ring and they all had fought for the right to emerge as the number one contender for my US Championship. You would have thought that it would get sickening hearing me speak about this reign over and over again but no I am fully enjoying all of this because I know for a fact that I am indeed as good as I claim myself to be. Now I am going to be honest when that match happened I was pulling for a certainly woman to walk away and emerge victorious as the next challenger for my title. Little did I know that the person who would walk away with the win is the very woman that I actually wanted to face more than anything else in this world.

Crystal nods her head as she licks her lips and speaks some more.

Crystal Hilton: When I first came to this company I had went to war being involved with Marilyn Matthews. She had gotten the better of me but she was basically my welcome into the company. I hated that I had to get stomped on my way into the company but it was an introduction as to what I could expect going forward. One thing that I do know is that my name has always been one that has been in everybody’s mouth for all the wrong reasons. Part of is mainly because I just didn’t know what I wanted. I had been a terrible wife and I openly own that. It’s something that Seleana knows and it’s something that Alexandra knows. However it seems that the Kingdom was among some of those who have been my biggest critics. They would constantly bring it up over and over again. So now I get to step into the ring with Jasmine Matthews and I can do everything in my power to overcome this hurdle and prove that there’s a reason why I am the champion

Crystal nods her head as she continues to share more of her heart.

Crystal Hilton: More importantly than that I can prove without a shadow of a doubt that I am not the same woman that first came into this company thinking that should get by on name value alone. I am a woman who is always ready to work and prove herself to be one of the toughest bitches in that locker room. Jasmine Matthews it seems like this was a long time coming and now the two of us are going to lock up with the right to be a champion. As far as I have come it doesn’t mean anything if I can’t get past you and that is what I am gunning after. I am going to get my respect and I am going to take you down. You might think you are good but I know for a fact that I am better. Hell this is my year and I won’t let anybody tell me differently.

Crystal smiles as she speaks some more.

Crystal Hilton: Now I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t respect you for what you have done. You were a dominant Silver Mountain Champion. You held that title for over two hundred days and you had beaten my sister in-law Eavan in order to hold it. You are top tier competition Jasmine and I can say I can respect you, but don’t let that fool you. I know what’s at stake when the two of us face one another. I am here to prove people wrong and it goes back to the shit that Lana said when I won the title off of her. She told me to enjoy being in the mid-card while she was off to do something bigger. It’s a bunch of bullshit and I refuse to just dwell in mediocrity knowing damn well that there’s so much to me. I am Crystal fucking Hilton. I am a star, I am an A Lister and I am destined to be at the very top. I see my name in the big marquee and on all of the billboards. I will be the best US Champion this company has ever had. Lana did good but I will be better and one step to get there is by getting through you Jasmine. So bring the fight, I will be waiting.

With that Crystal grins as she smirks and we fade out on this image.
Cameras return to ringside where the inside of the ring has been set up for a contract signing. “Swamped XX” by Lacuna Coil is playing as, once again tonight, we’re greeted by General Manager, LeeAnn Viskan inside the ring. She paces back and forth along the table, tapping her fingers across the surface as the music fades and lifts her head with a sultry little smirk.

LeeAnn Viskan: You babies happy you get to see Mama twice in one night?

She licks her lips and grins as the crowd pops, causing her to break into a little laugh and she waves a hand dismissively at them.

LeeAnn Viskan: Ah, you fuckers couldn’t handle me anyway.

The crowd laughs and as they quiet down, a random voice pipes up.

Fan: I COULD!

Crowd: Oooooooooh!

LeeAnn raises her eyebrows and looks in the direction of the voice, making an amused face with a small nod

LeeAnn Viskan: Careful what you wish for slugger.

The crowd howls with laughter again as LeeAnn laughs with them, licking her teeth.

LeeAnn Viskan: Alright, alright, alright! Down to business. Manifest Destiny is next week. We got a stacked card with every Trauma championship on the line and then some. Right now, we’re gonna have us the contract signing for one of those title matches. So please welcome, at this time, the challenger…Darcy Graves!

Darcy steps out of back as she raised her hand, as smoke bellows out from behind her. Believer begun playing as she walked down to the ring, lifting her left hand as a single Pyro goes off stopping the smoke. She charges the ring, posing on the rope as she slid in then turned jumping down.

LeeAnn shakes Darcy’s hand as her music fades before continuing.

LeeAnn Viskan: And now, please welcome her opponent for next week…the reigning and defending…NFW Genesis Champion…Bianca Davis!

Soon the sound of the Gates of Kieve can be heard before turning into No Doubt by Hella Good, as the fans booed loudly at the theme music of the Queen herself Bianca Davis. Flanked by Tasha Jackson, and Simple Simon she graces the fans with her royal wave before holding up her championship, as she gets a bunch of boos for her trouble but her smile despite the situation is as wide as can be. As she then places her championship upon her shoulder, she is dressed in a burberry style dress black gucci high heel pumps, and a giant gold crown upon her head. She motions to Simon to hold something and it's a shirt that says #CancelDarceyGraveson it as Bianca points at it with her well manicured hand mouthing the very phrase. Before she saunters taking her belt and raising it above her head on the way down letting the whole world see it, before placing it once again back on her shoulder, as she orders Simon to climb up the steel steps and open the ropes for her. Soon the Queen herself being helped by the hand by Tasha Jackson up the stairs, in smug primadonna fashion she soon enters the ring as Tasha follows her in soon after, as Bianca takes the center stage, forcing Simon to hold up the shirt, as she points it to Darcey mocking her some more before raising her title belt hight in the air, and doing her trademark pageant wave, before heading over to the table.

LeeAnn offers a handshake out to Bianca and her entourage. Bianca looks down at her hand and back up at her with disgust and flips her hair, putting a hand up dismissively. LeeAnn shrugs and lowers her hand, taking a deep breath to stay calm.

LeeAnn Viskan: Ladies…you have the contract there. The floor is yours.

The General Manager stands at the head of the table with the competitors positioned across from each other in their own chairs with their own microphones each. Darcy reached across and grabbed the microphone first from the table looking across at Bianca.

Darcy Graves: You know, Queenie, for the past several weeks, you've been running your mouth about how I should be canceled and how I'm undeserving of that Genesis Championship. But let's not forget, if you hadn't screwed me over against Travis in the first place, I might be the one standing here with that pretty championship. I wonder, can you go anywhere without Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumbass nipping at your heels?

The crowd starts chanting tweedle dumba** as Darcy looked over at Bianca. She looks through the contract sliding it over to Bianca as she didn't even pick up the pen.

Darcy Graves: You sign first, champ. At least then I’ll know you’ve got the balls to show up. But maybe you won’t, and you’ll prove what everyone already knows—that you’re afraid. You’re afraid that in that moment, Bianca Davis, you’ll lose the one thing you care about more than yourself. Your entourage will abandon you, and the people will turn their backs. They’ll remember that after your reign of terror, greatness will come from the next Genesis Champion—me.

Bianca let out a scoff as if she was amused by the comments as she looked over the contract in front of her, before looking up as she snapped her fingers and Simon proceeded to hand her a gold microphone. As she soon began to speak in a snobby tone.

Bianca Davis: Does that make you feel good, to harp on the same flimsy points, lets face it you didn’t get the job done against Travis, the very man I beat to sit upon the throne as Genesis Champion. But instead of trying to earn a shot at me you whined until our general manager decided to give in, and decided that this title should be treated as charity, I am sick of it. It is why, hashtag Cancel Darcey Graves is a full fledge moment because people see the way you act, and know you as champion would be a disaster in the first place.

The fans boo at these statements as she rolls her eyes in disgust.

Bianca Davis: You don’t have the class, or star power to keep this title at the heights it is, and you know that deep down inside. Deep down inside you know, that you will fail get to the job done then what? What will you do? Beg for another title shot instead of earning it against me? I am sorry but after this you will be back in the back of the line where you belong. If anything this is a disgusting sham, another move to try end the greatest Genises title reign in history but it will fail just as all of those I have beaten before have failed.

Bianca looks at the contract before signing it then sliding it back at Darcey. Darcy laughs as she looked at her. She then picked up the pen, then looked over at Leeann, then back at the paper.

Darcy Graves: Let’s talk about that, shall we? When I challenged Travis, I had him beat until you and your little posse interfered, costing us both. Deep down, in those places that hold those feelings, I’ve learned to harness them and become the person you see before you. And you think you’re the greatest Genesis Champion? There have been many before you and many more to come, including yours truly. Next Saturday, though…

She picks up the contract and signs it.

Darcy Graves: Your ass is mine.

The crowd stirs at the tension between the two future competitors as LeeAnn picks up the contract to examine it. She flips over the pages, reading carefully and smiles.

LeeAnn Viskan: Well, there you have it, ladies and gents…boys and girls. This match is officially set.

She closes the contract folder and tucks it under her arm.

LeeAnn Viskan: Thank you both for being so punctual and…professional…in this matter. Especially you, Bianca. Seeing as this contract wasn’t drawn up with your lawyers breathing down Gwen’s neck, I’m surprised you were so quick to just get this over with. Then again, this contract wasn’t drawn up by Gwen, was it? It was drawn up…by me, personally. Hells, I have to wonder what your entourage has to say about this, seeing as you didn’t in confide in their involvement for this one.

Simon and Tasha look confused as they exchange glances then look at the General Manager to which she smiles and nods.

LeeAnn Viskan: Oh yeah. You two will most certainly be involved next week. In fact, you two will have the best view in the house, maybe even better than the fans in their seats. A perfect sky view…right up there…

She raises her gaze and motions above the ring before looking back at the two and their Queen.

LeeAnn Viskan: When you’re suspended above the ring…inside a cage.

Chicago nearly blows the roof off of the Colosseum as Tasha and Simon’s jaws drop and they began to protest.

Lucas Knox: What?!

Miranda Augustino: Whoa!!

Seth Ernst: She said she wasn’t playing around! The General Manager means business!

LeeAnn Viskan: Thank you for your time, ladies. Have a nice night.

She drops the microphone on the table and starts walking towards the ropes with the contract in hand. Bianca stands from her chair, shouting foul play at LeeAnn Viskan. When the General Manager doesn’t even turn to acknowledge her, Davis stomps her foot and turns to Tasha Jackson.

Bianca Davis: OFF WITH HER HEAD!

Seth Ernst: Off with her head? What the–HEY WAIT A MINUTE!!

On her Queen’s orders, Tasha Jackson runs forward and just clobbers LeeAnn Viskan from behind, knocking her to the mat. Darcy Graves attempts to spring into action but Simple Simon fights to hold her back in a waistlock. Graves easily slips free and spins around, superkicking Simon down to the mat! She whips back around to try to help the General Manager who Jackson is in the middle of stomping away at but as she turns, Bianca Davis is out of her chair and smashes Graves right in the face with her golden microphone! Graves grabs her head, starting to bleed a little as Davis stands over her and holds the Genesis Title up, screaming down at her.

Bianca Davis: You’ll never have this, peasant! NEVER!!! I AM QUEEN!!!!! I AM THE QUEEN OF NFW!!! I AM THE QUEEN OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!

As Davis taunts, Tasha Jackson comes back over to stand beside her and motions with her hands, presenting the Queen Genesis Champion to the booing crowd.

Seth Ernst: For the love of god! This woman thinks she owns the place!

Lucas Knox: You can’t just lay your hands on a GM like that!! What the hell is wrong with them?!

Seth Ernst: That’s twice in one ni—

Seth’s words trail off as, while Bianca and Tasha celebrate in front of the hard cam, the crowd’s boos turn to a gasp of anticipation as LeeAnn Viskan is seen getting back to her feet, rising up behind the two…and she does not look happy. She pushes her messed hair out of her face as she clenches her teeth, literally trembling with rage. Davis and Jackson notice the change in the crowd and slowly turn around. As soon as they see her, Davis drops her microphone, hugs her title and rolls out of the ring, pulling Simon with her. Jackson lunges for Viskan again but THE GENERAL MANAGER TAKES HER DOWN WITH A DOUBLE LEG SWEEP JUST LIKE SHE HAD WITH PANDEMONIA EARLIER!!!!

Miranda Augustino: YO YO YO!

Instead of going for the Chemical Wedding, however, Viskan goes right into a mount on Jackson and starts throwing lefts and rights. Fists and elbows. Not wild haymakers but a full on MMA Ground Pound. Jackson covers up with her arms and eventually manages to reverse the position, mounting over Viskan as Davis screams for her muscled bodyguard to finish her off. Viskan starts looking for a Triangle Choke but Jackson’s own defense allows her to position an arm over Viskan’s stomach to push against it in defense. A dark look flashes over Viskan’s face, now, as she pushes her hands against that arm and slides Jackson right into position. Viskan wraps her arms around Jackson’s arm and repositions her leg, locking her into a Bicep Slicer. Jackson’ can’t go anywhere!!

Lucas Knox: Ms. Viskan with the Bicep Slicer!!

Seth Ernst: She was a Submission Specialist in her time, Lucas!

Miranda Augustino: She still is! Look at that!

Bianca Davis: Get out of it!! Tasha, get out of it!

Jackson struggles to escape but to no avail and she starts tapping the mat, relenting to the General Manager…but Viskan doesn’t let go. She wrenches tighter on the hold. Finally, she turns her head, looking right to Davis at ringside…and with a thrust of her hips, we hear a pop underneath the roar of the crowd and Jackson starts SCREAMING!! Viskan finally releases the hold and Jackson clutches at her arm, still screaming in pain as she lies on the mat. Security comes running down to slide into the ring, getting between Viskan and Jackson, bidding the General Manager back. A quick check of Jackson and they start waving EMTs down to the ring. Davis backs up in horror, pulling a groggy Simon with her as Viskan snatches up the golden microphone stand with a dark look in her eyes. She looks down at Tasha Jackson on the mat.

LeeAnn Viskan: Tasha…Tasha, Tasha…oh sweetie… You can thank your Queen for that…and you can take all the time you need to heal that broken wing…because you…my little dove…are FIRED!!

Miranda Augustino: Whoa!!

LeeAnn Viskan: And YOU!!

Viskan turns towards Davis and Simon on the walkway leading to the stage.

LeeAnn Viskan: ”Your Majesty” …. Good luck next week…

Viskan snaps the microphone stand over her knee and throws it out at Davis’ feet, snatching up her jacket again. Standing back in a corner of the ring, even Darcy Graves doesn’t know what to think of what just happened as the shot fades.
The camera opens backstage on Ashley Kenyon sitting on what looks like a chair in catering.

Ashley Kenyon: Been an interesting few weeks hasn’t it?

Ashley shrugs to herself at the events that have transpired.

Ashley Kenyon: Mayhem 2.0 went in and did exactly what we’d said we’d do. We took the fight to Sedition Rising and showed them that we were not just another notch on their gun belt to run up their tally.

She almost laughs in spite of herself.

Ashley Kenyon: And then… somebody… made Sorsh have an episode…

Her hand curls into a fist as she shakes her head.

Ashley Kenyon: Eav got caught in the undertow, got concussed and Sedition Rising took advantage of somebody else’s handiwork to retain.

She claps softly.

Ashley Kenyon: Well played ladies, well played…

Ashley looks down, her eyes seemingly now glued to the floor.

Ashley Kenyon: So now we come for a rematch with no Sorsh and no Eav because neither one will be fully cleared by then. Sorsh mentally and Eav physically…

She looks up and nods, her eyes narrowing angrily.

Ashley Kenyon: And I can understand because I have a history with concussions from near ten years ago too. A man named Vince Jones used loaded gloves on me to retain his championship because he was so worried about losing to a ”barbie doll.”

She looks like she might spit in disgust at the very thought.

Ashley Kenyon: Well that wasn’t you, was it, ladies?

She shakes her head.

Ashley Kenyon: No, you had nothing to do with what happened to Sorsh. We could see you were as bewildered as everyone else and maybe even a little freaked out at what happened, but it didn’t stop you from taking advantage and then trying to hurt Eavan so badly that we couldn’t possibly come back at you.

She shrugs again.

Ashley Kenyon: Maybe that was your intention, maybe it wasn’t but it don’t fuckin’ matter because we got us a Bruiser to roll in and make us whole again and you better believe me and the Little Lioness are comin’ for that one like y’all fuckin’ owe us all money!

Ashley stands up.

Ashley Kenyon: Stace, Bex and I are ready and while you might have thought you were done with us, we’re not fuckin’ done with you yet! Like it, don’t like it, it don’t matter cause it’s gonna happen and we’re comin’ for you!

She walks off as the camera switches to something else.
Cameras go backstage to find General Manager LeeAnn Viskan storming through the halls. Anyone remotely in her way gives her a wide berth as they see her coming.As she walks, a familiar voice calls out from out of frame.

Steven Brody: LeeAnn. LeeAnn! LEE!

LeeAnn stops in her tracks, having reached the door to catering when she stops and turns just as CEO Steven Brody steps into the shot. Even towering over her, the man looks cautious, like he’s approaching a wild animal.

Steven Brody: LeeAnn…what the hell was that? What are you doing?

LeeAnn Viskan: .....

The woman just glares up at him with her lips curling into an animalistic snarl. Brody raises his hands in submission.

Steven Brody: Look, I get it. Not everyone likes to play by your rules, but you just broke a woman’s arm in front of a live audience. Not even an active competitor. Then you fire her? What…

LeeAnn steps forward, practically right up against the CEO and cranes her head, looking right up at him.

LeeAnn Viskan: ...Exactly… What?

Brody says nothing as he just stares down at the woman. A mix of concern and loss of what to say in his face.

LeeAnn Viskan: ...Am I fired too…?

Her voice is a low whisper, almost a hiss. Brody sighs and looks away for a moment before looking down at her and shrugging his hands out.

Steven Brody: ...I don’t know right now. I really don’t.

LeeAnn slowly tilts her head to the side, studying the man like a curious animal before lowering her gaze to his chest. She reaches up with one hand and slightly adjusts his tie before turning and continuing through the doors, leaving Brody alone to watch her go.
The Socialites are in catering sitting around a table. Vanessa Page is scrolling through her phone as “Classy” Bianca Page and “Diamond Princess” Danielle Page are talking amongst themselves. Bianca turns towards Vanessa about to say something when they see that Vanessa isn’t even paying any attention to their conversation. Bianca nudges Danielle to look at Vanessa.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: Hey there! Are we not entertaining enough for you?

Vanessa’s attention doesn’t divert from her phone when Bianca snatches Vanessa’s phone out of her hands.

Vanessa Page: What the…?!?!

“Classy” Bianca Page: We know you’re super excited about your wedding to Grayson in a couple of weeks…

Vanessa Page: Correction. That is in less than two weeks.

“Classy” Bianca Page: I stand corrected but dammit girl we’ve got to get our heads in the game.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: Exactly! The entire world saw that icky Kingdom out a win against us last week.

“Classy” Bianca Page: So right now I am not the NFW Championand I have to watch Travis and that damn demon Damon wrestle for the championship that I should be carrying right now. Which is totally disgusting.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: Plus we have no momentum in the Alliance division.

Vanessa Page: Which is totally unacceptable.

“Classy” Bianca Page: So you’ll get your head in the game?

Vanessa Page: Yes, yes!

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: That’s what we love to hear.

Vanessa Page: Now can we get out of here. I am so over just sitting here.

Danielle and Bianca both nod their heads in agreement. The three ladies begin to get up and just as they are turning around Vanessa almost bumps into Emma Wexler of the Twizted Sisterz.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: Watch where you’re going!!!

Zenia Hobbs hears the commotion and turns her head to see Emma face to face with Danielle.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: You think just because you’re the newbie on the block that you get to just walk wherever you want?

Vanessa Page: That’s not how it works!!!

Zenia rushes over to Emma’s side.The Twizted Sisters and the Socialites stare at each other without one team backing down while NFW producers begin to step in between the two teams.
Already in the ring as "Purest Momentum" by Gürschach continues to play are all three members of The Kerry Family and their manager Kaydence Valentine. She is standing front and center as the three of them are standing behind her. The pink haired firecracker has a microphone in her hand. She takes a deep breath as the final notes of Purest Momentum fade.

Kaydence: Wow, I can’t believe I’m doing this. Alright Kaydence, breath. Breath.

Jericho places a hand on Kaydence's shoulder. They share a knowing look. She nods.

Kaydence: For those who don’t know me, my name is Kaydence Valentine. And I am the... I’m unsure what I am.

Am I a manager? Don’t feel that’s accurate.

Am I a valet? Perhaps?

Anywho, forget about what job to assign to me. All you need to know is I am the biggest supporter of The Kerry Family in the entire world. I came to the Blackheart Colosseum every week sitting in the crowd like each and every single one of you in complete admiration of what The Kerry Family had to offer. I went from being a fan to standing here in this ring with a live microphone in my hand.

This moment isn’t lost on me. Never thought it was possible. This family gave me a chance. They could have had security escort me out the building on the night I managed to sneak backstage. Jericho, Val and Dee have treated me like family ever since. And for that, I’m grateful.

Kaydance looks back at all The Kerry’s giving them a thumbs up. They nod, encouraging her to keep going. She returns her attention back to the camera.

Kaydence: On to business. The Phantom Troupe will be dealt with in time. LeeAnn. I know you’re watching. I need you to listen to what I have to say. I have a question to ask, what more do The Kerry Family need to do to get a shot at the Alliance Championships?

Why hasn’t a contenders match been lined up?

They are former Trios Champions, hello. Were The Phantom’s former Trios Champions when you gave them a chance to challenge Sedition Rising?

It still baffles me that Mayhem 2.0 in a different form is still in the conversation? I get it. You don’t know who I am. You’ll wonder who this girl is complaining about this and that. But if you sat down for a minute, truly thought about it, all The Kerry’s have done is win their tag matches. Both trios and standard two on two matches. We don’t cause trouble, we show up to work. We do as we’re told. Become a pattern that the squeak wheels around here get the grease. We notice you are going back and forth with someone on social media, if you paid that level of attention to a person who insults you over professionals we do their damn job, I wouldn’t have been given a live mic to be the voice of The Kerry’s frustrations for being over goddamn looked! For who? I hate to go here. You are friendly with some of the talent backstage. Do we have to brown nose a little to get opportunities?

The crowd oos and aahs at the insinuation that Kaydance made. She doesn’t let up. She continues.

Kaydence: Am I outta line? No. I’m just passionate about The Kerry Family. I want them to get the opportunity they have more than earned by winning matches. LeeAnn. This isn’t personal. Ok, maybe a little. How are we supposed to be overlooked? Kinda ridiculous. This is our careers and their legacies you are toying with. Ball is in your court sweetie. Do the right thing. Please.

"Purest Momentum" by Gürschach plays. She drops the mic. The Kerrys and Kaydance share a hug in the middle of the ring.
”You’re a child, begging for what you think you want, not realizing that it’s actually what you fear.”

In his private locker room (the benefits of being champ), Damon Cross stares at his own reflection with a cold sort of calm. The title rests, displayed with reverence, on the counter beneath the lit mirror. Damon’s wolf-head cane lies in front of it, his entrance gear folded on the other side of the surface. But only the title matters here. Damon stares at it for a moment, looking at it as though he might look at his son, before his gaze flicks back to the mirror and, through it, the camera.

Damon Cross: Every time you talk, Travis, I hear some contrived anime princess squealing “notice me, sempai!” gratingly in my head.

It was a funny comment. Even the fans, loathing Damon by this point, chuckled some. But the champion? No smile to be seen.

Damon Cross: You insinuate yourself into my rarefied air atop the NFW mountain. You try to emulate my path to success. You think your happy existence and the support of those fools in the stands will carry you upward and onward. All because you covet what I have earned with blood, tears, and more.

Reaching out, Damon touches the belt gently, almost lovingly.

Damon Cross: You’re a child.

He repeats that epithet, dryly chuckling.

Damon Cross: It’s not your time, but you fail to realize that. You’re so bent on being the next Damon Cross, something no one will ever be, that you’re forgetting to be the first Travis Levitt. And if that sounds silly to you, then you’re not paying attention. There is no one path to this glory, Travis. What worked for someone else will not work for you. You must forge your own path. But you don’t even know how to do that, do you?

You’re a child.

The champion almost looks amused… then he snatches up a glass bottle, half-full of sparkling water, and chucks it against the concrete wall! The vessel shatters and bubbly liquid drips down the painted surface as Damon, still looking coldly calm, tilts his head back and towards the camera, giving him the look of someone on the edge of insanity. Then he rights his posture and picks up the title, staring before stomping toward the camera, shoving the title towards it!

Damon Cross: THINK!

The camera backs up a bit and Damon does not pursue.

Damon Cross: Think.

That brief outburst, gone as soon as it appeared, had its effect. Damon’s immediately back to his usual self.

Damon Cross: You don’t want my attention, Travis. I promise you that. You don’t want me to notice you or even fucking acknowledge you. What you want is for tonight’s match to go off in such a way that you can still make it to the pay-per-view, so that you can fight me for this title at your best. So I’m going to do you a favor and leave you alone. You’ll suffer enough when this is up for grabs, I promise you. The only question you have to answer where that’s concerned… is whether you want to be my opponent… or my enemy.

Turning and calmly grabbing the rest of his things, Damon puts on his jacket and hat, grabs up his cane, and drapes the title over his shoulder. Then he turns back to the camera.

Damon Cross: Think hard. Your choice determines your future, immediate AND distant.

Cross Aeternum.

Fade out.