NFW Trauma #157 - 07/20/2024!

“LIKE IT! LOVE IT!” by Setsuna Yuki echoed throughout the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum. The fans cheered loudly before Ayu Megumi walked out from the back of the stage with a smile on her face and waving to the fans with her other hand still holding the microphone, Ayu headed out to the ring where she greeted fans all the way before she stepped onto the ring floor and stood in the middle of the ring before “ LIKE IT! LOVE IT!” by Setsuna Yuki slowly faded away before fans chanted Ayu Megumi's name until Ayu picked up the microphone to speak.

Ayu Megumi: Hello everyone, it's been a long time since I've said anything here. Today I'm here again, but it's really nice to meet you all again. Today I'm here to talk about an upcoming big match, of course I'm talking about the Guardians Of Pyramid, which will be my second time in NFW. I'll just say I'm very pleased to be fighting. In this match again and of course, I set my goal that this year I will reach the highest level. I want to face Damon Cross in this match. I want to show everyone how much I've improved. Whether I can win this match or not.

The Gates of Kieve can be heard, followed by Hella Good by No Doubt, as the fans booed loudly at the music of the Queen of NFW, Bianca Davis. A lone spotlight soon formed on the ramp, and out from the back, in an expensive purple dress, black Gucci high-heeled pumps, and her trademark crown on her head, was the smug heiress. As she already had a microphone in her hand as she sauntered giving the crowd her trademark wave, she soon placed the microphone up to her lips motoring for her music to be cut.

Queen Bianca Davis: Cut my music, isn’t this cute Ayu Megumi, you think for one second you are going to win? See that championship belongs around the waist of royalty, true royalty the one and only Queen around here, and that is Queen Bianca Davis!

Bianca said loudly as the fans gave her a loud negative reaction for her trouble, as she rolled her eyes. As she spoke proudly, as she soon entered the ring, with a stagehand holding the rope for her, she then rudely dismissed him before coming face to face with Ayu Megumi.

Queen Bianca Davis: See, I am no longer going to accept disrespect or being overlooked in favor of these people’s flavors of the month, I am a generational talent I have proven that time in, and time out. I will prove it in the Pyramid when I become the New Frontier Champion and make everything ri–

Travis Levitt: OVER MY DEAD BODY!

The crowd POPS at that, the voice echoing throughout the PA system and Davis’ shock is shown on the big screen. Camera’s don’t see Travis coming out of the entryway, but a few moments later all is revealed as a rustle in the crowd shows Travis coming down through the COliseum audience. A spotlight quickly finds him, and The Dragon pauses on the steps, glancing left and right at the cheering crowd, and then raising a hand high with a grin.

Travis Levitt: Hold on Bianca, I just gotta……F-F-F-FLAAAAAME ON DRAGONITES!

A fistpump from Travis is matched by a bunch of the fans around him, and Travis makes a show of fist-bumping a bunch of the crowd, before he keeps going right down the steps. Reaching the barricade, Levitt hops over and then steps around the ring, making his way to the nearest ringsteps, and climbing up onto the apron, resting both hands on the top rope as he stares right at Bianca for a moment, but then shifts his gaze and gives Ayu a polite head nod.

Travis Levitt: How ya doing, Ayu-chan? Best of luck in the pyramid. I hope we get a chance to tear it up and may the best wrestler win.

Travis smiles softly at Ayu but then his gaze turns back to Bianca, and his smile fades, replaced by a glare full of hatred.

Travis Levitt: And that is DAMN SURE not you, Queenie Bee. You’ve gotten wins over me in the past, with some sycophant or another gifting you a dub, but if your ass meets mine in that Pyramid PLEASE believe me, I will leave you a broken mess, surrounded by the husk of your crown.

Ayu Megumi still had a smile on her face as she slowly moved to stand between Bianca Davis and Travis Levitt, before slowly raising her hand to ask for something to say as she looked away between Bianca Davis and Travis Levitt.

Ayu Megumi: Well, I'll answer what you asked me just now, Bianca. If you were to ask me if I really thought I could win, Of course I think so, but I also think everyone in this match has a chance to win. I don't understand why you would ask such an insulting question. But let's face it, I'm beginning to not be surprised. But I will remind you that I am a former NFW United States Champion, so of course I am aiming to win even bigger gold and when the opportunity arises it will be interesting to challenge myself. Is it really a bigger goal? Another thing is that I agree with what you said about your ability. We all here have talent, but what you have less than others is manners. And if you think you're the right queen to have gold around your waist. Maybe it's just in your dreams that will never happen.

Then she turns over to Travis Levitt with a smile on her face.

Ayu Megumi: I’m doing good~ Yeah I wish you the best of luck in the pyramid too. Let’s hope we get a chance to face each other in the pyramid.

Ayu smiled before slowly walking away and leaning against the ropes, her eyes still on Travis Levitt and Bianca Davis.


Queen Bianca Davis: If we do, I will end your dreams Ayu, and as far as you go, Travis. I have already proven multiple times I am better than you, and I know you have sick ideas in your head, I mean look at what you did to Binx, all for a grudge the fact you’re even allowed in this match is disgusting.

Ayu smiles before giving a thumbs up to Bianca just like she taunts her.

Slash's "World On Fire" starts up and the lights start dancing about. Ten seconds in, the main riff starts and Ashley Kenyon walks through the curtain, arms raised to accept whatever reaction she's gonna get, microphone in hand.

Ashley Kenyon: Do you ever shut the fuck up?

Ashley shakes her head as she comes to the ring staring lasers through Bianca.

Ashley Kenyon: I realize you think you’re a queen but for the sake of everything holy can you please stop getting high in your own farts for five seconds please. The smell is becoming overwhelming and I’m amazed the whole place hasn’t passed out yet!

Ashley just shakes her head as if a stench is wafting off Bianca that's threatening to make her physically ill.

Ashley Kenyon: God bless Ayu, what can you say about her but she’s cute, she’ll give it her all and everybody’s gonna talk shit on her because they don’t see her as a threat. Well any of y’all that blow her off like, you screwed the pooch so bad you’re gonna be covered in his shit and Bianca, i really think you need to not do that because the smell with you is already bad enough!

She shakes her head at the angered socialite.

Ashley Kenyon: You realize no one gives a shit about your outrage about stuff because it happens so often and is so ridiculously overused, right? And even if it wasn’t, we already when you talk shit, your team loses, especially if it’s against me or just in a junkyard…

She pauses and grins into the camera.

Ashley Kenyon: Hey, Cheech and Jane, welcome to the party, she still looks like she’s pissed over that one. Good work, y’all!

She smiles and then looks back at everyone in the ring.

Ashley Kenyon: Travis, don’t listen to her. Just be you and let the dragon shit fly like normal! Then we can let David, Kai and Damon come on out here and say their bits before we all set to killin’ each other! Let’s party!

Psyko Dalek's "Wish it Away" keys up and out from the back, already dressed for a fight, comes David "Bam Bam" Striker with Irvine on his right as the music cuts as the two men join the growing number, he begrudgingly gives Travis a nod of respect before he turns his attention to the group at large

David "Bam Bam" Striker: I honestly don't have much to say in this fight to be honest. Other than I owe *you*.

David points directly at Travis

David "Bam Bam" Striker: A lariat. So when you find yourself right on the verge of something epic and then find yourself flat on your ass...remember that I owed you for our last time out, fair and square. But as for the rest of you,

David then slowly turns to look at Ashley

David "Bam Bam" Striker: I just want to make it clear that I'm not here for a quick and easy fight, I'm here to ensure that this will be one of the wildest brawls in the history of this company because that's what David "Bam Bam" Striker has got his mind set to do!! Just like you've got your mind to do nothing more than to get high off of your own personal brand of SMUG than actually wrestle in this match, Bianca.

And I know that I may not have the best track record for matches around here, but everything changes in time and this is my time now. So yeah Ashley, let's start this party already, shall we?

Ayu just leaning against the ropes and kept her eyes on the other while they were talking to each other while the smile still remained on her face.

Just then, “Heart vs Mind” by I Prevail hits the speakers, with Kai Morgan making his way onto the rampway with a microphone in hand.

Kai Morgan: Nah, nah, nah. See, with all due respect, I hear all of you talking this and that about walking outta Sudden Death with that New Frontier Championship. But I don’t think you all understand what that entails.

Kai stops for a moment to capture all the heads darting his way.

Kai Morgan: See, I don’t think any of you—Not a single one of you knows what it’s like to carry a World Title in this company. Hell, please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think any of you even knows what it’s like to carry a World Title in this industry. And I get it, that makes you all hungry. You’re all gonna get there someday…just not at my expense.

The crowd gives a mixed reaction to Kai.

Kai Morgan: I still have a purpose. A mission. A goal. And I feel like I haven’t fulfilled it yet. You all want this win, but I need this win. So while all of you being your best, you’re all gonna be confronted with the fact that my best is just that much better.

And just like that, everything degenerates; Kai’s address puts new fire under everyone’s asses and, verbally, they start going at each other again. Ayu smartly slips out of the ring, as Kai enters it, confronting the rest. However, as things reach a fever pitch, with violence near moments from breaking out, another voice cuts in:

Damon Cross: Up here, boys and girls.

On the big screen, the Godkiller himself is shown in an all-black suit, the championship over his shoulder. From the looks of things, he’s in Viskan’s office. Immediately he has the attention of everyone in the ring, with a few gesturing for him to come down and face them none too kindly. Damon, however, chuckles and shakes his head.

Damon Cross: What, come down there amongst you cretins? So you miscreants can dogpile the champion, since that’s the only way in hell any of you can get an advantage over me? I was born at night, but not last night. If you half-dozen malcontents want to pound one another’s skulls days before the biggest opportunity in your careers, i.e. sharing the ring with the Godkiller? Go right ahead. I’ll sit back and watch.

And he does just that, parking himself behind the boss’s desk, patting the gold over his shoulder.

Damon Cross: No? Then stand there quietly and listen, along with the rest of the masses. The champ has something to say.

There’s a load of boos at that one. Bianca seethes and screeches something drowned out by the fans. David does his best to look threatening, while Ashley is completely cool with the situation. Travis is on edge at the sight of Cross, while Kai looks determined if nothing else. As for Ayu, she’s the only one who seems completely calm, as even with her chill demeanor, Ashley registers a small amount of tension.

Damon Cross: I see this for what it is: the best chance anyone in this company has of taking this title off me. Considering how many times I’ve stomped the shit out of Kai, Bianca, and Travis… considering how green and meaty ol’ Bam Bam is… the infuriating talent of Ashley… and the exuberance and potential of Ayu… not a one of you, one-on-one, could lift this title from my grasp. But altogether? You may be a hodgepodge of talent, big mouths, and too much ego, but numbers are numbers. And speaking of…

Rising from the chair, Damon goes and selects his number. He peers at it for a moment, then pockets it without further reaction. It seems that he’s not gonna make the rest privy to his entry point in the match.

Damon Cross: At worst, I have to fight all of you, one at a time. At best, I step in and wipe out whatever’s remaining of the survivor. But since when is life that simple? Or wrestling for that matter?

The smile disappears and Damon hitches that title up a little more.

Damon Cross: Travis, I’ve danced with you enough already, and every damn time I’ve laid you out. You call yourself a dragon, but all I see is a lizard with firecrackers and sparklers. A lot of lights and noise, nothing more. Kai? Time and taime again, I’ve shown that one-on-one with no bullshit, you don’t stack up. World Beater? God created the Earth but falls short to me. You do the math. David? Just… sit down, Ferrigno Junior. There’s no way in hell your muscles back up your mouth; get in my way and I’ll deflate you the hard way. Bianca…

He pauses again, then makes a negligent gesture.

Damon Cross: Nah, you’re too easy.

As much as they loathe Damon, the fans like that jab… even if Bianca does not.

Damon Cross: Ashley, we go back a long way. I could talk shit, but you’re pretty much the only one here who’s a real threat. I’ll show you how much if we share that ring. And Ayu? Well… look at you. You’ve moved up pretty high since the last time we danced. But this is where the training wheels come off and shit gets real. Last time I gave you props for hanging in there. This time, if you’re in my way, I’m sending you crashing to earth. Just try to land on Bianca or something.

Another poke to the self-proclaimed queen, who’s almost frothing! Damon, however, doesn’t give a damn.

Damon Cross: Last chance saloon, boys and girls. I’ll spare you any further hurtful truths. You know what’s coming. And I know what you’re capable of. This is Legendary Difficulty for me as well. But anyone who knows a damn thing about this business and even a little about me knows what I’m capable of. Ask the Kingdom. Ask the Children. Ask anyone who’s come through NFW that’s worth a damn.

I’m Damon Cross. The fucking Godkiller. And this championship is mine until I decide otherwise!

CROSS AETERNUM!

“God is Dead?” by Black Sabbath kicks up as Damon holds up the belt, the stage set fully for Guardians of the Pyramid!
We cut backstage, where we see “Big Bag” Romeo Travar and “Low Key” Wesley Carlo exiting their locker room. Each of them look somewhat annoyed as Wes speaks up for the two of them first.

Wesley Carlo: You know, we been hearing all the talk…actually nah, let’s call it what it is…we been hearing all the yapping that’s been going around about the greatest units here in the New Frontier. Mayhem 2.0. Carlton Crew. Wolves, Queens, everyone in between. But you know who ain’t in the conversation that should be?

Wes points between himself and Romeo as they continue down the hallway.

Wesley Carlo: Us. See, on paper me and Big Bag should be considered the greatest team here. We look good, we talk fantastically, and everyone who runs up on us gets done up. Period. Best part, too, is that while all these fake ass teams need 5, 6, 7 hundred members to get the job done, me and Big Bag are a two man army. We don’t need nobody but us. That’s on facts.

Romeo Travar: All these fake ass squads thinkin they better than us! You seein this shit, Wesley? Cause I know I ain’t hearin’ them correctly! When you stack ‘em up. Make it all even across the board, they know EFFICIENCY is the measuring stick around here! You know what else I been noticin, Wes?

Romeo says, looking at Wesley before back at the camera.

Romeo Travar: A lot of goofy’s talkin crazy on our name. Not givin us the respect we deserve. That shit needs to change, real quick. We got a plan to change that tho, don’t we?

Wesley Carlo: Hell, yeah Rome. See, I’m sick of these jabroni ass motherfuckers tryna say they better than us. Cause they not. They know it. We know it. So now we ain’t gon play nice anymore. We mowing through each and every single one of these squads in this Alliance Division until we get our hands on those Alliance Championships. The industry can hate us if they want to. Fuck ‘em all and they mama.

Wes looks to Romeo before continuing.

Wesley Carlo: Tonight, that starts with The Phantom Troupe, because apparently this company got all giddy when they realized there’s a mid ass team out there that we haven’t faced more than once yet.

Romeo Travar: That’s some real shit. The fuck kinda group is this “Phantom Troupe” anyways? You wanna talk about some mix and match tag teams that the New Frontier seems to love, they gotta be three of the most random motherfuckers paired up just so they can up the numbers of this tag division to try and keep us down. This group is really just some “Fisher Price Baby’s First Tag Team” ass pairing. Trust us when we say we’re gonna beat they ass, and hide the bible if God watchin.

Wesley Carlo: They gon be the first on the hit list. Along with any of these lame ass teams out here. Collision. Trauma. Hell, pull em outta different companies if you have to. The result is still the same: We gon pack em up and send em back where y’all got em from. Cause they not like us, and they ain’t ever gon do it like EFFICIENCY. Trust.

Wes and Romeo take off down the hallway as we cut elsewhere.
The show cuts to another backstage area inside the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum. El Diablo Blanco is seen chatting animatedly with some of the enhancement talent, including Just Greg and The Soz. The atmosphere is light-hearted, with laughter and camaraderie filling the air.

El Diablo Blanco: And that’s when I told him, ‘Brother, you can’t just jump off the top rope without a plan!’ But hey, sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches, right?

Just Greg: Man, El D, you’ve got some wild stories. It’s always a blast hearing about your adventures.

The Soz: Yeah, you’re like the rock ‘n’ roll of wrestling, always bringing the energy and the fun.

El Diablo Blanco: Thanks, Brothers. It’s all about keeping the spirit alive, you know? Like the great Bon Jovi said, ‘It’s my life, it’s now or never, I ain’t gonna live forever…’.

Suddenly, the mood shifts as Christian Lawson strides into the scene. His presence immediately brings a chill to the warm atmosphere.

Christian Lawson: Well, well, well, if it isn’t El Diablo Blanco. What are you doing here tonight? You’re not even booked for a match.

The enhancement talent falls silent, sensing the tension. El D, however, remains calm and composed, his friendly demeanor unwavering.

El Diablo Blanco: Hey there, Brother. Just hanging out with my friends here, sharing some stories and good vibes. You know how it is.

Christian Lawson: Good vibes? Really? You’re not even on the card tonight. Shouldn’t you be somewhere else, like, I don’t know, a retirement home?

The Soz and Just Greg exchange uneasy glances, but El D remains unfazed, his smile never wavering.

El Diablo Blanco: (chuckling) Retirement home? Nah, Brother, I’ve still got plenty of gas in the tank. Like the Eagles said, ‘Take it easy, take it easy, don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy’.

Christian Lawson: (rolling his eyes) Oh, please. Spare me the classic rock quotes. You’re just a washed-up has-been trying to relive your glory days.

El Diablo Blanco: You know, Brother, it’s not about reliving the past. It’s about making the most of every moment, giving it your all, and standing up for what’s right. Queen said it best, ‘We are the champions, my friends, and we’ll keep on fighting till the end’.

Christian Lawson: (mocking) Oh, how touching. But let’s be real here, El D. You’re not a champion anymore. Never even been one here in NFW. You’re just a relic of a bygone era. You were a flash in the pan elsewhere and you’ve already fizzled out.

El D steps closer to Lawson, his eyes narrowing slightly, but his tone remains calm and respectful.

El Diablo Blanco: You can say what you want, Brother, but the fans, the Little Diablitos out there, they know the truth. They know who I am and what I stand for. And as long as I’ve got their support, I’ll keep fighting, no matter what.

Lawson scoffs, clearly unimpressed, but before he can retort, Robert Marino from security approaches. His presence commands respect, and he immediately assesses the situation.

Robert Marino: (stern) Is there a problem here?

Christian Lawson: Just having a little chat with El D here. Seems he’s forgotten he’s not booked tonight.

Robert Marino: Everything alright, El D?

El Diablo Blanco: All good, Brother. Just a little misunderstanding.

Robert Marino: (nodding) Good to hear. (turns to Lawson) If there’s no issue, I suggest you move along, Lawson.

Lawson glares at Marino but decides not to push his luck. He turns back to El D, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Christian Lawson: Enjoy your night off, El D. Maybe you can find a nice rocking chair to relax in.

With that, Lawson walks away, leaving El D and the enhancement talent behind. Marino stays for a moment.

Robert Marino: Don’t let him get to you. You’re here for a reason, and the fans love you.

El Diablo Blanco: Thanks, Brother. I appreciate it. And hey, tell your daughter if she wants to hang out and listen to a few stories, I’ll be here all night.

Robert Marino: Will do. Stay strong, El D.

As Marino walks away, El D turns back to Just Greg and The Soz, his smile returning.

El Diablo Blanco: Alright, where were we? Oh yeah, ‘Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’…'.

The group laughs, the camaraderie restored, as the camera cuts back to the ring.
Backstage, Teresa was seen coming out of the medical office, shaking her head lightly. She had made Jimmy get checked out just to make sure that he was fine, despite his protests about it. She glanced back at the door to the medical room before letting out a sigh, starting to head down the hallway. She had managed to get down it a little before she was approached by Lila Divata, a camera coming up as well.

Lila Divata: Hey Teresa…do you have a minute to discuss what happened earlier?

Teresa Morgan: Sure, Lila…I have a few minutes.

Lila gave Teresa an appreciative smile as well as a nod before adjusting to where she was standing a little closer to her.

Lila Divata: Good evening everyone…I’m standing here with Teresa Morgan. Earlier this evening, we saw Teresa save Jimmy from a post-match attack at the hands of Harlow Prince. Teresa, first, how is Jimmy doing?

Teresa Morgan: Doc said he’s going to be fine…nothing major was done before I managed to get out there, thankfully.

Lila nodded a little before raising the microphone again.

Lila Divata: What made you go out there tonight, Teresa?

Teej shifted her feet a little, a frown coming to her face at the question. She understood that Lila was just asking what everyone was wondering, but to her, it was kind of common sense.

Teresa Morgan: I don’t know about others back here, but I wasn’t going to stand back and watch Jimmy get beat down for no reason. He’s a good guy…works way harder than some of the rest of us. He doesn’t deserve that, and I wasn’t about to let it happen.

Lila nodded once more before bringing the microphone back to herself.

Lila Divata: Do you have anything to say to Harlow after what happened?

The frown on Teresa’s face quickly turned to a scowl when Harlow was mentioned. Teej licked her lips briefly, thinking of what to say before she spoke.

Teresa Morgan: If you want to pick on someone, Harlow, bring it on. Do it fairly. You won tonight, but you still felt the need to be bitter and attack Jimmy. You want to try and one up someone? You want to try that with someone else? Then come at me like a grown ass woman. I’ll be waiting.

With that, Teresa gave Lila a brief nod before walking away. The camera focused on Lila for a brief second before turning towards Teresa, watching as she headed down the hallway. The camera cut out just as Morgan turned a corner, out of view.
The scene comes up backstage where there’s a split screen. Nakita arrives on the scene wearing a Black combat shirt, black combat pants, and black boots. She has a black beret on her head as she sits down with a mic attached to her shirt. She leans back against the chair that she’s sitting on and waits for the US champion to arrive at his post. Her logo comes up to the side with the American Flag and “NN” written in the middle.

Soon after, the United States Champion walks into frame. Wearing his usual tracksuit, his logo visible to the camera. His hair is tied back and the United States Championship is over his shoulder as he sits in his chair.

Kūali’i Tofilau: This gonna take long? The United States Champion has places to be.

Nakita Niles: Like last week, Kuali’i? You won that title, but didn’t show up. What kind of champion are you? Hmmm? What kind of person doesn’t show up after winning that US Championship?

She shakes her head slowly as she is disappointed.

Nakita Niles: It’s people like that that makes me sick to my stomach. You’re a champion, Kuali’i. Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? Last week, I called you out in the middle of that ring and then I wanted an answer on X and I got nothing.

Kuali’i laughs to himself, looking down before looking back at the camera as he speaks.

Kūali’i Tofilau: Is a man not allowed to have family issues, Nakita? You don’t have a right to speak on where I was last week, nor what I do when I’m not here. It’s people like YOU that make me sick to MY stomach. You have this attitude where you think just because you served that everyone should be kissing the ground you walk on. You think you’re OWED this championship I won, fair and goddamn square.

He adjusts himself in his seat, continuing to speak.

Kūali’i Tofilau: So what are we really here for? You wanna try and call your shot at The God of Thunder? You wanna try and win MY championship for “The Good Ole US of A”?

Nakita Niles: What is going on in your head? You think I want people to kiss the ground that I walked up because I was a soldier? No. I don’t. You want to know something? I don’t ask anyone for anything. But I made a promise to myself, to my father, mother, and to all the fans that watch me every week. I promised them that I was going after the winner of the match with you and Crystal. I made a promise that I wouldn’t be the one sitting in the back no longer. I was the first one to stand up to fight you and I’m not going to back down from that.

She moves her head to loosen up her neck while keeping her eyes on the camera.

Nakita Niles: One thing I know is that this is going to be a fight and you know it. There is nobody else in NFW that matches you strength for strength. I am the beacon of Strength and I give courage and do what nobody else will do. I will stand toe to toe with you in that ring and I will fight you. Yeah, I know you’re going to knock me down plenty of times. But guess what? I’m going to stand back up and come right back at you without a second thought. And you want to know something else, Kuali’i? There are people who fear you. But guess what? I’m not. I’m not afraid of you. I will never give up and I will never surrender.

Kūali’i Tofilau: See… you’re already cooked, Nakita!

He says, big smirk on his face.

Kūali’i Tofilau: You’re out here thinkin you know everything… and thinkin you know how the world works. What you’re in for is a shock. You’re gonna find out real quick why all these people are scared of me. Why I had other people on the other roster so scared of me that I had to get moved to Trauma. You’re gonna find out real quick that this… MY United States Championship is gonna be staying with me for a long time yet. You want this shot so bad?

He scoffs, looking at the championship over his shoulder before back at the camera.

Kūali’i Tofilau: I can’t think of a better way to send you to the back of the line. You’ll be the first of many I defeat on my way to the history books.

Nakita Niles: Bring it, Kuali’i. Sudden Death is coming up and that’s where this is going to take place. At Sudden Death, I’m going to prove to you and everyone why that title belongs to soldiers that fought and died for this great country. And IF you beat me and send me back to the line then you better believe that I’m going to fight my way back to the front and fight you again. If you beat me again, and send me back, I’ll continue to fight day and night until I finally take that belt off you.

Kūali’i Tofilau: You don’t get it, do you? Once I’m done with you, I’m done with you. You can fight all you want but you’re gonna be in my rear view. So, I’ll see you at Sudden Death, and you better be prepared, because I’m gonna show you… that I am not one to fuck with.

With that, he takes the microphone off and walks out of frame, leaving Nakita there. Nakita sits there with a smile on her face as she spoke one last time.

Nakita Niles: We shall see.

She takes the microphone off her shirt and walks away as the scene fades to black.
The opening strains of Halestorm’s “Mayhem” start rocking the sound system and the members of Mayhem, Ashley Kenyon, Stacy Jones, Eavan "Sykobitty" Maloney, "Psycho" Saoirse Maguire and managers Aoife “Banshee” Maguire-Knox, Katrina “Hairicin” Knox and Fianna “Fetch” Kenyon, walk through the entryway, pausing as the song calms itself . At the 0:46 mark, as the chorus kicks in, Fetch slams her palms on the stage and then throws herself up with a roaring scream while Ashley, Stacy, Sykobitty and Psycho raise their arms up as well. The seven start to the ring where Fetch, Banshee and Hairicin climb up first and then step inside while Ashley, Stacy, Sykobitty and Psycho each take a corner. Fetch, Banshee and Hairicin step to the middle of the ring between the four on the corners as they all pose for their adoring public. The seven meet in their corner, smirking devilishly at the reaction, loving every second of it. As the group mills about for a second, Ashley grabs some microphones and hands them out to the active wrestlers.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye, how th’ feck bae ye, Chicago?

The crowd explodes and Bruiser smirks next to her wife.

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: Fuckin’ good, it sounds like to me!

Stacy nods along with her teammates.

Stacy Jones: We retained at Brawl of America so now we’re ready for the next challenge to come along!

Eavan “Sykobitty” Maloney: Well… technically there were some shenanigans but, I mean, it’s kinda par for the course around here, right? Hell, look what happened to us? Sorsh got spooked, I got knocked stupid, Stacy, your leg got banged up. I swear it seems ain’t no-one willing to play fair around here!

Kaydence: Whoa, whoa, HOLD UP!

Without any entrance music to formally introduce their presence, Kaydence Valentine, followed by The Kerry Family, marched their way from the back. Kaydence has walked ahead of The Kerry Family, she reaches the ring first. Walking up the ring steps she proceeds to stroll across the ring apron. Jericho is the one who joins her on the apron first. He holds the ropes open for his girlfriend. She stands by the ropes as the rest of the Kerry Family join her in the ring.

Kaydence: Next challenge? Stacy. I respect everything that you’ve done in your career. But I’ll be damned if you and Mayhem 2.0 overlook the elephant in the room. Looks like I need to remind you girls how we got here. The Kerry Family actually won a contenders match on Trauma before Brawl of America and Reckoning Day to challenge whatever combination you girls could muster up. We waited weeks. Tolerated Queen Bianca and her boytoys jumping ahead of the line, when Brawl of America came, did we get our straight up match for the Alliance Championships? No. For reasons no one bothered to explain, The Queens were added to the match. Furthermore, because of The Wolves of Odinn, their involvement caused enough chaos to ensure the result of that match was in despite. Eavan--

The normally happy and cheerful Kaydence Valentine sneers glaring at Eavan.

Kaydence: -- you had the nerve to tweet, “Oh, I guess they weren’t ready.” Mayhem 2.0 proved you girls were ready to take advantage of the chaos. Straight up. Any three of you against The Kerry’s aren’t good enough. Yeah, yeah, I know, I am aware of your resumes around here. Impressive. You haven’t proven you can beat us without the shenanigans. So. Instead of looking past us, why don’t you give The Kerry’s the straight up match they were denied. If you beat them, we’ll go to the back of the line. Ladies, what is it going to be? Put up or shut up. Mayhem 2.0 versus The Kerry’s, straight up. No third team that doesn’t deserve to share the same ring as us. Ball is in your court.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Oi, did they bae forgettin’ how tae spark fer themselves, Lass?

Deedray: Laesten “Lass”

Deedray with the mocking accent at Saoirse at first.

Deedray: We can and do speak for ourselves whenever we want. But we aren't as nice about it as Kaydence is. We tell it as it is, no frills, no sugar in the tea.

Jericho: Dee.

Jericho puts a hand on his youngest sister’s shoulder and pulls her back.

Jericho: I could address you Stacy or you Eavan both as fellows who bear the weight of a legacy. Hell even you Saoirse you have family in this business. Right here too. I could appeal to the sense of your predecessors and relations and how they would feel if they got wrongfully screwed like we were or how they feel knowing you didn't yet prove yourselves to the one team you were supposed to face. I could but I won't because that would be useless.

Everyone in this ring right now knows that we aren't what our families were. Or are. We are our own building a better success on what came before us. And my sisters and Kaydence and I have been watching you. You aren't like most others. You believe in at least the fair opportunity. You know what it is to be denied inappropriately. But you literally just came down here and brushed us aside and never once actually put what we earned on the line against us.

Deedray: And that's just bullshit and all of you know it. Not only are you disrespecting us as former Trios champs ourselves, but you disrespect the Kerry legacy by not even admitting you hadn’t beat us yet. And look if it had been one of us pinned, by you or the Queens, we'd take our step back. We’d scrape back from the bottom just like we did when we returned. And we’d earn it again and again. We done it twice now. We damn sure could again.

Valereigh: We don't need pity or sympathy. We just want the recognition and the chance we deserve. That's it. Nothing else.

Psycho nods knowingly.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye, ye bae daservin’ tha…

Stacy Jones: You know what, you’re right. We shouldn’t let there be any doubt. We should do this for your legacy, for Eav’s, for mine, for the memories of Rynn and Shonn! One more time, no bullshit this time!
The camera comes to life in the backstage area, the opening shot focused on the door to the Sedition Rising locker room. The cameraman knocks, but there is no answer for a few moments, until it’s opened and Super Tiger II steps out, already in her gear and prepared for her match. She sees the camera and rolls her eyes before putting her hands on her hips.

Super Tiger II: : Let me guess, you want a statement or something from me going into my match against Lawrence Whittikar, hm? Predictable.

The luchadora rolls her eyes again, shaking her head as she crosses her arms over her chest. She looks into the camera with fierce intensity before beginning to speak.

Super Tiger II: : Look. Me? Personally? I don’t care about Lawrence Whittaker. He’s a brawler with next to no actual training, and honestly, that could be the end of this conversation. I was trained by three of the biggest legends this business has ever had to offer. He rolled out of a trailer park in Georgia and started throwing hands. But hey, white trash is a good look for some people, yeah?

She chuckles, cracking her knuckles, her eyes staying on the camera as she speaks.

Super Tiger II: : I even made it known on social media that I had no beef with this guy. That is, I didn’t have any until Adrianna Salvatore told me I did. Now, I like to think that I do a pretty good job of judging people for myself. Adrianna is a veteran though, and she told me all I needed to know.

The Hispanic woman closes her eyes now, as if trying to recall the words of the Walking Apocalypse.

Super Tiger II: : Let’s see here. I believe her exact description was “fake ass fraud”. Do you know what that sounds like to me? To me, it sounds like Lawrence is making a mockery of our business. Stumbling in here half-drunk, or half-high, or whatever the hell it is, and throwing hands like he’s on the same level as the rest of us. Well news flash Larry. No one is on the same level as Sedition Rising. Much like myself, this group is the evolution that this business so desperately needs.

She uncrosses her arms, shaking them out as her theme begins to play in the background.

Super Tiger II: : Now as much as I’d like to continue this absolutely riveting conversation? I have a match to win. Just remember. I am the next step in evolution. Now get out of my way.

Super Tiger II walks directly at the cameraman, shouldering past him to make her way to the stage for the start of her match.
We cut backstage to find Rowena wandering through a darkened section of the Vlad Blackheart Colosseum. Her pale face stood out in the dim light.

Rowena Byrne: Tonight, tonight, the wildcat gets to be let loose. Tonight, tonight, the kitty meets its doom. A kingdom’s cat comes walking by, toward its fate tonight. A cat so wild and proud, soon to be brought low. A cat with a coat so pretty, to make a nice trophy. Tonight I get to skin a cat, a wild, wild cat.

Rowena giggles and skips passed the camera.
Backstage, the camera finds Stephanie “Wildcat” Kenyon waiting for her big match tonight.

Stephanie Kenyon: Rowena Byrne…

She nods to herself.

Stephanie Kenyon: I’ve heard all about her. How she's her father’s daughter and fits right in with the whole Corvin Way thing. She’s young, talented and vicious…

She takes a deep breath and lets it out all at once.

Stephanie Kenyon: This is the main event and for once, I’m not the baby in the match, though I am the baby in terms of experience. I’m still ready to run this race as hard as I can go!

She nods firmly.

Stephanie Kenyon: We’re both part of a family legacy. You’ve added to yours, I’m still trying to add to mine. This is my chance to get that goin’ into another gear!

She pumps her fist with excitement.

Stephanie Kenyon: It’s time, let’s kick this pig!