NFW Trauma #161 - 08/24/2024!

Slash's "World On Fire" starts up and the lights start dancing about. Ten seconds in, the main riff starts and Ashley Kenyon marches through the entryway with Nikki Peltier right behind trying to slow Ashley down. Having none of it, Ashley reaches the ring and marches to the corner to receive the microphone. Nikki tries to slow her down but Ashley marches right by her, looking like a stormcloud.

Ashley Kenyon: Turn it off!

The crowd watches on in shock as Ashley turns to her friend and manager.

Ashley Kenyon: Nik, you might wanna vamoose for this…

She turns to face the entryway again as Nikki just stares at her.

Ashley Kenyon: Play it!

A video starts playing that shows Ashley in the dressing room backstage. Ashley is watching on the monitor when she suddenly starts to go nuts. She charges over to the door and goes to open it, finding it blocked.

Ashley Kenyon: No! Not now, goddammit! Open, fucker, open!

She pounds on the door, trying to smash her way out.

Ashley Kenyon: NO! STACY!!! NO!, I am not fucking losing another one! NO!

She keeps hammering away and starts to smash her shoulder into the door repeatedly.

Ashley Kenyon: OPEN, DAMMIT, OPEN!!!

She smashes into the door and it opens a sliver while also starting to splinter. Ashley keeps smashing herself into the door, screaming primally with every hit.After what seems like a thousand hits, the door practically explodes in front of her. Ashley rushes out past the wreckage and hurries down the hallway towards the Gorilla Position. The video ends and the camera once again focuses on Ashley in the ring.

Ashley Kenyon: APOC!

She swallows the rage down.

Ashley Kenyon: You picked the wrong fuckin’ week to try and take someone away from me! LeeAnn, Brody, whoever else I gotta talk to, I will pay for the door and whatever else I broke! Apoc, I’m gonna fuck you up!

The crowd cheers wildly as Ashley marches up to the ropes.

Ashley Kenyon: And if there’s anything left when Stacy comes back, because she IS Unbreakable, she can have the leftovers!

No sooner does the word “leftovers” leave Ashley’s mouth before the guitar drop to Bury Tomorrow’s “No Less Violent” kicks in and the arena darkens with the lights flickering along the stage and walkway. As Chicago looks on, it doesn’t take long before Adrianna Salvatore comes stepping out of the tunnel in black cargo pants and an “i-Apocalypse” t-shirt with a pair of Chuck Taylor high tops. She stands on the stage, letting the moment resonate as she glares daggers down at the woman in the ring. As the clean vocals start, Adrianna comes walking down towards the ring at a brisk pace. Once she reaches ringside, she breaks into a jog and jumps over the apron, sliding in under the bottom rope just as the heavy chorus hits again with the woman popping up to her feet right in Ashley’s face. There’s a tense staredown between the two before Adrianna turns towards Nikki Peltier, then back to Ashley. The music fades but Adrianna doesn’t budge a muscle from where she’s come to stand, looming just inches over the Mayhem 2.0 member.

Seth Ernst: Three weeks ago, Adrianna Salvatore returned to NFW and ever since then, it’s been a path of destruction with her focus set on Stacy Jones.

Miranda Augustino: Yeah but now she’s gotta answer to Ashley Kenyon.

Lucas Knox: She doesn’t exactly look concerned about the consequences of her own actions to me.

Miranda Augustino: I’d love to know what’s going on in her head right now, honestly.

Adrianna, meanwhile, hasn’t moved from where she’s standing right in front of Ashley. Her hands flex in and out at her side and her jaw tightens. It’s hard to gauge what emotion(s) she might be feeling right now when looking at her eyes, from the viewer’s angle. Ashley can probably see it plain as day. Pure…unbridled…rage. The tension in the air around the two is thick enough to be cut with a knife until it appears that, for a moment, Ashley has decided to let cooler heads prevail. She smiles through her own tightened jaw as she starts to take a step back and turn…

…just before, in one fell swoop, she drops the mic in her hand and turns back, BLASTING ADRIANNA IN THE FACE WITH A RIGHT HAND!!! Chicago goes nuts as Nikki Peltier jumps back, just as surprised as everyone else. She quickly takes her exit from the ring as Ashley starts unloading shot after shot on The Walking Apocalypse!

Seth Ernst: And here we go!!! AK-47!!! Sending lead down range!!!

Lucas Knox: Unloading the whole magazine!!!

Miranda Augustino: Let’s go Ashley!!!!

It doesn’t take but a few surprise shots before Adrianna starts to fire right back at Ashley and the two quickly start trading blows but before long, Ashley counters one of Adrianna’s shots while keeping hers going. She gets Adrianna backed against the ropes and goes for an Irish Whip…but Adrianna reverses!!!! Sends Ashley across the ring instead!!! Ashley and Adrianna both come off the ropes with Adrianna running in full bore to catch the Kenyon family member off guard but Ashley launches forward with her leg coming up and drives her boot right into Adrianna’s face! “STALL & CRAWL (BROGUE KICK)!!!!!” Adrianna eats it and staggers back into the ropes, bouncing off again, still on her feet albeit unsteady! Ashley’s ready for a follow up as the bigger woman stumbles towards her and she throws her foot up again!!! “KISS OFF (SUPERKICK)!!!!!!” Adrianna hits the mat and Chicago erupts as Ashley turns to the crowd and lets her pent up anger out with a rallied yell.

Miranda Augustino: That’s how you handle your fucking business!!!!

Lucas Knox: Ashley Kenyon is canceling the apocalypse!!!!

Ashley turns towards where Adrianna fell to the mat, seeing her holding her jaw while rolling over on the mat. She doesn’t look satisfied to see her still moving so she looks towards the outside of the ring, gritting her teeth before rolling to outside floor and goes underneath the apron.

Lucas Knox: What is she doing now?!

Miranda Augustino: Ohhhhhh shit!

Commentary exclaims as Ashley comes back up with a steel chair in her hand. She looks to Nikki who’s standing out of the way and not exactly stopping her. It’s as if she knows better than to even try. Ashley slides the chair into the ring and crawls back inside. She stands up, grabbing the chair and grips it with both hands. Raising it up in front of her, Ashley looks at the weapon in her hands, almost as if she’s looking at her own reflection in the polished steel. She finally turns to finish the job AND SHE’S TAKEN DOWN WITH “1994 TA01 (SUPERMAN PUNCH)” FROM ADRIANNA!!!! Ashley collapses and Adrianna stands over her, sneering as she rolls her jaw. Nikki calls out to Ashley, screaming for her to roll out of the ring as Adrianna grabs up the very chair Ashley intended to use on her and looms over her. Nikki starts to climb up onto the apron but Adrianna swings the chair at her, causing her to jump back out of harm’s way with the chair hitting the ropes. Nikki raises her hands in front of her, asking Adrianna to calm down and think about this but Adrianna slowly turns back towards Ashley with the eyes of a killer, seeing her starting to make it up onto her hands and knees.

Seth Ernst: Oh my god. What is she thinking?

Miranda Augustino: I hate to say it, but you take so many shots, eventually, it’s gonna backfire!

Lucas Knox: You’ve made your point, Adrianna! Get outta there Ashley!

Without another ounce of hesitation, Adrianna steps back over to her and smashes the chair down across her back! She brings it up and back down again, striking Ashley a second time! A third time! A fourth time! The beating with the chair continues until it’s bent out of shape and Adrianna steps back, watching her handiwork. Still, Ashley’s moving, given slower than before. She still has some fight in her as she fights to make it up onto her knees as referees and backstage officials come pouring out from the back, yelling for Adrianna to stop what she’s doing! Adrianna looks behind at the suits then back down at Ashley as the Mayhem 2.0 member makes it up onto her knees and stares up at her. There’s a brief moment…before Ashley raises a defiant middle finger.

Lucas Knox: Good lord, this woman will fight as long as she had breath in her lungs!

Adrianna looks at her in slight disbelief, almost impressed as she shakes her head with a twisted little grin at the crowd….before, much to their horror, she winds back with the chair one more time and gives a final swing right over Ashley’s head, leaving the dented chair folded around her!

Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!

Seth Ernst: For the love of God, get her the hell out of here!!!!!

That’s the last straw as the backstage attendants come flooding into the ring and putting themselves between Adrianna and Ashley. A referee carefully removes the chair from around Ashley’s head, revealing blood pouring down her forehead and face. Chicago boos the roof off of the arena again as Adrianna steps back and opens out her arms as if presenting her handiwork to the masses and rolls out of the ring, starting to walk up the ramp. Nikki tries to get inside the ring to check on Ashley but referees plead with her to stay back and let the ones in the ring take care of her.

Lucas Knox: I can’t believe what we just witnessed.

Seth Ernst: Adrianna Salvatore is out of control!

Miranda Augustino: Hey yo yo yo, watch out. What the hell? She’s coming back!

Adrianna is now seen storming back down towards the ring again with a sense of purpose in her step. Nikki breaks away from the referees keeping her back and runs to get in Adrianna’s face only to be grabbed and shoved into the barricade before Adrianna slides back into the ring. The attendants around Ashley try to stop her but she promptly shoves them all out of the way before grabbing Ashley up by the hair and hooks an arm over her head.

Lucas Knox: You’ve done enough, goddamn it!!! No!!! NO!!!!

Looking into the hardcam, wild eyed, Adrianna draws her thumb across her throat before hooking Ashley’s arm over her head and lifts her up…”GROUND ZERO (SUPLEX POWERBOMB)!!!!!!”

Seth Ernst: GODDAMN IT, ADRIANNA SALVATORE!!!!!

Adrianna rolls back up to her feet as she’s forced back by the attendants again. This time, she gets down onto the mat and back crawls out of the ring, never taking her eyes off of Ashley as she back pedals up towards the stage. Completely focused on what she’s done and paying no attention to the deafening boos and rude hand gestures being thrown her way by the angry Chicago crowd.
As the camera fading to backstage where the camera can be seen Ayu Megumi sits on the stairs as her eyes mets the floor before she slowly lifts her head up and her eyes contract with the camera before Ayu Megumi gave a slightly smile to the camera as the crowd in the arena starts to cheers her.

Ayu Megumi: Hello again everyone. I actually wanted to speak last week but since I had to prepare for a match last week I didn't have much time to prepare. After the end of last week, it was a good opportunity for me to say something about another failure that just occurred to me. It was like the world was falling on me. And I'm stuck in a failure that I can't seem to escape. It kind of boggles my mind that all this time I've been at my best. Or can I do better? I failed because I did not become a challenger again. And it's not even close, which is why I say it's disappointing. It's quite sad that I can't make any excuses. It's been a really confusing time for me lately. But I will promise you that I will not give up. I will continue to fight to show myself that I can do better. I will still make the fans Believe in me like I always did. I'll do it like I've always done it. I always say that even if I fall today, I will never give up. Of course, even though I'm still confused, give me more time and I will do my best again. And went back to finish Lana Corvin again even though today wasn't my day. But in the future, I will make it my day again. Therefore, I hope everyone still believes in me.

Ayu Megumi: Believe today, shine tomorrow.

Ayu Megumi give a cutely smile to the camera for one last time before the scene fading away.
We cut to the backstage area and it is there where we are able to see Crystal Hilton. She isn’t alone as she is joined together by her wife Seleana Zdunich. Crystal smiles as her eyes move to that of the camera. She is already clad in her wrestling attire as she takes a long deep breath and begins to speak.

Crystal Hilton: Good evening to all of my wonderful blossoming roses out there. I know it feels like an eternity since I last spoke to all of you. Honestly things haven’t really been going in the way that I had hoped for them to go. I know I had that amazing run with the US Championship and when it was happening it was one of the best and greatest feelings ever. I did everything I could to be quite the dominating champion. I beat everybody that was in front of me and I really showcased that I had what it took to be better than everybody else.

Crystal just shakes her head as she keeps on speaking.

Crystal Hilton: However I had stumbled and I just didn’t manage to beat Kuali-i. I have no qualms in losing to such an amazing specimen. He was the better athlete and now it’s time to pick things up and work my way to where I need to be. At this point in my career I know I need a chance to rebound. I need to show that my win and my run wasn’t a fluke. For over 199 days I was an amazing champion, but I need to rebound. I need to keep that same momentum going and I plan to do exactly that. Tonight I have that chance to do it against Harlow and I am going to do everything in my power to get on track. Just watch and see… Tonight everything changes.
The video opens with a shot of El D’s garage, converted into a home gym. The camera pans across a squat rack, various weights, and other gym equipment. On the walls are framed photos of El D’s most memorable matches, capturing moments of triumph and resilience. The camera finally settles on El D, who is seated on a bench, his mask vibrant against the backdrop of his training space.

El Diablo Blanco: Hey there, Brothers and Sisters. It’s Good Ol’ El D, coming to you from my home gym. Now, I know things have been pretty wild lately, and I wanted to take a moment to address what’s been going down.

He pauses, taking a deep breath, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and frustration.

El Diablo Blanco: Last week on Trauma, Phage decided to make a statement at my expense. She interfered in my match, cost me the win, and skedaddled away without consequences. And you know what, Sister? I can’t diggit!

El D stands up, pacing slightly, his movements filled with purpose.

El Diablo Blanco: Phage, you think you can use me as a stepping stone, a way to make your mark in NFW? Well, let me tell you something, Sister. I’ve been through hell and back in this business. I’ve faced giants, I’ve faced demons, and I’ve faced my own fears. And I’m still standing, better than I ever did.

He stops in front of a photo of one of his iconic matches, his fingers lightly touching the frame.

El Diablo Blanco: You see this? This is a reminder of every battle I’ve fought, every drop of sweat and blood I’ve shed. And I’m not about to let someone like you tarnish that legacy. 'Cause like the Kelly Clarkson once said, ‘What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Stand a little taller. Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone. What doesn't kill you makes a fighter, Footsteps even lighter, Doesn't mean I'm over’

El D turns back to the camera, his expression hardening.

El Diablo Blanco: Phage, you want to make a statement? You want to prove yourself, Sister? Then face me head-on, in the ring, like a true warrior. No sneak attacks, no cheap shots. Just you and me, Sister, mano-a-mano.

He takes a step closer to the camera, his voice lowering but filled with intensity.

El Diablo Blanco: You want a fight? You’ve got one. And I promise you, Sister, when the dust settles, it’ll be El D standing tall. 'Cause when the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay, I’ll be there, ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

El D takes a deep breath, his demeanor softening slightly as he addresses his fans directly.

El Diablo Blanco: To all my Little Diablitos out there, thank you for your support. Your cheers, your love, they mean the world to me. And I promise you, I’m gonna give you a show you’ll never forget. 'Cause this ain’t the end, Brothers and Sisters. It’s just the beginning.

He raises his fist in a gesture of solidarity and strength.

El Diablo Blanco: Stay strong, stay true, and remember, El D’s got your back. Always.

The camera slowly fades out, leaving the image of El D standing tall in his garage gym, ready to face whatever comes next with the heart of a warrior and the spirit of a champion.
“Classy” Bianca Page is walking on the third floor of the Mall of America. She has two security guards with her as she steps to a railing looking down at the ground floor.

“Classy” Bianca Page: This is where it happened. Fifty one days ago that monster, Travis Levitt tried to viciously take my life. I will still wake up in a cold sweat from a nightmare about that day, right here during Brawl of America. So I hope you're watching this and listening to every word I say Travis because I am going to get you. Even if it is the last thing I do I will get you, I will ruin you, and destroy everything you have tried to build for yourself. Not because I’m in my vindictive bitch mode ever since you attempted to murder me but your demise is what you deserve. Not only that but when I finally rid the world of you, Travis, everyone will thank me. I will go down in the history books as the person who saved humanity from you. So, like I said, I will get you!

Bianca turns away from the railing with a scowl on her face. She begins to casually walk through Mall of America with her security team in toe.

“Classy” Bianca Page: The obvious reason that I came is to do away with Travis but it is not first and foremost on my mind when it comes to NFW. In just a few days the start of the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament begins. This is one of, if not, the most prestigious tournaments in the business. Understandably so, this has been a tournament that I have not only wanted to enter but it is a tournament that I want to win. Not only because of the prestige of winning this tournament but because of what you earn. That is of course a shot at the NFW or World Heavyweight Championship.

Bianca stops, rubs her chin with her right hand, as she devilishly smiles.

“Classy” Bianca Page: Out of the six winners of this great tournament five of the winners left WrestleWar as champion…

Bianca’s smile turns into anger as she is getting worked up.

“Classy” Bianca Page: Five out of the six VBMT Winners left WrestleWar as champion! When in fact it should have only been four out of the six winners left WrestleWar as champion because if you turn back your clock to WrestleWar last year I had the VBMT Winner, Damon Cross, dead to right when I cashed in the Wildcard Briefcase. I should have walked out of WrestleWar as NFW Champion!!! It should have been ME!!!!

Bianca lets out a deep breath as she begins trying to calm herself down.

“Classy” Bianca Page: If Damon, Stacy, Steven, LeAnn, or anybody else affiliated with NFW that I was going to forget much less let that go then you are all dead wrong! In this very building I almost died at the hands of a mad man and it just reaffirms to live for today. I am using what happened at WrestleWar to give me a better future. A future that will see me not only win the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament winner and this time finally become the NFW Champion. So as you saw on Zion Mayhem last Monday I will bide my time, choose my spot carefully, so when the final bell of the VBMT is rung it is me you see with my hand raised in victory.

Bianca ominously smiles, turns and walks away.
For the first time in a long time, the camera cuts to a shot of inside of the Phantom Troupe's locker room where we find Dylan Maverick, his face set in a stony mask of focus and determination as he slowly and methodically laces up his right boot while the "Elegant Assassin" himself, DJ Hunter, is pacing near by but after a few seconds, he stops and walks over to his fellow Troupe member.

DJ Hunter: Are you ready for tonight, partner?

Dylan tightens the laces on his boot, ties them, and then tucks the laces into his boot before pulling his pant leg down over it, his expression never changing the entire time-a cold and stoic look of determination.

Dylan Maverick Fuck yeah, I'm ready. Been ready to repay Risa's precious little "student" for her help in costing us that match a few weeks back. We welcomed her like she was one of us, then she stabs us in the collective backs to which they thought it was funny...I wonder if they will still find it funny when I snap Super Tiger's neck with a kick here tonight.

DJ Hunter I fully understand how you feel, Dylan. But you need to stay focused on the situation at hand, Dylan. One way or another we need to get things back on track and besides, revenge is a fool's game and you know that, right?

Dylan slowly nods in agreement with the "senior partner".

DJ Hunter: And besides, there's also the flip side of everything as Risa might have taken her old title back from the little shit that stabbed us in the back, I mean it just says that you're up against "Super Tiger" tonight,but it doesn't say if you're up against the original or the badly created sequel, true?

Dylan Maverick: Look, in the end it doesn't matter who I'm up against, DJ. Because what matters is that I get the group back on track again after what we've been through lately. Fair partner?

DJ nods in agreement before he starts to look around the room with a confused look on his face that slowly starts to deepen before he finally looks over at Dylan once again as the Hawaiian Native gets up and grabs his ring coat.

DJ Hunter: By the way...have you even talked with David since the last NFW show?

Dylan stops and takes a look around the room for a moment, almost like he's looking for their erstwhile member as well before he turns his attention to DJ.

Dylan Maverick: Nah man, after the pay per view he went to talk to the Old Man to touch base I think. But other than that, he's been out of touch.

DJ Hunter: Alright, maybe he's been getting some major training done or something which is why he's been out of touch. But either way, let's get this fight on the road, shall we?

Dylan simply nods in agreement before slipping in his mouth piece as the two Troupe members leave the locker room and head to the ring.
Torches flickered through the dense forest, casting eerie shadows as a procession of followers moved silently. At the rear, Darcy Graves walked with purpose, her eyes lifted to the full moon above. She whispered a quiet prayer, her serpent eyes glinting as she lowered her hood.

Darcy Graves: Tonight, I finally get my rematch. After everything that’s been said and done, tonight will be your reckoning, Jessie Robinson. Fear forges the woman, and tonight, I will take from you what I need to sacrifice to the serpent.

A cold laugh escaped her lips as her followers began chanting, "Jormungandr." Darcy fell in step behind them as they entered the ancient temple. She closed her eyes for a moment, pressing her hands to her face, then moved with deliberate steps to the center of the room.

Darcy Graves: After tonight, you will know true fear. Those who’ve come close to me have perished, offered up as sacrifices.

With a swift motion, Darcy spun as the wind howled through the temple. She stopped, drawing a blade across her hand, blood splattering onto the stone wall. A twisted smile curled her lips as she licked the blade.

Darcy Graves: Welcome to the nine realms, Jessie. I am the true serpent that encircles the sea.

She closed her eyes once more, and as they reopened, the torches were dropped, igniting the temple in a brilliant blaze. With one last look, Darcy slipped out, her followers close behind, leaving the flames to consume what remained.