Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Jul 8, 2018 21:51:07 GMT -8
The camera finds Morgan Payne backstage, walking through the Tokyo Dome arena. With her usual jacket and hat, she wears a cropped Disturbed top and low rise baggy black jeans. While she’s not competing tonight, she’s still present to support her people. One of those people just happens to be the man whose locker room she stops at - the name RYAN STEEL printed on a placard. Morgan gives a ‘shave and a haircut’ knock and waits, folding her hands behind her back and tucking one foot back on the toe of her boot.
A couple minutes pass and she hears "Come In" come from behind the door.......
Morgan rolls her eyes and laughs silently. “So much for surprising him.” She says softly to herself. She opens the door and skips over to where ever Ryan is and throws her arms around his neck in a hug, topping it off with a smooch right on the man’s lips. “Hey goofball! Ya were supposed t’open the door so I could scare ya!” She teases
"Well sorry beautiful, i just out of the shower.. Man that bathroom is nice though... Im glad you're here.. so what do you wanna do?" Ryan asks.... "Oh. I got a surprise for you"... you got a minute?" As Ryan adds...
“For you? I got a few of ‘em.” Morgan grinned. “I wanted to come see ya before your match. See if maybe ya wanted to go sight seeing around the city after the show.” She’d never been to Tokyo before, let alone out of the country even.
“Sooo, what’s this about a surprise?” She looked up at him, putting on the cutest smile she could, despite her wardrobe and usual demeanor making her look like a debt collector for the mob.
"Come. Follow me.. As Ryan is leading Morgan out of the locker room and down the hall, she constantly asks Ryan "Where we going?".. "Where are you taking me?".... and as they get out of the arena to the backstage area... Ryan reveals her surprise, its a big package sitting by itself all wrapped up... "Morgan... i wanted to get you something that i think fits your personality.. now dont get me wrong girl, i love your personality..so i think you need this"... He hands her a knife to cut the wrap off. And as she is revealing more of her surprise, Ryan sees tears streaming down her face..
"Morgan, whats wrong?" Asks Ryan..."Is this what i think it is?" Morgan replies... Trying to lighten up the mood Ryan puts his hands on his hips "Well what do you think it is?".. Ryan asks in a goofy way...
"A New Jeep" says Morgan...
Ryan exclaims "Yes, thats exactly what it is...Ryan hands her the keys and gives her a hug...........
Morgan looks the Jeep over with giddy excitement. Not only is it a new model, but customized with a black and yellow paint job and the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on the doors. Underneath it, the words ‘STEELERS GIRL’ in bold lettering.
She gets inside and puts her hands on the wheel to get a feel for it as another smile spreads across her face. “Ryan...thank you! Babe, I love it!!!” Squealing like a school girl, she gets out and hugs him around the waist. “We should take it out aroun’ ‘tahn’ after the show! Can we?! Pleeeease?” She looks up at him with excitement in her blue and green eyes.
Ryan looks at her excitement and says
"Yes....we can take it around for a spin..."
"Im so glad you like it... I was really hoping they would have it done before today... Oh i almost forgot.. Look at your center dashboard.. you see that screen... its loaded with 1000s of rock songs especially for you... so you can jam with the push of a button.. no cds, no ipod.. just push and the song comes on... "..." its also loaded with automatic GPS.. " So all you have to do is say "im lost" and it wil help you get back on track.....plus its got several other features that ill let you figure out...."
So babe. How do you like it now???"
Morgan looks over everything as Ryan points them out to her, grinning big. “I think you spoil the hell outta me.” She teases. “Not that I’m complaining!” She adds with a giggle before leaning against him more. “So, you gonna kick some ass t’nite? Tyson Law’s been talkin’ some seeeeerious shit about ya girl’s family. Her, too.”
"Yea, I know... What im gonna do to him will break some "Law"s. But ive got one more thing to show you... Says Ryan..."What is it?" Asks Morgan... "Come Here, Take a look at this" Ryan continues..." " Oh My Ryan... You really shouldn't have" Its the license plate and it says "MRGN PYNE".. "So do you like it?.." Asks Ryan...
“I love it!” Morgan exclaims hugging Ryan around his neck and kissing him on the cheek again. “You’re too good to me. I just wish my family could see that. But maaaaaybe...” She nods towards the Jeep, “...this’ll change their minds.”
Letting go of him, Morgan smiles. “Weeeellll...I should probably stop distracting you and let you get ready for your match. Beat that fool’s ass for me, babe. I’m gonna hold you to it! Love ya!” Morgan gives him a last hug and a smooch before skipping off through the parking lot and back towards the locker room area to meet up with her crew.
As Morgan Payne skips off camera, Ryan is preparing for his match.. Tightening his wrist tape, making sure his boots laces are tight and we hear a voice talking off camera.. "Are you getting ready to take this jackoff out tonight?" The voice asks... "Hey man"..Says Ryan
"Yea man... Im getting there"... and the shot fades out......
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A vignette opens up on a shot of what appears to be outer space. The black abyss filled with billions of glowing stars. As we pan in forward, we see a galaxy begin coming into view. As the shot draws in closer, we are greeted by the same narrator from Reckoning Day.
"In the universe...there are many worlds. Worlds that share similarities...."
A quick flash shows us a glimpse of an empty wrestling ring inside a vacant arena, before panning away from it, up the entrance ramp and through the curtain where we cut back to the shot panning towards the galaxy.
"Even with these similarities...there is a vast distance between one world...and another...."
A transparent shot of the United States flag appears, swaying in the breeze on the left of the screen. Seconds later, it is joined by the swaying Japanese flag on the right; the two flag ends brushing against one another.
"But a rare phenomenon in this universe will occur. Miraculous as such was the birth of our galaxy...and the birth of man...."
A quick flash on the screen cuts to a pair of white boots baring red accents and the Canadian flag on them. With echoing footsteps, the boots slowly walk down a corridor.
Another flash shows a pair of black boots walking in the opposite direction, down another corridor. The two pairs of boots, essentially, walking towards one another.
"Tonight...in the universe that is professional wrestling...."
Under a spotlight in, otherwise, total darkness, N*FW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Leroux and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada step into the light, from either side of the frame and come face to face with hard stares. After a moment, they slowly turn towards the camera as the narrator concludes the build up to the intro.
"Legends will rise...when worlds...collide!"
With a hard, zoom-cut, the introduction vignette to When Worlds Collide begins to play to the song, "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack. Quick cuts of N*FW's top superstars are shown - mainly the defending champions of the night. Mixed in with those, we get glimpses of some big names of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Regardless of who may be booked on the card, we see the famous faces such as Juice Robinson, Mike Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiromu Takahashi, Will Ospreay, Bad Luck Fale, the Guerillas of Destiny. Finally, the pay-per-view title EXPLODES onto the screen as the N*FW and NJPW logos slam into one another and form the words "WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE".
Opening to the inside of the Tokyo Dome arena, we are welcomed by N*FW announcers Nick Hanson and James Reynolds.
Hanson: "WELCOME, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE! WE ARE LIVE FROM THE TOKYO DOME!!"
Reynolds: "ME LOVE THIS LONG TIME, NICKY!!"
Hanson: "ME TOO, JIMMY-- Wait, what?"
Reynolds: "What?"
Hanson: "What did you just...nevermind." *He sighs* "Anyways, ladies and gentleme, thank you for joining us, this evening! We wanna welcome both local viewers and our fans from back home overseas. We are SET for a stacked card! EVERY N*FW championship belt is on the line tonight, BUT...our main event...the final match on the card tonight, will be a rare event indeed. BOTH the N*FW World Heavyweight Title AND the IWGP Heavyweight Title are on the line in a Champion vs Champion match! New Japan's very own World Champion, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and OUR World Champion "The Tapout King" Scott Leroux, challenge each other for their brands most prestigious prizes! I cannot wait!"
Reynolds: "I can't wait, either Nicky. This is gonna be AMAZING!! So, without further adue...IIIKOUZEEEEEEE!!!!"
Hanson: "Will you knock it off?"
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[EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON]
The text appears in the upper corner of the screen as the camera opens on a pair of doors leading from outside to inside the arena.
Suddenly the doors swing open as they are pushed in by Renegade co-leader, Max LeBrun. Dressed in all black consisting of cargo pants, a sleeveless Hollywood Undeadt-shirt and sunglasses with his hair pinned back, he leads the way into the Tokyo Dome with the rest of the Renegades right there with him. He takes one look around, pulling his shades off and gives a wicked smirk. “Fuck me, it feels good to be back here. It’s just bullshit I don’t get to wrestle tonight.” Here, he slaps Julian Morrison and Tyson Law on their backs with a growing smirk. “Lucky bastards!”
Julian laughed with a roll of his eyes, grabbing a nearby water bottle before taking a long drink of it. "Well, I'M lucky... I mean, I get to kick the shit out of our favorite target tonight. Show him what it's like to have to fight for what you've got. This jackass..." He continues with a clearly teasing tone, jerking a thumb to Tyson, "Gets to take on Morgan's little boytoy. Ohhhhh no. What an absolute threat."
"Hey fuck you pal..." Tyson cracks up, reaching over to thwack Julian in the back of the head. "Steele's not on our level at all... but at least he's worked for where he's at. No shit-talking here. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm still gonna beat him like one of Joe Jackson's kids, but it's all business here."
Max throws Tyson a wide eyed look mixed of amusement and ‘oh no you didn’t!’ “Ohhhhhh, you motherfucker! That was good, though!” He shakes a finger. “I like that one. As they continue walking, Max throws an arm around the shoulders of Candi Broduer. “Tonight, Tokyo gets to see, first hand, why the Renegades - why WE - are the future of this indus—“ Max stops short as they pass through the indoor parking lot and his eyes fall on the Steelers decal Jeep with ‘MRGN PYNE’ on the license plate.
He grimaces in disgust and confusion, as he looks the clean, shiney black vehicle over. “What...the fuck...is that?”
"Like I said: boy toy" Tyson laughed. "I mean, if you're gonna be whipped, that's the piece to be whipped by... but FUCK, have some dignity..."
Candi just stared at the Jeep, voice hilariously monotone. "I swear to god, that makes me wanna beat her ass even more."
Max grimaces and laughs at Tyson’s remark. “I don’t know, man. Girl like that’s probably been on her back almost as many times as Lara Blackheart.”
He smirks down at Candi, placing a kiss to the side of her head. “I have to admit, you’re even hotter when you’re out for blood. I’m looking forward to the next time you get a crack at that, delinquent loser.”
Candi cracked her knuckles, nodding with a smirk. "She's not even in my LEAGUE. Don't get me wrong... she could be amazing one day. But right now? I'll fuck her life up like she couldn't even imagine."
“One day...maybe.” Max replied. “But she’ll never be you. They’ll never be us. Ya, know? I almost feel bad for them. Because they’re living in the shadow of the very ones that vowed to help them make it! The ones who supposedly taught them the very ART of professional wrestling! Or who knows?” He looks around at the rest of the Renegades.
“Maaaaybe, the geezers just intended to use them as a way to stay relevant! See, that’s why the new generation needs us. That’s why N*FW needs us! To clear the way for superstars that deserve a shot in their careers but have been held back by washed up losers like the ones parading around here like people still give a shit about them!”
Julian walked over to the cameraman, forcibly grabbing the camera and putting his face right in it. "Don't be fooled by seeing us have fun, fuckers. We're gonna burn this whole fucking promotion to the ground. We're gonna kill it... in order to save it. Renegades for life."
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After a thrilling back and forth match, Tyson Law defeated Ryan Steele at 11:20 after hitting the Lawbreaker.
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*The scene shifts to the backstage area where we see Connor K. making his way to the backstage area with his spinner in tow. His demeanor's a lot more subdued and focused this time around as he's marching with a purpose. An agent comes up to him as he's walking to the locker room area.*
"Wow Connor, you're actually early today. Are you ready for tonight? Shingo Takagi's no joke, you know? A lot of strings had to be pulled to get you a spot on the pre-show. Hell, Matt Klazzic came all the way out here and found out last week he wasn't booked for this tour. I hope you're ready for this. Are you going to be alright?" the agent asks.
"Nah man, I'm about pretty far being fucking alright. Last week, I gave my all and Shingo and his boyfriend decided to get the jump on me. I don't need no one pulling strings for me, you dig? Shingo started this mess. Tonight I finish it. And then I get his bitch T-Hawk next. We cool? Coo'," Connor says while looking in the distance, ignoring the agent, before continuing his walk down to the locker room area as the camera shifts to the agent, smiling and nodding.
"Yeah, go get 'em, kid. I don't need to let the higher ups know if you're ready for the limelight," the agent says to himself as the camera fades to black.
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Shingo Takagi defeated Connor K, despite a valiant effort by the latter, in 9:32 after planting him with the Last Falconry. After the bell, T-Hawk joined Shingo in the ring where the two began yet another post-match beatdown of Connor K.
Hanson: "Oh, what the hell are they doing?!"
Reynolds: "Driving the point home, apparently!"
Hanson: "What point?! What the hell has Connor K done to draw the ire of these two? He's not even in a tag team!"
To conclude the beatdown, T-Hawk drove Connor K down to the mat with the BT Bomb before the two left the ring through.
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The scene opens up as we see a white limousine pull into the arena and we see Clerance Fletcher Townsend and Victoria Emmerson get out of the very back of the car... as they head into the arena, the Townsend's Million Dollar Challenge made official and the rules a regulations were made.. and then we hear a Classical Beethoven song as Clerance Fletcher Townsend makes his entrance known...as he his maki g his way to the ring the crowd is booing as Clerance is waving them off because hes better than they are...
He grabs a mic " Now i i have no idea who this peasant is that is taking me up on my challenge but just know that the end of the match will look like this" he stands with the briefcase held above his head... and he says "The Challenge starts ....now" as he looks at his watch.......waiting on his opponent to arrive....
After Clarence Townsend relinquished the microphone and began removing his entrance suit. The Tokyo Dome crowd waited eagerly and curiously to see who it was that would answer the challenge.
Reynolds: "Who's it gonna be, Nicky?"
Hanson: "Your guess is as good as mine, Jim. Who's gonna walk down that ramp and take on Clarence F. Townsend for a shot at one million dollars?!"
After another moment of tense silence...the opening shamisen chords to "Intoxication" strike over the arena's speaker system. The local fans in the audience give an amused pop as the letters "Y T R" appear up on the tron.
Hanson: "HAHAHAHA!!! OH, MAN!!"
Reynolds: "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
Townsend's expression almost seems to say the same as Reynolds' words as he simply stares and frowns in comical disbelief at the curtain when, sure enough, CHAOS member Toru Yano comes 'sneaking' out onto the stage to the delight of the Tokyo crowd. With his usual trademark of flashing his t-shirt under his haori jacket and excitedly raising a copy of his latest DVD in front of the camera, Yano makes his way to the ring.
Reynolds: "Nicky, I thought we were gonna see a million dollar challenge. What the hell is this?!"
Hanson: "Isn't it obvious?" *amusement in his voice* "Toru Yano wants to make a quick, cool mill, and he believes he can do it by beating Clarence Townsend!"
Reynolds: "This guy's an idiot. I hope Townsend beats the goddamn bricks off of his ass."
Hanson: "I think you mistake stupidity for wild wit, Jim. You're looking at a three time tag team champion getting into the ring there."
As Clarence Townsend stands in waiting, Toru Yano enters the ring where he sets his DVD down in the corner like any other superstar might do with a foreign object they carry with them. The local ring announcer, then officially announces;
"Aite o shokai suru...Suko Naru Dai Dorobo...YANOOOOO TOOORRRUUUUU!!!!"
Here, Yano takes a swig from his water bottle and sprays it from his mouth into the air...before launching the rest of the water from the open bottle right across the ring, showering both Clarence Townsend and Victoria Emmerson with it. Clarence reacts angrily, prompting the referee to block his path to Yano and usher him back into his corner before the bell is rung. This all proves entertaining to Yano, who stands in his corner, readily removing his haori and t-shirt before making the 'money' sign with his hands at Townsend.
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As anyone might have expected in a match involving Toru Yano, it was full of hilarious shenanigans that consisted of Yano trying to get an upper hand on Clarence Townsend by any dirty means necessary.
Before the bell started and Townsend moved in for the lock up, Yano SHOT UP his hands, calling for the man to wait!! He then hurried to the corner where he left his DVD and retrieved the case, offering it out to his opponent. As a chuckle swayed through the crowd, Clarence Townsend simply stared at Yano like he was an absolute madman. After a moment, Townsend finally gave in and snatched the DVD from Yano's hands, looking at the cover with even more confusion and disdain.
Hanson: "Hey, he brought him a present!"
Reynolds: "You sure the idiot's not trying to sell it to him for a million dollars?"
Hanson: "Maybe!"
As Townsend looked at the DVD, the crowd could hear Yano calling out loudly as he motioned with his hands.
"Prease open! Gift for you! For you, Townsend-san!" He said with a deep, polite bow before excitedly motioning for Townsend, again, to open the DVD case. After more insisting from Yano, Clarence Townsend rolled his eyes, and finally decided to open the DVD case...in which Yano SMACKED it from underneath and knocked a cloud of white powder into the man's face, blinding him!!!
Reynolds: "What the hell?!"
Hanson: "HAHAHA!!! Ohhhhh man, we've seen that before from Yano, in the past!"
Reynolds: "I'm not gonna lie, Nicky. That was fucking genius!"
As Clarence frantically wiped his eyes, Yano swooped in and rolled him up for a pin attempt before the bell had even rang. As the ref stood confused, not even going for the count, Townsend kicked out of the pin attempt and put some distance between himself and his opponent. Once he had clearly gotten his vision back, the referee called for the starting bell and Clarence Townsend opened up with a series of angry shots on Yano, backing him into the corner.
The rest of the match consisted more of Yano mixing in wrestling with sneaky attempts to cheat in order to win. After laying into him for several minutes, Townsend stepped back and called for Yano to take his best shot. The CHAOS member went wide eyed, getting up in Clarence's face...before turning around and rushing to the corner in a frantic attempt to remove the turnbuckle padding.
Reynolds: "...What the hell is he doing?!"
Hanson: "It's Yano! What do you expect, Jim?!"
As the referee demanded Yano to cease his actions, Townsend rushed in again and began laying more offense into his challenger.
Despite more dirty...and of course comical attempts from Yano, Townsend came out victorious when he reversed a pinfall attempt into a small package, scoring the pinfall at 17:25.
Hanson: "Hey, that match had some decent length to it!"
Reynolds: "I'll say."
"Here is your winner...Clarence...Fletcher...Townsend!"
As the referee raised Townsend's hand in the center of the ring, Yano was seen rolling out of the ring and comically 'sneaking' around the outside of the ring.
Hanson: "Well...Townsend puts down his first challenger for a million dollars of his money."
Reynolds: "You know? Maybe Yano isn't so bad--- WAIT, WHAT THE HELL!!"
Sneaking up behind Vanessa Emmerson, Toru Yano suddenly SNATCHES the brief case containing the $1,000,000 out of her hands as she's handing it up to Clarence!!
Reynolds: "Yano just stold CFT's money!!"
Most of the crowd, as they looked on, couldn't help but laugh as Yano took off up the ramp with his 'prize' and Clarence Townsend looked on from inside the ring, absolutely fuming.
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After Belphegor entered the ring, the Circle of Snakes' giant stood in the center, idly adjusting his gloves and elbow pads as he waited for his unnamed challenger. As the lights dimmed, Moi dix Mois' "Pageant" was heard as the opening notes of the organ were drowned out by the heated jeers of the crowd. On the stage, as the bells began to toll, a spotlight fell on NJPW valet Miho Abe who stood, gesturing to the entrance curtain and through the smoke walked the man known as Taichi Ishikari.
Hanson: "Well this is...interesting...."
Reynolds: "Hey, this is great! I love me some Miho Abe!"
Hanson: "I'm talking about Taichi, Jim."
Reynolds: "What the hell is Taichi doing out here? Go home motherfucker! Miho can stay, though."
Hanson: "Jim. It's pretty obvious what he's doing here."
Reynolds: "Wait...are you serious? No way."
Hanson: "Seems so."
Reynolds: "Sweet Jesus, get the popcorn ready. I gotta see this. What am I saying? The match'll probably be over before the popcorn's done."
"Singing" his own entrance music, Taichi moves slowly down the ramp with the infatuated Miho Abe closely at his side. We get a brief close up of Belphegor in the ring, silently glaring through his mask.
Reynolds: "Well, I can't say our Television Champion is amused. He was probably expecting someone else."
Hanson: "Like who, Jim?"
Reynolds: "Hell if I know. Someone who can actually make him break a sweat?"
Hanson: "Come on now. Taichi has a chance, at least, of winning the title. Maybe? I mean...okay, I gotta be honest. Unbiasedness, aside, this guy has no chance in Hell. What the hell is he even thinking coming down here for this?"
Reynolds: "I don't know, but knowing how violent Belphegor can get, I better let Miho sit by us to protect her."
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For the first minute of the match, Belphegor pretty much chased Taichi around the ring as the smaller man tried to dodge out of the way of the monster. At one point, Taichi attempted to crawl out of the ring to escape the giant man's wrath as Belphegor reached for him, catching him by his pants which, in turn, came right off to reveal Taichi's tights underneath. After several second of the crowd laughing and taunting Taichi to "GO HOMU!!!!" Taichi slipped back into the ring to avoid a countout which was rewarded, bluntly by a vicious SPEAR from Belphegor. The monster then lifted him up and drove him down with the Ninth Circle for the pinfall at 2:11, successfully retaining his Television Championship.
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The camera opens on the location of Tokyo’s Nezu Shrine. One of the oldest places of worship in the city. As people mill in and out of the area, we recognize N*FW superstar, Angel, wearing a furisode kimono in her gear colors. Her neck length hair tied back, sans the bangs. While we only see her from the back, the woman kneels before the shrine in prayer, ignoring the looks she gets for her unusual physical traits.
Once the camera zooms in from behind, close enough. A pair of legs in boots and torn fishnets enters the frame before Rosemary, herself, plops down beside Angel in full ring gear and all. Looking around with an almost eerie innocence, the Hive Mother sighs contently and breaks into her cheshire grin. “Ahhh, such a lovely place you’ve chosen to spend before our big event tonight!” She leans back on her hands and turns her head towards her new ally. “We feel it’s like the calm before the turbulent storm.”
Angel remains silent, unmoving which draws Rosemary’s curiosity. “So what are you wishing for? Anything good?”
In a rare moment of broken silence, we hear Angel’s voice speak up. “I pray....”
Rosemary's grin grows as she turns over onto her hands and knees, her face so close to Angel's head, she's practically invading her personal space. "How nice! And what are you praying for? A swift victory? The pain and torment of the child you face this evening?"
"Hard to pray..." Angel says, "...with you talking...."
Rosemary huffs, blowing her own strands of loose hair that aren't tied up out of her face as she shakes her head at the sky and whispers, "So boring!" Finally, she pays heed to the camera and smiles again, bringing one hand up to her face with a finger to her cheek. "Ah, but that reminds us...Erin Mercer...of a little piece of advice we implore you to follow. You see...we hope that you are praying as well. Praying for mercy...praying for a quick end...for some sense of salvation...from us. But, prayers are futile in this business. Oh yes! There will be no answer to your pleas, tonight. Because this is the end for you. All of your chances to just...turn around and...walk away...those are done and gone!" She waves her hand, indicating 'off into the wind'. "While you may be meeting us in Tokyo...you are stepping into *our* world. A world of pain...a world of suffering...a world of savagery. It is what awaits you when *our* worlds collide. But our world...will consume yours. You will be devoured. Tormented. Broken. MUTILATED!" Her shout startles other patrons at the shrine as we hear soft, startled gasps all around. Rosemary only seems amused by their reactions. "Terrifying, I know!" She says, delightedly to them before focusing on the camera again, beginning to crawl towards it, slowly.
"Tonight...sweet little Erin...we will be the last one standing...among the carnage...among the wreckage...among the decay...decay...DEC--" Before she can finish, we see the legs of a Tokyo Police Officer come into frame beside her. "Ah...prease excuse...people here...try to pray. Require sirence...." Rosemary looks up at the man with a mock, scolded look on her face, plopping back onto her butt. We can tell the cop is bowing before he calmly turns and exits the frame. Looking back at the camera, Rosemary smiles and shrugs. "Oh, you get the idea." Finally, she lowers her head, grinning at the camera and waves 'bye-bye'. "Seeya at the Dome, Erin darling!" The camera cuts to black.
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In, what most might have called a surprising upset, or better yet, an underdog getting their due, Kid Cthulhu's perserverence paid off and she defeated Angel by pinfall at 10:01 after hitting the Call of Cthulhu.
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Julian Morrison scored a third, consecutive victory for the Renegades against Nico Salvatore after Candi Broduer struck Nico in the back with a chair as he was coming off the ropes for his signature running knee attack while the referee was focused on Morrison. Quickly getting to his feet, Julian gave a kick to Nico's midsection and delivered a new finisher in his arsenal called the Soul Crusher, before rolling himself and Nico over for the pinfall at 15:58.
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*Mannheim and Scott Leroux are seen sparring, going through warmup routines of strikes and blocks, Kennedy Campbell is on the apron, both observing, and tossing in advice to Leroux. Mannheim and Scott pound fists after a few moments and retire to the corner. The cameraman makes his way around to the corner, catching them in mid conversation*
"...so, when he attacks up here, you just want to grab that arm, throw your hips back, and snap through...but apply that extra pressure on the elbow, y'know?"
Kennedy watches both men, a smug little grin on her face as she lounges back, turning to briefly talk to the camera. "See... this right here? Is reason number one I'm happy to be with this group. Look at the bad-ass legends I get to watch and learn from. They joke around a lot... but look at that intensity. If anyone thinks Okada's got a cakewalk ahead of him tonight.... they're sadly mistaken. Scott is out for blood. He's sick of not being seen as the great wrestler that he is."
*Mannheim smirks at Kennedy*
"Seems to me that's something that's due for a change. Okada's got another thing coming tonight."
*Willy slaps Leroux's shoulder*
"Soon enough, not only will you be a goddamn submission expert, you'll be one of the best all-around talents this promotion has to offer."
She nodded, looking to both men while trying not to laugh. "Well... then Scott needs to start doing some REAL wrestling with me, and not just the "hotel room" variety."
Scott looked at Mannheim, giving a 'sorry-not-sorry' shrug. "Look. Here's how it is, folks. It is a fact that I am the most effective submission wrestler on the PLANET. Some people start to go downhill as they age. Me? I just fucking get BETTER. And Okada? You've had one hell of a reign. Nothing I say can take that away from you. But all things come to an end. And tonight, I will become the first man to simultaneously hold the N*FW and IWGP Heavyweight Championship."
*Mannheim nods and looks into the camera*
"Seems us Canadians are taking over. Soon you'll all be sorry."
*Mannheim turns to Scott*
"Was that too much? I never know..."
"Too much? God no. Too much would be Rick coming out wearing a shirt that says 'Make Canada Great Again' or something." Scott replied, before turning back to the camera. "You know who I feel bad for tonight, Okada? Not you. Not me. No... I feel bad for Dave fucking Meltzer. Because tonight... you and I are gonna break his fucking star-rating system so badly it'll never be able to recover."
"Scott, don't give him any ideas...he's already told me about the shirts he wants to get through marketing...."
*Mannheim smiles*
"One of them would actually work over here in Japan...."
"Guys. GUYS." Kennedy said, clearing her throat. "Maybe... we should focus on the task at hand here?"
*Mannheim points at Kennedy*
"Good call!"
*Willy turns back to Scott*
"At least when I told her to keep me in line she listened. I already know she keeps you in line."
"Well..." Leroux shrugged, not even caring that the girl could clearly hear him. "Honestly, a man would do just about anything for an ass like that."
*Mannheim and Scott high five*
Kennedy sighs, turning to the camera again with a raised eyebrow. "Boys will be boys, sadly. Just remember though.... tonight? Scott will be The Man."
*Mannheim shoots a look at Kennedy*
"And to be the man...."
Kennedy just blinks at Willy, giving a loud sigh. "FUCK you're old."
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For the next title match, the ring announcer took to the center of the ring.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the N*FW Silver Mountain Championship!!"
*The ring announcer gestures to the entrance ramp as the opening riff to Godsmack's "I Stand Alone" floods through the stadium. Emerging at the top of the entrance ramp is the large figure of Rick Dickulous, dressed in tight red shorts, the Silver Mountain Championship around his waist, wearing his typical "I'm An Eh-Hole" tee, and a towel over his head. It's clear that this is not the regular demeanor of Rick, he is much more focused, serious, somber. Regardless, the crowd pops as he makes his way to the ring and steps inside. Rick stands in the centre of the ring and slowly spins, arms outstretched, before pulling the towel from his head, bunching it up, and throwing it into the crowd*
Hanson: "This is gonna be a good one, Jimmy, I can feel the electricity in the air. The Silver Mountain Championship being defended in a 5 Round MMA fight? This match will have viewers glued to the screen!"
Reynolds: "Nick, I don't even know who this guy is! Who's Richard Anderson? I thought it was Rick Dickulous! And what's with this godawful music?"
Hanson: "Would it kill you to just do your job and call the matches?"
Reynolds: "No, seriously, Nicky! This is clearly an impostor! Rick Dickulous has obviously hired a stunt double because he's too afraid of what's in store for him tonight!"
Hanson: "Jim, sometimes I wonder whether or not you ate paint chips as a child."
Reynolds: "My favourite flavor was sour cream and onion..."
*Rick stares up the ramp, silently waiting for his opponent with a cold, calculated stare*
While Ishii attempted to use a well thought strategy of going for Rick's legs to bring him down, Rick moved around the ring with surprising swiftness, trying to keep it as a stand up match. Surprisingly, Rick's offense consisted, mainly, of strikes and kicks to the body, avoiding shots to the head.
Hanson: "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that Rick has studied Ishii as an opponent before and he knows that head shots don't really phase the man."
Reynolds: "You might be right, Nicky! See? I told you this wasn't Rick! He's not this smart!"
Hanson: "Look at those kidney shots, he's giving Ishii!"
It wasn't until the second round that Ishii managed to swoop in and catch Rick around the waist, shockingly lifting the big man up and slamming him down onto the mat with a wrestling press. Rick, immediately began attempting to maneuver himself and the man onto their sides to avoid a full mount.
Hanson: "WOW!"
Again, the round ended and the two men were sent to their corners. Rick bleeding profusely from shots taken to the face while Ishii was visibly heaving for breaths due to the heavy body shots Rick had given him.
In the next round, Rick continued to use his size to maneuver Ishii around the ring while Ishii, in turn, worked at using his smaller stature to get in under Rick's reach and go for his own body shots and more takedown attempts. At around the three minute mark, Rick stunned all onlookers by performing a takedown of his own, locking in a Gogoplata that lasted until Ishii tapped out at 3:27 in the third round.
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The camera fades in on a pair of familiar black boots with straps and buckles. Trailing up the shins of the person, we recognize the red snake design on black, tattered-designed tights. We can hear tape being unraveled just before we pan to see a taped hand wrapping up the other, tightly. Panning up the rest of the way, it is confirmed to be the Women’s Champion, Apocalypta in full ring gear. However, here, she has a black towel over her head to conceal her face. Sitting on the bench beside her, are her championship belt and the face paint kit she normally uses. The towel completely obscures her features, however....
"Yo, A!" The voice of Mia Hayashi came ringing out from just outside the locker room, as the petite young wrestler came skipping in, still her in street clothes (black dress with a black leather jacket and no gothy, cosplay makeup yet). "Everything ok? Ain't heard from you all week. I swear, I don't wanna have to break out the 80s girl-power, feel-good anthems.... but so help me, I'll do it."
Apocalypta doesn’t look up at first. She continues to tape her hands up, silently. She pauses at the sound of Mia’s voice. With a heavy sigh, her shoulders sag. “...Hey Mouse....” Apocalypta says somberly. “Sorry...I just needed some time to myself for a little while. It’s....” She lowers her head under the towel more to rest it in one of her hands with the elbow propped up on her elbow. “...It’s been a rough week....”
"Well, whatever Red said to you, I figured it wasn't a friggin' knock-knock joke, ya know? Oh, and holy SHITBALLS, you're actually hot under that wonky makeup. Anyhoo..." Mis continued, just rambling on as she was wont to do. "I was just worried about ya. Even my dad was, bless his barely-speaking-English soul. He was all "Mia!!! You make sure friend ok! She rook very upset!" He's such a stereotype, I swear. Love him, but dude's like one cheap Godzilla movie away from being a living stereotype. Whatevs. Anyway, yeah. Just worried about ya, weirdo."
Apocalypta’s shoulders shook with a soft chuckle. “Your dad was worried?” Something about that seemed to make her dwell on something. Something deep. Sitting up, Apocalypta leaned back against the wall behind her. The towel still tactfully obscuring her face.
“Do you know what she said to me...?” She went on, craning her head down to look at her hands. She reaches over and pulls the title belt into her lap. “...While she held me there...like the serpent does their prey...ironic as that sounds, given the parties involved...she just whispered to me...’your father misses you...your father loves you...he loves you *so* much.... He just wants to you come home.... Come home...come home....”
"Wow." Mia said, voice sounding very awed there. "See... I never ask you about that. Because even though you're crazier than a goddamn sack of cats, I consider you my friend. But I always kinda thought your old man was a total bad-ass. I'd be stoked if you guys made up. Bonus there, I wouldn't have to worry about him snapping me like a twig for helping you."
“Maybe....” Apocalypta says. “But was it the truth? Or is this just the Dominion’s way of trying to weaken us further? They *abandoned* me, Mia!” She leans onto her knees with her elbows again, but stays looking up at Mia with the back of her head to the camera. Only Mia can still see her face that remains hidden under the towel.
“All of them did! Blackheart...the Paynes...they broke our pact we made. Our promise!” Her hands clench into tight fists that begin to tremble as she looks down at them. “And he let them. He said *nothing* when they moved on from where we all started together! So...I find it hard to believe that last week was nothing more than Judas Lasher’s attempt at getting into my head. However...that old man...that motherFUCKER...doesn’t know what he’s getting into.... My mind is a dark place...it’s a constant nightmare that keeps even *me* up at night. So, if he...if *they*...want to venture into that place...I hope they’re ready for a nightmare unlike they’ve ever seen....”
She looks up at the woman who seemed to be her only friend outside of the Circle of Snakes. “At least I’ve still got you, though, Mouse....” Her tone was tentative...almost worried. Was Mia going to run out on her, too, at some point?
"Yeah.... ya do." Mia told her, giving a sad sigh as she gently gave the taller woman's shoulder a light squeeze. "Kinda stuck with me now. I already fucked up with my oldest friend... I ain't about to do that again."
"Word of warning though." She said, slowly raising an eyebrow. "I hope, for your sake, that I'm wrong about Abaddon. But if I'm not? Watch out for him. Because I say this with love... he's gonna toss you aside the moment he feels you can't help him anymore."
For a moment, Apocalypta reaches up to rest a hand over Mia’s, brushing her thumb over the back of hers. “But...he’s the one who saved me...from myself. When I felt like I was truly alone...willing to give up on it all. He’s the one that came to me and said...’you are special...you have a gift. They were wrong to cast you aside.... I can help you prove them wrong....”
She released Mia’s hand and lifted the Women’s Championship in both hands, looking down at it. “And goddamn it...that’s just what I’ve been doing...that’s just what I will keep doing tonight. It doesn’t matter who walks down that ramp tonight, Mia....” Her hands grip the title belt. “I’m gonna prove them wrong...I’ll prove *everyone*...wrong.” From her seat, she loosens her grip on the belt and looks at Mia. “I’ll just say...for their sake...they’d better be ready...for the storm that’s coming....”
"You're gonna kick ass tonight, babe." Mia told her, standing with a sigh. As she started to walk away, she paused long enough to say one more thing. "Just remember though.... he ain't the only one who stuck by you. You got an increasingly obnoxious, smart-ass pal who ain't going anywhere either."
We hear the door close once Mia takes her leave. At that moment, the camera begins to slowly pan around to the front of the woman. Simultaneously, she slowly lowers her head to keep her face hidden, looking down from under the towel.
“...That’s why I love you....”
And the camera fades out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Rosemary made her entrance to the ring and stood, waiting, the camera cut to the backstage area where we find Erin Mercer walking with a sense of purpose towards the entrance ramp. Under her jacket, she wears a white variation of her gear that perfectly contrasted Rosemary's black and red theme.
"Erin! Erin, Erin, Erin!" We hear the voice of Amy Connors seconds before she comes running in frame with a microphone. "Erin, I've been trying to get a hold of you about your match! Do you have any comments before you go out there?"
"Sorry, Amy, not now...." Erin says coldly, as she continues walking briskly towards the curtain. "I'm gonna end this psycho bitch...even if it kills me...."
Amy Connors slows to a stop with a look of shock and concern on her face as she and the camera watch Erin march towards her match and we hear the opening vocals of Nightwish's "Wish I Had An Angel" begin to play.
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The Last Woman Standing Match kicked off to an explosive start as Erin Mercer removed her jacket as soon as she made it out on stage and hit the ring RUNNING!! The crowd gave a pop for the underdog hero as she slid into the ring and immediately charged the waiting Rosemary. Colliding, they began exchanging shot after shot after shot.
Reynolds: "HERE WE GO, NICKY!!!! THIS MOMENT HAS BEEN REACHING A BOILING POINT AND NOW IT'S FINALLY BLOWN IT'S LID!!"
Hanson: "THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE LEFT STANDING AT THE END OF THIS ONE!! SOMEONE'S NOT WALKING OUT OF HERE, JIM!!"
As the match progressed, Rosemary's style of power and years of experience began to show as she took the fight to Erin relentlessly. There was something else in Erin's eyes, however, that seemed to drive the woman to push her limits. It wasn't long into the match that it turned from a wrestling match to an all out, extreme rules style street fight when the weapons got involved. The first instance was Rosemary pulling a singapore cane from a trash can of 'toys' she'd carried to the ring and began absolutely obliterating Erin Mercer with while she was slumped over the second rope with her arms, exposing her back.
In a moment resembling the caning of Vincent Stone, Rosemary punished Erin mercilessly. Six shots into the assault, she leaned down into her ear where she audibly yelled, "YOU'RE WELCOME, SWEETIE!! WOULD YOU LIKE ANOTHER?!?!" With thin streams of blood running down Erin's back, the woman found a second wind at this moment and struck Rosemary back in the face with an elbow. Wrestling the cane from her, she began returning the shots at any part of Rosemary that she could strike. Head, shoulders, midsection, legs. Taking out her rage on the woman who had caused her torment at the apparent expense of her friend's sanity and beating the HELL out of her!
After several attempts from both women to keep each other down for the 10 count, the match found it's way up onto the stage of the Tokyo Dome where they both appeared to be on their last legs.
Hanson: "Jim, these two are getting dangerously close to that edge there. I don't like it!"
Reynolds: "You kidding me?! This is the hottest cat fight I've ever seen!"
After trading blows, back and forth, Rosemary finally scooped Erin Mercer up onto her shoulders, setting up the Red Wedding as she smiled maniacally...and exhaustedly...to the Tokyo crowd.
Hanson: "Aww, no! She's not thinking of doing...no!! No way!"
Reynolds: "Valar Morghulis, baby!! Red Wedding time!"
But Erin Mercer managed to slip out of the hold and, in a stunning feat of effort, hoisted Rosemary up off of her feet while they were back to back in an unconventional set up for the Red Death!
Hanson: "Ohhhhh no, Jim! More like Red Death! But she's not gonna do this on that metal stage, is she?!"
Reynolds: "Now, that'd just be crazy!"
Erin Mercer then, with Rosemary on her back, positioned her arm back around Rosemary's neck, completing the setup...and THREW both Rosemary AND herself OFF of the stage as the crowd gave a horrified pop, watching the women both go crashing through stacks of tables and other spare equipment.
Hanson: "JESUS CHRIST!!! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!!"
Reynolds: "MOTHERFUUUUUUCK! WE NEED AN AMBULANCE OUT HERE NOW!!"
Hurrying down to ground level, the referee moved in to check on both women to make sure they were still moving.
Hanson: "Oh god, Jim, I...I hope they're alright...."
Reynolds: "I won't lie; me too. That was FUCKING insane!!"
The referee began to count.
1!!!!
No movement.
2!!!!
Still no movement.
Hanson: "I don't even know why she's counting. She should stop this match!"
3!!!!
Erin began to stir as Rosemary rolled over on her back. Pained expressions on both of their faces.
4!!!!
Erin Mercer lifts her head for the camera to see blood running down her face. Her eyes glazed over as if she doesn't even know where she is.
Rosemary bends one knee and begins trying to roll over onto her side.
5!!!!
Hanson: "Just stop the match and call an ambulance!!"
6!!!!
Erin Mercer begins to crawl out of the heaping pile of broken tables and boxes. Rosemary rolls over onto her stomach and begins trying to get up onto all fours.
7!!!!
Reynolds: "She's at 7, Nicky!! Are these two even gonna be able to get up at all?!?!"
8!!!!
Outside of the wreckage caused by her finisher, Erin Mercer struggles to push herself up onto all fours. Rosemary attempts to get a foot up onto the floor. She does.
9!!!!
Erin Mercer hastily struggles to get her own footing and begins to push herself up into a standing position. Rosemary starts to push herself up...but cries out in pain as she topples over onto her side, putting a hand to her back in agony.
10!!!!
Right as the referee reaches 10, Erin Mercer straightens her stance, clutching an arm against her ribs with tears of agony and exhaustion running down her bloodied face. Despite this, the referee grabs her other wrist and raises her arm in victory at 10:38, proclaiming her the winner of N*FW's first Last Woman Standing match!!
After the match, medics rushed the scene to check on both women. Despite them insisting that Erin Mercer accept a stretcher, the woman shakes her head and just leans on one of the medics until Kid Cthulhu, still in her mask but having changed into street clothes, comes out and helps Erin to the back with the woman's arm over her shoulders. Meanwhile, the remaining medics continued to check on Rosemary who was showing no signs of even trying to get up. Finally, one of the medics hastily called for the need of a stretcher. The fans and even announce team looked on in silent concern as the Hive Mother was lifted onto the stretcher in a neck brace and wheeled towards the back....
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As the crowd of the Tokyo Dome awaits the beginning of the next match, all of a sudden Prophets of Rage’s “Unfuck The World” fill the arena. Surprisingly enough, a large number of the Japanese crowd are on their feet, holding signs and waving...yes...STEELERS towels!
As “The Punisher” Andrew Payne and his long time brother and tag team partner appear on stage, the Punisher reacts in a rare moment of high energy, waving his own towel overhead and amping up the crowd. Pausing on stage, he bumps fists and gives a quick bro-hug to BDP before the two begin marching down the ramp and Andy throws his towel to a random cheering fan that doesn’t have a towel to wave. Halfway down the ramp, the ring announcer raises his microphone.
“The following contest is scheduled for one fall...and is for the N*FW World Tag Team Championships! Introducing first, at a combined weight of 593lbs, they are the N*FW World Tag Team Champions: Big Daddy Payne...”The Punisher” Andrew Payne...THE MCKEESPOOOORT MAFIAAAAAA!!”
BDP hops up onto the middle turnbuckle, taking a look at the huge crowd in attendance, before snatching the mic from the ring announcer. "Look at all the black and yellow out there here in Tokyo!" Pointing to the back, before holding his title belt aloft, he began to address tonight's challengers. "One thing real quick. Brody? The FUCK were you thinking, man? Having us all put our titles up against guys from another promotion and not even tell us who? Do you WANT to make this promotion look like shit? Luckily, we got you covered. There's a lot of good teams back there. Everyone from the G.O.D., to Los Ingobernable, to the Killer Elite Squad, to the Bucks. And whoever you deciude to send out here? Is waking outta here in a lot worse shape than they entered in. Also? They're leaving just as they came in: as the challengers."
Catching the mic as BDP tosses it to him, Andrew Payne sets his title belt back over his shoulder. “Hey, you heard the man when he announced this show: he’s got faith in us as N*FW superstars. That’s because he knows, no matter who gets thrown at us, no matter who comes for these belts...” Andy raises his belt off of his shoulder and into the air, “...that we are the baddest...meanest...toughest motherfuckers...ON...THIS...PLANET!”
Lowering his belt down, he comes to stand beside his partner and looks up the ramp down at the stage. “So, while our opponents may know WHO they’re facing, tonight...they don’t know WHAT they signed up for, because they’ve never stepped into the ring with Pittsburgh’s Finest! They’ve never set foot inside the House of Payne! So, whenever you boys are ready, the light’s on...our door is open...come on in and get your heads rocked!”
BDP leaned in against his partner, to say a few last words into the mic. "What my brother is trying to say is... whoever you got for us, we ain't scared. We ain't nervous. We ain't even concerned. You know why? Because we're the House of Payne.... AND ALL WE FUCKING DO IS WIN."
Barely a split second after BDP finished his words, the intro to "Killer Bomb" blared through the arena's sound system.
Hanson: "WWWWHHAAAAT?!"
Reynolds: "NO WAY!!!!!"
Immediately, recognizing the sound of the music, BDP and Andy Payne crack amused...almost approving smirks and exchange a fist bump as their opponents are announced as two very familiar faces to the NJPW came walking out onto the ramp, staring down the champions. Ready for war.
"Their opponents! At a combined weight of 525lbs!! Lance Archer...and Davey Boy Smith Jr...THE KILLER ELIIIIIITE SQUAD!!!!"
Reynolds: "This is gonna be a fucking war, Nicky!"
Hanson: "You're telling me?! Two of the baddest men in NJPW! And they've got their sights set on the N*FW Tag Team Championships!"
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In a hellacious match that went on for 16:13, the McKeesport Mafia and KES absolutely took it to each other!!!! Brutal brawling and power combined on both sides made for an absolute slug fest that still proved to be an impressive wrestling match. After several pin attempts from both sides, the McKeesport Mafia managed to retain the N*FW Tag Team Championships as BDP came off the apron to the outside for a flying Bukakke Blast to Smith, while inside the ring, Andrew Payne slipped out of Archer's attempt at the Texas Tornado and countered with an 11th Hour for the pinfall.
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The ring announcer stands inside the ring, raising the microphone to his mouth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall...."
Crowd: "ONE FARRU!!"
Reynolds: "Now that's the funniest shit, I've ever heard in my life."
Hanson: "Would you stop it?"
"...And it is for the N*FW Women's Championship!!!!"
After a brief pause, the opening guitar to Tore Fagerheim's "Hurricane" RIPS through the arena as the lights dim down and begin flickering eerily. A moment later, the Women's Champion, Apocalypta appears on stage: full ring gear, white contacts and face paint. Looking just as fearsome as ever. Definitely a polar opposite to what was seen earlier in her exchange with Mia.
Reynolds: "Nicky, this woman scares the living shit out of me."
Hanson: "I don't blame ya, partner. I don't blame ya...."
As "Hurricane" roars on, Apocalypta makes her walk down the ramp, staring intensely down at the empty ring as she passed by fans of which many don't seem to know what to think at the sight of her.
Reynolds: "Even these fans from Japan don't know what to think, Nicky! Look at their faces!"
In a sense of all business, Apocalypta enters the ring and immediately removes her entrance attire, resting the championship belt on her shoulder as she turns towards the stage.
"Aaaaand now, introducing the challenger...."
After a momentary pause from the sound system and the crowd, the surprising sound of "The Savior" came on through the speakers as the name "IWATANI" FLASHED across the tron screen. The crowd...went...WILD!!!!
Reynolds: "WOOOOOOW!!!!"
Hanson: "I DON'T BELIEVE MY EYES, JIM!"
As the song played on, STARDOM superstar Mayu Iwatani came running out onto the stage, in her full entrance robe and mask, amping up the excited crowd.
"From Mine, Yamaguchi Japan...please welcome...MAYU....IWAAAAATANI!!!!"
Hanson: "MAYU IWATANI, JIM!!! ARGUABLY THE GREATEST WOMAN OF WRESTLING IN JAPAN, TODAY!!"
Reynolds: "This has the potential to rival the main event as projected match of the night!!"
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In a shocking show of one sided aggression, Apocalypta came out of her corner at the opening bell and attacked Iwatani with an onslaught offense. Tackling her into her corner, Apocalypta rammed her repeatedly in the midsection with her shoulder several times before grabbing her by the throat with both hands and tossing her into the center of the ring.
As Iwatani began to get to her feet, Apocalypta hunched down in the corner, sneering with rage on her face as she poised for her MOAB Launch. As soon as Iwatani turned around, Apocalypta came rushing out of the corner right into a counter knee to the face, staggering her backwards. In obvious pain, but not letting it get the better of her, Mayu Iwatani began laying into the champion with sharp, precise strikes of her own. Kicks to the legs and elbows to the face and neck started to put the champion on unsteady footing.
Apocalypta suddenly attempted a vicious lariat that Iwatani ducked under and countered with a savage rear hurricanrana, dropping her onto her head and neck. Apocalypta laid there on the mat, sprawling to get up as Iwatani fought get to her feet. Signaling to the cheering crowd, she set Apocalypta up for a suplex. To the shock of the fans, and all others watching, however, her lift attempt was countered with Apocalypta blocking with her leg, followed by a knee to the ribs. Iwatani's legs sagged from the strike right before Apocalypta hoisted her up into the air and delivered a surprise GROUND ZERO suplex powerbomb!!!! From there, she held the final position for a cover attempt as the referee dropped down and went for the count---
1!!!!
2!!!!
3!!!!
Ending the match at 4:19!!
Hanson: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!"
Reynolds: "HOOOOOLY SHIT, NICKY!!!! DID I JUST SEE THAT?!?!"
Hanson: "APOCALYPTA JUST BEAT MAYU IWATANI IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES!!! MAYU IWATANI!!!! FIVE MINUTES!!! LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES!!!!"
Reynolds: "SHE WANTED TO MAKE A STATEMENT TO THE WOMEN'S DIVISION OF N*FW AND ALL WOMEN WRESTLERS AROUND THE WORLD, AND BY GOD SHE DID IT!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!!!!"
As she was handed her championship back, Apocalypta SNATCHED the microphone from the ring announcer's hand as she glared at the crowd.
"...I said...I would prove everyone wrong...." She hissed into the mic, seething as she stood over Iwatani with a foot on her chest. "I told all of you...that I would prove...you...WRONG!! Thus...." She lowers her gaze down at her fallen opponent, then lifts her eyes towards the crowd and camera. "Behold...the aftermath...of my wrath...." Dropping the microphone down onto Iwatani, Apocalypta steps away from her as "Hurricane" plays on over the speakers again. The Women's Champion exits the ring, silently departing up the ramp with her title on her shoulder. As she reaches the ramp, she stops...turns...and raises the title belt over her head....
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In a spectacle to defy all others of professional wrestling, the N*FW Heavyweight Champion and IWGP Heavyweight Champion left it all in the ring against one another as they fought on for exactly an HOUR!!!!
Thirty four minutes into the match had both men continuing to trade offense with Okada managing to swiftly escape each attempt Leroux made at a submission maneuver. In exchange, Leroux had clearly studied his opponent and seemed abe to scope numerous attempts at the Rainmaker and Tombstone. One attempt saw Scott Leroux counter an attempt and go for a Cobra Clutch. He barely got his arms around Okada's neck before the IWGP Champion slipped out and DROVE him back into the mat with a snap German Suplex!
Hanson: "OHHH!!!! DID YOU SEE HOW SCOTT LANDED?!?!"
Reynolds: "THAT'S IT, NICKY!!"
1!!!!
2!!!!
But Scott Leroux KICKED OUT!!!!
At forty two minutes, after going back and forth some more, Okada looked to be going for another German Suplex but Scott struggled against letting him complete the move. Suddenly, instead, Okada grabbed him by the wrist and spun him outward.
Reynolds: "HERE IT COMES!!! RAINMAKER, NICKY!!!!"
But as Okada yanked Leroux towards him, the N*FW Heavyweight Champion ducked under Okada's arm and tossed him up into the air for a sudden POPUP POWERBOMB!!"
Hanson: "NO!!! LEROUX COUNTERS!!! WE'RE GONNA HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!!"
1!!!!
2!!!!
OKADA KICKED OUT!!!!
As Leroux picked Okada up to his feet, the two began trading exhausted blows back and forth. As the pace picked up and their second winds seemed to approach, it was Leroux who went for a German Suplex of his own. Okada blocked the lift by planting his feet and twisted around behind Leroux, locking a grip onto his wrist.
Hanson: "WAIT, JIM!!!"
Reynolds: "NO!!!"
RAINMAKER ON SCOTT LEROUX!!!! Both men went tumbling down to the mat. The crowd was on their FEET!!! Mixted chants of both men's names could be heard as Okada rolled over onto his stomach and began crawling towards Leroux for the pinfall. With pain wracking his body, however, the IWGP Champion paused to catch his breath, giving the N*FW Champion time to recover enough and roll onto his side, away from Okada.
Hanson: "Ohhhhhh man! Okada hit his finishing maneuver but he's so exhausted, he couldn't capitalize!!!!"
Reynolds: "COME ON, SCOTTY!!! COME ON!!!! DO IT FOR N*FW!!!!"
The excitement picked up in the final moments of the match. As Okada got to his feet and pulled Leroux up, the NJPW superstar went for an Irish Whip, but Leroux COUNTERED into an EXPLODER SUPLEX!!
1!!!!
2!!!!
OKADA KICKED OUT!!!!
Frustrated, Leroux pulled himself to his feet and locked onto Okada's waist where he unleashed something not seen in his arsenal before. A combination of two German Suplexes, finishing off with a Tiger Suplex.
1!!!!
2!!!!
OKADA KICKED OUT!!!!
A look of relief was seen on the face of Gedo in Okada's corner while Mannheim and Kennedy appeared distraught. The former yelling for Scott to get up and keep going.
Reynolds: "We've got a sixty minute time limit, Nicky, and we're passed the fifty nine minute mark!!! What the hell is gonna happen?!?!"
Struggling to their feet again, Okada and Leroux began trading shots. After a stiff elbow to the jaw, Leroux was spun around. Once again, Okada seized him by the wrist!!
Reynolds: "NO!! NOT AGAIN!!! IF THIS IS A SECOND RAINMAKER, THIS COULD DO IT!!"
Hanson: "CAN SCOTT SURVIVE ANOTHER ONE?!?!"
Okada whipped Leroux out, yanked him in and Leroux ROLLED under his arm, seizing Okada by the foot, promptly YANKING him down to the mat!!
Reynolds & Hanson: "ANKLE LOCK!!!! ANKLE LOCK!!!!
Hanson: "HE'S GOT IT!!!!! HE'S GOT IT LOCKED IN!!!!"
Reynolds: "TWIST THAT MOTHERFUCKER, SCOTTY!!! BREAK IT IF YOU HAVE TO!!!!"
As if Scott could hear Reynolds in his head, at the 15:40 mark, he threw himself back and wrapped his legs around Okada's wrenching his ankle more, blood running down the N*FW Champion's face!! Okada reached for the rope, SCREAMING in pain as Gedo slapped the mat and yelled encouragement for him to reach the ropes. Okada was too far to make it, however and raised his hand up, ready to tap it seemed.
DING DING DING DING DING!!
Reynolds: "WAIT, WHAT?!"
Hanson: "IT'S OVER!!"
Reynolds: "WHAT?!"
At the sound of the bell, Leroux released the Ankle Lock hold and laid out on the mat. Okada dropped his head down into his upper arms, heaving. Both men looking beat to hell.
"Ladies and gentlemen, due to the sixty time limit being reached, this match...is declared...a DRAW!! As a result, both men will retain their championships!!"
Hanson: "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!"
Reynolds: "DAVE MELTZER, CALL A REPAIRMAN!! THAT SCALE HAS TO BE SHATTERED!!!!"
A couple minutes pass and she hears "Come In" come from behind the door.......
Morgan rolls her eyes and laughs silently. “So much for surprising him.” She says softly to herself. She opens the door and skips over to where ever Ryan is and throws her arms around his neck in a hug, topping it off with a smooch right on the man’s lips. “Hey goofball! Ya were supposed t’open the door so I could scare ya!” She teases
"Well sorry beautiful, i just out of the shower.. Man that bathroom is nice though... Im glad you're here.. so what do you wanna do?" Ryan asks.... "Oh. I got a surprise for you"... you got a minute?" As Ryan adds...
“For you? I got a few of ‘em.” Morgan grinned. “I wanted to come see ya before your match. See if maybe ya wanted to go sight seeing around the city after the show.” She’d never been to Tokyo before, let alone out of the country even.
“Sooo, what’s this about a surprise?” She looked up at him, putting on the cutest smile she could, despite her wardrobe and usual demeanor making her look like a debt collector for the mob.
"Come. Follow me.. As Ryan is leading Morgan out of the locker room and down the hall, she constantly asks Ryan "Where we going?".. "Where are you taking me?".... and as they get out of the arena to the backstage area... Ryan reveals her surprise, its a big package sitting by itself all wrapped up... "Morgan... i wanted to get you something that i think fits your personality.. now dont get me wrong girl, i love your personality..so i think you need this"... He hands her a knife to cut the wrap off. And as she is revealing more of her surprise, Ryan sees tears streaming down her face..
"Morgan, whats wrong?" Asks Ryan..."Is this what i think it is?" Morgan replies... Trying to lighten up the mood Ryan puts his hands on his hips "Well what do you think it is?".. Ryan asks in a goofy way...
"A New Jeep" says Morgan...
Ryan exclaims "Yes, thats exactly what it is...Ryan hands her the keys and gives her a hug...........
Morgan looks the Jeep over with giddy excitement. Not only is it a new model, but customized with a black and yellow paint job and the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on the doors. Underneath it, the words ‘STEELERS GIRL’ in bold lettering.
She gets inside and puts her hands on the wheel to get a feel for it as another smile spreads across her face. “Ryan...thank you! Babe, I love it!!!” Squealing like a school girl, she gets out and hugs him around the waist. “We should take it out aroun’ ‘tahn’ after the show! Can we?! Pleeeease?” She looks up at him with excitement in her blue and green eyes.
Ryan looks at her excitement and says
"Yes....we can take it around for a spin..."
"Im so glad you like it... I was really hoping they would have it done before today... Oh i almost forgot.. Look at your center dashboard.. you see that screen... its loaded with 1000s of rock songs especially for you... so you can jam with the push of a button.. no cds, no ipod.. just push and the song comes on... "..." its also loaded with automatic GPS.. " So all you have to do is say "im lost" and it wil help you get back on track.....plus its got several other features that ill let you figure out...."
So babe. How do you like it now???"
Morgan looks over everything as Ryan points them out to her, grinning big. “I think you spoil the hell outta me.” She teases. “Not that I’m complaining!” She adds with a giggle before leaning against him more. “So, you gonna kick some ass t’nite? Tyson Law’s been talkin’ some seeeeerious shit about ya girl’s family. Her, too.”
"Yea, I know... What im gonna do to him will break some "Law"s. But ive got one more thing to show you... Says Ryan..."What is it?" Asks Morgan... "Come Here, Take a look at this" Ryan continues..." " Oh My Ryan... You really shouldn't have" Its the license plate and it says "MRGN PYNE".. "So do you like it?.." Asks Ryan...
“I love it!” Morgan exclaims hugging Ryan around his neck and kissing him on the cheek again. “You’re too good to me. I just wish my family could see that. But maaaaaybe...” She nods towards the Jeep, “...this’ll change their minds.”
Letting go of him, Morgan smiles. “Weeeellll...I should probably stop distracting you and let you get ready for your match. Beat that fool’s ass for me, babe. I’m gonna hold you to it! Love ya!” Morgan gives him a last hug and a smooch before skipping off through the parking lot and back towards the locker room area to meet up with her crew.
As Morgan Payne skips off camera, Ryan is preparing for his match.. Tightening his wrist tape, making sure his boots laces are tight and we hear a voice talking off camera.. "Are you getting ready to take this jackoff out tonight?" The voice asks... "Hey man"..Says Ryan
"Yea man... Im getting there"... and the shot fades out......
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A vignette opens up on a shot of what appears to be outer space. The black abyss filled with billions of glowing stars. As we pan in forward, we see a galaxy begin coming into view. As the shot draws in closer, we are greeted by the same narrator from Reckoning Day.
"In the universe...there are many worlds. Worlds that share similarities...."
A quick flash shows us a glimpse of an empty wrestling ring inside a vacant arena, before panning away from it, up the entrance ramp and through the curtain where we cut back to the shot panning towards the galaxy.
"Even with these similarities...there is a vast distance between one world...and another...."
A transparent shot of the United States flag appears, swaying in the breeze on the left of the screen. Seconds later, it is joined by the swaying Japanese flag on the right; the two flag ends brushing against one another.
"But a rare phenomenon in this universe will occur. Miraculous as such was the birth of our galaxy...and the birth of man...."
A quick flash on the screen cuts to a pair of white boots baring red accents and the Canadian flag on them. With echoing footsteps, the boots slowly walk down a corridor.
Another flash shows a pair of black boots walking in the opposite direction, down another corridor. The two pairs of boots, essentially, walking towards one another.
"Tonight...in the universe that is professional wrestling...."
Under a spotlight in, otherwise, total darkness, N*FW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Leroux and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada step into the light, from either side of the frame and come face to face with hard stares. After a moment, they slowly turn towards the camera as the narrator concludes the build up to the intro.
"Legends will rise...when worlds...collide!"
With a hard, zoom-cut, the introduction vignette to When Worlds Collide begins to play to the song, "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack. Quick cuts of N*FW's top superstars are shown - mainly the defending champions of the night. Mixed in with those, we get glimpses of some big names of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Regardless of who may be booked on the card, we see the famous faces such as Juice Robinson, Mike Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiromu Takahashi, Will Ospreay, Bad Luck Fale, the Guerillas of Destiny. Finally, the pay-per-view title EXPLODES onto the screen as the N*FW and NJPW logos slam into one another and form the words "WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE".
Opening to the inside of the Tokyo Dome arena, we are welcomed by N*FW announcers Nick Hanson and James Reynolds.
Hanson: "WELCOME, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE! WE ARE LIVE FROM THE TOKYO DOME!!"
Reynolds: "ME LOVE THIS LONG TIME, NICKY!!"
Hanson: "ME TOO, JIMMY-- Wait, what?"
Reynolds: "What?"
Hanson: "What did you just...nevermind." *He sighs* "Anyways, ladies and gentleme, thank you for joining us, this evening! We wanna welcome both local viewers and our fans from back home overseas. We are SET for a stacked card! EVERY N*FW championship belt is on the line tonight, BUT...our main event...the final match on the card tonight, will be a rare event indeed. BOTH the N*FW World Heavyweight Title AND the IWGP Heavyweight Title are on the line in a Champion vs Champion match! New Japan's very own World Champion, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and OUR World Champion "The Tapout King" Scott Leroux, challenge each other for their brands most prestigious prizes! I cannot wait!"
Reynolds: "I can't wait, either Nicky. This is gonna be AMAZING!! So, without further adue...IIIKOUZEEEEEEE!!!!"
Hanson: "Will you knock it off?"
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[EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON]
The text appears in the upper corner of the screen as the camera opens on a pair of doors leading from outside to inside the arena.
Suddenly the doors swing open as they are pushed in by Renegade co-leader, Max LeBrun. Dressed in all black consisting of cargo pants, a sleeveless Hollywood Undeadt-shirt and sunglasses with his hair pinned back, he leads the way into the Tokyo Dome with the rest of the Renegades right there with him. He takes one look around, pulling his shades off and gives a wicked smirk. “Fuck me, it feels good to be back here. It’s just bullshit I don’t get to wrestle tonight.” Here, he slaps Julian Morrison and Tyson Law on their backs with a growing smirk. “Lucky bastards!”
Julian laughed with a roll of his eyes, grabbing a nearby water bottle before taking a long drink of it. "Well, I'M lucky... I mean, I get to kick the shit out of our favorite target tonight. Show him what it's like to have to fight for what you've got. This jackass..." He continues with a clearly teasing tone, jerking a thumb to Tyson, "Gets to take on Morgan's little boytoy. Ohhhhh no. What an absolute threat."
"Hey fuck you pal..." Tyson cracks up, reaching over to thwack Julian in the back of the head. "Steele's not on our level at all... but at least he's worked for where he's at. No shit-talking here. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm still gonna beat him like one of Joe Jackson's kids, but it's all business here."
Max throws Tyson a wide eyed look mixed of amusement and ‘oh no you didn’t!’ “Ohhhhhh, you motherfucker! That was good, though!” He shakes a finger. “I like that one. As they continue walking, Max throws an arm around the shoulders of Candi Broduer. “Tonight, Tokyo gets to see, first hand, why the Renegades - why WE - are the future of this indus—“ Max stops short as they pass through the indoor parking lot and his eyes fall on the Steelers decal Jeep with ‘MRGN PYNE’ on the license plate.
He grimaces in disgust and confusion, as he looks the clean, shiney black vehicle over. “What...the fuck...is that?”
"Like I said: boy toy" Tyson laughed. "I mean, if you're gonna be whipped, that's the piece to be whipped by... but FUCK, have some dignity..."
Candi just stared at the Jeep, voice hilariously monotone. "I swear to god, that makes me wanna beat her ass even more."
Max grimaces and laughs at Tyson’s remark. “I don’t know, man. Girl like that’s probably been on her back almost as many times as Lara Blackheart.”
He smirks down at Candi, placing a kiss to the side of her head. “I have to admit, you’re even hotter when you’re out for blood. I’m looking forward to the next time you get a crack at that, delinquent loser.”
Candi cracked her knuckles, nodding with a smirk. "She's not even in my LEAGUE. Don't get me wrong... she could be amazing one day. But right now? I'll fuck her life up like she couldn't even imagine."
“One day...maybe.” Max replied. “But she’ll never be you. They’ll never be us. Ya, know? I almost feel bad for them. Because they’re living in the shadow of the very ones that vowed to help them make it! The ones who supposedly taught them the very ART of professional wrestling! Or who knows?” He looks around at the rest of the Renegades.
“Maaaaybe, the geezers just intended to use them as a way to stay relevant! See, that’s why the new generation needs us. That’s why N*FW needs us! To clear the way for superstars that deserve a shot in their careers but have been held back by washed up losers like the ones parading around here like people still give a shit about them!”
Julian walked over to the cameraman, forcibly grabbing the camera and putting his face right in it. "Don't be fooled by seeing us have fun, fuckers. We're gonna burn this whole fucking promotion to the ground. We're gonna kill it... in order to save it. Renegades for life."
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After a thrilling back and forth match, Tyson Law defeated Ryan Steele at 11:20 after hitting the Lawbreaker.
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*The scene shifts to the backstage area where we see Connor K. making his way to the backstage area with his spinner in tow. His demeanor's a lot more subdued and focused this time around as he's marching with a purpose. An agent comes up to him as he's walking to the locker room area.*
"Wow Connor, you're actually early today. Are you ready for tonight? Shingo Takagi's no joke, you know? A lot of strings had to be pulled to get you a spot on the pre-show. Hell, Matt Klazzic came all the way out here and found out last week he wasn't booked for this tour. I hope you're ready for this. Are you going to be alright?" the agent asks.
"Nah man, I'm about pretty far being fucking alright. Last week, I gave my all and Shingo and his boyfriend decided to get the jump on me. I don't need no one pulling strings for me, you dig? Shingo started this mess. Tonight I finish it. And then I get his bitch T-Hawk next. We cool? Coo'," Connor says while looking in the distance, ignoring the agent, before continuing his walk down to the locker room area as the camera shifts to the agent, smiling and nodding.
"Yeah, go get 'em, kid. I don't need to let the higher ups know if you're ready for the limelight," the agent says to himself as the camera fades to black.
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Shingo Takagi defeated Connor K, despite a valiant effort by the latter, in 9:32 after planting him with the Last Falconry. After the bell, T-Hawk joined Shingo in the ring where the two began yet another post-match beatdown of Connor K.
Hanson: "Oh, what the hell are they doing?!"
Reynolds: "Driving the point home, apparently!"
Hanson: "What point?! What the hell has Connor K done to draw the ire of these two? He's not even in a tag team!"
To conclude the beatdown, T-Hawk drove Connor K down to the mat with the BT Bomb before the two left the ring through.
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The scene opens up as we see a white limousine pull into the arena and we see Clerance Fletcher Townsend and Victoria Emmerson get out of the very back of the car... as they head into the arena, the Townsend's Million Dollar Challenge made official and the rules a regulations were made.. and then we hear a Classical Beethoven song as Clerance Fletcher Townsend makes his entrance known...as he his maki g his way to the ring the crowd is booing as Clerance is waving them off because hes better than they are...
He grabs a mic " Now i i have no idea who this peasant is that is taking me up on my challenge but just know that the end of the match will look like this" he stands with the briefcase held above his head... and he says "The Challenge starts ....now" as he looks at his watch.......waiting on his opponent to arrive....
After Clarence Townsend relinquished the microphone and began removing his entrance suit. The Tokyo Dome crowd waited eagerly and curiously to see who it was that would answer the challenge.
Reynolds: "Who's it gonna be, Nicky?"
Hanson: "Your guess is as good as mine, Jim. Who's gonna walk down that ramp and take on Clarence F. Townsend for a shot at one million dollars?!"
After another moment of tense silence...the opening shamisen chords to "Intoxication" strike over the arena's speaker system. The local fans in the audience give an amused pop as the letters "Y T R" appear up on the tron.
Hanson: "HAHAHAHA!!! OH, MAN!!"
Reynolds: "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
Townsend's expression almost seems to say the same as Reynolds' words as he simply stares and frowns in comical disbelief at the curtain when, sure enough, CHAOS member Toru Yano comes 'sneaking' out onto the stage to the delight of the Tokyo crowd. With his usual trademark of flashing his t-shirt under his haori jacket and excitedly raising a copy of his latest DVD in front of the camera, Yano makes his way to the ring.
Reynolds: "Nicky, I thought we were gonna see a million dollar challenge. What the hell is this?!"
Hanson: "Isn't it obvious?" *amusement in his voice* "Toru Yano wants to make a quick, cool mill, and he believes he can do it by beating Clarence Townsend!"
Reynolds: "This guy's an idiot. I hope Townsend beats the goddamn bricks off of his ass."
Hanson: "I think you mistake stupidity for wild wit, Jim. You're looking at a three time tag team champion getting into the ring there."
As Clarence Townsend stands in waiting, Toru Yano enters the ring where he sets his DVD down in the corner like any other superstar might do with a foreign object they carry with them. The local ring announcer, then officially announces;
"Aite o shokai suru...Suko Naru Dai Dorobo...YANOOOOO TOOORRRUUUUU!!!!"
Here, Yano takes a swig from his water bottle and sprays it from his mouth into the air...before launching the rest of the water from the open bottle right across the ring, showering both Clarence Townsend and Victoria Emmerson with it. Clarence reacts angrily, prompting the referee to block his path to Yano and usher him back into his corner before the bell is rung. This all proves entertaining to Yano, who stands in his corner, readily removing his haori and t-shirt before making the 'money' sign with his hands at Townsend.
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As anyone might have expected in a match involving Toru Yano, it was full of hilarious shenanigans that consisted of Yano trying to get an upper hand on Clarence Townsend by any dirty means necessary.
Before the bell started and Townsend moved in for the lock up, Yano SHOT UP his hands, calling for the man to wait!! He then hurried to the corner where he left his DVD and retrieved the case, offering it out to his opponent. As a chuckle swayed through the crowd, Clarence Townsend simply stared at Yano like he was an absolute madman. After a moment, Townsend finally gave in and snatched the DVD from Yano's hands, looking at the cover with even more confusion and disdain.
Hanson: "Hey, he brought him a present!"
Reynolds: "You sure the idiot's not trying to sell it to him for a million dollars?"
Hanson: "Maybe!"
As Townsend looked at the DVD, the crowd could hear Yano calling out loudly as he motioned with his hands.
"Prease open! Gift for you! For you, Townsend-san!" He said with a deep, polite bow before excitedly motioning for Townsend, again, to open the DVD case. After more insisting from Yano, Clarence Townsend rolled his eyes, and finally decided to open the DVD case...in which Yano SMACKED it from underneath and knocked a cloud of white powder into the man's face, blinding him!!!
Reynolds: "What the hell?!"
Hanson: "HAHAHA!!! Ohhhhh man, we've seen that before from Yano, in the past!"
Reynolds: "I'm not gonna lie, Nicky. That was fucking genius!"
As Clarence frantically wiped his eyes, Yano swooped in and rolled him up for a pin attempt before the bell had even rang. As the ref stood confused, not even going for the count, Townsend kicked out of the pin attempt and put some distance between himself and his opponent. Once he had clearly gotten his vision back, the referee called for the starting bell and Clarence Townsend opened up with a series of angry shots on Yano, backing him into the corner.
The rest of the match consisted more of Yano mixing in wrestling with sneaky attempts to cheat in order to win. After laying into him for several minutes, Townsend stepped back and called for Yano to take his best shot. The CHAOS member went wide eyed, getting up in Clarence's face...before turning around and rushing to the corner in a frantic attempt to remove the turnbuckle padding.
Reynolds: "...What the hell is he doing?!"
Hanson: "It's Yano! What do you expect, Jim?!"
As the referee demanded Yano to cease his actions, Townsend rushed in again and began laying more offense into his challenger.
Despite more dirty...and of course comical attempts from Yano, Townsend came out victorious when he reversed a pinfall attempt into a small package, scoring the pinfall at 17:25.
Hanson: "Hey, that match had some decent length to it!"
Reynolds: "I'll say."
"Here is your winner...Clarence...Fletcher...Townsend!"
As the referee raised Townsend's hand in the center of the ring, Yano was seen rolling out of the ring and comically 'sneaking' around the outside of the ring.
Hanson: "Well...Townsend puts down his first challenger for a million dollars of his money."
Reynolds: "You know? Maybe Yano isn't so bad--- WAIT, WHAT THE HELL!!"
Sneaking up behind Vanessa Emmerson, Toru Yano suddenly SNATCHES the brief case containing the $1,000,000 out of her hands as she's handing it up to Clarence!!
Reynolds: "Yano just stold CFT's money!!"
Most of the crowd, as they looked on, couldn't help but laugh as Yano took off up the ramp with his 'prize' and Clarence Townsend looked on from inside the ring, absolutely fuming.
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After Belphegor entered the ring, the Circle of Snakes' giant stood in the center, idly adjusting his gloves and elbow pads as he waited for his unnamed challenger. As the lights dimmed, Moi dix Mois' "Pageant" was heard as the opening notes of the organ were drowned out by the heated jeers of the crowd. On the stage, as the bells began to toll, a spotlight fell on NJPW valet Miho Abe who stood, gesturing to the entrance curtain and through the smoke walked the man known as Taichi Ishikari.
Hanson: "Well this is...interesting...."
Reynolds: "Hey, this is great! I love me some Miho Abe!"
Hanson: "I'm talking about Taichi, Jim."
Reynolds: "What the hell is Taichi doing out here? Go home motherfucker! Miho can stay, though."
Hanson: "Jim. It's pretty obvious what he's doing here."
Reynolds: "Wait...are you serious? No way."
Hanson: "Seems so."
Reynolds: "Sweet Jesus, get the popcorn ready. I gotta see this. What am I saying? The match'll probably be over before the popcorn's done."
"Singing" his own entrance music, Taichi moves slowly down the ramp with the infatuated Miho Abe closely at his side. We get a brief close up of Belphegor in the ring, silently glaring through his mask.
Reynolds: "Well, I can't say our Television Champion is amused. He was probably expecting someone else."
Hanson: "Like who, Jim?"
Reynolds: "Hell if I know. Someone who can actually make him break a sweat?"
Hanson: "Come on now. Taichi has a chance, at least, of winning the title. Maybe? I mean...okay, I gotta be honest. Unbiasedness, aside, this guy has no chance in Hell. What the hell is he even thinking coming down here for this?"
Reynolds: "I don't know, but knowing how violent Belphegor can get, I better let Miho sit by us to protect her."
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For the first minute of the match, Belphegor pretty much chased Taichi around the ring as the smaller man tried to dodge out of the way of the monster. At one point, Taichi attempted to crawl out of the ring to escape the giant man's wrath as Belphegor reached for him, catching him by his pants which, in turn, came right off to reveal Taichi's tights underneath. After several second of the crowd laughing and taunting Taichi to "GO HOMU!!!!" Taichi slipped back into the ring to avoid a countout which was rewarded, bluntly by a vicious SPEAR from Belphegor. The monster then lifted him up and drove him down with the Ninth Circle for the pinfall at 2:11, successfully retaining his Television Championship.
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The camera opens on the location of Tokyo’s Nezu Shrine. One of the oldest places of worship in the city. As people mill in and out of the area, we recognize N*FW superstar, Angel, wearing a furisode kimono in her gear colors. Her neck length hair tied back, sans the bangs. While we only see her from the back, the woman kneels before the shrine in prayer, ignoring the looks she gets for her unusual physical traits.
Once the camera zooms in from behind, close enough. A pair of legs in boots and torn fishnets enters the frame before Rosemary, herself, plops down beside Angel in full ring gear and all. Looking around with an almost eerie innocence, the Hive Mother sighs contently and breaks into her cheshire grin. “Ahhh, such a lovely place you’ve chosen to spend before our big event tonight!” She leans back on her hands and turns her head towards her new ally. “We feel it’s like the calm before the turbulent storm.”
Angel remains silent, unmoving which draws Rosemary’s curiosity. “So what are you wishing for? Anything good?”
In a rare moment of broken silence, we hear Angel’s voice speak up. “I pray....”
Rosemary's grin grows as she turns over onto her hands and knees, her face so close to Angel's head, she's practically invading her personal space. "How nice! And what are you praying for? A swift victory? The pain and torment of the child you face this evening?"
"Hard to pray..." Angel says, "...with you talking...."
Rosemary huffs, blowing her own strands of loose hair that aren't tied up out of her face as she shakes her head at the sky and whispers, "So boring!" Finally, she pays heed to the camera and smiles again, bringing one hand up to her face with a finger to her cheek. "Ah, but that reminds us...Erin Mercer...of a little piece of advice we implore you to follow. You see...we hope that you are praying as well. Praying for mercy...praying for a quick end...for some sense of salvation...from us. But, prayers are futile in this business. Oh yes! There will be no answer to your pleas, tonight. Because this is the end for you. All of your chances to just...turn around and...walk away...those are done and gone!" She waves her hand, indicating 'off into the wind'. "While you may be meeting us in Tokyo...you are stepping into *our* world. A world of pain...a world of suffering...a world of savagery. It is what awaits you when *our* worlds collide. But our world...will consume yours. You will be devoured. Tormented. Broken. MUTILATED!" Her shout startles other patrons at the shrine as we hear soft, startled gasps all around. Rosemary only seems amused by their reactions. "Terrifying, I know!" She says, delightedly to them before focusing on the camera again, beginning to crawl towards it, slowly.
"Tonight...sweet little Erin...we will be the last one standing...among the carnage...among the wreckage...among the decay...decay...DEC--" Before she can finish, we see the legs of a Tokyo Police Officer come into frame beside her. "Ah...prease excuse...people here...try to pray. Require sirence...." Rosemary looks up at the man with a mock, scolded look on her face, plopping back onto her butt. We can tell the cop is bowing before he calmly turns and exits the frame. Looking back at the camera, Rosemary smiles and shrugs. "Oh, you get the idea." Finally, she lowers her head, grinning at the camera and waves 'bye-bye'. "Seeya at the Dome, Erin darling!" The camera cuts to black.
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In, what most might have called a surprising upset, or better yet, an underdog getting their due, Kid Cthulhu's perserverence paid off and she defeated Angel by pinfall at 10:01 after hitting the Call of Cthulhu.
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Julian Morrison scored a third, consecutive victory for the Renegades against Nico Salvatore after Candi Broduer struck Nico in the back with a chair as he was coming off the ropes for his signature running knee attack while the referee was focused on Morrison. Quickly getting to his feet, Julian gave a kick to Nico's midsection and delivered a new finisher in his arsenal called the Soul Crusher, before rolling himself and Nico over for the pinfall at 15:58.
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*Mannheim and Scott Leroux are seen sparring, going through warmup routines of strikes and blocks, Kennedy Campbell is on the apron, both observing, and tossing in advice to Leroux. Mannheim and Scott pound fists after a few moments and retire to the corner. The cameraman makes his way around to the corner, catching them in mid conversation*
"...so, when he attacks up here, you just want to grab that arm, throw your hips back, and snap through...but apply that extra pressure on the elbow, y'know?"
Kennedy watches both men, a smug little grin on her face as she lounges back, turning to briefly talk to the camera. "See... this right here? Is reason number one I'm happy to be with this group. Look at the bad-ass legends I get to watch and learn from. They joke around a lot... but look at that intensity. If anyone thinks Okada's got a cakewalk ahead of him tonight.... they're sadly mistaken. Scott is out for blood. He's sick of not being seen as the great wrestler that he is."
*Mannheim smirks at Kennedy*
"Seems to me that's something that's due for a change. Okada's got another thing coming tonight."
*Willy slaps Leroux's shoulder*
"Soon enough, not only will you be a goddamn submission expert, you'll be one of the best all-around talents this promotion has to offer."
She nodded, looking to both men while trying not to laugh. "Well... then Scott needs to start doing some REAL wrestling with me, and not just the "hotel room" variety."
Scott looked at Mannheim, giving a 'sorry-not-sorry' shrug. "Look. Here's how it is, folks. It is a fact that I am the most effective submission wrestler on the PLANET. Some people start to go downhill as they age. Me? I just fucking get BETTER. And Okada? You've had one hell of a reign. Nothing I say can take that away from you. But all things come to an end. And tonight, I will become the first man to simultaneously hold the N*FW and IWGP Heavyweight Championship."
*Mannheim nods and looks into the camera*
"Seems us Canadians are taking over. Soon you'll all be sorry."
*Mannheim turns to Scott*
"Was that too much? I never know..."
"Too much? God no. Too much would be Rick coming out wearing a shirt that says 'Make Canada Great Again' or something." Scott replied, before turning back to the camera. "You know who I feel bad for tonight, Okada? Not you. Not me. No... I feel bad for Dave fucking Meltzer. Because tonight... you and I are gonna break his fucking star-rating system so badly it'll never be able to recover."
"Scott, don't give him any ideas...he's already told me about the shirts he wants to get through marketing...."
*Mannheim smiles*
"One of them would actually work over here in Japan...."
"Guys. GUYS." Kennedy said, clearing her throat. "Maybe... we should focus on the task at hand here?"
*Mannheim points at Kennedy*
"Good call!"
*Willy turns back to Scott*
"At least when I told her to keep me in line she listened. I already know she keeps you in line."
"Well..." Leroux shrugged, not even caring that the girl could clearly hear him. "Honestly, a man would do just about anything for an ass like that."
*Mannheim and Scott high five*
Kennedy sighs, turning to the camera again with a raised eyebrow. "Boys will be boys, sadly. Just remember though.... tonight? Scott will be The Man."
*Mannheim shoots a look at Kennedy*
"And to be the man...."
Kennedy just blinks at Willy, giving a loud sigh. "FUCK you're old."
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For the next title match, the ring announcer took to the center of the ring.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the N*FW Silver Mountain Championship!!"
*The ring announcer gestures to the entrance ramp as the opening riff to Godsmack's "I Stand Alone" floods through the stadium. Emerging at the top of the entrance ramp is the large figure of Rick Dickulous, dressed in tight red shorts, the Silver Mountain Championship around his waist, wearing his typical "I'm An Eh-Hole" tee, and a towel over his head. It's clear that this is not the regular demeanor of Rick, he is much more focused, serious, somber. Regardless, the crowd pops as he makes his way to the ring and steps inside. Rick stands in the centre of the ring and slowly spins, arms outstretched, before pulling the towel from his head, bunching it up, and throwing it into the crowd*
Hanson: "This is gonna be a good one, Jimmy, I can feel the electricity in the air. The Silver Mountain Championship being defended in a 5 Round MMA fight? This match will have viewers glued to the screen!"
Reynolds: "Nick, I don't even know who this guy is! Who's Richard Anderson? I thought it was Rick Dickulous! And what's with this godawful music?"
Hanson: "Would it kill you to just do your job and call the matches?"
Reynolds: "No, seriously, Nicky! This is clearly an impostor! Rick Dickulous has obviously hired a stunt double because he's too afraid of what's in store for him tonight!"
Hanson: "Jim, sometimes I wonder whether or not you ate paint chips as a child."
Reynolds: "My favourite flavor was sour cream and onion..."
*Rick stares up the ramp, silently waiting for his opponent with a cold, calculated stare*
While Ishii attempted to use a well thought strategy of going for Rick's legs to bring him down, Rick moved around the ring with surprising swiftness, trying to keep it as a stand up match. Surprisingly, Rick's offense consisted, mainly, of strikes and kicks to the body, avoiding shots to the head.
Hanson: "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that Rick has studied Ishii as an opponent before and he knows that head shots don't really phase the man."
Reynolds: "You might be right, Nicky! See? I told you this wasn't Rick! He's not this smart!"
Hanson: "Look at those kidney shots, he's giving Ishii!"
It wasn't until the second round that Ishii managed to swoop in and catch Rick around the waist, shockingly lifting the big man up and slamming him down onto the mat with a wrestling press. Rick, immediately began attempting to maneuver himself and the man onto their sides to avoid a full mount.
Hanson: "WOW!"
Again, the round ended and the two men were sent to their corners. Rick bleeding profusely from shots taken to the face while Ishii was visibly heaving for breaths due to the heavy body shots Rick had given him.
In the next round, Rick continued to use his size to maneuver Ishii around the ring while Ishii, in turn, worked at using his smaller stature to get in under Rick's reach and go for his own body shots and more takedown attempts. At around the three minute mark, Rick stunned all onlookers by performing a takedown of his own, locking in a Gogoplata that lasted until Ishii tapped out at 3:27 in the third round.
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The camera fades in on a pair of familiar black boots with straps and buckles. Trailing up the shins of the person, we recognize the red snake design on black, tattered-designed tights. We can hear tape being unraveled just before we pan to see a taped hand wrapping up the other, tightly. Panning up the rest of the way, it is confirmed to be the Women’s Champion, Apocalypta in full ring gear. However, here, she has a black towel over her head to conceal her face. Sitting on the bench beside her, are her championship belt and the face paint kit she normally uses. The towel completely obscures her features, however....
"Yo, A!" The voice of Mia Hayashi came ringing out from just outside the locker room, as the petite young wrestler came skipping in, still her in street clothes (black dress with a black leather jacket and no gothy, cosplay makeup yet). "Everything ok? Ain't heard from you all week. I swear, I don't wanna have to break out the 80s girl-power, feel-good anthems.... but so help me, I'll do it."
Apocalypta doesn’t look up at first. She continues to tape her hands up, silently. She pauses at the sound of Mia’s voice. With a heavy sigh, her shoulders sag. “...Hey Mouse....” Apocalypta says somberly. “Sorry...I just needed some time to myself for a little while. It’s....” She lowers her head under the towel more to rest it in one of her hands with the elbow propped up on her elbow. “...It’s been a rough week....”
"Well, whatever Red said to you, I figured it wasn't a friggin' knock-knock joke, ya know? Oh, and holy SHITBALLS, you're actually hot under that wonky makeup. Anyhoo..." Mis continued, just rambling on as she was wont to do. "I was just worried about ya. Even my dad was, bless his barely-speaking-English soul. He was all "Mia!!! You make sure friend ok! She rook very upset!" He's such a stereotype, I swear. Love him, but dude's like one cheap Godzilla movie away from being a living stereotype. Whatevs. Anyway, yeah. Just worried about ya, weirdo."
Apocalypta’s shoulders shook with a soft chuckle. “Your dad was worried?” Something about that seemed to make her dwell on something. Something deep. Sitting up, Apocalypta leaned back against the wall behind her. The towel still tactfully obscuring her face.
“Do you know what she said to me...?” She went on, craning her head down to look at her hands. She reaches over and pulls the title belt into her lap. “...While she held me there...like the serpent does their prey...ironic as that sounds, given the parties involved...she just whispered to me...’your father misses you...your father loves you...he loves you *so* much.... He just wants to you come home.... Come home...come home....”
"Wow." Mia said, voice sounding very awed there. "See... I never ask you about that. Because even though you're crazier than a goddamn sack of cats, I consider you my friend. But I always kinda thought your old man was a total bad-ass. I'd be stoked if you guys made up. Bonus there, I wouldn't have to worry about him snapping me like a twig for helping you."
“Maybe....” Apocalypta says. “But was it the truth? Or is this just the Dominion’s way of trying to weaken us further? They *abandoned* me, Mia!” She leans onto her knees with her elbows again, but stays looking up at Mia with the back of her head to the camera. Only Mia can still see her face that remains hidden under the towel.
“All of them did! Blackheart...the Paynes...they broke our pact we made. Our promise!” Her hands clench into tight fists that begin to tremble as she looks down at them. “And he let them. He said *nothing* when they moved on from where we all started together! So...I find it hard to believe that last week was nothing more than Judas Lasher’s attempt at getting into my head. However...that old man...that motherFUCKER...doesn’t know what he’s getting into.... My mind is a dark place...it’s a constant nightmare that keeps even *me* up at night. So, if he...if *they*...want to venture into that place...I hope they’re ready for a nightmare unlike they’ve ever seen....”
She looks up at the woman who seemed to be her only friend outside of the Circle of Snakes. “At least I’ve still got you, though, Mouse....” Her tone was tentative...almost worried. Was Mia going to run out on her, too, at some point?
"Yeah.... ya do." Mia told her, giving a sad sigh as she gently gave the taller woman's shoulder a light squeeze. "Kinda stuck with me now. I already fucked up with my oldest friend... I ain't about to do that again."
"Word of warning though." She said, slowly raising an eyebrow. "I hope, for your sake, that I'm wrong about Abaddon. But if I'm not? Watch out for him. Because I say this with love... he's gonna toss you aside the moment he feels you can't help him anymore."
For a moment, Apocalypta reaches up to rest a hand over Mia’s, brushing her thumb over the back of hers. “But...he’s the one who saved me...from myself. When I felt like I was truly alone...willing to give up on it all. He’s the one that came to me and said...’you are special...you have a gift. They were wrong to cast you aside.... I can help you prove them wrong....”
She released Mia’s hand and lifted the Women’s Championship in both hands, looking down at it. “And goddamn it...that’s just what I’ve been doing...that’s just what I will keep doing tonight. It doesn’t matter who walks down that ramp tonight, Mia....” Her hands grip the title belt. “I’m gonna prove them wrong...I’ll prove *everyone*...wrong.” From her seat, she loosens her grip on the belt and looks at Mia. “I’ll just say...for their sake...they’d better be ready...for the storm that’s coming....”
"You're gonna kick ass tonight, babe." Mia told her, standing with a sigh. As she started to walk away, she paused long enough to say one more thing. "Just remember though.... he ain't the only one who stuck by you. You got an increasingly obnoxious, smart-ass pal who ain't going anywhere either."
We hear the door close once Mia takes her leave. At that moment, the camera begins to slowly pan around to the front of the woman. Simultaneously, she slowly lowers her head to keep her face hidden, looking down from under the towel.
“...That’s why I love you....”
And the camera fades out.
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After Rosemary made her entrance to the ring and stood, waiting, the camera cut to the backstage area where we find Erin Mercer walking with a sense of purpose towards the entrance ramp. Under her jacket, she wears a white variation of her gear that perfectly contrasted Rosemary's black and red theme.
"Erin! Erin, Erin, Erin!" We hear the voice of Amy Connors seconds before she comes running in frame with a microphone. "Erin, I've been trying to get a hold of you about your match! Do you have any comments before you go out there?"
"Sorry, Amy, not now...." Erin says coldly, as she continues walking briskly towards the curtain. "I'm gonna end this psycho bitch...even if it kills me...."
Amy Connors slows to a stop with a look of shock and concern on her face as she and the camera watch Erin march towards her match and we hear the opening vocals of Nightwish's "Wish I Had An Angel" begin to play.
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The Last Woman Standing Match kicked off to an explosive start as Erin Mercer removed her jacket as soon as she made it out on stage and hit the ring RUNNING!! The crowd gave a pop for the underdog hero as she slid into the ring and immediately charged the waiting Rosemary. Colliding, they began exchanging shot after shot after shot.
Reynolds: "HERE WE GO, NICKY!!!! THIS MOMENT HAS BEEN REACHING A BOILING POINT AND NOW IT'S FINALLY BLOWN IT'S LID!!"
Hanson: "THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE LEFT STANDING AT THE END OF THIS ONE!! SOMEONE'S NOT WALKING OUT OF HERE, JIM!!"
As the match progressed, Rosemary's style of power and years of experience began to show as she took the fight to Erin relentlessly. There was something else in Erin's eyes, however, that seemed to drive the woman to push her limits. It wasn't long into the match that it turned from a wrestling match to an all out, extreme rules style street fight when the weapons got involved. The first instance was Rosemary pulling a singapore cane from a trash can of 'toys' she'd carried to the ring and began absolutely obliterating Erin Mercer with while she was slumped over the second rope with her arms, exposing her back.
In a moment resembling the caning of Vincent Stone, Rosemary punished Erin mercilessly. Six shots into the assault, she leaned down into her ear where she audibly yelled, "YOU'RE WELCOME, SWEETIE!! WOULD YOU LIKE ANOTHER?!?!" With thin streams of blood running down Erin's back, the woman found a second wind at this moment and struck Rosemary back in the face with an elbow. Wrestling the cane from her, she began returning the shots at any part of Rosemary that she could strike. Head, shoulders, midsection, legs. Taking out her rage on the woman who had caused her torment at the apparent expense of her friend's sanity and beating the HELL out of her!
After several attempts from both women to keep each other down for the 10 count, the match found it's way up onto the stage of the Tokyo Dome where they both appeared to be on their last legs.
Hanson: "Jim, these two are getting dangerously close to that edge there. I don't like it!"
Reynolds: "You kidding me?! This is the hottest cat fight I've ever seen!"
After trading blows, back and forth, Rosemary finally scooped Erin Mercer up onto her shoulders, setting up the Red Wedding as she smiled maniacally...and exhaustedly...to the Tokyo crowd.
Hanson: "Aww, no! She's not thinking of doing...no!! No way!"
Reynolds: "Valar Morghulis, baby!! Red Wedding time!"
But Erin Mercer managed to slip out of the hold and, in a stunning feat of effort, hoisted Rosemary up off of her feet while they were back to back in an unconventional set up for the Red Death!
Hanson: "Ohhhhh no, Jim! More like Red Death! But she's not gonna do this on that metal stage, is she?!"
Reynolds: "Now, that'd just be crazy!"
Erin Mercer then, with Rosemary on her back, positioned her arm back around Rosemary's neck, completing the setup...and THREW both Rosemary AND herself OFF of the stage as the crowd gave a horrified pop, watching the women both go crashing through stacks of tables and other spare equipment.
Hanson: "JESUS CHRIST!!! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!!"
Reynolds: "MOTHERFUUUUUUCK! WE NEED AN AMBULANCE OUT HERE NOW!!"
Hurrying down to ground level, the referee moved in to check on both women to make sure they were still moving.
Hanson: "Oh god, Jim, I...I hope they're alright...."
Reynolds: "I won't lie; me too. That was FUCKING insane!!"
The referee began to count.
1!!!!
No movement.
2!!!!
Still no movement.
Hanson: "I don't even know why she's counting. She should stop this match!"
3!!!!
Erin began to stir as Rosemary rolled over on her back. Pained expressions on both of their faces.
4!!!!
Erin Mercer lifts her head for the camera to see blood running down her face. Her eyes glazed over as if she doesn't even know where she is.
Rosemary bends one knee and begins trying to roll over onto her side.
5!!!!
Hanson: "Just stop the match and call an ambulance!!"
6!!!!
Erin Mercer begins to crawl out of the heaping pile of broken tables and boxes. Rosemary rolls over onto her stomach and begins trying to get up onto all fours.
7!!!!
Reynolds: "She's at 7, Nicky!! Are these two even gonna be able to get up at all?!?!"
8!!!!
Outside of the wreckage caused by her finisher, Erin Mercer struggles to push herself up onto all fours. Rosemary attempts to get a foot up onto the floor. She does.
9!!!!
Erin Mercer hastily struggles to get her own footing and begins to push herself up into a standing position. Rosemary starts to push herself up...but cries out in pain as she topples over onto her side, putting a hand to her back in agony.
10!!!!
Right as the referee reaches 10, Erin Mercer straightens her stance, clutching an arm against her ribs with tears of agony and exhaustion running down her bloodied face. Despite this, the referee grabs her other wrist and raises her arm in victory at 10:38, proclaiming her the winner of N*FW's first Last Woman Standing match!!
After the match, medics rushed the scene to check on both women. Despite them insisting that Erin Mercer accept a stretcher, the woman shakes her head and just leans on one of the medics until Kid Cthulhu, still in her mask but having changed into street clothes, comes out and helps Erin to the back with the woman's arm over her shoulders. Meanwhile, the remaining medics continued to check on Rosemary who was showing no signs of even trying to get up. Finally, one of the medics hastily called for the need of a stretcher. The fans and even announce team looked on in silent concern as the Hive Mother was lifted onto the stretcher in a neck brace and wheeled towards the back....
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As the crowd of the Tokyo Dome awaits the beginning of the next match, all of a sudden Prophets of Rage’s “Unfuck The World” fill the arena. Surprisingly enough, a large number of the Japanese crowd are on their feet, holding signs and waving...yes...STEELERS towels!
As “The Punisher” Andrew Payne and his long time brother and tag team partner appear on stage, the Punisher reacts in a rare moment of high energy, waving his own towel overhead and amping up the crowd. Pausing on stage, he bumps fists and gives a quick bro-hug to BDP before the two begin marching down the ramp and Andy throws his towel to a random cheering fan that doesn’t have a towel to wave. Halfway down the ramp, the ring announcer raises his microphone.
“The following contest is scheduled for one fall...and is for the N*FW World Tag Team Championships! Introducing first, at a combined weight of 593lbs, they are the N*FW World Tag Team Champions: Big Daddy Payne...”The Punisher” Andrew Payne...THE MCKEESPOOOORT MAFIAAAAAA!!”
BDP hops up onto the middle turnbuckle, taking a look at the huge crowd in attendance, before snatching the mic from the ring announcer. "Look at all the black and yellow out there here in Tokyo!" Pointing to the back, before holding his title belt aloft, he began to address tonight's challengers. "One thing real quick. Brody? The FUCK were you thinking, man? Having us all put our titles up against guys from another promotion and not even tell us who? Do you WANT to make this promotion look like shit? Luckily, we got you covered. There's a lot of good teams back there. Everyone from the G.O.D., to Los Ingobernable, to the Killer Elite Squad, to the Bucks. And whoever you deciude to send out here? Is waking outta here in a lot worse shape than they entered in. Also? They're leaving just as they came in: as the challengers."
Catching the mic as BDP tosses it to him, Andrew Payne sets his title belt back over his shoulder. “Hey, you heard the man when he announced this show: he’s got faith in us as N*FW superstars. That’s because he knows, no matter who gets thrown at us, no matter who comes for these belts...” Andy raises his belt off of his shoulder and into the air, “...that we are the baddest...meanest...toughest motherfuckers...ON...THIS...PLANET!”
Lowering his belt down, he comes to stand beside his partner and looks up the ramp down at the stage. “So, while our opponents may know WHO they’re facing, tonight...they don’t know WHAT they signed up for, because they’ve never stepped into the ring with Pittsburgh’s Finest! They’ve never set foot inside the House of Payne! So, whenever you boys are ready, the light’s on...our door is open...come on in and get your heads rocked!”
BDP leaned in against his partner, to say a few last words into the mic. "What my brother is trying to say is... whoever you got for us, we ain't scared. We ain't nervous. We ain't even concerned. You know why? Because we're the House of Payne.... AND ALL WE FUCKING DO IS WIN."
Barely a split second after BDP finished his words, the intro to "Killer Bomb" blared through the arena's sound system.
Hanson: "WWWWHHAAAAT?!"
Reynolds: "NO WAY!!!!!"
Immediately, recognizing the sound of the music, BDP and Andy Payne crack amused...almost approving smirks and exchange a fist bump as their opponents are announced as two very familiar faces to the NJPW came walking out onto the ramp, staring down the champions. Ready for war.
"Their opponents! At a combined weight of 525lbs!! Lance Archer...and Davey Boy Smith Jr...THE KILLER ELIIIIIITE SQUAD!!!!"
Reynolds: "This is gonna be a fucking war, Nicky!"
Hanson: "You're telling me?! Two of the baddest men in NJPW! And they've got their sights set on the N*FW Tag Team Championships!"
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In a hellacious match that went on for 16:13, the McKeesport Mafia and KES absolutely took it to each other!!!! Brutal brawling and power combined on both sides made for an absolute slug fest that still proved to be an impressive wrestling match. After several pin attempts from both sides, the McKeesport Mafia managed to retain the N*FW Tag Team Championships as BDP came off the apron to the outside for a flying Bukakke Blast to Smith, while inside the ring, Andrew Payne slipped out of Archer's attempt at the Texas Tornado and countered with an 11th Hour for the pinfall.
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The ring announcer stands inside the ring, raising the microphone to his mouth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall...."
Crowd: "ONE FARRU!!"
Reynolds: "Now that's the funniest shit, I've ever heard in my life."
Hanson: "Would you stop it?"
"...And it is for the N*FW Women's Championship!!!!"
After a brief pause, the opening guitar to Tore Fagerheim's "Hurricane" RIPS through the arena as the lights dim down and begin flickering eerily. A moment later, the Women's Champion, Apocalypta appears on stage: full ring gear, white contacts and face paint. Looking just as fearsome as ever. Definitely a polar opposite to what was seen earlier in her exchange with Mia.
Reynolds: "Nicky, this woman scares the living shit out of me."
Hanson: "I don't blame ya, partner. I don't blame ya...."
As "Hurricane" roars on, Apocalypta makes her walk down the ramp, staring intensely down at the empty ring as she passed by fans of which many don't seem to know what to think at the sight of her.
Reynolds: "Even these fans from Japan don't know what to think, Nicky! Look at their faces!"
In a sense of all business, Apocalypta enters the ring and immediately removes her entrance attire, resting the championship belt on her shoulder as she turns towards the stage.
"Aaaaand now, introducing the challenger...."
After a momentary pause from the sound system and the crowd, the surprising sound of "The Savior" came on through the speakers as the name "IWATANI" FLASHED across the tron screen. The crowd...went...WILD!!!!
Reynolds: "WOOOOOOW!!!!"
Hanson: "I DON'T BELIEVE MY EYES, JIM!"
As the song played on, STARDOM superstar Mayu Iwatani came running out onto the stage, in her full entrance robe and mask, amping up the excited crowd.
"From Mine, Yamaguchi Japan...please welcome...MAYU....IWAAAAATANI!!!!"
Hanson: "MAYU IWATANI, JIM!!! ARGUABLY THE GREATEST WOMAN OF WRESTLING IN JAPAN, TODAY!!"
Reynolds: "This has the potential to rival the main event as projected match of the night!!"
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In a shocking show of one sided aggression, Apocalypta came out of her corner at the opening bell and attacked Iwatani with an onslaught offense. Tackling her into her corner, Apocalypta rammed her repeatedly in the midsection with her shoulder several times before grabbing her by the throat with both hands and tossing her into the center of the ring.
As Iwatani began to get to her feet, Apocalypta hunched down in the corner, sneering with rage on her face as she poised for her MOAB Launch. As soon as Iwatani turned around, Apocalypta came rushing out of the corner right into a counter knee to the face, staggering her backwards. In obvious pain, but not letting it get the better of her, Mayu Iwatani began laying into the champion with sharp, precise strikes of her own. Kicks to the legs and elbows to the face and neck started to put the champion on unsteady footing.
Apocalypta suddenly attempted a vicious lariat that Iwatani ducked under and countered with a savage rear hurricanrana, dropping her onto her head and neck. Apocalypta laid there on the mat, sprawling to get up as Iwatani fought get to her feet. Signaling to the cheering crowd, she set Apocalypta up for a suplex. To the shock of the fans, and all others watching, however, her lift attempt was countered with Apocalypta blocking with her leg, followed by a knee to the ribs. Iwatani's legs sagged from the strike right before Apocalypta hoisted her up into the air and delivered a surprise GROUND ZERO suplex powerbomb!!!! From there, she held the final position for a cover attempt as the referee dropped down and went for the count---
1!!!!
2!!!!
3!!!!
Ending the match at 4:19!!
Hanson: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!"
Reynolds: "HOOOOOLY SHIT, NICKY!!!! DID I JUST SEE THAT?!?!"
Hanson: "APOCALYPTA JUST BEAT MAYU IWATANI IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES!!! MAYU IWATANI!!!! FIVE MINUTES!!! LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES!!!!"
Reynolds: "SHE WANTED TO MAKE A STATEMENT TO THE WOMEN'S DIVISION OF N*FW AND ALL WOMEN WRESTLERS AROUND THE WORLD, AND BY GOD SHE DID IT!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!!!!"
As she was handed her championship back, Apocalypta SNATCHED the microphone from the ring announcer's hand as she glared at the crowd.
"...I said...I would prove everyone wrong...." She hissed into the mic, seething as she stood over Iwatani with a foot on her chest. "I told all of you...that I would prove...you...WRONG!! Thus...." She lowers her gaze down at her fallen opponent, then lifts her eyes towards the crowd and camera. "Behold...the aftermath...of my wrath...." Dropping the microphone down onto Iwatani, Apocalypta steps away from her as "Hurricane" plays on over the speakers again. The Women's Champion exits the ring, silently departing up the ramp with her title on her shoulder. As she reaches the ramp, she stops...turns...and raises the title belt over her head....
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In a spectacle to defy all others of professional wrestling, the N*FW Heavyweight Champion and IWGP Heavyweight Champion left it all in the ring against one another as they fought on for exactly an HOUR!!!!
Thirty four minutes into the match had both men continuing to trade offense with Okada managing to swiftly escape each attempt Leroux made at a submission maneuver. In exchange, Leroux had clearly studied his opponent and seemed abe to scope numerous attempts at the Rainmaker and Tombstone. One attempt saw Scott Leroux counter an attempt and go for a Cobra Clutch. He barely got his arms around Okada's neck before the IWGP Champion slipped out and DROVE him back into the mat with a snap German Suplex!
Hanson: "OHHH!!!! DID YOU SEE HOW SCOTT LANDED?!?!"
Reynolds: "THAT'S IT, NICKY!!"
1!!!!
2!!!!
But Scott Leroux KICKED OUT!!!!
At forty two minutes, after going back and forth some more, Okada looked to be going for another German Suplex but Scott struggled against letting him complete the move. Suddenly, instead, Okada grabbed him by the wrist and spun him outward.
Reynolds: "HERE IT COMES!!! RAINMAKER, NICKY!!!!"
But as Okada yanked Leroux towards him, the N*FW Heavyweight Champion ducked under Okada's arm and tossed him up into the air for a sudden POPUP POWERBOMB!!"
Hanson: "NO!!! LEROUX COUNTERS!!! WE'RE GONNA HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!!"
1!!!!
2!!!!
OKADA KICKED OUT!!!!
As Leroux picked Okada up to his feet, the two began trading exhausted blows back and forth. As the pace picked up and their second winds seemed to approach, it was Leroux who went for a German Suplex of his own. Okada blocked the lift by planting his feet and twisted around behind Leroux, locking a grip onto his wrist.
Hanson: "WAIT, JIM!!!"
Reynolds: "NO!!!"
RAINMAKER ON SCOTT LEROUX!!!! Both men went tumbling down to the mat. The crowd was on their FEET!!! Mixted chants of both men's names could be heard as Okada rolled over onto his stomach and began crawling towards Leroux for the pinfall. With pain wracking his body, however, the IWGP Champion paused to catch his breath, giving the N*FW Champion time to recover enough and roll onto his side, away from Okada.
Hanson: "Ohhhhhh man! Okada hit his finishing maneuver but he's so exhausted, he couldn't capitalize!!!!"
Reynolds: "COME ON, SCOTTY!!! COME ON!!!! DO IT FOR N*FW!!!!"
The excitement picked up in the final moments of the match. As Okada got to his feet and pulled Leroux up, the NJPW superstar went for an Irish Whip, but Leroux COUNTERED into an EXPLODER SUPLEX!!
1!!!!
2!!!!
OKADA KICKED OUT!!!!
Frustrated, Leroux pulled himself to his feet and locked onto Okada's waist where he unleashed something not seen in his arsenal before. A combination of two German Suplexes, finishing off with a Tiger Suplex.
1!!!!
2!!!!
OKADA KICKED OUT!!!!
A look of relief was seen on the face of Gedo in Okada's corner while Mannheim and Kennedy appeared distraught. The former yelling for Scott to get up and keep going.
Reynolds: "We've got a sixty minute time limit, Nicky, and we're passed the fifty nine minute mark!!! What the hell is gonna happen?!?!"
Struggling to their feet again, Okada and Leroux began trading shots. After a stiff elbow to the jaw, Leroux was spun around. Once again, Okada seized him by the wrist!!
Reynolds: "NO!! NOT AGAIN!!! IF THIS IS A SECOND RAINMAKER, THIS COULD DO IT!!"
Hanson: "CAN SCOTT SURVIVE ANOTHER ONE?!?!"
Okada whipped Leroux out, yanked him in and Leroux ROLLED under his arm, seizing Okada by the foot, promptly YANKING him down to the mat!!
Reynolds & Hanson: "ANKLE LOCK!!!! ANKLE LOCK!!!!
Hanson: "HE'S GOT IT!!!!! HE'S GOT IT LOCKED IN!!!!"
Reynolds: "TWIST THAT MOTHERFUCKER, SCOTTY!!! BREAK IT IF YOU HAVE TO!!!!"
As if Scott could hear Reynolds in his head, at the 15:40 mark, he threw himself back and wrapped his legs around Okada's wrenching his ankle more, blood running down the N*FW Champion's face!! Okada reached for the rope, SCREAMING in pain as Gedo slapped the mat and yelled encouragement for him to reach the ropes. Okada was too far to make it, however and raised his hand up, ready to tap it seemed.
DING DING DING DING DING!!
Reynolds: "WAIT, WHAT?!"
Hanson: "IT'S OVER!!"
Reynolds: "WHAT?!"
At the sound of the bell, Leroux released the Ankle Lock hold and laid out on the mat. Okada dropped his head down into his upper arms, heaving. Both men looking beat to hell.
"Ladies and gentlemen, due to the sixty time limit being reached, this match...is declared...a DRAW!! As a result, both men will retain their championships!!"
Hanson: "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!"
Reynolds: "DAVE MELTZER, CALL A REPAIRMAN!! THAT SCALE HAS TO BE SHATTERED!!!!"
