Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Sept 25, 2018 8:31:02 GMT -8
The show opens in silence as an image of Vlad Blackheart hoisting up his first Heavyweight Championship appears on the screen. Beneath it, the text reads:
~In Loving Memory Of Vlad Blackheart~
~Jan. 14, 1975 - May 5, 2016~
After the image fades away, the sound of Saliva's "Ladies And Gentlemen" is heard as the tournament logo explodes onto the screen and we hear the announcer's thunderous voice.
"THIS...IS THE VLAD BLACKHEART MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT!!"
"TWENTY MEN!!"
"EIGHTEEN MATCHES!!"
"TWO BLOCKS!!"
"ONE WINNER!!"
"INTRODUCING...B BLOCK!!"
"REPRESENTING THE GREAT WHITE NORTH...THE TAPOUT KING...SCOTT...LEROUX!!"
"REPRESENTING THE MCKEESPORT MAFIA...BIG...DADDY...PAYNE!!"
"REPRESENTING THE GREAT WHITE NORTH...FROM THE ARMY OF DARKNESS...THE MANGLER...WILLIAM...MANNHEIM!!"
"REPRESENTING THE BULLET CLUB ELITE...THE BEST BOUT MACHINE...KENNY...OMEGA!!"
"REPRESENTING THE BULLET CLUB O.G'S...THE BAD BOY...TAMA...TONGA!!"
"REPRESENTING LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON...THE KING OF DARKNESS...EVIL!!"
"HE'S HOT...HE'S SPICY...HE TASTES GREAT...CURRY MAN!!"
"REPRESENTING THE DOMINION OF PAIN...THE KING OF PAIN...JUDAS...LASHER!!"
"REPRESENTING THE MCKEESPORT MAFIA...THE PUNISHER...ANDREW...PAYNE!!"
"AND...REPRESENTING SUZUKI-GUN...THE KING OF PRO WRESTLING...MINORU...SUZUKI!!"
As the video ends, the shot cuts to ringside in the Brooklyn arena as the stage pyro goes off and the crowd goes wild. As always, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds greet everyone on commentary.
Hanson: "WELCOME LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! WE'RE BACK HERE AT THE BARCLAY CENTER, IN BROOKLYN NEW YORK FOR DAY TWO OF THE VLAD BLACKHEART MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT!! GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US, AS ALWAYS! I'M NICK HANSON! MY BROADCAST PARTNER BESIDE ME - JAMES REYNOLDS!!"
Reynolds: "BROOKLYN, BROOKLYN!! WHERE WE AT, WHERE WE AT!!"
Hanson: "Alright, ignore him folks. He tends to be an idiot, as you well know."
Reynolds: "Hey! I resemble that remark!"
Hanson: "My point exactly."
Reynolds: "Huh? Wait.... Shit!"
Hanson: "Anyways, folks! Let's kick this show off with our opening match. Get ready for some preliminary tag team action!"
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GreyWolfe defeated Tanga Loa and Taiji Ishimori by pinfall in 11:24, after Chris Wolfe drilled Tanga Loa with the Direwolf and made the cover.
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The scene opens up as the camera is going through the backstage area passing several NFW superstars until it finally stops on a guy thats been making some new enemies as of late...Ryan Steele as he enters his locker room he sees his Fallen tag partner Sabastian Riley Young "Hey Man" Ryan says to Sabastian... "Ryan who we got tonight?" Sabastian asks Ryan .."Oh its the Country idiots the Rebel Rousers.. " Ryan replies... " Oh .. Really?... i thought those guys were lost on some backroads staring at some horses mating....." Sabastian says but its heard that Ryan is laughing so hard that he cant say anything... "Maybe those guys are taking pointers from animals because they cant get a a woman to save thier life...." Sabastian continues "Or Maybe..." as Ryan chimes in " They think the animals are a woman... You know them dumb country people are into some weird stuff... " " Yea" as Sabastian agrees as he turns to the camera " You dumb country guys.. You guys better keep eyes in the back of your head.. cause we aren't the guys to hang with.. we arent the ones to go on a horse ride down a canyon with.... we are The Fallen.. We are the ones you dont want to face... We are Renegades .. This man next to me is The Omega, the last one youll never want to mess with. And im The Dangerous One Sabastian Riley Young. We didnt get these names just because.. there is a reason.. and we are holding part of that reason right here. " He holds up the NFW Tag Team Championship if theres any doubt in your mind about us.. well..." Sebastian stops as Ryan cuts in..."We are gonna clear that up for you" scene closes as both hold up thier respective part of the Tag Titles as the camera slowly backs away and the locker room door shuts........
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
From out in the arena, we can hear Crossfade's "Starless" blasting from the speakers. Seconds later, the rag tag put together duo of El Piso Mojado and Vincent Stone come walking in front of the NFW backdrop covered in different logos - everything from the NFW logo itself, to the logo for the Vlad Blackheart Memorial, as well as the many sponsors assisting in funding the event.
El Piso Mojado mumbles something in Spanish, completely exhausted as he leans back against the backdrop and slides down out of frame to sit on the floor, leaving Stone to stand anting heavily, dripping with sweat and casually holding an arm across his ribs.
"Agh...fuck me, those guys are tough.... Tough as goddamn nails! Liger, especially...." He says, looking slightly off screen at the reporter directly in front of him while the camera we're seeing through is in front and slightly to the side.
"Don't let anybody ever tell you that age makes a wrestler washed up. That it makes them weak. That guy's been doing this for almost thirty years...and he'll still kick your ass and entertain the fans doing it. That's what this is about. That's what *pro wrestling* is about. It's about heart...it's about drive.... Age *is* just a number in this business. And to hell to with anybody that says differently. It's been an honor to face a legend like Jushin Liger not once, but twice already since I've come back. And I certainly enjoyed mixing it up with Kushida," He paused, turning towards the camera that had him looking directly at the viewers, "and, brother, you better believe...I am most definitely looking forward...to a singles match with you. We don't have to have any title on the line. We don't need to have beef. Just me and you in a ring, whether it's in the New Frontier, or New Japan...it don't matter. Commissioner Brody...President Meij...if you two are watching...let's make it happen...."
He manages a smile before starting to turn towards the backdrop and winces again. "Agh, shit.... Oh, man. Piso! Let's go, buddy." Stone reaches down and helps El Piso Mojado to his feet as the two stumble off camera.
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The Fallen defeated the Rebel Rousers in 16:00 flat when Ryan Steele pinned Teddy Morse after reversing a Sunset Flip Powerbom attempt into a top rope DDT.
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As Marissa Payne made her way down the walkway, Max LeBrun and Serena Frost stood, waiting in the ring - Serena with a cold stare and Max with a wicked grin. Once she reached ringside, Marissa stopped, staring up at them with a coldness that almost matched Serena's as her music faded.
"And introducing, her tag team partner...."
Reynolds: "Who's it gonna be, Nicky?!"
Hanson: "Let's find out! Who did she choose?!"
After about ten seconds of silent anticipation....
Crossfade's "Starless" kicked on over the speakers as the video wall lit up with the VTR for VINCENT STONE and the crowd immediately went wild!!
Hanson & Reynolds: "WHOA!!!!!"
"From Melbourne, Florida...weighing in at two hundred and fourteen pounds...he is one hald of the NFW Mixed Tag Team Champions...VINCENT...STONE!!!!"
As the announcer called his name, Vincent Stone made his usual amped up emergence from the curtain in his ring gear, as well as a vintage Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers jersey and a Kicks And Stones skullcap. On his way to the ring, the man happily high fived the fans in the front row of the walkway before coming to stand next to Marissa and gave her a fist bump. Then...the two suddenly hit the ring and went right at LeBrun and Frost, kicking off the match with a brawl that had to be broken up and controlled before the bell officially rung.
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Max LeBrun and Serena Frost defeated Marissa Payne and Vincent Stone in 17:28 when Frost made Payne tap to a Fujiwara Armbar while LeBrun yanked Stone down from the apron and hit him with a Slapshot.
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
"Get the fuck out of my way!"
We hear the angry voice of NFW World Champion, Max LeBrun before he appears from the curtain and comes towards the backdrop in front of the interview crew. He almost passes them by completely, his title belt swinging from one hand at his side, before stopping to turn towards them and puts on a mock smile.
"Oh, let me guess: you want a word from the champion, is that it?" His smile is instantly replaced by a look of sheer annoyance. "Well, I've only got one thing to say!" Again, his expression changes, this time into a genuine, albeit exhausted smile. "That motherfucker!" He points out in the direction of the ringside area. "Chris Wolfe. That's the type of guy that deserves to be in this tournament. Not these washed up, old fucks that want one last hoorah before their bodies give out! Look at Wolfe! He's young. He's hungry." Max reaches up to nurse his jaw which took some heavy shots, courtesy of Wolfe's stiff slaps and elbows. "Hits like a fucking beast, to be honest. Am I disappointed that I lost my first block match?" He shrugs. "Of course, I am. But I lost to a guy that *deserves* to be here! And you know what? I'm okay with that. Really. But you know what Chris? You did everything out there for the wrong reason. I heard what you said earlier, at first. You were ready to make your mark. You were gonna do this for you. But did you?"
Max makes a face and scoffs. "Pfft, fuck no! You did it for some mentally fucked up, harlot who can't handle someone putting the truth of things out there! You did it for the privileged daughter of some broken son of a bitch who still thinks he's a goddamn monster! You need to do this for *you* Chris. You're a star in the making, man. You're a rough diamond! You just need a little..." He motions with one hand as if he's dusting something off, "...a little polishing. I can help you with that, man. *We* - the Renegades - can help you! Come join us, Chris. Hell, bring Tyler! Both of you! You belong with the future of this sport. You belong with *us*! Think about it...." He taps his temple. "I'll be happy to teach you, and I'm gonna start with my next block match against Buzzsaw."
Max rolls his eyes before shaking his head in disappointment. "Buzz...bro. You're right. You and I, we're damn near the same age. But look at you. You're still following Judas Lasher around like one of his lap dogs. There's promise in you, too, man." He says, pointing to the camera. "But you're so stuck on loyalty to a guy who doesn't matter anymore that it's clouded your mind. Fortunately, for you, I'll be there on the 26th to knock some sense into that head of yours." Max winks and 'pulls the pin' with a click of his tongue before shoving passed the reporters to his left and makes his way further backstage.
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Hanson: "Well, folks. That about wraps up the prelim matches. We hope you've been enjoying the action so far because NOW...it's time to kick off our first series of B Block matches. We heard from Andrew Payne last night along with Big Daddy Payne and Shelton Benjamin, but now, we'd like to take you back to the press conference from Sunday, September 23rd where we recieved opening comments from Paul Heyman, on behalf of Payne's first opponent. We're talking of course, about the self proclaimed King of Pro Wrestling, Minoru Suzuki."
The shot changes to the press conference room, once more, where we are given the date this segment took place on.
~Sunday, 9/23/2018~
*Steven Brody approaches the podium and looks to his right with a little bit of disdain.*
"Coming up to the podium at this time is Minoru Suzuki, accompanied by his advocate, Paul Heyman," Brody says. Brody steps aside and takes his seat as Suzuki and Heyman take the podium, with Suzuki flanking Heyman to his right.
"First off, on behalf of my client, Minoru Suzuki as well as Zack Sabre Jr., who can't be here tonight as he is currently in England fulfilling an appearance obligation, we are honored to have been included as participants in the first annual Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. We are here to serve notice to the other participants in both blocks, that both Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre Jr. have spent a great deal of time scouting and studying everyone in these blocks. And I have to say, both men look forward to the challenge. What is this challenge, you may ask? The challenge for both men, is to see how many opponents they can stretch, mangle, and otherwise torture, with their extensive knowledge of mat wrestling and submission holds. You see, this is a contest between student and teacher. It's not to say that Zack Sabre Jr. was inferior in anyway to Minoru Suzuki, oh no! It's that ever since Sabre did come into the fold as a member of Suzuki-gun, that there was a new sadistic level that was unlocked in him. Zack Sabre was already one of the great submission wrestlers in this, or any other, generation. Somewhere along the way, he saw the agony he was causing in his opponents when he slowly wrenched an arm back to the point it was coming out of its socket. He heard the loud gasps of pain coming from when he would place a knee into the base of an opponent's back as he wrenched back on both the head and legs of an opponent and turned them into a human bow. And you know what, he liked it. He like it so much that Sabre looks for new ways to torture his opponent in the ring. And he credits that to none other than the King himself, Minoru Suzuki. But it's not to say that this was a one-way teaching experience. For Mr. Suzuki, seeing Zack Sabre causing all sorts of torture and pain on his opponents reawakened him to the joys of submission wrestling. However, unlike Sabre who uses a litany of holds, Suzuki prefers the simpler things in life. The simpler things that come when one simply places someone to sleep. The joy that comes in physically feeling an opponent's struggles come to a slow halt when they can't tell the referee that they've had enough. And it is this joy that Mr. Suzuki looks to impart on the other members of his Block.
But don't think that both men will have any disadvantage being relative newcomers to NFW, oh no. These men are fully aware of the rigors and the strain that comes in participating in a tournament of this format. Both men have competed in the G1 tournament and produced VERY strong showings. So don't think they'll be at any disadvantage going in, because these men can say that they are physically and mentally ready to handle the vigors of this tournament. Can the rest of you say the same thing after all is said and done? Get ready, Suzuki-gun is coming in force for this tournament and we have one goal in mind, and that is to take the WHOLE...DAMN...THING. Thank you, it's been YOUR pleasure," Heyman says with a chuckle in the direction of Commissioner Brody as both he and Suzuki return to their seats and Brody returns to the podium.
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Minoru Suzuki defeated Andrew Payne in their block match, at 11:37 with the Gotch Style Piledriver. Following the bell, Suzuki proceeded to add insult to injury by disrespectfully booting Payne until he was out of the ring before giving a sinister smile towards the audience.
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[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
Amy Connors catches up to Rick Dickulous backstage after his match against Buzzsaw
"Rick! Rick! I was wondering if you have any comments on your match..."
Rick smiles at Amy, rubbing the side of his face, red from Buzzsaw's vicious kicks. Rick takes Amy's microphone and looks into the camera
"Buzzsaw, guy? THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!! Seriously! Totally in-fucking-credible!"
Rick points
"You and I are gonna have one hell of a match for this,"
Rick pats the Silver Mountain Championship around his waist
"...but, that match won't be the same as this one was, I can promise you that! I said there'd be blood, and neither one of us delivered...we'll have to work on that next time, buddy!"
Amy Connors reaches for a second mic handed to her by a stagehand
"Rick, what about your next match on Wednesday against Matt Klazzic?"
Rick shoots his huge grin at Amy
"Amy, guy? Matt and I are gonna do what we both do best - entertain! Seriously, I don't think people give him enough credit!"
"Rick, any strategy for the rest of the bracket? Maybe for Wednesday?"
Rick looks at Amy, dissapointment all over his face
"Amy, I can't tell you anything more than that I'll be watching a lot of his matches on YouTube, and up in the archives. Being behind by two points chafes my balls...almost as bad as when I was sitting with Ron MacLean..."
Amy Connors looks at Rick
"Thanks for your time, Rick!"
Amy looks into the camera
"There you have it, folks! Back to Jim and Nick with more action!"
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[EARLIER TODAY]
"Come on, brother.... Come on!" Inside what appears to be an old, abandoned, New York gym, the camera catches Doomsday standing over Judas Lasher on a weight bench. Ironically, despite the masked man's normal demeanor and how he usually carries himself, he's actually spotting the Dominion's leader through the end of a set of reps. "One more... Push. Fucking push!" One would think that he was talking to a student, which was even more ironic, considering Lasher's position in the Dominion of Pain.
With a loud roar, Judas pushed the final rep up, eyes afire with rage and focus. Dripping with sweat, the leader of The Dominion sat up, reaching over to tiredly slap Doomsday on the arm in silent thanks as he gathered himself. "I didn't think there was anything left in this sport that could truly drive me. That I could hunger for. But this? This tournament? I want this. I *need* this."
Doomsday clapped a massive hand down on Judas' shoulder as he came around to stand beside the Dominion of Pain's representative for B Block. "That's why you deserve it." Doomsday's voice was a deep, intimidating growl underneath his mask - otherwise, he wore his own variation of 'workout gear' in the form of a sleeveless PowerWolf t-shirt and black track pants. Even in this, with his hair tied back behind his head, the man was absolutely terrifying to behold. "There are others who spew false pleasantries about what this tournament stands for. Claiming to have known Vlad." As Doomsday spoke, he began unracking the weights on the bar and replacing them with larger ones in a slow, methodical manner. "While there's no denying that some knew him...acquainted themselves with him...they know nothing of who he really was. Not like we did. Not like *you* did. We followed you here when you called upon us...but it was you that Vlad's daughter chose to defend his honor when it was tainted. Tainted by a worm that has since been squashed under boot. It's because of that...among everything else that you have given...that you have earned this."
"I don't let myself show emotion often. Not in public, and especially not on camera." Lasher said, voice lowering as he quickly took a chug from a water bottle that sat nearby. "But Vlad was the brother I never had. We traveled together, we trained together, we broke bread together. When he married Lara Chastain, it was I he asked to be his best man. Not a day goes by that I don't miss that man. I do love his daughter... but I admit part of wanting her in this group is selfishness: the fact that she's so much like him that it's almost like having him back with us again."
Doomsday came to sit in an old, rusty chair beside Judas, placing his hands together with his fingertips pressed into one another. "You could look at it that way. But on the other hand..." He separated his hands as he spoke, raising one, palm up beside him as if in reference. "...Lara came to you of her own volition. She was not forced. The girl needed someone she knew she could turn to when she needed a helping hand. Someone she could trust. She chose you. You are the man that watches over her now as her journey into this business moves into high gear. I think Vlad knew you were that kind of man, inside. That's why you are the godfather of his child. And for what it's worth, coming from me...I believe you're owning up to that title better than anyone else I've ever had the privilege of knowing. All you need to do now is use that passion...that emotion...turn it into the fire that drives you...and decimate any and everyone that stands between you and your next goal. Remind the New Frontier...remind this entire industry...why you are the King of Pain."
"Indeed." Judas agreed, grabbing a towel and using it to wipe the sweat from his brow. "I made a promise to Lara C. earlier.... I told her that win or lose... I will do right by Vlad's memory and what this tournament is about. I will not let that woman down, Matteo. I could give a shit if the fans cheer me, boo me, idolize me, or damn me. I care only about two things: making The Dominion dominate this promotion by any means necessary... and making sure that nobody ever harms that woman again."
Doomsday nodded, reaching over to clasp Judas' shoulder once more. "They won't. And we will." He said, first in regards to nobody ever harming Lara Chastain again, and second in regards to the Dominion of Pain conquering the NFW. "You will be ready, Judas. We will all...be ready. Now...." He added before standing up from his seat and giving the man a hard slap in the chest - so hard it sounded almost like one of his chops in a match - as he moved to stand back in the spotter's position at the bench, calling for Judas to get back down and continue. "Again!!" His terrifyingly, gruff voice echoed throughout the otherwise empty, old gym before the shot cut to black with an image of a red goat's skull over an inverted pentagram and the words "AVE SATANAS" underneath....
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Judas Lasher defeated Curry Man in their block match by pinfall in 14:09 after flipping out of a Spicy Drop attempt and snapping Curry Man down to the mat with Lucifer's Halo.
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Again, we are taken to the Sunday Press Conference.
~Sunday, 9/23/2018~
Standing at the podium, Steven Brody looks down at the conference schedule and his expression visibly changes from pleasant to, once again, disdain which he tries to hide.
"Ladies and gentlemen, next I'd like to ask...the Bad Boy, Tama Tonga, to come up and give his thoughts, going into the tournament...."
Tama stared down Brody as he approached, glaring at him silently for a long moment before snatching the mic right out of his hand. "Gimme that shit, bitch."
Walking in front of the podium, he ran a hand through his long hair, smirking as he shook his head. "You hoe-muffins are in for a treat Tuesday. You've had that little pussy Kenny Omega, and his little bitch Young Bucks running around here sayin' they're Bullet Club... they ain't SHIT. You ain't SEEN Bullet Club yet. But you will. Me, my brother, Fale, Ishimori... you got the BCOGs comin' to run this shit now. Consider yourself warned. EVIL? You're first... but you sure as hell ain't gonna be last."
That said, Tama Tonga lets the mic fall from his hand and thump against the floor as he returns to his seat. Steven Brody calmly walks up, retrieves the microphone and sets it back in the podium stand with a look of annoyance.
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EVIL defeated Tama Tonga in their block match by pinfall at 13:30 after hitting Everything Is Evil three consecutive times.
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
As the sound of Finger Eleven's "Slow Chemical" is heard out in the arena, the crew of reporters stand in waiting as the curtain if flung open and the Big Red Machine, Kane makes his return from the ring and walks backstage.
Reaching the promotional backdrop, Kane comes to a slow halt...his hair hanging in front of his face as he slowly turns to look at the cameras. Slowly, in an unnerving, robotic manner, he turns to face the cameras head on and slowly steps up. The main camera catches him as he looks among the group of uneasy reporters with a cold scowl on his exposed mouth. The mouth that slowly curls up into a simply evil smile as he begins to chuckle under his breath. Gradually, though, that dark chuckle turns into a full-on laugh that fills the hallway. The main camera slowly begins to back away from Kane as he composes himself...and simply turns, continuing his way down the hallway....
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Again, we are taken to the Sunday Press Conference.
~Sunday, 9/23/2018~
Standing at the podium, Commissioner Steven Brody leans into the microphone.
"Folks, at this time, I'd like to offer one of our partner promotion's star's, an opportunity to speak on his involvement in the tournament. Ladies and gentlemen, Kenny Omega."
From his seat, Kenny Omega arose and strolled over, confidently, yet coolly towards the podium. For the occasion, he wore a black suit with a white undershirt, minus the tie. As he came to stand in front of the podium, his expression slowly turned into a grin. "I'm honored to be here, really. I'm honored because Steven Brody and Harold Meij signed a deal together, wanting two great promotions - New Japan Pro Wrestling and New Frontier Wrestling - to come together and make true...wrestling...magic...." As he said this, he brought his hands together, interlocking his fingers. I'm honored because in an inaugural event for our partnering promotion, I was chosen to carry the New Japan banner into New Frontier territory and represent our brand. Now, it hasn't escaped me that there are four other individuals from Shin Nihon Puroresu, joining me on this journey. But let's be honest here...it's obvious...who the fans from home are going to be tuning in to see. Sure, some might be looking forward to seeing Suzuki physically dismantle people, I'm certain. A couple might even wanna see the "Bad Boy"...." He says this mockingly as he brings his hands up and waves his fingers with a hilarious, mocking wide eyed expression. "Which, by the way, congratulations, on snaking your way into this thing. Where is he? Where's Tama?"
Kenny plucks the microphone up and begins to look around behind him and to the sides at the other competitors before he spots Tama Tonga. "Where---, ahhhh there he is! You sly devil you. I know exactly why you're here. And it sure as hell isn't because you care about this tournament." Kenny sticks the mic back in place and leans on the podium with his hands on the sides. "Tama Tonga...is jealous...over the success that I've had ever since I set foot into our company. And I can only imagine the...the anger...the boiling *rage* that he felt when he saw the block announcements and saw my name...but not his. Sure, some might have been happy to hear that he managed to slip his way in, but I know the real reason that our fans back home are gonna be tuning in. They wanna see, yours truly, standing before you. They wanna see the Best Bout Machine. They wanna see *me*." He pointed a thumb to himself. "They wanna see that guy, right there!" He points across one of the tables at where Kota Ibushi sits. "These people wanna see the Golden Lovers. The Golden ELITE! Now, I'm sorry to say that you won't get a repeat of our very own G1 block finals. They split Kota and I up for this gig. But!" He raises a finger up, slowly grinning. "But...you just might see the greatest finals match in any tournament that has ever taken place in professional wrestling of...all...time! Because the golden boys of this sport...we're going to conquer our blocks...we're going to conquer this tournament, and one of us...I *promise* you will be going to New Frontier's grandest stage of them all, WrestleWar -- could be me? Who knows? Hell! It could be him!" He motioned with both hands towards Kota. "I don't know! The guy kicks he's Bruce Lee! It hurts! Trust me!" He 'calmed down' again as he leaned forward into the microphone. "But, as I said...I *promise* you...the Golden Elite will conquer this tournament...we will carry the banner of New Japan into WrestleWar...and we will march back out of the gate, with the New Frontier's World...Heavyweight...Championship. Sleep on that, until the show begins, but for now, I bid you - ladies and gentlemen of the press - adieu, and I'd like to bid *everyone* watching...goodbye...." He lifts his hand, kissing his index finger, "...and good night...." As he stepped away from the podium, he pointed his finger at the press like a gun, taking air shots as he could softly be heard whispering "Bang...bang bang...bang!" Until he was too far from the mic, as he returned to his seat.
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Kenny Omega defeated William Mannheim in their block match, by pinfall at 18:18, wowing the audience as he lifted the big man up onto his shoulders and planted him in the center of the ring with the One Winged Angel.
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
I Prevail's "Come And Get It" can be heard out in the arena as the reporters eagerly await the return of Nico Salvatore from his first block match.
Finally, after several seconds, a sweaty Nico Salvatore steps through the curtain, pulling the tape off of his wrists and fist. He comes to stand in front of the backdrop, running a hand up his face to push the stray strands of his hair out of his eyes and slick it back. Finally, he focuses in on the main camera and silently beckons it forward. Tentatively, the camera shot moves forward until Nico 's face is right up in the lens. A cold, calculated stare on his face as a new fire burns in his eyes. He has the eyes of his father. Without saying a word...Nico glares even harder into the camera...and slowly raises up his hand with the index finger extended. Then, slowly, he lowers it, tosses his wrist tape to the floor and walks down the hallway towards the locker rooms....
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Scott Leroux defeated Big Daddy Payne in their block match by submission in 17:40 with the Ankle Lock.
Hanson: "And the former champ walks away from his first block match with two points!! An impressive win by Scott Leroux!"
Reynolds: "I'll be honest, Leroux and BDP are a couple of guys I could watch tear it up in the ring all day!"
Hanson: "I'm with ya on that one, pal. These two put on one HELL of a main event, tonight. Kudos to both of them! But, alas, that's it for tonight folks! Good night and we'll see you back here tomorrow for the next round of A Block!"
~In Loving Memory Of Vlad Blackheart~
~Jan. 14, 1975 - May 5, 2016~
After the image fades away, the sound of Saliva's "Ladies And Gentlemen" is heard as the tournament logo explodes onto the screen and we hear the announcer's thunderous voice.
"THIS...IS THE VLAD BLACKHEART MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT!!"
"TWENTY MEN!!"
"EIGHTEEN MATCHES!!"
"TWO BLOCKS!!"
"ONE WINNER!!"
"INTRODUCING...B BLOCK!!"
"REPRESENTING THE GREAT WHITE NORTH...THE TAPOUT KING...SCOTT...LEROUX!!"
"REPRESENTING THE MCKEESPORT MAFIA...BIG...DADDY...PAYNE!!"
"REPRESENTING THE GREAT WHITE NORTH...FROM THE ARMY OF DARKNESS...THE MANGLER...WILLIAM...MANNHEIM!!"
"REPRESENTING THE BULLET CLUB ELITE...THE BEST BOUT MACHINE...KENNY...OMEGA!!"
"REPRESENTING THE BULLET CLUB O.G'S...THE BAD BOY...TAMA...TONGA!!"
"REPRESENTING LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON...THE KING OF DARKNESS...EVIL!!"
"HE'S HOT...HE'S SPICY...HE TASTES GREAT...CURRY MAN!!"
"REPRESENTING THE DOMINION OF PAIN...THE KING OF PAIN...JUDAS...LASHER!!"
"REPRESENTING THE MCKEESPORT MAFIA...THE PUNISHER...ANDREW...PAYNE!!"
"AND...REPRESENTING SUZUKI-GUN...THE KING OF PRO WRESTLING...MINORU...SUZUKI!!"
As the video ends, the shot cuts to ringside in the Brooklyn arena as the stage pyro goes off and the crowd goes wild. As always, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds greet everyone on commentary.
Hanson: "WELCOME LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! WE'RE BACK HERE AT THE BARCLAY CENTER, IN BROOKLYN NEW YORK FOR DAY TWO OF THE VLAD BLACKHEART MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT!! GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US, AS ALWAYS! I'M NICK HANSON! MY BROADCAST PARTNER BESIDE ME - JAMES REYNOLDS!!"
Reynolds: "BROOKLYN, BROOKLYN!! WHERE WE AT, WHERE WE AT!!"
Hanson: "Alright, ignore him folks. He tends to be an idiot, as you well know."
Reynolds: "Hey! I resemble that remark!"
Hanson: "My point exactly."
Reynolds: "Huh? Wait.... Shit!"
Hanson: "Anyways, folks! Let's kick this show off with our opening match. Get ready for some preliminary tag team action!"
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GreyWolfe defeated Tanga Loa and Taiji Ishimori by pinfall in 11:24, after Chris Wolfe drilled Tanga Loa with the Direwolf and made the cover.
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The scene opens up as the camera is going through the backstage area passing several NFW superstars until it finally stops on a guy thats been making some new enemies as of late...Ryan Steele as he enters his locker room he sees his Fallen tag partner Sabastian Riley Young "Hey Man" Ryan says to Sabastian... "Ryan who we got tonight?" Sabastian asks Ryan .."Oh its the Country idiots the Rebel Rousers.. " Ryan replies... " Oh .. Really?... i thought those guys were lost on some backroads staring at some horses mating....." Sabastian says but its heard that Ryan is laughing so hard that he cant say anything... "Maybe those guys are taking pointers from animals because they cant get a a woman to save thier life...." Sabastian continues "Or Maybe..." as Ryan chimes in " They think the animals are a woman... You know them dumb country people are into some weird stuff... " " Yea" as Sabastian agrees as he turns to the camera " You dumb country guys.. You guys better keep eyes in the back of your head.. cause we aren't the guys to hang with.. we arent the ones to go on a horse ride down a canyon with.... we are The Fallen.. We are the ones you dont want to face... We are Renegades .. This man next to me is The Omega, the last one youll never want to mess with. And im The Dangerous One Sabastian Riley Young. We didnt get these names just because.. there is a reason.. and we are holding part of that reason right here. " He holds up the NFW Tag Team Championship if theres any doubt in your mind about us.. well..." Sebastian stops as Ryan cuts in..."We are gonna clear that up for you" scene closes as both hold up thier respective part of the Tag Titles as the camera slowly backs away and the locker room door shuts........
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
From out in the arena, we can hear Crossfade's "Starless" blasting from the speakers. Seconds later, the rag tag put together duo of El Piso Mojado and Vincent Stone come walking in front of the NFW backdrop covered in different logos - everything from the NFW logo itself, to the logo for the Vlad Blackheart Memorial, as well as the many sponsors assisting in funding the event.
El Piso Mojado mumbles something in Spanish, completely exhausted as he leans back against the backdrop and slides down out of frame to sit on the floor, leaving Stone to stand anting heavily, dripping with sweat and casually holding an arm across his ribs.
"Agh...fuck me, those guys are tough.... Tough as goddamn nails! Liger, especially...." He says, looking slightly off screen at the reporter directly in front of him while the camera we're seeing through is in front and slightly to the side.
"Don't let anybody ever tell you that age makes a wrestler washed up. That it makes them weak. That guy's been doing this for almost thirty years...and he'll still kick your ass and entertain the fans doing it. That's what this is about. That's what *pro wrestling* is about. It's about heart...it's about drive.... Age *is* just a number in this business. And to hell to with anybody that says differently. It's been an honor to face a legend like Jushin Liger not once, but twice already since I've come back. And I certainly enjoyed mixing it up with Kushida," He paused, turning towards the camera that had him looking directly at the viewers, "and, brother, you better believe...I am most definitely looking forward...to a singles match with you. We don't have to have any title on the line. We don't need to have beef. Just me and you in a ring, whether it's in the New Frontier, or New Japan...it don't matter. Commissioner Brody...President Meij...if you two are watching...let's make it happen...."
He manages a smile before starting to turn towards the backdrop and winces again. "Agh, shit.... Oh, man. Piso! Let's go, buddy." Stone reaches down and helps El Piso Mojado to his feet as the two stumble off camera.
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The Fallen defeated the Rebel Rousers in 16:00 flat when Ryan Steele pinned Teddy Morse after reversing a Sunset Flip Powerbom attempt into a top rope DDT.
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As Marissa Payne made her way down the walkway, Max LeBrun and Serena Frost stood, waiting in the ring - Serena with a cold stare and Max with a wicked grin. Once she reached ringside, Marissa stopped, staring up at them with a coldness that almost matched Serena's as her music faded.
"And introducing, her tag team partner...."
Reynolds: "Who's it gonna be, Nicky?!"
Hanson: "Let's find out! Who did she choose?!"
After about ten seconds of silent anticipation....
Crossfade's "Starless" kicked on over the speakers as the video wall lit up with the VTR for VINCENT STONE and the crowd immediately went wild!!
Hanson & Reynolds: "WHOA!!!!!"
"From Melbourne, Florida...weighing in at two hundred and fourteen pounds...he is one hald of the NFW Mixed Tag Team Champions...VINCENT...STONE!!!!"
As the announcer called his name, Vincent Stone made his usual amped up emergence from the curtain in his ring gear, as well as a vintage Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers jersey and a Kicks And Stones skullcap. On his way to the ring, the man happily high fived the fans in the front row of the walkway before coming to stand next to Marissa and gave her a fist bump. Then...the two suddenly hit the ring and went right at LeBrun and Frost, kicking off the match with a brawl that had to be broken up and controlled before the bell officially rung.
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Max LeBrun and Serena Frost defeated Marissa Payne and Vincent Stone in 17:28 when Frost made Payne tap to a Fujiwara Armbar while LeBrun yanked Stone down from the apron and hit him with a Slapshot.
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
"Get the fuck out of my way!"
We hear the angry voice of NFW World Champion, Max LeBrun before he appears from the curtain and comes towards the backdrop in front of the interview crew. He almost passes them by completely, his title belt swinging from one hand at his side, before stopping to turn towards them and puts on a mock smile.
"Oh, let me guess: you want a word from the champion, is that it?" His smile is instantly replaced by a look of sheer annoyance. "Well, I've only got one thing to say!" Again, his expression changes, this time into a genuine, albeit exhausted smile. "That motherfucker!" He points out in the direction of the ringside area. "Chris Wolfe. That's the type of guy that deserves to be in this tournament. Not these washed up, old fucks that want one last hoorah before their bodies give out! Look at Wolfe! He's young. He's hungry." Max reaches up to nurse his jaw which took some heavy shots, courtesy of Wolfe's stiff slaps and elbows. "Hits like a fucking beast, to be honest. Am I disappointed that I lost my first block match?" He shrugs. "Of course, I am. But I lost to a guy that *deserves* to be here! And you know what? I'm okay with that. Really. But you know what Chris? You did everything out there for the wrong reason. I heard what you said earlier, at first. You were ready to make your mark. You were gonna do this for you. But did you?"
Max makes a face and scoffs. "Pfft, fuck no! You did it for some mentally fucked up, harlot who can't handle someone putting the truth of things out there! You did it for the privileged daughter of some broken son of a bitch who still thinks he's a goddamn monster! You need to do this for *you* Chris. You're a star in the making, man. You're a rough diamond! You just need a little..." He motions with one hand as if he's dusting something off, "...a little polishing. I can help you with that, man. *We* - the Renegades - can help you! Come join us, Chris. Hell, bring Tyler! Both of you! You belong with the future of this sport. You belong with *us*! Think about it...." He taps his temple. "I'll be happy to teach you, and I'm gonna start with my next block match against Buzzsaw."
Max rolls his eyes before shaking his head in disappointment. "Buzz...bro. You're right. You and I, we're damn near the same age. But look at you. You're still following Judas Lasher around like one of his lap dogs. There's promise in you, too, man." He says, pointing to the camera. "But you're so stuck on loyalty to a guy who doesn't matter anymore that it's clouded your mind. Fortunately, for you, I'll be there on the 26th to knock some sense into that head of yours." Max winks and 'pulls the pin' with a click of his tongue before shoving passed the reporters to his left and makes his way further backstage.
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Hanson: "Well, folks. That about wraps up the prelim matches. We hope you've been enjoying the action so far because NOW...it's time to kick off our first series of B Block matches. We heard from Andrew Payne last night along with Big Daddy Payne and Shelton Benjamin, but now, we'd like to take you back to the press conference from Sunday, September 23rd where we recieved opening comments from Paul Heyman, on behalf of Payne's first opponent. We're talking of course, about the self proclaimed King of Pro Wrestling, Minoru Suzuki."
The shot changes to the press conference room, once more, where we are given the date this segment took place on.
~Sunday, 9/23/2018~
*Steven Brody approaches the podium and looks to his right with a little bit of disdain.*
"Coming up to the podium at this time is Minoru Suzuki, accompanied by his advocate, Paul Heyman," Brody says. Brody steps aside and takes his seat as Suzuki and Heyman take the podium, with Suzuki flanking Heyman to his right.
"First off, on behalf of my client, Minoru Suzuki as well as Zack Sabre Jr., who can't be here tonight as he is currently in England fulfilling an appearance obligation, we are honored to have been included as participants in the first annual Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. We are here to serve notice to the other participants in both blocks, that both Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre Jr. have spent a great deal of time scouting and studying everyone in these blocks. And I have to say, both men look forward to the challenge. What is this challenge, you may ask? The challenge for both men, is to see how many opponents they can stretch, mangle, and otherwise torture, with their extensive knowledge of mat wrestling and submission holds. You see, this is a contest between student and teacher. It's not to say that Zack Sabre Jr. was inferior in anyway to Minoru Suzuki, oh no! It's that ever since Sabre did come into the fold as a member of Suzuki-gun, that there was a new sadistic level that was unlocked in him. Zack Sabre was already one of the great submission wrestlers in this, or any other, generation. Somewhere along the way, he saw the agony he was causing in his opponents when he slowly wrenched an arm back to the point it was coming out of its socket. He heard the loud gasps of pain coming from when he would place a knee into the base of an opponent's back as he wrenched back on both the head and legs of an opponent and turned them into a human bow. And you know what, he liked it. He like it so much that Sabre looks for new ways to torture his opponent in the ring. And he credits that to none other than the King himself, Minoru Suzuki. But it's not to say that this was a one-way teaching experience. For Mr. Suzuki, seeing Zack Sabre causing all sorts of torture and pain on his opponents reawakened him to the joys of submission wrestling. However, unlike Sabre who uses a litany of holds, Suzuki prefers the simpler things in life. The simpler things that come when one simply places someone to sleep. The joy that comes in physically feeling an opponent's struggles come to a slow halt when they can't tell the referee that they've had enough. And it is this joy that Mr. Suzuki looks to impart on the other members of his Block.
But don't think that both men will have any disadvantage being relative newcomers to NFW, oh no. These men are fully aware of the rigors and the strain that comes in participating in a tournament of this format. Both men have competed in the G1 tournament and produced VERY strong showings. So don't think they'll be at any disadvantage going in, because these men can say that they are physically and mentally ready to handle the vigors of this tournament. Can the rest of you say the same thing after all is said and done? Get ready, Suzuki-gun is coming in force for this tournament and we have one goal in mind, and that is to take the WHOLE...DAMN...THING. Thank you, it's been YOUR pleasure," Heyman says with a chuckle in the direction of Commissioner Brody as both he and Suzuki return to their seats and Brody returns to the podium.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minoru Suzuki defeated Andrew Payne in their block match, at 11:37 with the Gotch Style Piledriver. Following the bell, Suzuki proceeded to add insult to injury by disrespectfully booting Payne until he was out of the ring before giving a sinister smile towards the audience.
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[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
Amy Connors catches up to Rick Dickulous backstage after his match against Buzzsaw
"Rick! Rick! I was wondering if you have any comments on your match..."
Rick smiles at Amy, rubbing the side of his face, red from Buzzsaw's vicious kicks. Rick takes Amy's microphone and looks into the camera
"Buzzsaw, guy? THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!! Seriously! Totally in-fucking-credible!"
Rick points
"You and I are gonna have one hell of a match for this,"
Rick pats the Silver Mountain Championship around his waist
"...but, that match won't be the same as this one was, I can promise you that! I said there'd be blood, and neither one of us delivered...we'll have to work on that next time, buddy!"
Amy Connors reaches for a second mic handed to her by a stagehand
"Rick, what about your next match on Wednesday against Matt Klazzic?"
Rick shoots his huge grin at Amy
"Amy, guy? Matt and I are gonna do what we both do best - entertain! Seriously, I don't think people give him enough credit!"
"Rick, any strategy for the rest of the bracket? Maybe for Wednesday?"
Rick looks at Amy, dissapointment all over his face
"Amy, I can't tell you anything more than that I'll be watching a lot of his matches on YouTube, and up in the archives. Being behind by two points chafes my balls...almost as bad as when I was sitting with Ron MacLean..."
Amy Connors looks at Rick
"Thanks for your time, Rick!"
Amy looks into the camera
"There you have it, folks! Back to Jim and Nick with more action!"
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[EARLIER TODAY]
"Come on, brother.... Come on!" Inside what appears to be an old, abandoned, New York gym, the camera catches Doomsday standing over Judas Lasher on a weight bench. Ironically, despite the masked man's normal demeanor and how he usually carries himself, he's actually spotting the Dominion's leader through the end of a set of reps. "One more... Push. Fucking push!" One would think that he was talking to a student, which was even more ironic, considering Lasher's position in the Dominion of Pain.
With a loud roar, Judas pushed the final rep up, eyes afire with rage and focus. Dripping with sweat, the leader of The Dominion sat up, reaching over to tiredly slap Doomsday on the arm in silent thanks as he gathered himself. "I didn't think there was anything left in this sport that could truly drive me. That I could hunger for. But this? This tournament? I want this. I *need* this."
Doomsday clapped a massive hand down on Judas' shoulder as he came around to stand beside the Dominion of Pain's representative for B Block. "That's why you deserve it." Doomsday's voice was a deep, intimidating growl underneath his mask - otherwise, he wore his own variation of 'workout gear' in the form of a sleeveless PowerWolf t-shirt and black track pants. Even in this, with his hair tied back behind his head, the man was absolutely terrifying to behold. "There are others who spew false pleasantries about what this tournament stands for. Claiming to have known Vlad." As Doomsday spoke, he began unracking the weights on the bar and replacing them with larger ones in a slow, methodical manner. "While there's no denying that some knew him...acquainted themselves with him...they know nothing of who he really was. Not like we did. Not like *you* did. We followed you here when you called upon us...but it was you that Vlad's daughter chose to defend his honor when it was tainted. Tainted by a worm that has since been squashed under boot. It's because of that...among everything else that you have given...that you have earned this."
"I don't let myself show emotion often. Not in public, and especially not on camera." Lasher said, voice lowering as he quickly took a chug from a water bottle that sat nearby. "But Vlad was the brother I never had. We traveled together, we trained together, we broke bread together. When he married Lara Chastain, it was I he asked to be his best man. Not a day goes by that I don't miss that man. I do love his daughter... but I admit part of wanting her in this group is selfishness: the fact that she's so much like him that it's almost like having him back with us again."
Doomsday came to sit in an old, rusty chair beside Judas, placing his hands together with his fingertips pressed into one another. "You could look at it that way. But on the other hand..." He separated his hands as he spoke, raising one, palm up beside him as if in reference. "...Lara came to you of her own volition. She was not forced. The girl needed someone she knew she could turn to when she needed a helping hand. Someone she could trust. She chose you. You are the man that watches over her now as her journey into this business moves into high gear. I think Vlad knew you were that kind of man, inside. That's why you are the godfather of his child. And for what it's worth, coming from me...I believe you're owning up to that title better than anyone else I've ever had the privilege of knowing. All you need to do now is use that passion...that emotion...turn it into the fire that drives you...and decimate any and everyone that stands between you and your next goal. Remind the New Frontier...remind this entire industry...why you are the King of Pain."
"Indeed." Judas agreed, grabbing a towel and using it to wipe the sweat from his brow. "I made a promise to Lara C. earlier.... I told her that win or lose... I will do right by Vlad's memory and what this tournament is about. I will not let that woman down, Matteo. I could give a shit if the fans cheer me, boo me, idolize me, or damn me. I care only about two things: making The Dominion dominate this promotion by any means necessary... and making sure that nobody ever harms that woman again."
Doomsday nodded, reaching over to clasp Judas' shoulder once more. "They won't. And we will." He said, first in regards to nobody ever harming Lara Chastain again, and second in regards to the Dominion of Pain conquering the NFW. "You will be ready, Judas. We will all...be ready. Now...." He added before standing up from his seat and giving the man a hard slap in the chest - so hard it sounded almost like one of his chops in a match - as he moved to stand back in the spotter's position at the bench, calling for Judas to get back down and continue. "Again!!" His terrifyingly, gruff voice echoed throughout the otherwise empty, old gym before the shot cut to black with an image of a red goat's skull over an inverted pentagram and the words "AVE SATANAS" underneath....
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Judas Lasher defeated Curry Man in their block match by pinfall in 14:09 after flipping out of a Spicy Drop attempt and snapping Curry Man down to the mat with Lucifer's Halo.
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Again, we are taken to the Sunday Press Conference.
~Sunday, 9/23/2018~
Standing at the podium, Steven Brody looks down at the conference schedule and his expression visibly changes from pleasant to, once again, disdain which he tries to hide.
"Ladies and gentlemen, next I'd like to ask...the Bad Boy, Tama Tonga, to come up and give his thoughts, going into the tournament...."
Tama stared down Brody as he approached, glaring at him silently for a long moment before snatching the mic right out of his hand. "Gimme that shit, bitch."
Walking in front of the podium, he ran a hand through his long hair, smirking as he shook his head. "You hoe-muffins are in for a treat Tuesday. You've had that little pussy Kenny Omega, and his little bitch Young Bucks running around here sayin' they're Bullet Club... they ain't SHIT. You ain't SEEN Bullet Club yet. But you will. Me, my brother, Fale, Ishimori... you got the BCOGs comin' to run this shit now. Consider yourself warned. EVIL? You're first... but you sure as hell ain't gonna be last."
That said, Tama Tonga lets the mic fall from his hand and thump against the floor as he returns to his seat. Steven Brody calmly walks up, retrieves the microphone and sets it back in the podium stand with a look of annoyance.
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EVIL defeated Tama Tonga in their block match by pinfall at 13:30 after hitting Everything Is Evil three consecutive times.
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
As the sound of Finger Eleven's "Slow Chemical" is heard out in the arena, the crew of reporters stand in waiting as the curtain if flung open and the Big Red Machine, Kane makes his return from the ring and walks backstage.
Reaching the promotional backdrop, Kane comes to a slow halt...his hair hanging in front of his face as he slowly turns to look at the cameras. Slowly, in an unnerving, robotic manner, he turns to face the cameras head on and slowly steps up. The main camera catches him as he looks among the group of uneasy reporters with a cold scowl on his exposed mouth. The mouth that slowly curls up into a simply evil smile as he begins to chuckle under his breath. Gradually, though, that dark chuckle turns into a full-on laugh that fills the hallway. The main camera slowly begins to back away from Kane as he composes himself...and simply turns, continuing his way down the hallway....
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Again, we are taken to the Sunday Press Conference.
~Sunday, 9/23/2018~
Standing at the podium, Commissioner Steven Brody leans into the microphone.
"Folks, at this time, I'd like to offer one of our partner promotion's star's, an opportunity to speak on his involvement in the tournament. Ladies and gentlemen, Kenny Omega."
From his seat, Kenny Omega arose and strolled over, confidently, yet coolly towards the podium. For the occasion, he wore a black suit with a white undershirt, minus the tie. As he came to stand in front of the podium, his expression slowly turned into a grin. "I'm honored to be here, really. I'm honored because Steven Brody and Harold Meij signed a deal together, wanting two great promotions - New Japan Pro Wrestling and New Frontier Wrestling - to come together and make true...wrestling...magic...." As he said this, he brought his hands together, interlocking his fingers. I'm honored because in an inaugural event for our partnering promotion, I was chosen to carry the New Japan banner into New Frontier territory and represent our brand. Now, it hasn't escaped me that there are four other individuals from Shin Nihon Puroresu, joining me on this journey. But let's be honest here...it's obvious...who the fans from home are going to be tuning in to see. Sure, some might be looking forward to seeing Suzuki physically dismantle people, I'm certain. A couple might even wanna see the "Bad Boy"...." He says this mockingly as he brings his hands up and waves his fingers with a hilarious, mocking wide eyed expression. "Which, by the way, congratulations, on snaking your way into this thing. Where is he? Where's Tama?"
Kenny plucks the microphone up and begins to look around behind him and to the sides at the other competitors before he spots Tama Tonga. "Where---, ahhhh there he is! You sly devil you. I know exactly why you're here. And it sure as hell isn't because you care about this tournament." Kenny sticks the mic back in place and leans on the podium with his hands on the sides. "Tama Tonga...is jealous...over the success that I've had ever since I set foot into our company. And I can only imagine the...the anger...the boiling *rage* that he felt when he saw the block announcements and saw my name...but not his. Sure, some might have been happy to hear that he managed to slip his way in, but I know the real reason that our fans back home are gonna be tuning in. They wanna see, yours truly, standing before you. They wanna see the Best Bout Machine. They wanna see *me*." He pointed a thumb to himself. "They wanna see that guy, right there!" He points across one of the tables at where Kota Ibushi sits. "These people wanna see the Golden Lovers. The Golden ELITE! Now, I'm sorry to say that you won't get a repeat of our very own G1 block finals. They split Kota and I up for this gig. But!" He raises a finger up, slowly grinning. "But...you just might see the greatest finals match in any tournament that has ever taken place in professional wrestling of...all...time! Because the golden boys of this sport...we're going to conquer our blocks...we're going to conquer this tournament, and one of us...I *promise* you will be going to New Frontier's grandest stage of them all, WrestleWar -- could be me? Who knows? Hell! It could be him!" He motioned with both hands towards Kota. "I don't know! The guy kicks he's Bruce Lee! It hurts! Trust me!" He 'calmed down' again as he leaned forward into the microphone. "But, as I said...I *promise* you...the Golden Elite will conquer this tournament...we will carry the banner of New Japan into WrestleWar...and we will march back out of the gate, with the New Frontier's World...Heavyweight...Championship. Sleep on that, until the show begins, but for now, I bid you - ladies and gentlemen of the press - adieu, and I'd like to bid *everyone* watching...goodbye...." He lifts his hand, kissing his index finger, "...and good night...." As he stepped away from the podium, he pointed his finger at the press like a gun, taking air shots as he could softly be heard whispering "Bang...bang bang...bang!" Until he was too far from the mic, as he returned to his seat.
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Kenny Omega defeated William Mannheim in their block match, by pinfall at 18:18, wowing the audience as he lifted the big man up onto his shoulders and planted him in the center of the ring with the One Winged Angel.
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The camera angle cuts to the interview area directly backstage to ringside. A caption in the upper left corner reads:
[9/24/2018 - DAY 1 - A BLOCK]
I Prevail's "Come And Get It" can be heard out in the arena as the reporters eagerly await the return of Nico Salvatore from his first block match.
Finally, after several seconds, a sweaty Nico Salvatore steps through the curtain, pulling the tape off of his wrists and fist. He comes to stand in front of the backdrop, running a hand up his face to push the stray strands of his hair out of his eyes and slick it back. Finally, he focuses in on the main camera and silently beckons it forward. Tentatively, the camera shot moves forward until Nico 's face is right up in the lens. A cold, calculated stare on his face as a new fire burns in his eyes. He has the eyes of his father. Without saying a word...Nico glares even harder into the camera...and slowly raises up his hand with the index finger extended. Then, slowly, he lowers it, tosses his wrist tape to the floor and walks down the hallway towards the locker rooms....
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Scott Leroux defeated Big Daddy Payne in their block match by submission in 17:40 with the Ankle Lock.
Hanson: "And the former champ walks away from his first block match with two points!! An impressive win by Scott Leroux!"
Reynolds: "I'll be honest, Leroux and BDP are a couple of guys I could watch tear it up in the ring all day!"
Hanson: "I'm with ya on that one, pal. These two put on one HELL of a main event, tonight. Kudos to both of them! But, alas, that's it for tonight folks! Good night and we'll see you back here tomorrow for the next round of A Block!"
