Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Oct 10, 2018 5:03:07 GMT -8
The show opens in silence as an image of Vlad Blackheart during his Easy V persona, 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 list the A Block competitors.
As the camera cuts to the ringside area, showing the amped up crowd, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds welcome those in attendance, in addition to those watching via NFW's streaming network.
Hanson: "Hello there, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome back to the Vlad Blackheart Memorial. Nick Hanson here, alongside James Reynolds. How's your head, Jimmy?"
Reynolds: "I still can't believe Marissa Payne kicked me, Nicky!"
Hanson: "I'm gonna play devil's advocate here, and say you had it coming."
Reynolds: "What're you talking about?!"
Hanson: "You antagonized those girls during a sensitive moment. You're lucky Morgan didn't take you Downtown After Dark."
Reynolds: "Say it right, Nicky. It's 'Dahntahn.'"
Hanson: "So, now, you're making fun of her accent? Smart, Jim. Real smart."
Reynolds: "No! I--- Jesus, let's just get on with the show. Dick."
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[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
*Mannheim steps through the curtain as the cheers from the audience die down. He takes a towel from a stagehand and wipes his head and face. He steps over to the tournament backdrop*
"EVIL, helluva fight, but I watched quite a few of your matches over the weekend getting ready for this one. It's the home stretch, and that's when I shine - I figured you would've been ready."
"Regardless, you ever want a rematch, old school style? Get Brody to draw up the contract. I think you and I could put a new interest in...what do they call it now? Extreme Rules? Fuck it - it's always gonna be Hardcore to me."
*Mannheim paces left, then right, seeming to collect his thoughts before turning back to the camera. His intense gaze seems to burn through the screen*
"Tomorrow, though....tomorrow is what's really on my mind."
*Mannheim's voice changes to a volume just below a yell, and deep and forceful tone*
"Matteo? You want my boy? Have at him...he's chomping at the bit! But to come after me? You know damn well that won't go unanswered, and believe me when I say you do NOT fucking scare me at all."
"Tomorrow you and that little cunt Shelley Silver? Both of you are gonna pay for YOUR mistake. Let that sink in, Matteo....you poked the wrong fucking cage. Tomorrow night, all of the NFW is gonna see why I *AM* the most violent man in the history of this promotion...I make no apologies - this is personal."
*Mannheim walks off as the shot fades to black*
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In the opening preliminary match, the team of Doomsday and Shelley Silver defeated William Mannheim and Kennedy Campbell, by pinfall in 11:38, when Silver hit the Silver Bullet on Campbell and scored the cover.
After the bell, Doomsday came to stand menacingly over Kennedy as Mannheim moved to enter the ring and try to help her up. Staring back at Mannheim, Doomsday lingered for a moment, looking down at Kennedy in a pondering manner, before stepping away and letting Mannheim get to her as Doomsday left the ring.
Reynolds: "What the hell is going on, in his head, Nicky?"
Hanson: "God only knows, Jim. I certainly don't wanna."
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In the second preliminary match, Killer Elite Squad and the Fallen wrestled to a double countout in 14:16, ending in a brawl that was broken up by officials before the two teams went their separate ways.
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In the final preliminary match, Bullet Club OGs defeated the Dominion of Pain, by pinfall in 19:44, when Bad Luck Fale delivered the Bad Luck Fall to Crimson Sabre, for the cover.
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Officials prepared for the scheduled block matches, straightening up the disturbed barricades and readjusting any turnbuckle covers that might have been removed during the tag team matches.
Hanson: "Alright, Jim. Time to get down to business."
Reynolds: "Let's hear it, Nicky."
Hanson: "Buzzsaw still leads the block with nine points. Chris Wolfe remains right behind him at eight. Rick Dickulous, Kota Ibushi, and Nico Salvatore have six, Max LeBrun has five, Shelton Benjamin and Zack Sabre Jr have four, and Kane has two. Matt Klazzic, still, has yet to make it on the board."
Reynolds: "So he's mathmathetically eliminated, at this point."
Hanson: "As is Kane. Shelton and Zack both need a serious change in luck if they wanna remain in the loop. But! This is the Vlad Blackheart Memorial, so all block matches must continue. We're still gonna see everyone in action and Matt Klazzic is one of our firsts of the night"
Reynolds: "Do you think he can beat the champ, tonight?"
Hanson: "Hey, who knows? Lady Luck hasn't exactly been on Max LeBrun's side for this event."
Reynolds: "Gee, it's almost like karma."
Hanson: "Ooh, I like that."
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Max LeBrun defeated Matt Klazzic in their block match, by pinfall in 19:40, after hitting the Aneurysm.
Reynolds: "Well, Matt didn't win but man did he take it to the champ! That went longer than I expected, to be truthful!"
Hanson: "Great performance by both men! Matt, especially, held his own, Jim. But alas, LeBrun walks away with seven points, now. He's still in the game, so far."
Reynolds: "If he wins, who do you think he'll pick as his opponent?"
Hanson: "I still can't get a read on that guy, Jim. There's no telling."
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[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
Walking into the press room, Judas Lasher stood before the throng of reporters, pausing while his manager LeeAnn doused him with a bottle of cold water to help him calm down. "Just as I told everyone... tonight I showed the world that Scott Leroux will never be my equal. Technique means nothing without the killer instinct it takes to finish the match. He's gotten a hell of a lot better... but at the end of the day I am still better than him. One more victim down. Minoru Suzuki? You're next. The two biggest sadists in the sport going at it... we're gonna hurt each other, Suzuki. And we're gonna love every fucking minute of it. Ave... Satanas."
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Buzzsaw defeated Shelton Benjamin in their block match, by submission in 13:55, with the DNR.
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[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
As Devil's Sky plays out in the arena, Kenny Omega steps through the curtain with the Young Bucks practically carrying him; his arms over their shoulders as they walk him over to the backdrop and let him sit on the floor. He winces and holds onto his heel, hissing in pain.
"Kenny, you alright?" A reporter asks.
Kenny looks up at him in disbelief. "Do I look like I'm alright? Minoru Suzuki just twisted my leg around like a pretzel." He winces again as he rolls his foot around. "Agghhhh, that hurts."
"You won, though. Congratulations."
Kenny shakes his head, wagging a finger. "No. No, no. That's where you're wrong. See, that's the thing. You don't win against Minoru Suzuki. You survive. That's what I did, tonight. I simply survived. I've survived him before and I survived him tonight. That's what tournaments like this are all about. It's an endurance test. Who can survive to the end? We're wrestling, two, three, maybe even four days in a row. I've gotta finish this tournament, win or lose, and go back to Japan to do some bookings for NJPW. Because that's what we do as pro wrestlers. That's what *I* do, as the Best Bout Machine."
"Any thoughts on your next match, against Andrew Payne?"
"Agh, fuck, really?" Kenny, comically grimaces and looks up at the Bucks to confirm. He hangs his head. "Shit! From a sadistic submission artist to a sadistic brawler. But hey, that's cool! Payne likes to hit people. *I* like to hit people! He's got elbows? I've got knees. Somehow, after wrestling Minoru Suzuki for nearly fifteen goddamn minutes, I've still got fucking knees. I may not have a foot---" he lifts his foot with his previously injured heel up, "---but, you're talking to the Best Bout Machine here. So, what am I gonna do? I'm gonna go in the back, put some ice on this, and then on Thursday, I'm gonna wrap this motherfucker up like Boris Karloff and do what I do best!"
Kenny stares up at the reporters who, clearly, don't know what he's referencing. Kenny looks between the group and raises a hand, waiting for them to get it. "Really? Boris Karloff. The--" He waves his hand dismissively. "You guys need to watch more movies." Starting to get up, Kenny is helped by the Young Bucks who walk him down the hallway. A few seconds pass before he calls over his shoulder. "IT'S THE MUMMY, BY THE WAY!!! BORIS KARLOFF!! 1932!!"
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Chris Wolfe defeated Zack Sabre Jr in their block match, by pinfall in 16:27, with the DireWolfe.
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[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
Assisted by Morgan and Marissa Payne, "The Punisher" Andrew Payne, walks into the back, through the curtain. Once they reach the backdrop, Andy gives Marissa a kiss on the side of the head.
"Thanks, hon. Go out there, with your dad." He says, sending Marissa back through the curtain and continues to lean on his own daughter some as he turns to the camera. "I just wrestled by best friend...my brother...the one guy I never wanted to fight in this business, under any circumstances. I'm gonna say this now.... Brody? Never again. Don't you *ever*...fucking book us against each other again. If D and I are still active, this time next year, and you stick him in this tournament again? Don't fucking put me in it. Give my spot to someone else. I mean it. What you all just saw out there? Last time ever! Legit. Unlike Vince McMahon's idea of last time ever, only to book the same motherfuckers in a match the next year. Now, I'll answer any questions that don't have to do with this match, in particular. I don't wanna think about it."
"Your next match. Kenny Omega." A reporter says, straight to the point.
Andrew shakes his head. "Honestly? I don't know. You hear D out there, talking about his knees and his back. It ain't just him. I've been doing this for less time than he has and I'm questioning my longevity in this, too. I can't wrestle a match without this fucking brace. I can't squat or deadlift without a belt. I'm fucking light headed after nearly every match. But this girl here?" He gives Morgan a playful nudge in the chin with his fist. "She's young. She's got fire. She and Marissa are gonna carry the torch into this new generation. Me and D? I don't know. I'm gonna give myself to the end of the year. *Maybe* the Mafia will have one last throwdown against two guys at WrestleWar. As far as Kenny Omega goes? He's good. He's great. I wish I were fifteen years younger, then I'd give that kid the fight of his fucking life. Now, should he still be ready? You bet your ass. Kenny, I'm getting up there, but I'm not done yet. Fight me if you wish, but remember...I'm old for a reason...." Moving off camera, Andrew Payne is helped down the hall by Morgan who still looks somber from what she just watched....
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Nico Salvatore defeated Rick Dickulous in their block match, by pinfall in 15:52, after having to hit a second GFY on the big man.
Hanson: "Aaaaand chalk up another challenger for the Silver Mountain Championship if he wants it, Jim!"
Reynolds: "That match was *sick*, Nicky!"
As the referee brought Rick his title belt, Nico stood against the ropes, silently watching.
Reynolds: "Look at Nico. What's he thinking?"
Hanson: "I'm sure he's thinking he's just earned himself a title shot."
For a moment, Nico watched Rick with a mysterious smirk on his face before looking around at the cheering crowd and exited the ring, heading up the ramp.
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In the main event, Kota Ibushi defeated Kane in their block match, by pinfall in 12:08 with the Kamigoye.
Hanson: "And the Golden Star picks up another victory!"
~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 list the A Block competitors.
As the camera cuts to the ringside area, showing the amped up crowd, Nick Hanson and James Reynolds welcome those in attendance, in addition to those watching via NFW's streaming network.
Hanson: "Hello there, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome back to the Vlad Blackheart Memorial. Nick Hanson here, alongside James Reynolds. How's your head, Jimmy?"
Reynolds: "I still can't believe Marissa Payne kicked me, Nicky!"
Hanson: "I'm gonna play devil's advocate here, and say you had it coming."
Reynolds: "What're you talking about?!"
Hanson: "You antagonized those girls during a sensitive moment. You're lucky Morgan didn't take you Downtown After Dark."
Reynolds: "Say it right, Nicky. It's 'Dahntahn.'"
Hanson: "So, now, you're making fun of her accent? Smart, Jim. Real smart."
Reynolds: "No! I--- Jesus, let's just get on with the show. Dick."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
*Mannheim steps through the curtain as the cheers from the audience die down. He takes a towel from a stagehand and wipes his head and face. He steps over to the tournament backdrop*
"EVIL, helluva fight, but I watched quite a few of your matches over the weekend getting ready for this one. It's the home stretch, and that's when I shine - I figured you would've been ready."
"Regardless, you ever want a rematch, old school style? Get Brody to draw up the contract. I think you and I could put a new interest in...what do they call it now? Extreme Rules? Fuck it - it's always gonna be Hardcore to me."
*Mannheim paces left, then right, seeming to collect his thoughts before turning back to the camera. His intense gaze seems to burn through the screen*
"Tomorrow, though....tomorrow is what's really on my mind."
*Mannheim's voice changes to a volume just below a yell, and deep and forceful tone*
"Matteo? You want my boy? Have at him...he's chomping at the bit! But to come after me? You know damn well that won't go unanswered, and believe me when I say you do NOT fucking scare me at all."
"Tomorrow you and that little cunt Shelley Silver? Both of you are gonna pay for YOUR mistake. Let that sink in, Matteo....you poked the wrong fucking cage. Tomorrow night, all of the NFW is gonna see why I *AM* the most violent man in the history of this promotion...I make no apologies - this is personal."
*Mannheim walks off as the shot fades to black*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the opening preliminary match, the team of Doomsday and Shelley Silver defeated William Mannheim and Kennedy Campbell, by pinfall in 11:38, when Silver hit the Silver Bullet on Campbell and scored the cover.
After the bell, Doomsday came to stand menacingly over Kennedy as Mannheim moved to enter the ring and try to help her up. Staring back at Mannheim, Doomsday lingered for a moment, looking down at Kennedy in a pondering manner, before stepping away and letting Mannheim get to her as Doomsday left the ring.
Reynolds: "What the hell is going on, in his head, Nicky?"
Hanson: "God only knows, Jim. I certainly don't wanna."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the second preliminary match, Killer Elite Squad and the Fallen wrestled to a double countout in 14:16, ending in a brawl that was broken up by officials before the two teams went their separate ways.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the final preliminary match, Bullet Club OGs defeated the Dominion of Pain, by pinfall in 19:44, when Bad Luck Fale delivered the Bad Luck Fall to Crimson Sabre, for the cover.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials prepared for the scheduled block matches, straightening up the disturbed barricades and readjusting any turnbuckle covers that might have been removed during the tag team matches.
Hanson: "Alright, Jim. Time to get down to business."
Reynolds: "Let's hear it, Nicky."
Hanson: "Buzzsaw still leads the block with nine points. Chris Wolfe remains right behind him at eight. Rick Dickulous, Kota Ibushi, and Nico Salvatore have six, Max LeBrun has five, Shelton Benjamin and Zack Sabre Jr have four, and Kane has two. Matt Klazzic, still, has yet to make it on the board."
Reynolds: "So he's mathmathetically eliminated, at this point."
Hanson: "As is Kane. Shelton and Zack both need a serious change in luck if they wanna remain in the loop. But! This is the Vlad Blackheart Memorial, so all block matches must continue. We're still gonna see everyone in action and Matt Klazzic is one of our firsts of the night"
Reynolds: "Do you think he can beat the champ, tonight?"
Hanson: "Hey, who knows? Lady Luck hasn't exactly been on Max LeBrun's side for this event."
Reynolds: "Gee, it's almost like karma."
Hanson: "Ooh, I like that."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Max LeBrun defeated Matt Klazzic in their block match, by pinfall in 19:40, after hitting the Aneurysm.
Reynolds: "Well, Matt didn't win but man did he take it to the champ! That went longer than I expected, to be truthful!"
Hanson: "Great performance by both men! Matt, especially, held his own, Jim. But alas, LeBrun walks away with seven points, now. He's still in the game, so far."
Reynolds: "If he wins, who do you think he'll pick as his opponent?"
Hanson: "I still can't get a read on that guy, Jim. There's no telling."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
Walking into the press room, Judas Lasher stood before the throng of reporters, pausing while his manager LeeAnn doused him with a bottle of cold water to help him calm down. "Just as I told everyone... tonight I showed the world that Scott Leroux will never be my equal. Technique means nothing without the killer instinct it takes to finish the match. He's gotten a hell of a lot better... but at the end of the day I am still better than him. One more victim down. Minoru Suzuki? You're next. The two biggest sadists in the sport going at it... we're gonna hurt each other, Suzuki. And we're gonna love every fucking minute of it. Ave... Satanas."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buzzsaw defeated Shelton Benjamin in their block match, by submission in 13:55, with the DNR.
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[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
As Devil's Sky plays out in the arena, Kenny Omega steps through the curtain with the Young Bucks practically carrying him; his arms over their shoulders as they walk him over to the backdrop and let him sit on the floor. He winces and holds onto his heel, hissing in pain.
"Kenny, you alright?" A reporter asks.
Kenny looks up at him in disbelief. "Do I look like I'm alright? Minoru Suzuki just twisted my leg around like a pretzel." He winces again as he rolls his foot around. "Agghhhh, that hurts."
"You won, though. Congratulations."
Kenny shakes his head, wagging a finger. "No. No, no. That's where you're wrong. See, that's the thing. You don't win against Minoru Suzuki. You survive. That's what I did, tonight. I simply survived. I've survived him before and I survived him tonight. That's what tournaments like this are all about. It's an endurance test. Who can survive to the end? We're wrestling, two, three, maybe even four days in a row. I've gotta finish this tournament, win or lose, and go back to Japan to do some bookings for NJPW. Because that's what we do as pro wrestlers. That's what *I* do, as the Best Bout Machine."
"Any thoughts on your next match, against Andrew Payne?"
"Agh, fuck, really?" Kenny, comically grimaces and looks up at the Bucks to confirm. He hangs his head. "Shit! From a sadistic submission artist to a sadistic brawler. But hey, that's cool! Payne likes to hit people. *I* like to hit people! He's got elbows? I've got knees. Somehow, after wrestling Minoru Suzuki for nearly fifteen goddamn minutes, I've still got fucking knees. I may not have a foot---" he lifts his foot with his previously injured heel up, "---but, you're talking to the Best Bout Machine here. So, what am I gonna do? I'm gonna go in the back, put some ice on this, and then on Thursday, I'm gonna wrap this motherfucker up like Boris Karloff and do what I do best!"
Kenny stares up at the reporters who, clearly, don't know what he's referencing. Kenny looks between the group and raises a hand, waiting for them to get it. "Really? Boris Karloff. The--" He waves his hand dismissively. "You guys need to watch more movies." Starting to get up, Kenny is helped by the Young Bucks who walk him down the hallway. A few seconds pass before he calls over his shoulder. "IT'S THE MUMMY, BY THE WAY!!! BORIS KARLOFF!! 1932!!"
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Chris Wolfe defeated Zack Sabre Jr in their block match, by pinfall in 16:27, with the DireWolfe.
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[10/9/2018 - DAY 10 - B BLOCK]
Assisted by Morgan and Marissa Payne, "The Punisher" Andrew Payne, walks into the back, through the curtain. Once they reach the backdrop, Andy gives Marissa a kiss on the side of the head.
"Thanks, hon. Go out there, with your dad." He says, sending Marissa back through the curtain and continues to lean on his own daughter some as he turns to the camera. "I just wrestled by best friend...my brother...the one guy I never wanted to fight in this business, under any circumstances. I'm gonna say this now.... Brody? Never again. Don't you *ever*...fucking book us against each other again. If D and I are still active, this time next year, and you stick him in this tournament again? Don't fucking put me in it. Give my spot to someone else. I mean it. What you all just saw out there? Last time ever! Legit. Unlike Vince McMahon's idea of last time ever, only to book the same motherfuckers in a match the next year. Now, I'll answer any questions that don't have to do with this match, in particular. I don't wanna think about it."
"Your next match. Kenny Omega." A reporter says, straight to the point.
Andrew shakes his head. "Honestly? I don't know. You hear D out there, talking about his knees and his back. It ain't just him. I've been doing this for less time than he has and I'm questioning my longevity in this, too. I can't wrestle a match without this fucking brace. I can't squat or deadlift without a belt. I'm fucking light headed after nearly every match. But this girl here?" He gives Morgan a playful nudge in the chin with his fist. "She's young. She's got fire. She and Marissa are gonna carry the torch into this new generation. Me and D? I don't know. I'm gonna give myself to the end of the year. *Maybe* the Mafia will have one last throwdown against two guys at WrestleWar. As far as Kenny Omega goes? He's good. He's great. I wish I were fifteen years younger, then I'd give that kid the fight of his fucking life. Now, should he still be ready? You bet your ass. Kenny, I'm getting up there, but I'm not done yet. Fight me if you wish, but remember...I'm old for a reason...." Moving off camera, Andrew Payne is helped down the hall by Morgan who still looks somber from what she just watched....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nico Salvatore defeated Rick Dickulous in their block match, by pinfall in 15:52, after having to hit a second GFY on the big man.
Hanson: "Aaaaand chalk up another challenger for the Silver Mountain Championship if he wants it, Jim!"
Reynolds: "That match was *sick*, Nicky!"
As the referee brought Rick his title belt, Nico stood against the ropes, silently watching.
Reynolds: "Look at Nico. What's he thinking?"
Hanson: "I'm sure he's thinking he's just earned himself a title shot."
For a moment, Nico watched Rick with a mysterious smirk on his face before looking around at the cheering crowd and exited the ring, heading up the ramp.
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In the main event, Kota Ibushi defeated Kane in their block match, by pinfall in 12:08 with the Kamigoye.
Hanson: "And the Golden Star picks up another victory!"
Reynolds: "Did you hear that Kamigoye? If Kane didn't have a fucked up face before, he's got one now!"
Hanson: "Be careful with how loud you say that."
Reynolds: "Shit, you're right."
Hanson: "That's it for today, folks! We look forward to seeing you tomorrow for our last day in the Bronx! So long, everyone!"
