NFW Collision #66 - Osaka, Japan! 02/18/2020!

The shot opens up on the inside of Osaka-jo Hall!! The seats are jam packed and the Japanese crowd shows their appreciation for the visiting promotion from the West as the camera sweeps over them in their t-shirts and their signs.

CROWD
NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW! NFW!

Nick Hanson: Hello and welcome, folks, to Osaka-jo Hall! We are here for our go-home before Invasion show!

Matt Salvatore: I don’t know if anyone will be going home, Nick! They might stick around Japan or they might even have other contract obligations.

Nick Hanson: Very true, Matt. You can’t really call the last show before a pay per view the Go Home anymore, can you?

Matt Salvatore: Not anymore. Back in my day, you could. Wow, fuck, I’m old. I never thought those words would come out of my mouth. “Back in my day.”

Nick Hanson: How time flies, eh Matt?

Matt Salvatore: Indeed.

Nick Hanson: So here we are folks. We’ve got some great matches scheduled for tonight. We’ve got Cherry Addams returning to action. She’ll be facing Lash Donohue in a...well...Matt?

Matt Salvatore: Pine cone...buried alive...deathmatch. Now I’ve heard it all And the winner gets...a fucking pine cone.

Nick Hanson: Interesting, to say the least.

Matt Salvatore: No it’s not. It’s fucking stupid!

Nick Hanson: Eh, it’s different. It’s unique. It’s Cherry Addams versus Lash Donohue. What do ya want? We’ve also got Vanita Thompson versus Aiden Reynolds. Dona Rotten versus Lara Bratton. StuFish.pif is facing Ronnie North. Say, have you seen Ronnie around town lately?

Matt Salvatore: I haven’t seen him outside of his matches since after Hiroshima, Nick. Dude’s like a ghost for some reason.

Nick Hanson: You’d think he’d be throwing crazy parties or something.

Matt Salvatore: Who knows?

Nick Hanson: Well, moving on, we’ve got more than that going on. Our main event folks! Trauma’s Super Tiger will be here to face our very own Morgan Payne in singles action! Now these two are friends but Super Tiger has always been all about the competition and challenging herself. She requested this match specifically to test herself against the Kingdom’s own bruiser. Some might call her the Enforcer of the group. Morgan Payne is still only a couple of years into her professional career--

Matt Salvatore: She’s literally 4 days out from her two year mark as a pro.

Nick Hanson: And why she’s yet to feel really decorated, she’s made her name known, like her or not. But let’s talk about this more because it brings me to another topic going down tonight. Eavan Maloney.

Matt Salvatore: Oh boy.

Nick Hanson: Morgan Payne’s been hounding Eavan Maloney all over, ever since she issued a challenge for Invasion Japan but after Morgan interfered in her match last week, she reneged on the deal, for lack of a better word. She felt slighted by Morgan so she refused to sign the contract for the match, backstage.

Matt Salvatore: It was supposed to be a no ropes, explosive, barbwire deathmatch, Nick. Those are not fun. Might be fun for others to watch but honestly? Fuck all of you sick bastards. Those matches leave scars that might heal physically but mentally they can jack you up long term.

Nick Hanson: Now Eavan has already stated she’s done with NFW. She’ll pay the fines, court fees. She’s said she will be making it official tonight. Eavan Maloney will announce her official resignation from New Frontier Wrestling.

Matt Salvatore: Which I don’t understand why. Yeah, Morgan interfered. Maybe for her own benefit. Her own obsession, but Maloney has her choice of a title shot, should she decide to stay. She can challenge for whatever championship she wants. Stick it to her enemies. Stick it to her Shieldmaiden sisters who turned their backs on her in The Purge. I wonder how their President is taking that. Most clubs, that shit gets you--

Matt makes a sound between his teeth and jerks an index finger across his throat. Nick just looks at him with horrific realization.

Nick Hanson: Well, only time will tell. Let’s get this show rolling because our opening match is one hell of a booking coming up. Molly “Hatchet” O’Hatherine, folks! She’s making her return to in-ring competition AND her New Frontier debut! I can’t wait. I’ve been following her career for some time. This is gonna be good. Let’s get things started!
The camera rolls on a hooded woman walking down a long hallway, silhouetted by a bright light at the far end. Wisps of red hair are seen escaping the confines of the hood as she makes this long, slow walk. Through the walls, we hear the chanting of fans gradually grow louder as she makes her way to that bright light. We hear her voice speak a clear and crisp mezzo-soprano range with a hint of a rasp and a rather toned down Scottish Accent, the kind one gets after years of traveling abroad and living in other countries and cultures for many years.

Voice: I almost dinnae' come back.... I felt like tha' world n' e'erythin' in it was conspirin' against me.... goin' out of their way ta' hurt me. It's all in me head of course, me numpty bampot fawkin' head yeah. I have demons, problems, issues, same as e'eryone else. I get caught up in meself, let it all spiral outta' control and I kill me shot...

She stops just before the arch, muffled music of her opponent playing over the P/A. The fan's reactions are loud through the walls. Her arms raise at her sides, each hand against the narrow walls at either side of her.

Voice: ...It wasn't always like this ya' know. It used ta' be so much simpler when tha' weight of tha' world and a reputation so heavy were not on me shoulders. When I used ta' not care what anyone thought of me because I was no one.... nobodae.... nothin' ta' anyone but me and I was fine with that.

She takes in a few sharp quick breaths, then lets out a long exhale, repeating this process multiple times.

Voice: I've been wrestlin' since I was sixteen, fightin' since I was fourteen, and gettin' beaten like a fawkin' mule since even before I was born. Me whole life has been about survivin' even when I dinnae' want ta' draw another breath. No, I'll not be another poor sad sod that tells ye' her life's story and leans on her pain like a crutch.

Slowly the camera pans around the figure to reveal her freckled, rounded face, strands of red hair. Those dark green eyes staring straight ahead, her expression focused, locked, and dead serious. She continues speaking, not looking at the camera for one moment.

Woman: No, I'm better than all those moping, crying women who bear their pain to the world and use it to get ahead. I donnae' need to display me story or tell ye' who I am. Ye'll figure it out by the example I put forward. Sure, I hurt, but tha' hurt donnae' define who I am....

The music stops and suddenly we hear blaring bagpipes of the Snake Charmer's cover of "Inis Mona" blare over the speaker's as the crowd immediately erupts! The Ring Announcer's voice echoes....

R/A: ....INTRODUCING FROM ST. FILLIAN'S, PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND!!!!

A huge grin splits her features as she looks into the camera.

Woman: Tha' hurt is there to remind me I'm alive!

R/A: MOLLY "HATCHET" OOOOOOO'HATHERINE!!!

Molly explodes through the entrance way and past the curtains at Gorilla position to greet the fans and get her match on!
Yuusuke Takeda: Tsugi no kontesuto wa 1tsu no aki ni yotei sa rete ori, mein ibentodesu!


“Kaze Ni Nare” begins to play over the speakers as Caine comes out from behind the curtain. He gets a mixed reaction from the crowd as he looks around, a focused expression on his face as he slowly begins to make his way down the ramp.

Yuusukue Takeda: Hajime ni, kara Salem, Massachusetts, Caiiiiiiiiine Mariiiiiiik!

Caine climbs up the ring steps, getting into the ring and walking around, soaking in the reaction of the crowd a little bit before he steps into his corner and waits.


The Snake Charmer's bagpipes blare over the house PA as the opening salvo of her cover of "Inis Mona." The lights flash blue, white, and green as out from the curtains steps Molly Hatchet, dressed in shiny black PVC pants decorated with green pearlescent Celtic Knots framing "生姜者" on both thighs, black hooded short-sleeved jacket with the word "HATCHET" across the back along with more Celtic knot designs, a backless, high collar leather half-vest that's laced together, black hand and wrist tape, and elbow pads that matched the rest of her attire. Her long red hair spills out from the confines of the hood as those dark emerald eyes pan over the crowd, taking it all in with a wicked grin on her pale, freckled face.

Nick Hanson: Matt!

Matt Salvatore: Nick.

Nick Hanson: MATT!!!!

Matt Salvatore: Nick?

Nick Hanson: MOLLY HATCHET IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Matt Salvatore: Haha, I know! This is awesome! She’s making her NFW debut in front of a crowd that knows her very well!

Nick Hanson: Hang on, hang on, shh….

Yuusukue Takeda: Soshite kare no taisen aite wa St. Fillian's, Perthshire Scotland, Mollyyyyyyyyy Hatcheeeeeeeeet!

Nick Hanson: Yeeeeeeeaaaaahhhh!!!!!

"WHO'S HERE FER AN ARSE WHUPPIN'?!!!" She shouts out, throwing her arms out to her sides as several rows of pyro explode at either side of her in huge sparking columns. Molly then bolts the aisle full speed ahead, leaps fro the floor with a front flip over the ropes and landing in the ring with a tuck and roll straight to a full on stand with her arms outstretched and sticking her tongue out, then laughing brightly. She turns and backs into a nearby corner, flipping the hood of her jacket back and crouching down, watching and waiting...

~DING DING DING~

Caine and Molly start off, circling the ring before going for a lockup. Caine with the decided strength advantage, just pushes Molly off sending her down onto her butt to the mat. Molly stands up, looking at her opponent and just grins as she once again goes for a lock up and this time, she’s able to get behind Caine and put him into a waistlock. She tries lifting him up, but Caine is a little too big for her and he ends up switching the hold and picking Molly up, slamming her down to the mat. He continues his offensive onslaught, keeping Molly on the ropes for the first half of the match. He uses his striking ability to keep Molly off balance and finally delivers a The Death Machine and it gives him a two count that Molly just barely was able to kick out of. This frustrated Caine just a little bit as he looked at the referee shocked. Caine though, is immediately back on the offensive as he puts Molly into the Singapore Sling, cranking on it. The ref asks Molly if she wants to quit, but she refuses. She holds on, finally finding her way to the ropes to force the break. Caine though, doesn’t release the hold until he’s warned that if he doesn’t he’s going to end up getting disqualified. He backs away, taunting Molly a little bit and this seems to start firing her up.

Caine grabs Molly, pulling her back to the center of the ring and goes for Perfect Dark, but Molly is able to counter out of the hold and begin to use her speed a little bit. She delivers a standing high knee strike to the face that staggers Caine a little bit before she follows it up by hitting the ropes and delivering a Superwoman punch that sends Caine back into the corner. Molly steps back, pointing at Caine before charging in and delivering A Splash of Ginger to Caine before kicking out his legs so he’s seated prone in the corner before backing up once again and this time charging in and delivering a bronco buster to the man. She pulls him out of the corner and gets a two count on Caine. She continues her offense as she delivers a standing moonsault before heading out onto the apron and yelling for Caine to get up. The moment Caine gets to his feet, Molly uses the top rope to springboard off and deliver the Ginger Ninja Deathdrop and hooks the leg to get the three count.

~DING DING DING~

Yuusukue Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu, Molly Hatchet!

Matt Salvatore: What a debut win here by Molly Hatchet!

Nick Hanson: Molly was impressive here tonight, but Caine definitely pushed her to her limits and I see big things for Molly in the future on Collision.

Scene cuts backstage, where we see Ian Dickenson leaning up against some equipment crates. His head is hung down, his face hidden by his hair.

Ian: It’s funny what a man winds up missing…

What I miss the most is the feel of leather and steel around my waist… looking down and seeing a championship belt.

Yeah, it wasn’t that long ago that I held the RWL Extreme Hardcore Championship; in fact, I never lost that belt. I could walk around with the title belt, but it just isn’t the same.

Knowing that you’ve earned the right to call yourself a champion… THAT gives the title meaning. Otherwise, it’s just a hunk of leather and metal.

He looks up and glares directly into the camera.

Ian: On February 25th, I realize something I’ve been looking forward to ever since I started my wrestling career. This is my very first opportunity to wrestle for a World Championship. This is my shot to become the focal point of NFW… to become THE man.

February 25th… perhaps one of the greatest days in my life…

Yet, for OTHERS, it’s just another day.

To hear the champ talk, facing me is nothing out of the ordinary. To her, I'm just another faceless, generic challenger that she’ll turn back without breaking a sweat.

Ian stands up fully, tossing his hair back.

Ian: Neveah, I want you to hear what i have to say, so unplug your head from your ass and open up your fucking ears…

For you to think that you “gave” me this opportunity is rather insulting… you didn’t give me jack shit, lady. You went into the match in Hiroshima looking for an easy way to give yourself a “night off” once Invasion rolled around. Eliminating yourself from the match may have prevented me from grabbing the Wildcard, but at Invasion, I’m not going to need it!

The Tokyo Dome has seen its share of bloodbaths, and it’ll see one more as I anoint the beginning of my title reign in your blood….

The corner of his mouth pulls sup in a sneer.

Ian: Can’t fucking wait…

Scene cuts back to ringside.
Yuusuke Takeda: Tsugi no kontesuto wa 1tsu no aki ni yotei sa rete ori, mein ibentodesu!

"Exs and Ohs" hits the PA and Vanita walks out and heads right for the ring. She doesn't hi five to fans, but she does smile and wave to them. She slides into the ring, head moving with the heavy music in the background. She gets in the middle of the ring ,takes a bow and then focuses toward the stage, looking at her next opponent.

Yuusuke Takeda: Amerika no Kororado-shū denbā kara saisho ni shōkai shimasu. Kanojo no taijū wa 121-pondodesu. Mudana mono! VANITAAAAAAAA THOMPSOOOOOOOONNNNN!!!!

Massface's "Black Water" Aiden comes flying out from the back high fiving fans, he runs to the ring and starts walking up the steps before stopping and raising a fist in the air. He moves to the apron and climbs to the top rope raising his fist in the air again turning it to the metal horns before grabbing the top rope and cartwheeling into the ring.

Yuusuke Takeda: Ōsutoraria, kuīnzurando-shū gōrudokōsuto kara! 220-Pondo no omo-sa! Ōsutoraria no ōkami! AIDEEEEEEEENNNN REYNOOOOOOOOLDS!!!!

~DING DING DING~

The bell rings, and Aiden is across the ring in a flash, leaping into the air for a dropkick. Vanita sidesteps the attempt, sending a kick at her opponent, but the Australian Wolf has already kipped up to his feet and rolled past the Vain one, standing up with a smile to a pop from the crowd. Vanita moves in, throwing a hard right at Aiden’s head, but he ducks. Vanita grins, expecting this, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around her opponent before dropping him hard with VAIN HALO! Reynolds groans as Vanita immediately transitions into an armbar. Aiden screams out in pain but manages to throw a foot up on the bottom rope, forcing a break. Vanita holds the move for a bit but breaks the hold at a 3 count.

Vanita drags Aiden to his feet, throwing him into the ropes before rebounding off the other side of the ring, looking for a spear but Aiden catches her mid-air with a devastating DDT counter. He rolls to his feet as Thompson groans, hyping the crowd before hitting the ropes again and dropping an elbow square onto his opponent’s chest, kipping back up to his feet with some effort. The crowd cheers wildly as he ascends the turnbuckle, turning and leaping off with the GC SPLASH! He hooks Vanita’s leg, pinning his opponent for the victory.

~DING DING DING~

Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu! AIDEEEEEEN...REYNOOOOOOLDS!!!!

Nick Hanson: Loving the sportsmanship by Aiden Reynolds! He fought hard but he’s humble even in victory!

Matt Salvatore: Eh, I won’t knock him for it.

As the referee raises his hand, he stops him, helping the Vain One to her feet before raising her arm with his and pointing to Vanita as the crowd cheers.

Meanwhile, backstage...a member of the Janitorial staff who is absolutely not Ronnie North is whistling very very naturally and not at all suspiciously as he pretends to empty a trash can that is already empty before returning to mopping the same perfectly spotless and overly mopped spot he has been mopping for the past hour or so. He notices the camera and blinks a few times, trying in vain to hide his face until realizing he has nowhere to hide. He is about to say something but instead releases a rather unmanly scream as he turns to see backstage interviewer Amy Connors right beside him. Amy is similarly startled by this but after taking a moment to regain her journalistic integrity she speaks.

Amy Connors: I am….erm...here with the relatively new NFW Collision star who has been making quite a stir, The Prince of Pleasure Ronnie Nor-

Definitely Just a Janitor: NO! No no no you are mistaken, sorry. I am flattered as Ronnie North is a very handsome individual who maybe wants to know what you’ll be up to after this but I am not Ronnie. I am a Janitor. My name is…Tom. Tom...

The Janitor looks around the room.

Tom: ...Coffee pot. Tom Coffeepot. That is my very real name.

Tom Coffeepot takes a moment to fix the fake mustache he is wearing over his real mustache.

Amy Connors: Oooooo….kay…. Well, Mr. Coffeepot. I was wondering if maybe you had any updates on the current whereabouts of Ronnie North, who has been heavily rumored to have been married and divorced since arriving in Japan a few weeks ago.

Tom Coffeepot: Being a Janitor I would not know much about what happened to Ronnie North, but I think if he WAS here he would say he was very sorry to the woman he married on accident and quickly got divorced from and a HUGE apology to her father who ALLEGEDLY is a Yakuza boss. I think he would also maybe make it clear to his friends Johnny Maverick and Josh Goldstein in America that yes he very much needs help. Please come help him.

Amy Connors: So...since you seem to know so much about Ronnie North...if he is so eager to stay in hiding can we expect to see him in his match against StuFish.pif tonight to continue his winning streak here on NFW Collision?

Tom Coffeepot: I...may or may not have heard that Ronnie North intends to appear for his match as he is comfortable being in a very public place in front of a lot of cameras and witnesses that would prevent him from being murdered. He also claims that none of Stufish’s hacker stuff will work because he has seen the 90’s movie ‘Hackers’ and knows all of his tricks. Anyway, I have to get back to...work. I will let Ronnie North know if I see him that you mentioned being interested in seeing him and maybe grabbing some sushi.

Amy Connors: I absolutely did not say…

Tom Coffeepot: Gotta go! Janitor stuff!

Tom Coffeepot rushes offscreen, the camera turning to face him as he rushes away, peeling off his janitor coveralls as he goes to reveal the ring gear of Ronnie North underneath as he heads to Gorilla position, but not before tripping over the coveralls as they get around his ankles.

Amy Connors: -Sigh- Are you-?

Tom Coffeepot: FINE! I’M FINE!

Amy rolls her eyes and motions for the cameraman to cut, the scene ending abruptly.
Yuusuke Takeda: Tsugi no kontesuto wa 1tsu no aki ni yotei sa rete imasu.

The camera is behind the curtain as 'Give It 2 U' by Robin Thicke begins to play, zoomed in on the backside of someone's tights reading 'RN' only the Front line of the 'R' hangs down much lower than most. The ass is gyrating to the beat of the music. The camera circles around the body of this individual as they make their way through the curtain, focusing on their impressive package and hip thrusting before finally it pulls back to reveal Ronnie North in all his glory.

‘Girl give it to me
Girl you know what it do, girl give it to me
I got somethin' brand new, girl give it to me
I'll put it all on you, girl give it to me
Woo! I got a gift for ya
I got this for ya, a little Thicke for ya
A big kiss for ya, I got a hit for ya
Big dick for ya, let me give it to ya
Baby baby, I got a call for ya
I got a whip for ya, black car for ya
Ball hard for ya, I know you wanna get fancy
I know you wanna start dancin'

Ronnie rolls his hips to the music as he removes his ring jacket and tosses it to the 'adoring' ladies stage side.

‘Hey girl
You know you're looking so damn fly
You looking like you fell from the sky (angel)
You know make a grown man cry
I wanna give it to you tonight
And make everything you fantasize
Come true, ooh baby
I’ll make it so, so, so amazing
I’ll give it to you’

Ronnie does a heel-toe strut to the ring that is full of swagger, stopping on occasion to point and wink at women at ringside. They can barely contain their excitement and/or arousal. Ronnie climbs into the ring and hands his sunglasses off to the referee before heading to his corner and leaning against it casually.

The sight of a pixelated bomb fills the video wall, as a high pitched buzz fades in and out four times. There's a fifth fade, which is accompanied with 8-bit ticks, simulating a hi-hat before the chiptune kicks in proper.

Yuusuke Takeda: Kare no taisen aite... NFW no hādodoraibu kara, taijū 215-pondo... the Cyber Pariah, STUFISH... P! I! F!

The crowd boos, finally remembering who's entrance this is. Out comes the hacker, spreading his arms out to greet the negative crowd. He walks down to the ring in time to "TOM/JONES" before stopping at ringside. As a shot to his former nemesis, he slides into the ring on his side before jumping up and giving the crowd a thumbs up before reaching a neutral corner.

~DING DING DING~

The ref called for the bell and Ronnie locked up with Stu in the middle. Stu found himself in a headlock pretty quickly on, Ronnie earning himself a cheap laugh as he subjected Stu to a "noogie" before attempting a headlock takedown, yet to Stu's credit he was able to lock his leg in and block before wriggling free and getting behind. Neckbreaker by StuFish.pif, cover and a kick out right on two!

Stu wasted zero time getting Ronnie back up to his feet. Several knife edge chops and "WOOO'S" later, Stu sent Ronnie North ropeward. On the rebound, Stu ducked down for a backdrop and Ronnie was forced to leapfrog. Ronnie evaded a dropkick from Stu and hit the ropes once more, coming back with a superkick! Miraculously, Stu managed to catch Ronnie's runaway boot and swing him back around! Inverted atomic drop! As Ronnie hopped around in pain, Stu landed a chop block and immediately hooked Ronnie's legs! BLUESCREEEE...NO! Ronnie managed to evade the dangerous submission by reeling Stu in and launching him a catapult! The crowd POP huge as Stu didn't even land before Ronnie kipped up and landed a devastating HEART BREAKER! Cover! 1...2...3!

~DING DING DING~

Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu!

Nick Hanson: Another win for Ronnie North and this one is over!

Matt Salvatore: Man’s got skill; I’ll give him that. Hey, where’s he going?

Ronnie doesn’t stick around to celebrate much as he looks out into the crowd and whatever he sees has him rolling out of the ring under the bottom rope and booking it up the ramp at top speed.

The camera opens up backstage in the interview area where we see Josh Davidson standing with a microphone in hand. The camera zooms in on him a little bit as he raises the microphone up to his mouth.

Josh Davidson: Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome my guests at this time, the number one contenders to the NFW Tag Team Championships at Invasion, Bloody Fairytale.

The crowd in Osaka-Jo Hall boo as Christina Olson and Lilith Meadows walk into view and they look at Josh who stands there, flashing a small smile.

Josh Davidson: So, next week at Invasion, you two go into a pay-per view for the first time since last year’s Invasion without NFW gold around your waists. What’s going through your heads?

Immediately, Christina grabs Josh by the wrist and pulls the microphone over to her as she looks back at Lilith who has a serious, but mischievous look on her face.

Christina Olson: Our thoughts? Well, first off, thanks for stating the obvious that the hottest woman on the roster doesn’t have gold around her waist anymore. But as for our thoughts? How dumb can our tag team champions be?

Josh Davidson: I don’t think I know where you’re coming from, Christina.

Christina Olson: These two dumbasses are going out there, doing deathmatches, facing a stablemate of ours and then, to top it all off, they’re fightin each other on Saturday on Trauma! Goes to show you that I don’t think Isabella cares if she has the Tag Team Titles on her brand or not if she’s booking this kind of nonsense.

Josh Davidson: I heard this was a special requests when the Invasion Tour was announced by the two of them to have this match.

Christina just looks at Josh, rolling her eyes as Lilith just gives a little chuckle as she stands behind her friend.

Christina Olson: Look, when you got a match that will truly prove you deserve to be tag team champions here in NFW comin up, you don’t go out and try and beat up your tag team partner! It’s that simple and easy, right Joshy?[/color]

Josh Davidson: I… ummmm… I guess so?

Christina Olson: You guess so? Look at it this way, Josh, you don’t see me and Lilith goin out there and decidin to tear each other apart just days before a big title match. We would never do that because we’re smart and we don’t simply dance for the monkeys sitting out there cheerin on the stupidity.

Now, Lilith steps forward and takes the microphone as she looks back at Lilith and nods her head.

Lilith Meadows: Ag labhairt di faoi dúr, Eavan Maloney, nó ar chóir dom an bhean is cinnte a rá ar domhan. Ní féidir léi a hintinn a dhéanamh riamh an mian léi é a ghortú nó gan é a thabhairt suas agus siúl amach. Mé a mhionnú, ní mór di a bheith ag sileadh i gcónaí nó rud éigin a bheith agat faoin gcaoi a bhfuil sí gruama.

Josh looks at Lilith a little confused as she talked in her native tongue and then back at Christina who’s just laughing right now.

Christina Olson: Always flowing because of how moody she is. That’s a good one, Lil!

Lilith grins as she looks at Josh and gives him a pat on the back and looks right back at the camera.

Lilith Meadows: Agus mar atá i gcás na racún, cuimilt a chéile óna chéile. Fulaing tú féin trí troid a chéile mar go ndéanann sé ár n-oíche i bhfad níos éasca ag Ionradh. An bhliain seo caite, shiúil muid isteach i Ionradh i Toronto mar na hiomaitheoirí agus shiúil muid amach leis an ór. I mbliana, déanaimid an rud céanna agus beidh na torthaí mar an gcéanna. Ní thugaimid aire do na rudaí nach mór dúinn a dhéanamh, beimid ina Seaimpíní Foireann Clibe NFW dhá uair.

Christina Olson: I couldn’t have said it better myself, Faerie. Now, let’s get back to the Kingdom locker room and watch Morgan take out Super Tiger for us.

The look at each other and grin as they both just pat Josh as hard as they can on the back, causing him to stumble forward a little bit before they walk off.
Yuusuke Takeda: Tsugi no kontesuto wa 1tsu no aki ni yotei sa rete ori, mein ibentodesu!

Dona slowly walks toward the ring, her focus squarely in front of her. She tunes out the fans, her mind lingering on the match at hand. A wry grin creeps across her painted face, as she climbs up onto the apron. Dona steps through the ropes, making her way to midring. The Toxic Knockout finally let's her eyes pan across the ringside area, before spitting a thick green mist skyward. Rotten cackles maniacally, and goes to her corner, to await the matches start.

Yuusuke Takeda: Oregon-shū pōtorando o keiyu shite, Nihon no Ōsaka kara saisho ni shōkai shimasu! 130-Pondo no omo-sa! The Scream Queen! DONAAAAAAAA ROTTEEEEEEENNN!!!!

♫♫♫ I've got a plan. I know the game. I cross the line and things will never be the same
♫♫♫ It's gotta be right, it's gotta be clean. I gotta cover all the spaces in between
♫♫♫ Because I want to be someone (someone you want to be like)
♫♫♫ One of a kind (just do it if it feels right)
♫♫♫ F***ing contagious (living in the limelight)
♫♫♫ Out of my mind'..

As the chorus of “Straightjacket Supermodel” begins to play across the arena as the lights turn down and a light show of skulls begin to dance across the ring and into the crowd. Then a spotlight shines on the stage as “The Arcane” Lara Bratton basks in the glow for a moment. She stands in a long black robe and black crown as she leans forward on a cane. She leans back and spins the cane around as she begins to make her way down towards the ring as the spotlight follows.

♫♫♫ Cuz I am the all original, so hated that it's criminal
♫♫♫ My fame is on the throttle, straitjacket supermodel
♫♫♫ Sideways on the level, tap dancing with the devil
♫♫♫ I'm bringing down the gospel, straitjacket supermodel

She ignores the crowd for the most part as she reaches the ring. She throws her arms out to her side very dramatically and then lowers them allowing the robe to fall from her shoulders and pool at her feet on the floor. Underneath that robe she wears a black top, which black boy shorts and black boots with white trim. On the backside of her shorts are emblazoned with her initials LB. She reaches up and grabs her crown from her head, tosses it up into the air and catches it perfectly on the end of her cane as she takes that and leans it up against the corner.

She climbs each step up to the ring very slowly and then leaps up and perches herself on the top, then slowly looks from one side to the next with her long black hair hanging down over her face before she springs into the air and lands in the center of the ring with a big grin as her music slowly fades.

Yuusuke Takeda: Beikoku Aidaho-shū bobiru shusshin no kanojo no taisen aite! 175 Lbs no omo-sa! The Yew...Em...Eff...LARAAAAAAA BRATTOOOOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!

Before the match even begins the referee gives both competitors a pat down but as he gives Lara Bratton her search, suddenly she locks up with him, catches his arm and hiptosses him to the canvas, He rolls away as she tries to make a pin and slides out of the ring. Promptly the two are jacking jaws over the ropes as Dona Rotten looks on with a puzzled look on her face. Dona quickly looks towards the ropes, makes the crazy swirl by one ear while nodding and pointing her hand at Lara.

The ref then quickly enters and it's at that point that Lara rolls out of the ring to mingle with the fans. She takes selfies and pictures, failing to notice the ring of the bell as a very frustrated referee motions for the bell whether she likes it or not.

~DING DING DING~

It's when he gets to a count of eight that she notices the match is going on! Quickly she slides back in before being counted out!

Lara Bratton and Dona Rotten immediately commence with circling each other like hungry wolves, Rotten bearing her teeth in a feral smile across her face. Bratton looks back with an intense glare and the two lock up. Dona hits a few elbow checks to the side of Lara's face, sending her back. Dona goes for a quick spinning haymaker, but Lara ducks the shot, and snaps off a fast PUNCHLINE but Dona swivels her head to the side to avoid it, checking Bratton in the ribs with a swift kick as she does so and quickly checking her with a rolling sabat kick, taking Lara right off her feet!

Dona gives her no time to breath, hitting a running low-orbit dropkick on Lara the moment she goes to sit up, then rolls over her for a pin, only netting a two count! Dona pulls Lara up to her feet with her and then whips her into a corner. She rushes in, side steps with a hop into the ropes and a high knee to the chin followed by a DDT and another two count pinfall!

Riding on an adrenaline high, Dona doesn't sweat it, rising off of Lara while signaling for the TOXICOSIS! She climbs to the top rope, crouching down low and goes airborn! LARA ROLLS TO THE SIDE! Dona crashes head first on the mat. She takes charge, gathering a stunned Dona up, straddling her head and hitting THE CRUCIFIX BOMB! The thunderous impact is followed by a quick pinfall that sees Dona kicking out! In frustration, Lara batters Dona's face over and over, battering her foe until the referee tells her to back off. Lara does just that only to drop right back down with a headlock and several nose punches over and over! Once again the referee gives her a warning and count. This time she bolts right into the referee's face, promising to end what looks he has left he keeps stopping her!

After a brief argument, Lara gathers Dona up, only to get hit with a jawbreaker that sets her staggering back! She then finds herself scooped up and slammed into a corner where a savage Dona Rotten unloads upon her with furious lefts, rights, and elbow shots. Lara turtles up as best she can, being driven down and as Dona lifts her up for more punishment, she gets a thumb to the eye that sends her back a step, growling with pain!

Dona strikes blindly at Lara, who catches her arm, gives it a twist and whips her over the ropes and out of the ring! Lara quickly follows her outside where the two engage in a brawl. Dona is at a disadvantage with having trouble seeing out of one eye but fights back as best she can. She battles Lara back into the ring barricade with fans shouting right in their ears. She suddenly grabs a drink from one, takes a quick chuck and then hurls the alcohol right in Dona's face! Dona cries out as the alcohol burns her eyes, staggering back and clutching at them.

A running kick to the head keeps Dona disoriented enough for Lara to slide her back into the ring, entering behind her near a corner. Lara pushes herself onto the second rope to leap off with a Lou Thesz press and choke while slamming the back of Dona's head to the canvas several times over and over! Once more the Referee moves in and almost gets a full five count before Lara rises off of Dona and gets in his face yet again! This time the argument is a bit more drawn out and just as he's about to count Lara out, suddenly a gloved hand snakes up between her legs and she's pulled down for a schoolgirl! In a surprise twist, she rolls with it and right out of Dona's arm to a straight stand and hits a vicious punt kick straight to her foe's face!! Dona rolls flat on her back as Lara goes for another pin and Dona throws that shoulder up, refusing to lose, refusing to die!

She shouts at the ref, holding three fingers up in and then slapping her hands together three times in frustration. She gathers a stunned Dona up and hurls her into the corner., leaving her draped over the top rope with her back exposed. Backing up, she sets herself up in the opposing corner and bursts straight forward, leaping up and NAILS DONA WITH A KNEE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!! She falls back, letting Dona fall right into her arms! She spins Dona around and hits THE PUNCHLINE, dropping her flat on her back. Lara quickly drags Dona away from the ropes and falls across her for the 1-2-3!!!!

~DING DING DING~

Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu! LARAAAAAAA BRATTOOOOOOON!!!!!

Matt Salvatore: Welp! She got her retribution, Nick!

Nick Hanson: Retribution? From what?

Matt Salvatore: Dona Rotten beat her last week. You forget?

Nick Hanson: Oh come on…

Disturbed’s “Warrior” roars through the Osaka-Jo Hall as Eavan Maloney walks out in her leather attire and an AML t-shirt, carrying a briefcase. Accompanying her are her wives, Katra and Adriana Zdunich, as well as a twenty-member security team. As the three women enter the ring, the security team surround the ring. Eavan pulls a microphone out of her pocket and paces the ring as her wives stand in a corner.

Eavan Maloney: “Last week, in Nagoya, I was back in the main event where I belong, taking on our illustrious general manager, Luthor Callaway. The stipulations were clear. If I won, I would get a title match of my choosing when I wanted it. If I lost, I would miss out on the Invasion pay-per-view next week in Tokyo. Now, I can admit when I’m wrong, and I underestimated Luthor Callaway. The man took it to me with his boxing skills and, I’ll be honest, I was starting to doubt I’d be standing here tonight with this briefcase in my hand.”

Eavan debates raising the briefcase before she decides to drop it on the ground.

Eavan Maloney: “Those who watched last week know I…”

Eavan does air quotes with her fingers and rolls her eyes.

Eavan Maloney: “...won the match, with an unwanted assist. I didn’t want to win that way. However, as we’re all noticing, whatever The Kingdom wants, The Kingdom gets. Well, last week they got it, and more. See, I’m not standing here tonight as The Steampunk Warrior, or Krigare, or even Eavan Maloney. I’m standing here as Eavan Zdunich and I’m telling you all that tonight is the last night you will see me in a New Frontier ring.”

The crowd boos and starts a “Please Don’t Go” chant that Eavan shakes her head at.

Nick Hanson: "I agree with the crowd on this on. Don’t do it, Eavan."

Matt Salvatore: “That woman got broken down by The Kingdom. They systematically broke her down over the last couple of months. I don’t blame her one bit.”

Eavan Maloney: “No, sorry folks. You get SCREWED out of a title you fought and clawed for by a cowardly snake, you get a gutless World Champion who eliminates herself, you get little keyboard badasses throwing jabs at you every which way because you chose integrity, you bring in people you think you can trust until they crack you over the head with a chair. And then last week’s little episode. Eventually, you hit a breaking point. So, here’s what I’m going to do.”

Eavan picks up the briefcase again and opens it, pulling out a leather binder before throwing the briefcase out of the ring. She opens the binder and pulls out an envelope.

Eavan Maloney: “In this envelope is a check for the remainder of my contract that I’ll be leaving in Callaway’s office on my way out.”

Eavan pulls out a contract.

Eavan Maloney: “This is the guaranteed title match that I’m relinquishing with it.”

Eavan pulls out a second contract and tosses the binder aside.

Eavan Maloney: “And this here is the contract for the deathmatch against Morgan Payne for next week at Invasion. Morgan? You want to get in my business? You can kiss your dream match goodbye…”

Nick Hanson: ”And here comes the Payne!”

Matt Salvatore: ”Think she’s going to get through Maloney’s security? Eavan wasn’t taking any chances tonight.”

"Ten Million Voices” by Shaman’s Harvest plays and Eavan smirks. Morgan Payne walks out and takes a beeline for the ring as security stops her. Morgan puts her hands up and steps back a step before Eavan shrugs.

Eavan Maloney: “You know what? Let her in.”

Eavan steps back to allow Morgan into the ring. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Katra and Addy far enough away that Eavan was satisfied. Morgan pulls out a microphone from behind her, Eavan watching her movements intently.

Morgan Payne: “Come on, Evvie. You’re better than dis. You ARE a warrior. Do you REALLY want da fans to look at ya as a loser? A quitter? Because that’s what you’re doin’ right nah. Things are too rough for ya so you’re going home.”

Eavan glares at her and closes her eyes and lowers her head a little.

Morgan Payne: “What’re ya gonna do next, hmm? Go to DPW and trash us like ya used to on Twitter before you wiped ya account clean? What happened to the woman who made the Crippler tap out to become Television Champion? What happened to the Warrior who launched herself along the apron into Rick Dickulous with that crowbar to become Silver Mountain champion? Where is she, Eavan?!”

Eavan Maloney: ”YOU broke her. You and the ones you stand with and you know it. You’ve gloated about it since it happened.”

Morgan nods her head no.

Morgan Payne: “Nah, Eavan, YOU gave up. YOU walked away. YOU never even put up a fight against Jasmine. YOU caved. And now, here ya are about to do the same thing again. You wanted this match and now ya wanna deny me? Screw you, Eavan, YOU’RE backing out because YOU are afraid. YOU are the selfish bitch. How long do you think it will take before Katra and Addy there give up on ya?”

Eavan gets right up into Morgan’s face.

Eavan Maloney: “Don’t ever mention them. You’re not getting your match, I won’t budge on that. Turn your bitch ass around and go back up that ramp. I’m giving you to the count of three or I get security to pull you out.”

Morgan starts to clench her jaw but Eavan isn’t budging. Finally, as security are about to enter the ring, Morgan stands down and steps through the ropes. Eavan turns her back and is about to escort her wives out of the ring when the crowd comes alive. Eavan turns around to see what’s going on, and sees Morgan charging at her with a Foot To the Throat brogue kick. Eavan dodges the move and Morgan kicks Katra through the ropes to the outside! Eavan’s eyes widen as Morgan’s standing there in shock. Eavan tackles Morgan and starts laying fists to her face as Addy and members of the security check on Katra, while others rush the ring to separate the two of them. Eavan grabs one of the microphones on the mat as security gets Morgan out of the ring and heading up the ramp.

Eavan Maloney: “YOU WANT THE MATCH THAT BADLY? I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU IN TOKYO!”

Morgan, being escorted by security, turns back to face Eavan and smiles wide, yelling “there’s the warrior I wanted” as she's sent through the curtain. Eavan, meanwhile, runs over to tend to Katra as we go to commercial.
Yuusuke Takeda: Tsugi no kontesuto wa 1tsu no aki ni yotei sa rete ori, matsubokkuri de ume rareta ikite iru desumatchidesu!

The arena plunges into darkness apart from a shimmering red strobe on the stage which moves in tune to the beat of Seventeen Girls In A Row and the lights come back on as there is a sudden explosion of fiery pyro and Lash gets a warm reaction as he leaps out from the backstage area at the same time. Lash Donohue, adorned in his usual furry hat and coat, strides down the ramp confidently, his arms stretched out, slapping the hands which reach out. The fans get a lot more enthusiastic as Lash leaps up onto the barricade and shows off his agility by casually making his way down it.

Yuusuke Takeda: Saisho ni shōkai suru no wa, Beikoku Irinoi-shū Shikago karadesu! 205-Pondo no omo-sa! The Diamond...LAAAASH...DONOHUUUUUUUUUE!!!!

Lash reaches the end of the barricade wall and looks around, giving a somewhat cocky smirk as several flashbulbs go off while he leaps from the Wall to the ring apron, strikes his trademark pose and 'skins the cat'. Lash Donohue ascends to the top rope and gestures for the crowd to get louder before jumping down and awaiting his opponent.

The lights go out as “Summer Breeze” by Type O Negative comes on through the speakers. The lights come on around the ramp and stage as a dark, eerie red shade. Almost reaching violet as candles light up along the stage and a glowing red pentagram lights up on the center of the stage. Each point of the pentagram has a burning candle on the end. Throughout the audience, lighters are seen, helping to set the mood of the scene.

See the curtains hangin' in the window, in the evenin' on a Friday night
A little light a-shinin' through the window, lets me know everything is alright

As the lyrics start, the center of the pentagram is revealed, upon closer inspection, to be hollowed out. Suddenly, however, it is slowly filled as the panel below raises up, bringing “The Walking Contradiction” Cherry Addams, up onto the stage. Cherry is crouched but once the panel is raised in place, she slowly, sensually, stands to her feet, slowly spreading out her arms like a demon stretching her arms upon her ascent to Earth.

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind

Cherry Addams steps out of the pentagram, approaching the ring seductively and methodically as she watches the ring with a blood thirsty little smile on her lips.

See the paper layin' in the sidewalk, a little music from the house next door
So I walked on up to the doorstep, through the screen and across the floor

Yuusuke Takeda: Endoresuboido kara no kare no taisen aite. 165-Pondo no omo-sa! Kanojo wa hokō no mujundesu! CHERRYYYYYYYY...ADDAAAAAAAAAAAAMS!!!!

Upon reaching the ring, Cherry climbs up onto the apron and flexibly slides under the bottom rope, moving to her corner.

~DING DING DING~

The referee seemingly reluctantly called for the bell while Cherry Addams and Lash Donohue circled dangerously, trading vicious insults back and forth. Cherry finally had enough, letting out an angry war cry and lunging at Lash with a running elbow which would knock anybody's head clean off! To the humor and delight of the fans, Lash executed a perfectly timed Matrix evasion and caught Cherry with a drop toe hold as she stumbled, and she angrily kicked him away as he moved in to apply his Indian deathlock. Both back to their feet now, and the crowd voiced their concern as Cherry snapped Lash's head back with a vicious European uppercut!

*SMACK!!*

CROWD: OHHHHHH!

Lash's brow furrowed for a brief second before he responded with his very own! Cherry's eyes seemed to glaze just slightly as she staggered!

*SMACK!!*

CROWD: WOOOOAAAH!!!

*SMACK!!*

Lash staggered back into a corner in a daze. Cherry quickly left the ring, angrily snatching a large shovel from the dirt mound by the entrance ramp before she ran at Lash angrily, swinging for the fences!

*CLANG!*

Just in time, Lash managed to leap out of the way of a shot which would almost definitely killed him, Cherry struggling with the recoil and dropping the shovel as it smacked against the top turnbuckle. In that narrow window provided, Lash hit the ropes and there was a huge pop as he leapt over the top, twirling into a Fosberry flop in mid air.

*CLANG!*

CROWD: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

Cherry Addams managed to regain control and bring the shovel crashing down on the back of Lash's head! Jesus! And if that wasn't all, Cherry shrieked like a banshee as she hurled the shovel javelin style at the prone man's head, Lash instinctively rolling out of the way, yet the shovel plunging into the nearby dirt mound with such velocity it severed a couple of inches of dreadlock!

CROWD: YOU CRAZY BITCH! YOU CRAZY BITCH! YOU CRAZY BITCH!

Cherry cackled evilly as she stomped away viciously at Lash, all the while rambling loudly about HER pinecone. She easily managed to drag the already semi-conscious and bleeding rook to his feet. Knee to the stomach, and Lash is doubled over. Cherry grinned sarcastically and flipped the roaring crowd off as she threw an arm over her shoulder and got Lash up for a brain buster! The fans went positively nuts as Lash managed to shift his weight and wriggle free, landing on his feet! Vicious arm trap neckbreaker into the dirt mound! While Cherry regained her composure, Lash achieved another huge pop as he leapt up onto the barricade wall and gave them his trademark taunt. Touching his hand to the back of his head, Lash's eyes bulged as he suddenly realised he's bleeding pretty bad! The fans let out a collective sickened groan as Lash let out a war cry, collected a good handful and licked it up, as well as smearing it all over his face and body.

CROWD: YOU SICK FUCK! YOU SICK FUCK! YOU SICK FUCK!

The taunt turned to another POP as Lash spotted Cherry standing, and he ran along the barricade wall like a cat atop a fence, launching off for a rana, yet Cherry caught him at the last possible second and absolutely DRILLED him with a sit out powerbomb near the top of the ramp! Lash looked to be out of it, Cherry grabbing another shovel and holding it high above her head, before she once again tried to bring it crashing down on Lash's head, yet he scrambled, managing to grab a shovel of his own, parrying the blow!

*CLANG!*

Cherry swung again, Lash parrying once more and forcing her back, allowing him to stand. Lash swung at Cherry, and she blocked.

*CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!*

Lash swung wildly at Cherry, yet she managed to parry every shot and he finally dropped to a knee, clutching the back of his steadily bleeding head as the pain and dizziness coincided with the harsh clanging of shovels. Cherry grinned evilly as she seized her chance, bringing the shovel down across Lash's back as hard as she could! Lash's body crumbled as he fell face down in the dirt. Being in complete control, Cherry viciously yanked Lash to his feet by his dreadlocks and seized him in a headlock while she dragged him toward the open grave at the top of the ramp. Cherry delivered a furious flurry of forearms and kicks before she once more uttered a banshee cry and ran at Lash with what was supposed to be the shovel shot which knocked him into the grave… but to the HUGE relief and delight of the crowd, Lash managed to cleverly duck under and in one fell swoop, he hooked Cherry around the shovel and into the perfect position. SHOVEL-ASSISTED BURY GO ROUND INTO THE GRAVE?!?

*LIGHTS FLICKER LIKE CRAZY BEFORE GOING OUT ALTOGETHER*

When the lights come back on, the crowd is appalled as Cherry, cackling evilly the whole time, had knocked Lash into the open grave and it was too late. In the confusion, Cherry had ample time to pretty much completely cover Lash Donohue with dirt. The referee called for the bell!

~DING DING DING~

Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōsha de,... Matsubokkuri no atarashī shoyū-shadesu... ? CHERRY...ADDAMS!!

Cherry's music had already hit, and she had wasted absolutely no time in snatching her prize! Covered in dirt, sweat and another man's blood, Cherry held her pinecone aloft as the fans BOOO and curse her name. While Cherry is busy taunting the crowd and rubbing her victory in as she kicked more dirt onto the grave, the fans suddenly POP HUGE and LAUGH. Cherry turned around to see what all the fuss is about, and her face turned a dark scarlet as she could see Lash's hand sticking out of the grave, clutching the REAL pinecone he'd kept all along!

Nick Hanson: What the--?

Matt Salvatore: Lash juked her!

As “Summer Breeze” played, the cameras jumped backstage to capture a young woman with dark hair - hints of color dyed into it - dressed in a clearly cheesy, stereotypical, maintenance disguise, green jumper and hat on over her pigtails. She’s even wearing a tool belt as she stands by the main circuit breaker of the arena.

Nick Hanson: Wait a minute, who the hell…?

Matt Salvatore: What? She’s a maintenance lady, Nick.

Nick Hanson: Now does she look like a maintenance lady to you? C’mon! There’s something fishy about her!

Popping some gum in her mouth, the girl pulls a pair of safety goggles off her eyes and nods in self approval.

Voice: Oi! Nē!

Voice 2: Kanojo o yamero!

A voice offscreen draws her attention. She goes bug eyed and...flips whoever it is off, before turning and books it down the hallway. Heavy work boots thumping across the concrete as she tears ass away from her pursuers which we soon see are three security guards, chasing her. Up in the distance, she turns and knocks over a stack of empty equipment crates between her and the man before disappearing through a door.

Nick Hanson: Matt, who the hell was that?!

Matt Salvatore: No clue but she accidentally cost Lash the match.

Nick Hanson: Accidentally, huh? Right.

Yuusuke Takeda: Tsugi no kontesuto wa 1tsu no aki ni yotei sa rete ori, mein ibentodesu!

As Hatsune Miku’s “The World Is Mine” fills the arena, Super Tiger comes out to rainbow colored pyro, holding her arms out and spinning in place as the pyro shoots across the stage, before running down the ramp. She will stop and put a souvenir mask on a child in the front row, a la Rey Mysterio, before climbing into the ring, and spinning in circles again as pyro shoots from the ring posts.

Yuusuke Takeda: Mazuwa Kyōto kara! 105-Pondo no omo-sa! Kawaii Trash Pandas Go! Kanojo wa NFW Tag Team chanpion no hanbundesu! SUPAAAAAAAA TYGAAAAAAAA!!!! Soshite... Kanojo no teki!

The lights go out, shrouding the arena in darkness as those first few drum notes of “Ten Million Voices” sound throughout the speakers. As soon as the guitar riff starts, the video wall comes to life with the BEHOLD THE KINGDOM banner while the back wall screen comes to life with a combined static and barbwire design.

Are the whispers turning your mind?
They're the wolves nipping at your heels.
Trying to drag you down when the light is gone.

As the lyrics to the song start, the video wall switches to images of a woman in a hooded sweatshirt, sitting in a chair with a barbwire baseball bat being held vertical under one hand, in between her knees. Her hand spins the bat like a top as the camera cuts around to different angles of her in the black and white video. The final clip shows a closeup of her lifting her cold, merciless eyes to the camera before the Kingdom banner fills the screen again.

And now winter is coming she preys on us all.
Watch how they're mocking ready to fall.
And our pulses are pounding to the sound of the drum.

As “and now winter is coming” is heard, a black silhouette walks out into view in front of the staticy barbwire image on the back wall. The silhouette turns towards the camera from the distance and steps out onto the stage, wielding the same bat seen in the video. The figure twirls the bat lazily once at their side before resting it over their shoulder. The lighting changes just enough to illuminate the figure, revealing none other than Morgan Payne! She stares down the ramp with coldness in her heterochromic eyes, briefly glancing around at the audience.

There are ten million souls
who are feeling like you.
And ten million more who are finding the truth.
Then it feels like you're right where you belong.
When ten million voices are one.

Morgan walks down to the ring intently but in no rush at all. The look on her face, cold and hard, never changes as she reaches ringside and ascends the steps before entering the ring over the middle rope. As soon as she’s in the ring, she brings the bat back up onto her shoulder and moves to a corner, climbing the turnbuckle and raises her bat overhead to the jeering audience. Once she steps down, she sets her bat in the corner, throwing back her hood and removing her jacket, tossing it over the ropes to the timekeeper as she turns around, facing inside the ring and loosening up some.

Yuusuke Takeda: Beikoku Penshirubenia-shū pittsubāgu kara! Kanojo no taijū wa 130-pondodesu. Ōkoku o daihyō suru! MORGAAAAAAAAAAN PAAAAAAAAAAAAYNE!!!!!

~DING DING DING~

The crowd is immediately buzzing as soon as the match starts. A “TI-GER” chant fills Osaka-Jo Hall, causing the masked Joshi to beam adorably around her at the fans. Even Morgan Payne, who’s usually all about throwing trash talk to the crowd when they oppose her just looks around with a small smirk. She usually spews hate to her opponent but tonight, she’s wrestling her friend in a special request match so it’s all about good sport! The two women come out of their corners. Super Tiger smiles so cutely at her opponent and just waves as if she’s meeting her for an afternoon out. She’s also the one who initiates the offer of a handshake which, surprisingly, without hesitation, Morgan accepts and holds Super Tiger’s hand in both of hers. Super Tiger puts her other hand over Morgan’s as well and bows her head with respect. Morgan returns it with a nod and they break off, starting to circle the mat. Before they even lock up, they test each other’s reaction instinct back and forth. Super Tiger feigns a lockup, half lunging in just to see how quick Morgan reacts which is, as expected, shows she’s ready for the little lucha. In return, Morgan shoots in for the legs but drops to a knee, twisting up when she sees Tiger ready to sprawl on her if she goes for it. The crowd escalates, laughing a little as Super Tiger makes a cute face under her mask (seen by her eyes and mouth) and does a playful shimmie as if to ask Morgan ‘which way am I gonna come from?’ The usually cold, hardened Payne family member can’t resist a small humored smile before the two go serious again and circle, finally locking up tight. Morgan, as always, throws that arm across to - legally mind you - press her forearm against the face of Super Tiger to make the lockup uncomfortable for her and gain an advantage.

From the opening moments of the two actually starting to wrestle, Morgan has the strength advantage as she powers Super Tiger back into the corner. The referee calls for the break and Morgan breaks clean. Hands up, she steps back. That tense moment passes. Is she going to try for a cheap shot? Nope. Not with Tiger. They break clean and circle again. This time when they tie up, Super Tiger shows why the younger you start training, the better you are. Her years more of experience in the business begin to immediately show as she breaks out of the tie up and catches Morgan in an arm wrench and when Morgan tries to roll forward and reverse it, Super Tiger just flips forward and puts the tension right back on the arm before running with Payne to the ropes and hits a springboard arm drag, followed by a running neck twist to the sitting up American wrestler. She follows with a quick running Shooting Star Press off the mat which wows the audience but it only gets her a two count before Morgan tosses her off like a weightless child. There’s the explosive power of Morgan Payne but as she gets up, Super Tiger stays on the offensive, using her speed and agility to keep her friend but opponent for tonight on her toes. Tiger whips Morgan into the ropes but Morgan comes back with an attempt at a lariat. Tiger slips under the arm, however, and springs off of the ropes for a swinging hurricanrana. She immediately pops to her feet, comes off the ropes and hits a Meteora on Morgan. Cover. Two count. Morgan throws Tiger off of her again, into the ropes which slows her down as she hits her throat on the middle rope, leaving her leaning against it. Morgan pulls herself to her feet and sees the opening, runs off the ropes and hits a flying guillotine, throwing her weight into Super Tiger’s back, turning the match around in her favor!

Morgan pulls Tiger up, instinctively going for the hair which means she grabs Tiger’s mask. The crowd starts to boo but Morgan actually catches herself and lets go of the mask, instead pulling Tiger up by the wrist and a hand on the back of her neck. She whips Tiger out but holds onto the wrist, jerks her in for a short arm lariat but Tiger manages to follow through with the impact and backflips around Morgan’s arm, catching hold of it and hits that arm wringer again. She goes for another Irish whip on Payne but Payne reverses it and sends Tiger into the ropes. Tiger hops up, springs backwards to go for a back elbow but Morgan catches her around the waist, dangling little Tiggy off the mat as she leans forward, keeping her elevated still. She uses her deceptive power and swings back again. Deadlift Pendulum German Suplex!! Bridge for the cover!! But only a two count as Tiger thrusts her legs up and gets out!

The crowd doesn’t like Morgan but they can’t deny her ability there. Super Tiger lands and rolls up onto her knees, sitting back on her feet as Morgan comes off the ropes, yelling and drills her with a sliding forearm. Tiger rolls out of the ring to catch a breather, not really having expected the sheer power and ferocity of her opponent. As she tries to regain herself though, Morgan comes off the ropes and flies through the top and middle ropes with a Suicide Crossbody, taking them both to the floor! Morgan pulls herself to her feet first and picks Tiger up. Instinctively, she sets Tiger up for a powerbomb and lifts her up for a powerbomb!! Is she going to go for it against the apron?! But she hesitates. This is her friend. And her friend capitalizes and throws herself back into another hurricanrana. This one sends Morgan forward, face first right into the very apron she was about to powerbomb Tiger on! The crowd reacts sympathetically, of all things and the commentary bring up Morgan’s concussion history as it looks like a nasty hit. Super Tiger realizes that she really got Morgan there and hesitates to stay on the attack. The ref is counting though and is at 15 already as it took Tiger a bit to get up. Super Tiger suddenly scrambles to get Morgan back into the ring, crawling in right at 19 and goes for another cover, only getting a two count.

Super Tiger goes to pick Morgan Payne up again, raising her index finger to the sky and calling for something big but Morgan explodes up, swatting her arms away and stiffs her with a forearm to the jaw. The crowd “ooooohs.” Was that an angry hit or just a full on strike, no holding back? It’s not really clear as Morgan’s face is more exhausted than anything, not really showing anger. But Super Tiger staggers, looking a little shocked at the hit. She looks at Morgan wide eyed and Morgan just motions to her to give her the best she has. Super Tiger grabs her by the back of the head and returns the forearm strike. Tiger may be small, but the way she delivers this hit rocks Morgan back. The Kingdom member shakes the cobwebs out of her head and comes back, per Super Tiger’s request with a backhand chop across the chest. SMACK! Tiger winces and covers up but when she recovers, she comes back with a chop of her own that resonates through the arena and staggers Morgan again. Tiger urges Morgan to come back with more. Morgan answers with a chop. Super Tiger staggers but hits her own chop. Morgan comes back with a forearm. Tiger throws her own forearm. The pace starts to pick up but, of all things, it looks like Morgan is the one wearing down from the stiff shots coming from the Joshi luchadore. Finally, Morgan eats a forearm and spit goes flying. She starts to come back for another but she slumps down to her knees. Super Tiger leans forward, supporting herself on her knees to recover for a second before she goes in for the kill. However Morgan suddenly explodes upward! She lifts Tiger up across her shoulders!! DAHNTAHN AFTER DA--NO!! Tiger rolls through the execution and lands on her feet. Morgan’s on her knees! Tiger’s poised! SUPERKICK!! Cover! 1...2...NO!! Morgan kicks out!!

Super Tiger scales the turnbuckle and calls for the finish! She soars off of the top!! FLIGHT OF THE TI-- MORGAN GETS HER BOOT UP INTO THE FACE!!! Super Tiger recoils, right back into the corner, arms hung up on the top ropes which serve to hold her up. Morgan bites through the pain, showing her new resilience, and gets up faster than she used to. She advances on Tiger with a knife edge chop and throws her to a sitting position to the mat! Shoots across the ring! Comes back! Hesitating dropkick! YOI YOI DOUBLE YOI!!! Cover!! 2.9!!! Tiger just manages to kick out! Morgan’s grabbing her hair now, sweat beading down her face. Spit spraying with each heavy exhale. What the hell is gonna keep Tiger down?! Morgan’s eyes are crazed! She pulls Tiger up to her feet. Kick to the midsection and she sets her up for that package piledriver she hit Luthor Callaway with last week. As she lifts her up, however, Tiger wiggles and squirms, causing Morgan to lose her grip given the sweat on Tiger’s own legs and Morgan can’t get a good grip. She drops Tiger to her feet. Tiger straightens up and feeds her a forearm. Morgan rocks, and comes back with a downward Muay Thai elbow across the jaw. Tiger spins out with her back to Morgan, swaying in place but then… PELE KICK TO MORGAN PAYNE!!! More spit flies, giving validity to how hard Tiger just kicked Morgan in the face and the Kingdom member timbers to the mat with a thud. Neither woman moves and the referee starts to count. At six, Morgan stirs and sits up, wracked with pain. Super Tiger pulls herself up on the ropes as Morgan powers up slowly in the center of the ring. The two stare back at each other, beaten and worn.

There’s a split chant now and while Tiger still has a heavy following, the fans who don’t care about personal allegiance are screaming for both women. Morgan’s getting some call outs. The two start to advance on each other again but Tiger manages to bait Morgan forward before sliding between her legs, tripping her to the floor and locks in a Calf Crusher! COYOTE BEAUTIFUL!! Morgan’s locked into the submission but despite screaming in pain, she doesn’t panic in her attempt to escape. She grits her teeth, bears it and manages to use her power to crawl, screaming through her teeth as she grabs the ropes for the break. Tiger breaks it reluctantly but willingly. She lets Morgan start to pull herself up into the corner and crosses the ring, waiting, getting fired up. Morgan leans back into the corner and Tiger comes running in like a little bullet. This is also a Joshi coming in so as she charges, she screams Morgan’s name out for the audience to hear and dives in for a European Uppercut. No!! Morgan just barely moves and Tiger SLAMS back into the corner. Hastily but obviously on a temporarily gimp leg, Morgan takes the opposite corner and comes barreling in. They’re in Japan, so she screams “Tiger” as she comes in. Tiger attempts to rush out and catch Morgan before she makes her move but Morgan’s already flying through the air at her with a knee up. KHAO LOI!!!!! Tiger falls back into the corner and slumps but Morgan doesn’t let her fall to the mat. She pulls her in by one arm and lifts her across her shoulders. Running charge to the center of the ring. DAHNTAHN AFTER DAHK!!! Cover!! 1...2...3!!

~DING DING DING~

Yuusuke Takeda: Kore ga anata no shōshadesu! MORGAAAAAAN...PAAAAAAAYNE!!!!

Nick Hanson: Wow, Matt! Wow!!

Matt Salvatore: One HELL of a main event!! Osaka-jo Hall is on their feet, Nick!! They’re giving it up for both these women in the ring!!

As “Ten Million Voices” plays through the arena, Morgan just lays there over Tiger, both women catching their breaths before Morgan sits up and back. She leans forward then, hugging Tiger on the mat, pressing their foreheads together. Tiger hugs back before Morgan pulls her up and they both get to their feet.

Nick Hanson: That was a wrestling match, Matt.

Matt Salvatore: I know Nick.

Nick Hanson: No I mean THAT was what I call a wrestling match!

Matt Salvatore: Haha, I know, Nick! Anyway! Thanks for watching everyone! That was our show for tonight! We’ll be at the Tokyo Dome next Tuesday! INVASION Japan is approaching!

Nick Hanson: Wait, what’s Super Tiger…?

Inside the ring, Super Tiger gestures for Morgan Payne to stay in the ring as she moves to her corner and slides out of the ring. She grabs the little black bag she brought from the timekeeper and gets back into the ring, coming to stand in front of Morgan where she offers it out to her with her head bowing.

Nick Hanson: A gift?

Matt Salvatore: Never seen this after a wrestling match, Nick. I know it’s not Morgan’s birthday.

Morgan Payne opens the bag and reaches in, pulling out what looks to be a newly made Super Tiger mask. This one, in particular, is black, gold and yellow with a Steelers ‘S’ on the forehead where Super Tiger’s usual S mark would go. Morgan is speechless as she looks, exhaustedly, up from the mask to Super Tiger. Tiger, smiling tentatively, bows again, only to come back up into...a big hug from Morgan as the woman pulls her in. The crowd applauds as the two opponents embrace.

Nick Hanson: Well that’s a pretty awesome gesture!

Matt Salvatore: I’ll say! Morgan's got her match with Eavan Maloney next week in Tokyo. Maybe that mask can come in handy!

Nick Hanson: You're horrible, you know that?

Matt Salvatore: Never said I was a saint. So long everyone!

Inside the ring, Morgan and Tiger converse over the mask briefly as the show goes off the air. Morgan looks to be asking Super Tiger if she made it herself, which Super Tiger confirms with a proud nod. The show fades out….