Trauma Episode #11! 4/11/20 Chicago, IL!

Andrew Payne: What’s going on everyone! Welcome to Saturday night Trauma! We are live here in Chicago, Illinois. 2,000 people here at the NFW Collision Center ready for the latest in some Saturday night wrestling.

Miranda Augustino: This place normally seats up to 6,000 Andy but you know…”social distancing.” But while the fans practice that, the roster’s gonna practice some social asskicking!

Andrew Payne: Where do you come up with these?

Miranda Augustino: You didn’t like that one?

Andrew Payne: I don’t understand jokes from your generation, to be honest.

Miranda Augustino: I told it to Kitten and she liked it!

Andrew Payne: She’s your generation.

Miranda Augustino: True. Oh well, screw it! I get to see my little Kitty baby twice out here tonight. I’m excited about that!

Andrew Payne: I’m excited about the entire card. Especially our main event. Champions showcase. The NFW Undisputed Champion, Emelie Sanclemente and the NFW United States Champion, Adrianna Salvatore are coming together to team up in a non-title match against the NFW Tag Team Champions, The Skillz Vendorz!

Mirana Augustino: Gonna be poppin’! What are we waiting for?!

Andrew Payne: Not a damn thing! Let’s get this show underway!







Winner: Tyson Law
Result: Pinfall
===========================================================

[/div]The camera scene shifts backstage, immediately falling on the center plate of the NFW United States Championship to which the fans in the audience can be heard popping for. The camera pans over where we then find U.S Champion, Adrianna Salvatore sitting on a bench in her ring gear. The only thing she has left to do is finish tying her boots which she’s in the process of. Her eyes sharp and focused on the task ahead of her: defeating her opponents, as always.

From stage right enters the already-dressed-to-compete NFW Undisputed Champion, Emelie Sanclemente, which pops the crowd even more as she nervously sits down on the same bench next to her friend. She's dwarfed by Adrianna, being 5-foot-nothing and all. Em's gear, once bearing the colors of the flag of Sweden, now bears black where there once was blue, and white where there was yellow. It's also now in two pieces, as if trying to fuse her first look and her look from March Mayhem.

Emelie: Hey, Addy...

Adrianna: Emelie….

Adrianna continues tying her boot, focused on it until she’s finished with it then finally sits up and turns her full attention to her friend and tag team partner for the night. This time, as we see her, her face is void of any facepaint but her eyes are still the eerie white with only the black pupils adding any detail to them. Her attention briefly moves to the Undisputed Championship belt that Emelie now possesses, then lifts back up to her friend where the faintest of smirks plays on her lips.

Adrianna: How’s it feel?

Emelie: Well...

Em adjusts the title on her shoulder a little, having to think on her answer just a little. She takes a breath, finally having one.

Emelie: If I'm honest? There's a lot more weight to it than it looks. The belt itself weighs around 10 pounds, but it feels like 10 tons when it's on my shoulder like this. It feels like it was forged with the weight of this brand on it... but when we go out there, it might as well feel weightless because of the adrenaline high I'll get when all the fans chant for us.

The Undisputed Champion looks to Adrianna's United States Title.

Emelie: How does that one feel?

Adrianna looks over and reaches, picking the white leather strap with gold plates anchored into it, pulling it into her lap and stares down at the decor of the championship. The colors of their nation’s flag filling in the engraving of their continent beneath the eagle wings on the large center plate while Lady Liberty hoisted her torch on the side plates. Adrianna stares long and hard at it and her fingers, with her underhand grip, tighten over the leather.

Adrianna: To be honest, like you said…? Liberating. In a perfect world I would still be at the top of the division….

Pause as she gives a brief shake of her head.

Adrianna: But there’s no such thing… We both know that. The war I went through for this title against Sela felt like a one on one of the war that birthed the land this belt represents. I stepped into a cage and put myself through a Hell that not many can say they have in their time. I liberated this title from someone that would have run its meaning right through the nine rings of literal Hell with how she was galavanting around. Knowing her, I expect she’ll be back. People like her are too materialistic to be able to go on without a piece of leather and a slab of metal with their name on it. To me, it’s never been about simply holding a belt. It’s about standing for what that belt represents. Even if I’m no longer Queen of the company or of the brand...I’ll settle for being the Queen of the wasteland that this nation’s quickly becoming. I’ll rebuild it...even if it means having to burn it down and start anew….

Emelie simply nods in response.

Emelie: That's the kind of fire I can get behind. Not that I'm not already behind you in anything you do, but you get the idea...

Em shrugs.

Emelie: I know Griffin'll be back for my title. It's already in the cards a couple shows down the line. I know Cali-Kate'll also be coming for my title at literally any time she chooses. So I've adopted a motto...

Adrianna barely even moves. She just relaxes her grip on the U.S Title and her brow furrows in curiosity when Emelie mentions it.

Adrianna: Motto…?

Emelie: Fight like heck. It's actually "fight like H-E-double-L", but I don't like cursing... regardless, it's a motto I've stuck to since I was drafted to Trauma, and it's philosophy's gotten me this far.

Em looks Adrianna right in the eyes, taking the Undisputed Title off of her shoulder in the process...

Emelie: I've fought like heck to get to this...

...and holding it up for just a moment...

Emelie: ...I'll fight like heck to keep it...

She places the title back on her shoulder.

Emelie: ...and I'll fight like heck for those I love for anything they desire.

The Undisputed Champion pauses for just a second.

Emelie: Not that you didn't know that, but still. My point is that's the philosophy and the motto I live by when I have this title on my shoulder. I know unless we're tagging with one another, you don't need it, but if you need my help, I'll fight like heck to help you with anything. Such as tonight: I'll fight like heck to help us win this match.

Adrianna just shakes her head and lets out a soft chuckle.

Adrianna: Em...you’re too adorable at times. Innocence. Don’t....don’t ever lose that.

She then looks at Emelie’s title again and nods towards it.

Adrianna: As for that? You’re abso-fucking-lutely right about fighting like hell to keep it. Winning a title is already enough of a challenge. Now comes the real task. Defending it. People underestimated you Emelie. A lot of people probably looked at you and saw a girl who’d never held a title before, somehow getting a crack at the top belt of the brand. They underestimated you and thought you couldn’t do it. You proved them wrong. Now...they know you’re a threat. People are going to want that belt you have. They’re going to be studying you in and out, trying to make themselves ready for when it’s their turn. There’s over thirty people preparing for just one individual. You? Need to prepare for over thirty people that wanna take away what you fought for. Now….

Adrianna lifts her U.S Title and sets it on her shoulder.

Adrianna: That being said, I’m all about loyalty and family. To me the blood that runs through our veins doesn’t determine family. It’s loyalty and action. You’ve had my back on more than one occasion, so now Em, I’ve got yours. Not everyone’s going to get in your face and lay down the challenge. There’s rats in the dark you need to worry about. Rats that’ll try to spring on you when you let your guard down. But this business is like the food chain, Em. Rats will come for you...and when they do...they’re gonna get snakebit. And trust me, sweetheart. Cobra bites? They’re not pretty. But...more of that later. Right now? We got a date in the ring with two others who busted ass and walked away with their own prizes.

Adrianna stands from the bench, towering over adorable little Emmie. The U.S Champion raises her hand up, offering it to the Undisptued Champion for a clasp.

Adrianna: Let’s go say hello to the rest of Team Santiago.

Emelie takes Adrianna's hand, clasping it while rising from the bench. All smiles from the small Swede.

Emelie: And then fight like heck to beat 'em.
Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Bullet For My Valentine’s cover of “No Easy Way Out” fills the arena as the crowd begins to cheer the signs come out. The cheers soar even higher as the lyrics start and River Chance comes walking through the curtain, all business. Ready and focused. Cool as a cucumber. While she receives a huge welcome from the crowd, the young woman simply looks around at them without much of a reaction outside of an innocent, sweet little smile. Just a faint one visible on her lips as she checks her wrist tape and starts down towards the ring at a calm but brisk walk.

Thea Crawford: “Introducing first, weighing in at 170lbs...from Ann Arbor, Michigan...RIVER...CHANCE!!!!”

Remaining calm, and actually almost emotionless, River Chance reaches the ring and climbs the steps, entering the ring before coming to the center of the ring. Here, is where she shows more personality and smirks sweetly to the audience, flexing her muscular arms. As her music fades, River moves to her corner, pulling on the ropes and doing some last minute warmup to stay loose.

Thea Crawford: And, her opponent….

That Noise’s “Anchor” fills the arena and the crowd gives a mixed reaction as they welcome the new arrival to NFW. The curtain is thrown aside as the fearsome, tattooed visage of The Casted Out Angel comes storming out onto the stage. He wastes no time in moving from the stage to the ramp, storming down towards the ring; completely ignoring the fans as he reaches the ring and quickly pulls himself up onto the mat. Here, finally, he raises his arms, hands out with a wild look in his eyes.

Thea Crawford: From Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany! Making his NFW debut! Weighing in at 229 pounds! The Casted Out Angel...MIKHAIL...REINHARDT!!!

Mikhail Reinhardt spits at the camera, cursing the camera man before turning towards the entrance stage again and hunches down, watching with a sadistic smirk.

~DING DING DING~

Ding Ding says the bell and we find River and Mikhail locking up right off the bat. The Devil catches River off guard with a forearm during the struggle, followed by a shove and then a pull back into a standing Lariat and an elbow drop pinfall that doesn't even result in a one as River shoves him off and sits up. The two get to their feet, only for River to drop back down to her knees as Mikhail gets caught in a kneeling fireman's carry. River rises to her feet, lifts him up and MILITARY PRESS DROPS Mikhail behind her, quickly running for the ropes. He rolls over in time to catch a running LEG DROP from River, which is then followed by pin. Mikhail kicks out at an easy 1.5 count and the two get back to their feet. Mikhail hits a rolling right cross that staggers River momentarily, then bolts for the ropes. She snaps back and fires of a CONCUSSION KICK but RIVER DUCKS IT, slipping between his legs, shouldering him in the groin lifting him up and powerslamming him brutally to the canvas for her second pin of the night, but only nets 2 for her troubles!

Both are back on their feet with Mikhail holding a hand to his back and growling in pain. River moves swiftly, latching on a rear waistlock but a savage back elbow to her temple halts her! Breaking free, he turns, hits her with a European Uppercut, boots her in the gut and nails THE NIGHT ZERO SUPLEX, followed by yet another pinfall and another kickout! Frustration mounts as the Devil wants his due but River has denied him at every turn!

The two are on their feet again and he comes in swinging, but his blows are angry and chaotic. River weaves around the shots and catches him in the POMMEL STRIKE, but as she goes down, Mikhail REVERSES hooking her head in a front facelock and DDT's her on the canvas while taking the full brunt of the brutal spinebuster! She pops up on impact and falls to one side while Mikhail lays there just trying to catch the wind knocked from his lungs!

Slowly but surely in a moment where seconds stretch on to what feels like eternity, River crawls over to Mikhail and throws an arm over his chest! ONE......TWO.....THRE-KICKOUT!!! Mikhail rolls over onto his side and River sits up, clutching at her throbbing skull and showing a slight hint of frustration on her face.

River backs into a corner, crouching low and watching calmly, patiently, and surprisingly still as Mikhail gets to his feet. Then suddenly she bursts across the ring with surprising speed! Suddenly he turns and jumps, stomping both feet across her shoulders and driving her down, tucking and rolling on impact to his feet! River gets up just for him to rush in with a boot to the gut and THE FALL FROM GRACE POWERBOMB! River's down, sucking wind as he pops straight up, rushes to the nearest corner. He vaults to the top and leaps off with a DIVING HEART ATTACK! He flips off her chest on impact, then for a bit of flair, hits a standing moonsault, hooking both of River's legs and rolling her weight on her shoulders for the 1-2-3!!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner!! MIKHAIL...REINHARDT!!

Andrew Payne: And we just got a better idea of what this guy’s capable of, Miranda!

Miranda Augustino: Fucking A, we did, Andy! I like it!

We go backstage, Amy Connors is with Griffin Hawkins.

Amy Connors: Griffin Hawkins, you have asked for a rematch with Emelie Sanclemente...and it's been granted as you two will fight once again for the Undisputed Title. Are you ready for this rematch?

Griffin Hawkins: Yes...I am. It doesn't matter how good you are, on any given night..you can lose a match. Unfortunately, I lost the match..and I lost the title. But thankfully Emelie has been gracious enough to give me another chance at the belt. Normally the Champions I've been in the ring with would duck me instead of giving me a rematch..but she decided to do things the right way. This time I am looking to regain the gold and become a 7 time World Champion.

Amy Connors: Are you....

Just then, somebody comes into the shot, interrupting them.

None other than Angel Kusanagi, actually, as the woman appears with her hood up over her head. Amy Connors looks between her and Griffin Hawkins.

Amy Connors: Oh. Umm...hello, Angel. Sorry, but we were just....

Amy Connors goes quiet with a simple look from the Japanese woman before the looks away from the interviewer and directly to Griffin. Angel greets the man directly with a polite bow, albeit a shallow one. She doesn't go down very far.

Angel Kusanagi: Griffin-san. Prease excuse the...interruption. I only come to...congratulate you on your...inevitable victory.

She gives another short bow. Amy Connors is actually surprised by this gesture of respect from the woman and turns to get Griffin's response with the microphone.

Griffin nods his head to her as a sign of respect.

Griffin Hawkins: I respect the sentiments; I consider you one of the toughest people on the roster..and in time I know you'll get your shot at the title..and if and when that happens, I know the both of us will put on one hell of a show.

The camera doesn't capture Angel's face. Only the slightest tilt of her head as Griffin speaks. She looks from him to Amy who is just smiling at the #1 Contender's words to Angel. The Japanese woman turns her gaze to the floor and pauses there for a brief moment, finally just nodding a little and silently excusing herself, allowing the interview to continue.

Amy Connors: That was...odd, but nonetheless Griffin, do you hold any ill will towards the Champion since your last match?

Griffin Hawkins: No..none. She did what I would've done if I were in her position. I'm not gonna hold a grudge against her just because she beat me..that's not my style. I'm just gonna pick myself up and get back in there and fight. And if she beats me once again, then she's the rightful champion..but that is only IF she beats me again. I'm looking to take back the gold by any means possible..and that is a promise.

He walks off down the hall. As we go back to the ring, Angel Kusanagi steps out from behind a corner, back to the camera, watching him go….
Thea Crawford: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!

There is a MASSIVE response from the fans as "Karate" hits the system and on either side of the Tron, Risa and Arley are seen sliding down the rigging poles down to the ramp.

Thea Crawford: "From Lake Fenton, Michigan. Weighing in at a combined weight of two hundred and twenty pounds.."

Risa enthusiastically makes her way down the ramp, high fiving the fans and pressing her face against theirs while Arley skolled a juice box then got a laugh while she slammed the empty container against her forehead a few times. Arley quickly ran down the ramp, also high fiving fans as she passed.

Thea Crawford: "The team of SAITO RISA and ARLEY KIRK.."

While Risa leapt up onto the apron and through the top and middle rope, Arley sprung from the barricade to the apron and cartwheels over the top rope, landing in a roll, Risa rolling in the opposite direction and both leaping to opposing corners to roar enthusiastically at a popping crowd..

Thea Crawford: "They are KAWAII TRASH PANDAS GO!!!!!"

Risa executes a perfect moonsault to her feet while Arley executes a twisting somersault to her feet. The Trash Pandas meet in the middle and bump both of their fists together several times, the crowd joining in with their trademark phrases while their music starts to fade..

Saito Risa: "HAI GRRRL!!!!!"

Arley Kirk: "YUH GRRRL!!!!!"

One final POP arises from the NFW fans as they fist bump once more and "Karate" fades out while Risa and Arley play "Paper, scissors, rock".

Thea Crawford: And their opponents….

The eerie, creeper words that start “The Netherworld Circus” are heard echoing through the dark arena. As they finish, spotlights come up on the ramp and some dark, evil looking clowns are seen dancing around and then two of them hold up a dark curtain at the entrance and stand there, waiting as the rest continue dancing around on the ramp.

Ringmistress: Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, prepare yourself for a night of dark and violence. The Dark Circus proudly brings to you, the greatest show of violence on earth, Lady Death...and...The Rrrrrrrrrrrrinmasteeeeerrrrrrrrrr!!!!

As she finishes up the introduction, Lady Death and Ringmaster burst through the curtain. Ringmaster lets out a dark, showman’s laugh tipping his tophat towards the ring to The Ringmistress and Lady Death before giving kicking the cane off the ground and twirling it around and placing it back down and making his way to the ring followed by the clowns who are skipping and dancing behind them. They make it to the ring and the Ringmaster tosses his tophat to Ringmistress followed by his cane and steps into the ring. Lady Death slides in under the bottom ropes, making a terrifying snarl under her face paint at the camera with her tongue out. Ringmaster removes his jacket and hands it off to Ringmistress as she steps out of the ring and the lights go off once more. When the lights come on, the music ends and the clowns have disappeared from around ringside, leaving only the Ringmaster, Lady Death and Ringmistress there.

~DING DING DING~

After a quick KTPG game of rock, paper, scissors it was Arley Kirk and The Ringmaster starting things off for their respective teams.Ringmaster motioned for the test of strength, Arley looking up apprehensively and then reaching. Arley flinches for just a second as Ringmaster tries to take advantage with a stiff kick to the midsection, and Arley managed to catch the kick and take him down with a dragon screw leg whip! Ringmaster back to his feet and a deep Japanese arm drag by Kirk, quickly followed by a lightning fast front basement dropkick, sending Ringmaster sprawling into Chaos Circus' corner, allowing Lady Death to tag herself in and taking Arley Kirk by surprise with a running swinging neckbreaker, transitioning into a guillotine choke. Arley managed to break free of the hold, yet Lady Death still had control of the arm, hauling the Suicide Blonde to her feet and sending her off for an irish whip.

On the rebound, Lady Death ducked down for a high backdrop, but Arley cartwheeled over her back and then came back with a springboard headscissors takedown before getting her in position and pulling Lady Death in for the la magistral cradle pin attempt!

ONE

TWO..

Ringmaster hustled in and broke the pinfall up with a snap kick to Arley's spine, allowing Lady Death to seize control of the match with some stiff forearms before dragging Arley to her feet again, and once more trying to send her in for an irish whip, yet Arley stood her ground and reversed it, sending Lady Death into KTPG's corner and hitting a HARD corner lariat, tagging in Risa on the way through! Risa launches into the ring and unloads with stiff kicks before Risa and Arley haul Lady Death up to a seated position on the top turnbuckle. In a smooth motion, Risa got down on all fours and Arley ran up, stepped off her back and launched up, nailing Lady Death with a top rope rana right onto the waiting knees of her partner - GUNG HO PANDA! Lady Death sprung off in pain and Risa reeled her into a pinning predicament!

ONE

T..

Ringmaster was quick to break up proceedings with a running splash to Risa's lower back, and this seemed to take the wind out of her sails as she herself rolled away and writhed in agony. This allowed Lady Death to compose herself enough to crawl across and tag Ringmaster back in, and he proceeded to lay in vicious stomp after vicious stomp to Risa before trying to put her away with a cover, only getting a one count. Ringmaster wrapped his hands around Risa's throat, choking her and pinning her shoulders to the mat illegally. The referee reprimanded Ringmaster and started counting him, but he relented on four and angrily hauled Risa to her feet by her throat. Headlock takedown and a furious forearm smash, leaving Risa dazed and up on one knee. Ringmaster reared back and lined Risa up for a shining wizard, yet the ultra fast joshi was able to slide through his legs and roll him into her intensely painful TIGER TAMER! Ringmaster slammed a fist on the mat and cried out in pain while Risa applied a tremendous amount of torque on her deadly submission, trying to put him away. Arley spots Lady Death running in to break up the submission but Arley wasn't fast enough to stop Lady Death from surprising Risa with a release German suplex out of nowhere, effectively breaking the hold by launching her across the ring and sending her crashing into the corner.

Ringmaster easily hauled Risa out of the corner and up to a vertical base, and she was seemingly out on her feet as he delivered a harsh forearm and then get her in position for a rope hung DDT. Somehow, Risa regained her bearings and surprised Ringmaster with a ring post assisted figure four leg lock, relenting on the ref's four count and dropping to the mat outside to catch her breath. Ringmaster didn't hesitate to run over and tag in Lady Death before he sneered and looked to Risa who was getting back onto the apron. Lady Death encourages Ringmaster as he lunges at Risa, but Risa smoothly pulled down the ropes and sent him sprawling over the top onto the apron - brutal GO THE F*CK TO SLEEP onto the apron! Ringmaster seems to be limp as he rolls to the mats on the outside. Lady Death angrily grabbed Risa by the hair as she was getting back into the ring - Risa was in perfect position to get spiked with a DRAPING DDT! Cover by Death!

ONE

TWO

THR..

Arley Kirk JUST managed to break things up with a running leg drop before the ref ordered her out. Lady Death had firm control of a groggy Risa, though. She easily hauled her to her feet and hooked her arms, lifting her into a pump handle but Risa wriggled free, stumbling yet still getting the hot tag to the crazy coyote! Clothesline by Kirk taking Death down but she gets back up only to be taken back down by a springboard triangle dropkick! Arley tried to haul Lady Death back up, but the attempt was blocked with sharp knees to the gut and a clubbing blow to the back. Lady Death grinned evilly as she hauled Arley up for her patented DEATH'S JOURNEY, and launched off for it but the wiry blonde managed to wriggle free, nailing Death with a Viper backbreaker and then quickly swinging around, giving a war cry as she hooked Death's arms and landed a perfect double underhook backbreaker right in the middle, looking to Risa as she holds Death in position!

Risa: PANDALABRA!!!!!!!!!!

Risa seamlessly leaps to the top rope, launches off and lands a brutal double stomp to the face of Lady Death who crumples up like an accordion! Risa rolled through from the stomp and launched over the top rope onto Ringmaster with a flying european uppercut as he was looking to run back into the ring while AK picks up the victory!

ONE

TWO

THREE!

~DING-DING-DING~

Thea Crawford: "The winners of this match, KAWAII TRASH PANDAS GO!"

"Karate" hits the system as Ringmaster and Lady Death scramble out of the ring and up the ramp. Arley leaps out to the floor to celebrate with Risa, yet Risa merely smiled respectfully, mouthed some words of encouragement and then put her fists forward.

Risa: Hai grrrl..

Arley looked around confused before she shook it off and then grinned happily, locking her fists enthusiastically with Risa's.

Arley Kirk: Yuh grrrl!

Andrew Payne: Well that was...a little less energetic than usual….

Miranda Augustino: Right?

Andrew Payne: “Hey, folks. Welcome back to the eleventh episode of Trauma! We’ve still got quite the lineup of matches to enjoy.

Miranda Augustino: “That’s right, Andy! So without further ado--”

The strangely nostalgic tune of “Song of Storms” (Zelda Theme Remix) begins to resonate throughout the arena. It charms the audience to pay attention, surprised to see Marcello Vitale making his presence known. As always, he’s casually dancing to the light-hearted introduction of his. He sways back and forth almost as if he’s floating along the stage.

Miranda Augustino: “What the hell is this geek doing out here?!”

Andrew Payne: “Beats me, Miranda. He’s not booked to compete and yet he’s here in Chi-Town!”

Even when the bass of his music drops, Marcello keeps his rhythm while he makes his way down to the ring. Upon closer inspection, there’s a microphone in his right hand. On his left hand is his engagement ring shined up nicely. Once he reaches the front of the ring, he swiftly jumps up onto the ring apron and one-arm leaps over the top ring. He lands on his feet and takes a bow in his Italian-tailored suit. The fans in attendance are very happy to see him! They respectfully quiet down as his music fades and he raises the mic.

Marcello Vitale: “Signore e signori di Chicago, ciao! How is everyone doing today?”

This receives a huge pop from the crowd as Marcello amps them up. He nods with approval and straightens out his jacket with his free hand.

Marcello Vitale: “You may be wondering what I’m doing here. Well, in the midst of cabin fever and wedding planning, I decided that flying out for Trauma would be a nice little escape. For most of March, I was back home, and when I say ‘home’, I mean Florence, Italy. After Griffin, Dennis and I won our war against the Chaos Circus in Tokyo, Japan, I chose to spend some time helping my family and friends during this pandemic. From charities to blood donations, I believe I served my time well.”

This receives a round of applause from the audience. They appreciate someone as charitable and compassionate as the Man with Many Faces.

Andrew Payne: “In case you didn’t know, Italy has been dealing with a heavy blow from the COVID-19. It’s nice to know that Vitale was willing to return to his home country and lend a hand.”

Miranda Augustino: “Ehhh… as much as I hated him during the war, Marc is actually a pretty cool guy. Kudos.”

Back in the ring, Marcello waits for things to calm down before he speaks up.

Marcello Vitale: “Now that it’s April, it’s the seasonal start of springtime. Tomorrow is Easter, a holiday of new beginnings, and I want to start by improving my match record here in New Frontier Wrestling. Now that Lady Death is no longer screwing with my matches, I feel like I can do this… and I want to start with this man. Anton, bro, I know you’re back there. Why don’t you come out here and say ‘hello’?”

The crowd looks at the entrance waiting to see the leader of House Crowley appear. Anton does not appear right away, probably wanting to make a fashionably late entrance after being called out. The group’s music never starts, leaving the fans to start murmuring, wondering if he will show.

Suddenly the video screen flickers to life and we see Anton Crowley standing dead center, his typical wicked grin on his face. He is flanked by the rest of House Crowley.

Anton Crowley: “Why, hello there Marcello. Why do you call upon the leader of House Crowley?”

His appearance on the NFW’s Tron is disapproved of by the crowd. Even Marcello is a touch disappointed, raising an eyebrow before he shakes his head.

Marcello Vitale: “Ah, well… I guess you can stay back there. Social distancing, right?”

This gets a laugh out of the fans. Marcello casually shrugs and raises the microphone to his lips.

Marcello Vitale: “We faced each other on the third episode of Trauma. Unfortunately, the clown bitch cost me the match. Why don’t we have ourselves a rematch and see how it goes?”

Upon hearing this, there’s a rousing wave of cheers from the fans who are eager to see Marcello and Anton face each other in the ring once again. Anton chuckles at Marcello’s question. An action that would be mirthful in others, in Anton it comes across as sinister and predatory.

Anton Crowley: “Let me make sure I am understanding you correctly, Marcello. Because you had someone who you couldn’t ignore long enough to have a match with me, you want a rematch? Is that correct?”

Anton looks out from the video screen and raises a brow. Marcello folds his arms for a moment, a quizzical look converting to one of impatience, and he taps his foot. Once he uncrosses his arms, he raises the mic once more.

Marcello Vitale: “Hey man, it was a pretty straightforward question. The answer is either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. From the look of things, I feel like you’re beating around the bush. Hey!”

He then regards the fans inquisitively and raises his left arm out to his side.

Marcello Vitale: “Do YOU want to see Vitale and Crowley: Round 2?!”

Naturally, the fans respond with cheers of approval.

Miranda Augustino: “Is he serious, Andy? Hell, are these fans serious?”

Andrew Payne: “It sounds like it! Even I want to see a rematch between the Man of Many Faces and the Head of House Crowley!”

Anton releases that sinister chuckle again.

Anton Crowley: “Marcello, I am not like you. I do not care what the fans want or desire. I care little for their opinions.”

The crowd shifts from their cheers of desire to boos at Anton’s words.

Anton Crowley: “The only ones whose opinions I care about are those around me right now, and Kate Bass. There is nothing for me in beating you, again. Sure it would be with a different look. Since you would rather live your life in the guise of others than yourself. So, if you want this pointless rematch, make it worth my while.”

Andrew Payne: “Wow! Anton is rejecting Marcello’s challenge!”

Miranda Augustino: “He doesn’t want to waste his precious time! I don’t blame him!”

A sour look on his face expresses Marcello’s disappointment. He allows the booing of the fans to calm down before he speaks up.

Marcello Vitale: “You know… for a man who claims to be the Right Hand of the Devil, I didn’t expect you to be afraid of a fight. What’s wrong, Anton? Did you forget your war makeup? Did you misfire the wrong black magic spell and turn into a coward?”

The fans eat up the goading, looking on as the professional cosplayer beckons with his left hand and continues to hold the microphone in his right.

Marcello Vitale: “Come on, bro! You’re here. I’m here. Let’s give these people a show!”

That wicked laughter from the leader of House Crowley fills the arena. The video screen fades to black as the laughter continues to echo through the arena. Suddenly, the arena lights go out as “Remember Me (FESTER remix)” by Code: Pandorum starts up. The haunting intro replaces Anton’s laughter.

And I’ll do it again, and again…
Until you make them remember!

The bassline kicks in hard as the lights come back up to reveal that Leviathan, Iscariot XIII, Xaphan, and Tia Santos are standing in the ring surrounding Marcello. The music stops as the members of House Crowley move in to attack Marcello. The Man of Many Faces puts up a valiant effort but the numbers, and size, advantage works against him. Before the assault can really get violent, it is called off.

Anton Crowley: “ENOUGH!”

Anton Crowley appears at the entranceway, microphone in hand. He slowly saunters down to the ring, the fans raining down hate on him and the other members of House Crowley for their attack. Anton climbs into the ring and stands before Marcello, who is being held up by the two hulking members of the faction. Anton cups Marcello’s chin and lifts his face up to look him in the eye.

Anton Crowley: “You want another match with me? You want to try and get that needed win over me? Fine, we can have that match.”

The crowd pops slightly hearing the acceptance of the challenge.

Anton Crowley: “ONLY if you can make it through the members of my House. I will face you at Trauma’s next major event if you can beat every member of House Crowley first.”

Anton smirks and drops the mic. Iscariot and Leviathan drop Marcello, whose suit is ripped up and ruined from the attack, and all of House Crowley except for Anton exit the ring as their music starts up once again. The crowd gives a mixed reaction at Anton’s acceptance with a stipulation.
Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Already in the ring at this time! Representing House Crowley, accompanied by Tia Santos! He weighs in at 215 pounds. The Demon Prince...ANTON...CROWLEY!!!

The crowd boos as the camera focuses on Anton Crowley leaning in his corner, stripped of his ring gear, smirking wickedly after the beat down to Marcello Vitale. Tia Santos holds his entrance attire as the woman paces ringside. Her face fully painted up like a Calavera, dressed in her black funeral gown.

Thea Crawford: His opponent…

The opening chords of Halestorm’s “I Like It Heavy” play on the speakers. The lights fade out until only the stage is lit. Sela steps out from behind the curtains.

“Some like beautiful, perfect and pretty
I see the good in the bad and the ugly
I need the volume one louder than ten
I put the pedal to the metal, needle into the red
If the windows ain't shaking making my heart race
If I can't feel it in my chest I'm in the wrong damn place!”

Sela poses at the top of the ramp to the crowd’s reaction. When the tempo picks up she slams her fist to the ground as the lights come back up alternating in light blues and reds.

Thea Crawford: From Tucson, Arizona! Weighing in at 147 pounds. The Underground Queen...SELA...RICA...LARK!!!

“I got a demon in my soul and a voice in my head
It's saying go, go, go! I can sleep when I'm dead
There's a sonic revelation bringing me to my knees
And there's a man down below who needs my sympathy
I got a ringing in my ears getting ready to burst
Screaming ‘hallelujah, motherfucker, take me to church’”

Sela walks down the ramp, a sadistic smile on her face as she looks towards the ring. She takes her time at ringside, teasing a ringpost with her fingers as she walks to one side of the ring and climbs on the apron near the corner. When the chorus kicks in she climbs up the turnbuckle and poses again.

I like it louder than the boom of a big bass drum
I need it harder than the sound of a guitar grunge
I love to crank it up, make it thump and evil to the core
Headbanging in the pit and throwing my horns
And just like old school Sabbath, Zeppelin and Lemmy
I need to drop it down low and make it heavy
I like it heavy, oh ohh
I like it heavy, oh ohh

Sela hops down inside the ring and poses once more inside the ring. She slaps at her chest several times screaming out to the audience before going to her corner. Her music fades as she warms up for her match.

~DING DING DING~

Anton and Sela didn’t waste any time once the bell rang. The two met right in the middle and they started to exchange rights and lefts. The crowd was behind Sela a little bit as she began to get the better of the exchange eventually. She went to send Anton into the ropes, but it was reversed. As Sela came off the ropes, she delivered a spear to Anton that drove him to the mat. Sela then got on top and started to deliver mounted punches before Anton just took her and threw her off. Anton got up to his feet, picking Sela up and sending her into the corner. Anton charges in, but Sela is able to get a boot up and drive into into Anton, staggering him backwards. Sela then climbs to the second turnbuckle and launches herself and delivers a dropkick to Anton. She then picks Anton up and delivers a snap DDT before hooking the leg for a two count. Sela doesn’t relent though as she takes Anton and goes for Hurts so Good, but Anton is able to get out of it before grabbing her leg and taking her down. Anton keeps hold and goes to lock in a figure four, but Sela pushes him off. Sela gets up, but as she does, Anton hits the ropes and delivers a clothesline from Hell!

Anton continues to mount the pressure as he picks Sela up to her feet and begins to deliver a series of punches that’s ended with a spinning back fist that drops Sela to the mat. Sela though begins to laugh as she spits a little blood out of her mouth. Anton just grins as he looks down her. Sela gets up to a knee, but that’s it before Anton delivers a thrust kick to the side of Sela’s head that drops her to the mat where he hooks the leg for a nearfall. Anton continues to build the momentum as he picks Sela up and delivers The Fall. He hooks the leg again to only get a nearfall once more. A little look of frustration can be seen on Anton’s face now, but he doesn’t stop there. He picks Sela up and looks for Ad Stellam Matutinam, but Sela is able to duck out of the way. She grabs Anton and rolls him up for a nearfall. Both make it back to their feet as Anton tries for a German suplex, but Sela is able to land on her feet. Anton turns around and blocks an enziguri attempt, but Sela follows up with a mule kick followed by a shining wizard. Sela hooks the leg, but Tia hops up onto the ring apron to distract the ref. Sela sees this and immediately gets in the face of Tia who hops down from the apron. Sela turns around and as she does, Anton clocks her with a right hand that has a pair of brass knuckles on them as the ref calls for the bell.

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner by disqualification, Sela Rica-Lark!

Andrew Payne: What the hell was Anton thinking?

Miranda Augustino: I don’t think he cares. I think that was a message to Marcello more than anything right now.

We cut backstage to find Johanna and Mai flanked by Janet standing together in solidarity, Janet holds her rib still in pain after the vicious attack she suffered, but still standing strong with her girls.. The RCW tag titles over their shoulders to show off their reign of dominance. Johanna tilts her head with a sick smile before opening with her strong German accent.

Johanna Krieger: "New Frontier Wrestling. Since Janet brought us here we have been one of the most dominant forces in all of wrestling. She chose you to be our battleground. She chose you to have us as stars and since day one we have told Isabella Santiago and anyone else that would listen that we will be the NFW Tag team champions. And in time it will happen. In time we will reach the top here as well. And that journey keeps rolling on down the road and our next stop...is against Iscariot and Xaphan...two people who believe themselves to be a force...two people who wish they could be as dominant as us….'

Johanna pauses for a moment looking at Janet and Mai with a chuckle.

Johanna Krieger: "We all know the truth, we all know the battle lines are drawn. And Mai and I know something about the lines we draw on the ground waiting for them to be crossed….you two..are going to feel what it’s like to face the best tag team in wrestling today….But, you all screwed up. See, before this was about business. But now, it's more personal. Hands got laid on Janet. She is a non competitor, she is our manager, our advocate and our friend. And she was hurt and bullied by people who should know better and who should be ashamed. So now, now Mai and I will be taking out our vengeance in Janet's name...on everybody who they dare put in our way…"

Joahanna laughs again and steps back. As she does, Mai steps forward, rubbing her mouth as she looks down at the floor. Her other hand grips her own RCW Tag Title belt on her shoulder, tightly. It’s plainly obvious that she’s trying to keep her cool in all of this.

Mai Blackman: "I don’t know what else can be said that Jo didn’t hit on, so I’m just gonna say this…."

She raises her hand to gesture as she speaks. Mai looks right into the camera and cracks. A smile breaks on her face as she looks away with a laugh of disbelief. When she finally speaks, there’s a clear, audible anger in her tone. Not the usual cockiness. Not the familiar arrogance of the Bounty Hunter. Actual anger.

Mai Blackman: "Trash Pandas and Skillz Vendorz! No, fuck those stupid names. Risa Saito and Arley Kirk! Katrina Cage and Samantha Belmont! The four of you made the biggest mistakes of your careers - of your lives - when you laid hands on this woman."

Mai shifts her angle some and points to Janet.

Mai Blackman: "Jo already hit a few points. She’s not a wrestler. She’s not a fighter. She manages our careers. She guides us along the way. I’ll be the first to admit I need it. I still hardly know shit about this goddamn sport other than jump in the ring and kick the ass of the other person."

She pauses and looks at the gleaming championship on her shoulder. Mai slaps the center plate.

Mai Blackman: "Been working out pretty well so far, but back to Jan. You know what else she is? Yeah, manager, friend, advocate. All that. She’s also a mother. She is a goddamn mother!! She has a son back home about to turn a year old that she can barely even hold because of her ribs! Her ribs that you four damaged in an unprovoked attack. Cage and Belmont, your time’s coming. After we deal with the other pieces of trash, we’ll be coming to add those NFW tag titles to ours soon enough but first and foremost. Kirk. Saito. It starts with you. The payback starts with you. Kirk, I feel sorry for you, girl. I really do. You got it bad, Kirk. You fucked up! Saito, you should have had second thoughts before you jumped over those ropes because you had to know what would happen. You’ve dealt with me before. You know what I’m capable of alone. Now you gotta deal with me and Jo together? You’re gonna wish you still had your Tiger mask on when we’re done with your ass because the hounds have been let off the leash and we’re coming for your asses whether you’re ready OR NOT!!!!"

Mai roars those last two words and spit goes flying at the lens before she calms down and turns to look back at Janet Jacobs. Mai shifts her RCW tag title over onto her other shoulder and puts an arm around Martial Law’s manager to offer her a little more support to lean on.

Mai Blackman: "Jan, you got anything?"

Janet held a hand over her ribs, looking down at the floor for just a moment before looking up at the camera and just smirking.

Janet Jacobs: "I met these girls, and I gave them purpose. I gave them each other. See, I'm no puppet master. These two have the choice to be with me. They have the choice to use my services. And they have the choice to go into that ring and unleash hell on the tag team division. Make no mistake, they /do/ choose to. I got them jobs that put food on their tables. I bought them new gear. I gave them a fresh start in this business. They're grateful for what I've given them. And they're gonna show it in that ring against Iscariot and Xaphan. You know, we weren't kidding when we said we would walk into Rose City and claim what's theirs. Now? We're walking into NFW… and claiming what's yours."

The 2 wrestlers were about to walk out when Janet grabbed Mai's shoulder and got their attention. She wasn't done yet.

Janet Jacobs: "Oh and… Isabella Santiago? Don't think I've forgotten. It was Steven Brody who stepped up and actually punished Trash Pandas and Skillz Vendorz for their actions. You were gonna sit by and let them get away with it. Don't think I'm gonna forget that any time soon."
Thea Crawford: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!

Disturbeds "Indestructible" hits and as the siren blares red strobe lights spin, the guitar riff kicks in and Janet Jacobs steps out with Johanna and Mai on either side, she smiles and points to the ring sending Mai and Johanna down ahead of her, they both jump onto the apron and help- Janet up before sitting on the middle rope lowering it for Janet before getting in themselves.

Thea Crawford: Introducing first! At a combined weight of 270 pounds! Being accompanied to the ring by Janet Jacobs! Johanna Krieger...Mai Blackman...MARTIAL...LAW!!! And...their opponents….

The electronic organ intro to “Remember Me (FESTER Remix)” by Code: Pandorum starts up. Three red spotlights appear illuminating Tia Santos in the center with Iscariot XIII and Xaphan behind her, beside each other to form a triangle formation.

“I’m going to do it again and again
Until you make them remember!”

Thea Crawford: Being accompanied to the ring by El Muneco Muerto, Tia Santos...at a combined weight of 456 pounds. Representing House Crowley...Iscariot XIII...and...Xaphan!!

As the bass drops on the music, Tia Santos inches forward at a slow, smooth pace. The Calavera themed woman almost seems to glide across the floor as Iscariot XIII and Xaphan follow behind her. The three members of House Crowley continue down the ramp until they reach ringside. Tia Santos stops right there she is while Iscariot XIII and Xaphan pass her up and head into the ring where the two immediately stare down Martial Law’s Johanna and Mai.

~DING DING DING~

It's Mai Blackman and Xaphan starting this off, both circling in a menacing manner before locking up. Mai seems to get the advantage with a go behind and a waistlock takedown, yet Xaphan wriggled free, jumped up and took her over with a snapmare. A sharp kick to the spine from Xaphan really pisses Blackman off as she tries to get to her feet amid Xaphan paintbrushing her with toe kicks to the side of the head. Mai lets out a guttural roar and springs to her feet, looking to take Xaphan down with a single leg but the faster man caught her off guard with an impromptu enziguri. This stuns Mai and she falls to a knee. Xaphan grunts as he hauls Blackman up, hooks an arm behind her head and runs at the turnbuckles. Xaphan manages to launch off for his patented shiranui, yet Mai used his momentum to swing him around in mid air, pull him into a cradle DDT and spike him into the mat!


Mai immediately mounts Xaphan and commences a furious flurry of stiff forearms before grabbing him by the throat and hauling him into Martial Law's corner, tagging in Krieger who leaps over the top rope. The referee reprimands the two of them as they deliver stereo roundhouse kicks to Xaphan in the corner and orders Mai out, yet she ignores him as Johanna hauls the groggy Xaphan up for a German suplex while Mai hits the ropes, yet Xaphan wriggled free and landed behind her! Xaphan catches Mai with a desperation running bulldog, delivering a front dropkick to Johanna's lower back in the process! Xaphan quickly got back up and seized the opportunity to tag in Iscariot XIII who immediately runs in, taking Johanna down with a clothesline as Mai rolls out to the floor.

Iscariot hits a body splash on Krieger before laying into her with some hard right hands before Johanna manages to turn the tide by catching him by the arm, expertly seizing it and rolling him through into her patented Koji clutch! Iscariot looked to be in trouble before Xaphan ran in and broke up the submission attempt by dropping the leg. Johanna didn't dwell on this, and she locked it back in while the referee was busy with Xaphan. The referee eventually saw it and Johanna was forced to relinquish at the four count, yet the damage had been done! Johanna added insult to injury with some grounded knees before running over and tagging in Blackman who hauled Iscariot up and launched him into the corner where Mai and Johanna wear him down some more with repeated vicious stomps before Johanna finally obeys the ref and steps out. Mai hauled Iscariot out of the corner and immediately dropped him with a roaring european uppercut, sending him spinning around in a semi circle before falling face down.

Blackman dives on Iscariot and unleashes with fast knees to the ribs before trying to convert for an Indian deathlock yet Iscariot manages to kick his way free. Mai Blackman lunges at him but Iscariot catches her with a hard forearm and whips her into the corner, wasting no time tagging Xaphan back in. Xaphan immediately launched to the top rope and attempted for a frankensteiner but Mai held on! She roared as she deadlifted Xaphan back up and launched him for a high angle powerbomb, yet he backflips to his feet, springboards and stuns Blackman with a top rope enziguri! Mai is seated on the top rope and Xaphan jumps up and takes her down with a top rope arm drag before hitting the ropes, but Xaphan essentially runs into a kick to the face from Krieger, sending him sprawling backwards. Johanna steps in right as Iscariot does, she ducks underneath a lariat and SKOLD OF MAKT! Iscariot rolls to the outside! Krieger helps Mai back up and points to Xaphan as he gets to a knee. Mai roars and delivers a punt kick as Johanna lets out a wicked laugh. She quickly hauled the semi conscious Xaphan to his feet and hooked an arm over her shoulder before easily hauling him up - BRAINBREAKER! Xaphan's head jacks backward and he bounces on impact. Krieger scrambles out as Mai covers Xaphan.

ONE

TWO

THREE!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners! MARTIAL...LAW!!!!

Andrew Payne: Well, whether you view them as the law around here or not, they just showed how in charge they were of this match!

Miranda Augustino: I’m not gonna deny that Janet Jacobs is making waves for being so new at the managing position. This girl’s got one badass team at her disposal!

The logo for The Game Room rolls across the screen as an age old game theme is heard. You know the one. The old SNES Mortal Kombat 1 character select screen. Kat and Sammi’s heads bounce around in rhythm to the music. In true fashion to the segment, when the scene opens up, it’s Mortal Kombat 11 being played on the mini screen. This time, however, there’s a third member of their little party. The somewhat familiar pale faced girl sits on the end of the couch next to Sammi Belmont. It’s Marty! Their...agent? Manager? Social media rep? Who knows? It’s Marty! She sits on the couch, leaning forward with a 100 oz big gulp cup and a clear straw that she sips a bright aquamarine hued fluid out of. Kat sits on the opposite end, cross legged, popping pieces of cheddar popcorn into her mouth. In the center, Sam sits with a joystick pad in her lap, wiggling the stick and slapping buttons. She’s in control of Kano, causing the Aussie crime lord to bounce around the screen, taking pot shots at Liu Kang.

Sammi: Get wrecked! GET WRECKED! FUCKIN’ CUNT!

Sammi unleashes a flurry of brutal combo strikes, juggling Liu Kang into the air. Sammi goes into a cursing flurry of...well...it’s a string of British slang, that’s all we know. From her right, Marty lifts her mouth off of her straw and looks beside her.

Marty: You are the angriest Mortal Kombat player I have ever known.

Sammi: Not now, Marty, love!

Kat: You should see her on Super Smash Bros Ultimate. She gets all---

Sammi: RRRRAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Kat: *channeling Jeff Goldblum* Well, there it is.

On screen Liu Kang comes back and slaps Sammi’s Kano around until the Finish Him screen comes up. Sammi slams the joystick pad down onto her lap.

Sammi: FUCK!!! I!! FUCKIN!!! HATE!!!! LIU!!! KANG!!!!

Kat: Mmh…

Kat swallows a bite of popcorn and takes a quick pull from her gatorade.

Kat: Mira, mira. Gimme that.

Sammi passes the joypad over to Kat as they return to the character select screen. She immediately moves over and highlights--

Announcer: KITANA!

Marty: Ooooooooh!

Kat: Ooooooh, that’s right! ¡Ese es tu puto trasero, muchacho! I told you to take out the fuckin’ trash papacito! Tengo algo para ese culo, ahora!

Announcer: Round one…. FIGHT!!

Kat: You like it rough, papi? Leggo! Ayye!

Kitana launches right across the screen and proceeds to just lay an opening smackdown on Liu Kang. He hits a Breaker Block and blasts her across the screen with a Dragon Kick.

Kat: OH! You hit me, cabron! I’m calling the fuzz on your ass!

Kitana launches a fan across the screen. Liu Kang blocks it and she comes in with a storm of attacks that he bats away easily.

Marty: So this is your pre-match warmup?

Sammi: Right, love.

Sammi grabs some of Kat’s popcorn and launches it off a spoon from the table, into her mouth like a catapult.

Sammi: SCORE!

She throws her fists up and plops back lazily on the couch. Both her and Kat, by the way, are noticeably in their ring gear. Marty’s in a simple pair of baggy black pants with chain decor and a black tanktop. She’s also got a black flatbill cap on her head. A girl in her 20s, dressed like a teenager in the 90s. Somehow, though, it fits her.

Marty: How does this get you two ready for a match anyway? How does it help you strategize?

Kat: It doesn’t. SHIT!

Kat responds then yells as Liu Kang drops her in the first round. Marty looks confused.

Marty: What do you mean?

Sammi: What, do you think we veg out on the sofa and use games to strategize, Mar?

Marty: You mean you don’t?

Sammi: Heavens, no! We just...well...I guess you could say it’s a strategy of sorts. It helps us clear our heads and stay calm before a match.

Marty sips her giant cup of Baja Blast Mountain Dew and nods.

Marty: That makes sense. See I figured that much, especially tonight cause...well….

Sammi: Cause why?

Sammi turns her head to look at Marty quizzically. Kat visibly cocks her head a little to listen as she struggles with Liu Kang.

Marty: Well I mean...you guys are taking on Emelie Sanclemente for one. Undisputed Champion.

Sammi: Yeah? So?

Kat: FUCK!

Announcer: FINISH HER!!!

Kat: HIJO DE PUTA!!

The girls watch helplessly as Liu Kang performs a fatality on Kitana, earning the victory.

Marty: Gimme that.

Kat: Here.

Kat hands the joypad over in frustration to Marty. Their agent sets the pad in her lap, lifts the hat off her head and flips it backwards.

Marty: Alright, bitch. Let’s see how ya like this shit….

Announcer: SPAWN!!!!

Sammi: I mean, not to take anything away from Emelie or nothin’ but...why, should we be worried, Marty?

Marty: Well, Emmie’s all about good sportsmanship but her partner? Adrianna Salvatore? You know her rep, by now.

Kat: I mean, she’s tough yeah but...we’re tough too, right?

Marty: Totally! I’m just saying. She’s also big. I mean not “hyuge” huge but she’s a big girl with some speed behind her. You see how fast she hits that Spear of hers?

Announcer: Round 1…. FIGHT!!

Marty starts tapping buttons and moving the joystick. Spawn bursts forward with his chains, guns and just opens up a can on Liu Kang’s ASS!!!! Beside her, the Skillz Vendorz are just sitting and watching as her words turn through her head.

Kat: Well...yeah but….

Marty: And that Ground Zero finish of hers? I’ve seen people get some air on that one!

Sammi: It is a pretty solid finisher….

Marty: And I mean, look at her resume. NFW Women’s Champion for eleven months! Seven defenses!

Kat: We know Marty….

Marty: And look at the names, I mean...Alex Brody, Erin Mercer. Hell, Shelley frickin Silver! She choked the Mother of the Raindrops OUT!!

Sammi: Marty, we get it, mate. Cool it!

Marty: Hey you two remember last year when her fiance, then girlfriend, got hurt so she was like “deathmatch!” All that glass and blood all over the ring?

Kat: Marty.

Marty: When she speared, who was it…? I think it was Tyanna Jupiter through that table and it snapped the metal frame!

Sammi: Marty!

Marty: And look what happened at March Mayhem! That Ground Zero off the ladder, right through the ta---

Kat & Sammi: MARTY!!!!!

Marty jumps and pauses the game, looking at the two like a deer in headlights. The Skillz Vendorz just look at her with defeated, helpless expressions on their faces. They flop back against the back of the couch as Marty takes a nervous sip of her drink and continues the match.

Sammi: How much does Salvatore lift again?

Kat: More than you and I combined.

Sammi: Shit….

Kat: More than you, me and Marty combined!

Sammi: Oh bloody hell!

Kat: Hell, she can probably crush a coconut in her bare ha--

Sammi: Alright, alright, Kat! Christ…

The two girls snack in silence as they watch Spawn vs Liu Kang on the screen.

Kat: We’re fucked, aren’t we?”

Sammi: Proper fucked….

Marty: Hey! Don’t say that! You two are the tag team champions in not one but two companies! Who else has done that?

Kat: There’s a few teams.

Marty: But not many! You’re like...part of an elite group! I think anyway… Look just don’t sweat it! I believe in you two. Sanclemente and Salvatore might be friends but you two have been partners for a long time now. You know how the other thinks. Go out there and show them that. Show them why you’re the best damn tag team there is!

Sammi and Kat look at each other, nodding to one another before Sammi stands up.

Sammi: Oi! Marty’s right! We won the straps! We can’t be afraid!

Kat: Right! We need to make those two question whether or not they can work together well enough to beat us!

Sammi: Right!

Kat: You ready to do this?

Sammi: Right!

Marty: Yeah, there ya go!

Kat: Let’s do this shit!

Sammi: Oi!

The Skillz Vendorz fist bump each other and each hug Marty from the side to thank her before grabbing their belts and heading out the door towards the ring. Marty sighs and shakes her head. She pops the cap off her straw and takes one long sip of her drink.

Marty: Please, god, don’t let those two die out there. I dropped out of college for this job.

She unpauses the game and continues just whupping ass on Liu Kang until….

Announcer: FINISH HIM!!!

Marty: Yes!!

Marty hits a few buttons and Spawn proceeds to wrap Liu Kang’s head inside his cape, pierce his body with chains and pump him full of green hellfire until his body explodes in a brutal, bloody display.

Announcer: Spawn wins. FATALITY!

Marty drops the controller in her lap and makes the “BOOM” motion with her hands.

Marty: Skillz bitches….

Hard cut.
As the opening riff of The Used's "Pretty Handsome Awkward" comes on through the arena speakers, the arena lights dim out ad the video wall comes to life with a countdown followed by flashing words on the screen.

8...
7...
6...
5...
4...
3...
2...
1...
GAME START!

"KICKIN' IT OUT!!"

As the opening lyrics rip throughout the arena, a shot of DragonBall Z's Goku throws a Kamehameha at the viwers and the entryway lights up with multicolored lights and the video wall switches to a highlight reel that goes back and forth between clips of various video gameplay and anime footage. Everything from Mortal Kombat, Call of Duty, Battlefield, Skyrim, Mario, Golden Axe, Grand Theft Auto, Battletoads gameplay to action clips of DBZ, Elfen Lied, Ninja Scroll, Hellsing etc -- and then footage of Kat Cage and Sammi Belmont in previous matches hitting their big spots from their arsenals.

As this goes on, The Skillz Vendorz come running and jumping out from the curtain. More specifically, Katrina Cage runs out first, followed by Sammi Belmont. Katrina does a silly, playful bow to the audience and as she does, Sammi Belmont runs and leapfrogs over her. She lands and spins, full of energy, yelling to the crowd. Her and Kat come to stand side by side. They nod to each other with big smiles and mimic the DragonBall Fusion Dance pose. Multicolored pyro goes off on the stage and the two start down the ramp.

Thea Crawford: Introducing first, they are the NFW Tag Team Champions, Sammi Belmont and Katrina Cage, The Skillz Vendorz!

Your dream vacation
Small hostage refuge
A work in progress
You bleed just like you puke while running a mile
I beg to differ
Make me an offer
Warm summer rain
You bleed just like you puke while running a mile

Kat Cage and Sammi Belmont come down the aisle, each taking a side where they happily high five and slap hands of fans in the front row. At the end of the ramp, they come together where Kat climbs up to the apron and gets into the ring. She climbs the turnbuckle as Sammi gets a running start along the side of the ring and athletically jumps up onto the apron to the parallel turnbuckle. Sammi grabs the ropes and hops over, skillfully landing on the middle turnbuckle where her and Kat repeat the Fusion Dance pose. As they do, spotlights shine down on them both.


Hey, are you okay?
You look pretty low
Very handsome awkward
Do you feel okay?
You look pretty low
Very handsome awkward

Both girls then climb down from the turnbuckles and meet in their corner, high fiving, fist bumping, dapping one another before removing their entrance gear and waiting for the match to start.

The lights in the arena flicker out. The video wall comes to life with an image of Earth in from space as Porcelain And The Tramps "King Of The World" begins to play As it does, the vignette depicts a flaming meteor hurtling towards the planet.

My pain filled drama queen is always creeping at your bed
Getting ready to buy you out

The vignette switches to various shots of Earth's population. People from all different regions as a shadow looms over, blocking out the sun. They all look up, eyes widening in horror.

Cause we all know, what goes around comes around
Should've known what I was all about
Do not test me

From a bird's eye view, the meteor SLAMS into the Earth's surface, just as the chorus hits, causing a fiery flash on the screen and the vignette switches to grainy, black and white images of Adrianna Salvatore's most brutal match highlights, mixed in with closeups of her rather deranged smile and menacing sneer.

'Cause I'm the fucking king of the world
Get on you knees
I'm the fucking king of the world
Do as I please
So get up and get out and I'll show you
What it takes for me to control you
'Cause I'm the fucking king of the world

In the pitch black arena, lights on the stage come on, flashing and flickering. They illuminate a silhouette standing calmly in a hooded vest. Due to the lights positioning, all we see is the solid black outline, obscuring the lights behind it. As the chorus hits, the lights switch, coming on to light up the stage and ramp in a soft white but still leaving the arena dark. We see the figure in detail now as Adrianna Salvatore lifts her head and stares down at the ring from under her hood. She has that same sneer on her face as in her vignette. She steps forward, approaching the ring with a calm sense of purpose in her steps.

Thea Crawford "On her way to the ring!! From Brooklyn, New York!! She is the Queen of Anarchy...ADRIIIAAANNAAAAAAAAA....SALVAAAAAAAATOOOOOOOREEEEEEEEE!!!!!"

Adrianna reaches ringside and runs up onto the apron, kneeling upon it on one knee. Now, we see that wicked smile of hers as she licks her teeth. She turns around on the apron, skillfully and slides herself in, backwards under the bottom rope. Standing to her feet, Adrianna moves to a turnbuckle and climbs up. She throws back her hood and flips back her hair, letting out a roar before casting her gaze upon the audience with a wicked smile forming. Stepping down from the turnbuckle, she removes her vest, folds it and carefully hands it to the timekeeper before preparing for the match.

"This spell you got on me
It's like magic
Got me feeling like I'm fallin' in love
Got me feeling like I'll never give up on
Got me feeling like I'll never give up on you
It's like magic
I got you feeling like you're fallin' in love
I got you feeling like you'll never give up on
Got you feeling like you'll never give up on–"

Out walks Emelie Sanclemente, with a big smile on her face.

Thea Crawford: "...from Santa Monica, California by way of Ronneby, Sweden, weighing in at an even 100 pounds... EMELIIIIIE SANCLEMENTEEEEEE!"

With that, down skip-walks Emelie, slapping high fives with everyone she can. It's very clear everyone loves her. Emelie slides headfirst into the ring before hopping onto the top of the nearest turnbuckle. She forms her hands in the shape of a heart and puts that over her own before turning around via jump and sitting on the turnbuckle as "Magic" fades out.

~DING DING DING~

Emelie and Sammi started things off for their teams as the bell rang. Sammi was able to start things off getting the advantage for her and Katrina as she takes Emilie over with a hurricanrana before delivering a rolling clothesline. She tags Katrina into the match and the two deliver a double senton before Katrina is able to take over the match. Kartina picks Emelie up and she takes the woman and sends her into the ropes. Emelie comes off the ropes and Katrina goes for a clothesline, but Emilie is able to duck under it and deliver a swinging neckbreaker before tagging Adrianna into the match. Adrianna comes in and much like she has been recently, went on an absolute tear. She took Katrina and delivered a spinning facebuster and hooked the leg for a nearfall. Adrianna continued the onslaught, dropping Sammi off the ring apron before taking Katrina and delivering a Saito suplex. Emelie then tagged herself back into the match and Adrianna picked the Undisputed Champion up and delivered a scoop slam right onto Katrina before Emelie hooked the leg and got another nearfall.

Emelie kept control of Katrina for a while, her and Adrianna making frequent tags in and out, but the turning point came as Emelie went for a tilt-a-whirl DDT, but Katrina was able to throw her off and deliver a superkick. She was then able to crawl over and tag Sammi into the match much to the delight of the crowd. Sammi came in, delivering a forearm that dropped Adrianna to the floor and then turned her attention to Emelie who was hit with drop toe hold and then followed up by a standing moonsault with knees to the midsection. As this was happening, Adrianna was now up, trying to get into the ring and had the ref’s attention. As this was going on, the crowd buzzed as Bronwyn Good and Erin Mercer hopped the barricade. Erin delivered a superkick to Katrina as Bronwyn slid into the ring and delivered the magic dust to Sammi before getting out and smirking as the two stood on the ramp. Adrianna tagged herself into the match and picked Sammi up and delivered Ground Zero before hooking the leg and picking up the win.

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners, Adrianna Salvatore and Emelie Sanclemente!

Andrew Payne: What the hell are Erin and Bronwyn doing out here?!

Miranda Augustino: I think they’re sending a message to the tag team champions, Andy.