NFW Presents: ASCENSION! 04/28/2020!

The scene opens up with a black rental Lexus pulling up into the parking lot of the arena, pulling right into the spot marked for General Manager. The crowd gives a mixed reaction from the arena as this essentially gives away who we’re watching. The car shuts off, the door opens and General Manager for Collision, Luthor Callaway gets out of the driver’s side, carrying a temperature-controlled coffee cup. It’s black with the symbol for “HERO UP”, a fairly popular band, on it. Luthor takes a long sip from the cup as he starts walking through the parking lot. In the background and scattered about, NFW staff and other members of the roster are arriving for the show. Security guards are in place to keep anybody with bad blood between each other separated so nothing breaks out before it absolutely has to. Luthor hears someone coming in from the side and looks just in time to have Steven Brody come walking with him. The crowd gives a more positive pop.

Steven Brody: ”What’s up, Luthor? Are you ready for your first full-on exclusive event?”

Luthor Callaway: ”Hey Steve. It’s what you hired me for, right?”

Steven Brody: ”That I did. Good luck, tonight, man. You’re doing great. I’ll get back to you later.”

They briefly shake hands before the Commissioner excuses himself and walks off camera. Luthor exhales heavily and sips his drink again. Yes. This is his first truly exclusive run event and everything could go so right or so wrong. Time will tell though. Luthor moves through the halls, followed by the camera until he finds his office. He goes to unlock it but notices the door is already cracked open.

Luthor Callaway: ”What in the goddamn…?”

He mutters as he pushes the door open and steps inside of his office. The camera’s visual focuses on a small figure sitting in the General Manager’s chair, wearing a black ‘HERO UP’ hoodie, a pair of blue jeans, and black Converse sneakers. With the hood drawn up, the blue and white happy mask is far more eye-catching.

Leina Rael-Anderson (●⌒∇⌒●) “Good evening, Mr. Callaway!”

Luthor looks at the 8-year-old, immediately recognizing her. His stance relaxes as he steps more into his office and sets his cup down. The General Manager leans forward, hands on his knees to bring himself more onto Leina’s level.

Luthor Callaway: ”Kiddo. What are you doing running around here by yourself? Thought we talked about this. Where’s your Ma?”

He stops for a moment to notice her hoodie, motioning with a finger to the logo.

Luthor Callaway: ”I like this, by the way.”

She glances down at the logo on her hoodie and lightly swings her legs in her seat.

Leina Rael-Anderson (◠△◠♥) “It’s my favorite hoodie. Dad was a great singer, you know?”

Of course, thinking about her father causes her to pause her movements. Reaching up, Leina pulls off the mask and sets it down on her lap. She looks up to Luthor and smiles a little.

Leina Rael-Anderson (◠︿◠♥) “I didn’t know you were a fan of Hero Up!”

Luthor Callaway: ”Hm? Oh.”

He glances back at his cup then back to Leina again.

Luthor Callaway: ”I like a lotta music, kiddo. But my son got me into them. He’s a little older than you.”

Pause.

Luthor Callaway: ”You okay?”

When asked of her condition, a sniffle escapes her and she looks down at her mask. She crosses her ankles, takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly.

Leina Rael-Anderson (◕﹏◕♥) “I miss my dad… I dunno how long I can do this without him…”

Luthor Callaway: ”Hey.”

A softer side comes from Luthor as he takes a full-on knee in front of his desk chair where little Leina is sitting and looks up at her.

Luthor Callaway: ”You ain’t alone, kiddo. You got your Mama and you got your friend Mari. I bet your dad’s resting easy knowing you’re in good hands. You could probably even take care of yourself when it comes down to brass tacks.”

As her small hands grip her mask, she does listen to what Luthor says. When she lifts her head up, there are tears in her eyes. She moves down from the chair and wraps her arms around him, lowering her face onto his shoulder and quietly sobbing. It will be eight months this May. Luthor stops short when the child hugs him, but gradually, on instinct, he returns the gesture, holding Leina and letting her cry her little heart out.

Luthor Callaway: ”Hey, now. It’s okay, kiddo…”

It’s really all he says for now to the little girl who still misses her father. The cameraman figures it’s a good time to leave them some time alone for privacy. The perspective then changes.


The scene opens to show a figure climbing up the side of an ancient step pyramid. The voice of Sir Ian McKellen comes over.

“People try to ascend every day. They work hard to attain a better status. Everyone wants to do better for themselves and those they care about.”

The person climbing the pyramid stumbles and slips. They tumble down a few steps before coming to a stop at the last tier they reached. They lay there breathing hard.

“Though we all strive to that next level, not everyone makes it. There are obstacles, hindrances, in our way. Some stop when they reach a difficulty. They take solace that they got to the height they achieved before difficulty reared its ugly head.”

The person on the pyramid stands up and puts their hands on their hips. They pace a few steps, gathering their breath. They look up at the remaining steps to the top.

“But there are those special few. Those that have a determination greater than any difficulty that stands in their way.”

The person starts up the pyramid once again.

“Those special few, who will grit their teeth and rise up above. They fight through the challenges laid out before them and reach the level few can. Tonight we watch as warriors fight through those obstacles. Who will rise to the occasion? Who will fall? Who will claim the top?”

The person climbing the steps gets to the top and raises their arms in success.

“Tonight we find out. Tonight we will see the Ascension of greatness.”

FLAW’s “Endangered Species” plays over a video highlight reel of the competitors for tonight’s show, leading up to the matches of this evening. We are shown the explosive build up for the Monster’s Ball match between The Kingdom, Kwonspiracy and The Hatchet Clan. Brief shots are added in, exclusively showing that almost 24 hours ago, the competitors were made to step into isolation chambers where they would spend the next 24 hours in total darkness with no outside noise.


Next we see highlights from the tag team tournament that lead up to Onslaught becoming the number one contenders for the Tag Team Championship. We are then shown the moment from March Mayhem where the Skillz Vendorz obtained the titles that they will defend on this evening.


Next is the six person tag match that lead to the triple threat match where Erik Holland became #1 Contender for the Silver Mountain Championship, alongside clips of the defending champion, Jasmine Matthews in her title reign up to this point. We are also shown the ominous attacks on Matthews that boiled up to a reveal of what is speculated to be The Children of Nephilim arriving in NFW.


The final big piece we see is the lead up to the World Heavyweight Title match between Sativa Nevaeh defending against Lara Bratton in the main event tonight. We see the debut of Kwonspiracy attacking the other members of the Fatal Fourway contender’s match that went on to become the Hatchet Clan. We see brief glimpses of Sativa Nevaeh and her questionable mental state as she paces around backstage, accompanied by a crow. The same crow that was seen taunting Lara Bratton at the go-home show.


Finally, we see clips of the other competitors on the card to night. Danni Anderson, Christina Olson, Layla Aishe and Cherry Addams. All are seen in their poses and hitting their big spot moves before the vignette finally cuts to the arena.


Nick Hanson: Hello and welcome ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to NFW ASCENSION live in Chicago, Illinois at the Collision Center! It almost sounds like we got a sold out crowd here tonight, don’t it Matt?!

Matt Salvatore: We’re just under about half capacity, Nick but hell yeah it does! This is wild! Imagine when we get this place filled up!

Nick Hanson: Looking forward to it, partner, but we’ve got a great crowd as is! They’re ready for this Collision exclusive event! We’ve got the Tag Team Titles on the line, the Silver Mountain Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship. We’ve got a TWELVE person, three teams of four, Monster’s Ball match. Twelve competitors have spent the past afternoon and evening in total isolation. No food. No water. No light. These rooms are sound proof. They’re STILL in confinement and will remain so until it’s go time.

Matt Salvatore: Well it’s go time for some but not for them, Nick! Let’s get this show underway!

Nick Hanson: Preparations are still being made folks but to start things off? We’ve got a little prematch action that was set up just earlier today! These two were told ‘hey, get your gear, get ready. You’re up!’ So let’s get a little appetizer before the main course as we see “The Headliner” Cass Baumer; she’s taking on Tren “Train Wreck” Descarrilado!

Matt Salvatore: Hah!! Yes!! Two of my favorite people on the roster! Or should I say...two of my favorite motherfuckers!

Nick Hanson: Of course...because Tren loves that word and you’re a Tren fan.

Matt Salvatore: Hey, I call matches down the middle but I have my eye on the faves, Nick. Let’s go!
Roger Arden: The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico…

Tren steps out onto the stage, Lola in hand, as the music hits, stopping at the top of the ramp. Sparks fire up from both sides, showering the clown faced maniac. When the music breaks, he steps forward with loud maniacal laughter. He ignores the reaction of the audience or anyone reaching out to touch him as he walks down to the ring. Stopping to kneel at the steps and crossing himself before shooting the double bird straight up at the ceiling. Once in the ring, he makes his way to the corner, taking a few practice swings with Lola before crouching in the corner, staring down the ramp and waiting for his opponent.

Roger Arden: He is Tren “The Train Wreck” Descarrilado! And his opponent, from Ueno, Tokyo Japan…

As the vocals of Queens Of The Stone Age burst through the crackling arena speakers, the crowd stand to their feet in anticipation! Yellow spotlights beam on the entryway, a subtle wispy smoke in the air while the camera lowers its sight to reveal Cass Baumer with a small lighter directly in the path of the hairspray valve at an upward angle. With the open flame in sight, she pushes the button at the top of the aerosol container and lights the stream on fire to activates the makeshift flamethrower with an unmistakably proud grin! The NFW crowd cheers wildly at the display, even while the controversial Kiwi waves the flames back and forth in the air above them. Once she lets go of the button, The Headliner starts to strut down the aisle in her cropped purple leather jacket with the weapons still in hand. She turns and starts to walk backward, showing off the massive white "Run Cass" emblem at the back of the distressed outerwear.

Roger Arden: …”The Headliner” Cass BAUMER!

"Smooth Sailing" continues while Baumer lets out another smirk over her shoulder. Flippantly spinning once again to face the ring with her arms extended, she stops at the steel steps to set down the hairspray before she climbs into the ring. The palpable reaction of the audience grows as she raises the lit lighter to the rafters with pride while mounted on the ropes. Cass stomps off the perch and observes the sights around her.

~DING DING DING~

The bell rings, and Tren steps forward, chuckling already as Cass gets in his face. Tren shakes his head, shoving her, and turning his back to walk back into his corner. Baumer spins the big man around, throwing a series of strikes into his chest and stomach, but Descarrilado laughs, shaking his head, the strikes having no effect! Baumer looks up at the twisted clown visage as Tren’s barking laughter stops before the psychotic clown levels the Kiwi with a devastating headbutt! Cass hits the mat hard with a grunt, but she doesn’t get a second to catch her breath before Tren lifts her up by the front of her ring gear, brushing off her shoulders before tapping himself on the chin as if to say “Gimme yer best shot motherfucker.” Cass looks at him in disbelief, this monster leaving himself wide open, hands at his side, head slightly forward with his chin fully exposed. She takes a step back, but Tren doesn’t move, only chuckling as he waits for Cass to strike. She hits the ropes, coming back at a run and leaping, and Tren never moves as Baumer wraps an arm around his neck and drops him with a leaping DDT! She kips up, turning to continue but Tren is rising already, shaking his head and laughing again. She hits the ropes, coming back and leaping again, but this time Descarrilado snatches her out of the air, driving her into the mat with a BRUTAL Uranage suplex!

Tren doesn’t haul Baumer back to her feet this time, turning and slowly walking a circle around her as the crowd boos the psychotic clown. He flips them all the double bird before taking off in his ambling run, hitting the rope and coming back as Cass gets up, dropping the former reporter hard with a running big boot to the chest! He continues to chuckle, his shoulders shaking as he gets down to pin her, resting across her chest on an elbow in a lackadaisical pin. Baumer kicks out at one. The chuckling falters as Tren looks down at Baumer, then stops altogether as the clown painted visage twists in frustration before he begins driving closed fisted punches down into Cass’ face! Baumer manages to escape due to the weak pin attempt and gets to her feet. Tren stands as well, his hands coming up now into a loose boxing stance. Baumer runs in, ducking Tren’s left hook as she slams a kick into his gut. He may not feel it, but he still needed to breathe, and the big man drops to a knee from the shot to the diaphragm. Baumer hits the rope like a lightning bolt, coming back and delivering a hard enzuigiri! She rolls Tren up, getting a two count before Descarrilado roars and launches her off of him with a kickout!

Cass gets to her feet as Tren rolls out of the ring, shaking his head. He turns his back to Cass, and begins to make his way toward the ramp, the referee beginning to count. Cass slides out of the ring, grabbing Tren by the shoulder only to take an elbow as the clown turns around with Lola, his barbed wire wrapped bat, in hand as he brings it down hard across the back of her shoulders! Blood prickles up as the referee calls for the bell.

~DING DING DING~

Roger Arden: Your winner by disqualification… Cass Baumer!

Tren doesn’t stop, however, raising the bat to strike again at the young Deathmatch trainee, but Cass was prepared for this, turning and rolling away from the bat! She gets to her feet, and Descarrilado comes in, laughing as he swings the bat at her head, but Cass slips under the swing and behind Tren before the clown turns around straight into the RUMOR MILL! Cass gets to her feet, taking two steps back before sprinting forward as Tren sits up and she blasts him with the BLEEDING EDGE! Security rushes down to the ring, separating the two wrestlers. Cass looks like she’s still good to go, but Tren just laughs maniacally, shaking his head and waving her off with one hand, Lola still gripped in his other one.

Nick Hanson: Well, kind of a rocky start to things and a bitter ending but what can you expect from these two go getters?

Matt Salvatore: Tren’s a deathmatch master and Cass is well on her way to making her name known on the same scene! I think little girl just proved that she can fucking go with the best of them!

We open up, seeing the outside of a mansion, a forest on one end, and fields of grass and a stable on the other. We see the familiar red and black hair of Christina Olson stepping out of a car and walking up to the door. She walks inside as the camera follows her in, she walks through the main hallway and into a living space where the rest of the members of The Kingdom wait for her. Morgan, Lilith, and Moe are sitting on the couch as Lluvia sits in a chair next to them and standing in the middle of the room are Sativa and Jasmine, both holding their championships over their shoulders. Christina walks in and stands next to the couch as she flashes a quick smile and nods at each of them.

Christina Olson: In two days, we all go to war in some form or another, don’t we? I take care of Cherry and put her down, Morgan, Lil, Moe, and Lluv take care of Kwonspiracy, and the Hatchet Clan, Jasmine, you get to take down a hobbled shell of his former self, and Sativa, you get to beat the hell out of Lara and continue your record-setting reign. Ascension is where we, as The Kingdom, remind the world and the entire Collision roster just why we’re the group that runs things around here.

As Christina talks, Morgan sits reclined on the couch with “Chloe” resting across her lap. It’s not uncommon anymore to see the woman on camera dressed like she’s ready for a fight at any time. Black fatigue pants, Doc Martens and a Kingdom tanktop tucked deep into the waistline of her pants. When there’s a pause, indicating Christina’s said her piece, Morgan looks around a second before looking over at Lluvia.

Morgan Payne: Kids aht wif Alex?

Lluvia nods, smirking a bit as, knowing Morgan, it’s almost obvious why she’s asking. Surely enough, here it comes. Morgan leans her head back against the couch, looking upward at the ceiling.

Morgan Payne: A’ight, look….

She exhales through her hips like a horse, braying in annoyance. Morgan straightens in her seat. No, wait. Instead, she leans forward and stands “Chloe” against the floor, folding her hands over the pommel of the handle and looks down in thought. When she gathers her words, she looks up at the camera, shaking her head and motions around the room with her shillelagh.

Morgan Payne: I don’ get it. I really don’t. Of all da time dis group - da Kingdom - been together, we stuck by a code.

Morgan starts tapping Chloe on the floor, thumping the weapon with each word.

Morgan Payne: We. Handle. Ahr. Own. Shit. Each bitch in da Kingdom? Me? Her? Her? Her? Alla us….

She uses Chloe again to point to herself then to other members of the Kingdom. Jasmine. Sativa. Lluvia. Waves it all around at Moe and Bloody Fairytale before looking back at the camera.

Morgan Payne: Each o’us issa one woman army ready t’take ahn any muthafuckah who wants t’step. Yinz look at da track history; we don’t use numbers save for one time when we needed to prove a point and it wasn’t even in En Eff Dub. Now yinz gonna sit there, watchin’ dis and yinz’re gonna bring up Sex & Violence, twenty eighteen. Nostalgia Ultra. Eavan Maloney. Lara Blackheart. Yeah we used numbers there. Sure. Ahtta retaliation after one of ours got jumped backstage an’ almost had her career ended. But let’s look at errythang else.

Pause. Morgan rubs her mouth and uses Chloe the shillelagh to motion to herself again.

Morgan Payne: Dokueki beat me. Fair an’ square. Yinz see anyone here come aht and whup her ass?

Shakes her head.

Morgan Payne: Nah. Molly. Molly Hatchet. When you got ya shit rocked. How many of us were there? Think real hard abaht it.

She pauses and gives a moment for actual contemplation.

Morgan Payne: Ding ding bitches! One! Dat’s how we do. Dat’s. How. We. Handle. Ahr. Shit. But now yinz wanna turn dis into a war. Yinz want da Kingdom in a match wif no rules against da KWONspiracy and da HATCHET Clan. Shit! Yinz wanna call us conceited? Namin’ ahr group after a monarchy? Ya got a lawyer and a pissed off lil Scottish spitfire, wif egos so big yinz had to put your fuckin’ NAMES in your group!

Morgan feigns shock and puts a hand on her cheek.

Morgan Payne: “But Morgan! Hahs O’Payne!” Hey, dat was a family gig. We was all Paynes. We was equal. But you two?

A surprisingly twisted grin crosses her once sweet, innocent features.

Morgan Payne: Yinz can say alllll ya want dat you’re each teams o’equal standing. But Kwon an’ Molly each got their own agendas and yinz are their gaht damn lap dogs. Kwon. Molly. Yinz need all those other people to survive in what dis business has become. Us? Da Kingdom? We chose each other. Family. We support each other. Big difference between that and trynna take charge over a bunch o’people that’ll eat your asses alive as soon as it suits them. Yeah, Hatchet. Good job, recruiting Von Rossbach. The second yinz are both put up for the same title shot, I’mma watch her put your ass in another coma. Kwon, you ain’t even a wrestler. You gave up everything you had back home t’come here and manage a rag tag group. Pay close attention, bitch, cuz I seen dis happen. The second - the fuckin’ *second* - dat you slip and fail them as a manager...they’re gonna maul you like coyotes on a lame pack member and leave you in a gutter. After all dat’s said an’ done? What group is gonna be standin’ in da long run?

She opens her arms out, motioning to them. The Kingdom.

Morgan Payne: Here ya are. And at Monster’s Ball...at Ascension...Chicago? The Queen’s Army...The Kingdom...are gonna come runnin’ through both o’yer groups like a fuckin’ storm you ain’t ever EVER...seen….

Morgan rests Chloe across her lap again and sits back on the couch, letting the next member speak. Lil sits up, looking over the room, nodding her head, seeing the confident looks on all of their faces. Hers though, despite training all week for the Monster’s Ball Match, still a look of fear and uncertainty.

Lilith Meadows: I know I’m not the most confident right now, that I’m not really confident most of the time. I know that on Tuesday, I’m in for one of the most painful nights of my life. What I do have confidence in though is the fact that all of us will be together for life. This, it’s more than just a group of people, it’s more than just people coming together to fight an enemy, this is a family. Nothing can break us apart or tear us down.

Lilith sits up a little more, looking at each member of the Kingdom one by one.

Lilith Meadows: Christina, the fire to my ice, we never should have worked as a team, but here we are, four years together and we’re still going strong. I know you’ll take care of Cherry Addams. Sativa, my Marebear, so many people have tried to take you down from the top of the mountain and everyone has failed, Tuesday will be no different. Jassy, our Queen, we all know everything you have been through lately, but you’re still ours, still the best and Erik Holland doesn’t stand a chance. Morgan, Moe, Lluvia, the four of us go into war with eight other people. Besides Christina, there isn’t anybody else I’d rather have out there with me fighting alongside me in something so big and so dangerous. Let’s show the world why they need to Behold The Kingdom.

Lilith sits back, sighing softly as she looks down at the ground and waits for the next to speak. Lluvia stands, brushing the dirt from her jeans before crossing her arms over her chest. She looked around the room at those she loves and cares for, a light grin falling to her face.

Lluvia Cane: We’re all going to war on Tuesday, whether it be 1-on-1 or in this Monster’s Ball match. It doesn’t matter what’s going down because The Kingdom will be showing up and owning everything we’re a part of at Ascension. We all bring a level of excellence that other’s simply can’t compare to. Bloody Fairytale still holds the longest reign for the World Tag Team Championships while Sativa is getting close to having the longest title reign of the World Heavyweight Championship. Jasmine has shown her cunning more than well enough to prove that she’s more than a worthy Silver Mountain Champion.

Lluvia looked from Sativa to Lilith and Christina then towards Morgan and Moe before finally moving her gaze to Jasmine. She smiled at all of the women that were present in The Castle and uncrossed her arms, placing a hand on her hip. She lifted her hand, waving from Lilith and Christina to Sativa and finally Jasmine.

Lluvia Cane: We skyrocket all types of sales...we bring in the views. Whenever any of The Kingdom is booked, and if arenas could be sold out right now, we’re the ones that put asses in seats. Without us, the shows would be dull, lacking everything that the fans are truly craving. At Ascension, we remind Kwonspiracy, Hatchet Clan, Holland, Addams, and Bratton...as well as everyone else on the roster exactly why they should Behold...The...Kingdom.

Lluvia sat back down in her chair, knowing that she didn’t say much but felt she had said everything she wanted to. Moe cleared her throat, a small sound in the quiet room as the pink haired Taiwanese girl looked out at the other women seated around her.

Moe Renhuan: I know I'm the new girl here. Hell, I technically lived at the Castle before even joining the Kingdom because of Jasmine's generosity.

Moe flashes a small smile to the Queen before she continues.

Moe Renhuan: You've all always treated me like family. We've been training so very hard these last few days to be as ready as we can. I'm going to do everything I can, pull out every trick, move, and tactic I know, and I'm going to do it for you. For Morgan, for Lluvia, and for Lil. I… I just don't want to let anyone down. I'm honestly really, really nervous. But I won't let that show. I'll go out there and show all of those other women why they would be smart to Behold the Kingdom.

Sativa looks into the camera and grins. She opens her mouth to speak.

Sativa Nevaeh: …

Sativa just shakes her head and gives the camera the finger. Jasmine finally takes her turn. The Queen rightfully going last.

Jasmine Matthews: Erik Holland thinks he is prepared for the war that is going to come to him at Ascension. He most likely is sitting there thinking he knows what he is getting into. What challenge stands against him. But he has no idea. I’m a Matthews. We have a standard when it comes to titles and title matches.

Jasmine gives a flippant grin.

Jasmine Matthews: This one will be no different. I will educate Erik as to what Matthews do when there is a title on the line. We show the world why we are better than the rest. Why when we have a title, the title is elevated to heights beyond what anyone else could hope to take it. I outsmarted the former champion to get this title. She couldn’t be bothered to try and take it back. Erik, I hope you are ready for this. You will witness the truth behind my words. My family legacy. It doesn’t matter how tough you think you are. It doesn’t matter if whoever can’t show their face shows up. I am Jasmine Matthews, the Fanged Rose. Daughter of David Matthews. I am the Silver Mountain Champion and YOU will not be the one to end that.

Jasmine flips her hand signaling she is done with the camera and recording.
Static interrupts the feed of the ‘Tron, followed by quiet, sinister laughing. A night vision camera in the solitary confinement cell housing The Poison Dragon Dokueki whirs to life, snuck in by Dokueki herself.

Dokueki: Can you see me out there?

The darkened room flares brightly for a moment before the camera focuses on the 5’10” Japanese woman pacing back and forth, muttering angrily to herself. She’s wearing her normal ring attire of arm guards, long pants, and boots with kick pads, but instead of her normal top, the audience can see she’s wearing a t-shirt. Dokueki turns and looks up at the camera, it’s little red light blinking in the darkness, with a twisted grin on her face. The shirt bears the image of a dragon, great plumes coming from it’s nostrils, and in each of it’s foretalons it grips a wicked looking hatchet, with the words “Hatchet Clan'' above the image, and the Japanese kanji for “Poison Dragon” underneath.

Dokueki: I see you up there camera. Watching me. Trying to see if this little experiment would frighten me. Nothing scares the Dragon! I will not be beaten by mind games, anymore than I will be beaten by any of the other women in this match…

Dokueki bends down, having stopped her pacing, and lifts her dangerous studded wooden tanabo in her hands, holding it like some kind of oversized baseball bat and taking a couple of slow, arcing swings. The motion looks even more sinister considering this ‘bat’ is the same length the Asian woman is tall. A kind of twisted laughter can be heard coming from the woman in the cell as she begins to pace again, swinging the club back and forth.

Dokueki: This all started with Kan Tai. Her stupid little Kwonspiracy decided to get involved in our little game, so Molly Hatchet offered me a place to ensure that the numbers game would be even. And, for a time, it was fine. Until that stupid little girl from the Kingdom decided it would be wise to club my friend over the head with a crowbar. I had no qualms with you, Lilith, or your silly little Kingdom. Feudal lords are, after all, a part of my history. However…

Dokueki swings the bat down into the floor, a loud, solid thud reverberating through the room as it makes contact. The Dragon shakes her head with that same sick grin.

Dokueki: ...you decided that your Kingdom needed to attack my clan. I do not know if this was an order from your ‘Queen’ Jasmine, but I do know one thing. It was a very, very poorly executed idea. You see, little Faerie woman, your Kingdom IS strong. I am the first to admit this. Sativa is, after all, a world champion. But I humbled your warrior Morgan Payne. I put your berserker to sleep. Just a small taste of what was to come for your group.

Dokueki frowns, spinning the tanabo in lazy circles around her, much like a baseball bat. She turns, screaming as she brings the feudal samurai weapon down on the bowl of the toilet in the room, shattering the porcelain and causing water to spill out onto the floor.

Dokueki: The Kingdom will BURN for your crimes Lilith! I do not fear your berserker any more. Your little ‘Queen’s Guard’ means nothing to me, nor does your silly ‘fairytale’! You see, in these stories, there is typically an evil dragon who is eventually vanquished by a strong, gallant knight that brings the beast to ruin. Unfortunately for you? There is no valor in the Kingdom. There are no knights to fight the dragon. You made a mistake, and all of your little friends will pay dearly for your transgression!

The Poison Dragon walks through the water on the floor now, dragging the head of the club as she speaks, shaking her head the whole time.

Dokueki: As for the Kwonspiracy? You have all made the error of joining sides with the Broken Panda. I only wanted to bring her to her knees. To break her. But she attacked me, unprovoked, as if to prove some kind of point. Now, you all will pay for her transgressions. The Hatchet Clan will stand tall at the end of this Monster’s Ball, both the Kingdom and the Kwonspiracy laid to waste at the feet of our Clan. If you believe there is any hope… you are sorely mistaken.

Dokueki returns to the broken toilet, taking the top off the tank and throwing it effortlessly across the room. She leans forward, her back to the camera.

Nick Hanson: Is she doing what I think she’s doing?

Matteo Salvatore: Crazy bitch is drinking out of the toilet! I guess she really will do anything to survive!

Dokueki rises back up, turning to face the camera with the tanabo in both hands. She silently walks across the room, the only sound the glugging of the broken toilet and the Dragon’s footfalls in the water on the floor. She grins, her eyes wild, before she lifts the club, swinging it as hard as she can into the camera with a loud CRACK as the feed cuts to static.
We begin with a simple scene, a drab and cold concrete wall littered with a myriad of cracks and blemishes upon its surface. A single light shines down overhead upon the sole person standing before that wall. Tilted forward with one half of her face draped with hair as black as night, one half of her head entirely clean shaven, is a powerfully muscular woman wearing a simple black tank top with matching military fatigues. She is so perfectly still, her breathing imperceptible. A living statue that is almost unnerving, especially when her head lifts. Dark brown eyes snap open, looking directly into the lens with great intensity and yet her expression is one of cold calm. The fire in her eyes is matched only by the ice permeating from her stoic, expressionless face. That face is a well known one, belonging to the woman who arrived just a week ago at NFW's Collision event alongside the Hatchet Clan; Ursula Von Rossbach. Despite having been residing within a tiny room for the last twenty four hours, she seemed to be little worse for wear due to the experience.

UVR: The last time I was seen was on NFW television was alongside my employer, a co-worker, and a complete stranger fighting for my oldest rival, Molly O'Hatherine, now known as Ms. Hatchet.

As she speaks, her stern tone carries a weighted huskiness that is only tempered by a very slight, breathy quality that gives the impression of one who could have been a rather potent contralto singer if that path were to be chosen.

UVR: There have been many questions raised by this union. For a decade, Ms. Hatchet and I have feuded. We have both, in a way, grown alongside each other as wrestling competitors and despite our initial encounter in two-thousand and ten, I have grown to respect her. No matter how strong her opposition is or how hopelessly futile the effort may be, one thing I can give her over a vast majority of the names that fill my Resume of Destruction, she never failed where it counted the most. She never gave up.

Ursula's hand lifts before her, upturned and claw-like, she then snaps her digits inward, her fingers slapping her palm from the force of her grip strength with a symbolic gesture of crushing something effortlessly.

UVR: You can break her bones, destroy her body, but her will is indomitable. This makes her worthy of my respect.

The fist lowers back down.

UVR: The Kwonspiracy owe a great debt, one that need not have been accrued had they wisely chosen their targets better. Lilith Meadows also owes a debt, but one that I shall not be personally responsible for. She shall be contended by the one she wronged personally, while the Kwonspiracy shall suffer as a whole.

Very slowly, her lip curls into a smirk as the Lady Terminator leans ever so slightly forward with her head inclined slightly to the right.

UVR: Had none of you laid a hand on Molly Hatchet to begin with and treated her with the dignity and respect she deserves, you would not be staring into the eyes of the Apocalypse looking back upon you. In a way, Mr. Calloway should thank you immensely for your poor decision making for it has delivered me onto your roster and what a path of devastation I intend to carve upon it from this day forth.

The smirk twists further into a dark, unnerving smile.

UVR: Enjoy what little time you have left. The seconds are ticking away.... tick....tock...tock...tock.

A soft, cold chuckle fills the air less with merriment and more with menace as Ursula turns and casually steps out of the frame.
The camera comes to life and boy is it shaky! It’s clearly not being handled by a professional cameraman. No, rather, the handler is clearly an amateur as they maneuver the camera through the halls until they come to the door of the Skillz Vendorz locker room. The cameraman doesn’t even knock. They just reach out and open the door. The hand overall tells us it’s actually a woman. The multiple bracelets and black nail polish narrows it down to who exactly it might be. The camera’s perspective enters the locker room and dramatically looks around before following the sound of a television. The camera finds The Skillz Vendorz - Kat Cage and Sammi Belmont - sitting on their Game Room couch but instead of being immersed in a video game, they’re sitting with notepads and pens, watching an Onslaught match on the screen.

Camerawoman: You guuuuuuyyyyysss!

Yup. Anyone who guessed it was Marty handling the camera would be correct.

Marty: I thought we were doing a new Game Room episode!

Sammi: Not today, Mar. We gotta buckle down and focus, yeah? We aren’t losing these straps on our first bloody defense.

Marty: What? What are you talking about? You’re gonna do fiiiiine!

Kat: We’ve lost two non-title matches since we won these titles. That’s two teams that have the right to challenge us if they want. Two dangerous teams. I know damn well Ian Dickenson and Ebony Arceri have been paying attention and they’ve seen us lose both. They got kinks in our armor so we need to find the kinks in theirs.

Kat then turns to Sammi who’s writing down stuff as Ebony is in the ring. We see they’re taking this so seriously that Kat has her reading glasses on.

Kat: After this, we go back and watch our matches against House Crowley then Salvatore and Sanclemente. We need to find where we fucked up and not let that happen again.

Sammi: Well with Adri and Emmie, we had it in the bag until those Devious cunts decided to stick their nose in our business.

Kat: [/color]True. Still, we should go back. Whatcha got on Ebony, so far?

Sammi: She gets distracted easily. It doesn’t take much to break her focus on the match. Oi, can we have Marty to the ring with us?!

The camera suddenly shakes a bit.

Marty: Wait, wh-wh-what?!

Kat: Sam. We are not having Marty come out just so she can distract Onslaught.

Sammi: I mean have you seen the size of her knockers? Pretty easy to distract anybody, eh?

Marty: Heeeeeyy!!!!

The camera angles down to Marty’s bust, covered by an Avenger’s t-shirt. Her other arm comes over her chest and the camera lifts back up at the Skillz Vendorz, focused mainly on Sammi.

Sammi: What?! Don’t look at me like that!

Marty: I’m your agent, Sam! Not a piece of meat to be used in matches!

Sammi: Oh my gosh, I’m kiiiiiiddiiiiiiiing!! Chill out, Mar! You know we love ya.

Marty: Better!

Sammi: We do!

Kat: Dude….

Kat’s taking notes on an in-ring Ian Dickenson now.

Kat: This guy’s got a temper that makes him dangerous but we can use it too.

Sammi: What do ya mean?

Kat: We just do our thing. Get under his skin enough and piss him off. Yeah he might try to kill us but his focus’ll be on hurting us instead of tagging in Ebony or trying to end the match.

It dawns on Samantha.

Sammi: And it’ll tire him out!

Kat: Eeeeexactly! We tire out the big guy and we can work together on Ebony. We got this match in the bag so long as we stick to a sound strategy

Marty: Uhh...guys? You realize I got a camera, right?

Kat and Sammi both look at each other with horrific realization. They almost just blew their plan if not already!

Sammi: Oh bloody hell!

Kat: Shit! Cut it, Marty! Cut the feed, cut the feed!

Marty quickly turns the camera around to face her.

Marty: Still! Ain’t no way these girls are dropping these belts yet!

She slaps a hand over the lens and the feed cuts to static.
Lluvia and Isabella Cane were sitting just outside of the reconstructed stables after Lluvia returned from Hybrid in Asheville on Sunday night. Chris Cane had made his way back to The Castle, rather than going to the stables upon Lluvia’s return, knowing that the mother-daughter duo had more business to tend to without his involvement. The women were dressed in more modernized outfits to represent their ancestors though in Bella’s lap was an item wrapped in a traditionally prepared deer hide, protecting whatever it was that she had brought with her. In between the two of them sat small, stone jars of modern versions of paint used for when the Cherokee would go into war.

Lluvia Cane: Mom, I know what the paint is for, but what’s wrapped up in the hide?

Isabella Cane: Lluvia, our ancestors were in many great battles. My father, your grandfather, was a great chief that was respected by the members of our tribe. Every great warrior had a special weapon that they used in battle, even your uncle had one as well. This was your grandfather’s; your grandmother had given it to Storming Raven before she passed on then he gave it to me before he went AWOL.

Lluvia nodded along as she listened to her mom speak, watching closely as the older Cane began unwrapping the hide. Within moments, a traditional Cherokee buffalo jaw bone war club. Lluvia’s eyes remained glued to the club as Bella carefully set the hide off to the side then slowly lifted the club, turning it to where a few small, hand done symbols were carved into the handle of it. The older woman gently placed the club in Lluvia’s hands, a smile gracing both of their faces. As Lluvia closed one of her hands around the club’s handle, a light breeze blew around both of them, sounding as if it had brought the whispers of their ancestors to the pair.


Lluvia Cane: Mom...this is...I don’t know what to say.

Lluvia lightly traced the hand carved symbols...an eagle feather for her grandfather due to eagles being revered by the Cherokee, a raven to symbolize her uncle, and as Lluvia ran her fingers over the last symbol, a storm cloud that had recently been added to represent her. She allowed her fingers to rest on her carving, knowing that her mom had done that herself. Lluvia gently placed the war club onto the hide then faced her mother again, enveloping her in a hug.

Isabella Cane: This club is rightfully yours and will one day be Amelia’s or Anthony’s...whomever you decide to pass it down to. On Tuesday, you’ll be going to war against Kwonspiracy and Hatchet Clan, but you’ll have the strength and courage of our ancestors.

Lluvia Cane: Thank you, mom. I hope I can do them all justice as well as keep Lilith as well as Moe protected. They have never been in a battle like this, and I know they’re scared and nervous. I don’t care what I have to put my body through in order to do so.

Isabella Cane: They will be well protected between you and our ancestors. Now then, let's get you painted for war. This will last through your isolation period.

An old television set kicks to life, showing Erik Holland on the ground curled up in pain, laying across a steel guardrail. The bottom right corner shows text that starts as numbers but unscrambles into "UNION BATTLEGROUND - RELAPSE III".

Erik's voice is heard as the footage starts, but it sounds like that low quality audio you hear when someone's talking through a megaphone. It continues as we watch Erik surrender to end the I Quit match, and then as medical professionals tend to him.

Erik Holland: Really, since the moment I came to consciousness lying on the floor of the SSE in Dublin, I have been suffering. Movement feels like a Herculean task. Wrestling feels superhuman. A herniated disk in my lumbar region that i have been told will heal without surgery as long as I do what I need to. Number one being, avoid being Superplexed on metal guardrails..

A derisive, low, chuckle; the one you make when you know youve made a dark joke as we now watch Erik's rehab taking place. The different exercises, tight shots on his face in pain, doing yoga, working with resistance bands.

Erik Holland: What I have concluded, though, and this goes the same for the rest of NFW, is that none of you understand that pain is woven into my DNA. Pain is a part of my legacy and story every bit as much as my opponent's family name and her legacy. Whether the pain is in my body demanding I don't move another muscle, or in my head screaming at me to end it all, whether I'm awake or asleep, or I'm in the gym, or fighting in the ring--I am in pain every moment of my life.

Now, after some static, we're looking at NFW Collision from two weeks ago when Erik Holland participated in a six man tag team match. Tight shots on him as he doesn't actually get in the match much, simply just stands on the apron in pain, and the few times that he does get in the match we can see how much pain he is in. Erik continues to speak.

Erik Holland: And ever since that dark Ireland day, I've been listening and I've been reading people telling me I should leave. Quit. Get surgery. Know when I'm beaten. Have I ever known when I am beaten, NFW? Matches come and go. I won't be undefeated here forever. No wrestler stays undefeated, NO wrestler is invincible. It's what you do when you lose that defines who you are. And even though I've lost matches, big matches--in my MIND I am not beaten because I don't pack up and take my ball home the minute things dont go my way.

Now we move on to the number one contendership triple threat, and all the violent spots that took place--mostly involving Holland, including a slow motion replay of Holland being drilled across the back with a steel chair and his body contorted in agony. But, tellingly, also showing that he forced himself to his feet and connected with the Toxic Avenger for the three count.

Erik Holland: So a triple threat match on Collision was of little consequence to me. Even though I took a chairshot across my back that felt like the whole of my back was lit on fire, and I was in there with two of the toughest in NFW.. all I could think about, all I could see every time I opened my eyes was Jasmine...Matthews.

Now, the TV clicks off. Erik's voice starts with the megaphone but begins to distort and blend until we can hear his real-life pitch, rhythm, timbre and volume, and we see he's sitting next to the TV, hunched over, glaring at the camera, probably in the most comfortable position he is able to approach for himself.

Erik Holland: And not simply because she is aesthetically pleasing--I am a little bit biased in favor of Lyric..it's because around her waist is a championship that for the last several weeks I have been willing to risk my career--maybe even my life for. She wants to do this in a Street Fight, where it's anything goes but the pinfall must happen in the ring. That sounds familiar.

A knowing, acidic grin/grimace plays across the man's face.

Erik Holland: Familiar in that I was in my wrestling infancy surrounded by these rules, Jasmine. I became comfortable in them, to the point where they fit me like a second skin. As familiar to me as the pain, Jasmine, and so now we arrive at this apex. The Silver Mountain Championship gets put on the line against perhaps your most lethal and by all rights likely your final challenger.

Erik doesn't pause here, doesn't move anywhere, just carries on forward like the freight train he is--with the intensity in his voice beginning to pick up speed.

Erik Holland: Two and a half months you've had that title, Jasmine, and you unified it with the Television title so long ago. I'm talking a lot about history and legacy and you are woven into this championship in that way as well. But ever since I broke into the wrestling industry it's been my practice to make history of my own. It's been my practice to disrupt. To turn things on their head. To take warriors that felt and seemed invincible and to show them just how human they really are. That even dangerous competitors like you, Jasmine, have a limit. They come to a point where you cannot take any more.

Erik now moves, gingerly, off of where he was sitting and moves forward towards the camera.

Erik Holland: I'm going to bring you to that place tonight. I'm going to fight through every agonizing moment of pain that this bout will bring me. Even if you target my back and you make it so I'm barely able to move around that ring, Jasmine, I will find a way to overcome it. I've been overcoming nothing but pain all my life! Do YOU think you're any different?!

Erik seizes the camera now, his face contorted in rage and agony. He shakes the lens.

Erik Holland: LISTEN TO ME! YOU WILL NOT STOP ME TONIGHT! I HAVE COME TOO FAR! YOU WILL! NOT! STOP ME!

He pulls it close to his face, the black eye makeup and the pinpoint contacts twisted in that angry snarl making for a very frightening picture.

Erik Holland: I will be the NEW Silver Mountain Champion TONIGHT, and I will take that belt to places it has never gone before. You can't handle what is coming, Jasmine! YOU WON'T!

Throwing the camera backwards, he storms out of his locker room, and the last auditory thing we hear is the TV clicking back on. Even though we can't see what's going on, we do hear a ring announcer's voice saying,

"And...NEWWWWW...."

Back to ringside.
Roger Arden: “The following contest is scheduled and it is a Street Fight for the Silver Mountain Championship! Introducing first, the manager, representing the Shieldmaidens, THIS! is Lyal "LYRIC" Allllennnnn! She represents from SILENT HILL, weighing 281 pounds, ERIK! HOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLANNNNND!”

"Will you tell these fools I'm not crazy! Make them listen to me before it's too late!"

The arena suddenly goes completely pitch black.

"Listen to me. PLEASE listen. If you don't, if you won't...if you fail to understand, then the same incredible terror that's menacing me will STRIKE AT YOU!"

WE MUST SURVIVE!!!!!

The Haunted" ERUPTS over the sound system kicking up an air-raid siren style strobe light that pulses steadily but angrily on the stage. Lyal "Lyric" Allen comes bounding through the curtain first rocking her latest outrageous makeup and costume, waving to the crowd and bounding around like a super-ball. She heads to center stage as she sees her beloved charge Erik Holland advancing onto the stage. Holland turns around once, taking in the cheering crowd. Lyric wraps her arms around him, whispering something in his ear and then points at the ring, unleashing Erik Holland to make his way to the squared circle. He makes his way deliberately there, muttering to himself. Maybe he's talking to himself, talking to his fans, talking to his demons--we're not really sure, but he seems to be aware of the LOUD but mixed reaction that greets him, touching fists with his cheering fans--even going head to head with some, and ignoring the ones that are booing. Lyric is right behind him, slapping five with the fans, even getting a couple of hugs.

Erik and Lyric stop as they get to ringside, Lyric pulling him down for a kiss and last instructions before sending him tearing into the ring under the bottom rope. He lunges at the referee or the ring announcer, ending up sticking his head and upper body through the top and middle ropes as red strobes blaze all over the place. He stares out at the rolling, moshing swarm of fans, a sick smile playing across his scary-looking face. Lyric struts over and kisses him one more time then allows him to mug for the camera, spitting threats at his opponent (and perhaps the cameraman too) riling up the crowd even more, before he goes to each turnbuckle, acknowledging them by smashing his hand into the top buckle on all four corners.

Finally, as the chaos begins to subside, Holland falls against a turnbuckle pad with his butt on the mat, muttering still, with a thousand-yard stare locked onto the entryway. The lights return to normal and the music fades, as the crowd brings up one last roar ready for the fight.

Roger Arden: And his opponent, currently residing in Greensboro, North Carolina, she weighs in at 140 lbs… She is the NFW Silver Mountain Champion, “The Fanged Rose” JASMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE MATTHEWS!



The synthesized intro of "Big Bad Wolf" begins matched shortly by the drums and the lights of the arena fade to darkness. An eerie purple glow begins to appear on the stage as the guitar strums kick in the words "Even in these chains you can't stop me" repeated four times with a loud drum strike after each one. After the fourth, the guitars and drums kick in full force and the words "The Fanged Rose" appear on the screen with the well known red eyes of the Matthews "Reptile" behind it.


As Maria shrieks the follow up The Fanged Rose comes through the curtain. The black coat buckled around her throat with the hood up shadowing her face. She steps to where the stage and the ramp meet she drops into a kneel with a hand on the ramp.


Each line she bobs lightly until the final word and Jasmine shoots up straight throwing the hood back from her face and letting out a bestial shriek before she sprints to the ring and slides under the ropes. She pops back up and marches to the turnbuckle where she climbs to the top, throws one leg over to balance herself, and lifts a single fist into the air.

Nick Hanson: “Love her or hate her, folks, here she is; the New Frontier’s Silver Mountain Champion!”

Matt Salvatore: “What do you mean love her or hate her? Everyone loves a fighting champ, Nick!”

Nick Hanson: ”Right. Well, we’ll see how much the challenger likes her when that bell rings.”

Matt Salvatore: ”Well...I mean to be fair, I don’t think Erik Holland likes very many people….”

Nick Hanson: ”You may be right on that one. Either way, here we go folks! Time for these two to tear the house down!”

Removing the strap from around her waist, Jasmine Matthews hands it to the referee and growls. He hesitates for a moment before raising it up into the air. The fans look on as Erik Holland glares at the Silver Mountain Champion across the ring. Jasmine returns the glare and smirks, arrogantly beckoning him.


Even when the bell rings, Jasmine moves forward to confront Erik. She expresses no fear despite his height and weight advantage. Erik chuckles and shows no fear in another way -- backhanding her across the face! The fans in attendance are shocked, but some of them do cheer as Jasmine staggers back. She retaliates with knife-edge chops across his chest, one right after another with such force. He begins to return the favor with closed-fist punches, the two of them breaking out into a brawl in the center of the ring. The referee backs off, allowing the two of them to exchange blows.

Nick Hanson: “Look at them go, Matt!”

Matt Salvatore: “Jasmine isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with Erik. That’s our Silver Mountain Champion for ya!”

Nick Hanson: “But for how long can she hold out against Holland’s sheer power?”

The fans enjoy the spectacle of the Fanged Rose and the Haunted going back and forth. Jasmine clocks Erik across the face with an aggressive right hook, followed by a jumping knee strike. While Erik staggers back, however, he brings Jasmine onto the mat with a lariat takedown. He doesn’t hesitate to strike her down, hammering into her with deep-seated blows. Of course, the Silver Mountain Champion raises her arms to defend herself. She’s taken aback when his right hand grabs her throat and applies pressure. Lifting her up, Erik brings her back down with a falling chokeslam. He covers her--

ONE--!

--but she kicks out at one and follows up with a stiff kick to the side of his head. Holland staggers back from the shocking attack, allowing Matthews to get to her feet and chain together a kick-up head scissors takedown. However, Holland is able to recover faster than she realizes, and she’s treated to a STIFF chop that resonates throughout the arena! Matthews clutches her chest and hisses in pain before Holland grabs a hold of her and brings her onto the mat with a sitout powerbomb. He hooks both of her legs for the pin attempt.

ONE!

TW--

Yet Matthews gets her shoulder up before the two count. With a smirk, Holland lifts Matthews up and sends her flying with “The Move From Another World” (Release Dragon Suplex)! Matthews crashes against the turnbuckles and slumps down onto the mat. Dragging her away from the ropes, Holland covers Matthews and hooks the leg once again.

ONE!

TWO!

Matt Salvatore: “Close, but not quite! I’m sure Erik expects Jasmine to be a fighting champion.”

Nick Hanson: “When it comes to the power game, Erik clearly has the advantage over Jasmine!”

With a groan, Jasmine rolls away from Erik and out of the ring. She’s trying to keep some distance between the two of them. On the outside, Lyric cheers for her beloved as he makes his way out of the ring. He advances on Jasmine, but she suddenly kips up and nails him with a double knee strike out of nowhere! Erik staggers back before he charges forward -- only for the handle of a sledgehammer to drive into the side of his head repeatedly! Jasmine screams out in fury with every blow until he’s fallen down on his knees. Blood drips from Erik’s temple where the handle has busted him open. She executes her “Bloodline” (Step-Up Enzuigiri) upon him and knocks him onto the floor! Now it’s her turn to go for the cover and the referee moves to do his job.

ONE!

TWO!

Holland kicks out!

Furiously, Jasmine stomps on the floor, believing that it should have been over right then and there. Once more, she covers Erik and hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO--!

This time, Holland powers out right at two!

Nick Hanson: “The Queen is not happy about this! Even with the blows from the handle and Bloodline...”

Matt Salvatore: “Jasmine needs to dig a little deeper if she wants to persevere, Nick. Erik still has a lot in the tank!”

Looking up, Jasmine narrows her eyes as Lyric taunts her nearby. The Silver Mountain Champion gathers herself and begins to approach the Shieldmaiden. Unknown to her, Erik has brought himself back up. From the announcers’ table, Jasmine grabs her Silver Mountain Championship belt. Lyric tactfully retreats from Jasmine’s wrath before Erik grabs the Queen of the Kingdom, forcing her to drop the title, and drives her onto the floor with “The Re-Animator” (Rotating Powerslam) -- right onto the belt!

Matt Salvatore: “The Re-Animator!”

Nick Hanson: “Right onto the Silver Mountain Championship! This may be over!”

Matthews is clearly in pain, hissing through her teeth and arching her back. Holland covers her and hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE-- Matthews somehow kicks out!

With a scoff, Holland glares down at Matthews and drags her to her feet. The referee backs off as Holland easily lifts Matthews up and drives her down with “TerrorVision” (Irish Curse Backbreaker), but he doesn’t stop there! He chains together three more, consecutively hitting the Queen of the Kingdom with four in a row. A pained scream escapes Matthews as she’s finally rolled back into the ring. Holland looks around and begins to search under the ring apron, pulling out a steel chair, a kendo stick, and two coils of barbed wire. He tosses all of the available weapons into the ring -- including the Silver Mountain Championship -- and rolls into the ring. The fans watch in shock and awe as Holland takes one of the coils of barbed wire… and begins to wrap it around his right hand!

Nick Hanson: “Oh, God, he can’t be serious!?”

Matt Salvatore: “The Silver Mountain Championship is on the line, Nick. You do whatever it takes!”

Satisfied with the painful sensation, Holland stalks his prey and rears his fist back. He goes for the right hook -- only for Matthews to duck out of the way. She ends up behind Holland and she swiftly goes forth, snapping off a mule style kick that blasts him in the mouth!

Nick Hanson: “The Strike!”

Matt Salvatore: “I heard that all the way over here! Jesus Christ!”

Nick Hanson: “I don’t know about you, Matt, but I think the Queen has just saved her Kingdom with that move!”

The majority of the fans in attendance boo in disapproval. Quickly, Matthews covers Holland and hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

THR-- Holland kicks out!

Jasmine can’t believe it. Lyric rallies for Erik to get up. Despite his injuries, the Haunted is still going. With a furious yell, Jasmine rolls over so she’s mounting Erik, blasting him with rights and lefts. She switches to knee strikes and catches him right on the temple where he’s bleeding. Getting herself back to her feet, she grabs ahold of the handle of the sledgehammer and the second coil of barbed wire. She begins to wrap the barbed wire around the handle to amplify the damage it can do. As Erik rises to his feet, Lyric yells out for him to “watch out!” -- allowing him to duck underneath the full-force swing of the weapon from Jasmine. With his right hand at the ready, Erik clocks the side of Jasmine’s head with a fist full of the barbed wire! The Queen of the Kingdom falls onto the mat, drops of blood falling from her. She forces herself to her feet and looks for the “Ice Cold” (Skipping Mafia Brogue Kick), but Erik dodges it and counters with “Plan 9 From Outer Space” (Superman Punch) -- with the barbed wired fist!

Matt Salvatore: “KA-BOOM! Plan 9 From Outer Space!”

Nick Hanson: “With the barbed wire to enhance the blow! There’s no way Jasmine’s going to get up from that!”

The fans are alive with cheers! “Down with the Kingdom!” many of them roar! Erik moves over Jasmine’s prone body and covers her, hooks the leg --

-- when suddenly, the lights go out! There’s a stirring in the crowd, confusion amongst many in attendance of NFW’s Ascension. Lyric calls out to Erik, but there’s no response she can make out in the shock.

Nick Hanson: “W...what’s going on?!”

Matt Salvatore: “I don’t know! It’s too dark to be able to see shit!”

For a brief moment, there are SCREAMS that echo throughout the pitch-black arena. The fans aren’t sure what to make of this. Finally, after some more time, the lights come back on. . . and both Jasmine Matthews and Erik Holland are down and out in the center of the ring! Their blood is painted on the canvas. Lyric can’t believe what she’s seeing. The referee takes a closer look and notices that Jasmine’s body is covering Erik’s. Without delay, he goes to count.

ONE!

Nick Hanson: “Oh, come on! Not like this!”

TWO!

Matt Salvatore: “This is some bullshit. Who interfered this time?!”

THREE!



Roger Arden: “L...ladies and gentlemen, your winner of the match… and STILL the NFW Silver Mountain Champion, “The Fanged Rose” JASMIIIIIIIINE MATTHEWS!”

Nick Hanson: Would you look at that! Another banner night for the Fanged Rose herself!

Matt Salvatore: And they are just going to keep on coming!

Nick Hanson: You think so?

Matt Salvatore: Oh yeah, you know what they say. Behold the Kingdom.

Once she's recovered and back on her feet, Jasmine climbs up the turnbuckles until she's standing at on the middle turnbuckle and raises the title above her head with one hand. The other motions to the title and then around her own waist, telling the world the title wasn't going anywhere. As she was about to jump down the lights of the arena faded out and the whole crowd broke in to a buzz of excitement.

Nick Hanson: This again?!

Matt Salvatore: The last time it was the black robed and hooded Demons. The foot soldiers of the now defunct Children of Nephilim.

Nick Hanson: What now?!

In the darkness of the arena the sound soft sound of southern rock guitars begins to play. The words filling the air in the dark arena.


The lights of the arena fade into a strange purple aura and standing behind Jasmine, who had jumped down off the corner was a black robed figure. On the screen high above them on the stage were the words.


Jasmine turned at the last second as the figure grabbed her by the hair, planted her foot into the woman's jaw and jumped. The figure came crashing down to the mat, yanking Jasmine face and jaw first into the foot. The champ bounced off, the title flying out of her hand as the clocked figure slowly rose up behind her and above above her staring down through the holes of the black mask.

Nick Hanson: Again! They did it again!

Matt Salvatore: Who the hell....

Nick Hanson: Are they gonna take the mask off?!

Matt Salvatore: ?!

The figure slowly reaches up and rips the hood back revealing a wealth of black hair with red highlights. They placed their hand, palm first, over the face of the mask and pulled it away while at the same time shrugging off the robe to reveal the black netted and meshed battle gear and painted face of Maiko Adachi, also known as the Demoness Asmodeus.

Nick Hanson: It's Asmodeus! Oh my god! It's Asmodeus!

Matt Salvatore: One of Lucifer's chosen Fallen Angels! One of the last members of the group standing!

Nick Hanson: And now she stands alone in NFW. A one woman army.

Matt Salvatore: But...Why?!

Maiko stood over Jasmine for a moment as the song fades out. After it does the light flash out and when they return Asmodeus is gone and the mask is now on Jasmine's face with the word "Penace" written in red across the black mask.

Josh Davidson: Ascension keeps rolling on and it is a big night for my guest at this time. She is the challenger for Sativa Nevaeh’s World Heavyweight Championship. Please welcome, the “UMF of NFW” along with her manager, Seo-hyung Kwon, Lara Bratton.

Kwon and Bratton walk into view and almost immediately, Lara grabs Josh’s hand and shakes it firmly.

Lara Bratton: James, I want to wish you all the best in your match tonight. And I appreciate you taking time out of your match preparations to interview me today.

Josh has no idea how to even respond to that so he decides to just ask his question.

Josh Davidson: How confident are you feeling going into tonight’s championship match.

Lara ponders that question for a moment. In fact, she takes so long that Kwon is about to answer for her when she speaks.

Lara Bratton: I’m about 59 percent confident.

Josh Davidson: That number doesn’t seem very high. Are you prepared for the match?

Lara Bratton: 59 percent is an entirely believable number. Did you know that the total amount of surface space we can see on the moon is actually 59 percent? I bet you didn’t know that, Jackson. Did you know that 59 percent of all children join some type of social media before they are 10 years old? Didn’t know that either, didn’t ya? Did you know that 59 percent of women are happy with their appearance? Nope. Well, it’s all true and what does any of this have to do with my shot at the World Heavyweight Championship? One.. I’m not a heavyweight, so I’m not even sure I qualify to fight for this title and two, I’m certain Sativa Nevaeh is no heavyweight, except for her own ego so I have no idea how she is champion either. What I’m trying to say, Jason, is that this fight is utter and complete bullshit.

Kwon turns to look at Lara like she’s lost her mind. It’s a look often given, to be fair.

Josh Davidson: I guess I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, Lara.

Lara Bratton: It’s simple, Jake, tonight, when I win that championship, I will personally rename it to the Lara Bratton Openweight Championship of the World.

Josh Davidson: I’m fairly certain you can’t just rena---

Lara Bratton: As Sativa has proudly demonstrated, when you’re the champ you can do pretty much as you please around here. So, that will be my decree when I walk out of Ascension tonight as the champ.

Josh just watches, dumbfounded as the two leave the stage.
Roger Arden: Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for your MAIN...EVENT!!!!

Nick Hanson: And here we go, Matt!

Matt Salvatore: World Heavyweight Championship on the line, Nicky!


Suddenly, cheers begin to ring out towards the top of the stage.


The chants continue from both sides of the stage, as assortment of cheerleaders cheer their way onto the stage keeping the chant going. After a few refrains, they begin to move in opposite directions towards the back once again and as they clear the stage, Bring Me The Horizon’s Happy Song begins to play. As the sea of cheerleaders part on the stage, Lara Bratton stands with Seo-hyung Kwon at her side. Bratton is dressed in a cheerleader based wrestling gear as she begins to bounce down the aisle and then around the ring while Kwon takes her time, walking slowly down the ramp as the lyrics begin.


Kwon makes it to the ringsteps and climbs up onto the apron and ducks into the ring as Lara rolls underneath the bottom rope and leaps up to her feet. She moves into the corner and gives a little rah-rah from the turnbuckle and then hops down and then moves to another and repeats until she’s covered all four corners and by this time her music begins to fade out as they wait for the champion.

Nick Hanson: I wanna say Lara Bratton looks focused but...the HELL did we just witness?!

Matt Salvatore: We’ve been waiting for this night for a month, Nick!

It has come time for the NFW World Heavyweight Champion to make her entrance. The arena lights go out and the crowd reacts, knowing that the Champion is about to appear. The intro to "Voodoo" by Nyxx fills the arena.


A warbling beeping interrupts the Champions’s music. It is joined by a metallic wheezing undertoned by a low pitched droning. The noise ends with a loud thud causing the crowd to go quiet. A spotlight lights up the entrance to show a blue, 1960’s British Police Box.




Sativa dives backwards with “YEET” (Trust Fall/Coffin Drop), crashing down onto all three members of SCRS and taking them down. She makes it to her feet and catches Jed Coffey being the first one up onto his knees. GOT ‘EM!!!! Right on the ringside floor!! Sativa pulls herself up and crawls back into the ring. She’s going for the referee when the boos rise again and more of Kwonspiracy start rushing down the ramp! Sativa notices them this time. Hope Avila slides into the ring! Sativa charges right from the get go! As soon as Hope’s at a vertical position, Sativa just dives at her! What’s she doi--ROLLING FLATLINER!!!! Sativa catches Hope in a flatliner, snapping her down to the mat with her own body rolling back up onto her knees! Leah Aguero and Layla Diaz are back up and they start trying to climb onto the apron.

Sativa starts throwing shots at them to keep them out of the ring when, from the crowd, Kan Tai comes sliding into the ring. Sativa turns to notice her just a second too late and Kan Tai shoves her hand, donning the old Panda Puppet into her mouth for a mandible claw! Kan Tai guides her away from the ropes and works on getting the hold in. She starts screaming in pain suddenly and a camera cut shows Sativa BITING DOWN on the panda puppet, therefore Kan Tai’s fingers. She finally lets go and Kan Tai stumbles away. Sativa looks at the woman with rage in her eyes but as she takes a step forward, Jansen Myrrh slides into the ring from behind her and LEVELS her with a LARIAT FROM HELL!!! Sativa eats the canvas and Jansen stands over her, sneering. She looks over at Lara Bratton then and motions for her to come end the match while Hope Avila starts shaking the referee.

Nick Hanson: Nobody wanted to see this match end like this, Matt! Damn it!!

Matt Salvatore: I don’t think it is, Nick! Behold the Kingdom!!

The volume of the crowd erupts again as The Kingdom comes hauling ass down the ramp! All remaining members! Jasmine Matthews! Lluvia Cane! Bloody Fairytale! Morgan Payne! Moe Renhuan! They’re bandaged. They’re bruised. They’re battered; but here they are to back up one of theirs! Bloody Fairytale collides with Second City Riot Squad and the brawl between them is on! Jed Coffey steps to help his girls out but Jasmine Matthews cracks him over the back of the head with a homerun swing from her late father’s sledge handle! Moe Renhuan scales the top turnbuckle and dives off the top, taking Hope Avila down with a hurricanrana! Lluvia Cane slides into the ring and goes right for Kan Tai! Lou Thesz Press with punches and the two women roll out of the ring onto the floor.

Nick Hanson: We already saw these two teams erupt earlier! We don’t need it again!

Matt Salvatore: Well, you want things evened out don’t you?!

Nick Hanson: Well yeah, just fingers crossed that Hatchet Clan doesn’t decide to come out here as well!

Finally, Jasmine Matthews and Morgan Payne slide into the ring. Ms. Myrrhder goes for The Fanged Rose but Jasmine just rams the sledge handle into her mid section then adds more with a shot right across the back. Lara Bratton turns away from Sativa Nevaeh and here’s a FAUGH A BALLAGH FROM PAYNE!!!! Payne comes up onto her knees, screaming like an animal at the crowd. She gives Sativa a quick look before noticing things boiling over outside. The Kingdom and Kwonspiracy are mingled all together in a brawling mass. Even Jasmine Matthews and Jansen Myrrh have gotten mixed in. Morgan hits the ropes and crosses the ring, diving through the top and middle with a Suicide Dive, taking the entire gaggle to the floor!

Nick Hanson: AND DOWN GOES BOTH SIDES COURTESY OF PAYNE!!! JESUS!!!!

Matt Salvatore: I THINK YOU MEAN ‘JAAAAAEEEEZUS’!!!!

Inside the ring, Sativa is getting back to her feet but Lara’s grabbing a chair from ringside and sliding into the ring. Seo-hyung Kwon is looking on, unsure of whether or not to tell Lara to put the chair down as the ref is just starting to stir. Lara Bratton gets the chair ready, cocked back and ready to swing.

Nick Hanson: Goddamn it! And the Kingdom’s mixed up with the Kwonspiracy! They can’t see what’s about to happen!

Matt Salvatore: Wait a minute!!! WAIT!!! LOOK, NICK!!

The crowd in the seats erupts as, coming through the audience, sporting bruises and bloody bandages here and there from the Monster’s Ball, Molly O’Hatherine comes jumping over the barricade. She slides into the ring and YANKS the chair from Lara Bratton’s hands. Lara spins around in surprise and sees Molly with the chair at her side as Molly just throws her the middle finger. Lara opens her arms out, asking the Hatchet Clan leader if she wants to hit her. Molly simply smirks and just shakes her head before dropping and rolling out of the ring. Lara watches as Molly drops the chair and climbs gingerly over the barricade again before backing through the seats and smiling mischievously at her. It takes Lara a second before she realizes… She spins around to face Sativa Nevaeh! GOT ‘EM!!!!!!

Nick Hanson: NEVAEH CATCHES HER!!

Matt Salvatore: NO WAY!!!!

CROWD
HO-LY SHIT!
HO-LY SHIT!
HO-LY SHIT!
HO-LY SHIT!

Sativa pushes back up onto her knees, holding that shoulder again. Now she’s looking at the turnbuckle, gritting her bloody teeth. She gets to her feet and hurries over as quick as she can, scaling the top. Once more she positions herself for the Sonic Screwdriver. Referee James Greer has started to come around while security has flooded out to break up the brawl between the Kingdom and Kwonspiracy.

Nick Hanson: THIS ONE MIGHT BE OVER!

Matt Salvatore: HERE IT COMES, NICK! SONIC SCREWDRI--wait, what’s she?

Just when it looks like Sativa’s about to go for it, she stops and looks around at the audience. A look comes over her face and she shakes her head. She drops down to the mat and pulls Lara up onto her knees, tucking her head between her legs. Hooks the arms in a double underhook clutch.

Matt Salvatore: She had her right where she wanted her! What the hell is she---

Sativa grits through the pain in her arm again, pops Lara up off of her feet, turning in a half circle. DRILLS her down with a Facebuster type drop right into the mat!

Nick Hanson: GLORIFIER!!!!! SHE HIT THE GLORIFIER!!!!

Matt Salvatore: THAT’S ASHE CORVIN’S MOVE!!

Nick Hanson: CALL IT ANOTHER HOMAGE TO HER MENTOR, MATT, AND SHE DID IT BEAUTIFULLY!!!!!

Matt Salvatore: Wait, the ref’s back up!!! Is this it?!

Nick Hanson: It’s gotta be!!! Cover!!!

ONE!!

….

TWO!!

….

THREEEEEEEEEEEE!!

~DING DING DING~

Roger Arden: Ladies and gentlemen! Here is your winner! Aaaaaaand STILL...THE NEW FRONTIER WRESTLING...WORLD...HEAVYWEIGHT...CHAMPION!!!! SATIIIIIVAAAAAAA NEEEEEEVAAAAAAAEEEEEEH!!!!!

Jurassitol resumes over the PA system as Sativa rolls off of Lara, absolutely exhausted. Face paint smeared, blood staining her lips. She sits up as the Kingdom breaks free from security backstage and rushes the ring. Jasmine Matthews is there first to hug her and pull her to her feet. She places a kiss as well, bloody lips be damned. Lilith Meadows slips in under one of Sativa’s arms while Lluvia Cane hugs both her and Jasmine from the opposite side. Moe Renhuan and Christina Olson are both calling for the crowd to give it up for the champion. Morgan Payne takes the title from the referee and brings it over. Lluvia and Lilith step back to allow Jasmine to hold the title against Sativa’s waist while Morgan buckles it in the back before hoisting her up onto hers and Jasmine Matthews’ shoulders.

Meanwhile, Lara Bratton and Seo-hyung Kwon back up the entrance ramp with Lara looking pissed as all hell. Up in the upper stands, Molly O’Hatherine watches from above, grinning through the pain in her own body and opens her arms as a sort of invitational to Bratton.

Nick Hanson: What an event we had tonight, folks!

Matt Salvatore: I thought you said the main event was ruined?

Nick Hanson: I can’t condone everything either the Kingdom or Kwonspiracy do but at least we can say the numbers game was evened out!

Matt Salvatore: That it was.

Nick Hanson: We hope you enjoyed the show tonight, ladies and gentlemen! For Matt Salvatore, I’m Nick Hanson! So long, everyone!