NFW Collision #77 - Chicago, Illinois! 05/26/2020!

The camera shifts into the backstage area to find the Kingdom sitting around their locker room. The girls were all mulling around doing their own things while the shot moved from one person to the next.

Nick Hanson: Well good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 77th episode of NFW Collision! We’re about ready to start off with our tag team gauntlet! Looks like we’ve got the Kingdom here! I see the Queen’s Guard getting ready!

Matt Salvatore: Getting ready to whup ass and take names! I see the Tag Titles back in Kingdom possession by next month, Nick!

Nick Hanson: You might be right, then again, nobody knows until it happens!

When it came past Lluvia and Moe a figure was spotted in the back. Past the group and out the opened door in the back was a hallway and on the other side of the hallway a dark locker room with the faintest hints of white and red face paint in the darkness.

Matt Salvatore: “Was that…?!”

Nick Hanson: “...Sheeessss heeerrreeee….”

Jasmine: “Anyone seen my handwraps?”

Morgan walked by the bent over woman and smacked her firmly on the backside motioning with her other hand to the door in the corner of the room.

Morgan: “Yinz left them in the bathroom.”

Jasmine jumped from the smack and Mary grinned. The red haired woman then crossed the room and entered the bathroom. The camera stayed on the group as they talked about prepping for their matches until the lights in the bathroom began to flicker.

All of them froze and looked over at the bathroom door. Lluvia stood up straight casting her gaze in its direction.

Lluvia: “Jas?”

And silence greeted her.

Matt Salvatore: “....Oh no….”

Nick Hanson: “Asmodeus did say the Kingdom would know how it felt for someone they love to disappear!”

Matt Salvatore: “She was only in there for a few moments! Surely that’s not enough time to get someone out of a closed room!”

Nick Hanson: “Obviously you need to do some research on the Children of Nephilim before their disbanding…..”

The entire Kingdom got up from their positions, their conversations stopped as the lights in the bathroom continued to flicker on and off. Together they walked to the door and Mary pushed it open with a fingertip. The door creaked open and the room was empty.

Morgan: “JAZZY!?”

Mary seemed to become the angriest as she threw the door fully open, slamming into the wall. Lilith however stared at the mirror and her lip began to quiver as her eyes went wide. Moe wrapped her arms around Lily’s head to shield her.

On the mirror was a message in dripping red.


Matt Salvatore: “WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!”

Nick Hanson: “Where is Jasmine?! Did Amsodues take her somewhere with no intention of returning her?!”

Sativa: “JASMINE!”

Morgan: “Where is Jazzy?!”

Sativa: “GIVE HER BACK YOU PAINTED FREAK! GIVE HER BACK!”

Somewhere in the room a soft giggling laughter was heard, though the girls wouldn’t ever pinpoint exactly where it was and the camera flashes back to the ringside area.

The roaring tones of Rob Flynn of Machine Head roar the opening lines to "Imperium" as Ursula Von Rossbach steps out onto the stage carrying in one gloved hand a rather thick leather bound binder filled with several hundred pages of documentation. On it are stamped and blackened letters written in an old English font that read "THE RESUME OF DESTRUCTION." She strides down the ramp to the ring, the crowd cheering for her. She still was not quite used to being a fan favorite, but it did not change her reaction either way. In her suit and tie, she cut a rather imposing yet professional figure. Arriving at ringside, she pulls herself onto the apron with one hand and enters the ring. She then asks for a microphone and receives it. Bringing it to her lips, she speaks to the crowd.

UVR: Good evening. A few nights ago, I felt as if I were done with New Frontier Wrestling after a specific party of individuals continued to do everything they could to disrespect myself and the sport of professional wrestling. They continue this narrative that professional wrestling is supposed to be a safe business and that we're not supposed to harm each other, otherwise why would the term "Unsafe Worker" be in their vocabulary in the first place?

She scoffs at the words.

UVR: I'm not that old, but I came from a time in this sport when individuals who spoke like that would be fired immediately for passing a narrative that undersold the entire sport. It is one thing to no-sell someone's offense and pretend you're not hurt through a judicious application of painkillers and other sensation dampening drugs. That in and of itself is more of a personal nature and can be dealt with on a personal level. How times have changed in our sport when safe spaces and lawyers are called to prevent so-called competitive "wrestlers" from being hurt.

It is with an eye roll that she adds emphasis to her statement. She then looks towards the nearest camera lens to speak directly to it.

UVR: Christina Olsen, my intention was to hurt you, that is true. I allowed you the opening salvo of your offense. I took everything you had and what did I have to show for it? Some minor bruising the next day. I am certain that you were unable to even walk properly and your "vacation" is to heal from the injuries I suffered upon you. While they are relatively minor, I gave you a taste of what I can do at my full potential. If I truly wanted to, I could have merely took you by your head and snapped your neck effortlessly at anytime, but in death, the lesson is only learned once.

Ursula then turns her attention back to the crowd and holds aloft the big, thick leather bound binder.

UVR: This book in my hand, which I never bring with me to any arena, is my Resume of Destruction. Whenever I apply to work for any promotion, I send them a copy of every page within, front to back, three hundred and fifty eight pages as of penning Christina Olsen's name into this book. I have them divided into four categories. Those I have forced into retirement, those who I have defeated, a mere two pages dedicated to those who have beaten me, and a rather sizable chunk of names belonging to those who I have beaten. I started "keeping score" shortly after I had begun my professional wrestling career. Four Hundred and thirty two matches in a span of eleven years as a professional wrestler. I have lost a total of twenty five of those matches and fought to a draw in fifteen. With a win percentage of ninety-two point forty-eight percent in eleven years, I would say that is quite the achievement in and of itself.

The powerful woman hugged the book tightly in a single armed fashion to her chest.

UVR: I keep three copies of this manuscript that are updated by hand every time I perform. I treasure this more than any championship in the world and above even the few I have earned in eleven years of competition. I bring this up because of the fact that I am so dangerous that The World Heavyweight Champion has barred me from future competition with her for the foreseeable future. Considering the list of injuries Jasmine Matthews has inflicted upon others is somewhere near the ballpark of what I have done, I would say that is quite the compliment that I have been paid. One of the most decorated women in New Frontier Wrestling has decreed that I am too dangerous for her and her flock.

Gradually her lip twists into an odd little smirk.

UVR: I am certain Jasmine will sit back and tell me to "Go Fuck Myself" as is her mantra to anyone she disagrees with and play her little game of she who cares least, but let it be known that beneath that facade is someone who is deeply terrified of being "hurt" by me.

Once more she looks down at the camera at ringside.

UVR: Keep hiding behind legal documentation. I need neither your title or your "respect." Unlike you, Jasmine, I need neither to get over. I merely need to keep doing what I have done for over a decade.... Make the bodies hit. the. floor.

She turns away with her gaze to the crowd once more.

UVR: Speaking of bodies hitting floors and title opportunities, tonight, The Hatchet Clan is putting every major tag team in NFW on notice. When myself and my partner, Molly Hatchet, hit the ring, the beatings shall commence in great quantities. Our opposition is talented and formidable, but considering one of my goals has been placed under legal quarantine... Then I suppose I shall have no choice but to tear apart the respectable and the disreputable alike in tonight's Tag Team Gauntlet.

A momentary pause.

UVR: The Second City Riot Squad has gained a noteworthy reputation, rising above their tumultuous beginnings, Onslaught has shown they can fight well against most teams they have faced thus far, Dona Rotten is a member of Molly's Flock and her husband, Edgar Malcovich is someone whom I hold in high regard for his resilience, SACTAP is a... questionable but proven commodity as well, and then there are the Queen's Guard, representing the Kingdom.

An unnerving smile creases those lips at the mention of The Queen's Guard. Those eyes find the camera once more, her head tilting and then turning towards it.

UVR: Moe Renhuan and Lluvia Cane, as you are members of the Kingdom and your leader is a coward, my first desire is to send you back to Mrs. Matthews broken into as many pieces as possible to remind her exactly why she hides behind the shield of legality. Molly Hatchet may have forgiven your Kingdom, but I have not. You mock and provoke me at every turn, not knowing exactly what has happened to those who came before you nor caring that I have placed two of your number momentarily upon the shelf for their disregard and lack of respect.

She walks towards those ropes and leans over them, an imposing figure, that resume of destruction adding further to the air of menace about her.

UVR: Ladies, you are going to learn that professional wrestling is an "unsafe working environment" and exactly how much of a "dangerous, unsafe" worker I am and there is not a single, solitary thing you can do about it.

Ursula then steps back from the ropes and points down at the canvas for emphasis.

UVR: When you step into my church and experience the testament of pain, know that you do so assuming any and all risks. Your health and well being do not matter to me or anyone else for that matter. We are here to win, not hold hands and sing kumbaya. Our job is to enter this ring, fight, and win. Whether I am loved or hated matters little in the grand scheme of things, only that one way or another, victory shall be mine. The most dangerous woman alive has spoken.

The drop of the microphone from her hand cues her music, allowing Robb Flynn's booming roar to attack the audience once more. Ursula slips through the ropes and hops down onto the floor. With long legs and a fast stride, she exits through the curtains and into the backstage area.

---

The Tron screen goes black. A message scrolls across the screen that says, "THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS SPONSORED BY THE HATCHET CLAN AND IS INTENDED FOR IMMATURE AUDIENCES! THE KINGDOM'S DISCRETION IS ADVISED! WARNING, THIS MAY INDUCE PTSD IF YOUR NAME IS JASMINE MATTHEWS."

"THANK YOU FOR WATCHING THIS PRESENTATION! YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING WILL NOW RESUME!"

Roger Arden: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first….

Crown by Kelly Rowland gears up and Teresa emerges from behind the curtain after she poses in the entranceway. She makes her way down the ramps fluffing her big curly hair. She slaps hands with the fans before she finally gets inside the ring. Making her to the closest corner and standing on top. Pointing to the fans with a big smile on her face. She gets down and goes to the middle of the ring fluffing her hair. Before she goes to the corner and waits for the official to start the match.

Roger Arden: From Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 168 pounds! She makes her NFW debut! This is TERESA...DUKE!!

The opening tunes of "The Mummers Dance (Remix)" by Lorena McKennet starts to play on the speakers. A few seconds into the song Layla steps out from behind the curtain in a long dress on which hangs several jeweled tassels alongside her many necklaces. Layla smiles to the cheers and adulation of the audience as she goes to several fans on the way down to give blessings to them. When she reaches ringside, she climbs the stairs and steps under the second rope to enter the ring where she poses for the audience once more. As her song fades out she removes, the necklaces and her dress to reveal her ring gear underneath. She hands her removed items to an attendant at ringside and prepares for her match.

Roger Arden: Her opponent! Weighing in at 120 pounds. LAYLA...AISHE!!

~DING DING DING~

As our match starts off, Teresa Duke and Layla Aishe circle up, with Duke using her size advantage to keep her edge up on Aishe! They trade holds, but Duke keeps herself ahead by tossing Aishe around freely, keeping her moving so that Aishe can’t manage to take advantage of her. She pops Aishe up for a Spinebuster, and covers for a one, before trying for a Belly to Belly, but Aishe manages to stay alive and counter into a wheelbarrow pin! Duke kicks out, and gets herself in position for a German Suplex to Aishe, hitting it and driving the other woman into the canvas! She covers, but only nets a two!

The two continue to trade holds and blows as this match moves on, with Aishe seeming like she’s going to get the advantage! She looks for In The Stars, but Duke shoves her off, and then she looks for a superkick, but Duke counters with a spinning backfist followed up with a Pounce to the outside! Aishe slams into the ringside area, but Duke hits a massive dive over the top rope for a Moonsault onto Aishe! Both are down for a moment, before Duke drags Aishe back into the ring and looks for a cover, but only nearly gets a two!

Both women keep fighting on, and Aishe looks for In The Stars once again, but Duke shoves her off-only for Aishe to nail her with a superkick! She goes for a cover, but only nets a two and a half count, only for Aishe to haul her back up, looking for a Hangman DDT, but Duke counters into the Page Wrapper for the pin, and the win!

~DING DING DING~

Roger Arden: Here is your winner!!! Teresa Duke!

Nick Hanson: Congratulations to that young lady on a successful debut!

Matt Salvatore: She’s definitely got it!

We go backstage to where the Second City Riot Squad are in final preparations to go out for their big gauntlet match for the number one contendership to the NFW Tag Team Titles. While stretching, Josh Davidson arrives on the scene to meet the trio.

Josh Davidson: In just a bit Second City Riot Squad will be going up against five other teams in a gauntlet match to determine the number one contenders to the tag team titles. What sort of mindset do you need to be in going into this match?

Leah Aguero snidely looks over at Josh rolling her eyes.

Leah Aguero: I’m going to be real with you right now, Josh. Since coming to NFW, Diaz and I have yet to be beaten in tag team competition. We are the uncrowned number one contenders to those Tag Team Titles so this match shouldn’t even be taking place. But fine. Management says that we need to “earn” our shot at the straps then so be it. The Second City Riot Squad was born to fight and that’s what we’ll do tonight. Put us in at number one and we’ll run that gauntlet straight through. Put us in last and we’ll just pick the scraps clean. It’s not about a mindset we need to get into. Having the odds against us is what SCRS is all about. That “mindset” you talk about is quite simply a way of life for us.

Josh seems a bit puzzled by Leah Aguero’s shift in behavior. Normally, she is more cool and collected but now is coming across more aggressive in her demeanor.

Josh Davidson: I must say I am a bit taken back by your approach. You typically have more of a game plan going into your matches. Why the change?

Leah Aguero: Oh, you think I’ve changed? No, I haven’t changed. I’m just starting to be me again. When I came in being a mentor to Diaz over here I thought I needed to be the bigger person. Teach her the ropes the way I was brought into this business. Recent events have shown me that all that is bullshit. Diaz has had it right all along. I’m through playing nice around these parts. You want something, you take it. Win after win in this tag team division should put us into contention but no. We’re fighters though. We’ve already shown that. Put us in a fight again tonight, we’ll prove it again.

Layla Diaz: For realz doe. Dis some straight up bullshit. I mean, fo obvious reasons I don’t see why some of deez teams even in dis match. Onslaught? Didn’t we jus fuck deez guys up last week? Now dey in contention jus da same as us? Yo, dats janky.

Leah Aguero: If there’s one thing painfully clear about NFW it’s that they want to make us jump through hoops in order to get our much deserved title shot. Previously, their way of earning a TAG TEAM title shot was to have a triple threat SINGLES match. I mean, do what you got to do but last time I checked it takes two to tango for that gold. We all saw what happened when a singles match determines who’s taking on the tag team champions. Onslaught, clearly, were not in a position to take those straps but we are more than ready.

Josh Davidson: I wouldn’t dismiss Onslaught so easily. They are certainly a formidable team.

Leah Aguero: Don’t get us wrong. We aren’t downplaying what Onslaught is and the potential that they do have. What SCRS is saying is that none of these teams will go to the lengths that we will in order to get the win. We get the job done by any means necessary.

Layla Diaz: Fo sho. Bah any means necessary. We need ta clock some fool upside da head ta get dat one, too, tree we do it. Get a liddle intaference from Mighty J ova her, we do it. Yous see, we already done proven dat we gots what it takes. Onslaught, we took dem down. Queen’s Guard, we took dem down too. Dem Supa Awesome Crime Tacklin’ Action Patrol...

Josh Davidson: SACTAP.

Layla Diaz: Yeah, dem. We finna take dem two goofy sumbishes an show dem dat der is a time fa games an der is a time fa action. Dat action begins right now.

Leah Aguero: The truth is those two goofs can dress up in costumes and start with the tomfoolery but SCRS doesn’t play those games. You can try to goof off to try and be relevant but, in the end, SCRS shows up to take out the competition because there’s one reason for us being here and it’s those Tag Team Titles.

Josh Davidson: There is potential the two of you could also go up against the Hatchet Clan, consisting of Molly O’Hatherine and Ursula Von Rossbach. Molly has interjected herself into your contests previously but this would be the first time you’d go against Ursula Von Rossbach.

Layla Diaz: Hold up. You talkin’ bout Ginga Bish? Molly yous say? Didn’t even know she had a real name. Anyways, Ginga Bish an da Terminatah gots dey own issues ta deal wit. Ginga Bish be all les get along one sec den hittin’ bishes da next. Da Terminatah done be jus goin’ psycho on everone so what keeps her from goin’ psycho on her partnah? It’s not like Ginga Bish ain’t been beat down befoe bah Da Terminatah. Is only a mattah of time befoe it happens again.

Josh Davidson: And that leaves the duo of Eddy Malcovich and Dona Rotten?

Layla Diaz: Who?

Leah Aguero: Eddy Macovich and Dona Rotten have made careers for being some of the toughest of the tough. They put their bodies on the line each time they go out to the ring by taking unnecessary risks. Our risks are calculated. We’re not afraid to take it hard in the paint for the cause. I’m no stranger to getting blood on my hands. Tonight, like I said, it doesn’t matter if we are the first ones out there or the last, we’re walking out the number one contenders to the Tag Team Titles BY… ANY… MEANS… NECESSARY!

Layla Diaz: What she said, yo.

The Second City Riot Squad walk out of the scene to finish preparing for the upcoming gauntlet match as Josh Davidson is left standing in front of the camera.
Damon Cross moves down the backstage hallway with purpose. There is a fair amount of time left before he steps in the ring with Patti Rose, yet he is already clad in his gear and ready to compete. Except… well, the ring is in the opposite direction. Cross no doubt knows this, striding down the near-empty thoroughfare with purpose, never breaking his pace until he comes around the corner and into the makeshift catering area. A quick glance to one side, then the other, allows him to settle on what he is looking for.

Or rather, who.

On the other side of the room, Jansen Myrrh is in plain sight. And it is to her that Damon moves. Fans will remember the last Collision when, in their main event match, Myrrh blasted Danni Anderson with a chair, bringing about a disqualification verdict and handing the match to the number one contender. And Cross was quick to hit the ring and come to his paramour’s defense. This, one could rightfully assume, was an extension of that.

Damon Cross: Jansen Myrrh.

The woman in question turns, as does Seo-hyung Kwon, Jansen’s manager and lawyer. She starts to say something, but Jansen waves her off. His business is with Myrrh and Myrrh alone.

Damon Cross: We have business.

Jansen Myrrh: Do we? You are?-

There is a slight pause, then a nasty smile spreads across Myrrh’s face.

Jansen Myrrh: Oh, ri~ight. Little Miss Danielle’s pretty new boyfriend! Does she know that you’re out past curfew? Doesn’t that break her little code of goody-goody or something?

Jansen’s guest snickers none too quietly. Damon, shooting them a look, shuts the mirth down before turning his cold eyes back on Myrrh.

Damon Cross: You owe her an apology.

Jansen Myrrh: You fuckin’ what now?

Damon Cross: I didn’t stutter, Jansen. You spent days accusing her, knowing damn well she didn’t do a damn thing that you accused her of, then bashed her over the head with a steel chair. Maybe Danielle is too good-hearted to demand an apology, but I’m not.

Lifting a brow, Jansen folds her arms, looking Damon up and down.

Jansen Myrrh: You think what you want. Ain’t no one that nice for very long, trust me, I know from experience. I used to be that nice girl. Second, I didn’t know she didn’t do it when I accused her. And third, I’ll be more than happy to issue an apology. And if you or your little tart doesn’t like my apology, you can both kiss my ass..

Staring Jansen in the eyes, Damon laughs a little and shakes his head. Throwing up his hands, he shrugs his shoulders.

Damon Cross: Well… can’t say I didn’t expect that. You’re every bit as abrasive as your reputation says.I doubt your apology will be sincere, but there’s still an unprovoked chairshot to account for.

Lowering his arms, the joviality of Cross is gone in a split-second. He takes another step toward Jansen, making sure he has locked eyes with her.

Damon Cross: But you will answer for this in the near-future, Myrrh. You see, I know your reputation very well… all sorts of interesting information about you locked up here.

He taps his temple lightly.

Damon Cross: So when you least expect it, I’ll come and take the justice you were too tight-fisted to give on your own. Never say I didn’t give you an opportunity to do things peacefully.

Jansen Myrrh: Oh, fuck off already!

Turning back to her conversation, giving Damon the full-on cold shoulder, Jansen treats his continued presence as if it isn’t a thing. Turning on his heel, Cross moves back down the hall, still chuckling quietly to himself.

'The Warrior' hits the speakers as Patti Rose steps from behind the curtain to a rapturous applause. She skips down the walkway high fiving as many fans as possible before climbing through the ropes and climbing the turnbuckles to applaud the fans.

Fallen...

Broken...

Simply dissolved into an incomplete thought
An empty shell, cracked and disfigured
With no remorse, I have been blinded by the darkness
With no disdain, I have received my punishment
And with no haste, I await them...

The words come from the lips of a scared, angry man in the darkness, the sounds of life going on in the background as he monologues until the opening notes of Ra's "Fallen Angels" takes over. To a very mixed reaction, Damon Cross walks out onto the stage with hood of a sleeveless sweatshirt up and over his head. Dropping unleashes his mop of unruly black hair and shows his too-bright eyes staring out from beneath them.

"I see fallen angels,
When I try to go to sleep
And they're always watching...

As I'm walking in the streets
Silently preparing
For what they'll do to me!"

Taking a deep breath and rubbing his face with taped hands, Damon shakes his head hard a few times and starts down the ramp. Leaping up to the apron, he wipes his soles on the edge before stepping in between the ropes. Tossing the hoodie side, Damon checks his own pads and rotates his wrists and neck a bit, trying to get himself loose for the match. He never takes his eyes off what's before him, locking in on the moment and putting his all into gearing up to the point that any further fan reaction is lost on him.

~DING DING DING~

The bell rings and Damon and Patti rush at each other with the quickness. Patti shows a bit more quickness, slipping under his arms and going for a rear waistlock, but Damon breaks free, spins around and hits her with a forearm check before sending her into the ropes. She snaps off, he ducks down and shoulders her up and over, but Patti lands on her feet and keeps going. Damon turns just as she snaps off the ropes, leaps up and into him with a Lou Thesz Press and Knuckle! Damon doesn't go down, but Patti just locks her legs around his waist and peppers him with several hard right hand shots. Once he staggers, she drops down, boots him in the gut and locks on a front facelock. Before she can drop, however, he spins out, boots her in the gut and hits THE DRAGON DDT! On impact he hooks both legs and gets a 2.8 count, with Pattie just barely kicking out.

He then gathers her up and hits THE GRECO-ROMAN THROW!!! She hits the canvas with a skid and rolls out of the ring to the floor. A camera operator moves in close to survey the action as Damon climbs onto the nearest corner and watches Patti rise, gesturing "up up" with his hand. The Camera man moves in even closer as Damon dives with a CORKSCREW MOONSAULT but PATTI SIDE STEPS AND SLIDES INTO THE RING! The view goes chaotic as we see the world from the camera as it goes erratic on impact. The view switches to a crane cam where we see Damon dislodging himself from the downed operator, only to turn right into a SUICIDE PLANCHA by Patti Rose! She hops to her feet with a shout. Looking over her shoulder, however, she sees Damon already getting to his feet. She hops onto the guard rail and then leaps off, dropping him with a TORNADO DDT ON THE FLOOR!!!

Patti gets to her feet, rolls into the ring and back out. She gathers her stunned foe up and walks him over to the ringsteps, brutally smacking his head on the steel before turning and tossing him over the apron and back into the ring. Patti then climbs onto the apron and then onto the top rope, watching Damon lay flat on his back and clutching at his forehead. She signals to the crowd for her deadly FROG SPLASH, then dives! At the last second, Damon back rolls to his feet, letting Patti hit the canvas hard! She bounces to her feet, clutching at her guts and in the perfect position for him to lock in FATHER'S SIN!!!! Patti struggles trying to break free but soon fades out as Cross lowers her to the canvas ever so gently. The Referee checks her arm once... twice... three times and motions for the bell!

*DING DING DING!*

Roger Arden: Here is your winner! DAMON CROSS!!

Nick Hanson: WOW!!! You don’t see someone fail to answer a hold like that too often!

Matt Salvatore: He’s got it mastered, pretty good I say!

We cut backstage to an empty section of the parking lot, where the members of Onslaught - Ebony Arceri and Ian Dickenson - can be seen in their ring gear, under the glow of a single lamppost. They are leaning against the post on opposite sides, with their backs to each other.

Ian: Gauntlet matches are a funny thing…

Ebony pushes off of her side of the post, positioning herself so that she is standing in front of him, her facial expression one of feigned annoyance.

Ebony: You can say that again. I still remember the last time you and I were in a gauntlet match.

Ian smirks as he looks upward toward the sky, a hint of a nostalgic smile creeping up on his lips.

Ian: I won my very first championship in a gauntlet match, so you could say that they hold a special place in my heart….

Almost instinctively, Ebony places a hand on the small of her back.

Ebony: In my case, I’m looking to replace a somewhat PAINFUL memory...

She playfully glares at Ian through narrowed eyes.

Ebony: With something a little more pleasant. At least this time, we’re on the same side.

Ian nods his head.

Ian: Yeah… There are those that will complain about having to face SO many opponents…. What do we call people like that, Eb?

Ebony: You mean whiny little bitches?

Ian raises a finger, tapping it on the tip of his nose as he clicks his tongue.

Ian: Bingo… but people like Ebony and me, we see things just a bit differently than most. We see a whole slew of opponents arrayed against us, and we can’t help but smile, because competition like this is what we live for!

Ebony: And while I know we’ve said it time and time again that we’re here to do one thing, and that’s fight, the idea of fighting for a shot at the NFW Tag Team Championships definitely sweetens the deal. I for one would love a chance to put some gold around my waist, and I know that Ian would love to add to his own collection as well. But we’re not stupid. We know damn well this won’t be an easy task. After all, it IS a gauntlet match.

Ian nods his head.

Ian: And this is the perfect opportunity for us to mix it up with teams we’ve faced before along with teams we haven’t crossed paths with. We’ve got our “good buddies” in SACTAP….

Ebony rolls her eyes.

Ebony: You mean the Technicolor Teabag Squad...

Ian: Or the Second City Riot Squad….

Ebony: Don’t get me wrong… they put up a good fight last time we faced off, but I sure as hell wouldn’t mind getting a little payback.

Ian: Oh no, this ain’t gonna be a repeat of the last time we squared off...

Ebony shakes her head.

Ebony: Then there’s Eddie Malcovich and his wife Dona Rotten… I’d like to say I’ve got no problem with them, but after the bullshit he pulled involving ASS Baumer, I’ve lost all respect for Eddie.

She scoffs, crossing her arms.

Ian: Believe me, I still have a few things in mind for Triple B...

Ebony tilts her head to the side, looking somewhat puzzled by the moniker with which Ian has dubbed Eddie.

Ebony: Triple B?

Ian: Baumer’s Bitch Boy.

Ebony covers her mouth, but fails to hold in her laughter.

Ebony: That’s a good one, babe! And people say you have no sense of humor….

Ian: Oh, I have a sense of humor.. It’s just that my idea of humor tends to piss people off. Not that I give a fuck, mind you...

Ebony: They just don’t understand you like I do, babe.

She giggles.

Ian: Next on our little hit parade is the Hatchet Clan….

Ebony taps her finger on her chin, pursing her lips as if deep in thought.

Ebony: Now, I’ve had nothing but good conversations with these two, so I can’t say anything bad about them. Good people, but I look forward to stepping into the ring with them to see what kind of fight they can bring.

Ian nods in agreement.

Ian: Yeah, I’ve seen what they can do, especially if you get them mad. I hate to perpetuate stereotypes but….

Ebony pouts, putting her finger on Ian’s lips.

Ebony: Ian Robert Dickenson, you be nice!

Ian chuckles as he shrugs his shoulders.

Ian: And ruin my sterling reputation as a world-class prick? Perish the thought...

Again, Ebony shakes her head, only this time, it’s in mild amusement.

Ebony: Anyway, where were we? Ah, yes… that just leaves the Queen’s Guard.

Ebony sneers in disgust.

Ian: (growling) Yeah… them.

Ian’s eyes squeeze shut as he visibly struggles to keep his composure… and possibly, the contents of his stomach.

Ian: Any time I have to deal with these… “women”... in the Kingdom, I have to fight the urge to put something.. Or someone… through a fucking wall...

Ebony: It’s a shame, but up until a few months ago, Lluvia was the only member of that group I even remotely tolerated. Now, she can go fuck right off with the rest of them, for all I care. But a chance to tear into them again? I’m all for it!

Ian: Her and that little kiss ass anime fangirl… Those are the two I’m saving my real sadism for. A couple of cuts… some bruises… not good enough...

Ebony arches her eyebrow, biting her lip.

Ebony: Ian, you know what that kind of talk does to me….

She flashes him a seductive smile as her fingers “walk” up between his pecs.

Ian: I do… consider that a little present to ourselves once we earn another shot at the Tag Team titles...

Ian wraps his arms around Ebony’s waist as he chuckles, but before anything else happens, Ebony pushes the camera away. With that, the scene fades out.
We find Molly Hatchet in a private, quiet place backstage that is far removed from the locker rooms. With knees drawn in, her head down and eyes closed, she sits between two crates with her arms at rest upon them upon the cool concrete floor. Her back is against a charcoal colored wall. She senses the presence of the camera and operator, but does not lift her head. She instead speaks in a low, slightly cracked voice that drips with the despair she now feels in her heart.

Molly: I find meself drowning in an ocean of regret fer doing what I felt was tha' right thing in order ta' end tha' hostilities between me family and tha' Kingdom. In me heart, I'd have rather kept fighting because that is who I am.... A fighter... a bloody warrior of the ring, but I thought of what would've happened had this continued. Eventually, someone I cared about would be put in harms way again because of me and it haunted me. I began questionin' whether I was right or wrong fer doin' what I did and even those close to me were worried fer me mental state.

She fights back a few tears as she tells the tale to the camera's microphone, listening intently for those watching at home.

Molly: Even as I spoke me sorrows and regret before a crowd of gathered fans within the Collision Center, I had a feeling that what I was doin' didnae' matter at all. What was tha' point of all this I asked meself? I'm left here feelin' beaten and defeated... I've ne'er felt such uncertainty in all me life. I felt like I let me fans down, me friends, e'eryone who stood by me and fer what? I tried to take tha' high road only ta' find meself feelin' so low and full of sorrow...

The Ginger Ninja slowly runs her fingers through her hair to brush it back from her face as she slowly opens her eyes. The camera moves in closer now, framing her upper body perfectly as she then looks directly into it. She stares with such intensity, her jaw setting. Her fists clench tight as she pulls from the well of inner strength.

Molly: So let's lighten the fuckin' mood, yeah? Turns out I ne'er needed to apologize for a fawkin' thing. All I did was waste everyone's time and me breath. I took tha' moral high ground, but it didnae' stop Tha' "Shake Snek" Jasmine Matthews from bein' a petty cunt with her lawyers did it? Denyin' me and mine from e'er havin' a shot at her precious little title she did! Fine. Fawk yer title, betch. A "Danger Noodle" such as yerself would be slitherin' yer arse right out tha' door in any other promotion, but if they wanna' keep a "Judgemental Shoe Lace" as a champion then by all means, be me guest. She thinks of herself as a "Murder Spagurder" but is more like a "Boop Noodle" actin' tough.

Molly snickers, folding her arms over her chest.

Molly: Tha' moment ye' sicked yer lawyer dogs upon us was tha' moment ye' became an instant object of ridicule by any and all, Jasmine "Hazard Spaghetti" Matthews! It's given me tha' strength ta' stand tall despite the regrets I have for e'er sayin' I was sorry to a "snek" like you. So dearie, you hide behind yer legal block like tha' panzy arsed coward ye' truly are and know that no matter what you do, I'll be speedin' past ye' standin' still yeah. Me and Ursula are gonnae' step up to tha' plate in tha' Gauntlet tonight and rule the bloody roost despite all tha' bullshite!!!

She leans forward a bit towards the camera.

Molly: Goin' forward, I'll ne'er say I'm sorry for a fawkin' thing e'er again. Apologies are meaningless to yer lot and pray ye' ne'er lose that belt, Jasmine or else I'll take it from who ya' drop it too and then, 'cause of yer precious little legal order, ye'll ne'er touch that fawker again, ya' politic playin' "Danger Noodle" betch!

Molly's nostrils flare, her breaths coming hot and heavy as we all watch her go from the verge of tears to the more manic gleam and wicked grin we all know and love.

Molly: I'm through with Faeries and fantasies, through bein' called wrong when I'm perfectly fawkin' right in what I'm doin' and as far as I'm concerned, I'm even with tha' Kingdom. They can fawk off a cliff at this point fer all I care. I tried ta' take tha' moral high ground and ya' pissed in me fawkin' shoe is what ye' did, insultin' professional wrestlin' by callin' me partner an unsafe worker! FAWK THAT AND FAWK YOU!!! Why in tha' bloody hell did I e'er let anythin' you Kingdom fawkwits e'er had ta' say get ta' me so badly, I'll ne'er know. Ye've apparently fergotten what wrestlin' be all about!!!

The Ginger Ninja suddenly grips the camera at both sides and rises to her feet, pulling it and the operator in close.

Molly: Wrestlin' is life, is blood, is sweat, is broken bones and tears, pain, joy, laughter, sorrow, love, hurt, and all tha' things that make ye' feel bloody fawkin' alive is what it is! It's not about callin' lawyers ta' protect yerself! It's not about gang warfare and who's got tha' greater numbers! It's about who can fawkin' fight and win at tha' end of tha' day. E'erythin' else that happens around tha' ring means fawk all when all we're here to do is make some fans leave hungry fer more. Fawkin' hell did I ferget me lessons in tha' sport too.... I got too wrapped up in what others thought of me and stopped given tha' fans what they wanted too....

She leans forward.

Molly: They ne'er wanted me tears and sorrow, they didnae' wanna' see me feelin' sorry fer meself and crawlin' up into a tiny ball of misery. THEY WANNA' SEE ME FAWKIN' WIN IS WHAT THEY WANT!!! They want ta' see someone worthae' of their love and respect ta' step up, defy the evil in tha' world, and win against all odds and tonight.... Against five other teams, Meself and "Tha Most Dangerous Woman Alive" Ursula Von Rossbach, are gonnae' stand and deliver what tha' fans want and then we'll face tha' Skillz Vendorz in a fair and honest tag team championship match. No Kingdom twats around, no Kwonspiracy, just me and Ursula taking on two exceptionally talented wrestlers fer a real championship held by real champions who won't call their lawyers tha' moment they decide they don't want to be hurt by an "unsafe worker" in an "unsafe environment" yeah.

Molly tilts her head a bit.

Molly: Me goal tonight is ta' win me shot at gold and prove to meself and tha' world that I'm not just someone's victim, more than just another product of abuse and mistreatment in a world filled with people who use that as a crutch and excuse ta' be cruel. I'm Tha' Fawkin' Ginger Ninja, Molly Hatchet, and I donnae' care if yer me future Mother and Father in Law, Dona Rotten and Eddie Malcovich by way of being tha' adopted parents of me dear sweet Cherry Addams.... I donnae' care if yer a member of tha' house that started all me woes in NFW, tha' Second City Riot Squad, members of the hero Elite, SACTAP, tha' monstrous Onslaught, or two fawkwits who go around thinkin' wrestling is supposed ta' be safe, aka Tha' Queen's Guard. I've got a bloodae' fawkin' job ta' do and yer all standin' in tha' way of me doin' it!

A wry smirk creases those pale, freckled lips.

Molly: Ne'er again, will I be or say I'm sorry fer a fawkin' thing because we all see now that apologies mean fawk all! I'll ne'er ask fer one either, I'll just take me pound of flesh at me earliest convenience and be done with it, so from here on it'll be like this; Ya' fawk with me and I'll fawkin' end ye' period. I'll not be feelin' any shame fer it, forgiveness will ne'er be asked fer and above all else, I'll own it from tha' start. So if anyone makes that first hit, ya' better end me then and there. I'll tolerate no more interference in me matches, donnae' care who it benefits.

She rises from her seat, lifting the camera up with her, still held in her hands. At her 5 feet and 3 inches of height, the camera doesn't really have to rise very far, however.

Molly: Before all else though, I need to remember this. I am a bloody wrestler. I am here ta' fawkin' WRESTLE YEAH! I'm not here ta' call me lawyer because I'm a dumb twat who enters a match against a 105 kilogram beast, then wants e'eryone feelin' sorry for her! I'm not tha' feartie cat betch who claims she's a lethal Snake when in reality she's just a "Boop Noodle" that calls her lawyer to protect her from a real threat, though truth be told, she probably should've done that with Asmodeus rather than Ursula, but hey, priorities, am I right? Block the one who hasn't attacked her unprovoked, but let tha' one who has attacked her have all the access in the world. HA! Dumb fawkin' "Shake Snek!" Tonight I'm gonna' say fawk it all, put on the best match I can, and do everythin' in me power ta' win that motherfawker because this betch right here needs ta' move on. Jasmine Matthews is tha' past fer me. I ne'er should've given Lilith Meadows even a moment of consideration after that first slap when she confronted me all those many weeks ago. I should've been shootin' fer gold rather than wasting me time and tonight is tha' first step ta' doin' that.

Molly's hand pats the side of the camera as if it were a human cheek in her hand.

Molly: So Sactap? PREPARED TA' GET SACK TAPPED! ONSLAUGHT? YER GETTIN' ON SLAUGHTERED!!!! DONA AND EDDIE? ...AND THEN THEY GOT FAWKED!!! SECOND CITY RIOT SQUAD? I'M STARTIN' A FAWKIN' TAP DANCIN' RIOT ON YER FACES!!!! QUEEN'S GUARD? GIRD YER LOINS 'CAUSE THERE'S NO GUARD AGAINST THA' FAWKIN' HATCHET CLAN!!!! SKILLZ VENDORZ, PREPARE YERSELVES!!! URSULA AND MOLLY ARE COMIN' FER YER TITLES BECAUSE NO ONE CAN STOP THA' GINGER NINJA AND THA' MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN ALIVE!!!!! SEE YOU IN THA' BLOODY RING LADIES!!!!

She then shoves the camera aside with enough force to send the operator spinning to the floor with a grunt. The camera pans around and looks for her, spotting only a door opening at the far end of what appears to be a storage room full of crates. We watch as Molly exits the room before we cut back to ringside.
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.

Tren Descarrilado stands in the ring, waiting for his opponent, but he never shows. The macabre grin on his face grows wide as he holds the ropes open for his manager, Katelin, before taking a microphone and striding back into the middle of the ring. She hands him Lola, which he puts over his shoulder before beginning to speak.

Tren Descarrilado: So, a motherfucker not only breaks his contract, but now he ain’t gonna show up for a fight huh? Shoulda figured. After the match I had with Eric Lee, and then the cage match at that Yuppie-Poolza, or whatever the fuck, ain’t a motherfucker in that locker room that’d have their head screwed on straight if dey climbed into dis ring with me.

The crowd boos, but Descarrilado ignores them. He picks up the microphone to begin speaking again, but is interrupted. He rolls his eyes, handing Katelin the mic and holding open the ropes for her to leave. The lights dim as "Catacombs" by After The Burial plays through the speakers, and the ‘Tron plays Darius Crowley’s video package. Crowley doesn’t say a word, making his way to the ring and rolling inside.

Tren Descarrilado: The fuck you want, motherfu-

Crowley answers with a wicked roundhouse kick to the chin, causing Descarrilado to take a step back. He grins, shaking his head, as he hands Lola down through the ropes to Katelin before turning and throwing a hook at Darius’ with all of his weight behind it. Crowley ducks, throwing a series of strikes into Tren’s ribs. The massive clown hooks Darius’ arms, and delivers a trio of headbutts, each one slamming into the smaller man harder than the last. He picks Crowley up in both arms, and throws him into the middle of the ring, following quickly. The referee attempts to wave him off, but Tren snarls, forcing the non-combatant to back up a step. Darius is on his feet, and the brawl begins. Punches, kicks, headbutts, knees, and more come from both men as the fight continues, before a voice can be heard on the microphone. The camera pans up to the stage.

Luthor Calloway:Hey! Knock this shit right the fuck off, right now! I ain’t havin’ this shit on my goddamned show!

Tren throws Crowley out of the ring, spitting blood down at the smaller man, but Darius landed on his feet and has stepped away, looking back and forth between Tren and Luthor.

Luthor Calloway: You all wanna fight? Then I’m going to set that up. But it ain’t fucking happening tonight! Now get the hell outta my ring you fat fucking clown before I send people down there to GET you out of my ring, and I fine your ass so hard you won’t be able to afford Kate’s management services.

Tren grins, teeth bloody, as Darius Crowley backs up the ramp. Descarrilado spits on the ring mat again before dropping onto his back and rolling out of the ring, nodding to Katelin to tell her they’re leaving.
Josh Davidson, dressed to the nines as always stands backstage, a billion dollar smile plastered across his face and a microphone gripped in his right fist.

Josh Davidson: “Ladies and gentlemen, my guests at this time, Lyric and “The Haunted” Erik Holland.”

A pretty loud reaction greets The Haunted as he and Lyric step into the shot, Holland looking none too pleased--but then he never looks happy. Lyric addresses the camera as she wraps her arms around one of Holland’s massive arms.

Davidson: “Now, Erik, after your victory over Legion a couple of weeks ago, Maiko Adachi addressed you on Twitter and claimed innocence over the attack that cost you the Silver Mountain Championship. You seemed to allude that you believed her..”

Holland nods as he takes command of the microphone.

Holland: “I do, Josh, and it’s really simple. Maiko Adachi addressed me on Twitter because Maiko Adachi’s not stupid. She knows my quarrel is not with her and the Children of Nephilim. They got their own mess to worry about with the Kingdom and let me say to you now, Josh, she does not want me involved in her little war as well. The only thing I am worried about regarding the Kingdom is I want another shot--and a FAIR one this time--at the Silver Mountain Championship. In the meantime I WILL find out who is responsible for attacking me and I will get my pound of flesh--”

Erik is interrupted by a slow, mocking clap. Into the camera’s view comes Charlie Grace. The manager of two of the most violent and twisted members of the NFW roster. Erik’s interview, of course, stops, as he turns to address Charlie Grace; knowing that it means trouble whenever she shows up.

Charlie Grace: Well spoken Mr. Holland. I have a question for you. If you find out who cost you that title, would you think that “Getting your pound of flesh” is a threat to someone like that?

Erik gives an “is she kidding” look to the interviewer and then turns back to her.

Holland: “It’s a threat to anybody with a brain between their ears, Charlie. I don’t care who it is. Once I find out who did this, they’re gonna’ find out what a stupid decision it was to get involved in my business.”

Charlie rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

Charlie Grace: That is your problem, Erik. You think the person who did this actually can be threatened. I know who did it and I also know any threat you make towards him will be laughed at. You are not anywhere close to threatening towards him.

Erik steps closer to Charlie.

Holland: “You know who did it, huh? So, who the hell was it and what do they want with me?”

Charlie Grace: First off, Mr. Holland, I suggest you take a step back. Secondly, you want to know who did it? That is simple. My client, Eric Lee. As to why? Well, only he knows that. Could be he wants to test your mettle. Could be he wanted to make sure Jasmine kept her title.

Charlie shrugs.

Charlie Grace: Could just be the simple fact that he thought it would be fun.

Eric Lee. The name doesn’t sound familiar to Holland--and by the way he doesn’t take a step back. Instead, his face changes from the usual intense snarl to one of a weird calm and satisfaction. His attacker revealed, Lyric speaks quietly to him for a moment and finally, Holland does take a step away from Charlie Grace.

Holland: “Eric Lee. Fine. That’s fine. Thank you for your insight. If whoever this Eric Lee is wants to have a little fun with me? Well, he’s about to have the time of his life.”

Erik turns on his heel and walks out of the shot with Lyric at his side, leaving the camera to pan onto Charlie Grace.

Charlie Grace: It’s your funeral, Mr. Holland.

Charlie puts her hands behind her backs and walks off in the opposite direction. The camera turns back to a positively petrified Josh Davidson who simply just gestures at the camera, and sends it back to ringside.
Roger Arden: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first….

The lights in the arena suddenly start going out in sections with the sound of breakers clicking, leaving the arena, eventually, in total darkness. After a moment of silence, barring the low hum of the crowd, the opening notes of Eminem’s “Till I Collapse” come on over the speakers as pink searchlights suddenly come on, sweeping around the arena.

’Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak
And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up
But you got to search within you, and try to find that inner strength
And just pull that shit out of you
And get that motivation to not give up, and not be a quitter
No matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse….

As the intro continues and the beat audibly swells to the main beginning, the gorilla position is flooded with light, illuminating just the silhouette of a woman standing with her hands on her hips, head cocked up and to the side. An air of confidence oozes from the figure before she’s even revealed. When she is finally revealed is when the song kicks into the first verse and the lights shift to reveal the silhouette as she turns around to reveal KRYSTALLINE KIRK! There’s a cocky yet sweet smirk on her face as the Detroit native nods in approval to the massive pop she’s receiving.

Roger Arden: From Detroit, Michigan! Weighing in at 175 pounds! KRYSTAL...KIRK!!!

'Till I collapse I'm spilling these raps long as you feel 'em
'til the day that I drop you'll never say that I'm not killing 'em
'Cause when I am not, then I'mma stop penning 'em
And I am not Hip-Hop and I'm just not Eminem

As the first verse continues, K.K starts down the ramp with an unmatched street swag to her step. The way she moves and carries herself says it all without any words needed. She’s tough. She’s from the streets. She knows how to scrap. She gon’ whup that ass. All the same, though, she moves to one side of the ramp to greet the fans that have their hands out, giving side slaps, fist bumps, even daps to a couple who offer it up.

Subliminal thoughts, when I'mma stop sending 'em?
Women are caught in webs, spin 'em and hock venom
Adrenalin shots, the penicillin could not get the illing to stop
Amoxicillin's just not real enough
The criminal cop-killing hip hop villain
A minimal swap to cop millions of Pac listeners
You're coming with me, feel it or not you're gonna fear it
Like I showed you the spirit of God lives in us

As K.K reaches the foot of the ramp, she turns to the ring and stops, even taking a half step back as if she’s just now noticing she has an opponent waiting for her in the ring. She stands there at ringside and with that Detroit city attitude, she throws her arms up and out. Whether it’s a greeting or a taunt, who knows? Guess it’s up to how her opponent takes it! But K.K’s there with her arms out, mouthing “whassup?!” under the music.

You hear it a lot, lyrics to shock
Is it a miracle or am I just product of pop fizzing up?
For shizzle my wizzle, this is the plot, listen up
You bizzles forgot, Slizzle does not give a fuck!

Finally, as the chorus to the song hits, K.K puts a little hop in her feet and hits the ring with a burst, running and sliding under the bottom rope. She immediately hops to her feet and with a cocky little dance in her step, she puts a distance between herself and her opponent.

’Till the roof comes off, 'till the lights go out
'Till my legs give out, can't shut my mouth
'Till the smoke clears out, am I high? Perhaps
I'mma rip this shit, 'till my bone collapse

'Till the roof comes off, 'till the lights go out
'Till my legs give out, can't shut my mouth
'Till the smoke clears out, am I high? Perhaps
I'mma rip this shit, 'till my bone collapse

As the chorus continues, K.K moves to one side of the ring where the fans are. She stands up with one foot on the bottom rope and leans against the top rope with her arms out to her sides, nodding to the crowd as if to say: “who ready fo’ dis?!” She hops back off the ropes and crosses the ring where she exits, momentarily, and moves to the front row. She finds a random child, anywhere from maybe 5 or 6 to as old as a teenager and pulls her flatbill off of her head. She slips it onto the fan’s head, gives them a triple side five, a hug, then pulls off the rest of her entrance gear before getting back up in the ring and waits in her corner.

Roger Arden: Her opponent! From Denver, Colorado! Weighing in at 121 pounds! VAIN...VANITA...THOMPSON!!!

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

~DING DING DING~

The bell rings, and both women charge one another, Krystal throwing an infamous Donohue European Uppercut from the start. Vanita leans back, dodging the strike, throwing a kick at Kirk’s midsection, which KK rolls away from. Both women circle for a moment before stepping back in, and Krystal lowers for the uppercut again, which Vanita goes to block, but it was a feint! KK circles around, grabbing Vanita around the waist and executes a snap German suplex, dropping the Vain One. The older Kirk nods her head, playing up to the crowd as she goes to get Vanita to her feet, but, seeing the ref behind the larger woman, quickly jabs KK in the eye with her thumb. KK cries out, and Vanita grabs Krystal’s head, bringing her face first into a stiff knee strike, and then another, and a third before the big blonde hits the mat. Vanita shakes her head as the crowd boos.

Krystal rolls onto her hands and knees, shaking her head to clear her eye, but Vanita takes the opportunity and stomps down, hard, on KK’s hand. KK cries out, rising to her knees and holding her hand. Vanita kicks her hard in the chest three times, before throwing a hard kick at the blonde’s head, but KK ducks, getting to her feet and hitting another German, but she doesn’t let go, rolling through to launch the Vain One with a release German into the corner. Dazed, Vanita leans against the turnbuckle only to have Krystal come sprinting in to deliver a vicious European uppercut! She throws another one, and another, landing three more before Vanita crumples into a seated position in the corner. KK drags her out, rolling her up for a pin attempt, but only gets a two count from the referee.

The Loud Mouthed Blonde pulls the Vain One up to her feet, delivering a couple of hard elbows to Vani’s chin. Vanita catches KK’s arm, and tosses Krystal over her shoulder. KK rolls to her feet, turning to face Vani before catching a boot to the stomach, doubling her over, which allows Vanita to hook her up and hit the VAIN MIRROR! Vanita covers KK, but Krystal powers out at two with a yell, pushing Vani off of her. Vanita frowns, pulling KK to her feet. She throws a couple of hard kicks into the big blonde’s thighs, but KK checks the third kick, hitting Vanita with a hard chop to the chest. The women begin to exchange hard chops back and forth before the bell rings, the time expiring!

~DING DING DING~

Roger Arden: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has informed me that this match has come to a time limit draw!

Nick Hanson: A time limit draw?! Whoa!

Matt Salvatore: It’s like a night of rarities, Nick!

The pounding drumbeat of Blue Oyster Cult’s “Veteran of Psychic Wars” jumpstarts the crowd and that immediately turns to boos as the Kwonspiracy logo appears on the screen, flashing in time to the drumbeat. As the synthesizer hits, Seo-hyung Kwon leads out a procession of her members of Kwonspiracy of Jansen Myrrh, Leah Aguero, Layla Diaz, Jed, and Hope Avila.

♫♫♫
You're seeing now a veteran of a thousand psychic wars,
I've been living on the edge so long, where the winds of Limbo roar.
And I'm young enough to look at,
And far old to see, all the stars are on the inside.
I'm not sure that there's anything left to me
♫♫♫

They march down towards the ring and split off as Kwon takes the steps up and gets into the ring before walking over and retrieving a microphone. The other six members all roll into the ring and high five each other as the chorus of the song hits.

♫♫♫
Don't let these shakes go on!
It's time we had a break from it,
It's time we had some leave.
We've been living in a place,
We've been eating up our brains.
Oh please don't let these shakes go on!
♫♫♫

Kwon calls for the music to be cut as it fades out as the crowd continues to boo.

Seo-hyung Kwon: Before we reveal who the perpetrator was in the vicious attack on Lara Bratton, Jansen Myrrh has something she would like to say.

Kwon hangs the microphone over to Jansen who is reluctant to take it, but at the urging of Kwon finally relents.

Jansen Myrrh: It seems that I may have mistakenly accused Danielle Anderson of attacking Lara last week and for that I apologize. Happy?

Kwon nods her head, accepting the microphone back from Jansen.

Seo-hyung Kwon: Thank you. As professionals we absolutely admit when we are mistaken. What we will not be mistaken about is the identity of the person in this video we are about to show you.

Jansen and Kwon exchange glances, though it appears that the SCRS may not have been clued in to what they are about to see as they look at each other for a moment and then look up at the screen.

The screen lights up and shows the hallway from a higher angle, perhaps a security camera mounted near the ceiling. The door to the locker room opens up and Kwon, Jansen and Hope exit the room.

Seo-hyung Kwon: This is where we left the room to come to the ring for our promo.

After a few moments, the door opens up again as it looks like Lara is coming out but someone kicks the door right into her face, and though we don’t see who it is, Lara slumps down to the floor. Then a woman enters the screen and gives Lara a kick to the head and she falls over. The woman pulls at her legs so she is now lying on the ground with her head in the doorway. The woman takes the door and just slams it hard on Lara’s neck. Lara’s body twitches and then goes limp. As the woman turns to leave, the front of her face is barely able to be seen. She starts to leave out of view of the camera and places her mask back over her face.

Layla Diaz is the first to turn and look at Hope, who’s eyes behind her mask are wide. She starts shaking her head, insisting that it isn’t her on the screen. Layla walks over and grabs her, “What did yous do?” she asks.

Jansen snatches the microphone from Kwon.

Jansen Myrrh: I’ll tell you what she did. Back off, Diaz. She fucking took out Lara Bratton. What the fuck, Avila? I fucking snatched you up from nowhere and brought you into this group. I was the one who talked to Adams about getting you her nickname. I was the one who brought you into this fucking company. You got about five seconds to explain this in a way that makes some goddamned sense or I pound the shit out of you.

She shoves the microphone into Hope’s chest as Diaz takes a step back and the other members of the group watch. Hope catches the microphone as it starts to drop and looks around at all the members of the group as they stare at her, waiting. Jansen finally yells at her, “Fucking say something, dammit!”

Hope’s lips become dry so she swipes at them with her tongue before she brings the microphone to her mouth.

Hope Avila: Lara is the one that messed things up at Ascension! She lied to us and told us that Kwon wanted us to interfere when she didn’t! She’s always off doing things on her own and making things worse and I sit by and do everything that’s asked of me. I wanted to teach her a lesson about teamwork!

Jansen gets into her face, “You think what you did was teamwork?” Hope tries to create some distance as she shakes her head.

Hope Avila: She was causing so much tension in the group. I thought it would be better if she were gone.

Kwon says something to Jansen who in turn grabs the microphone from Hope and hands it over to the manager.

Seo-hyung Kwon: Let me explain something to you, Hope Avila. What you did was out of line. Looking around this ring right now I can see that no one here will object to the fact that you are no longer a part of this group.

The others are shaking their head in agreement.

Seo-hyung Kwon: I suggest you take your leave before things become worse for you.

Hope looks around the ring as the others are just staring at her. She looks like she wants to say something but instead nods her head and begins to walk towards the center of the ring, but Layla blocks her path. Hope looks up into Layla’s face. Some words are exchanged between the two though it really can’t be heard on the broadcast. Suddenly, Layla hauls back and just slaps Hope right across the face. Hope reaches up to cup her cheek as she starts to go around Layla who once again steps in her path. Hope looks up at her and then decides to just turn around and go the other way and as she does Jansen is standing there who just boots her in the midsection and then grabs her and lifts her up and holds her in the piledriver position for a very long time before dropping her down on her head with a Myrrh-driver.

Jansen gets to her feet. She motions for the others to set up a table on the outside. Leah and Jed slide out of the ring and reach underneath and pulls out a table and sets it up against the ring apron. Jansen reaches down and pulls up Hope by the hair and hauls her onto the ring apron where she lifts her up once more for a Myrrh-driver, only this time she steps off the apron and drives Hope right through the table.

Jansen pushes her off and then gets to her feet. She dusts off her hands as Hope lies among the rubble of what’s left over of this table. Blue Oyster Cult begins to play once more as Jansen just stares daggers at the fallen Hope Avila and just shakes her head as the others exit the ring. Jansen joins them and they walk up the ramp. Only Layla takes one more look back, before shaking her head and then hurries to catch up with the others.
The scene opens to the locker room of The Kingdom, where Moe Renhuan and Lluvia Cane, collectively known as the Queen’s Guard, prepare for the Tag Team Gauntlet. Moe is wrapping her wrists, and Lluvia taps her on the shoulder when Josh Davidson approaches.

Josh Davidson: Ladies and gentleman, with me at this time, representing the Kingdom, the Queen’s Guard, Moe Renhuan and Lluvia Cane.

Moe Renhuan: Josh. We’re kind of busy here.

Lluvia Cane: They always try to get us when we’re busy. It’s like they have built in receptors so they can pin us down for interviews. Any other time I would say forget it, but let’s give him a minute.

Lluvia poked Moe in the shoulder playfully, giving her a little smile as she did. The older woman adjusted her gear while she and Moe waited on Josh.

Josh Davidson: I’ll try to keep all of this brief so the two of you can finish getting ready. Now the two of you are brand new as a tag team, what gave the two of you the idea to team up?

Lluvia Cane: Yes we are new to tag teaming, at least together, but we thought The Kingdom needed another tag team within it. Lilith and Christinia are dynamic as a team, no questions about that, but we wanted to show that The Kingdom has dominant strength in all areas of wrestling. Bloody Fairytale was the first of us to show that the tag team division is ours, and now it’s time for The Queen’s Guard to step up.

Moe nods, grinning and poking Lluvia right back.

Moe Renhuan: Let’s face it Josh. No one can be what Bloody Fairytale is. They are, without a doubt, the best team in NFW. Hell, they may be the best tag team in wrestling today. But we don’t want to be what they are. We want to be what WE are. The Queen’s Guard. Lluvia and I have been working out together for awhile now, refining our own style. I’ve gotten training from both my partner here, and a woman you all know as World Heavyweight Champion, Sativa Nevaeh.

Josh Davison: Impressive! So, you two face quite the lineup here tonight. Any one team you’re particularly worried about? Miss Cane?

Josh points the microphone to Lluvia with a smile.

Lluvia Cane: Well they’re all pretty impressive and will be interesting to meet in the ring. We’ve had our issues in the recent past with the Hatchet Clan, but all of that is officially water under the bridge, as we saw last week. I’m looking forward to getting in the ring with Ebony and Ian...when Ian faced Sativa, Ebony and I squared up when I ran down to even the odds. Outside of that, we haven’t had the chance to meet each other in the ring. Now I know a tag team match is highly different from a one on one match, but I’m excited for the potential meet up either way. Like I said, all of the teams are impressive, so I’m not taking anything from any of them or doubting them.

Josh nods then aims the microphone towards Moe, a smile still on his face as he does so.

Moe Renhuan: I don’t really have much more to add to that Josh. I mean, obviously we’ve gotta keep an eye on the Hatchet Clan right? Regardless of the fact that this isn’t a faction versus faction thing anymore, Ursula Von Rossbach is the equalizer to end all equalizers, right? Lluvia has more experience in the ring with all of these competitors than I do, so I’m just going to follow her lead, and do what I do best.

Josh Davison: Great stuff! So… a lot of people are wondering. Should your team win, this could, theoretically, line the Queen’s Guard up to face Bloody Fairytale when Lilith Meadows returns from injury. How does that make you feel?

Moe Renhuan: Look Josh. We’re all competitors okay? While it may be true that the Kingdom is a family, we’re also wrestlers with jobs to do. Lluv and I know that. Chrissy and Lil know that. What you all don’t know?

Moe looks into the camera with a big grin and a wink.

Moe Renhuan: The day that Bloody Fairytale and the Queen’s Guard meet in the ring, they’re gonna have to pay to have a new roof put on the Collision Center. No doubt about that!

Josh nods, turning back to Lluvia.

Lluvia Cane: Exactly what Moe said. We’re all a family, but that will never take away from the in-ring respect that we all have for each other. When we win tonight then win the tag team titles, Bloody Fairytale and The Queen’s Guard will be an easy main event to book, and it’s a main event that will blow everyone away! Tonight will only be an example of what we can do together, and speaking of which, we’re up very soon. I think we’re done for now, thanks Josh.

Josh nods once more and the trio, as well as the small camera crew turn to walk out of The Kingdom’s locker room. As they close the door behind them, Josh continues on his way, though Lluvia stops the cameraman before he gets too far. She turns to Moe, a sad smile on her face as she thinks about what she’s about to do.

Lluvia Cane: Hey Moe, go on ahead to the curtain, and I’ll meet up with you in a couple of minutes. There’s something I need to do before I head to the curtain.

Moe nodded, understanding that Lluvia needed a little bit of time to herself. She continued on her way as Lluvia closed her eyes and sighed.

After Moe made her way down the hall, Lluvia cleared her throat and looked down at, making sure her ring gear and rose crown with a sleeveless, half jacket that was golden in color, were properly situated. The dark red color of her ring gear contrasted with the brighter shade of red for the roses on her crown.

Lluvia Cane: Tag Team Champions...a title that I haven’t held, though the list of titles that I haven’t held isn’t exactly short. And I know this isn’t for the titles themselves but rather contendership, a chance to win those belts and bring them back home to The Kingdom. But before I join Moe, there’s something I want to address concerning a family friend.

Lluvia sighed as she twirled the ends of her straight black hair, letting it fall back against her body after a moment. She adjusted the crown that she was wearing and straightened the jacket that she had on over her gear. The Cherokee Rose returned her attention to the camera in front of her. She held a small picture up to the camera, showing a somewhat recent image of Ryan.

Lluvia Cane: Just under 2 weeks ago, we lost an amazing soul that once graced a wrestling ring. This man was a world champion and a 2-time tag team champion in World Wrestling Headquarters, prior to its closing then reopening and rebranding. We lost Ryan Payne, a family friend, a mentor to some, an ass kicker to others, and someone that I looked up to when I was an up and coming wrestler. And because I know some smart asses out there will be asking themselves, Ryan was no relation to Morgan or any of her family. Now then, my father has his plans to honor Ryan’s memory, but I have my own.

Lluvia lowered the picture that she had of Ryan Payne, lightly dabbing under her eyes as she thought about him. The dark haired beauty took a deep, shaky breath before getting control of herself again. She glanced down the hall, looking off in the direction that her tag team partner went before looking at the camera again.

Lluvia Cane: Tonight, I plan to win the gauntlet, with Moe, in honor of Ryan Payne. And when Moe and I win the gauntlet, our championship match win will be for Ryan as well...he was a tag team champion twice, that I know of, and he didn’t let him team down. In the match tonight, I won’t let Moe down, or Ryan’s memory. Ryan...we will never forget you, you were a soul taken too soon from us. Keep ---

Lluvia paused as a few tears began streaming down her face, her voice not wanting to work for a moment. She looked down at the floor, gently wiping away tears as they fell.

Lluvia Cane: Keep the ring going for the rest of us...teach the ones with you a few lessons while you’re at it. I hope we, I, put on a match you’d be proud of. This…This isn’t good-bye, it’s just until we meet again. We love you...we miss you.

The Cherokee Rose let out one last shak breath as she looked towards the camera, a small yet sad smile on her face. She wiped away a few more tears, careful not to overly disturb her make-up. Her voice is soft as she begins speaking Spanish.

Lluvia Cane: Farewell, until we meet again, my friend. This is not your end but another beginning. Be at peace knowing your memory will forever live on.

Lluvia blew a kiss as she looked up, sending her love to the departed friend. She sent one last smile to the viewers and went on her way to catch up with Moe.

Roger Arden: The following contest is a tag team gauntlet match to determine the number one contenders to the NFW Tag Team Championships at Reckoning Day!


As Halestorm's "Black Vulture's" hits those first wicked crooning guitar strokes, the entire stage explodes with a huge burst of pyro. When the smoke clears, we see standing on the stage the team of Melinda Rhodes, Ursula Von Rossbach, and Molly Hatchet with her arms crossed over her chest, a wicked grin on her face. She whips her arms out at her sides, shouts out, "WHO'S HERE FER AN ARSE WHUPPIN?!!!" then bursts down the ramp into a full sprint for the ring with Dona Rotten and Poison Dokueki at either side of her, Ursula Von Rossbach keeping up with the two of them via long legged, effortless strides, Melinda Rhodes not too far behind.

Roger Arden: Introducing first, Molly Hatchet and Ursula Von Rossbach, the Hatchet Clan!

Reaching ringside, Molly vaults high over the ropes with a tuck and roll landing onto her knees, arms out at her sides.. Molly hops to her feet as Ursula pulls herself up onto the apron and quickly enters the ring. The Rebel remains outside the ring, working the fans a bit at ringside with high fives and a little talk.

As the opening riff of “Creatures” blares over the sound system, red lights flood the stage. Ebony and Ian step through the curtains, pausing at the center of the stage. With both wrestlers facing the ring, Ebony crouches down in front of Ian, pointing straight ahead as Ian raises his arms, a wicked glare in his eyes as he stares at the ring. Ebony stands up and the pair walk down the ramp to the ring.

Roger Arden: And their opponents, Ebony Arceri and Ian Dickenson, Onslaught!

Ebony ascends the ring steps first, with Ian close behind her. Ian scales the turnbuckles from the outside as Ebony stands on the apron. Ebony throws her head back and lets out a shrill scream as Ian bellows from his corner perch, then as Ian jumps down into the ring, Ebony slingshots herself over the top rope. They then move toward their corner and wait for the match to begin.

~DING DING DING~

As the match begins, it’s Ursula and Ian starting things out. The two of them look at each other, circling the ring. Finally, the two of them lock up and as they do, Ian goes behind and puts Ursula into a waist lock. Ursula reverses into a headlock. Ian then uses the ropes to get momentum and push Ursula off and into the ropes. Ursula comes off the ropes and as she does, Ian takes her down with a shoulder block. Ian then hits the ropes and leaps over Urusula and hits the ropes again, this time, he’s met with an armdrag by Ursula who then picks him up and delivers a snap vertical suplex. Ursula reaches out and tags in Molly who comes into the match. She climbs up onto Ursula’s shoulders and steadies herself as Ian gets to his feet and as he does, she leaps and delivers a missile dropkick that sends him back to the mat. Molly picks Ian up and goes to send him into the corner, but Ian is able to reverse it. Molly hits the corner and Ian comes charging in and he delivers a corner splash before grabbing Molly by the wrist and pulling her out of the corner into a short arm clothesline. He keeps wrist control and delivers two more before walking over and tagging Ebony into the match. Ebony comes in and the two of them pick Molly up from the mat. The send her into the ropes and as she comes off, they deliver a double clothesline followed with a double elbow drop.

Ian gets out of the ring as Ebony picks Molly up to her feet. She sends Molly into the ropes once again and this time, when Molly comes off the ropes, she’s met with a standing shotgun style dropkick from Ebony. Molly hits the mat and rolls out of the ring. Ebony sees this and hits the ropes herself taking Molly out on the floor with a Tope Suicida! Ebony picks Molly up and rolls her back into the ring before climbing to the top rope and hitting a frog splash and hooking the leg for a nearfall. Ebony picks Molly up and sends her into their corner. She comes charging in and Molly gets a boot up before delivering a back elbow to Ian and starts to fight her way out of the corner. Ebony goes to grab her, but Molly is able to avoid the grapple and rolls through, diving and tagging Ursula back into the match. Ursula comes in and as Ebony turns around, she runs right into The Great Kick! Ebony falls to the mat as Ursula delivers a big boot to Ian that takes him off the apron. She then turns her attention back to Ebony as she picks Ebony up and this time, delivers The Von Terminator! She hooks the leg and gets the three count.

Roger Arden: Onslaught has been eliminated!

Matt Salvatore: That’s one down for Hatchet Clan, Nick!

Nick Hanson: They still have a long way to go though before they can claim the number one contendership.

As Molly and Ursula wait for their next opponents, "Neon Knights" by Steel Prophet plays and Lash and Keiji come running down the ramp to the ring. They get in and the bell sounds as Keiji and Molly start things off this time. Keiji comes out of the gates fast as he catches Molly off guard with a thrusting side kick. He hits the ropes and as Molly tries to grapple him, he slides under Molly and between her legs and as she turns around, she’s met with a DDT by Keiji who hooks the inside leg and gets a two count. Keiji then climbs up to the top rope where Lash tags himself into the match. Keiji goes for a senton atomico, but Molly is able to roll out of the way. Lash then comes in and he goes for a senton splash, but again, Molly is able to avoid it. Molly gets up to her feet and as she does, she grabs Lash and delivers a knee strike right to the face! Lash stumbles back and Molly follows up with a Polish Hammer that knocks Lash to the mat. Molly then follows up by tagging Ursula into the match and the two of them hit Lash with a High/Low. Ursula hooks the leg and Keiji is there to break up the pin. Keiji gets out of the ring and as he does, Ursula has Lash up to his feet. This time, she looks to deliver The Great Slap, but Lash is able to avoid it with a backflip away from Ursula. Lash lands on his feet and quickly dodges a clothesline before leaping and hitting a neckbreaker on Ursula before tagging Keiji back into the match.

Keiji comes into the match, he tosses a bottle of glue to Lash who puts some on his hand. They pick Ursula up and Lash takes his hand and smears the glue all over Ursula’s face before Keiji takes some pink glitter and delivers a pimp slap right across the face of Ursula as “DUN DUN” plays over the speakers and the crowd gets a little laugh. Lash gets out of the ring as Keiji grabs Ursula and delivers a snap DDT and hooking the leg to get a nearfall. Keiji then goes to pick Urusla up again and as he does, Ursula takes Keiji and delivers a sambo chokeslam before tagging Molly back in. The two of them pick Keiji up and they deliver Terminator 3D as Molly hooks the leg and gets the win.

Roger Arden: SACTAP has been eliminated!

Matt Salvatore: Is anybody going to be able to stop Hatchet and Von Rossbach tonight?

Nick Hanson: Well, this next team might with the roll they’ve been on since debuting!

And with that, “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine plays and Leah and Layla with Jed behind them make their way to the ring. They get into the ring and Leah starts things off for the Second City Riot Squad as Molly starts for her team. The two of them lock eyes as they circle the ring. The two of them lock up and Leah immediately goes behind on Molly and puts her into a waist lock. She picks Molly up and slams her face first into the mat. She then takes Molly and puts her into a front chancery before delivering a series of knees to the head and face. Leah picks her up, sending Molly into her corner where she tags Layla into the match. Layla slingshots over the top rope and the two of them take Molly and deliver a double suplex. Leah gets out of the ring as Layla uses the ropes and delivers a springboard moonsault onto Molly before going for a pin and Molly kicks out at two.

Layla goes over and tags Leah back into the match. The two of them take Molly by the legs and wishbone her before delivering a double elbow drop. Layla looks right at Ursula and says something to her that gets the big woman fired up. Ursula tries to get into the ring, but the ref is there to stop it. As he’s dealing with her, Leah and Layla start putting the boots to Molly. As Ursula finally gets out of the ring, Layla does as well as Leah picks Molly up and delivers a Michinoku Driver before hooking the leg and Ursula comes in and delivers a stomp right to Leah to break up the pin. The ref gets Ursula out of the ring and Leah once again tags Layla into the match. Layla comes into the match and the first thing she does is charge over and deliver a low dropkick that takes Urusula’s legs out and causes her to hit the mat face first. As Layla is getting up, Leah has Molly up on her shoulders and Layla delivers the Southside Cutta as they hit Dead to Rights! Leah hits the ropes and delivers a Tope Suicida on Ursula as Layla hooks the leg and gets the three count.

Roger Arden: The Hatchet Clan has been eliminated!

Matt Salvatore: And the roll of the Second City continues!

Nick Hanson: They have two teams left that they need to survive and they can call themselves number one contenders!

"Out of the Black" by Royal Blood plays and Edgar and Dona come out and make their way right to the ring. Dona starts off for their team as Layla starts off this match for hers. Dona comes right out of the gate as she grabs Layla and pulls her into a belly to belly suplex. Dona then grabs her and sends her into the ropes. Layla comes off the ropes and she runs right into a discus forearm by Dona that takes her down to the mat. Dona tags Edgar into the match. Edgar comes in and the two of them take Layla and deliver a double snap suplex as Edgar floats over and putting Layla into an armbar. He pulls back on the arm as Layla screams out in pain. Leah though comes in and delivers a kick to Edgar to break the submission. Leah gets out of the ring as Edgar grabs Layla and brings her to her feet. Edgar sends Layla into the ropes, but Jed is there to grab Layla by the ankle and get her out of the ring and onto the floor for her and Leah to regroup.

As they regroup on the outside, Edgar tags Dona back into the match. Dona climbs up to the top rope and launches herself, taking Leah, Layla, and Jed all down with a flying crossbody. She gets up as the crowd starts to cheer for her. She grabs Layla and rolls her back into the ring. As She goes to get into the ring, Leah is there to grab her by the ankles. This is enough of a distraction for Layla to get up to her feet and deliver a basement dropkick to the knees of Dona that drops her back down to the floor. Layla then hits the ropes and delivers a tope suicida between the middle and bottom ropes to Dona before grabbing her and rolling her back into the ring. She gets back in and then tags Leah into the match. Leah picks Dona up onto her shoulders and Layla once again hits the Southside Cutta as they deliver Dead to Rights again and Leah hooks the leg to get the three count.

Roger Arden: Dona Rotten and Edgar Malcovich have been eliminated!

Nick Hanson: One more match for Second City Riot Squad!

Matt Salvatore: But here comes my favorites to win this match right now!

ZOMBIES 2 - Cast - “Flesh & Bone” plays as Lluvia and Moe come out from behind the curtain and they make their way to the ring. Moe starts off for her team as Leah starts off for hers. Moe charges right in, taking Leah down with a double leg takedown. She gets into a mounted position as she begins to rain down forearms to Leah who is trying her best to block them. Moe then rolls off of Leah and picks her up. She sends Leah into a neutral corner. Moe comes charging in, delivering a corner splash before snapmaring Leah out of the corner and climbing to the middle rope and delivering a dropkick right to the back of Leah’s neck. She then hooks the leg and gets a nearfall.

Moe walks over to her corner where she tags Lluvia into the match. Lluvia comes in and hits the ropes and as she does, Moe takes Lluvia and helps her deliver a splash onto Leah. Moe gets out of the ring as Lluvia picks Leah up and goes to send her into the ropes. Leah though is able to reverse it as Lluvia hits the ropes. Lluvia comes off the ropes and as she does, Leah is able to deliver a dropkick that sends Lluvia to the mat. Leah then crawls her way over to her corner where she tags Layla into the match. Layla comes in, climbing to the top rope. As Lluvia gets to her feet, Lalya launches herself, delivering a flying crossbody. Layla then hits the ropes and goes for a senton splash, but Lluvia is able to roll out of the way. Lluvia and Layla both get to their feet and as they do, Layla goes for an arm drag, but Lluvia blocks it and delivers a snap DDT that spikes Layla on the top of her head. Lluvia hooks the leg and gets a nearfall.

Lluvia then tags Moe back into the match who climbs to the top rope as Lluvia holds Layla in place. Moe comes off the top rope with Phoenix Splash! Moe hooks the leg and this time, Leah comes in to break up the pin. Lluvia comes in and she takes Leah down with a spear and the two of them roll out of the ring, brawling. Moe picks Layla up and she calls for the Attack on Titan, but as she’s setting up for the move, Layla delivers the Southside Cutta out of nowhere and hooks the leg and picks up the win for her team.

Roger Arden: Here are your winners, Leah Aguero and Layla Diaz, The Second City Riot Squad!

Nick Hanson: The Second City Riot Squad have done it, outlasting five other teams to claim number one contendership to the NFW Tag Team Championships!

Matt Salvatore: These two ladies have been on nothing but a tear since their debut here in NFW and soon, they might just be calling themselves Tag Team Champions.

Roger Arden: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is your main event! Introducing first….

Before Roger Arden can continue his announcement, the arena goes pitch black. The crowd immediately stirs and starts making a commotion. Everyone in the arena’s waiting for music to start but suddenly the lights just...come back on and THERE’S ASMODEUS!!! Standing in the center of the ring in her full ring gear, face paint and all. She sneers menacingly at first before grinning wickedly up at the stage as she extends a hand out, gracefully beckoning her opponent to come to her.

Roger Arden: Ladies and gentlemen...this is...ASMODEUS!!!!! And...her opponent….

The lights go out, shrouding the arena in darkness as those opening beat to "Heart Of A Champion" bumps through the speakers. As soon as the guitar riff starts, the video wall comes to life with the BEHOLD THE KINGDOM banner while the back wall screen comes to life with a combined static and barbwire design.

Mic check, yo, man, fuck you
I got some coke in my sock and a couple rocks too
I got a bottle full of Ketel, drunk, pedal to the metal
Got some beef I gotta settle, but you gotta check the dentals
They don't like me? I make the music I want to
These divas fucking need us, man, worse than their heartbeat
They’re digging up my grave, but these bitches gotta pay
And the price of admission, it ain't never gonna change
It'll end when I say it ’cause you're wet when I spray it
And the more you fucking hate us, well, the more you'll fucking play it, bitch

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

I'm crossing out names
And no one is safe
I'll leave a rose on your grave
It's the dove and grenade

Asmodeus is in the ring, watching the stage as Morgan Payne’s music plays, waiting for her to come from the curtain.

Nick Hanson: Asmodeus is looking ready to go! She wants a piece of the Kingdo--

Matt Salvatore: Wait a sec! Watch out, Nick! Behind her!

The crowd erupts as Morgan Payne comes hopping over the guard rail, dressed in her gear, sans her entrance attire. She slides into the ring and runs right up behind Asmodeus, snatching the unexpectant woman off her feet for a deep angled Backdrop Driver!!!!

Nick Hanson: MORGAN PAYNE FROM BEHIND!!!!

Morgan stands over Asmodeus as she lays sprawled on the mat, mockingly tapping her temple. She proceeds to curse and taunt her opponent before straddling down on the woman and just starts laying in with punches to the head until the referee manages to pull her off and back her into a corner and demands she stay there. The official goes over to Asmodeus as she struggles to get to her feet, completely rocked from the surprise attack. She stumbles back into the corner across from Morgan as the referee checks to see if she can actually continue. Asmodeus lifts her head to glare across the ring at Morgan as she pulls herself up and nods to the ref. Almost reluctantly, the ref calls to ring the bell.

~DING DING DING~

As soon as the bell rings, Morgan charges across the ring and is on Asmodeus again. She locks her up in a Muay Thai clinch and just starts feeding her knees in the corner. The crowd gives a mixed reaction. Some call for Asmodeus to “don’t take that shit” or “fight out of it” while others call for Morgan to “get her” or “beat that ass.” The referee tries to pry Morgan back and let Asmodeus out of the corner. Morgan does but does so by throwing her to the mat, making her sit up. She runs off the ropes and slides in for a low lariat and an attempt at a pinfall. Morgan gets up, cursing and stands over Asmodeus as the former Children of Nephilim member starts pulling herself up. She grabs for Morgan’s tights to assist herself but Morgan grabs that hand and takes two fingers, performing Finger Snap!!! Asmodeus grabs her hand, crying out in pain. The referee backs Morgan away so he can check on Asmodeus’ fingers. When he’s sure they’re not broken, he lets the match continue. Morgan immediately moves in and pulls Asmodeus up, throwing her into the ropes and going for a Sok Klap as Asmodeus comes in but she ducks under the elbow, hits the ropes again and comes at Morgan with a crossbody block! Morgan catches her, however, showing off some of her strength side and rotates Asmodeus up onto one shoulder, setting up for something but Asmodeus wriggles free, lands behind Morgan and hits a basement dropkick right to the back of the knee!

Asmodeus takes over the match now, beginning to lay into Morgan with precise and brutal kicks. Even as Morgan gets to her feet, Asmodeus proceeds to lay into her with her feet. Morgan eventually parries a kick for her ribs with a Muay Thai Buok, blocking Asmodeus’ kick with her shin. Asmodeus steps back and tries a kick on the other side but Morgan mirrors the Buok maneuver. This time, Morgan follows in with a shoot for a Low Single but Asmodeus sprawls down on top of her and catches her in a guillotine chokehold. She wrenches it in tight but Morgan finds her armpit and presses her thumb up in there. Asmodeus actually voices her surprised pain as her hold loosens enough for Morgan to slip out. Asmodeus steps back and Morgan rushes in with Sok Tong, smashing her elbow onto the crown of her head. As Asmodeus grabs her head, Morgan grabs her, right up into an inverted Firemen’s Carry. She wastes no time, drilling her head first into the mat with Dahntahn After Dahk. Morgan sits up and turns to see Asmodeus laid out on the mat, looking beat. Rather than go for a pin, though, something comes over her and she shakes her head. Morgan storms over to the corner and turns back to her opponent. She grabs her right kneepad and pushes it down around her boot, exposing her bare knee. The crowd and commentary know she’s about to go for an unprotected Khao Loi. Morgan posts up in the corner, watching as Asmodeus starts to stir on the mat, rolling over onto her side. She’s screaming at the former Children of Nephilim member to “get her fuckin’ ass up!” Morgan’s tugging at the ropes, sneering like a bull ready to charge as she waits. Asmodeus makes it up onto her knees and forearms when all of a sudden the lights go out.

Matt Salvatore: Oh what now?!

Nick Hanson: Technical difficulties, it seems ladies and gentlemen!

Matt Salvatore: Cherry! If this is you, knock it the fuck off!

Nick Hanson: We can’t see a thing here! Morgan Payne was setting up for that running knee to the jaw but I don’t think she can hit it in the dark! What’s going--HEY!

Nick Hanson exclaims as the lights come back on and there, in the middle of the ring, on the mat, is Jasmine Matthews!! Asmodeus has made it to a corner where she holds onto her neck from that inverted Death Valley Driver she received. Morgan Payne goes from attack mode to concerned mode as she immediately runs to Jasmine and starts trying to help her, asking if she’s alright. Jasmine is unconscious as she lies there on the mat.

Nick Hanson: Wait a minute! Asmodeus is up!

Matt Salvatore: Look out, Morgan!

Asmodeus grabs Morgan from behind, pulling her up and spinning her around as she grabs her head.! HORNS OF THE DARKNESS!!!! Morgan hits the mat, out like a light beside Jasmine as Asmodeus goes for the cover. The painted face woman smiles wickedly as she hooks Morgan’s leg and the ref counts. 1! 2! 3!

~DING DING DING~

Roger Arden: Here is your winner! ASMODEUS!!!

Matt Salvatore: Where the hell did Jasmine come from?!

Nick Hanson: I have to wonder if her abduction earlier in the night was a setup for this!

Matt Salvatore: It certainly paid off! Asmodeus did tell Morgan she had a lot to learn still! Including from her!

As “The Devil Inside” plays to Asmodeus standing victorious over Morgan Payne and smiling wickedly to the audience, Jasmine Matthews suddenly moves. She doesn’t stir as if waking up. No. She simply moves her hands and pushes herself up, lifting her head to look at Asmodeus from behind,through a curtain of red hair.

Nick Hanson: Hey wait a minute! Jasmine’s up!

Matt Salvatore: She looked out of it! I...I...what the hell, Nick? Look at her eyes!

A brief closeup of Jasmine Matthews’ face shows that her eyes have an odd red color to them. Not bloodshot. No, the irises of her eyes, that should be brown are a deep crimson!! Jasmine slowly rises to her feet as the crowd begins to erupt in excitement. It takes Asmodeus a second to realize something’s not right as Jasmine trembles with rage behind her, ready to explode.

Matt Salvatore: What the hell has gotten into Jasmine Matthews?!

Nick Hanson: Matt?! I...I don’t think that’s Jasmine--OHH MAN!!!

As Nick is talking, Asmodeus turns around slowly but just as she lays eyes on the Queen of the Kingdom, Jasmine explodes forward and delivers ICE COLD!!! Asmodeus hits the mat and rolls out of the ring, dazed. Jasmine follows her out, sliding out of the ring, stalking the woman now. She pulls her kidnapper up by her hair and with a blood curdling shriek, whips her into the barricade. She quickly follows up with a charging lariat that takes them both over and into the crowd. Fans wisely get the hell out of the way as Jasmine gets to her feet, pulling Asmodeus up with her. She goes to ram Asmodeus’ face into the barricade but Asmodeus stops it, elbows Jasmine in the ribs and slams HER face into the barricade. Jasmine snaps up from the impact, crimson eyes wide with bloodlust as she turns and just drives her forehead into Asmodeus’ face with a vicious headbutt. Asmodeus stumbles back and Jasmine starts laying in the shots with Asmodeus trying to fight back. The two women exchange shots back and forth as they fight towards the backstage area. Morgan Payne starts to stir in the ring….

Nick Hanson: My god! What’s gonna happen now?! We need someone to break these two up! Get this under control!

Matt Salvatore: We’re damn near out of time, Nick!

As the official show wraps, we cut backstage as the cameras keep rolling. Jasmine Matthews and Asmodeus are still fighting it out backstage with Asmodeus being kept somewhat on the run as Jasmine comes after her. Each shot Jasmine throws comes with a guttural shriek. They fight their way back to catering as Jasmine throws Asmodeus over a table, spilling bowls of chips and condiments all over the floor. She immediately grabs a folded chair and stalks Asmodeus. Wait...is Jasmine...giggling? Is she laughing?! By god, yes she is! It’s an almost deranged sound as she raises the chair and swings hard but Asmodeus rolls out of the way. Jasmine’s chair smacks the floor and security staff finally arrive and try to pull her back from Asmodeus.

Jasmine throws her head back into one security guard’s nose with a crunch. She spins around and SMASHES the chair over the head of another. She turns back towards her target and Asmodeus comes running, screaming violently back into the frame and tackles Jasmine back over the table she was thrown over. The two start trading shots on the floor before more security rush in to try and break them up. Four hold Asmodeus back, dragging her away from the fight while another four hold Jasmine back but Jasmine is thrashing so wildly, she gets an arm free and starts throwing shots at the security guards. Before she can advance on Asmodeus again, Morgan Payne reappears and throws her in a Full Nelson Lock. Right on Morgan's heels, the rest of the Collective rush in. Lluvia Cane comes around the front and grabs Jasmine low around the waist. Moe Renhuan and Lilith Meadows help Lluvia hold Jasmine back while Sativa Nevaeh tries to get Jasmine to focus on her instead of Asmodeus. The credits start to roll as the show fades out. The red eyed Queen of the Kingdom letting out a guttural scream from deep down....