Post by Steven Brody, CEO on Nov 5, 2018 12:12:47 GMT -8
Slamming in from black, we see the N*FW intro to Ozzy Osbourne's "Let Me Hear You Scream" for the first time since the September 16th show. While the music remains the same, the vignette is updated to reflect more recent highlights and current rankings:
LeeAnn Viskan and Crimson Sabre are featured in their crowning moment as the new Mixed Tag Team Champions.
Ultra-Violence are featured as the new Tag Team Champions.
Max LeBrun is featured with the Heavyweight Championship.
The Unwanted are featured in their new entrance. Mia Hayashi is then seen adorably flipping off the camera. Adrianna Salvatore is seen in quick intercuts, headbanging on the turnbuckle and rolling her eyes back while locking in her rear naked choke finisher.
The returned Matt Klazzic throws up his signature "X".
In quick flashes, Minoru Suzuki plants an opponent with the GSP, Havok nails another opponent with the Disasterpiece, KES hit the Killer Bomb and Zack Sabre Jr makes someone painfully tap out to an Octopus Stretch before the entire Suzuki-Gun stable is shown standing, menacingly in the ring with TAKA holding the flag out in the front.
In a jarring cut, Judas Lasher is seen with his arms spread, on his knees in front of the rest of the Dominion of Pain on the stage. Adorably, Lara Blackheart stands out as the cheery, grinning one among the otherwise, menacing looking group.
Shelley Silver is featured after her recent win, holding the million dollar briefcase as she stands on the entrance stage, after defeating Clarence Townsend.
Nico Salvatore roars from atop the turnbuckle.
Connor K and AKI land their tandem tag finisher.
The House of Payne are shown backstage, walking with a purpose own the hall. Quick cuts show BDP hitting the Bukakke Blast, Andrew Payne hitting the 11th Hour through a table, Marissa and Morgan hitting their tag finisher, Carmine hits the Omerta and Shelton Benjamin soars over the ropes onto three opponents.
In another cut, the AoD hit the Trip to Hell, Rick Dickulous nails the Misery Whip, El Piso Mojado hits a Tope Suicida, Scott Leroux has someone locked in the anklelock and Kennedy Campbell delivers a superkick. The Great White North are then seen as a whole, in front of a backdrop of the Canadian Flag.
Finally, we get an intercut of the Fallen hitting their tag finisher, Serena Frost hits the Ice Age, Tyson Law hits the Lawbreaker, Candi Broduer is shown having the Crossface locked in, Julian Morrison hits the Downward Spiral. The shot cuts to show the entire group standing with Max LeBrun, front and center - The Renegades. Max extends his fist and 'pops the pin', causing the screen to explode and display the N*FW logo.
Immediately, the shot opens on the inside of the arena. The crowd is going wild as the opening pyro erupts from the stage. The text in the upper center of the screen tells us we are at the:
[AIR CANADA CENTRE. TORONTO, ONTARIO.]
HANSON
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the show! This is New Frontier Wrestling and we are back in the swing of things!"
REYNOLDS
"It almost feels like we're back from another hiatus, Nicky!"
HANSON
*laughing* "It does, a little. We had one hell of a busy schedule during the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. Five weeks long, four days back to back each week, and three on the last week. Much respect to our athletes, but I have to say, that was taxing on us even, huh?"
REYNOLDS
"You're not lying, Nicky. But, we've all had a little bit of a break. Some time to recouperate after a hectic schedule. Now, it's back to work for everybody and hooooly crap do we have a card for you folks!"
HANSON
"Indeed, we do, Jim. We've got three title matches. Three! Buzzsaw will, of course, defend his Television Championship against Suzuki-Gun's El Desperado. We haven't seen much of the man here in NFW. He's mostly been sticking to New Japan but as things with Suzuki-Gun and...well...virtually everyone, heat up here on our side, it seems like he's starting to poke around here more. It was actually Desperado himself, who approached Commissioner Brody and said 'hey, I want a crack at your TV champion.'"
REYNOLDS
"The guy loves his belts, Nicky, and he'll do whatever it takes to get them."
HANSON
"Well, he's never held a singles championship. He's certainly dominated the tag team scene, but he's looking to leave his mark on the singles scene tonight. Let's take a quick look because he actually had something to say about tonight. Do you speak Japanese, Jim?"
REYNOLDS
"I thought he was Mexican?"
HANSON
"Well, he's half Mexican. His father's from Japan, so...yeah...."
Taking up the upper left quarter of the screen, the camera shows an empty backdrop with El Desperado standing in front of it. Technically, he's sitting in front of it, in a chair, leaning forward with his arms folded over the top of a black guitar case, dressed in his ring gear. He gives an arrogant, muffled chuckle under his mask.
"Buzzu-sawo. Shi haana ta ni tsui te amari chitteiru tohai masen.... Shoujikitte, shi ha kinishinaide ku dasai.... Shi haana ta ni kansha shitai to omoi masu." El Desperado shifts in his seat, lifting one hand with his index and middle fingers pressed to his thumb. His eyes narrow behind his mask. "Dare ni terebi senshuken ite boringu ga o ka ge sa ma de, shi ha takame toshite shinguru su ru koto ga deki mashi ta. Nanka o goran itadaki arigato u go za io hoji konde iki masu. Ii e, shi haana ta ni kansha shite i masen. Shi ha sore no tame ni ana ta ga daisuki!" Bringing the hand back, El Desperado mockingly places it over his heart. "...Shi no kokoronosoko kara...." And gives a dark laugh under his mask, before the video feed cuts out.
REYNOLDS
"You get any of that, Nicky?"
HANSON
"Umm...a tiny bit, Jim."
REYNOLDS
"And?"
HANSON
"I think he just said he loves Buzzsaw."
REYNOLDS
"What?"
HANSON
"Yup."
~AVE SATANAS~
REYNOLDS
"Awwwww nooooo!! What?!"
HANSON
"Speaking of title matches, Jim; here comes the winner of the Vlad Blackheart Memorial! He'll get his title shot at WrestleWar in the main event!"
REYNOLDS
"What the hell is he doing here, now?!"
The crowd erupted as the heavy strains of Venom Inc began to fill the arena, signalling the arrival of "The King of Pain", Judas Lasher. Dressed in his trademark black suit with red tie, he held his newly one Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament trophy in one hand... but the real attention was on his *other* arm. Or more specifically, whose waist that arm was around.
This was Lara's first full on public appearance at Judas's side, and she was dressed to impress in a long, black slinky dress, dark hair tied back to show off her neck and the low back of her dress. Her arm was draped around his waist, the two of them walking in as one unit.
As they approached the ring, Judas took Lara gently by the waist, lifting her onto the ring apron, before gracefully hopping up onto it himself, stopping to hold the ropes open for her. It was shocking to see a man so known for his sadism and merciless nature being so attentive and almost gentlemanly, yet it was obviously very sincere. Grabbing the microphone from the ring announcer, Judas walked to the middle of the ring, dark eyes surveying a crowd which, for now at least, viewed him as a hero.
"I told everyone... that I would win this trophy." He said, holding said prize aloft for a moment. "But admittedly... I was not intending on making so obvious the real prize I coveted." He looked at Lara, before taking her hand and bringing it to his lips, which would look sweet if he hadn't had an utterly dark and possessive look in his eyes. "But now... I have nearly everything I want. Nearly everything I need. Only one thing remains... and that is one more run with the championship Max Lebrun is currently keeping warm for me."
"If you had called me a trophy, I would have implanted my heel in your ass." While Judas had been speaking, someone had given Lara a microphone as well. She smiled at him before looking out at the crowd. "I'm sure that some of you are wondering just how things developed between Judas and I. It wasn't planned by any stretch of the imagination. He was just...my closest friend and confidant after Vlad died. He helped keep me and my daughter together and sane when no one else could."
"Judas has been my anchor. He's become so much more than simply a friend, but I guess I didn't realize just quite how much until he kissed me. That was when everything clicked into place for me." She leaned her head against his shoulder, seemingly content, looking like Judas was the only person in the room for her.
At her comment, Judas ALMOST laughed. As it was, the amused smirk he gave was something not often seen. If anyone else had talked to him like that, he'd have made them regret it. Apparently Lara had something ELSE in common with her daughter there. "From this day forth, I will not be using the name this woman took for this business years ago. Lara Chastain was a creation. A creation of this woman and of my best friend. With him gone.. it is time for a new chapter to be written. A chapter involving not Lara Chastain, but the woman behind the name - Alessandra Augustino. As far as my title shot goes... anyone hoping to see me slinging mud at Max Lebrun obviously does not know me well. My words are nothing more than what is required. And right now... no words about that title shot ARE required. There is no guarantee LeBrun will even BE champion by WrestleWar. And if he is? My words will be saved as a weapon. Not to throw childish insults and comments."
Her daughter certainly got her sass from her mother. "I'm sure that everyone will get to see soon enough just exactly how savage even your words can be," she mused. She looked like she was looking forward to getting to see such a match get to happen, though, and let Max Lebrun learn his lesson about that.
Judas briefly rested his forehead against hers for a quiet, almost sweet moment, before giving her a light, affectionate kiss and turning back toward the crowd. "One this is certain though. Whether it be LeBrun... Chris Wolfe... Mannheim's boy... or Nico Salvatore - whomever is the World Champion come WrestleWar will surely fall to The King of Pain. The NFW World Heavyweight Championship will soon be, once more, in the Dominion of Pain. Ave... Satanas."
REYNOLDS
"What the hell is wrong with this guy?"
HANSON
"I don't know. Why don't you go ask him?"
REYNOLDS
"No thanks."
The crowd's excitement turned to boos as "Aguja De Abeja" began playing throughout the arena, just as Judas and Lara, otherwise known as Alessandra, were just reaching the stage on their way out.
HANSON
"Well there goes the leader of the Dominion of Pain, and here comes the man who'll be challenging one of his boys for his title in just a moment."
As Hanson spoke, El Desperado emerged through the curtain, dressed in his ring gear with the Suzuki-Gun logo emblazoned on the back of his mariachi jacket. One hand carried his guitar case by the handle as his piercing white eyes looked around at the Toronto crowd before he passed Judas and Alessandra without so much as a single glance. Not even acknowledging the two.
Inside the ring, Roger Arden announces into the microphone:
ARDEN
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your opening contest and it is for the NFW -- TELEVISION -- CHAMPIONSHIP!! Introducing first: the challenger...representing Suzuki-Gun!! He weighs in at one hundred and ninety-eight pounds. ELLLLLLLL DESPERRRRRRRAAAAADOOOOOOO!!!!!"
During the announcement, El Desperado takes his leisurely stroll down the ramp with his guitar case in one hand. He climbs onto the apron, performing a split-slide into the ring under the bottom rope before setting his case down in his starting corner.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a surprisingly short match, given who the challenger was, Buzzsaw defeated El Desperado to retain the Television Championship in 3:41 after he delivered a snap roundhouse kick to the side of El Desperado's head, knocking him out on impact and sending him crumpling to the mat. After a quick check to make sure he was actually out, the referee called for the match to be stopped.
As Nothingface's "Make Your Own Bones" played with Buzzsaw leaving the ring with the TV championship clutched in one hand at his side, the referee and doctor worked to revive El Desperado.
REYNOLDS
"Jesus, Nicky."
HANSON
"Can't say I expected any different."
REYNOLDS
"I have to ask: did Buzzsaw come out here planning to kick his head off or did he take El Desperado's brushing passed Judas Lasher and Alessandra Augustino as a sign of disrespect?"
HANSON
"You know what I'm gonna say."
REYNOLDS
"No, Nicky. I'm not gonna go fucking ask him! He just defeated one of our partner promotion's top competitors in less than five minutes!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The camera shifts to the backstage interview area where we see Josh Davidson standing alone.*
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm joined at this time by Paul Heyman, Minoru Suzuki, and Suzukigun," Davidson starts.
"Now, gentlemen, it's no secret that while Suzukigun has run roughshod here ever since their debut, two constant sources of defiance has come from the McKeesport Mafia, specifically Connor K and AKI. Now tonight..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's hold on for one second here. At what point did Connor and AKI join the McKeesport Mafia? No, let's call if for what it is. You have a couple of young boys, young lions if you will, who tried to stick their noses in the business of the big boys, got them slapped silly, and now they're hiding behind them, looking for protection. That is statement. That is fact. That is cut and dry. Connor? I will give credit where credit's due. You're probably the first little ring boy to step up and actually get Minoru Suzuki's attention. But this little game has gone on for three weeks too long, so I will make a deal with you. If your team can get the win tonight in our little match tonight, you will get your death wish. You will get Minoru Suzuki, one-on-one, in a future date to be determined by us. And in that match, if you can pin Minoru Suzuki, he will sit out for 60 days, and 30 of those days, HE will serve as a ring boy for YOUR match, and prohibited from attacking you in that capacity or else he faces a 120 day suspension where he would be BANNED from all NFW shows," Heyman says defiantly as Suzuki gives a slow nod while still giving a look of disdain to the camera.
HANSON
"Wow!!"
REYNOLDS
"Is he serious, Nicky?!"
HANSON
"When is he *not* serious?!"
REYNOLDS
"That's some bold ass shit!"
"Now Josh, you're probably asking yourself, 'why would the King, Minoru Suzuki, put himself in these conditions. Well it's simple, Minoru Suzuki is confident. Minoru Suzuki knows Connor's limits. And there's one thing that Connor does NOT know. Connor does not know the depths Minoru Suzuki will go. Connor does not know Minoru Suzuki's limit. That will be his undoing. So Connor? Be careful for what you wish for, you may get it. And it will be the last thing you will ever ask for," Heyman says sternly.
"Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to shift the focus to this NEW tournament, this Battle of the Juniors tournament. By any chance Josh, have you seen the brackets?" Heyman asks.
"Yes, I have," Davidson replies.
"Good, then at least that justifies your journalism degree at whatever community college you attended. But this is a tournament where you have one of the all-time greats in TAKA Michinoku and two men who's primary focus IS junior heavyweight wrestling. You can say, that Shingo and T-Hawk were forged in Junior heavyweight wrestling. So up until this point, TAKA, Shingo, and T-Hawk have been wrestling tag matches. Now, they get their opportunity to shine in solo action. Nick Jackson, you may be king of the merchandise tables from coast-to-coast, but you're going to find out why the legendary Mick Foley said, 'if the WWF Championship was awarded solely on in-ring talent, TAKA Michinoku would be your world champion.' For you see, while he has been acting as a second mentor for Zack Sabre, Jr., giving him the Michinoku Driver, Zack has been training him. So don't be surprised to see a different TAKA Michinoku from what you would normally see tonight," Heyman says.
"As for Tyler Grey, you're stepping in with a man who has taken the stereotype of what Jr. Heavyweight wrestling has been about, and turned it over and dropped it on its head. This man is Shingo Takagi. This man is power personified with the speed and technique to match," Heyman says as he points to Shingo who flexes and gives a loud roar to the camera as Havok and Suzuki both nod and pat him on his back.
"When you get a chance, ask anyone on Twitter what it was like to wrestle this man. Ask Austin Aries. Ask PAC. Ask Mark or Jay Briscoe. They will tell you the same thing that we already know, that this man can wrestle with the heavyweights at any point, but Commissioner Brody was too narrow minded to see this man for who he can be. And he will prove it starting tonight with this tournament, and he will start it with you, and it will END at WrestleWar, because you may be ready for the Pumping Bomber, you may have scouted the Last Falconry, but he will show you why the best Jr. Heavyweight is Made...In...Japan," Heyman says as the camera fades to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an 18:11 long war, Connor K, AKI, Shelton Benjamin and Carmine Moretti managed to pick up the win over Suzuki-Gun when Moretti decimated Taichi with the Omerta and held him down for the pinfall.
HANSON
"THAT'S IT!!!! THEY DID IT!!! CONNOR'S TEAM GETS THE WIN!!"
REYNOLDS
"OH MY GOD, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, NICKY!!!!"
HANSON
"To the victor go the spoils!! Connor gets his one on one with The King!"
As Prophets of Rage's "Unfuck The World" filled the arena, recognizing Carmine Moretti as the one who scored the win, Havok pulled Taichi out of the ring and moved to join Minoru and Zack on the ramp. Inside the ring, Connor K stood pointing and yelling towards Minoru Suzuki who, in return, taunted back in Japanese with an oddly satisfied, twisted smile on his face.
REYNOLDS
"We might see them go at it right now, Nicky!"
HANSON
"Well no, you heard Heyman. He and Suzuki will decide when Connor gets his--whoa whoa, wait a minute. Waaaaaait a minute!"
Hanson stopped short as the taunting between the two teams threatened to go physical again as Havok moved up and climbed onto the apron, getting nose to nose with Carmine Moretti -- only the ropes between them. Havok pressed his forehead against Moretti's, visibily fuming as Moretti taunted him inaudibly before shoving him in the face and knocking him off the apron. Paul Heyman and Zack Sabre Jr had to pull the big man back as he looked ready to hit the ring again. Finally, Havok settled on backing up to spread his arms out as he taunted Carmine to bring it.
REYNOLDS
"Jesus, Nicky, we might see another rivalry coming out of this!"
HANSON
"Jim, I don't wanna even imagine what would happen if *those* two bulldozers collided."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene opens as we see Ryan and Sabastian in thier locker room.. sitting down in thier respective gear... Sabastian having a black, yellow and white colors with Danger, Hazard & Warning signs all over his attire.. and Ryan is wearing a new set of tights that are red, black and white. His design looks like shattered black glass with white Omega symbols on it... He's wearing the new "The Fallen" logo on the back..
LeeAnn Viskan and Crimson Sabre are featured in their crowning moment as the new Mixed Tag Team Champions.
Ultra-Violence are featured as the new Tag Team Champions.
Max LeBrun is featured with the Heavyweight Championship.
The Unwanted are featured in their new entrance. Mia Hayashi is then seen adorably flipping off the camera. Adrianna Salvatore is seen in quick intercuts, headbanging on the turnbuckle and rolling her eyes back while locking in her rear naked choke finisher.
The returned Matt Klazzic throws up his signature "X".
In quick flashes, Minoru Suzuki plants an opponent with the GSP, Havok nails another opponent with the Disasterpiece, KES hit the Killer Bomb and Zack Sabre Jr makes someone painfully tap out to an Octopus Stretch before the entire Suzuki-Gun stable is shown standing, menacingly in the ring with TAKA holding the flag out in the front.
In a jarring cut, Judas Lasher is seen with his arms spread, on his knees in front of the rest of the Dominion of Pain on the stage. Adorably, Lara Blackheart stands out as the cheery, grinning one among the otherwise, menacing looking group.
Shelley Silver is featured after her recent win, holding the million dollar briefcase as she stands on the entrance stage, after defeating Clarence Townsend.
Nico Salvatore roars from atop the turnbuckle.
Connor K and AKI land their tandem tag finisher.
The House of Payne are shown backstage, walking with a purpose own the hall. Quick cuts show BDP hitting the Bukakke Blast, Andrew Payne hitting the 11th Hour through a table, Marissa and Morgan hitting their tag finisher, Carmine hits the Omerta and Shelton Benjamin soars over the ropes onto three opponents.
In another cut, the AoD hit the Trip to Hell, Rick Dickulous nails the Misery Whip, El Piso Mojado hits a Tope Suicida, Scott Leroux has someone locked in the anklelock and Kennedy Campbell delivers a superkick. The Great White North are then seen as a whole, in front of a backdrop of the Canadian Flag.
Finally, we get an intercut of the Fallen hitting their tag finisher, Serena Frost hits the Ice Age, Tyson Law hits the Lawbreaker, Candi Broduer is shown having the Crossface locked in, Julian Morrison hits the Downward Spiral. The shot cuts to show the entire group standing with Max LeBrun, front and center - The Renegades. Max extends his fist and 'pops the pin', causing the screen to explode and display the N*FW logo.
Immediately, the shot opens on the inside of the arena. The crowd is going wild as the opening pyro erupts from the stage. The text in the upper center of the screen tells us we are at the:
[AIR CANADA CENTRE. TORONTO, ONTARIO.]
HANSON
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the show! This is New Frontier Wrestling and we are back in the swing of things!"
REYNOLDS
"It almost feels like we're back from another hiatus, Nicky!"
HANSON
*laughing* "It does, a little. We had one hell of a busy schedule during the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. Five weeks long, four days back to back each week, and three on the last week. Much respect to our athletes, but I have to say, that was taxing on us even, huh?"
REYNOLDS
"You're not lying, Nicky. But, we've all had a little bit of a break. Some time to recouperate after a hectic schedule. Now, it's back to work for everybody and hooooly crap do we have a card for you folks!"
HANSON
"Indeed, we do, Jim. We've got three title matches. Three! Buzzsaw will, of course, defend his Television Championship against Suzuki-Gun's El Desperado. We haven't seen much of the man here in NFW. He's mostly been sticking to New Japan but as things with Suzuki-Gun and...well...virtually everyone, heat up here on our side, it seems like he's starting to poke around here more. It was actually Desperado himself, who approached Commissioner Brody and said 'hey, I want a crack at your TV champion.'"
REYNOLDS
"The guy loves his belts, Nicky, and he'll do whatever it takes to get them."
HANSON
"Well, he's never held a singles championship. He's certainly dominated the tag team scene, but he's looking to leave his mark on the singles scene tonight. Let's take a quick look because he actually had something to say about tonight. Do you speak Japanese, Jim?"
REYNOLDS
"I thought he was Mexican?"
HANSON
"Well, he's half Mexican. His father's from Japan, so...yeah...."
Taking up the upper left quarter of the screen, the camera shows an empty backdrop with El Desperado standing in front of it. Technically, he's sitting in front of it, in a chair, leaning forward with his arms folded over the top of a black guitar case, dressed in his ring gear. He gives an arrogant, muffled chuckle under his mask.
"Buzzu-sawo. Shi haana ta ni tsui te amari chitteiru tohai masen.... Shoujikitte, shi ha kinishinaide ku dasai.... Shi haana ta ni kansha shitai to omoi masu." El Desperado shifts in his seat, lifting one hand with his index and middle fingers pressed to his thumb. His eyes narrow behind his mask. "Dare ni terebi senshuken ite boringu ga o ka ge sa ma de, shi ha takame toshite shinguru su ru koto ga deki mashi ta. Nanka o goran itadaki arigato u go za io hoji konde iki masu. Ii e, shi haana ta ni kansha shite i masen. Shi ha sore no tame ni ana ta ga daisuki!" Bringing the hand back, El Desperado mockingly places it over his heart. "...Shi no kokoronosoko kara...." And gives a dark laugh under his mask, before the video feed cuts out.
REYNOLDS
"You get any of that, Nicky?"
HANSON
"Umm...a tiny bit, Jim."
REYNOLDS
"And?"
HANSON
"I think he just said he loves Buzzsaw."
REYNOLDS
"What?"
HANSON
"Yup."
~AVE SATANAS~
REYNOLDS
"Awwwww nooooo!! What?!"
HANSON
"Speaking of title matches, Jim; here comes the winner of the Vlad Blackheart Memorial! He'll get his title shot at WrestleWar in the main event!"
REYNOLDS
"What the hell is he doing here, now?!"
The crowd erupted as the heavy strains of Venom Inc began to fill the arena, signalling the arrival of "The King of Pain", Judas Lasher. Dressed in his trademark black suit with red tie, he held his newly one Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament trophy in one hand... but the real attention was on his *other* arm. Or more specifically, whose waist that arm was around.
This was Lara's first full on public appearance at Judas's side, and she was dressed to impress in a long, black slinky dress, dark hair tied back to show off her neck and the low back of her dress. Her arm was draped around his waist, the two of them walking in as one unit.
As they approached the ring, Judas took Lara gently by the waist, lifting her onto the ring apron, before gracefully hopping up onto it himself, stopping to hold the ropes open for her. It was shocking to see a man so known for his sadism and merciless nature being so attentive and almost gentlemanly, yet it was obviously very sincere. Grabbing the microphone from the ring announcer, Judas walked to the middle of the ring, dark eyes surveying a crowd which, for now at least, viewed him as a hero.
"I told everyone... that I would win this trophy." He said, holding said prize aloft for a moment. "But admittedly... I was not intending on making so obvious the real prize I coveted." He looked at Lara, before taking her hand and bringing it to his lips, which would look sweet if he hadn't had an utterly dark and possessive look in his eyes. "But now... I have nearly everything I want. Nearly everything I need. Only one thing remains... and that is one more run with the championship Max Lebrun is currently keeping warm for me."
"If you had called me a trophy, I would have implanted my heel in your ass." While Judas had been speaking, someone had given Lara a microphone as well. She smiled at him before looking out at the crowd. "I'm sure that some of you are wondering just how things developed between Judas and I. It wasn't planned by any stretch of the imagination. He was just...my closest friend and confidant after Vlad died. He helped keep me and my daughter together and sane when no one else could."
"Judas has been my anchor. He's become so much more than simply a friend, but I guess I didn't realize just quite how much until he kissed me. That was when everything clicked into place for me." She leaned her head against his shoulder, seemingly content, looking like Judas was the only person in the room for her.
At her comment, Judas ALMOST laughed. As it was, the amused smirk he gave was something not often seen. If anyone else had talked to him like that, he'd have made them regret it. Apparently Lara had something ELSE in common with her daughter there. "From this day forth, I will not be using the name this woman took for this business years ago. Lara Chastain was a creation. A creation of this woman and of my best friend. With him gone.. it is time for a new chapter to be written. A chapter involving not Lara Chastain, but the woman behind the name - Alessandra Augustino. As far as my title shot goes... anyone hoping to see me slinging mud at Max Lebrun obviously does not know me well. My words are nothing more than what is required. And right now... no words about that title shot ARE required. There is no guarantee LeBrun will even BE champion by WrestleWar. And if he is? My words will be saved as a weapon. Not to throw childish insults and comments."
Her daughter certainly got her sass from her mother. "I'm sure that everyone will get to see soon enough just exactly how savage even your words can be," she mused. She looked like she was looking forward to getting to see such a match get to happen, though, and let Max Lebrun learn his lesson about that.
Judas briefly rested his forehead against hers for a quiet, almost sweet moment, before giving her a light, affectionate kiss and turning back toward the crowd. "One this is certain though. Whether it be LeBrun... Chris Wolfe... Mannheim's boy... or Nico Salvatore - whomever is the World Champion come WrestleWar will surely fall to The King of Pain. The NFW World Heavyweight Championship will soon be, once more, in the Dominion of Pain. Ave... Satanas."
REYNOLDS
"What the hell is wrong with this guy?"
HANSON
"I don't know. Why don't you go ask him?"
REYNOLDS
"No thanks."
The crowd's excitement turned to boos as "Aguja De Abeja" began playing throughout the arena, just as Judas and Lara, otherwise known as Alessandra, were just reaching the stage on their way out.
HANSON
"Well there goes the leader of the Dominion of Pain, and here comes the man who'll be challenging one of his boys for his title in just a moment."
As Hanson spoke, El Desperado emerged through the curtain, dressed in his ring gear with the Suzuki-Gun logo emblazoned on the back of his mariachi jacket. One hand carried his guitar case by the handle as his piercing white eyes looked around at the Toronto crowd before he passed Judas and Alessandra without so much as a single glance. Not even acknowledging the two.
Inside the ring, Roger Arden announces into the microphone:
ARDEN
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your opening contest and it is for the NFW -- TELEVISION -- CHAMPIONSHIP!! Introducing first: the challenger...representing Suzuki-Gun!! He weighs in at one hundred and ninety-eight pounds. ELLLLLLLL DESPERRRRRRRAAAAADOOOOOOO!!!!!"
During the announcement, El Desperado takes his leisurely stroll down the ramp with his guitar case in one hand. He climbs onto the apron, performing a split-slide into the ring under the bottom rope before setting his case down in his starting corner.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a surprisingly short match, given who the challenger was, Buzzsaw defeated El Desperado to retain the Television Championship in 3:41 after he delivered a snap roundhouse kick to the side of El Desperado's head, knocking him out on impact and sending him crumpling to the mat. After a quick check to make sure he was actually out, the referee called for the match to be stopped.
As Nothingface's "Make Your Own Bones" played with Buzzsaw leaving the ring with the TV championship clutched in one hand at his side, the referee and doctor worked to revive El Desperado.
REYNOLDS
"Jesus, Nicky."
HANSON
"Can't say I expected any different."
REYNOLDS
"I have to ask: did Buzzsaw come out here planning to kick his head off or did he take El Desperado's brushing passed Judas Lasher and Alessandra Augustino as a sign of disrespect?"
HANSON
"You know what I'm gonna say."
REYNOLDS
"No, Nicky. I'm not gonna go fucking ask him! He just defeated one of our partner promotion's top competitors in less than five minutes!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The camera shifts to the backstage interview area where we see Josh Davidson standing alone.*
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm joined at this time by Paul Heyman, Minoru Suzuki, and Suzukigun," Davidson starts.
"Now, gentlemen, it's no secret that while Suzukigun has run roughshod here ever since their debut, two constant sources of defiance has come from the McKeesport Mafia, specifically Connor K and AKI. Now tonight..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's hold on for one second here. At what point did Connor and AKI join the McKeesport Mafia? No, let's call if for what it is. You have a couple of young boys, young lions if you will, who tried to stick their noses in the business of the big boys, got them slapped silly, and now they're hiding behind them, looking for protection. That is statement. That is fact. That is cut and dry. Connor? I will give credit where credit's due. You're probably the first little ring boy to step up and actually get Minoru Suzuki's attention. But this little game has gone on for three weeks too long, so I will make a deal with you. If your team can get the win tonight in our little match tonight, you will get your death wish. You will get Minoru Suzuki, one-on-one, in a future date to be determined by us. And in that match, if you can pin Minoru Suzuki, he will sit out for 60 days, and 30 of those days, HE will serve as a ring boy for YOUR match, and prohibited from attacking you in that capacity or else he faces a 120 day suspension where he would be BANNED from all NFW shows," Heyman says defiantly as Suzuki gives a slow nod while still giving a look of disdain to the camera.
HANSON
"Wow!!"
REYNOLDS
"Is he serious, Nicky?!"
HANSON
"When is he *not* serious?!"
REYNOLDS
"That's some bold ass shit!"
"Now Josh, you're probably asking yourself, 'why would the King, Minoru Suzuki, put himself in these conditions. Well it's simple, Minoru Suzuki is confident. Minoru Suzuki knows Connor's limits. And there's one thing that Connor does NOT know. Connor does not know the depths Minoru Suzuki will go. Connor does not know Minoru Suzuki's limit. That will be his undoing. So Connor? Be careful for what you wish for, you may get it. And it will be the last thing you will ever ask for," Heyman says sternly.
"Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to shift the focus to this NEW tournament, this Battle of the Juniors tournament. By any chance Josh, have you seen the brackets?" Heyman asks.
"Yes, I have," Davidson replies.
"Good, then at least that justifies your journalism degree at whatever community college you attended. But this is a tournament where you have one of the all-time greats in TAKA Michinoku and two men who's primary focus IS junior heavyweight wrestling. You can say, that Shingo and T-Hawk were forged in Junior heavyweight wrestling. So up until this point, TAKA, Shingo, and T-Hawk have been wrestling tag matches. Now, they get their opportunity to shine in solo action. Nick Jackson, you may be king of the merchandise tables from coast-to-coast, but you're going to find out why the legendary Mick Foley said, 'if the WWF Championship was awarded solely on in-ring talent, TAKA Michinoku would be your world champion.' For you see, while he has been acting as a second mentor for Zack Sabre, Jr., giving him the Michinoku Driver, Zack has been training him. So don't be surprised to see a different TAKA Michinoku from what you would normally see tonight," Heyman says.
"As for Tyler Grey, you're stepping in with a man who has taken the stereotype of what Jr. Heavyweight wrestling has been about, and turned it over and dropped it on its head. This man is Shingo Takagi. This man is power personified with the speed and technique to match," Heyman says as he points to Shingo who flexes and gives a loud roar to the camera as Havok and Suzuki both nod and pat him on his back.
"When you get a chance, ask anyone on Twitter what it was like to wrestle this man. Ask Austin Aries. Ask PAC. Ask Mark or Jay Briscoe. They will tell you the same thing that we already know, that this man can wrestle with the heavyweights at any point, but Commissioner Brody was too narrow minded to see this man for who he can be. And he will prove it starting tonight with this tournament, and he will start it with you, and it will END at WrestleWar, because you may be ready for the Pumping Bomber, you may have scouted the Last Falconry, but he will show you why the best Jr. Heavyweight is Made...In...Japan," Heyman says as the camera fades to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an 18:11 long war, Connor K, AKI, Shelton Benjamin and Carmine Moretti managed to pick up the win over Suzuki-Gun when Moretti decimated Taichi with the Omerta and held him down for the pinfall.
HANSON
"THAT'S IT!!!! THEY DID IT!!! CONNOR'S TEAM GETS THE WIN!!"
REYNOLDS
"OH MY GOD, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, NICKY!!!!"
HANSON
"To the victor go the spoils!! Connor gets his one on one with The King!"
As Prophets of Rage's "Unfuck The World" filled the arena, recognizing Carmine Moretti as the one who scored the win, Havok pulled Taichi out of the ring and moved to join Minoru and Zack on the ramp. Inside the ring, Connor K stood pointing and yelling towards Minoru Suzuki who, in return, taunted back in Japanese with an oddly satisfied, twisted smile on his face.
REYNOLDS
"We might see them go at it right now, Nicky!"
HANSON
"Well no, you heard Heyman. He and Suzuki will decide when Connor gets his--whoa whoa, wait a minute. Waaaaaait a minute!"
Hanson stopped short as the taunting between the two teams threatened to go physical again as Havok moved up and climbed onto the apron, getting nose to nose with Carmine Moretti -- only the ropes between them. Havok pressed his forehead against Moretti's, visibily fuming as Moretti taunted him inaudibly before shoving him in the face and knocking him off the apron. Paul Heyman and Zack Sabre Jr had to pull the big man back as he looked ready to hit the ring again. Finally, Havok settled on backing up to spread his arms out as he taunted Carmine to bring it.
REYNOLDS
"Jesus, Nicky, we might see another rivalry coming out of this!"
HANSON
"Jim, I don't wanna even imagine what would happen if *those* two bulldozers collided."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene opens as we see Ryan and Sabastian in thier locker room.. sitting down in thier respective gear... Sabastian having a black, yellow and white colors with Danger, Hazard & Warning signs all over his attire.. and Ryan is wearing a new set of tights that are red, black and white. His design looks like shattered black glass with white Omega symbols on it... He's wearing the new "The Fallen" logo on the back..
They are talking amongst themselves with strategy... "I wanna put the new champs on notice..." Ryan says.." Your win last time was a distracted fluke.. had that been a two on two match.. you guys wouldn't have had the chance to take your entrance jackets off..." Ryan responds as Sabastian starts " Yea.. im working a new finisher for myself, you guys might feel that tonight... but that depends on if i feel nice enough to not do my new move.... " Sabastian starts laughing hysterically... as he tries to retain himself from laughing.. "We all know that im never nice.. or i wouldn't be called the "Dangerous One" so it will probably happen because you two are nothing but one big "Fallen Soul" Sabastian adds.." Yea so if i were you two.. i would just take everything we give you including taking the pin and we will be your two time NFW Tag Team Champions..." Ryan replies as he shuts the door and the scene closes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the first round match for the Queen of the Ring Tournament, Shelley Silver defeated Serena Frost, by disqualification in 13:02, when Frost got frustrated and resorted to using a steel chair on Silver despite the referee looking right at them. Shelley Silver, therefore, advanced into the quarterfinals.
HANSON
"Now what the hell was the point of that?"
REYNOLDS
"Beats me, Nicky! Maybe she thought it was a no disqualification?"
HANSON
"I know the Renegades don't like to play by the rules, but if you're gonna fight for a championship, you gotta make compensations. This is a tournament, for god's sake!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The camera shifts to another area and we see Matt Klazzic making his way into the arena, wearing his new silver and black mask and in street clothes, greeted by cheers and applause from many of the stage hands and backstage agents in the back.*
"Thank you everyone," Klazzic says to the people cheering him. "But I don't really deserve any of this. I didn't win."
"That's not why we're cheering for you, Matt," one of the ring techs says. "You've shown us what hard work and determination is really all about. You didn't win, but you sure as hell didn't lose." The tech says as the other standing around start clapping again.
"Thanks guys, I really do appreciate it. But my work's not done. I'll admit, I wasn't sure I'd do as well as everyone said I did, but with all of you here, and those nice people out there...," Klazzic says as he points at the camera, causing the arena fans to cheer, "cheering me on, I'll show everyone in NFW that I'm not a one-man army. I have all of YOU, behind me!!!" Klazzic says as he points at the camera again "Thank you everyone for the love, but I have to go. Win or lose, I hope to do you all proud. Thank you!!!" Klazzic humbly says with a bow as he shakes hands with some of the staff as the camera focuses on him walking away for a moment before fading to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breaking the moderate silence in the arena, New Years Day's "Anthem of the Unwated" erupted over the speakers, drawing an instant pop from the Toronto crowd. Emerging through the curtain, the Women's Champion, Adrianna Salvatore appeared, dressed in ripped jeans, boots, a black hoodie tied round her waist, and a sleeveless, cropped black t-shirt bearing a 50/50 Italian/American flag with the phrase "Morte Prima Di Disonore" across it, just above where the top was cut. On her head, was a new Unwanted skullcap.
As usual, Mia was arrogantly hopping in circles around Adrianna as they walked out, this time forgoing a cosplay in favor of simple black nylon shorts and a tied-off "Small But Mighty" tee. Smirking as she thrust a middle finger into the camera, she turned and continued walking in step with her partner.
As they reached the ring, Adrianna climbed the turnbuckle as she usually did substituting her usual headbanging (due to her beanie) with throwing up the horns and rocking her hand in rhythm to the hook of the song -- the Women's Title, of course, being clutched in her other hand.
After she had stepped down from the turnbuckle (and Mia had calmed down, herself), Adrianna called for the mic, taking it upon herself to open things up this time. While she wasn't sure what to open up with, she certainly was going to try. "This is a first for me; I've never wrestled in Canada before...." She paused, looking around at the crowd as if she were worried about the reception. They still continued to cheer the two, though. "I guess you guys can say I'm still working on opening up with a mic in my hand. Forgive me if I'm at a little loss for words." Managing a small smirk in exchange for the re-encouraging pop from the crowd, she shot a shy smirk at her smaller yet more outgoing friend there with her before continuing. "I guess there's one thing I *can* definitely say. And that's that we're here a week and a half after the Vlad Blackheart Memorial and I still have *this!*" With that, she lifted the silver plated NFW Women's Championship over her head. The crowd roared their approval.
Hanson: "She's had that title for two hundred and forty seven days, Jim. You realize that, right?"
Reynolds: "Yup! And nobody can say she hasn't been fighting to keep it, either!"
Lowering the belt, Adrianna looked thoughtfully down at the floor before lifting her attention to the crowd, again. "I said this before, but I wanna say it again: I have nothing but the highest respect for my opponent in Chicago. Alex Brody doubted herself, it seemed, all the way up until it was go-time. She realized the challenge she was up against, and it scared the hell out of her. But you know what? She still stepped up to the plate. She walked down that aisle...she met me in this ring...and she gave me everything she had, and if you want me to be honest? I almost doubted myself for a minute in that match. There was a point where I started thinking 'this is it. This is where I lose this title.'" Pausing, Adrianna shook her head. "But, regardless of what goes on in my head, I never quit. I kept on fighting just as I always do and I'm still the top bitch in this company!" Adrianna paused again as the crowd popped, before continuing. "Now, today, a tournament started and we're waiting to see -- over the weeks -- who's gonna step up to the plate in January. Who's gonna try and take this title from me at WrestleWar? Frankly? I can't even wager a guess. There's still fifteen women who have the opportunity. But you know who doesn't have that opportunity anymore?" Adrianna turned sharply towards the stage. "Serena Frost!" The crowd booed as she said the woman's name.
"For some reason, you let it slip right through your fingers. No, in fact you pushed it out the window like the kid in Game of Thrones. You guys remember season one?" She looked around at the crowd.
A humored, "ohhhhhhhh" resonated through the crowd.
Reynolds: "Jesus, this bitch is savage!"
"And who knows why?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe you're like Shelley Silver and you don't actually care about championships. Or maybe...ooh...maybe...." A twisted grin played across her face that almost brought her back to her Circle of Snakes days. "Just maybe...you saw what was at the end of the tunnel. You realized what's waiting at the end of the road for the one who wins this tournament. You realized...*I'm* waiting...and you grew afraid. You got scared. Scared because you know, deep down, that just as I said before; you are *NOT* on my level, and you never...fucking...will be!!" Finally, Adrianna glimpsed around at the audience with a serious expression playing across her gorgeous features. "I could go on about everyone else in this tournament. Who do I think will win? Who do I hope to face?" She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Shit, Mouse here is in this too. I could easily be biased and say I hope she kicks everyone's asses so I can give her the opportunity she already deserves. Part of me *does* hope she wins. It's what friends do, but in the end? I'm gonna be getting ready for WrestleWar in January. I'm gonna be paying close attention to this tournament and watching each and every one of the competitors very closely. And to whoever does end up winning? You better be ready to bring your A game, because that's the only way *anyone* is gonna stand a chance in hell at surviving what I throw at them. A few names already know what they'll be up against if they win. The rest of you?" She shook her head slowly. "You have no...fucking...idea...." With that, she handed the microphone off to Mia and gave a playful, flirty little tap on her nose.
"She's right, you know." Mia added, shaking her head in amusement. "I've literally felt like I've been through a war just SPARRING with this woman. So imagine what it feels like when she actually WANTS to hurt you. Now... me? Sure, I'd like to win the tournament. I'd like to be the champion. EVENTUALLY. See, way I see it? Right now, my best friend is having on of the best runs in recent history. No damn way am I gonna try to interrupt that. If I win the tourament? Yeah. I'm saying it right now - I'll forfeit my title match immediately. Welcome to New, Selfless Mia, y'all."
Taking the microphone back, Adrianna looked at Mia, a little taken back by her sudden announcement. "I honestly don't know what to say to that, Mouse. I guess part of me should say 'thanks'. But nonetheless, I'm a fighting champion. So I want whoever does win to bring everything. If it is this girl?" She thumbed to Mia, addressing the crowd. "And she does forfeit? Give me the runner up. I don't care. Give me someone. Hell, give me that little skank Candi Broduer." Adrianna cracked a smile. "I'd take great pleasure in choking her sweet little ass out *again*. After all...third time's a charm. Maybe she'll realize whose bitch she *really* is." With a resounding "ooooooooohhh" from the crowd, Adrianna looked back at Mia with a half hearted shrug.
HANSON
"Wow...."
REYNOLDS
"Champ definitely doesn't mince for words, huh, Nicky?"
"Here's where I get serious for a minute." Mis said, rolling her eyes as clearly she heard someone in the crowd say something. "Yeah, I know. It happens occasionally. Anyway. So, it was awesome of Lara's gorgeous self to help out last week. And I know Candi and Adrianna have gotten pulled into this as well. But Serena? You and me... we're gonna settle this. You don't like me, and you know what? I don't like you either, you pasty little Raven-wannabe. So trust me: before this is all over? Me and you are gonna end up going at it one-on-one. And I mean a violent 'going at it', not the kind A's been trying to talk me into for months."
While Adrianna said nothing, in response, scattered laughs were heard from the crowd as the woman simply grinned, biting her lip with a suggestive look aimed directly at her tag team partner.
Before either of them could say anything else, Candi Broduer and Serena Frost appeared at the top of the ramp. No music, no theatrics... just the two of them, staring daggers at The Unwanted.
Candi held up a hand to quiet the crowd, before narrowing her eyes and bringing the microphone to her lips. "Enough. Every week, you come out here and run your mouth, thinking you're untouchable because of your friend there. And yeah... credit where it's due - we thought we had you dead to rights, and you had Blackheart ready to strike. But this time, you got nobody to help you out. We got people looking out for Blackheart, just in case.... AND we have a surprise of our own this week. The newest member of The Renegades."
HANSON
"New member?"
REYNOLDS
"Who the hell...?"
Ready for an inevitable fight, Adrianna dropped the microphone and began removing her vest where she tossed it out of the ring and took a ready stance as the lights dimmed down, leaving the arena in near total darkness.
REYNOLDS
"What the hell's going on, now, Nicky?!"
HANSON
"I don't---"
The announcers were cut off by the opening notes to Camelia and Hatsune Miku's "Splatter Party" coming on over the speakers. A downright, creepy Japanese song that eluded to a person's sanity or lack thereof. Fans in the crowd who had insight to who or what was coming, had come ready with red glowsticks, giving the effect of a glowing bloody wave taking over the arena. When the person in question appeared, stepping out from the curtain at a slow, nonchalant stroll, the rest of the crowd roared with surprise. The camera cut to a close up of the third woman appearing on stage to reveal:
HANSON
"OH MY GOD, JIM!!!!! IT'S ANGEL!!!!"
REYNOLDS
"WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING HERE?! I THOUGHT SHE LEFT!!"
Dressed in simple black boots, form fitting black leggings and a Renegades t-shirt underneath her cropped leather jacket with a fur collar (think Squall in FFVIII) she came to stand between Candi and Serena, staring eerily down at the ring with her white hair shrouding one side of her face, leaving just one eye exposed with a bright blue contact to stare soullessly down at the two in the ring. As "Splatter Party" continued, Angel looked sideways at Candi Broduer, then to Serena Frost before the three made their way down to the ring.
HANSON
"WE'VE BEEN SEEING HER TWEETS RECENTLY, JIM!!! JUST THIS MORNING, SHE SAID 'GET READY FOR A SURPRISE!'"
One by one, the two...no...*three* women of the Renegades, slid into the ring, coming to stand in a line in front of The Unwanted who were ready for a fight but seemed to be waiting for the other side to throw the first punch. As Angel's music faded out and the lights returned to normal, the crowd continued to buzz.
CROWD
"HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT!"
Rather than attacking out right, Angel stepped forward, staring coldly as she got right in Mia Hayashi's face. Mia moved out of her ready stance and stepped up to meet the woman, getting face to face with her, taunting her with words that the cameras couldn't pick up. In fact, it seemed like Mia was speaking Japanese, rather than English.
REYNOLDS
"Calm before the storm, Nicky. What's gonna happen?!"
Beside Mia and Angel, Adrianna Salvatore remained ready for a throwdown as she looked between Candi Broduer and Serena Frost.
HANSON
"We might wanna get security out here before something *does* happen!"
REYNOLDS
"Look at Angel! She's *smiling* Nicky! She looked pissed off on her way out here, but the crazy woman is *smiling*!"
HANSON
"What the hell is her issue with these two? That's what I wanna know!"
REYNOLDS
"Well, there's the Women's Champion for one. I guess Mia Hayashi's just in the w---"
Before James Reynolds could finish his words, Mia Hayashi suddenly cocked back, looking like she was about to throw a shot at Angel. With a quickness, Angel cocked back her own arm and suddenly turned sharply, giving Candi Broduer a stiff forearm to the side of the head!!
REYNOLDS
"WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!"
The crowd, after taking a second to register what was happening, was suddenly on their feet as the three on two brawl started. Only instead of what it looked like it was going to be, it ended up being The Unwanted and Angel taking it to Candi Broduer and Serena Frost, beating them back against the ropes where Mia Hayashi ran at Serena Frost with a clothesline, knocking her over the ropes and to the floor. As Adrianna Salvatore broke away from Candi Broduer to give her room, Angel took a position and poised for what was clearly a setup for the Steel Feather. Just when she was about to go for the kick, however, Serena grabbed Candi by the legs and pulled her to safety out of the ring. Frowning with disappointment, Angel took off her jacket and tossed it aside, opening her arms in an invitation for the confused Renegade girls to get back in the ring.
HANSON
"I don't understand! They said she was with the Renegades! Why did she--"
As Hanson exclaimed over his headset, Angel stepped back from the ropes and ripped her Renegades t-shirt open to reveal...and UNWANTED cutoff tee underneath!! The pop from the crowd grew even louder as Angel flung the Renegades shirt over the ropes, turning so every side of the audience could see where her new allegience truly lied.
REYNOLDS
"WHOOOOOAAA!!!! Surprise, surprise Nicky!!"
HANSON
"I'll say!!! I don't know how or when but it looks like The Unwanted pulled the wool over the Renegades' eyes!"
As Candi Broduer and Serena Frost backtracked up the ramp, absolutely FUMING with rage and confusion, Adrianna, Mia and Angel stood in the center of the ring, taking in the cheers from the crowd. As "Anthem of the Unwanted" by New Years Day resumed over the speakers, the camera focused on the, now, three woman team as the shot faded out to a commercial break.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Y'know, back in the 1940s we put Japanese Canadians in prison because the government thought they were spies...turned out they were just trying to get away from the war, had been here too long to be credible spies, or weren't even Japanese."
*Mannheim looks over at Scott, then to Pitt*
"They were imprisoned until the Japanese surrendered...that's war, and it's not always pretty. It doesn't always make sense either...but it's war. Seems to me Brody's trying to start another war, putting us up against CHAOS again tonight..."
"That's one way of looking at it..." Scott Leroux replied, raising an eyebrow at his partners and shaking his head. "Especially if you're the kind of nutjob that sees conspiracy theories in everything..." He added, before continuing right on to his point. "Or there's the more rational reason... that Brody knows any time he puts me and Okada in the ring together he gets gold..."
"Or maybe we've entered some sort of infinite time loop set in motion by...ALIENS!"
*Pitt overexaggerates the last word, attempting to impersonate Giorgio Tsoukalos and failing horribly. The three sit in Canadian themed adirondak chairs in a dressing room. Mannheim looks over at Pitt*
"Dude, you really need to stop binge watching that fucking show before bed. Jesus, why don't you just grow the fucking troll hair too?"
*Pitt shrugs*
"What can I say, Willy, it's entertaining. They think everything is because ALIENS!! Look, Scott's right. Sure, we're booked against the same guys again...but it doesn't make it some kind of war. I think you need to spill the beans. What's really bugging you?"
"Yeah, man. You seem even more tense and irrational than usual. Which is saying a goddamn LOT, Willy." Somehow, through all the years of warring, and tearing each other apart, Leroux and Mannheim had managed to build a friendship based almost entirely on mutual respect.
"Maybe I've got a little pent up aggression, I don't know...I'm not a psychologist. Regardless, we've gotta get our heads in the game, make a plan...other than the one you had last week, Scotty...that one's a keeper!"
*Pitt laughs*
"People are gonna lose their *beep*!"
"Dude. WE'RE gonna have a hard time keeping a straight face." Leroux replied, trying not to laugh just thinking about it. Somehow, while he'd once found Pitt's almost childlike playfulness obnoxious, now he found it oddly endearing. "I gotta finsih getting the supplies together, but... yeah, this is gonna be a classic."
"Let's keep the tags quick, boys...the more we keep them on their toes, the better off we are."
*Pitt nods at Mannheim*
"We got you, Willy...we know what's gotta be done, it's not hard to figure out! We go out there and we take it to CHAOS like a bulldog eating oatmeal..."
*Mannheim stares at Pitt*
"I swear to god, you come up with the most ridiculous analogies I've ever heard, you retarded monkey..."
"Willy. Don't stress. I mean it. CHAOS is damn good... but while I respect the hell out of Ishii and Goto... as long as we can keep Okada out of the match for enough time, I know damn well we can beat either of the other two." Leroux told him, snapping back into strategy-mode. "We keep Pitt on Ishii, keep me on Okada, and you should be able to break Goto like an egg."
*Mannheim nods in agreement*
"This elimination match is where we shine, boys. We show the rest of the promotion what we've been holding back..."
*Willy puts a hand each man's shoulder*
"..tonight we go out there and we show everyone why other countries don't like to piss off the Canadians."
*Pitt turns to Mannheim*
"It's because we have the most fresh water in the world, isn't it?"
Leroux looked to each man, and sighed. "....how in the actual fuck are you two multi-time tag team champions? How?"
*Pitt's smile virtually explodes off of his face*
"Easy, Scotty! You don't have to be a genius to throw hands..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the shot returned to ringside, the camera swept over the arena as the announce team prepared to call the next match.
HANSON
"Well folks, we're about ready for another tournament matchup. This one will be for the Battle of the Juniors and---" *Nick Hanson stops short before he exclaims with pleasant surprise in his voice* "Well hey!"
REYNOLDS
"What in the HELL are you doing here?!"
HANSON
"Be nice, Jim."
The camera cuts to the announce table where we see Matt Klazzic pulling up a chair next to Nick Hanson and taking a third, spare headset to place on over his mask.
KLAZZIC
"How's it going, Nick? Jim? You gentlemen don't mind if I join you, do you?"
HANSON
"Not at all! The more the merrier!"
REYNOLDS
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa. You're gonna call matches with us?"
KLAZZIC
"Well, I figured that would be clear as glass, Jim Reynolds, but if you're confused, yes. Absolutely."
HANSON
"Hey, it'll be interesting to get some input from someone who actually steps through those ropes for a living."
REYNOLDS
"You've gotta be kidding me...."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the first round of the Battle of the Juniors, Tyler Grey defeated Shingo Takagi, by pinfall in 20:38, after landing a twisting complete shot known as The Descent. As Disturbed's "The Best Ones Lie" ripped through the arena speakers, Tyler Grey's victory was met with a pop from the crowd.
HANSON
"WOW!! Welcome back, Tyler Grey!!"
KLAZZIC
"That's what I call a well deserved win, right there!"
REYNOLDS
"We haven't seen him in a few weeks since his tag team partner started making a run for the Heavyweight Championship but he is back with a PURPOSE!!"
HANSON
"Yeah, and that purpose is the Junior Heavyweight Championship! Can you imagine if GreyWolfe captures both of those belts?"
KLAZZIC
"Frankly, it's nice to see someone finally stick it to one of those scoundrels from Suzuki-Gun. You can stomp around like a bully all you want, but eventually, someone's gonna stomp back and tonight, that man is Tyler Grey!"
REYNOLDS
"Guys, Tyler Grey was a monster in there, just now. Are we sure he even qualifies as a junior? Jesus!"
HANSON
"Hard to believe, but he meets the weight limit, indeed. He just picked up a big win over Shingo Takagi, as well! Keep your eyes on this guy, folks!"
The show cuts to a commercial break.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Max LeBrun...what a fucking joke, guy!"
*Rick Dickulous' familiar voice can be heard as the screen remains black, followed by the flick of a lighter and a bubbling noise. As the picture fades in from black, Rick is shown holding a bong to his mouth, the water inside the clear red glass frothing as thick white smoke fills the neck. Rick lifts the bowl from the bong and the smoke clears from the neck. He sets the bong on the table and exhales a gigantic cloud of smoke, coughing a bit at the end*
"Y'know, beating his punk ass in the tournament made me realize something, eh? Without his little ragtag group of puckbunnies, Max ain't shit, buddy!"
"I saw the look on his face when he realized he wrote a cheque his ass couldn't cash, guy, and that opened up a whole new outlook on things...like when you finally get to the pond in January after hiking a mile through the bush with your skates and a stick and see a bunch of other guys already playing shinny. It's great, eh? Kinda gives that inspirational kick in the nuts you need to show 'em all how good you are...so, here we are, guy!"
*Rick chuckles*
"Am I jumping the gun by cashing in my shot this quick? Nah, guy, I know exactly what I'm doing. Some dude said the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and as much as people might think I'm dumb, I'm far from it - I learned from my old man, guy...and that probably shouldn't be forgotten. I mean, Willy was - no, IS great at laying long term plans, and that's exactly what this is...another part of a long term plan, guy!"
"This isn't necessarily about winning, buddy...it's about sending a message. Max thinks he's all that and a bag of chips, but after tonight all his little peons are gonna see him for what he really is - a potato and shit cassarole! I mean, who would want a giant helping of that, eh?"
*Rick reaches for the bong on the table and brings it back to his lips, hauling hard he pops the remnants through the bowl as the smoke billows up into his lungs. He draws in a deep breath after clearing the bong and exhales it at the camera*
"After tonight, Max, you're gonna end up where you belong - back in a midcard slot, fighting midcard opponents...sorry, not sorry, buddy! Hold onto your asses, York - your boy's comin' home to whup some Missisauga ass, guy!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Six Man Elimination Tag match saw a back and forth battle between the three men representing the Great White North and their opponents from CHAOS.
The first to be eliminated was Pitt when the crowd looked on in shocked amazement as Tomohiro Ishii, with Kazuchika Okada's help, hoisted the giant man up and delivered the Brainbuster. Moments later, Ishii was eliminated by Scott Leroux when he delivered the Corkscrew Nailbomb for the pinfall. Later into the match, Scott and Okada were both eliminated by countout when they failed to get back in the ring while trading offense, before the referee counted to 20.
Finally, at 17:29 into the match, after beating the hell out of one another, William Mannheim scored the final elimination to get the win for Great White North after hitting Hirooki Goto with a Jackknife Powerbomb for the pin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an absolute war of stiff shots and power moves that left many in the crowd with their jaws agape, Morgan Payne and Viper wrestled to a 17:10 finish that saw Morgan Payne go for a diving crossbody, only for Viper to catch her out of the air, then -- in one fluid motion -- flip Morgan up onto her shoulder and snap her down with the Viper Driver, giving a thunderous impact as Morgan's head connected with the canvas.
CROWD
"OHHHH!!"
REYNOLDS
"HOLY SHIT!!"
KLAZZIC
"Language, Jim! I'm pretty sure there's children watching!"
HANSON
"Took the words right out of my mouth, Jim! Here's the cover!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
"The Culling" filled the arena as the referee raised Viper's arm as Morgan Payne rolled out of the ring, holding an ice pack to her neck and accepted help from a ringside attendant towards the back.
HANSON
"Jim, Matt, I don't think I've ever seen ANYONE just absolutely manhandle Morgan Payne the way we just did."
KLAZZIC
"I hope she's okay but she's a tough girl. I'm sure she can shake it off."
REYNOLDS
"Yeah, unless Viper broke her neck. Don't let that pretty face fool you. She's an absolute monster in the ring and she'll take your head off!"
HANSON
"She'll plant it in the ground is more like it!"
REYNOLDS
"Well, she's my pick to win the whole thing! Calling it now!"
KLAZZIC
"Why am I not surprised?"
REYNOLDS
"Oh, who would you pick, smart guy?"
KLAZZIC
"Jim, you tend to pick people with nasty attitudes. Don't get me wrong, now! Viper seems like a nice lady, but we need someone with true heart to win this tournament! Someone with the drive of a future champion! Someone like...."
REYNOLDS
"Liiiiiike?"
HANSON
"Even I wanna hear this."
KLAZZIC
"Like Lionheart Alex Brody!!"
REYNOLDS
"Ohhhh come onnnn!!!! Seriously, Matt?!"
KLAZZIC
"Absolutely, Jim! You know what? You picked Viper, so I'm picking Miss Brody!"
REYNOLDS
"Alright, fine! Bet! Nicky, who're you picking?"
HANSON
"I'm staying out of this."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the backstage locker room area, the camera opened up on a pair of massive hands, adding the last bit of hand tape as the camera pans out to reveal one half of the new Tag Team Champions -- the monster Doomsday -- sitting in a chair as he tosses the remains of the tape roll aside and reached down to lift his half of the titles out of a worn out duffel bag. "Once again...the Dominion have stayed true to our word...." Doomsday said, simply, as he stood from his seat. "We've dominated both of the tag team divisions. And in time...just as Judas promised...we will stake claim to the rest...."
At first, only the back of The Crimson Sabre's head was visible as he listened, putting his mask on as his friend spoke. As Doomsday finished, Sabre turned around, now wearing a mask that was more of a custom prosthetic, like something a member of Slipknot would wear, a bloody re-imagining of The Pale Man from "Pan's Labyrinth". Picking up his own title belt, the male half of the Mixed Tag Team Champions stood, hilariously tiny compared to the monster in front of him. "We came back to defend our friend's honor... but before we leave again? Damn right we're gonna win a few more titles. I really think Judas and LeeAnn still each have a World Title left in them."
Even the tag team championship belt that Doomsday held looked awkwardly small in his hand. He would certainly never wear it around his waist. When it came to the idea of LeeAnn capturing the Women's Title, Doomsday paused in silent thought. "I can talk all I wish about how the boy carrying the Heavyweight Championship is a disgrace to what that belt stands for...and how Judas should end his career along with his reign. I'd be lying though...if I said I don't find myself at a crossroads when it comes to the other.... After all the work it took to destroy Abaddon...Adrianna can choose her own path again. Ironically, though...now she'll be the last obstacle for the Dominion obtaining one of the prizes we seek...." Who was he supposed to support here? The one who represented their pack in the women's division...or his own child who was helping give credence to women's wrestling by decimating all challengers just the way that one of her possible future opponents had taught her to do?
"That's your flesh and blood, man." Sabre told him, clapping him on the back supportively. "Nobody would blame you if you pulled for her. Hell, Lee wouldn't blame you. Besides... right now? We got these Mixed Tag Titles to defend. So get your head back in the game. Those idiots in The Fallen might be ridiculous... but you can't underestimate them, either."
Doomsday tilted his head up, maintaining his watch on Crimson Sabre. His broad shoulders shook with laughter under his jacket. "That's why tonight...inside that cage...they're going to find out the true meaning of violence.... When Belphegor and I are finished with them...they'll be known as the Fallen...not for how they wish to be recognized as...not as a couple of children playing games and trying to terrify people...but as two fools who stepped up to a couple of ruthless beasts...only to be swatted down and left in a broken mess..."
"Exactly." LeeAnn Viskan's voice chimed in, as the petite redhead walked into the frame, "That's how you've got to look at this, Matteo. Know that they're pathetic, but also know that desperate men do desperate things. And sometimes desperation can make men capable of feats they normally couldn't pull off."
With Crimson Sabre and LeeAnn Viskan both there, Doomsday looked like a mountain among mankind as he craned his head down, watching as the woman spoke. Maybe he *was* underestimating his and his partner's opponents tonight. Maybe he was out to cause more chaos and carnage than even the Dominion of Pain had intended -- which would be saying something. But LeeAnn's words made the man's eyes narrow under his mask with an amused glimmer in them. A suggestion that he was smiling beneath the leather that concealed his face. "Good...if they hope to so much as survive tonight's storm...then desperation is exactly what they will need."
"Then let's take Judas' lead here." LeeAnn said with a sadistic grin. "Let's go out there, fight through any pain or exhaustion, and make... people... hurt."
With that, Doomsday turned his dark gaze towards the camera, letting out a heavy sigh that sounded more akin to an animal's growl. "Steele...Young...I hope you're prepared for the storm that's coming. The clouds will darken...the roaring winds will be relentless...and with them...will be heavy showers...of blood...." Focusing on the menacing masks of Doomsday and Crimson Sabre as well as the wicked grin of LeeAnn, the camera shot slowly faded to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the next match for Battle of the Juniors, Nick Jackson defeated TAKA Michinoku, by pinfall in 10:18, after he slipped out of an attempt at the Michinoku Driver and delivered a deafening Superkick as TAKA turned around before immediately hooking his leg for the cover. This advanced Nick Jackson into the quarterfinals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the camera opens up backstage, we find the setting to be that of the Renegade's locker room. Max LeBrun is seen already adjusting his kickpads over his boots. The rest of his ring gear is already on, with the exception of his vest being swapped out for a Renegades' t-shirt until later in the evening. A look of deep focus is on his face as he tightens the pad around his shin. He also looks notably frustrated by events that unfolded earlier in the show.
"So, essentially, she fucked us." Max huffs as he tightens the straps on his kickpad and moves to pull on the other one. "Maybe there was a good reason her last manager kicked her ass to the curb." Max remarked, finally looking up and off camera as the angle pans back revealing the rest of the Renegades members.
"She completely embarrassed us is what she did." Julian Morrison replied, grunting as he punched the nearby wall in frustration. "Between that and... the "situation" we have going on with championships, we're in need of some big changes, I think. And SOON."
Max set his other foot down after tightening his other kickpad and leaned back against the wall on the bench he was sitting on. "Tell me about it. If I'd have known things were gonna play out like this, I would have planned things better. Now, it seems like we're back to the drawing board we still haven't gotten our message across."
"This group was my brainchild just as much as it was yours." Julian said, a potent combination of anger and disappointment in his tone. "Especially after what just happened... it's vital that people don't start to see us as a joke. And I think how the rest of tonight turns out should have a big impact on how we do things moving forward."
Max shook his head. "I can't speak for Ryan and Sabastian. Those two play to the beat of their own drum. They knew what our expectations of them were when they joined us. They know what we expect of them tonight. And as far as Rick Dickulous is concerned?" Max picked up the NFW Heavyweight Title and lifted it for Julian to see. "From my cold, dead, fucking hands. If that walking mountain of moose shit thinks he's cutting my run short, he's sadly fucking mistaken. I'm not even sweating Lasher at WrestleWar. What the hell makes him think he's any different? And let's not forget, I'm no idiot. I know damn well I've got two other motherfuckers that are gonna come gunning for this and---" Max suddenly stopped and looked off to the side as something occurred to him. "Whoa whoa wait a minute, wait a minute...." He turned back to Julian as that telltale cold smile crept across his face. "You said we need some changes, right? I fucking got it! We have to get everyone together."
Julian blinked in slight surprise. When max got this random ideas, they usually tended to be interesting to say the least. "...for a guy who's got like four dudes gunning for him at the same time, you are..... disturbingly chill right now, bro." He said, leaning against the lockers as he waited to hear what Max was thinking.
Max 'pffted' as he picked up a shaker cup that already had some sort of vitamin mixture in it and began shaking it. "Yeah, four guys who think all I do is talk shit and don't back it up. Why am I so calm? Because I think ten steps ahead of everyone else." He leaned down out of frame and popped back up with his phone in his hand, tapping away at his screen as he sent a text message to the Renegade members that weren't present at the moment. "Alright, I'm rallying up everyone else." Max said as he set the phone down, turning to Julian. "But here's what we do...." Max stopped, looking at the camera then. "What the hell are you still doing here? Take off! Private matter, jackass!" His hand came up, pie facing the camera and sending the camera man backwards, as the feed cut out to static.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Steel Cage match for the NFW Tag Team Championships was a 5:27 warzone that saw Ultra-Violence leave both members of the Fallen bloodied and battered. While Doomsday was also among ones bleeding, with red running down his black mask, he cinched the victory for he and Belphegor by planting Sabastian Young with the Mushroom Cloud for the pinfall. While Ryan Steel made a run to try and break it up, Belphegor wowed the audience by diving right over his tag team partner, delivering a Spear to Steele that sent he and Belphegor slamming against the cage wall as the ref made the three count.
ARDEN
"Here are your winners....AAAAND STILL....NFW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....ULTRAAAAA-VIOLEEEEENCE!!!!!"
As Calavera Conspiracy took over the speakers, the referee retrieved the tag titles from outside. Doomsday, after taking his, pressed the center plate against Sabastian Young's bloodied face to leave a red smear across the gold, before wiping his hand across the man's face and smearing the blood from his palm across his own chest like a grotesque badge of honor.
REYNOLDS
"Well, if anyone doubted them as the champions, I'd say they just silenced everyone by beating the former champs. Twice."
HANSON
"That was more than just a win, Jim. I feel like this match could have ended sooner. These guys just wanted to do exactly what LeeAnn Viskan said: make people hurt!"
KLAZZIC
"That was almost despicable, in my eyes! You guys call that wrestling?! Looked more like a prison brawl!"
REYNOLDS
"You don't like cage matches, Matt? I thought you were all about classic wrestling!"
KLAZZIC
"I love a good cage match when you have two top competitors involved but those two guys just wanna go around breaking people down! And they're representing our company's tag team division?!"
HANSON
"Calm down, Matt."
KLAZZIC
"I will *not* calm down, Nick!"
REYNOLDS
"Would you have been happier if the Fallen recaptured the titles, Matt?"
KLAZZIC
"Absolutely not! Both of those teams need a lesson in manners and humility! Frankly, it's a damn shame that the McKeesport Mafia aren't still holding those belts! They may be a little rough around the edges but at least they've got respect when it comes to their opponents!"
REYNOLDS
"Matt, Andrew Payne and Carmine Moretti beat the hell out of Tama Tonga in the Vlad Blackheart Memorial. You call that respect?"
KLAZZIC
"I call that due process, Jim. Tama Tonga's a punk with a nasty attitude and after he laid hands on Andrew Payne's daughter, he had it coming!"
As Ultra-Violence made their exit up the ramp, Doomsday called the camera over where he lifted his blood smeared belt up to be seen. "Molon...Labe...."
REYNOLDS
"Did you catch that, Nicky?"
HANSON
"Ah, not reall---"
KLAZZIC
"That's Greek for 'come and get it', Jim."
REYNOLDS
"Now how the hell do *you* know that?"
KLAZZIC
"The mind is one of the strongest weapons, Jim Reynolds! Ya gotta keep it as sharp as the body!"
HANSON
"Hey, I like that."
KLAZZIC
"Thank you, Nick!"
REYNOLDS
"Hoooly shit, I'm gonna have a migraine around you two!"
KLAZZIC
"Simmer down, Jim. We've still got the main event."
HANSON
"Nevertheless, it sounds like Doomsday and Belphegor are laying it on the line. Any tag team that wants those belts? Step on up!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the main event of the evening, Rick Dickulous and Max LeBrun wrestled well passed twenty minutes in a match that saw the Heavyweight Champion hold his own surprisingly well against a man who essentially dwarfed him in size.
REYNOLDS
"I have to admit, guys, like him or not, Max is holding out to Rick pretty damn good!"
KLAZZIC
"Frankly, I hope Max LeBrun gets some manners beaten into him by Rick Dickulous."
REYNOLDS
"Well, you're not unbiased at all."
KLAZZIC
"As if you are?"
HANSON
"Will you two stop bickering? We've got a match to call here!"
After several more minutes into the match, Max LeBrun faked a Slapshot attempt that goaded Rick Dickulous into raising his hands to catch the kick that didn't come. Instead, he caught the challenger with a low superkick to the knee that caused Rick to buckle.
KLAZZIC
"Oh, that was dirty!"
REYNOLDS
"That was great!!!"
Immediately after, as Rick fell to one knee, Max LeBrun snapped his foot up again.
HANSON
"SLAPSHOT!!!! THERE IT IS!!!"
REYNOLDS
"QUICK LIKE A SNAKE, BOYS!!"
KLAZZIC
"NO!! GET UP, RICK!!!"
Without wasting time, Max LeBrun threw himself over Rick Dickulous to make the cover.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR--
But Rick Dickulous kicked out!!
KLAZZIC
"YES!!!!!"
HANSON
"HOW DID HE DO THAT?!"
KLAZZIC
"He's got the true heart of a champion, Nick!"
REYNOLDS
"Would you shut--UP?!"
Max LeBrun got back to his feet, getting in the referee's face, arguing with him about the speed of his count. Slapping his hand and throwing three fingers in his face.
HANSON
"The champ's arguing about the count."
KLAZZIC
"Well, of course he is! What do you expect from him?!"
REYNOLDS
"Hey, even I have to admit, it looked a little slow."
As the announce team debated the referee's count from the table, a commotion suddenly came from the crowd. Surprised boos and cheers mixed in as the curtain on the stage flew open!!
HANSON
"WAIT A MINUTE, GUYS!!! WHAT THE HELL?!"
KLAZZIC
"WHAT THE HECK IS HE DOING HERE?!?!"
REYNOLDS
"DON'T LET HIM GET ME!!"
As we hear the announcers exclaim, the crowd looked on in surprise as DOOMSDAY appeared again, that night, and hit the ring running!! Without wasting a single second, he slid into the ring and came running at Max LeBrun!!
HANSON
"SPEAR!!!!! DOOMSDAY JUST SPEARED THE CHAMP!!"
KLAZZIC
"WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!"
~DING DING DING DING DING~
The referee called for the bell as Doomsday flipped his hair out of his face and got to his feet, leaving Max LeBrun writhing on the mat.
ARDEN
"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, as a result of a disqualification...AAAAAND STIIIILLL....NFW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION....THE TORONTO DAREDEVIL...MAX...LEBRUUUUUUN!!"
HANSON
"What the hell is Doomsday doing out here?! He just ruined an amazing title match!!"
KLAZZIC
"I bet this had something to do with Max LeBrun's 'idea' he mentioned, earlier!"
HANSON
"Well, now, I wouldn't go that far. The Renegades don't exactly get along with the Dominion of Pain. Remember?"
REYNOLDS
"Waaaaaait, a minute guys. I think I know what brought him out here!"
As James Reynolds said this, Doomsday slowly turned towards Rick Dickulous as the challenger got to his feet, realizing what just happened. Wiping the sweat from his face, he walked towards Doomsday, pushing his forehead against the masked man's.
KLAZZIC
"This isn't good! We better get someone to separate these two!"
HANSON
"They can't touch each other! Per Steven Bro---"
REYNOLDS
"Correction, Nicky! Commissioner Brody stated specifically during the tournament! The Vlad Blackheart Memorial's over!"
As if on cue, Rick Dickulous shoved Doomsday back with a clearly audible "FUCK YOU, GUY!"
KLAZZIC
"We apologize for the language, folks, all of you watching at home!"
It was the last straw before Doomsday exploded and began throwing shots at Rick Dickulous. In return, Rick Dickulous fired back with shots of his own, immediately getting the crowd on their feet!
HANSON
"HERE WE GO!!!! THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO GET AT EACH OTHER!!!"
What started out as a stand up exchange of closed fists and forearms soon went to the floor as Rick Dickulous shot for Doomsday's legs and hit him with Jiujitsu takedown and went back to throwing blows down at him. The two fought on the floor for a dominant position as security staff and referees came rushing from backstage and into the ring to try and break them apart. When they finally separated the two, it was barely for a few seconds before BOTH men turned and started throwing shots at the security and referees in order to be able to get back at each other. Once enough of the men had been beaten off, Rick Dickulous and Doomsday collided again, this time with Doomsday lifting Rick and running him into a corner where he started throwing body shots at the younger wrestler.
REYNOLDS
"THIS IS INSANE!!!"
KLAZZIC
"THEY CAN'T JUST LAY HANDS ON THE STAFF LIKE THAT!!"
HANSON
"SOMEONE'S GOTTA STOP THIS!!!"
The commotion from the crowd grew louder as more referees and security began to pour from the backstage. In addition, the rest of the NFW roster began to appear -- some still in their ring gear from their earlier matches -- all rushing to the ring to pull Doomsday and Rick Dickulous apart!!
REYNOLDS
"WE'VE GOT THE ENTIRE LOCKER ROOM OUT HERE!!"
HANSON
"MAYBE THIS IS WHAT IT'LL TAKE TO GET THEM APART!!
REYNOLDS
"MATT!! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?!"
KLAZZIC
"I'VE GOTTA HELP!!"
Matt Klazzic can be heard throwing off his headset as he then appears on camera, rushing into the ring to help the rest of the roster keep Rick and Doomsday apart. In the end, it was Rick Dickulous who calmed down first while it took a mob of men to force Doomsday back up the ramp and towards the backstage area.
HANSON
"Well thank god, for that!"
Inside the ring, Rick Dickulous held his hands up, assuring the staff and wrestlers holding him back that he was calmed down. After a moment, he was released as the men and women began exiting the ring.
REYNOLDS
"Hahahaha, that was fucking awesome, Nicky!!!!"
HANSON
"Are you serious, right now?"
REYNOLDS
"I am!! They should have let them fight! Get it out of their system!!"
HANSON
"Welcome back, Matt. You okay?"
We hear Matt Klazzic putting his headset on again.
KLAZZIC
"Fine, Nick. Thanks for asking. Boy, that was crazy! First a perfectly good main event ruined and then *that!*"
HANSON
"Well, it looks like we've finally got those two separated! I'm sure Commissioner Brody will have something to say next week! Until then, for Matt Klazzic and James Reynolds, I'm Nick Hanson! So long, everyone!"
REYNOLDS
"WHOA!!! WAIT, NICKY!!!"
Just as the copywright card flashes at the bottom of the screen and the screen JUST starts to go to black, the music abruptly cuts as Rick gets hit from behind and falls down on his face. Behind him stands Zack Sabre Jr., holding the Silver Mountain Championship.
HANSON
"WHAT THE HELL?!?!"
REYNOLDS
"ZACK SABRE JUNIOR!!!"
KLAZZIC
"WHAT'S HIS PROBLEM?!?!"
As the fans boo, Sabre leans down on the fallen Rick as ringside officials try to get him to back away, holding the title. Zack looks at the title, looks back at Rick, and says, "I want my shot, 'champ.' Shine it up real nice, sunshine, because this title is leaving with me the next time we face off...," as the camera finally fades to black with Sabre staring down on the defenseless Rick with the Silver Mountain title in his hand.
KLAZZIC
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THIS IS WHEN HE DECIDES TO MAKE HIS CHALLENGE?! WHAT A JOKE!"
REYNOLDS
"Well, talk about seizing the opportunity!!"
HANSON
"Just when we thought things couldn't get any crazier!! Again, we've gotta sign off for tonight!! So long, ladies and gentlemen!!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the first round match for the Queen of the Ring Tournament, Shelley Silver defeated Serena Frost, by disqualification in 13:02, when Frost got frustrated and resorted to using a steel chair on Silver despite the referee looking right at them. Shelley Silver, therefore, advanced into the quarterfinals.
HANSON
"Now what the hell was the point of that?"
REYNOLDS
"Beats me, Nicky! Maybe she thought it was a no disqualification?"
HANSON
"I know the Renegades don't like to play by the rules, but if you're gonna fight for a championship, you gotta make compensations. This is a tournament, for god's sake!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The camera shifts to another area and we see Matt Klazzic making his way into the arena, wearing his new silver and black mask and in street clothes, greeted by cheers and applause from many of the stage hands and backstage agents in the back.*
"Thank you everyone," Klazzic says to the people cheering him. "But I don't really deserve any of this. I didn't win."
"That's not why we're cheering for you, Matt," one of the ring techs says. "You've shown us what hard work and determination is really all about. You didn't win, but you sure as hell didn't lose." The tech says as the other standing around start clapping again.
"Thanks guys, I really do appreciate it. But my work's not done. I'll admit, I wasn't sure I'd do as well as everyone said I did, but with all of you here, and those nice people out there...," Klazzic says as he points at the camera, causing the arena fans to cheer, "cheering me on, I'll show everyone in NFW that I'm not a one-man army. I have all of YOU, behind me!!!" Klazzic says as he points at the camera again "Thank you everyone for the love, but I have to go. Win or lose, I hope to do you all proud. Thank you!!!" Klazzic humbly says with a bow as he shakes hands with some of the staff as the camera focuses on him walking away for a moment before fading to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breaking the moderate silence in the arena, New Years Day's "Anthem of the Unwated" erupted over the speakers, drawing an instant pop from the Toronto crowd. Emerging through the curtain, the Women's Champion, Adrianna Salvatore appeared, dressed in ripped jeans, boots, a black hoodie tied round her waist, and a sleeveless, cropped black t-shirt bearing a 50/50 Italian/American flag with the phrase "Morte Prima Di Disonore" across it, just above where the top was cut. On her head, was a new Unwanted skullcap.
As usual, Mia was arrogantly hopping in circles around Adrianna as they walked out, this time forgoing a cosplay in favor of simple black nylon shorts and a tied-off "Small But Mighty" tee. Smirking as she thrust a middle finger into the camera, she turned and continued walking in step with her partner.
As they reached the ring, Adrianna climbed the turnbuckle as she usually did substituting her usual headbanging (due to her beanie) with throwing up the horns and rocking her hand in rhythm to the hook of the song -- the Women's Title, of course, being clutched in her other hand.
After she had stepped down from the turnbuckle (and Mia had calmed down, herself), Adrianna called for the mic, taking it upon herself to open things up this time. While she wasn't sure what to open up with, she certainly was going to try. "This is a first for me; I've never wrestled in Canada before...." She paused, looking around at the crowd as if she were worried about the reception. They still continued to cheer the two, though. "I guess you guys can say I'm still working on opening up with a mic in my hand. Forgive me if I'm at a little loss for words." Managing a small smirk in exchange for the re-encouraging pop from the crowd, she shot a shy smirk at her smaller yet more outgoing friend there with her before continuing. "I guess there's one thing I *can* definitely say. And that's that we're here a week and a half after the Vlad Blackheart Memorial and I still have *this!*" With that, she lifted the silver plated NFW Women's Championship over her head. The crowd roared their approval.
Hanson: "She's had that title for two hundred and forty seven days, Jim. You realize that, right?"
Reynolds: "Yup! And nobody can say she hasn't been fighting to keep it, either!"
Lowering the belt, Adrianna looked thoughtfully down at the floor before lifting her attention to the crowd, again. "I said this before, but I wanna say it again: I have nothing but the highest respect for my opponent in Chicago. Alex Brody doubted herself, it seemed, all the way up until it was go-time. She realized the challenge she was up against, and it scared the hell out of her. But you know what? She still stepped up to the plate. She walked down that aisle...she met me in this ring...and she gave me everything she had, and if you want me to be honest? I almost doubted myself for a minute in that match. There was a point where I started thinking 'this is it. This is where I lose this title.'" Pausing, Adrianna shook her head. "But, regardless of what goes on in my head, I never quit. I kept on fighting just as I always do and I'm still the top bitch in this company!" Adrianna paused again as the crowd popped, before continuing. "Now, today, a tournament started and we're waiting to see -- over the weeks -- who's gonna step up to the plate in January. Who's gonna try and take this title from me at WrestleWar? Frankly? I can't even wager a guess. There's still fifteen women who have the opportunity. But you know who doesn't have that opportunity anymore?" Adrianna turned sharply towards the stage. "Serena Frost!" The crowd booed as she said the woman's name.
"For some reason, you let it slip right through your fingers. No, in fact you pushed it out the window like the kid in Game of Thrones. You guys remember season one?" She looked around at the crowd.
A humored, "ohhhhhhhh" resonated through the crowd.
Reynolds: "Jesus, this bitch is savage!"
"And who knows why?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe you're like Shelley Silver and you don't actually care about championships. Or maybe...ooh...maybe...." A twisted grin played across her face that almost brought her back to her Circle of Snakes days. "Just maybe...you saw what was at the end of the tunnel. You realized what's waiting at the end of the road for the one who wins this tournament. You realized...*I'm* waiting...and you grew afraid. You got scared. Scared because you know, deep down, that just as I said before; you are *NOT* on my level, and you never...fucking...will be!!" Finally, Adrianna glimpsed around at the audience with a serious expression playing across her gorgeous features. "I could go on about everyone else in this tournament. Who do I think will win? Who do I hope to face?" She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Shit, Mouse here is in this too. I could easily be biased and say I hope she kicks everyone's asses so I can give her the opportunity she already deserves. Part of me *does* hope she wins. It's what friends do, but in the end? I'm gonna be getting ready for WrestleWar in January. I'm gonna be paying close attention to this tournament and watching each and every one of the competitors very closely. And to whoever does end up winning? You better be ready to bring your A game, because that's the only way *anyone* is gonna stand a chance in hell at surviving what I throw at them. A few names already know what they'll be up against if they win. The rest of you?" She shook her head slowly. "You have no...fucking...idea...." With that, she handed the microphone off to Mia and gave a playful, flirty little tap on her nose.
"She's right, you know." Mia added, shaking her head in amusement. "I've literally felt like I've been through a war just SPARRING with this woman. So imagine what it feels like when she actually WANTS to hurt you. Now... me? Sure, I'd like to win the tournament. I'd like to be the champion. EVENTUALLY. See, way I see it? Right now, my best friend is having on of the best runs in recent history. No damn way am I gonna try to interrupt that. If I win the tourament? Yeah. I'm saying it right now - I'll forfeit my title match immediately. Welcome to New, Selfless Mia, y'all."
Taking the microphone back, Adrianna looked at Mia, a little taken back by her sudden announcement. "I honestly don't know what to say to that, Mouse. I guess part of me should say 'thanks'. But nonetheless, I'm a fighting champion. So I want whoever does win to bring everything. If it is this girl?" She thumbed to Mia, addressing the crowd. "And she does forfeit? Give me the runner up. I don't care. Give me someone. Hell, give me that little skank Candi Broduer." Adrianna cracked a smile. "I'd take great pleasure in choking her sweet little ass out *again*. After all...third time's a charm. Maybe she'll realize whose bitch she *really* is." With a resounding "ooooooooohhh" from the crowd, Adrianna looked back at Mia with a half hearted shrug.
HANSON
"Wow...."
REYNOLDS
"Champ definitely doesn't mince for words, huh, Nicky?"
"Here's where I get serious for a minute." Mis said, rolling her eyes as clearly she heard someone in the crowd say something. "Yeah, I know. It happens occasionally. Anyway. So, it was awesome of Lara's gorgeous self to help out last week. And I know Candi and Adrianna have gotten pulled into this as well. But Serena? You and me... we're gonna settle this. You don't like me, and you know what? I don't like you either, you pasty little Raven-wannabe. So trust me: before this is all over? Me and you are gonna end up going at it one-on-one. And I mean a violent 'going at it', not the kind A's been trying to talk me into for months."
While Adrianna said nothing, in response, scattered laughs were heard from the crowd as the woman simply grinned, biting her lip with a suggestive look aimed directly at her tag team partner.
Before either of them could say anything else, Candi Broduer and Serena Frost appeared at the top of the ramp. No music, no theatrics... just the two of them, staring daggers at The Unwanted.
Candi held up a hand to quiet the crowd, before narrowing her eyes and bringing the microphone to her lips. "Enough. Every week, you come out here and run your mouth, thinking you're untouchable because of your friend there. And yeah... credit where it's due - we thought we had you dead to rights, and you had Blackheart ready to strike. But this time, you got nobody to help you out. We got people looking out for Blackheart, just in case.... AND we have a surprise of our own this week. The newest member of The Renegades."
HANSON
"New member?"
REYNOLDS
"Who the hell...?"
Ready for an inevitable fight, Adrianna dropped the microphone and began removing her vest where she tossed it out of the ring and took a ready stance as the lights dimmed down, leaving the arena in near total darkness.
REYNOLDS
"What the hell's going on, now, Nicky?!"
HANSON
"I don't---"
The announcers were cut off by the opening notes to Camelia and Hatsune Miku's "Splatter Party" coming on over the speakers. A downright, creepy Japanese song that eluded to a person's sanity or lack thereof. Fans in the crowd who had insight to who or what was coming, had come ready with red glowsticks, giving the effect of a glowing bloody wave taking over the arena. When the person in question appeared, stepping out from the curtain at a slow, nonchalant stroll, the rest of the crowd roared with surprise. The camera cut to a close up of the third woman appearing on stage to reveal:
HANSON
"OH MY GOD, JIM!!!!! IT'S ANGEL!!!!"
REYNOLDS
"WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING HERE?! I THOUGHT SHE LEFT!!"
Dressed in simple black boots, form fitting black leggings and a Renegades t-shirt underneath her cropped leather jacket with a fur collar (think Squall in FFVIII) she came to stand between Candi and Serena, staring eerily down at the ring with her white hair shrouding one side of her face, leaving just one eye exposed with a bright blue contact to stare soullessly down at the two in the ring. As "Splatter Party" continued, Angel looked sideways at Candi Broduer, then to Serena Frost before the three made their way down to the ring.
HANSON
"WE'VE BEEN SEEING HER TWEETS RECENTLY, JIM!!! JUST THIS MORNING, SHE SAID 'GET READY FOR A SURPRISE!'"
One by one, the two...no...*three* women of the Renegades, slid into the ring, coming to stand in a line in front of The Unwanted who were ready for a fight but seemed to be waiting for the other side to throw the first punch. As Angel's music faded out and the lights returned to normal, the crowd continued to buzz.
CROWD
"HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT!"
Rather than attacking out right, Angel stepped forward, staring coldly as she got right in Mia Hayashi's face. Mia moved out of her ready stance and stepped up to meet the woman, getting face to face with her, taunting her with words that the cameras couldn't pick up. In fact, it seemed like Mia was speaking Japanese, rather than English.
REYNOLDS
"Calm before the storm, Nicky. What's gonna happen?!"
Beside Mia and Angel, Adrianna Salvatore remained ready for a throwdown as she looked between Candi Broduer and Serena Frost.
HANSON
"We might wanna get security out here before something *does* happen!"
REYNOLDS
"Look at Angel! She's *smiling* Nicky! She looked pissed off on her way out here, but the crazy woman is *smiling*!"
HANSON
"What the hell is her issue with these two? That's what I wanna know!"
REYNOLDS
"Well, there's the Women's Champion for one. I guess Mia Hayashi's just in the w---"
Before James Reynolds could finish his words, Mia Hayashi suddenly cocked back, looking like she was about to throw a shot at Angel. With a quickness, Angel cocked back her own arm and suddenly turned sharply, giving Candi Broduer a stiff forearm to the side of the head!!
REYNOLDS
"WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!"
The crowd, after taking a second to register what was happening, was suddenly on their feet as the three on two brawl started. Only instead of what it looked like it was going to be, it ended up being The Unwanted and Angel taking it to Candi Broduer and Serena Frost, beating them back against the ropes where Mia Hayashi ran at Serena Frost with a clothesline, knocking her over the ropes and to the floor. As Adrianna Salvatore broke away from Candi Broduer to give her room, Angel took a position and poised for what was clearly a setup for the Steel Feather. Just when she was about to go for the kick, however, Serena grabbed Candi by the legs and pulled her to safety out of the ring. Frowning with disappointment, Angel took off her jacket and tossed it aside, opening her arms in an invitation for the confused Renegade girls to get back in the ring.
HANSON
"I don't understand! They said she was with the Renegades! Why did she--"
As Hanson exclaimed over his headset, Angel stepped back from the ropes and ripped her Renegades t-shirt open to reveal...and UNWANTED cutoff tee underneath!! The pop from the crowd grew even louder as Angel flung the Renegades shirt over the ropes, turning so every side of the audience could see where her new allegience truly lied.
REYNOLDS
"WHOOOOOAAA!!!! Surprise, surprise Nicky!!"
HANSON
"I'll say!!! I don't know how or when but it looks like The Unwanted pulled the wool over the Renegades' eyes!"
As Candi Broduer and Serena Frost backtracked up the ramp, absolutely FUMING with rage and confusion, Adrianna, Mia and Angel stood in the center of the ring, taking in the cheers from the crowd. As "Anthem of the Unwanted" by New Years Day resumed over the speakers, the camera focused on the, now, three woman team as the shot faded out to a commercial break.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Y'know, back in the 1940s we put Japanese Canadians in prison because the government thought they were spies...turned out they were just trying to get away from the war, had been here too long to be credible spies, or weren't even Japanese."
*Mannheim looks over at Scott, then to Pitt*
"They were imprisoned until the Japanese surrendered...that's war, and it's not always pretty. It doesn't always make sense either...but it's war. Seems to me Brody's trying to start another war, putting us up against CHAOS again tonight..."
"That's one way of looking at it..." Scott Leroux replied, raising an eyebrow at his partners and shaking his head. "Especially if you're the kind of nutjob that sees conspiracy theories in everything..." He added, before continuing right on to his point. "Or there's the more rational reason... that Brody knows any time he puts me and Okada in the ring together he gets gold..."
"Or maybe we've entered some sort of infinite time loop set in motion by...ALIENS!"
*Pitt overexaggerates the last word, attempting to impersonate Giorgio Tsoukalos and failing horribly. The three sit in Canadian themed adirondak chairs in a dressing room. Mannheim looks over at Pitt*
"Dude, you really need to stop binge watching that fucking show before bed. Jesus, why don't you just grow the fucking troll hair too?"
*Pitt shrugs*
"What can I say, Willy, it's entertaining. They think everything is because ALIENS!! Look, Scott's right. Sure, we're booked against the same guys again...but it doesn't make it some kind of war. I think you need to spill the beans. What's really bugging you?"
"Yeah, man. You seem even more tense and irrational than usual. Which is saying a goddamn LOT, Willy." Somehow, through all the years of warring, and tearing each other apart, Leroux and Mannheim had managed to build a friendship based almost entirely on mutual respect.
"Maybe I've got a little pent up aggression, I don't know...I'm not a psychologist. Regardless, we've gotta get our heads in the game, make a plan...other than the one you had last week, Scotty...that one's a keeper!"
*Pitt laughs*
"People are gonna lose their *beep*!"
"Dude. WE'RE gonna have a hard time keeping a straight face." Leroux replied, trying not to laugh just thinking about it. Somehow, while he'd once found Pitt's almost childlike playfulness obnoxious, now he found it oddly endearing. "I gotta finsih getting the supplies together, but... yeah, this is gonna be a classic."
"Let's keep the tags quick, boys...the more we keep them on their toes, the better off we are."
*Pitt nods at Mannheim*
"We got you, Willy...we know what's gotta be done, it's not hard to figure out! We go out there and we take it to CHAOS like a bulldog eating oatmeal..."
*Mannheim stares at Pitt*
"I swear to god, you come up with the most ridiculous analogies I've ever heard, you retarded monkey..."
"Willy. Don't stress. I mean it. CHAOS is damn good... but while I respect the hell out of Ishii and Goto... as long as we can keep Okada out of the match for enough time, I know damn well we can beat either of the other two." Leroux told him, snapping back into strategy-mode. "We keep Pitt on Ishii, keep me on Okada, and you should be able to break Goto like an egg."
*Mannheim nods in agreement*
"This elimination match is where we shine, boys. We show the rest of the promotion what we've been holding back..."
*Willy puts a hand each man's shoulder*
"..tonight we go out there and we show everyone why other countries don't like to piss off the Canadians."
*Pitt turns to Mannheim*
"It's because we have the most fresh water in the world, isn't it?"
Leroux looked to each man, and sighed. "....how in the actual fuck are you two multi-time tag team champions? How?"
*Pitt's smile virtually explodes off of his face*
"Easy, Scotty! You don't have to be a genius to throw hands..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the shot returned to ringside, the camera swept over the arena as the announce team prepared to call the next match.
HANSON
"Well folks, we're about ready for another tournament matchup. This one will be for the Battle of the Juniors and---" *Nick Hanson stops short before he exclaims with pleasant surprise in his voice* "Well hey!"
REYNOLDS
"What in the HELL are you doing here?!"
HANSON
"Be nice, Jim."
The camera cuts to the announce table where we see Matt Klazzic pulling up a chair next to Nick Hanson and taking a third, spare headset to place on over his mask.
KLAZZIC
"How's it going, Nick? Jim? You gentlemen don't mind if I join you, do you?"
HANSON
"Not at all! The more the merrier!"
REYNOLDS
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa. You're gonna call matches with us?"
KLAZZIC
"Well, I figured that would be clear as glass, Jim Reynolds, but if you're confused, yes. Absolutely."
HANSON
"Hey, it'll be interesting to get some input from someone who actually steps through those ropes for a living."
REYNOLDS
"You've gotta be kidding me...."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the first round of the Battle of the Juniors, Tyler Grey defeated Shingo Takagi, by pinfall in 20:38, after landing a twisting complete shot known as The Descent. As Disturbed's "The Best Ones Lie" ripped through the arena speakers, Tyler Grey's victory was met with a pop from the crowd.
HANSON
"WOW!! Welcome back, Tyler Grey!!"
KLAZZIC
"That's what I call a well deserved win, right there!"
REYNOLDS
"We haven't seen him in a few weeks since his tag team partner started making a run for the Heavyweight Championship but he is back with a PURPOSE!!"
HANSON
"Yeah, and that purpose is the Junior Heavyweight Championship! Can you imagine if GreyWolfe captures both of those belts?"
KLAZZIC
"Frankly, it's nice to see someone finally stick it to one of those scoundrels from Suzuki-Gun. You can stomp around like a bully all you want, but eventually, someone's gonna stomp back and tonight, that man is Tyler Grey!"
REYNOLDS
"Guys, Tyler Grey was a monster in there, just now. Are we sure he even qualifies as a junior? Jesus!"
HANSON
"Hard to believe, but he meets the weight limit, indeed. He just picked up a big win over Shingo Takagi, as well! Keep your eyes on this guy, folks!"
The show cuts to a commercial break.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Max LeBrun...what a fucking joke, guy!"
*Rick Dickulous' familiar voice can be heard as the screen remains black, followed by the flick of a lighter and a bubbling noise. As the picture fades in from black, Rick is shown holding a bong to his mouth, the water inside the clear red glass frothing as thick white smoke fills the neck. Rick lifts the bowl from the bong and the smoke clears from the neck. He sets the bong on the table and exhales a gigantic cloud of smoke, coughing a bit at the end*
"Y'know, beating his punk ass in the tournament made me realize something, eh? Without his little ragtag group of puckbunnies, Max ain't shit, buddy!"
"I saw the look on his face when he realized he wrote a cheque his ass couldn't cash, guy, and that opened up a whole new outlook on things...like when you finally get to the pond in January after hiking a mile through the bush with your skates and a stick and see a bunch of other guys already playing shinny. It's great, eh? Kinda gives that inspirational kick in the nuts you need to show 'em all how good you are...so, here we are, guy!"
*Rick chuckles*
"Am I jumping the gun by cashing in my shot this quick? Nah, guy, I know exactly what I'm doing. Some dude said the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and as much as people might think I'm dumb, I'm far from it - I learned from my old man, guy...and that probably shouldn't be forgotten. I mean, Willy was - no, IS great at laying long term plans, and that's exactly what this is...another part of a long term plan, guy!"
"This isn't necessarily about winning, buddy...it's about sending a message. Max thinks he's all that and a bag of chips, but after tonight all his little peons are gonna see him for what he really is - a potato and shit cassarole! I mean, who would want a giant helping of that, eh?"
*Rick reaches for the bong on the table and brings it back to his lips, hauling hard he pops the remnants through the bowl as the smoke billows up into his lungs. He draws in a deep breath after clearing the bong and exhales it at the camera*
"After tonight, Max, you're gonna end up where you belong - back in a midcard slot, fighting midcard opponents...sorry, not sorry, buddy! Hold onto your asses, York - your boy's comin' home to whup some Missisauga ass, guy!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Six Man Elimination Tag match saw a back and forth battle between the three men representing the Great White North and their opponents from CHAOS.
The first to be eliminated was Pitt when the crowd looked on in shocked amazement as Tomohiro Ishii, with Kazuchika Okada's help, hoisted the giant man up and delivered the Brainbuster. Moments later, Ishii was eliminated by Scott Leroux when he delivered the Corkscrew Nailbomb for the pinfall. Later into the match, Scott and Okada were both eliminated by countout when they failed to get back in the ring while trading offense, before the referee counted to 20.
Finally, at 17:29 into the match, after beating the hell out of one another, William Mannheim scored the final elimination to get the win for Great White North after hitting Hirooki Goto with a Jackknife Powerbomb for the pin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After an absolute war of stiff shots and power moves that left many in the crowd with their jaws agape, Morgan Payne and Viper wrestled to a 17:10 finish that saw Morgan Payne go for a diving crossbody, only for Viper to catch her out of the air, then -- in one fluid motion -- flip Morgan up onto her shoulder and snap her down with the Viper Driver, giving a thunderous impact as Morgan's head connected with the canvas.
CROWD
"OHHHH!!"
REYNOLDS
"HOLY SHIT!!"
KLAZZIC
"Language, Jim! I'm pretty sure there's children watching!"
HANSON
"Took the words right out of my mouth, Jim! Here's the cover!"
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
"The Culling" filled the arena as the referee raised Viper's arm as Morgan Payne rolled out of the ring, holding an ice pack to her neck and accepted help from a ringside attendant towards the back.
HANSON
"Jim, Matt, I don't think I've ever seen ANYONE just absolutely manhandle Morgan Payne the way we just did."
KLAZZIC
"I hope she's okay but she's a tough girl. I'm sure she can shake it off."
REYNOLDS
"Yeah, unless Viper broke her neck. Don't let that pretty face fool you. She's an absolute monster in the ring and she'll take your head off!"
HANSON
"She'll plant it in the ground is more like it!"
REYNOLDS
"Well, she's my pick to win the whole thing! Calling it now!"
KLAZZIC
"Why am I not surprised?"
REYNOLDS
"Oh, who would you pick, smart guy?"
KLAZZIC
"Jim, you tend to pick people with nasty attitudes. Don't get me wrong, now! Viper seems like a nice lady, but we need someone with true heart to win this tournament! Someone with the drive of a future champion! Someone like...."
REYNOLDS
"Liiiiiike?"
HANSON
"Even I wanna hear this."
KLAZZIC
"Like Lionheart Alex Brody!!"
REYNOLDS
"Ohhhh come onnnn!!!! Seriously, Matt?!"
KLAZZIC
"Absolutely, Jim! You know what? You picked Viper, so I'm picking Miss Brody!"
REYNOLDS
"Alright, fine! Bet! Nicky, who're you picking?"
HANSON
"I'm staying out of this."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the backstage locker room area, the camera opened up on a pair of massive hands, adding the last bit of hand tape as the camera pans out to reveal one half of the new Tag Team Champions -- the monster Doomsday -- sitting in a chair as he tosses the remains of the tape roll aside and reached down to lift his half of the titles out of a worn out duffel bag. "Once again...the Dominion have stayed true to our word...." Doomsday said, simply, as he stood from his seat. "We've dominated both of the tag team divisions. And in time...just as Judas promised...we will stake claim to the rest...."
At first, only the back of The Crimson Sabre's head was visible as he listened, putting his mask on as his friend spoke. As Doomsday finished, Sabre turned around, now wearing a mask that was more of a custom prosthetic, like something a member of Slipknot would wear, a bloody re-imagining of The Pale Man from "Pan's Labyrinth". Picking up his own title belt, the male half of the Mixed Tag Team Champions stood, hilariously tiny compared to the monster in front of him. "We came back to defend our friend's honor... but before we leave again? Damn right we're gonna win a few more titles. I really think Judas and LeeAnn still each have a World Title left in them."
Even the tag team championship belt that Doomsday held looked awkwardly small in his hand. He would certainly never wear it around his waist. When it came to the idea of LeeAnn capturing the Women's Title, Doomsday paused in silent thought. "I can talk all I wish about how the boy carrying the Heavyweight Championship is a disgrace to what that belt stands for...and how Judas should end his career along with his reign. I'd be lying though...if I said I don't find myself at a crossroads when it comes to the other.... After all the work it took to destroy Abaddon...Adrianna can choose her own path again. Ironically, though...now she'll be the last obstacle for the Dominion obtaining one of the prizes we seek...." Who was he supposed to support here? The one who represented their pack in the women's division...or his own child who was helping give credence to women's wrestling by decimating all challengers just the way that one of her possible future opponents had taught her to do?
"That's your flesh and blood, man." Sabre told him, clapping him on the back supportively. "Nobody would blame you if you pulled for her. Hell, Lee wouldn't blame you. Besides... right now? We got these Mixed Tag Titles to defend. So get your head back in the game. Those idiots in The Fallen might be ridiculous... but you can't underestimate them, either."
Doomsday tilted his head up, maintaining his watch on Crimson Sabre. His broad shoulders shook with laughter under his jacket. "That's why tonight...inside that cage...they're going to find out the true meaning of violence.... When Belphegor and I are finished with them...they'll be known as the Fallen...not for how they wish to be recognized as...not as a couple of children playing games and trying to terrify people...but as two fools who stepped up to a couple of ruthless beasts...only to be swatted down and left in a broken mess..."
"Exactly." LeeAnn Viskan's voice chimed in, as the petite redhead walked into the frame, "That's how you've got to look at this, Matteo. Know that they're pathetic, but also know that desperate men do desperate things. And sometimes desperation can make men capable of feats they normally couldn't pull off."
With Crimson Sabre and LeeAnn Viskan both there, Doomsday looked like a mountain among mankind as he craned his head down, watching as the woman spoke. Maybe he *was* underestimating his and his partner's opponents tonight. Maybe he was out to cause more chaos and carnage than even the Dominion of Pain had intended -- which would be saying something. But LeeAnn's words made the man's eyes narrow under his mask with an amused glimmer in them. A suggestion that he was smiling beneath the leather that concealed his face. "Good...if they hope to so much as survive tonight's storm...then desperation is exactly what they will need."
"Then let's take Judas' lead here." LeeAnn said with a sadistic grin. "Let's go out there, fight through any pain or exhaustion, and make... people... hurt."
With that, Doomsday turned his dark gaze towards the camera, letting out a heavy sigh that sounded more akin to an animal's growl. "Steele...Young...I hope you're prepared for the storm that's coming. The clouds will darken...the roaring winds will be relentless...and with them...will be heavy showers...of blood...." Focusing on the menacing masks of Doomsday and Crimson Sabre as well as the wicked grin of LeeAnn, the camera shot slowly faded to black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the next match for Battle of the Juniors, Nick Jackson defeated TAKA Michinoku, by pinfall in 10:18, after he slipped out of an attempt at the Michinoku Driver and delivered a deafening Superkick as TAKA turned around before immediately hooking his leg for the cover. This advanced Nick Jackson into the quarterfinals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the camera opens up backstage, we find the setting to be that of the Renegade's locker room. Max LeBrun is seen already adjusting his kickpads over his boots. The rest of his ring gear is already on, with the exception of his vest being swapped out for a Renegades' t-shirt until later in the evening. A look of deep focus is on his face as he tightens the pad around his shin. He also looks notably frustrated by events that unfolded earlier in the show.
"So, essentially, she fucked us." Max huffs as he tightens the straps on his kickpad and moves to pull on the other one. "Maybe there was a good reason her last manager kicked her ass to the curb." Max remarked, finally looking up and off camera as the angle pans back revealing the rest of the Renegades members.
"She completely embarrassed us is what she did." Julian Morrison replied, grunting as he punched the nearby wall in frustration. "Between that and... the "situation" we have going on with championships, we're in need of some big changes, I think. And SOON."
Max set his other foot down after tightening his other kickpad and leaned back against the wall on the bench he was sitting on. "Tell me about it. If I'd have known things were gonna play out like this, I would have planned things better. Now, it seems like we're back to the drawing board we still haven't gotten our message across."
"This group was my brainchild just as much as it was yours." Julian said, a potent combination of anger and disappointment in his tone. "Especially after what just happened... it's vital that people don't start to see us as a joke. And I think how the rest of tonight turns out should have a big impact on how we do things moving forward."
Max shook his head. "I can't speak for Ryan and Sabastian. Those two play to the beat of their own drum. They knew what our expectations of them were when they joined us. They know what we expect of them tonight. And as far as Rick Dickulous is concerned?" Max picked up the NFW Heavyweight Title and lifted it for Julian to see. "From my cold, dead, fucking hands. If that walking mountain of moose shit thinks he's cutting my run short, he's sadly fucking mistaken. I'm not even sweating Lasher at WrestleWar. What the hell makes him think he's any different? And let's not forget, I'm no idiot. I know damn well I've got two other motherfuckers that are gonna come gunning for this and---" Max suddenly stopped and looked off to the side as something occurred to him. "Whoa whoa wait a minute, wait a minute...." He turned back to Julian as that telltale cold smile crept across his face. "You said we need some changes, right? I fucking got it! We have to get everyone together."
Julian blinked in slight surprise. When max got this random ideas, they usually tended to be interesting to say the least. "...for a guy who's got like four dudes gunning for him at the same time, you are..... disturbingly chill right now, bro." He said, leaning against the lockers as he waited to hear what Max was thinking.
Max 'pffted' as he picked up a shaker cup that already had some sort of vitamin mixture in it and began shaking it. "Yeah, four guys who think all I do is talk shit and don't back it up. Why am I so calm? Because I think ten steps ahead of everyone else." He leaned down out of frame and popped back up with his phone in his hand, tapping away at his screen as he sent a text message to the Renegade members that weren't present at the moment. "Alright, I'm rallying up everyone else." Max said as he set the phone down, turning to Julian. "But here's what we do...." Max stopped, looking at the camera then. "What the hell are you still doing here? Take off! Private matter, jackass!" His hand came up, pie facing the camera and sending the camera man backwards, as the feed cut out to static.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Steel Cage match for the NFW Tag Team Championships was a 5:27 warzone that saw Ultra-Violence leave both members of the Fallen bloodied and battered. While Doomsday was also among ones bleeding, with red running down his black mask, he cinched the victory for he and Belphegor by planting Sabastian Young with the Mushroom Cloud for the pinfall. While Ryan Steel made a run to try and break it up, Belphegor wowed the audience by diving right over his tag team partner, delivering a Spear to Steele that sent he and Belphegor slamming against the cage wall as the ref made the three count.
ARDEN
"Here are your winners....AAAAND STILL....NFW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS....ULTRAAAAA-VIOLEEEEENCE!!!!!"
As Calavera Conspiracy took over the speakers, the referee retrieved the tag titles from outside. Doomsday, after taking his, pressed the center plate against Sabastian Young's bloodied face to leave a red smear across the gold, before wiping his hand across the man's face and smearing the blood from his palm across his own chest like a grotesque badge of honor.
REYNOLDS
"Well, if anyone doubted them as the champions, I'd say they just silenced everyone by beating the former champs. Twice."
HANSON
"That was more than just a win, Jim. I feel like this match could have ended sooner. These guys just wanted to do exactly what LeeAnn Viskan said: make people hurt!"
KLAZZIC
"That was almost despicable, in my eyes! You guys call that wrestling?! Looked more like a prison brawl!"
REYNOLDS
"You don't like cage matches, Matt? I thought you were all about classic wrestling!"
KLAZZIC
"I love a good cage match when you have two top competitors involved but those two guys just wanna go around breaking people down! And they're representing our company's tag team division?!"
HANSON
"Calm down, Matt."
KLAZZIC
"I will *not* calm down, Nick!"
REYNOLDS
"Would you have been happier if the Fallen recaptured the titles, Matt?"
KLAZZIC
"Absolutely not! Both of those teams need a lesson in manners and humility! Frankly, it's a damn shame that the McKeesport Mafia aren't still holding those belts! They may be a little rough around the edges but at least they've got respect when it comes to their opponents!"
REYNOLDS
"Matt, Andrew Payne and Carmine Moretti beat the hell out of Tama Tonga in the Vlad Blackheart Memorial. You call that respect?"
KLAZZIC
"I call that due process, Jim. Tama Tonga's a punk with a nasty attitude and after he laid hands on Andrew Payne's daughter, he had it coming!"
As Ultra-Violence made their exit up the ramp, Doomsday called the camera over where he lifted his blood smeared belt up to be seen. "Molon...Labe...."
REYNOLDS
"Did you catch that, Nicky?"
HANSON
"Ah, not reall---"
KLAZZIC
"That's Greek for 'come and get it', Jim."
REYNOLDS
"Now how the hell do *you* know that?"
KLAZZIC
"The mind is one of the strongest weapons, Jim Reynolds! Ya gotta keep it as sharp as the body!"
HANSON
"Hey, I like that."
KLAZZIC
"Thank you, Nick!"
REYNOLDS
"Hoooly shit, I'm gonna have a migraine around you two!"
KLAZZIC
"Simmer down, Jim. We've still got the main event."
HANSON
"Nevertheless, it sounds like Doomsday and Belphegor are laying it on the line. Any tag team that wants those belts? Step on up!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the main event of the evening, Rick Dickulous and Max LeBrun wrestled well passed twenty minutes in a match that saw the Heavyweight Champion hold his own surprisingly well against a man who essentially dwarfed him in size.
REYNOLDS
"I have to admit, guys, like him or not, Max is holding out to Rick pretty damn good!"
KLAZZIC
"Frankly, I hope Max LeBrun gets some manners beaten into him by Rick Dickulous."
REYNOLDS
"Well, you're not unbiased at all."
KLAZZIC
"As if you are?"
HANSON
"Will you two stop bickering? We've got a match to call here!"
After several more minutes into the match, Max LeBrun faked a Slapshot attempt that goaded Rick Dickulous into raising his hands to catch the kick that didn't come. Instead, he caught the challenger with a low superkick to the knee that caused Rick to buckle.
KLAZZIC
"Oh, that was dirty!"
REYNOLDS
"That was great!!!"
Immediately after, as Rick fell to one knee, Max LeBrun snapped his foot up again.
HANSON
"SLAPSHOT!!!! THERE IT IS!!!"
REYNOLDS
"QUICK LIKE A SNAKE, BOYS!!"
KLAZZIC
"NO!! GET UP, RICK!!!"
Without wasting time, Max LeBrun threw himself over Rick Dickulous to make the cover.
ONE!!
TWO!!
THR--
But Rick Dickulous kicked out!!
KLAZZIC
"YES!!!!!"
HANSON
"HOW DID HE DO THAT?!"
KLAZZIC
"He's got the true heart of a champion, Nick!"
REYNOLDS
"Would you shut--UP?!"
Max LeBrun got back to his feet, getting in the referee's face, arguing with him about the speed of his count. Slapping his hand and throwing three fingers in his face.
HANSON
"The champ's arguing about the count."
KLAZZIC
"Well, of course he is! What do you expect from him?!"
REYNOLDS
"Hey, even I have to admit, it looked a little slow."
As the announce team debated the referee's count from the table, a commotion suddenly came from the crowd. Surprised boos and cheers mixed in as the curtain on the stage flew open!!
HANSON
"WAIT A MINUTE, GUYS!!! WHAT THE HELL?!"
KLAZZIC
"WHAT THE HECK IS HE DOING HERE?!?!"
REYNOLDS
"DON'T LET HIM GET ME!!"
As we hear the announcers exclaim, the crowd looked on in surprise as DOOMSDAY appeared again, that night, and hit the ring running!! Without wasting a single second, he slid into the ring and came running at Max LeBrun!!
HANSON
"SPEAR!!!!! DOOMSDAY JUST SPEARED THE CHAMP!!"
KLAZZIC
"WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!"
~DING DING DING DING DING~
The referee called for the bell as Doomsday flipped his hair out of his face and got to his feet, leaving Max LeBrun writhing on the mat.
ARDEN
"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, as a result of a disqualification...AAAAAND STIIIILLL....NFW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION....THE TORONTO DAREDEVIL...MAX...LEBRUUUUUUN!!"
HANSON
"What the hell is Doomsday doing out here?! He just ruined an amazing title match!!"
KLAZZIC
"I bet this had something to do with Max LeBrun's 'idea' he mentioned, earlier!"
HANSON
"Well, now, I wouldn't go that far. The Renegades don't exactly get along with the Dominion of Pain. Remember?"
REYNOLDS
"Waaaaaait, a minute guys. I think I know what brought him out here!"
As James Reynolds said this, Doomsday slowly turned towards Rick Dickulous as the challenger got to his feet, realizing what just happened. Wiping the sweat from his face, he walked towards Doomsday, pushing his forehead against the masked man's.
KLAZZIC
"This isn't good! We better get someone to separate these two!"
HANSON
"They can't touch each other! Per Steven Bro---"
REYNOLDS
"Correction, Nicky! Commissioner Brody stated specifically during the tournament! The Vlad Blackheart Memorial's over!"
As if on cue, Rick Dickulous shoved Doomsday back with a clearly audible "FUCK YOU, GUY!"
KLAZZIC
"We apologize for the language, folks, all of you watching at home!"
It was the last straw before Doomsday exploded and began throwing shots at Rick Dickulous. In return, Rick Dickulous fired back with shots of his own, immediately getting the crowd on their feet!
HANSON
"HERE WE GO!!!! THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO GET AT EACH OTHER!!!"
What started out as a stand up exchange of closed fists and forearms soon went to the floor as Rick Dickulous shot for Doomsday's legs and hit him with Jiujitsu takedown and went back to throwing blows down at him. The two fought on the floor for a dominant position as security staff and referees came rushing from backstage and into the ring to try and break them apart. When they finally separated the two, it was barely for a few seconds before BOTH men turned and started throwing shots at the security and referees in order to be able to get back at each other. Once enough of the men had been beaten off, Rick Dickulous and Doomsday collided again, this time with Doomsday lifting Rick and running him into a corner where he started throwing body shots at the younger wrestler.
REYNOLDS
"THIS IS INSANE!!!"
KLAZZIC
"THEY CAN'T JUST LAY HANDS ON THE STAFF LIKE THAT!!"
HANSON
"SOMEONE'S GOTTA STOP THIS!!!"
The commotion from the crowd grew louder as more referees and security began to pour from the backstage. In addition, the rest of the NFW roster began to appear -- some still in their ring gear from their earlier matches -- all rushing to the ring to pull Doomsday and Rick Dickulous apart!!
REYNOLDS
"WE'VE GOT THE ENTIRE LOCKER ROOM OUT HERE!!"
HANSON
"MAYBE THIS IS WHAT IT'LL TAKE TO GET THEM APART!!
REYNOLDS
"MATT!! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?!"
KLAZZIC
"I'VE GOTTA HELP!!"
Matt Klazzic can be heard throwing off his headset as he then appears on camera, rushing into the ring to help the rest of the roster keep Rick and Doomsday apart. In the end, it was Rick Dickulous who calmed down first while it took a mob of men to force Doomsday back up the ramp and towards the backstage area.
HANSON
"Well thank god, for that!"
Inside the ring, Rick Dickulous held his hands up, assuring the staff and wrestlers holding him back that he was calmed down. After a moment, he was released as the men and women began exiting the ring.
REYNOLDS
"Hahahaha, that was fucking awesome, Nicky!!!!"
HANSON
"Are you serious, right now?"
REYNOLDS
"I am!! They should have let them fight! Get it out of their system!!"
HANSON
"Welcome back, Matt. You okay?"
We hear Matt Klazzic putting his headset on again.
KLAZZIC
"Fine, Nick. Thanks for asking. Boy, that was crazy! First a perfectly good main event ruined and then *that!*"
HANSON
"Well, it looks like we've finally got those two separated! I'm sure Commissioner Brody will have something to say next week! Until then, for Matt Klazzic and James Reynolds, I'm Nick Hanson! So long, everyone!"
REYNOLDS
"WHOA!!! WAIT, NICKY!!!"
Just as the copywright card flashes at the bottom of the screen and the screen JUST starts to go to black, the music abruptly cuts as Rick gets hit from behind and falls down on his face. Behind him stands Zack Sabre Jr., holding the Silver Mountain Championship.
HANSON
"WHAT THE HELL?!?!"
REYNOLDS
"ZACK SABRE JUNIOR!!!"
KLAZZIC
"WHAT'S HIS PROBLEM?!?!"
As the fans boo, Sabre leans down on the fallen Rick as ringside officials try to get him to back away, holding the title. Zack looks at the title, looks back at Rick, and says, "I want my shot, 'champ.' Shine it up real nice, sunshine, because this title is leaving with me the next time we face off...," as the camera finally fades to black with Sabre staring down on the defenseless Rick with the Silver Mountain title in his hand.
KLAZZIC
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THIS IS WHEN HE DECIDES TO MAKE HIS CHALLENGE?! WHAT A JOKE!"
REYNOLDS
"Well, talk about seizing the opportunity!!"
HANSON
"Just when we thought things couldn't get any crazier!! Again, we've gotta sign off for tonight!! So long, ladies and gentlemen!!"
