NFW Trauma #20 - Chicago, Illinois! 06/20/2020!

Andrew Payne: Hello everybody and welcome to episode Twenty of Trauma!

Miranda Augustino: And tonight is going to be huge, Andy! There’s so much action tonight and I can’t wait to see it all.

Andrew Payne: Our main event tonight is going to be one for the ages and I can’t wait to see who the next two people will be that qualify for The Guardians of the Pyramid match.

Miranda Augustino: Whoever it is, they’re going to earn it with these matches tonight.

Andrew Payne: We have those two matches and so much more tonight, so without further adieu, let’s get this show started!
Maki: "Bloody hell, it's hot in here and we have not even done our pre-match ritual yet!"

Melissa Aki aka your favourite possessed by a demon personality was slowly changing into her ring attire as she looked over at her wife, Angel. She loved her and knew she had a chance to right a wrong for her but she also knew she needed to focus on Griffin for herself and her own unbeaten record as she heads for her United States title shot but damn she wanted to do some dirty things to her.

She snapped out of her reverie, as sweat formed on her brow, looking lovingly at Angel, waiting for her to respond and acknowledge the fact it was so hot!

Angel Kusanagi: O shiri no wareme ga kotchi ni asedaku!

The Japanese woman said angrily in her native tongue, wiping sweat off her brow with a towel before wrapping it across her body below the waist from the back and shimmied the towel back and forth. Maki’s wife, set to face River Chance tonight, was still in her black Calvin Klein sporty underwear - that was to say, a sports bra and a thong. Damned if those cheeks were showing on a network broadcast or not. She obviously didn’t give a shit. Angel set the towel down, grumbling as she started pulling out her ring gear. Before straightening up and yelling to the ceiling.

Angel Kusanagi: Goddamn fuckmother bitch! Kono kubomi no ana no naka de kachakacha suru eakon o shūri shite kudasai!!!!

Melissa smirked at her wife as they were both hot and a little tingle of excitement came across her whenever she said, "fuck mother" it turned her on. Trying to decipher Japanese was harder but she had learnt from the expressions on her beautiful face.

Maki: Honeylove, I know you have lots on your mind with muscle barbie tonight but I was thinking that maybe you could give me some information on Griffin as you have had a war with him. I am feeling so nervous about this match. A win and it's a massive achievement and keeps me undefeated and sends a message to everyone else, you know, including that stupid anarchy bitch and the title I am taking from her.

She bats her eyelashes and pretends to twerk in the heat to maybe motivate Angel to respond without pissing her off as she needed her focus on Hawkins.

Angel Kusanagi: Angel fuck first!

Maki: In a minute, love. I did ask you a question. Oh sheesh here comes the sex me up face. Fine you won't tell me how to win but I will win. I will win because he beat you. I will win because I am destined for the United States championship and I will win to show anarchist bitch she ain't got a prayer against me and most importantly I will win because Griffin is the single most toughest competitor I have ever faced. I proved myself last time against Eavan and will do so again.

Angel started to stalk Maki with those sex eyes and she tried to look away but she was in the tractor beam.

Maki: Babylove, I want you so badly too and it's our pre-match ritual but I need a game plan. I respect Griff but he is almost unstoppable and the size difference so I need to… Yes. MAK ATTACK!

Angel Kusanagi: Mak attack means fuck wife, yes?

Maki: Well sure after I have formulated the greatest strategy of all time to beat Griff. Oh I know exactly…

All of a sudden Angel is on her knees and sliding a hand on Maki's thighs as she forced her legs and took her off camera. What was that plan again? She thought as Angel surreptitiously started to undress her wife. We quickly fade to black.
Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Neon strobes of light in different shades of purple, green, pink, and blue begin circling around the arena, the remaining lights dimming save for the entrance way. A few seconds later, the sounds of “KAMIKAZE” by D’espairsRay begin to be heard on the sound system. As the instrumental picks up, we see ‘Miss Meow’ Kyamī Nyā steps out onto the stage, a bright smile on her face as the fans cheer her on. Their reaction makes her jump with joy, giving a big wave, before she starts making her way to the ring. Slapping hands with a few fans along the way, Kyamī skip-runs to the ring, sliding underneath the bottom rope.

Thea Crawford: Making her way to the ring from Inage-ku, Chiba, Japan! Weighing in at 118lbs! KYAMI...NYA!!!!!

Kyamī gives a quick wink and meow to the camera before getting up to her feet and heading to the nearest turnbuckle. Climbing up to the second rope, Kyamī gives another wave, playfully clawing the air a bit and then jumping down. She makes her way to the center of the ring where she poses claws out before dropping to her knees and kneeling herself down, bowing to the cheering masses. Kyamī rises to her feet once more, blowing a kiss before shifting her focus to the task at hand, her music fading to silence soon after.

Thea Crawford: And her opponent, from The Netherworld. Weighing in at 122 pounds! Accompanied by Lady Death and representing La Sirvientas de Yum Kimil. She is...SANTA...MUERTA!!

“Horror Show” begins to play as the arena goes dark and a red and green spotlight appears on the stage and Lady Death and Santa Meurta stand there, their faces painted up and in matching ring gear. Santa Meurta has on a crown of flowers as the two of them look at each other and nod before heading down the ramp. They ignore the fans as they get to the ring and climb up the steps. Santa Meurta leaps over the top rope as Lady Death steps between the ropes. Santa Meurta gets down on her knees and removes her crown before bowing and Lady Death stands over her, letting out a blood curdling scream as the lights come on and the two of them stand up and walk over to their corner.

~DING DING DING~

Kyami and Santa circle the ring, but Santa charges right in after Kyami and takes her down with a double leg take down. She begins to rain down punches on Kyami before rolling off of her. She picks Kyami up from her feet and sends her into the ropes. Kyami comes off the ropes and she runs right into a standing dropkick. She then grabs Kyami and flips her onto her stomach. As she does, she goes for a camel clutch, but Kyami scrambles out from between her legs and trips Santa up, dropping her face first to the mat. Kyami then hits the ropes and delivers a senton to Santa before hooking the leg and only getting a one count. Kyami though picks Santa up and this time, she delivers a snap chokebomb to Santa before this time, hooking in a camel clutch of her own. Santa is quick to make it to the bottom rope and force the break. Kyami breaks the hold and as soon as Santa makes it to her feet, Kyami sends her into the corner. Kyami comes charging in, but as she goes for a Yakuza kick, Santa moves out of the way. She then takes Kyami and flips her around. She then climbs to the middle turnbuckle before sending ten punches down onto Kyami. Santa then sweeps out the legs of Kyami before backing up and getting a running start before delivering a boot across the face of Kyami. Santa then scrapes the heel of her boot across the nose and face of her opponent before placing the boot under Kyami’s chin and begins to choke her. The ref makes their count and pulls Santa off telling her to watch it or she’ll be disqualified.

Santa pushes past the ref and picks Kyami up to her feet. She picks Kyami up to her shoulders and walks out to the middle of the ring before she delivers the Air Raid Siren on Kyami and hooks the leg, only to get a two count out of it. Santa though grins as she makes it up to her feet. She waits, looking for Kyami to begin getting up. As she does, Santa goes for Scrificio a los dioses, but Kyami is able to avoid it and she rakes the eyes of Santa who stumbles backwards. Kyami then grabs Santa and brings her up for sit out package piledriver. Kyami hooks the leg and Santa just barely kicks out before the count of three. Kyami though, takes Santa and positions her before delivering Cat’s Meow and hooking the leg and this time, getting the three count.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, Kyami Nya!

As Kyami is celebrating her win, the lights go out in the arena. The crowd buzzes and when they come back on, Lady Death is standing there behind her with a barbed wire covered 2x4. She has a sinister grin on her face and when Kyami turns around, Lady Death swings, but Kyami is able to avoid it. As she does, the crowd pops as the newly signed partner of Kyami, Mei Iroha comes sprinting down the ramp and slides into the ring. She looks right at Lady Death who once again swings her weapon, but Mei is able to avoid it. The two girls deliver double kicks to the gut of Lady Death before dropping her with a double DDT. The two of them see Santa come charging and they deliver a double flapjack to her as they roll out of the ring, clearly frustrated as Kyami and Mei celebrate in the ring.

Andrew Payne: No idea what Lady Death had planned, but it definitely looked like it backfired tonight, Mir.

Miranda Augustino: Yeah, but I’m sure this is far from over between them if Lady and Santa have anything to say.

The scene comes up backstage with Cali-Kate warming up before her match. She stretches out a bit when she is approached by Amy Connors.

Amy: Cali-Kate, I know your match is next and you want to prepare but are there any thoughts you have before you go into this match with Poison Dokueki.

Cali-Kate: My thoughts are pretty fucking simple about this: get in there and show Dokueki-chan that she couldn't keep me down before and she's got no chance at doing so again. It took her bringing in a goddamn weapon and getting herself fucking disqualified in order to do so last time.

Kate pauses a moment as she considers her next words.

Cali-Kate: This time… no, when I get out there, it's not gonna be the same Kate. Not just the Geekette Extraordonaire. Not Ms. Wildcard. No this is gonna be the side that gave pause to the fucking devil himself. What I do tonight, I won't regret. I won't lose sleep over.

Kate looks out to the arena.

Cali-Kate: Of course there's also the little matter of Arley being the special guest ref for this match. I know she and Poison have some bad shit between them right now. But that isn't my questline here. I'm not playing mediator, third party or someone caught in the middle.

Kate takes in a deep breath.

Cali-Kate: I am not going to be overlooked here. Whatever it takes, I'm going to find a way to the top. If it's using this Wildcard opportunity, running through a fucking clone army of Dokuekis, I don't give a flying fuck right now. If anyone still thinks that I'm someone to be underestimated then they don't know the fly in the ointment, the monkey in the wrench...

Audience: THE PAIN IN THE ASS!

Cali-Kate: ... and they definitely don't know that under every gamer is a fighter that will put everything on the line for what they love. Game Start, bitch!

Cali-Kate turns and moves through the curtain leaving Amy behind as the scene fades out.
Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first….

The lights in the arena dim, thumping and alternating between green and white with the tempo of the music. The 'Tron lights up, featuring the custom image of the Dragon billowing smoke and clutching a hatchet in each of it's foreclaws.


Dokueki comes out of the curtain, turning her head toward the ceiling and roars, raising her tanabo war club, decorated in golden Scottish filigree, the metal studs a dull green, high over her head.

Thea Crawford: From Tokyo, Japan! Weighing in at 170 pounds! The Poison Dragon. DOKUEKI!!!!!


Dokueki spews a bit of her trademark mist into the air with another roar, slamming the head of the club down onto the ramp before throwing it over her shoulder. She stares straight ahead as she makes her way down the ramp, turning to the cameraman at the bottom to point to her t-shirt before making as if she's going to jump at the camera. She turns, and climbs the steel ring stairs, making her way onto the apron.


Dokueki raises the club in her hand again, flexing her muscles before spewing another shot of Mist into the air with another roar before climbing through the ropes and into the ring, stalking a bit before backing into her corner to await the beginning of her match.

Thea Crawford: Her opponent….

The lights in the arena go dark as the opening chords of “Heist” hit the speakers. The crowd goes up in cheers as a big

“Player 1 Ready…”

comes up on the screen. In the break between the opening chords and the main tune the screen flashes

“Game Start!”

Thea Crawford: From Laguna Beach, California! Weighing in at 135lbs! The Geekete Extraordinaire! CALI-KATE!!!!

The main tune hits and the lights come back up showing Kate on the stage in a hooded jacket with a huge smile on her face, dancing to her music. Kate flips the hood down and skips down the ramp trading high fives and hugs with various members of the crowd. She even stops a few times to pose for some selfies with the crowd members. Kate reaches ringside and continues skipping one full round around the ring only trading high fives with audience members. When she gets to the corner, the audience goes wild as Kate blows out a kiss to everyone. Kate slides into the ring and jumps to one of the corners and poses once for pictures. As her music fades, she hops off the ropes and goes to her corner, removing her jacket and warming up for her match.

~DING DING DING~

Kate and Dokueki came out of their corners ready to go and went right into a collar and elbow tie up. Dokueki went for the strength advantage but Kate dropped to a knee to halt the push into the corner. Dokueki just broke out of the tie up hold and booted Kate right in the chest with a Yakuza Kick. Dokueki followed up with more stiff boots to the chest and foot-shoves to the head, bringing forearms down across Kate’s back before she pulled her up into a headlock. Kate pushed her off into the ropes and hit the opposite side. They collided with dueling shoulder blocks which was like Kate hitting a wall and being knocked to the mat. Dokueki hit the ropes and came down for a Senton splash but Kate rolled out of the way. Dokueki kipped up to her feet. Kate went for a dropkick but Dokueki sidestepped and knocked Kate out of the air before hitting a leaping kneedrop to the face for a cover attempt. Dokueki went right for the eyes then, until the referee forced her to release Kate from the gouging. Dokueki grabbed Kate around the waist from behind as she started to get up and went for a German Suplex. Kate managed to flip out of it and hit a dropkick to the back of the neck as Dokueki sat up. Once Dokueki started getting up again, Kate grabbed her for a DDT, quickly drilling her head into the mat. Kate jumped up, hit the ropes then, with a head of steam and ran back in for a Shining Wizard and her own cover attempt but was thrown off by the Dragon.

As Dokueki got up again, Kate came rushing in for a Meteora but the Dragon caught her by the legs in mid air, stumbling backwards and tilted towards the rope, dumping Kate onto the top rope and down to the outside. The crowd and commentary reacted in shock as Kate hit the floor and Dokueki followed her out, grabbing the Geekette and throwing her into the guard rail before reaching over and grabbing an empty chair, readying it to strike Kate but was distracted when the referee leaned out of the top and middle ropes to warn her about the use of weapons. When she started turning back towards Kate, the Geekette Extraordinaire had recovered and climbed onto the guardrail where she dove off and caught her around the head, bringing Dokueki down into a Tornado DDT onto the padded ringside floor! Not one to wanna win a match by countout, Kate immediately picked Dokueki up and threw her back into the ring. Dokueki made it to her feet and Kate came running in for a hip attack. She nailed it, bouncing Dokueki back into the ropes but the Dragon rebounded off and smashed Kate in the face with a headbutt! Kate stumbled back and Dokueki came in with a Discus Lariat, leveling the blonde to the mat.

As Kate reeled on the mat, Dokueki opted to go for the finish and pick her up, setting her up onto the apron and calling for it. She was clearly going for the Dragon’s Dive but as she got up and started trying to go for the lift, Kate started throwing elbows back into Dokueki’s face, dazing her enough for a counter, Kate grabbed Dokueki around the head from behind and kicked up off of the top turnbuckle, delivering a devastating Solita Del Sol to Dokueki off of the top turnbuckle, crashing down to the mat. Kate struggled, desperately pulling herself to her feet as Dokueki made it up to her knees but the Geekette Extraordinaire moved in and grabbed the Poison Dragon, delivering Starstruck for the 3 count victory!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner! CALI...KATE!!!

Andrew Payne: Well, I’d say this victory definitely leveled Kate up, wouldn’t you say, Mir?

Miranda Augustino: Hell yeah, I’d say! Good job Katie baby!

We go backstage where we find Jessica Clarkson, NFW’s favorite intern and social media account handler, making her rounds backstage. The soft-featured little blonde hasn’t been seen on TV since her unfortunate run-in with Angel Kash and her botched latte that Jessica ended up wearing on her head. Tonight, however, here she is, backstage and moving at a fast yet fluid pace as she sets up multiple coffee pots at catering, each with different flavors of brew. Of course, she looks like your average intern too. Hair in a bun, white blouse, skirt, and glasses. There’s a more confident glow about her, this time, however, and even with her long-sleeved blouse, she appears to be less skin and bones. She mutters out the flavors of brew to herself, making sure everything’s right before punching the start buttons on the pots to get them all going. Proud of herself, she puts her hands on her hips, smiles, and nods in an adorable, confident fashion.

A figure appears down a hallway having come from around a corner. He was dressed casually, Black t-shirt, jeans, and boots. His exposed arms were covered in tattoos. He notices Jessica as she stands there admiring her work. A smirk comes across his lips and he takes effort to make sure the intern doesn’t notice him. He stealthily moves into the little room keeping himself out of Jessica’s field of view. He gets directly behind her and moves up close. He loops his arms through hers and around her.

Voice: Who’s this beautiful girl?

The intern practically almost jumps out of her skin, starting to gasp when she feels the arms go around her, but one look down and she recognizes the tats. Jessie relaxes back against the man and lets out a sigh of relief before giving a playful slap to his forearm.

Jessie Clarkson: Meanie!

She remarks jokingly as she turns around in the man’s arms and immediately clings to him, hands sliding up around his neck with a smile. Without hesitation, the intern lays a kiss right on the man’s lips, garnering an “ooooooh” from the crowd in the arena like on one of those sitcom shows. When the kiss breaks, Jessie stays practically attached to the man.

Jessie Clarkson: What’re you doing here? You get a pass just to come see me make coffee?

Nathanael Morian: As exciting as that sounds, no. I didn’t get a pass. I actually don’t need a pass to be here.

He made the comment almost off-handedly. He gives her a kiss on the cheek quickly.

Nathanael Morian: I was actually just talking with Isabella. Making sure everything was in order.

Jessie stopped and looked up at him; her little smirk growing into a smile as what he was saying sank in.

Jessie Clarkson: Wait...you mean you’re….?

Nathanael Morian: As of five minutes ago I am officially on the Trauma roster.

Jessie’s eyebrows lifted with amusement as she heard this and her hands, already behind Nathan’s neck, locked together.

Jessie Clarkson: Soooo I’m officially dating a wrestler now?

She giggled playfully and kissed the man on his cheek herself this time.

Jessie Clarkson: Wait, so does Miss Issy know about…?

She trailed off and finally seemed to notice the camera on them. Her cheeks grew flush with light pink and she gave a tiny wave before shrugging her shoulders.

Jessie Clarkson: Guess everyone does now.

She said with a sheepish grin.

Nathanael Morian: Yes, she did. I was upfront about it. I didn’t want to risk your job since you love it so much. She said as long as you don’t show any favoritism towards me when promoting, it’s all fine.

Nathanael looks to the camera quickly before looking back at Jessie.

Nathanael Morian: And most people already knew. I have been calling you my girl for weeks now.

Jessie looked up, tapping her chin with a playful look on her face, mocking as if she were thinking.

Jessie Clarkson: Sooo...nothing like, for example, tune into Trauma next week to see hot hunky Nathan Morian beat up the million-dollar bully, Angel Kash...got it!

She dropped the smile and went serious.

Jessie Clarkson: I’ll be good, babe. Always am.

Nathanael Morian: As funny as that would be, and deserving, yes, that would be bad. Yes, you are. You are amazing. Just, hope you can handle watching me get beat up.

Nathan pulled her in close for a tight hug. Jessie wrapped her arms around him again and squeezed tight, resting her head against him.

Jessie Clarkson: I ain’t gonna lie, it’ll probably be hard; but that comes with the job. And I knew what I was getting myself into when a wrestler asked me out to dinner.

She looked up at him, still clinging with a sweet little smile.

Nathanael Morian: I’ll do my best to not get too beat up. Worst case scenario, you get to take care of me at home.

He chuckled and placed a quick kiss onto the tip of her nose. Jessie grinned, scrunching up her nose all cute like.

Jessie Clarkson: Now that, I think I can do. So where you headed off to right now?

Nathanael Morian: Was actually gonna try and find you. Figured I was gonna have to ask around to see where they have you holed up here. But Lucky me I found you pretty easy.

Jessica Clarkson: Weeeeelllll…

Jessie smiled again, lifting her eyes up to Nathan with a playful gleam in her eyes.

Jessica Clarkson: If you’re not busy after the main event, when I get off, how about we celebrate this occasion?

Her eyes shifted to the camera for a second, giving that almost missable uncomfortable look that the cameraman seemed to have nothing better to do. She looked back up at Nathan then, finding her smile once more.

Nathanael Morian: I’ve got all the time in the world for you.

Nathanael looks over at the cameraman and then back at Jessie.

Nathanael Morian: How about we get away from prying eyes? I can help you with anything you need to do for the rest of the show.

Jessica Clarkson: Now that sounds like a plan.

She slipped an arm under his, hugging onto it as they turned to start walking off. Hilariously, the camera actually looks like it starts to follow them before Jessie looks back, eyes narrowed, and points to the camera as a warning. It stops and starts backing up as the shot fades out.
Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a Guardians of the Pyramid Qualifier match!

With two quick taps of a cymbal, the lights flash before Xandu’s cover of Megurine Luka’s “Angel Bullet” rips through the speakers of the arena. The rest of the lights go out, leaving the audience shrouded in darkness as an eerie purple light illuminates the ring itself. The stage and ramp are lit up with plain white lights, violently flashing in sync with the music. As Xandu’s first guttural shriek pierces the ears of the audience, the lights take on a more intense flashing, adding a purple hue among the whites. The crowd waits in anticipation as smoke fills the entryway as the roar of the lyrics flows from the speakers, assaulting the ears of those present. The camera focuses intently on the entryway as the inner lights come on and, combined with the smoke, give off an almost ethereal, heavenly appearance. The video wall is alight with the visage of bloody barb wire and the name “草由紀子”. The screen flickers violently as the first verse of the song continues on through the arena.

At the pre-chorus, the wall of light within the entryway is disturbed by the visage of a black silhouette. Then, as the main chorus hits, the silhouette emerges from the entryway, coming into view to reveal Angel Kusanagi. Sleeveless robe over her gear, with her hood drawn up over her hood. We see her expression though is, as always, cold and utterly hateful towards everyone present. Her mouth twists into an angry, disgusted scowl as she lowers her head but keeps her eyes aimed at the ring. Her battleground. Angel holds her position on the stage throughout the chorus and when the second verse begins, she shifts forward and begins her walk down the ramp. She completely ignores the fans in the front row, throwing jeers and boos at her. That which she sees as nothing more than scum beneath her. Angel moves methodically but with a sense of purpose as she approaches the ring. As she reaches the ring, she circles around to the opposite side of where she approached and stands on the apron, turning her head to sneer towards the fans again. Despite the sour attitude she gives off, she wipes her feet on the apron before entering the ring through the top and middle ropes at the return of the chorus.

Thea Crawford: Weighing in at 125 pounds, from Osaka, Japan! ANGEL..KUSAAAAAANAGIIIII!!

As her name is announced, she comes to stand in the center of the ring, continuing to just glare hatefully at any and everyone. One hand comes up to unclasp the buckle on her coat before he peels the hood back and slides the garment off of her body, dropping it to the floor for the ringside attendant to take while she goes to her corner and uses the ropes to get some stretching in. Finally, she turns towards the ramp with that ever hateful expression and calmly waits for the match to begin.

Thea Crawford: And...her opponent!

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

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

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

~DING DING DING~

Angel goes on offense right away in an attempt to overwhelm her powerhouse of an opponent. River covers up well at first but the vicious barrage keeps going until she’s backed up against the buckles and the official has to step in to warn off Kusanagi with threats of disqualification. Angel barely spares him a glance, going back on attack a moment later. Chance, however, grabs her around the throat with both hands and hurls her into the buckles, unloading some crushing rights and lefts of her own. For a moment, Kusanagi covers up, but the blows that land easily trigger her masochism and she lights up, grabbing Chance by the shoulders and driving her head into the woman’s nose! Blood is not flowing, shockingly enough, but the impact does quite a bit to lower River’s air supply and Kusanagi takes advantage, delivering a corner crossbody and following up with a cannonball, pinning River for a quick two. Chance throwing Angel off shows that there’s plenty more in her tank, but Kusanagi is on her before she can get up, throwing hard knees to the chest and midsection. Chance shoves her into the ropes once, then again when Angel relentlessly continues to follow up. This time, though, Kusanagi runs right into a discus lariat that, for the first time in the match, has her looking just a bit woozy.

River keeps the pressure on now, knowing she cannot let up on this young woman lest she be overwhelmed. She heaves Angel up with ease into a military press before simply walking out from under her. Angel free-falls to the mat and lands painfully… which sparks that twisted smile again. It goes away after a harsh kick to the ribs from River, followed by a deadlift German that folds up the woman called Bonkers comically. A second German is attempted, but Angel starts firing wild elbows, extricating herself from Chance’s grip. She staggers a moment when she’s put down, then hits a jumping twisting enzuigiri that leaves River wobbling! An attempt is made to power Chance up, most likely for a brainbuster, but River puts on the brakes, throws a few punches to the midsection, then delivers a stalling vertical suplex of her own, putting extra snap on the descent. She gets a two-count on Angel, who pokes back up still possessing that satisfied look on her face. It gets under River’s skin a bit and she whips Kusanagi hard into the corner, following her in with a clothesline that her quicker adversary is able to evade. As a result, River crashes chest-first into the buckles and Angel is on her in a fury, hitting a running dropkick and following with a neckbreaker. She heads up to the top when River tumbles backwards, almost hitting a somersault senton only for Chance to get the knees up!

This… is a little TOO much pain for Angel to enjoy and for a moment her expression reflects the faintest bit of agony. Snared by her hair, Angel is set into the ropes and scooped up high as Chance seeks to finish things with the Pommel Strike! Punches and repeated headbutts, the imminent danger waking Kusanagi up after the harsh impact, allows her to slip out of RIver’s grip, but Chance blasts her with a headbutt of her own, shoving Kusanagi into the ropes and scooping her up for a powerbomb instead! The pin is a near-fall and Chance looks the slightest bit frustrated that the third slap wasn’t down. Dragging Angel back up, River Irish whips her across the ring but puts her head down a moment too soon; Angel blasts her with a kick to the head, then a spinning heel kick. Knocked into the ropes, River rebounds forward and Angel lashes out with the Steel Feather! River ducks barely in time, the blow actually scraping across the top of her head, and folds Angel up with another German. Determined to put the Pommel Strike to use this time, River decks Angel with a right hand and sends her into the ropes only for Kusanagi to slide between her legs and deliver a back cracker to Chance! Arched up on the mat, River finds herself locked in for the Boseki Driver… and it’s enough to keep the powerhouse down for the one-two-three!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner...and advancing into the Guardians of the Pyramid! ANGEL...KUSANAGI!!!

Andrew Payne: Let’s have another look at that Boseki Driver, Mir. That was brutal!

Miranda Augustino: This Pyramid match is gonna be brutal based on what Isabella Santiago says! If it’s right up anyone’s alley, there she is right there!

Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first….

The alternative cover of “Army of Me” by Beanbag begins to play as the lights dim in the arena. The “Dark Army Chan” logo appears on the screen as a spotlight lights up the stage. In single column file, three women march out in succession onto the stage, one after the other and as they get to the ramp they pause. Behind them comes Kan Tai, as she follows them with a sign that simply says, “Dark Army Chan”. As the lyrics start, they begin to march in specific fashion.

Stand up
You've got to manage
I won't sympathize
Anymore

With the beat of the sound of a sledge hammer that is placed in the music, they each take one step, then another, then stop. The woman in the front with the owl mask, tilts her head to one side. The second woman, wearing a fox mask, tilts her head in the other direction, the third one with the rabbit mask looks upward and Kan Tai raises the sign up. All this happens at the same time on that third beat. The fourth beat sees them return back to their original position and continue to march themselves down to the ring as the chorus hits.

Thea Crawford: Introducing first, representing Dark Army Chan, Rabbit-chan!

And if you complain once more
You'll meet an army of me
And if you complain once more
You'll meet an army of me

As they make their way around the ring, Kan Tai stops on one side of the ring as the other three continue. At each side, the last member in the procession stops, until the final member is on the fourth and final side. They each climb up onto the apron and the three members of Dark Army Chan slingshot flip into the ring, landing in the center facing each other as Kan Tai slips between the ropes and joins them.


Thea Crawford: And her opponent, from Helsinki, Finland! Weighing in at 138 pounds! Finland’s Fallen Star! TAHTI...KUU!!!!!

H.I.M’s “Poison Girl” hits on the speakers as Tahti Kuu comes running out onstage through smoke shooting up in front of the entrance curtain. She throws her hair back and raises both arms, throwing the horns to the audience before making her way down towards the ring. Tahti slaps hands with the audience as she moves down the ramp. She slides into the ring and stands on the ropes, pumping the horns to the song’s guitar riff. As she removes her entrance gear, she backs into her corner.

~DING DING DING~

Rabbit-Chan and Thati begin by circling the ring, but for Rabbit, it’s more like skipping around. Tahiti makes the first move and goes to grab Rabbit-chan, but the Rabbit-chan is able to avoid Tahti and deliver a few quick rabbit punches to Tahti. She then jumps and delivers a knee right under the chin of Tahti that staggers her back. Rabbit-chan follows it up by grabbing Tahti and delivering a double arm suplex. Rabbit-chan doesn’t stop as she sits Tahti up and hits the ropes, going for a shining wizard, but Tahti is able to drop down and avoid it before grabbing the tights of Rabbit-chan and rolling her up for a pin that results in a two count. Both women make it up to their feet before Tahti grabs Rabbit-chan and this time, she’s able to deliver a Russian leg sweep. Tahti though continues to bring the offense as picks Rabbit-chan up and delivers a snap suplex. Fox-chan reaches out and grabs Rabbit-chan, pulling her out to the floor, trying to get the separation from Tahti. Tahiti hits the ropes and comes diving through them, but Owl-chan pulls Rabbit-chan out of the way and takes the suicide dive from Tahti.

As this happens, Rabbit-chan is able to pick Tahti up from the ground and drive her back first into the barricade. She does it a second and third time before she takes Tahti and delivers a X-Factor out on the floor! Rabbit-chan rolls back into the ring as the ref starts the twenty count. Tahiti fights and claws back towards the ring, and she finally makes it back in at the count of nineteen before Rabbit-chan picks Tahti up and then uses the ropes for a springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT! Rabbit-chan hooks the leg and Tahti manages to kick out at two. Rabbit-chan though doesn’t stop as she gets up and picks Tahti up before delivering a Cyclone Suplex to Tahti and hooking the leg and this time, getting the three count.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, Rabbit-chan!

Andrew Payne: The numbers at ringside played a small part in this win, Miranda.

Miranda Augustino: They were just looking out for their friend, Andy. It’s not their fault at all.

Thea Crawford: The following match is scheduled for one fall!

The lights go dark as a familiar music begins to play.....as soon as the beat picks up the crowd starts clapping along to it. The opening lyrics to "Livin' On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi hits as from behind the curtain emerges Griffin Hawkins who raises the devil horns in the air as the crowd sings along to the theme.

Thea Crawford: "Making his way to the ring...from Windsor, Ontario Canada...weighing in at 227 Pounds...put your hands together for Griffin Hawkins!!"

The crowd is cheering, clapping and singing along to Bon Jovi as he makes his way down to the ring, slapping hands with the fans as signs that read "Griffin Rox" and "Rock Soldier" are present. He soaks in the positive reaction as he walks up the steps and steps between the ropes. He gets on the turnbuckles and raises the Devil Horns in the air with both hands, pumping the crowd up.

He gets down, taking off his leather jacket before getting out of the ring. He sees a young little boy in the front row as he takes off his silver aviator shades. He places his sunglasses on the young fan who looks excited to be here, smiling as he pats him on the head. He rolls back into the ring, and kicks his feet up ropes in the corner of the ring and leans across the turnbuckle like it's a hammock, waiting for the match to begin.

Thea Crawford: His opponent….

The lights go out, a loud sound like a giant heartbeat sounds every second, the lights flash around the arena, then a red spotlight hits the entrance way as Halestorms's Sick I individual hits. The light hits Maki with her back to the audience she is on her hands and knees, she slowly crawls her way the ring.

Well you think that you know what I am but you don't.
'Cause I say what you can't and I do what you won't.
I like it loud, wear it proud, like a crown upon my head
I'll always be this way 'till the day that I'm dead

'Cause I'm a sick individual
And I'm doing this thing called whatever the fuck I want, want, want
I'm unusual

Thea Crawford: From Brighton, England! Weighing in at 155lbs! This is...MAKI!!!!

She slowly crawls to the ring, with her hair down to her shoulders, her white face paint, with scribbles on her body of "Help"

'Cause I'm a sick individual

She crawls to the ring and slides under the bottom rope

'Cause I'm a sick individual

She sits in the ring with her head bent back, laughing manically, and then flips herself to her feet.

And I'm doing this thing called whatever the fuck I want

Her tongue is sticking out as she whispers Korean to herself.

~DING DING DING~

The bell rings and this one is under way. Griff slowly walks to the centre of the ring as does Maki who is smirking. They shake hands as both flip their hair back at the same time. Some kind of mutual respect from these long time friends who have never faced each other before.
They lock up and Griffin takes control with a headlock takedown but Maki slides out and delivers a severe right hand to his jaw and whips the bigger man to the ropes and he rebounds off with a stinging clothesline and follows it up with a springboard leg drop across her throat. Maki rolls around holding her neck as Griff lifts her up and whips her into the corner hard. He then connects with a back fist and Maki spits the blood from her mouth after that move on Griff! He looks shocked as she licks her own blood from her lips and she hits a flying thrust kick that knocks him over the top rope and to the floor to the outside. The referee checks on the mouth of Maki and she hisses at him and slides out. The referee started to count as Maki launched herself and Griff hit a release belly to belly suplex on her and she hit the ring post hard. The referee was up to a 5 count now as Griff rolled her back in the ring to stop the count . He got in the ring and saw she was groggy and hit a standing shooting star press and hooked her left leg for a 2 count.

Griff as always could tell he had the upper hand and with Maki down on the mat went high risk and climbed to the top rope and went for Stage Dive but in midair Maki kipped up and and hit a superkick to his jaw. As he crumpled to the mat on his knees she hit another to the right side of his face. Griff was swaying now and Maki ran off the ropes and hit a third to the back of his head as he got to his feet. SUPERKICK PARTY! She went for the cover but didn't hook the legs and Griff was able to kick out at 2.5! She smiled and we could see the blood on her teeth and in he mouth as she hissed to herself and hit a running elbow drop and as Griff started to make it to his feet she hit a Springboard backflip reverse DDT. She rolled him up and got another 2 count. As she lifted him once more he kicked her in the midsection, hit a fameasser and then followed up with a Lionsault and covered her now but he got a 2 count this time. Both of these fighters and athletes push each other to go harder and stronger and both looking frustrated as well not to be able to put the other away. Maki slid to the corner as Griff half smiled at her as she ran at him, he hit the ropes and hit a huge spear that looked to have broken her in half. Griff went over to her and she hit a palm thrust to his throat and he held his throat for a second and Maki hit a snap tiger suplex and covered him again but once more only a 2 count!

These two were trading blows now as the match started to hit crescendo with both looking to outdo the other. There was no separating them with this back and forth action but Griff used his size advantage once again to overpower Maki and hit a spiked DDT on her but she got up straight away and blew him a kiss as she slapped her chest and told him to give her more punishment. Griff hit her with a series of european uppercuts that snapped her neck back and SEVENTH STAR but no Maki held the rope and Griffin fell backwards and she hit DRAG ME TO HELL, the inverted windmill neckbreaker, as he got to his feet and she took a breather holding on to the ropes as this match took its toll on both of them.She pulled him up by his hair and called for the Makihouse kick but he caught her leg and hit an exploder suplex. As she slowly got to her feet Griff with that superkick of his own - SHOT IN THE DARK! Maki crumpled into the corner. He lifted her to her feet and GLAM SLAM but no Maki out of it and MAKINOKU DRIVER! She covered and got a 2.5 count. She started to scream at the referee as Griff rolled her up for a 2.5 count of his own. These two began trading their own similar moves. Both of them frustrated as hell at the tenacity of the other started trading blows and Griff with more power behind his started to get the upper hand but then Maki’s striking game took over with shots to the face, the throat, midsection and back of Griff. Maki went for a spinning wheel kick and missed wildly as Griff roared back with a sling blade and as she got to her feet he nailed a the ROCKET KICK and fell on top of her for another 2,5 count and then he lifted her up, boot to her stomach and NUMBER ONE STUNNER! Maki got her foot on the rope just as Griff was about to celebrate victory.

Maki’s eyes were rolling and she was clearly fatigued as Griff took the match up a notch with a spinning neckbreaker and pop up powerbomb but Maki managed to squirm onto her stomach to stop a pin attempt. Griff then got her legs and pulled her to the middle of the ring and strapped in a figure four leg lock, possibly to win or to counteract her finisher. SHe was screaming now as Griff used all his power. She was so closer to tapping but she held on and somehow managed to flip them over and now Griff was in the leglock but his longer arms managed to stretch to the ropes. Maki slowly got up, testing her legs as he lifted her up and buckle bomb on Maki who wasn’t moving. Griff moved her away from the corner, got to the top turnbuckle and HOLY DIVER but Maki once again as Griff was in midair with a MAKIHOUSE KICK and it connected. She slumped on top of him for the three count.

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner, MAKI!!!

Maki called for a microphone as Griffin was heading to the ropes. “Hey Griff. Hug me, mate!” He walked back and they hugged and bumped fists. “Now that is one tough dude. Hey, Anarchy bitch, I am coming for that shiny title of yours. Bank on that!”

She dropped the microphone and fell to the mat, exhausted.

Trenton Page: I said it on Twitter and I’m saying it again here, Eavan: you’re not mentally prepared for this match.

Back in the hallway outside the locker room area, Trenton Page is leaning up on one of the painted walls, arms folded across his chest. Dressed for his main event encounter with the infamous Eavan Maloney, the young veteran has an uncharacteristically serious look on his face. It only becomes more prominent when he lifts his eyes to the camera.

Trenton Page: Whether you intended it or not, you immediately pegged me as some kind of steppingstone, questioning how rusty I would be after ‘years behind a desk’, effectively stating that I wouldn’t have a chance against you. Now, maybe I’m takin’ your words out of context. Maybe not. Cause, really, who says what they mean anymore?

Finally a smile breaks through, albeit a little one, on the Southern-Fried Gentleman’s face. But the eyes above it? A bit on the sad side.

Trenton Page: Yeah, I spent some time as General Manager. I also made time every day at the Combat School and directly involved myself in training students there. So just… y’know...

He brushes off his shoulder as if to wipe away the comments of his opponent. The smile goes away.

Trenton Page: Here’s the thing, Eavan: you’re too hung up on your past, understand? You throw around this talk about running Collision once upon a time as if this business ain’t ever-changin’, ever-evolvin’. Due respect to what you’ve done in your time, but I’m bettin’ if you tried stormin’ into Collision and tryin’ that running stuff now? You wouldn’t run the place. No, you’d run FROM it.

And that, to me, makes it sound like you’re lookin’ at Trauma as your back-up plan. And me as your steppin’ stone, like I was sayin’ before. That kinda talk? It don’t sit well with me, y’hear? For a woman on the wrong side of half the wrestlin’ business, her name maligned far and wide, including places like ECWF and HYBRID for her poor methods of doing business, lack of self-control and all else? Let’s just say that that makes the rounds a lot more than your ‘x titles in x years’ stuff. People wouldn’t remember that ‘less you screamed it at ‘em. Why? Well, I just explained that, didn’t I?

Sighing, Trenton pushes off from the wall and starts heading towards the Gorilla position. The pedestrians, for lack of a better term, are coming and going more frequently now. Some of them wave and greet Trenton, and he responds with a nod, a word of kindness or the odd high-five… but as the camera takes in his approach from the front, it is able to show us how serious he looks, how his eyes are locked on the road ahead of him.

Trenton Page: I’ll be the first to admit that my return to the ring hasn’t been all I wanted it to be. And that’s fine. I’m realistic. I’ll get where I need to be. Hard work and dedication has a way of doing that. That ain’t how I’ve seen you deal with adversity, though. And that bein’ said, I got a little advice for ya:

Another faint smile.

Trenton Page: Plastic surgery an’ hair dye ain’t gonna chance your past or affect your future, girl. Seems like every time things go south for ya you hit the salon and get the works. Instead of, you know, lookin’ inward and figurin’ out what your problem is so you can fix it proper. But you ain’t gonna listen to that from me. An’ I ain’t yer daddy, so...

Another shrug, another lost smile. Trenton moves on.

Trenton Page: Point I’m tryin’ to make? You’re lookin’ at this whole thing skewed. Me? I know what this match means to me. I know what I’m fightin’ for an’ what motivates me aside from the gold and glory. Again, that’s gonna have me referencin’ Reckoning Day. Watching my good friend Damon Cross power his way through a killer street fight to have his arm raised, then seeing another dear friend in Danni Anderson claim her first World Championship. I’m happy for them… proud of them… and know that if they can do it, so can I. And I will. In my own way. That starts tonight. And if you’re watchin’? Congratulations, you two.

A bottle of water is grabbed up and a long drink is taken from it after Trenton lifts it in the direction of the camera.

Trenton Page: The winners write the history books, Maloney, and tonight is another chapter in my story. I’m turning the page on you and moving forward to the next chapter. One that sees me make my way into the Guardians of the Pyramid. One that sees you forced to take a long, hard look at yourself for the first time in maybe ever.

Stopping at the curtain and taking another deep breath, then downing another long swig from the bottle, Trenton twists the cap back into place and sets it down. He’ll need the remains later.

Trenton Page: So, with all due respect… good luck out there. You WILL need it from the looks and sounds of things.

And the camera cuts away...
Thea Crawford: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is your main event!

Disturbed’s “Warrior” roars through the arena and the fans are up on their feet, awaiting the arrival of Krigare. Eavan Maloney rolls out onto the stage on a black and red low-rider Harley Davidson motorcycle, dressed in leather from head to toe including her Shieldmaidens kutte, and a Deadpool-inspired helmet.

Thea Crawford: From New Orleans, Louisiana, representing the Shieldmaidens. She is the Ultimat Krigare… EAVAN… MALONEY!!!!

Eavan rides around the ring and parks at the bottom of the ramp. She takes her helmet off and places it on the seat, as she lets her grey and purple hair fall loose before sliding under the bottom rope and into the ring. Eavan gets up on the second turnbuckles and smirks out into the crowd, soaking in whatever reaction she receives before hopping down.

Thea Crawford: And her opponent….

"Forget My Name" kicks off hard from the start, the heavy guitars and drums doing a good job of getting fans pumped and ready for the match to come. Trenton backs out onto the stage, arms extended to either side, stopping at the top of the ramp and spinning around to greet the masses. His smile is ever-present, pumping his fists a few times to rile up the arena. Following him out is the stunning Hikaru Yamamoto-Page, her attire matching Trenton's in terms of color. He takes her hand and gives her a twirl before linking her arm with his and heading down the ramp.

Thea Crawford: From Spartanburg, South Carolina! Weighing in at 219 pounds! TRENTON...PAGE!!!

Reaching the ring, Trenton gets a big smooch on the cheek from his young lady and it gets him all kinds of riled! He slaps the steps a few times before walking up, wiping his soles before entering the ring and hitting the ropes, again working his utmost to get the fans right in there with him. Up on the buckles, he salutes them one final time before removing his vest and tossing it down at ringside, moonsaulting off the buckles and landing on his feet, ready to start the match.

~DING DING DING~

Trenton and Eavan begin the match and they lock up. Trenton is able to be the first to get Eavan into a waist lock, but Eavan is able to counter out of it and put Trenton into a headlock. Trenton fights for a moment, but he’s able to slip out of it and put Eavan into a headlock of his own. Eavan backs up towards the ropes and uses them for some momentum as she pushes Trenton off of her. Trenton hits the ropes and comes off, dropping Eavan with a shoulder tackle. Trenton once again hits the ropes and this time, leaps over Eavan who was trying to trip him up. He hits the ropes again and this time, Eavan springs to her feet and leap frogs over him. Trenton hits the ropes a third time and this time, Eavan delivers a standing dropkick that drops Trenton to the mat. Trenton quickly gets to his feet and as he does, he just manages to avoid Defang the Dragon as he stumbles backwards. Eavan though, follows up with a series of chops to the chest of Trenton before taking him and delivering a belly to belly suplex. Eavan follows up by taking Trenton and this time delivering a snap suplex before floating over and hooking the leg to get a nearfall.

Trenton rolls out of the ring, trying to get a breather, but it doesn’t matter as Eavan comes flying through the ropes and she delivers a suicide dive right onto Trenton, driving him back first into the barricade. Eavan then takes Trenton and drives him back first into the ring apron before delivering a release German Suplex out onto the floor. Eavan then picks Trenton up and rolls him back into the ring. Eavan gets up to the apron and delivers a slingshot senton before hooking the leg and getting another nearfall. She doesn’t stop though as she picks Trenton up from the mat and this time, she delivers the NOLA Makeover and hooks the leg again, but Trenton is able to kick out just before the three count. You can see the little bit of frustration on the face of Eavan, as she argues the count a little bit with the ref, but she then turns her focus back onto Trenton. She picks Trenton up and looks to deliver The Last Word, but Trenton is able avoid it and he comes back with a belly to belly suplex of his own as the two lay on the mat. The ref begins their ten count, but by the count of eight, both are back up to their knees, now just exchanging forearms.

They go back and forth with forearm after forearm as they make it up to their feet. Finally, Trenton is able to string a few shots together before he takes Eavan and delivers a scoop brainbuster. He follows that up as he picks Eavan up to her feet and this time, he delivers Dust in the Wind. Trenton stumbles around a little before dropping down for a cover and Eavan is able to get her shoulder up at two. Trenton, though, picks Eavan up and sets her up before delivering Southern Sunset and bridging up as the ref drops down and counts the three.

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, Trenton Page!

Andrew Payne: What a huge win for Trenton here tonight, solidifying his spot in the Guardians of the Pyramid match!

Miranda Augustino: Man, that was a great main event. Kudos to Trenton on this huge victory over someone like Eavan tonight.

Andrew Payne: And that’s all the time we have for tonight, join us next week as Adrianna Salvatore defends her United States Championship against Maki in our main event!