NFW Aftershock #18 - 01/23/2021!

Backstage, the camera finds “Psycho” Saoirse Maguire standing with her fellow Shieldmaidens, Aoife “Banshee” Maguire and Becca “Bruiser” Maguire in a barren dressing room, only a few chairs scattered in the room next to their respective bags. Psycho notices the camera and nods to it grimly.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: Aye, so I come to NFW an’ I bae brin’in’ wit me a legacy o’ kickin’ people’s heads off! I’ve done it tae win championships before an’ now I come haer wit me wife an’ me sister tae show I kin bae doin’ it again under different circumstances s well!

Psycho points to herself as Banshee and bruiser both stand by behind her.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: I’ve always baen one tae stand on me own two faet an’ jess kick doors down tae get where I want tae go but now, I come haer wit th’ taem me an’ Bex should have baen before somebody tried tae end her career before it bae startin’ all over again!

Nodding slowly, psycho turns and pats her wife on the chest.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: She made her fuckin’ comeback an’ she won championships tae prove she wasnay done an’ now, we come tae NFW ready tae show th’ world tha Gallus Mag bae a name ye kinna bae slaepin’ on!

Bruider nods proudly as Psycho turns back to face the camera properly.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: I make me debut against a tough competitor in Melody an’ ye kinna bae sayin’ tha I dinna bae takin’ her truly a baest o’ a competitor!

She nods forcefully.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: I know she bae representin’ herself proper, ye gammy fuckin’ cunt, an’ don’t bae tryn’ tae make it look like I bae lookin’ down on hr!

The camera steps back as Psycho glares angrily into it. Just then, a knock at the door interrupts. Banshee walks over and open it to find her wife, Katrina “Hairicin” Knox and Hairicin’s tag team partner, Wendy “Zombie” Pellegrini, standing there expectantly.

Aoife "Banshee" Maguire: Oi, we’ve got guests haer then, Sorsh!

Psycho grins.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: Tell Harry an’ ZomMom tae bae comin’ in then, ye bloody cow!

Banshee laughs and turns to allow Hairicin and Zombie to enter the room.

"Psycho" Saoirse Maguire: As ye kin bae saein’, th’ Maidens bae ridin’ taegether! T’night, Melody an’ I bae throwin’ down an’ showin’ th’ whole fuckin’ world whot they kin bae expectin’! Hel bae empty…

Bruiser steps up next to her.

Becca "Bruiser" Maguire: And the Maidens be fuckin’ here!

Saoirse Maguire v. Melody

What a match this was to kick off Aftershock as Saoirse Maguire and Melody faced off in front of the excited crowd inside the Collision Center! The two kicked things off with a fist bump and a lockup, immediately turning up the intensity level to set the bar high for the rest of the card. Maguire went full bore with her strike game, throwing stiff kicks and brutal chops and elbows. Melody was definitely feeling it but the rising star wasn’t about to take without receiving and she fired back full throttle with a series of dropkicks, leg lariats and high impact maneuvers that saw her moving Maguire all over the ring with a series of arm drags, DDTs and tilt-a-whirl takedowns. Maguire dug deep and moved to the Knee strikes, Pushkicks and began matching Melody’s aerial prowess with her own springboard assaults. Melody blew the roof off the place with a top rope Spanish Fly and later countered a Back Body Drop with a Leg Trap Sunset Flip Bomb - both for a couple of near falls. Maguire persevered through the punishment and caught Melody out of the air with a couple of her own big ones - a European Uppercut and by god, she even laid a Dublin Kiss on Queen Boo when Melody came in for a springboard forearm. Still, Melody managed to stay alive through these when Maguire went for the cover and it wasn’t until Maguire managed to evade a cocked Superkick by Melody and counter with the Gealtachta that the Shieldmaiden was able to put the younger girl away for the pinfall victory.

While “Psychosocial” by Slipknot played from the speakers, Saoirse Maguire celebrated for a moment before turning to a slightly dejected Melody. The Shieldmaiden walked over and offered her hand out to her opponent, helping to her feet. Saoirse patted her on the shoulder and offered her a fist bump. Melody gave it right back and raised Saoirse’s arm as a sign of respect. Saoirse nodded, giving Queen Boo a quick dap before Melody gave her the ring to finish celebrating her victory.

Result: Pinfall

Deep in the heart of the Collision Center, Cass Baumer diligently wraps her left hand with dark blue athletic tape until her stunning blue-green eyes snap open when she realizes she’s on camera.

Cass Baumer: Back when I was an insufferable little attention whore, I used to get kicked out of women’s locker rooms like this one all the time.

Although typically buzzing, Aftershock was a much smaller production than Collision or Trauma, so the locker room area was much quieter than usual. Still, the sounds of chatter and zippers growling serve as a soft diegetic soundtrack.

Cass Baumer: Of course, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t need their approval. It was alright that I had to drag my ol’ travel bag to the shithouse and dress into my ring gear right in that cramped stall.

Baumer gestures to her blue nylon duffle bag, visibly scuffed and worn down through the years.

Cass Baumer: All I could do was try to show I was a good worker when it counted, follow the other backstage etiquette rules, and generally show I was happy to be there. Truthfully, I was. Everyone wanted to take potshots, but I knew a chance like this didn’t happen to everybody. Six thousand fans are in attendance in that sold-out crowd tonight, yeah? Well, multiply that by a thousand, and you’ll have some idea how many people attempt to reach this level— to be able to wrestle on live television regularly— to no avail.

Her dyed dirty blonde hair cascades down, blocking her face while she hangs her head low.

Cass Baumer: It feels unfair, don’t it? Especially when it feels like there’s a new wrestling territory promotion opening every week these days. Well, it’s an uncomfortable truth. Yet the moment we express how we’re grateful to have come this far, or how we’re proud to be a part of the company/brand that decided to help put food on our family’s tables, there’s always someone who takes offence! If that doesn’t describe this NFW Civil War, I don’t know what does.

As she looks back at the camera, other Collision roster members around her are too focused on their own affairs to even listen to what Baumer says to the camera right now.

Cass Baumer: When Adrianna Salvatore, Isabella Santiago, and the rest of the Trauma crew allowed the pride I feel for where I work expose all their insecurities at Collision #89, that’s on them.

The Headliner shrugs.

Cass Baumer: Y’all mad I followed the wrestling code? You’re really upset I showed respect for the people who I work with all the time? Nah, that’s ridiculous! I’ve got no issue with Trauma. In fact, there are a few talents on that brand whom I’ve got an endless amount of respect for. What I have a problem with is the fact that they’ve allowed what I said to fester in their minds ‘til they considered themselves justified to attack all of us in our territory while we were just tryna put on the best show for the fans!

Finally, the fast-talking Kiwi stands and starts to be more expressive with her hands. Several of the other roster members in the women’s locker room finally notice Cass’s words.

Cass Baumer: At NFW Invasion: Civil War, it’s Collision versus Trauma in a time where division is at its peak! That’s in ten days. In the meantime, we’ve got the Aftershock main event tonight — me versus Tren! Consider it a showcase of violence to show Trauma why they’ve made a mistake! It’ll be a maelstrom of blood, screams, and two of the biggest egos in NFW! It’ll be a proving ground to confirm I’ve got what it takes to lead in WarGames and assure Tren’s at his best all at the same time!

She sheepishly takes a step back, eyes on the tiled floor before she looks at the camera with determination again.

Cass Baumer: It’s The Headliner versus The Man Who Can’t Feel Pain, and I’ve taken enough of your time. Now get outta here!

Match #2/Singles Match

Isabella Luna v. Dona Rotten

Isabella and Dona start things off as the bell sounds with a lockup. Isabella is able to go behind and put Dona into a waistlock before transitioning into a side headlock before taking Dona down to the mat and hitting the ropes and delivering a basement dropkick. Isabella continued her offense as she began to deliver a few elbows to the lower back of Dona before picking her up and delivering a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. She then hooked the leg for a cover, only to get a two count. Isabella picked Dona back up, sending her into the ropes. As Dona rebounded, Isabella took her back down with a big boot. She picked Dona up and locked her into the Devilish Deal. Dona though was refusing to give up and when Isabella realized that, she just dropped her face first into the mat and went for another cover, only resulting in a two count. Isabella once again picked Dona up and she went for a spear, but Dona countered with a kick to the shoulder.

From there, Dona would begin to mount a comeback. She'd take Isabella and deliver a Saito suplex before she followed it up with a sliding clothesline and went for a cover, only to get a two count. Dona would press on though, delivering a DDT before she hit Isabella with a Chainsaw kick. She'd once again go for the cover, but Isabella was able to kick out at two once again. Dona grabbed Isabella, delivering a second Saito suplex before picking the woman up and hitting her with The Punk-plex and hooking the leg and picking up the three count.

Result: Pinfall

The camera comes on in a dark space, it’s forward facing light the only illumination. A shadow steps into the shot, a large, hooded man. He reaches up, grabbing what appears to be a long iron bar before giving a grunt. With a loud, horrible squeal, the door to the box car groans against years of rust and decay as the hooded figure pushes it open. Outside, as far as the eye can see, are the rusted hulks of generations of different types of train engines, cars, and equipment. The one light in the middle of the yard flickers erratically as a storm rages outside, lightning bolting across the sky to reveal the white painted face of Tren Descarrilado.

Tren Descarrilado: “Mi nombre es Tren Descarrilado, pero ustedes hijos de puta ya lo sabían.”

(My name is Tren Descarrilado, but you motherfuckers already knew that.)

The KINGDOM’s hired gun removes his jacket slowly as the storm continues to rage, raining down hard at a visible angle. He tosses the garment aside, the white paint revealed to be covering a good portion of his chest as well. His arms are tight, muscles flexed as he clenches his fists.

Tren Descarrilado: “Me ha llamado la atención que muchos de ustedes ya no me toman en serio como una amenaza. Piensas que solo porque me he unido al KINGDOM, me he ablandado. Mi amistad con Lilith Meadows. Mi relación respetuosa con Damon Cross, Danni Anderson y la pequeña Leina te hace pensar que he perdido ese instinto asesino que tenía cuando me uní a NFW.”

(It has come to my attention that many of you no longer take me seriously as a threat. You think that just because I have joined the KINGDOM, I have softened. My friendship with Lilith Meadows. My respectful relationship with Damon Cross, Danni Anderson, and little Leina makes you think I've lost that killer instinct I had when I joined NFW.)

There is a crazed look in the monster’s eyes. A look that hasn’t been seen since Cruel Summer, when Descarrilado faced off against the previously mentioned Damon Cross. He begins to pace, slowly, nodding his head as he moves. His eyes dart back and forth, as if searching for something in the dark. The look of a predator, searching for prey.

Tren Descarrilado: “Ahora, esta noche, me enfrento a Cass Baumer aquí en AFTERSHOCK. Capitán del equipo en NFW Invasion: Civil War. Elegido por el gerente general de Collision Callaway para llevar nuestra marca a la victoria sobre Team Trauma. Pero hasta ahora, todo lo que ha hecho es cometer un error tras otro. ¿Sabes por qué? Porque ella no me ha elegido para unirme a ella para representar nuestra marca. El espectáculo A. Por otra parte, Baumer es bien conocida por tomar decisiones que se dan la vuelta y la muerden en el trasero, ¿no es así?”

(Now, tonight, I face off against Cass Baumer here on AFTERSHOCK. Team Captain at NFW Invasion: Civil War. Hand picked by Collision General Manager Callaway to lead our brand to victory over Team Trauma. But so far, all she has done is make one mistake after another. Do you know why? Because she has not chosen me to join her to represent our brand. The A Show. Then again, Baumer is well known for making decisions that turn around and bite her in the ass, isn't she?)

The Man Who Feels No Pain lets out a guttural growl, the sound reverberating through the ancient metal box he is standing in. He slams his fist into the wall, pulling it back into the light to reveal blood running down his knuckles. He stares at it, almost hypnotically, before turning back to the camera.

Tren Descarrilado: “Aquí está el trato, perra estúpida. Esta noche, subiré a ese ring y Callaway verá el error que cometió al ponerte a ti, entre todas las personas, a cargo de este equipo. Al igual que el general George Armstrong Custer en la batalla de Little Bighorn, te ahogarás y fracasarás horriblemente. No tienes la crueldad para hacer lo que sea necesario para ganar. Puedes hablar sobre tu entrenamiento en ese dojo de combate. Puedes hablar sobre todo el trabajo que has hecho para endurecer tu imagen desde que dejaste de ser un reportero entrometido. Todo lo que se ha hecho es convertirte en una perra entrometida en los asuntos personales de las personas y un poco más difícil de encerrar. No tienes el instinto maldito asesino que Collision necesita para ganar esta guerra. No tienes a nadie en este maldito equipo hasta ahora que lo tenga.”

(Here's the deal, you stupid bitch. Tonight, I'm going to step into that ring, and Callaway will see the mistake he's made by putting you, of all people, in charge of this team. Much like the General George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn, you will choke, and you will fail horribly. You don't have the viciousness to do whatever it takes to win. You can spout about your training in that deathmatch dojo. You can talk about all the work you've put in to toughen up your image since you've stopped being a nosy ass reporter. All that's done is make you a nosy bitch in people's personal business, and a little harder to put away. You don't have the killer motherfucking instinct that Collision needs to win this War. You don't have anyone on this fucking team so far that does.)

Descarrilado turns his back to the camera, scars covering his flesh from the nape of his neck all the way down to his waist. Tattoos conceal some of them, but this body has been through hell and back, and it’s obvious.

Tren Descarrilado: “Entonces. Cuando Aftershock salga del aire esta noche. Después de que te deje a una mujer rota en medio de ese anillo, finalmente te darás cuenta de un par de cosas. Antes que nada, sabrás que Collision no puede ganar esta pelea sin Tren Descarrilado. ¿Segundo? ¿Y quizás lo más importante? Te darás cuenta de que a nadie le importa una mierda Cass Baumer. La mujer con la boca grande y sin culo que lo respalde. No sé qué tipo de favores le estás haciendo al jefe para que lo pongan en esta posición, pero él verá que no vale la pena perder toda la cabeza del mundo ante Santiago y su brigada de jodidos perdedores. Nos vemos en el ring, "Cap".

(So. When Aftershock goes off the air tonight. After I've left you a broken woman in the middle of that ring, you're going to finally realize a couple of things. First, and foremost, you will know that Collision cannot win this fight without Tren Descarrilado. Second? And maybe most importantly? You're going to realize that nobody gives a shit about Cass Baumer. The woman with a big mouth and no ass to back it up. I don't know what kind of favors you're doing for the boss to get put into this position, but he's going to see that all the head in the world ain't worth losing to Santiago and her brigade of fucking losers. See you in the ring, "Cap".)

Tren turns back toward the door, throwing his arms wide and letting out a guttural howl into the night before jumping out of the box car. The camera slowly fades to black as he walks through the rain, paint running off of him in rivers as he disappears into the mechanical graveyard. Once it has faded completely to black, the words Behold The Kingdom appear to signal the end of the video package.

Match #3/Singles Match

Cass Baumer v. Tren Descarrilado

These two weren’t exactly strangers to each other in the ring. They’d crossed paths before on numerous occasions. Cass Baumer knew the gravity of the situation she was in and was very familiar with Tren Descarrilado’s physical advantage. As the bell rang, the two closed in and Tren went to grab hold of Cass but the Headliner slipped behind him and started throwing shots into his kidneys but Tren just spun around, palmed her head like a basketball and shoved her like a child to the mat. Cass rolled up to her feet, watching Tren cautiously as he grinned like a wild animal and motioned for her to come and get some more. Cass closed in slowly and Tren leaned in, slapping himself in the face, telling her to give him everything she had. Cass rolled her shoulder, loosening up her arm and drilled Tren with a stiff forearm shot. The impact was enough to snap Tren’s head back but he just grinned and barked at Cass to give him some more. She nailed him again. He laughed and demanded more so Cass hit him again. He started demanding shot after shot as Cass fired off with her forearm over and over. The Train Wreck put a sudden halt to Cass’ offense by finally swatting her hand out of the way, grabbing her hair and landing one good, nasty shot with the cast on his arm. Cass hit the mat like a doornail and immediately looked rocked to her core. It was enough to make the ref order Tren back and look Cass over. After debating between Tren and the ring announcer, the referee opted to warn Tren about using the cast as a weapon. Tren shoved past the ref and bulldozed Cass in the corner, driving repeated knee shots to the mid section. He started to cock back and ready his casted arm for another shot but the referee stepped in to warn him about the cast again. Tren grabbed Cass and tossed her like a rag doll across the ring before getting up in the ref’s face. As they argued and Tren looked like he was ready to strike the ref, Cass Baumer crossed the ring to gather her senses.

It was there that she looked over into the front row and noticed one...no, two...three, four, five familiar faces. She pulled herself up to her feet, looking apprehensive and backed away, towards the center of the ring. Tren saw her up and started closing in but a quick look to Tren and back at the front row from Cass and even the Kingdom’s Enforcer knew something was wrong. Both competitors were looking now as five individuals climbed over the barricade and to ringside - Lady Death, Santa Muerte, Nathanael Morian, Cali-Kate and Adrianna Salvatore. Members of Trauma were here again! Cass and Tren stepped in closer to one another, suddenly more concerned with what the unwelcome individuals from the opposite brand were here for. The Trauma five slowly fanned out to take up three sides of the ring.

They were just beginning to climb up onto the apron when the crowd stirred with noise and, from one of the entrance tunnels, the duo of Jansen Myrrh and Teresa Duke - Thick Girls Club - came hurrying out. Both women dashed down the ramp and slid into the ring, standing with Cass and Tren. Four on five now as Adrianna and the rest of Trauma’s representatives made it up onto the apron, still looking to strike. Thick Girls Club, Tren and Cass all stood back to back to cover all possible angles and were looking ready to go.

Santa Muerte and Lady Death were the first ones to start stepping their feet in through the ropes when, all of a sudden, Verse 13’s “The Netherworld Circus” burst through the PA system. Everyone one both sides turned towards the stage, watching as The Ringmistress came stomping out, angrily (and oddly adorably) and began pointing and yelling at the duo of La Servientas de Yum Kimil. Seconds behind her, The Ringmaster strolled out with a much cooler head, carrying his walking stick like a club over his shoulder. He paused on the stage beside his valet, watching the ringside area for just a moment before promptly tossing his stick up, catching it and walked with a purpose to the ring after handing his top hat to her.. Ringmistress stayed back as the Ringmaster climbed onto the apron and entered the ring. He took a quick second to remove his coat before he stepped up to stand with the other four Collision members, ready for a fight, Just when it looked like Trauma was about to step into the ring, finally--

Voice: Hey hey hey! No! No! Absolutely not!

From the opposite tunnel, Commissioner Steven Brody came storming out with a microphone. Angry. He pauses and stares down with The Ringmistress for a moment who, funny enough, just waves like she’s happy to see him. Brody just stares hard, back at her and motions for her to make some room on the center of the stage.

Steven Brody: Excuse me.

He says before taking center stage and glares down at the ring.

Steven Brody: This is not gonna happen here and now, or maybe you all thought I was playing when I issued the no-contact order between Trauma and Collision. Is that it? Well, news flash, in case people forgot how things work in this business - as laid back as I like to be - what I say, in the end, goes!

Trauma backs off from the apron and everyone’s looking at Brody now. Namely, Tren Descarrilado leans on the ropes closest to the stage with a wolfish grin on his face.

Steven Brody: You got something, you wanna say Tren? Wipe that stupid looking grin off your face.

Brody growls, surprising many in the crowd. Even some of the others on both sides of the roster are a little stunned by the man’s sudden coldness.

Steven Brody: I told you I wasn’t playing games with any of you, so I’m warning you now. You like wrestling here? On either brand? You enjoy it? Stand down now or you’ll be looking for new places to work by the time we go off the air. I’m not joking.

Collision all look at each other. Trauma all look at each other. Both sides look a little hesitant to oblige but Brody stands his ground, watching the five on both sides.

Steven Brody: Now...since I’m out here...I noticed both sides seem to have five individuals each. Am I to understand that these are the teams for War Games? Adrianna, is this your Team Trauma?

At ringside, Trauma’s five have regrouped and Adrianna smirks coldly, spreading her arms as if presenting them. Brody nods.

Steven Brody: Cass, what about you? Is this Team Collision?

He motions at the five in the ring. Cass looks back at Thick Girls Club as if to make sure. Jansen and Teresa nod and give The Headliner fist bumps. Cass looks tentatively to The Ringmaster. He looks back at La Servientas de Yum Kimil, his former stable mates when they worked on the same brand, until late. Ringmaster turns back to Cass and, to the pop of the crowd, he gives an elegant, showman’s bow. Cass gives a smile of relief and offers out a hand. Ringmaster shakes it. The four now look to Tren Descarrilado now who looks back at them and rolls his eyes, scoffing.

Steven Brody: Well, Tren? What’s it gonna be “big dog”?

The crowd oooooh’s and Tren raises his eyebrow, walking to the ropes and starts throwing shade Brody’s way but something else catches his ear. He looks back at Trauma and Adrianna Salvatore’s got her arms out, presenting her team again and seems to be goading Tren or daring him to call her bluff. Santa Muerte and Lady Death even start to join in as Cali-Kate stands there with an eyebrow raised at the Train Wreck. Even Nathanael Morian has his arms out with his hands down at his waist as if asking the big bad wolf what it’s gonna be. Tren crosses the ring and leans over the ropes to yell down at them.

Tren Descarrilado: You want dis?! You want me, motherfuckers?! Dat whatchu fucking want?

There’s a tense moment as the crowd watches and Tren Descarrilado looks between the Trauma five and the other four from Collision. Sneering like an enraged beast, Tren finally turns to Cass Baumer and sticks out his fist. The crowd starts to buzz with approval before popping as Cass Baumer, after considering her options for a moment, bumps fists with the Train Wreck.

Steven Brody: Outstanding. Now that we’ve got that figured out, I’ve been considering ways to up the ante, some might say. Then, I got to remembering last year’s Invasion in Tokyo, Japan. Now, while I question the decisions lately of my General Managers, Isabella Santiago had a fine idea that I think I’ll bring back this year, so all of you listen closely: There’s gonna be more on the line here other than just bragging rights. Besides, what’s a war without spoils, am I right ladies and gentlemen?

The crowd cheers in approval. They have a feeling they know where he’s going.

Steven Brody: The winning team of the War Games match: Each member will be rewarded in kind. Team Captains, Adrianna Salvatore and Cass Baumer. If your team wins War Games, as Captain, you will receive a Money In The Bank contract, allowing you a match for the Undisputed or the World Heavyweight Title whenever and wherever you choose.

Cass looks beside herself. Hopeful even. She even looks up at the sky as if thanking the powers that be. Meanwhile, at ringside, Adrianna Salvatore has that wicked grin on her face, nodding as she licks her teeth.

Steven Brody: La Servientas de Yum Kimil and Thick Girls Club. Two established tag team units - one unit on each time - that’s perfect. Because if your team wins War Games, you will receive a guaranteed Tag Team Championship match at your brand’s next super show.

Teresa Duke and Jansen Myrrh audibly say “hell yeah” and high five each other. Lady Death and Santa Muerte also approve of the decision, nodding with painted smiles. Back up on stage, Brody rubs the back of his neck in mock thought.

Steven Brody: Now, I said everyone gets rewarded. That leaves...Nathanael Morian and Cali-Kate for Trauma...and Ringmaster and Tren Descarrilado for Collision. This is where I leave it up to your General Managers to decide because if your team wins War Games, one of you will become the next number one contender for the Undisputed or World Heavyweight Championship. The other gentleman will become the contender for either the United States or the Silver Mountain Championship.

Both teams are musing now over how things could go down as the crowd goes wild and starts cheering. Brody gives them a moment before raising the mic again.

Steven Brody: Now, seeing as this has all but ruined the Main Event of this evening - ladies and gentlemen, I do apologize for that - but the ten of you down there? My patience is wearing thin, so kindly go your separate ways and get the hell out of my ring.

The Aftershock theme plays as Steven Brody lowers the microphone and leaves through the tunnel as the two teams of five all watch each other and start putting a distance between each other. Team Trauma climbs back over the barricade and retreats through the crowd. Team Collision starts to break off separately and head up the walkway to the tunnels while the credits roll across the bottom of the screen and Aftershock goes off the air….

Result: No Contest