NFW Trauma Episode #33- 3/2/21

Andrew Payne: Welcome to another exciting edition of New Frontier Wrestling Trauma, folks!

Miranda Augustino: Yeah, we go a loaded card tonight.

Andrew Payne: Tonight we’ll see two more qualifying matches for the Persaverance Title Match at March Mayhem.

Miranda Augustino: And that green haired chick, Anaquin Adams is defendin her US Title against River Chance.

Andrew Payne: And the main event is sure to tear the house down as Jenn Drew takes on Super Tiger.

Miranda Augustino: Andy, we still haven’t talked about…

Andrew Payne: Well, enough from us, let’s get onto the show!
We cut backstage to the parking lot of the Collision Center as a white stretch limousine slowly pulls to a stop. The driver door opens and outsteps a behemoth of a man, soon to be recognised as Mr. Hughes. He makes his way to the back door of the limo and opens it as “Priceless” Steele Matthews steps out, dressed to compete along with a black leather jacket, a pair of black shades and a big Cheshire cat grin on his face.

Andrew Payne: Well ladies and gentlemen, there he is, Trauma’s latest acquisition… Steele Matthews.

Miranda Augustino: The Priceless One is here, esse! And damn is he fine!

Andrew Payne: And also engaged to be married, Miranda.

Miranda Augustino: A girl can dream.

Matthews removes his shades and places them into the breast pocket of his jacket as he looks around the place.

Steele Matthews: It feels good to be back…

He glances over to one of the crew members.

Steele Matthews: Hey you!

Matthews ushers the crew member over and he approaches The Priceless One.

Steele Matthews: What’s your name?

The crew member is about to retort but Matthews immediately cuts him off.

Steele Matthews: I don’t care. Listen up…

The seasoned veteran removes a crisp fifty dollar bill from his pocket and stuffs it into the crew member’s hand.

Steele Matthews: Here’s fifty bucks. I want you to take my things from my limo and put it in my room… understood? Good man!

Matthews pats the crew member on the shoulder and replaces his shades back onto his face before he and Hughes begin to make their way into the arena.

Steele Matthews: Hughes? Make sure to get my money back from that waste of oxygen before we leave tonight.

Hughes nods when suddenly, Amy Connors appears with a microphone in hand.

Amy Connors: Excuse me, Mr. Matthews… my name is Amy Connors and I’m the interviewer for Trauma… I was wondering if I could get a few quick words before your match tonight?

For the second time, Matthews removes his shades and looks over to Connors, that Cheshire grin still plastered across his face.

Steele Matthews: Certainly, Miss Connors.

Amy Connors: First of all, welcome to New Frontier and tonight--

Steele Matthews: Yes, Ms Connors! The return of the greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots has returned to in ring action… and he chose to make his return to New Frontier Wrestling!

For the first time, his grin fades as he outstretches his arms and looks around.

Steele Matthews: And yet… where’s the red carpet? Where’s the champagne? Where’s the fanfare?

He turns to Hughes.

Steele Matthews: Do you see any of that here, Hughes?

The behemoth shakes his head and Matthews turns his attention back to the interviewer.

Steele Matthews: Exactly! None of that is anywhere to be seen! And to make matters even worse, Miss Connors?! I’m in the opening match against a greener than green nobody in Trina Tanaka!

Matthews shakes his head, placing his hands on his hips.

Steele Matthews: Do you know who I am, Ms Connors? Stupid question… of course you do! I am the greatest wrestler to have ever stepped into a wrestling ring! I am the hottest free agent that this company has ever acquired the services of… and this my official in ring return after several years and this is how I am treated?!

The Priceless One takes a deep breath and then the Cheshire cat grin is back.

Steele Matthews: Nevertheless, Ms Connors… I am a professional and I shall still grace the NFW fans with my presence and also give the rest of the Trauma roster a lesson in how a true great in this profession works when I soundly defeat Ms Tanaka tonight.

Putting his shades back on again, he and Hughes continue their way into the arena, Matthews stops briefly and turns around to face Connors again.

Steele Matthews: By the way, Ms Connors… that color looks awful on you. I’d recommend you get yourself a stylist.

He chuckles before continuing on his way leaving Connors visibly furious as we cut elsewhere.

Match #1/Singles Match

Steele Matthews v. Trina Tanaka

Trina Tanaka was already in the ring when the cameras cut back to ringside and Steele Matthews made his entrance to the ring, joined by Curtis Hughes. The bell rang and Trina went for a handshake. Steele put on a cheshire grin and went to accept it but yanked her right into a knee to the ribs, getting an immediate boo out of the crowd. Steele kept hold of Trina’s wrist, whipped her into the ropes. Before Trina could gather herself, Steele was right in her face with a European Uppercut, following up with a barrage of chops until the referee reached 4 and forced a break. Steele got up in the referee’s face, backing him off and went right back to Trina but she recovered enough to mount some counter offense of her own and came at him with a rush of forearms to the jaw. Steele started to look rocked until Trina caught him a little higher than the jaw and in the cheekbone. Now, he looked more pissed than anything that his face took a direct hit. Trina paused just a hair to go for a discus lariat and Steele caught her in the midsection with another kick. He drilled her with his own forearm shot and whipped her into a corner again, following up with a running high knee. This time he set her legs up on the ropes. The referee seemed to think Steels was going for a Shattered Dreams kick but instead, he grabbed Trina around the back of the head and hit a Lungblower, violently snapping her down to the mat. Steele got to his feet, taking a moment to walk around the ring, gloating to the booing audience. Trina wasn’t getting up after that one, as much as she was trying. Steele had enough time to walk a full lap around the mat before going back and pulling Trina to her feet and to the center of the ring. Steele gave the signal, administered the wristlock and transitioned right into a short arm high knee strike to deliver The Money Shot, causing Trina to crumble to the mat again before he finally went for a cover to get the three count win.

Result: Pinfall

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=============================================

Match #2/Tag Team Match

La Servientas de Yum Kimil v. The Brothers Drake

Dylan Drake steps out to the apron as Torian steps out to meet their opponents. Lady Death and Santa Muerta charge at Torian and get him with double clotheslines. Torian falls back into the neutral corner and the Sirvientes hit him with another clothesline and basement dropkick combination. Lady Death stays to start to take over while Santa Muerta goes to their corner, the referee all but shooing her out the whole way. She hisses back at him to make him back off and takes her place on the apron. Lady Death drives Torian towards their corner and makes the tag. Las Sirvientes take turns working Torian over for a few minutes until Torian catches Santa Muerta trying for a running crossbody that he manages to turn into a snap powerslam.

ONE…

TWO…

KICK OUT!

Santa Muerta crawls away and makes the tag to Lady Death. Torian starts for his corner but Lady Death is able to cut him off. Lady Death gets in a couple of chops and then gives him a face wash in the corner. She runs back and rebounds off the ropes going for a big boot. Torian eats the impact and flops onto the mat where Lady Death covers.

ONE…

TWO…

THR-TORIAN GETS A SHOULDER UP!

Lady Death makes the tag to her partner and then continue working over Torian until a miscue allows him to make the tag. Dylan comes in and clotheslines down both Lady Death and Santa Muerta. He gets them both for spinebusters and then hits a running powerslam on the legal partner, Santa Muerta.

ONE…

TWO…

LADY DEATH BREAKS IT UP!

Torian comes in but the referee cuts him off and takes him back to the corner. With the referee not looking, Lady Death pulls a set of Dia De Los Muertos decorated brass knuckles and blasts Dylan in the mouth. She slips them back into her tights and then takes Torian off the apron while Santa Muerta covers the downed Dylan.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!

~Ding Ding Ding~

Thea Crawford: Your winners as a result of a pinfall... LAS SIRVIENTES DE YUM KIMIL!

Miranda Augustino: Now that shit was dirtier than Miley Cyrus at a rainbow party!

Andrew Payne: Not an analogy I needed to hear, but I get your point. The interesting thing is, La Sirvientas just scored their first big win in awhile. You gotta wonder if this is gonna put them in the running for a Tag Team Title shot in the future.

Miranda Augustino: Now that’s a little early to guess, ain’t it Andy?”

Andrew Payne: Well, they did pin the former number one contenders.

Miranda Augustino: Yeah, so did the champions. Oo-woot!

Andrew Payne: Ah, right you are.

Winners: La Servientas de Yum Kimil

Result: Pinfall

As we go backstage, Eavan Maloney in red and black ring gear can be seen sitting on an equipment chest. She has her arms folded against her chest, and her head is shaking back and forth slowly, contemplating. The odd thing about the whole thing is the round trash can lid on Eavan’s head. A moment passes, and she's approached by Jason Hardwick.

Jason Hardwick: Um, Eavan? What are you doing?

Eavan Maloney: I’m trying to understand Glitch’s obsession with sandwiches.

Jason Hardwick: Oh, the pre-Aftershock segment I had with Ms. Glitch.

Eavan Maloney: Exactly! Like, I totally get it, and I would have left it alone but then she had to go and name-drop me. No respect on my name or nothin’, like how rude can somebody be? And now, tonight, Glitch gets what she wants. A Trauma match. Though I suspect she’s not happy with Izzy’s choice of opponent.

Jason Hardwick: You don’t sound very concerned about this match.

Eavan takes off the lid, and hops off the chest, standing beside Hardwick with a very confident smile on her face. She slaps Hardwick’s shoulder, hard.

Eavan Maloney: Why would I be? Is she Anakin Skywalker? No. Is she Anton Crowley? No. Is she Lilith, Christina, Ash, Bethany, Jezzy, or Morgan Payne? No. Is she part of the Kingdom? No. She’s either a Stormtrooper of Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons, but none of that matters, Jason. The only thing that matters is me placing my order right here and now because in a few minutes’ time, Glitch will be my bitch and she’ll be making ME a sandwich. So Glitch, get yourself a pen and paper or open up an app in your visor because I swear to everything holy or unholy, you screw it up and there will be consequences.

Hardwick is trying hard not to laugh watching Eavan get animated, and Eavan glares at him which promptly wipes the smile off Hardwick’s face.

Eavan Maloney: Hey, sandwich-making is a damn art, nothing funny about it. Glitch, write this down. Go to Catering and get some ciabatta bread, and spread some warm butter on it. Next, thick-cut bacon, not too crispy, and lay a few slabs of that over the bottom of the bun. Next you’re going to fry two eggs, sunny side up, don’t ever flip those eggs. Next, take some of that American cheese and melt it over the eggs. Now, place the eggs on top of the bacon. Next, hot sauce, but not too much because I want to taste the cheese. Put the top bun on, and bring that bitch to my locker room.

Jason Hardwick: Did you just...

Eavan smiles at him again, standing on her tiptoes, with her hands behind her back, nodding her head quickly.

Eavan Maloney: Aw, puddin’, did you expect anything less? Bye, I gotta go to work now. I hear Glitchy’s music starting and then it’s about to get very dark except for my fireflies.

Match #3/Singles Match

Eavan Maloney v. G1itch

The bell rings, and Glitch makes her way towards midring. Eavan holds up a hand, causing her opponent to stop, mostly out of curiosity. "Dale! Dalek! Dalek!" Eavan screams, as she motions for the crowd to join in.

Crowd
DALEK *CLAP CLAP CLAP*
DALEK *CLAP CLAP CLAP*
DALEK *CLAP CLAP CLAP*

Glitch is losing her mind at this point, screaming for it all to stop. It's at this point Eavan pushes out of the corner, and makes her way towards her opponent. Glitch, throws a hard kick, but gets her leg snatched mid air, Eavan pulls her in, wraps her arms around her, and tosses her overhead. Glitch scrambles to her feet, prompting Eavan to blow a raspberry. Glitch feints a punch, getting Eavan to move her hands up to block, before slamming her shin into Eavan's ribs. Her attitude suddenly shifts, as she scowls at Glitch. Glitch however, saw her opening, and follows up by pulling Eavan into a clinch, and throwing a series of elbows into her brow. Eavan wriggles free, and falls, thrusting both feet into her opponents knees as she does.

Eavan tries to press the advantage, but somehow Glitch manages to shoot forward, and pull Eavan up onto her shoulders. It looks like Glitch was going for The Circuit Breaker, but Eavan manages to break free, and land on her feet behind her opponent. Eavan spins Glitch around, and looks to be setting up for The Last Word, but is cut short, as Calie-Kate rushes into the ring. Kate yells something at Eavan, before nailing Glitch with Starstruck, laying her out. The ref calls for the bell, and Eavan and Kate begin to exchange words, while Glitch is left laying.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, as a result of a disqualification...GLITCH!!

Andrew Payne: Well that ain’t how she wanted to win and I don’t think that’s how Eavan wanted to lose!

Miranda Augustino: This is bad, Andy! I don’t like seeing Mami and Katie baby at odds with each other!

They certainly are at odds as Eavan is up in Cali-Kate’s face, screaming and demanding an answer but Cali-Kate backs up the walkway, apologizing, pleading her case, saying ‘trust me, it had to be done.’ Glitch slowly recovers in the ring as Eavan watches Kate on the walkway. Fuming.

Result: Disqualification

=============================================

In the backstage interview area, Amy Connors is standing by with microphone in hand. And to her left is the imposing form of Mano Derecha. From the look on the muscular woman’s face and her body language, the bodyguard and manager of La Silencia is, in a word, tense. That does not bode well… but for whom most of all? Amy prepares an introduction-

Amy Connors: Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Mano-

-but Amy is stalled from finishing her introduction by Derecha putting a hand on the microphone and gently pushing it down a little bit. She gives a single shake of her head, then takes her palm off the business end of the stick. She gestures for Amy to bring it toward her a bit, then speaks in a calm voice that belies her exterior mood.

Mano Derecha: Let me ask you a question, Amy: have you ever wanted something so much, so fervently, that when it was finally proffered to you the anticipation turned to dread? The butterflies in your guts become like lead, laying uncomfortably, reminding you of what’s to come?

Taken aback by the somewhat-deep question, Amy pauses before answering, clearly uncertain.

Amy Connors: I… can’t say that I have.

Mano Derecha: Then consider yourself fortunate.

The powerhouse gestures toward the hall behind Amy, the path leading to the arena proper and the ring at the center.

Mano Derecha: For weeks now, Isabella Santiago has twiddled her thumbs, putting off Silencia’s first foray into a Trauma ring. At this point, I have an inkling of why she did so.

Amy Connors: That being?

Mano Derecha: She wanted the most for her money, naturally. A new championship is set to be awarded and she thought enough of the Queen of the Streets to put her in the running for it. What better way to make sure that all eyes are upon Silencia?

Amy Connors: That makes sense, I think.

Mano Derecha: Santiago is a businesswoman. As am I. We understand these things innately. However, the time in between has made my charge… agitated. That is not good. Not for Silencia. Not for Isabella Santiago. Certainly not for Faye Brown.

Nodding, Amy keeps the microphone where it is, not deeming it wise to interrupt. Mano gets more and more animated, and seemingly agitated, as she speaks on these matters. So intense is the focus on her and her words that one could easily miss the sound of a door opening and closing nearby.

Mano Derecha: Caged animals, something I do NOT refer to Silencia as with intentional disrespect-

And how she emphasizes THAT part of her statement...

Mano Derecha: -do not grow calmer with time. The hunger becomes more intense. The inclination to rend asunder the first warm, breathing body that comes within reach becomes impossible to ignore. Even the tamest of souls would assault their closest confidants if left to stew long enough.

Amy Connors: You don’t mean to say you worry about Silencia attacking you because it took so long to get her a match, do you?

The muscular woman falls silent, then smirks a little.

Mano Derecha: Thankfully, no. But I have made my point regardless of the wrongheaded notion it gave you. In fact-

At that moment, footsteps sound. Mano freezes, then looks over her shoulder. The camera pans over, as does Amy’s gaze, to show the masked-and-geared Silencia standing behind the former. Her dark eyes stare sharply at her manager/bodyguard, who turns to fully face her, saying nothing.

La Silencia: ...

Instead, Silencia makes a small gesture. A slight motion of her head toward the hallway behind Amy. She does so without once glancing at the interviewer, still galvanized upon Derecha. Without need for verbal explanation, Mano nods and heads off that way. She turns a gaze on Amy for a moment… and there’s warning in those eyes. But Connors has no chance to question it; she turns to watch Mano go, then turns back to see that Silencia is right next to her… starting at HER now. And not in a friendly manner.

Amy Connors: Ah… um...

Taking a moment to swallow the lump in her throat, Amy tries again.

Amy Connors: ...um, any comment for your opponent? Or about your first NFW match tonight, Silencia?

La Silencia: ...

It seems that there is none. Then Silencia moves her hand swiftly, grabbing the microphone and Amy’s hand with it. The interviewer tenses immediately, despite being several inches higher than the masked woman.

But all Silencia does is pull the microphone down to her covered face, her soft breathing all that is audible for a few moments. Then...

La Silencia: Faye Brown...

The shock of her actually speaking properly is enough to draw silence. It certainly has Amy’s attention. Her opponent’s name comes out heavily accented, but clearly despite such.

La Silencia: Inclina... o rompe.

That said, whatever it was, Silencia lets go of the microphone and stares at Amy until she moves aside. Then she walks off after Derecha without another word, much less a glance.
The view shifts to the locker room of the resident rocker-turned wrestler Faye Brown, sporting green hair instead of black now. This time, both her and Logan Bailey notice the cameraman walk in, thus sparking a new conversation.

Faye Brown: "Well, hon... step one's complete, so to speak."

Logan Bailey: "Sure is. How'd you put it on the way here? You "impressed enough to earn a shot at a title shot?"

Faye pauses for a brief second, trying to remember if that's exactly how she put it.

Faye Brown: "Sssssomethin' like that, I don't remember. I was busy trying to not get ran off the road. Traffic in Indiana is awful."

Logan Bailey: "Everything in Indiana is awful."

There's a beat of silence, save for some Indianans in the crowd booing.

Faye Brown: "I... don't think people are gonna appreciate that."

Logan Bailey: "Well, think about it. There's only three reasons to go to Indiana: Muncie for Garfield, Indianapolis for the Colts, and Gary to get the fuck outta there. You don't go there for the corn or the people, because the corn comes to you and the people have a fascination with writing garbage."

Faye Brown: "OK, not to beat a dead horse, but didn't you work with an Indianan for nearly two years, only for you two to fuck each other over on Twitter? Hence why people wanna drop weapons of mass destruction upon you?"

There's another beat of silence, with some of the crowd now ooh-ing at the couple.

Logan Bailey: "...yo, wait, did I just get roasted by YOU for that?"

Faye Brown: "Well, I do gotta work on my shit-talkin' chops, so... yeah, you did."

Faye shrugs, struggling to hold back laughter.

Faye Brown: "Sorry about that, fourth wall."

Logan Bailey: "I--i'm just--I'm gonna go--I'm just gonna go to the damn bathroom, this is bullshit!"

Faye Brown: "Looooove yoooooou!"

Faye puts on an exaggerated smile as Logan gets up from his couch in a (playfully) stunned silence. He does actually leave for the bathroom before Faye turns to face what she thinks is the camera. She can't fully tell because she doesn't have her contacts in. That'll show you, Ms. "stir the shit..."

Faye Brown: "OK! Now with him out of here, I can actually talk about my opponent tonight without interruption!"

During this last statement, Faye gets her contacts in and can finally see.

Faye Brown: "Like I said once you walked in, Mr. Cameraman, step one is complete. I impressed the right people enough to get a shot at a Perseverance Title shot. Tonight marks the start and hopeful completion of step two: earning my way into said title shot. Just, in order to get there, I gotta beat someone in a very similar boat as me. Someone who's maybe not as good on the mat as others, but has a lot of fire to make up for it. Someone who, in the ring, is "throw fists first." I'd follow that up with "talk about it later," but given her name is La Silencia, I don't think that's doable."

Faye nonchalantly shrugs with one shoulder, nodding her head a little towards said shoulder.

Faye Brown: "Now, far be it for me to fully compare myself with Silencia or vice versa, even though that's exactly what I'm about to do... she grew up on the streets of Mexico, I grew up bouncing from apartment to apartment in the New York boroughs until we made our home in Red Hook. She's a gangster, I'm a musician who stirred shit in high school before growing up. Kinda like I did with Logan just now, but less playfully and more maliciously. I can't apologize enough to Stacy for that, because she turned out to be one of the inspirations for my getting into wrestling. I'd argue my secondary one after Logan, actually. Silencia's inspiration is fortune, which... yeah, I can get behind that, nothing wrong with wanting to earn your bread, so to speak. Hell, that's another reason why I'm in it, because being a stock associate is gonna pay the rent, but that's it. But for her? That's all: fortune. And she'll do anything to get it. And I get it."

Brown gets up from her chair and steps onto the table.

Faye Brown: "If you'll allow me to get on my soapbox here..."

She clears it off with her boots, not knocking anything important over or anything, but more just giving herself room to walk.

Faye Brown: "When you're fighting and grinding for your keep, sometimes you have to cut corners. Again, I grew up in Brooklyn, I know that life. Sometimes, you have to kick life in the dick to earn your keep. Sometimes you get that keep, and sometimes life kicks you right back and you're back to square one. When you go back to square one, you have to find a different approach, and sometimes that different approach involves not cutting corners and having to stick to some kind of preposterous thing about "honor" or something."

Brown stops in her tracks and holds up a somewhat calloused index finger, still showing the old guitar riffs of her previous life.

Faye Brown: "Now, here's where me and someone like a Stacy Jones or an Emelie Sanclemente differ. I'm not the kind of girl who'll tell you to "follow your dreams because if you work hard enough, all of them will come true," because shit, that's never the case for some people. It shouldn't have been for me after high school, but I was just fortunate enough to fall ass-first into being a musician with a record deal. And even that didn't last very long, which is the last part of what led me to becoming a wrestler. I do this for Logan, I do this because my friends got me hooked, I do this to make sure me and Logan eat, and I do this because having been a musician, being in front of people and entertaining them is a high for me that I JUST. CAN'T. KICK."

Faye hops down from the table and looks into the camera.

Faye Brown: "Those are the four corners of Faye Brown: Professional Wrestler. What are yours?"

On that query, Faye leaves the room and the view fades to the ring...

Match #4/Perseverance Title Qualifying Match

Faye Brown v. Silencia

The bell sounds and almost immediately, Silencia goes right for Faye, taking her down to the ground. She begins to rain down left and right hands to Faye who manages to block most of them and then shove the woman off. Silencia though is up to her feet in an instant and she charges in, delivering a knee to the side of the head of Faye before placing her knee right across the throat of Faye causing the ref to get in and start a five count, forcing her to break the choke. Silencia though picks Faye up and sends her into the ropes. Faye comes off the ropes and as she does, Silencia delivers a basement dropkick that sends Faye face first into the mat. Silencia drags Faye over to the ropes and drapes Faye throat first over the bottom rope before standing on her back and once again choking her. She breaks at the count of four before hitting the ropes and diving through, driving Faye’s throat once again into the ropes. Faye is on the mat, gasping for air and grabbing at her throat as Silencia slides back into the ring and goes for the cover, but Faye manages to kick out at two. She picks Faye up and sends her into the corner. Silencia charges in and delivers a spear to Faye in the corner. She leaves her shoulder buried into the midsection of Faye before driving it into her a few more times. Silencia then mares Faye out of the corner and climbs to the middle turnbuckle before leaping and delivering a dropkick to the back of the head. She then hooks the leg on Faye again and again, Faye kicks out at two.

Silencia grabs Faye’s hand and she looks out at the crowd and just looking into her eyes, you can tell she has bad intentions. She grabs the fingers of Faye and delivers No Toque. Faye rolls around in pain, grabbing at her hand and fingers as Silencia grabs the arm of Faye and bends it at an awkward angle. She takes a step back and looks to stomp right on the elbow, but Faye is able to avoid it adn grabs Silencia and roll her up, surprising Silencia with a two count. Silencia is first to her feet and she looks to deliver another spear to Faye, but Faye delivers a kick to the head that staggers Silencia back. Faye then charges in and delivers a series of forearm strikes that backs Silencia up into the corner. Faye then steps back and delivers a running knee followed up by a bulldog. She goes for a cover, but Silencia is able to kick out at two. Faye picks Silencia up and she goes for Battery, but Silencia catches her and delivers a slam followed by Paseo del Dolor! Silencia doesn’t go for the cover though. She struts around the ring for a moment before she goes to pick Faye up. As Silencia reaches down though, Faye grabs Silencia and rolls her up, surprising Silencia and getting the three count!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, Faye Brown!

Andrew Payne: Faye taking advantage of one mistake by Silencia at the end of the match there.

Miranda Augustino: Girl took her eye of the prize, I’m sure she can’t be happy one bit.

Result: Pinfall

=============================================

The scene comes up backstage as Cali-Kate is shown walking backstage. Her first expression is still one of irritation, but it curves into a smile for a moment. It passes when Amy Connors walks up quite suddenly.

Amy: Kate. Cali-Kate. Can you explain real quick why you cost your friend Eavan her match against Glitch?

Cali-Kate: It wasn't ideal, and if I'm perfectly fucking honest, I actually almost didn't. But I told the bitch Glitch that I was gonna drag her ass to the ring and I was robbed of that opportunity. So instead I just watched and debated for awhile until I decided, keeping part of my fucking word was better than not at all. I didn't want to cost Eavan the match, but the disrespect shown to me by Glitch not appearing for our match at Aftershock, that shit wasn't going to stand. Look, despite Eavan's desires professionally, I still don't harbor ill will toward-

Eavan: HEY! KATE!

Eavan storms in front of the camera and the two have a staredown for a long moment. The tension is beyond thick until Eavan reels back and slaps Kate so hard Kate actually tumbles to one knee to a gasp from Amy. Kate checks herself and stands back up, straightening her shirt and whips around. Eavan is ready to go and throw down right now. The two have another staredown until Kate draws in a deep breath.

Cali-Kate: Fine, fine. You know what? I fucking deserved that.

Kate puts both hands up and takes a step back so Eavan settles slightly and turns around. Eavan hasn't taken three steps though when Kate grabs her from behind and tosses her into a couple equipment crates back first. Eavan groans, but isn't able to counter.

Cali-Kate: But no one said you wouldn't fucking pay for it. Pull that shit on me again, and that retirement you're so looking forward to, I'm gonna bring that much earlier!

Kate snarls a little before walking off. Eavan is getting back to her feet and is woozy as a couple backstage personnel gather to assist Eavan away.

Match #5/U.S Title Open Challenge

River Chance v. Anaquin Adams ©

It was River Chance stepping up to answer Anaquin Adams’ United States Title open challenge. Give or take a few pounds, the two powerful ladies were just about equal in height and size. It made for a buzz through the crowd when they stood face to face during the championship rules announcement. Then, they were sent to their corners and the bell was rung. Both women came out to the center of the ring and River immediately offered her hand out. Anaquin, knowing she could trust her opponent, accepted the handshake and nodded to her, and then it was on. Chance and Adams circled the mat and locked up, collar and elbow. River transitioned right into a wristlock, opting to use her power to bring Anaquin down to a knee but Anaquin powered back up, twisted out of the hold and pulled River right into a side headlock. She wrenched on River’s neck and the second generation superstar actually had trouble pushing her off into the ropes. Instead, she wrapped her arms around the champion and hit a magnificent Belly to Side Suplex, driving Adams into the mat. Chance turned to advance on the champion but Adams popped up onto one knee, staring back at the challenger. Adams shook herself out and got back up. The two circled around again and locked up. This time, Adams pushed Chance back into the ropes and pulled her off, going for an Irish whip but the stoic competitor reversed it, throwing Adams into the ropes instead. Adams came back and ducked a double axe handle, allowing her to spring back off the ropes for a crossbody but Chance caught her out of the air and hit a Fallaway Slam. This time, as Adams started getting to her feet, Chance grabbed her and went for a suplex. Adams tried to widen her stance and make it more difficult, which it seemed to at first but then River was the one widening her stance out and impressively powered the champion up off of her feet, stalled for a couple seconds then dropped backwards, nailing a textbook Vertical Suplex on the Universal Superstar. She then went for an immediate cover, hooking the leg but only got a two count.

River picked Anaquin up and whipped her into the ropes again. This time she went for a Discus Lariat but again, Anaquin ducked under. Adams came off the ropes and Chance looked ready to catch her out of the air again but the only thing she got was a pair of boots right in the chest from a springboard dropkick. River stumbled back into the ropes, Anaquin popped up to her feet and there was River, going for another lariat but again Anaquin ducked, hitting the ropes and performing a Tiger Feint Kick just to quickly get herself out onto the apron. She immediately went for a springboard hurricanrana back into the ring onto River but again, the powerhouse from Ann Arbor stayed anchored to the mat on her feet and lifted Anaquin back up for a powerbomb. Anaquin immediately started throwing shots down onto River’s head almost in an act of desperation, not wanting to be on the receiving end of her devastating power. This allowed her to get loose just enough so that she was able to push herself over River’s head and deliver a Sunset Flip Bomb, holding onto the legs for a cover but it was only a two count before River kicked out almost effortlessly. Anaquin rolled back up to her feet and immediately came in with a Shining Wizard as River made it up onto one knee. River fell back to the mat and rolled out to the floor. The referee wasn’t letting Anaquin go out after her and insisted on starting the count. The champion stood there, getting antsy as River got to her feet. With the referee focused on counting, she ran to the far corner and scaled the turnbuckle. The crowd built up from a low buzz of anticipation to a loud pop as Anaquin ran along the top rope to the opposite corner and dove off - Run Like Hell - coming right down onto River! This sent both women crashing to the floor but it started the referee’s count over. Long enough for Anaquin to get back up and get River inside the ring.

Anaquin waited for River to start getting to her feet before she hopped up onto the top rope and sprang off of it, coming in for another springboard missile dropkick but River caught her by the legs this time. Anaquin ate a nasty landing on her back and River hit a catapult toss, whipping Adams up, over and face down into the mat. She rolled over onto her back but possible big mistake as River was back on her feet and running off the ropes to hit her signature Leg Drop! Right on the money too before going for a cover that looked like a near finish but Adams kicked out at 2.9. Anaquin rolled back over onto her stomach and started pulling herself towards the ropes but River snatched up one foot and administered an ankle lock! She had it locked on tight and her feet grounded, not letting the champion get anywhere near the ropes. Rather, River managed to pull her back towards the center of the ring even and really wrenched on that foot. Unable to pull herself anywhere, Anaquin slowly started working her way up to her other foot. Once she managed to get into the right position, she tucked herself inward, essentially rolling herself and using her trapped foot to pull River forward. River lost her grip on Anaquin’s foot and caught herself on the top rope, avoiding a collision. As she turned back around and advanced on her opponent, however, POW!! Tectonic Shift from Anaquin Adams! River stood, rocked on her feet, and Anaquin immediately went for the capitalization, running to the ropes, springing up and off into a backflip. Cosmic Assault with a moonsault DDT as the cherry on top! Cover! 1...2...No!! River just barely kicks out! Anaquin sat up with frustration on her face and went for the corner, climbing up and waited for River to start getting to her feet. She only allowed her up to a knee, however, before she quickly dove off with both knees driving into the back of her head. Hell’s Hammer!!!! Another cover! 1...2...3!!

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner and STILL the NFW United States Champion!! “The Universal Superstar” ANAQUIN...ADAMS!!!!

Andrew Payne: Wo-ho-hooowwww! That was a match of the night candidate if I ever saw one!

Miranda Augustino: I’ll second that one, amigo! I’d be down to watch these two go at it again!

Bring Me The Horizon’s “Kingslayer” played as Anaquin Adams was handed her title by the referee and helped River Chance to her feet. The two shook hands again and River raised Anaquin’s arm as a show of respect before applauding her and leaving the champion the ring. Anaquin called for another round of applause for River then before holding the belt up to the camera and seemed to be asking who wanted the next shot? Come get it.

Result: Pinfall

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Match #6/Perseverance Title Qualifying Match

Legion v. Debby Haze

Legion and Debby start in the ring as the bell sounds. The two of them circle the ring and then lockup. Legion shoves Debby off and then takes her down to the mat. Legion then begins to stomp at the body of Debby before Debby sweeps the legs out from under Legion and goes for a cover, but Legion is able to bridge out immediately and she then sweeps the legs of Debby and goes for a cover, but Debby bridges out before the count of one. The two of them get up to their feet and they are in a stalemate. The two of them once again circle the ring. The two of them lock up again and this time, Debby goes behind and grabs the wrist of Legion. She then delivers a ripcord style knee strike that connects right under the chin of Legion and stuns her. Debby then delivers a swinging neckbreaker. She climbs to the top rope and as Legion gets to her feet, Debby delivers a missile dropkick. Legion rolls out of the ring, but that isn’t a safe place for her as Debby comes flying over the top rope with a tope con hilo that takes Legion down to the floor. Debby picks Legion up and rolls her back into the ring. Debby then delivers a springboard frog splash and goes for the cover only resulting in a two count.

Debby goes to pick Legion up, but as she does, Legion sweeps the legs of Debby out from under her. She then grabs Debby by the arm and puts on a key lock. Debby fights to the bottom rope and forces the break, but as Legion breaks the hold, she delivers a kick to the arm of Debby. She then picks Debby up and delivers a snap DDT. She picks Debby up onto her shoulders and delivers a Samoan Drop and goes for the coer, only getting a two count. As this happens, Mister J distracts the ref for just a moment as Legion spits the Red Mist into the face of Debby before delivering Knightfall and hooking the leg and picking up the win.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, Legion!

Andrew Payne: Legion with that nasty red mist helping her pick up the win.

Miranda Augustino: Legion looked impressive tonight and now, she’s moving on to see if she can become the first ever Persaverance Champion.

Result: Pinfall

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We go to the hallways of the Collision Center as Minoru Tanahashi scrolls through. With no match tonight, he has instead dressed up in a cognac-colored suit with matching shoes, a light blue shirt, and a scarlet scarf. He waves to a few people, gives the finger gun salute to a few others and raises his drink in the direction of some of the young wrestlers looking for a tryout. He rounds a corner, goes down to the third door on his left, and knocks. After a few seconds, the door opens and there is Super Tiger. She looks up at him, peering behind a dark red mask. There’s no smile on her face like usual, just a focused look. She motions for him to come on in and he of course does.

Minoru Tanahashi: Tiggy Tiggy Tiggy, can’t you see, sometimes your words just hypnotize me.

He looks at his friend and sometimes tag team partner, expecting or hoping for a laugh or a smile or some kind of response, but she just closes the door, walks back over to the small metal folding chair she is using, and finishes lacing her boots.

Minoru Tanahashi: Okay, my bad, maybe that one was before your time. It’s been a little while though. I know we did the interview and had our tag title match over in that other place that I'm not sure I can mention, but we didn’t really talk or hang out or even celebrate. You showed up, we did what we do, and then you were gone. I get that you were disappointed a few weeks ago, but come on Tiggy.

Super Tiger: I have been busy.

The response is short, cold and she doesn’t even lift her head to look at him when she delivers it.

Minoru Tanahashi: Right, the nineteen or so companies you wrestler for.

Super Tiger: It’s not nineteen.

Another short direct response devoid of any kind of emotion.

Minoru Tanahashi: I know Tiggy, I was just kidding around a little bit. Seriously, what the hell is up with you lately. I know that losing sucks. Believe me, I know that better than most of the people in any locker room you’ll find yourself in. This though

Super Tiger: What? It’s not me? It’s not Super Tiger? It’s not who I am? Am I supposed to just smile and giggle and high-five everyone while I lose titles and matches?

She finally looks up at him and there is clear anger in her eyes. She sighs and finishes preparing for the match.

Minoru Tanahashi: I’m not saying just to smile and giggle and forget about it, but you’re better than this crap right now. Don’t get angry and rude and blow off your friends. Focus on getting those belts back or going after new ones. Go out there, win tonight, and when you’re done, grab that mic and declare yourself as the next challenger for the United States title. Anaquin wants a challenge and there is nobody I can think of that would be a better challenge. Plus, how great would it be if we’re the Undisputed and United States champions. Show everyone that we are great as both a team and singles wrestlers.

Tiger stands as she’s finished all her preparations. She takes a deep breath and shakes her head for a few seconds before sarcastically chuckling.

Super Tiger: The United States Title? What since I failed to win the Undisputed title and then failed to earn another opportunity I should just forget about it and go for the number two belt? Let you do what Tiggy could never do? Bad enough that you pinned me to earn the shot, but now.

Tiger walks over towards the door, grabs the handle, then stops for a second, and takes a deep breath before she opens it.

Super Tiger: Please go before I say or do something I do not wish to do. I know that you care Minoru, but I am angry and frustrated and I do not need a pep talk or a heart to heart or any of that. I need to go out to that ring, kick someone’s head off their shoulders and earn a win. I… we will talk sometime this week.

Minoru nods heads for the door and then stops right in front of Super Tiger.

Minoru Tanahashi: Just don’t forget who you are and who truly cares about you.

He puts a hand on her shoulder and looks at her with a smile.

Minoru Tanahashi: Kick some ass tonight Risa.

He nods and walks off, closing the door behind him.
As the camera shifts backstage, we’re greeted immediately by a pair of black pumps walking down the hallway of the locker room area inside the building. Somehow the audience just knows from the shoes who we’re seeing and a mixed reaction - mainly boos - fills the Collision Center. The camera moves back with the feet walking towards us and begins to pan up along a pair of shapely legs. Some of the boos turn to whistles and catcalls; we even clearly hear someone yell “god...DAMN!” Dressed in a white skirt suit with rose tinted shades over her eyes, Kaede Tanabe struts her stuff down the hallway and comes to the door with “S.B.S” on it. Scribbled on the label in black magic marker is “& Co.” Kaede wraps her knuckles on the door, not daring to just barge in with the camera in case anyone inside isn’t...decent. The door opens and a more positive pop comes from the crowd as Samantha Belmont comes into frame. She keeps her expression but exhales through her nose slowly upon seeing Kaede. Despite this, Kaede smiles bright.

Kaede Tanabe: Well, hello there, Sammi-chan!

Sammi Belmont: Sup?

The one half of the Skillz Vendorz cracks her gum in her teeth and looks at Kaede as if asking “what do you want?”

Kaede Tanabe: Oh, just coming to check on your girl. Our girl. Well not our girl, like that. You know what I mean. Is there a reason you’re mean mugging the shit out of me?

Kaede stands her ground, not phased one bit by the former NFW Tag Team Champion. Sammi cracks her gum again and shrugs one shoulder. Kaede rolls her eyes.

Kaede Tanabe: You’re still on the fence. Well, I don’t have time for this now. Is Jenn ready? Decent at least? Cuz, ya know….

She nods towards the camera, making a face as if accusing the one handling it of being a perv. Sammi looks apologetically to the cameraman then over her shoulder, raising a finger as if telling Kaede and the camera to wait. She’s watching something. Someone. A slow grin forms on her lips as she chews her gum and raises her eyebrows at whatever she’s looking at. Finally, she nods in silent approval before curling her finger in and opens the door the rest of the way.

Sammi Belmont: Now she is. C’mon in. Oi! Babe!

Sammi clicks her tongue, thumbing to Kaede as the camera follows the manager in. In her usual, exaggerated manner, Kaede throws her hands up as she approaches Jenn Drew.

Kaede Tanabe: There she iiiiiiiiis!!!

Jenn sits up from the chair she’s in as she finishes lacing up her boots and looks back behind her, seeing both Kaede and Sammi standing there in the doorway. She smiles before getting up and walking in between the two of them and putting an arm over both of them.

Jenn Drew: My two favorite girls, standing side by side. Got to love it. Both of them ready to watch me and cheer me on as I take out a pesky little tiger.

Sammi wraps both arms around her fiance’s waist and leans into her. Kaede smiles confidently, reaching up to pat Jenn’s hand.

Kaede Tanabe: Bad bitch with an attitude and confidence to boot! Exactly what I like about you. I just hope Kairi doesn’t consider what you do out there personal….

Kaede pauses, tapping her chin thoughtfully before waving her hand dismissively.

Kaede Tanabe: Ah, she’s mature enough to know better. Besides, if I pulled strings enough earlier, she may end up having to watch the replay.

She pauses and looks directly at the camera. More so the cameraman behind it.

Kaede Tanabe: Oh, don’t give that look! I didn’t mean it like that. Pervert. So!

She claps her hands together and turns directly towards Jenn.

Kaede Tanabe: You ready to-- Girrrrrrl!

Kaede steps back and looks Jenn over in her gear, feigning amazement as if she had no idea where it came from, even though it’s clearly one of her designs.

Kaede Tanabe: You are looking totally FAB! Where’d you get that new gear from?!

Jenn shakes her head and laughs as she turns to face a mirror and looking herself over in her newest red and silver ring gear with matching boots before looking back over at Kaede.

Jenn Drew: From the best designer I know, of course, someone by the name of Kaede Tanabe. Red really is my color, isn’t it?

Kaede Tanabe: Ab-so-lutely!

Kaede shoots that cheeky, smug little grin at the camera, having plugged her own brand. Shamelessly. Jenn walks over to Sammi, putting an arm around her and giving a reassuring smile, knowing her fiancee still didn’t trust Kaede completely in this entire situation Jenn had found herself in.

Jenn Drew: Sammi, I promise once this main event is over, we’re going to be celebrating like only we can.

Sammi reattaches to Jenn and sighs, looking up at her then to Kaede who offers a more genuine smile and just waves to her. Sammi looks back to Jenn and squeezes her in the hug she’s got her in.

Sammi Belmont: Guess I can trust her if you do, love. Just you and I, tonight, yeah?

She gives Kaede a narrow eyed, almost adorable look of warning. Again, Kaede doesn’t appear threatened per say but she raises her hands in submission.

Kaede Tanabe: Hey. Honey, I got my own shit to do after and I ain’t that kinda hardass. You girls go have your fun. After Jenni here whups that ass. Ready bitch?

Kaede asks, sticking her hand out to Jenn for a bump. Jenn returns the fist bump, nodding her head with a smile.

Jenn Drew: Time for us to collect a tiger pelt to hang above the mantle.

Jenn and Kaede lock arms as she gives Sammi a kiss on the cheek with a smile on her face before the tandem turn and walk out the door, leaving Sammi in the locker room with the monitor in order to watch the match.

Main Event/Singles Match

Super Tiger v. Jenn Drew w/Kaede Tanabe

The bell rings, and Jenn and Super Tiger meet in the center of the ring. The luchadora immediately goes into a lock up with the Rebel Queen before sliding through to shoot for a German suplex. Drew shows her athleticism by landing on her feet before attempting to hit an enzuigiri on her masked opponent. Tiger blocks, ducking under as Jenn lands on her feet. The crowd cheers for the exchange as both women begin to circle one another.

Andrew Payne: Both women looking in peak form here tonight.

Miranda Augustino: Yeah but you gotta admit Andy, Tiggy lookin’ a lot more serious than normal tonight.

Andrew Payne: She’s just focus… oh shit!

Both women have locked up in the middle of the ring, but Andy’s exclamation was due to the fact that Tiger snapped off a stiff headbutt, driving her forehead into Jenn’s nose. Drew stumbles backwards, eyes watering, but can’t get away before Tiger leaps, catching her in a headscissors whip that throws her into the corner. Jenn gets to her feet, but Risa is right there, clutching the top rope as she presses her foot into Drew’s throat, attempting to choke her.

Miranda Augustino: This definitely ain’t the Tiggy we’re used to Andy, but I ain’t complaining!

Andrew Payne: Good lord Mir, Tiger took that all the way to a four count before breaking it. Something’s not right here.

Jenn is dazed, seated in the corner as Tiger sprints across the ropes, coming back to execute a running face wash to her opponent. She doesn’t stop there, continuing to drive her boot across the face of her downed opponent. The referee again has to get involved when Risa takes it nearly all the way to the full five count. Super Tiger shoots the official a dirty look before backing out of the corner, coming back in for another attempted face wash, but Jenn rolls out under the rope, causing the luchadora to collide with the middle turnbuckle, knee first.

Andrew Payne: Drew starting to show signs of life!

Miranda Augustino: She better! Lil Tiggy actin’ like the Undisputed Title is on the line here!

Tiger grimaces as she gets to her feet, only to be met by a furious barrage of strikes from Jenn that forces her into the ropes. With the referees' view obstructed, Risa nails Drew in the throat with a hard chop, and the crowd boos as the two separate. Jenn is clutching her throat, and Super Tiger moves in. She goes for the hammerlock, but Drew counters, spinning her around before hitting a big bicycle knee that staggers the luchadora. Jenn hits a side suplex, flooring her opponent before racing to the top rope. Tiggy gets to her feet just in time to get blasted by a signature missile dropkick from the Rebel Queen!

Miranda Augustino: Jenni is goin for the cover!

Super Tiger throws up a shoulder at two, and the crowd gasps. Jenn gets to her feet, climbing to the top rope again. She signals to the crowd before leaping off, looking for the Curtain Call but Tiger is on her feet, leaping to deliver a corkscrew roundhouse to Drew while she’s still airborne!

Andrew Payne: Jesus Christ Super Tiger nearly decapitating Jenn Drew there!

Miranda Augustino: I don’t think she’s done yet Andy!

Risa grabs Jenn’s ankles, positioning herself before dropping down into a vicious figure four leg lock. Drew cries out, shaking her head as the referee asks if she’s going to submit. Using every bit of energy she has, the Rebel Queen drags herself and her opponent over so she can grab the bottom rope to break the submission.

Miranda Augustino: Get her Tiggy!

Andrew Payne: Hey break the damn hold!

The referee warns Risa, telling her she won’t do it again after the luchadora pushes the count as far as she can. She gets to her feet as Kaede Tanabe gets on the apron, yelling at her in Japanese about abusing the count. Risa gets in her face, yelling right back, when all of a sudden the luchadora is yanked down and over as Jenn rolls her up! She grabs a handful of tights as the referee goes to count!

One!

Two!!

THREE!!!

The referee, oblivious to the hold, calls for the bell, awarding the victory to Jenn by pinfall. Drew is on her feet, a smug look on her face as she yells at the booing crowd. Tiger sits up, a blank look on her face as she gets to her feet, but Jenn is in her face almost immediately, yelling loudly about how she just proved Tiger still can’t get it done.

Andrew Payne: Jenn Drew blatantly holding the tights there to pick up the win and she’s STILL bad mouthing Super Tiger. Talk about a poor display of sportsmanship.

Miranda Augustino: Uh Andy? I don’t think Tiggy’s gonna let this one go!

Risa grabs Jenn by the wrist, whipping her around before stunning her with a superkick. The crowd gasps, falling silent before Super Tiger applies the hammerlock before rolling through to complete the Spicy Dragon Roll! The luchadora looks down at Drew before dropping to the mat and rolling out to the floor as Kaede slides in to check on her client.

Andrew Payne: What the hell was that Tiger?!

Miranda Augustino: You can only kick a dog so many times before she bites back Andy, and Tiggy done had enough!

The camera watches as Risa walks up the ramp without looking back as Kaede gets Jenn to a seated position in the ring as the show comes to a close.

Result: Pinfall