NFW Trauma #34! 03/16/2021!

Andrew Payne: Welcome to the Collision Center in Chicago, Illinois everybody! We are two weeks away from our first brand exclusive supershow of the year! March Mayhem!

Miranda Augustino: I love March Mayhem, Andy! I can’t wait but we got some bizz to handle tonight first, don’t we?

Andrew Payne: That we do, Mir. Hello again, everyone. I’m Andrew Payne, joined by Miranda Augustino. Glad you could join us, this evening. We’ve got some big matches going down, tonight. We’ll find out the final competitor for the Perseverance Championship tonight as Cali-Kate takes on Nattie K and--

Miranda Augustino: WHOOOO!! GO KATIE BABY!!

Miranda lifts up a little “House Crowley” pennant flag and starts waving it. Andrew just sits there, staring at her. Miranda notices and her flag waving gradually gets slower until she just stares back at her colleague.

Miranda Augustino: …..Que pasa?

Andrew Payne: Are you serious, right now?

Miranda Augustino: …...Yeah….

Andrew rubs the bridge of his nose and mutters something under his breath before continuing.

Andrew Payne: So there’s that, everyone. We’ve also got the number one contender’s match for the United States Championship. It’ll be Griffin Hawkins taking on Tahti Kuu. We’ve got our main event match up. Minoru Tanahashi and Super Tiger versus--

Andrew gets cut off as Miranda starts mock gagging, sticking a finger in her mouth. He shakes his head.

Andrew Payne: ...They’ll be taking on Mister J of The Hive, tag teaming with the NFW Undisputed Champion, Anton Crowley--

Miranda Augsutino: ]WHOOOOO!!!! LET’S GO BIG PAPI!!!!!! GET SOME!!!!

Miranda goes back to furiously waving her little pennant until Andrew reaches over and snatches it from her hand, tossing it away. Miranda sits there, jaw dropped, almost looking heartbroken as Andrew just stares her down like a scornful father.

Andrew Payne: Enough.

Miranda Augustino: You just..

Andrew Payne: Enough. Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you enjoy this evening. Let’s get on with the show!

Miranda Augustino: Fucking party pooper….

Miranda sits back in her chair, folding her arms and pouting as Andrew completely ignores her little tantrum and we jump to the Network advertisement.
The camera comes on, pointed at a door bearing a plaque reading the name Super Tiger. The door opens to show the masked superstar, getting ready for her match in tonight's main event. She looks up at the cameraman, but says nothing as she ties her kneepads. The room is silent as she adjusts her sleeves and boots, her eyes never meeting the camera. She zips her bag, lifting it and opening her locker door.

Super Tiger: Son of a bitch…

The luchadora drops her bag, a look of annoyance on her face. The camera pans to see inside. Hanging there, perfectly pressed, is an Anton Crowley t-shirt. The look of annoyance turns to one of anger as she throws her bag forcefully into her locker.

Super Tiger: No. No. Not tonight.

She turns, sneering at the camera.

Super Tiger: Tonight, I'm going to step into that ring and do exactly what I did to win the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament. I'm sick of being a joke around here, and tonight, that changes. Now get the hell out of my locker room.

As the cameraman turns to leave, Risa opens her locker door again, staring at the t-shirt there as the camera fades to black.

Match #1/Tag Team Match

Sylenth1 v. Fast Food

It looks like Nacho and XLR will start for their respective teams. They lock up and the large luchador uses his size to his advantage, backing XLR up into the corner. The ref calls for the break and Nacho backs off, but then fires off a chop. Nacho pulls his hand back right after the chop and winces in pain before he throws a haymaker at XLR. His punch just bounces off and Nacho clutches his hand as he starts yelling at the ref about having to wrestle a “dollar store power ranger”. This angers XLR and earns Nacho a dropkick right to the back of the head. Nacho goes forward into the ropes, comes back, and gets caught with the backstabber. XLR tags in AIFF who then tags XLR right back in before he goes flying out of the corner with The Bassline, spinning Nacho around and leaving him in a daze as XLR hits the Plate Reverb and makes the cover

TWO…

THREE- NO BROKEN UP!

French Fry is in at the last possible second to break things up, but AIFF runs in and clobbers him with a European uppercut that sends him to the outside. AIFF goes back to his corner and gets the tag allowing XLR to fly to the outside with a suicide dive that wipes out French Fry. Nacho is slowly back to his feet, wobbly and woozy. AIFF fires off a few jabs hitting the head and body before he looks for an uppercut, Nacho moves back a step and looks to poke AIFF in the eyes, but there’s no way with the helmet. Nacho buries his knee into the midsection of AIFF and looks for a neckbreaker, but AIFF counters and hits an inverted DDT. As French Fry is getting back up on the outside, XLR leaps up and catches him with a spiking poisonrana. With French Fry done for, XLR jumps back on the apron and takes the tag from AIFF. Nacho is again groggy as he gets up and walks right into the Doppler Effect. AIFF rolls out of the ring as XLR flies off the top rope with The Drop, landing right down on Nacho Grande to complete their Post-Production maneuver and cover for the

TWO…

THREE!

~DING DING DING~

Thea Crawford: Your winners as a result of a pin fall…SYLENTH1!

Andrew Payne: Sylenth1 with a good tag team outing here tonight. Say what you will about the quality of the opponent, a win is a win.

Miranda Augustino: Their opponents are shit, especially Nacho Grande. French Fry might have one redeeming quality if certain rumors are true, but there is nothing good about Nacho Grande..

Result: Pinfall

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

We return from commercial as “Money” by Pink Floyd is playing through the PA system. The ring is decked out with a red velvet ring covering, two large black leather recliner chairs with a mahogany table in front with a silver ice bucket with a bottle of champagne inside of it along with two champagne flutes and a silver platter filled with vol-au-vents resting on top of it. Standing in front of all of this with a microphone in his hand and dressed in a bright pristine white suit, a black smart buttoned up shirt, a red tie and a pair of black leather shoes is “Priceless” Steele Matthews and standing beside him, dressed in a plain black long sleeved turtleneck, a pair of plain black smart trousers, a pair of black leather shoes, several large gold rings on his fingers and a thick gold chain around his neck is his behemoth of a manager, Mr. Curtis Hughes. Matthews lifts the microphone up to his Cheshire cat grin as “Money” fades out.

Steele Matthews: Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the first edition of the VIP Lounge for NFW… hosted by yours truly, “Priceless” Steele Matthews!

He outstretches his arms and is met with a chorus of boos which doesn’t faze the Priceless One as Hughes just stands their stoic as ever.

Steele Matthews: Now without further ado, please welcome my special guest at this time… he is a multi-time World Champion… a Hall of Famer… and he even has his own band. Ladies and gentlemen… give it up… for Griffin Hawkins!

With that, “Livin On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi kicks in as the crowd goes from booing to cheering. Griffin Hawkins emerges from behind the curtain, dressed in street clothes consisting of a Leather Jacket with a Guns N’ Roses T-Shirt underneath and ripped blue jeans. He casually walks down the ramp towards the ring where Hughes and Steele are waiting. He gets in the ring as Steele still has that bright smiles on his face. He takes off his silver aviator shades and shakes Steele’s hands as the music ends.

Griffin Hawkins: Nice set up you got here….

He notices the emotionless Mr.Hughes who is standing by with his arms crossed.

Griffin Hawkins: Whoa easy there big man, I come in peace.

Steele Matthews: You’re fine, Mr. Hawkins… Mr. Hughes here will not harm you. Please… take a seat.

He motions to one of the recliners and both he and Hawkins sit down.

Steele Matthews: Can I interest you in some champagne and a vol-au-vent?

Griffin Hawkins: Well I am kinda thirsty….

Steele smiles and pours him some in one of the flutes before pouring one for himself and then hands one to Hawkins.

Steele Matthews: So before we start, I just wanted to clear the air with you. I know you do not think very highly of me… the wars you have had with my bride to be both in the ring and on social media is proof of that. And despite the fact that you have had some unpleasant things to say about me… I am willing to forgive and forget as I feel you and I should start off on a clean slate. What do you say, Mr. Hawkins?

Griffin Hawkins: I guess that’s possible. As long as you don’t meddle in my affairs, I won’t meddle in yours and we’ll get along just fine.

Steele Matthews: Splendid! So first off… you’re clearly one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. I mean, you’ve done it all. You’re a multi-time World Champion, you’ve pretty much held every other championship available to you in the various different companies you’ve worked for with the opportunity later tonight to get one step closer to another championship win... and you’re a Hall of Famer.

Matthews pauses to take a sip of his champagne before continuing.

Steele Matthews: With a competitor of your caliber, you’re probably thinking to yourself… how can I become an even bigger star than I already am? Right? Well I have the perfect opportunity for you. Imagine this… “Priceless” Steele Matthews and Griffin Hawkins… as a tag team! We’d be the greatest tag team in professional wrestling history! With your experience and championship caliber along with… well both of those things along with intelligence on my part… the possibilities would be endless!

Griffin looks very surprised, as if he wasn’t expecting this.

Griffin Hawkins: ...so, that’s why you invited me to be your guest on the VIP Lounge, you actually believe that if we combine our forces, we could become the greatest entity in NFW today? That actually does sound like a very interesting offer, Mr. Matthews...something for me to consider.

Matthews gets to his feet with his big Cheshire cat grin on his face and he outstretches his arms.

Steele Matthews: Why wait?! I mean… and no offense when I say this Mr. Hawkins… but you’ve been wrestling for a long time now and realistically, you probably don’t have many years left of your career. You’re a family man too, aren’t you? You have children? Surely you would want to retire from this sport before suffering a debilitating injury that could cost you the chance to spend a fulfilling retirement life with your wife and children. I know that this is a lot of information all at once and this sort of thing is usually something that takes time for a decision to be made, but again… why wait? You can become an even bigger star than you already are… you can be an even bigger role model to your children than you already are! It’s a perfect opportunity! A priceless… opportunity.

He takes another sip of his champagne before he continues.

Griffin Hawkins: Okay...if you put it that way, I believe I’ve made my decision right here and now. My answer…..is no.

That’s enough to get a huge reaction from the crowd. Steele looks very confused as if he doesn’t understand what he just said.

Steele Matthews: I’m sorry, Mr. Hawkins… your answer is no? But why? How could you possibly pass up such an amazing opportunity like this?

Griffin Hawkins: First of all, I’m already part of the greatest tag team of all time...and that’s with Stacy Jones in the Rock Hearts.

The crowd cheers at the mention of the name and team.

Griffin Hawkins: And second...I’ve seen types like you in all walks of life. Rich...entitled...believing they can do anything they want just because they got more money than God. I know because I come from a rich privileged background...a background I turned my back on to make a name for myself on my own. If I were to join with you….I’d be a hypocrite. I said from the beginning that I was gonna make it to the top on my own..and I meant it. I’m not here to be your kickstand, I’m here to fight my way to the top. Now...if you’re done looking at me like it’s your first trip to the circus, I got a number one contender’s match to prepare for.

He gets up to leave, but Curtis Hughes stands in his way with his arms crossed.

Griffin Hawkins: ...mind stepping out of the way bright boy?

Steele gets up, the mic still in his hand.

Steele Matthews: I’m sorry you feel that way, Mr. Hawkins. I honestly thought we could have been something great. Nevertheless… do it Hughes…

Hughes steps to the side and allows Hawkins to pass him, however suddenly the big man wraps his large hand around the throat of the Jukebox Hero before lifting him up and slamming him to the mat with a vicious chokeslam.

Andrew Payne: What the Hell?!

Miranda Augustino: Griffin should have accepted Steele’s offer, Andy.

Matthews drops his microphone and removes his suit jacket before rolling up the sleeves of his shirt and demands Hughes to pick Hawkins up. The big man obliges and Matthews grabs the rockstar’s wrist and then nails him with The Money Shot and the fans boo heavily as he puts his jacket back on, picks the microphone back up and stands over Hawkins’ lifeless body.

Steele Matthews: Nobody refuses an offer from Steele Matthews! Nobody embarrasses Steele Matthews and gets away with it! You think you’re better than me?! You’re nothing!

Again, Matthews drops the microphone and then suddenly drops to his knees and begins to maul Hawkins with forearm shot after forearm shot resulting in officials and security charging down the ramp and into the ring as they pull Matthews off of the Jukebox Hero as we cut elsewhere.

Match #2/Singles Match

La Silencia v. Kasey Kash

The match begins, and La Silencia bolts out of her corner like a flash, thrusting her foot into Kash's chest. Kasey is knocked back into the corner, and while he's trying to regain his senses, Silencia takes one step back, and attempts to land a jumping kick, to her cornered opponent. Kasey is able to roll under the kick, causing his opponent to whiff, and kick nothing but air. She turns, but Kasey had already left his feet, throwing a kick behind him, cornering Silencia this time.

Kasey kips up, turns to face his opponent, and hastily jumps toward her, planting his feet on the ropes, grabbing her, and falling to his back, letting gravity do the rest. Silencia flips over Kasey, and lands on her back with a thud. Kash rolls over, and attempts a cover, but just does manage to get a one count. Kash gets up, and tries to pick Silencia back up to a stand, but gets a thumb to the eye for his trouble, the fef steps in, ans reprimands Silenica, but she simply blows him off and drives a knee into the back of Kash's head dropping him to the mat. Silencia quickly goes for the cover, thinking she'd done enough to end things

TWO

No! Kash's shoulder shoots up, and a frustrated Silencia makes her way to the nearby corner, and lays in wait, sizing up Kash the whole time. Kash takes his time getting up, looking like the knee may have taken a little wind out of his sails. He turns toward Silencia, who makes a beeline for Kasey, looking for a spear. However, Kash leaps, and flips over her, landing with a smirk. He wasn't as out as Silencia thought. Silencia stumbles a bit, but recovers to see Kash's cockyness on full display. Kasey looks to be winding up for something, but is cut off by a thumb to the throat, which Silencia follows up with a stunner. Having just landed Silencio Sangriento, Silencia goes for the pin again.

TWO

THREE!

Andrew Payne: And that’s gonna be a victory in the books for La Silencia for sure!

Miranda Augustino: With authority, chica! Get that shit! You can’t be taking that high flying monkey shit against a gangsta ass bitch like her!

Andrew Payne: Kasey Kash will bounce back. He always does.

Miranda Augustino: He needs to stop bouncing so damn much!

Result: Pinfall

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

We switch to the area set and designated for interviews. Amy Connors, Trauma’s resident, professional interviewer. She smiles into the camera and nods.

Amy Connors: We are two weeks away from NFW March Mayhem 3. In the show’s main event we will see Anton Crowley defend the NFW Undisputed Championship again Minoru Tanahashi in his second defense since claiming the title back in October of last year. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the NFW Undisputed Champion Anton Crowley.

The moment stretched out without anyone appearing. It was just about to get awkward when Anton Crowley’s new manager, Faust, strolled into view. In his all-black suit, he looked like a sleazy car salesman or a creepy CEO. The tattoos that creep out from his cuffs and the neck of his shirt the only betraying signal to the form he takes.

Amy Connors: I was waiting for Anton for an interview.

Amy maintained her professionalism. Faust gives her a look over and sniffs derisively at her.

Faust: Lord Crowley is busy making preparations. I will answer any and all questions you might have for him. Please, continue Ms. Connors.

Amy let a slight frown slip before starting her interview.

Amy Connors: In tonight’s Main Event Anton tea...

Faust: Lord Crowley.

Amy Connors: Lord Crowley is partnered with Mister J to face not only his next challenger, Minoru Tanahashi but his former challenger Super Tiger as well.

Faust: Mr. Tanahashi and Ms. Saito-Jackson are quite lucky. Lady Crowley has a match tonight and not able to be teaming with Lord Crowley. They would stand no chance of victory tonight, just as Ms. Saito-Jackson did at Wrestle War and as Mr. Tanahashi stands at March Mayhem. But Lord Crowley has to team with Mister J. I do not doubt the man’s talent. What I question is his loyalty. Will he be smart enough to stay loyal to Lord Crowley during the match? Or is fallible human nature going to take over? Will he fall to greed and try to make a bid for the title himself?

Amy Connors: Does Lord Crowley not trust anyone on the roster besides Lady Crowley?

Faust: Our Lord is not so stupid as to trust anyone. Loyalty is hard to come by. And even those that should have it, have tests to keep it. Some succeed, some fail. But Lord Crowley is kind. He takes all transgressions on a case-by-case basis.

Despite his arrogance and attitude, Faust makes a good point. Amy nods her agreement.

Amy Connors: Surprisingly wise words.

Faust: Lord Crowley is very wise, Ms. Connors.

Amy Connors: March Mayhem is in two weeks. Is the Champion ready? Has he prepared for Minoru?

Faust: Lord Crowley is always prepared. He is the Demon King of NFW. He knows each and every one of his subjects on Trauma. He is always prepared for any challenge presented before him. His reign shall be long and glorious. He does have a record to beat after all.

Amy Connors: Thank you for your time, even if it was unexpected.

Faust nods slightly.

Faust: A pleasure, Ms. Connors. But to try to remember the proper way to address Lord Crowley next time. Reminders are so very tedious.

Faust does not wait for a reply from Amy before turning and walking away. Amy keeps a polite smile on her face despite the small barb.

Amy Connors: Tonight’s main event looks as if it is cooking up into a great match!

The scene fades on Amy Connors’ smiling face.
The camera opens to find the members of the Cornbread Mafia, Cameron and Shawn Worley and their cousin, Big Bubba Thompson, standing around in their dressing room. A look of concern starts to cross Cameron’s face as he watches Bubba finish with his coloring book. Shawn sees this look and leans over to him.

Shawn: What’s wrong, Cam?

Cameron shrugs.

Cameron: Ain’t nothin’ wrong, yet…

Shawn is taken aback by the phrasing used by his brother.

Shawn: Yet…?

Cameron nods to the fact that Bubba is almost out of things to color and Shawn suddenly nods in realization.

Shawn: Oh…

Cameron nods and then slips his cell phone from his pocket.

Cameron: Hold on, I think I got me some reinforcements like…

Shawn: Yo, you get to call in the cavalry?

Cameron looks at his phone and nods quickly.

Cameron: She’ll be here any second now…

A few seconds later, there’s a knock at the door. Cameron walks over and glances outside, a smile coming to his face.

Cameron: Yo, Bubba, we got y’all a surprise!

Bubba looks up, curiosity on his face. Cameron smiles and opens the door to reveal Stacy Jones standing there. Bubba’s eyes go wide with excitement.

Bubba: MISS STACY!!!!!!!!

Stacy: HI BUBBA!!!

The Unbreakable One runs up to the big guy and wraps her arms around him.

Stacy: I’ve missed your hugs.

Bubba jumps around, hugging Stacy as he goes.

Bubba: Miss Sta-cy! Miss Sta-cy! Miss Sta-cy!

Stacy: I have a present for you as well, Bubba. I know it’s not your birthday but it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other that I just had to pick up something for you. Wanna see it?

Bubba sits her down, his eyes wide in surprise.

Bubba: For me?

Stacy: Yes, for you! Now close your eyes and put your hands out.

Bubba closes his eyes and sticks his hands out as asked, shaking a little in excitement.

Stacy: No peeking, mister!

From her jacket pocket, she removes a soft white bunny plushie and puts it into his hands.

Stacy: And open your eyes!

Bubba looks.

Bubba: BUNNNY!!!!!!!!

Bubba starts almost dancing, jumping around excitedly.

Bubba: SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!! SNOWBALLL!!!

Stacy: That’s a perfect name for him, Bubba.

She folds her arms and he along with the Worley’s watch on as Bubba plays with the bunny for a moment before the Unbreakable One turns to Cameron and Shawn.

Stacy: So how are you guys doing? And how’s the rest of the family?

Cameron: Carmen and Reya are good. Jessie, Vikki and Daisy’s good too. We’ve heard Willie, Waylon, Ricky ray and Jimmy Lee’s good too but they ain’t said shit to us for a while so…

Shawn: How’s y’all doin’, Miss Stacy?

Stacy: Worried about my Mom. Dunno if you know coz you guys don’t use social media but she tested positive for this damn virus. I nearly didn’t bother coming today since I wasn’t booked but then I thought it might help to come and take my mind off of it. So getting the chance to see you guys and Bubba again after so long and seeing the big guy’s excited happy face? It never fails to put a smile on my face.

Cameron: Aw, Miss Stacy, how is Miss Marie doin’ with that?

Stacy: She’s coughing a lot, very tired, lost her sense of smell and taste and it takes her a long time to do the smallest jobs. I’ve told her to rest and get as much vitamin C and D as possible so time will tell really.

Shawn: Do y’all’s kids know?

Stacy: Yeah. Well, Nick and Chelsea do. Elena’s still too young to really understand what’s going on. As you can probably imagine, they’re upset about it because they love their grandmother so much.

Cameron and Shawn both nod.

Cameron: Yeah, I could imagine if they called us to say Pappy had it, or Maw Maw.

Shawn: Or Carmen and Reya’s parents.

The two hug Stacy.

Cameron: Y’all hang in there, miss Stacy.

Stacy reciprocates the hug from the two men.

Stacy: Thanks, guys. But anyway… on a lighter note… you guys looking forward to your match later tonight?

Cameron: Yeah, I mean, on paper it’s a weird enough match as it is. Y’all got SS and Jenn Drew, who ain’t exactly bosom buddies and then ya got us and Miss Debby and most people would look at us sideways unless they done met Eddie Joe.

Shawn snickers.

Shawn: Eddie Joe always kinda knocks folks for a loop that way, don’t he?

Cameron: Sho nuff!

Stacy chuckles.

Stacy: Well I believe that you guys can get the job done. But anyway, I gotta run.

Stacy walks back over to Bubba who is still playing happily with Snowball and she places her hand onto his huge shoulder.

Stacy: Bubba? I have to go now. You take good care of Snowball, you hear?

Bubba smiles and hugs her again, lifting her off her feet.

Bubba: Yes, ma’am, Miss Stacy! And thank you for Snowball!

Stacy: You’re more than welcome, Bubba.

Stacy then gives Cameron and Shawn another hug.

Stacy: You take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you again soon.

Match #3/Perseverance Championship Qualifier

Cali-Kate v. Nattie K

Kate doesn’t waste any time as she goes right at Nattie. She drives Nattie into the corner and begins laying in shoulder tackles to the midsection, but Nattie uses her power and shoves Kate back and down to the mat. Kate gets to her feet, only to be taken down again by Nattie with a shoulder tackle. Kate gets up and Nattie takes her down yet again with a double leg takedown and then starts to deliver mounted strikes to Kate before going for an armbar, but Kate is able to scramble away and get to the floor. She walks around on the floor as the ref starts the twenty count, but it doesn’t last long as Nattie rolls to the outside. Kate sees this and Nattie begins to give chase. Kate rolls into the ring and as Nattie goes to follow her back in, Kate begins to stomp away at her. Kate picks Nattie up and goes for a DDT, but Nattie once again shoves her off and this time, lands a headbutt that staggers Kate before Nattie delivers a discus clothesline and goes for a cover, only to get a two count. Nattie picks Kate back up and she looks to deliver Fallout, but Kate is able to slip out of the grasp of Nattie and deliver a chopblock to the back of the knees that brings Nattie down.

From there, Kate would deliver a shining wizard and follow it up with a standing leg drop and go for a cover, but only managing a one count on Nattie. Kate though climbs to the top rope and as Nattie gets to her feet, Kate launches herself and goes for a crossbody, but Nattie catches her and goes for a power slam, but Kate is able to counter it into a tornado DDT! Kate once again climbs to the top rope and she delivers a double footstomp on Nattie and goes for another cover, this time getting a two count. Kate continues to mount the offense as she picks Nattie up and delivers a Geek Chic Kick before hooking her arms and delivering Starstruck and hooking the leg and picking up the win.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner, and moving onto March Mayhem to compete for the Perseverance Championship, Cali-Kate!

Andrew Payne: Kate pulled it out, but Nattie gave her everything she could handle here tonight.

Miranda Augustino: Yeah, but Kate out here with a chip on her shoulder and with something to prove still. She’s a dangerous woman right now.

Result: Pinfall

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

We open up inside of the locker room of Kaede Tanabe and her clients, The SBS and Jenn Drew. The five of them are sitting around in a circle, laughter can be heard amongst them as the camera zooms in on them and Jenn looks around at the rest of the other women.

Jenn Drew: You ladies are great. I don’t know why I was so bloody bitter before.

Kaede Tanabe: I told you you’d warm up if you just gave me a chance, dear!

She reaches over, giving a playful little swat to Jenn’s arm. The manager of the team sits in one of her pinstripe women’s suits, looking every bit the role she serves as. On the other side of Jenn, Kayako leans over dramatically and wraps her in a big hug.

Kayako Kazama: Yaaaaay!!! Jenn-chan is friend!

Kaede smirks at the display. It’s adorable, even. Yuka doesn’t speak up per say but she’s clearly wearing her own look of approval and, some might dare say acceptance of Drew among their ranks.

Kaede Tanabe: So then, I take it’s safe to say we’re all on-- Uhh...Masami? Masaaaaami. Masa-chan?

In an odd little twist, it’s Masami who looks distracted as she looks down at her phone, tapping away with her thumbs. Yuka snickers and exchanges a look with Kaede who looks equally amused. Yuka reaches over and slaps the table.

Yuka: Oi! Masa-chan! Nandayo?

Masami looks up and locks her phone screen. The others giggle a bit.

Kaede Tanabe: Glad you could join us, dear! Now, as I was saying; I take it’s safe to say we’re all on the same page tonight?

Jenn Drew: Cross my heart.

Jenn does the cross over her heart and laughs as she looks among the rest of them.

Jenn Drew: Promise to not cause you to accidentally lose another match tonight. I’m over that and I need more people to add into my book and the three rednecks and the girl stuck in the seventies will do nicely.

Kaede perks at the seventies reference; it’s as if Jenn has brought up a point she’s been itching to poke at. The manager leans forward over the table, eyes wide with disdain.

Kaede Tanabe: Right?! Is she out of style or what? I mean, fine. Some people still like disco. I get it, but keep that shit contained.

Yuka Hirata: Don’t burn her too bad. I’mma knock that bitch back to her decade with a fever when I get that ass one on one.

Kaede pointed to Yuka, affirmatively then turned to Jenn again.

Kaede Tanabe: That too! She’s the first one since you, dear, to show some actual gall. Not that it’ll be enough to take away Yu-chan’s championship. As for the rest of her….

Kaede takes a deep breath and brings up two fingers on each hand.

Kaede Tanabe: …”team” tonight, I’m more than certain you three lovelies can more than handle them.

She sweeps a finger back and forth between Jenn, Kayako and Masami.

Kaede Tanabe: I mean, let’s compare brain cells here. Two of the three barely have a pair to rub together and the big one? Well….

Kaede trails off and just...she sighs with a look on her face that almost seems to say “too easy, not going there.” Kayako pouts a little.

Kayako Kazama: Kae-chaaaaan! You should be nice when talking about Bubba-san! He is very happy! And very nice! Like me!

There’s that infectious, beaming smile as Kayako compliments one of their opponents but doesn’t forget to slip in a little bit of self gratitude with it. Kayako rolls her eyes and holds her hands up in submission.

Kaede Tanabe: I know, know. Trust me, I know. Still...that is a big boy, I’m not going to deny it. Masa-chan? Do you feel you can handle him?

Kaede nods as she asks, more so asking rhetorically. Nonetheless, Masami nods back.

Jenn Drew: Hell, dangle a bag of pork rinds in front of him and toss them and fatso will probably chase them like a desperate dog for food. The other two though, I won’t take away their accomplishments as a team, but hell, they look like a couple of homeless guys that were sitting out back of Collision Center. It really makes me wonder if they have their shots and stuff.

Jenn laughs as she reaches down and grabs a book that was sitting on the ground and opens it up, grabbing a pen and writing some stuff down in it before shutting it with a chuckle. Kaede watches with an amused grin before mouthing to Yuka, ‘I love it!’

Jenn Drew: The biggest difference here though is the fact that we’re a true unit and those four, they’re not. We have four of the toughest bitches in all of NFW between all of us and despite our size disadvantage, we’re going to continue to show why we’re just simply better than the rest of them.

Kaede chuckles and shrugs her shoulders.

Kaede Tanabe: Simple explanation: we just are.

She leans forward in her chair, sticking out her hand. Yuka, Kayako and Masami reach in and place their hands over hers. Kaede looks at Jenn this time around and gives her a little smile, motioning with her head to their hands. Kayako bounces in her seat with excitement as Jenn sets her book down and sticks her hand into the circle. Kaede goes serious again and looks around at the four women.

Kaede Tanabe: You bitches got this. Ready? Yosh on three! ICHI! NII! SAN!!

All: YOSH!!

Their hands go up into the air and Yuka drums her hand on the table. Kayako leans over and glomp hugs Jenn again. Kayako beams with pride before lifting her head directly to the camera and shoos towards the door with her hand.

Kaede Tanabe: And you can get the fuck out. Hey, Jenn.

Kaede motions to the cameraman as the perspective starts slinking back towards the door.

Kaede Tanabe: Put something in that book about this one.

Jenn grabs her book again and begins writing something else in it before showing it to Kaede and they both laugh.

Jenn Drew: Yeah, that'll do. Now scram!

The camera quickly turns towards the door as it opens and we see the hallway and hear the door shutting before fading out.

Match #4/Eight Person Tag Match

Super Bitch Squad & Jenn Drew v. Debby Haze & Cornbread Mafia

Masami and Cameron start things off for their teams as the bell sounds. Masami comes right in and she delivers a stiff kick to leg of Cameron who returns fire with a chop to the chest. The two of them exchange strikes with one another before Cameron starts to get the better of the exchange. He finally gets the opening a knee to the gut before taking Masami over with a snap suplex. He drags Masami over to his corner where he tags Shawn into the match. The two of them pick Masami up and send her into the ropes. The two of them deliver a double back elbow before Cameron rolls out of the ring. Shawn takes over as he picks Masami up and goes for a German suplex, but Masami lands on her feet and stumbles into her corner where Kayako tags herself into the match.

Kayako comes in and she skips around the ring and strikes a cute little pose right beside Shawn who doesn’t seem to know what to make of Kayako who just smiles up at him before holding out her hand. Shawn doesn’t take the bait though as he delivers a chop right to the chest of Kayako who immediately scrambles to her corner, clutching onto the leg of Jenn who leans down and tries to console her. As this is happening, Yuka tags herself into the match and immediately, Debby wants in. Shawn shrugs his shoulders and tags Debby into the match. Debby comeins into the ring and she and Yuka immediately go right after one another. The two of them exchange strike after strike, neither wanting to back down from the other. Debby eventually gets the advantage as she delivers a series of Japanese arm drags. Yuka bounces up and runs into a back elbow and she staggers back to the ropes. Debby charges in and delivers a clothesline to Yuka that sends her to the floor, but as she’s going over, Jenn blindly tags herself into the match.

Debby looks to deliver a tope con hilo, but as she looks to deliver the move, Jenn uses the ropes to help her deliver a kick to the head of Debby. Debby stumbles back and Jenn uses the ropes to deliver a springboard forearm that sends Debby into her corner where Bubba tags into the match. The big man comes into the match and Jenn looks at him, nodding her head, and smirking. Bubba comes in and goes to try and grab Jenn for what looks like a hug, but Jenn ducks under and goes behind Bubba and delivering a series of kicks to the legs that don’t seem to even phase the big man. Bubba turns around and Shawn and Cameron are telling him something and Bubba takes Jenn and sends her into his corner before delivering an avalanche splash. He tags Shawn in who comes in and tags Cameron into the match. The three of them take Jenn and they deliver Southern Pride before Shawn, Bubba, and Debby all take the members of SBS off the apron and Kaede yells at all of them as Cameron hooks the leg on Jenn and picks up the win.

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners, The Cornbread Mafia and Debby Haze!

Andrew Payne: Impressive win by these four ahead of their title matches in two weeks.

Miranda Augustino: If this is any indication, the trios titles might be comin over to Trauma.

Result: Pinfall

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

The scene comes up in the backstage area with Amy Cnnoors coming up to the House Crowley's locker room. Right as she approaches the door swinga open and Kate walks out

Amy: Cali-Kate, I'm sorry can I just ask real quick, now that you'll be in the five way finals for the Perseverance championship, do you have any words?

Kate actually has to take a moment to stop and consider her words. Her lips twitch as she tries to look for each word specifically.

Cali-Kate: Amy, for once I am actually somewhat stunned at my goddamn self. It's rare to be the first any champion even in a business like this. But I'm about to fucking accomplish it twice in my career. And as far as my opponents go, I'll address each of those bitches in turn when the match rolls around.

Kate smirks a bit and just before Amy is about to sign off Kate chimes in again.

Cali-Kate: Actually, indulge me for a bit longer here, because I do have something to say right fucking now. You see I have this little issue that's becoming more and more a nuisance than any kind of actual problem. There's a lesser known Biblical parable, our maid taught me this when I was young, called the parable of the talents. A master leaves three servants in charge of his estate as he travels. But he divides the estate disproportionately, giving one servant an abundance, the second a fair amount and the third a very small portion. The first two servants went and doubled their pieces of the estate through trade and capital, or so the parable says. The third with the smallest amount hides it and does nothing with it. The master returns later and heaps rewards on the first two servants, but punishes the third for blatantly doing nothing with his portion.

Kate takes a deep breath, glaring a bit at Amy.

Cali-Kate: So what does that have to do with anything? You see I have been here, busting my ass, all the fucking talent in the world and I earned every bit that's coming to me, especially when, not if, I win the Perseverance title. But there's someone here who thinks they deserve a shot at the Undisputed title that Anton holds and I'm watching them get more impatient with each fucking passing show, yet what are they doing to earn that? They think that they can just simply fucking ignore me. Me! THE former champ and the only one who has so far proven to be any kind of match for Anton on this goddamn roster! So let's get one thing clear: once I have the Perseverance title around my waist, that person will either go through me if they want their shot, or they can take their talent and run away yet again.

Kate's lips curl into an arrogant smile.

Cali-Kate: And I'd really hate to see the punishment Brody and Santiago would inflict for someone who squanders that kind of talent.

Kate makes a scoff at Amy as she walks away leaving Amy behind to just watch as the scene fades out.
Minoru Tanahashi: Listen all you people, come gather round. I gotta get me a game plan, gotta shake you to the ground.

We hear Minoru Tanahashi before we see the Black Lion clad in his black and gold SUPER KAWAII THUNDER LIGER SQUADRON gear, his golden Lion helmet in his hand as he dances around a little walking through the locker room area. He stops at one door and gives a knock as he continues to dance a little, enjoying the music he’s listening to as Super Tiger opens the door.

Minoru Tanahashi: I want it all
I want it all
I want it all and I want it now.

Tanahashi rocks out with the chorus of the classic Queen hit, singing right to his tag team partner as he smiles and laughs a little before stopping the song and removing his air pods.

Minoru Tanahashi: Come on Tiggy, you gotta know that one.

His smile slowly faded as he looked down and noticed she was wearing black and green gear. He pointed to her gear, then his, back to her, back to him.

Minoru Tanahashi: Uhm, what the hell Tiggy? I thought tonight we were gonna have the NFW debut of the SUPER KAWAII THUNDER LIGER SQUADRON?

Super Tiger: I thought we were focusing on singles titles. You know you go and do what I have failed to do while I forget about my dream of being a World champion and try for that United States title?

Minoru sighs and drops his head slightly.

Minoru Tanahashi: I thought we had all of that cleared up? You know that I think you are more than good enough to be the undisputed champion. I want both of us to succeed as singles champions and tag champions. We have already done one of those things somewhere else, so why not we both win singles titles here? That’s all I was saying.

Super Tiger: Just so long as your the top champion, right? Since you beat me and proved you’re the better one in this team? Even though it was a triple threat match and Griffin did more actual damage than you did?

Minoru Tanahashi: You know that’s not what I meant at all. Look, I did what I had to do to win that match. You know it was not personal and I hope that in my shoes, you would have done that exact same thing. Outside the ring, we are friends. Inside that ring when we are on the same side and more importantly the same page, we are one of the best teams in the World. When we do find ourselves across the ring from each other, I will treat you as any other opponent and give you everything I have, because I respect you. So can we please stop the damn pity party and go out there tonight to kick some ass.

Super Tiger: I plan on kicking plenty of ass. I plan on kicking Anton’s ass specifically and I plan on pinning him in the middle of the ring. I have done that before. Unlike you.

Super Tiger moved to the door and then looked back at Minoru.

Super Tiger: I think I’ll go and watch the next match. See who gets the next chance at that title you think would be soooo perfect for me.

The sarcasm was heavy in her voice as she walked off, leaving her tag team partner and supposed friend by himself.

Match #5/Singles Match

#1 Contender's Match For The United States Title At March Mayhem

Griffin Hawkins v. Tahti Kuu

The bell rang and this match was on! Griffin Hawkins still seemed to be in a bit of a mood after earlier’s incident with Steele Matthews but Tahti extended her hand out for a shake and the sign of good sportsmanship seemed to bring the Jukebox Hero out of his funk a little. The two circled up in the ring and came in for a collar and elbow tieup. Griffin immediately administered a wristlock, pushing Tahti down to one knee but the High Flying Finn pushed back up and reversed it into an arm wringer on Hawkins. She controlled her opponent’s movement around the ring with his arm for a few seconds before Griffin reversed it into an arm wringer of his own. Tahiti rolled forward, releasing the tension in her arm and reversed it right back, this time going for a scissorhold armbar takedown but Griffin managed to slip out and turn through a cartwheel, landing on his feet. Tahiti rolled back up to a vertical position and the crowd applauded. Tahti and Griffin circled up, giving each other a fist bump and a nod. They circled and locked up again. This time Griffin pulled Tahti into a side headlock but while he wrenched on her neck, she pushed him off into the ropes. Griffin came back with a clothesline but Tahti gave him the slip underneath and sprang off of the ropes, catching him in a springboard hurricanrana. Griffin rolled into a sitting position while Tahti popped up to her feet and immediately followed with a dropkick to the spine.

As the two battled on, Tahti maintained control for much of the beginning of the match but when she went for another high risk springboard maneuver, Griffin saw the opportunity to turn the tables. He rolled underneath her as she came down, Tahti rolled up to her feet and started to turn, Griffin ran off the ropes and came in with a Shotgun Dropkick that launched Tahti across the mat and out through the ropes. By the time she made it up to her feet, Griffin was coming across the mat and through the ropes with a Tope Suicida, sending both competitors to the floor. The two brawled a bit on the outside with Griffin maintaining the upper hand, mostly. Tahti brought the fight right back to him, using the barricade and apron as launch pads when she was whipped towards one. True to her name, the High Flying Finn came through the air with flying elbows and another hurricanrana to keep Griffin from maintaining too much of an advantage. Griffin regained control again as the referee neared 20 and got Tahti back into the ring. As Tahti got back to her feet, Griffin climbed onto the apron and waited for the prime position of his opponent. When she was vertical he pulled back on the ropes and slingshotted himself over the top for a Spear but Tahti caught him - much to a pop from the fans - into a desperation DDT that spiked his head into the mat. Wasting no time, Tahti went right for Shooting Star, putting the torque into Griffin’s shoulder. The Rock Soldier writhed and struggled to get free, managing to turn his body to get a boot on the ropes and Tahti immediately let him free.

Tahti went for the top turnbuckle then as Griffin laid on the mat and called for Star Bomb but as she dove off, Griffin got his knees up and Tahti ate all of the bad landing with her ribs. Griffin made it up to his feet and saw the opening, hitting the ropes and landed a Lionsault on Tahti for the cover but Finland’s Fallen Star got the shoulder up at the last second. Griffin picked Tahti up and went for South of Heaven but Tahti managed to push him into the ropes and Hawkins came back right into a brutal superkick that rocked him on his feet. Tahti caught him by the head and went for Eclipse but Griffin had enough awareness to scout it and now it was Tahti being pushed into the ropes but as she came back, she rolled under Griffin’s discus lariat. Tahti caught herself on the ropes again and went for a quick springboard dive but Griffin scouted this again and landed a Shot In The Dark right out of midair on Tahti! Tahti hit the mat, flat on her back as Griffin collapsed over her in exhaustion and hooked the leg for the three count, finally.

Thea Crawford: Here is your winner and Number One Contender to the United States Championship...GRIFFIN...HAWKINS!!!!

Miranda Augustino: Hell yeah boy!!! I’d have been happier with either outcome, Andy!

Andrew Payne: Hell of a match! Can’t wait to see what Griffin Hawkins brings when he takes on the champ, Anaquin Adams in two weeks!

Result: Pinfall

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

We open up inside of the office of Isabella Santiago who is working on her computer before she looks up at the camera with a smile on her face. She stands up and walks around the desk and leans against it, arms resting on the desk itself.

Isabella Santiago: I hope you all are enjoying another exciting episode of Trauma here tonight. We’re just two weeks away from what might be my favorite pay-per-view hosted by Trauma in March Mayhem. The idea of not knowing what kind of match people were going to compete in really seemed to be well received and you know, I listen to the people, so at March Mayhem this year, the Mayhem Wheel will be making its return.

Isabella smiles as she stands up straight and continues to look right at the camera.

Isabella Santiago: Also, there’s one other match that needs to be announced for March Mayhem. I’ve heard everything the person simply known as G1itch has had to say lately. How they’re upset, that they’ve been overlooked. Well, G1itch, I’m giving you a high profile match at March Mayhem. It’s going to be you and Eavan Maloney, one on one. This is your chance to prove yourself to one of the greatest wrestlers in the entire world. Now, let’s get back to the show and let’s enjoy this main event.

Main Event/Tag Team Match

Minoru Tanahashi & Super Tiger v. Anton Crowley & Mister J

The two teams square off, Super Tiger and Tanahashi lining up for Tiger to run back to the ropes, rebound off and come running at her partner. Tanahashi gives her a boost and Tiger flies over onto both of their opponents. Anton and J catch her and Tanahashi follows with a dropkick of his own that sends all three to the mat. The referee steps in and orders the teams to follow the rules, sending Tanahashi to his corner. Tiger runs to the ropes and executes a quebrada onto her opponents. Anton rolls out of the ring allowing Tiger to cover J.

Two!

Mister J kicks out!

Super Tiger jumps up and goes to strike Anton but the champion moves and Mister J catches Tiger from behind. J and Anton spend the next few minutes working over Tiger in their corner, making quick tags and taking turns putting the smaller, younger woman down hard. Anton tries to go for the In Ostium Inferos multiple times, Tiger reacting to the mere attempt every time as if Anton’s hands are burning hot. She pulls away and eats a strike instead until Anton finally just hits her with the Lingchi followed by the Fall. He covers.

Two!

Super Tiger kicks out!

Anton tags in Mister J and the bigger man starts bouncing Tiger around like a human superball. He hits her with rolling suplexes followed by an exploder suplex and a northern lights suplex.

Two!

Super Tiger barely kicks out!

Mistr J makes the tag to Anton and Tanahashi runs in to break up the ensuing double team. Tanahashi fights with Anton while J throws Tiger into a neutral corner. Tiger moves and J hits the corner full force. Tiger jumps into a sunset flip but since J is not the legal man, no count is made. Anton starts to try and take the In Ostium Inferos on Tanahashi but he pulls away immediately just as Tiger had earlier. Tiger gets up and runs at Anton. Mister J runs over, looking to clothesline Tanahashi over the top. Tanahashi ducks under to back drop J over the top to the apron. Tanahashi spins into an elbow strike that knocks J to the floor. J grabs Tanahashi and pulls him down and almost out of the ring. Tiger is caught by Anton and spun into the Fall again. He drags her up and hits a second Fall. He goes for the cover while Tanahashi is trying to kick J off his legs.

Tanahashi kicks J off of him.

Two!

Tanahashi dives to try and break up the pin.

Three!

But he’s just too late as the referee’s hand hits the mat for the third shot.

~Ding Ding Ding~

Thea Crawford: Here are your winners! Mister J and the Undisputed Champion, Anton Crowley!

Miranda Augustino: Whoo! Yeah, baby!!

As “Head Like A Hole” plays, Anton Crowley retrieves his championship and raises it up to a fuming Minoru Tanahashi. In the center of the ring, Super Tiger sits in the ring, looking frustrated and then some. She starts getting to her feet and swats Minoru’s hand away when he reaches down to help. Minoru starts to visibly try and talk to her but Super Tiger starts arguing right back with him. It looks like she’s blaming him for not breaking up the pin.

Andrew Payne: Miranda, I don’t think Super Tiger understands what happened. Minoru was trying to get to the cover to break it up.

Miranda Augustino: Hey, Minoru dropped the damn ball and it cost their team!

Andrew Payne: Oh come on now.

Minoru looks dumbfounded, motining over to Mister J outside the ring. Super Tiger throws up her hands and turns, rolling out of the ring and storms up the ramp. Minoru shrugs his hands up and down in defeat, trying once more to call out to her but Tiger’s not even looking back. Minoru turns back to look at Anton who just holds the title on his shoulder, grinning with a sense of dark amusement.

Andrew Payne: I hate seeing this. I really do.

Miranda Augustino: Haha, I love it! Papi loves it too! Look at that smile!

Andrew Payne: Yeah, we’ll see if he keeps that smile after March Mayhem when he takes on the Black Lion with his championship on the line. We’ll see you back here in two weeks for our first exclusive supershow! March 30th is March Mayhem everyone! Don’t miss it! Good night everyone!

Miranda Augustino: Good night, my bitches!