NFW Collision #94 - 03/23/2021!

Nick Hanson: Hello and good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Nick Hanson here, joined by the ever brash Jim Reynolds!

Jim Reynolds: Hey hey motherfuckers!

Nick Hanson: Are you ready for a Collision?!

Jim Reynolds: Ready or not, here it comes!

Nick Hanson: Tonight’s main event, folks, will see The Kingdom, represented by World Heavyweight Champion, Sativa Nevaeh and NFW Tag Team Champions, The Last of the Valkyries, taking on the team of Damon Cross, Sylvia Lopez and a mystery partner. We’ve also got more of The Kingdom as Jasmine Matthews, Lluvia Cane and Tren Descarrilado take on Team TRIOCS. There’s been some recent animosity between the two sides. Hopefully, maybe, they can settle things tonight.

Jim Reynolds: They oughta know better, doing Jamie Austin like they did. You don’t fuck with The Kingdom!

Nick Hanson: Now, now, Jim. You saw what Jasmine Matthews did to Rayola Davine. Some might say The Kingdom started it.

Jim Reynolds: Nooooo, TRIOCS started this shit because they just had to run their damn mouths! Coming out here in their flashy cars and riding their damn elephants and calling The Kingdom out. Don’t call out the big dogs then cry when you get your ass bit!

Nick Hanson: I’d simply call it a challenge laid out from one talented group to another but evidently The Kingdom took it personal.

Jim Reynolds: How the fuck would you feel if someone came riding an elephant into your yard, motherfucker?!

Nick Hanson: And as per usual, talking to you is like talking to a brick wall or there’s so much air in that head, words just go whistling into one air and out the other. That being said, folks, let’s have a look at our All Access Network deal and get right into the action!

Jim Reynolds: Hey! Lemme tell you something, buddy! FU---

The shot abruptly cuts away.

Cayla Phoenix v. Trina Tanaka

The match started with Trina offering a handshake. Cayla accepted but made quick work of the handshake, pulling her hand away like she was disgusted to even be doing so. Trina picked up on this and shrugged her shoulders if that’s how Cayla wanted it. The two ladies locked up in the center of the ring and Trina went right to the technical game. Trina took hold of an arm and started chain wrestling Cayla around the mat with arm drags and takedowns. Cayla broke free and went to work with her own technical game but Trina stayed quick on her feet, utilizing her lucha libre, hitting Cazadores and Hurricanranas which were visibly starting to annoy Cayla. The Siren of Suplexes turned things around when Trina came to pull her away from leaning on the ropes and she caught Tanaka with a back elbow to the face and proceeded to take her on a tour of Suplex City. Cayla was a little angry now so her offense became more direct as she started throwing forearms and chops to her opponent, breaking her down bit by bit. Trina continued to fight back, rocking Cayla with a headbutt and came in for a Superkick but Cayla caught her leg and trapped it, delivering Madjack, taking the wind right out of Tanaka. As she pulled herself to her feet, Cayla trapped her arms behind her and threw back with everything she had for Phoenix Down!!! She held the bridge as the referee dropped to make the count, awarding her the pinfall victory.

Result: Pinfall

We open up in the locker room of The Kingdom. Inside we see all the various bags of the different members. Inside though, we only see three members, all with gold draped over their shoulders. The three are Sativa Nevaeh, Lilith Meadows, and Christina Olson. The three of them are talking and carrying on before Lilith points towards the camera. Christina turns around and walks towards the camera with a grin on her face.

Christina Olson: Here to finally come to one of the most interesting parts of the show, huh? Wanting to get some words from the most dominant and best tag team NFW has ever seen and THE greatest World Champion in the history of this company, do ya?

Sativa Nevaeh: Of course they do. We are the reason people watch at home and come to the show. EVERYONE wants to see us. They want to hear the scathing remarks and venom we have to Captain Brooding and his partners. Though, what more can be said already. Ain’t no one on the roster stupid or crazy enough, besides Sylvia, to step up. Three on two? Cake walk.

Sativa chuckles and smirks.

Sativa Nevaeh: Hopefully, after tonight, I’ll be done once and for all with my new stalker. Which, honestly, I have hired some, special, help for tonight. People out in the crowd that will take care of him if he starts his shit and I feel like I’m in mortal danger. Because I’ve been stalked like this before. I’ve been tormented like this and it isn’t fun. It isn’t cute, and it is above and beyond just “Chasing the title” like Damon would have anyone believe. I do not feel safe with him around. PTSD is a real thing, and this is triggering that.

Christina Olson: Of course not. They all know that when it comes to dominance around here, there ain’t nobody better than The Kingdom. We been here almost two years now and from the day we walked into these doors, there was nothing stopping us from taking over and becoming the most dominant force they ever seen. Damon, Sylvia, and this “mystery” partner, they all are gonna try the same thing, but at the end, it will be the same result as always, they fall and bow to us.

Lil looks up, a smile on her face. She giggles and that smile turns into a sly grin as her expression changes just a little bit right in that moment.

Lilith Meadows: There is nobody on this roster that can hold a candle to what The Kingdom has brought. We have been showing the world why we are the best group walking this planet today time and again. People continue to doubt, but they always continue to fail. Damon, he is just a sad boy lashing out because of his own insecurities. What Danni sees in him is beyond me, but he whines and complains about wanting another shot at our Sativa. Damon, you have had your chances at getting that match, but you failed, so you should step to the back of the line and wait for your turn to fail to come once again.

Just as soon as the expression changed, the expression of Lilith changed back to her giggling and smiling widely as she puts an arm around Sativa.

Christina Olson: That shit never gets any more normal, seein ya change from Lil to that dark bitch and speakin in Gaelic.

Sativa Nevaeh: It really is jarring, but that darker side is useful from time to time. Though I do prefer sweet Lil. But either way,,,

Christina nods her head and adjusts her title.

Christina Olson: It doesn’t really matter who is foolish enough to step up and team with those two rejects, the result is the same. Then, after we take care of these losers, Lilith and myself will hurt Timothy Hunt when we prove once again why we’re the best team on this damn roster.

Sativa Nevaeh: The most dominant Tag Team Champions and the single greatest World Champion this company has ever seen. WHo stands a chance against us? Honestly who? No one has done what the three of us have alone let alone combined. Tonight we end this whole damned thing. Damon, tonight is the last time you will be close to the NFW World Heavyweight title. Someone far more deserving than you will get their shot in April. I’d wish you luck Damon, but we all know you would need FAR more than you could ever get. See ya out there, bud.

The three of them embrace with their titles as they walk out of the locker room and make their way out of the room.
Shortly after the pointed statements by Sativa Neveah and the Valkyries, cameras find Damon Cross walking down the backstage hallway with Danielle Anderson at his side. It seems logical that he has not heard the words of his opponents for the evening, seeing as how the Redeemer is calm… smiling, even. Josh Davidson comes up, however, and there is fear that perhaps he is the one to ruin this pleasant mood.

Josh Davidson: Damon, you got a moment?

Checking his step, Damon pauses a moment, then nods with a charming smile.

Damon Cross: Absolutely.

He pauses, giving his attention to Danielle for a few moments.

Damon Cross: Would you mind going on ahead and letting Sylvia know that I’ll be there in a few, reine fee?

Danni Anderson: Sure! Don’t take too long, though!

She does not explain why, but perhaps it is because Sylvia still makes Danielle nervous. And with good reason, too. But a reassuring hand running down her cheek dispels her subtle expression of concern.

Damon Cross: Wouldn’t dream of it.

As the former World Heavyweight Champion trots off, the Redeemer unabashedly watches her departure with hungry eyes. Who could blame him, though? Young Miss Anderson is a beautiful woman and very much Damon’s inspiration to do and be good. But once she is out of sight, his attention is back on Josh, and at a far less saucy level.

Damon Cross: So… who is dragging my name through the mud this time, Mister Davidson?

His tone is enough to make her smile despite herself. Or perhaps it is the ambient charm he exudes lately. Regardless, Josh nods slightly and plows in.

Josh Davidson: First, many fans have been wanting to know about what went down between yourself and Luthor Callaway last week? Things got heated over Twitter and-

Damon Cross: And seeing as how I just left his office-

He jerks a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the GM’s abode.

Damon Cross: -you figured you’d stake things out and get the first scoop, non?

Well, he caught him. Josh is about to try and explain but Damon waves it off with a grin.

Damon Cross: I don’t begrudge you a bit. It’s your job, isn’t it?

Josh Davidson: Well, yes.

Damon Cross: There you go. Though I’m sorry to say there isn’t much to tell. Luthor, you see, is all sorts of stressed right now. The perils of being in charge of half a wrestling company. Believe me, I know. The inmates are running rabid in the asylum and the warden can’t cope. So he’s lashing out. When it happened to me, I simply let the hammer fall and the pieces scatter where they might. But Luthor? He’s a bit of a Type A. You know… a control freak.

Smirking faintly, Damon seems to know that this sort of talk is going to just agitate Callaway further. He also does not appear to give a damn.

Josh Davidson: Aren’t you worried that saying something like that is going to come back and bite you?

Damon Cross: No.

The flat tone, the firmness of the single word, comes a little shockingly considering Damon’s mood a moment ago.

Damon Cross: He already considers me a petulant child in the middle of a tantrum because they aren’t getting their way. His words, Josh. To him, I’m an entitled punk who’s asking for something he doesn’t deserve. My words. Yet for almost a year I have been tearing it up here in NFW. Wins over some of the best Collision has to offer, a career-making run in the Vlad Blackheart Tournament, and one of the few to take down Sativa Neveah head-on in the middle of the ring, sans shenanigans, and take that World Heavyweight Championship off her. You will recall that she is one of the best ever to compete in NFW. If you don’t believe that, just ask her.

Another smirk. Josh is about to speak but Damon gently holds up a hand, quieting him. He is not done.

Damon Cross: Took her title, kicked down the doors of the Demon King Anton Crowley’s castle and beat the dog out of him, too, doing my part to put Collision over the top at Invasion. But I haven’t earned a rematch. Not to Luthor.

Josh Davidson: To be fair, you were placed in a four-way elimination match for a title shot, but you were pinned by Yukiko Kusanagi.

Damon Cross: I could blame that on Sativa if I chose, but why be petty? I took my eye off the ball. And for the record? I have no issue earning a match. But considering how the title was taken from me? A rematch should not be a ‘consideration’. It should be a fact.

Josh Davidson: I’m… guessing you haven’t heard Sativa’s own comments from earlier?

A brow elevates and Damon looks beyond Josh for a moment. The charming smile returns though his eyes narrow above it.

Damon Cross: Let me guess: she accused me of being a stalker again? Or did she again voice her ‘concern’ that I should be on murder-suicide watch when I lose tonight? Better yet, maybe she had the temerity to say that Danielle deserves better than someone like me. Am I warm?

Josh thinks better of answering, especially when Damon turns a stare on him.

Damon Cross: That’s the thing with Sativa, Josh. She will say or do anything, within or without reason, to rile someone up. She wants you angry, frothing… so that she can take advantage of you being unable to think clearly. She yanks your chain, then proceeds to try and choke you out with it. It is a sound strategy. That is, until someone figures it out. Unfortunately for the champ? I’ve figured it out.

Now his attention is on the camera.

Damon Cross: I’m not going to waste time telling the world why you’re wrong, Sativa. I’m going to waste even less time lending your crap any sort of credence. Luthor might have put this match together tonight in hopes that we’ll end things, but he’s dreaming. The only way this ends is when I get my rematch. Hang all the labels you want on me, hoping to get under my skin and provoke the monster slumbering in me. But know that in the end? It’s all motivation. And that championship WILL be mine. No matter how many people I have to fight or how long it takes. Days, months, years… I will NOT stop until I am champion again!

Without waiting for a response from Josh, Damon wheels around and heads off down the hall, leaving Davidson there with the mic, looking a bit concerned.

Empyreal v. Thick Girls Club

The two teams square off, Empyreal taking turns trying to wear down Teresa only to get thrown back into their own corner. They continue this until Erin Blue tags in and takes a momentary advantage. TGC hits simultaneous powerslams and Blue covers Angel.

One!

Two!

Angel kicks out!

Duke takes her place in the TGC corner while Jansen takes hers in the Empyreal corner. Blue tries to outmuscle Angel only to get reversed into an inside cradle.

One!

Two!

Blue kicks out!

Angel tags out and Empyreal takes over on Blue, making quick tags and wearing the larger opponent down. They hit her with Beaty Struck and Angel covers.

One!

Two!

Blue kicks out!

Empyreal continues on with the quick tags until they try for the Stunned By Grace. Duke intercepts Angel and Blue reverses the lift into a tornado ddt on Jansen. Blue holds for cover.

One!

Two!

Jansen kicks out!

Blue makes the tag to Duke and Duke is able to go on a rampage with clotheslines until Empyreal catch her for a double flapjack and then hit the Fall From Grace. Jansen covers Duke while Angel goes to intercept Blue.

One!

Two!

Three!

Roger Arden: Here are your winners! Isidora Jansen and Angel...EMPYREAL!!!

Nick Hanson: An impressive win by these two ladies over a tough team! I think Angel and Isidora are starting to find their feet here in NFW!

Jim Reynolds: They’re good, I’ll give them that, but there’s only one “best tag team ever” and neither of these pairs are it!

Nick Hanson: Yeah, yeah. We all know who you think is best.

Jim Reynolds: No, no. I know who the best team is and that’s just a fact. You motherfuckers just have to simply Behold the truth.

Result: Pinfall

We go to the back with Matt Shields sitting in a black metal folding chair at an unknown location, The room is dark as hell with just a dim bulb hanging over him. He sits there tapping his kendo stick on the ground as he’s scratching at the mask that still covers his face while he recovers from fairly severe burns. He almost rips the zipper off the mask as he sees the camera.

Matt Shields: Let me guess it’s talky talky time, huh fuckstick? Time for me to grace the unwashed masses with my glorious voice and tell them all about how I’m gonna beat the ever-living shit out of Maki for costing me a match two weeks ago? IS THAT WHAT YOU FUCKING WANT?

He smacks the kendo stick down onto the cement floor causing it to echo through the building.

Matt Shields: WELL TOO FUCKING BAD! Why in the god damn hell would I give a squirt of rat piss about her costing me a match in a company with soulless worthless meaningless titles? What I am pissed off about, is her sticking my nose in my business and directly influencing the outcome. Win, lose, draw, who really fucking cares? I’m not trying to climb my way into title contention. What am I gonna do with the Silver Mountain Title or the World title? Strip the metal off the cheap leather, melt it down and make myself a new cock ring? Hope the leather is decent enough for a new pair of cuffs or a whip? They would be bland as shit anyway. I already got all kinds of those things. My favorite is the leopard print one. Hell, I’m wearing it right now.

Shields smirks for a second, then slams the kendo stick against the concrete floor again.

Matt Shields: Back to my original point.See Maki, this is twice now where you have got into my business and caused me to get prematurely pinned. You robbed me and the fans of the ending of the story, and that doesn’t sit right with me. So now not only do I have to pay you back for Invasion, but I also owe you payback for two weeks ago. Tonight, I collect my payment in my favorite form of currency, blood, flesh, and agony. It’s very much personal Maki and I want you to remember, I don’t care about winning, losing, or even having a draw. All I care about is making you suffer. Making you bleed. Making you beg me to stop hurting you. Remember that Maki.

Shields stands up and starts to head out, then turns around and smashes out the light with the kendo stick.
Nick Hanson: Well folks, what a show we’ve had so far…

James Reynolds: Fucking A, Nicky… and we’re just getting started!

Suddenly “Apocalypse Now” by Cro-Mags blasts out of the PA system and Becca “Bruiser” Maguire, “Psycho” Saoirse Maguire and Aoife “Banshee” Maguire walk out onto the stage. Rather than doing what they usually do when making an entrance, Bruiser simply begins marching down the ramp with a purpose as Psycho and Banshee follow behind her.

Nick Hanson: Well here come the number one contenders to the NFW Tag Team Championships, Jim!

James Reynolds: Indeed. Gallus Mag defeated Second City Riot Squad in one Hell of a contest to become the number one contenders and they look focused.

Once the three reach the ring, they all hop up onto the apron and climb through the ropes with Bruiser and Psycho immediately calling for a microphone and they’re handed one each as “Apocalypse Now” fades out.

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: Aye… so in case ya’ll missed it... two weeks ago at Collision #93… me and my wife, Psycho here… we defeated Second City Riot Squad to become the new number one contenders to the NFW Tag Team Championships!

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye, tha bae a lovely ting, lass!

Bruiser nods.

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: What makes it even more lovely… is the fact that it was our first fuckin’ match teamin’ together here in NFW. So we thought that despite the fact neither o’ us are booked tonight… that we’d show up anyway to deliver a message to the Tag Champs.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: We baen watchin ye lot fer a good long time now. Ye bae tae defend against anutter taem o’ Maidens once upon a time but it dinnae happen due tae circumstances outta yer control. We bae espectin’ ye an’ we bae lookin’ forward tae this!

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: Aye, lasses… see… we ain’t got anythin’ against either o’ ya… and ya’ll are one o’ the best tag teams around and the fact that ya’ll are carryin’ those titles around ya waists is proof o’ that. But make no mistake about it… even though Psycho and I ain’t got the same kinda tag team experience together that ya’ll have… that doesn’t mean ya’ll should go sleepin’ on us and expectin’ this title defense to be a fuckin’ cake walk.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: We’ll bae makin’ certain tha regardless o’ how this bae turnin’ out, when th’ dust bae settlin’, ye kinna say tha we dinna bae takin’ ye tae yer feckin’ limit!

Bruiser nods again.

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: Aye, coz the thin’ with Gallus Mag? One thin’ we always do… no matter what it is… we give it our all! And if ya’ll think that we call ourselves Bruiser and Psycho coz we think that they’re cool nicknames to have or some shite… well ya’ll couldn’t be further from the truth… ain’t that right, lass?

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye… I maen, they are… but…

She shrugs.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: They dinna bae callin’ me tha fer shits an’ giggles!

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: And they call me Bruiser coz no matter what happens… my opponents always know they’ve been in a fuckin’ fight coz they’re black and blue… and if ya’ll don’t believe me? Ask Jimmy Bones… ask Leah Aguero… Hell even ask my own wife here coz we’ve battled each other before and neither o’ us held back on the other despite us bein’ married.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye, those were almost fun!

Bruiser smirks and nods briefly before her expression changes back to one of focus.

Becca “Bruiser” Maguire: End o’ the day, lasses… we’re gonna be comin’ for those titles and we’re gonna give ya’ll the fight o’ ya fuckin’ lives. So ya’ll better be ready for when that time comes… coz Hell is empty…

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: An’ th’ Maidens bae haer!

“Apocalypse Now” blasts out of the PA system again and Bruiser and Psycho drop their microphones before leaving the ring along with Banshee.

Nick Hanson: Well, Jim… I think that’s message sent.

James Reynolds: I think so, Nicky. I for one can’t wait to see how Gallus Mag fair against the champions when they finally meet with the gold on the line.

The three women make their way up the ramp and disappear to the back as we cut elsewhere.

Maki v. Matt Shields

The bell rings and these two rivals come right at each other with forearm shots. They start trading back and forth early, laying into each other with stiff forearm shots. Shields fires off a European uppercut and tries to use his momentum to get a backfist but Maki ducks it, hits a chop to the throat, a kick to the knee, a rolling solebutt, and then a snap DDT out of nowhere. Maki covers and gets a close 2 count. Maki brings Shields back up and once again he uses the cheap tricks as he rakes the eyes and hits a snap swinging neckbreaker. Shields doesn’t cover instead he hits a short elbow drop, then a leaping elbow drop before he hits the ropes leaps up and connects with a knee drop. Shields covers and gets a 2 count. Shields pulls Maki up by her hair and delivers a hard smack to her face, but she immediately fires back with a superkick that rocks him. He sees her loading up for a second and stumbles backward out of the ropes to get a breather. Maki comes to follow and Shields slides back inside, grabbing her hair and yanking her headfirst into the ring apron. Maki goes down and Shields quickly scoops her up to roll her back inside. He still doesn’t cover, instead, he hauls her up onto his shoulders and delivers Majo No Toki! Now he covers

ONE…

TWO…

THRE- KICK OUT!

Shields is furious, screaming at the official that it had to be three, but he just gets a head shake and disappointment. He pulls Maki back to her feet, blisters her with a few sharp European uppercuts, and then plants her down with a fisherman’s neckbreaker. He covers and gets a 2 count. Another time Maki is yanked up by her hair, but this time she fires back with a forearm strike, then another, then a chop to the throat before she floors Shields with a discus forearm. Maki takes a few seconds to shake the cobwebs, then heads up top and waits for Shields. Shields turns and gets caught in the jaw with a flying thrust kick. Maki covers, but Shields is just able to kick out at 2. Shields is brought back to his feet so Maki can show off her impressive athleticism with a springboard backflip reverse DDT. Shields head is spiked down and Maki covers looking to end it, but somehow Shields rolls his shoulder up. Maki pulls Shields up by his hair and then blasts him with a roaring elbow. As Shields is spun around, Maki gets him set for her signature suplex, tosses him back, and plants him right on the top of his skull. Maki makes the cover


ONE…

TWO…

THR- KICK OUT

Maki is shocked at the kick out and decides that it’s done now. Maki grabs Shields up by his hair once more and delivers a thunderous superkick right to the jaw. With Shields Rocked, Maki looks to break the nose of her new rival with another sickening superkick. The third and final beat of the Superkick Party is placed right in the throat of Shields, sending him rolling to the outside, sputtering and coughing as he tries to catch his breath. Maki yells in frustration as she starts to go out after him. Shields is moving towards the ring apron, looking to crawl under the ring to get some relief. Maki grabs his leg and starts trying to pull him out. Shields reaches up, grabs Maki’s dress, and again pulls her headfirst into the ring apron. Shields rolls out from under the ring and with both down on the outside, the ref begins the count.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE…

FOUR…

FIVE…

SIX…

SEVEN...

Maki and Shields start to recover about the same time, both slowly getting up to their feet. As soon as they get to their feet, they start trading forearm shots. Again they go back and forth, neither back down as they lay into each other looking to just beat down the competition. Both of them in a fit of rage gouge at the eyes of the other with their thumbs. With both blinded, they stagger and stumble around as the ref continues his count.

ELEVEN…

TWELVE…

THIRTEEN...

They're a ways away from each other now and each stops to look under the ring. Both of them pull out a kendo stick. Shields looks over at Maki with a sadistic grin and starts laughing as he tells her to bring it on.

SEVENTEEN…

EIGHTEEN…

Maki and Shields charge right at each other and smack go the kendo sticks right upside the heads of both wrestlers at the count of nineteen. Both stumble backward the bell is called

~DING DING DING~

Roger Arden:!Ladies and Gentleman, as a result of a double disqualification, this match has been ruled a DRAW!

Nick Hanson: Oh come on now. This is freaking ridiculous. First a double count out and now a double disqualification

Jim Reynolds: I just can’t believe Maki tried to use the kendo stick against Shields. That is his signature weapon. That should be an additional disqualification meaning two for her and only one for Shields, meaning he wins.

Shields and Maki are not done as both go charging right back in, but before they can get to each other, a wall of security separates them. Shields is pulled back as Maki is kept right where she is.

Voice: Enough!!! ENOUGH!!!! E-FUCKING-NOUGH!!!

Nick Hanson: Uh-oh!

Jim Reynolds: Ohhhhhh shit!!

From one of the tunnels, General Manager Luthor Callaway comes storming out onto the stage and down the walkway where Maki and Shields are being held apart. There’s a look of fury on his face and a fire burning in his eyes.

Luthor Callaway: I am getting sick and tired of this shit!! Both of you!!

He comes between the two wrestlers and the security staff keeping them separated. Shields and Maki both start to yell over the security guards but are quickly cut off by Luthor’s voice in the microphone.

Luthor Callaway: Shut up!!! Both of you!!! Shut your fucking mouths!! Now I have talked myself blue in the face trying to get it into both of your thick skulls, and those of every motherfucker in the back. This is my goddamn show and I’m not gonna have you two or anyone else running rampant like rabid goddamn dogs. I told you two to settle this shit but apparently you can’t even get that right!! So this is what I’M gonna do: April 20th, at Ascension, you two are gonna step into that ring again. It WILL be settled once and for all. There WILL be a winner and a loser and I’m gonna make damn sure of that. You two wanna act on your own? You wanna act like a couple of animals? I’m gonna put you in a fucking cage! Now get these two outta the building!

The announcement turns Shields’ and Maki’s attention back on each other, intrigued by the match set forth by the General Manager. They continue to jawjack as they are dragged off towards the back.

Nick Hanson: How about that?! Maki and Matt Shields inside a steel cage at Ascension!

Jim Reynolds: Good! These two belong in a cage! Lock ‘em up and throw away the key!

Result: Double DQ

The scene comes up backstage at one of the entrances. After a short moment, Abigail Lindsay and Sela-Rica Lark walk through, giggling at each other and sharing some currently incoherent conversation. They are soon stopped by a security individual.

Security: Hey, hold up. You can't be here tonight.

Abigail places a finger on the security person's chest. She tilts her head to the side.

Abigail Lindsay: “And you’re going to stop us, silly? Love to see you try.

The security guard tries to grab her hand but Sela swats him away.

Sela: Now, now, I've already spoken to Luthor. He gave his blessing to be here as long as we behave. Naturally, I couldn't promise that, but the honesty was refreshing for him. So…

Sela leans in almost seductively close to the security.

Sela: ... you can continue to stand in our way and deal with her. Or you can walk away and help us keep my lack of a promise.

The security guard looks between them and takes a step back.

Abigail Lindsay: “See, wasn’t so hard now was it?”

Abigail flashes a heart warming smile. The security looks at Abigail cautiously.

Abigail Lindsay: “What you and your crew should be more worried about is who is leaving Luthor nasty messages. Can’t hire good help these days, I swear. Between that and the whole Civil War: Invasion fiasco, Mr. Machismo needs to hire the national guard at the rate Collision is erupting into chaos. The truth is, the only thing we’ve done quote unquote wrong is play with a former adult entertainer. Shame anyone can get a job these days. Oh well. We’ll leave you to your post, we--”

Abigail grabs Sela’s hand.

Abigail Lindsay: “– have the rest of the show to scout whoever we decided our next plaything to be. Ta-ta”

Abigail uses her free hand to wave at security. Sela and Abigail both walk off, giggling again.

Sela: He totally couldn't decide if he was scared or turned on. So, shall we go take our private booth seats?

Abigail Lindsay: “Lead the way.”

The girls walk off camera as the scene fades out.

TRIOCS (Ruin/Fillmore/Davine) v. Kingdom (Matthews/Cane/Descarrilado)

The bell sounds and Jasmine and Ryleigh look like they're going to be the ones to start things for their respective teams. Before anything can happen though, Jasmine raises her two middle fingers and tags out to Lluvia who comes into the match. Lluvia and Ryleigh circle the ring before locking up. The two of them jockey for leverage with Ryleigh eventually forcing Lluvia into a neutral corner. She breaks on the count of four and as she backs away, Lluvia charges in and takes Ryleigh down with a double leg takedown. She fires off a few quick forearms before she reaches out and now, Jasmine comes into the match. She comes in and she immediately looks to deliver Ice Cold, but Ryleigh avoids it and stumbles into her corner where Rayola tags herself into the match. Rayola comes in and Jasmine goes for a spear, but is met with a kick to the shoulder. Rayola follows it up with a dropkick that sends Jasmine stumbling back into a neutral corner. Rayola charges in, looking for a corner splash, but Jasmine is able to roll out of the way and Rayola collides with the turnbuckle and Jasmine grabs her, delivering a snap DDT that causes Rayola to roll out of the ring. Jasmine though hits the ropes and comes flying through them, delivering a suicide dive onto Rayola and driving her back first into the barricade. Jasmine picks Rayola up and rolls her back into the ring before strutting around on the outside a little, flaunting her stuff and taunting TRIOCS. Jasmine licks her lips before rolling back into the ring and Tren is standing there, arm outstretched, looking like a caged animal. Jasmine laughs as she tags Tren into the match.

Tren comes in and he picks Rayola up and just tosses her into her corner with a beal and points right at Xander. Xander reaches out and tags himself in. Xander comes in and Tren just grins and looks at him. Tren charges right in and takes Xander down with a clothesline and then another, and Xander finally avoids the third and delivers a quick series of strikes that stuns Tren for just a moment. As he’s trying to shake the cobwebs out, Xander takes Tren and delivers an atomic drop followed up with a spinning backfist. Xander goes for a cover, but Tren kicks out at one. Tren gets up to his feet and blocks an attempt at an olympic slam and delivers a spinning lariat that drops Xander. Tren though, looks at the other members of TRIOCS and flips them off, before rolling out of the ring and looking under it, finding a steel chair. Tren looks to use the weapon as he slides back into the ring, but Rayola and Ryleigh come in and try to stop him as Jasmine and Lluvia both come in and cut them off, as they all start to brawl and the ref calls for the bell.

Result: No contest

Nick Hanson: Well that’s a damn shame! This match is gonna wind up getting thrown out on account of the referee losing control of things!

Jim Reynolds: Someone doesn’t know how to do their job, apparently! Fuck it! Behold The Kingdom, baby! Let’s go!

Nick Hanson: Will you stop it?! Someone needs to put a stop to this!

The timekeeper continues to ring the bell while the referee tries to restore some kind of order and get the two trios broken apart to clear the ring. Jasmine, Lluvia and Tren are mixed up in a violent mess of shots being thrown back and forth with Ryleigh, Xander and Rayola. In the midst of the chaos, Tren gets a hold of the chair again and whacks it slam across Xander Fillmore’s head, dropping him like a doornail. About the same time, Jasmine drills Ryleigh with an Ice Cold, sending her through the ropes and to the ringside floor. This leaves Rayold Davine all by herself to stand against the members of The Kingdom. Jasmine hones in on her with a devilish look on her face as she licks her teeth. She starts to motion for Lluvia and Tren to move in when the crowd starts going nuts.

Jim Reynolds: Sounds like Chicago’s finally on board with the true leaders of the brand, Nicky!

Nick Hanson: I don’t think so, Jim! Here comes the cavalry!

Sprinting down the walkway, Isidora Jansen and Angel hit the ring with a sense of urgency and go right at The Kingdom! Seeing this, Rayola Davine dives back into the fight! It’s an even three on three again, even with The Kingdom having Tren on their side as Isidora Jansen takes on the big man, giving him the slip when he grabs for her and throws stiff martial arts kicks to his legs, trying to knock him off balance. The crowd’s getting behind Team TRIOCS for a moment as Xander and Ryleigh make it back into the ring. They start booing again, however, as Jamie Austin of The Kingdom comes hauling ass down the walkway with another chair in hand. She goes right for the back of Xander Fillmore but Rayola Davine shoves her husband out of the way and Jamie wallops her with the chair shot! Rayola goes down! Xander turns to see his wife on the mat and realizes what happened as the rest of The Kingdom and Team TRIOCS unload on each other with The Kingdom starting to gain the advantage. Jamie swings for the fences at Xander again but he gives her the juke. He goes for a spinning back fist but Jamie catches his fist with the chair and he grabs his arm. Jamie wastes no time and finally gives Xander the chair shot she initially intended. Things are looking grim for TRIOCS again when suddenly….

Nick Hanson: Hey, wait a minute! What the--?!

Jim Reynolds: What the fuck is Scout Delaney doing out here?!

The crowd pops as NFW newcomer, Scout Delaney flies out of the right tunnel and down the walkway! She slides into the ring. Jamie sees her and swings with her chair. Scout ducks under it and hits a Spinning Heel Kick, knocking the chair into Jamie’s face. Jamie goes down, and Scout runs over into a corner where she pulls Lluvia Cane off of Angel in the corner and starts throwing shots on her. Xander gets back up to his feet, shaking his head to clear the stars out before he runs up behind Tren and pulls him out of the corner, away from Isidora Jansen and delivers The Lesson! Ryleigh Ruin and Jasmine Matthews are throwing absolute haymakers at each other. Scout and Angel work together to clothesline Lluvia over the top rope to the floor. Tren’s back up but as he comes running at Xander, the latter grabs the top rope and pulls down, causing Tren to go toppling over, as well. Once Jasmine sees she’s the only one standing in the ring out of her people, she uses the momentum given to her by an Irish Whip from Ryleigh Ruin to duck under a superkick attempt by Isidora to go baseball sliding out of the ring.

Nick Hanson: And it looks like TRIOCS are cleaning house, Jim!

Jim Reynolds: What a bunch of shit! Scout Delaney’s not even part of their team! She needs to mind her own goddamn business!

Nick Hanson: Call her a good samaritan, Jim! You don’t see enough of them, anymore!

As the members of The Kingdom are run off from their thwarted attempt to destroy Team TRIOCS the five members reconvene inside the ring with the unlikely member of the locker room that came to their aid in Scout Delaney. Ryleigh looks at the fellow resident of the Emerald City with both shock and gratitude. Miss Delaney is someone that Ry has had her eye on for some time seeing that they both share the same hometown. The rest of the team check each other over and find all is well. Ryleigh asks for a microphone to address her squad as well as the NFW universe.

Ryleigh: So… This is how it’s going to be?? We called out the bastards of the business and they just feel they don’t have to follow the rules of the scheduled contest we’re all booked in? This is some horseshit!!

The Little Monster and leader of the crew is clearly heated by the ending of the match. She paces around the ring before stopping right in front of Rayola.

Ryleigh: You see it started with the unwarranted attack of our Davine one. Jasmine tried to take out our least experienced member, but this spitfire has the heart and soul of a woman that has been in this business for years. Then her husband made an example out of their one if their newest in a clinic of wrestling and submission work that was downright mind boggling.

She shakes her head a bit in disbelief of the predicament the team is in.

Ryleigh: That brings us to tonight… That painted fool sees that we’re clearly going to win this match and pulls a weapon to intentionally draw a DQ. Then they use said weapon to try and take us out. But, there was a surprise to this equation and that’s you, Scout Delaney? Thank you for coming to our aid. Are you looking to make friends with the top school from our hometown or do you just want to be on the hit list of The Kingdom as we are?

Scout walks to the ropes, grabbing a microphone before pacing the ring a bit, adjusting her baseball cap before finally turning to Ryleigh.

Scout: I was just trying to help out where I could. I don’t like people being bullies or cheating to win so I thought I would lend a hand. I’m not going to join you guys unless you want me, I’m not out to piss anyone off in particular. Just saw the need to help someone out and took it.

Rayola gets her own mic and gives Scout a handshake.

Rayola: And we're grateful for that. Whatever happens in the future, you've definitely made a friend here today.

Rayola turns away and looks to the audience.

Rayola: But this proves exactly what I was saying as well. With a couple exceptions, everyone on this roster, especially the Kingdom are nothing but a bunch of psychopaths. Now I don't know about you, but I personally am ready to see some actual skill be showcased in this ring, not just people beating each other up for the sake of going to war, satisfying whatever primal need for conflict their brains seem addicted to.

Ray looks at Xander and Ryleigh.

Rayola: That is what TRIOCS is here for. To male sure that the people who have skill and talent aren't overshadowed by people who think it's just fun to go and fuck up someone else. No, what happens in this ring should be fun, skillful and honorable. Qualities The Kingdom could never understand.

Xander smiles at his wife with utter elation as he reaches out his hand to talk the stick.

Xander: Very well stated, my love. We here in TRIOCS do want to bring back honor, respect, and fair fights to NFW. It’s the mythos we teach at the institute and the way all of us see this business. If you can get behind that mindset, I know our Little Monster will gladly invite you to our fold, Scout.

He looks at Ryleigh for her input on the things that are the tenets of TRIOCS.

Ryleigh: You know we’re always recruiting talents that share our vision and core values, Xan. So what do you think Miss Delaney? You ready to join the only ones that want to return the integrity this business so desperately deserves to have?

Ry looks to the team for approval and everyone is nodding with a positive response. She takes a few steps towards Scout with her hand extended.

Ryleigh: What do you think there, girlie? You with us?

Scout looks down at Ryleigh’s hand for a second, thinking it over before giving her a nod and shaking her hand.

Scout: Totes! I’m down! I am totally for trying to help out and be nice to make some new friends too!

Ryleigh: Fantastic! Well everyone, this evening turned differently than we in Team TRIOCS expected, but that’s the essence of this business. Expect the unexpected! Have a great night and because I know we will!!

Ry reaches for Isidora’s hand, looks at her further expanded team with pride, and the entire crew embraces with a group hug around their newest member. “Victorious” by Panic! At The Disco hits and the team joyfully dances their way to the stage where they blow kisses to the crowd as the show breaks to commercial.

Sophitia Kohler v. Cass Baumer

Tension and animosity lied heavy in the air with this one. The normally happy and smiling Sophitia Kohler came to meet Cass Baumer in the center of the ring, having some words to say about her opponent’s words over social media during the previous week. Cass didn’t look too phased by it; rather she averted her gaze while Sophitia got right up in her face. Cass finally went to give Sophitia a friendly pat on the shoulders when Sophitia swatted her arms away and blasted her with a forearm to the jaw! Kohler kept firing away, rocking Cass back against the ropes with shot after shot then went for an Irish Whip. Cass got the reversal, sending Sophitia for a ride, instead, but she missed the discus lariat and Kohler came off the ropes with a Hip Attack, knocking Cass to the mat. She followed up with a Twerk Sault before going for an early cover but Cass got the shoulder up. An angry Sophitia Kohler picked Cass Baumer up and delivered a neckbreaker, causing Cass to roll back into the corner. This put her in prime position for the Tuesday Night Delight to run in for a Bronco Buster, pushing the threshold of the move until the referee began counting but Kohler let up at 4. She wasn’t finished, though, as she turned around and called out that if Cass wanted a thot, she was gonna give her a thot: throwing her rear back into Cass to deliver a Stink Face. Once she got another count of 4, Sophitia strutted to the center of the ring, taunting and flaunting.

Sophitia pulled Cass up out of the corner and into the ring, setting her up for Ladies Night but Cass twisted out of it, shoved Kohler into the ropes and rocked her with a double axe handle. Kohler stumbled but didn’t go down. Cass ran off the ropes then and came in with a big boot, staggering her opponent again. She hit the ropes a third time and came in with a big Jumping DDT, spiking Kohler’s head into the mat for a cover but Sophitia kicked out. Sophitia rolled onto all fours, looking to get up but Cass stomped on her fingers, showing some of that aggressive Death Dojo side. She hit the ropes and delivered a second big boot that floored Sophitia again, then went for a standing elbow drop pin but Sophitia kicked out again. Shec continued her relentless, aggressive offense from there but Sophitia Kohler wasn’t letting it keep her down as she brought the fight right back with her, showcasing her stiff kicks. It became an all out wrestling war between the relative veteran and the rookie with the latter showing the former just what she was capable of, shore tenure be damned. It looked like she was about to put the exclamation point on things as she set up for the Heaven’s Arch but as she took a moment to taunt to the crowd, Cass used the opportunity to slip out of the setup, into a reverse Matrix bend as she straightened up into a vertical position. Sophitia spun around to try and catch her but Cass nailed her with a headbutt, dazing her on her feet before setting her up for her own attack and delivered the Fact Check for the pinfall victory.

Result: Pinfall

We go backstage where the camera finds Luthor Callaway walking through the halls, approaching the locker room and office area. He reaches his office door where he goes for his keys but stops when he realizes the door isn’t latched all the way. Luthor looks around, a scowl on his face before calling someone out of frame.

Luthor Callaway: Hey, Ron! Who the fuck’s been in my office?

Voice: I didn’t see anyone, sir.

Luthor Callaway: Had the goddamn door locked….

He grumbles as he steps inside and does a quick look around before something on his desk catches his eye. A little square package wrapped in black paper with a red bow. Luthor approaches and picks the package up. Far from amused, he peels the bow and wrapping paper off to reveal a CD case. The camera looms over his shoulder to show a yellow smiley face on the front with the words “YOU ALREADY KNOW”. Luthor moves to his chair and sits down, taking the disc out of the case and slips it into the DVD drive on his laptop. He maneuvers his mouse around, clicking the controls before he sits back in his chair, watching the screen. The camera stays on his face as he watches whatever’s on the disc unfold. His expression starts to grow deeply annoyed as he slowly shakes his head. Then comes the chuckle of disbelief.

Luthor Callaway: Of course. Why ain’t I surprised?

He scoffs, shaking his head again as the shot fades out to a commercial.
We open up backstage where we first hear the maniacal giggling of Ringmistress. We finally see her as she turns the corner, skipping away, stopping and looking back, putting her hands on her hips.

Ringmistress: Hurry hurry! We have to go go!

Finally, Ringmaster turns the corner, wearing his signature striped tuxedo, tophat, and his signature walking stick with a small crystal ball on top. He flashes a quick smile before he moves on ahead of Ringmistress.

Ringmaster: You sure are a happy one today, my dear. I like seeing this side of you.

Ringmistress: I’m just thinking about that look look on Morgan’s face! You know, when the clowns showed showed up?!

Ringmistress does a mocking scared face as she starts to playfully tremble as she looks up and sees Ringmaster up ahead of her. She stops and sprints to catch up to him, smiling up at him.

Ringmaster: Yes, that was great. Who would have thought, our mighty Silver Mountain Champion, reduced to a mere child at just the sight of a clown. It is quite the sight to behold, isn’t it?

Ringmaster chuckles as he taps his cane on the ground and loops his arm together with Ringmistress’.

Ringmaster: But tonight, we meet someone we have seen before in this ring, one Vanita Bosser. This woman is no slouch, but tonight, we must make a statement on her behalf and show Miss Payne what it is exactly she’s going to be facing come Ascension. This is nothing personal to Miss Bosser, heck, there’s always room in the Chaos Circus for someone like her if she ever chooses, but tonight is just business.

The two of them reach gorilla as their music begins to play. Ringmaster taps his cane once again and looks down at Ringmistress.

Ringmaster: After you, my dear.

Ringmistress sprints out through the curtain as the scene fades out.

Vanita Bosser v. The Ringmaster

The bell sounds and immediately, Ringmaster gets into his unorthodox fighting stance as Vanita watches on. On the outside, Ringmistress is yelling at Vanita, trying to get her attention. After that doesn’t work though, she steps up onto the ring apron which does cause Vanita to turn her attention towards the woman and that is just the opening Ringmaster needs as he comes in and delivers a forearm to the side of Vanita’s head. He grabs her by the neck and delivers a few more forearms before picking Vanita up and looking to deliver a brainbuster, but Vanita is able to squirm her way free. Ringmaster looks to grab her once again, but Vanita is able to deliver a series of kicks to the calf and thigh of Ringmaster. He stumbles out of striking distance, only for Vanita to hit the ropes and deliver a spear to him that sends them both tumbling out of the ring. From there, Vanita brought Ringmaster to his feet and drove him back first into the ring apron. She did this a couple of more times before delivering a DDT to him right onto the floor. Vanita would then climb to the second turnbuckle and launch herself, delivering a frog splash to Ringmaster on the floor. Vanita would roll Ringmaster into the ring and as she stepped up onto the ring apron, Ringmistress was right there to grab Vanita by the ankle.

Vanita kicked at Ringmistress, trying to get the woman off of her, but as she was distracted, Ringmaster was back up to his feet and delivered a rolling forearm to Vanita that dropped her right back down to the floor. Ringmaster would then grab the attention of the referee as Ringmistress pulled out a string and started to choke Vanita on the ground before picking her up and rolling her back into the ring. Ringmaster would pick Vanita up and he would deliver the brainbuster this time. He didn’t go for the pin though, instead he pulled up his elbow pad and waited. Vanita finally got her feet and Ringmaster would deliver the Final Act and hook the leg to pick up the win.

Roger Arden: Here is your winner, The Ringmaster!

Nick Hanson: Ringmaster with a win here tonight, with a little help from Ringmistress.

Jim Reynolds: All that matters is the win, Nicky.

Result: Pinfall

As The Ringmaster and The Ringmistress celebrate the former’s victory, they’re still in the ring when the lights go completely out and the video tron comes to life.

Insane Clown Posse’s “The Greatest Show” plays as a little animation of a decapitated clown head with X’s over the eyes bounces across a black screen and:


--appears before the screen. The letters inflate like a bunch of balloons, molding together before….POP!!! They burst and this brings us to a rag tag looking circus act set up in a wide open grassy field. If you’ve watched enough of Collision, it’s almost immediately recognizable that we’re on The Kingdom’s Castle property. There’s a few tents set up, looking like they were hastily put together, a wooden ticket booth that looks like it’s about to fall apart. The focus of the shot, however, seems to be a large wheel with inflated balloons stuck to it. Stuck in the grass is what looks to be a black walking stick with a silver jaguar’s head serving as the cap. All of a sudden, someone comes cartwheeling into frame to take center stage! It’s not a perfectly executed cartwheel but once we recognize the person as Morgan Payne, the cartwheel seems more elegant than most would expect. There’s something off with the champion’s appearance, however. What the hell is she wearing?! Well, she’s dressed as some kind of insane hybrid of Circus Ringleader and Butcher Bill from Gangs of New York. Black slacks over her Timberland boots, a fitted white button up shirt underneath a crushed red velvet vest and a black coat that reaches down to her knees. By god, she even has the top hat to go with it and around her waist, is the Silver Mountain Championship. As she pulls the hat off to “present” herself to the viewers, we see her hair is tied back into a tight bun. From the front, it looks like she just has it short and slicked back. Her face is also painted. It almost looks like Eric Draven from the Crow but rather than black on her lips, she’s drawn on the Butcher Bill handlebar moustache.

Morgan Payne: Bitches and gentlemen! Hello, good evenin’ and whatchins up to!

Yup. She’s cracking, it looks like. There’s a wildness in her eyes as she sets the hat back on her head. Crooked like. She snatches the walking stick out of the ground, giving it a little twirl.

Morgan Payne: Do yinz like violence?!

Audio Track: YAAAY!!!!

Morgan Payne: Do yinz liiiiiike bloodshed?!

Audio Track: YAAAY!!!!

Morgan Payne: Do yinz like seein’ two muthafuckahs beat one anotha’ to a pulp ‘till they end up in da ‘Mergency Room?!

Audio Track: YAAAY!!!!

Morgan Payne: Well, well, fuggin’ well! Do I gots a treat for alla yinz, TO-NIGHT!!!

Morgan gives her walking stick another twirl in her hand and spins around on the toe of one foot before striking a showman’s pose again.

Morgan Payne: Tickets are on sale now for New Frontier Wrestlin’s AAAAAAAASCENSION!!!! S’gonna be live on April 20th! Das my wife’s birfday! Pretty sure she’ll be defendin’ her title. Shit, she ain’t da only wife o’mine defendin’ her belt. I can prolly guaran-fuckin-tee another of my wives, Lilly an’ my homegirl Chrissy’ll be da ones defendin’ da Tag Team Titles there, too. An’ yinz can watch my wife, Jassy, too! She’s gon’ whup up on Dona Rotten’s ass and bring dat new Genesis Title ta da Kingdom! Ohhhh but yinz’re here ta hear ‘baht da violence an’ bloodshed! Well, look no further! Dat’s where I come in!

Once more, she twirls the stick but this time she tosses it up into the air and turns around, catching it behind her back in her other hand before turning to the camera again.

Morgan Payne: Yes, yes! Yinz are all cordially invited ta watch yours truly - dat’s me - and da Ringmaster engage in a bit o’da old…..

She holds the stick in both hands with her thumbs and index fingers. Her eyes lift up and sweep back and forth as she seems to feign searching for the right word. Finally, she smiles big - made a little eerie due to the paint on her face - and looks into the camera again.

Morgan Payne: Ultraviolence! Thanks Stan Kubrick!

Cane twirl. Thumbs up and for a split second the frame freezes and one of Morgan’s teeth sparkles with a little “ding” sound effect before the screen unfreezes and we’re active again.

Morgan Payne: A’ight! So! Without further adieu!

Morgan stabs the walking stick into the ground again and removes her coat. She sweeps it up and over in a wide arc before tossing it, underhanded, off screen. Next, she starts rolling the sleeves to her shirt up to her forearms. Credit to her, she actually does it the “proper” way: pulling the cuffs up to her elbows and rolling them up before folding the cuffs back over and resets the buttons. As she does this, she continues.

Morgan Payne: I’m sure yinz noticed my lil uhh...contraption behind me! I calls it Da Wheel Of Payne! Cuz dat’s what it brings. Pain! Yeah? No? Fugg it. Just roll wif it! Yeesh. So, let’s begin!

Morgan reaches back and unclasps the Silver Mountain Title from around her waist. She folds it up and hands it off to the side where X year old Anthony Cane steps in, dressed in his own little circus uniform. He takes the title, gives a little bow and runs out of frame. With the championship off, Morgan reaches into one of the vest pockets and draws a single throwing knife out. She proceeds to twirl it around in her fingers ala Danny Trejo from Desperado.

Morgan Payne: Oh, but what sort of spectacle will we find ourselves in, Ringmeister?! What sort, indeed. My assistant please!

Morgan motions towards the wheel and Anthony’s twin sister Amelia Cane spins into frame, dressed identical to her brother in her own little tux outfit. She waves to the camera. Morgan motions to the wheel and turns back towards the camera.

Morgan Payne: Gather ‘round alla yinz! Tis time for DA WHEEL! OF! PAYNE!!

Amelia grabs the wheel with balloons on it, gives it a good crank and then sets it off to spin with everything she has. The wheel spins in a blur of colors due to the balloons flailing around. Morgan taps the tip of the knife against her cheek, ala Butcher Bill again. Amelia moves - no - cartwheels out of frame and out of any sense of danger as Morgan tosses the knife up, catches it by the blade and pivots, whipping it towards the wheel and POP! There’s a burst of red as a balloon explodes. Morgan leans with her hand on the silver cap to her walking stick as the wheel keeps spinning...and spinning...and spinning...until it finally slows down to a stop. We see, now, the knife she threw has impaled a folded piece of paper against the wheel. Morgan snatches the stick out of the ground and rests it over her shoulder as she ‘dances’ in rhythm to the ICP song, over to the wheel. As she reaches the wheel, she gives her stick a final twirl before handing it off where Amelia reappears and takes it.

Morgan Payne: Thaaaaaank ya, sweetie!

Morgan removes the knife and paper from the board. She clenches the knife between her teeth as she turns towards the camera and unfolds the note, bouncing her eyebrows. As she reads over the note, her eyes widen and she slowly takes the knife out of her teeth. Morgan looks at the camera with a smile slowly spreading over her painted face.

Morgan Payne: Oooooooh, would yinz look at dat! Ringmeister, dis is perfect for you! PEEEEERF!! We gon’ have us a Ultraviolence Funhouse match!! Yinz better get ya tickets soon! Hope ta see ya there! S’gonna be one helluva show!

Morgan tips her hat again as the camera shot fades to black and moves to the next scene.
Sylvia Lopez: Come on~! Let me tell ‘em!

The voice of the Bellevue Banshee is both pleading and amused, mixed in with wicked giggles as she rocks back and forth on her heels in the locker room. Damon, sitting nearby and lacing his boots, looks up at her through a curtain of unbound, unruly dark hair, and chuckles quietly.

Damon Cross: Do you know how wonderful it is having you back, Syl? I’ve missed this kind of energy.

Sylvia Lopez: Does that mean I can tell ‘em?!

Her excitement increases and Damon sits up again, tugging a kneepad into place as he smiles at his partner… his old flame. Not many know that. The other woman in the room does, though, yet she is not bothered by it any more than Sylvia is bothered by her presence. Danielle comes up to them and looks at Damon, arms folded.

Danielle Anderson: Well? You gonna answer the lady?

Sylvia Lopez: Yeah! An answer!

Damon Cross: I really think we should just wait till we make our entrance. It’ll be more of a surprise that way. Get a bigger reaction.

Sylvia Lopez: That’s no fun!

Damon Cross: Well, I mean, he’s not even here yet, so...

Danielle Anderson: He’s not? Is something wrong?

Damon Cross: Fashionably late. As usual. Right, Sylvia?

Sylvia Lopez: He ALWAYS does this!

Both Sylvia and Damon laugh about it, Danielle finally joining in when she realizes that everything is copacetic. The Redeemer only needs a moment more to finish getting ready, then grabbing his jacket and cane and nodding to Sylvia.

Damon Cross: Let’s get out there.

Then he turns to Danielle.

Damon Cross: Meet me back here after the match, please? Ordinarily I’d have you out there with us, but...

Danielle Anderson: I understand, lover! Go out there and kick butt!

Glad that she is taking it well, Damon nods to Sylvia who follows him out of the locker room and down the hall to Gorilla. When they get there, a strange man is waiting, leaned up on the wall, sipping on a bottle of water. He’s dressed to compete, his usually wild hair combed back a bit and his striking facial hair trimmed neat as ever. As soon as Sylvia sees him, she fairly pounces him with a tight hug. Once he extricates himself with a grin and a return of the gesture, he comes over to Damon, the two men clasping hands and embracing briefly.

Damon Cross: How did I figure you’d sidle in without us knowing, Ronnie?

Sylvia Lopez: I didn’t get to reveal you, either! I’ve been robbed!

Ronnie Lester: Ah, you’ll forgive me, Timber.

Ronnie says with a grin, to which Sylvia nods happily… still bouncing with excitement at the thought of the oncoming violence. The Wicked One turns to Damon.

Ronnie Lester: So… what’s the plot?

Damon Cross: Fight. Win.

Sylvia Lopez: Hurt all of them! No one says and does what they’ve been to either of you without catching it!

Damon Cross: Like the lady says.

Shrugging and cracking his neck, Ronnie glances at both before sticking his fist out, a gesture that the other two match.

Ronnie Lester: Only one thing left to say, then.

Sylvia Lopez: Right!

Damon Cross: Deus lo Vult.

Ronnie and Sylvia echo the same words. Out in the arena, we can hear “Knights of the Cross” by Grave Digger start up. The Crusade has come together again. They head out through the curtain as one, making their way to the ring for the main event.

The Kingdom (Nevaeh & Valkyries) v. Damon Cross, Sylvia Lopez, Ronnie Lester

Sylvia is determined to start things off, beginning against Christina of the Valkyries. Christina gets up in Sylvia’s grill at the start, making fun of her height and trying to push her around. Sylvia takes this for all of two seconds before blasting Christina with a chop, then hitting a Thesz press and a series of punches to the tag champion! Olson scrambles away and out of the ring, joined by Lilith, who tries to calm her. Sylvia charges the ropes, but jumps into them rather than through or over them, making the pair jump back. Sativa tries for a cheap shot but Lopez backs off quickly, grinning at the World Heavyweight Champion, who scowls back. The referee’s count gets to seven and Christina tentatively gets back into the ring. Sylvia charges and is brought down with a drop toe hold. She follows with a standing moonsault to the back of Lopez, rolling her over for a pin for a count of one. Sylvia fights back with a couple forearm shots and Olson retorts with a hard kick, whipping Sylvia into the corner and hitting a corner dropkick. She draws Lopez out but the pin, again, only gets one before the manic Bellevue Banshee is back up again. She surprises Christina with a headbutt… and then with her teeth! The referee has to step in and Olson scrambles away, tagging in Lilith, who charges Sylvia! Lopez sidesteps and starts throwing backhand and forehand chops to the chest of the larger Lilith, backing her toward the ropes. Lilith shoves Lopez away and hits a discus forearm before Irish whipping her. Lester blind-tags himself in, vaulting over the ropes with a shoulderblock as Sylvia drops and slides beneath the ropes to exit the ring.

Ronnie takes over on Lilith, lighting her up with kicks to the chest and midsection before sending her hard into the buckles. A running kick has to be aborted as Lilith moves away, dropping down for a schoolgirl roll-up. Lester rolls through, showing little in the way of ring rust, but finds himself on the shoulders of Lilith for a moment before he elbows his way down. He shoves Lilith into the ropes, looking for The Guilty Pleasure, but as Lilith is sent up, she dropkicks Lester to the mat! He comes up to a knee and Meadows is already there, spiking him with a DDT for a short two-count! She tags Christina back in and they deliver a drop toe hold/leg drop combination, with Christina pinning Lester again for two. Sativa reaches for the tag and is given it, entering the ring to do battle with the Wicked One. The two briefly slug it out before reaching a stalemate, then try out suplexes but end up countering one another incessantly. Frustrated, Sativa goes for the eyes of Lester to slow him down long enough for a Northern Lights. She follows with a standing Shooting Star, rolling Lester over for a pin, leading to Lopez threatening to break things up before Ronnie kicks out at two. Sativa points this out irritably to the referee before whipping Lester chest-first into the buckles, leaping to the ropes and springing back with a dropkick to knock him down again. Again she attempts the pin, but again Ronnie kicks out shortly after the two-count. She steps to the side… and aims a Nerf This! at the head of Ronnie, who slides out of the way! Sativa comes down hard on her chest and Lester hits the Mark of Cain on a staggered Sativa, scooping her up onto his shoulders for The Guilt Trip! But Lilith reaches over the ropes, pulling Sativa down! Ronnie, answering the call, backs a few steps toward his corner and tags in Damon… only for Sativa to see this and tag in Lilith immediately, much to the chagrin of the Redeemer!

Damon gestures to Lilith, then to Sativa, who gives him the ‘move along’ gesture as though she doesn’t give a damn. Lilith moves to attack but Damon feels her coming and catches her with an arm across the chest, delivering a side slam backbreaker to the tag champion! His eyes are on Sativa, though, and when she doesn’t react he pulls a still-grasped Lilith back up and delivers the move a second time, really bending her across his knee before shoving her away. A moment taken to jaw with the World Heavyweight Champion leads to a hurting Lilith attacking Cross from behind, a chop block taking him to a knee. She hits the ropes and charges in with a kick, knocking Cross to the mat. She makes a pin attempt, only for him to kick out at one. Lilith offers to tag Sativa after dropping Cross with a neckbreaker, but she declines and instead Lilith tags Christina back in. The extra moments allow the still-fresh Damon to recover and when Lilith charges in, he sends her high into the air with a back body drop, then pastes Christina with a Yakuza, getting a quick near-fall before Lilith attacks from behind in a fury. Sylvia isn’t about to let this slide and jumps Lilith while the referee tries to restore some order. After sending Lilith out of the ring the hard way, Sylvia accepts a tag from Damon, who German suplexes Christina into the corner buckles, letting himself and Sylvia hit a modified Pack Attack as the Bellevue Banshee nails a cannonball on Olson! Damon leaves the ring and Sylvia goes for the pin, but the tag champ is out at two. Sylvia tags in Ronnie, the pair going to town on Christina, actually hitting the Wolf Bite, but Sativa grabs Sylvia by the hair when she’s near the ropes afterward, yanking her to the mat and reaching over the ropes to tag herself in as Christina gets back up! Ronnie doesn’t see it coming and Sativa smashes into him with a missile dropkick! Sylvia rolls out of the ring, met by Lilith after which another brawl starts. Damon, wanting to get his hands on Sativa, is forced back out of the ring by the official while Sativa hits a 450 splash, yelling at the ref to count… only for Ronnie to kick-out at two-and-a-half! Damon moves along the apron to swipe at Sativa, who ducks away with a laugh. Lester, finding something deep down, charges Sativa with a running knee in the corner, then hits the Guilty Pleasure! He moves to tag in Damon, who fiercely wants a piece of the champ, but Sativa still has the wherewithal to tag Christina back in!

Ronnie rolls to the outside, still hurting after the flurry from the Kingdom. Sylvia and Lilith are tearing at one another even now, but Sativa moves to stop that as Damon looks to rip past Christina to get at his quarry. Olson isn’t having it, though, trapping Damon in a waistlock as if to go for a German. He fights his way out and turns on her, but she ducks the clothesline and hits a neckbreaker, heading to the top to hit a meteora as Damon rises. He’s able to stagger up despite the heavy blows and Olson lets frustration get to her for a moment and Cross takes advantage of said moment. He ducks her shining wizard attempt and scoops her up for Weight of the World! Spiking Olson hard to the mat, Damon holds on for a pin attempt only for a sudden dropkick from Sativa to break things up! Not aware of who hit him, Damon looks to get up and go on the attack as Christina rolls to the Kingdom’s corner. Sativa quickly leaves the ring, getting back onto the apron as Lilith, back up as well, is tagged in. The Valkyries want Unhappily Ever After, but Damon flips out of the German, hitting a leaping knee to the back of Lilith, sending her crashing into Christina! Ronnie tags himself in at this point while Sativa likewise tags in with a slap to the back of Lilith, Damon not seeing this switch for having to deal with a charging Christina knocking him through the ropes! Sylvia, rising from where a tandem attack from Sativa and Lilith earlier on had left her, yanks the latter off the apron and starts another brawl! Mid-ring, Ronnie and Sativa again slug it out, with the Wicked One trying for the Guilt Trip and Sativa attempting to counter with Nighty Night! The two veterans seem stalemated until Ronnie again gets Sativa up for the Guilt Trip… only to drop her and put his hands to his eyes suddenly. It looks as though Sativa jammed something into them while the referee’s attention was elsewhere! Sylvia and Damon still locked up with the Valkyries, Sativa compounds things with a low blow when Ronnie attempts to grab her from behind, turning and delivering Nighty Night, forcing Lester to tap out!

Result: Submission

Hearing the bell, Damon charges into the ring again with Sylvia hot on his heels. Sativa quickly heads out of the ring while Damon charges at the ropes between them. Sylvia is more intent to check on Ronnie, leaving her open when the Valkyries roll in with steel chairs in hand! A shot to the back of Damon drops him to his knees and from the outside, Sativa grabs him by the head and blasts him with a right before yanking him through the ropes and to the floor! Sylvia is hit as well before she can figure out what happened to Damon! Sativa, with a Sundering of Narsil to Cross, rolls back in and joins Christina and Lilith in beating down Sylvia and also Ronnie when he tries to help his partner!

Nick Hanson: Aw, now this is absurd! C’mon! The match is over!

Jim Reynolds: Hodge podge, Nick! The Kingdom’s gotta remind everyone who runs this fucking roster!! Ya hear that TRIOCS?! It ain’t you goody pansy asses!!!

Nick Hanson: TRIOCS isn’t even out here, what are you---?

Jim Reynolds: Yeah and they’d be smart to stay back there!

The three-on-two mugging continues as the World Heavyweight and World Tag Team champions pound away at the Crusade. Sativa demands that Olson and Meadows hold them up as she grabs her title, ready to tattoo the both of them with ten pounds of gold! Spotting something behind her, though, the tag champs shove the Crusade and charge at Damon Cross as he re-enters the ring! Sativa darts aside just in time as Damon swings his cane like a baseball bat, just missing the champ and causing Lilith to jump back! Christina isn’t so lucky as Damon rams the metal head of the makeshift weapon into her midsection before striking her across the back! Ronnie and Sylvia are still down as Lilith tries to bring a chair to bear, only missing by a hair when Damon ducks the blow and swings for the fences again, bashing Lilith in the midsection and doubling her up!

Nick Hanson: Here comes Damon Cross, now! Bringing the fight back to them!

Jim Reynolds: He can’t hit the Faerie like that!

Furious, Sativa is torn about getting in the ring and near a weapon-wielding Cross. As Christina tries to come at Damon again, though, she sees her opening and rolls back in! Damon turns, though, seeing her as she brings the belt up. Not going to shy away now, Sativa charges with the title raised! Damon ducks the shot and gets in behind the champ, scooping her up for Weight of the World! Christina and Lilith move quickly, and in tandem, getting the champ out of Damon’s grip and the ring itself before he can spike her to the mat!

Jim Reynolds: Thank god for the Valkyries! That could’ve been bad for the champ!

Nick Hanson: Oh such a shame, she almost got her just due!

Jim Reynolds: Fuck you, Nicky!

Everything in Damon wants him to go after Sativa, but he stays in the ring, keeping himself between his friends and the Kingdom. Christina points threateningly at Cross as Lilith gives Sativa a microphone, the champion a little out of breath as she drapes the title over her shoulder.

Sativa Neveah: Who the fuck do you think you are, Cross?! Attacking my girls with a fucking stick?! You’re goddamn insane!

Damon yells from the ring, without a microphone, that he’ll “do it to each and every one of them if that’s what it takes!” which leaves Sativa apoplectic on the outside, Christina and Lilith trying to calm her down despite hurting themselves.

Sativa Neveah: See?! Fucking insane! I ought to have your ass arrested for assault!

Finally getting his hands on a microphone, Damon leans on the top rope, glaring at Sativa halfway up the ramp.

Damon Cross: If you’re scared, champ… just come out and say it! Your ‘girls’ started this by attacking my friends with chairs! They got what they deserved! Bring the rest down here and I’ll do it to them, too!

Sativa Neveah: Like hell! You aren’t getting near them! Or me! Or THIS!

She holds up the championship. Lilith, however, leans in to whisper something in Sativa’s ear. She looks at Lilith as though she’s nuts but Lilith looks to Christina, who heard as well and nods in agreement. Sativa considers quickly before turning back to Damon with a dangerous smile.

Sativa Neveah: All of ‘em, huh? You think you’re that big of a badass, Cross? Well, Callaway wanted this shit done with and I think YOU just gave me some inspiration on how!

By now, Ronnie and Sylvia are up, the former trying to keep the latter from charging the Kingdom on her lonesome. Damon, still glaring at Sativa, slowly lifts the stick.

Damon Cross: ...I’m listening.

Sativa Neveah: Then listen fucking good. Two weeks, Collision #95. You face the Kingdom, Cross, in a Gauntlet Match. And if you manage to beat just three out of five? I’ll give you the fucking title shot you’ve been crying about!

The fans AND Cross are into this for sure. Ronnie and Sylvia, the latter having calmed a little, step up beside him as a means of support. Damon, though, seems wary despite liking the idea of another opportunity.

Damon Cross: ...what’s the catch?

Sativa Neveah: Clever jackass! The catch is that if you lose, you NEVER get another shot at the belt so long as I’m champion. And considering how long I’ve held this belt, well… you might end up retiring before that happens!

Taking in a deep breath, both his friends telling him different things in different ears, Damon calms them with a gesture and turns back to Sativa.

Damon Cross: I accept! But I have a condition as well!

Sativa Neveah: Oh, this oughta be good!

Damon Cross: Very simple: since I have to put something on the line, so do you. If I win, I get to pick the type of match!

Sativa Neveah: ...big-ass if there, Cross. But y’know what? I believe in my girls. So you’re fucking on!

The big screen flickers for a moment and Luthor Callaway’s face appears on it, in his office backstage. He clearly has had enough of this.

Luthor Callaway: You two done taking up air time? We can’t afford a fuckin’ overrun, so I’m calling it here: the match is signed. Damon, you lose this and I don’t wanna hear shit about a title match until Sativa loses the belt. Sativa, your girls lose and this match happens at the pay-per-view on April 20th… and yes, Cross WILL get to pick the match. Good? Good.

Neither side replies, but it is clear that this is settled… save for the fight itself. The Valkyries and Sativa hold up their titles at the top of the ramp as the Crusade remains in the ring, staring them down and ready for another fight.

Nick Hanson: Oh my, did you hear that Jim?! We got a gauntlet match with a number one contendership on the line!

Jim Reynolds: That motherfucker thinks he’s gonna be able to take on five members of The Kingdom, back to back, let alone beat three of them to earn a title match? That’ll be the fucking day!

Nick Hanson: Do not underestimate someone with the talent of Damon Cross, ladies and gentlemen. Personally, I can’t wait for this match! Two weeks! Collision #95! But that’s all we’ve got for tonight. For Jim Reynolds, I’m Nick Hanson! So long ladies and gentlemen!