NLW Ascendency I | Saturday, October 3rd 2020 | LIVE
Sept 28, 2020 12:28:33 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Curtis D. Kanyon, and 7 more like this
Post by Robbie A on Sept 28, 2020 12:28:33 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY I
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
October 3rd, 2020
Thirty minutes before the show.
The crowd begins to fill the Avron B Fogelman Arena, spaced out and in groups of two due to the current global pandemic. We pan the cameras to BB Gunn standing at the entrance ramp, waving to the fans that take notice to his appearance and smile at the former AXW Commentator and now NLW General Manager.
Gunn: This is amazing. I'm in love with all of this. It's all amazing. I cannot wait for tonight.
Two men walk up behind B.B. Gunn, the commentators for tonight's show, Dan Simmons and Tommy West. Gunn turns to face the pair and smiles upon seeing them near him.
Gunn: Just the two I'm looking for, are you all excited for tonight?
West nods.
West: I think this show will be setting a standard for what will come down the line. There's a full card of people looking to show and prove they are the next level, and I - for one - cannot wait to call the action.
Gunn smiles.
Gunn: Good. Good. There's been a lot of talk about Next Level Wrestling since the company was announced to be opened. We've got to give the people exactly what they're looking for. I know during my days in AXW, I made sure to never let anyone down.
Simmons: I'm sure of it that this will not disappoint anyone. You've got big names on your roster already, and possibly, some coming soon down the line. Even for tonight-
West nudges Simmons on the shoulder.
West: Alluding to anyone in particular?
Simmons: I might have seen some names around the city of New Orleans here tonight, the fans have been speculating some names could be here too.
Gunn chuckles.
Gunn: Let's not be too hasty, we've gathered a lot of attention but we wouldn't want to give the fans some false hope. For now, I want you all to take your positions and be prepared for tonight. You two are in charge for what actions are called in the ring. I have faith in you two.
West: Wouldn't want to let you down.
Simmons: Echoing what Tommy said. You put us into that position for a reason, we'll call it down the middle and let the fans go home happy. Good good, once the theme begins to play, that's your cue.
West and Simmons look at one another and then back to Gunn.
West: Uh, what's the theme for the show?
Gunn smiles.
Gunn: Not too far off of AXW's, that's for sure.
The shot fades out.
The opening riffs of "Obey" by Bring Me The Horizon and YUNGBLUD echoes throughout the arena as the fans begin to cheer loudly for the arrival of a new era.
"Another day another post-traumatic order
Brainwashed and feeling fine
I bit off more than I could chew when I looked closer
So I stabbed a fork in my eye"
The tron lights up with shots of the new hopefuls for Next Level Wrestling. Shots of Scott Hampton, Mr Bollywood, Big Bone, Leon Chant and Bugz are shown as we cut back to the arena, showing the fans head banging to the music.
"Think I'm losing my fucking mind
Don't know where to turn, now I'm blind
Don't know where to turn, now I'm blind
Destroy yourself it feels so good to fade away
Why, d'you want to hurt yourself?
Die, for something else?"
The tron then lights up for shots of their opponents for the night. Shots of El Rey Combatiente, Joe Blow, Rafe White, Gerhard Bishop and Malaika are shown before we cut back to the arena as the lights begin to strobe in a green and white pattern.
"Obey
We hope you have a lovely day
Obey
You don't want us to come out and play
Away, now now"
The tron lights up again with action shots of the competitors in action for tonight's show. Showing Maverick training Scott Hampton for the show ahead of him, Rob Arnold with Leon Chant as they drink, Joe Blow pulling up his pants and scratching his testicles, and El Rey Combatiente laughing with his friend - Dylan Black.
"There's nothing to see here
It's under control
We're only gambling with your soul
Obey"
More action shots appear of Rafe White and his bible, Big Bone dancing at a party somewhere in Mexico, Bugz adjusting his mask and Gerhard Bishop rolling his shoulders and letting out a roar to the camera.
"Whatever you do, just don't wake up and smell the corruption!"
The logo of Ascendency appears on the screen as we cut to live from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, the crowd's attendance cheer loudly for the beginning of a new era on the XHF Network. The camera shot cuts to the commentary desk as we get a first glimpse of our commentators for the night.
Simmons: Welcome everyone! Welcome to a new era! Welcome to the Next Level! This is Next Level Wrestling and we're LIVE for Ascendency! My name is Dan Simmons and alongside me is my broadcast partner for the night, Tommy West!
West: Yes sir! We are live and we're ready for the next level, this is the beginning of something special and tonight's show is just that. We have El Rey Combatiente here tonight as he faces Scott Hampton, Mr Bollywood will be competing tonight against Malaika, and tonight's Main Event will be Gerhard Bishop going against Bugz?!
Simmons: Yeah, that's his name!
West: Oh, I'm aware, that's just how his name is written on this sheet of paper.
Simmons: Well, let us get things started with our first match of the night. The former MCCW North American and Apprentice Champion, Leon Chant, taking on The Hobo- literally- Joe Blow!
The hard cam pans over to the entrance curtain for our first match.
MATCH ONE
Leon Chant vs Joe Blow
Once the bell rings, Leon Chant looks over at his opponent and then looks down to Rob Arnold beside him before uttering the words “Is this who I really have as a first opponent?”, but the words were enough to let Joe Blow come in and attack Leon with a big Corner Splash. Joe goes punch for a punch against the former MCCW North American Champion as he lays in one final punch- but Leon’s simply had enough of the tomfoolery happening right in front of him. Leon grabs Joe Blow by the head and neck and throws him into the turnbuckles, landing tough Lung Punches before tossing Joe into the middle of the ring with the Biel Toss. Joe Blow is able to get back to his feet and is knocked right back down with a powerful Lariat with the right arm of Leon Chant that folds Joe Blow up.
Chant wastes no time trying to pick up the dead weight of Joe Blow and straight up into a vertical Suplex position but Joe Blow struggles free and lands on his feet, stumbling a bit as Leon swings his arms for another Lariat again but Joe falls back, the more Leon swings is the more Joe ducks and weaves the arms. Joe kicks Leon in the shin and then a closed right fist to the jaw which stuns the Hired Gun on his feet. Joe Blow looks down onto Leon Chant who is kneeling before The Hobo. There’s a smile on the face of Joe Blow who reaches his hand into his trunks as Leon gets back to his feet but he gives the referee the Stink Hand instead before landing a Bell Ringer [Low Blow] onto Leon Chant.
Rob Arnold shakes his head as he watches in disgust over what happened in front of his own eyes. Joe Blow begins to roll with Leon Chant, giving him the Self Indulgence [Lazy Infinite Canadian Destroyer] trip of a lifetime and gets a good four rolls in before Leon puts a stop to it, lifting him up and Back Body dropping Joe down to the mat. Joe Blow scrambles back to his feet, yelling at the fans in attendance as he does so but once he turns around, he’s met with a rebounding Leon Chant off of the ropes leaping through the air for a Flying Clothesline.
Leon is pissed. Chant grabs the arm of Joe Blow and with brute force and strength, with one singular pull, lifts the one hundred and fifty pound Blow off of the mat and rests him onto his shoulder. Chant lifts him up and twists his body around to slam Blow to the mat with such force, he hooks the leg but was only able to get the two count on Joe Blow. Leon sees that an ending is coming soon, picking up Joe Blow and slamming him down hard to the mat with a Running Powerslam. Joe rolls out of the ring and Leon doesn’t give in to the chase, leaving Joe to have his time out but Joe Blow had other ideas, more preferably his Afternoon Delight [Masurbation] that leaves him with a handful of some white substance that Leon isn’t even aware of as he slides back into the ring with quick succession.
Rob Arnold points at Joe whilst Leon had his back turned, Leon does turn around just as Joe Blow was swinging his arm for a bitch slap of the white substance but Leon caught the hand, he looked to it and realised what exactly it was, giving off a disgusted look before using his free arm to grab Joe Blow by the neck and in one swift motion, pushes him back to the ropes and sends him flying into the air as he rebounds for the Pop Up Powerbomb that crushes Joe Blow with the impact. Leon hooks the legs for the three count.
[WINNER: Leon Chant by Pop Up Powerbomb at 06:57]
We cut to the backstage area where Kelly Ross, NLW interviewer is smiling, armed with a microphone.
Ross: Good evening Next level fans, I am Kelly Ross and I’m delighted to say that I’ve caught up with two time former XHF X*Crown Champion, Rob Arnold!
The Camera zooms out revealing Arnold, dressed in a suit.
Ross: Now Rob, I have to ask you, we all know that you’re here in a managerial capacity for Leon Chant, but the rumours are rife, are you going to be competing here in NLW?
Rob looks at the ground and considers his answer, before looking to Ross.
Arnold: Honestly Kelly? I haven’t decided yet. Is there a contract on the table? Yes. Am I impressed with NLW? Yes. But am I going to take that deal?
He pauses again.
Arnold: I just don’t know...But Kelly, no matter what I decide, you’ll be seeing plenty of me-
Arnold breaks off, his gaze now reaching off camera, which pans around to show BB Gunn walking down the hallway.
Arnold: Kelly, I’m afraid I need to cut this short. Gunn, I'm glad I found you, we need to have a conversation about-
Gunn: Rob, as much as I hate to cut you off, it’s gonna have to wait my man, you gotta wait in line to speak to the GM tonight!
He smirks, Arnold looks less than impressed, even more so as Gunn walks past him.
Arnold: Get in line? You are aware I’m Rob Fucking Arnold, right?
Arnold begins to follow Gunn, who keeps his back to him.
Gunn: Look, Rob, with the show launching, and final preparations being arranged I'm quite busy. As a matter of fact I am now already two minutes late for my next appointment.
Arnold: You...you’re kidding, right?
BB just responds as he stops at a door that has a sign that reads simply "V1P" he knocks on the door with a backhand knuckle the door opens up and out walks…
Arnold: James. Franklin. Karn. You’ve signed JFK?
The One Iconic Gun, JFK just gives a sly grin as Gunn laughs out.
Gunn: Oh god no, we can't afford him hahaha! He’s more expensive than you!
JFK: I'm here to over see the final negotiations and signing of NLW's….well...Next Level.
And he leaves it at that with a grin and opens the door.
JFK: And if you will Mr. Gunn, he's waiting to see you.
BB walks in and JFK closes the door almost all the way as he steps out into the hallway.
JFK: Its good to see you again Robbie, Anna says hi to her favorite sounding uncle by the way, so...who'd you bring to the party?
Arnold: You know I’ve brought Leon.
JFK: Nah, you’re holding out on me, who else you got?
Rob smirks and nods, but before he can respond JFK slaps him on the shoulder.
JFK: Ah it doesn't matter, save it for a surprise, man! This is going to be fun!
JFK gives Rob a devilish grin
JFK: Be seeing you sunshine.
And with that he goes back into the room and locks or behind him before Rob can even get a word in. Rob sighs, but smiles ruefully, and walks off.
MATCH TWO
Rafe White vs Big Bone
Rafe White and Big Bone would begin the match as soon as the bell rings, throwing the lefts and rights against one another, Big Bone whips Rafe into the corner and connects a clothesline before gaining some momentum by running to the opposite corner and then back to a seated Rafe with the cannonball. Big Bone goes for another cannonball as he runs to the opposite corner for the momentum but as he runs back, he’s caught with a Big Boot by White. The knee is then dropped by White to the head of Bone before White would climb to the second and land a picture perfect Split Legged Moonsault to Bone, trying to go for the cover but only getting a one count for his troubles.
Rafe brings Big Bone to his feet, connecting the fists to the head and then some forearm strikes but Bone goes for a Spinning Backfist which White ducks and connects a German Suplex to Big Bone. Rafe wants to end it quickly for a dominant run, looking for the Knee Trembler to start the Holy Trinity but Bone moves out of the way and as White turns back around to Bone, he is instantly caught with a Jumping Enzuigiri to the side of the head. Big Bone rebounds off of the ropes and attempts the Bicycle Kick but White ducks the boot and gives a clubbing Lariat to the back of Big Bone’s head.
Big Bone is brought back to his feet by Rafe as he floats over in a Somersault motion and twists himself to connect a Neckbreaker. Rafe White aims for the kill again, backing himself into a corner as Big Bone get to his feet, White connects the Knee Trembler and immediately drops Bone down with the Backbreaker but just as he goes for the Deadlift German, Bone somehow manages to twist his body around in quick succession to land the Bonesaw [Burning Lariat] to White.
Both men at this stage had fallen down to the mat, the referee counting them to get up. White gets up at a count of seven, Bone at a close call of nine. Bone uses the ropes in the corner to pull himself up to his feet and White charges in but Bone catches him in time to lift him up and drop him down onto the top buckle with Snake Eyes, Bone grabs White from behind into a Inverted Headlock and dropping White’s spine first into the knee of Big Bone before going for Rolling The Bone but White finds a way to cartwheel out of the move. Bone scrambles to his feet but White connects a Pump Kick to the head of Bone, he shakes it off and attempts another Bonesaw but White ducks the arm and snaps a Judas Effect [Discus Reverse Elbow Strike] to the jaw of Bone that drops him.
Big Bone is dragged to the corner as White climbs to the second rope, he leaps and Bone rolls out of the way but White leaped to the top rope to connect a Moonsault to the spine of Big Bone. Rafe wastes no time and is in the perfect position to lock in the Baptise [Rings of Saturn] submission on Big Bone. The large frame of Bone makes it hard to lock in but White is able to clasp his hands together and make sure it’s tightened. Big Bone reaches for the ropes but White is able to roll Big Bone over to the middle of the ring where he’s finally trapped with nowhere to go and nothing else to do but to tap out.
[WINNER: Rafe White by Baptise at 13:41]
The cameras cut to a backstage interview area where we see Mr. Bollywood and his manager, Henry Hickenbottom. An awkward silence ensues.
...
Henry nudges Mr. Bollywood who immediately snaps to attention, pushing his shades up that are falling down the bridge of his nose.
Ladies and gentlemen of Next Level Wrestling, I am Mr. Bollywood - the greatest wrestling star that ever was... And tonight, I am to prove it when I take on an angel in the form of a professional wrestler! Malakai--! I am going to crush your wings... into the mat... and I'm going to, uh, pummel your face in... with my wrestling fists... of fury.
You may underestimate my ability due to my ravishing good looks... and you may not take me as seriously because I'm not an... angel... like yourself - but know this...! When that bell rings I am going to pick you up above my head, parade you through the streets of heaven then drop you back down to hell with the Bollywood Bottom!
Mr. Bollywood's face would light up.
Yeah! That's right!
Henry would tap Bollywood on the shoulder.
If you would kindly let me say something, Mr. Bollywood sir!
Go ahead... Henry--
Please, call me --The Director of Doom.
--Director of Doom??
--MR. BOLLYWOOD IS THE GREATEST STAR OF NLW. THE BIGGEST NAME YOU HAVE, THE MOST HANDSOME MAN YOU WILL EVER SEE! I HAVE TRAINED THIS MAN WITH MY OWN BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS - AND QUITE FRANKLY, I'M ALL OUT OF THAT STUFF BECAUSE OF HOW DAMN HARD I'VE BEEN WORKING HIM!
THE BOLLYWOOD BOTTOM SINGLEHANDEDLY BROKE MY SPINE WHEN I FIRST CAST HIM AS THE STAR OF MY WRESTLING PROGRAM. I ONLY RECOVERED A FEW MONTHS AGO -- SHOCKING MY DEAR WIFE, BELLE, WHEN I STOOD UP FROM MY WHEELCHAIR. IT WAS A MIRACLE. NOW THANKFULLY, MALAIKA IS AN ANGEL - AND THEREFORE MIRACLES WILL BE ABOUND... WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, MALAIKA BROTHER! YOU WILL NEED A MIRACLE TO SURIVIVE THE BOLLYWOOD BOTTOM... OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE WALKING OUT OF ASCENDENCY TONIGHT WITH A BROKEN BACK... OF DOOM! MWAHAHAHAHAH!
AND THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS A WRAP.
Henry The Director of Doom claps his hands together like a film-board as Mr. Bollywood raises an eyebrow to close the shot.
You may underestimate my ability due to my ravishing good looks... and you may not take me as seriously because I'm not an... angel... like yourself - but know this...! When that bell rings I am going to pick you up above my head, parade you through the streets of heaven then drop you back down to hell with the Bollywood Bottom!
Mr. Bollywood's face would light up.
Yeah! That's right!
Henry would tap Bollywood on the shoulder.
If you would kindly let me say something, Mr. Bollywood sir!
Go ahead... Henry--
Please, call me --The Director of Doom.
--Director of Doom??
--MR. BOLLYWOOD IS THE GREATEST STAR OF NLW. THE BIGGEST NAME YOU HAVE, THE MOST HANDSOME MAN YOU WILL EVER SEE! I HAVE TRAINED THIS MAN WITH MY OWN BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS - AND QUITE FRANKLY, I'M ALL OUT OF THAT STUFF BECAUSE OF HOW DAMN HARD I'VE BEEN WORKING HIM!
THE BOLLYWOOD BOTTOM SINGLEHANDEDLY BROKE MY SPINE WHEN I FIRST CAST HIM AS THE STAR OF MY WRESTLING PROGRAM. I ONLY RECOVERED A FEW MONTHS AGO -- SHOCKING MY DEAR WIFE, BELLE, WHEN I STOOD UP FROM MY WHEELCHAIR. IT WAS A MIRACLE. NOW THANKFULLY, MALAIKA IS AN ANGEL - AND THEREFORE MIRACLES WILL BE ABOUND... WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, MALAIKA BROTHER! YOU WILL NEED A MIRACLE TO SURIVIVE THE BOLLYWOOD BOTTOM... OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE WALKING OUT OF ASCENDENCY TONIGHT WITH A BROKEN BACK... OF DOOM! MWAHAHAHAHAH!
AND THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS A WRAP.
MATCH THREE
Mr Bollywood vs Malaika
The match started with a lot of hesitation from both wrestlers. Malaika was studying her opponent, contemplating where to strike first, knowing he had the size advantage. Mr Bollywood looked on carefully, he was confident, but this was still his first ever match as well. The opening few minutes continued to be cagey, with Malaika connecting with swift kicks and strikes to frustrate Mr Bollywood, who managed to doge some strikes and connect with an arm drag, a clothesline and an impressive standing dropkick.
This was very much a chess match, but Bollywood was able to take control when Malaika attempted a suplex, Bollywood dropped behind and connected with a strong reverse DDT. He jumped up to pose to the fans in attendance, soaking in the moment some more.
Mr Bollywood then began to control the match, playing up to the crowd whilst delivering traditional wresting moves, a vertical suplex, a side Russian leg sweep and even a belly to belly suplex. However he was perhaps getting too cocky, after sending her to the ropes, instead of connecting with a clothesline Malaika, she ducked under, bounced off again and came back with a head scissors takedown, but as she landed she’s grabbed the arm and locked in a Fujiwara armbar! Bollywood, yelling out in pain managed to shuffle to the ropes and get the hold broken.
Taking the advantage now, Malaika tried to keep Bollywood down with knee strikes, but the success didn’t last too long as he sprung up and drilled her with a big boot. Getting to his feet he called for the New Delhi Driver [Double underhook piledriver], but a big back body drop stopped that, and only getting back up to eat a snap DDT.
Knowing it was now or never, Malaika nodded to Jinzo, who began to hold the book he had been clutching like a child up to the air and started chanting, with this in place Malaika sent Mr Bollywood to the ropes and hit the Gikor, making the cover, but Bollywood would just get the shoulder up. She looked at Jinzo again, who began to chant something else as she climbed to the top rope. She became distracted though, as The Director of Doom had gone over to Jinzo, trying to distract him from his chanting. She looked back to find Bollywood was right there, and before she could think he press slammed her off. Mr Bollywood waited for Malaika to get to her feet, and she turned right into the Bollywood Bottom, and it was all over.
[WINNER: Mr. Bollywood via Bollywood Bottom 07:23]
We open inside of a locker room in the backstage area. We watch as Gerhard Bishop is in the middle of completing a set of Hindu Squats. The sweat drips from Bishop's brow, as Karl Hagen is there to shout instructions.
Karl: "That's it, seven more!"
Bishop doesn't flinch, and snarls as Karl barks more orders.
Karl: "You want to be champion? Well, so does everyone else. Push!"
If Bishop's legs are starting to tire, he certainly isn't letting on about it. As Bishop completes the set, Karl turns to the camera.
Karl: "Being a Champion is about so much more than physical talent."
We watch a smile curl over Hagen's lips.
Karl: "The desire to be great. The willingness to push yourself beyond what others are capable of. That's what separates men who have talent, and men who become Champions."
Gerhard takes a towel and wipes the sweat from his forehead. He grabs a jug of water, and quenches his thirst.
Karl: "I promised Gerhard the day that we agreed to partner in this venture within 'Next Level Wrestling' - that I would always hold him accountable. Tonight, Gerhard Bishop makes his North American Wrestling Debut."
Karls speaks as if he was making a grand proclamation.
Karl: "The people or New Orleans are accustomed to topical storms that leave wreckage in their wake. Tonight will be no different..."
Karl slaps Gerhard across the chest with the palm of his hand.
Karl: "Tonight, this Tidal Wave of a human being squashes a Bugz? and moves one step closer to the distinction of being the first champion in Next Level Wrestling."
Gerhard looks poised to jump through the camera, before the scene fades.
Cut.
MATCH FOUR
Scott Hampton vs El Rey Combatiente
With both men a similar eight and weight, they began by cancelling each other out, but wowing the crowd with a clinic in pure wrestling. Scott Hampton, perhaps feeling that he had a point to prove, fresh out of the Immortality School of Wrestling, was willing to match up the presumed experience of El Rey, and the two began by exchanging holds, resulting in a hip toss from Hampton. El Rey sarcastically applauded, and in the second exchange hit a springboard cross body, rolling straight off and allowing Hampton the chance to get back to his feet, mimicking the sarcastic clap Combatiente did just ninety seconds before.
On the third lock up, Hampton took charge again, and after a further exchange of holds, he caught El Rey with a gamengiri, sending the man from Mexico down, but Hampton could only score a two count. Not to be deterred, Hampton kept on Combatiente, delivering a combination of strong strikes and suplexes, before hitting a nasty looking patella drop brainbuster, causing anther near fall.
El Rey looked to be in trouble early on but as Hampton went for a pump kick, he side stepped and replied with an enziguri,. Taking a moment to regain his composure, he went after Hampton, repaying every strike Hampton had given him before in kind, mixing them up with a snap suplex and a dragon screw, making pinning attempts along the way, all for two.
Feeling firmly in control, El Rey attempted to send Hampton to the ropes, but Hampton reversed, Combatiente however springboarded off the ropes and goes for a moonsault, Hampton stepped through but El Rey landed on his feet, Lights Out attempt from Hampton is sidestepped and El Rey kicked his opponent hard in the gut and hit a quick DDT. With Hampton down, El Rey looked to capitalise, heading to the top rope and with Hampton rolled onto his back, El Rey attempts a 630 Senton, but Hampton rolls out of the way.
With both men slow getting up, Hampton digs deep, and stalks Combatiente who has his back to him, he turns into the Trip to the Wonderland [spinning Argentine Backbreaker Rack dropped into a Neckbreaker], making a pin attempt but El Rey just gets his shoulder up. Hampton keeps pumping himself up, and is now looking for the finish, he goads Combatiente up, El Rey stumbles to his feet and is lifted onto Hampton’s shoulders, looking for the Vae Victis, but he slides off his back, Hampton spins around into a kick to the gut and El Rey sets him up for the South of the Border [vertebraker], lifting him up and spiking him on his neck. El Rey immediately makes the cover for the three.
[WINNER: El Rey Combatiente via South of the Border at 08:10]
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Bugz? vs Gerhard Bishop
Following a final few words of advice to his student, Karl Hagen dropped off the ring apron and stood, arms folded to watch proceedings. As the bell rung to get things under way, Bugz? was straight on the attack, his never say die attitude quite clear from the outset. Launching into a flurry of punches which Bishop gave back as good as he was getting, before pushing Bugz? back towards the centre of the ring to allow some separation. Not to be deterred, Bugz? came running back towards Bishop, but this time was met with a European uppercut for his troubles, staggering him and allowing Bishop to follow up with a big booming lariat. Karl Hagen barely blinked at ringside, simply folding his arms and analysing every move.
Bishop didn’t need any instruction however, and attempted to keep the pressure on, but his opponent was having none of it, striking Bishops with rights and lefts at any opportunity, and eventually forcing him back to the ropes. With Bishop trying to maintain composure, Bugz? launched both himself and the man from Rotterdam over the top rope, he was quickly up, sliding back in the ring and running back against the ropes, and as Bishop got back to his feet, Bugz? Was again launching himself out of the ring with the Kill the Rabbit which prompted some cheering in the crowd.
First to his feet, the man from New Jersey planted a boot into the gut of Bishop as he got up as well, before slamming his head on the ring apron, and working quickly hopped up to the apron but his double axe handle attempt was met by Bishop catching his smaller foe, and running him into the ring post.
A quick glance between teacher and student resulted in a slight nod from Hagen to bring the action into the ring. Bishop threw him back in and then went to work on Bugz?, dropping running elbows right in his chest and forcing some near falls. With the third attempt drawing another two count, Bishop brought his opponent to his feet in a front face lock, slowly turning him and dropping him with a neckbreaker, which draws another two count.
The lack of a successful pinfall doesn’t seem to deter or annoy the European, he does however decide that he needs to be more aggressive, and stalks his opponent as he slowly gets to his feet. Bishop goes for a German suplex but Bugz? backflips out of it, Bishop turns into a hard right from Bugz?, who is quickly back on the attack, throwing three more right hands before heading to the ropes, he ducks under the clothesline and when he comes back once more he hits a slingblade.
Looking for momentum Bugz? goes back to the ropes and hits a rolling thunder, making the pin attempt for a two count. Knowing he can’t force Bishop around, he decides to keep him on the ground, kicking and thrusting knees at every chance to keep Gerhard low to the ground, and into the corner, where he places his boot into the throat of his opponent, using three of of the five count allocated by the ref.
With Bugz? slightly distracted contesting the speed of the referee’s count, Bishop gets slowly back to his feet using the ropes in the corner for some leverage, facing away, Bugz? sees this and jumps on his back, looking for a sleeper hold. Bishop is having none of it, and falls on his back, releasing the hold.
Both men are slower to get up now, and when they do Bishop goes for another big lariat, this time Bugz? ducks and carries his momentum to the ropes, he comes back with a cross body...but is caught, and hoisted up onto Bishop’s shoulder, who hits a powerslam. Instead of the cover he looks to the corner, and get gets another stoic nod from Karl Hagen, he stands over his fallen opponent, grabs him and hits a the Pressure Point [deadlift Greco Roman suplex], moving into the cover for the three.
[WINNER: Gerhard Bishop via Pressure Point at 10:47]
After the bell, “Proceed with Caution” starts up over the PA, and Karl Hagen steps back into the ring to raise his student’s hand, but their celebration is short lived as a familiar voice interrupts them and kills the music.
Gunn: Oh man, Gerhard, that was impressive, seriously man you dealt with a tricky customer there.
B.B. Gunn walks onto the stage wearing a smile that would make the Cheshire Cat jealous.
West: Gotta say Simmo, this is a bit disrespectful, I hope he’s got a good reason for this.
Gunn: Listen man, congratulations, you’ll be getting a chance to fight for the NLW Heavyweight Title, and normally I wouldn’t want to come and steal your thunder after a match like that, the problem is I need to make an announcement, and its a daaaaamn big one at that.
Both Bishop and Hagen look on nonplussed but the crowd starts to hum with excitement.
Gunn: How big I hear you ask me? Well folks, I promised that we would bring you the up and coming talent, but I also promised that I would bring in some familiar faces. This familiar face is a two time MCCW World Heavyweight Champion…
Simmons: Tommy, I think I know who this is, it’s one of the people I’d heard was in town!
The crowd pops as “A Million Miles” by Goldfinger starts to play.
West: That’s…
Gunn: Ladies and gentlemen, from Columbus Ohio, I’m proud to tell you that the People’s bro is Next Level...I bring you Jason Justice!
Justice walks out on stage to further cheering, he shakes Gunn’s hand, and then faces the crown once again, holding his arms out wide, a smirk over his face.
Simmons: What a way to end our show tonight NLW fans, Jason Justice is here, Jason Justice is Next Level! We’ve had some great matches tonight, and I can’t wait to do all of this again in two weeks, from Tommy West and I, goodnight!
The closing shot ends with Jason Justice's smirk as the fans chant "BRO" to close off the first ever Ascendency show.
