NLW Ascendency V | Saturday, December 12th, 2020 | LIVE
Dec 9, 2020 12:00:34 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 2 more like this
Post by Robbie A on Dec 9, 2020 12:00:34 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY V
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
December 12th, 2020
The opening riffs of "Obey" by Bring Me The Horizon and YUNGBLUD echoes throughout the arena as the fans begin to cheer loudly. The camera focuses on the announce team of Dan Simmons and Tommy West.
Dan Simmons: Welcome once again ladies and gents to another episode of NLW Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, this is Tommy West, and folks we are hot off the heels of our first Pay-Per-View, Homecoming. I have to say Tommy, what a night that was!
Tommy West: Maze became our first heavyweight champion, and later tonight we find out just who will be facing him next after neither Leon Chant nor Gerhard Bishop emerged as a winner at Homecoming!
Dan Simmons: Indeed Tommy, not only that, but we have two matches tonight to find out who will face off in four weeks to be our first Southern States Champion. First, El Rey and Frank Dylan James face each other, and in our main event we Josh Darkwood, Rex Brandon, Jason Justice, Joe Blow and Nathan Parker will run the gauntlet!
Tommy West: Not just that, we have some new blood coming up tonight, The Red Wasp faces Mr Bollywood, Takuma Okaski faces Big Bone, and coming up first, Riley Richards faces both Scott Hampton and Michael Dundee. It's safe to say Simmo, we are stacked tonight!
Dan Simmons: That we are partner, but from what I'm hearing, we've got the boss coming out now!
"Renegade" by JAY-Z and Eminem plays through the speakers as the General Manager of Next Level Wrestling makes his way out to the ring, heading inside of the ring with a smile to his face as he's handed a microphone by ringside crew.
BB Gunn: Well then, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Ascendency Five!
The crowd cheers!
BB Gunn: Hot off the trails of Homecoming, we're back and better than ever before. We've got some major decisions to be made tonight as I finally put an end to the worrying controversy of the NLW Heavyweight Championship's contender and we'll see the two men who'll go head to head for the newly created NLW Southern States Championship!
Again, the crowd cheers loudly.
BB Gunn: We're going to see some old faces, some new faces, some faces you never thought that'll show up here! Actually, there is something I've been meaning to get off of my chest when talking about surprises, because upon all of the announcements being made after Homecoming, I had been in touch with someone.
The crowd "oooh"'s in anticiaption.
BB Gunn: The best thing about is that he's here right now, so please welcome to the ring, our newest signing to Next Level Wrestling... the former XHF Tag Team Champion, RYAN YOUNG!
Tommy West: ...WHAT!?
Dan Simmons: OH MY GOD, IT IS! IT IS! RYAN HASN'T BEEN SEEN ON THE NETWORK IN MONTHS!
The lights go for a light shade of pink as "Save That Shit" by Lil Peep begins to play for everyone to hear. The fans erupting upon hearing the music play through the speakers. BB Gunn looks to the entrance curtain as the lights spiral down onto the curtain itself as the lyrics are heard.
Fuck my life, can't say that girl
Don't tell me you can save that shit
All she want is payback for the way I always play that shit
You ain't getting nothing, now I'm saying
Don't tell me you is
Nothin' like them other motherfuckers
To the surprise of everyone, Ryan Young comes out from the curtain dressed to the nines in his finest navy blue suit as fans are standing up, risen to their feet in absolute shock over this sudden appearance, he gives off a smirk as he crouches down and scans through the many fans in attendance. He slowly gets back to a vertical position, adjusting his suit before making his slow walk down to ringside. Soaking in the crowd's loud reaction.
I can make you rich (I can make you rich)
I can make you this, baby, I can make you that
I can take you there, but baby, you won't make it back
Growing sick of this and I don't wanna make you sad
Do I make you scared? Baby, won't you take me back?
Young makes his way down the ramp and to ringside where he runs at the ring apron and slides along it on one knee, entering the ring and climbing up to the second rope where beats his chest with his hands before stretching his arms out and giving a smirk to the crowd who continue to rain the cheers down for him. Gunn shakes Young's hand as he steps down from the second rope, meeting in the middle as Young takes the microphone from Gunn's hands.
Ryan Young: Wow. I'm surprised you people still liked me, like I am truly shocked, this feels amazing. I've heard so much about Next Level Wrestling that I just had to check it out for myself, I just had to come here and with BB Gunn's help, I've been able to sign a lucrative deal with Next Level Wrestling.
The crowd cheers for Ryan.
Ryan Young: I've been having a very difficult time as of late and the rush and the urge to come back into the ring was just kicking me and making me want to come back sooner rather than later. I tried my best to hold back that feeling because even I knew that I wasn't ready just yet, but that is where BB Gunn comes in to play, he said he'll make sure I do things the way I want them to be done. He said that he'll do things the way that I want to see it happen.
Ryan smiles as he wags his finger around.
Ryan Young: That is exactly what I have right now. I have that power to do things the way I want them to be done, and done to my own image, I have that power. Now, Next Level Wrestling was made for the future, it was made for the new. When I first came to the XHF Network, I was already years into the business, but I was labelled as the future. I was labelled as the new. I've kept that close to my chest for as long as I could but even now, I am fading from being one of the future, which saddens me.
Ryan dips his head down.
Ryan Young: So, I've taken matters into my own hands, and when Gunn had told me I can do things my own way, then one idea popped into my head. This place is where stars are made, and where the future can be changed, so instead of being the future and the new, I have decided to lead the future and the new. I signed a contract to Next Level Wrestling, but I'm not only taking up a wrestling role, I'm taking up a manager role as well. So I can wrestle if I wanted to, but right now, I choose to be a manager for someone.
Ryan's lips curled.
Ryan Young: Here in Next Level Wrestling, there's managers of men who are helped by them, taught everything they know because they went to their school or even they are their loved ones, just like how Selene was mine. I want to change that. I want to change the narrative of it all because there's good managerial people here, but none of them build up to a heritage, and with a heritage like mine, it needs to continue. Here in Next Level Wrestling, I will continue to be here as my birth name, Ryan Matthews, to make sure that my family's name is continued to shine throughout the world. But gladly I have someone for that, so let me introduce to you the newest member to the Next Level Wrestling roster... my little sister, Rebecca Brookes!
Dan Simmons: Oh my! The Matthews clan have set foot in NLW!
The crowd cheers loudly again as the drum beating of “Drown” begins to play throughout the arena as the house lights shine down a blue hue, circling around the arena and the stage. Soon comes The Princess of NLW standing front and center of the stage, her jacket shining brightly with the gems as she looks around the arena with a smile on her face.
“What doesn't kill you, makes you wish you were dead;
got a hole in my soul growing deep and deeper,
and I can't take one more moment of this silence;
the loneliness is haunting me,
and the weight of the world's getting harder to hold up.”
Rebecca looks around the arena before she slowly twirls around on the top of the ramp, showing off the sparkling gems within her ring jacket and then her smile upon her face Rebecca takes one final deep breath before she could make her charge to the ring, high fiving every fan that she passes and hugging the children that reach out to her.
“Who will fix me now, dive in when I'm down,
save me from myself? Don't let me drown.
Who will make me fight, drag me out alive,
save me from myself? Don't let me drown.”
The crowd sings the chorus as Rebecca makes her way around the ring, climbing onto the apron and looking out to the thousands of fans, the crowd cheering wildly for Rebecca as she nods her head before entering the ring as she heads to the corner and climbs to the second rope as Rebecca looks out to the many in attendance tonight. She climbs down from the second rope and walks over to her older brother, wrapping her arms around him as they embrace before she takes the microphone from her hands, before opening up her ring jacket to reveal the scarlet red strap and white gold plating of the Omega Wrestling Alliance Goddesses Championship that leaves fans cheering loudly upon seeing the championship.
Rebecca Brookes: Well then, I'm the person you've all been waiting for. It's a pleasure to be here tonight in front of you all after winning this championship last weekend in Atlanta, and everything about that moment was special, but I look to do the same here. I won't keep you all waiting for some spectacular matches that are set to happen tonight but I leave you all with one message for everyone in the back right now.
Rebecca looks to the cameraman standing on the apron as she comes closer to the camera.
Rebecca Brookes: My name is Rebecca Brookes, and I am the Goddess of War, I am the OWA Goddesses Champion and I am going to become The Queen of the Next Level. The question is... who's going to stop me?
Rebecca smiles as she drops the microphone, leaving "Drown" to hit the speakers once again as both her and Ryan Matthews make their way out of the ring and to the back, heading through the curtain as we begin our first match of the night.
MATCH ONE
Riley Richards vs Scott Hampton vs Michael Dundee
Richards, Hampton and Dundee all stand in their respective corners as the bell rings. Fergus the Tabby Cat is on the apron, and he starts hissing in young Riley's direction... no, at the man behind. Suited, arms crossed, is Rob Arnold. Dundee gets that message loud and clear and charges Richards, to be met with a quick uppercut! Richards and Hampton begin to make quick work on the (s)Catman, each delivering a move to cheers from the small crowd in attendance. They each put in some work, before taking him by the head and throwing him to the outside! He tumbles to the floor!
Satisfied with their work, Richards turns right into a dropkick from Hampton who begins to go to town on the young protégé of Rob Arnold. Rob remains stoic, stone faced. This is a test for young Richards. He takes some abuse, being lifted before a swift kick to the jaw turns things back in his favor! Richards is quick to bounce off the ropes, for some splashes and sentons, showing off a bit to the New Orleans crowd. This gives Dundee the advantage, getting off an enzugiri got a 1-and-a-half.
Turning to Hampton, he is quick to work him with a Kimura lock, getting that hold sinched in before Richards flies off the top for a Bristol's Finest [Coup de Grace]! The 190 pound frame of Riley bounces right off Dundee, who torques Hampton's arm! He rolls away, as Dundee is clocked with a large boot to the face! Richards barely has time to celebrate such a move before an Okada dropkick knocks him TF out! He's rolling on the ground as Hampton y e e t s his body into the Moshpit [Reverse Facing Diving Senton]! But the fight doesn't stop there! Hampton lifts him for the Vae Victis [Fireman's Carry dropped into a Roundhouse Kick], but Richards is able to flip out of the fireman's carry, twist him around and plant him with The Homage [The Stroke]! The referee slides in and makes the 3 count to end the match.
[WINNER: Riley Richards via The Homage at 06:07]
In the backstage area, Kelly Ross knocks on a locker room door. A few moments pass, before Karl Hagen pokes his head outside. In the distance, we see Gerhard Bishop sitting down with a warm towel draped over his face. The room dimly lit, and there is nature sounds playing in the background.
Kelly Ross: "Mr. Hagen, I was looking to get a word with Gerhard."
Karl survey's the area, before sliding outside of the locker room.
Karl Hagen: "Gerhard is meditating at the moment. Even if he was available, tonight isn't the night for canned responses to your idiotic questions."
Kelly is taken back. She hasn't ever done anything but be credible journalist. Before she can speak, Hagen continues.
Karl Hagen: "We don't need you here looking to stir things up, Kelly. B.B Gunn was very clear in his message that it was imperative to keep our distance from Leon Chant and Rob Arnold. We're doing our part, as we adhere to Mr. Gunn's wishes - even though this is a free country and I don't take too kindly to being told what to do."
Kelly Ross: "Gerhard's match with Leon Chant, as well as the words that were exchanged between the two camps prior to Homecoming had the wrestling world buzzing. Do you care to comment on this?"
Karl Hagen: "Rob Arnold felt compelled to make some strong comments towards Gerhard and I. Rob made the showdown between our two charges about he and I, as opposed to Leon and Gerhard. I felt it was necessary to remind Rob, that this here is my turf. So before he went ahead and got any 'grand ideas', he should reconsider his options."
Kelly Ross: "There is no doubt that the tension between your two camps is palpable. What do you make of the fact that one two separate occasions, Rob Arnold has hinted at wanting to recruit Gerhard Bishop over to the Academy."
This questions seems to have caught Karl off guard. Between gritted teeth, he offers a candid response.
Karl Hagen: "I knew you were here to stir the pot. Since you asked and want to turn this into a bigger deal than it needs to be, I'll play along."
Karl's nostrils flare, and his tone is stern and direct.
Karl Hagen: "In these parts, you don't fool with a man's livelihood. Whether that pertains to their crops, their land or their families. Rob Arnold has been subtly campaigning for Gerhard to 'dump me', because he believes I'm a poor trainer. Well let me tell you something, Rob. I have taken Gerhard under my wing from the moment he showed up at the Gulf Coast Grappling Club. He barely had two nickels to rub together, and he didn't have a place to stay. I've taken him in, and I've done my best to guide him through the nuances of North American Professional Wrestling."
Karl is starting to get fired up.
Karl Hagen: "Up until now, our partnership has yielded nothing but success. So why would Gerhard even consider such a thing? At the rate we're going, Gerhard should be hoisting the first Championship of his career in the near future."
Karl calms himself a little bit, realizing that he was letting his emotions get the better of him.
Karl Hagen: "The bottom line is, Rob is looking to muddy the waters and blur the lines of our partnership. The gesture isn't appreciated. I shouldn't have to remind anyone who I am, or what I'm capable of should anyone cross me."
Kelly holds the mic in front of Karl, hoping for more.
Karl Hagen: "Wishful thinking is all it is. I believe that B.B Gunn is a reasonable man, and that he has watched the tape from Homecoming. I believe there is irrefutable evidence that Gerhard Bishop was the victor and the unquestioned Number One Contender to the NLW Heavyweight Championship."
[...]
Karl Hagen: "Now if you'll excuse me - I need to make sure Gerhard's mind is right before we hit the ring tonight."
Karl turns his back from Kelly before reentering the locker room.
[Cut.]
The cameras cut to the back where the number one contender to the XHF Junior Heavyweight Title, Al Jabroni, is intently staring at the booking sheet on the wall and shaking his head.
Jabroni (to himself): There’s gotta be a mistake…
He turns around and the camera moves to an over-the-shoulder shot. In front of him is a door that reads ‘B.B. Gunn’. Jabroni knocks on it.
Gunn (O.S): Come in, and make it good!
The door is pushed open and the shot traipses forward with it.
Gunn (surprised): Jabroni? What are you doing here?
Al looks a little taken aback and the smile he’d etched onto his face disappears.
Jabroni (nervously): I was wondering, Mr. Gunn, why I’ve not been booked. I did win at Homecoming, right?
Gunn lets out a laugh.
Gunn: Yes, Al but you see, because you won - you get the night off! I can’t have a contender of mine going into a Network title match carrying an injury or feeling fatigued!
For a moment, Jabroni seems satisfied until his brain catches up on the implication.
Jabroni: But, that means I won’t get paid either though!
Gunn’s face shows some level of sympathy.
Gunn: Well, unfortunately we’re not in a position to be able to burn money like that - I’d love to but unless you appear on the show, I can’t pay you for the night.
Jabroni: But if I was on the show....
Jabroni starts to leave, Gunn realizes what he might have just set into motion.
Gunn: AL!
It’s too late, Jabroni’s already into the corridor.
Jabroni (O.S): Hey! You with the camera! I need your help!
Gunn slumps into his chair with the knowledge that he might well have started something he didn’t intend to happen.
MATCH TWO
Big Bone vs "Big Tiger" Takuma Okaski
The match began with Takuma Okazaki and Big Bone staring down one another but the Big Tiger pushes Big Bone back into the ropes and scoops him up as he rebounded before slamming him down to the mat with authority to begin his debut in Next Level Wrestling. Takuma brought Big Bone back up to his feet and Irish Whipped him into the ropes but Big Bone held on as Takuma charged in to strike but caught with Big Bone’s boot and then the Bicycle Kick coming out of the box by Big Bone that rocked Takuma to fall back and rebound looking for a Lariat as he swings the arm forward but Big Bone leaped and catches the arm with a Rolling Yoshi Tonic Powerbomb, only getting a one count from Takuma. Big Bone rolls Takuma over as he brings himself to the ropes but Takuma pushes him to the ropes and then a Snap Dragon Suplex catches him out of nowhere as Takuma gets back to his feet along with Big Bone and a Tiger Suplex lands, giving Takuma a one count similar to what Big Bone just done a few moments ago.
Takuma brought himself and Big Bone to his feet and grabbing at the mask of Big Bone as he swings his arm forward for that Lariat but Big Bone ducked the arm and grabs Takuma from behind, looking for the Rolling Cutter but Takuma turns it around on Big Bone and applies a Dragon Sleeper on Big Bone. Takuma tightens the grip as he drags Big Bone to the middle of the ring, continuing to apply pressure to around the neck area of Big Bone, Takuma looks to grab Big Bone with the body scissors but Big Bone brought fight into Takuma as he slowly turned things around and finally was able to manage to drop Takuma with Roll The Bones [Rolling Cutter], only getting a two count as Takuma kicks out with ease. Big Bone looks to have quickly taken control of the match here but he knew himself he had a whole lot more offense to dish out to even come close to picking up the win, he would pick up Takuma Okazaki up to his shoulders and in the Fireman’s Carry position but Takuma slid down the back and dragged Big Bone into the corner where Takuma dropped Big Bone with the Koga Bomb [Waist Lift Side Slam] right down onto the turnbuckles and then dropping him down into the middle of the ring with another Koga Bomb.
Big Bone was feeling the effects of the two Koga Bombs on his spine, he wasn’t looking good and Takuma was looking extremely dominant, which prompted Mono Despiadado to get involved but pushed the monkey away which lead to Big Bone to quickly scramble back up to his feet and land another Roll The Bones, but Big Bone was feeling a different way as he brought Takuma back up to his feet and another Roll The Bones spiked the Big Tiger on the head. Mono Despiadado looked like he finally made Big Bone snap into a more serious mode as Big Bone was stomping away on Takuma, but as Big Bone was looking to land a Roaring Lariat- Takuma ducked the arm and charged to the ropes, rebounding and swinging the arm forward with the Big Tiger Bomber [Lariat] that almost damn near took the head off of Big Bone. Takuma looked to finish the match as quickly as it had started by picking up Big Bone once more with the Yakuza Killer [Fireman’s Carry Facebuster] for the three count and a dominant debut for the Big Tiger.
[WINNER: Takuma Okazaki Via Yakuza Killer at 09:51]
We cut backstage once more, this time to Leon Chant’s locker room. The Hired Gun is sat alone, and unlike we tend to see him, he’s in a suit. We see him sat down, head down slightly, his chin resting on his hands, his elbows rest on his knees for to support this action. Kelly Ross comes in from the right and cautiously approaches him.
Ross: Leon? May I have a word?
Leon slowly sits up and looks at Kelly, then the microphone placed just below his mouth, before back to the NLW interviewer.
Chant: Sure.
Chant’s gaze is pretty intense, it’s apparent that he’d rather she wasn’t there.
Ross: I was just hoping to get a word on your reaction to Karl Hagen’s words regarding Rob Arnold and yourself earlier?
Chant shrugs, and looks a little coy.
Chant: I don’t think there’s anything to say, do you Kelly?
Ross: Perhaps not on your part, but surely Rob will-
Chant: And Rob will respond, don’t worry, you haven’t had the chance to know him that well just yet. Rob, as always will play the long game.
Ross: But-
Chant stands up and puts up an apologetic hand.
Chant: Look, I’m not too interested in what Karl Hagen has to say any more, neither does Rob to an extent. Karl Hagen want’s to paint false pictures of the pair of us, and we’ll set that right, believe me we’ll set it very right. Every time Karl speaks, our respect for him shrinks, but what’s more important to both Rob and I right now is hearing how BB Gunn is going to fix this mess. So for now we'll stay a little quiet so the peace can be kept. I know I’m the true number one contender, I’m sure Gerhard and Karl both know this deep down. So I’m doing what I’m told, I’ll see BB Gunn shortly, and he’ll tell me three words I’m looking for so I can focus on Maze…Oh. Hell. Yes.
Chant smiles and leaves, the camera then cuts to ringside.
MATCH THREE
Mr. Bollywood vs The Red Wasp
As the bell rang, Mr. Bollywood had an uneasy look on his face, for the first time since his arrival in NLW, me may well be facing somebody a bit more flamboyant than himself. Still, that look, and indeed that feeling soon went, as he moved his opponent into a headlock very swiftly after tying up. Using the ropes, The Red Wasp bounced Bollywood to the opposite ropes, Bollywood went under his leapfrog but on his return was met by a arm drag. Both men were straight up and Bollywood went for a clothesline, Wasp ducked under and carried his momentum on, Bollywood turned around to find Wasp hitting a low dropkick to send him face first to the mat.
Keen to impress, The Red Wasp went on the offensive. Producing kick after kick to keep Bollywood from mounting any form of attack. That said, Bollywood slowly got to his feet, so Wasp hit him with The Chest Slap! Bollywood took the hit and played up to The Red Wasp, who was psyching himself up to go even bigger, despite the second Chest Slap sounding even harder, Bollywood was still encouraging him! The Red Wasp went for a third, but Bollywood decided to duck and try for an early Bollywood Bottom, Wasp elbowed out and as Bollywood spun back to him, he hit a hurricanrana. With Bollywood down, The Red Wasp hopped over the top rope onto the ring apron, and with a springboard back in, hit The Flight of the Vespa [springboard 450 splash]. He made the cover, but Bollywood got the shoulder up.
Despite not getting the pin, The Red Wasp was quick to bring Bollywood back to his feet and hit a snap suplex. Straight away he was back up and ran towards the nearest corner, jumping up and looking for The Swarm [double jump moonsault], but Bollywood rolls away. Bollywood stalks the man from The Hive, and plants him with --AND CUTTTTTT! [spinning spinebuster], me makes the quick cover, but only gets a two count.
Firmly on top now, Bollywood grabbed Wasp up by his neck and threw him into the corner, with Wasp dazed, he grabbed the middle ropes and charged his shoulder into his midsection a number of times. He then took a few steps back and went for a big splash, but Wasp got both feet up, sending Bollywood stumbling back and on the canvas, holding his head. As the referee went to check on The Sensational Singh, The Director of Doom was on the Apron, and hit the Box Office Smash [clipboard to the back of the head] on The Red Wasp. Wasp hit the floor and as Bollywood recovered, he glared at his manager, knowing full well what had just transpired and not being in approval of it.
Bollywood did not look in a great mood following this, and adding that to his loss to Maze, decided not to go for the cover despite Doom’s protests, and instead made his way to the top rope. He leapt off, looking for the Paparazzi Palooza [elbow drop], but there’s nobody home! The Red Wasp slowly got to his feet ahead of Bollywood, and as Bollywood stumbled to his feet, he hit the Anaphylaxis [reverse hurricanrana]. He makes the cover and gets the three count!
[WINNER: The Red Wasp Via Anaphylaxis at 07:01]
In the back we find the newly dubbed El Rey as walks out of his locker room. He walks with a smirk on his face and he turns a corner out of sight and we hear.
El Rey: What are you doing here?
The camera rushes to catch up and rounds the corner to find El Rey standing face-to-face with the man he claims trained him Scorpion.
Scorpion: You used me and threw me aside?
El Rey: Oh no, is big bad uncle Scorpion mad because he got used? Shouldn’t you be used to it by now? Rat Bastard did that to you multiple times. Rob Arnold even did it to you last year to try and get one last shot at the X*Crown and then when that failed he cast you aside and found another way. You only exist to be used Scorps, just because you exist for a purpose.
Scorpion: I wish I could say you’re wrong. Look kid I don’t care if you were just using me I care about how you’re misusing everything I taught you. You’re out there throwing fits and trying to make a fool of people. That’s not what I taught you.
El Rey: Waaah! Big ole Scorps is sad because another one of his protégé’s are ignoring his teachings. What do you want of me Scorps? You want me to hide my feelings and be all dark and brooding like you? It’s 2020 uncle, men don’t have to hide their feelings anymore. We can say how we feel and show our emotions. We don’t need to hide in the shadows and pretend like we’re not bothered when people fuck us over. Now get out of my way-
El Rey pushes past Scorpion and straight into another man, Rob Arnold.
Arnold: You know, as a friend of your father, as well as this guy who you so willingly want to try and upset, I'd have thought you would have known better.
Rob smirks.
Arnold: You may want to ignore what they taught you, but I'll offer you something you may not want to ignore, there's always somebody willing to knock you off your little pedestal, or just willing to knock you out. So think a bit harder about how you run your mouth.
El Rey scoffs and rolls his eyes.
El Rey: Somebody like you? Please! If you ask me, you're a spent force nowadays Robbie, look at how you choked with the X*Crown. I'd have listened to you once, but you're just full of hot air now.
El Rey gets in Arnold's face.
El Rey: Since it's open fight night in two weeks, how about you try and knock me off my pedestal? Or am I right? Are you past it?
Arnold's eyes lock into El Rey's, his smirk has disappeared and has been replaced by an angry grimace. Suddenly, his right hand flies into El Rey's face, slapping him and making him take a step back. El Rey isn't bothered by this, instead he smiles, knowing he may be under Rob's skin.
Arnold: How about you prove to me you're worth a place at the adult's table first. You get Riley Richards, and don't worry, I'll be there to keep an eye on you.
El Rey stifles a laugh.
El Rey: Whatever. I've spent enough time here, I've got a match to win.
And just like that, he walks past Arnold, Scorpion walks back into shot to stand by his friend, and the pair watch El Rey leave.
MATCH FOUR
Southern States Championship: Qualifier 1
El Rey vs Frank Dylan James
As the bell rang to kick off the first qualifier to the Southern States Championship match, El Rey came out of the box with a Shotgun Dropkick that sent Frank Dylan James flying back into the turnbuckles before leading to some hard stomps to the head of Hillbilly Jesus, El Rey found himself running back to his corner before making the running charge to a seated Frank Dylan James with a Corner Shotgun Dropkick that knocked Frank through the middle and bottom ropes, almost falling through the ropes and out of the ring. El Rey was red hot at the beginning, continuing that momentum as he slingshotted himself over the ropes with a Leg Drop to Frank on the apron, leaving both men to spill out onto the floor. El Rey huffed as he waited patiently for Frank to get back up to his feet, as he did, El Rey came running back over but was caught out of nowhere with a wild swinging Knockout Punch as El Rey went down like a sack of potatoes.
Frank got the last laugh in that exchange but the Smokey Mountain Mauler was far from done with his prey, he picked up El Rey on the outside and slammed him neck first onto the ring apron before pushing him back into the ring and beating the referee’s count-out fall. Frank slid underneath the bottom ropes and entered the ring, raining down the Hammerfists to El Rey before the Twelve to Six Elbows came crashing down onto the skull of El Rey but the face painted teenager came firing back with head kicks to push Frank back - which they did - as he kipped up and landed a beautiful Jumping Enzuigiri to the back of Frank’s head. El Rey got back to his feet again and Frank staggered from the kick, but El Rey quickly followed up with another head kick followed by a Superkick and a Bicycle Knee before surprising the fans with the strength to pull off a Ripcord Spanish Fly onto Frank Dylan James.
El Rey was in charge of the match and it showed with how much work he was putting into the match, he sprung onto the second rope and came back looking to connect a Springboard Cutter but Frank met him with a loud chop that caught El Rey on the back as he soared through the air. Frank staggered into the corner and waited for El Rey to come back to his feet, and as he did, Frank came out of the corner with a Discus Roaring Lariat that almost decapitated the young teenager’s head clean off. Within that instance, Frank took control of the match, mounting on top of the teenager and firing down with the stiff forearm strikes to the jaw before he gotten back up to his feet and grabbed the arms of El Rey for an inverted surfboard position and rained down stomps after stomps after stomps to the head of El Rey.
Frank would bring El Rey back up to his feet, looking fatigued as ever, as he grabbed him by the waist in a Gutwrench positioning and picking him up and dropping him back down onto the back of his neck with an Unprotected Powerbomb that somehow manages to lead to a two count. Frank wasn’t pleased with that result, opting to go for another Unprotected Gutwrench Powerbomb but El Rey was able to counter with a Canadian Destroyer that spiked the Mastodon on the point of his head. Frank rolled onto his knees as El Rey kipped up and landed a head kick from behind, rebounding off of the ropes with a Shining Wizard to the back of his head before bringing Frank back up to his feet and leaping onto the ropes to connect the V-Nominal Variation II [Springboard Asai DDT], a move his father Venom used as he hooked the legs but got a very close two count. El Rey looks to continue pulling moves out of his father’s arsenal as he looked to lock in a Dragon Clutch but Frank found some power in him to lift himself back up to his feet and looked to spike El Rey down with the Samoan Driver but El Rey slides down the back and turned Frank around for Sliced Bread [Standing Backflip Cutter] which got another very close two count.
Frank is fatigued and taking a lot of damage as he brought himself back up to his feet and El Rey looked to end this with the Society Killer, but the pure weight of Frank Dylan James was too much for El Rey to lift by himself, which lead to a Sit Out Alabama Slam by Frank which got a two count. As both men got back to their feet, Frank spun around and landed a rough Spinning Backfist to the jaw of El Rey as he fell back into the ropes and rebounded, looking for a lariat as he rebounded from the Backfist but he was quickly struck down by a Running Boot to the face that turned the teenager inside out but Frank was far from done there as he went back on the offense with another Unprotected Deadlifting Gutwrench Powerbomb that folded El Rey up and with quick succession, Frank Dylan James lifted El Rey back up and in time for the West Virginia Spike [Choke Lift into a Thumb Spike to the neck] to land which gets the three count in a hard-fought qualifier.
[WINNER: Frank Dylan James Via West Virginia Spike at 14:42]
"Renegade" by JAY-Z and Eminem plays through the arena for the second time tonight, but this time he has a more stern look to his eyes as he enters the ring.
BB Gunn: Now, I've been thinking for two weeks now, and I've heard what others had to say during the night and it's made me truly question my own beliefs. It made me question if my decision was good or bad, if it is the right call or not, and with that I've come out here now with the right decision. So please, would both Karl Hagen and Rob Arnold come out here please.
The attention is set to the entrance curtain as Karl Hagen steps through first, making his way down to the ring before being slowly followed behind by Rob Arnold, they both enter the ring and stand at both sides of BB Gunn. Arnold on the left of Gunn and Hagen on the right of Gunn.
BB Gunn: I'm sure you two are aware I've asked you to be here and I'm sure we don't need to roll the footage again to show you all what has been going on. As all of you know, at Homecoming, both of your men went to a war with one another that ended in a controversial finish where both men had their shoulders down. I didn't like how it went, I didn't like how both of you handled the situation, and both of you are glad I didn't tell both of you to take a hike because you'll never get that shot.
Rob Arnold slowly takes the microphone out of Gunn's hand before bringing it up to his mouth.
Rob Arnold: I'm sure myself and Karl are out here to plead a case as to why our men should be given the contendership. I am aware of Karl's choice of words and his claims as to why Gerhard Bishop should be given that chance too, but if you weren't as blind as what Karl might have been, you'll see that Leon Chant had powerbombed Bishop down and flopped down onto him, all before Gerhard could place his arm over Chant. Doesn't matter how much footage you pull up, it'll show the same thing.
Karl steps in and grabs the microphone out of the hand of Rob Arnold.
Karl Hagen: Come on, Rob. You're better than this.
Rob rolls his eyes and scoffs.
Karl Hagen: No, don't give me that, Rob. The thing is that everything you've said is nothing more than excuses, that's all you've been full of, Rob - excuses. When Leon couldn't beat Gerhard clean, you go to the excuses. When you're this close from getting a shot at Maze and the NLW Heavyweight Championship, you'll go back to the excuses. You have to stop, Rob, it's not going to help you at all. All you are is some foreign coward who doesn't understand basic rules to a wrestling match.
Rob looks to step closer to Karl but Gunn intervenes.
BB Gunn: (off mic) No, Rob. Bot right now. This is not the time for a fight.
Gunn takes the microphone out of the hands of Hagen, continuing to stand between both men.
BB Gunn: I've had a long and hard think after hearing both of you and I've come to my decision. Ascendency Seven. Maze will defend his championship against both men in a Triple Threat Match for the NLW Heavyweight Championship. Both of you make valid points, both of you are willing to prove that either of you are worth taking on Maze, so let's see if either of you are true to your word. Don't let me fucking down.
"Renegade" plays through the speakers again as Gunn drops the microphone and heads out to the back, leaving Rob Arnold and Karl Hagen in the ring still as they continue to throw the verbal assault at one another.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Southern States Championship: Qualifier 2 - Gauntlet Match
Joe Blow vs Nathan Parker vs Joshua Darkwood vs Rex Brandon vs Jason Justice
Rex Brandon and Josh Darkwood were the two to start off. It would be fair to say that these two were happy to keep things simple, no tricks, no flips, just who could hit the other the hardest. Both men started out by exchanging knife edge chops, and frankly, neither seemed too bothered about the other’s offence, eventually Brandon got bored and instead just booted Darkwood in the midsection and clubbed his back to send him on his knees. With no intention of letting Darkwood have a chance to take a shot back, he thrusts a knee into his face, but keeps his hand on the back of his opponent’s head, so he can bring him close and lift him into a vertical suplex, which he holds in a cocky show of strength for a good ten second, before completing the suplex.
Hard Knocks was very much aware that this was going to be a long effort for him tonight if he was to be successful, so realised that he may want to put Darkwood away as quickly as possible. As Darkwood was back to his feet, he stuck another boot into his midsection, and this time was looking for a piledriver, but the Dark Wolf powered out, hitting a back body drop to Rex.
Brandon got back to his feet but Darkwood was onto him, backing him up into the corner with right hands, not content, he then hit the Pack Attack [knees in corner], which after six or seven knees left Brandon no other choice but to drop to the canvas, holding his stomach and gasping for air. Darkwood started to bring him back to his feet, but with the referee’s line of vision not clear, Brandon raked his eyes, sending him stumbling back. Brandon looked to pounce, and grabbed him by the waist looking for a German suplex, but Darkwood instinctively elbowed him, and with the hold released, hit a Wolfs-Bane [Diamond Cutter] out of nowhere! He covers and gets the three!
[Eliminated: Rex Brandon via Wolfs-Bane at 05:48]
Jason Justice was the next man in. He came to the ring and was keen to get an advantage over Darkwood, who looked like he was suffering some effects from his Homecoming match against Frank Dylan James. He started trading blows with Darkwood, but the Dark Wolf being more accustomed to a fist fight, started to land more punches, and with Justice on the back foot, he whipped him into the ropes, he ducked down looking for a big body drop, but Justice saw him coming, and hit the Code: Dude [Code: Red] and went for a cover, but Darkwood powered out.
Justice was keen to keep on top, and got Josh to his feet, he looked for an Irish whip but this was reversed, as he came back at Darkwood he went for a flying cross body, but Darkwood caught him, and sent him flying with a fall away slam. The air on the throw was so vast that it sent Justice rolling out of the ring!
Darkwood rolled out of the ring and looked like he wanted to do some damage to Justice, picking him up and dropping him face first onto the announce desk. Justice’s face rebounded off and he hit the ground. With the referee’s count at seven, he rolled back in and then out to break the count, and then marched back over to Justice, who had been crawling away from the desks. As Darkwood got close to Justice, The People’s Dude caught him with a drop toe hold, which sent Darkwood face first into the ring steps.
Both men were very slow to get back up, and by now the referee’s count was at five. Justice looked to get back in the ring, but Darkwood grabbed him by the shoulder, Justice instinctively spun around and kicked him in the midsection, following up with To The Head [fisherman’s spinebuster]. The referee was now at seven, and Justice was back in the ring. Despite Kate trying to encourage Darkwood back in, it seemed like the damage he’d taken at Homecoming, along with tonight, may be too much. He finally stirred at the nine count, and placed a hand on the apron, but it was too late, the referee completed the ten count, and he was eliminated.
[Eliminated: Joshua Darkwood via countout at 11:31]
Joe Blow came out next, and curiously he came out with a sign that says “BB GUNN: STOP MAKIN’ ME DO STUFF, DICK”, he approached the camera and repeated a similar phrase that required the censors, and then dropped the sign to reveal that he was wearing just a grubby looking shirt and very grubby Y-fronts. Justice looked on in disgust, on the other hand, The Hobo looked rather pleased with himself.
Finally, he got in the ring and marched to the middle, Justice was working out a plan of attack, but was shocked at what happened next. True to his word, Joe Blow led down on the mat, demanding Justice to pin him. Justice hesitated, this was for two reasons, first, he wasn’t sure if this was a trick, secondly, he really wasn’t keen on making contact with whatever was on Blow’s shirt.
Joe was getting impatient however, and screamed at Justice, telling him to pin him, and then taking it a step further by telling him ‘pin me you coward’. In his defence, many people may have taken the ‘coward’ option at this point, Justice, to his credit decided to take a deep breath, hold it, and make the cover, and true to his word, Joe Blow allowed the three count.
[Eliminated: Joe Blow via…his lack of desire to be in this match at 13:48]
Nathan Parker was in next, although his entrance was slightly overshadowed by the fact that we could now see that Joe Blow’s Y-fronts were not just an unsettling colour, but also has a huge hole, revealing one of his buttocks as he went back towards the entrance.
Parker came in and looked to bring the fight straight away, looking for a big right which Justice ducked under and replied with a sharp sounding knife edge chop, he whipped Parker to the corner and ran after him, but Parker saw him coming and planted his boot into Justice’s face. Justice stumbled back, and Parker leapt at his opponent and connected with a leaping DDT.
He didn’t go for the cover, instead Parker dragged Justice to his feet and hit him with a fisherman’s suplex, holding the bridge for a cover but getting a two. He kept up the pressure though, and after bringing Justice to his feet once more, he sent him flying to the corner with a big headbutt. With Justice dazed, he propped him up onto the top rope, and after a few punches, he climbed to the top as well, and went looking for a superplex. Justice blocked, this however, and after two heaved attempts, Natty by Nature was sent crashing to the mat. Justice quickly composed himself and hit a frog splash, making the cover, but only getting the two!
Justice was a bit winded, but first back to his feet and sized Parker up, Parker was up but unaware of his opponent’s whereabouts, and Justice snuck up and hit him with a release German Suplex. The release sent Parker to the edge of the ring, where he rolled onto the ring apron. Justice walked over and reached through the second rope to grab his opponent, but Parker hit him with a swift right hook, this allowed Parker to get to his feet and as Justice approached again he planted a forearm into him. Parker didn’t let Justice stumble away though, instead he grabbed the back of his head to keep him there, and following a second forearm, he hooked him in position for a suplex. He lifted The Here and Now but Justice used his ring awareness to hook his foot around the bottom rope, and as he landed back on his feet, he instead lifted Parker up and over the rope, hitting a vertical suplex of his own.
As Parker was slow to get up, Justice looked to go for the Code: Dude, as he approached him Parker was revealed to be playing possum, and almost decapitated Justice with a lariat. Deciding enough was enough, parker signalled his intent and went to the top rope, and dove off, looking for Shotgun [top rope elbow], but Justice rolled away. Both men were breathing heavy, but got to their feet, and Parker looked for another lariat, but this time Justice saw him coming, and used the momentum to get him on his shoulders, and dropped him with The Gavel [Time Bomb]. He made the cover, and got the three!
[Winner: Jason Justice via The Gavel at 21:24]
The referee raises Justice's hand as "Here and Now" by the Earnies begins to play. However, his celebrations are cut short as suddenly, Frank Dylan James appears behind him, and Justice turns around and is choked by the big man, who promptly lifts him and hits the West Virginia Spike.
Simmons: What's going on here? Justice has barely had time to catch his breath!
West: Frank's an old hand, but he's smart, he's asserting his authority on Jason Justice before they face off at Ascendancy VII!
Simmons: I don't care how you spin it, he doesn't need to do it!
West: Doesn't need to? Maybe, but he wants to, and are you going to tell that guy no, Simmo?
James raises his arms in celebration, happy with the job he's just done.
Simmons: Nonetheless, Frank Dylan james will Face Jason Justice in four weeks time, one of them will be the first NLW Southern States Champion. Before that, we have Ascendancy VI in two weeks, not only will be enjoying more of a festive time, it'll be Open Fight Night! We will see you then folks!
