Northern Pro Wrestling Does New Years -- December 30th, 2020

[Oh-Oh]

The following event will take place at the Powerade Centre in Mississauga Ontario. 
20% Capacity

--

Most major events under the Northern Pro Wrestling banner typically commence with Gus Arnold in the middle of the ring, as he welcomes the audience to the event.

Not tonight.

With Crowning of a Champion II in the rearview, and Northern Pro set to end 2020 with a bang - Gus is nowhere to be found. Instead, we start with a replay of what happened at the Crowning of a Champion II presser involving Jay Stevens and Bloodline.

[Replay.]

Stevens is handed a bottle of water by one of the NPW runners as he takes a seat at the table, joined by his allies Jordan Neal and Nicole Anderson. The gathered press take note of his arrival and begin to stir with their questions poised.

“Jay, excellent performance in the Battle Royal tonight but I’m sure everyone wants to know about your actions following the match. What brought you to the ring to help Lord Dominicus from the beating by The Syndicate?”

“I told everyone from day one that professional wrestling is a sport and you have to conduct yourself with a certain amount of honor,” Stevens confidently answers as he adjusts to sit more upright. “And what I saw happening wasn’t something I could just stand by and allow.”

Jay motions to Justin Spencer from NPW.com.

“During the Battle Royal you found yourself seemingly aligned with the eventual winner, Eric Dane, right up until he eliminated you. Yet you found yourself standing against him after the match, was it really a spur of the moment decision or did you have a bit of revenge in mind?”

Jay smiles and shakes his head.

“Most people in the wrestling business have history with Eric Dane, mine is just a more personal history. I won’t deny that there was some naivete on my part during the match. I thought maybe ‘Uncle Eric’ would help me out,” Jay smirks. “But that’s not who he is…”

Jay pauses, carefully contemplating his next words.

“And then we all got a reminder of who he is when he couldn’t stop himself, even in victory. It wasn’t enough to lie and cheat his way to the Championship, he had to take it one step further… always one step too far. So I stayed true to who I

I am and made my way back to the ring.” 

Hands shoot up to ask the next question but Jay waves them off.

“Make no mistake though, I didn’t go to that ring and stand face to face with The Syndicate because Eric Dane eliminated me from a match. I went to that ring because, just like I did with Bloodline, I had to stand my ground and stop something that is just wrong.”

A familiar redhead with more spunk that tact interjects.

“And you took quite a beating for your troubles until Bryan Chase and Joseph Mack came to your rescue. You have the Loser Leaves match with Bloodline and you have two mystery partners in your pocket, did we get a glimpse of that team tonight?”

Jay smiles and shrugs, coyly giving neither a yes or no answer.

“Mayorga, Fuentes and Ortega are going to have to sweat it until New Years Eve.”

Stevens rises from his chair and motions to the door for his team to leave, thanking the press for the time. As Anderson, Neal and Stevens approach the door, a loud noise is heard from the opposite side of the room and then…

[THWAAACK!!]

The metal door to the press room is violently slammed shut and into Nicole Anderson’s face, sending her flying backward into Neal and Stevens! The members of the press explode in shocked chatter and the mood in the room suddenly changes.

[Bloodline.]

Mayorga flies through the air from behind the table and floors Stevens with a hangman’s tackle, launching a frenzy of punches to his face. The door whips open and Fuentes and Ortega enter, taking advantage of the chaos and attacking the distracted Jordan Neal.

As Neal tries to tend to the unconscious Nicole Anderson, Ortega hits him in the back of the head with a thick metal chain adorned with several padlocks, sending him crashing to the ground. Fuentes folds up some chairs and he and Ortega start repeatedly bringing the steel down on Neal, focusing on his legs to cripple the muscular wrestler.

With Neal and Anderson incapacitated, the trio turn their attention to Stevens. Ortega and Mayorga drag him to his feet and isolate his arms while Fuentes takes the chain and begins to taunt Stevens, gleefully daring anyone in the room to stop him.

Fuentes rears back with the chain and…

[The Professional.]

Leon Van Zandt grips Fuentes’ wrist so tightly that he loses control of his hand and drops the chain. Mayorga and Ortega drop Stevens and go to attack but as Fuentes locks eyes with the cold stare of the Belgian, he bellows for them to stop. Van Zandt releases his iron grip and Fuentes stumbles back into his running mates.

“We’ll see you real soon, motherfucker...” Fuentes exclaims as Bloodline backs away, putting a few more parting kicks to Stevens as they exit.

[Cut.]

--

Fatal Fourway

First Fall Wins

30 Minute Time Limit

Joe Ghaven vs. Shawn Kutter vs. Nemo vs. Jonnie Valentine

There was a lot of beef in this fatal fourway match, which made for a very hectic opener. All four men were legal, and it was essentially a race to the first pinfall. The winner would be blessed with an opportunity to challenge for championship gold at some point in the near future. For four men who were looking to position themselves as key players in Northern Pro Wrestling, this opportunity could serve to be a huge negotiating tactic.

Should the winner decide to challenge for the Imperial Crown Tag Team Championships, they would certainly need to find an ally to team up with. Should the winner decide to go about it from a singles match perspective, we all know that Eric Dane has to Syndicate ready and willing to make any match against him an uphill battle in regards to the numbers game.

Whoever wins this match, was about to have some serious control in Northern Pro, and that ought to be used wisely.

Jonnie Valentine seemed wise to the fact that he was the smallest of the four men in the ring, and he was no slouch in the size and strength department. Valentine seemed to be talking strategy with Shane Kutter, who was set to make his debut in the match. Both men had their sites set on Nemo, who looked like the type of guy you just didn't mess with. 'The Iron Bear' was north of 400 pounds, and had no qualms about taking the fight to all three of his opponents if they decided to cross him.

When the first near fall took place, which was Ghaven nearly pinning Valentine, it alerted Kutter and Nemo to the fact that the other part of the strategy in this match was not to get too deep into a battle, so that you're fully aware of your surroundings and are able to break up potential pitfalls. It was Kutter was the most reluctant to dive head first into a squabble, but that might also be due to the fact that this was his first match in the promotion.

As the match carried on, Nemo was the most willing to throw caution to the wind. He also showed tremendous strength, when he was able to execute a sidewalk slam on Ghaven! The crowd was in awe that the feat of strength. Kutter jumped into the fray, and continued to pummel Ghaven. As is the case in most scenarios, Joe Ghaven is a walking target. 

Another highlight, was when Valentine and Kutter decided to work together, by hitting Nemo with a double clothesline, which sent him over the top rope and temporarily out of sight. They then executed a clothesline/german suplex double team on Ghaven, with Valentine clubbing Ghaven with a nasty lariat, while Kutter did his best to drop Ghaven on his head from the waistlock position. 

Instead of locking up, Kutter and Valentine divised another plan, and this one saw Kutter attempt to launch Valentine with the help of the ring ropes onto Nemo with a plancha! Valentine had the height, and was definitely going to do damage.

Except, he ended up doing the damage to himself when Nemo moved out of the way at the last minute and Valentine fell hard into the guardrail. Insulted that he was set to be the victim of an attack, Nemo grabbed Valentine and held him against the ring post, teasing that he was going to choke slam him.

Meanwhile, Kutter to advantage of being the only man in the ring, he saw Ghaven getting to his feet. Kutter rushed forward and hit Ghaven with his patented Edge Kutter! Ghaven hit the mat hard, face first. Kutter held from the cover

1...

2...

3....

Nemo rolled into the ring a moment too late, and couldn't break up the pinfall in time. The referee called for the bell and awarded the match to Shawn Kutter, who had just put the finishing touches on a masterful debut in Northern Pro Wrestling.

Winner: Shawn Kutter via EdgeKutter (9:35)

Kutter rolled out of the ring, and raised his hand to the crowd. He walked over to check on Jonnie Valentine, whom he seemed to have a little bit of chemistry with. Valentine was coughing a bit as it appeared as though Nemo had some bad intentions in regards to next steps and Jonnie's neck. 

The final shot was of Nemo staring down both Valentine and Kutter. The leader of the Church of Oblivion was moments away from changing the tide in the contest.

[Cut.]

--

[Outside.]

As usual, the Powerade Centre had a cordoned off private parking area on the back end of the loading docks where staff and performers could arrive with a modicum of anonymity and privately enter the building without the hassle of the droves of Canucklehead fans that tended to frequent these types of events with their replica title belts shining and their bearded necks unshaven.

That private lot was where an elongated Lincoln Navigator came to a rest, curbside. A driver, complete with little hat, hopped out and scurried around the vehicle to pull open the custom suicide rear passenger’s side door. After a moment, a polished leather boot poked out and found purchase on the asphalt.

That foot belonged to Eric Dane.

The Only Star was dressed impeccably in a three-piece royal blue and black houndstooth get-up with a gunmetal silver vest. A pair of Maybach sunshades rested comfortably across his nose, and a trademarked smirk was curled across his lips.

DANE:
Here we are, boys, big shit’s poppin’ tonight!

Reaching back into the stretch luxury truck, Eric retrieved the North American Double Crown title belt and he cradled gently into the crook of his left arm.

Scott Steel unfolded out of the back seat next. Herculean in a way that only Hercules would fit a description, the Mountain wore black sunglasses and leather pants and a leather vest and looked all business. He surveyed the area loosely, looking for potential threats to Dane's person and/or property. Scott grunted, indicating that there were no threats.

“Fuckin’ Christ, it’s always an event with you guys, ain’t it?!”

Angus Skaaland was out next dressed in a CCFC t-shirt and torn jeans. The aging hipster refused to lose his edge, no matter how much lording would have to be done in the process.

DANE:
Would you have it any other way?

ANGUS:
Yeah, literally any other way.

The trainer and promotor made way for The Champ’s protege, SWAT Amazon Graysie Parker to emerge from the Navigator next. Graysie wasn’t dressed to work, as she was only a visitor for the evening in Northern Pro.

GRAYSIE:
For Christ’s sake, Eric, that big lug can’t think, but you trust him with your personal security? Seriously?

Next out of the car, was a man shorter in stature than the Mountain, but no less massive. Wearing a mask, and wrestling tights but lacking any shirt, the Lincoln came up a few inches on its suspension as The Aurochs came out of the car. He roared and rumbled past the group with surprising straight line speed, clearing NPW security personnel much like a bowling ball clears pins.

Briefcase in hand, the next member of the Syndicate made his appearance from the car. Sporting an armani sports jacket over an emerald dress shirt with a jade and white tie. The masked Jesse Jamester, sporting a new pair of black snakeskin boots, reached back in the car to grab a matching black and green cowboy hat and placed it on his head.

JAMESTER:
Do you feel that boys?

DANE:
Feels like VICTORY! Another one for the bad guys, am I right?

Angus groans, Graysie chuckles, Scott intensifies and Jesse cracks a reptilian grin.

DANE:
Come on then, let’s go add to the collection!

Eric turns and marches toward the entrance, his growing entourage in tow.

[Cut.]

--

[Backstage.]

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.”

The scene opens up in the middle of nowhere. It is a field, in the middle of the night. The camera moves around and then up, showing the star filled, clear, night sky. There is no light anywhere around, besides the feeble light the stars throw at mother earth. Yet, that light is enough for us to see . See what is happening. The camera moves around a bit more but it still can not find a target.

There is a voice though.

That voice starts speaking, again.

“We are made of water, flesh and bones. Without our dreams and our emotions, recycled, we would be no more worth than toilette paper.

People need to believe in themselves. Believe that they have the power to change the world. The world they live in. They need to believe that their dreams can lead them to a better future. Without them, without the passion and desire we are nothing more than a big pile of crap.

But people forget this, they forget this many times during their existence.

They go on in their lives by calculation. They make a math exercise out of their life. They marry someone because that someone is rich, not because thy love that very someone. They accept a new job offer because its better paid, not because they love the job and the new challenge.

And so, they go on in their existence. They are a mere calculating machine.

And then they wonder why is it so that someday they wake up, fat, bold, old and farty and do not recognize themselves anymore.

They suddenly understand that they have nothing left, in this life, that they care about. They understand that their life is a big lie and a big disappointment.

They understand that it is too late to change anything

And thus, you find em, one day, hanging in the toilette, with their tongue out , crap filled pants and urine wet.

Dead and not buried.

Long time before they died.

Do you know what they say about the stars? The Most luminous ones?

They say that those that shine strong, burn fast!

...But I digress!

Those who shine strong, will always be remembered and thus live longer than the ones who live long but have a fickle, feeble light to offer.

I take this as an analogy to human life.

Those who have pursued their dreams and have achieved them, live long in our memory. Their deeds a song. A song of Legends that remains in the centuries.

That is what I strive to achieve.

That is the way I want to live.

An intense existence.

A dream filled life.

That’s why I am here. That’s why I am back. Because I want to pursue my dreams, and fighting and becoming the best, is all I want to do.

That’s why I am here. That’s why I am…

...Night!”

[The man also known as Lynx bows his head, as the camera fades away.]

[Cut.]

--

Mixed Tag Team Match

20 Minute Time Limit

Isabel Rios &  John Cavanagh vs. Terminatrix & Kono 

The highly anticipated mixed tag team match was about to begin on this cold winter night in Mississauga, Ontario. Crowd panning out, as the lights when dark, and the music queued for Terminatrix and Kono.

Dastardly the devilish duo came to the ring to a jeer from the crowd. Their menacing presence was not received well, and the Northern Pro Wrestling audience made it clear to them. The Dark Stars and Dark Novas were on a mission, and for what, we were still tuning in to find out the trail mix clues to the grail of that question.

Following them, John Cavanagh would make his entrance, sporting some tape on his right wrist and hand and carrying a shillelagh. At this point, John had never been beat by pinfall or submission in NPW. His CofaC II showing was impressive, and left an impression on his presence in NPW on the roster and the audience. A choir of cheers echoed as the hardened vet swaggered to the ring, marching to his own tune.

Isabel Rios music hit after John was in the ring, and the lights gleamed bright on the young star. Rios was coming off a solid victory over Deco from J-ROK. There was nothing left unsaid between the two, as the showdown provided a platform for both women to elevate their stardom. Coming from that high to this hate, the vengeance she was seeking, Rios didn’t sport her usual smile to the ring. No, Isabel Rios was clenched fists and a stern laser gaze at Kono and Terminatrix.

Starting the match would be John Cavanagh and Kono. John went straight for the tie up and shoved Kono to the corner, dominating the early going with an aggressive approach. The fire in the Celtic Club’s leader was evident, and his punches, chops, and series of short clotheslines to Kono were proof of it. Cavanagh would sling Kono to the ropes, and hit a rebounding running DDT that rocked Kono early.

John was a man on a mission, and his sights were set on showing Kono you don’t piss off the Irish. It was a lesson in respect, and with every corner chop, the crowd would ‘Woooooooo’ for the Celtic Crippler. John seemed to have one goal, and it was whooping Kono from post to post.

Slinging him across the ring to the opposite corner, Kono made a move and ran up the turnbuckle, back flipping over John and snapping him back with a vicious float over neck breaker! Kono was finding his wind, and took to locking on a tight headlock to control the pace of the match. Kono would be fought to his feet, and pushed to the ropes, where the referee broke it up. In this moment, Kono poked Cavanagh in the eyes as the referee was between them, and as soon as they split, Kono ninja rolled under a wild punch by Cavanagh, side sweep kicking Cavangh in the knee, and throwing him off balance.


The stars were aligning, and Kono saw his chance, he bounced off the ropes and executed a shining wizard with haste! Heaving his body over John, he hooked the leg for a two count, but John was not letting it end that quickly. Getting to his feet, Cavanagh threw a punch, planting Kono on the side of his head. Teetering, Kono was unready and caught off guard when John exploder suplexed the star over his shoulders into the turnbuckle nearest his partner Isabel Rios! 

Tagging in Isabel Rios, she went to town kicking Kono before the referee stopped her, forcing her to wait for Kono to leave the ring and let Terminatrix in. Isabel wasted no time shooting for a take down on Terminatrix. Successful, Isabel would shoot behind Terminatrix and use her hips to pull Terminatrix up and over for a german, but Terminatrix’s momentum sent her flipping to her feet! Isabel rolled over expecting to see her hand work, but instead caught a shin to the chest from Terminatrix! 

Terminatrix would take over for the following series, showing off the arm drags with wicked speed, sending the young Rios for a loop. Terminatrix broke her down with clinch holds that chained into stretches, forcing audible anguish from Rios in the process. Terminatrix wore down the spitfire Rios, rocking her old school. 

Rios would seek to recover from a crossface she broke by grabbing the ropes. While the referee forced Terminatrix to break the hold and back up, Isabel Rios used the ropes to gain her balance. As she turned around, Kono pulled her hair, and Rios shot an elbow that rocked him. Terminatrix used the distraction to rush at Rios, but Rios side stepped and used the momentum to send Terminatrix into Kono, crashing Kono to the outside barricade. 

Rios took advantage of the mistake, and hooked Terminatrix from behind, hitting a dragon suplex on her opponent! Bridging, she went for the pin! 

Slipping a shoulder at a near fall, Terminatrix stayed in it, forcing Isabel Rios to try again. Rios went for a headlock to pull up her opponent, and Terminatrix dropped her with a jaw breaker – sending Rios stumbling backwards into her corner. John Cavanagh tagged himself in, and hopped off the apron. 

Cavanagh came around the corner, knowing full well Kono was just getting up, and like a hunter stalking his prey, forearm smashed Kono in the face as he turned around. The move rocked Kono, who would stagger backwards, and with that a quick Russian leg sweep from John Cavanagh to Kono would land on the guard rail! Metal screeching as the barricade moved back into the audience chairs. Fans clustered around would eek as the guardrails moved.

Cavanagh saw his opportunity, and shipped Kono under the bottom rope and followed suit. The Celtic Crippler was eyeing up his shillelagh in the corner, but changed his mind and setup Kono for a powerbomb. Lifting him up, it appeared to be all daises for Kono’s future! Kono put up a struggle, sliding his legs and ass out of the powerbomb position, until Cavanagh changed it to a Crucifix Powerbomb by grabbing his arms, and smiling like a mad man! Sending Kono crashing to the canvas with a force that popped the audience!

Rios was on the apron, asking for the tag, but Cavanagh dismissed it – seeking some redemption of his own for the Rumble loss. John would hook Kono’s head, and raise the formidable space suited fella into the air, dropping him on his head while hooking the leg – Hell’s Kitchen Drop! 

Keeping the leg hooked, Cavanagh took the cover and the win as Rios sprinted across the ring to deliver one last knee to the incoming Terminatrix! Booting her from the ring and apron with her knee, Rios would be successful in defending the count as the referee signaled for the bell. 

Winners: John Cavanagh and Isabel Rios via Hell's Kitchen Drop (13:57)

--

[Backstage.]

[We switch to the corridors of the Powerade Centre. Scott Steel is standing stock still in his wrestling gear. The Siren of the Squared Circle Roxylishus rounds a corner and comes upon him and stops, taking him in.]

Roxylishus : Awww. I know that look. What’s wrong ya big lug? Lovesick?

[Steel who probably hadn’t even noticed the diminutive Roxy at this point stares blankly at her. It probably seems calculated to Roxy who is always looking for an angle.]

Roxylishus : At ease big guy. I come in peace. You know, she was never good enough for you.

[She places a hand familiarly on his naturally(allegedly) ripped torso.]

You could do soooo much better

[She is cooing like a siren of Greek origin. Many a man has felt the swoon of this song.]

Not just with that bimbo Cassie either, she tried the slut life and couldn’t embrace it. You need soooo much more (she coo’s again, laying her siren sex spell on him.) From that Glory Hound Dane as well.

[Steel must seem to be made of stone. The mention of Dane brings him back to “reality”. His logarithmic ascent to raw rage has begun.]

He is using you. You could squish him like an ant.

You should be with us!

[Steel stares stoically ahead.]

We make more cash than him you know. When we came here to NPW it was for the largest contract in XHF history. Ever since that day, the NPW has exploded. Every penny earned. We got lots to spare and can give you far more than ‘The Only Star”.

Do you know what he means when he calls himself the ‘Only Star’?

That Scott Steel is NOT a star in his eyes, and he is the only one.

[Steel looks probably looks confused.]

Just think about it big guy. Timeless knows what you can do, and you know what HE can do.

Plus (she leans in close and places a hand on his thigh and whispers in his ear) Plus, there are lots more benefits working with us.

[She motions him to lean down. He is paying the exact amount of non-animal and Eric Dane attention that he normally does. Finally, a solid poke gets his attention and he leans over.]

[She kisses him softly on the cheek and then turns and walks off, wavy air surrounding the head of Steel as the Charm spell surrounds him.]

[The Aurochs comes bashing forward purposefully knocking objects off of other objects.]

[The two men stare at one another before heading back to the Syndicate rooms.]

[Cut.]

--

Grudge Match

20 Minute Time Limit

'Timeless' Alex Turner vs. Danuwaanahili 

Orion - Eternity (Chillout Version) hits and Alex Turner struts down the aisle. Glaring at the crowd with contempt and disgust. Roxylishus stops to interact with one of the fans, then wretches and turns away heading to the ring, she gets up on the apron and holds the ropes down for Alex Turner. Roxylishus grabs the mic and passes it to Turner.

Timeless: I got passion in my pants and I ain’t afraid to show it.

Cowd: I’'M SEXY AND I KNOW IT!

Timeless: No (holding his hand up to block them) Your not! I (points to himself with his thumb) AM!

Alex Turner drops the mic and saunters smugly around the ring impressed with himself. The crowd booing him is heard as the music fades out. Timeless was in prime form tonight, oiled up like a sun beached bro, and sporting the confidence cocky smile he was so famous for. 

"My Land” by Litefoot swept through the arena’s sound system. An audience spread out through the arena started cheering at the familiar sound, to this NPW native. The opponent this evening hailed from the most unlikely of places, Oklahoma, that is if you were to guess from his appearance. Danuwaanalihi, or Danu as the crowd was chanting, proudly sporting his Cherokee history in his attire choice. 

Bell tolling, the competitors took to a circle around the ring, Alex Turner though would play with the young man, raising his hand for a test of strength, to which Danu would answer. At the last minute Timeless through up the other hand and smiled bigger, before kicking Danu in the gut. Axe handle to the back, he was chopping down the taller man, but had the weight advantage. Timeless would use that mass to overpower Danu and control the opening of this bout. 

At every turn, Timeless would be caught flexing on Danu, showing off just how much better he was, and backing it up in this case. Running the ring from post to post, Timeless took it upon himself to send a message with Danuwaanahili, and that message was heard loud and clear.

Timeless: You watching Dane? This is your future! 

Turner continued dominating, using his power and technical prowess to manipulate his opponent’s body into stretches the human body wasn’t meant to be in. Every time Timeless could flaunt his body, he took advantage, telling fans to get a photo, it would last longer. The Alex Turner they hated, was backing it up tonight, and proud of himself. 

Lifting his opponent from the mat after a Boston cloverleaf, Timeless whipped Danu into the ropes and delivered a hellacious powerslam, snapping the back of Dany off the canvas and shaking his head. He wasn’t done with his toy, and this was too much fun for Alex Turner. Pushing off Danu, Alex waited for him to get up, watching as he grabbed and clawed at the boots, knees, and eventually waist of Timeless to get to his feet. 

Irish whip across the ring, Danu reversed, and Timeless ran to the corner, turning at the last moment and big booting an incoming Danu! Switching places, Timeless throws Danu into the corner and unloads with chops before mounting the second rope hovering over Danu. 

Slapping the taste out of Danu’s mouth, Timeless yelled for Dane again, as he stood over Danu in the corner on the second turnbuckle. Danu slipped out between his legs and as he turned around was met with a double elbow smash off the second rope, Timeless stopping him dead cold. 

Latching on the Turnabout, Timeless wrenched back on his opponent’s upper body – still yelling for Dane. 

Timeless: Do you see this Eric Dane! Your time is coming! 

Wrenching back as far as the body can go, Danu has no choice but to tap out. 

Winner by submission, ‘Timeless’ Alex Turner! (6:22) 

Timeless: Eric Dane, have a hard look at your future!

Finally letting go of Danuwaanahili, the referee checks on him. Timeless would leave the ring as the referee through up an “X” with his arms and medical staff came down the sides of the ramp to the ringside area. Timeless, looking in the camera as he walks up the ramp makes a declaration.

Taking one final photo op to show off his body at the top of the stage, Alex Turner would disappear behind the curtain. Medical staff treated Danuwaanahili.

[Cut.]

--

[Backstage.]

Dylan Black, the reigning and soon to be defending X*Crown champion, and Joseph Mack, the newest member of the NPW roster, are barely ten feet apart but neither seems even aware of the other’s presence, both clearly engrossed in their pre-match warmups and rituals, in their ring gear, ready for the moment when some member of the NPW backstage staff will come down the hall to let them know their match is coming up. It doesn’t seem to be a matter of respect or disrespect, just the tunnel vision of two very focused competitors preparing themselves for two very different, but very difficult, challenges ahead of them.

The silence in the hallway is broken by two voices as one of the production assistants, a slender woman with short blonde hair, rounds the corner into view, Isabel Rios walking alongside her, also dressed for her match.

Rios: “No, the short hair really does look great on you. Really fits your facial structure well.”

PA: “Thank you! I was worried about cutting it so short but after breaking up with Brad I wanted something new and…”

The PA trails off as the two women walk past the male wrestlers, both slowing down as they do, as if of the same mind. Gazes darting from the abs of Black to the hulking Mack, back and forth; the PA’s eyes are wide as saucers, Isabel Rios biting her bottom lip as they finally pass, the grapplers seemingly oblivious to their presence.

PA: “... what were we talking about?”

Rios: “I have no idea. Brad? You said something about a Brad?”

PA: “Brad who?”

Rios: “I have no idea. You thirsty?”

The PA blushes.

PA: “What? No! I mean…”

Rios: “Energy drink, I mean you want an energy drink? High Voltage sent me a case, I have a bunch in my locker room.”

PA: “Oh! Ah, yeah, I guess I’m a little thirsty.”

As the shot fades out:

Rios: “Yes, yes you are.”

[Cut.]

--

The video screen begins playing something that was previously taped backstage. The cameras are focused on the door before it swings open. Standing in the doorway and removing his sunglasses is the Dropkick King himself, Adrien Cochrane. He hangs the sunglasses from the top of his plaid shirt before taking a few steps inside the building with a folder tucked under his armpit.

Cochrane: Ah, there he is!

About ten steps later, with the camera following, Cochrane runs into the man he is looking for, NPW owner Gus Arnold.

Cochrane: Hey, Gus. Good to see you face to face finally. This was all the paperwork I think you were needing for me to participate in the tournament next month.

Cochrane hands the paperwork to Arnold to glance over. He turns a few pages before nodding his head.

Arnold: Yeah, this looks to be everything. We look forward to having you in the...

LD: Adrien Cochrane….

Lord Dominicus, the DARL LORD OF NPW, sidles up into the frame.

LD: You know, Adrien, the snail is a fascinating animal. It is in form essentially a bourgeoisie slug. A disgusting, small, creature but it rises above the others with its mighty shell. But the snail has one fatal failing the slug does not- while the slug is free to roam; its housed cousin has foolishly put all of its most important parts inside of the shell. Removed from that shell, the snail dies.

Dominicus looks at Adrien.

LD: You are a bourgeoisie slug. You have come here and there are accolades being reported to herald your coming for some future events. But here is not the home you have carried on your back. Your accomplishments and all that your name has been built on aren’t here in NPW. And removed from that name value- can you survive?

He snorts, not giving Adrien a chance to respond.

LD: So what will you be, a snail or a slug? I suppose it doesn’t matter as I shall crush either one between my toes. I AM THE LORD HERE! If you have merit, then prove it to us all- if not, stay out of my way like the rest of the PATHETIC FOOLS here. Welcome to the great white north, Cochrane

Dominicus then slips back off in the direction he came from. He glances over at Arnold. He had heard of Dominicus in passing but didn’t know much about the man.
Cochrane: What’s that guy’s problem?


--

Special Attraction

Tag Team Match

30 Minute Time Limit

The Syndicate [Scott Steel & Jesse Jamester] vs. Joseph Mack & Bryan Chase

 
One of the many major developments that took place at Crowning of a Champion II was the altercation after the Royal Rumble. It was here that Eric Dane, Jesse Jamester and Scott Steel looked to add insult to injury with their antics. Their target was Lord Dominicus, which then morphed into Jay Stevens. What they couldn't have known was Bryan Chase was eager for a receipt from the attack that Dane and Steel laid on him at the 2nd Chance event.

They could also have no idea that Gus Arnold and Liam Beesley had signed Joseph Mack - one of the hottest free agents on the Canadian Wrestling scene. Mack had been spending quite a bit of time at Gus' Warehouse, honing his craft, while adding other elements to his game with the guidance of Liam Beesley.

Based on Mack's look, presence, skill and attitude, he fits the role of blue chipper to a tee.

If you want to talk about being expected to sink or swim, there was no better scenario which would describe that mentality than this one right here and now.

JJ and Mack exchanged headwords prior to the bout, and their respective intensities picked up in the match once the bell rang. Mack showed tremendous feel and ring awareness, as he never had his back to Steel for more than a nano second, and he was aggressive in his movements. A single leg, followed by a dragon screw leg whip was an early highlight. JJ showed he's no slouch on the mat either, as he was able to grab Mack's massive arm, and take him down to the mat with a fujiwara arm-bar, and hold the position, while cranking on it. Mack rolled through, and hit the ropes before turning J inside out with a nasty hooked clothesline.

Steel shouted from the apron as saliva spewed everywhere. JJ looked up and tagged the big man into the match, Steel lumbered forward with clubbing shots, and Mack ate a few, but also snarled and speared Steel to the mat, before mounting him with some ferocious ground and pound.

The referee counted to five and forced a break. Mack stuck his chest out, and dared Steel to come for him. Be careful what you wish for, as Steel showed agility by pushing forward and connecting with a big boot. Mack bounced off the ropes near his corner, where Bryan Chase made the blind tag.

Chase leapt over Mack's shoulder and executed a diving forearm strike to Steel, that brought him down to one knee. A front kick to the chops followed, and Steel hit the mat. JJ reached down and made the tag, and hit the ring as soon as he was legal, and rebuffed Chase' next barrage of offence.

JJ was able to execute a beautiful capture super as Chase attempted a yakuza kick. JJ stayed on the mat and slapped on a head and arm sleeper hold, hoping to wear Chase down. The hold was effective, as Chase was seen kicking his legs with the desire to break free. He was able to use hs off hand to grab the rope and break the hold. As he tried to shake the cobwebs, JJ stuck him with a nasty european uppercut, followed by a double arm DDT that drove him head and neck first into the mat.

JJ had spiked Chase with such force, that the referee asked to check to ensure that Chase wasn't knocked completely cold. Chase looked to be conscious, but out of it. A smirk curled over JJ's lip, as he then tagged Steel into the match. JJ held Chase in place and Steel hammered Chase with a double axe handle to the chest area. It sounded like a baseball bat hitting a 90 mile an hour baseball out of the park. Chase hit the mat hard.

Steel started to yell and spit everywhere, before picking Chase up and driving him to the mat with a nasty powerbomb. The back of Chase' head hit the mat with brutal force.  

Steel stuck his boot on the middle of Chase' chest and dared Mack to come and get some. Mack being the rule follower that he is, looked on wishing that he could do more. The referee made the count, and The Syndicate picked up the win.

Winners: The Syndicate via Powerbomb (8:12)

Once the referee signalled for the bell, Joseph Mack entered the ring to check on his tag team partner. JJ was the first to greet him with a few disparaging remarks. Mack stood up, and the two of them went nose to nose. Well, nose to mask.

The tension was there between the two of them. Steel was off show boating in the corner, looking for his next protein shake. Mack eventually relented, not because he was worried about continuing the fight, but because it appeared as those Bryan Chase had really taken some bad shots to the head and concussions can be a real pain in the ass.

The scene concluded with the Syndicate flexing their muscles, as Mack and the referee motioned for EMT's to come from the back to check on Chase.

[Cut.]

--

[Media Package.]


[Clips of the brawl to open the 2nd Chance Event.]

[Jay Stevens and Jordan Neal are fighting like heroes against Fuentes, Mayorga and Ortega.]

[Bloodline starts to use their numbers advantage to overwhelm 'The Wrecking Crew'.]

[The match wasn't ever intended to hit the ring.]

[NPW Official hits the scene to break up the brawl that had no intention of ever becoming an actual match.]

[Jay's infamous 'This place isn't big enough for the both of us' speech follows.]

[Bloodline accept the challenge of the Loser Leaves Town Match.]

[Highlights of Leon Van Zandt coming to Steven's aid at the post fight press conference.]

[We listen to Leon speak highly of Jay Stevens, and how he reminds him of a younger version of himself.]

[Leon reminds us that the stakes are high, and that he is willing to put his career in NPW on-the-line to do what's right.]

[Leon reiterates that Jay Stevens has found an ally in him, and that he will be one of Jay's partners against Bloodline.]

[Cut.]
 
--

Loser Leaves Town

Six Man Tag Team Match

No Time Limit

Bloodline [Fuentes/Mayorga/Ortega] vs. Jay Stevens & Leon Van Zandt & TBD

It all came down to this. One group would stay while the other would be forced to leave Northern Pro Wrestling. After months of conflict, Bloodline might've bitten off more than they could chew. They are used to bullying tactics which often result in a positive outcome for themselves. However, when Mayorga tried to flex on Jay Stevens, he found out quickly that Stevens was never going to back down.

Once the three members of Bloodline had been introduced and made their way to the ring, they waited with intent in the far corner of the ring. The crowd sizzled, waiting to see who would be the third man for Stevens and Van Zandt.

Much to everyone's surpirse, Jay Stevens and Leon Van Zandt emerged from the backstage area together. There was no sign of a third man, and based on how Jay and Leon walked to the ring, they weren't expecting a third to be joining them. That didn't stop the fans from giving the duo a standing ovation. Leon and Jay acknowledged the fans support, but kept their eyes locked in on the ring and the task at hand. When they arrived at the ring, the referee asked if there was a third, to which Jay shrugged - saying he had put out a request, but didn't receive an answer as of yet. Jay said, he was still hopeful that a third man might show up but if not, they were willing to fight this battle just the tw of them.

The referee whispered what he had just learned to the time keeper and then gave him a nod to start the match.

Fuentes laughed with his crew, knowing they had a huge advantage going into the match. Fuentes got things started with Stevens, who had been waiting for months to get his hands on the leader of the Bloodline outfit. Early on, Jay found himself face down on the mat, being antagonized by the lucha technician. Leon was stoic on the outside, but he did reach his hand out, looking for the tag. This drew Mayorga into the ring to shove Leon, who was minding his own business. It was at that moment that Leon realized that there wasn't any honourable characters standing across the ring.

Fuentes yanked Jay off the mat and fired him into his corner. This allowed Fuentes to started talking politics with the referee while Ortega and Mayorga took their turns pummelling Jay in the corner. Who the referee wised up, Fuentes darted to the corner and smashed Jay with a yakuza kick, which caused the referee to jump away out of a fear of being hit.

The kick busted Jay's lip, and blood dropped from the side of his mouth. Fuentes tagged Ortega, and the high flyer of the group hit a top rope sexton, before making the cover - but he was only able to get a two count. Ortega called Mayorga into the ring after a tag, and the dup executed a double snap suplex, which Mayorga followed up with a crossface submission. Mayorga had it locked up tight and really torqued on Jay's neck.

The referee was in position to call off the match, but Stevens kept fighting. It might've had something to do with the fans being on their feet, essentially refusing to accept a loss. When Ortega jumped into the ring to lay the boots to Jay - Leon dashed from his corner like a bullet, and speared Ortega to the ground. Within seconds, Leon was on top and was working a kimura arm lock. The fans were going crazy!

The referee tried to get Ortega and Leon out of the ring, at the exact time that Jay was able to roll his leg under the bottom rope, which should've broken the hold. Fuentes dropped down to the floor, and pushed Jay's leg into the ring again without being detected by the referee.

The referee was able to talk sense to Leon, and didn't receive any push back when he was asked to exit the ring. Ortega was hyperventilating, realizing his arm was moments away from being broken. Stevens was trying to find the guts to keep fighting. He seemed to be fading from the pain. The referee picked his arm up and let it drop.


1...




2....




THR




NO!


Jay somehow got his arm off the mat, and started to respond. Mayorga held the hold, but Jay squirmed his way to the ropes and the referee broke the hold when Stevens' foot was under the bottom rope once again.

The ref then counted, as Mayorga refused to release the hold. Fuentes jumped into the ring, looking to distract the referee, but LVZ was hip to it, and entered the ring to cut him off. Leon ade a motion like he would snap Fuentes' arm if he didn't go back to the apron. The referee seemed to appreciate the gesture.

Stevens was looking to mount a comeback, but he was letting his pride get the best of him. Mayorga backed Jay into a neutral corner, but his angst to do more damage backfired, as Stevens fought back on instinct. Jay was able to create enough distance after a spinning back fist, where he dropped down and crawled to his corner to make the tag to LVZ.

Van Zandt hit the ring, and gave Mayorga a wrestling lesson. Within moments, Mayorga was about to go to sleep from an anaconda choke, but Fuentes hit the ring to break things up. The referee warned Fuentes, but he didn't seem overly bothered. Perhaps feeling like he was willing to die on his sword and go out on his terms, as opposed to being told what to do by some gringo referee from Ontario.

In a show of courage, Leon tossed Mayorga into his corner and asked Fuentes to come into the ring. The crowd was HOT! Leon showing that he knew in order to defeat Bloodline, he would need to cut off the head of the snake. Fuentes entered the ring, and a huge showdown was about to take place.

Fuentes then looked behind him, and waved Ortega and Mayorga into the ring. Leon looked back, and Stevens was trying to pull himself together, but had taken quite a beating earlier in the contest.

[RAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!]


[WHAT.]


[THE.]


[BLOODY.]


[HELL.]


[WILD BRONCO!]



[WILD BRONCO!]


[RAAAAAAAAAAAHAHHHHHHHHH!!!!]



[...]



[...]




[Dusty Griffith.]


Esteban Fuentes looked like he had seen a ghost. It was Fuentes who lured Dusty Griffith into multiple 3 on 1 attacks earlier this year. It was Fuentes who had claimed he wanted to test himself against the best wrestlers in the world, but never had any intention of testing himself. Fuentes used Dusty Griffith to launch the Bloodline stable and to announce his placement as it's new figurehead.

Mayorga and Ortega knew the gravity of the situation. Dusty Griffith had taken KUMA under his wing, and the two of them went to Japan in June, and they haven't been seen since.

Dusty hit the ring, and stood shoulder to shoulder with Leon Van Zandt. Jay told the referee that this was the man he has 'hoped' would show up, thus declaring him an active member of the match.

Dusty bull rushed Fuentes, and took him down with some heavy shots. Leon rushed forward and double clotheslined Mayorga and Ortega. Leon grabbed Ortega by the leg, and brought him down to the arena floor!

Dusty hit Fuentes with a BRONCO BOMB!

The ring shook. The fans were going bonkers.

Mayorga got to his feet.

BACKDROP DRIVER~!!!!

Mayorga was folded up like an accordion.

Dusty looked around, to see the warm welcome he was receiving. He walked over to Jay Stevens who was on the apron, still looking beaten. Dusty patted him on the back, before tagging him into the match.

[RAAAAAHHHH!!]

Fuentes was trying to catch his breath, and was struggling to get to his feet.

[WHAM!]

Basement dropkick by Stevens right into the mush! Fuentes fell face down, which allowed Stevens to circle him and slap on the single leg crab that he's been known to use to earn submission victories.

The referee is in position.

Fuentes is screaming in pain

Ortega is about to have his arm broken if he makes any sudden moves on the arena floor.

Dusty has Mayorga in his sights, ready to pounce if Mayorga thinks about breaking up the submission attempt.

The crowd started to chat.

TAP!

TAP!

TAP!

And that's exactly what Esteban Fuentes did.

DING DING DING

The winners: Jay Stevens, Leon Van Zandt and Dusty Griffith (14:28) via Single Leg Crab

The referee raised the hands of the heroes, as they soaked in the adulation from the crowd. Leon and Dusty slapped Jay on his chest, as if to signify their respect for him. They dropped out of the ring, to allow Jay to have his moment in the middle of the ring. He had done it, finally. After months of suffering, Jay Stevens had stayed Bloodline - and they would be forced to leave Northern Pro Wrestling.

Jay pointed to the fans, and bowed to them as a show of thanks. After a few moments, he exited the ring, and met up with Dusty Griffith and Leon Van Zandt. The Trio walked back to the backstage area and slapped hands with the fans.

Meanwhile in the ring, absolute carnage, as Bloodline raged amongst themselves as the crowd serenaded them. 'NA NA NA NA' Hey Hey Hey... Goodbye."

[Cut.]

--

[Backstage.]

[Gus Arnold's office.]

Gus is moments away from hosting arguably the biggest match in Northern Pro Wrestling's history. The X*Crown is moments away from being defended, and two of the best wrestlers in the world are set to complete. He hears a knock at his door.

[Eron Hunter.]

Gus is overcome with joy. While under the mask, Lynx was one of the most successful wrestlers in Northern Pro Wrestling, before a knee injury sidelined him for the past four months. Hunter and Arnold exchange pleasantries, with Hunter applauding Gus for continuing to recruit the best wrestlers from around the world.

Their meeting was interrupted by the lead doctor from NPW's medical staff.

"Gus, it's about Bryan Chase."

Gus raised his eyebrow

"It's definitely a concussion."

Gus sighed.

"I'm not sure I can clear him to compete in the Cruiserweight Cup. These types of injuries could take a month to recover from."

Gus nodded, and thanks the physician for his expert opinion. At which point, Eron Hunter said that he would be willing to step in as a substitute in the wake of Bryan Chase's injury. Gus asked him if he was 'sure' and if he thought his knee was ready for that type of high impact action. Eron responded that he's been chomping at the bit to return to the ring, and what better way to do so then to compete against the world's best.

Gus agreed, and confirmed that he would be the man to replace Bryan Chase in the Cruiserweight Cup.

[Cut.]
 

Main Event

X*Crown Championship

No Time Limit

'The Only Star' Eric Dane vs. Dylan Black (c)

It's time for the main event of the evening! X*Crown on the line as the defending traveling champion Dylan Black takes on NPW's resident megastar, the guy who's done it all and is on lap 4 of doing it again, Eric Dane, who has Scott Steel accompanying him at ringside. This has been building up since November 9th and is at its boiling point! Gus Arnold comes down to hold the title in the air, make sure both men know the rules and demand a fair contest, yada yada. The official lets both men know he will not be willing to let one have an unfair advantage, and informs Dane if he suspects any trickery by Scott Steel he'd be immediately ejected from ringside. With that, the bell rings!

Dylan and Eric are nearly eye to eye, nose to nose. The crowd, small as it may be, is buzzing! Electric! Similar to the feel of The Rock vs Hulk Hogan. They lock up! The collar and elbow tie up! Both men are locked in tight! Dane is quick to switch his footing, using that to push Dylan back into the corner. He gets Dylan about 2-3 feet away from the turnbuckle before Dylan uses all his strength to shove Dane back! Dane tumbleweeds to the opposite corner, an "Oh, really?" look upon his face. He's quick to his feet and again with the tie up! Dane is quick to transition to a headlock, squeezing Dylan's head! Dylan is able to slip out and whirl Dane's arm around, but Dane counters into a wristlock! Dylan twists himself out and locks in a wristlock of his own, before Dane somersaults, kips up, and arm drags Dylan to the mat outside! We cut to Dylan, who sits on his knees stunned as the rest of us! 

Dylan gets back up and rolls into the feet, and the two are face to face again. Nothing can hold these two apart, as Dane makes the first strike of the match, jacking Dylan right on the jaw! Dylan laughs, feeling and moving his jaw, before jabbing Dane right in the face! It breaks down as the two begin to trade heavy blows! This could turn into any type of wrestling match tonight, but right now it's a knock-out drag-out brawl! They tumble to the mat, having an ugly fistfight. Reminiscent of those middle school fights in the hall. Dane gets the upper hand and just starts whaling on Dylan, hitting him like no other. Dylan blocks a few shots, before using his robot hand to smack away Dane's fist! A loud "CRACK!" is heard and Dane rolls away, holding his hand and shouting obscenities.

Dylan sits up, feeling his face for blood or anything broken or dislodged. That was the focal point of Dane's attack. Feeling nothing out of place, Dylan rolls over to Dane and gets to work on his leg, the one with the adamantium knee brace. He takes a moment to try to wrestle it off, before Dane kicks him away. He's persistent, coming back quick to lock in a knee bar on the NPW Double Crown Champ! Dane knows the ins and outs of the ring, and drags and claws his way to the ropes! He gets his hand on the bottom rope! 

1... 2... 3... Dylan lets go.

Dane brings his knee in close, holding it and grimacing in pain. The ref checks on him but Dylan's smelling blood. He pulls Dane back and tries to slap on a figure four leglock! But Dane's knowledgeable, he kicks Dylan mid-spin and pulls him back for a schoolboy pin! He has the tights! The ref doesn't see that though.

1... Tw-Dylan kicks out.

Eric slaps the mat, he's frustrated. He locks in a chin lock, yelling at and taunting Dylan as his elbow slowly slips under Dylan's chin into a seated chokehold! The urgency to get out of this hold quickly escalates, as Dylan's hands grab at and try to pull Dylan's big arm from under his chin and away from his neck. Dane smiles and shimmies a bit, slowly wearing Dylan down. A few well placed punches help Dane's efforts, as Dylan's grip begins to fade. They slump to the floor and Dane lets go, allowing Dylan to gasp for air. But this just gives Dane a moment to reposition for some knee strikes to Dylan's head! That knee brace scraping and cutting Dylan's head!

Dane stops a moment, taking a moment to kneel on Dylan's throat and gesture for the jeers to come in. He smiles, soaking in the hate. The ref demands he get off Dylan, who's turning blue and might need an iron lung after this. Dane shrugs and stands... before kicking dirt into Dylan's face! The crowd ain't having it, they boo like Dane just kicked a baby. Or a puppy. Whichever you deem worse. Dylan lays back, gasping for air. We cut to a shot of Scott Steel. Menacing. Possibly deranged. Cut back to Dane, who's standing over Dylan. Laughing, taunting. Dylan grabs his ankle, trying to do something. He tries to pull himself to his feet, using Dane for support. Dane cannot get enough of this, a big grin on his face. Dylan's at his feet. Dane's jaw jacking with him, knowing full well Dylan is winded and out of it. But he doesn't see as Dylan's right hand just open-palm blasts him upside the head.

SLAP!

You can see the drops of spit fly out of Dane's mouth, and that eyes-wide-open expression says it all. Dane touches his cheek, mostly in shock, then rage as he swings his forearm at Dylan's head! But Dylan has more in his tank then Dane expected, and he dodges that blow, before striking Dane in the abdomen! As Dane doubles over, Dylan hits an uppercut to send Dane ass over tit! Dylan's slow to get on the offensive, a few sluggish punches to keep Dane down, before he rolls Dane over. He struggles, but manages to lift the NPW Double Crown champ up and over for a german suplex! When Dane is planted on the ground, Dylan rolls over and and hooks the legs, trying to lift him up again! But he cannot get him more than a few inches up before Dane shoves him back. He sits up to eat a dropkick from Dylan! As he gets laid out, Dylan follows with an elbow drop! 

As Dane clutches his chest, Dylan climbs outside the ropes and walks to the closest corner, climbs the turnbuckles and stands up. The crowd cheering, they're excited for what may come. He turns around, MOONSTOMP! A signature move from his past! No, Dane rolled out of the way. Dylan lands on his feet and as Dane rolls to his feet, he tastes a shotgun dropkick! He bounces back off the turnbuckle, slamming on the floor with a thud! Dylan quickly pushes Dane over and rolls him over.

1... Tw-Dane kicks out.

Dylan smacks the mat, he knows the drill of defending the X*Crown and knows that he can't slip up now. He turns to Dane and drives his elbow into his forehead, maybe to crack the Only Star's head open like an egg. Dylan lifts Dane to his feet and drags him to the rope, lifting him for a stun gun! Dane hangs onto the rope, leaving Dylan able to give him a good face wash for his efforts! Dane holds his face, the rope burn leaving a mild mark across his face as his eyes stare daggers into Dylan. Dylan shouts a few select curses at Dane, before turning for some running move. He sees Scott Steel getting onto the apron and runs, dropkicking him off! Steel tumbles to the floor and Dylan smirks confidently. Big mistake though. That confidence is lost when Dane rolls him up sneakily from behind!

1... 2... Kick out from Dylan.

Dylan spins around to get back to work on Dane when he's leveled with a lariat, ala Stan Hansen. Dane smirks, shouting thanks to Steel as Steel grumbles on the floor. Dane turns to Dylan, who's on a knee. He backs into the corner, and looks wildly at the crowd. He charges... STARBREAKER KNEE! Dane goes to make a cover.

1... 2... Dylan's foot gets on the ropes.

Getting pissed, Dane pulls Dylan away and covers again.

1... 2... Kick out from Dylan.

Dane drives his fist into Dylan's head, trying to draw blood. Dylan takes it all, smiling weakly at Dane, which just pisses him off more and results in more punches. Forearms. Elbows. Dane slams his elbow right in the center of Dylan's head and a spirt of blood oozes out. This awakens something in Dylan, who blocks a punch and headbutts Dane! That staggers him just long enough for Dylan to back away. The ref checks on Dane, and Scott Steel gives Dylan a friendly choke out! Courtesy of that dropkick earlier! He lets go and Dylan slumps back, just in time for Dane to get back to his feet and the ref to stop tending to him. Dane drags Dylan to the center of the ring, climbing to the top rope himself. He holds a single finger up, and then leaps! Splash on the champ! He confidently drapes an arm over Dylan, not even bothering to hook the legs.

1... 2... Thr-Dylan gets the shoulder up!

Dane is sitting there in shock. He can't believe Dylan thill has it in the tank. He scooches back to the corner, taking a moment to breath, as the corpse that once was the X*Crown Champion huffs and puffs in the middle of the ring. We sit on this for a moment, the crowd beginning a chant.

Let's go Dylan!/Eric Dane!/Let's go Dylan!/Eric Dane!

This wills Dylan to stir, get back to his feet. He is very slow to it, allowing Dane enough time to formulate a plan. He stuns Dylan with a few strikes, before climbing outside. He adjusts his elbow pad and jumps onto the top rope. SPRINGBOARD... something. We don't know what Dane was trying, because Dylan dropkicks him damn near out of his boots! Dane crumples on the floor, as Dylan is back out on the mat. The ref begins the mandatory 10-count.

1... 2...

Dane holds his body, rolling on his side and an expression displaying nothing short of excrutiating pain on his face.

3... 4... 5...

Dylan stirs, he pulls himself to the ropes, for help getting to his feet. 

6... 7...

Dane is in the corner, also using the ropes to get to his feet.

8...

Dylan is at his feet.

9... 

Dane is at his feet! The show must go on! 

Dylan smacks Dane in the face, to wake him up for a forearm to the face! He bounces off the ropes and tries to clothesline Dylan, who ducks and on Dane's rebound clotheslines him! Dane gets back up, but eats another clothesline! Once more, Dane is able to get to his feet and makes the swing with his arm first, but it's caught and he's spun around for a swinging neckbreaker! On the mat, Dylan kneels down and grabs Dane's stomach, going for a variation of his "Three Nights of Hell" [Double Stomach Claw] submission! He digs his fingers into Dane's stomach, making jokes about how he thought these abs would feel more solid! This helps Dane get the motivation to remove these claws from his stomach - by poking him in the eye! Dylan holds his eye, rolling back before Dane leans in to drive his thumb in Dylan's other eye! Trying to blind him, Dane's hand is just millimeters away from Dylan before Dylan realizes that to combat dirty, you gotta get dirtier. In contrast to how you should wrestle during a pandemic, he bites Dane's hand, getting a few howls of pain from the challenger! Dylan lays a chop on Dane's chest, before backing into the corner. He stamps his foot, tuning the band as Dane gets to his feet. He charges Dane... BAJUTA SAPPA! NO! DANE DODGES, GRABS HIM TO SPIN HIM AROUND AND LIFTS DYLAN UP! STAAAAARDRIIIIIIVER! HE LIFTED DYLAN MID KICK AND PLANTED HIM HEAD FIRST ON THE FLOOR! NO STALL NEEDED! BOTH MEN ARE ON THE FLOOR, PANTING! DANE'S TOO TIRED, TOO SWEAT-RIDDLED TO MAKE A MOVE! 

Steel starts a chant of some sort. Shouting something like... okay, really it's just incomprehensible screaming. But some Dane fans (or fans of Steel and his batshit insane antics) pitch in. The sound heard is really unpleasant. Dane uses this as motivation... somehow, to try to pin Dylan. But Dylan is quick to roll away, albeit rolling slowly. Dane gets on his hands and knees, crawling to Dylan and grabbing him, trying to pull him to the center of the ring. Dylan, however, has an ironclad grip on the ropes and won't let go! Dane tries to pull him away, but Dylan pulls him in instead, for a palm strike right to the face! Dane stumbles back, and Dylan gets behind him, to lift him up. WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER! Dylan pushes himself back to the corner, needing a moment's rest before he puts the nail in the coffin. Dane, however, is damn near out in the middle of the ring.

Meanwhile, there's some whistling heard up the ramp that draws Steel's attention. The Tater Thunder God turns and sees Roxylishus posing on the stage. She's hardly dressed and making kissing faces at him, but Steel isn't even acknowledging her. She pouts and stamps off, only to come back with a giant bottle of pre-workout powder, in a fitted set of bra and panties. And for some reason Steel is all in for that! He sprints, and when I say sprints I mean a damn bull charges up the ramp towards Roxy, who disappears behind the curtain, workout powder in tow. Scott follows suit.

Dane, who's stirring a bit now, sees the tail end of the chase, but thinks his muscle is just fucking off backstage. Irate, he shouts after him, all sorts of demeaning things at Steel, how dare he abandon him in his time of need! What he doesn't see is Dylan's at his feet now, he's hyped up and ready to take him down! But what Dylan doesn't see is his 10 pounds of gold clobbering him from behind! The ref sees this, enraged, and only as Dylan's unconscious corpse hits the floor does Dane turn around to see the bane of his existence, motherfucking "Timeless" Alex Turner with the X*Crown in hand and Dylan at his feet.

DING DING!

Winner: The X*Crown Champion Dylan Black via DQ -- (00:00)

The red in Dane's eyes is so... red, that you'd think they're just blood packets. He stomps over to Timeless and the two butt heads, Dane going bonkers at Timeless for his lack of respect, he cost his the title, blah blah-OOF!

The element of surprise is in full effect tonight, Dane's eyes bug out as Roxy knocks him in the bells with an uppercut from hell! She has the Double Crown title in hand, where did that come from? Timeless hands over the X*Crown, not done with these two yet. He kicks Dylan out of the way and stalks Dane, who's slowly struggling to make it back to his feet. Running on pure rage, he is. Timeless gives him a punch to the back of his head, to make sure he doesn't resist, before lifting him and dropping him with Dane's own move! STARRDRIVERRR! 

Timeless stands over the both of them. Dylan, a face painted with blood, and Dane seeing nothing but stars. Timeless holds the X*Crown and the NPW Double Crown in the air. A sign of things to come?

[Final cut.]

[Static.]