NLW Ascendency VIII | Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 | LIVE
Jan 11, 2021 12:37:08 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Dave D-Flipz, and 5 more like this
Post by Robbie A on Jan 11, 2021 12:37:08 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY VIII
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday 23rd January, 2021
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: Ladies and gents, welcome to another edition of NLW Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons and as always I'm delighted to be alongside my broadcast partner, Tommy West!
Tommy West: Thanks Simmo! I know a lot of people are talking about Supremacy, but we've got a few important items to address tonight, haven't we?
Dan Simmons: Absolutely, Tommy! And those items focus around Masquerade, which is just four weeks from tonight! Our main event sees Big Bone, Rebecca Brookes and Joe Blow face "Big Tiger" Takuma Okazaki, Eli Dresden and Al Jabroni, both unlikely teams, but the winners will face our new NLW Heavyweight Champion, Leon Chant at the Pay-Per-View!
Tommy West: Chant may have risen to the top two weeks ago, but both Maze and Gerhard Bishop will feel aggrieved, rightly so in my opinion! Luckily they have the chance to take their frustrations out on others, as Maze faces Nathan Parker, and Bishop takes on Joshua Darkwood.
Dan Simmons: I don't think either match will be for the feint hearted! Also El Rey, off the back of his win at Battle for Hegemony is in action against Waylon Kirk of The New South.
Tommy West: Dylan Black better watch out, because El Rey is coming, but he's still got to get the job done tonight! Speaking of Supremacy, expect to hear from Rob Arnold and The Academy regarding their match next Sunday, honestly though? I'm more interested in what we have coming up tonight, and what BB Gunn has to tell us about Masquerade!
Dan Simmons: Well luckily for you Tommy, our General Manager will deliver! He's coming up shortly with some more announcements, but first we have a triple threat match between Malaika, Mentallo Jr and Mystique, and that's happening right now!
MATCH ONE
Mentallo Jr. vs Malaika vs Mystique
Malaika was still leaning through the ropes, in conversation with Jinzo as the bell rang. This allowed Mentallo Jr to charge and hit a knee strike to her midsection, which forced her into the corner. Mystique took a moment and watched how this was going to play out. He hit a large headbutt on her and then turned around to face Mystique, who had become bored with watching and waisted no time to hit a belly-to-belly suplex. Mentallo bounced off the mat and got back to his feet but Mystique was not done, and sent him out of the ring with a big shotgun dropkick.
This allowed Malaika some time to recover, and also allowed the two of them to concentrate on each other. They locked up, and Mystique took charge, backing Malaika into the corner once again. As she made the break, she planted a knee of her own into Malaika’s midsection, not once, not twice, but three times, doubling her opponent over. She dragged Malaika out with a front facelock and hit a snap suplex. Malaika started to crawl towards the corner for some respite, and Mystique stepped across to keep the pressure on, but Mentallo Jr was back in the ring, and blindsided her with a superkick. Mystique went down and rolled onto the ring apron, allowing Mentallo to focus instead on Malaika.
Mentallo approached Malaika but she rolled past him and into the middle of the ring and to her feet. She began to attack Mentallo with forearms and knee strikes, subduing the larger luchador and doubling him over until she could hit a vertical suplex. She bounced back to her feet, starting to feel some rhythm, Mentallo got back to his feet and she dropped him straight back down with a scoop slam, before she went to the ropes and came back with a running knee drop. She covered, but only got a two.
Malaika got back to her feet and told Jinzo to raise the book, he nodded and began to chant, Malaika went looking for the Gikor [running big boot], but as she came off the ropes Mystique took her head off with a spinning lariat. Almost incensed, she viscously threw Malaika out of the ring and went back to Mentallo, but he caught her unawares with a headbutt, followed up with a spinning back kick. He took full advantage, heading up to the top rope in a hurry and hitting a big five star frog splash. He covered for another two count.
Catching his breath for a moment, Mentallo Jr wants to finish this and calls for the Zombie Killer [Northern lights driver], he lifts Mystique to her feet and goes to hook the leg, but she reverses into an inside cradle! The referee counts one and a half and Mentallo springs out, both competitors get to their feet, and Mentallo charges at Mystique, but she drops him with The Beheader [plunged jawbreaker]! Mentallo’s chin bounces off the back of her head and he springs back across the ring. His momentum takes him against the ropes and then stumbling back towards Mystique who doesn’t hesitate and hit The Query [Perfectplex]. She covers, and with Malaika only on the ring apron and slowly crawling back in, she gets the three!
[WINNER: Mystique Via The Query at 04:52]
We cut backstage where our resident ne’er do well, our own Porn Pauper, Al Jabroni is found. His cell is in his hand, he’s zombie-scrolling his life away.
Jabroni: Bad camerawork, shoddy script, I can’t believe that scene got nominated over the climax of Citizen Kanal…
Dresden:(OOS): ALLLLLLLL!!!
No sooner has he looked up than Eli Dresden is upon him and damn near knocks him out as she swings her arms around him, the package from her promo narrowly missing the head of Your Mom’s Favourite Ham and Egger.
Jabroni: Dresden? I thought you’d be preparing for our match? Glad it’s you though and not Big Tiger...hope he hasn’t seen the article in Headlock yet, could be real awkward come bell time…
A big, dramatic kiss is pressed to Jabroni’s cheek before Eli lets go of her hold on him, landing lightly on her feet before she beams up at one of her partners for the evening.
Dresden:: Oh, I’m all energized and ready to go thanks to the gift you gave me. It’s AMAZING! Like, it does things I didn’t even know it could do.
Dresden leans in, mischievous smirk aglow.
Dresden:: You wanna see?~
Al’s ears prick up at the suggestion.
Jabroni: Sure…
He looks round the backstage area furtively.
Jabroni: Quick, before anyone sees.
Dresden grabs his hand and drags him into a side-room--and soon after that? The sound of something vibrating fills the air. NLW Southern States Champion, Frank Dylan James walks into view, swallowing up the shot with his frame. As he walks past the door he hears the buzzing sound and stops his march in bewilderment.
Dresden: (OOS): See?! So many settings--and they’re all so good. And look at how stiff it’s getting! I damn near wore those batteries out it came with before the day was over...
Jabroni: (OOS) Slow down, see the cream starting to form at the top…
Dresden: (OOS) Naw, it’ll be fine. Just watch--
FDJ’s expression is the embodiment of ‘What in tarnation?’ as he looks around. Eventually, his gaze lands on where Eli and Al are…
Jabroni: (OOS) WHOA! You just got that sticky white stuff all over me!
...and what he hears (and sees) is enough for him to grumble to himself and stomp out of sight. Alerted to the disturbance, Jabroni rushes out. His shirt unkempt and barely done up.
Jabroni: FRANK, WAIT!
It’s too late. Dresden leans out, an electric whisk in her hand still whirring away.
Dresden:: Sorry about the shirt...a cold water wash’ll get that stain right out. How about I put extra chocolate shavings on your hot chocolate to make up for the mess?
Jabroni: Deal.
Cut.
We cut to the office of BB Gunn, who greets the camera with a wide smile.
Gunn: Ladies and Gentleman, two weeks ago I announced that we would be hosting our second major event, Masquerade in February. Tonight we find out who our new NLW Heavyweight Champion Leon Chant will face in a four way ladder match at that show. However what I really wanted to talk about with you is the Southern States Title.
Gunn’s face moves more serious.
Gunn: Two weeks ago we saw Jason Justice and Frank Dylan James fight to a finish so close, in my years I have never seen a finish decided but such wafer thin margins, which is why they are going to do it all again in a steel cage at Supremacy.
He raises a finger.
Gunn: That wasn’t what I was expecting to talk about tonight, but there we are. What I wanted to discuss is that at Ascendancy IX, we will find out who will challenge the champion at Masquerade. I have decided that Nathan Parker and Joshua Darkwood, both of whom will be fighting later, will face of for the number one contendership!
He wags the raised finger.
Gunn: I’m not quite finished. I have one more match to announce for Masquerade. Anybody who impresses me over the next couple weeks will be put into a match that if won, will be given a title opportunity of my choosing at Ascendancy XI. Be warned though, I’m setting a high bar, so you’ll need to really bring your “A” Game.
He smiles once again.
Gunn: Oh, and one last thing... We've got to set the theme for it with a glimpse of how things are going to look at Masquerade, don't we?
The screen behind Gunn slowly fades into the logo for Masquerade.
Gunn: Good luck everybody. Now, back to the action.
Marty Watts is in the ring, mic in hand.
Watts: Ladies and gentlemen, this next match scheduled for one fall…
Before Marty can finish, he’s cut off by “Jolene” by The White Stripes. Jolene, manager of the New South appears on stage in a charcoal business suit. She walks down to the ring and grabs the mic from a stunned Marty.
Jolene: Sorry Marty, but I don’t think you’re qualified for this next introduction.
The crowd begins to boo Jolene.
Jolene (to the crowd): Save it for someone who cares.
Boos get louder.
Jolene: As I was saying. Making his way to the ring, accompanied by Beau Traywick. He hails from the great state of North Carolina. Waylon! Kirk!
The lights dim in the arena and all attention goes to the Jumbotron. The screen shows an empty room with just a stool under a swinging lightbulb. Footsteps are heard as an old man walks to the stool and sits down, pulling a harmonica from his shirt pocket. He begins to play a solo which quickly morphs in to The New South’s theme.
On the stage, the lights slowly come up as The New South strolls through the curtains. Beau & Waylon pose for a moment while sparks rain down above them before they begin to swagger down the ramp towards the ring. Once they have reached the ring, The New South climb the steel steps and enter the ring, throwing their arms up and circling the ring for the crowd who continue to boo. Jolene forcefully gives the mic back to Marty, slapping it in to his chest.
MATCH TWO
Waylon Kirk (w/Beau Traywick) vs El Rey
The match begins with El Rey leaning back against the turnbuckle, more relaxed and cocky after coming off of a huge win against Tommy Lipton and Jason Long at the Battle of Hegemony event but opposite of the ring from him is Waylon Kirk, a newcomer to Next Level Wrestling with his partner Beau Traywick, apart of The New South tag team. Both men are fired up- or at least Waylon Kirk is as he makes a dash for his opponent but El Rey saw him coming, leaping and rolling out of the way as he gives Waylon a Dropkick that sends him into the turnbuckles, but as El Rey is back to his feet, he’s met with a Dropkick by Kirk himself all the way up from the second ropes. El Rey is sent flying back and into the corner where Kirk comes back to life with a Shotgun Dropkick to El Rey. The face-painted teenager had things scouted though as he moved out of the way from the Dropkick in time, but continued to let out his frustrations with some stomps down onto Kirk. El Rey is then caught off-guard with the interference of Traywick on the outside which El Rey brushes off.
Kirk is brought back to his feet by El Rey and is whipped into the ropes but Kirk slides under the legs of El Rey and pushes him to the ropes, answering back with a Leaping Clothesline through the air. Kirk is boiling hot with energy as he takes down El Rey with the clothesline and then another clothesline before a Dropkick sends El Rey tumbling out of the ring and through the ropes. Waylon though is looking to fly as he rebounds off of the rope and dives over the ropes with an Over The Rope Crossbody down onto El Rey! Kirk is on fire right now as he picks up El Rey and launches him into the sea of empty chairs around the ring. Kirk quickly picks up El Rey and throws him into the ring post, before tossing him under the bottom rope and leaping onto the ring apron. Kirk is just stalking El Rey as he springboards in and lands his signature Tornado DDT! El Rey catches him however and is able to hit Kirk with the Cradled Rolling Release Suplex! El Rey with the cover and he only gets to two as Jolene steps up onto the ring apron and distracts the referee enough for El Rey to look up, spotting the interference and scaring off the members of The New South.
There’s a whole lot of fight left in both men here as El Rey begins to tee off with the kicks to the calves of Kirk before firing off a kick right to the head of Kirk that knocks him back and into the ropes, El Rey looks to take Kirk out of the ring but a Back Body Drop sends El Rey over the ropes but he hangs on. The second-generation wrestler connects a kick to the head again of Kirk with a Rope Aided Gamengiri that brings Kirk to the middle of the ring. El Rey sees his opportunity bei9ng wide open and wastes no time on taking it as he springboards into the ring but Kirk pushes him off as his feet touch the ropes and El Rey flies back and into the crowd, knocking down a couple of rows of fans in attendance here tonight in the Avron B Fogelman Arena! Kirk makes quick on his word of beating El Rey tonight as he rushes out of the ring and grabs onto his opponent, tossing him back into the ring and waiting on the apron as El Rey slowly gets back to his feet and is caught with that Tornado DDT! This time it connects perfectly! Kirk goes for the cover on El Rey and he just barely kicks out in time with a close three count.
El Rey is proving why he[‘s got the damn heart of a lion with his not giving up attitude inside of him, but Kirk, on the other hand, he just wants to prove that The New South is going to be a dominant force here in Next Level Wrestling as he goes back out onto the apron and looks to finish things with the Springboard Frog Splash but as he flies through the air, El Rey rolls out of the way and leaving Kirk to crash down onto the ring mat. El Rey kipped up to his feet and looks to plant down Kirk with the Crossed Arm German Suplex but Kirk lifts his leg back and goes low with the shot, the referee saw it, however, and has called for the bell under disqualification.
[WINNER: El Rey via Disqualification at 08:17]
The bell quickly rings as Beau Traywick storms the ring and stomps down El Rey as Waylon Kirk joins in on the attack but they’re soon distracted with the loud crowd reaction as they look to the entrance- it’s Scorpion! In the flesh, running down to the ring to protect his protege! The New South cowardly leave the ring and run through the crowd as Scorpion helps up El Rey but the young teen pushes away the help and exits the ring by himself, heading to the back as he holds onto his crown jewels.
We're in the backstage area, where Karl Hagen and Gerhard Bishop have just arrived. Karl Hagen marches a few feet ahead of his charge and based on his body language, is in a foul mood.
Karl Hagen: "Where is he? Where's that little runt."
Bishop jogs lightly, while looking to prevent his manager from doing anything drastic.
Karl Hagen: "Come out Come out wherever you are..."
NLW interviewer Kelly Ross approaches.
Kelly Ross: "Mr. Hagen, do you have a minute?"
Karl Hagen: [Muttering.] "What's that runt's name again? Richie? Rudy? Right, Rudy."
Kelly Ross: "I see you've overcome some of those injuries you were sporting at the end of the last Ascendancy broadcast."
Karl Hagen: "Yes, by the grace of god I have fully recovered. But that doesn't take away from the fact that it shouldn't have ever happened in the first place. You want to know what else?"
The question was rhetorical, because Kelly was going to find out either way.
Karl Hagen: "I didn't receive a get well card from B.B Gunn."
Kelly can't help but roll her eyes.
Karl Hagen: "That's right. No card, no phone call, no flowers. I thought B.B Gunn was supposed to be a southern gentleman, yet he runs his promotion like it's the damn circus. During my daddy's time in power, actions like we witnessed at the conclusion of the NLW Heavyweight Championship match would be cause for fines or perhaps termination. But here? Oh, little Rudy probably gets promoted from getting B.B's coffee, to sitting on his lap."
Karl's eyes narrow, and he turns up the heat.
Karl Hagen: "It's a bloody disgrace. I'm Karl Hagen, I'm Southern Wrestling Royalty, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let these types of action go unpunished. Do you see the man who stands beside me?"
Karl points to Gerhard Bishop, who has been stone faced from the moment this interview started.
Karl Hagen: "The Rotterdam Rottweiler, The Uncrowned Heavyweight Champion of the South. Gerhard Bishop is set to become one of the biggest superstars in professional wrestling in 2021, and there ain't a damn thing that B.B Gunn, Rob Arnold, The Academy or anyone else around here can do about it."
Karl happened to shower Kelly with a few drops of saliva as he finished his tirade. Ms. Ross is quick to wipe her brow before continuing on as the professional that she is.
Kelly Ross: "As for you Gerhard, tonight you're set to battle one of the toughest men in Next Level Wrestling; Joshua Darkwood. Care to comment?"
Gerhard Bishop: "You're absolutely right, Kelly. Joshua Darkwood has been in wars with the likes of Frank Dylan James, and that notch on your resume is enough to give you that 'HOSS' moniker for life. Joshua has had his sights set on me for months now, looking to use me as his personal stepping stone to the top. Well Josh, I'm not here to elevate you and I'm certainly not going to put myself in a position to be made an example of."
Gerhard rubs his hands together with purpose.
Gerhard Bishop: "I'm in a foul mood, if you couldn't tell. I have had two opportunities to become the Heavyweight Champion, and have fallen short on both occasions."
Bishop bounces on the spot, like a bull that's ready to charge forward.
Gerhard Bishop: "What transpired at the last Ascendancy has been playing in my head over and over for the past two weeks. My frustration has grown to it's peak, and my patience is nowhere to be found. As it stands, you're set to inherit the pent up frustration and anguish that I've been feeling for the past six weeks."
"While I expect this bout to be physical, I also don't expect you to back down or give me an inch. It might take the entire locker room to pull us apart. But when all is said and done, I can guarantee that you will have come at my head on, mano a mano - and there is something to be said for that."
Karl Hagen: "We plan to start this year off with a bang. You've all been warned."
With that, Karl Hagen and Gerhard Bishop walk past Ms. Ross, as our scene fades.
[Cut.]
MATCH THREE
Maze vs Nathan Parker
Parker was in the mood for a fight, he offered a lock up but it was a ruse, putting a boot into the midsection of Maze and taking immediate advantage with clubs to the back and knees to the side of the head, grinding Maze down and to the mat. He brought him back up and drove him headfirst into the turnbuckle, turning him around to start mudhole stomps until Maze was crumpled into the corner. This caused the referee into intervene and sent Parker back, allowing Maze time to get back to his feet. As he did, Parker would make a beeline for him, but Maze was coming out swinging, first by throwing an elbow up to knock him back, then bringing him down with a kitchen sink. Parker pops back up but is drilled with a second kitchen sink for his efforts. Maze dragged him back to his feet and sent him to the ropes, and hitting a big back body drop to add to the damage.
Maze had that look in his eye, Prick was the man in charge now. He brought Parker back to his feet and it was his turn to drive his opponent’s head into the turnbuckle, but he didn’t stop at one, he slammed Parker’s head into the corner over and over until Parker’s body was slumped in the corner. Maze lifted Parker onto the turnbuckle and pulled his body down, putting him in a tree of woe position. He took a couple steps back before hitting a dropkick to the prone face of Nathan Parker, who slowly crumpled back down to the mat after the impact.
Maze dragged him away from the corner to make a cover, but would only get a two count. Parker, following the kick out and rolled out of the ring, looking for a break. Maze soon followed, but as he looked to grab Parker, Natty by Nature grabbed his opponent with both hands and dragged him head first into the commentary table. Parker got up and wanted to continue the punishment, picking Maze up by his hair and slamming him face first on the top of the table once more, before leading and throwing him face first on the ring post.
The referee was counting and had reached eight, so Parker broke the count. He returned to Maze who was on his back, holding his head from the repeated shots. Parker smirked and hit the Quick Trip [standing moonsault] on the floor, intent on causing as much high impact damage as he could. With the referee counting once more he dragged Maze back up and rolled him into the ring. He rolled in after him and went to work on Maze with stuff boots to the body, forcing maze to roll and escape to the ropes. Parker wasn't letting him off, grabbing his rising opponent and hitting a snap suplex. With Maze on his back, Parker connected with a second Quick Trip and made the cover, but would only get a two.
Parker brought Maze back to his feet and whipped him into the corner. He went after him, looking for the Megaheadbutt [avalanche headbutt], but Maze raised his elbow, knocking him back. Maze came out of the corner and hit a discus clothesline to halt any further attempt of attack from his opponent. Maze would take a moment to recover from the battering he'd taken thus far, and was on his feet only moments before Parker, he didn't hesitate though and booted him in the gut, and drilled him to the mat with Just Hold Still [double arm DDT]. He made the cover but Parker got his shoulder up.
Maze looked frustrated but with a degree of control surrounding his actions. He got back to his feet and stalked Parker, who slowly rose but was again booted in the gut, Maze was looking for The Edge of Sanity [spike pedigree] but Parker countered with a back body drop. Parker stumbled towards the ropes and took some deep breaths, possibly winded from the shots to the abdomen. He turned and saw Maze getting back up, he pounced, applying his Naptime sleeper hold, looking to ground him. Maze looked like he was fading momentarily, but reversed with a backdrop driver! Parker hit his head hard, Maze sat up, his expression was getting more and more sinister. He dragged a hurt Parker up and this time connected with The Edge of Sanity.
The referee was in place to make a count, but Maze shook his head. Rage was all over his face, he dragged Nathan back up and to the corner, he started slamming his head into the turnbuckle over and over...and over. The referee told Maze to stop, and his response was to fake an Irish whip, holding on and Parker turned into another boot to the gut and a second Edge of Sanity. Dan Simmons and Tommy West on commentary agreed, as would anybody watching, Maze was gone, The Prick was here and making a statement. The Prick was still not done, again dragging Parker to his feet, although he could barely stand, and hit a third Edge of Sanity. Parker wasn't moving now, and the referee had seen enough, calling for the bell and practically dragging The Prick away from Parker's body.
[WINNER: Maze Via Referee Stoppage at 09:51]
We cut backstage, stood in discussion are Rob Arnold, Riley Richards, MCCW and Triple D’s Richard Energy, and finally the NLW Heavyweight Champion, Leon Chant. All four men are suited up and talking in hushed tones. Arnold senses the camera and looks over his shoulder, he turns to face the camera and smirks.
Arnold: I wondered when you’d show up.
The three other men fan out to surround him, again, joining him in facing the camera.
Arnold: Keen eyed followers of NLW will notice there’s one more of us tonight, and those with their finger on the pulse will realise who it is, Big Richard Energy.
Energy smiles and gives an affirming nod.
Arnold: Why is he here? Well in a couple of days the four of us are on a plane to Alaska to be apart of Supremacy. We will be facing The Saga, a team that want their final hurrah at one of XHF’s global shows. The problem is they’ve bit off more than they can chew because I don’t think they realised just who was going to accept their challenge.
Rob drops back to stand in between Energy and Richards, placing a hand on each man’s shoulder.
Arnold: Richard Energy, the explosive talent lighting up MCCW with athleticism not seen before from a man his size. Riley Richards, the man who ensured justice was done two weeks ago at Ascendancy, the man who has been impressing not just in victories, but in pure talent.
Rob walks behind Richards to stand the other side of him and now next to Leon Chant.
Arnold: Leon Chant, The Hired Gun, The Avalanche, oh, and now the NLW Heavyweight Champion.
Chant and Arnold both grin as Arnold pats the title that is resting over his shoulder.
Arnold: Just like I predicted to you just a month ago. You know what I also predicted? That this year was going to be the year that The Academy made people sit up and take notice, XHF Tag Team Titles, the X*Crown, it’s all on notice because we are coming.
He smirks again.
Arnold: Joe Nobody, Travis Monroe, Johnny Sniper, Wellington Dunne, The Saga. You are four very unfortunate men, you want that happy ending before you all go your separate ways. Problem is you’re about to run into us, and we’re after so much more than your merry little band has ever achieved. So we will be making examples of you next Sunday, it won’t matter if it comes from some BDE, from Bristol’s Finest, from Shattered Ice, or even a pop up powerbomb, because Richard energy and The Academy have one goal next Sunday, close the book on The Saga, and when we’ve closed it, we’re going to burn it for good measure.
Rob steps forward once again, taking a moment to adjust his cuffs before having one more thing to add…
Arnold: And you know why? Richard knows, Riley knows, and Leon certainly knows.
Chant: Oh. Hell. Yes.
Arnold: Because that’s what we do.
Voice: Now you just hold yer daggumed horses right there!
Arnold and the whole group turn and Frank Dylan James plods into all of their personal space, all at once. He’s got the brand new Southern States Championship title belt gripped in one mighty, meaty hand, and a finger ready to poke directly into the chest of Rob Arnold.
Frank: I know you boys is sittin’ here measurin’ each others tallywackers an’ gettin’ all riled up to go rassle them sorry sack’a shit Saga sum’bitches, but ol’ Rob’s Discount Rasslin’ School an’ Tire Repair ain’t the only people headin’ up to ‘laska to whip somebody’s ass!
Leon Chant takes some exception to Frank jabbing his finger into Rob’s chest and places himself between Arnold and Frank. Frank grins a broken-toothed grin, but otherwise stands his ground.
Frank: Well lookie what we got here! Big Bad Leon Chant! You done gone an’ made a career off’a not pinnin’ my good friend Gerard Bishop, even got yer own big ol’ belt to prove it! Yeah, I know all about you big boy, an iff’n you don’t want me takin’ that that belt an’ shovin’ it up yer sorry ass ya might wanna let well enough alone!
Frank’s grin widens impossibly, his remaining teeth are the kind of yellow that brings down the premiums on your car insurance.
Frank: ‘Sides, it wouldn’t be fair to that snivelin’ yella-bellied coward Jason Justice if I decided to ignore him an’ commence to whuppin’ up on your big ass an’ yer little friends here!
Leon smiles and steps aside again, as he does Riley Richards leans in towards Arnold and whispers.
Richards: The big bearded man is so angry...
Despite Riley’s best efforts at remaining inconspicuous, Frank snaps his head away from Leon Chant and lands himself eye to eye with Riley.
Frank: You.
Frank shoulders past Chant and Arnold and sizes up the much smaller Riley Richards, who stares back up at him. To say he looks nervous may be a touch of an understatement. Frank sneers down at him and there’s very little that anybody can do about it.
Frank: I seent what you did, little boy, an’ I don’t take too kindly to it. You gon’ learn some respect for yer elders real soon, oh yeah, I’mma see ta that!
Frank chuckles. It’s frightening.
Frank: Yeah, I’mma see all you boys real soon. Enjoy ‘laska, boys, an when y’all get done tellin’ each other what special little snowflakes ya all are, pay real close attention to what happens when Jason Justice gets his ass locked up in a cage with the likes of me!
Cackling like a maniac Frank turns and strides off as we cut back to the ring.
MATCH FOUR
Gerhard Bishop vs Joshua Darkwood
You would be forgiven to think that this match would be a back and forth grappling affair between who strong heavyweights. However with Darkwood gunning for Bishop, and Bishop clearly still smarting from coming up short for the NLW Heavyweight Title two weeks ago, this was a little bit more hard hitting that technical. From the off, Darkwood came at Bishop and backed him to the corner with a combination of forearms and gut punches. Bishop, whilst troubled by this, wasn’t going to let Darkwood have his own way, and with a show of his strength pushed the Dark Wolf back so hard that he landed on his back. Darkwood rolled away and back to his feet, whilst both Karl Hagen and Gerhard were smirking, Hagen may have even stifled a laugh, knowing full well that this is just one example of his student’s power.
Darkwood marched back towards Bishop with the intent of another combination of strikes, but Bishop was wise to it, and took Josh’s leading arm and flipped him, using his Judo background to full effect. Intent on doing some damage, he looked to apply a cobra clutch submission whilst Darkwood was down, but he was wise to it and was quick to the ropes to have the referee intervene.
Both men back to their feet, they began to stalk each other once more, and this time locked up, neither men could seem to get an advantage though, and broke it. You could see the frustration from both to get some for of clear step in front, both however largely cancelling each other out. That was until the next attempt to lock up, Darkwood slipped behind and caught Bishop in a half Nelson, lifting the European and dropping him with a half Nelson slam. Immediately Darkwood went dor some ground and pound, Bishop covering up the best he could with Darkwood mounted on top of him, Kate Austin encouraging and demanding he kept the barrage up. Bishop eventually pushed him off and both men rolled away to get back to a vertical base. Darkwood being slightly fresher would take advantage and planted Bishop back to the mat with a big boot.
After a quick moment for breath, Darkwood looked to get straight back on Gerhard. He dragged him back to his feet and looked to whip him into the corner, Gerhard reversed and looked for a big splash, but Darkwood planted his elbow into the side of his head, with Bishop stumbling back Darkwood stepped forward and planted a stiff kick in his gut, and followed with a snap DDT. Darkwood made the cover but would only get a two count. Not deterred, Darkwood got back to his feet and stalked Bishop, who had made his way to the ropes for assistance to his feet. Sensing and opportunity he ran at Bishop, but the man from Rotterdam hoisted the Dark Wolf up and over the top rope, crashing to the mat outside!
Darkwood was down and Bishop wasted no time in taking advantage, he rolled out of the ring and picked up his fallen opponent by the back of his head, and with no remorse slammed his head onto the nearby ring steps. Darkwood’s head sprung back and he slumped onto the ring apron. Bishop looked over at the nearby Karl Hagen, who nodded his head in suggestion to put him back in the ring, satisfied with the additional damage the ring steps would have no doubt caused. Bishop nodded back and rolled his opponent back under the bottom rope, and re-entered the ring via the steps and then through the ropes.
Bishop looked like he was enjoying himself, but that was tinged with an ominous thought that it may because he was causing some nasty damage to Darkwood. He brought Darkwood back to his feet, and in a further display of his power, he brought the big man onto his shoulder and delivered a big powerslam. Instead of a cover, he opted to get back to his feet and with a couple running steps he dropped a big elbow on Darkwood, making the cover for a long two count. Bishop was not bothered, as this was just a chance to further his brutal display. He watched as this time Darkwood required the ropes to get to his feet, and no sooner was he on his feet, he pounced, grabbing his waist and hitting a release German suplex. Hagen was happy, clapping at ringside, knowing it was executed to perfection, Bishop just got back to his feet and slapped his chest a couple times, another smile creeping on his face.
Again, Bishop opted not to cover but continue his assault, and he brought Darkwood back up to his feet and looked for a back drop driver. To everybody in attendance’s shock, Darkwood backflipped out, and used both hands and all his weight to push Bishop in the back, Bishop was forced to the ropes and the Dark Wolf followed him, hitting The Pounce [blue blood high knee] no sooner as he came off the ropes. Bishop dropped to the mat, Darkwood, exhausted from the onslaught that proceeded it did as well. The referee began his count, and both Kate Austin and Karl Hagen were at the ring apron slamming their hands down, offering words of encouragement to their fighters to get back up.
As the referee’s count reached seven, both men had got back up, their legs wobbling and leading them to the centre of the ring. They started to trade clumsy rights, first Bishop, then Darkwood, back and forth they went until Bishop went for a big swing which Darkwood ducked and with Bishop spinning around he grabbed him and hit an inverted falling DDT. Darkwood didn’t cover but got back to his feet, catching more of his breath and beginning to feel some momentum. He brought Bishop back to his feet and grabbed his arm, twisting it and heading to the corner. Darkwood, encouraged by the crowd walked the ropes before leaping off and flooring Bishop with the Blood Bite [old school]. He covered and got a long two count.
Darkwood slunk back and watched Bishop recover from his knees, baiting him to get to his feet. He rose to one knee and finally both feet as Bishop started getting back up, again using the ropes. Bishop turned around and Darkwood was looking for Wolfs-bane [diamond cutter], Bishop pushed him away and as Darkwood turned around to go back on the attack, he was met with a massive lariat. Darkwood dropped to the mat with a thud. Bishop stumbled forward and took a few deep breaths whilst leant on the top rope, before turning back around and grabbing the prone Dark Wolf, hitting the Pressure Point [deadlift Greco-Roman suplex]. Exhausted from this war of power and attrition, he merely draped an arm over Darkwood, but even so, the Pressure Point was enough to get the three.
[WINNER: Gerhard Bishop Via Pressure Point at 15:12]
We are outside the arena and there’s scores of people of ill-refute. Joe Blow, smile on his face shows up outside. Security is there to meet the entourage and the head of it approaches Blow.
Lead Security: I recognize you Mr. Blow, but strict orders say no one else.
Blow: What do you mean?
Lead Security: Orders from the General Manager, you know this already.
Joe looks around, some of the miscreants are already torching up glass pipes and various other paraphernalia. Even further among them are touching each other getting the other hot and bothered. He turns back to the man challenging hm.
Blow: These are my service animals.
The guards would look towards each other and then belt out laughing. Blow would interject.
Blow: I fail to see what’s so funny, if your company wants to deny science and claim humans aren’t animals and that people with disabilities don’t deserve animals to supplement...then well I never! I’ll just have to sue I guess...Oh well…
Blow with a grin is about to turn back but as soon as he does BB Gunn comes out clapping. Blow turns around after hearing the piercing tones and looks his arch foe in the face.
BB Gunn: Well now Mr. Blow, I told you I had I surprise for you.
Blow would give this man a glance but the silence would signal for Gunn to continue.
BB Gunn: You see I have a degree in physical therapy, and yes, I already know I can’t ask your disability, but I DO qualify as service personnel! So I will personally escort you to the ring and oversee your match! You can send your “friends” home.
Blow would be shocked but then smirk.
Blow: No problem “friend.” Just give me a second to send the mutts home.
Blow would turn to the crowd and whisper instructions to a few of them.
Blow: Now let’s go!
BB would lead blow inside as the rest of the crowd looks a bit confused. A select few are slipped tickets but as soon as those few noticed cameras were on them they would rebel against the camera crew and take them out
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Six Person Tag Team Match - Winners will get an NLW Heavyweight Title shot at Masquerade
Big Bone, Rebecca Brookes & Joe Blow vs "Big Tiger" Takuma Okazaki, Eli Dresden & Al Jabroni
As promised, Joe Blow was escorted to the ring by BB Gunn. Make no mistake about it, it wasn’t just Joe’s body odour that was in the air, there was a lot of tension as well. Gunn plainly raised a hand to motion Joe to the ring apron, where he joined Big Bone. Rebecca Brookes was starting the match for their side, and in the other corner was Big Tiger, with Al Jabroni and Eli Dresden readied for a tag when called upon.
Okazaki looked for a tie up with Brookes, but he slipped past and applied a waist lock, showing a surprising amount of power, she lifted Big Tiger and dropped him with a takedown, immediately then starting some ground and pound, looking for knees to the side of his head. Okazaki rightly covered up, forcing Rebecca into a different plan, applying a headlock and dragging him to his feet, and before Big Tiger could adjust, hitting a snap dragon suplex. The Princess of NLW popped back to her feet with a smile on her face. She grabbed Big Tiger and pushed him to the corner, tagging in Big Bone. Bone went to the middle of the ring and Brookes whipped Okazaki at him, allowing him to connect with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
Bone went to work on Big Tiger, bringing him back to his feet and hitting a vertical suplex. He took a few steps back and then looked for a running senton, but Big Tiger moved away. Bone was back to his feet, but so was Big Tiger, and Okazaki planted a running big boot into Bone’s face before Big Bone could compose himself. Tiger stared a hole through Brookes and Joe Blow before setting to work on Big Bone, who slowly got back up, only to be met with a tiger suplex. Okazaki made a quick cover but barely got a two. He went to his corner and tagged in Eli Dresden, who hopped into the ring with a smirk on her face.
Dresden looked to carry on from where Okazaki left off, she pounces on Big Bone with a swinging neckbreaker, and immediately looks to show off her agility by hopping from middle rope to top rope, and immediately off again with a moonsault. She covers for another quick two count, but continues to attack in the aftermath. Big Bone reversed the Irish whip attempt after being dragged to his feet, he went for the Bonesaw [burning lariat] but Dresden saw him coming, ducking under and on her return grounded him again with a head scissors takedown. This brought Big Bone closer to his corner and he’s able to tag Brookes back in.
Brookes came in hot, catching Dresden unawares with a flying cross body, both women bounced back up and Dresden went for a clothesline, Brookes ducked and looked for a back suplex, Dresden flipped out and landed on her feet, Brookes turned into a dropsault from Dresden. Dresden didn’t hang around, heading to the ring apron and launched herself back in, looking for a springboard 430, but Brookes rolled out of the way early, early enough that allowed Dresden to simply somersault and land on her feet but Brookes was up to send her flying towards her corner with a shotgun dropkick. Dresden was backed up but in her corner, and promptly made the tag to Al Jabroni.
Jabroni came in but before Brookes could engage, a suddenly animated Joe blow was calling to her, asking, no, begging to be tagged in. A cynic would consider that this was because he felt he could get the better of Jabroni easier than Big Tiger or Eli Dresden. Brookes looked at Joe, and then at BB Gunn at ringside, who nodded to her in approval, despite being as surprised as anybody in the arena. Brookes obliges and Joe Blow is tagged in. Blow sizes up Jabroni and one could even suggest he was excited, a smile on his face, he was hopping from foot to foot like a boxer. Jabroni glanced at his corner, an element of nervousness on his face, but they all gave him look of “get on with it”.
Joe and Al tied up, and Blow immediately placed Al in a headlock, and rather elaborately planted a punch onto the top of his head, sending him down. He held his arms out and looked at Gunn, a look of showboating in his eyes. Jabroni gets back to his feet only to be met with a short arm clothesline, and again Blow held his arms out, asking BB Gunn if he likes what he sees in the process. He turns back and Jabroni is on the rise again, so he hits a scoop slam followed up by an elbow drop, for Joe Blow, this is a wrestling clinic, in fact as he got back to his feet that’s exactly what he told the nearby camera, wanting the NLW fans to know that this performance was “for them”, blowing a kiss at the end.
With sarcasm and self confidence at an all time high, Blow looked to do more damage to Jabroni, this time hitting a release German suplex as Al got back up with the assistance of the ropes. Jabroni’s body bounced towards the centre of the ring and he reached towards his corner, but they were far too far away to help. Blow knew this as he grabbed Al by the back of his neck, and he sent him to the ropes. He looks for another clothesline but Jabroni ducked, and Blow spun around to a Pele kick from Jabroni! Blow stumbled to the ropes holding his face, before declaring that was about enough for him, and went to the corner, tagging out. He started to march down the steps, seemingly done with his “wrestling clinic” for the night, but BB Gunn blocked his path and told him to get back on the apron. Blow growled before completing the U-Turn, but as he stood on the apron he turned to the crowd and shouted “banana banana banana”. The half a dozen planted members of his entourage had been given a code word, and that prompted them to start stripping off and groping each other.
Gunn looked at what was happening and glared at Blow, who was feigning shock. Gunn barked for a number of managers assembled at ringside to get in there and help security, as most of them were probably outside. Ryan Matthews and Disco Boy Johnny B were the two sent in.
Back in the ring, Big Bone and Big Tiger were the two back in. Big Tiger had taken advantage of the distraction to be in control of Bone, having floored him with a Big Tiger Bomber [lariat]. Not done with the damage, he had Bone up and planted him with a Okazaki Driver [lifting double underhook sit out facebuster], making a cover but Big Bone just gets the shoulder up. Okazaki tags Dresden back in and she climbs the turnbuckle on Big Tiger’s instruction. Okazaki went back to Big Bone and hits a back breaker, holding him over his knee, which prompts Dresden to hit a dropkick to the head of the Esqueleto de Gran Fiesta. Dresden covered but again got a two count. She dragged big Bone to his feet and drove a knee into his gut, doubling him over. Dresden went to the ropes, looking for a running boot on the way back, but Big Bone sidestepped and out of desperation grabbed her and dropped her with Roll the Bones [Cross-Rhodes].
Dresden was down, Big Bone was down, and both were looking and crawling slowly to their corners. Brookes was reaching out to Big Bone, Joe Blow however was watching BB Gunn, who’s focus was still on clearing the planted crowd members. He dropped off the apron and after a final check, he took Brookes’ legs out, slamming her head on the apron, before completing the betrayal by throwing her into the ring steps. He then hot foots it out of the arena before Gunn or anybody can react. Big Bone reaches his corner to nobody, meanwhile Al Jabroni tags in as Dresden reaches her corner. Bone is on his knees, looking down at the fallen Brookes, and Jabroni hits a running dropkick to send his head into the middle turnbuckle. Bone holds his face and crawls away, but Jabroni heads to the turnbuckle, and waits patiently, Bone slowly stumbles back up but is dazed, allowing Jabroni to hit the Catch 22 [flying hurricanrana]! Jabroni went to make the cover, and Dresden spotted Brookes getting to her feet and for the avoidance of doubt, runs back in the ring, to the ropes and following a kong style springboard, hits the OH-EM-GEE! [springboard shooting star], taking her back down and allowing the referee to count the three!
[WINNERS: Al Jabroni, Eli Dresden and "Big Tiger" Takuma Okazaki Via catch 22 at 22:43]
Dan Simmons: Joe Blow has hijacked this match and left Big Bone to the wolves!
Tommy West: The man didn’t want the effort of a ladder match, clearly!
“Pretty Fly for a White Guy” starts to play and Jabroni gets back to his feet, Takuma Okazaki joins him in the ring, and shortly after Eli Dresden rolls back into the ring, allowing all three to have their arms raised. However they soon realise what that means, they are now opponents. They all take a step away from each other and there are side eyes all around.
Dan Simmons: I think any team that may have been forming, is well and truly out of the window now! It’ll be everyone for themselves in four weeks-
OH HELL YES
Simmons is interrupted as “West Coast Smoker” plays on the PA system. Leon Chant walks out, NLW Heavyweight Title resting on his shoulder. Rob Arnold is half a step behind him and they stare at the now confirmed opposition for the champion, Leon leans to Arnold and they exchange a couple quiet observations. The three winners in the ring stop looking at each other and all eyes are on Leon, who offers a broad smile before slowly raising his title at the three, Arnold smirks and folds his arms.
Dan Simmons: Well folks we are out of time, but Leon Chant is here, telling his new challengers that he is the man they’ll have to outclimb if they want to win the Heavyweight Title! In four weeks, these four will go at it in a ladder match at NLW Masquerade! Until then, we’ll see you in two weeks’ time for another episode of Ascendancy!
