NLW Ascendency X | Saturday, March 6th, 2021 | LIVE
Feb 23, 2021 11:08:45 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Kira Izumi, and 2 more like this
Post by Robbie A on Feb 23, 2021 11:08:45 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY X
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, March 6th, 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 gentlemen, welcome to NLW Ascendancy and the fallout of Masquerade! I'm Dan Simmons, with me as always is Tommy West and partner, we've got a Hell of a show ahead of us tonight!
Tommy West: We absolutely do, Dan. Not only do we have five action-packed matches ahead of us, Mystique will also be announcing who she will be facing for her championship opportunity--NLW Heavyweight Champion Leon Chant or newly-crowned Southern States Champion Nathan Parker!
Dan Simmons: Tonight we also see El Rey's return to the ring after his close loss to Dylan Black at Supremacy. Considering his strong words leading up to the show, it sounds like he's chomping at the bit to prove that he still deserves to be taken seriously. Nate Pierce is gonna have his hands full!
Tommy West: We will also see the debut of a new tag team as the duo of Flint Davis and... Neko Nyan Nyan take on the Goons. I never thought I'd see the day where a tag team would call themselves PETA, but here we are!
Dan Simmons: The imagination in this business is reaching new heights every day, Tommy. Speaking of imagination, I can't imagine what's gonna happen when Joe Blow and Scott Hampton square off in the ring--and we can't forget tonight's piece de resistance which will see "The StormCrow" Tommy Kelly taking on The Prick!
Tommy West: Before all of that action, folks, we've got Joshua Darkwood taking on Cheez. Can the Twitch streamer get his first win? Let's find out!
MATCH ONE
Cheez vs Joshua Darkwood
To call this match a modern take of David versus Goliath was accurate... or, at least, that was how Cheez obviously approached this match. For the first minute or so of the bout, the Twitch streamer did a fairly good job of sticking and moving, darting in to jab at Darkwood's torso with a surprising amount of pepper before dodging away again. Cheez's luck eventually ran out, though, when he went to the well one too many times and got a facefull of fist for his trouble, Darkwood following up with a few more stiff blows to browbeat--not to mention just straight-up beat--his opponent into the ropes. From there, the punishment continued until the referee forced the pair of men apart with a five-count, Darkwood letting up and backing away somewhere around the 4.9 mark. Distance was maintained for a few seconds, allowing Cheez to at least try to gather himself. It looked like such was for naught, though, since the Twitch streamer was trying to beg off for more time to catch his breath. Inevitably, Joshua reached the end of his patience and made his approach... but it turned out that Cheez was playing possum. The smaller man snagged Darkwood in a small package for a two and a half count as Kate Austin freaked out at the near loss on the outside!
Clearly irritated at almost being outwitted by a someone he viewed as a nerd, Darkwood was back on the offensive as soon as both men regained a vertical base--Cheez snagged by the wrist and hauled in for a short-armed clothesline that threatened to turn him inside out! Joshua dragged his opponent immediately back to his feet, sending Cheez into the ropes but when the Twitch streamer rebounded, he ducked under the extended arm of the Dark Wolf... and when Darkwood inevitably turned around to keep an eye on his opponent? He took a flying crossbody for his trouble, Cheez screeching out his appreciation for the, ah, donation as he took Darkwood down to the canvas. Sticking the landing atop his opponent once both hit the mat, Cheez only got a one and a half count that time around, Joshua kicking out with authority. And if Joshua was irritated before?
Joshua Darkwood was now properly pissed off at how tough of a challenge his opponent was proving to be, and he was not about to let that stand.
While Katie shouted reminders about their prior conversation to her client, Cheez was doing his best to keep the offensive pressure on Joshua. In a moment of what could only be described as stupidly brave--or maybe it's bravely stupid--the Twitch streamer hauled the Dark Wolf into the set-up for a vertical suplex. Whether Cheez just wanted to pull off a singular suplex or go for his take of the Three Amigos was unclear, but ultimately, it didn't matter since his first two attempts to lift his opponent failed miserably. When he tried for the charm of the third attempt, Darkwood powered out, a scowl on his face as he slammed Cheez to the mat with authority! Before Cheez could do more than arch his spine and cry out in pain, Joshua was taking control for what would be the final time in the match, his superior mat game making a dawdle out of getting the Twitch Streamer on his stomach before locking in the Howling! The Twitch streamer was indeed howling in pain and, after a few seconds of trying to gut it out, the Dark Wolf was the one letting out a sound of triumph as Cheez tapped out!
[WINNER: Joshua Darkwood Via The Howling at 08:14]
The lights in the arena go out and a single spotlight falls on the entrance. The opening chords of the White Stripes version of “Jolene” blare out of the speakers before Jolene, manager of the New South steps through the curtain and in to the spotlight.
The crowd boos Jolene as she pulls the mic close to her lips. She smiles as the crowd boos and gives them a sarcastic shushing with a finger to her lip.
Jolene: How about you all show a little southern hospitality and shut your damn mouths while I introduce YOUR NLW tag team champions…
Jolene motions to the entrance way behind her as a lone harmonica note floats through the air followed by the New South’s entrance music. Beau Traywick & Waylon Kirk stroll through the curtains in full ring gear with their homemade NLW tag team titles over their shoulders and each with a mic in their hand.
Waylon: I believe the lady asked for some damn respect.
Beau: So shameful but I’d expect nothing less from the cesspool that is New Orleans.
Boos grow even louder as the three smile and begin to stroll to the ring together. Once they are in the ring, the arena lights come up.
Beau: Now I know what you’re all thinking: “New South, we didn’t know we’d get to see the greatest tag team in all of NLW tonight, that wasn’t on the card!”
Waylon: Funny thing about the card though: subject to change. You see, we kicked the asses of the New Age Killers at Masquerade - just like we said we would.
More boos and some fans chant “Goons” - the New South hear this.
Waylon: Oh yeah, we hear you cheering for the Goons. A couple of losers who decided to make their names on the back of our work.
Beau: I seem to recall we were well on the way to victory and they wanted to get some spotlight. Look, I’m just going to say this: Goons - you two are like pineapple on pizza, you don’t belong here. This is our tag division, don’t forget that.
Waylon: That’s right. And as a treat to all of the fans here in attendance, you’re going to see a defense of the NLW tag team titles tonight! Jolene, care to introduce our competitors?
Jolene: My pleasure. Tonight’s challengers, former fifteen time tag team champions the world over! Coming out of retirement, Dick and David Lemon, the Lemon Brothers!
Generic disco music plays and two men in their sixties slowly walk out of the entrance wearing bright blue and orange polyester jumpsuits. They dance a little to the groans of the crowd and come down to the ring.
Waylon: Let’s get this party started and throw ol’ Dick around.
Beau gives Waylon a side-eye as the Lemon Brothers get in the ring. Jolene removes her blazer to reveal a referee shirt and calls for the bell.
Dick & David appear to be discussing who will start the match when they’re jumped by the New South. David is thrown over the top rope where he lands with a thud. Dick is kicked in the stomach and placed in position for the BBQ. Beau hits the superkick and Waylon drops down for the piledriver and the squash is complete, the New South both pin him as Jolene counts a quick three.
The New South’s music hits as the three celebrate. Waylon and Beau pull confetti cannons from under the ring and shoot them off in to the crowd as they hold their homemade titles above their heads.
MATCH TWO
El Rey vs Nate Pierce
El Rey’s face showed that he was still not in the best of moods as the match began, and he looked intent on letting out his annoyances on The Whaler. Pierce went for a tie up but El Rey knocked him to one knee with a stomp to the back of his leg after he’d ducked past the tie up attempt. He then began planting kicks to the chest area of Pierce until he was satisfied that he was dazed, and went to the ropes, Pierce was having none of it and sprung out with a huge clothesline to drop El Rey to the mat. Pierce wasn’t hanging around either, immediately bringing El Rey back to his feet and keeping up the disorientation by hitting a scoop slam and then a big standing elbow drop. Pierce stayed on top of El Rey for a count but El Rey was out at one, nonetheless you could see the barrage had caught him off guard.
Pierce brought El Rey back up and pushed him into the corner, where he started to unload on him with knife edge chops, each one echoing around the Avron B Fogelman Arena. He sent El Rey to the opposite corner with an Irish whip, but as he charge at him, possibly looking for a big splash, El Rey brought his legs up to knock him back. El Rey put his speed to good use, hopping onto the second rope and launching at Pierce, hitting a hurricanrana that propelled The Whaler onto the nearby second rope. El Rey was back on his feet and vaulted over the top rope onto the ring apron, and sent the prone Pierce back into the ring with a stiff penalty kick to the face. Pierce rolled backwards into the middle of the ring, and El Rey watched intently for him to stumble back to his feet, where he took flight once more, nailing a springboard forearm to ground Nate Pierce, he covered and got a short two count.
El Rey looked a little frustrated, perhaps wanting to get through this match as quickly as possible, then again, he’s now well established as the most petulant member of the NLW roster, this was a looking probably like a little bit of both. He took a moment to exchange a sharp word with the referee, who really wasn’t interested in his complaints. He brought his attention back to Pierce, who was back on his feet, he attempted an Irish whip which Pierce reversed, Pierce bent over looking for a back body drop but El Rey rolled over his lowered body and Pierce turned around to be met with a cross body attempt, but Pierce caught the eighteen year old! Pierce smirked before executing a fall away slam, sending El Rey sprawling across the ring. Pierce got straight back up to go after El Rey, who scrambled to his feet despite the surprise slam. Pierce sent El Rey to the ropes and went for a looked for a big boot, but El Rey slid under the raised leg, popped up behind him and hit Sliced Bread, he covered but got a two count from the referee.
El Rey protested to the referee about the speed of the count, but the referee was not backing down. After some choice words he turned back to The Whaler, who was slowly working his way back to his feet. El Rey looked to end it right there, booting Pierce in the gut looking to set up for the Society Killer [Styles Clash], but Pierce, perhaps in survival mode, countered with a back body drop. Pierce stumbled forward after the move, grabbing the nearest top rope to steady himself, having composed himself, he turned to see El Rey scrambling back to his feet, he charged at the youngster, flooring him with a stiff clothesline that almost turned El Rey inside out. Momentum heading back in his favour, Pierce was getting fired up, and goaded El Rey back up to his feet, and hooked him into a vertical suplex which he held for what felt like an hour, or at least El Rey may have felt like that. Not willing to let up, he went to the corner and waited impatiently for El Rey to get back to his feet, and as he slowly got back on two feet, Pierce made no mistake in hitting the Puncture Wound [spear], and making the cover which El Rey just managed to get a shoulder up before the three.
Pierce wasn’t worried, you could see he was feeling in control and wanted to put El Rey away. He dragged El Rey back up and whipped him to the ropes and on his return flipped him up, perhaps looking for a pop-up powerbomb, El Rey was having none of it and hit a hurricanrana. El Rey was back on one knee immediately, and with the fallen Pierce near the corner, he almost sprinted to the corner and ascended the turnbuckle, and went for a 630 senton, but Pierce rolled out of the way! El Rey crashed and burned, Pierce gritted his teeth as he used the ropes to get back to his feet. Both men were up around the same time, but El Rey didn’t really know where he was and stumbled into a Whaler Bomb [pumphandle sitout powerbomb], it looked like that would do it, but before the referee planted his hand down on the mat for a third time, El Rey had placed a foot on the ropes!
Frustrated, but not to the point of distraction, Pierce sighed and got back to his feet, he still had more to give, and called for the Deep Sea Plunge [chokebomb], El Rey slowly got back to his feet and was rewarded with The Whaler’s hands on his throat, El Rey did all he could, planting a kick in Pierce’s gut, which released the grip, and El Rey went to the ropes , coming back with a cross body which Pierce caught! Pierce, showing his strength hoisted El Rey onto his shoulder, he looked for a powerslam but El Rey dropped back and pushed him into the corner, and after Pierce’s body bounced back he used a schoolboy for the pin attempt, with the referee unsighted he hooked the tights, and despite Pierce struggling to break free, the referee counted the three!
[WINNER: El Rey Via Schoolboy rollup at 09:01]
No sooner as the bell rung El Rey hot footed it out, Pierce was livid and stared a hole at El Rey, who simply smirked and tapped his head, letting Pierce know that this time, he’d outsmarted him. As Dan Simmons said on commentary though, this may not be the last of Pierce for El Rey.
The lights inside of the Avron B Fogelman Arena begin to flash. Simmons and West try to figure out what is going on as their microphones have been cut. Suddenly, the lights go out completely. Not too long after, a dark blue glow appears around the stage area as the jumbo-tron flickers on. We see one of the NLW's newest talents, Mystique, appear on-screen and the crowd begins to boo.
Mystique: People of New Orleans. I know that you've been waiting on pins and needles for this moment. Two weeks ago at Masquerade, I earned the opportunity to challenge one of this company's Champions. While neither of these Champions stand a chance once they look eye-to-eye with the Mysterious, the fact of the matter is that I still get to pick and choose between the two. Oh .. to choose which of these two men that I get to dismantle .. what a feeling.
Mystique: Let's look at the candidates. Nathan Parker, Southern States Champion. Leon Chant, Heavyweight Champion. Two men who are, surely, to look at me and see just another little girl. Try it. I dare you. Others have before and look where they've found themselves. Surely not in line for a Championship match. But oh .. how much do I wish that Frank Dylan James was still the Southern States Champion. This decision would be a no-brainer, given what the man tried to do to me at Ascendency Nine. The ability to put him down and shut him up once and for all would have made me giggle like that little girl he treated me to be. But, alas .. he is not that man anymore. He lost to Nathan Parker. Ironically, the result of that match still makes this an easy choice.
Mystique: Leon Chant .. I want YOU. Why? I've got no history with you. I do not necessarily wish malice towards you, either. But I said all along that my goal was to come to Next Level Wrestling and take over. I did not expect for this to happen so soon, but I am not surprised either. I am coming for the NLW Heavyweight Championship and I am going to shock the world when I take it from you in two weeks. Because I am the rightful holder of that Championship, Mr. Chant. You are merely the placeholder. And your time .. is up.
Mystique begins to laugh like crazy as the jumbo-tron flickers. Her face slowly disappears and the lights and sound inside of the Avron B Fogelman Arena return to normal.
MATCH THREE
PETA (Neko Nyan Nyan & Flint Davis) vs The Goons (Ricardo & David Goon)
After their arrival at Masquerade, we were aware that The Goons were not here to play games. However, looking at PETA it was apparent that their motivations were not as clear. Bothe Neko Nyan Nyan and Flint Davis were a little preoccupied making cat paws at each other which as noted by the commentary team was getting a bit weird. The Goons seemed to agree and weren’t really feeling patient enough to wait for them to finish, so charged at them and attacked. Ricardo planted a stiff knee strike on Davis to send him out of the ring. David Goon was unloading on Neko in the corner, and whipped her to the opposite corner, he immediately followed and hit a stinger splash. Neko dropped to the mat face first, and David tagged Ricardo in, who had made his way back to their corner following his early attack on Flint Davis.
With both Goons in the ring they grabbed Neko and waste no time, hitting a double gourdbuster to keep her grounded and Ricardo went for a quick cover but got only a two count. He kept up the pressure, bringing Neko to her feet and sending her to the ropes, he went for clothesline but she ducked under and on the return hitting a cross body attack. She rolled away and to her corner where Flint Davis had returned and seemingly recovered from being unceremoniously taken out the ring earlier, Neko tagged him in for his first real opportunity to make an impact in an NLW ring.
Davis stood across from Ricardo, who was back on his feet, curiously he was playing with his face like a cat playing with its whiskers, which earned a unimpressed glance between the brothers Goon. David trotted over to Ricardo, perhaps to lock up but we’ll never know, because Goon planted his boot in Davis’ midsection, which doubled him over and earned an axe handle to his back to drop him to the mat. Ricardo quickly dragged him back to his feet and whipped him to the ropes, he knocked him back down with a shoulder charge, and then went to the ropes himself, Davis kipped up and hit an arm drag to turn the tables. The younger Goon was straight back up but received another arm drag for his troubles, and on the third attempt to charge him, David rolled towards his corner, ducking under the clothesline attempt. Ricardo spun around to see Davis led down, leg high in the air and attempting to…lick himself. This proves to be a bit much for Ricardo, and he tags David back in.
David started charging towards Davis, but Neko warned Davis of the impending attack and he tagged out, allowing her to hit a springboard cross body. She sprung back up, and clearly excited she started to run from rope to rope, standing on David Goon as she passed him and shouting “Nyan” over and over again. The Nyan Nyan Express was reaching high speed but David was not staying down too long, and suddenly he sprung up and cleaned her out with a superkick. He made the cover but only got two. David kept the pressure up, dragging her to her feet and sending her to a neutral corner via Irish whip. He charged at Neko but she hopped her legs up, and wrapped the Goon in a tarantula! The referee immediately began a rope break count, but she made sure she got as much effect from the hold before releasing.
Goon stumbled forward and onto one knee, and this allowed Neko to climb the tunbuckle and wait for him to get to his feet, David turned and was met with a seated senton. Neko sprung back up and tagged Davis back in, who rushed over to David Goon, who was getting back to his feet but was immediately floored again as Flint pounced with a backstabber. Davis made a cover but would only get a two count. Davis, full of confidence thought he could end it right here, he dragged David Goon up and into a set up for Jimmy Eat World [Canadian destroyer], Goon was wise to this and back dropped out of it, and despite Davis quickly springing back to his feet his advance on Goon was met with a superkick. David looked like he’d had enough and tagged Ricardo in, but instead of leaving the ring he turned one hundred and eighty degrees and charged at Neko Nyan Nyan, who wasn’t expecting the running big boot and crashed to the floor outside.
Ricardo knew what to do, and dragged Flint Davis up, David went to the top rope and Ricardo faked an Irish whip to drag Davis back, and then pop him up, David knew his role, and took flight, allowing them to execute the Ether [pop up powerbomb into blockbuster combo]. Smiling, David slid out the ring to allow Ricardo to make the pin and get the three for The Goons.
[WINNERS: The Goons Via Ether at 07:47]
"Put Em In Their Place" by Mobb Deep begins to play as the bell rings to signal The Goons' victory. Ricardo gets to his feet and kicks Flint Davis for good measure, speeding up his rolling out of the ring.
Simmons: Impressive showing here from The Goons on debut, wait a damn minute!
Dan Simmons' sudden surprise was because out of nowhere, The New South were at ringside, and they'd come equipped with chairs. Traywick took aim and slapped the chair across the back of Neko Nyan Nyan, who was starting to get to her feet, not anymore. Waylon Kirk did the same to David Goon, not once, not twice, but three times, forcing Goon to the floor.
West: This is payback Simmo, pure, unadulterated payback!
Ricardo was aware of what was going on and slid out of the ring to support his brother but Beau Traywick blindsided him with a chair shot to the back. He called Kirk over and the pair combined to hit a superkick/sitout piledriver combo.
Simmons: BBQ, to the floor for good matter!
Beau whispered an instruction to Kirk, and Kirk grabbed David Goon and rolled him into the ring. The New South quickly followed, and once again armed with the chairs, they waited for David to get up, and he woozily, and slowly did so, he may have wished he hadn't though, because The New South nodded at each other, before hitting a con-chair-to!
Simmons: Oh my days! The New South are taking David Goon apart!
Kirk laughs, and stands over the fallen Goon brother, whilst Traywick gets a couple of microphones, handing one to his tag partner before speaking first.
Beau: Let us be very clear to the Goons and everyone else in the back. If you decide you want to get involved with our business, you will pay.
Waylon: We are the greatest tag team in NLW, period. Goons, we didn’t need your help to beat the NAK and we don’t want you getting the wrong idea. We’re not the pussycats you just fought. We are the New South and this is our turf.
Beau: What we’re saying, and let me spell this out in case you can hear us in that coma, is go back to your stoop.
The New South slowly walk away from the ring as their theme plays.
As the fans begin to stir for their next taste of action as the lights lower, the music of a man completely unexpected starts to play on the speakers of the Avron B Fogelman Arena. The dueling guitar riffs from Simple Plan guitarists Sébastien Lefebvre and Jeff Stinco from their song “Last One Standing” as the screen reads “#Believe” in a light blue font. With a solitary spotlight on the top of the ramp, Adrien Cochrane appears the moment Pierre Bouvier’s vocals begin to echo throughout the venue. The Dropkick King has two items on him that stand out. One of them is a microphone. The other is a championship belt from his former company.
Dan Simmons: Well, this is surprising. Adrien Cochrane is coming down the ramp. He’s not an NLW wrestler.
Tommy West: He has wrestled here before. He got a victory at Ascendency 6 over Jason Justice and HNDRXX. Not to mention, he doesn’t live very far from this building.
Dan Simmons: He recently just signed with FWA, right? Didn’t he officially challenge…
Tommy West: Dylan Black for the X*Crown? Yes, he did. Putting that very belt on the line to get the match.
Cochrane rolls into the ring as his music comes to a stop. The New Orleans crowd start to cheer for the hometown hero as he looks around at all the fans.
Adrien Cochrane: One of the greatest joys of being a professional wrestler, well let me backtrack a bit… A big advantage to doing what I do for a living is the opportunity to visit all the different cities I get to go to. All the different states, countries, all the cultures from around the world. The travelling is a fun experience, but one of the greatest joys… is being right here in my home, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA!!
After hushing to hear the Dropkick King speak, they pop once more at the mention of the city in which Adrien was born. He grins widely as he leans on the ropes that face the hard camera.
Dan Simmons: Well, as you said, he only lives about twenty minutes away from the arena.
Tommy West: Still, kinda curious as to what he is up to. He’s only appeared at one previous NLW show. I wonder if we have some surprise coming.
Adrien Cochrane: Now, I know a lot of you know that I recently signed with FWA. I know a lot of you saw that I officially made a decision that may alter the course of my career here in the XHF Network.
Cochrane pauses for dramatic effect. He holds up the New Generation Wrestling Championship in his free hand, the nameplate bearing his name visible on one of the handheld cameras in the ring.
Adrien Cochrane: I decided to put this championship that has been in my home for two and a half years… on the line to merge with the X*Crown Champion, Dylan Black. But the question after the challenge was a simple one. Setting. We needed to have a show willing to host this match. I didn’t want to take shine off the other great companies in the network or overshadow my fellow FWA competitors by having the belt on the line on two straight shows there. We contemplated places like FIRESIDE, AWF, Dylan’s home of J-ROK, NPW, SWAT, and even if we could make it work on a CAR show. But then Dylan made me an offer. It was a generous offer I could not refuse. Why don’t we have this match on NLW Ascendency XI? Why don’t I go for this prestigious championship two weeks from now, right here IN MY HOME, THE GREAT CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA?!
The cheers are louder than it was earlier.
Tommy West: Oh wow! This is huge!!
Dan Simmons: The X*Crown is coming to NLW! Wow!! I know neither of them are NLW wrestlers but…
Tommy West: Well, one of them gets the clear home field advantage. Wow, this is big!
Adrien Cochrane: So what I hope for all of you is this. I hope you all get to witness one of the greatest matches we can provide for all of you. I hope we can give you a match you will be speaking of for years to come. And I hope…
One more dramatic pause.
Adrien Cochrane: I hope that I will give you a title change that all of you will remember. So in two weeks, it will be… Adrien Cochrane, the final NGW Champion, taking on the historic X*Crown run of Dylan Black! To Dylan, I simply say… let the best man win.
Cochrane extends his arm and drops the microphone before Simple Plan begins playing once more. He quickly rolls out of the ring, still clutching the NGW Championship.
MATCH FOUR
Joe Blow vs Scott Hampton
Joe Blow came into this match with a new mantra, a new aura, and no, it was not to be confused with the type of body odour he was sporting this week, Joe Blow told us that he was going to change his methods up to something a lot darker than we’d been used to seeing from him. Despite his warning that he wouldn’t be adverse to taking the battle to Hampton’s loved ones, Rachel Hampton was at ringside to support her husband, as always. Perhaps the Hamptons didn’t take the threats seriously, or perhaps they weren’t interested in the mind games, but considering the stakes set by Blow, both Scott and Rachel seemed quite calm as the bell rang.
Blow was also calm, he stepped forward and smiled at Hampton from one corner to the other. Much like his recent battle with Tommy Kelly, he told Hampton that “he knew what he had to do”, which was to lie down and allow Blow the victory. Hampton was unmoved though, and simply stared back at Joe, who once again told him that he knew what he had to do, but added what the consequences were of him not bending to his will. Blow looked ominously at Rachel, and then back at Scott with a wide grin. Hampton doesn’t react though, a fierce stare at his opponent to let him know that he’s not backing down.
Blow’s expression slowly soured, he wanted the reaction, he wanted to have his way, but Hampton was not budging. This meant that Blow starting getting more aggressive in his demands, he ordered Hampton to get on his back one more time, and said that this was his last warning. Hampton paused and then slowly smiled, before catching blow off guard with a barrage of rights. He backed Blow to the ropes before sending him the opposite set with an Irish whip, knocking him down with a rolling elbow. Blow bounced up pretty quickly but was met with a snapmare takedown, with Blow in a seated position Hampton quickly went to the ropes himself and flattened his opponent with a dropkick. He made the cover but only got a one count.
Both men were straight back to their feet and Hampton continued to be the aggressor, connecting with a gamengiri to put Blow back down onto one knee. Hampton sprung back to his feet and looked to plant a kick in Joe Blow’s jaw, but Blow caught the foot, and spun him around a full three sixty, as Hampton faces Blow once again Blow pounces with a Thez press, and began to hammer right after right on the Kildare native. Hampton held his arms up to try and block the punches but Blow was connecting with more than enough of his attempts, forcing Hampton to push Blow off him. Blow rolled away and was back up in no time, and went straight back to his assault, this time stomping on Hampton, who with each stomp flinched closer to the corner that he was crawling to, this only gave Blow another idea, he grabbed Hampton by the back of the neck and started to repeatedly thrust Hampton’s head into the turnbuckle until Hampton slumped face first over the corner.
Blow took a couple steps back to pretend to listen to the referee, who was reminding him of the rules, but in all honesty he just went straight back to hurting Hampton, lifting him into a seated position on the turnbuckle, and then he pulled his head and body back into a tree of woe position, and then started stomping on his chest. Not satisfied with the stomps, he places his foot on Scott’s throat, prompting a count from the referee that you wondered if Blow would ignore and allow the disqualification, but he stopped just short. Again, the referee took this opportunity to give the Hobo a “telling off”, but he still didn’t look like he was listening. He glanced towards Rachel Hampton, and then squatted down to be closer to Scott’s face, and in a chilling tone told him that he had warned him, and that he should have listened. With Hampton still in the tree of woe and feeling the effects of the stomps and choke, Blow slid out of the ring uncontested, and he started to slowly walk towards Rachel Hampton, who was backing off at a similar pace.
Blow’s expression was sinister, he wanted to scare her, he quite possibly wanted to hurt her as he warned days ago. A nasty smile all over his face, he started walking towards her faster, which had her backing up a bit quicker to the point where she stumbled and landed on her backside. Blow just laughed and approached Rachel, who was shuffling back, not willing to turn her back on Blow so opted to crawl, anything to keep some form of distance…but he was closing in. Blow was barely a yard away from her and told her, loudly enough so everybody could hear, that it’ll be over quick, he’ll do her that kindness. However, before Blow can say or do anything more, he’s halted by Hampton…and a steel chair to the back. The referee calls for the bell immediately.
[WINNER: Joe Blow Via DQ at 10:13]
Blow drops to one knee and this allows Rachel Hampton to get up and away from his immediate presence. Scott however wasn’t done, and he dropped the chair so he could grab Blow by the back of the neck and launch him into the ring steps. Hampton’s eyes were raging, and the disqualification didn’t seem to bother him at all. Perhaps Joe Blow had won the match, and the mental game, but Scott Hampton was the one standing tall, Scott Hampton and his wife were leaving relatively unscathed. Blow on the other hand had gained a nasty looking cut on his head from the impact against the steps. After staring a hole in Blow for a few more seconds, he indicates to his wife that it’s time to leave, and they back off up the ramp.
We cut backstage to see all three members of The Academy walking through a corridor, Rob Arnold in the centre, flanked by Riley Richards and the NLW Heavyweight Champion, Leon Chant. All three are suited up and Arnold looks to be in a good mood. As they approach a more open area, a familiar voice halts them.
Ross: Rob Arnold! Rob! May I have a quick word?
Like a spider in a web, Kelly Ross has been seemingly waiting for the arrival of The Academy, and now she strikes. Arnold doesn't seem too worried by this and as she comes into shot, Arnold smiles and nods.
Ross: Thank you! First of all, I'd like to congratulate Leon Chant on retaining the Heavyweight Title at Masquerade.
Arnold laughs and pats the title that's resting on Leon's shoulder.
Chant: Thank you Kelly, thank you very much.
Ross: What sort of shape are you in after what was a very physical match, champ?
Chant: Ahh Kelly, bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, nothing that a couple more ice baths won't fix. Not too shabby for my first ever ladder match anyway!
Arnold: Wait, you've never been in a ladder match before?
Chant: Nope, not till last week.
Chant shrugs which prompts a laugh from Arnold.
Arnold: You'd think that I'd have known that and made some form of reference to it. Oh man, I'd think that my methods were getting sloppy, but I think it's more that I can trust you more and more, after all, you still have the gold, right?
Chant: Right!
Rob pats the title again as he chuckles once more, Kelly Ross rolls her eyes a little bit, wanting to as some actual questions.
Ross: Well, it's good to hear that you're feeling in good shape Leon, because Mystique has confirmed that in two weeks' time, she's coming for you and your title, your immediate thoughts?
Chant and Arnold glance at each other, the tone's got very serious, very quickly, Chant nods to Arnold as if to say "you've got this one".
Arnold: Honestly? We were expecting her to take aim at Nathan Parker and his Southern States Title. However, we quite like that she's opted for Leon, it shows ambition. As we've said before, you don't come into this business to play for second place, so Mystique, for that, you've got the Academy's attention, and you have The Academy's respect. But...
Chant: But that's about as far as the niceties go. Mystique, you've taken NLW by storm, I get that, but you're now gunning for The Hired Gun, that's a different game altogether. Like Rob said, ambition is a good thing, but you're gonna see that sometimes you can reach a little too high, and you end up slipping off the ladder you've been climbing, I just hope you don't bang your head too hard when that happens.
Ross: And Rob, you spoke a few months ago about the plans for The Academy-
Dresden: Oh, there y'ins are!
Ross, as well as all three of the Academy glance over to the right, where Eli Dresden soon appears from. She places an arm around the NLW reporter, and speaks at a loud whisper so we can all hear her.
Dresden: Psst, Kelly. If you lemme have a few words with these guys, I'll buy you a drink later. Deal?
Ross nods, in fairness Eli asked nicely, so who is she to say no? She backs off and allows Eli to stand in front of the NLW Heavyweight Champion.
Dresden: Leon, sweetie, darlin'--you didn't think I was done with you, didja?
Chant offers a small smile, but as always in the face of a challenger he stays all business.
Dresden: I mean, not that it reaaaaaally matters if you did cuz I just came from BB Gunn's office. Turns out he agrees with me in that you and I still have a score to settle because on Ascendancy 11, he's pittin' me and El Rey against each other with the winner gettin' a shot at the NLW Heavyweight Title!
Before Leon can reply, Riley Richards leans towards Rob Arnold's ear.
Richards: Mr Arnold, she reminds me of that woman you told me to stop talking to on Insta-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Richards' voice has gone up a few octaves, why? Well, because despite him being quiet, we all heard it, as did Eli, who has side stepped to face him and whilst the camera's not showing it, we can work out that she's got him by the balls.
Dresden: Pro tip, kid--if you don't want the size of your family jewels checked, don't offer the opportunity cuz I heard that.
One can only guess that she squeezes a bit, if the way Richards' eyes almost bulge out of his head is any indicator. Eli's gaze returns to Leon, a wicked little smirk gracing her lips as she lets go of Richards, who stumbles off screen with a whimper.
Dresden: Anyway, once I've beaten the guyliner off of El Rey, you and me? We'll be gettin' real up close and personal again. Who knows? Maybe you'll wind up with your head between my thighs again. You think maybe this time you could do a little somethin' somethin' with your tongue instead of just lettin' your nose do all the work?
Arnold's eyebrows raise and even Chant's mouth opens a little bit aghast at the innuendo. Dresden chuckles.
Dresden: Of course, I know you've gotta get past Mystique first... but even if you don't, it's all good. I'll still let you between my thighs.
Leaning up, her lips come dangerously close to Leon's ear.
Dresden: All you gotta do is ask.
Pulling away, Eli gives Leon a wink and walks off in the opposite direction, leaving the Champion lost for words. Rob Arnold folds his arms and watches Eli seemingly walk out of earshot, before turning back to Leon.
Arnold: You know I was a little on the fence before, but Leon, she'd be good for you, I like her!
Chant glares at Arnold, who looks back at him with an expression of "what?". Chant, sensing defeat on this topic at this time, walks off, shaking his head, leaving Arnold on his own.
Arnold: Oh come on Leon...she would! Leon? Leon!
Arnold sighs and heads after the champion as we cut back to ringside.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
The Prick vs "The StormCrow" Tommy Kelly
The bell rings and right off of the bat, both men charge into one another--and it’s Kelly that ducks under the arm swinging towards him by The Prick as he rebounds off of the ropes and lands the Big Boot to the chest of The Prick, sending him back into the ropes and The Prick takes down Kelly with the Spear, taking him down to the mat and just firing down on the lefts and the rights on Kelly’s face. Punch after punch after punch is driven down by the clinically insane Prick but Kelly using his somewhat intelligence to kick away The Prick looks to be effective. One kick to the face however pushes The Prick off of Kelly as The Storm Crow makes his way back to his feet, and turns to find Prick rushing in--Crow dodges and pushes him into the ropes, rebounding into a Snap German Suplex!
Somehow the two hundred and two pound man was able to drop the two hundred and ninety-seven pound man down with a German Suplex but does Tommy Kelly care for the physics?
Fuck no he doesn’t.
Kelly makes his way to his feet whilst The Prick is kneeling in the middle of the ring, and that’s the opening that Kelly needed to fire off knee strikes to the head of The Prick--as if the insane bastard needed more brain damage, it’s what Kelly continues to aim for--but The Prick catches one of his knee strike attempts and pushes Tommy back. The former XHF European Champion is distracted enough for The Prick to answer back with a headbutt right to the bridge of the nose, and then the Back Suplex drops Tommy down to the mat before The Prick grabs the head of Kelly with a Chin Lock. The Prick keeps the hold in tight and Kelly is struggling to breathe but being able to reach behind him and grab a handful of The Prick’s hair to tug on was enough for the submission to break. The referee gives Tommy his warning for the hair pulling but he simply does not give a shit about it at all.
The Prick is able to make it back to his feet as Tommy looks to tackle him down with RedRum but the weight of The Prick leaves him unable to fling him over and down to the mat. So, Tommy goes down the different route and tries to spit in the face of The Prick--but his mouth is covered by The Prick as he then places his lips around Kelly’s, giving him a smooch--and as The Prick pulls away… he uses a mist of his own! Transferring the mist from Tommy’s mouth to his own in that lip locking contest that they endured! The Prick grabs both arms of the blinded Tommy Kelly and drives him head first into the mat with Just Hold Still (Double Arm DDT) and The Prick doesn’t go for the cover, he’s just going to pick Kelly back up from the mat and pick him up again for You’re Not Real (Cradle Piledriver). Though it might have felt weird not having Maze here repeating the words themselves to the crowd, it doesn’t stop him from pushing Kelly to the side and climbing onto him for the cover.
The referee only makes it to a very close three count, and to that--The Prick is amused, being able to pull Tommy back up to his feet and looking to plant him down to the mat with Edge of Sanity but Tommy is able to fight back, hitting those hard closed hand punches to the stomach of The Prick. Hooking the arms of Kelly prove to be the mistake made as he gives The Prick a Back Body Drop down to the mat. Kelly doesn’t waste time though as he moves to the corner and makes his way up to the top rope, looking down at The Prick as he leaps with Nevermore (Diving Elbow Drop) and then straight into the pin as he hooks the leg but The Prick kicks out just right after two. Kelly makes it to his feet and backs himself into the corner and waits for The Prick to stand back up to his feet--and just when he does is when Kelly charges in but the Discus Lariat leaves Kelly to flop down on the mat like a fish.
The Prick senses the ending coming. Making his way to the nearest corner as he begins to climb to the top and keeping his back turned on Kelly, but the former XHF European Champion is back up to his feet whilst The Prick was looking to keep his balance on the top rope, he grabs The Prick and takes him off of the ropes--keeping him up on his shoulders before dropping him down with Death Becomes You (Omega Driver). Kelly makes the cover and he gains himself the three count, making him the victor.
[WINNER: Tommy Kelly via Death Becomes You @ 10:22]
Tommy Kelly celebrates in the ring, being able to put away the former and inaugural NLW Heavyweight Champion, but he’s unable to stay on his feet. But the crowd seems to turn sour by the sight of a large figure sliding into the ring and taking down Kelly. The crowd doesn’t know who it is, but there’s some who does, and they’re chanting his name.
Dan Simmons: Do you know who that is, Tommy? That’s the newest signing to Next Level Wrestling! That’s Kai D Oh!
Tommy West: Oh I knew, Simmo, and I am in awe at the pure size of this beast! Just look at that man! They call him “The World’s Strongest Creature” and with good reason, because my god, that’s a freak of nature if I’ve ever seen one!
Kai D Oh is just stomping down Tommy Kelly as he picks him up and tosses him across the ring with a Biel Toss, but Tommy made the terrible mistake of getting up to his feet as Kai D Oh picks up Kelly and drives him down to the mat with the Ryou (Running Powerslam), the sound of the thud echoes throughout the arena and everyone in the arena is in shock and awe at the sight of this monster in the ring. Kai’s attention is soon turned to The Prick and he’s just able to pick him up with ease, all the way up as he spins around with The Prick on his shoulders before driving him down to the ring mat hard with Tatsumaki (Batista Bomb). Kelly had already rolled out of the ring and that just left Kai D Oh in the ring over The Prick as he looked out to the crowd before rolling out of the ring and heading to the back, pleased with his work.
Tommy West: Good god, what a debut for Kai D Oh, what a superior showing from the monster of a man himself.
Dan Simmons: He almost killed The Prick in that ring--oh no, he’s coming back, he’s coming right back for The Prick. Get him out of there!
Dan was right, Kai D Oh isn’t done as he slides back into the ring and with ease picking up the lifeless body of The Prick, sending him all the way up to the air and dropping him back down with another Tatsumaki! The Prick isn’t moving an inch, medical teams are already storming the ring in worry for The Prick as Kai D Oh brushes the dirt onto The Prick. The commentary team are in shock, they’re speechless, and as Kai exits the ring--the fans are in silence. They don’t know what to make of what they witnessed. The former NLW Heavyweight Champion has been put to rest by this freak, this monster, this mountain of a man- Kai D Oh.
The Dragon God looks back, watching the scenes happening in the ring as they look to help The Prick in the ring--and all Kai could do is smile, walking through the entrance curtain and leaving the arena in the way it is. The feed soon fades to black with a wide shot of the arena in silence and the medical team surrounding The Prick in the middle of the ring.