NLW Ascendancy XVI | Saturday, June 12th, 2021 | LIVE
May 31, 2021 4:40:25 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Hyperion, and 2 more like this
Post by Kris on May 31, 2021 4:40:25 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XVI
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
June 12th, 2021
Magnus: Hello and welcome to the NLW kick off show presented by GUNS. GUNS Arena is coming soon and to kick off this episode of Ascendancy with the second match in the Into the Afterward tag team tournament. First up is a team that always brings the fun Contemporary Twenty-four Hours.
AAAAAAAAHHHHHH LOUISIANA! DON’T YOU DARE BE SOUR! CLAP FOR YOUR NEW GUNS TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, AND FEEEEEEEEEL THE POW-UH!
Huge D stumbles out onto the stage and down the ramp as Xander follows but via air landing face first on the stage. Behind them Kris Quake and Randy Angel come walking out. Behind them Johnny Styler follows carrying a slumped over Coffee over his shoulder. Quake produces a mic as Randy lifts up the fallen Xander and begins to direct him toward the ring.
Quake: Did you idiots not watch the other round of this tournament? I guess not since you didn’t expect us to jump you like this. We did the same thing last week and we weren’t even in that match. I’m sure you were too busy thinking of more dumb gimmicks to sell merch. Off the Wagon, Natural Selection, we don’t need dumb gimmicks. We sell Super Sake by being ourselves and kicking tag team ass. Get that idiot in the ring.
Quake motions for Randy to throw Xander on and then runs the rest of the way down the ramp and nails a prone Huge D with a clothesline driving him back first into the edge of the ring. Quake motions to Styler who drops Coffee on the ringside floor and walks over to Quake. The two men lift Huge D up and roll him in the ring and then Quake follows. The Ref is checking on Xander when Quake grabs him by the collar and demands for him to start the match.
Magnus: This doesn’t look good for Huge D and the boys, but this match will happen.
Into the Afterward Tag Team Tournament Round One
Contemporary Twenty-Four Hours vs Off the Wagon
Xander rolls out to the ring apron as Huge D pulls himself up to one knee and holds his back. Quake waves to Randy that he’ll start the match and then runs and nails Huge D with a shinning wizard. He immediately goes for the cover but Huge D forcefully throws the much smaller Quake off at one. Quake scrambles to his corner and quickly tags Randy in. Randy enters the ring as Huge D is trying to get to his feet. Quake calls for the ref feigning an injury and while the ref is checking on him Randy spits liqueur into the eyes of Huge D and then follows with a kick to the gut and a DDT. Quake miraculously heals and points to the ring where Randy drapes himself across Huge D only for Huge D to power out with his powerful legs before the ref can even get down for the count.
Magnus: Off the Wagon has done everything right tonight but just cannot keep the big man down.
Randy is shocked as he looks down at Huge D who is rubbing his eyes trying to get what we assume is Sake out of his eyes. Randy stumbles back not taking his eyes off of Huge D and tags in his partner Quake. Quake comes in full of speed and runs to the other side of the ring and slides kicking Xander off of the apron. Quake is immediately back up and motions for Randy to get Huge D. Randy moves in and delivers multiple knees to the face of a doubled over Huge D. Randy grabs the doubled over Huge D who has taken a beating and spins him around where Quake catches him and hooks the arms dropping him with a Pedigree. Quake falls on top and Randy jumps on top of him and the ref makes the count.
[Winners: Off the Wagon]
Magnus: That’s it. Our final is set. Join us at the Gun Show season premier celebrating the XHF’s 25th birthday where we will crown our GUNS Tag Team Championships.
But in the ring Off the Wagon aren’t ready to walk away. Quake has been given a mic and Randy has found one as well.
Randy: We would like to thank Super Sake for giving us the ability to win this match and give us the brilliant ideas that lead to it.
Quake: Without Super Sake it might be near impossible to move on in this tournament. So we at Off the Wagon ask you to please, drink a lot, respon-UH!
Quake is taken out by a pair of straight kicks by the Jackson’s! Randy is shocked and doesn’t move which is a huge mistake as Youthful Affluence strike again and it’s a straight kick fiesta to kick off Ascendancy.
'Obey' hits the sound system and the crowd hits their feet, the fallout from Hostile Intent clearly inspiring excitement. As multi-colored lights swirl over the crowd, the camera pans over the assembled fans, picking up quick glimpses of signs showing support for various members of NLW's roster and a few extra banners for the new General Manager and his face all over it with the text reading "EVERYONE LOVES BLOW" before it cuts to the announcers table.
Dan Simmons: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Ascendancy! I'm Dan Simmons, and joining me as always is Tommy West. Now Tommy, am I alone in thinking that tonight's show is going to be historic?
Tommy West: Absolutely not, Dan! Between Tommy Kelly making his championship address tonight after toppling Eli Dresden at Hostile Intent and the announcement of the G1's groups, there's bound to be some headlines made after tonight's show--and that's not even touching on the in-ring action that's in store!
Dan Simmons: Tonight sees the debut of two hot new signings as Lazarus Arjen goes up against Joshua Darkwood and Felix faces Cheez in our two opening match-ups. I've heard that Felix has extensive martial arts training, Tommy.
Tommy West: Indeed, and the vicious streak in Lazarus Arjen is rumored to be as wide as the Mississippi. I wonder what will happen when Arjen and Felix collide in the future!
Dan Simmons: Who knows for sure? What I know for sure is that Graham Baker's first challenger for the Southern States Championship will either be Al Jabroni or Savannah Sunshine after tonight's main event! Will we see Al return to the form that got him into the ladder match at Masquerade? Will we see Scott Hampton interfere?
Tommy West: Speaking of Scott Hampton, will he and Finn Whelan have a chance in Hell of working together well enough to take down the well-oiled machine that is the New South?
Dan Simmons: That's a match that can go either way. The same can be said of Rebecca Brookes and Nathan Parker, though their intense exchange of words suggests that whoever wils is gonna have to fight their heart out to get the W!
Tommy West: So many questions... and only one way to answer them all. Let's get this show started!
MATCH ONE
Josh Darkwood vs Lazarus Arjen
The difference in styles is obvious from the moment the bell rings. Darkwood comes forward with arms up, aiming for a collar-and-elbow lock up, and Arjen responds by kicking him in the chest, and when Darkwood's arms drop, Arjen unloads with knife edge chops with his whole body behind them. When Darkwood seems to catch on, he mixes it up with a kick to the knee to put him off balance again. Eventually he pushes Darkwood against the ropes with chops and kicks, and he unleashes a flurry of chops and forearms to the face until the official has to drag him bodily off of Darkwood. Arjen lets himself get pulled off, but only long enough to charge back in. The brief respite is enough to let Darkwood recover and reverse an Irish Whip attempt, catching Arjen on the way back with a big back body drop. It almost seems like Arjen is chuckling while his back is arched with the impact...
Darkwood tries to wear down Arjen with a seated rear chinlock, but Arjen resorts to flailing that kind of but not really disguises blatant attempts to rake Darkwood's face and eyes. He doesn't have great leverage, but it's enough to get Darkwood to yelp and release him, and to get chided by the official again, which he summarily ignores. As Darkwood scrambles to his feet, Arjen charges in, blasting him in the knees with a reverse chop block, and while Darkwood favors his knee, Arjen stomps all the other bits he left unprotected. Darkwood pushes himself up to a seated position, but Arjen simply grabs one arm by the wrist, pulls it across, and starts blasting his neck with elbow strikes. Darkwood's pain is visible, but he doesn't give up, eventually pulling his arm free and grabbing Arjen by the neck and pulling him forward over him in a seated snapmare. He pushes himself up, trying to get separation, but Arjen is already getting up, so he grabs him from behind. He drops Arjen with an inverted headlock backbreaker, arching Arjen's back uncomfortably again. Then he reaches across Arjen's chest to grab a wrist, pushes him up, whips him around, and pulls him back for a short-arm clothesline. Finally having a modicum of control, he goes for the first pin attempt, but gets only two.
The crowd is starting to get behind Darkwood, who tries to go for a Crossface to end things while Arjen is down, but he's not worn out enough and flips out. When they both get to their feet at the same time, Darkwood unloads a chop of his own, and they enter a chop battle! The crowd alternates between WOO! and BOO! as Darkwood and Arjen chop each other, but as things go on, Arjen starts getting more boos than woos. He backs into the ropes for extra momentum, but before he can manage whatever he was going for, Darkwood hits him on the rebound with a jumping knee strike! After hitting a Pounce, Darkwood starts stalking Arjen, clearly looking to end things with the Wolf's Bane, but just when he thinks he's in position to nail a Diamond Cutter, Arjen jumps with him and nails a double-knee backbreaker! It's Darkwood's turn to arch his back before rolling out, but he gets no solace, as Arjen just runs back against the ropes and sails through the ropes, hitting Darkwood like a missile with a Suicide Dive! Arjen is quick to roll Darkwood back into the ring, but he gets only two off the dive. So he picks Darkwood up with some effort, first to his feet, then turned around and into an electric chair. Darkwood struggles, and it looks like he might break free with some desperate hammer blows, but Arjen just catches his arm on one and uses that to yank him forward and over in his Assault Driver! Arjen then drapes himself across Darkwood, smirking at Kate as the official is forced to count to three.
[WINNER: Lazarus Arjen via L.D. 50 @ 09:21]
We fade into the backstage setting of the Avron B Fogelman Arena and where we would usually see the sign that read “BB GUNN’S OFFICE” has been covered in masking tape and written on the tape over Gunn’s name is “GENERAL MANAGER - JOE BLOW” and what follows is the door opening to finding Joe Blow sitting in the chair of where Gunn would normally sit as the General Manager- clearly, that isn’t the case as of right now though.
Joe Blow: Ah welcome! Tonight marks the official first night I take this company from a soulless entity to a true artistic, visionary, and above all else, watchable show! You see, I am on the clock, so my changes have to be fast and through. But you can all rest assured, two months is all I need. So let’s not waste anytime, Mr. Gunn, would you please step inside MY office?
On cue, Gunn stepped into the office and even seeing the shambled waste that laid around everywhere, he was very much displeased with how his office looked.
BB Gunn: Yes, Mr. Blow?
Blow smirks as his puppet proceeds inside. Blow bends down and reaches behind the desk and after a moment pulls up and plops down a wet cardboard box.
Joe Blow: I have a gift for you! Sort of my way to offer an olive branch. I see how you parade around here with no sense of style and that isn’t a great way to represent this company. So I pulled some strings, mugged a few guys, and came up with this. Your new uniform!
Joe handed Gunn the suit he ‘handpicked’ for him, and it seemed a bit… dull. There’s nothing flashy about it, nor was there anything posh-spoken about it like how sharp-dressed the former General Manager seemed to have been always dressed up in.
BB Gunn: Seriously, Joe? A corduroy suit?
Joe Blow: Leave it to you to miss the finer points of fashion. But no matter, that will be basically your skin these next few weeks. You are forbidden to remove it, especially in my presence. I want you to eat, sleep and shit in it to prove your loyalty to the brand. But that’s not all I have to discuss with you. You see, you also have a new duty to attendant. Starting tonight!
Gunn offers a perplexed look.
BB Gunn: And that is…?
Joe Blow: NLW will now be hosting an open bar at ringside for our wonderful staff! Performers and camera crew alike will be able to grab a potent potable of their choice from a wide selection. In fact, it won’t cost the company anything either, because I have the perfect benefactor willing to pony up the cash. You!
BB Gunn: You can’t be serious.
Joe Blow: Oh but I am! And you will also be the one out there mixing the drinks and taking orders! I can’t wait to see your smiling face as each and every glass drains some of that executive money out of your pocket! So good of you to pay it forward! Now hurry along, it’s already being set up!
BB Gunn: Wait, wait- I know I’m not the boss or anything but as far as I’m remembering, I was meant to be making the call of a new challenger for Tommy Kelly if I were to win. What are you going to do about that?
Joe Blow: Above your paygrade now Mr. Gunn. These matters deserve the utmost care and respect. But mark my words, but the end of tonight Mr. Kelly will have a challenger. Now shoo, I must relieve myself now.
BB Gunn: Please...please use the bathroom.
Joe Blow: I’ll do what I damn well please now get the hell out of here already!
BB Gunn goes to protest some more but manages to catch himself. His head sinks as he turns and passes by the camera crew, who also promptly file out.
MATCH TWO
Felix vs Cheez
The moment the bell rings, Cheez is... doing the wax-on, wax-off movements from the Karate Kid before he settles into the fighting stance that Neo used in the Matrix complete with turning his hand and making the 'come hither' movement with his fingers. For his part, Felix looks less than impressed at the clear mockery of his chosen fighting style, something that Cheez doesn't seem to take too seriously as he carries on with what he clearly thinks is pro-level kung fu--or maybe it's karate? No one knows for sure, though one thing makes itself evident when Felix is sufficiently provoked into action, the Tactician quickly moving both across the ring and past the soggy tissue paper of Cheez's defenses to light up the Twitch streamer with a chop that has the crowd letting out a 'WOO!' and Cheez letting out a squeal of pain! The barrage of chops and palm strikes that follow drives Cheez back toward the corner, every hard-hitting impact of Felix's hand against Cheez's chest earning more approval from the crowd--and once the Twitch streamer is slumped back against the top turnbuckle? Felix connects with a kick to the side of Cheez's head that drops him like a bad habit! The referee steps between the pair of competitors, allowing Cheez to groggily get to a vertical position before allowing the action to continue.
Keeping his laser-like focus on his opponent, Felix is quick to close the distance again--but before he can so much as consider how to inflict damage on his opponent? Cheez snags Felix by the wrist and sends him into the ropes mostly thanks to the element of surprise. On the rebound, Cheez takes Felix down with an arm drag before popping back up to his feet. Visibly surprised it worked, the Twitch streamer's gamer reflexes kick in... well, in the form of a dropkick that connects right when Felix is up to one knee, knocking him flat on his back! Scrambling for the pin, Cheez neglects to hook the leg--but even then, he still gets a two count, if only barely. Incensed at not getting the win, Cheez goes for another attempt, only getting a one and a half this time. Sitting back on his knees, Cheez's frustration is clear as he throws a fit at the referee for his laggy count while Felix's own irritation is more... quietly expressed, the Tactician stealthily moving behind the ranting gamer as Cheez continues his tirade. Mercifully for the referee, he only has to deal with the nerdy venting for about five more seconds before Cheez is being interrupted by Felix locking in Mashing Gears, the Tactician's take on the Tazzmission cinched in!
Desperately flailing, adrenaline gives Cheez the strength to try to fight his way loose, a mission that is aided by how close he was to the ropes when Felix locked Mashing Gears in. Ultimately, Cheez's left foot hooks on the bottom rope, forcing the break! Felix is quick to release the hold, taking the honorable route in letting the referee separate them so Cheez can get back to his feet. Red-faced both from being locked in that submission and from anger, the Twitch streamer stalks his way over to Felix, shoving him as he lets out a new stream of verbal gamer rage that is ultimately punctuated by a slap! The crowd 'Ooooh's as Felix scowls, Cheez having just enough time to realize that he done goofed before the Tactician snags him by his shoulders and spins him around, hitting a German suplex, then a Dragon suplex, and then an X-plex for good measure, Entropy completing as Felix sticks the landing of the X-plex with a bridging pin! The three-count that follows is inevitable, the fans cheering Felix for his first win.
[WINNER: Felix Via Entropy at 07:54]
Coming back from a commercial break the audience is immediately greeted to a surprise, as “Born of a Broken Man” blasts from the speakers and the arena ambiance changes with it. Cheers and chants begin almost immediately, as the NLW Heavyweight Champion makes his way on stage, golden belt around his waist and a cheeky grin on his face.
He pauses for a moment, to savour and relish the atmosphere of the fans before heading to the ring, sliding in with momentum and quickly mounting a turnbuckle to scan the room.
Dan Simmons: Well we have a new Heavyweight Champion in our midst, and the fans seem to love it. Listen to those cheers!
Tommy West: Not wrong there Dan, these fans seem to love Tommy Kelly, listen to them go!
A chant has already begun around the arena;
STORM-CROW!
STORM-CROW!
STORM-CROW!
STORM-CROW!
STORM-CROW!
A microphone is tossed up to him, and Tommy Kelly jumps down from the turnbuckle.
Tommy Kelly: You guys…
He stops talking immediately, clearly washed away with emotion and awe at the fans chanting his name. They continue, and a round of applause begins to circle the crowd too. Giving them a moment to get it out of their system, Tommy finally waves and motions for them to settle down.
Tommy Kelly: Well, I never thought it would happen again in my lifetime, I never thought I would get this feeling again… but fuck, I am so so happy it did! Having you guys cheer me on, having my back throughout my time in the fed, just keeping me going… you have no idea how fucking thankful I am to all of YOU!
He points his fingers out to the crowd, as they cheer him back.
Tommy Kelly: Eli Dresden is one Hell of an opponent, and one of the toughest, fiercest, most inspirational characters I’ve ever met. I’m glad we got to clash, but there was no ‘winner’ and no ‘loser’ in that match… we both came out of that with something special. Give a quick round of hands for Eli!
He encourages the fans to cheer and shout for Eli, which they do gladly. The other face of the company, there is no love lost for her here as a chant starts up again.
DRES-DEN!
DRES-DEN!
DRES-DEN!
DRES-DEN!
DRES-DEN!
Tommy Kelly: Look I’ll be frank with you all, I never thought I would get to this point, and never expected to be sitting on the top of anything again, maybe only a pile of empty bottles. So this is catching me by surprise. To quote the Joker, “I like to chase cars, but never know what to do when I catch up.” So this is an adventure we’ll be taking together.
He pauses for a moment, and savours the moment before pressing on.
Tommy Kelly: I’m no fool, and this isn’t my first rodeo. The wolves are already howling at the doors for their shot it seems, and the list of challengers for this belt is growing. From Eli looking for a rematch to the Goons nipping at her heels, to Chant, Big Bone, fuck even Joe Blow probably wants my head now!
A boo passes around the crowd at the mention of the newly-minted GM.
Tommy Kelly: All I know is, I need to be ready. I won’t let this slide away so easily. And that’s why I’m cleaning up my shit. I’ve knocked the liquor… mostly. And I’m back in the gym training… mostly. And of course, no drugs or hookers anymore…
The crowd responds with unanimous chant of “Mostly”.
Tommy Kelly: Haha! You fucking guys! But it’s true, it’s time for a new and better version of me, less chaotic and messy. I’ll leave that scene to Joe Blow and the likes, and it’s time for me to saunter into my final days and reign clean as your champion.
He stops once more, swapping the microphone between hands.
Tommy Kelly: My old days are behind me… the hectic party days are a thing of the past. The Phantasm, the Dark One, the Jackal, the Brotherhood, the StormCrow… all my monikers and names are history. It’s time to ring in a new era, the dawn of a new time… the unstoppable Tommy Kelly. The unbeatable Tommy Kelly. The undying Tommy Kelly...
He turns to face the south camera as it zooms in on him.
Tommy Kelly: ...I am… Tommy “Deathless” Kelly. And I fucking dare anyone on the roster of NLW to challenge that fact. I haven’t been pinned, submitted or defeated yet in NLW, and I don’t plan on starting. I climbed to the top, and that’s exactly where I’ll be staying. All I can say now is… let’s fucking go lads!
He drops the microphone and raises his arms, to a very excited and elated audience. The chants begin immediately;
DEATH-LESS!
DEATH-LESS!
DEATH-LESS!
“Born of a Broken Man” hits again as he starts to exit the ring. However, he notices that at the top of the ramp, Joe Blow is there waiting, microphone already in hand.
Joe Blow: Truly a celebration worthy of a champion of your calibur Mr. Kelly. I hope you also make use of that open bar I have set up.
Joe continues down the ramp as Tommy remains in the ring.
Joe Blow: But every party eventually comes to an end. I’m afraid it’s on me to do that, seeing as I run this place now.
The crowd boos loudly and Joe enters the ring.
Joe Blow: Unfortunately it has come down to me to decide who your next challenger will be. I thought of many, many names. First, what about a rematch between you and Eli?! What about a scuff between companies with you and Strife?! Or hell how about bringing a certain fat demon out of retirement and face off against Dreadvan?!
The crowd roars at each and every name, knowing how huge each contest would mean and some of the history involved.
Joe Blow: But...then I thought...fuck it. I know the absolutely perfect challenger. A man who gets everything he wants one way or another. A man willing to humble everyone in his way, and a man who’s already bested you before….ME!
Blow then clocks Kelly over the head with the microphone several times. Each hit was a bit more vicious than before. Kelly manages to reverse though and lands a few hard elbows of his own. Blow then rolls out of the ring and runs up the ramp as Kelly gives chase. Security starts to form at the top of the ramp not allowing Kelly to get any further as Blow taunts him from the safety of their backs.
Dan Simmons: Wait a minute… Joe Blow just named himself the challenger?! Are you serious?!
Tommy West: A perfect way to ruin a good thing, and to think that we’d celebrate something good tonight but all that Blow’s done is leave a sour note on everything there is here in Next Level Wrestling.
Dan Simmons: Distasteful and disrespectful, he cannot walk out the champion -- I don’t want to see it happen. I really do not.
Tommy West: Believe me, Dan. You won’t be the only one.
Cut to a promo package for the next upcoming match.
MATCH THREE
The New South vs Finn Whelan & Scott Hampton
The New South decided to start Traywick while Whelan is the first man legal for the opposition. As they come to center ring, arms raised, they connect in a collar-and-elbow tie-up, which Traywick wins. He wrenches on the headlock while Whelan tries to struggle out, and when he does, Traywick seems to expect the hammerlock to lead to a technical exhibition. But when the hammerlock gets released, he turns around into a Pele kick! The crowd cheers even as Whelan starts going to town on Traywick with stiff knife-edge chops, overhand chops, and back elbows that push him into the corner. Whelan does a flurry of chops in the corner, then runs to the opposite corner for momentum before rushing back in, missing the corner clothesline as Traywick had ducked out of the corner onto the apron! As Whelan staggers back, Traywick springboards off the top rope and takes an attempted DDT that Whelan reverses, twisting around Whelan's shoulders before whipping him over in a tilt-a-whirl headscissor takeover! Despite themselves, the crowd cheers a bit, but then boos as Traywick quickly tags in Kirk, who is quick to rush over to grab Whelan’s leg before he can tag in Hampton.
Kirk goes to work on Whelan’s back, starting with a rear chinlock while driving his knee into the small of Whelan’s back, then when Whelan wiggles and elbows his way out of that, catching him before he can get away and slamming his knee into the mat. He grabs Whelan around the middle and lifts him in a gutwrench, but as he lifts him for the powerbomb part, Whelan springs to life, wrapping his legs and nailing a Frankensteiner on Kirk! Both men go for their partners, but Traywick gets there first, grabbing Whelan’s foot when he is a knuckle’s width from Hampton! He yanks Whelan back to center ring, then sits down in a half crab! Hampton leans in as far as he can to encourage Whelan, who strains and struggles and pulls, and he gets close to the ropes but then Traywick stands up to pull him back again. But Whelan is ready this time and pushes back at the same time, pushing Traywick off balance! Traywick recovers quickly but Whelan is able to turn over and onto his back and Traywick in the head when he stoops to grab him, and then Whelan leaps for his corner, slapping Hampton’s hand and summoning the hot tag!
Traywick has his feet under him just in time for Hampton to charge in with a pump knee kick to put him on the back foot again. Kirk tries to come in and regain control of the tempo, but Hampton just rushes in, meeting him with a stiff dropkick! Kirk rolls to the outside as Hampton goes to take control of the match, but as the official is distracted with Kirk trying to re-enter, Traywick rakes the eyes and Hampton recoils as the crowd boos. He staggers back toward the corner and Traywick takes the opening to hit a big shotgun dropkick, thrusting Hampton into the buckles! Traywick puts Hampton up on the top buckle, maybe looking for a top rope Frankensteiner, but Hampton resists, punching and elbowing to loosen Traywick’s grip. Before he can get his reversal in, Kirk resurfaces and crotches Hampton on the buckles! The official chides, but Kirk then tags in legally. The New South bring Hampton to center ring to end things, but as Kirk starts to set up for the BBQ, with Hampton in Piledriver position, Whelan resurfaces and barrels into Traywick with a clothesline, and as Kirk drops Hampton, Whelan wheels on him and catches him with the Fenian Rising! The official is struggling to regain control and urges Whelan out of the ring as Traywick looks to pick up where Kirk left off, but a superkick goes wide, and as he whips around, Hampton is already rotating and blasts him full on with a spinning kick right to the chin! Whelan watches Kirk to make sure he doesn’t move as Hampton covers Traywick for the three count!
[WINNERS: Whelan and Hampton via Final Flash @ 12:54]
MATCH FOUR
Nathan Parker vs Rebecca Brookes
It was quite clear that Nathan Parker took exception to what Brookes had to say about him this week. He was clearly much more focused than in previous showings, possibly more sober but as Tommy West said, “did you really want to make that bet?”. Poor-taste remarks about high functioning alcoholics aside, both competitors had something to prove tonight, one wanted to show she deserved to be at the main table in NLW having fallen short on a couple of occasions now, and Nathan Parker was determined to prove he deserved his NLW Southern States Title run.
Parker landed the first offence, slamming a boot into Brookes after feigning the lock up. He clubbed on her back and dropped her to the mat. Parker wanted to keep pressure on Brookes so dragged her up and hit a snap suplex to continue to attempt to disorientate. He dragged her back up once again and unleashed a combination of punches to bring her into the corner where he traded the punches for boots until she looked subdued. Parker grabbed Brookes in a suplex position and brought her into a delayed vertical suplex, but instead of dropping back, he hung her up on the top rope, and not satified with that, he went off the adjacent ropes and hit a stiff knee to the head to send Brookes back into the ring. He made a cover and got a two.
Parker looked like he was going to make good on his promises, and despite the two count he was straight back on the offensive. He brought Brookes back to her feet and stunned her some more with a headbutt, before whipping her to the ropes. He lookedfor a back body drop but Brookes landed on her feet, Parker turned around and ate a Pele kick. Brookes wasn’t so quick back to her feet however, still feeling the effects of the knee to the head. Despite this, she managed to get back up and catch Parker with a Saito suplex, which she would make a pin for and get a two count of her own.
Brookes stalked Parker, waiting for him to stumble back to his feet, and as he did she lifted him him onto her shoulders, possibly looking for Angel’s Wings, but Parker grabbed the nearby ropes, which after a struggle forced Brookes to drop him back to his feet. She charged at him but he body dropped her over the top rope and to the floor below! Parker took a breath before hitting the ropes himself, and launched himself outside the ring as Brookes got back to her feet, hitting the WTF suicide dive.
Parker was first back to his feet - somewhat unsurprisingly - and whilst he was out the ring he was going to make use of the situation. He grabbed Brookes by the back of the head and slammed her head into the nearby announce desk, but instead of letting go, he immediately spun her around and rolled her back into the ring, going back to his disorientation strategy. He heads to the apron and then up the turnbuckle. He waited for Brookes to get to her feet and flew towards her, looking for a flying axe handle smash, but she planted a boot in his gut, and followed it immediately with the Phantom Silver Crystal [ripcord slap followed by a cyclone mafia kick]. She covers but only gets a two.
Not at all defeated yet, Brookes brought Parker back to his feet and went for an Irish whip into the corner, but Parker reversed and charges at Brookes, hitting Megaheadbutt, which resulted in Brookes dropping to the floor, Parker didn’t hesitate in climbing to the top rope and took off, looking for the Shotgun elbow drop, but Brookes rolled away. Parker grabbed his elbow in pain as Brookes scrambled to the corner to catch her breath as well as get back to her feet. Slowly Parker got up and instinctively he charged at Brookes again, but this time she stepped out the way, Parker stumbled back and right into the Dawn of the Goddess [Spinning Michinoku Driver II-B], Brookes made the cover for the three!
[WINNER: Rebecca Brookes Via Dawn of the Goddess at 14:01]
The camera cuts to the interview area set up backstage... but with two additions. The first is a good-sized LCD television that has been mounted to be roughly eye-level, NLW's logo the image being displayed. The second is former GM BB Gunn, who looks a little worse than wear thanks to the bags under his eyes and the dirt smudged on his face. Of course, the corduroy suit that he's been forced into wearing doesn't help matters, either--but once he knows the camera is on him, Gunn is drawing himself up to his full height, forcing a smile.
BB Gunn: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It seems that Joe has passed out in my--ah, his office for the time being, so I decided that now is the perfect time to announce the groups for the G1!
The crowd's faint cheers plus the excitement for his pet project make Gunn's smile more genuine as he steps to one side of the screen--and as soon as he does?
The logo for Collision Course comes up, revealing itself.
BB Gunn: At Collision Course, the finals for the G1 will take place... but before the two finalists clash there? They will each have to overcome not only the other three members of their group, but the second place winner of the opposing group. It's quite the arduous road ahead, for sure, but at the end is the opportunity of a lifetime--a one-on-one bout with the NLW Heavyweight Champion!
BB nods to emphasize that point before turning to look at the screen.
BB Gunn: And now that I think I've teased you enough... let's announce Group A!
The image on the screen transitions from the logo for Collision Course to the image displaying the members of Group A.
BB Gunn: We have Felix, Waylon Kirk, Ryan Young, and MYOJIN! And as for Group B...
Once again, the image shifts from Group A to Group B.
BB Gunn: We have Ric Goon, Big Bone, El Rey, and Adam Sanders!
Returning his gaze to the camera, that smile from before returns at full strength.
BB Gunn: Eight men, all of whom are fierce competitors in their own right. Some are legends, others are legends in the making. Who will make it to the finals? Only time will tell. On the next episode of Ascendancy, four matches will begin the journey to Homecoming. Good luck, gentlemen.
Gunn's smile grows.
BB Gunn: You'll need it.
The camera cuts back to ringside.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH FIVE
Winner Faces Graham Baker for the Southern States Title at Ascendancy XVII
Savannah Sunshine vs Al Jabroni
From the moment he set foot in the arena, Al Jabroni seemed distracted, in fact it seemed like he almost didn’t want to be here. He kept looking at Disco Boy Johnny B as if he was waiting for something from him, but what that something was unknown. After a lot of huffing and shrugging, he looked ready to fight Savannah Sunshine, who was laser focused on Jabroni, perhaps still feeling burned by Scott Hampton’s distraction tactics at Hostile Intent and wasn’t prepared to be caught once again. They locked up and Sunshine took immediate control, backing Jabroni into the corner, the referee asked for a clean break which she allowed and encouraged Jabroni to come back at her for a second attempt. Jabroni had other ideas, and as she attempted a second lockup, he slid past and applied a waistlock, Sunshine was having none of it and promptly elbowed him in the head, forcing him back. Savannah turned and backed him up further to the ropes with some forearms, before whipping him to the opposite ropes, she stepped forward and she planted Jabroni with a scoop powerslam.
Sunshine brought Jabroni back to his feet and threw him into the corner. She charged at him but he slid out the way, resulting in her running boot attempt missing the mark and hanging her leg up over the top rope. Jabroni composed himself and as Sunshine released herself, she turned into a codebreaker from Jabroni, which he followed up with a pin and got two.
Jabroni got back to his feet following the attempt, but his attention was immediately turned, Disco Boy suddenly announced to the part time director that the phone was ringing. This got Jabroni very, very excited, he leaned through the ropes and asked Johnny B “is it her?” to which his manager checked the phone and nodded. This resulted in even more excitement to the point of borderline hysterics. Jabroni kept screaming that he “couldn’t believe it” over and over again, the referee watched on, somewhat confused at what could possibly be more important than a shot at Graham Baker in two weeks, but equally with Jabroni nobody was shocked any more. Jabroni reached out to Johnny B, and asked him to hand the phone over as “he just knew Stormy would answer the call to work with Mr Blobby, anything after Donald is an upgrade after all”. Before he can get the phone however, Sunshine was back on her feet and had decided that there’s no time for this, and Jabroni turned to face her after being warned by Johnny B, but it was too late, she launched herself at him and connected with the Shiniest Rainbow [satellite DDT], making the cover, and this match was over before it had even really got going!
[WINNER: Savannah Sunshine Via Shiniest Rainbow at 05:54]
“I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” plays through the speakers as the main event -- to the surprise of many, seeing as Jabroni was once their favourite by the crowd -- has been defeated in such quick fashion but before anyone can say anything, before celebrations even happen. “Forever” by Run The Jewels hits the speakers and already, the crowd knows who’s coming out and they know who’s making their way out to the ring. The NLW Southern States Champion, Graham Baker. The two stare down one another and the towering Baker stands inches away from Savannah and having the championship high into the air. There’s no tape on the title. It’s THE Southern States Championship of old.
Dan Simmons: In two weeks, it’s all of the championships on the line right now and these two will be facing one another for the Southern States Championship! This might be the night that makes or breaks their careers here in Next Level Wrestling and I, for one, cannot wait!
Tommy West: And you think this isn’t the only match you’re hyped for? THE NAMES IN THE G1! It’s going to be massive when it all comes down to two weeks and where things will stand afterwards. Even then, there’s also the NLW Heavyweight Championship defended on the line!
Dan Simmons: And we cannot wait to see you all there in two weeks for Ascendancy XVII, for Tommy, I’ve been Dan Simmons and we’ll see you in two weeks!
The final shot we see is of Savannah Sunshine staring up at the NLW Southern States Championship and Baker keeping it held up high over her head and his as we soon fade to black.
