NLW Ascendancy XVIII | Saturday, July 10th, 2021 | LIVE
Jul 1, 2021 18:57:30 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer and bloodiedfox like this
Post by Kris on Jul 1, 2021 18:57:30 GMT -5
Next Level Wrestling Presents
ASCENDENCY XVIII
LIVE from the Avron B Fogelman Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
July 10th, 2021
In the reclaimed office of BB Gunn, the general manager sits at his desk, across from the sharply-dressed Thespian, as well as his equally-dressed interpreter next to him. Gunn raises a brow to the both of them, before beginning to address the wrestler.
Gunn: So, why are you here? You snuck into this company without filling out any paperwork with your information. We cannot begin to process you as an employee until we have that information, and I refuse to simply pay you cash under the table.
The wrestler nods before making gestures with his hands towards the GM; his interpreter speaks on his behalf:
“Thespian:” I wish to remain anonymous. I would like a fresh start to leave my past behind.
Gunn: Is there a reason for your anonymity?
“Thespian:” I do not wish to be recognized by my former name. I bet that away in another company, and lost. I do not wish to be known again.
Gunn: Can I call you something OTHER than your real name or your moniker?
“Thespian:” Theo.
Gunn: Well, Theo, you’re asking for a lot. But, tell you what. If you impress upon me and the crowds tonight, I’ll create you a proper contract that guarantees that I will not breach your request. However, I still require your information. Deal?
“Theo:” Deal.
Gunn: Then, welcome to the NLW. I hope you put on a good show.
“Theo:” I will do my best.
As Theo and his interpreter get up and walk towards the door, Gunn coughs.
Gunn: One more thing. If you do not win your match, since you are not currently on the payroll, I will not be paying you for tonight. Understand?
The two well-dressed gentlemen glance at each other. The interpreter gives a small look of nervousness, but Theo merely grins behind his mask before signing once more. With an anxious tone, contrast to the original message, the interpreter speaks:
“Theo:” I’m… certain that you will be entertained. That is my job, after all.
With that, the Thespian steps out from the office as his interpreter follows. BB Gunn watches the two leave before shaking his head in disbelief. The camera fades out, then into the arena for the opening segment of Ascendancy.
'Obey' hits the sound system and the crowd hits their feet, the camera panning over the Avron B Fogelman Arena. With the Joe Blow decor gone, everything looks back to normal--and judging by the extra little bump in the enthusiasm of the fans? It's good riddance to bad rubbish. Multi-colored lights swirl over the assembled crowd, signs declaring their support for various members of both the NLW roster and the visitors from the G1. One final pan and the camera cuts to the announce position.
Dan Simmons: Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to NLW Ascendancy--and thank God, things are back to how they should be!
Tommy West: Amen to that, Dan! While the way things were returned to normal may have been... unconventional, there's no denying that it was effective. And now that Joe Blow's nonsense is no longer diverting attention away from it, the G1 can finally take center stage!
Dan Simmons: Indeed, and the G1 action continues tonight with four matches that all have the potential to blow the roof right off of the Avron B Fogelman Arena!
Tommy West: Right you are! Starting us off, though, is a double debut bout where E. Legal will be taking on the mysterious Thespian. Considering Legal's background, I get the feeling this is gonna get physical fast!
Dan Simmons: Speaking of physical, I don't think there's a better word to describe Ric Goon's attitude as he enters his second match of the G1 against Big Bone. There's a lot of history there, but more importantly? The chip on Ric's shoulder has only gotten larger after BB Gunn's commentary last episode. Will Big Bone be able to knock it off?
Tommy West: That's a good question, Dan! Let me pose one of my own. After his loss last show to the very Goon that's got a Bone to pick--
Dan Simmons: Nine out of ten on that pun, Tommy!
Tommy West: As I was saying... after his loss to Ric Goon, will Adam Sanders be able to turn his luck around against El Rey? Or will El Rey manage to steal another one?
Dan Simmons: After that, Felix has the opportunity to turn around his own fortunes in the G1 after a hard-fought loss against Waylon Kirk, but Ryan Young's after that very same redemption! I think this is gonna be the match that steals the show!
Tommy West: I doubt that MYŌJIN will let that happen, not when the Shining Star has continued to illuminate not only NLW, but all of the XHF Network with his presence. Does Waylon Kirk have it in him to outshine the reigning X*Crown Champion? I know for a fact that Waylon's going to do his damndest to ensure he does!
Dan Simmons: And in our main event of the evening, we've got a gauntlet match to determine the new Number One Contender to the NLW Southern States Championship! Five hungry competitors will enter, but who will emerge the victor? Who's your bet on, Tommy?
Tommy West: I'm not a betting man, Dan. You know that. But what I am is a man that wants to know who will be facing Tommy Kelly at Eve of Champions!
Dan Simmons: That is a good question--one I'm told we'll have the answer to tonight! But the time for questions has passed, Tommy. It's time for action!
Tommy West: I couldn't agree more. Let's get this show on the road!
MATCH ONE
The Thespian vs E. Legal
The match begins with Thespian landing the Shotgun Dropkick to the chest of Erik Killings that sends him back against the corner turnbuckles, and Thespian falls back into his corner and charges in with a Dropkick to the head of Killings, Thespian fires off the shoot kicks to the stomach before whipping Killings to the opposite corner- but a counter from Killings sends Thespian into the corner and a Back Elbow connects on the jaw of Thespian. Killings sends Thespian over head with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex and Thespian hits the mat hard. Killings hovers over Thespian and delivers The Ruthless Beat Down [Rugged Garvin Stomp] onto Thespian, but Killings brings Thespian and rebounds off of the ropes… a Penalty Kick right to the face of Thespian lays him out as Killings goes for the cover but manages a just near two count.
Killings grabs onto the head of The Thespian and looks to place him ready for Poetic Justice, but Thespian counters and slides down the back of Killings, pushing him to the ropes and connecting a Rider Kick off of the rebound! Thespian brings himself to his feet and brings Killings to his knees, and with Thespian standing tall, he covers the right half of his face- suggesting Life’s A Comedy is coming up as he begins to pantomime a laugh, Killings is back to his feet and Thespian fires off a Bad News Brownout [Ghetto Blaster] that knocks Killings back down to his knees. Thespian hovers over Killings and covers his face with both hands, gesturing for The Masks of the Theater, as he begins to pantomime an exaggerated, panicked laughter before falling over in a defeated slump. But Thespian crawls into position, right in front of Killings, and grabs onto the head of Killings as he adjusts himself… Poetic Justice [Steiner Screwdriver] drives Killings down to the mat below as he goes for the cover and gets the three count.
[WINNER: The Thespian Via Life's A Comedy (Poetic Justice) at 06:15]
The Thespian laughs to himself but a pissed off Killings begins to chase Thespian as he escapes through the crowd. The promise of Thespian’s blood on Killing’s hands is something he will keep, but tonight definitely wasn’t Killing’s night as he makes his way to the back as we fade to the commercial break.
Fade in.
Scott Hampton: We're one day away from the second coming of Hampton.
Bringing us backstage from the Avron B Fogelman Arena where we're met with the sights of Scott Hampton sitting within the locker rooms, the lights dimmed as Hampton continues to lean closer to the camera that records him. Hampton, surprisingly, is dressed to the nines in a fine dark suit.
Scott Hampton: Everything that was once a myth to those a little under a year ago is seeming to be a reality. For the past year I've been doubted and I've been constantly mocked, laughed at, bullied and called multiple insulting words. Doesn't that seem like something people should pity me for? Shouldn't that be something that everyone needs to cry me a river for?
A chuckle comes from Hampton.
Scott Hampton: It's a little bit pathetic that everyone continues to doubt me again and again when all I've done is prove to be going through a career resurgence, a career renaissance, a career revival. You'd think that everything that's been happening throughout the past couple of weeks, if not months, would make people finally believe that maybe- just maybe- Scott Hampton has been telling the truth this whole time. Of course, everyone sees someone doing 'bad things' and instantly their minds go to 'never going to support him'. It's all just a false narrative people make you want to believe in.
Scott shakes his head from side to side.
Scott Hampton: But tomorrow night, at Overheated, I aim to change that narrative. I aim to make sure the narrative is changed and everyone can finally believe-
KNOCK.
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KNOCK.
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KNOCK.
Three loud knocks are heard on the locker room door and Hampton looks pissed, standing up from his seat and heading to the door, taking the lock off of the door.
Scott Hampton: You've got to be kidding me. Can't you see that there's a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door?
Hampton opens the door and his eyes almost pop out of his head seeing who's on the other side, it's Jason Long- AND THE AWF HALL OF FAMER STRIKES WITH A BOOT SENDING HAMPTON BACK INTO THE CAMERA SET UP! JASON CHARGES IN AND LEAPS WITH A KNEE STRIKE THAT KNOCKS HAMPTON OUT COLD! THE KING MOUNTS ONTO HAMPTON AND IS PUMMELING DOWN ONTO HIM WITH A BARRAGE OF FOREARM STRIKES TO THE HEAD! JUST LAYING EVERYTHING INTO HAMPTON'S SKULL! Jason pulls himself up from Hampton and looks down onto the former student of his, roaring in his face and spitting right in Hampton's face, but The King doesn't finish things there as he grabs the right leg of Hampton, grapevining the leg and locks in a Heel Hook! He's twisting the leg and not seemingly to let go. Hampton is screaming in pain and is begging for Jason to release the submission but he just won't let go.
Jason Long: I WILL FUCK YOU UP. I WILL FUCKING MURDER YOU. I PLAYED THE FAIR GAME AND NOW YOU'RE MINE!
Soon, security begins to storm the room to break up the two of them, pulling Jason out of the room and back into the hallways. After being pulled into the hallway, Jason is met with Gunn standing in the hallway and a stern look on his face.
BB Gunn: Get the hell out of this arena. You've caused enough trouble as it is.
Jason Long: I'll walk by myself, thank you very much.
Jason soon pulls himself off of the security and walks away from the locker room, Gunn enters the locker room and checks in on Hampton and his ankle before we fade out to the next match.
MATCH TWO
G1 TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH
Big Bone vs Ricardo Goon
Ricardo Goon clearly has something to prove... but it turns out that he isn't the only one. When the bell rings, even if Big Bone is as jovial as ever? There's a little extra pepper in the step of Esqueleto de Gran Fiesta, a little more oomph from the luchador in the inevitable elbow-and-collar tie-up to force Goon to dig the heels of his boots into the mat a little bit more to keep the heavier Bone from driving him into the ropes without a fight. As the match progresses, that's a consistent fact--no matter how much Ric tries, he's being rebuked by Big Bone's weight and experience advantage, the shrieking of Mono Despiadado only serving to further distract the younger Goon from being able to seize an opportunity to turn things around. As a matter of fact, the G1 Bout very nearly comes to an end thanks to Ric storming up to the corner post that the monkey's perched atop of, cursing at the top of his lungs at Mono who, for his part, shrieks and refuses to back down from the much-larger primate. This distraction allows Big Bone to creep up behind Ric in rather melodramatic and overexaggerated fashion, the crowd's cheers not penetrating Goon's tunnel vision until Esqueleto de Gran Fiesta is snagging him from behind, the schoolboy pin that follows getting to a count of two and three quarters before Ric kicks out, clearly infuriated at how his G1 record was almost tarnished by monkeyshines!
Getting to his feet as quickly as he can manage, Ric is able to get to a vertical base at about the same time as Big Bone--and this time? Both Goon's rage and his jaw-jacking are focused on his actual opponent. In other words? Esqueleto de Gran Fiesta is in for a bad time, a bad time that begins with a haymaker from Ric and is punctuated by a powerslam that the younger Goon brother sticks for the two-count. By now, Mono Despiadado is as apoplectic as a monkey can possibly be, losing his mind as he hops up and down and otherwise expresses his displeasure. Whatever the monkey is saying seems to be understood by Big Bone, who lucha-rolls his way over to the corner that Mono has taken up residence in. Wrapping his hand around Mono's middle, Big Bone hurls the monkey at the face of Ric Goon, the fans losing it at first with cheers as the small primate gets in a few licks--but then Ric spikes Mono into the canvas, boos roaring from the crowd. Flabbergasted at what he just saw, Big Bone stares in shock at his opponent for a moment before he rushes at Ric, intent on getting revenge for his fallen manager--but sadly, that proves to be the luchador's undoing since a boot to the gut stops him in his tracks. Goon quickly follows up with his take on an Evenflow DDT, screaming "FUCK YOU!" to all in attendance as the F.U.D.T. drives Big Bone's head into the canvas, the three-count all but academic after that.
[WINNER: Ricardo Goon Via F.U.D.T. at 08:04]
Kelly Ross and a camera crew head through the backstage area, finding Felix doing some pre-match stretches as he awaits the coming contest. For his part, Felix only looks mildly annoyed to be interrupted and doesn’t stop his routine as he speaks to her.
Felix: My match is coming up, so you have time for one question.
Kelly Ross: Then I’ll ask the one everyone seems to be wondering…. Why are you here? What made you leave martial arts for professional wrestling and what do you hope to accomplish?
Felix closes his eyes for a moment as he keeps shifting through various martial arts forms and stances, smiling as he does open his eyes once more.
Felix: The easy answer is I want the challenge that comes with it. A new form of contest and competition to enjoy and grow stronger with. A more complex answer… ever since I was young combat has fascinated me. Back then it was reading about ancient wars and warriors… and watching wrestling on television. Even back then I wanted to be the best, I wanted to hold one of those belts above my head and show the world who the champion was.
Felix chuckles as he moves through a few stances…. Tiger, Dragon, Leopard, and Mantis in slow succession.
Felix: As you can imagine, my parents disapproved. They hated the world of pro-wrestling with its drugs and whores. I managed to at least get them to sign me up with a local Shao-lin Dojo and, well, we see where that went. For years I trained in the martial arts, but at the back of my mind… the images of headlining a PPV or being a champion stayed. Finally, I got to the point I was confident enough to compete, and here I am.
Kelly Ross: You had to get where you could teach martial arts before you felt confident enough to wrestle?
Felix: Not exactly, but I made a promise to myself that when I was that secure in martial arts… only then would I chase my dream. Always have a backup.
Felix smiles, though there is a fire in his eyes as he settles back into a neutral stance.
Felix: This G1 tournament is just the first chance I have, but I will never give up. I will train and grow and become the best no matter how long it takes. My dream was denied for so long, now that I’m chasing it... I will hold nothing back. I’ll give everyone across that ring from me everything I have till one day I am the champion… but that’s the easy part. After that, I plan on not only defending the honor of that belt but challenging even harder foes. I want the best the world of pro-wrestling has to offer, and I will not rest till I fight them all… and win. That… is why I am here. Now, if you excuse me, my match is about to start.
Felix bows to Kelly Ross and the cameras before his face shifts into his normal laser-like focus as he leaves, ready to give his all for the fans, and his honor... his dream, again. The camera cuts to ringside.
MATCH THREE
G1 TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH
Adam Sanders vs El Rey
El Rey's confidence has gone right by cockiness and into being convinced at his chances at victory by the time the bell rings for the match to begin, the youngster all but strutting around like a peacock in the match's early going. In stark contrast, Adam Sanders is measured and cautious, the feeling-out process largely favoring El Rey as an end result. ER is given a rather rude awakening not too long after that, though, thanks to the Awkward One catching him out of the air with a spinebuster that gets a one and a half count. Scowling when he pops back up, El Rey's frown only deepens as the Awkward One merely smiles as if to say 'Do I have your attention now?' in response. The answer to that question winds up being a resounding yes, if the way El Rey all but launches himself in bullet-like fashion at Sanders is any indicator, the blistering speed of the former seeming even more impressive as ER unleashes a dizzying series of agile maneuvers that is emphatically punctuated by a 630 senton to a downed Adam that gets him a two-count, the crowd letting out a collective sigh of relief at the action not coming to an end at that point. While El Rey's doing his best to pass the kick-out off as not being a sign of his victory not being assured, Adam's face has grown more serious, the Awkward One getting to his feet only to be sent into the ropes by El Rey--a decision that ER is swiftly punished for thanks to the flying clothesline he eats as an end result, Flight of the Dragonite connecting soundly to the delight of the crowd!
Rather than going for the pinfall attempt, Sanders instead keeps the offensive pressure on his smaller opponent, the pace of the match slowing down some to favor Adam's more power-based offensive style. Keeping El Rey grounded is the name of the Awkward One's game, and it proves to be an effective means of wearing the smaller man down bit by bit. However, in spite of the experience gap, El Rey proves himself shrewd enough to create an opening by grabbing hold of the ropes when Sanders goes for a German suplex, ER hooking both arms around the top rope to keep both men from going over. Taking advantage of the referee's positioning, El Rey manages to kick Adam in the, ah, family jewels by bringing his foot up behind himself, the crowd jeering as the Awkward One crumples to the mat! El Rey pretends to have done nothing wrong, instead dragging Sanders slowly to his feet, making a show of his dominance. Just what ER is planning, though, is never made clear since he's taken too long to capitalize, Sanders kicking El Rey in the gut before lifting him up into a vertical suplex that Adam holds for a moment before bringing ER to the mat with a piledriver, This Is Awkward bringing the fans to their feet! The fans cheer as Sanders gets the pinfall shortly after.
[WINNER: Adam Sanders Via This Is Awkward at 10:13]
The camera cuts to the backstage hallway just beyond the gorilla position. Fresh off of his loss to Adam Sanders, El Rey's looking less than impressed--but suddenly? His eyes go wide, a shiver running along his body from a finger running up his spine.
El Rey: Oof, Evan I thought you weren't com...
Trailing off as he turns his head, El Rey's eyes widen that little bit more before he groans.
El Rey: ...oh.
Stepping into the frame, Eli Dresden's appearance has the fans cheering faintly in the background. The blond is smirking ear to ear as she looks up at El Rey, clearly amused at the reaction she got.
Dresden: You're that close to ol' Evvie, huh? I'm almost jealous.
El Rey: I mean, we uh, like to prank each other?
El Rey shakes his head.
El Rey: What do you want? I don't need any more of your mind games. You're not in the G1.
Dresden: Prank each other. Riiiight.
Dresden quirks a brow in feigned annoyance at her motives being questioned.
Dresden: And what? Can't a girl come around and thank a guy for doin' a good deed? I heard about how you were behind the whole thing to get Joe Blow's rancid ass out of here.
El Rey shrugs.
El Rey: Yeah, well someone had to do something. I was NOT going to drink his lemonade.
Letting out a laugh, Eli pats El Rey's shoulder.
Dresden: Hah, can't blame you there. Anyway...
A moment's pause... and she's leaning up, her lips placing a kiss on the unpainted side of El Rey's face.
Dresden: Thanks, Rey.
El Rey's eyes go wide. He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. He reaches up and touches his cheek, and goes to speak again, but again nothing comes out. He stumbles his words a bit before managing a single word in response.
El Rey: Anytime.
Taking note, Eli's smirk softens just a little.
Dresden: See, this speed of asshole--the kind that focuses it on the people who actually deserve it...
Leaning in, her lips come close to his ear.
Dresden: That's the kind of asshole I like.
El Rey's eyes widen somehow further and his whole body goes stiff. He's not sure how to react, so he just doesn't. Eli chuckles to herself and lightly pats his back before leaving him to this thoughts, the camera cutting away soon after.
We cut to another backstage area and immediately all we can hear are raised voices and commotion. The camera focuses and we can see Joshua Darkwood on the floor, in a pool of what can only be assumed as his own blood. BB Gunn is next to him, asking for medics to get on the scene and attend to him, as they do, he turns his attention elsewhere, pointing to somebody off camera.
BB Gunn: You! What the hell do you think you're doing?
The camera pans around to the right to reveal a smiling David Goon, who has a steel pipe in his hand, a steel pipe that not only has gained a dent or two, but had blood stains on it.
BB Gunn: You've taken one of my guys out of the main event. Why the hell did you do that?
David Goon: Because you won't give me what I want. Give me what is mine! I want my South BRONX Title back.
Goon's got his usual sense of bravado, but he's deadly serious.
BB Gunn: I told you that you'd get your turn, that's not changed, and you pulling this crap doesn't help your cause, David.
David Goon: Y'all kept promising and yet here we are, I'm done waiting. I. Want. What's. MINE.
Gunn just gets more annoyed.
BB Gunn: And I told you, you'll wait your damn turn, get the hell out of here, David, you're done for the night.
Goon laughs.
David Goon: Nah man, it's only getting started, you'll see.
Goon grins, and walks away, leaving Gunn to once again check on the unconscious Lone Wolf.
Backstage, New South member Waylon Kirk is outside of his locker room, doing stretches in preparation for his match. While limbering up, the lockerroom door opens and Beau Traywick & Jolene step out.
Beau: How are you feeling? You ready to do this?
Waylon: As ready as I’ll ever be.
Jolene: Are you sure you want us back here?
Waylon: I am. As much as I want you by my side, I need to do this on my own.
Beau pats Waylon on the back and gives him a bro hug which Jolene quickly joins in on.
Jolene: You’ve got this. He told you he wanted to tango so go dance.
Waylon: Joke’s on him, I don’t know how to tango. I did take three years of jazz tap though.
Waylon walks away from Jolene and Beau as NLW interviewer Kelly Ross walks up. There’s a tense moment where all three of them stare at one another, Jolene rubbing her head where Kelly Ross hit her with a chair.
Kelly: So we’re all good then?
Jolene: We’re good.
Beau: Yeah, we’re good. We got a little carried away.
Kelly Ross breathes a sigh of relief.
Kelly: Ok, great. Because I was having some folks over for brunch next weekend and…
Jolene (interrupting): We’re not there yet.
Kelly: Yeah, that’s fair.
Jolene heads back in to the lockerroom and Kelly walks off, leaving Beau.
Beau: Shit, I like mimosas and charcuterie…
Beau follows Jolene in to the lockerroom.
MATCH FOUR
G1 TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH
Ryan Young vs Felix
The bell rings for the match to begin and already off of the bat, Ryan Young comes charging out of the gate with a Californian Dream- but Felix was able to dodge the Bicycle Knee Strike and is surprised with how quick Ryan was willing to end things right there, a large smirk growing on his face as he looks down onto Felix. Ryan gestures for Felix to bring it and Felix does, Ryan makes a counter of the Lariat but just as Ryan turns around, he’s met with the end of Felix’s foot with a Roundhouse Kick right to the head of The Messiah. Ryan is shaken up but he snaps back into reality, but a Spinning Hook Kick catches Ryan on the jaw, and then a Pump Kick to the jaw of Young before answering with a Leg Hooked Saito Suplex that drops Young right down onto his neck. Felix brings Ryan back up to his feet and sends him into the air before dropping him back down with the Pendulum Swing [Mount Fuji Suplex]. Felix bridges into the cover, but manages a quick two count.
Ryan rolls over onto his knees but Felix is already having the chance to mount onto the back of Young, locking in a Sleeper Hold, but Young counters with a Snapmare and coming off of the ropes with a Penalty Kick to the chest of Felix and Ryan leaps for a Standing Moonsault, but Felix is able to move out of the way and sweep the leg of Ryan, now locking him into a Guillotine Choke before transitioning over into the Sleeper Hold again as he falls back but Ryan rolls through and brings Felix to his feet, Imperium [Hammerlock Twisting Lariat] catches Felix and turns him inside out- he lands on the knees and Ryan rebounds off of the ropes with a massive Californian Uppercut to the back of the skull of Felix before locking in the Ayatsuri [Bararm Sleeper], wrapping the legs around Felix and keeping him grounded. The Tactician is in serious trouble and begins to fade before slowly tapping out to the Ayatsuri of Ryan Young, giving The Messiah of The Knee Strike two points on the board.
[WINNER: Ryan Young Via Ayatsuri at 09:28]
Fade into the offices of BB Gunn.
By the looks of things, he’s furious, and god damned frustrated. The sudden attack on his future X*Crown contender has left him in shock and awe but seeing the culprit at hand of the attack, has left him in a fit of rage- seeing red, if you will. The General Manager is seen pacing around his office and awaiting for something- or even someone- to walk through the door. Gunn's pacing is stopped as Jason Long bursts through the door and slams it shut behind him, but it's Gunn who gets right into the face of Jason, keeping that look on his face.
BB Gunn: Would you like to explain those actions of yours earlier tonight? Would you like to give me a reason not to press charges on you for assault and for trespassing on this property? Honestly, I should after what you did to Hampton earlier tonight. I really should just send you on your way into the arms of the police.
Jason Long: I understand your frustration, Gunn, but all I did was do what I promised him a while back. You said it yourself, if I played the game right and do as I am told at Hostile Intent, it's fair game. Anything can go. Get my fuckin' revenge on the poor bastard. I waited, and I waited, and I continued to fuckin' wait until the time was perfect and the time was right.
Gunn soon backed away from Jason.
BB Gunn: Attacked a man just before his qualifier for the X*Crown Championship. I never thought of you to be the type to just continue in your devious acts, Jason, but I was very well mistaken judging your actions tonight. It's like the old Jason never left. Still running roughshod through everyone and everything just for a bit of attention. I thought you'd have matured by now. Not get worse overtime.
Jason Long: Did you invite me here so you can insult me?
BB Gunn: Would have been too easy, Jason. Would have been way too easy to get you in here. I actually invited you here for a few short moments because I wanted to tell you something. See, this whole interaction you've been having with Scott here and there has gotten too violent. One week it was you being attacked, the next it was you saving your girl, and then the cheating that happened at Hostile Intent... and now you try to snap the ligaments in the ankle of a future X*Crown contender. The violence is going down a dark path if not controlled, and if Blow was still here, the violence would have gotten to the extreme. But here I am, putting my foot down, and stopping it before it goes too far.
Jason Long: I still don't see a problem with what I've done. Again, it's fair-
BB Gunn: Yes, yes, I know. It's all fair game. Not this time around though because I've toughened up and everyone's got to listen to me. So, in two weeks, at Eve of Champions... You, Jason Long, will meet me in the ring and you'll share it with Scott Hampton. We'll discuss something out for both of you, because I see a fire in both of your eyes, it's almost identical. I'll need a few weeks to finally figure out a way around this, and what's the best course of plan for a collision course for both of you, so you have until them to mature and to prepare yourself.
Gunn once again steps closer and whisper into Jason's ear.
BB Gunn: Because I know you too well... and hell will break loose before you even know it.
Gunn leaned back and gestured Jason away, as we fade back into the arena.
MATCH FIVE
G1 TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH
MYŌJIN vs Waylon Kirk
Much like the last G1 bout that featured MYŌJIN, his match against Waylon Kirk also begins with a handshake, though this one has a bit of hesitation on both sides thanks to how neither man is all that familiar with their opponent. Such does little, though, to stop the match from growing intense fast, Waylon's determination to prove himself colliding with the Shining Star's desire to remain undefeated in the G1 making the elbow-and-collar tie-up that begins match last all of three seconds before both men are unloading all they have on the other. Kirk is the one who seizes control of MYŌJIN with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, the reigning X*Crown Champion's spine bowing before he slides to the mat. After a pinfall attempt ends just after one, Kirk's focus zeroes in on the lower back of the Shining Star. It may not be a consistent flow of never-ending offense, but every chance Waylon has to drive MYŌJIN's back into the turnbuckle, the mat, or a part of his own body? Kirk's taking it, the New South member rising to the challenge of not only keeping up with, but almost outshining the Shining Star when he's caught by MYŌJIN's attempt at the XS, the flying triangle choke only just barely beginning to be cinched in when Kirk utilizes the strength adrenaline has given him to adjust the Shining Star's position so he can connect with a sit out piledriver that gets Kirk a count of two and a half!
Kirk is the first to get back to his feet, the X*Crown champion moving far slower after being dropped on his head. Still, MYŌJIN valiantly attempts to fight his way back into being in control... but that offensive drive comes to an abrupt end when he's caught with a rebound spinning spinebuster from Kirk. Instead of going for the pinfall off of that, however, Kirk senses blood, scaling the nearest turnbuckle before taking to the sky with a Bullfrog splash--but at the last moment, the Shining Star rolls out of the way, leaving Kirk to crash and burn! The crowd goes nuts as both men lay there, taking a moment to gather themselves as the referee begins the ten-count. It's about the six count that Kirk gets to a vertical base, but when MYŌJIN reaches his? The Shining Star doesn't so much as stand as he surges to his feet--and when the two men collide in the middle of the ring? It's an out-and-out slugfest, the crowd's cheers shaking the walls as aerial fanciness and technical brilliance are abandoned in favor of fighting on instinct. It's Kirk that nails the blow that earns him the advantage, sending MYOJIN into the ropes to catch him with a fallaway slam--but when Waylon goes for the pinfall? The Shining Star is ensnaring Kirk in a tangle of limbs, Kirk rolling in an attempt to get free. In doing so, however, Waylon has put himself in the perfect position for the Shining Star to lock in his Headscissors Kimura Lock, the Aquila cinched in! Waylon valiantly fights to try to free himself, getting closer and closer to the ropes... but ultimately? Kirk has no choice but to tap, MYŌJIN earning a hard-fought win.
[WINNER: MYŌJIN Via Aquila at 13:41]
The camera cuts backstage to the space that has become BB Gunn's second base of operations. Standing next to the video display that is mounted on the wall, NLW's General Manager is smiling as he regards the camera--and as soon as he knows he's live? He's getting right to work.
BB Gunn: The action in the G1 continues to get hotter and hotter, inspiring the men involved to greater and greater heights. Did you all just see the supernova that just exploded between Waylon Kirk and MYŌJIN!
A 'whew!', complete with a hand swiping across his forehead.
BB Gunn: And that's the cherry on top of a hot night of action. There wasn't a single bout tonight that didn't bring the fans to their feet, and that's exactly what I like to see! Let's get to the updated standings, starting with Group A!
The GM raises a hand, snapping his fingers--and there's the graphic for Group A.
BB Gunn: MYŌJIN may be the front runner at the moment, but the final round of the first phase of the G1 is at Eve of Champions--and considering how Felix is bound to be hungry to prove himself? That's going to be a barnburner of a bout. Not only that, but Ryan Young and Waylon Kirk are tied at two points, with a shot at the semi-finals on the line. Who will rise to the occasion to clinch the win?
Gunn rubs his hands together, eagerly awaiting the bouts to come.
BB Gunn: And now, for Group B!
Another snap of the fingers and there's Group B's graphic.
BB Gunn: I called Ricardo Goon's win on the last episode of Ascendancy an upset, but after his second win in a row in the G1? I have to admit that he's become the favorite of Group B. With El Rey standing in his way of a clean sweep, though, he's not free and clear just yet. Add how Adam Sanders will want to make sure he makes it to the semi-finals at the expense of Big Bone who has yet to taste victory so far and there's no way that any of the bouts of the G1 at Eve of Champions isn't going to be amazing!
One final snap and the screen goes dark, Gunn stepping in front of it to take up center stage in the frame.
BB Gunn: Now, that's not all that I need to talk about in regards to Eve of Champions... oh, no. While the number one contendership for the Southern States Championship will be determined in the gauntlet match that is our main event of the evening, one champion remains without a clear champion; our reigning NLW Heavyweight Champion, "Deathless" Tommy Kelly. While there's more than one person that feels that they deserve a crack at Tommy, I've decided that it's time to give a man who has impressed me lately an opportunity to make it big. At Eve of Champions. Tommy Kelly will be defending the NLW Heavyweight Championship against...
Cue the dramatic pause! Gunn holds it to exactly the right length of time before he makes the big reveal.
BB Gunn: Finn Whelan!
The crowd can be heard faintly cheering at the announcement, the GM's smile only growing wider.
BB Gunn: I don't know about you, but I'm excited to see how these two experienced competitors fight it out for the biggest prize in all of the NLW!
Gunn nods.
BB Gunn: And now... for our main event, the gauntlet match for the number one contendership for the Southern States Championship. I'm sure Graham Baker will be watching this one closely, as will all of us in attendance and watching online. Let's get it on, ladies and gentlemen!
The camera cuts to ringside for the main event.
MAIN EVENT - MATCH SIX
GAUNTLET MATCH - WINNER RECEIVES A SOUTHERN STATES TITLE SHOT AT EVE OF CHAMPIONS
Wellington Dunne vs Lazarus Arjen vs Neko Nyan Nyan vs
The two men…nope, can’t say that, the man and cat starting the match was Wellington Dunne and Neko Nyan Nyan. Dunne, the more natural athlete of the two imposed himself early, cornering Neko and unloading with strikes, he spent the first few minutes dominating the match, a combination of hard right hands and suplexes keeping his opponent down. However he would go for one big move too many, and a powerbomb attempt resulted in a hurricanrana reversal which sent Dunne rolling out the ring. Neko recovered and as Dunne got back to his feet on the outside, he looked up to see Neko in flight, having vaulted the ropes and connected with a plancha.
Unfortunately for Neko, Dunne loves a brawl, and now they were outside, he quickly fought back when both got to their feet, and slammed Neko into the ring steps. At this point, Ricardo Goon suddenly appeared, and was up on the apron to distract the referee, and this allowed David Goon to sneak up behind Dunne and club him with the same steel pipe he used to incapacitate Joshua Darkwood earlier. David Goon just laughed at his handywork, and threw a lifeless Dunne back into the ring, he also threw Neko Nyan Nyan back in the ring, and the cat from the nearest alley made the cover, Ricardo “conveniently” dropped off the apron so the referee could make the count.
[Eliminated: Wellington Dunne at 05:01]
The crowd were not impressed at the Goon’s activity, and even less impressed was BB Gunn, who was out immediately to try and put a stop to this, but the Goons weren’t willing to listen, with David reminding Gunn that all he wants is “what’s his”, by which he means a South
With the commotion finally over, this brought Kylo Anderson to the ring. Anderson went straight to work on Neko Nyan Nyan, who was back up to a vertical base but was rewarded with a superman punch. Anderson looked down on Neko, who wasn’t moving much, and decided to put her out of her misery by hitting Revenge of the Punisher [Deadlift German into curb stomp]. He covered and the result was academic.
[Eliminated: Neko Nyan Nyan at 08:44]
This brought Lazarus Arjen to the ring. It’s safe to say both of these men were fired up, they were ready to take their chance at Graham Baker’s title. Arjen hit the ring and the two men traded rights and lefts, hands were being thrown so fast you could barely focus on the arms. Arjen stood his ground for a long time, but Anderson’s size advantage eventually won out, and Arjen got pushed into the ropes. Kylo pulled Arjen off the ropes, despite referee protestation, and after a bit of struggle, Kylo yanked Arjen over with a TAI-OTOSHI takeover. He tried to lock in the Anaconda Vice, but Arjen was too fresh and flailed until he got the rope break. As soon as the official broke the hold, Arjen launched himself at Anderson with a knee block while he was still off-guard. He didn’t get a full collapse, but Anderson definitely buckled, and Arjen rose from kneeling with a leaping knee strike to Anderson’s chin that knocked him back, and then finished the series with a running spinning wheel kick to get Anderson off his feet! He only got a two count out of it. Arjen immediately pounced after the kickout, stomping Anderson furiously as he tried to get up, dropping down to pelt Anderson with elbows to the neck when he sat up. Anderson eventually manages to power out, pushing Arjen off. He twisted himself up to a kneeling position, but that’s enough to catch Arjen as he charged forward to press the advantage, shooting in to grab Arjen. Anderson managed to transition a KATA GURUMA judo throw into a Fireman’s Carry into the Jackhammer Slam of Oblivion!
Arjen kicked out of Oblivion at two. Anderson made sure to stay on Arjen to not get a repeat of the first exchange, grabbing Arjen’s wrist, but when he yanked, Arjen jumped, surprising Anderson with a Frankensteiner! Anderson rolled up to his feet quickly, but was staggered, so in the ensuing strikefest, where both men exchanged stiff kicks from both sides, Arjen started pushing him back into a corner, where a flurry of chops and forearm strikes awaited Anderson. Anderson tried to power out of this as well, but Arjen just rushes back in. Unfortunately that’s what Anderson wanted, and he blasted Arjen with his second Superman punch of the night. Anderson stalked Arjen, begging him to get to his feet, when Arjen finally did get up he booted him in the gut and set him up for The Reckoning [Over the shoulder backbreaker lift into piledriver], but Arjen slipped out, and Anderson turned around and was clocked with Finit Hic, Deo [bull hammer elbow]. Arjen dropped down and made the cover, picking up the three count and the win--punching his ticket to Eve of Champions.
[WINNER: Lazarus Arjen via Finit Hic, Deo at 15:35]
No sooner does the bell ring but David Goon returns, armed with the pipe that's caused so many issues this evening. Arjen sees him coming however, and rolls out of the ring and makes a beeline for the timekeepers chair.
Dan Simmons: He said he'd leave if he got his shot!
Tommy West: Not quite, Simmo! He agreed that he'd not interfere in the match, there was nothing said about afterwards!
Goon stares down Arjen, and encourages him to come take a shot with the chair in the ring. However before either of them can act on it, there's a THWACK that sounds almost like a gun going off. David Goon drops to his knees.
Dan Simmons: That's...
Graham Baker, the Southern States Champion has snuck up on the former champion and cracked him on his back with a kendo stick! Baker smirks and walks around to go face to face with Goon, he tells him that he'll see him in two weeks and raises the kendo sick high above his head, Goon doesn't stick around, he drops and rolls to the outside, which prompts all three men, weapons in hand to stare each other down, plotting their next move.
BB Gunn: Enough! Enough of this!
The NLW General Manager appears at the entrance.
BB Gunn: You know what? you three want to play hard man? Fine, it's not going to just be a triple threat match at Eve of Champions, it's going to be a New Orleans Street Fight, that way you can beat the crap out of each other enough that hopefully you'll all stop giving me a damn headache for a month or so!
All three men grin, this suits each of them, the crowd pop too, because who doesn't love a street fight?!
Tommy West: You hear that partner? The GM has well an truly upped the ante for this title match!
Dan Simmons: That he has Tommy! And on that bombshell folks, we have to sign off, don't forget that not only do we have these three going to war with each other, we have Tommy Kelly defending his title against Finn Whelan, as well as the final group matches in the NLW G1! Until then, I have been Dan Simmons, he's been Tommy West, see you soon folks!
